Jeff Hart

North Hall advanced to the next round of the Area 8-AAA volleyballl tournament Thursday night with a 29-27, 25-18 sweep over Monroe Area.

For the Atlanta Dream, the task is clear: Start making free throws and keep Minnesota off the line to avoid being swept in the WNBA finals for a second straight year.

Aaron Murray threw two touchdown passes in the first quarter, Isaiah Crowell ran for 104 yards and Georgia took advantage of a strong start to beat Mississippi State 24-10 on Saturday.

Minnesota steamrolled the rest of the league, finishing with a 27-7 record that was six games better than the next closest team. The Atlanta Dream lost to Seattle in the finals last year, a run that they say prepared them to take on the best team in the league as they prepare to open the WNBA Finals on Sunday night.

As Friday night showed, what you do prior to the region and subregion season may have absolutely no bearing on what happens once those schedules commence.

West Hall won its first game of the year with a solid 38-9 win over Walnut Grove Friday night in both teams' Region 8B-AAA opener.

Brian Shirreffs threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns but it wasn't enough to lead Jefferson against North Oconee Friday night in a critical Region 8B-AA game.

Dustin Scott rushed for 148 yards and three touchdowns to lead Jackson County to a much-needed 29-13 win over Oglethorpe County in Region 8B-AA Friday night.

Class AA No. 1 Buford showed off its versatility Friday night against Decatur in both teams' Region 6A-AA opener.

Jamond Witt set the tone early and then helped carry East Hall to a 35-14 win over Rabun County Friday night in both teams' Region 8A-AA opener at East Hall Stadium.