Region play is well underway in most of Northeast Georgia, but there is still a lot to be decided.
Here are five things we learned from Week 8:
Cherokee Bluff put their name in the hat for a playoff spot, while Flowery Branch seems ready for Jefferson. Region 7-3A is Lumpkin County's to lose, while Region 8-A Division I will be a tight race once it starts this upcoming week. Also, Gainesville is one step closer to back-to-back region titles.
1. Cherokee Bluff is in the mix.
We knew Cherokee Bluff was starting to put the pieces together, but what we didn't know was if they would be able to score enough to keep up with East Forsyth. Turns out they didn't need to as they forced turnovers and played keep away from the Broncos in a 10-3 win Friday night. With North Oconee well out in front of region 8-4A and Madison County taking a step toward the No. 2 spot, Cherokee Bluff is firmly in the conversation for one of the remaining playoff positions.
2. Flowery Branch is clicking at the right time
After an impressive win over Clarke Central, the Falcons continued their momentum in a 48-0 beatdown of Winder-Barrow, setting up a massive showdown this week at Jefferson with region title implications. Sure the Falcons would need Jefferson to beat Eastside, but if the Falcons continue their hot play and beat Jefferson Friday night, we could be talking about a three-way tie atop region 8-5A in a few short weeks.
3. Region 7-3A runs through Dahlonega, but it's still pretty murky
Lumpkin County has solidifed themselves as the team to beat in region 7-3A with a 56-3 drubbing of Gilmer headed into this week's bye. With Wesleyan's win over White County and Dawson County's win over Pickens, the playoff picture is a little clearer in terms of what teams are the front runners for making the playoffs, but that's about it. And, if Dawson County beats Wesleyan Friday night, they are still in line for a defense of their region title against the Indians. Still a lot to be determined, but the Indians are in firm control of their own destiny down the stretch.
4. Rabun and Commerce are about to start region play
Region 8-A Division I is one of the last regions in the entire state to get started, and they will do so this week with Rabun County, Elbert County and Commerce all going 6-1 through their non-region portions of the schedule. Now the fun begins as all three will play each other over the next three weeks, setting up some of the most fun in Northeast Georgia late in the season.
5. Gainesville is one step closer, and they didn't even take the field
Gainesville had the week off, but they got a good bit of help in their defense of the region title as Lanier held on to beat North Forsyth Thursday night. With the Red Elephants already having beaten the Longhorns, they already have the tiebreak over them if Gainesville trips up anywhere along the way. The North Forsyth game is still out there in a few weeks in Raider Valley, but North Forsyth has no room for error if they want to be in the conversation for a region title.
