Friday night could be the pivotal night for several area teams looking to make the playoffs or begin a playoff run. It could also be the night that several playoff dreams begin to fall apart.
With nearly two dozen games involving northeast Georgia teams, it figures to be one of the busiest, and most crucial, weekends of the high school football season.
Leading the way this week is Region 8-AAAAAA, where the top three teams will be in action, highlighted by a monster showdown at City Park Stadium between Dacula and Gainesville. Both teams are coming off big wins last week and the winner will begin to separate itself in the race for a home playoff game and a region title shot. In Sugar Hill, Habersham Central will try to get back in the region race against Lanier, which has regained its form after winning two straight region titles and will also look to solidify it spot atop 8-AAAAAA.
(NOTE: For a look at all of the region standings for teams throughout northeast Georgia, simply click here.)
Region 7-AAA also will see movement in the standings via three big matchups. Dawson County travels to Fannin County (Click here for a feature on the Tigers); Lumpkin County heads to Class AAA No. 1 Greater Atlanta Christian; and Union County plays host to North Hall as teams jockey for position and a shot at home field advantage and a region title.
In Region 7-AAAA, Chestatee and West Hall face big tasks in a pair of ranked teams. Chestatee heads to Roswell to take on No. 3 Blessed Trinity while the Spartans play host to No. 10 Marist. The Spartans are looking to make a statement that they are ready to compete for their second region title in three years while taking on one of the traditional state powerhouses (Marist is in the midst of a 22-season state playoff streak).
Flowery Branch, meanwhile, faces a big task in Region 8-AAAAA after a tough loss to Walnut Grove last week and plays host to Loganville looking to rebound -- a win would go a long way in the playoff hunt.
For a look at all of the night's contests involving area teams, simply scroll down. And be sure to check back with AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night throughout the night for score updates and game stories and video highlights. You can also check for scores and highlights on our Twitter feed: @FridayGameNight
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Oct. 14
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BUFORD at CEDAR SHOALS
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Waters-Wilkins Stadium, Athens
-- BUFORD (5-1, 2-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Ranked No. 1 in Class AAAAA; defeated Johnson 48-0 last week
-- CEDAR SHOALS (3-3, 0-2 Region 8-AAAAA): Bye last week; lost 33-0 to Flowery Branch two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The Wolves are rolling and look in mid-season form. They have won five straight and averaged 45.4 ppg on offense and have allowed just 59 points (11.8 ppg) during the win streak. ... Buford’s Christian Turner had a game in the first quarter last week with 154 yards and 3 TDs on just 6 carries in the first 12 minutes. ... The Jaguars have lost three straight and struggled on both sides of the ball. They have scored just 22 points (7.1 ppg) and allowed 99 points (33 ppg) during the losing streak.
CHESTATEE at BLESSED TRINITY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Blessed Trinity Stadium, Roswell
-- CHESTATEE (3-4, 0-1 Region 7-AAAA): Lost 35-28 to West Hall last week
-- BLESSED TRINITY (5-2, 1-0 Region 7-AAAA): Ranked No. 6 in Class AAAA; defeated White County 34-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The War Eagles are riding their first two-game losing streak of the season and face perhaps their toughest task of the season against the 2015 Class AAA state runner-up Titans. ... The Chestatee offense continues to roll along and is 7th in Class AAAA in scoring (229, 32.7 ppg). The Titans have allowed 148 points (21.1 ppg) but 98 points came vs. two out-of-state opponents. Against Georgia opponents, they have yielded just 50 points (7.1 ppg) on the season. ... Chestatee’s Nick Lyles was 6th in the state in rushing (922 yards) and Baylee Camp was 12th in receiving (561 yards) before last week’s game. ... The problem for the War Eagles has been defense, which has allowed the third-most points in AAAA (235, 33.5 ppg) while the Titans are averaging 26 ppg on the season.
