Brookwood looking for revenge against North Gwinnett

SNELLVILLE - While most people associated with Gwinnett County football think about Parkview and Brookwood, another cross-county rivalry is starting to rise to the top.<br /> <br /> When North Gwinnett travels to Brookwood Friday night in the second round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs, the two teams will be playing for the third time in just over 12 months.<br /> <br /> And Brookwood is looking for a little revenge.<br /> <br /> North Gwinnett (10-1) has won two straight in the series, including a thriller in the second game of the season this year, 22-21. Brookwood (9-2) has won eight straight since then, including five wins over teams who made the playoffs. And both teams pitched impressive shutouts last week.<br /> <br /> The Bulldogs are looking for their second straight quarterfinal appearance while the Broncos are looking for their first quarterfinal appearance since advancing to the state title game in 2005.<br /> <br /> North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire said he knows what to expect from the Broncos.<br /> <br /> "They are about fundamentally sound as any team you are going play," he said. "They are well-coached with great athletes. They have a conservative approach and don't beat themselves. To win we are going to have to be very patient."<br /> <br /> However, Sphire said the site of the game does not mean as much as execution but knows a huge home crowd is worth something.<br /> <br /> "We went over their last year and won 10-3 so we know how to win over there. But whenever you are at home in the playoffs that's worth a few points," Sphire said. "We've only lost two games on the road and one at home in my two years here so I don't know if there is a huge difference. Our kids have played well at home and on the road so we expect them to play well."