Region 8-4A will go full throttle on Friday night as the rest of the region joins East Forsyth and Cedar Shoals for some key matchups right out of the gate.
Cherokee Bluff (0-2, 0-0 Region 8-4A) will travel to Madison County (2-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A) looking to get back on track. East Hall (1-1, 0-0 Region 8-4A) plays host to Chestatee (0-2, 0-0 Region 8-4A) as both teams look to rebound from rough losses last week, and North Hall (2-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A) heads to Walnut Grove (1-1, 0-0 Region 8-4A) hoping to keep its hot start going.
But the most anticipated game on the schedule will be Class 6A No. 2 Gainesville (3-0) invading Athens to take on Class 5A 10th-ranked Clarke Central (3-0) in a matchup of two of the area's most powerful teams in the early going. Two high-powered offenses will test a pair of good defenses. It will be the final non-region game for Big Red before opening Region 8-6A play next week.
Jefferson (3-0) will play host to Oconee County (2-1) as former coaches Ben Hall (Oconee County) and Travis Noland (Jefferson) face their former teams for a second straight year. Both teams are coming off impressive wins last week and will want to keep the momentum going with region play for both quickly approaching.
Jackson County (2-1) heads to Class 7A Mountain View looking for its best start since 2017 under new coach Korey Mobbs, while Habersham Central (0-2) desperately needs a win after a disappointing showing last week. The Raiders take on Class 7A Central Gwinnett (2-1) on the road.
And Lumpkin County (2-0) will face its toughest test so far, traveling to Temple (3-0) and taking on a Tigers team that is churning out 358 yards rushing a game in the early going.
Meanwhile, Dawson County, North Forsyth, and Lakeview Academy hope to rebound from losses last week.
(Buford, Commerce, East Forsyth, East Jackson, Flowery Branch, Johnson, Rabun County, Towns County, West Hall, White County all are off this week.)
For a look at all of the weekend's contests involving area teams, scroll down. And be sure to check back with AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night throughout the night for score updates, game stories and video highlights. You can also check for scores and highlights on our Twitter feed: @FridayGameNight
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Sept. 8
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
ARMUCHEE at UNION COUNTY
Records: Indians (1-1, Region 7-A Division 1); Panthers (2-1, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Armuchee lost 34-21 to Class 3A Gordon Lee; Union County beat Towns, 49-7
Where: Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium, Blairsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Union County leads series, 1-0. The Panthers won 42-10 in 2022 in Armuchee. The Indians play a tough non-region schedule as the Panthers are the third of four higher-classification teams they will play during their non-region portion. They won just one road game in 2022 but already own a road victory over Gordon Central to open the 2023 campaign. Union County has won 7 of its last 10 home games under coach Michael Perry.
What to watch for: The Union County offense vs. the Indians defense. The Panthers are 2nd in Class 2A in scoring (126, 42.0 ppg) behind a balanced attack with Caiden Tanner & Co.. They are averaging just over 200 yards/game passing (213.6 ypg) and just under 200 yards/game rushing (197.6 ypg). The Indians are giving up 24.0 ppg.
CHESTATEE at EAST HALL
Records: War Eagles (0-2, 0-0 Region 8-4A); Vikings (1-1, 0-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Chestatee lost 52-7 to White County; East Hall lost 20-19 to Johnson
Where: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Chestatee leads series, 6-5. The War Eagles won 44-12 in 2022. Chestatee has won two straight and 3 of the last 4 in the series. Since restarting in 2016, it has been a high-scoring series with an average of 81.4 ppg between the two. The Vikings are averaging 27 ppg in 2023 but struggled last week with turnovers. The War Eagles have scored just 21 points. But both teams have a chance to open region play on a positive note. East Hall has dropped four straight region openers going back to 2018.
What to watch for: The East Hall offense vs. the Chestatee defense. The Vikings do have one of the more dynamic playmakers in the region in Jamarcus Harrison. Chestatee, under new coach Stuart Cunningham, is still trying to find its way in a new scheme and has allowed 122 points (61.0 ppg), which is at the bottom in Class 4A. They will have to find a way to slow down the Vikings to have any chance.
CREEKVIEW at NORTH FORSYTH
Records: Grizzlies (2-1, Region 6-6A); Raiders (1-2, Region 8-6A)
Last week: Creekview lost 28-14 to Calhoun; North Forsyth lost 17-14 to West Forsyth
Where: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Creekview leads series 1-0. The Grizzlies won 35-7 in 2022. The Raiders defense is starting to gel. They held a good Wolverines offense to half its season average last week. But the Raiders are trying to avoid their worst start since 2015 when they finished just 2-8.