CLARKE CENTRAL at JOHNSON
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium, Oakwood
-- CLARKE CENTRAL (3-4, 1-2 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 43-37 to Loganville in OT last week
-- JOHNSON (0-7, 0-3 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 48-0 to Buford last week
-- NOTABLE: Clarke Central leads series 16-1-1. The two teams have not met since 1987, a 24-7 Gladiators win. They two teams met every year from 1972 to 1987. The only Johnson win in the series was the first-ever meeting in 1972, a 23-12 win in Athens. ... The Knights have really struggled in the region being shutout in their last two games and scoring just 7 total points. They have yielded 40.6 ppg in region contests. ... The Gladiators have lost two straight and given up 87 points (43.5 ppg) in that span. They are fifth in the region standings and cannot afford a letdown. ... Johnson could play spoiler in the region with a season-ending game against Loganville, which is tied with Buford for the region lead.
COMMERCE at RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Maginnis Field, Gainesville
-- COMMERCE (4-2, 3-2 Region 8-A): Ranked No. 8 in Class A Public; defeated Providence Christian 63-0 last week
-- RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY (1-5, 1-5 Region 8-A): Bye last week; lost 42-0 to Athens Academy two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Commerce leads series 2-1. The Tigers won the last meeting, 42-0, in 2011 in Gainesville. ... The Tigers took out their frustrations on Providence Christian with their second-biggest offensive output in school history. According to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, the 63 points was second only to the Tigers’ 83-0 win over East Hall in 1966. The win also snapped a two-game losing streak. ... Riverside has struggled all season scoring just 47 total points (7.8 ppg) while allowing 28.6 ppg. ... Commerce needs more big wins as the Tigers sit just 13th in the latest Power Rankings where the top 16 teams make the playoffs. Defensively they have been tough allowing no more than 21 points and just 64 points (10.6 ppg). They also can’t afford any slip ups with ranked teams Athens Academy and George Walton looming over the final two weeks.
DACULA at GAINESVILLE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
-- RADIO: 1240 ESPN Radio
-- DACULA (2-4, 1-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Defeated Apalachee 26-7 last week
-- GAINESVILLE (3-3, 1-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Defeated Habersham Central 24-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: Dacula leads the series 2-0. The Falcons won the last meeting, 51-27, in 1997 when both were members of Region 8-AA. ... Huge game for both teams, who expected to challenge for a region title. Part of a three-way tie with Lanier atop the region standings. ... The Falcons battled injuries during a brutal non-region schedule but are getting healthy and opened region play with their best offensive game since their season-opener. But, defense may be the key for them. In their two wins, they have allowed just 20 points. In their four losses, they have allowed 29.5 ppg. ... Gainesville had its best defensive effort of the season last week holding down a potent Habersham offense that was averaging 29 ppg to just 183 yards and just one touchdown. ... Red Elephants QB DJ Irons has his best game of the season with 285 yards and 3 TDs passing last week. ... The winner will have an early inside-track to a region title but both still have Lanier and Winder-Barrow left to play. Dacula is 0-3 on the road this season but Gainesville is just 1-2 at City Park this season.
DAWSON COUNTY at FANNIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Rebel Stadium, Blue Ridge
-- RADIO: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
-- DAWSON COUNTY (4-1, 2-0 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Union County 57-26 last week
-- FANNIN COUNTY (2-4, 0-2 Region 7-AAA): Bye last week; lost 52-10 to No. 1 GAC two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Fannin County leads series 8-4. The Rebels won 31-15 in 2015 in Blue Ridge. The two teams have met every year since 2006. ... Dawson County is just 2-4 all-time in Blue Ridge. Fannin County has won two straight in the series. ... Last week’s win for the Tigers was not necessarily a surprise but the 57 points was impressive against a Union defense that allowed just 35 to powerful and NO. 1 GAC three weeks ago. Tigers’ ran for 318 yards behind QB Coey Watson. The special teams has been devastating with a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns the last two weeks by Kolton Brumbelow. ... The Rebels defense has struggled this year allowing 47 or more points three times (twice to spread attacks similar the the Tigers). Fannin does have QB Brad Davis, who has among the state’s passing leaders most of the season but the Rebels have been held to just 19 points during their current two-game losing streak. ... The Tigers defense has allowed some points the past two weeks but has been tough in key situations. They stuffed North Hall twice inside the 10 to grab momentum for its offense and last week held down the Panthers in the first half while building a big lead.
