With most of northeast Georgia regions finally getting going Friday night, there were some monster showdowns that could eventually be the deciding factor for playoff positioning for the upcoming state playoffs.
(NOTE: Check our Friday Game Night page for in-depth game stories and video highlights from throughout northeast Georgia.)
Buford got off to a strong start in Region 8-AAAAA with a dominant 45-7 win over Clarke Central at Tom Riden Stadium. It was only the Wolves (3-1, 1-0 Region 8-AAAAA) second game of the month thanks to byes and weather cancellations. Also in 8-AAAAA, Flowery Branch continued its resurgence with a 35-21 win over Cedar Shoalson the road, as the Falcons (5-1, 2-0) scored three unanswered touchdowns. Johnson (0-6, 0-2) also fell 42-0 to Walnut Grove.
In Region 8-AAAAAA, No. 9 Winder-Barrow continued its program-changing start with a 56-14 rout of in-county rival Apalachee. The Bulldoggs (6-0, 1-0 Region 8-AAAAAA) have now won six straight games to open a season for the first time since 1989. It was the only league game of the night in 8-AAAAAA, but Gainesville played Marist in its final non-region contest, falling 39-14. The Red Elephants did get starting quarterback Tre Luttrell back, however, as their region push begins next week against Habersham Central -- which had a bye on Friday.
Region 7-AAA saw some huge matchups with East Hall knocking off Union County in a wild shootout 62-42 at East Hall Stadium. Two of the top three offenses in the state did not disappoint with the Vikings (5-1, 2-0 Region 7-AAA) rolling up over 700 yards and running back Cambren Harrison scoring six (yes, six) touchdowns. The Panthers (4-2, 0-2) also got six touchdowns from QB Cole Wright. Also in 7-AAA, Dawson County opened its region schedule with a 30-7 win over North Hall in Dawsonville. The Tigers (3-2, 1-0) rolled to a 17-0 halftime score over the Trojans (1-5, 1-1). Fannin County (2-4, 0-2) also fell 55-7 to No. 3 Greater Atlanta Christian (4-2, 2-0) at home.
Class AA No. 5 Rabun County sprinted away from Banks County for a 45-7 win in Region 8-AA. The Wildcats (5-0, 1-0 Region 8-AA) got big nights from quarterback Bailey Fisher and receiver Cole Keener. The Leopards (2-4, 1-1) finished as 8-AA runners-up last season and will look to bounce back next week.
Class AAAA No. 3 Jefferson opened its Region 8-AAAA schedule with a solid 49-0 win over Madison County at Memorial Stadium. With star running back Colby Wood out through injury the Dragons (5-1, 1-0 Region 8-AAAA) got big games from Donsha Gaither (128 yards rushing, TD) and Colby Clark (80 yards, 2 TDs) on the ground.
In Region 6-AAAAAAA, North Gwinnett made quite the statement, knocking off two-time defending region champ Mill Creek 35-21 in Suwanee. The Bulldogs (5-1, 2-0 Region 6-AAAAAAA) pulled away from the Hawks (4-2, 1-1) with two answered touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
In Region 8-A, Commerce and Prince Avenue Christian staged the biggest league matchup at Ray Lamb Stadium. And despite scoring first, the Tigers fell 21-6 to the Wolverines. It was Commerce's (4-1, 3-1 Region 8-A) seventh straight defeat to PACS (6-0, 5-0). Meanwhile, Towns County fell 29-7 to Hebron Christian. Lakeview Academy also dropped a heartbreaker at Athens Christian, 34-30. The Lions (2-3, 1-3) led 30-27 in the fourth quarter. And Athens Academy took out Riverside Military Academy (0-6, 0-6) 40-20 in Watkinsville.
And in Region 8-AAA, Jackson County could not find a way past No. 8 Monroe Area, 42-14, while East Jackson suffered a 56-6 loss to Morgan County.
WEEK 6 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCORES, SEPT. 29
Athens Academy 40, Riverside Military Academy 20
Athens Christian 34, Lakeview Academy 30
Buford 45, Clarke Central 7
Dawson County 30, North Hall 7
East Hall 62, Union County 42
Flowery Branch 35, Cedar Shoals 21
Greater Atlanta Christian 55, Fannin County 7
Hebron Christian Academy 29, Towns County 7
Jefferson 49, Madison County 0
Marist 39, Gainesville 14
Monroe Area 42, Jackson County 14
Morgan County 56, East Jackson 6
North Gwinnett 35, Mill Creek 21
Prince Avenue Christian 21, Commerce 6
Rabun County 45, Banks County 7
Walnut Grove 42, Johnson 0
Winder-Barrow 56, Apalachee 14