What to watch for: The North Forsyth offense. The offense is still trying to find itself after the loss of Jr. RB Karson McBrayer in the opener. So. RB Darren Parry (37 car., 225 yards, 1 TD) has picked up some of the slack, including a 100-yard game last week. They are averaging just 242 yards/game and 137 yards/game on the ground. The Grizzlies defense is yielding just 17 ppg on the season.
DAWSON COUNTY at STEPHENS COUNTY
Records: Tigers (0-3, Region 7-3A); Indians, ranked 4th in Class 3A (3-0, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Dawson County lost 40-7 to North Hall; Stephens County beat Flowery Branch, 32-7
Where: The Reservation, Toccoa
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Stephens County leads series 1-0. The Indians won 38-10 in 2022. A young Stephens County team put in perhaps its best performance of the season last week. They picked off three passes and held the Falcons' Malik Dryden to less than 100 yards rushing despite giving up a 72-yard TD run by Dryden early in the game. The Tigers' difficult non-region slate continues. Their four opponents are 10-1 in 2023. Dawson County has dropped four straight to Region 8-3A teams since beating Hart County in 2017.
What to watch for: The Tigers in general. The Dawson offense has scored just 25 points (8.3 ppg) while the defense is giving up 34.6 ppg, both well off the norms in Sid Maxwell's time in Dawsonville. With region play set to begin in two weeks, the Tigers need to get both units going to have a chance in an improving Region 7-3A.
FRANKLIN COUNTY at BANKS COUNTY
Records: Lions (0-0, Region 8-3A); Leopards (2-0, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Franklin County lost 47-7 to Lumpkin County; Banks County was off
Where: Leopards Stadium, Homer
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Franklin County leads series, 4-2. Banks County won 43-6 in 2022 and has won 2 of the last three meetings. The Leopards are off to another great start for a second consecutive season, while the Lions snapped a 17-game losing streak two weeks ago against Pickens (SC). Banks is averaging 36 ppg. The Lions are yielding 33.0 ppg on defense.
What to watch for: The Banks County defense vs. the Franklin County offense. Franklin scored just 49 total points (4.9 ppg) in 2022 but already has scored 42 this season (14.0 ppg). The Leopards have allowed the 2nd-fewest points among 8-2A teams so far (27, 13.5 ppg).
GAINESVILLE at CLARKE CENTRAL
Records: Red Elephants, ranked 2nd in Class 6A (3-0, Region 8-6A); Gladiators, ranked 10th in Class 5A (2-0, Region 8-5A)
Last week: Gainesville beat Coconut Creek (Fla.), 30-22; Clarke Central was off
Where: Billy Henderson Stadium, Athens
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Gainesville leads series, 9-4. The Red Elephants won 43-20 in 2022. The Gladiators were young last season but bring in a ton of experience in 2023, especially at the skilled positions. They may be Big Red's toughest challenge so far. Clarke Central RBs Corey Watkins Jr. and RB Kendrick Curry may be one of the best backfield tandems in the state. Watkins averages 178 yards/game, while Curry averages 72 yards/game with 6 TDs combined. They are averaging 8.5 yards/carry so far. But GHS RB Gavin Hall is averaging 184 yards/game rushing with 7 TDs. He also is the leading receiver with 152 yards and a TD.
What to watch for: The Gladiators offense vs. the Gainesville defense. If there is a chink in the armor of the Clarke offense, it's turnovers. The Glads have put the ball on the ground six times, losing five fumbles in its first two games. The Red Elephants, however, have only generated two turnovers so far (1 fumble, 1 INT) on the season. If Big Red can generate some turnovers, they can slow down a Glads offense that is averaging 33 ppg. If not, Clarke has enough firepower to knock off the Red Elephants at home.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at CENTRAL GWINNETT
Records: Raiders (0-2, Region 8-6A); Black Knights (2-1, Region 8-7A)
Last week: Habersham Central was off; Central lost 32-26 to Jackson County in 2OT
Where: Tally Johnson Field, Lawrenceville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Series is tied 8-8. Central won 28-14 in 2022 in Mt. Airy. This is the fourth straight season the two teams have played. Last year's win for Central snapped a 4-game winning streak for the Raiders in the series. The Raiders came into 2023 with a lot of experience and plenty of talent. Things have not gone their way so far, losing on a last-second FG in their opener and struggling two weeks ago in a disappointing loss to White County. The defense is giving up 32.5 ppg, while the offense has scored just 35 points (17.5 ppg). This is the third straight game vs. an 8-6A team for the Black Knights. They are 1-1 so far.
What to watch for: The Habersham Central offense. The Raiders, under Benji Harrison, have been known for their explosive offense. They must get things unleashed with region play set to open in two weeks. Sr. QB Carson Parker has thrown for 292 yards and 2 TDs and run for another 97. Sr. WR Zeke Whittington has 16 catches for 171 yards and 2 TDs. The Black Knights let a late 14-point lead slip away last week. However, they are giving up just 13.0 ppg so far.
