The chase for the playoffs finally begins to heat up this week with several huge matchups on tap around northeast Georgia.
Class AAAAA No. 1 Buford jumps into the Region 8-AAAAA fray this week traveling to traditional power Clarke Central in the first-ever meeting between the two powerhouses. The Wolves were not challenged last week in their final non-region tune-up while the Gladiators have gotten back on the winning track with two consecutive victories, including opening region play last week with a win over arch-rival Cedar Shoals. If the Gladiators can find a way to crack the Buford defense, they could make the first early statement and control their own fate for the region title. They are 2-0 at home his season.
Another big matchup has Commerce traveling to Prince Avenue in a battle of Class A top-ranked teams. The Tigers face a must-win if they want to stay in the running for a Region 8-A title after a tough loss to Athens Christian last week. But, they have dropped their last five meetings to the Wolverines, who can take command of the region with a win after knocking off Athens Christian three weeks ago.
Class AAAA No. 5 Jefferson will open its Region 8-AAAA schedule traveling to surprising, and undefeated, Madison County in an early clash of teams expected to challenge for the region title. It will be a battle of the Dragons’ power running game that is averaging 34 points a game and is ninth in Class AAAA against the Red Raiders defense, which is fifth in AAAA allowing just 10.6 points a contest.
In our accessWDUN Game of the Week, Dawson County opens its Region 7-AAA title defense at The Brickyard against the Trojans, who played perhaps their best defensive game of the season last week holding down a potent Fannin County spread offense in a 28-9 win. The Tigers, meanwhile, may have played their best offensive game of the season last week in a 46-0 dismantling of White County behind a rejuvenated Coey Watson and the Tigers spread attack. It should be a great contrast in styles and the winner will stay in line for a shot at homefield advantage and a region title.
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 Sept. 30
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
ATHENS ACADEMY at RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Maginnis Field, Gainesville
-- ATHENS ACADEMY (4-0, 4-0 Region 8-A): Defeated Towns County 38-14 last week
-- RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY (1-4, 1-4 Region 8-A): Lost 31-14 to Hebron Christian last week
-- NOTABLE: Athens Academy leads series 12-3. The two teams have not met since 2011, a 44-6 Spartans victory in Watkinsville. They have met just twice 1997. The Last Riverside win in the series was in 1990, 26-13 in Athens. ... The Eagles have never beaten the Spartans at Maginnis Field (0-5). They also are trying to snap a 3-game losing streak. ... Offense has been the problem for Riverside this season averaging just 9.4 ppg. They have scored 6 or less three times with two shutouts. ... The Spartans have not had it tough so far with their first five opponents just a combined 7-16 on the season. They will not face the meat of their schedule until closing out the year against George Walton, Commerce, and Prince Avenue.
ATHENS CHRISTIAN at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Gainesville
-- ATHENS CHRISTIAN (2-2, 1-2 Region 8-A): Defeated then-Class A Public No. 1 Commerce 21-14 last week
-- LAKEVIEW ACADEMY (1-3, 1-2 Region 8-A): Defeated Providence Christian 31-14 last week
-- NOTABLE: Athens Christian leads series 4-0. The Eagles won 43-21 in 2015. ... Lakeview had its best offensive output in nearly two years last week. The Lions came into the having scored just 27 points (9.0 ppg) in their first three games. QB Alec Bornhorst had 2 TD passes and Carter Ambrose ran for two scores for Lakeview. ... But the Eagles may be the most talented team in the region. They controlled the ball in the fourth quarter last week as Commerce ran just three plays over the final 12 minutes. ... The Eagles are only averaging 13.5 ppg on offense but limited the high-powered offenses of Prince Avenue, Athens Academy, and Commerce to just 40 total points (13.3 ppg). Each of those teams came into their contests with the Eagles averaging over 34 ppg.
BANKS COUNTY at RABUN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
-- BANKS COUNTY (2-3, 1-0 Region 8-AA): Defeated Monticello 29-22 last week
-- RABUN COUNTY (3-0, 0-0 Region 8-AA): Ranked No. 4 in Class AA; defeated West Hall 34-10 last week
-- NOTABLE: Rabun County leads series 16-10. Banks County won the last meeting in 2011, 40-28 in Homer. The Leopards have won five straight in the series. The last Rabun County win was in 2006, 41-14 in Tiger. ... The Wildcats have been among the top teams in Class AA this season. They have allowed just 27 points (9.0 ppg) which is the second-lowest in AA but most teams have played five games. ... The Leopards have begun to find their offensive rhythm scoring 111 points (37 ppg) while going 2-1 in their last three games after scoring just 16 total points in a 0-2 start. ... Rabun County is averaging 35.6, which is good for 4th in average in AA. The Leopards defense is allowing 32.6 ppg on the season. ... Banks County could grab the upper-hand for a home playoff spot with a win with three games following they should be favored in before closing out the season against Elbert County. A Rabun County win would put the Wildcats in a position to run the table for another region title.
