FINALLY!!
The start of the much-anticipated 2016 prep football season officially gets under way Friday night with an abbreviated, but very interesting, slate of games. There are 16 games in all -- highlighted by a behemoth matchup between a pair of 2015 state runners-up as Buford (Class AAAA runner-up) takes on Roswell (Class AAAAAA runner-up) at McEachern in the annual Corky Kell Classic.
Roswell is loaded with half-a-dozen or more Division I prospects and is one of the early-line favorites to win the new Class AAAAAAA state title while the Wolves may actually be in a rebuilding mode (we’ll believe that when we see it) with just two returning starters on defense and questions on both sides of the ball.
However, never count out a Jess Simpson-coached Wolves team.
Another intriguing matchup with be a rematch of last year’s Class AAAAAA semifinal between Mill Creek and defending state champion Colquitt County on Saturday in the Georgia Dome as part of the Corky Kell Classic.
Get your slide-rules ready for this one.
The Packers, who scored 51 last year against the Hawks vaunted defense, are loaded again on offense while the Hawks are replacing nine starters on their defense. But, Mill Creek returns nine starters on an offense that scored 520 points in 2015. Don’t blink or you will definitely miss something in this one.
Also, Gainesville and West Hall will tangle in Oakwood for the first time since 2011 in the first annual Marvin Orenstein Kickoff Classic. The Spartans are looking to show that they are ready to push the program forward while the Red Elephants have several key questions to answer, especially on offense. It could set the tone for both teams in 2016.
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 Week Zero
FRIDAY’S GAMES (Aug. 19)
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BUFORD vs. ROSWELL (CORKY KELL CLASSIC)
-- WHEN: 5:45 p.m.
-- WHERE: McEachern High School (Corky Kell Classic)
-- RADIO: WDUN AM 550
-- BUFORD (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season-opener, 14-1 in 2015, Region 8-AAAA champs, Class AAAA state runner-up
-- ROSWELL (0-0, 0-0 Region 4-AAAAAAA): Season-opener, 13-2 in 2015, Region 5-AAAAAA champs, Class AAAAAA state runner-up
-- NOTABLE: For a full preview story, click here. ... Roswell leads series 11-3. The two schools have not met since 1983, however, with Buford winning that matchup 34-10 at home. ... Buford is putting a big streak on the line in this one. The Wolves have won 17 straight season openers. The last loss to open the season was in 1998, a 30-6 loss to Lincoln County in Lincolnton. ... The Hornets were one of the most explosive teams in the state in 2015 averaging 41.6 ppg and scored 30 or more points 12 times, 40 or more 9 times, 50 or more 5 times, and 60 or more twice. ... The Buford defense only returns 2 starters from a unit that allowed just 110 points (7.3 ppg) in 2015. But, the Wolves return several impact players on offense, including Mic Roof, (1,507 yards passing, 15 TDs) and running backs Christian Turner (788 yards, 10 TDs) and Anthony Grant (743 yards, 9 TDs). ... Roswell returns several high-profile players on offense in TE Tyneil Hopper, three-star running back Sheldon Evans, three-star wide receiver Jayden Comma, offensive tackle Jordan Tucker (three-star, Tennessee), three-star athlete Corey Reed, and athlete Malik Willis (three-star, Virginia Tech). ... The Hornets have a fearsome secondary in CBs Justus Harris and LeAnthony Williams, Jr. (four-star, Clemson) and four-star safety Xavier McKinney. The trio had a combined 15 INTs in 2015.
CHESTATEE at NORTH HALL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: The Brickyard, Gainesville
-- RADIO: WDUN FM 102.9
-- CHESTATEE (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener, 0-10 in 2015
-- NORTH HALL (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener, 6-5 in 2015; reached Class AAAAA second round
-- NOTABLE: North Hall leads series 13-1, Trojans won 42-22 in 2015. Chestatee’s only win in the series was in 2005. ... It should be a good contrast in styles as the Trojans will employ their usual wing-T oriented ground attack behind Kyle Baucus and Co. while the War Eagles, under new coach Shaun Conley, are switching to a spread attack, though they will probably run out of the formation more than they throw early on in the season. ... Chestatee is also trying to snap a 17-game losing streak, its second-longest such streak since opening in 2002. The War Eagles lost 21 straight from Sept. 2002 to August 2004. They also have lost four straight season openers. Their last win to open a season was in 2011, beating West Hall 41-14. ... North Hall has dropped its last two openers and is just 2-3 to open a season the past five campaigns. ... Offense was the key for the Trojans in 2015. When their ground game is on, they’re hard to stop. In their 6 wins they averaged 34.3 ppg. They scored just 16 total points (3.2 ppg) in their 5 losses.
