Tuesday March 19th, 2024 5:26AM

Week 1: GHS, Johnson look to avenge losses to highlight marquee matchups

By Jeff Hart Sports Reporter

After last week’s Hors d'oeuvres, the main course of the 2015 high school football schedule finally arrives this week.

There are 20 games on tap with two teams in particular looking to avenge 2014 losses, and we will have them on our sister stations WDUN 102.9 FM and 1240 AM.

Johnson travels to West Hall in the annual “Battle of Oakwood” looking to snap a two-game losing streak in the series. The improved Knights already have a game in hand after last week’s 17-0 trouncing of Madison County, a team they lost 31-3 to in 2014.

In another revenge-factor contest, Gainesville will play host to Class AAAAAA No. 3-ranked Grayson at City Park Stadium. The Red Elephants were whipped 39-0 last year in Loganville by the Rams and would love to start off the 2015 campaign by sending a message to Region 8-AAAAA that they are ready to reclaim the title they relinquished to Lanier last season.

In another rivalry game, Banks County will play host to Commerce looking to break a 12-game losing streak to the Tigers going back to 1993. Also, Jackson County travels to Danielsville to take on Madison County looking for its first-ever win over the Red Raiders.

For a look at all of the night's contests involving area teams, simply scroll down. And be sure to check back with AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night throughout the night for score updates and game stories and video highlights. You can also check for scores and highlights on our Twitter feed: @FridayGameNight

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR AUG. 28
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BERKMAR at BUFORD
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
-- BERKMAR (0-1, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): lost 46-12 to Newton last week
-- BUFORD (1-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): beat Eastern Christian Academy (Md.) 27-20 last week
-- NOTABLE: Buford leads series 6-2-1. The Wolves won 56-0 in 2014. ... It looks like a huge mismatch on paper despite Berkmar playing in AAAAAA. ... The Patriots are in the the midst of a program-record 18-game losing streak going back to the 2013 season. The Wolves are in the middle of a 41-game winning streak. ... Buford overcame suspensions and early-season injuries last week to notch the win. Sophomore RBs Christian Turner and Anthony Grant had solid games on the ground. ... Last week the Buford defense looked stout at times and vulnerable at times, especially through the air. However, the Berkmar offense has been dismal during its losing streak. The Patriots have scored 14 points or fewer 16 times and been shutout four times in that span. The Buford defense has allowed 20 or more times just three times during its win streak.

CHEROKEE at NORTH FORSYTH
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
-- CHEROKEE (1-0, 0-0 Region 5-AAAAAA): beat Chattahoochee 51-23 last week
-- NORTH FORSYTH (0-0, 0-0 Region 6-AAAAAA): Season-opener; went 1-9 in 2014
-- NOTABLE: North Forsyth leads series 3-2. Cherokee won 42-14 in 2014. ... The Raiders are looking for a quick start to what they hope will be a much-improved season after 2014’s injury-plagued campaign. Look for a more potent offense in 2015 with the entire offensive line returning to go with a deep backfield for their double-wing attack. ... The opener may set the tone for North Forsyth. Since 2009 the Raiders are 3-1 in season openers and have advanced to the playoff all but one time in that span when winning their opener. ... It could be a good matchup for the Raiders. Cherokee is just 3-3 in its last six games overall and has allowed 21 or more points in five of those games, four against run-oriented teams. ...   

CHESTATEE at FLOWERY BRANCH
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Falcons Field, Flowery Branch
-- RADIO: AM 550
-- CHESTATEE (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): Season-opener; went 1-9 in 2014
-- FLOWERY BRANCH (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season-opener; went 5-5 in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Flowery Branch leads series 7-2. The Falcons won 29-0 in 2014 and have won six straight in the series. ... The War Eagles return 14 starters from last year’s campaign but will also unveil a new offense, featuring Sr. QB Logan Cates, Jr. RB Nick Lyles, and Sr. RB Jay Mays. ... The Falcons return 13 starters from last year, however, leading rusher Jeremiah Goss moved to California. But Jr. Jasen Johnson (552 rushing, 5 TD) and Sr. Trey Wilcoxson (423 rushing, 3 TD) return in the backfield behind So. QB Nick Lance, who looked more polished in their scrimmage against North Hall. ... Chestatee is just 1-8 in its last nine road games going back to the 2013 season and have never won at Falcons Field. ... It is Flowery Branch’s first season home opener since 2012 (a 45-7 loss to Northside-Warner Robins) and they are 3-2 all-time in season home openers.

