Region titles, playoff positioning, and in some cases momentum-building for the 2018 season, will highlight the final weekend of the regular season of the high school football season on Friday night.
Most of the playoff spots in the northeast Georgia area have been claimed, though three teams -- Towns County and Lakeview Academy in Region 8-A and Stephen County in Region 8-AAAA -- are within striking distance but need help.
Four teams -- Buford and Flowery Branch in Region 8-AAAAA, White County in Region 7-AAAA and Dawson County in 7-AAA -- all can still claim region titles. Four teams -- Dacula, Gainesville, Lanier Winder-Barrow -- are still alive for the Region 8-AAAAAA region title but it could come down to MaxPreps as to who takes the eventual crown.
However you slice it there are several high-profile matchups on Friday in which home-field advantage in the playoffs is on the line.
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 NOV. 3
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BLESSED TRINITY at WEST HALL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Spartans Field, Oakwood
-- RADIO: 102.9 FM
-- BLESSED TRINITY (7-2, 2-1 Region 7-AAAA): Bye last week; lost 25-24 to No. 2 Marist two weeks ago
-- WEST HALL (5-4, 1-2 Region 7-AAAA): Lost 33-28 to White County last week
-- NOTABLE: Blessed Trinity leads series 1-0. The Titans won 34-13 in 2016. ... As the top four teams in the region battle this week, the best West Hall can do is finish second with a win. But, the Spartans would have to beat Blessed Trinity by 8 or more points to capture the No. 2 seed. A win of any kind over the Titans coupled with a White County loss would give them the No. 3 seed over White County based on tiebreakers. ... A Spartans loss and they will be the No. 4 seed. ... Austin Sinclair and Quentin Smith both had solid games last week and give West Hall an improving RB tandem behind So. QB Michael Thompson, who is being emerge as a playmaker for the Spartans.
BUFORD at FLOWERY BRANCH
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Falcons Field, Flowery Branch
-- RADIO: WDUN AM 550
-- BUFORD (7-1, 5-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Defeated Loganville 49-0 last week
-- FLOWERY BRANCH (8-1, 5-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Bye last week; defeated Clarke Central 32-14 two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Buford leads series 1-0. The Wolves won 49-13 in 2016. ... Both teams changed coaches since last season and while little has changed for the Wolves, the Falcons find themselves in the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Both also are guaranteed a home playoff game. The only thing left to decide is which one will be the region champion. ... Clarke Central is already locked into third so the winner of this one will take the region title with the loser taking the No. 2 seed. ... The Falcons will find out just how far they have come this season with by far their biggest test of the season. They sit 10th in offense in AAAAA (317, 35.2 ppg) behind RB Malik Damons (183 car., 1,144 yards, 18 TD) and RB/WR Malik Drayton (100 car., 742 yards 13 TD; 14 rec., 228 yards, 2 TD) and only once have been held to less than 29 points, a 6-3 win over Loganville. The Wolves, however, are 3rd in defense (74, 9.2 ppg) and have allowed just 7 points in region and have pitched four consecutive shutouts. ... Buford’s offense is 2nd in AAAAA (364, 45.5 ppg) and has done most of that without No. 1 RB Christian Turner, who returned last week after missing six games. Still, Anthony Grant (76 car., 596 yards, 14 TD), Turner (55 car., 435 yards) and Derrian Brown (56 car., 527 yards) all have 100-yard rushing games. ... The Falcons defense is 4th in AAAAA (105, 11.6 ppg) but has not faced a unit this good since suffering its only loss to Jefferson back in Week 4. The Branch is plus-3 on turnover-ratio (11 takeaways) and has registered 60 TFL on the season.
COMMERCE at GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Keith Henderson Stadium, Monroe
-- COMMERCE (7-2, 6-2 Region 8-A): Lost 22-7 to Athens Academy last week
-- GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY (7-2, 6-2 Region 8-A): Defeated Hebron Christian 21-14 last week
-- NOTABLE: Commerce leads series 4-3. The Tigers won 42-6 in 2016 and has won four straight over the Bulldogs. ... Both teams seem clear locks to make the playoffs but positioning and seeding are crucial so this is big opportunity to add points to their final rankings. ... The two losses for both teams came against Prince Avenue and Athens Academy, though the Tigers had a better showing overall against both. ... The key matchup will be the Tigers offense, which is averaging 35.5 ppg, vs. the Bulldogs defense, which is allowing just 16.2 ppg.
