Jeff Hart

In a region where most teams are still trying to find themselves, Gainesville made a big statement in Region 7-AAA Friday against Johnson at Ivey-Watson Field.

With thoughts of a Region 7-AAA title still in play for both arch-rival West Hall and Johnson boys soccer teams, Thursday’s key matchup set the stage for what should be an exciting final two weeks of the regular season.

Matt Bradley broke a third-period tie with his first goal in 2 1/2 months and the Washington Capitals snapped a three-game losing streak, delivering a blow to the Atlanta Thrashers' playoff hopes with a 2-1 victory Thursday night.

Gainesville beat West Hall and North Hall in a tri-match in girls golf match Thursday.

The Chestatee boys tennis team won a tight 3-2 match over Lumpkin County Thursday in both teams' Region 7A-AAA season finale.

Flowery Branch got two goals each from Early Acosta and Phillip Abrahamsen in taking a 7-1 win over White County in Region 7-AAA boys soccer action.

The Flowery Branch girls tennis team did not drop a set in taking a 5-0 win over Johnson Thursday in Region 7B-AAA action.

This could be the week that makes or breaks the Johnson Knight baseball team with four straight games against teams considered favorites to make the playoffs in Region 7-AAA. The Knights showed Wednesday night they intend to be a player in the postseason race after pounding White County 14-10 at the Johnson Field.

Pitching and defense are the keys to winning baseball games and right now Lakeview Academy is getting a lot of one and improving on the other.

Slow starts and a lack of finishing games were the main factors in North Hall’s current three-game losing streak. And it looked like more of the same was in store for the Trojans Friday after falling behind 7-0 to Chestatee just eight batters in the two teams Region 7A-AAA game at Jody Davis Field.