Jeff Hart

Those doubting the strength of Region 7-AAA in the Class AAA state football playoffs should take another look. Three teams – Gainesville, North Hall, and Flowery Branch - advanced Friday night after first round action against what was considered a strong group of teams from Region 8-AAA.

Despite a season-opening 28-25 loss to Stephens County, Flowery Branch football coach Lee Shaw said he would have no problem if his Falcons played a similar game Friday night against the Indians in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs.

While rookie Matt Ryan put in another solid day, Drew Brees threw a season-high three interceptions, the last of them returned 95 yards for a touchdown by Chevis Jackson, and Atlanta beat up on the New Orleans Saints 34-20 Sunday.

Georgia Tech guard Lewis Clinch will miss at least the first seven games of his senior season because he is academically ineligible.

Samford survived a sluggish start and got strong performances from Chris Evans and Dustin Taliaferro to beat Georgia Southern 27-17 Saturday.

Kamau Leitner threw a 42-yard touchdown to Johnathan Johnson with 28 seconds left and Edward Waters rallied to beat Savannah State 26-21 on Saturday.

Despite not winning a team or individual title, the girls contingent from Region 7-AAA in Saturday’s Class AAA state meet at Carrollton High School showed it may well be the best and most competitive in the state.

While both the Flowery Branch and North Hall cross country teams came into Saturday's Class AAA state meet looking for titles, both teams also were looking to make a statement to the rest of the state about which region is No. 1 in the state.

Riverside Military Academy wrapped up a playoff spot in Region 8-AA with a solid 33-0 win over Dawson County Friday night.

Jefferson completed the first-ever undefeated season in school history Friday night with a 48-0 win over East Jackson in Region 8-AA action.