The playoffs are two weeks away and teams are starting to punch their tickets into the postseason.
Here are five things we learned this week in high school football:
Lumpkin County and Commerce both have star players that highlighted the week, while many teams found their way to an 11th game this eason. Jackson County is still alive, while Region 8-4A has a lot to be decided.
1. Cal Faulkner is making a name for himself
The quarterback from Lumpkin County had been overshadowed by Mason Sullens for most of the year, but with five rushing touchdowns, two interceptions and a 61-55 four-overtime win over White County, Faulkner is making sure we don't forget his name down the stretch this season. The Indians are now 8-0 for the first time since 1967 and are one win away from their first region title in program history, and a lot of the reason why is that Faulkner is stepping up at quarterback.
2. Jaiden Daniels is that dude
When you have the nickname "Baby Goat", you better be able to back it up, and that's what Daniels does each and every week he suits up for Commerce, including Friday night's 288-yard and four touchdown performance against Elbert County in the Granite Bowl. If Daniels keeps this pace up, he will pass 2,000 yards early in the postseason, something the TIgers will need if they want to push deep into the playoffs.
3. Tickets being punched across Northeast Georgia
Multiple teams booked their trips to the postseason with Gainesville, Lanier and North Forsyth all getting big wins to get into the postseason in Class 6A. Jefferson got past Loganville to get into the Class 5A playoffs, while Lumpkin County's win over White County punched their ticket as well. With two weeks left, there are still plenty of spots up for grabs, something we will continue to watch as the regular season dwindles to a close.
4. Jackson County is still hanging on
Despite the loss to Lanier Friday night, Jackson County is still alive for the final playoff spot in Region 8-6A. The Panthers need some help though as they will need to knock off Gainesville in the regular season finale in two weeks and have Habersham Central lose one of their final two games. The Panthers have a bye this week to prepare for the massive matchup, so we shall see if Jackson County can slide in to that final spot.
5. Region 8-4A is a mess, and we love it
North Oconee is the only team that has clinched a spot in the Class 4A playoffs in Region 8 as the region champions. That's all that has been decided as five teams are all within one game of each other for the final three spots. North Hall, Cherokee Bluff and East Forsyth all still have chances to claim a spot in the playoffs over the next two weeks, setting us up for a lot of drama down the stretch. We can't wait to see how it all plays out.