EAST HALL at HABERSHAM CENTRAL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Raider Stadium, Mt. Airy
-- RADIO: WCON, 99.3 FM
-- EAST HALL (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAA): Season-opener, 6-5 in 2015, reached Class AAA first round
-- HABERSHAM CENTRAL (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Season-opener, 1-9 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: Series is tied 1-1. The Raiders won the last meeting in 1985, 24-14 in Mt. Airy. East Hall won the matchup 21-7 in 1984 in Valhalla. ... Expect a wide-open game with two spread attacks. The Vikings averaged 30.2 ppg in 2015 while the Raiders averaged 21.8 ppg in 2015 in their first season under offensive-minded Benji Harrison. ... Habersham has dropped four straight openers. East Hall is just 1-3 in its last four season openers. ... The Vikings, however, return 15 starters from last year’s squad, including QB Austin Parker, WR Markese Jackson, and RB Deon Ellison, who all are poised for breakout seasons. The Raiders will counter with RB
Michael Babers, who put up over 1,300 yards last season, and QB Cole Wilbanks, who is ready to have a breakthrough season as well.
EAST JACKSON at HEBRON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Hebron Stadium, Dacula
-- EAST JACKSON (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): Season-opener, 1-9 in 2015
-- HEBRON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-A): Season-opener, 6-4 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: Hebron leads series 2-0. The Lions won 21-13 in 2015. ... The Eagles have a new coach in former Grayson assistant Christian Hunnicutt and new systems and would love nothing better than to get the new era started off with a win. East Jackson is 2-2 in its last four season openers while Hebron is 3-1 in its last four openers. ... Hebron is expected to challenge for a playoff spot in 2016 so it could be a good early-season measuring stick for the Eagles. ... East Jackson is just 1-21 in its last 22 road games going back to a pair of consecutive road wins in 2011.
FANNIN COUNTY at GILMER
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Huff-Mosley Stadium, Ellijay
-- FANNIN COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener, 4-6 in 2015
-- GILMER (0-0, 0-0 Region 6-AAAA): Season-opener, 4-6 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: Gilmer leads series 25-13-2. Gilmer won 29-26 in 2015. ... One of the oldest mountain school rivalries and a very streaky one at that. The Bobcats have won five straight, the Rebels won 7 in a row before that, and the Bobcats won 7 straight before that. ... Fannin is just 6-12-1 all-time in Ellijay. ... Offense should not be a problem for the Rebels, who averaged 32 points a contest behind rising senior quarterback Brad Davis (2,287, 16 TDs) and senior receiver Cooper Earles (80 receptions, 1,002 yards, 7 TDs). They also will be boosted by a veteran offensive line. ... Points should be scored in this one. Gilmer gave up 29 ppg and the Rebels also allowed 29 ppg and return just 4 starters on the defensive side in 2016.
GAINESVILLE at WEST HALL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Spartan Stadium, Oakwood
-- RADIO: 1240 ESPN Radio
-- GAINESVILLE (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Season-opener, 8-4 in 2015, reached Class AAAAA second round
-- WEST HALL (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener, 5-6 in 2015, reached Class AAA first round
-- NOTABLE: For a full video preview, click here. ... Gainesville leads series 10-2. First meeting since 2011. The Red Elephants won 41-0 in 2011. ... The Spartans won the first two meetings (2000, 20001) between the two schools but have lost 10 straight since. ... This is an interesting matchup to open the season. West Hall returns 14 starters, including 4 along the offensive line, and is looking for a signature win to show the program is ready to turn the corner. ... The Red Elephants have had a lot of staff changes and return just 2 starters on offense and have several questions coming into the season. But, they return 8 on what should be a speedy and hard-hitting defense. ... Expected starter DJ Irons will be the fourth different starting QB for the Red Elephants in as many seasons, going back to Deshaun Watson’s senior season (2013). The others: Mikey Gonzalez (2014), Messiah Dorsey (2015).
JACKSON COUNTY at BANKS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Leopard Stadium, Homer
-- JACKSON COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener, 4-6 in 2015
-- BANKS COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener, 5-5 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: Banks County leads series 14-8. The two teams have not met since 2007, a 14-0 Banks County win in Homer. The Leopards have won three straight in the series. ... The two teams met every year but two (1988-89) from 1980 to 2001 but region changes caused the series to go on hiatus with just two meetings since 2001. ... Both teams are looking for quick starts to the season with tough region schedules to follow. The Panthers return just 9 starters from last year but several key skilled players, especially on offense, should give them some firepower. Senior QB Caleb Matthews will have senior WR Zane Corley and senior TEs Micah Vincent and Mason Williams to throw too and senior RB Chris Griggs and junior RB Noah Venable offer a solidground attack. ... Banks County is having to replace its entire offensive line but does return senior QB Griffin Goodwin (1,200 yards passing in 2015, 8 TDs), senior RB Demetrius Walker (550 yards rushing, 3 TDs), and junior RB Clayton Dykehouse to try and counter the Panthers on offense. The difference may come down to the Leopards returning 7 starters on defense to a unit that is expected to be much improved in 2016.
