Jackson County has made history in a number of ways this season – first region title, first 10-win season, first playoff victory. But last week's accomplishments – a 24-19 victory over Milton and a first trip to the quarterfinals – made Jackson County something bigger than just a good regional story. Milton was a two-time reigning state champion.

Rome put the game in the hands of Aidan McPherson last week, and he took care of it. Playing in a downpour most of the game, the junior quarterback was 19-of-31 passing for 316 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 113 yards on 25 carries. Rome beat Houston County 38-28 in a Class 5A game between top-10 teams.

Harmony Franklin, a junior quarterback and defensive back at Columbus, is GHSF Daily’s flag football player of the week. Franklin has thrown for 2,251 yards and 43 touchdowns, rushed for 686 yards and five touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns for a 16-1 team. She has made 25 flag pulls and intercepted 10 passes.