We try not to brag too much, but we did pick three pretty good Games2Watch last week.
On a side note, we still have four undefeated teams in the area -- Lumpkin County, Gainesville, LCA and Buford.
OK, it wasn't a shootout in Danielsville last week; however, it was a dang good game. Cherokee Bluff rallied past Madison County to get the Region 8-4A opening win, and the defense played much better. It was more of a defensive battle.
As much as Jefferson tried, they couldn't break down Oconee County's defensive wall, and to be fair, Oconee County could barely get past the Dragons' defense. This one was a defensive stalemate with Oconee getting the win, 9-6.
In the Gold City, Temple gave Lumpkin County its first real scare of the season, rallying back to cut the game to just a touchdown. The Indians held on to win, 27-20.
This week, we think we have found three more Games2Watch that should provide several fireworks in Week 5.
Carver-Atlanta at Buford
Buford needed the off week after having played three brutal games in a row. Buford got out of Tom Riden Stadium two weeks ago with a touchdown win over North Cobb. It was the Wolves' stiffest test yet. They might be in for another this week when they play host to Carver-Atlanta.
The Panthers, housed in Class 3A, have played Buford only once, losing 39-6 in 2020 in Buford. This game was a late addition for both teams and should prove to be another solid test for Buford and the biggest so far for Carver.
It'll be the Wolves' defense vs. the Panthers' offense. Carver averages close to 37 points per game, while Buford has only given up 9.3 ppg. But Buford has won 22 straight at Tom Riden Stadium, which begs the question, does Carver have a chance?
North Hall at East Hall
This is the most important game of the year for the two. Why? The loser will most likely miss the playoffs. The Trojans are trying to avoid their first 0-4 start since 2017, but the offense has been struggling. North Hall averages 15.67 points per game in the new spread attack.
East Hall also has struggled on offense, averaging 15 points per game. The two are coming off ugly Region 8-4A opening losses. North Hall fell to Walnut Grove, and East Hall lost to Chestatee.
Last week, North Hall didn't turn the ball over for the first time this season. East Hall had seven against Chestatee. It'll be who can hold on to the ball and which team finds the endzone last this week.
North Forsyth at Jackson County
North Forsyth's blowout 35-7 loss to 0-2 Creekview came as a shock to many around the area. The Raider defense gave up close to 500 yards of offense to the Grizzlies while only totaling 230 yards.
The stats beg the question, why? North Forsyth has Class 6A's No. 4 passer, West Roberts, and has been putting up some big numbers over the last few weeks. The culprit, however, is in the turnover column. NoFo has turned the ball over 11 times, seven of them through the air. That could spell trouble for the Raiders as Jackson County has forced seven turnovers.
On the other hand, the Panthers have led in every game they've played, but finishing has been the X-factor. All three Panther losses have been by seven points or less. Will this one come down to turnovers? It's possible. But if either wants a jump start on a home playoff berth, a win on Friday is necessary.
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