BUFORD at CLARKE CENTRAL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Billy Henderson Stadium, Athens
-- BUFORD (3-1, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Defeated International School of Broward (Fla.) 48-8 last week
-- CLARKE CENTRAL (3-2, 1-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Defeated arch-rival Cedar Shoals 38-12 last week
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The two programs have 14 state titles between them but the Gladiators are an old power trying to reclaim its position among the state’s elite while Buford has become the gold standard over the past 15 years. ... Clarke Central has won two straight under new coach David Perno and seems to be getting more comfortable in the new systems installed. The Gladiators have scored 83 points (41.5 ppg) during their win streak after scoring just 55 total points in their first three games. But they will have their biggest test to date against the Wolves defense, which has allowed 17 ppg but also has taken on Class AAAAAAA No. 2 Roswell and Alabama powerhouse Jeff Davis, who scored 54 points combined against Buford. ... The Buford offense has found its groove as well averaging 45 ppg during a three-game win streak. ... It’s a huge game for both teams with Loganville, which is second in Class AAAAA in defense (9.0 ppg), still down the road for both. Clarke Central travels to take on the Red Devils next week.
CEDAR SHOALS at FLOWERY BRANCH
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Falcons Field, Flowery Branch
-- RADIO: 102.9 FM
-- CEDAR SHOALS (3-2, 0-1 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 38-12 to Clarke Central last week
-- FLOWERY BRANCH (2-3, 1-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Defeated rival Johnson 46-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: Flowery Branch leads series 6-0. The Falcons won 25-13 at home in 2015. ... The key is which Falcons offense will show up. The season has been feast or famine so far for the Falcons. In their two wins, they have outscored their opponents 87-20. But in their three losses they have been outscored 95-27. ... It’s similar for the Jaguars, who started 3-0 against teams that are a combined 2-13. Now, they have lost straight to teams that are 7-3, including last week. Cedar Shoals is in the midst of a four-game stretch with No. 1 Buford and Loganville to follow. ... The Branch needs to keep momentum with a finish of Loganville, Clarke Central, and Buford.
COMMERCE at PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Wolverine Field, Bogart
-- COMMERCE (4-0, 4-0 Region 8-A): Ranked No. 5 in Class A Public; lost 21-14 to Athens Christian last week
-- PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN (5-0, 4-0 Region 8-A): Ranked No. 3 in Class A Private; defeated George Walton Academy 39-21 last week
-- NOTABLE: Series tied 5-5. Prince Avenue won 35-14 in 2015. The Wolverines have won five straight after Commerce won the first five meetings. The last Tigers win came in 2010, 35-20 in Bogart. ... It’s not a must-win for the Tigers but to make an impression in the Class A power rankings they need a win against a top 10 team. Coach Michael Brown said Athens Christian may be the most talented team in Region 8-A and they held the Tigers to their lowest scoring output since being held to 14 points by Prince Avenue last season. ... The Tigers have had trouble with the Wolverines offense allowing 35.2 ppg during the 5-game losing streak. They will have to get their option attack going to play ball control and keep the Wolverines offense of the field.
DAWSON COUNTY at NORTH HALL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: The Brickyard, Gainesville
-- RADIO: northgeorgiasportslink.com
-- DAWSON COUNTY (2-1, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Defeated White County 46-0 last week
-- NORTH HALL (4-1, 1-0 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Fannin County 28-9 last week in their region opener
-- NOTABLE: North Hall leads series 2-0. The Trojans won last meeting 51-6 in 2013. ... The region opener for Dawson County but both teams are coming off big wins last week and this could be a huge game to determine possible home field advantage in the playoffs as both are expected to challenge for a playoff spot. ... It also will be one of those fun matchups of polar-opposite styles. The Tigers like to move fast with their spread attack behind junior QB Coey Watson, who looked fully recovered from an arm injury with over 250 yards passing and 1 TD last week. North Hall will counter with its patented wing-T behind Kyle Bacus that gives every defense trouble. ... A win for the Trojans would give them essentially a two-game lead on the Tigers. But, based on common opponent White County, the Tigers can grab the head-to-head tiebreaker. North Hall lost to the Warriors in overtime two weeks ago.
