FLOWERY BRANCH — As far as Flowery Branch's Anthony Woodall and Tyler Williams and North Hall's Mac Bennett and Jake Meeler are concerned, the Falcons-Trojans football rivalry could be something from a dusty history book.
After all, the last time the Hall County foes faced off was 2009 -- and, for a high schooler, seven seasons is ancient history. Yet each one of them respects what was once a fierce rivalry and is more than eager to rekindle at least part of it on Friday night at Falcon Field.
"The coaches have told us some about the rivalry, and, growing up, playing them in rec ball and middle school it's always been a separate rivalry," said Woodall, a senior linebacker/tight end for the Falcons. "Whenever we play North Hall it's always a different kind of feeling when you play them.
That sentiment was echoed by the Trojans, who noted there has already been some friendly chippyness on social media in anticipation of the showdown -- which will be broadcast live on WDUN 102.9 FM. (NOTE: For a look at all of Friday night's showdowns, click here.)
"There's been a little bit -- not as much as (before the season opener against) Chestatee, but definitely there's been a little bit," said Bennett, a senior defensive lineman/tight end for the Trojans. "That gives us something to compete for, for sure."
But there is plenty more to play for than the embers of a long-dormant rivalry, as each program looks to make an early season statement.
Both are playoff hopefuls -- North Hall is looking for a second straight postseason after dropping down to Class AAA (from AAAA), while Flowery Branch is gunning for a state return after missing out during the past two campaigns -- and a win would provide plenty of forward momentum.
North Hall (1-0) also believes it can show major progress in game two after fending off a determined Chestatee 35-28 last week.
"I absolutely want to see a big step forward, and I think our kids are up to that task," Trojans coach David Bishop said. "(Last week) some of the fundamentals were lacking, whether it was making tackles or missing tackles, whether it was taking the right angles for our linemen or our running backs when it came to blocking; some of the reads the quarterback was making were out of order. All that is fixable, and that's what's exciting."
The Falcons, meanwhile, are just excited to get their campaign going, especially coming off a 2015 that saw them finish 6-4 and miss the playoffs by one win -- and the Branch lost three contests by a touchdown or less during that campaign.
"We've been waiting; we've been waiting since January," said Williams, a junior tight end/defensive end. "We're ready and every day that we come out and know that it's not a real game (yet) it gets us more and more where we want to get after somebody, and we get that chance Friday night."
To make the most of that opportunity, Flowery Branch knows it must be physical at the point of attack -- especially against North Hall's wing-T offense, which racked up 366 yards rushing in last week's win, highlighted by 199 yards and three touchdowns from Kyle Bacus, who absorbed some big hits in the process but stormed into his senior season. Quarterback Jackson Madonna also impressed, hitting for two big touchdown passes. The signal caller also has the athleticism to tuck the ball and pick up big gains.
"They're very good at what they do offensively. It's hard to prepare for what they do," Flowery Branch coach Chris Griffin said of the Trojans. "But I do feel like the game's going to be won or lost at that line of scrimmage."
That factor will bear watching for the Falcons, who will play four new starters on the offensive line. If the unit can hold its own, Flowery Branch feels it has the skill and speed to make plenty of plays. Running back Malik Damons is a punishing back and quarterback Nick Lance will have a bevy of talented receivers to throw to.
"We're as deep at receiver as we've ever been, just guys that we know that can go out there and give us quality reps," Griffin said.
And then there's Malik Drayton, who fans and opponents may initially discount due to his size -- until he utilizes his speed and quickness to burn his way into the end zone.
"They get him in open space, and he's hard to get a hand on," Bishop said of Drayton, who will line up in multiple positions.
North Hall's defense is gearing up for the speed of the Branch's spread attack and believes it is also due for a big step forward after yielding 432 yards to Chestatee's version of the spread.
"(This game) means a lot; it shows how much we're going to improve in a week, hopefully," Meeler said. "They're real fast, so we're going to see how we compare with that."
The comparisons -- on both sides of the ball -- promise a show worth seeing, as the two old foes turn the clock back.
"I think it is fun; at the same time I think it's probably more fun for the coaches," Bishop said. "Chris Griffin and I competed against each other for years -- North Hall vs. Flowery Branch. And now we've been able to go to mission trips and stuff together -- so I think it's going to be a little more mild/friendly rivalry."
All Griffin knows is that he -- and his players -- can't wait.
"You can call it a rivalry if you want, but it's just a great matchup," Griffin said. "It's two very good, local programs who I think believe in a lot of the same things, and I think both communities love their football and love to support their kids. And what a better way to start the year than put the north end and the south end together and have some fun?"
NORTH HALL at FLOWERY BRANCH
- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
- WHERE: Falcon Field, Flowery Branch
- RADIO: WDUN 102.9 FM
- NORTH HALL (1-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Chestatee 35-28 last week
- FLOWERY BRANCH (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season opener; went 6-4 last season
- NOTABLE: It is the first meeting between the two former rivals since 2009. ... North Hall leads the series 6-2
