Here's a look at five things we learned from Week 2 of the 2018 high school football season...
1. Jefferson is right back on track
The Dragons opened the season with a tough loss at Oconee County on Aug. 17 and then had to sit on that result for an extra week. Instead of letting it fester, however, Jefferson used the experience to get better and uncorked its frustrations on West Hall in Friday's 48-6 victory. The Dragons rolled up 334 yards rushing and held West Hall to 144 total yards and just 70 yards rushing on 37 attempts in the win, moving to 1-1 on the season. Jefferson showed a three-headed rushing attack behind quarterback Colby Clark (70 yards), running back Donsha Gaither (89 yards) and Jacob Thompson (71 yards), a combination that could prove key to the remaining schedule. What was perhaps most devastating was Jefferson's special teams, as the ninth-ranked Dragons blocked three kicks. Jefferson scored 35 first half points to put the contest out of reach as they began to focus on the remainder of 2018. It continues this week with an intriguing contest versus out-of-state foes Southside of Greenville, South Carolina.
2. Flowery Branch has the defense to get it done
Clarke Central features two of the best running backs in the area in Jonathan Sewell and O’Brien Barnett, but in Friday's game versus the Branch, the duo managed just 100 yards combined -- as opposed to the near 200 they averaged in two prior victories. It was a performance that ensured the Gladiators never grabbed the momentum in what proved a four-quarter battle. It was an impressive feat and displayed the kind of stout defensive play that wins big games -- and the Falcons are sure to be in several more of those thanks to their defensive prowess. The Branch features both size and speed on the defensive side of the ball, and while it is certain to be tested in upcoming contests -- especially by region foes Blessed Trinity, Marist and Denmark -- it could be the anchor for the Falcons' postseason hopes.
3. Union County is building some offensive momentum
We wondered how the Panthers would look after another group of offensive standouts graduated after 2017. We wonder no more. Granted, Union County had far more depth than Towns County could muster on Friday. But it wasn't depth that proved the difference in the Panthers' 45-7 win -- it was explosive offense. New Union County starting quarterback Pierson Allison looks more than comfortable leading the Panthers' spread attack, and he helped the Panthers run away from a tough Indians squad by passing for 217 yards and two scores while also rushing for 32 yards. Allison got a big assist from receiver Kyle Morlock, who caught 6 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown -- including 5 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Running back Chad Buzzard also rushed 14 times for 60 yards and two touchdowns. This week will tell us more in a contest against their neighbors to the west, Fannin County, but we bet the Panthers offense will be a handful for everyone left on the schedule.
4. Hab Central looks like it is on to something big
We've already discussed Habersham Central turning the corner mentally. Now it looks as if the Raiders (2-1) are turning the corner defensively. Habersham held White County's explosive offense in relative check on Friday, limiting the Warriors to 317 total yards, including 131 passing to one of the area's most promising quarterbacks in J Ben Haynes, who completed 9 of 25 attempts against the Raiders, who picked off two passes. With Benji Harrison's spread attack rolling up its usual yardage and points, if Habersham has now added defensive solidity, watch out for something big in Mt. Airy.
5. Region 8A is proving as tough as advertised
Prior to 2018, we had a hunch that the teams of Region 8-A would make the league as tough as ever -- and this is a region that provided two state semifinal teams in 2017. Well, 8-A may be even better in 2018. So far 8-A programs are a whopping 16-5 in non-region play, including five undefeated programs (Commerce, Prince Avenue Christian, Athens Academy, George Walton Academy and Providence Christian). Region 7-4A has a similar heavyweight feel, but it is the depth of 8-A that is setting it apart. Even most of the programs with losses on their resume in 8-A have recent playoff histories and legitimate playoff goals in 2018.
FRIDAY'S SCORES FOR AREA TEAMS
Commerce 33, Hart County 21
Deerfield Beach, (Fla.) 19, Buford 14
East Jackson 10, Oglethorpe County 7
Flowery Branch 28, Clarke Central 14
Georgia Force 27, Lakeview Academy 7
Habersham Central 34, White County 20
Jackson County 45 Lumpkin County 0
Jefferson 48, West Hall 6
Johnson 34, Cherokee Bluff 13
Lambert 16, Gainesville 15
North Hall 27, Cherokee 17
Union County 45, Towns County 7
Woodland, Cartersville 55, East Hall 6
SEPT. 7 SCHEDULE FOR AREA TEAMS
Andrews, N.C. at Towns County
Apalachee at Jackson County
Athens Academy at Cherokee Bluff
East Hall at Chestatee
East Jackson at Banks County
Fannin County at Union County
Franklin County at Habersham Central
Johnson at Riverside Military
Lumpkin County at Gilmer
St. Francis at Lakeview Academy
Southside, S.C. at Jefferson
Stephens County at Rabun County
West Hall at Dawson County
Winder-Barrow at Flowery Branch
White County at Pickens