COMMERCE at BANKS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Leopard Stadium, Homer
-- COMMERCE (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-A): Season-opener; 10-3, reached semifinals of Class A Public playoffs in 2014
-- BANKS COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Season-opener; 5-5 in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Commerce leads series 27-2. The Tigers won 28-21 in 2014. ... Commerce has won 12 straight in the series going back to 1993. The Leopards last win came in 1992 (28-0) in Homer. The only two victories for Banks County have come at home. The other win was in 1990. ... It will be a great contrast in styles as the Leopards will look to throw the ball in their pro-style attack while Commerce will run its patented triple-option. ... The game will be won in the trenches and that will be the matchups to watch as both teams return virtually their entire lines of scrimmage from a year ago. ... Another key will be how a inexperienced Banks County defense with just three returning starters adjusts to the Commerce ground game. However, the Tigers defense also  is replacing its entire LB group and could find matchup issues with the Leopards passing attack.

EAST JACKSON at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Lions Field, Gainesville
-- EAST JACKSON (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): Season-opener; 1-9 in 2014
-- LAKEVIEW ACADEMY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-A): Season-opener; 3-7 in 2014
-- NOTABLE: East Jackson won 13-6 in 2014 in the only meeting between the two schools. ... The win for the Eagles last season was their only victory of the season and you can be sure the Lions will be laying in wait. ... Both teams should be improved in 2015 and both want to control the ball with long drives. Lakeview has switched to a spread attack but will not employ an up-tempo style. The Eagles will use a triple-option attack. ... Both teams bring experience back with Lakeview returning 12 starters, but will miss graduated QB David Abee. Thaddeus Webb moves from WR to take over under center for the Lions. The Eagles return 11 from last season, including their entire line up front. ... Both defenses will be tested with depth issues 

FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN at RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Maginnis Field, Gainesville
-- FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN (1-0, 0-0 Region 6-A): Defeated Armuchee 34-7 last week
-- RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AA): Season-opener; 3-7 in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Riverside leads the series 3-0. The Eagles won 20-10 in 2014. ...  Riverside was close to a playoff season a year ago losing three games by a field goal or less and another by a touchdown. But they are changing to a Power I attack and may need a few weeks to work out the kinks. But the defense returns what could be a dominant front-six to a unit that allowed just 16 ppg (12 in Class AA) in 2014 to help give the offense time to catch up. ... The Paladins are similar to RMA in that they also lost three games by a touchdown or less in 2014. The offense was the issue. They scored 17 or fewer in all six of their losses in 2014. ... The Eagles are on a rare 5-game losing streak at home. Fellowship is just 2-5 in its last seven road games.

FORSYTH CENTRAL at DAWSON COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
-- RADIO: northgeorgiasportslink.com
-- FORSYTH CENTRAL (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAAA): Season-opener; 6-4 in 2014
-- DAWSON COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Season-opener; 2-8 in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Forsyth Central leads series 7-5. The Bulldogs won 27-7 in 2014 in Cumming. ... The Tigers feature a new coach in Sid Maxwell and a new offense in the spread attack. They do return 11 starters from last year’s disappointing season that was derailed by injuries early on. ...  Dawson County showed improvement over the second half of the season last year averaging 25 ppg over its last six games after scoring just 16 total points in the first four games. But with a new system the Tigers will be using the opener to see where they are as the get ready for region play. ... Offense was the key for the Bulldogs last year. In their four losses they averaged just 12 ppg. The scored over 30 ppg in their six wins. ... Dawson County is 3-2 at home vs. Forsyth Central in the series.

