As expected, region playoff races around the area are starting to heat up and Week 8 will offer some huge matchups across the board with playoff implications aplenty.
Region 8-4A, after No. 2 North Oconee, is up for grabs for playoff spots. Five teams, including East Forsyth, Cherokee Bluff, and North Hall, are within one game of second place with Bluff and East Forsyth taking on each other, and North Hall playing host to Madison County, which is just 1 1/2-games back of second place, both games on Friday.
In Region 7-3A, Lumpkin County and Gilmer, two teams not expected to make the playoffs, meet in Ellijay with the Bobcats looking to cement a top spot and the Indians trying to shake off their first loss of the season. A battered White County team will try to get back in the race against a rejuvenated Wesleyan squad at home.
Region 8-2A has Union County and Banks County squaring off in Homer with Leopards suddenly trying to stay in the playoff race after a loss last week. East Jackson will play host to perennial playoff power Fellowship Christian trying to prove that their best start since 2009 is for real.
Jackson County rides a two-game win streak in Region 8-6A into Lithonia against a talented Shiloh team while North Forsyth takes on Lanier at Raider Valley looking to stay undefeated in region play.
For a look at all of the week's contests involving area teams, simply scroll down. And be sure to check back with AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night throughout the night on Friday for score updates, game stories, and video highlights. You can also check for scores and highlights on our Twitter feed: @FridayGameNight
(Buford, Chestatee, Gainesville, Habersham Central, Jefferson, Johnson, and West Hall all are off this week.)
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Oct. 7
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
CHEROKEE BLUFF at EAST FORSYTH
Records: Bears (2-4, 2-2, Region 8-4A); Broncos (4-1, 2-1, Region 8-4A)
Last week: Cherokee Bluff lost 21-19 to Cedar Shoals; East Forsyth beat East Hall, 45-0
Where: Half-mile High Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Cherokee Bluff won the only meeting between the two teams, 59-0, in 2021. It has been a roller coaster ride for the Bears. They lost two straight, won two straight, and are on a two-game losing streak once again. However, they are just 6 points from being 5-1 and unbeaten in region play. After averaging 33.6 ppg in their first four games, the Bears have scored just 31 points (15.5 ppg) in their last two games. The Broncos have been the surprise team of the region, if not all of Class 4A. They lead the classification in defense (24 points, 4.8 ppg) and their only loss was 7-6 to Walnut Grove on a missed PAT and blocked FG at the end of the game. It’s not a must-win for Bluff, but almost. The Bears can ill-afford to drop another game in the region to a team ahead of them in the standings. Both teams are part of a group of five that are within one game of each other for third place.
What to watch for: The Bears offense vs. East Forsyth defense. The Broncos have forced nearly 2 turnovers/game so far and have not given up more than 14 points in any game this season. And turnovers have been the issue for the Bears. They have 10 on the season, including 4 last week that halted three drives inside Jaguars territory. Bluff has the skill players to be explosive. RB Perry Haynes has come on of late with 397 yards and 4 TDs rushing. Max Eubanks leads the team in catches with 21 for 445 yards and 5 TDs.
COMMERCE at SOCIAL CIRCLE
Records: Tigers (4-2, Region 8-A Division 1); Redskins (4-1, Region 5-A Division 1)
Last week: Commerce beat First Presbyterian, 31-26 on the road.; Social Circle was off.
Where: Redskins Field, Social Circle
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Commerce leads the series 16-3. This will be the third straight year they have played and the 13th meeting this century, but only the second time they have ever met in a non-region matchup (1986). The two teams split the last two meetings, each winning on the road. In fact, the road team has won 5 of the last 7 overall meetings in the series. Both teams come into this one red hot as well. The Tigers have won 3 straight while Social Circle is riding a 4-game win streak, its longest since 2006. Commerce RB Jaiden Daniels had another huge game last week rushing for 233 yards and 3 TDs. The Tigers are 3-1 in games decided by 5 points or less.
