Region 8-4A will open its region schedule full-bore this week with three big games on Friday to highlight Week 4 of the 2022 season.
The three games are nearly a quarter of the just 14 games on tap, the fewest amount of games for a Friday so far this season.
Second-year program East Forsyth, playing in its first-ever official region game, got things going last week in 8-4A with a stunning upset of Cedar Shoals on the road. The Broncos are off this week but Chestatee and North Hall will open their region slates at home.
Chestatee plays host to East Hall, with the Eagles looking for their first win of the season and the Vikings looking for their first 3-0 start since 1990. The two teams put on a show in 2021 in a 62-50 shootout win for Chestatee.
Meanwhile, across Highway 60, North Hall takes on a surprisingly undefeated Walnut Grove squad at The Brickyard. The Trojans have struggled in their spread offense while the Warriors are 2-0 for the first time since 2014.
Cherokee Bluff also opens its Region 8-4A schedule traveling to Madison County. The Bears offense has been rolling, averaging 36.5 points/game but the defense, thought to be an early strength, is yielding a whopping 44.5 points/game so far. However, the Red Raiders have lost four of their last five home games going back to last season.
In other key Georgia High School Association action around the Northeast Georgia area, Gainesville and Lumpkin County both will be looking for 3-0 starts at home. The Red Elephants play host to Clarke Central while the Indians will entertain a very good Temple team.
In the GAPPS league, Lanier Christian will play host to Rock Springs Christian looking to move to 3-0 as well.
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, Commerce, East Forsyth, East Jackson, Flowery Branch, Johnson, Lakeview Academy, Rabun County, Towns County, West Hall, and White County all are off this week.)
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Sept. 9
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BANKS COUNTY at FRANKLIN COUNTY
Records: Leopards (2-0, Region 8-2A); Lions (0-3, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Banks County beat Oglethorpe County, 21-14; Franklin County lost 48-0 to Lumpkin County.
Where: Ed Bryant Stadium, Carnesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Franklin County is 4-1 vs. the Leopards with all six meetings since 2014 and is 3-0 at home in the series. The Leopards only win came in 2019 in Homer. Banks County is 2-0 for the first time since 2011 and the first time under Jay Reid and has not started a season 3-0 since 1997. The Leopards are doing it with defense so far allowing just 17 ppg. They gave up 31.1 ppg in 2021. The Lions are struggling all over the field scoring 7.6 ppg on offense and yielding 41.6 ppg on defense.
What to watch for: Leopards’ RB Andrew Shockley. The Sr. leads Class 2A in rushing (523 yards) and is tied for the lead in TDs (7) and already has rushed for over 100-yards in their first two games. The Lions gave up 226 yards on the ground and nearly 500 yards of offense last week.
CENTRAL GWINNETT at HABERSHAM CENTRAL
Records: Black Knights (3-0, Region 8-7A); Raiders (1-1, Region 8-6A)
Last week: Central Gwinnett beat Jackson County 17-13; Habersham Central was off.
Where: Raider Stadium, Mt. Airy
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: WCON 99.3 FM
The Statisticals: Habersham Central leads series 8-7 and has won 4 straight going back to 2000, including each of the past two seasons as former region foes. The Black Knights are 3-0 for the first time since 2012. Central Gwinnett’s last win in the series came in 1999. Sr. RB Blandon Grizzle is averaging 82.5 yards/game for the Raiders. After giving 31 ppg in 2021, the Black Knights defense has been one of the most improved units in Region 8-7A yielding just 16 ppg so far.
What to watch for: Raiders’ QB Cooper Smith. The Sr. took over for Carson Palmer and had a huge game two weeks ago going 11-of-13 for 270 yards and 2 TDs passing. If the Raiders passing game can get consistent with its rushing attack, they could be a tough group to stop with Grizzle and WRs Zeke Whittington (12 rec., 166 yards) and Colton Wilbanks (7-186, 2 TD).
CHEROKEE BLUFF at MADISON COUNTY
Records: Bears (0-2, 0-0 Region 8-4A); Red Raiders (1-1, 0-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Cherokee Bluff was off; Madison County was off
Where: Red Raider Stadium, Danielsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: WDUN AM 550
The Statisticals: It’s the region-opener for both teams. It’s also the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The Bears are in rebuilding mode and so far the defense, which was thought to be the early strength of the team, has been torched for 89 points (44.5 ppg) However, the offense has looked better than expected averaging 36.5 ppg. The Red Raiders have struggled at Red Raider Stadium going just 1-4 in their last 5 games at home, including two weeks ago vs. Elbert County.