JEFFERSON at DISCOVERY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Discovery Stadium, Lawrenceville
-- JEFFERSON (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAA): Season-opener, 10-2 in 2015, reached Class AAA second round
-- DISCOVERY (0-0, 0-0 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Season-opener, first varsity game as a program, played JV schedule in 2015
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two schools. ... Discovery is the newest school in Gwinnett County and is playing its first varsity schedule. However, the Titans already had a coaching change when Frank Hepler left after just one season to take the Forsyth Central job. The Titans will be young with only a handful of players with any varsity experience as they were brought to the school under the rezoning of Gwinnett schools during the summer. One player to watch could be WR Tyric Love. ... The Dragons are 6-1 in their last seven season openers and despite playing a higher classification school should be a heavy favorite on Friday. Jefferson returns 12 starters from last year’s team, including junior RB Colby Wood (2,200 yards rushing) and improved junior QB Bryce Moore. ... They will need to work some of the kinks out this week with four tough non-region games to follow (Riverwood, Thomson, Flowery Branch, and Gainesville) before opening region play.
JOHNSON at SOCIAL CIRCLE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Redskin Stadium, Social Circle
-- JOHNSON (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season-opener, 2-8 in 2015
-- SOCIAL CIRCLE (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AA): Season-opener, 4-6 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The Redskins had a breakout season last year snapping a 36-game losing streak to open the season. They had more wins in 2015 that from 2010-14 combined. The employ a pistol spread type offense and could be posied for even better things in 2016 with an experienced group on offense returning. ... Johnson is jumping into region play for the first time since 2011 and is hoping for a quick start to build some momentum with 6 of their final 9 opponents having either a winning record or making a playoff run, or both, in 2015.
NORTHVIEW at LANIER
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Longhorn Stadium, Sugar Hill
-- NORTHVIEW (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAAAA): Season-opener, 6-5 in 2015, first round Class AAAAAA playoffs
-- LANIER (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Season-opener, 11-1 and Region 8-AAAAA champs in 2015, reached Class AAAAA second round
-- NOTABLE: First-ever meeting between the two schools. ... Northview is a program on the rise. The Titans are coming off their first ever playoff appearances in school history (2014-15) with their first-ever winning seasons as well. Offense was the key for the Titans in 2015. They were 6-0 when scoring 26 or more points and 0-5 when scoring less than 26. ... That could play well for the Longhorns, who have been among the best defensive teams in any classification the past two seasons. They allowed a paltry 12.0 ppg last year behind All-state selection Derrick Brown, now at Auburn. ... The Longhorns could be even better on defense in 2016 with a talented LB group returning in seniors Tyler Taylor and Juwan Jones to go with junior Eric Turner and sophomore Cameron Brown, younger brother of Derrick. Add in senior DE Michael Allen and junior DL Peyton Bergman with an experienced secondary in safeties C.J. Burress, Ethan Wilson, and Morgen Kent. ... Lanier is 3-1 in season-openers since beginning varsity play. Northview is 8-6 all-time in season-openers.
SEQUOYAH at NORTH FORSYTH
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
-- SEQUOYAH (0-0, 0-0 Region 6-AAAAAA): Season-opener, 4-6 in 2015
-- NORTH FORSYTH (0-0, 0-0 Region 5-AAAAAAA): Season-opener, 2-8 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: Series tied 2-2. The two teams have not met since 2003. ... The Raiders are sporting a new coach in Robert Craft, who knows how to build a winner after winning a state championship in Florida. They are hoping to get the new era off right with a win at home. However, they have dropped their last two season-openers. ... Sequoyah is just 2-4 in its last 6 season-openers. However, the Chiefs are 5-4 in the last 9 road games going back to the 2014 season. ... Defense was the key for the Chiefs in 2015. In their four wins they allowed just 23 total points (5.8 ppg) but gave up 215 points (35.8 ppg) in their 6 losses. ... The Raiders return just 3 starters on offense, however, and will be employing a new spread attack with a new offensive line to boot.
TOWNS COUNTY at HAYESVILLE, N.C.
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Haynesville, N.C.
-- TOWNS COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-A): Season-opener, 2-8 in 2015
-- HAYESVILLE, N.C. (0-0, 0-0): Season-opener, 3-8 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: Hayesville leads series 19-1. The Yellowjackets won the last meeting in 2013, 20-0. The only win for the Indians in the series came in 2009 in Hiawassee. ... The Indians are sporting their fourth coach in five seasons in John Cornett and could use a win to get things off to a positive start. They hope a new offensive philosophy and 15 seniors on the roster will help an offense that scored just 88 points (8.8 ppg) on the season and scored 7 points or less seven times with three shutouts in 2015. ... The Hayesville defense gave up 399 points (36.2 ppg) in 2015.