What to watch for: Commerce offense vs. the Redskins defense. The Tigers are averaging 24.1 ppg while the Redskins are 7th in Class A D1 yielding just 14.4 ppg, and only 30 points in their last 4 games (7.25 ppg). But the Tigers have played a much more difficult schedule than the Redskins and are averaging right at 250 yards/game on the ground.
EAST HALL at WALNUT GROVE
Records: Vikings (2-4, 0-4, Region 8-4A); Walnut Grove (4-1, 2-1, Region 8-4A)
Last week: East Hall lost 45-0 to East Forsyth; Walnut Grove was off.
Where: Warriors Stadium, Walnut Grove
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. The Vikings had been hit hard by injuries and have lost 4 straight, all in the region, and may already be out of any playoff talk. But they can play spoiler. The Warriors are right in the middle of a 5-way group within 1 game of third place. They cannot afford a slip up. The East Hall offense, when healthy, can be explosive. The Vikings have given up the 5th-most points in Class 4A. Walnut Grove offers a big O-line with a rushing attack averaging over 260 yards/game behind one of the top rushers in Class 4A in Emadd Howard (604 yards, 8 TD, 4 100-yd games).
What to watch for: The East Hall offense vs. the Warriors defense. East Hall is in the bottom 10 in scoring in 4A. If the Vikings can get some of their mainline guys back and find some consistency on offense, they can help take the pressure off the defense.
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN at EAST JACKSON
Records: Paladins (2-3, 0-0 Region 8-2A); Eagles (4-2, 1-0 Region 8-2A)
Last week: Fellowship Christian lost 21-16 to Rabun County; East Jackson beat Banks County, 55-24.
Where: Eagles Stadium, Commerce
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. The Eagles are in the midst of their first 4-game win streak since 2009. This will be the last of a 4-game home stand where they are a perfect 3-0 so far. This also will also be their biggest test so far of the season. The Paladins are in a slight rebuilding phase after a 4-year run of winning 44 games with 4 quarterfinals appearances or better. They are a young team that is still learning how to win close games. They are 0-3 in games decided by 7 points or less. However, as a program, they have not lost back-to-back regular season games since 2017 (Walker, Whitefield Academy in Class A Private).
What to watch for: The East Jackson offense vs. the Paladins defense. The Eagles have exploded for 161 points (40.25 ppg) during their win streak. But they are going against a Paladins defense that is improving by the week. They gave up just 21 to Rabun last week and allowed just 15.5 ppg over their last two games after surrendering 75 points (25.0 ppg) over their first three games.
FLOWERY BRANCH at WINDER-BARROW
Records: Falcons (2-4, 0-2 Region 8-5A); Bulldoggs (3-3, 0-2 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Flowery Branch lost 17-7 to Clarke Central; Winder-Barrow lost 28-0 to Jefferson.
Where: W. Clair Harris Stadium, Winder
Radio WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Flowery Branch leads the series 6-2 and all nine meetings have been since 2010. The Falcons have won two straight in the series with the Bulldoggs’ last win coming in 2015. This is a must-win for both teams to have any chance at a playoff spot and both come in riding losing streaks. The Falcons have dropped 4 straight for the first time since the end of the 2016 season. The Bulldoggs have lost 3 straight. Offense has been the issue for the Falcons, who have scored just 64 points (15.25 ppg) during the losing streak. It’s the same for Winder-Barrow, who has scored just 35 points (11.6 ppg) over the past three games after scoring 104 points (34.6 ppg) in its first three games.
What to watch for: The Bulldoggs defense vs. the Branch offense. Winder-Barrow is 15th in Class 5A allowing just 16.5 ppg overall. Against the top 2 offensive teams in 8-5A (Loganville and Jefferson) the Bulldoggs gave up 27.5 ppg, below both teams’ season averages. The Falcons have not scored more than 20 points in any of their last five games.
LANIER at NORTH FORSYTH
Records: Longhorns (2-4, 1-1, Region 8-6A); Raiders (4-2, 2-0, Region 8-6A)
Last week: Lanier lost 42-14 to Gainesville; North Forsyth was off.