What to watch for: The Bluff defense. The Bears gave up just 11.6 ppg in 2021 and had nearly a half-dozen returning players. They will need to get that unit back on track vs. a Madison County offense that is averaging 34.5 ppg so far. Red Raiders’ Jr. RB Camden Smith is averaging over 100 yards/game on the ground
CLARKE CENTRAL at GAINESVILLE
Records: Gladiators (1-1, Region 8-5A); Red Elephants, ranked 6th in Class 6A (3-0, Region 8-6A)
Last week: Clarke Central lost 33-9 to Oconee County; Gainesville beat Monroe Area 23-13.
Where: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: 94.5 The Lake
The Statisticals: Gainesville leads the series 8-4 and this will be the first meeting since 2017. The Red Elephants are 6-0 all-time vs. the Gladiators at City Park. We’ll keep saying it until it doesn’t happen, but the Red Elephants are looking for their first 4-0 start since 2009. For a third straight week, GHS played one good half and one bad half. The Red Elephants struggled early trailing 13-10 at halftime. But they shut out the Hurricanes 13-0 in the 2nd half. In fact, they have not allowed a 2nd half point in their last two games. Sr. RB Naim Cheeks had another 100-yard game for GHS.
What to watch for: The Glads offense vs. Red Elephants defense. The Glads have been one-dimensional so far averaging over 200 yards on the ground but just 60 yards through the air. The GHS defense has been stingy against the run holding their last two opponents to under 100 yards for the game. GHS LB Jeremiah Telander had a huge game with 15 tackles and an INT last week.
CREEKSIDE CHRISTIAN at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
Records: Cougars (1-2, GAPPS Region 2-2A); Lions (1-2, GIAA Region 4-4/3A)
Last week: Creekside won by forfeit over Notre Dame Academy; Lakeview lost 51-14 to St. Anne-Pacelli.
Where: Lakeview Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. After a thrilling offensive comeback in their opener scoring 35 points, the Lions have scored just 20 since. The Lakeview defense is giving up 40.3 ppg. As for Creekside, in the two games they have played, they have been outscored 61-6.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense. The Lions offense put up some good numbers in the opener with QB Logan Stanley and RB Antonio Cantrell. They have a chance to get back on track vs. a Cougars defense that is allowing 30.5 ppg.
EAST HALL at CHESTATEE
Records: Vikings (2-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A); War Eagles (0-2, 0-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: East Hall beat Johnson 14-13; Chestatee lost 34-7 to White County.
Where: War Eagle Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: 102.9 FM WDUN
The Statisticals: The series is tied 5-5 and the two teams have split the last 6 meetings going back to 2016. The War Eagles won 62-50 in 2021. It’s the region-opener for both teams. Chestatee has lost 6 straight games since beating the Vikings last season. East Hall is 2-0 for the first time since 2011 but has not started a season 3-0 since 1990. Defense has been the key for both squads in 2022. The Vikings, after allowing a classification-worst 51.6 ppg in 2021, have allowed just 27 points (13.5 ppg) so far, a monumental improvement. The War Eagles are rebuilding their defense and have surrendered 97 points (48.5 ppg) so far.
What to watch for: The scoreboard! These two teams have averaged 94 points over their last 5 meetings. However, a usually potent Chestatee offense has managed just 20 points in the early going. East Hall So. RB Jacob Christian is averaging nearly 100 ypg on the ground. Vikings’ So. QB Peyton Llewallyn is starting to come around with 311 yards and 2 TDs passing. He also has thrown 2 INT.
JEFFERSON at OCONEE COUNTY
Records: Dragons, ranked 9th in Class 5A (2-1, Region 8-5A); Warriors, ranked 7th in Class 3A (2-1, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Jefferson beat St. Pius, 23-0; Oconee County beat Putnam County, 20-0.
Where: Warrior Stadium, Watkinsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson holds a 12-10 lead in the series and it’s the 6th meeting since 2014. Oconee County won the last meeting in 2019, 21-20. The teams have split those 6 games, with each winning once on the road. Jefferson’s Sammy Brown rushed for 103 yards and a score. Oconee’s Whit Weeks rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown. C.J. Jones rushed for 76 yards. Oconee County held Putnam County to 122 yards and five first downs. Jefferson held St. Pius to 157 total yards.