EAST HALL at UNION COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium, Blairsville
-- EAST HALL (2-3, 0-1 Region 7-AAA): Lost 30-27 to Lumpkin County last week
-- UNION COUNTY (4-1, 0-1 Region 7-AAA): Lost 35-12 to No. 1 Greater Atlanta Christian last week
-- NOTABLE: Union County leads series 22-15-1. The Panthers won 51-28 at home in 2015. The Panthers have won two straight in the series. ... It is already a must-win for both teams to stay in the playoff hunt. It may be even more important for the Vikings, who will play host to GAC next week, to avoid a possible 0-3 start to the region. ... The East Hall defense had trouble with the Indians wishbone offense last week allowing more than 300 yards on the ground so will actually have a better matchup against the Panthers spread attack, which they see every day in practice. ... But, defense has been the issue for the Vikings so far allowing 28.2 ppg. The Panthers offense behind Cole Wright and Bo Lynch is still averaging 39.2 ppg even after managing just 12 last week against the Spartans. ... The Panthers can’t be caught looking ahead either with a huge matchup with Dawson County next week looming.
EAST JACKSON at MORGAN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Legion Field, Madison
-- EAST JACKSON (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): Bye last week, lost 34-14 to Class AAAAAA No. 8 Glynn Academy two weeks ago
-- MORGAN COUNTY (3-2, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): Defeated Lamar County 14-0 last week
-- NOTABLE: Morgan County leads series 4-0. The Bulldogs won 37-7 in 2015. ... Region opener for both teams, and were part of the old 8-AAA before region realignment and are familiar with each other. ... The Bulldogs have been stingy on defense allowing just 61 points (12.2 ppg) which is good for 7th-best in Class AAA. Offensively they are finding their stride. After scoring just 35 points in their first three games, they have scored 49 (24.5 ppg) in their last two games -- both wins. ... East Jackson already has surpassed most expectations with two wins, which the most since 2011. They played Glynn Academy, a Class AAAAA state runner-up in 2015, close for three quarters. ... Offense may be the key for the Eagles. In their two wins, they have averaged 33 ppg. In their two losses, they have scored just 21 total points. They also have winnable games following with Monroe Area and Franklin County, who are both 1-4 heading into region play.
FANNIN COUNTY at GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Spartan Sports Complex, Norcross
-- FANNIN COUNTY (2-3, 0-1 Region 7-AAA): Lost 28-9 to North Hall last week
-- GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN (4-1, 1-0 Region 7-AAA): Ranked No. 1 in Class AAA; defeated Union County 35-12 last week
-- NOTABLE: Greater Atlanta Christian leads series 1-0. The Spartans beat the Rebels 49-14 in 2010 in the first round of the Class AA playoffs. ... Spartans’ QB Davis Mills, a Stanford commit, is back after missing two games and their offense has picked up where it left off averaging 36 ppg in their last two games. The Rebels defense will need to find a way to slow him down but they are yielding 27.6 ppg. Davis passed for 260 yards and 4 TDs last week. ... Fannin QB Brad Davis is among the state’s passing leaders but the GAC defense is giving up just 12.4 ppg and only allowed 1 TD to the Panthers, who went into the game averaging 46 ppg.
HEBRON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY at TOWNS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee
-- HEBRON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (3-1, 2-1 Region 8-A): Defeated Riverside Military 31-14 last week
-- TOWNS COUNTY (2-3, 1-3 Region 8-A): Lost 38-14 to Athens Academy last week
-- NOTABLE: Series tied 4-4. Hebron won 35-0 in 2015 in Dacula. ... The Indians already have matched their win total from each of the last two seasons but continue their gauntlett run against the Lions this week. Starting last week, the Indians current four-game stretch is against teams that are 12-4 combined so far. ... The Indians could benefit from the Lions possibly looking ahead to their showdown with Athens Academy and Prince Avenue in the following weeks. The Lions are only averaging 20.5 ppg. ... Towns County already has played the three top teams in the region and is yielding just 25.2 ppg on defense so this could be a positive matchup for the Indians. However, since scoring 33 in their opener, the Indians have scored just 46 points (11.5 ppg) in region play.
