Region 8-4A was the first involving Northeast Georgia-area teams to get under way last week in earnest in the march toward the playoffs.
This week, Region 8-6A opens its region slate with Gainesville, Jackson County, and North Forsyth all getting their hopeful runs to the playoffs started strong.
The Red Elephants (4-0, 0-0 Region 8-6A) are ranked seventh in Class 6A and will head to Bethlehem to take on a rebuilding Apalachee (0-4, 0-0 Region 8-6A) squad.
But perhaps the most intriguing matchup in 8-6A has Jackson County (1-3, 0-0 Region 8-6A) playing host to North Forsyth (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-6A). Both teams have been up-and-down in the early going with each suffering some tough late-game losses.
Habersham Central (1-2, 0-0 Region 8-6A) opens region play next week at home against Lanier.
Region 8-4A continues its region showdowns with the biggest game perhaps being North Hall (0-3, 0-1 Region 8-4A) traveling to rival East Hall (2-1, 0-1 Region 8-4A) as both teams look to stay in the playoff race. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses last week.
Chestatee and Cherokee Bluff will meet at Yonah Field with both teams looking for a chance to grab a quick share of the region lead. The War Eagles (1-2, 1-0 Region 8-4A) whipped East Hall last week while the Bears (1-2, 1-0 Region 8-4A) nipped Madison County on the road.
In other interesting games around the area, Banks County (3-0) looks to keep its hot start going traveling to George Walton while Class 7A No. 1-ranked Buford (3-0) plays host to Class 3A No. 4 Carver-Atlanta at Tom Riden Stadium.
In what could be a potential GAPPS title preview, Lanier Christian (3-0) plays host to Calvary Christian (3-1) in a battle of the top two scoring teams in GAPPS. The Lightning are averaging 59.2 points/game while the Knights are scoring at a 36.5 ppg clip so far.
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
(Dawson County, Jefferson, Lakeview Academy, and Lumpkin County are off this week.)
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Sept. 16
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BANKS COUNTY at GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY
Records: Bulldogs (1-3, GIAA Region 4-4/3A); Leopards (3-0, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Banks County beat Franklin County, 43-6; George Walton lost 48-0 to John Milledge Academy.
Where: Keith Henderson Stadium, Monroe
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: George Walton won the only meeting between the two teams in 2020, 34-7 in Homer. The Leopards are 7th in scoring in Class 2A (105, 35.0 ppg) and 8th in defense, allowing just 13.1 ppg. Those are huge turnarounds so far after scoring just 150 total points (15.0 ppg) and giving up 311 (31.1 ppg) in 2021. They are 3-0 for the first time since 1997 and a win would give them their best start since 1991. The Bulldogs are in the bottom 5 in GIAA in both offense and defense. They have scored just 17 points and given up 87 points (29.0 ppg) during their 3-game losing streak.
What to watch for: Banks County RB Andrew Shockley once again. The senior is 2nd in Class 2A in rushing with 677 yards and a 9.7 ypc average. He leads 2A in TDs with 10. The Leopards are averaging 365 yards/game on the ground so far. George Walton gave up 258 yards rushing last week.
CALVARY CHRISTIAN at LANIER CHRISTIAN
Records: Knights (3-1, GAPPS Region 2-2A); Lightning (3-0, GAPPS Region 1-2A)
Last week: Calvary Christian beat Flint River Academy, 30-19; Lanier Christian beat Rock Springs Christian, 62-8.
Where: Cabbell Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. These are the top two scoring teams in GAPPS. LCA has scored 179 points (59.2 ppg) behind Fr. QB C.J. Britt (10 TD passes) and Sr. RB Zeke Clanton. Britt was 8-of-8 for 170 yards and 6 TDs last week. Calvary has scored 146 points (36.5 ppg) behind Jayden Mason. However, the Knights have given up the 2nd-most points (101, 25.2 ppg) in GAPPS. LCA has allowed just 14 points (4.6 ppg).