DACULA at WINDER-BARROW
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: W. Clair Harris Stadium, Winder
-- DACULA (5-4, 4-0 Region 8-AAAAAA): Defeated Lanier 41-7 last week
-- WINDER-BARROW (8-1, 3-1 Region 8-AAAAAA): Defeated Habersham Central 40-28 last week
-- NOTABLE: Dacula leads series 3-0. The Falcons won 43-13 in 2016. ... The four teams -- Dacula, Winder-Barrow, Lanier, Gainesville -- were officially decided last week when Winder-Barrow beat Habersham Central. There are several scenarios where three-way ties for either first or second could occur. In the event of any three-way tie, seedings will be determined by MaxPreps rankings. ... As things stand heading into the final week in the MaxPreps rankings, Dacula is ranked 78th, Winder-Barrow is 132nd, Lanier is 156th, and Gainesville is 184th. ... If the Bulldoggs win and Gainesville wins, that sends it to MaxPreps rankings to determine the top three seeds with Lanier taking fourth. ... The Bulldoggs can win the region with a win and a Gainesville loss. In that scenario Dacula would be second, Lanier third by virtue of its head-to-head win over Red Elephants, and Gainesville would take the No. 4 seed. ... Dacula has won four straight outscoring its region opponents 153-48. The Bulldoggs are averaging 32.2 ppg behind Sr. QB Brok Landis and RB Jamar Mack and have yielded just 180 points (20 ppg) on the season. However, they have allowed 87 points (29 ppg) over their last three contests.
DAWSON COUNTY at GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Spartans Sports Complex, Norcross
-- RADIO: northgeorgiasportslink.com
-- DAWSON COUNTY (7-2, 5-0 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Lumpkin County 42-21 last week
-- GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN (8-1, 5-0 Region 7-AAA): Bye last week; defeated North Hall 56-6 two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Greater Atlanta Christian leads series 6-1. The Spartans won 42-7 in 2016. GAC has won six straight in the series. Dawson County won the first meeting 21-16 in 2000. ... The winner of this one will capture the 7-AAA title with the loser taking the No. 2 seed. The Tigers offer GAC the biggest challenge in the region mainly because of their balance. Dawson County is in the top 20 in defense (172, 19.1 ppg) and 11th in offense (314, 34.7 ppg) in AAA but has averaged 44.1 ppg over its last six games and has surrendered 21 points or less seven times. ... GAC, however, is 2nd in points scored (429, 47.4 ppg) and 2nd in points allowed (97, 10.6 ppg) in AAA. Only Lumpkin County (14) has scored more than 7 points vs. the Spartans in region play. ... An interesting matchup could be the GAC passing attack vs. the Tigers secondary, which has 9 INTs on the season. ... The Tigers' Sevaughn Clark is 25th in the state in rushing (1,310 yards).
DULUTH at MILL CREEK
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Mill Creek Community Stadium, Hoschton
-- DULUTH (3-6, 1-4 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Lost 21-12 to Peachtree Ridge last week
-- MILL CREEK (6-3, 3-2 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Bye last week; lost 20-17 to Mountain View two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Mill Creek leads series 11-0. The Hawks won 56-0 in 2016. ... Mill Creek has really dominated the series of late outscoring the Wildcats 182-3 with three consecutive shutouts over the last four meetings. ... The Wildcats are out. But, Mill Creek can still grab a first round home playoff game. The Hawks need to beat Duluth and have Collins Hill knock off Peachtree Ridge. That would put the Hawks, Mountain View, and Collins Hill in a tie for second with the Hawks getting the No. 2 spot, Mountain View taking third, and Collins Hill would be fourth based on point-differential. There are several other scenarios and you can click here to get them all. ... Injuries have been a big reason for the Hawks slight tumble from back-to-back state semifinals appearances.
EAST HALL at FANNIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Rebel Stadium, Blue Ridge
-- EAST HALL (5-4, 2-3 Region 7-AAA): Lost 31-20 to North Hall last week
-- FANNIN COUNTY (2-7, 0-5 Region 7-AAA): Lost 37-14 to Union County last week
-- NOTABLE: East Hall leads series 9-4. The Vikings won 71-58 in 2016. East Hall has won five straight in the series. ... Nothing is on the line except bragging rights and momentum. The Rebels have been eliminated and the Vikings will be the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. ... East Hall has lost three straight overall and could use a win to build some positive momentum heading into the playoffs. ... The Rebels have lost 14 straight region games going back to October 2015 and defense has been the issue allowing 36 ppg in that span, including 7 games of allowing 50 or more points. ... Injuries have played a part in the Vikings recent slide and they may be tempted to rest some key players to get ready for the playoffs. ... East Hall’s Austin Parker is still that state’s leader in passing yards with 3,152 yards.
