Jeff Hart

Joe Horn insists that the Atlanta Falcons have far more at stake than building momentum for 2008. Conventional wisdom might dispute Horn's positive spin. The Falcons (3-8) were outscored by a combined 42 points in home losses the last two weeks, due mostly to injuries that have worn down the offensive line.

The New Orleans Hornets lost a crown or two but they're still playing like kings of the road. Center Tyson Chandler missed the second half after losing two crowns, but the Hornets still continued their road success, beating the Atlanta Hawks 92-86 on Friday night as David West had 22 points and 17 rebounds.

Cook County defeated Greater Atlanta Christian 34-20 Friday night to advance to the Class AA semifinals next week in the Georgia Dome.

The Gwinnett Gladiators could not use two assists by Jeff Campbell to get past the Texas Wildcatters in a 3-2 loss on Friday night at the Ford Arena. The loss was the Gladiators first on the road this season.

For the first time in its history the North Hall football team advanced to the semifinals in any classification after holding on for a thrilling 12-10 win over Perry Friday night in the Class AAA state playoffs.

The Pickens girls basketball team built a 27-point lead but had to hang down the stretch to beat North Hall 76-71 Tuesday night in Region 7-AAA action.

Flowery Branch improved to 3-0 for the first time since 2002 after taking a 50-38 win over Chestatee Tuesday night in Region 7-AAA action. The Lady Falcons displayed a smothering full-court defense most of the game that held the Lady War Eagles to under 10 points in three of four quarters.

There

According to published reports, Buford lost its coin flip with Charlton County Sunday to host the quarterfinal round of the Class AA football playoffs. The only game to be played in northeast Georgia Friday night will be at The Brickyard at North Hall when the Trojans play host to Perry.