What to watch for: Calvary Christian's Jayden Mason. The Sr. RB already has 1,175 yards rushing with 15 TDs. Stopping him will be the priority of the LCA defense. The LCA passing attack vs. the Calvary secondary. Britt tossed 6 TD passes last week to 5 different receivers. Shepard Acton (3), Camden Hohman (2), Carter Raulerson (2), Isaac Dinn, (1), Clanton (1), and William Martin (1) all have caught TD passes for the Lightning. The Knights have 5 INTs so far on the season.
CARVER-ATLANTA at BUFORD
Records: Panthers, ranked No. 4 in Class 3A (3-0, Region 5-3A); Wolves, ranked No. 1 in Class 7A (3-0, Region 8-7A)
Last week: Carver beat Stephenson, 32-27; Buford was off.
Where: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Buford won the only other meeting between the two teams, 39-6 in 2020 at home. The Panthers are not in the top 15 in 3A in either scoring or defense but all three wins have come vs. higher-classification teams. Panthers’ Sr. QB Bryce Bowens has thrown for 654 yards and 5 TDs so far. Carver DL Aquantis Clemmons had six tackles, five tackles for losses, three sacks and a forced fumble last week. Buford Sr. RB Justice Haynes had his best game of the season vs. North Cobb two weeks ago with 203 yards and 3 TDs rushing, which puts him in the top 6 now in Class 7A. Buford has won 22 straight at Tom Riden vs. Georgia opponents going back to a 23-20 loss to Bainbridge in the 2018 Class 5A playoffs. Carver has won 5 straight true road games.
What to watch for: The Carver offense vs. the Buford defense. The Wolves are yielding just 9.3 ppg and are 3rd in 7A in scoring defense. The Panthers are explosive behind Bowens and are averaging 32.6 ppg.
CHESTATEE at CHEROKEE BLUFF
Records: War Eagles (1-2, 1-0 Region 8-4A); Bears (1-2, 1-0 Region x-xA)
Last week: Chestatee beat East Hall, 44-12; Cherokee Bluff beat Madison County, 20-19.
Where: Yonah Field, Flowery Branch
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Bluff leads the series 2-0. This is the first home game of the season for the Bears, who were 11-3 at Yonah Field the past two seasons, with two losses coming in the playoffs. Chestatee has dropped 14 straight on the road going back to a 34-26 win over East Hall in 2019. Chestatee has not won back-to-back region games since 2013.
What to watch for: The Bears defense. They were expected to be a strength but struggled early on. They may have righted the ship last week holding the Red Raiders, who came in averaging 34.5 ppg, to just 6 2nd half points. The Chestatee defense. The War Eagles had been allowing 48.5 ppg but forced 7 East Hall turnovers, getting a pair of defensive scores as well, and allowing their fewest points over their past 10 games. Chestatee’s Elijah Pruitt had 5 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack, 1 PBU, and returned a fumble for a TD last week.
EAST FORSYTH at JOHNSON
Records: Broncos (2-0, 1-0 Region 8-4A); Knights (0-3, non-region)
Last week: East Forsyth was off; Johnson was off.
Where: The Dungeon, Oakwood
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: The Broncos have won consecutive games for the first time in their history and have done it with defense, allowing just 14 total points. The Knights are vastly improved, dropping a heartbreaker to East Hall two weeks ago and trailing West Hall just 9-7 in the fourth quarter. Johnson scored just 52 points all last season and already are averaging 13.1 ppg in 2022.
What to watch for: The Knights defense. They have gotten better each game, giving up just 37 points (18.5 ppg) their past two games after allowing 41 to Banks County. The Broncos are averaging 35 ppg but that came against a first-year program in Seckinger and a depleted Cedar Shoals squad that had 15 players suspended. Johnson is also trying to snap a 25-game losing streak.
FRANKLIN COUNTY at EAST JACKSON
Records: Lions (0-4, Region 8-3A); Eagles (1-2, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Franklin County lost 43-6 to Banks County; East Jackson was off.