Where: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. The Raiders have a chance to become the first 3-0 team in the region and put themselves in a solid spot to make the playoffs. The Longhorns, meanwhile, need a win to stay in the top tier of the region. Of 8-6A teams, only Apalachee has scored fewer points than the Longhorns (64, 10.6 ppg) on the season. The Raiders are allowing 22.3 ppg, but just 18.5 ppg in region play.
What to watch for: The Raiders defense vs. the Lanier offense. North Forsyth’s Collin Miller and Co. have played well against some stout offenses. They have 29 TFL, including 20 sacks, on the season and have forced 14 turnovers (7 fumbles, 7 INT) on the season. The Lanier offense, averaging just 10.6 ppg, is the key. They have averaged less than 250 yards/game and have 8 turnovers. In their 4 losses, the Longhorns have scored just 20 points and are 0-4 when scoring less than 19.
LANIER CHRISTIAN at KING'S ACADEMY
Records: Lightning (5-1, 1-0 GAPPS Region 1-2A); Knights (3-2, 0-1 GAPPS Region 1-2A)
Last week: Lanier Christian beat Notre Dame Academy, 58-0; King’s Academy beat Walker 42-6.
Where: Woodstock
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: King’s Academy leads the series 1-0. The Knights won the only meeting 41-0 in 2019. Lanier Christian leads GAPPS in scoring by a wide margin (350, 58.3 ppg) but both teams are in the top three in defense in GAPPS. LCA is 2nd (73, 12.17) and the Knights are 3rd (74, 14.8 ppg).
They have a common opponent in Rock Springs Christian. LCA beat the Eagles 62-8 while King’s Academy won 47-0. LCA RB Zeke Clanton had a huge game last week with 233 all-purpose yards.
What to watch for: The LCA offense vs. the Knights defense. No one has stopped the Lightning behind Fr. QB CJ Britt, who leads GAPPS in passing with 1,018 yards, 19 TD, and no INTs so far, Clanton, who is 2nd in rushing with 672 yards and 11 TD, and a slew of receivers. They are averaging 169 yards/game passing and 179 yards/game rushing. For the Knights, when they have allowed more than 7 points, they are 0-3.
LUMPKIN COUNTY at GILMER
Records: Indians (5-1, 1-1 Region 7-3A); Bobcats (5-1, 2-0 Region 7-3A)
Last week: Lumpkin County lost 28-14 to Wesleyan; Gilmer beat West Hall, 45-3.
Where: Huff-Mosley Stadium, Ellijay
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Gilmer leads the series 25-10-3. However, Lumpkin County has won 4 of the last 5 going back to 2018, including 32-30 in 2021. These are the two biggest surprise teams in the region as neither was picked to make the playoffs yet they lead the region in wins. The Bobcats are prospering under 2nd-year head coach Paul Standard. They already have their most wins since 2014 and have clinched their first non-losing record since then as well. There should be great matchups on both sides no matter who has the ball. Despite the loss last week, the Indians are still 2nd in Class 3A in defense, giving up just 11.3 ppg. The Bobcats are yielding just 16.6 ppg. Both offenses are in the top 10 in 3A. Lumpkin is 5th (220, 36.6 ppg) and Gilmer is 9th (197, 32.8 ppg).
What to watch for: The Lumpkin offense. After having zero (0) turnovers in their first four games, the Indians have had 5 in their last two, including four last week that led to 21 Wesleyan points. The Bobcats have only created 4 turnovers all season on defense. If the Indians can cut down on the mistakes, expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair
MADISON COUNTY at NORTH HALL
Records: Red Raiders (2-3, 1-2, Region 8-4A); Trojans (2-4, 2-2, Region 8-4A)
Last week: Madison County beat Chestatee 39-8; North Hall lost 70-7 to North Oconee.
Where: The Brickyard, Gainesville
Radio 102.9 FM WDUN
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Madison County leads the series 10-4. This is the first meeting since 2015 and just the third since 2001. The two teams have split the last four games going back to the 2000 season. This is a huge game for both teams if they want to remain in the playoff race. Both are part of a group of five teams within one game of third place in the region. The loser will have three losses and tiebreaker issues. The Trojans have made huge strides on both sides of the ball and had a two-game win streak until running into the powerful Titans last week. The Red Raiders win last week snapped a three-game losing streak.
