Here’s a look at five things we learned from Week 2 of the high school football season...
1. Intense rivalry set-up for marquee status this week
Jefferson is rolling, Commerce has dominated -- and now they get to play each other. The Dragons (3-0) and Tigers (2-0) have their own version of good, clean, old-fashioned hate, and it will play out for the 70th time on Friday in Commerce. And we can’t wait. Both teams’ run games have bludgeoned all five opponents faced so far this season, sophomore Colby Wood leading the way for Jefferson (612 yards rushing in three games), while a number of backs have combined for Commerce (702 yards rushing in two games), including Will Thomas (248 yards on 21 carries). Both run games are also paced by stellar offensive line play -- not that either defense has been poor. The Dragons are allowing 8 points per game, while the Tigers are yielding just 6.5 -- and both are coming off shutout performances. The only thing this game doesn’t have going for it is playoff consequences, as it is a non-region match-up. But that shouldn’t take anything away from a rivalry that has been controlled by Jefferson of late. The Dragons have won seven of the last eight battles, turning the tide of a rivalry previously dominated by the Tigers, who won 12 straight from 1995-2006. Commerce still owns a 42-22-5 lead over the previous 69 match-ups. Yet this 70th showdown has the air of something extra special about it.
2. Jackson County back on rise, set for huge test
Leading into the season coach Brandon Worley knew his team had potential, but the first-year head coach had to wonder how the Panthers would respond to a change in staffs and offensive schemes. So far the answer has been pretty impressive. Jackson County is 2-0 for the first time since 2010, with successive wins over Madison County and White County. While that doesn’t guarantee anything for the future, it certainly bodes well for a team that had plenty of veterans returning -- especially along the line of scrimmage. The Panthers’ resurgence will be put to its biggest test so far this week, as they play host to Rabun County. The Wildcats (2-1) are rolling after a season-opening loss to Jefferson and will challenge Jackson County with several outstanding athletes. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers react; they certainly have given a good account of themselves so far -- including holding White County to 50 total yards last week.
3. North Forsyth offense has regained its rhythm
Last season the Raiders scored 81 points -- all season. In 2015 North Forsyth already has 61 points after two games played and is 1-1, also already matching its win total from 2014. And from the way things looked on Friday, the Raiders have a great chance at continuing that trend. North Forsyth has found a group of playmakers to pin its rebound on, including Simon Holcomb, Jacob Baity and Cody Dwyer. Holcomb was particularly impressive in the victory over Chattahoochee, rushing for 132 yards and three touchdowns, as well as catching a 52-yard scoring pass. North Forsyth faces a key matchup with Northview this week; win that and the Raiders will be well on their way to something big.
4. Union County has found playmakers to replace graduated stars
Everyone knew that the Panthers would lean on star quarterback Joseph Mancuso in 2015. The question was who would take up the other starring roles after Union County graduated a number of playmakers from the 2014 squad. After two games it would seem the Panthers (2-0) have found their new standouts. Sam Gilbert is reprising his role at receiver, but Knox Kiernan and Cole Wright also flashed their big-play ability in last week’s 51-28 win over Lumpkin County, providing the kind of support that takes offenses to another level. Yes, it helps to have stellar quarterback play, but without playmakers at other positions, no team takes the next step. And Union County looks like a team ready to do just that.
5. Buford is by no means down
OK, yes, “the streak” is over. But, while impressive, the past will have very little bearing on what happens to the Wolves the rest of this season. And while they will be disappointed after falling at McEachern last week, don’t expect that result to act as any sort of harbinger. Even in defeat, the Wolves showed they are still a very strong team -- they trailed the Class AAAAAA title hopefuls just 17-14 in the third quarter before the Indians, riddled with top-level collegiate talent, pulled away. Most impressively, Buford’s lines of scrimmage battled McEachern’s to a standstill for most of the contest -- and the Wolves will only get better. Buford now has a week off to regroup and hone its abilities. And you can bet a rare setback will only motivate Buford even more. By the end of the season the McEachern result may even be the lynchpin for yet another Georgia Dome run.
WEEK 2 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCORES, SEPT. 4
Banks County 27, Johnson 14
Commerce 35, Hebron Christian Academy 0
Dawson County 23, Gilmer 9
Elbert County 34, Stephens County 30
Fannin County 22, Murray County 10
Jackson County 17, White County 0
Jefferson 35, North Hall 0
Lakeview Academy 20, St. Francis 7
Lanier 37, Clarke Central 20
Loganville 35, Flowery Branch 0
McEachern 37, Buford 14
Mill Creek 34, Dacula 7
Mount Vernon 31, Towns County 7
North Gwinnett 31, Hillgrove 19
North Forsyth 37, Chattahoochee 27
Northview 54, Habersham Central 31
Pickens 52, East Hall 28
Rabun County 35, Mt. Pisgah Christian 10
Union County 51, Lumpkin County 28
West Hall 42, Chestatee 3
Winder-Barrow 45, Apalachee 0
WEEK 3 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE, SEPT. 11
Banks County at East Jackson
Fannin County at Armuchee
Gainesville at Winder-Barrow
Habersham Central at South Forsyth
Hapeville at Riverside Military
Heritage, Catoosa at Dawson County
Jefferson at Commerce
Lanier at Flowery Branch
Lumpkin County at Johnson
North Forsyth at Northview
Pepperell at Chestatee
Rabun County at Jackson County
Salem at Apalachee
Stephens County at Blue Ridge, S.C.
Towns County at Lakeview Academy
Union County at Andrews, N.C.
West Hall at North Hall
White County at Pace Academy