Where: Eagles Stadium, Commerce
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: As old Region 8-3A foes, the Lions lead the series 9-1 but the Eagles got their first-ever win in the series in 2021 with a 26-0 win at home. A struggling Eagles offense got going last week and now they faces a Lions defense that has allowed the most points in Class 3A (168, 42 ppg). Sr. RB Gary Maddox III had a breakout game vs. West Hall with 178 yards and 2 TDs. They rushed for 363 yards for the game. The Lions are 47th out 50 in Class 3A in scoring (29, 7.1 ppg).
What to watch for: East Jackson has not won back-to-back games since beginning the 2019 season 3-0. The Lions have lost 10 straight going back to last season, the 2nd-longest losing streak in program history. They lost 13 straight in the 1979 and 1980 seasons.
GAINESVILLE at APALACHEE
Records: Red Elephants, ranked No. 6 in Class 6A (4-0, 0-0 Region 8-6A); Wildcats (0-4, 0-0 Region 8-6A)
Last week: Gainesville beat Clarke Central 43-20; Apalachee lost 38-0 to Loganville.
Where: R. Harold Harrison Stadium, Bethlehem
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: The first meeting between the two programs since 2018 and GHS is a perfect 8-0 all-time vs. the Wildcats. Big Red QB Baxter Wright was 15-for-24 for 315 yards and 5 TDs and TE Sky Niblett had 5 catches for 75 yards and 2 TDs. The Wildcats have allowed the 9th-most points in 6A (109, 27.2 ppg) while GHS is averaging 32.5 ppg, which is 9th in 6A. Apalachee has scored just 27 points (6.75 ppg) on the season. However, Apalachee started 0-4 in 2021 and won 5 of its last 6 games to get into the playoffs.
What to watch for: Gainesville has yet to put two full halves together. Can they avoid a slow start on the road? Wright is now 6th in 6A in passing (827 yards, 9 TD, 2 INT). Big Red has five players with 8 or more catches. Niblett is tied for 2nd in 6A in TD catches (5).
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at FORSYTH CENTRAL
Records: Raider (1-2, Region 8-6A); Bulldogs (1-2, 0-0 Region 8-7A)
Last week: Lost 28-14 to Central Gwinnett; Forsyth Central was off.
Where: Forsyth County Stadium, Cumming
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Habersham Central leads series 5-1 but this is the first meeting since 1991, a 6-0 Raiders win at home. The Bulldogs only win in the series came in 1988. Habersham is 44th out of 57 on offense (19.2 ppg) in 6A but is in the top half in defense (70, 23.1 ppg). After scoring 44 in their opener, the Bulldogs have scored just 21 points since. They also have given up the most points in Class 7A (149, 49.2 ppg) on defense. They have yielded 21 or more in 11 of their last 12 games going back to last year.
What to watch for: Can the Raiders hold a lead? In both of their losses they have had the lead in the fourth quarter. They gave up 21 fourth quarter points last week after leading 14-7.
LAMBERT at FLOWERY BRANCH
Records: Longhorns (3-0, 0-0 Region 8-7A); Falcons (2-1, 0-0 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Lambert was off; Flowery Branch was off.
Where: Falcons Field, Flowery Branch
Radio: 102.9 FM WDUN
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. The Longhorns are averaging 39.0 ppg but that’s good for just 15th in Class 7A but they are 5th in 7A in defense allowing just 33 points (11.0 ppg). The Falcons are coming off a disappointing showing vs. Stephens County, especially on defense where they were gashed for 240 yards on the ground.
What to watch for: The Branch offense vs. Lambert defense. After scoring 39 in a season-opening win over Decatur, the Falcons have scored just 20 points since. Against Stephens County, they were held to less than 100 yards rushing and less than 200 total yards for the game.
LINCOLN COUNTY at COMMERCE
Records: Red Devils (2-1, Region 8-A, Division 2); Tigers (1-2, Region 8-A, Division 1)
Last week: Lincoln County was off; Commerce was off.
