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Toombs County regained a slim lead on a 31-yard field goal by Otero, sending the home team into the locker room up 10-7.

The visitors came out firing in the third quarter. Thomasville quarterback Cam Hill connected with AJ Hill Jr. on a 58-yard touchdown strike, giving Thomasville a 13-10 advantage after a missed extra point. It marked the first time Toombs County had trailed since the first quarter.

But the fourth quarter belonged to the home team. Quarterback Joseph Owens reclaimed the lead for Toombs with a clutch 14-yard touchdown pass to Justice Wilds, making it 17-13. Minutes later, Powell delivered the knockout blow — a spectacular 57-yard touchdown run that extended the lead to 24-13.

Thomasville fought to the end, adding a late 30-yard touchdown pass from Hill to Nigel Pittman to cut the deficit to 24-19, but a failed twopoint conversion and a solid defensive stand sealed the victory for Toombs County.

Justin Powell: The senior running back was the engine of the offense with a career high 37 carries on the night, rushing for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 57-yard score in the fourth quarter provided the decisive cushion. It was Powell's career high in carries. Joseph Owens: Managed the game efficiently and threw the go-ahead touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

With the victory, the No. 4 seeded, and #2 ranked, Toombs County Bulldogs advance to the quarterfinals (Elite 8) of the State Playoffs. They are set to face the Northeast Raiders (Macon) this Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Northeast is coming off a win in their second-round matchup, 26-14 over Swainsboro, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Lyons.

Coach Buddy Martin’s squad continues to rely on a punishing ground game and a disciplined defense that has allowed an average of just 14 points per game this season.