Rockmart, Cedartown enjoying run to playoffs

Both teams will host firstround contests Friday night.

Both high school football teams will host first-round contests Friday night.

The state football playoffs run through Polk County this postseason, and both Cedartown and Rockmart will be looking to carry their momentum into the first round this week and beyond.

With only one loss this season, Cedartown enters the Class 4A state playoffs as the No. 2 seed in Region 5-4A and will host Northwest Whitfield on Friday. Meanwhile, the Region 7-AA champion Rockmart Yellow Jackets host Monticello.

It’s the first time ever both schools have hosted first round playoff games in the same year.

Cedartown (9-1) is coming off a 47-14 thrashing of Chapel Hill in its regular season finale and had its only loss come at the hands of two-time defending state champion Cartersville.

Doyle Kelley, who has been a part of the Bulldogs’ program from over 30 years, took over as head coach this season and said it’s been rewarding to see his players succeed and help give Cedartown its first home playoff game since 2002.

“It’s been a dream I’ve wanted to do, and I’m living a dream. It’s been an unbelievable year, and it’s amazing how the kids have responded to what we’re doing and the coaching staff,” Kelley said.

“Getting to host a state playoff game is big, I don’t care what classification it is. We just want to go out and play well and Northwest is a good opponent. We’re looking for a good football game.”

Northwest Whitfield (6-4) had to play a mini-game Monday to determine its final seeding in Region 6-4A. The Bruins defeated Pickens 7-6 to earn the No. 3 spot.