Here’s a look at five things we learned from Week 4 of the high school football season...
1. First “judgement night” for Region 8-AAAAA coming this week
Prior to the season, we had an idea that Lanier would be ready for something special as it looked to defend its Region 8-AAAAA crown -- and that still looks the case. But we had no idea just how good Loganville would be, and the Red Devils are set to show just how good this week when they travel to face Lanier. Both teams are undefeated and 3-0 in Region 8-AAAAA, and while this game won’t even come close to deciding the 8-AAAAA race -- Gainesville (2-0 in 8-AAAAA) and Salem (3-0) will most definitely have a say in that -- it will give the winner an early lead and give us a huge indication of what to expect the rest of the way. Loganville faces a daunting task in trying to penetrate the Lanier defense, which has been nothing short of dominant, shutting out its last two 8-AAAAA foes and yielding just over 6 points per game. Loganville enters averaging just over 33 points per game. We can’t wait -- and we know the rest of 8-AAAAA can’t either -- to see who blinks first. (Meanwhile, Winder-Barrow also faces a crucial showdown against Salem to try and get back in the race this week.)
2. A cornered Falcons offense is a dangerous thing
Speaking of 8-AAAAA, the Branch threw its name back in the midst of the league race with an impressive 45-14 beatdown of Heritage on Friday. The offensive outpouring marked the Falcons highest output of the season -- in fact it out-stripped their point total through their first three games -- and showed that they are starting to regain their offensive rhythm after suffering some early injuries to the quarterback position. Any program would struggle after losing its starting quarterback, but the Falcons have twice had to replace their signal caller. The growing pains associated with such a change are appearing to abate, however. That has also been helped by the presence of a strong offensive line, which re-asserted its dominance last week in helping the the Branch to rush for 269 yards. If the Falcons can continue that kind of output this week against Cedar Shoals, they will most assuredly be set for an exciting close to the campaign.
3. Jackson County continues to show it is ready to have a say in 8-AAA playoff race
The Panthers not only showed ability in last week’s 34-28 overtime defeat of East Hall -- led by an outstanding performance from running back Malik Tuck (351 yards rushing, 4 TDs) -- they also, perhaps most importantly, showed grit. Jackson County was one week removed from its first loss of the campaign (21-0 to Rabun County) and fell behind 14-0 to a motivated Vikings squad. To battle back from that and claim a victory shows that the Panthers (now 3-1) are ready for the mental rigors of the ridiculously tough Region 8-AAA schedule ahead. The Panthers will open their region campaign this week against cross-town rival Jefferson -- a team that has steamrolled its four previous foes. And while Jackson County knows that it will face some extreme talent in the coming weeks, you can also rest assured that the Panthers have built plenty of confidence and determination. And from what they’ve shown so far, you can bet that combination will keep them in the conversation as the season continues.
4. Early yet, but 8-AA already looking set for Rabun-Union race
OK, OK, there are plenty of big battles ahead, and we’re getting a little bit ahead of ourselves here. But how can we not salivate over the upcoming showdown between these two teams (on Oct. 9 in Tiger)? Coaches and players have to focus on the game in front of them -- but us fans are allowed a little daydreaming, and we’re already thinking ahead to that contest between two teams that are currently a combined 8-1. Union County has replaced plenty of graduated talent and is rolling behind the leadership of quarterback Joseph Mancuso, while Rabun County is starting to bristle with its offensive weapons that include quarterback Bailey Fisher and Georgia-bound receiver Charlie Woerner. ... That said, both of these teams know they cannot afford to ket up between now and then. And while 8-AA foes like Washington-Wilkes may be 0-4, those four losses have come against teams with a combined record of 13-3. So, no, it’s not just a Wildcats-Panthers race to the finish line. But those two teams are certainly in the pole position.
5. Mill Creek is already historic, may be set for even bigger things
The Hawks had never started a season 4-0 -- until now. And while Mill Creek knows it cannot afford to take a step back in the ultra-competitive Region 7-AAAAAA, the Hawks have to like how things are shaping up for them this season. After replacing a number of offensive standouts, the Hawks look like they have found their next crop of stars -- including quarterback Cameron Turley, running back Joe Thomas and receiver Edmond Graham. They also have a rock-solid defense on which to build their team -- one allowing just over 6 points per game -- as well as a placekicker, Brenton King, on which they can rely. That’s a pretty impressive combo. And while the upcoming slate is sure to push the Hawks, they have shown that they will be a force to be reckoned with.
WEEK 4 AREA FOOTBALL SCORES, SEPT. 18
Athens Academy 14, Commerce 7
Buford 49, White County 3
Carrollton 42, North Hall 3
Collins Hill 52, North Gwinnett 23
Flowery Branch 45, Heritage, Conyers 14
Franklin County 56, East Jackson 21
Gainesville 48, Apalachee 0
Hebron Christian 35, Towns County 0
Jackson County 34, East Hall 28 OT
Lanier 35, Cedar Shoals 0
Loganville 27, Winder-Barrow 20
Lumpkin County 40, Our Lady of Mercy 14
Mill Creek 41, Duluth 0
North Oconee 27, West Hall 7
Pickens 24, Johnson 14
Rabun County 42, Riverside Military 0
South Forsyth 35, North Forsyth 3
Union County 37, Fannin County 31
West Forsyth 54, Habersham Central 20
WEEK FIVE AREA FOOTBALL SCHEDULE, SEPT. 25
Alpharetta at Habersham Central
Apalachee at Clarke Central
Athens Christian at Commerce
Banks County at Franklin County
Cedar Shoals at Flowery Branch
Dawson County at West Hall
East Hall at Lumpkin County
East Jackson at Oconee County
Gainesville at Heritage, Conyers
George Walton Academy at Towns County
Jackson County at Jefferson
Lakeview Academy at Providence Christian (at Shiloh High)
Loganville at Lanier
Mill Creek at North Gwinnett
North Forsyth at Lambert
North Oconee at Chestatee
Riverside Military at Johnson
Salem at Winder-Barrow
Stephens County at North Hall
Union County at Social Circle