What to watch for: The North Hall defense vs. the Red Raiders offense. Until last week, the Trojans had only been giving up 6.0 ppg in region play. Madison County is averaging just 19.3 ppg in region play. Whichever unit wins that battle could be the difference.
NORTH GEORGIA CHRISTIAN at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
Records: Falcons (1-5, non-region); Lions (3-3, GIAA 4-AAAA-AAA)
Last week: North Georgia Christian lost 44-23 to New Faith Christian Academy; Lakeview Academy lost 24-7 to Bethlehem Christian.
Where: Lions Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. Lakeview had its two-game win streak snapped and dropped its region-opener last week to an unbeaten Bethlehem squad. The Falcons are averaging just 10.1 ppg on offense and giving up 47.7 ppg on defense. Lakeview is averaging 22.1 ppg and yielding 28.3 ppg against a tough schedule to this point.
What to watch for: Staying healthy. This should be a tune-up game for the Lions before jumping back into region play in two weeks against cross-town rival Riverside Military. Working out kinks in the offense, staying healthy, and getting the entire roster some work will probably be the priorities.
PICKENS at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Dragons (1-4, 0-1 Region 7-3A); Tigers (4-2, 2-0 Region 7-3A)
Last week: Pickens was off; Dawson County beat White County, 31-0.
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Pickens leads the series 7-1. This is the first meeting since 2011, a 56-35 Dawson County win in Dawsonville. Two teams headed in opposite directions. The Dragons were a preseason pick to make the playoffs but are struggling and are 0-4 on the road in 2022. With Gilmer next week, they already may be in a must-win position to have any chance at the playoffs with the emergence of Lumpkin County, who beat them 42-7 two weeks ago, and Gilmer. Defense has been the issue for the Dragons, who are giving 36.6 ppg, -- 9th-worst in Class 3A -- after yielding just 19.6 ppg in 2021. The Tigers offense has feasted early on 7-3A defenses scoring 87 points (43.5 ppg) the most of any team after the first two weeks.
What to watch for: The Dawson County offense vs. the Dragons defense. The Tigers offense has feasted early on against 7-3A defenses scoring 87 points (43.5 ppg) the most of any team after the first two weeks.
RABUN COUNTY at ST. FRANCIS
Records: Wildcats, ranked No. 3 in Class A Division 1 (6-0, Region 8-A Division 1); Knights (4-2, Region 6-A Division 1)
Last week: Rabun County beat Fellowship Christian, 21-16, on the road; St. Francis lost 23-18 to Bowden.
Where: Peter Carriuolo Field, Alpharetta
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. This is another big Class A Division 1 potential playoff primer showdown. The Wildcats offense may be getting into high-gear. Sr. Rabun County QB Keegan Stover, who sat 3rd in the state in passing yards before last week, now has 1,796 yards with 23 TD and no INTs on the season. Sr. WR Jaden Gibson had 9 catches for 178 yards and 2 TD and is now just 349 yards from Stan Rome’s all-time state record of 4,477 yards. Knights’ QB Jaiden Jenkins is having a solid season with 1,472 yards and 13 TD passing with just 2 INTs. Jenkins spreads it around with 4 receivers with 13 or more catches for more than 1,300 yards and 13 TDs combined. The Wildcats are 2-0 vs. Class A Division 1 teams so far this season.
What to watch for: Rabun County offense vs. the Knights defense. This has the makings for a shootout with two high-powered spread attacks. But after a 3-0 start, the Knights have lost 2 of 3 and given up 27 ppg in those two losses. Rabun County is 3rd in Class A D1 (226, 37.6 ppg) in scoring.
RIVERSIDE MILITARY at GEORGE WALTON
Records: Eagles (0-6, 0-0 GIAA 4-AAAA-AAA); Bulldogs (1-5, 0-0 GIAA 4-AAAA-AAA)
Last week: Riverside lost 39-6 to Druid Hills; George Walton was off.
