Thirty playoff teams weren’t expected to make it, according to the preseason computer Maxwell Ratings, which were based on each program’s recent history, most importantly the 2020 season, and region strength. East Laurens was given just a 3% chance but clinched its first berth since 2012 with a 10-7 victory over Toombs County last week. The Falcons improved their region record from 0-5 – when they didn’t come within 21 points of a region victory – to 2-3 this season. Below are the 30 “unexpected” playoff teams with their preseason computer odds.
3% - East Laurens
7% - Spalding
9% - Dade County
11% - Miller Grove
11% - Crawford County
13% - Lambert
13% - Dougherty
16% - Harlem
17% - Charlton County
17% - Effingham County
18% - ACE Charter
20% - Jackson County
22% - Long County
25% - South Paulding
31% - Apalachee
32% - Montgomery County
34% - Pope
35% - Lithonia
38% - Kennesaw Mountain
38% - Carver (Atlanta)
38% - Jackson
40% - Ringgold
42% - Johnson (Savannah)
42% - Riverwood
43% - Whitewater
43% - Social Circle
43% - Shiloh
43% - Cass
44% - Hampton
47% - Union Grove
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