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lincoln County has dominated the series, 15-5, and has won 10 of the last 11 meetings going back to 2003. This is the fourth straight year they have met with Commerce winning 17-7 in 2020 at home. Both teams are coming off losses two weeks ago. The Tigers’ two losses have been to teams that are a combined 6-1 on the season. Commerce So. RB Jaiden Daniels is 5th in Class A, Division 1 with 425 yards.
What to watch for: The Tigers’ defense. The Red Devils like to run the ball but the Commerce defense has played well vs. the run. Lincoln’s Kelby Glaze could be a rising star. The Fr. RB had 109 yards and 1 TD on just 9 carries two weeks ago.
NORTH FORSYTH at JACKSON COUNTY
Records: Raiders (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-6A); Panthers (1-3, 0-0 Region 8-6A)
Last week: North Forsyth lost 35-7 to Creekview; Jackson County lost 24-17 to Mountain View.
Where: Panther Stadium, Hoschton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. A pair of teams that have been up-and-down in the early going but can jump-start a playoff push this week. The Raiders are averaging 24.25 ppg behind the classifications No. 4 passer in West Roberts (862 yards, 69%, 8 TD) and WR Logan Curry (28 rec., 374 yards, 2 TD). But 11 turnovers, including 7 INT, have been the problem. All three of the Panthers losses have been by 7 points or less.
What to watch for: The Panthers defense vs. Raiders offense. Jackson County is yielding just 19 ppg on defense and has forced 7 turnovers in four games. The Raiders defense gave up 450 yards of offense last week.
NORTH HALL at EAST HALL
Records: Trojans (0-3, 0-1 Region 8-4A); Vikings (2-1, 0-1 Region 8-4 A)
Last week: North Hall lost 38-20 to Walnut Grove; East Hall lost 44-12 to Chestatee.
Where: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Hall County's oldest rivalry. The Vikings lead the series 33-22-1 but North Hall has won 12 straight in the series. The last East Hall win was in 2001, a 10-7 victory in Valhalla. The Trojans are trying to avoid their first 0-4 start since 2017. Both offenses have been struggling. The Vikings are averaging just 15 ppg with several new pieces while North Hall is averaging just 12.1 ppg while implementing a new spread attack. North Hall did not commit a turnover for the first time this season last week.
What to watch for: Can East Hall hold onto the ball? Turnovers vs. Chestatee, 7 of them, killed the Vikings. Can North Hall find any traction in the passing game? Jr. QB Tanner Marsh is 38-for-69 for 449 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT for the Trojans. Tate Ruth has been a pleasant surprise for the Trojans. The Jr. RB has 189 yards and 2 TDs to lead North Hall.
RABUN COUNTY at HEARD COUNTY
Records: Wildcats, ranked 3rd in Class A, Division 1 (3-0, Region 8-A, Division 1); Braves (1-2, Region 4-A, Division 1)
Last week: Rabun County was off; Heard County lost 21-7 to Callaway
Where: Staples Stadium, Franklin
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Heard County won the only meeting between the two programs in 2012, 56-29, in the first round of the playoffs. This will be the second nearly 3-hour road trip of the season so far for the Wildcats. Sr. QB Keegan Stover dropped to 3rd in Class A, D1 with the week off (963 yards, 13 TDs, 0 INT) but is only 190 yards behind Jack Cendoya of Mount Pisgah (1,153 yards). Sr. WR Jaden Gibson (493 yards, 8 TDs) dropped to 2nd in the state in receiving behind Harrison's Brady Kluse, who has 558 yards in 1 more game than Gibson.
What to watch for: The Braves defense vs. the Rabun offense. Heard County is only allowing 12.0 ppg. Can they slow down the passing attack of the Wildcats? Only Stephens County has been able to stifle the Rabun offense to this point. The Wildcats are 2nd in Class A, D1 averaging 48.3 ppg. Only Trion (49.0 ppg) is scoring more than Rabun in the classification.