EAST JACKSON at FRANKLIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Ed Bryant Stadium, Carnesville
-- EAST JACKSON (2-4, 0-2 Region 8-AAA): Lost 28-16 to Monroe Area last week
-- FRANKLIN COUNTY (2-5, 1-1 Region 8-AAA): Defeated Jackson County 21-14 last week
-- NOTABLE: Franklin County leads series 4-0. The Lions won 56-21 in 2015. ... Both teams are still alive for a playoff spot in a region where only Morgan County has a winning record. A loss for the Eagles may knock them out of any chance for a playoff spot but a win would give them the tiebreaker over the Lions and pull them within a game of second place. ... But, the Eagles will need to solve its defensive problems. They have allowed 35 ppg in region while the Lions have averaged 30 ppg on offense in the region. ... Franklin’s win last week snapped a five-game losing streak.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at LANIER
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Longhorn Stadium, Sugar Hill
-- RADIO: 99.3 WCON
-- HABERSHAM CENTRAL (4-2, 0-1 Region 8-AAAAAA): Lost 24-7 to Gainesville last week
-- LANIER (4-2, 1-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Defeated Winder-Barrow 34-21 last week
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The Longhorns are finally rolling, and it’s been primarily been the offense that has led a three-game win streak. They have averaged 31.6 ppg during the streak after scoring just 41 total points during a 1-2 start to the season. ... The Raiders have found the going a little tougher since a 3-0 start going just 1-2 since. The offense also has hit a lull scoring just 54 points the past three games (18 ppg) after averaging 31.6 ppg in their first three games. They were held to a season-low 183 total yards and one touchdown last week. ... The Longhorns need wins to stay in the region title chase with Dacula and Gainesville in the final two weeks of the season. A win for the Raiders would keep them alive for a playoff berth.
HART COUNTY at JACKSON COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Panther Stadium, Jefferson
-- HART COUNTY (1-5, 1-0 Region 8-AAA): Bye last week; defeated Franklin County 42-39 two weeks ago
-- JACKSON COUNTY (2-5, 1-1 Region 8-AAA): Lost 21-14 to Franklin County last week
-- NOTABLE: Hart County leads series 13-0. The Bulldogs won 41-24 in 2015. ... This may be the best chance the Panthers have to beat the Bulldogs since dropping a 22-13 decision in 2011. Jackson County has stiffened its defense the last two weeks allowing just 21 ppg after yielding 158 points (39.5 ppg) in a four-game stretch before that. ... Hart County had really struggled on offense the first five games scoring just 25 total points (5.0 ppg) until breaking out against Franklin County. If the Panthers can hold down the Bulldogs on offense they should be able to score some points as the Bulldogs are allowing 34.1 ppg on the season. ... Both teams are still in the mix for a playoff spot and the winner could control their own destiny.
JEFFERSON at NORTH OCONEE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Titan Stadium, Bogart
-- JEFFERSON (5-1, 1-0 Region 8-AAAA): Ranked No. 4 in Class AAAA; defeated Madison County 28-7 two weeks ago
-- NORTH OCONEE (0-6, 0-1 Region 8-AAAA): Lost 55-14 to Oconee County last week
-- NOTABLE: Jefferson leads series 4-2. North Oconee won the last meeting, 38-28, in 2011. The Titans have won the last two meetings. ... We may know who the four playoff teams will be already as the region has four teams that are 5-1 overall but two teams that are winless. ... On paper this looks like a huge mismatch. The Titans are off to their worst start since 2005 and have struggled on both sides of the ball. They have scored the fifth-least points in AAAA (64, 10.6 ppg) and have allowed the 7th-most points (221, 36.8 ppg). Jefferson has won three straight, including a dominant win over previously-unbeaten Madison County. The Dragons have yielded just 35 points (11.6 ppg) during the win streak. ... The Dragons will need to avoid letdowns the next two weeks with winless St. Pius up next before a finish with Stephens County and Oconee County which is sure to decide the region champion.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Keith Henderson Stadium, Monroe
-- LAKEVIEW ACADEMY (1-5, 1-4 Region 8-A): Lost 49-0 to No. 2 Prince Avenue Christian last week
-- GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY (5-1, 4-1 Region 8-A): Defeated Athens Christian 10-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: George Walton leads series 2-0. The Bulldogs won 42-20 in 2015. ... The Bulldogs have been as tough as any team in Class A defensively allowing just 59 points, with 39 of those coming in a loss to Prince Avenue. The Lions had gotten their offense untracked until last week scoring 52 points in the previous two games. ... However, the Lakeview defense has struggled allowing 28 or more points in all but one game.
