Going into the first round of the state playoffs across three classifications, there were four teams representing the area. After Friday, that number dwindled down to just one.

The Woodward Academy War Eagles won their first playoff game at home against Worth County (5-6), 31-0. The shutout was the defense’s third of the season and its first since the Rutland, 44-0, win on October 2. The afore-mentioned game was also the last time the offense eclipsed 30 points in a game, which it has done four times this season.

In defeating the Rams, Woodward (8-3, 6-2 in Region 4-AAA) earned an opportunity to play Carver-Columbus in the second round after the Panthers defeated Burke County, 28-21. The War Eagles fell to Carver-Columbus last season in the second round, 21-6. While the chance to avenge last season’s defeat is motivation enough Friday, Woodward has the opportunity to pick up their ninth win of the season, something the team has not done since 2003 when they finished 10-2 and lost in the second round to Shaw, 38-27.

Around the remainder of the county, Banneker and Westlake also hosted first round games, though neither will be playing Friday after being upset.

At Banneker, the Trojans were bested by Rockdale County, 41-18. The Bulldogs took a 14-0 lead early, and did not let up late. Running back Delonte Amey scored a touchdown in the first quarter to make the score, 14-6, in the first quarter, but the Trojans would get no closer to Rockdale.

Much of the reason for Banneker’s defeat lies in its five turnovers during the game – four of which were intercep-tions. Starting quarterback Tres Houston was pulled in the second half after not completing a pass in seven at-tempts, though he had been hampered by an injured toe last week. Backup quarterback Patrick Thomas threw for a 38-yard touchdown in relief to Demarco McNeal, but the score was already 27-12 at that point.

Banneker’s loss was their second straight to finish the season 7-4 overall, 5-2 in Region 5B-AAAA.

After losing 21-14 in overtime to Chapel Hill in their regular season finale, the offense struggled once again for Westlake. Colquitt County won, 10-0, in the first round. While the Lions’ defense limited the potent Packers’ offense to just 10 points on few opportunities to score during the game, Westlake had even fewer chances.

In the first half, kicker Victor Okafor had a 21-yard field goal attempt blocked. Over the rest of the game, West-lake crossed midfield just once. Sophomore running back Charles Purnell was unable to break loose from the Colquitt defense, as he had done so many times including their overtime win over Pebblebrook.

In Class A, Landmark Christian travelled to Commerce and lost, 29-19. The Eagles (6-5, 6-2 in Region 5-A) avoided having to travel to top-ranked Wesleyan, but could not overcome the Tigers’ running game. The War Eagles have not missed the playoffs this decade.