EAST JACKSON at HART COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Pete Herndon Stadium, Hartwell
-- EAST JACKSON (1-7, 0-4 Region 8-AAA): Lost 43-7 to Jackson County last week
-- HART COUNTY (2-7, 2-2 Region 8-AAA): Lost 28-14 to Monroe Area last week
-- NOTABLE: Hart County leads series 6-1. East Jackson won 28-19 in 2016. ... The Eagles have been eliminated but can play spoiler this week. All four playoff teams and the top two seeds are already settled with Morgan County winning the region crown last week with Monroe Area as the No. 2 seed. ... Hart County sits third but needs a win over the Eagles to clinch that spot. East Jackson can help cross-county rival Jackson County take third with a win and a Panthers win over Morgan County. ... East Jackson, however, has lost five straight and been outscored 215-19 in that stretch. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have lost two straight.
ELBERT COUNTY at BANKS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Leopards Stadium, Homer
-- ELBERT COUNTY (7-2, 4-1 Region 8-AA): Defeated Monticello 41-0 last week
-- BANKS COUNTY (5-4, 4-1 Region 8-AA): Defeated Putnam County 14-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: Banks County leads series 1-0. The Leopards won 43-29 in 2016. ... The two teams are in the exact same spot as last year meeting in the finale for the No. 2 spot. Banks County went into The Granite Bowl pulled a program-defining win. The Blue Devils are sure to remember and would love to turn the tables this year. The winner takes the No. 2 seed and the loser will be the third seed. ... Banks County is in the middle of AA in offense and defense but has won three straight averaging 30 ppg and yielding just 9.0 ppg on defense. Elbert is tied for 7th in offense (348, 38.6 ppg) and 13th in defense (145, 16.1 ppg) in AA. ... Leopards QB Clayton Dykehouse is averaging over 125 yards a game since taking over for the injured Trevor Thomas and as he goes so goes the Banks offense. ... The Leopards are a plus-4 on turnover-ratio.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at APALACHEE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: R. Harold Harrison Stadium, Bethlehem
-- RADIO: WCON 99.3 FM
-- HABERSHAM CENTRAL (1-8, 0-4 Region 8-AAAAAA): Lost 40-28 to Winder-Barrow last week
-- APALACHEE (1-8, 0-4 Region 8-AAAAAA): Lost 35-12 to Gainesville last week
-- NOTABLE: Apalachee leads series 3-2. Habersham Central won 49-21 in 2016. ... Both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs. However, the winner of this one will avoid a last-place finish. ... The Raiders, who have lost 8 straight, are one of the best 1-win teams you will ever see. Their 8 losses are by just 36 points (4.5 ppg) with 6 of the losses by 4-points or less. ... The Habersham offense, behind Sr. QB A.J. Curry, is 8th in AAAAAA in scoring (325, 36.1 ppg). But, the defense is 54th (345, 38.3 ppg) out of 58 AAAAAA teams. ... Apalachee, however, is 57th in defense (371, 41.2 ppg) and is 48th (126, 14 ppg) in offense. The Wildcats have lost six straight.
JOHNSON at LOGANVILLE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Red Devil Stadium, Loganville
-- JOHNSON (0-9, 0-5 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 41-18 to Cedar Shoals last week
-- LOGANVILLE (1-8, 1-4Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 49-0 to Buford last week
-- NOTABLE: Loganville leads series 5-2. The Red Devils won 41-6 in 2016. It was the first meeting between the two teams since 1999. ... The Knights have now lost 23 straight and are trying to avoid their second consecutive winless season. ... Both teams have been eliminated from the playoffs but the winner will stay out of the cellar in the region standings. ... The Johnson offense has found some life the last two weeks scoring 32 points (16 ppg) after scoring just 39 (5.5 ppg) over its first seven games. ... Loganville has lost three games by a touchdown or less but has scored just 10 points (3.3 ppg) over its past three games while yielding 131 points (32.7 ppg) during its 4-game losing streak. ... Johnson, however, has surrendered the most points in AAAAA (457, 50.7 ppg).