LAMBERT at NORTH FORSYTH
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
-- LAMBERT (3-3, 1-0 Region 5-AAAAAAA): Defeated South Forsyth 28-20 last week
-- NORTH FORSYTH (4-2, 1-0 Region 5-AAAAAAA): Defeated Forsyth Central 28-15 last week
-- NOTABLE: Lambert leads series 4-0. The Longhorns won 42-14 in 2015. ... All four meetings have been since 2012 and this will be the fourth time they have met in Coal Mountain. ... A huge game for both teams. The Raiders -- click here for a look at thier offensive resurgence -- begin a tough stretch with South Forsyth and West Forsyth to follow. A win for North Forsyth would give them control of their playoff fate. ... Only West Forsyth (5-1, 1-0) has more wins than the Raiders in the region. ... The Longhorns have won two straight after a tough non-region schedule. ... It has been a tough matchup for the Raiders, who have never scored more than 14 points (10 ppg) against the Longhorns and have yielded 27 ppg in the series. But, the Raiders new offense led by Jr. QB Ben Bales and seniors Simon Holcombe (39 rec. 638 yards, 5 TDs), and RB Griffin Heffington (82-415, 7 TDs) and So. RB Bryson Twigg (86-384, 1 TD) gives them plenty of firepower this time around. They are averaging 25.3 ppg and the Lambert defense is allowing 30.6 ppg ... The Longhorns are averaging 30 ppg while the Raiders are yielding 24.5 ppg.
LOGANVILLE at FLOWERY BRANCH
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Falcons Field, Flowery Branch
-- RADIO: WDUN AM 550
-- LOGANVILLE (5-1, 2-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Defeated Clarke Central 43-37 in OT last week
-- FLOWERY BRANCH (3-4, 2-1 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 41-7 to Walnut Grove last week
-- NOTABLE: Flowery Branch leads series 5-1. Loganville won 35-0 in 2015. All six meetings have been since 2010. ... The Falcons sit tied for third in the region after last week’s loss (though Walnut Grove now has the head-to-head tiebreaker) and need to win at least one of their final three contests (they close with Clarke Central and Buford) to stay in the postseason race. A win tonight would put them in second place and back in the running for a home playoff spot. A loss tonight would put them in a must-win position against Clarke Central. ... Loganville is rolling with four straight wins and tied with Buford atop the region standings. The Red Devils have outscored the opposition 140-44 in that span.
LUMPKIN COUNTY at GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Spartan Sports Complex, Norcross
-- RADIO: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
-- LUMPKIN COUNTY (3-3, 1-1 Region 7-AAA): Lost 28-20 to North Hall last week
-- GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN (6-1, 3-0 Region 7-AAA): Ranked No. 1 in Class AAA; defeated East Hall 69-12 last week
-- NOTABLE: GAC leads series 6-0. The Spartans won the last meeting in 2005, 35-0, when both were members of Region 8-AA. ... It will be a huge task for the Indians. The Spartans are third in AAA in scoring (260, 37.1 ppg) and sixth in defense (84, 12 ppg). They have won four straight since the return of QB Stanford-commit Davis Mills and have outscored the opposition 193-41 in that span. ... It is just the second road game for the Indians this season. They are just 1-6 in their last 7 road games going back to the 2014 season. ... Lumpkin County had its two-game win streak snapped last week and will try to use its ground game behind Zach Matthews to control the clock and shorten the game. ... The Indians like close games. Their last four games have been decided 8-points or less. ... The Spartans are 21-1 in their 22 home games with the only loss coming in last year’s Class AA semifinals to eventual state champion Pace Academy.