What to watch for: The Jefferson offense vs. Warriors defense. The Warriors are 5th in defense in 3A yielding just 25 points (8.6 ppg). The Dragons, however, lead Class 5A in scoring with 125 points (41.6 ppg). The Dragons have given up 75 points (25 ppg) but have gotten better each week.
MOUNTAIN VIEW at JACKSON COUNTY
Records: Bears (1-2, Region 8-7A); Panthers (1-2, Region 8-6A)
Last week: Mountain View lost 27-13 to Lambert; Jackson County lost 17-13 to Central Gwinnett.
Where: Panther Stadium, Hoschton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. It’s the second straight 8-7A opponent for the Panthers, and third straight from Class 7A. Jackson County has had a second half lead in all three games but are struggling to close out games. The defense is yielding just 17.1 ppg but the offense is averaging just 18.6 ppg. Turnovers (3 INTs, 2 fumbles) have been an issue for the Panthers. However, they have forced 7 turnovers on defense. The Bears are 0-1 vs. 8-6A teams having lost to Gainesville two weeks ago. Mountain View has the 5th-worst offense in Class 7A (44 points, 14.6 ppg).
What to watch for: Jackson County Jr. QB Chase Berrong is beginning to emerge averaging 151 yards/game passing with 5 TDs but he also has thrown 3 picks. He also has 134 yards rushing on the season. Sr. WR Markel Oliver has 9 catches for 144 yards and 1 TD as 6 different receivers have multiple catches so far on the season.
NORTH FORSYTH at CREEKVIEW
Records: Raiders (2-1, Region 8-6A); Grizzlies (0-3, Region 6-6A)
Last week: North Forsyth beat West Forsyth 28-24; Creekview.
Where: Creekview Stadium, Canton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. The Raiders have won 2 straight and are just one late comeback by North Atlanta from being 3-0. Creekview is off to its worst start since 2014. The defense has been the main catalyst for the Raiders. After giving up 31 to North Atlanta in their opener, they have allowed just 31 total over the past two games. The offense is 12th in Class 6A averaging 30 ppg. The Grizzlies have not had much bite so far scoring just 27 points (9.0 ppg). Defensively they are giving up just 21.3 ppg. The Raiders offense was led by WR Logan Curry, who had 7 catches for 190 yards and 1 TD.
What to watch for: The North Forsyth defense. They have improved each game and get a Grizzlies offense that is in the bottom 9 in Class 6A. The Raiders offense, after turning it over 6 times vs. North Atlanta, has had just 3 turnovers since.
PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN at RIVERSIDE MILITARY
Records: The Storm (0-3, Region 8-2A); Eagles (0-2, GIAA Region 6-4/3A)
Last week: Providence lost 35-7 to Whitefield Academy; Riverside lost 42-20 to Stratford Academy.
Where: Maginnis Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Riverside leads the series 4-1 and is 3-0 all-time at home vs. The Storm. This a game between two teams in desperate need of a win. The Storm has lost 24 of its last 26 games overall going back to 2019. The Eagles have lost 8 of 9 since reinstating the program after the 2020 season. Providence has allowed the 4th-most points in 2A (118, 39.3 ppg) and scored the 7th-fewest (16, 5.3 ppg) The Eagles have been slightly better scoring 13.5 ppg but have given up the most points in GIAA (103, 51.5 ppg) on defense.
What to watch for: Which offense can get the most traction? The Eagles scored 20 last week, the 3rd-most allowed by Stratford over its past 8 games. Providence averaged 21.9 ppg last year but The Storm are learning a new system under new coach Joe Sturdivant.
ROCK SPRINGS CHRISTIAN at LANIER CHRISTIAN
Records: Eagles (1-1, Region 2-2A); Lightning (2-0, GAPPS Region 1-2A)
Last week: Both teams were off last week.
Where: Cabbell Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: The Lightning have outscored their two opponents 117-6 so far in the early going. They are the highest-scoring team and have allowed the fewest points in GAPPS to this point. The Eagles are averaging 11.5 ppg and yielding 28.5 ppg on defense.