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Maginnis Field, Gainesville
-- LAKEVIEW ACADEMY (2-7, 1-7 Region 8-A): Lost 56-13 to Towns County last week
-- RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY (1-8, 0-8 Region 8-A): Lost 25-22 to Athens Christian last week
-- NOTABLE: Lakeview Academy leads series 1-0. The Lions won 24-14 in 2016. ... Lakeview’s bid for a first-ever playoff spot took a huge hit last week dropping from 25th to 28th in Private power ranking, but they may still have an outside chance to sneak into the top 24 with a convincing win and getting some help with immediate teams above them losing. ... The Eagles are 34th but have been close to a breakout season with three of their losses by just 3 points. ... Lions QB Alec Bornhorst and WR K.J. Millwood have been a dynamic tandem but have been enough to offset a 5-game losing streak vs. some good defenses. The 209 points (23.2 ppg) for Lakeview are the most since 2012 but the defense has surrendered the 6th-most points in Class A (382, 42.4 ppg). ... RMA is averaging 19.2 ppg but has yielded 33 ppg on defense.
LANIER at GAINESVILLE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
-- RADIO: 1240 AM ESPN Radio
-- LANIER (5-4, 2-2 Region 8-AAAAAA): Lost 41-7 to Dacula last week
-- GAINESVILLE (4-5, 3-1 Region 8-AAAAAA): Defeated Apalachee 35-12 last week
-- NOTABLE: Lanier leads series 3-0. The Longhorns won 10-3 last week ... The four teams -- Dacula, Winder-Barrow, Lanier, Gainesville -- were officially decided last week when Winder-Barrow beat Habersham Central. There are several scenarios where three-way ties for either first or second could occur. In the event of any three-way tie, seedings will be determined by MaxPreps rankings. ... As things stand heading into the final week in the MaxPreps rankings, Dacula is ranked 78th, Winder-Barrow is 132nd, Lanier is 156th, and Gainesville is 184th. ... If Gainesville and Winder-Barrow both win, that sends it to MaxPreps rankings to determine the top three seeds with Lanier taking fourth. ... Winder-Barrow can win the region with a win and a Gainesville loss. In that scenario Dacula would be second, Lanier third by virtue of its head-to-head win over the Red Elephants, and Gainesville would take the No. 4 seed. ... Multiple injuries decimated the depth chart early for Gainesville, but now the Red Elephants are getting healthy. The offense behind Jr. Tre Luttrell has picked up the pace scoring 30 or more points three times (25.7 ppg) over the past four games. The defense has allowed just 83 points (20.7 ppg) in region play after yielding 143 points (28.6 ppg) during a 1-4 start. ... Offense is the key for the Longhorns. They have scored 148 points (29.6 ppg) in their five games compared to just 38 points (9.5 ppg) in their four losses.
MARIST at WHITE COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: White County Stadium, Cleveland
-- RADIO: www.wrwh.com
-- MARIST (9-0, 9-0 Region 7-AAAA): Defeated Chestatee 48-30 last week
-- WHITE COUNTY (7-2, 2-1 Region 7-AAAA): Defeated West Hall 33-30 last week
-- NOTABLE: Marist leads series 1-0. The War Eagles won 35-0 in 2016. ... As the top four teams in the region battle each other to end the season, three teams are still alive for the region title. The simple scenario is that Marist and Blessed Trinity both win with Marist taking the crown and the Titans grabbing the No. 2 seed. That would leave White County third and West Hall as the No. 4 seed. ... White County has a shot at the region title but would need to beat Marist AND get a West Hall win over Blessed Trinity to grab the crown. That would leave Marist taking second, West Hall third, and Blessed Trinity fourth. ... A White County win and a Blessed Trinity win would hand the region crown to the Titans based on tiebreakers with White County taking second, Marist third, and West Hall fourth. ... This one features the two top offenses in 7-AAAA with the Warriors 10th (325, 36.1 ppg) and the Titans 12th (324, 36 ppg) overall in AAAA. But, the Marist defense is 5th in AAAA (125, 13.9 ppg) while the Warriors are just 38th (249, 28.5 ppg) out of 52 teams.