FRANKLIN COUNTY at STEPHENS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: The Reservation, Toccoa
-- FRANKLIN COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Season-opener; 4-7, reached Class AAA first round in 2014
-- STEPHENS COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): Season-opener; 8-4, reached Class AAAA second round in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Stephens County leads 36-10-1. The Indians won 34-7 in 2014. It is one of the longest running rivalries in north Georgia. The two teams have played every year but two since 1966. ... Stephens County has owned the series winning 23 of the last 26 meetings, including the last five. The last Franklin County win was in 2009, 16-14, in Carnesville. The Indians are 19-4 all-time at home vs. the Lions. Franklin’s last win at The Reservation was in 1991. ... This could be a dogfight, however, this season. The Lions are considered a darkhorse in 7-AAA and return several starters from a year ago. ... Stephens returns six on offense, but four are up front and the Indians are replacing 90 percent of their offensive production from last year. 

GILMER at FANNIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Rebel Stadium, Blue Ridge
-- GILMER (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener; 8-3, reached Class AAAA first round in 2014
-- FANNIN COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Season-opener; 4-6, in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Gilmer leads the series 24-13-2. The Bobcats won 41-7 last year in Ellijay. The two teams have played every year since 1976. ... It is a streaky series. Gilmer has four straight but Fannin County won eight straight before that and Gilmer won seven in a row before that. There have not been three alternating wins in the series since 1988-90. ... The Rebels have a solid shot to reverse the streak returning 14 starters, including an offense that returns its entire line, QB, and top WR from a unit that averaged 22.4 ppg in a new spread attack ... The key matchup could be the Rebels defense, which returns eight (8) against the Bobcats ground game that scored 23 or more seven times, more than 40 twice, and 62 once in 2014.

GRAYSON at GAINESVILLE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Bobby Gruhn Field, Gainesville 
-- RADIO: 1240 AM
-- GRAYSON (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Season-opener; 10-2, reached Class AAAAAA second round in 2014
-- GAINESVILLE (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season-opener; 10-3, reached Class AAAAA quarterfinals in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Grayson won 39-0 in 2014 in the first-ever meeting between the two schools. ... It was the most lopsided loss for the Red Elephants since 2011 and you can bet they haven’t forgotten. However, the Rams are among a small group of teams among the favorites to win the AAAAAA state title. ... Gainesville is working on its third starting QB in three seasons with Messiah Dorsey but he is considered to closely resemble former Red Elephants’ great Blake Sims with his dual-threat ability under center. ... The key for Gainesville will be the defense’s ability to slow down the big and fast Grayson rushing attack. The Rams chewed up the Red Elephants last year. The Gainesville offense also will need to sustain drives to keep its defense off the field. ... The Rams are loaded with Divison I prospects. Seniors Bryce Morais DE (Boston College), Ryan Carrierre RE (Charlotte), Sr. DE Mykelle McDaniel, and Chris Martin DT (Georgia Tech) are the most known and they have four other seniors -- RB Cameryn Brent, DB Adesola Abisoye, WR Dimetrios Mason, ATH Schnyder Boucard -- and also juniors Chase Brice (QB), and OL guys Will Taylor and Jalen Jackson that have garnered attention. ... It could a statement win early for the Red Elephants if they can pull off what would surely be considered an upset despite playing at home, where they are 17-3 since their championship season in 2012.

JACKSON COUNTY at MADISON COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Red Raider Stadium, Danielsville
-- JACKSON COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): Season-opener; 2-8 in 2014
-- MADISON COUNTY (0-1, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): lost 17-0 to Johnson last week
-- NOTABLE: Madison County leads series 11-0. The Red Raiders won 27-21 in 2014. ... The Panthers have not fared well against the Red Raiders but despite a new coaching staff and a change in offensive systems, this could be the year they break through.  Madison County was manhandled by Johnson last week and the Panthers will bring an experienced defense with eight (8) returning starters from a group that was learning its way in 2014 ... The Panthers could use a solid start with one of the toughest schedules in the state. They have won five of their last seven season openers.

