Gwinnett Daily Post

Apalachee coach Shane Davis has done the math. He knows precisely what outcomes among 6-3 teams will put his Wildcats into a fifth straight postseason.

The way he figures, if the Wildcats win, they’re third of four playoff qualifiers, regardless of other outcomes. If they lose, and Heritage loses to Madison County, they’re fourth.

Stanley Williams, Apalachee

APALACHEE WILDCATS (8-AAAA)

■ Coach: Shane Davis

■ Record: 6-3, 6-3 region

■ Last week: Beat Winder-Barrow 28-14

LOGANVILLE RED DEVILS (8-AAAA)

■ Coach: Eric Godfree

■ Record: 6-3, 6-3 region

■ Last week: Beat Habersham Central 42-21

Now the dreaded scenario: If the Wildcats lose and Heritage wins, Apalachee sits home, Davis estimates.

“What we’ve told (players) is that they’re still in control of their own destiny,” he said. “They know if we don’t win, we have to have some help and have something else happen (by others).

“We’re not exactly where we want to be, but we’re in a position where we’re in control of getting a playoff spot.”

Apalachee’s only two previous meetings against Loganville, coached by Parkview grad Eric Godfree, have been close, decided by six points combined. The Wildcats lost to the Red Devils 17-12 two years ago and survived them 42-41 last season when they stopped a two-point conversion run in overtime.

When asked if he could stomach another nail-biter like last year, Davis said, “If you can promise me right now the end result would be the same, I’d take it. It’s a playoff atmosphere when we go over there. This will definitely be a playoff-style game.”

Davis said his Wildcats regained confidence by beating Winder-Barrow last week, after being upset by Cedar Shoals the week prior. Stanley Williams caught a pair of long TD passes from Clint Ashe in the win.

“The good thing about our kids is on Monday they come back, regardless of outcome, ready to work,” Davis said.

■ Last meeting: Apalachee won 42-41 last year

■ Directions to Loganville High School: From Lawrenceville, take Ga. Hwy. 124/20 south to Ga. Hwy. 81, turn right on Clark McCullers Drive. Stadium is on the right.