WHITE COUNTY at FRANKLIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Ed Bryant Stadium, Carnesville
-- RADIO: www.wrwh.com
-- WHITE COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener, 3-7 in 2015
-- FRANKLIN COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAA): Season-opener, 6-5 in 2015, reached Class AAA first round
-- NOTABLE: Series tied 5-5. Franklin County won last meeting in 2011, 21-14. The two teams split four games between 2008-11 with all four being decided by 10 points or less. ... A young Warriors team in 2015 is looking for a breakout season in 2016 and a win over the Lions, one of seven playoff teams on their schedule, could give them some early confidence. ... The Lions have been on the rise with their first winning season since 2011 and feature several returning starters on an offense that averaged 24.3 ppg in 2015. But, the Warriors defense returns 10 starters that allowed 202 points (20.2 ppg) but gave up 79 of those in two games to Buford and North Hall. ... White County won the last two meetings in Carnesville and the visiting team has won the last five meetings in the series.
WINDER-BARROW at CLARKE CENTRAL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Billy Henderson Stadium
-- WINDER-BARROW (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Season-opener, 6-5 in 2015, reached Class AAAAA first round
-- CLARKE CENTRAL (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Season-opener, 4-6 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: Clarke Central leads series 12-2. Winder-Barrow won 21-17 in 2015 and have won the last two meetings in the series. ... An interesting opener for both teams. The Bulldoggs return just 8 starters from a group that advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2003 but are looking to show they have built the program to a reloading instead of rebuilding status. ... The Gladiators are sporting a new coach in former Georgia baseball coach David Perno but looked very good in summer 7-on-7 competition and are loaded with fast skilled position players. But, how will Perno and a new staff manage their first varsity game. ... The Bulldoggs do return a talented trio on offense in junior QB Brock Landis, senior RB Javonne Hughes, and senior WR Casey Thurmond and will need productive outings from all three. However, they are replacing four along the offensive line.
SATURDAY’S GAMES (Aug. 20th)
MILL CREEK vs. COLQUITT COUNTY (Corky Kell Classic)
-- WHEN: 5:45 p.m.
-- WHERE: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
-- MILL CREEK (0-0, 0-0 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Season-opener, 13-1 Region 7-AAAAAA champs in 2015, reached Class AAAAAA semifinals
-- COLQUITT COUNTY (0-0, 0-0 Region 1-AAAAAAA): Season-opener, 15-0 Region 1-AAAAAA champs in 2015, Class AAAAAA state champions
-- NOTABLE: Colquitt County leads series 3-0. The Packers won 52-31 in the Class AAAAAA semifinals in 2015. ... Last year’s meeting was a battle of two unbeaten behemoths that saw the Packers outscore Mill Creek 31-14 in the second half. .. It was a matchup of the best offense (Colquitt County) in the state vs. the best defense (Mill Creek). This year’s matchup will still feature a potent Packers attack but the Hawks only return 2 starters on defense and will need to rely more on an offense that returns 9 starters, including senior QB Cameron Turley (2,358 yards passing, 18 18 TDs) and senior RB Joe Thomas (758 yards rushing, team-high 16 TDs). ... Colquitt is also riding a 30-game win streak. The Packers will have a new QB in senior, Jay Saunders, and two new WR in seniors Tory Ponder and Ty Powell.
NORTH GWINNETT vs. BROOKWOOD (Corky Kell Classic)
-- WHEN: 11:45 a.m.
-- WHERE: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
-- NORTH GWINNETT (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAA): Season-opener, 5-5 in 2015
-- BROOKWOOD (0-0, 0-0 Region 7-AAAAAAA): Season-opener, 4-6 in 2015
-- NOTABLE: North Gwinnett leads series 7-3. The Bulldogs won the last meeting in 2009, 41-13 in Suwanee. ... It is the seventh straight season in the Kell Classic for the Bulldogs. The are 4-2 in Kell Classic games in that span. The Broncos have been in every Corky Kell Classic (11-13 record) but have lost five straight and 9 of their last 10 Corky Kell games. ... Both teams have been playoff stalwarts but both programs failed to reach the postseason for the first time since 2001 in 2015. ... The Bulldogs were young in 2015 and saw QB Cade Fortin (1,475 yards passing, 11 TDs, 8 INTs) go through some growing pains. But coach Bob Sphire is expecting big things from the now-junior, who committed to Texas A&M earlier this week. ... North Gwinnett could use some early wins to help build for a tough seven-game stretch of playing five playoff teams as they try get back to the playoffs.