JOHNSON at WEST HALL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Spartan Stadium, Oakwood
-- RADIO: 102.9 FM
-- JOHNSON (1-0, non-region schedule): beat Madison County 17-0 last week
-- WEST HALL (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Season-opener; 9-2, Region 7-AAA champs, reached Class AAA first round in 2014
-- NOTABLE: West Hall leads series 13-7-1. The Spartans won 28-0 in 2014. ... The Spartans have won three of the last four, including the last two in shutouts. They also are 8-2 vs. the Knights at Spartans Field. ... Johnson is riding high after a solid win last week. New QB Sam Corbett engineered two solid scoring drives in his first varsity start for Johnson. ... The Knights held Madison County to just 19 rushing yards, which makes for an interesting matchup with the powerful Spartans, who feature perhaps the best 1-2 punch at running back in the area in Tyquan Statham and Kwon Williams. ... Johnson pounded out 240 yards on the ground last week but West Hall proved to be very stingy in 2014 with a defense that allowed just 91 points with five (5) shutouts during the regular season and the Spartans return starters from that group. ... It could be a quick game as both teams will look to control the ball on the ground behind good offensive lines and wear down the defense. It also could be one of the best games of the year if the Knights can duplicate the success they had in their opener. ... 

NORTH GWINNETT at NORTH COBB
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Emory Sewell Stadium, Acworth
-- NORTH GWINNETT (0-1, 0-0 Region 7-AAAAAA): lost 45-14 to No. 1 Colquitt County last week in the Corky Kell Classic
-- NORTH COBB (0-1, 0-0 Region 4-AAAAAA): lost 27-24 to Northside (Warner Robins) last week
-- NOTABLE: North Cobb won 36-29 in 2014 in the first-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The young Bulldogs found out they have some work to do after being totally outmanned by Colquitt in the Georgia Dome. ... So. QB Cade Fortin had some good moments in his first-ever start. He connected with Josh Imatorbhebhe on a long TD pass. Kam Pickett had some nice runs as well. ... The defense forced two turnovers but also gave up several big plays and several long scoring drives. ... North Gwinnett has not started a season 0-2 under Bob Sphire and the last time the Bulldogs lost their first two games was in 2003, which also was their last losing season. ... It doesn’t get any easier for the Bulldogs after this week. They play host to 2014 quarterfinalist Hillgrove next week before opening region play with Collins Hill, Mill Creek, Norcross, and Peachtree Ridge in consecutive weeks. ... The Warriors lost to Northside in their opener last year and then reeled off four straight wins.

RABUN COUNTY at HABERSHAM CENTRAL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Raider Stadium, Mount Airy
-- RABUN COUNTY (0-1, 0-0 Region 8-AA): lost 19-7 to Jefferson last week
-- HABERSHAM CENTRAL (0-0, 0-0 Region 6-AAAAAA): Season opener; 1-9 in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Rabun County won 23-14 in 2014 in the first-ever meeting between the two schools despite being just 20 minutes apart. ...  The Wildcats fell victim to the Dragons powerful run game. They were tied with Jefferson in the first half but key drops on offense and penalties snuffed out some scoring chances. Expect coach Lee Shaw to have them correcting those mistakes. ... It also is the first of four straight road games for the Wildcats, which culminates in their region opener against Riverside Military. ... The Raiders are sporting new coach Benji Harrison, a former Flowery Branch assistant and head coach of Jackson County the past two seasons, who led the Panthers to their first-ever playoff appearances. ... Watch for RB Michael Babers, along with a strong and experienced offensive line, and QB Cole Wilbanks in the Raiders new spread attack. ... Rabun County has not started a season 0-2 since 2010. ... Habersham Central has not won a season opener since 2011.

TOWNS COUNTY at UNION COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium, Blairsville
-- TOWNS COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-A): Season opener; 2-8 in 2014
-- UNION COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AA): Season-opener; 9-2, reached Class AA first round in 2014.
-- NOTABLE: Union County leads the series 28-1. The Panthers won 57-14 in 2014. The Panthers have won 17 straight. The only win for the Indians came in 1993. ... Towns County brings 14 returning starters and an upswing in numbers to the opener. The Indians wing-T could be troublesome for the Panthers. ... The Indians will have to either shorten the game or keep up with what should be a potent Union County offense, led by Joseph Mancuso, who threw for over 3,000 yards to go with 35 TDs and just 3 INTs in 2014, and still has returning standout at receiver in Sam Gilbert to throw too.

