Pinecrest used this game last season as a catalyst for going 7-4 and reaching the state playoffs in the Georgia High School Association for the first time. It was the first time the Paladins had played a GHSA team above Class AAA, which also boosted Pinecrest’s standing in the Class A Football Power Ratings. Pinecrest enters this season expecting to get back to the state playoffs, particularly with plenty of playmakers back on offense like quarterback Ryan McCarthy and running back Mitchell Ojeda.