What to watch for: The Lightning offense. They can score on any play and are loaded. Fr. QB C.J. Britt already has an understanding of the offense and So. RB Zeke Clanton is already picking up where he left off in 2021. WRs Carter Raulerson, Isaac Dinn, Camden Hohman, Shepherd Acton, McKinney Crozier, Ben Hargis, Jr. and Drew Kalnaukas give Britt a plethora of weapons.
STEPHENS COUNTY at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Indians, ranked 10th in Class 3A (2-1, Region 8-3A); Tigers (2-1, Region 7-3A)
Last week: Stephens County beat Flowery Branch, 27-11; Dawson County beat North Hall, 30-13.
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. The Tigers went old-school last week. They ran it 51 times for 303 yards and threw the ball just 3 times. Matt Bennett and Elijah Smith both ran for over 100 yards and Kade Moledor had 70 yards. The Indians finally finally got their sputtering offense going rushing for 240 yards vs. a good Falcons defense. Javin Gordon had 138 yards and 2 TDs. Stephens County is ranked for the first time since the 9th week of the 2016 season.
What to watch for: Indians’ Cam Lacey. The dynamic Sr. returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD to help break the game open last week. Lacy and Gordon combined for over a dozen tackles and broke up 6 passes. Tigers offense vs. Indians defense. Stephens is 8th in 3A allowing just 9.3 ppg and held a potent Branch rushing attack to just 82 yards.
TEMPLE at LUMPKIN COUNTY
Records: Tigers (2-1, Region 4-A, Division 1); Indians (3-0, Region 7-3A)
Last week: Temple beat Chattooga 44-19; Lumpkin County beat Franklin County, 48-0
Where: The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. If you haven’t started to believe in the Indians, maybe it’s time. They have beaten a pair of teams they had not had much success against the last two weeks and are among the classification leaders in several categories. They are 3rd in offense (137, 45.6 ppg) and 2nd in defense (13, 4.3 ppg). Indians’ QB Cooper Scott passed for 228 yards and rushed for 49 yards and 3 TDs while playing only the first half last week.
What to watch for: The Lumpkin defense vs. the Tigers offense. This may be Lumpkin’s sternest test to date. Temple is 9th in Class A Division 1 averaging 30.3 ppg and has the classification's top rusher in Sr. QB Cam Vaughn (637 yards, 10 TD; 212 yards/game) and they are piling up over 328 yards/game on the ground and have not turned the ball over this season. Lumpkin County has forced 7 turnovers, including 5 fumbles, on defense. The Tigers defense also will get its biggest test of the season but is giving up just 19.3 ppg so far.
UNION COUNTY at ARMUCHEE
Records: Panthers (2-1, Region 8-2A); Indians (2-0, Region 7-A, Division 1)
Last week: Union County beat Towns County, 49-7; Armuchee was off last week
Where: The Reservation, Rome
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. Primarily known for their offense over the past decade, the Panthers are getting it done on defense allowing just 14 ppg so far, which is a vast improvement from the 38.6 ppg they gave up in 2021. Armuchee is only averaging 13.5 ppg on offense, 5th-worst in Class A D1. Armuchee has won 5 straight games over teams in higher classifications, including both of its wins this season. The Panthers are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. smaller classification teams.
What to watch for: The Panthers offense vs. the Indians defense. Union County (23 ppg) finally got its offense going last week tying its highest total under Michael Perry. But the Indians are 6th in Class A D1 in defense giving up just 10 ppg.
WALNUT GROVE at NORTH HALL
Records: Warriors (2-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A); Trojans (0-2, 0-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Walnut Grove beat Chattahoochee County, 20-14; North Hall lost 30-13 to Dawson County
Where: The Brickyard, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Hall leads the series 2-0 but this is the first meeting since 2011. Region opener for both teams. The Warriors are 2-0 for the first time since 2014, the last time they had a winning record. They have allowed just 14 total points on defense, however, they have played a pair of Class A teams that are just 1-4 combined. North Hall’s struggles have been on the offensive end as the Trojans are still working the kinks out of their new spread attack that is averaging just 13.5 ppg. They threw for 171 yards but were held to minus-1 yards rushing last week.
What to watch for: Turnovers and bad snaps. These two areas have been what has slowed down the Trojans offense -- 10 fumbles, 4 lost, and 3 INT. The Walnut Grove offense vs. North Hall defense. North Hall gave up 303 yards on the ground last week. Warriors’ RB Emadd Howard rushed for 151 yards and 3 TDs last week.
