Games2Watch: Three huge region games with big implications

Week 8 could be moving day for a lot of teams across Northeast Georgia. 

With several key region contests on the slate, we think we have found three more Games2Watch that should provide several fireworks in Week 5. 

Lanier at North Forsyth

If North Forsyth wants to keep their Region 8-6A title hopes alive, a win over Lanier is necessary. On paper, the Raiders should win this one.

The Longhorns have struggled offensively, averaging just 10.7 points per game. They also give up an average of 30.5 points per game. Just those stats alone give NoFo the edge. However, the Raiders have had their share of problems. Senior quarterback West Roberts has passed for 1,325 yards and has completed more than 50 percent of his passes. However, he's thrown 11 interceptions. You can bet Lanier's secondary has already picked apart the Raiders' game film.

It's not been all bad for Roberts and the offense. They are averaging 26 points per game, and he has tossed 13 TD passes. It could be a good night for both the passing game and rushing attack for the Raiders as Lanier has given up more than 200 rushing yards over the last two games.

Regardless of the records and stats, this one will be a dogfight in Raider Valley with two teams battling for playoff positioning. The edge in this one, however, goes to the Raiders.

Jackson County at Shiloh

Jackson County has been so close several times this season, losing four games by an average of seven points. Over the last two weeks, the Panthers' offense has been very productive in wins over Apalachee and Habersham Central. Those wins have them in the hunt for the playoffs. Shiloh is in the same boat. That's why this is a Game2Watch. 

We could say Shiloh's offense against Jackson County defense is the key matchup, as the Raiders are averaging 30.7 ppg, and the Panthers are giving up just over 16. It could also go the other way.

After further research, it could come down to special teams. Myles Smith, who has 631 all-purpose yards (223 receiving, 101 yards on kick-off return yards and 307 punt return yards), could be the X-factor for the Raiders. He's hauled in two passes for TDs, the others coming off special teams. How the Panthers cover on special teams could be the difference.  

Regardless, Shiloh holds the edge in this one. How the Panthers respond after the trip to Lithonia will be the biggest question. 

Lumpkin at Gilmer

This one is the epitome of intriguing. Both teams, who have had bedrooms in the Region 7-3A basement recently, find themselves near the top of the region standings. Actually, Gilmer is tied with Dawson County for first place. Lumpkin County lost its first game of the season last week to new region foe Wesleyan, dropping them behind Dawson and Gilmer. But it's not all lost for the Indians. The region title is still in front of them right now. 

However, it doesn't get any easier for the Indians this week. They'll face the Paul Standard wing-T, which has been very productive averaging 255.3 rushing yards per game. They've only thrown the ball 10 times for 132 yards. Hunter Watkins, senior running back, leads the team with 563 yards and 7 TDs rushing. 

Well, it actually doesn't get any easier for Gilmer as well. The Indians have been putting up numbers with a balanced attack. They're averaging 37 ppg and are giving up 11.3, and have a bunch of talent on both sides of the ball. Could a one-dimensional Bobcats offense play in Lumpkin County's favor? Maybe. Both teams are going to have their hands full in this one. Homefield advantage might be the winner. 

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