The Baldwin Braves wrapped up their regular season with a 6-4 overall record and third-place finish in Region 4 AAA. The Braves’ final game delivered a win to cement their second consecutive winning season after finishing 6-5 last season.
Baldwin lost 41-0 loss in the first round of last year’s state playoffs to Benedictine, which went on to play in the state title game but lost to Stockbridge.
This season, Baldwin mounted a surprisingly successful campaign under first-year head coach Kevin Patterson, who led the Braves to their first home playoff game since 2021 and best region record since that same year.
In 2021, Baldwin finished with a 5-1 record in region play and hosted LaGrange but lost 19-0 in the first round of the playoffs.
This year, the Baldwin faithful hopes coach Patterson and his team can earn their first playoff win since 2020 when the Braves beat Thomas County Central (TCC) 36-30 in Milledgeville. Baldwin will host region rival West Laurens, which beat Baldwin less than two weeks ago, 28-14 in Milledgeville.
It was a victory that placed the Cavs fourth in final region standings, despite boasting an impressive 8-2 overall record and 6-2 region record. The Braves will get their chance to avenge one of only two region losses Friday night but will need better defense to advance past West Laurens.
West Laurens rushed for 222 yards against the Braves defense and outscored the Braves 14-0 in the second half after being tied 14-14 at halftime.
The Cavs’ defense made six tackles for loss against the Braves, meaning Baldwin’s O-line must improve and protect the quarterback as well as open up some holes for the Braves’ run game.
Kickoff for Friday night’s game between Baldwin and West Laurens is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Braves Field in Milledgeville.