MONTICELLO at RABUN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
-- MONTICELLO (2-7, 2-3 Region 8-AA): Lost 41-0 to Elbert County last week
-- RABUN COUNTY (9-0, 5-0 Region 8-AA): Defeated Oglethorpe County 56-14 last week
-- NOTABLE: Monticello leads series 4-1. Rabun County won 55-14 in 2016. Last year was the first meeting between the two teams since 1995. ... The Wildcats already have wrapped up their fourth consecutive region title. Monticello is fighting for the final playoff spot. Putnam County and Monticello are tied for fourth with Social Circle right behind. Putnam, which already owns a win over Monticello, plays host to Social Circle this week and can clinch the final spot with a win. However, a Social Circle win and a Monticello loss to No. 5 Rabun County would put the three teams in a tie and send it to tiebreakers. ... The Hurricanes may want to hope for a Social Circle win. Rabun County is among the most dominant teams in the state at any level. They 2nd in AA in scoring (446, 49.5 ppg) and 5th in defense (96, 10.6 ppg). Monticello is surrendering 25.3 ppg on the season. ... Rabun Sr. QB Bailey Fisher could climb into the Georgia all-time top 10 in passing yardage with a big game this week.
MORGAN COUNTY at JACKSON COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Panthers Stadium, Jefferson
-- MORGAN COUNTY (8-1, 4-0 Region 8-AAA): Defeated Franklin County 42-17 last week
-- JACKSON COUNTY (5-4, 2-2 Region 8-AAA): Defeated East Jackson 43-7 last week
-- NOTABLE: Morgan County leads series 7-2. The Bulldogs won 33-14 in 2016. ... All four playoff teams and the top two seeds are already settled with Morgan County winning the region crown last week with Monroe Area as the No. 2 seed. Hart County sits third with the Panthers fourth. ... Jackson County can finish third with a win over Morgan County AND a Hart County loss to East Jackson. Either a Panthers loss or a Hart County win gives the Bulldogs the No. 3 seed and the Panthers fourth place. ... The key for Jackson County will be if Sr. RB Noah Venable (211 car., 1,354 yards, 11 TD) is ready to return. He was a gametime decision each of the last two weeks but did not play. Venable, despite missing time, was still 11th in the state in rushing heading into last week. ... The Panthers defense, which is in the middle of the pack in defense in AAA (24.4 ppg) will be challenged by a Bulldogs offense that is 11th averaging 35.6 ppg.
NORTH FORSYTH at MILTON
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Eagles Nest, Alpharetta
-- NORTH FORSYTH (5-4, 2-2 Region 5-AAAAAAA): Lost 35-16 to West Forsyth last week
-- MILTON (7-2, 3-1 Region 5-AAAAAAA): Defeated Lambert 34-10 last week
-- NOTABLE: Milton leads series 2-1. The Eagles won 38-15 in 2016. ... Both teams have qualified for the playoffs but this is a huge game for seeding. Milton can clinch the No. 2 seed with a win over North Forsyth and a South Forsyth victory while the Raiders would take fourth. However, a West Forsyth victory and a North Forsyth victory would give the Wolverines the region title, South Forsyth would take second, North Forsyth third, and Milton fourth. If South Forsyth and North Forsyth win, the War Eagles win the region with West Forsyth taking second, North Forsyth third, and Milton is fourth. ... Sr. Raiders QB Ben Bales now sits 5th in the state and leads all of Class AAAAAAA in passing (2,696 yards but will need to be a bit more accurate on Friday and heading into the playoffs. He has thrown 7 INTs in the last three weeks but still has 22 TDs and 2,695 yards on the season. ... The Milton defense (117, 13 ppg) is 5th in AAAAAAA and has held 8 of 9 opponents to 21 points or less and 6 offenses to 13 points or less.
NORTH GWINNETT at DISCOVERY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Lawrenceville
-- NORTH GWINNETT (8-1, 5-0 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Defeated Collins Hill 45-6 last week
-- DISCOVERY (1-8, 0-5 Region 6-AAAAAAA): Lost 52-28 to Mountain View last week
-- NOTABLE: North Gwinnett leads series 1-0. The Bulldogs won 43-7 in 2016. ... North Gwinnett clinched the region title last week so this game has no bearing on the standings. The challenge will be staying sharp and continuing momentum while perhaps trying to rest some key starters to get ready for the playoffs. ... A win would give the Bulldogs their most wins since 2013 (13) when they advanced to the state championship game. ... Sr. QB Jimmy Urzua, who has filled in more than admirably for the injured Cade Fortin (Texas A&M-commit), is undefeated as a starter (7-0) and has helped lead the Bulldogs to 8 straight wins, which is the sixth-longest streak in North Gwinnett history. ... While the offense has been more than efficient (330, 36.4 ppg) the defense has been the biggest catalyst for the Bulldogs’ turnaround yielding just 131 points (14.5 ppg) which is good for 8th-best in AAAAAAA. ... Discovery is 44th in offense (125, 13.8 ppg) and 39th in defense (281, 31.2 ppg) in AAAAAAA and has lost six straight.