Where: Keith Henderson Stadium, Monroe
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: George Walton leads the series 7-4. All 12 meetings have been since 2002. Two old region rivals will meet for the first time since 2018, a 24-14 Riverside win in the first round of the 2018 playoffs. Both teams are struggling mightily. The Eagles have lost 12 straight going back to last season while the Bulldogs have dropped five straight and are just 2-12 in their last 14 games overall. Riverside has scored the fewest points in GIAA Class 4-AAAA-AAA (57, 9.5 ppg) and given up the most points (311, 51.8 ppg). The Bulldogs are not much better. They have scored the third-fewest points (85, 14.1 ppg) and allowed the fifth-most (177, 29.5 ppg).
What to watch for: The offenses. Whichever offense can get the most traction will probably decide this one. But both teams can put themselves in a playoff position with a win so look for both to pull out all the stops.
TOWNS COUNTY at AQUINAS
Records: Indians (1-4, 0-1, Region 8-A Division 2); Fighting Irish, ranked 9th in Class A Division 2 (4-1, 1-0 Region 8-A Division 2)
Last week: Towns County lost 23-6 to Greene County; Aquinas beat Class 5A Greenbrier, 40-20.
Where: Aquinas Stadium, Augusta
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Aquinas leads the series 2-0 but this will be the first meeting between the teams since 2001. The Irish are 9th in defense in Class A D2 allowing just 17.6 ppg against a schedule that included four teams from higher classifications. They also have the classification’s leading passer in Jim Franklin (1,049 yards, 13 TD, 2 INT) and 2nd-leading receiver in Kevin Douglas (420 yards, 5 TD). The Indians offense, meanwhile, is 47th out of 50 averaging just 12.4 ppg on the season.
What to watch for: The Towns County defense vs. the Irish offense. After giving up just 13 points in their first two games, the Indians have been torched for 103 points (34.3 ppg) during a three-game losing streak. They will have to find a way to slow down Franklin and Douglas to have any chance.
UNION COUNTY at BANKS COUNTY
Records: Panthers (4-1, 0-0 Region 8-2A); Leopards (4-2, 0-1 Region 8-2A)
Last week: The Panthers have not played since Sept. 16; Banks County lost 55-24 to East Jackson.
Where: Leopards Stadium, Homer
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Union County leads the series 25-18. The Panthers have won 6 straight over the Leopards. Banks County’s last win came in 2011. After a historic start, Banks County has lost two straight and now faces an almost must-win scenario in the region with back-to-back region road games against Athens Academy and Fellowship Christian at the end of the month. The Leopards’ Andrew Shockley is 3rd in Class 2A in rushing (980 yards, 13 TD) and will pose a huge challenge for the Union County defense. However, the Panthers are 4th in Class 2A (59, 11.8 ppg) in defense. A big key will be if the Panthers show some rust after a 3-week layoff while the Leopards are playing for the 6th consecutive week.
What to watch for: The Banks County defense vs. the Leopards offense. Banks County, after allowing just 40 points (10.0 ppg) in its first 4 games has given up 72 points (36.0 ppg) in its last two. The Panthers have scored 139 points (46.3 ppg) during their 3-game win streak.
WESLEYAN at WHITE COUNTY
Records: Wolves (2-4, 1-1 Region 7-3A); Warriors (2-3, 0-1 Region 7-3A)
Last week: Wesleyan beat Lumpkin County, 28-14; White County lost 31-0 to Dawson County.
Where: Warriors Stadium, Cleveland
Radio: 93.9 FM WRWH
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. This is a huge game for both teams in the region. Both teams were preseason playoff picks so the loser could be in trouble. The Warriors cannot afford an 0-2 start while the Wolves have a surging Dawson County squad next week. The Warriors have been battling injuries since a 2-1 start where they were averaging 32.1 ppg on offense. They have scored just 14 points since.
What to watch for: The Wesleyan defense vs. the White County offense. The Wolves are ball-hawks with 13 turnovers, including 8 INTs on the season. However, Wesleyan is 0-3 on the road in 2022, allowing 96 points (32.0 ppg) on defense in those games. White County had been 2-0 at home, outsourcing its opponents 69-21 until last week. They have 7 turnovers, including 5 INTs, on the season.
