Styles clash for Falcons, Warriors

GAINESVILLE - A contrast in styles will highlight the Flowery Branch-White County game Friday night in Cleveland.

The wishbone attack of Flowery Branch and the wide-open, spread passing attack of White County should make for an interesting Region 7-AAA game.

"The fans should see a little of everything," Flowery Branch coach Lee Shaw said.

The Falcons (2-4, 2-4) had a shot at a .500 record last week but played perhaps their worst game of the year in a 43-0 loss to Johnson.

After four solid games in a row, Shaw said his young team showed its age last week with mental mistakes and breakdowns.

"It kind of snowballed on us but Johnson just outplayed us," Shaw said. "It was the worst effort we've put in this year. We're young and we had a good stretch there but it just shows that we still have a ways to go. but we're still heading in the right direction."

White Co. (0-6, 0-6) is much the same as Flowery branch with a young team still finding its way. Giving up the big play and turnovers plagued the Warriors in a 41-14 loss to Fannin County last week.

The week before they played near flawless in a 23-20 loss to Pickens County, and had chances to win. Coach Mark Wilson said his team is still striving for consistency.

"We made some young mistakes but when we cut down on those we have a chance. We showed that against Pickens but kind of stepped back last week. That's going to happen with inexperience," Wilson said.

Ryan Locklear, who moved in from Habersham County last month, has led the Warriors spread offense along with receivers Rashaad Norman and Nick Winters. But they lost their offensive leader - and leading rusher - G.J. Cheek for the season.

"That was big blow," Wilson said. "But Ryan has gotten better each game and our offense has improved."

Cheek had accounted for nearly 50 percent of the Warriors offense to that point in the season

Shaw said they aren't taking anything for granted. They still have their eyes on a still-obtainable playoff spot.

"Last week hurt and I don't know that we've really talked about (the playoffs)," he said. "But until we're out of it, we have a chance. We've shown we can play with people if we play smart. White County is a much-improved team since losing to Gainesville (56-6) in their opener. We better be ready or we'll get beat."