OCONEE COUNTY at JEFFERSON
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
-- OCONEE COUNTY (5-4, 2-2 Region 8-AAAA): Defeated Madison County 28-7 last week
-- JEFFERSON (7-2, 3-1 Region 8-AAAA): Defeated Stephens County 27-24 last week
-- NOTABLE: Jefferson leads series 11-8. The Dragons won 31-7 in 2016. ... For the first time since 2013, when the two teams were in different classifications, neither will win the region title. St. Pius wrapped up the region title last week. But, both can still finish second and grab home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. ... The Dragons will clinch the No. 2 seed outright with a win because they already have wins over Madison County and Stephens County in region play. However, a Oconee County win would give the Warriors the No. 2 spot with Jefferson taking third, and Madison County fourth. ... The Warriors could actually not make the playoffs in a wild scenario. ... Stephens County can still grab the No. 4 spot, BUT would need to beat North Oconee, have Jefferson beat Oconee County AND hope that Madison County can knock off St. Pius. If that happens, Jefferson would take the No. 2 spot, Madison County would be third, and Stephens County would take fourth due to their head-to-head win over Oconee County earlier in the season leaving the Warriors out.
STEPHENS COUNTY at NORTH OCONEE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Bogart
-- STEPHENS COUNTY (4-5, 1-3 Region 8-AAAA): Lost 27-24 to Jefferson last week
-- NORTH OCONEE (1-8, 0-4 Region 8-AAAA): Lost 56-21 to St. Pius last week
-- NOTABLE: Stephens County leads series 2-1. The Indians won 35-21 in 2016. Stephens has won two straight over the Titans. ... North Oconee was officially knocked out of the playoff race last week and Stephens County is mathematically alive but needs a miracle. ... The Indians can still grab the No. 4 spot, BUT would need to beat North Oconee, have Jefferson beat Oconee County AND hope that Madison County can knock off St. Pius. If that happens, Jefferson would take the No. 2 spot, Madison County would be third, and Stephens County would take fourth due to their head-to-head win over Oconee County earlier in the season leaving the Warriors out. ... Any other scenario and the Indians will be left out of the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and just the second time since 1995.
TOWNS COUNTY at PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Lilburn
-- TOWNS COUNTY (4-5, 3-5 Region 8-A): Defeated Lakeview Academy 56-13 last week
-- PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN (1-8, 1-7 Region 8-A): Lost 49-0 to No. 2 Prince Avenue Christian last week
-- NOTABLE: Towns County leads series 3-0. The Indians won 19-14 in 2016. ... Towns County has never made a playoff appearance and dropped one spot to 25th despite the win over Lakeview Academy last week. The Indians are .08 points behind No. 24 Telfair County (4-5) and need a win and hope for a Telfair loss to Clinch County, which is 7th in the power rankings, to have a chance to climb into the top 24. ... Also, a win would give the Indians just their second non-losing season in program history. ... This should be another game where the Indians can make a statement. The Storm has allowed 37.7 ppg on defense while Towns has averaged 32.6 ppg over its last three games. ... Meanwhile, Providence has scored just 20 points (2.8 ppg) over its last 7 games and been shutout five times. The Indians have allowed 27.4 ppg but just 20.5 ppg in their four wins.
UNION COUNTY at LUMPKIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
-- RADIO: northgeorgiasportslink.com
-- UNION COUNTY (5-4, 1-4 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Fannin County 37-14 in 2016
-- LUMPKIN COUNTY (1-8, 1-4 Region 7-AAA): Lost 42-21 to Dawson County last week
-- NOTABLE: Union County leads series 23-15-1. Union County won 35-13 in 2016. ... There are no playoff implications riding on this one as both teams were eliminated last month. But, the winner will finish fifth in the region. ... It is the first non-playoff season for Union County since 2012. However, the Panthers are trying to complete their sixth-consecutive winning season, a program best. ... It looks like a mismatch with the Union County offense, tied for fifth in AAA, averaging 37.5 ppg while the Indians defense is 54th (369, 41 ppg) out of 57 teams in AAA. ... Lumpkin County is 0-3 at home in 2017. The last the Indians went winless at The Burial Grounds was in 2006 when they went 0-10 on the season.