MADISON COUNTY at STEPHENS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: The Reservation, Toccoa
-- MADISON COUNTY (5-1, 0-1 Region 8-AAAA): Bye last week; lost 28-7 to Jefferson two weeks ago
-- STEPHENS COUNTY (5-1, 1-0 Region 8-AAAA): defeated St. Pius 27-13 last week
-- NOTABLE: Stephens County leads series 28-8. The Indians won 39-13 in 2015. It is a series that goes back to 1962. Stephens County has won 14 straight and 17 of the last 18 meetings going back to 1986. The last Red Raiders win was in 1989 in Danielsville. ... The Indians need a win to keep pace with Jefferson and Oconee County atop the region. The Red Raiders need a win to get back in the race for a region title. ... Even with a win Madison County would need some help after falling to the Dragons. But, Jefferson still has to play Oconee County and Stephens County. Stephens County holds its region title path in its hands with a win. ... Despite being known more for its spread attack, the Indians defense has been stout allowing just 77 points (12.8 ppg) which is good for 7th-best in Class AAAA. Madison County is averaging 25.5 ppg but ran into a wall vs. Jefferson. ... However, the Red Raiders are 12th in AAAA in defense allowing just 13.8 ppg while the Indians are averaging 31.5 ppg on offense.
MARIST at WEST HALL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Spartan Stadium, Oakwood
-- RADIO: 102.9 FM
-- MARIST (4-2, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Ranked No. 10 in Class AAAA; Bye last week; defeated Gainesville 24-10 two weeks ago
-- WEST HALL (5-2, 1-0 Region 7-AAAA): Defeated Chestatee 35-28 last week
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The Spartans may actually be glad to see the War Eagles, who run the classic ground attack, after facing three consecutive spread attacks. After allowing just 34 total points in their first four games (8.5 ppg) they gave up 85 points (28.3 ppg) over their last three contests. ... It could strength vs. strength as the War Eagles are averaging more than 250 yards a game on the ground behind a talented offensive line. West Hall held similar ground attacks of Johnson and Washington-Wilkes to just 14 total points earlier in the season. ... But the Spartans offense also has begun to click averaging 29.2 ppg behind QB Jacob Satterfield and RB Tyrese Osborne. ... A huge game for both teams with the winner owning control of their region title hopes with both still set to take on favorite Blessed Trinity in the coming weeks.
NORTH GWINNETT at DULUTH
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Tim Maxwell Stadium, Duluth
-- NORTH GWINNETT (3-3, 1-1 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Bye last week; lost 44-17 to No. 2 Mill Creek two weeks ago
-- DULUTH (2-4, 0-2 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Lost 38-18 to Collins Hill last week
-- NOTABLE: Series is tied 23-23-1. North Gwinnett won 53-7 in 2015. The Bulldogs have won 18 straight over the Wildcats. ... The Bulldogs have dominated the series during its win streak outscoring the Wildcats by an average 38.8-12.1 with four shutout victories. ... Duluth has lost three straight and defense has been the issue. After allowing just 34 points in their first three games (11.3 ppg) they have yielded 41.6 ppg during their losing streak. North Gwinnett is averaging 31.3 ppg. ... The Bulldogs can’t be caught looking ahead with two playoff-deciding games against Peachtree Ridge and Collins Hill to follow. They control their fate for a home field game in the first game if they can win out.