JEFFERSON at MADISON COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Red Raider Stadium, Danielsville
-- JEFFERSON (4-1, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): Ranked No. 5 in Class AAAA; defeated Gainesville 31-28 last week
-- MADISON COUNTY (5-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): Defeated Franklin County 20-14 last week
-- NOTABLE: Jefferson leads series 9-5. First meeting since 2001, a 14-11 Red Raiders win in Jefferson. The region opener for both teams. ... A very sporadic series. Madison County has won four straight but the four games span from 1982 to 2001. The last Dragons win over the Red Raiders was in 1977 (7-0) in Danielsville. ... The Red Raiders have put together one of the biggest turnarounds in the state in any classification. They had won just once in 13 games going back to the 2014 season. One more win for Madison County would be the most in a season since the Red Raiders won 8 in 2006. ... The key matchup will be the Jefferson offense, which is 9th in AAAA averaging 34 ppg, vs. the Madison defense, which is 6th in AAAA yielding just 11 ppg. Dragons junior RB Colby Wood had 208 yards and 2 TDs rushing vs. Gainesville last week. Jefferson threw the ball just 3 times in the victory. ... Madison County has averaged 29 ppg on the season.
MARIST at GAINESVILLE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
-- RADIO: 1240 ESPN Radio
-- MARIST (3-2, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Defeated Chamblee 42-14 last week
-- GAINESVILLE (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Lost 31-28 to Class AAAA No. 5 Jefferson last week
-- NOTABLE: Marist leads series 8-5. First meeting between the two teams since 1983, a 17-14 War Eagles win in Gainesville in the Class AAA semifinals to hand the Red Elephants their only loss that season. Marist has won four straight in the series, which dates back to a 1921 meeting in Atlanta. The last Gainesville win over the War Eagles was in 1964 at City Park. ... As for now, the Red Elephants may have lost the battle to Jefferson last week but in the process found its identity, according to coach Bruce Miller. QB DJ Irons and the passing game was clicking in the second half as they erased a 17-0 deficit and missed on two passes in the end zone in the waning seconds that would have completed an impressive comeback. Look for Gainesville go almost exclusively to the air against the War Eagles. ... Marist will counter with a power running game, which has been a tough matchup for the Red Elephants. Alpharetta and Jefferson both used big offensive lines and power runs to build big leads. ... The Marist defense may be the key indicator. In the War Eagles three wins, they have allowed 14 total points (4.6 ppg). In their two losses, they have allowed 30.5 ppg.
MONROE AREA at JACKSON COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Panther Stadium, Jefferson
-- MONROE AREA (1-4, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): Lost 10-7 to Apalachee last week
-- JACKSON COUNTY (1-4, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): Bye last week; lost 38-22 to East Hall two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Monroe Area leads series 2-0. The two teams have not met since 2001, a 27-0 Hurricanes win in Monroe ... The Panthers played a tough non-region schedule (opponents are a combined 15-10) which could help as they begin a quest for their first playoff berth since 2013. They have struggled during a 4-game losing streak scoring just 47 points (11.7 ppg) while giving up 37 ppg on defense. ... But, Monroe Area is mired in a 3-game losing streak having allowed 28.3 ppg and scoring just 21 total points. ... The Panthers will need their playmakers -- Sr. QB Caleb Matthews, Sr. WR Zane Corley, Sr. RB Chris Griggs, Sr. TE Micah Vincent, and Jr. RB Noah Venable -- to get untracked this week. A win could propel them into a region title chase with games against Franklin County (1-4) and Hart County (0-5) to follow the next two weeks.
NORTH GWINNETT at MILL CREEK
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Mill Creek Community Stadium, Hoschton
-- RADIO: WDUN AM 550
-- NORTH GWINNETT (3-2, 1-0 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Defeated Mountain View 38-14 last week
-- MILL CREEK (5-0, 4-0 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Ranked No. 1 in Class AAAAAAA; defeated Collins Hill 43-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: North Gwinnett leads series 9-1. Mill Creek got its first-ever win over the Bulldogs in 2015, 28-0 in Suwanee. ... Based on the first week of region play, this game could decide the region champion when it’s all said and done. ... (Click here to read a preview of the game.) ... The Hawks have continued their dominance with their 13th straight region win last week, behind another stellar performance from their defense, which has yielded just 24 points over their past four games after giving up 27 to Colquitt County in their opener. ... North Gwinnett looks back to its old ways on offense averaging 34.2 ppg, good for 7th in Class AAAAAAA. But, the Hawks are 2nd in AAAAAAA in points allowed (51, 10.2 ppg) so something will have to give. ... The Hawks are right behind Mill Creek in offense (170, 34 ppg) but the Bulldogs defense has been porous allowing 28.4 ppg so the key may be whether North Gwinnett can slow down the Hawks enough to give its offense a chance.
PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN at COMMERCE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
-- RADIO:
-- PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN (5-0, 4-0 Region 8-A): Defeated George Walton 39-21 last week
-- COMMERCE (3-1, 2-1 Region 8-A): Lost 21-14 to Athens Christian last week
-- NOTABLE: Series tied 5-5. Prince Avenue won 35-14 in 2015 in Commerce. ... A streaky series. The Tigers won the first five meetings and the Wolverines have won the last five. ... It may be a must-win for the Tigers after last week’s tough loss if they want to stay in the race for a region title. This game has decided each of the last three region champions. But, the Tigers still have unbeatens Athens Academy and George Walton to close out the season. ... The Wolverines offense, other than a 7-point showing in a OT in over Athens Christian, has been clicking again this season. They are averaging 38.7 ppg in their other four contests. George Walton had allowed just 13 points all season until yielding 39 to the Wolverines last week. ... The Commerce offense was derailed for the first time this season last week. The Tigers were averaging 44.6 ppg before being held to their lowest output in 11 games (last year’s loss to Prince Avenue). They did fight back from a 14-0 deficit to tie the game but ran just three plays in the fourth quarter as the defense could not get the Athens Christian offense off the field.
WALNUT GROVE at JOHNSON
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium, Oakwood
-- WALNUT GROVE (1-4, 0-1 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 35-0 to Loganville last week
-- JOHNSON (0-5, 0-1 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 46-7 to Flowery Branch last week
-- NOTABLE: Walnut Grove leads series 2-0. The Warriors won last meeting 29-14 in 2011 in Oakwood. ... A huge game for the Knights, who are trying to snap a 9-game losing streak, and get back in the region race. With games against No. 1 Buford and Clarke Central to follow, the Knights need some momentum. ... Johnson had gotten its offense going the previous two weeks with 56 points but the defense gave up 377 yards rushing to the Falcons and has allowed 47.5 ppg over its last four games. ... The Warriors have been outscored 131-32 in their four losses.
WHITE COUNTY at LUMPKIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
-- RADIO: northgeorgiasportslink.com
-- WHITE COUNTY (1-4, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Lost 46-0 to Dawson County last week
-- LUMPKIN COUNTY (2-2, 1-0 Region 7-AAA): Defeated East Hall 30-27 last week
-- NOTABLE: White County leads series 34-11-1. The Warriors won the last meeting 31-0 in 2013 in Dahlonega. ... It is a makeup game from their matchup that got wiped during a lightning storm last month. ... The Indians are riding high after opening their region play with a solid win last week behind Zach Matthews, who had 244 yards and 3 TDs last and was named the Locos Grill and Pub Friday Game Night Player of the Week for his effort. They are averaging 24 ppg but giving up 26.2 ppg on defense. ... The Warriors have struggled all season but could build momentum to next week’s 7-AAAA opener with a win. Defensively they have yielded the second-most points in Class AAAA (173, 34.6 ppg). Offensively they are averaging just 12.2 ppg.
WINDER-BARROW at APALACHEE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: R. Harold Harrison Stadium, Winder
-- WINDER-BARROW (3-2, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Defeated North Oconee 38-0 last week
-- APALACHEE (2-2-1, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Defeated Monroe Area 10-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: Series tied 6-6. Winder-Barrow won 45-0 in 2015. The Bulldogs have won three straight in the series after the Wildcats had won five straight. ... The region opener for both teams and both are coming off big wins. The Wildcats are riding their first two-game win streak since 2012 but are just 1-25 in region play since 2013. ... Winder-Barrow needs a quick start in the region with Lanier and Gainesville to follow. The same for the Wildcats, who face a three-game gauntlet of Dacula, Lanier Gainesville after the Bulldoggs. ... The Bulldoggs offense vs. the Apalachee defense may be the key matchup. In their three losses, the Wildcats have allowed 25.1 ppg but just 20 total points (10 ppg) during their win streak. For the Bulldoggs, in their three wins they have scored 114 points (38 ppg) but in their two losses just 7 total points. ... The Wildcats will need to keep it a low-scoring game. They are averaging just 14 ppg on the season.
