Thursday March 28th, 2024 10:34AM

Week 8: Instant classic, region showdowns highlight big night for area programs

The defending Class 4A state champs came within inches of suffering their first loss of the season on a huge night for football in northeast Georgia.

In the end Flowery Branch just missed out on knocking off Blessed Trinity in a 21-20 overtime loss at Falcon Field. Yet that was just a small part of an eye-opening of results in Week 8.

(NOTE: To see a round-up of Friday's scores from around the area scroll down. And visit our Friday Game Night page for video highlights and game stories.)

Region 7-4A was rocking on Friday night -- and not just in Flowery Branch.

Just across I-985, White County and West Hall lit up the scoreboard, with the Warriors holding on for a 48-34 shootout win to stay alive in the postseason race in 7-4A and set up an interesting final few weeks in the league.

Region 8-A, North also has plenty of intrigue remaining, especially for Commerce and Riverside Military, which each control their own destinies after two big wins on Friday. The Tigers held off Hebron Christian 21-18 in Dacula to move to 7-0 on the season. The Eagles, meanwhile, heated up in the second half to notch a 40-0 win over Lakeview Academy and move to 3-0 in subregion play. Riverside plays host to Hebron next week in another key showdown.

Elsewhere, North Hall got its quest for a home playoff game back on track with a dominant, 62-13 win over Fannin County -- handing the Rebels their first region defeat of the campaign, to set up a three-way tie for second place in Region 7-3A with Dawson County (which was on a bye this week) and Fannin. Greater Atlanta Christian also maintained its hold of first place in the region, blanking Lumpkin County 38-0. East Hall also got its first region win, holding off Cherokee Bluff 42-35.

In Region 8-2A, Rabun County and Union County continued on their collision course for the region title. The Wildcats knocked off Elbert County 45-14, and the Panthers pounced on Banks County 49-17. Both teams are 4-0 in league play and face each other on Nov. 2.

The biggest collision in Region 8-3A this season will likely take place next week between Jefferson and Monroe Area. The Dragons handled Morgan County 35-14 on the road and will return home for a top 10 showdown next week with the Purple Hurricanes; both teams are 4-0 in league play. East Jackson also fell 49-7 to Franklin County.

In Region 8-5A, Buford maintained its dominance, storming past Loganville 43-0. Johnson also fell to Cedar Shoals 45-20.

FRIDAY'S AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCORES
Blessed Trinity 21, Flowery Branch 20 OT

Buford 43, Loganville 0

Cedar Shoals 45, Johnson 20

Commerce 21, Hebron Christian 18

East Hall 42, Cherokee Bluff 35

Franklin County 49, East Jackson 7

Greater Atlanta Christian 38, Lumpkin County 0

Jefferson 35, Morgan County 14

North Hall 62, Fannin County 13

Rabun County 45, Elbert County 14

Riverside Military 40, Lakeview Academy 0

Union County 49, Banks County 17

White County 48, West Hall 34

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