WEST FORSYTH at MILL CREEK
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Mill Creek Community Stadium, Hoschton 
-- WEST FORSYTH (0-0, 0-0 Region 6-AAAAAA): Season opener; 6-4 in 2014
-- MILL CREEK (1-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAAAA): defeated Brookwood 42-7 last week in the Corky Kell Classic
-- NOTABLE: Mill Creek won 62-37 in 2014 in first-ever meeting between the two schools. ... Despite changes to the offense, the Hawks looked in midseason f0rm against Brookwood. QB Cameron Turley, in his first varsity start, threw for 209 yards and two TDs. ... The Hawks got at least one touchdown from the offense, defense, and special teams. They also blocked two kicks. ... The Wolverines have lost two straight season openers, including last year to Mill Creek. ... The Hawks are looking for their third 2-0 start since 2011. However, that could be a bad omen. Every year they have started 2-0 they failed to make the playoffs (2008, 2011, 2013).

WESLEYAN at EAST HALL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
-- WESLEYAN (1-0, 0-0 Region 6-AA): beat Walker 56-0 last week
-- EAST HALL (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Season-opener; 6-5, reached Class AAA first round in 2014
-- NOTABLE: East Hall leads series 2-1. The Vikings won 20-13 in 2014. ...  The Wolves have beaten East Hall  since 2004. ... East Hall will look somewhat different from recent years with more of a power run game in 2015. They will need to control the ball after the Wolves had their biggest offensive output last week in more than five years. ... The Vikings first two opponents -- Wesleyan and Pickens -- offer them a chance to see power rushing attacks in preparation of their key region opener against Lumpkin County and its triple-option attack. ... Defense was the key last year. The Vikings were 6-0 when allowing 29 points or fewer. They were 0-5 when allowing more than 29 points. ... East Hall is just 7-7 at home since the 2012 season but did win its final three home games in 2014. ... The Wolves were 5-1 on the road in 2014.

WINDER-BARROW at JEFFERSON
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
-- WINDER-BARROW (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season-opener; 6-5, reached Class AAAAA first round in 2014
-- JEFFERSON (1-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): beat Rabun County 19-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: Jefferson leads series 21-11. The Dragons won 41-7 in 2014. ... Last year’s meeting was the first between the schools in 29 years. They had played every year from 1970 to 1985 before that. ... This could be a battle between punishing ground attacks. The Dragons got a seven-year best effort from Colby Wood, who rushed for 264 yards and three scores in last week’s win. Winder’s CeCe Green had 1,709 yards rushing and 18 TDs with another 392 receiving in 2014. Expect the Bulldoggs to test the Jefferson defense early. ... The Dragons defense was stout last week holding Rabun to just 213 yards and Georgia-commit Charlie Woerner to just 49 receiving yards for the game.

WHITE COUNTY at PICKENS
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: Pickens Stadium, Jasper
-- RADIO: www.wrwh.com
-- WHITE COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): Season-opener; 6-5, reached Class AAAA first round in 2014
-- PICKENS (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener; 8-3, reached Class AAAA first round in 2014
-- NOTABLE: White County leads series 21-18-2. Pickens won 42-34 in 2014. The Warriors had won three straight in the series until last year. ... The Dragons had one of the most punishing ground attacks in the state last season. They may be able to exploit a young White County defense. ... Offense may be the key again for White County. In four of the five losses a year ago the Warriors scored 10 points or less. ... Pickens is just 4-4 in its last eight games at home. The Warriors are just 3-3 in their last six road games.

WOODLAND, STOCKBRIDGE at APALACHEE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. 
-- WHERE: R. Harold Harrison Stadium, Winder
-- WOODLAND, STOCKBRIDGE (1-0, 0-0 Region 4-AAAAA): beat North Springs 36-7 last week.
-- APALACHEE (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season-opener; 1-9 in 2014
-- NOTABLE: Woodland won 48-26 in 2014 in first-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The Wildcats were close to a respectable season in 2014 losing three games by seven points or less. However, they sport a new coach in Steve Sims, who is putting a more physical on the Wildcats. ... Defensively Apalachee should be stout against the run with five key players returning from last year.  ... Apalachee has dropped three of its last four season openers.

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