RIVERSIDE MILITARY at GEORGIA MILITARY
Records: Eagles (0-3, GIAA Region 4-3A); Bulldogs (0-4, Region 5-A, Division 1)
Last week: Riverside lost 52-0 to Providence Christian; Georgia Military lost 14-2 to Washington-Wilkes.
Where: Davenport Field, Milledgeville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Riverside leads the series, which goes back to 1911, 17-11-3. The Bulldogs won 26-6 in 2021 in Gainesville. Both teams are struggling. The Bulldogs, after going 10-0 last season, have lost 5 straight going back to the first round of the 2021 playoffs. Riverside has lost 9 straight going back to a win over Druid Hills in the 2021 opener. Riverside is averaging just 9.0 ppg while the Bulldogs have surrendered 28.0 ppg so far.
What to watch for: The Riverside defense vs. the Bulldogs offense. The Eagles have given up the most points in GIAA (155, 51.2 ppg) while Georgia Military is averaging just 11.7 ppg.
TOWNS COUNTY at COOSA
Records: Indians (1-2, Region 8-A, Division 2); Eagles (1-2, Region 7-A, Division 1)
Last week: Towns County was off; Coosa was off.
Where: Eagle Stadium, Rome
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting between the two programs. The Eagles snapped a 5-game losing streak two weeks ago but they are just 2-11 since the start of the 2021 season, with both wins coming against Gordon Lee. They are 0-11 against everyone else. The Indians are looking for this game to work out some bugs before taking another week off before opening region play in two weeks.
What to watch for: Giant killers. The Indians have won 3 of their last 7 road games over the past season-plus. They also have won 4 of their last 5 game against higher classification opponents under Jason Roquemore.
WEST HALL at UNION COUNTY
Records: Spartans (1-2, Region 7-3A); Panthers (3-1, Region 8-2A)
Last week: West Hall was off; Union County beat Armuchee, 42-10.
Where: Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium, Blairsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: West Hall leads the series 2-0 but this is the first meeting between the two teams since 1991. Union County is off to its best start since 2019. The key for the Panthers early on is on the defensive side. They are giving up just 13.0 after yielding over 38 ppg in 2021. Offensively they are starting to click scoring 91 points the past two games after scoring just 20 in their first two. The Spartans defense has played well allowing just 17.3 ppg but they have scored just 37 points (12.3 ppg) and were shut out two weeks ago by East Jackson.
What to watch for: The Panthers offense vs. Spartans defense. Union County RB Braylen Rader has rushed for 278 yards and 4 TDs in his last two games. Union County Jr. QB Caiden Tanner leads Class 2A in passing with 832 yards and is 2nd in TD passes with 7. Jr. WR Jensen Goble is 4th in receiving with 263 yards and 2 TD.
WHITE COUNTY at STEPHENS COUNTY
Records: Warriors (2-1, Region 7-3A); Indians (3-1, Region 8-3A)
Last week: White County was off; Stephens County beat Dawson County 38-10.
Where: The Reservation, Toccoa
Radio: 93.9 FM WRWH
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Stephens County leads the series 4-2 and won 34-20 in 2021 at home. But the Warriors won 44-6 in 2020. White County is 0-3 all-time at The Reservation. The Indians defense is by far the best the Warriors have faced this season. They have yielded just 3 total TDs on the season and are 6th in 3A giving up just 9.5 ppg. White County QB Tripp Nix is averaging more than 250 yards/game (128 yards passing/127 yards rushing) so far. Stephens County Sr. QB Ben Stowe has had a slow start to the season (32-of-67, 47.8%, 494 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT) but had his best game last week (179 yards, 57.1%, 2 TD).
What to watch for: White County offense vs. Indians defense. These will be the best units both have seen this season. The winner of that battle will be the key. Stephens County’s Javin Gordon. The So. RB has rushed for 280 yards and 5 TDs the past two weeks behind a revamped offensive line.
