The playoff picture got a little bit clearer for several northeast Georgia football teams Friday night after a series of critical showdowns around the area.
Several regions like 7-3A, 7-4A, and 8-6A came into the night with logjams for several playoff spots. We know a little more now.
(NOTE: To see a round-up of Thursday's and Friday's scores from around the area scroll down. And visit our Friday Game Night page for video highlights and game stories.)
But the biggest shock of the night came in Commerce where the No. 6 and unbeaten Tigers were upset by Riverside MIlitary Academy, 20-19. The Eagles' win throws Region 8-A North into a three-way tie for first place with the Tigers, Eagles, and Hebron Christian. They will have to go to tiebreakers to see which team gets to play No. 1-ranked Athens Academy from the South subregion next week for the outright region title.
In Region 7-3A, Dawson County and North Hall steamrolled their way past Cherokee Bluff and East Hall, with the Tigers trouncing the Bears 41-7 and the Trojans setting records in a 76-0 win over the Vikings. That sets up a showdown next week for second place in Dawsonville. Meanwhile, Fannin County clinched the final playoff spot with a 35-14 win over Lumpkin County.
In Region 7-4A, a banged-up Flowery Branch team used a stellar special teams and defensive effort to pull away for a 27-7 victory over West Hall in Oakwood to clinch a playoff spot. The Spartans loss drops them out of the playoff picture for now. They are still alive but will need a win next week over Chestatee and get some help. White County also stayed alive for the final spot rallying for a 49-20 win over Chestatee, which eliminated the War Eagles.
In Region 8-6A, Gainesville continued its late-season surge with a thrilling 7-6 win over Apalachee on the road. That win, coupled with Habersham Central's 34-17 win over Winder-Barrow, keeps both teams in the running for playoff spots. Now both head to season finales next week with eyes on a possible second-place finish but also needing wins to ensure a spot.
In Region 8-2A, Rabun County and Union County tuned-up for their showdown next week for the region title with lopsided wins. The Wildcats hammered Oglethorpe County 63-6 while the Panthers crushed Social Circle 42-7. Banks County, however, was dealt a blow in a tough 36-33 loss to Monticello on the road. The Leopards, who could have clinched a spot with a win, now will have to beat Elbert County next week at home to get into the playoffs.
FRIDAY'S AREA PREP FOOTBALL SCORES
Buford 61, Walnut Grove 0
Dawson County 41, Cherokee Bluff 7
Fannin County 35, Lumpkin County 14
Flowery Branch 27, West Hall 7
Gainesville 7, Apalachee 6
Habersham Central 34, Winder-Barrow 17
Jefferson 38, Jackson County 3
Lakeview Academy 21, Towns County 20
Monticello 36, Banks County 33
North Hall 76, East Hall 0
Rabun County 63, Oglethorpe County 6
Riverside Military 20, Commerce 19
Union County 42, Social Circle 7
White County 49, Chestatee 20
THURSDAY'S AREA PREP FOOTBALL SCORES
Clarke Central 55, Johnson 3
Morgan County 45, East Jackson 0