NORTH HALL at UNION COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Mike Colwell Stadium, Blairsville
-- NORTH HALL (5-2, 2-1 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Lumpkin County 28-20 last week
-- UNION COUNTY (5-2, 1-2 Region 7-AAA): Lost 57-26 to Dawson County last week
-- NOTABLE: Union County leads series 3-0. First meeting since 1967, a 38-6 Panthers win at home. ... It is a huge game for both teams. North Hall wants to keep momentum rolling with No. 1 GAC coming to The Brickyard next week while the Panthers are trying to stay in the race for a playoff berth. ... Union County needs to find some answers on defense. The Panthers have been torched for 138 points (46 ppg) over their last three games going just 1-2. North Hall’s wing-T gives everyone trouble and Union allowed 316 yards rushing to Dawson last week. ... It will be the fifth spread attack offense the Trojans will have played this season and they are 3-1 in those games to date. But, the Panthers run a similar style as Dawson County, which beat the Trojans 45-27 two weeks ago. ... North Hall RB Kyle Bacus was 6th in the state in rushing going into last week’s game.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY at BANKS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Leopards Stadium, Homer
-- OGLETHORPE COUNTY (0-6, 0-3 Region 8-AA): Lost 27-6 to Elbert County last week
-- BANKS COUNTY (2-4, 1-1 Region 8-AA): Bye last week; lost 46-3 to No. 3 Rabun County two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Oglethorpe County leads series 10-7. The Patriots won the last meeting 28-12 in 2009. ... It’s a series that has started and stopped several times since the first meeting in 1969. This will be the seventh meeting since 2002 but just the third since 2005. ... A crucial game for the Leopards, who are tied for third with Monticello but own the head-to-head tiebreaker after beating the Hurricanes three weeks ago. ... The Leopards have a chance to build some wins with their next three opponents, including Oglethorpe, just 3-17 combined. However, they also cannot be looking past any of the three with a possible showdown for second place looming against Elbert County to end the season. ... Don’t expect much defense in this one as both teams have allowed 209 points, which is tied for 9th-worst in Class AA. But, the Patriots are averaging just 9.6 ppg in region games. ... Oglethorpe has lost eight straight games and 16 of their 17 going back to the 2014 season.
PEACHTREE RIDGE at MILL CREEK
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Mill Creek Community Stadium, Hoschton
-- PEACHTREE RIDGE (2-4, 1-1 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Lost 21-20 to Mountain View last week
-- MILL CREEK (7-0, 3-0 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Ranked No. 2 in Class AAAAAAA; defeated Discovery 62-0 last week
-- NOTABLE: Series is tied 5-5. Mill Creek won 20-17 in OT in 2015. The Hawks have won two straight and 4 of the last 6 in the series. ... The Lions are off to their worst start since 2012, the last time they missed the playoffs. But, three of their losses have been by 3 points or less. ... The Hawks will have to be on guard against a Lions squad that is sure to play with desperation. Another region loss for the Lions could knock them out of any playoff contention. ... The Hawks are playing at near-max capacity. They are 2nd in AAAAAAA in scoring (276, 39.4 ppg) and 3rd in defense (61, 8.7 ppg). After giving up 27 to defending state champion Colquitt County in the season-opener, they have allowed just 34 points (5.6 ppg) since. ... Peachtree Ridge is averaging 25.5 ppg but has scored more than 10 points vs. the Hawks just once over the past four meetings.
SOCIAL CIRCLE at RABUN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
-- SOCIAL CIRCLE (2-5, 1-2 Region 8-AA): Lost 27-0 to Monticello last week
-- RABUN COUNTY (5-0, 2-0 Region 8-AA): Ranked No. 3 in Class AA; defeated Putnam County 57-0 last week
-- NOTABLE: Rabun County leads series 4-0. The Wildcats won 44-0 in 2015 in Tiger. ... It looks like another mismatch on paper for the Wildcats, who are among the classification leaders in both offense (2nd in scoring avg. 210, 42 ppg) and 1st in defense allowing a classification-low 30 points (6.0 ppg). ... The Redskins are tied for 10th-worst in defense allowing 207 points (29.5 ppg) and have scored just 89 points (12.7 ppg) on the season. ... Social Circle has lost two straight.
TOWNS COUNTY at ATHENS CHRISTIAN
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Eagle Field, Athens
-- TOWNS COUNTY (2-4, 1-4 Region 8-A): Bye last week; lost 31-13 to Hebron Christian two weeks ago
-- ATHENS CHRISTIAN (3-3, 2-3 Region 8-A): Lost 10-7 to George Walton Academy last week
-- NOTABLE: Athens Christian leads series 10-0. The Eagles won 35-7 in 2015. All 10 meetings have been since 2000. ... The Indians can play spoiler the next two weeks for teams looking to make the playoffs. The Eagles are tied for 16th in the Power Rankings in Class A with the top 16 teams making the playoffs. ... Towns County has been nothing if not consistent on offense scoring 13, 13, 14, and 13 in their last four games. Defensively the Indians have allowed 30.5 ppg in that span. ... Five of the Eagles six games have been decided by 7 points or less.
