SYLVANIA — Screven County began the 2012 football season with plenty of questions.
    As the second round of the Class AA playoffs arrives tonight, the only question that remains concerns just how far the Gamecocks can go.
    Just one year removed from a 2-8 record and a fourth consecutive season without a playoff bid, Screven County sits at 10-1 as it hosts Early County (8-3) tonight with a trip to the state quarterfinals on the line.
    Last week, everyone on the Gamecocks’ roster got their first taste of playoff action. The pressure of a do-or-die might have been new, but Screven County responded like the region champion it is in quickly dispatching Bacon County in a 41-7 rout.
    “Honestly, that was one of the most complete games that we’ve played this year,” said Screven coach Ron Duncan. “I think that we had already cleared up what it meant to be in the playoffs. We knew that it was a big game, but we just went out there and took care of business like we’ve done all year.”
    Tonight, the Gamecocks get another tough test as Early County comes calling.
    The Bobcats were just a part of Region 1-AA, which has proven to be one of the strongest in the state. Losses to region rivals Fitzgerald and Brooks County left the Bobcats with a No. 3 seed, but Early County showed its teeth with a 40-20 victory over Bleckley County in the first round last week.
    Armed with a proud tradition and a talented roster, the Bobcats figure to be a sizeable hurdle for Screven County.
    “I think that Early County will be the best team we’ve seen all season,” said Duncan. “There’s no doubt that we’re going to have to play a great game.”
    Screven shut down the flexbone triple-option of Bacon County last week, but the Bobcats bring a completely different challenge.
    Early County will spread things out on just about every play and force the Gamecocks to defend from sideline to sideline while still watching out for the deep pass. A pair of Screven County interceptions helped to turn last week’s game into a blowout, but the Gamecocks will need even more this week.
    “It’s a little scary,” said Duncan. “Early County is about 50-50 on running and passing in just about every situation. There’s no good way to predict what they’re going to do and they’re very good at doing both.”
    With so many ways for the Early County offense to inflict damage, Duncan speculated that Screven’s offense might be the best defense.
    The Gamecocks have ridden a newly-installed option attack to an average of 37.2 points per game. Jeremy Johnson (1,523 rushing yards, 35 total TD) and Josh Kerson form a nearly unstoppable rushing attack while quarterback Aikeem Mingle has been a threat with both his feet and his arm.
    The stout front seven of the Bobcats will be a tough test for even the likes of the Gamecocks’ running game, but steady and dependable output is the key to another win.
    “A good offensive plan is to always end your possessions with a kick,” said Duncan. “That could be extra points or it could mean punts. The important part is that we take care of the ball and avoid mistakes. If we can gain first downs on every possession, we should do alright.”
    A win for the Gamecocks would mark the deepest postseason run for Screven County since its 2002 state championship season. The Bobcats are seeking their sixth trip to the quarterfinals since 1998.

    Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9404.