JACKSON COUNTY at MOUNTAIN VIEW
Records: Panthers (2-1, Region 8-6A); Bears (1-2, Region 8-7A)
Last week: Jackson County beat Central Gwinnett, 32-26, in 2OT; Mountain View lost 31-24 to Lambert
Where: Mountain View Stadium, Lawrenceville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Mountain View leads series, 1-0. The Bears won 24-17 in 2022 in Hoschton. The Bears have played a difficult non-region slate to this point, with Gainesville as well as the Longhorns last week, who are a combined 6-0. The Panthers are just one late stop against Duluth from being undefeated. They rallied from 14 down last week to win in 2OT after losing to Duluth in 2OT the week before. MJ Spurlin had 209 yards and 5 TDs rushing last week. Jackson County is averaging 27.3 ppg and giving up just 20.3 ppg, both improvements over last year at this time. The Panthers are looking for their first 3-1 start since 2017.
What to watch for: The Jackson County defense vs. the Bears offense. Jackson County leads 8-6A in defense, but the Bears put up 45 points against two good defenses the past two weeks. The Panthers have 11 TFL and two sacks in 3 games but have only forced two turnovers. They will need to slow down a Bears rushing attack that is averaging 237 yards/game.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at CREEKSIDE CHRISTIAN
Records: Lions (1-2, District 4-AAAA-AAA); Cougars (0-2, GAPPS 2-2A)
Last week: Lakeview lost 41-0 to St. Anne-Pacelli; Creekside lost 51-0 to Bethlehem Christian Academy
Where: McDonough
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lakeview leads series, 1-0. The Lions won 42-6 in 2022. The Cougars are struggling after getting shutout in both of their first two games. The Lions ran into a solid St. Anne-Pacelli team last week after posting 57 points against Athens Christian two weeks ago.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense vs. the Creekside defense. The Cougars are allowing 47.5 ppg on defense, and the Lions, despite a new offense with a ton of new players, should be able to get back on track. Plus, the Cougars have yet to score a point in 2023, so a quick start could put this one away early.
LANIER CHRISTIAN at ROCK SPRINGS CHRISTIAN
Records: Lightning (1-1, GAPPS 1-2A); Eagles (1-2, GAPPS 2-2A)
Last week: Lanier Christian beat Hickory (NC), 51-13; Rock Springs lost 41-6 to King's Academy
Where: Milner, Ga.
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lanier Christian leads series, 1-0. The Lightning won 62-8 in 2022. The LCA offense has not missed a beat in 2023, averaging 41.0 ppg early on despite the loss of Zeke Clanton. A young LCA defense rebounded last after getting torched for 62 by Skipstone Academy in their opener. Rock Springs has scored just 20 points (6.67 ppg) so far.
What to watch for: The LCA offense vs. the Rock Springs defense. The Lightning offense is already clicking behind So. QB CJ Britt (751 yards, 9 TD, 1 INT) and Sr. WR Shepard Acton, who has 17 catches for 315 yards and 2 TD. The Eagles have allowed 85 points (28.3 ppg) so far.
LUMPKIN COUNTY at TEMPLE
Records: Indians (2-0, Region 7-3A); Tigers (3-0, Region 4-A Division 1)
Last week: Lumpkin County beat Franklin County, 47-7; Temple beat Chattooga, 57-21
Where: Tiger Stadium, Temple
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lumpkin County leads series 1-0. The Indians won 27-20 in 2022 in Dahlonega. This will be Lumpkin's biggest test so far. Temple is 3rd in the state (Roswell, ACE) in all classes, scoring 155 points (51.6 ppg). The Tigers are averaging 358 yards/game on the ground behind Jr. RBs Claude Gray (32 car., 379 yards, 2 TD) and Cayson McAnallan (28 car., 258 yards, 3 TD). The Tigers, who were just 4-7 in 2022, also are off to their best start since 2019. However, they are just 2-8 in their last 10 home games going back to 2021. Lumpkin County is averaging 45.0 ppg, which is 2nd in Class 3A in scoring average, behind QB Cal Faulkner and RB Mason Sullens.
What to watch for: The Lumpkin County defense vs. the Temple ground game. The Indians were able to hold the Tigers below their season average last year, but Temple has more options in 2023. Whichever group wins this battle probably carries their team to the win.
MADISON COUNTY at CHEROKEE BLUFF
Records: Bears (0-2, 0-0 Region 8-4A); Red Raiders (2-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Cherokee Bluff was off; Madison County was off
Where: Yonah Field, Flowery Branch
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Cherokee Bluff leads series, 1-0. The Bears won 20-19 in 2022 in Danielsville. The Red Raiders lead all of 8-4A in scoring (96, 48.0 ppg). Both teams have had time to get ready for their region openers with the off week. The Bears have scored the fewest points (14, 7.0 ppg) in the region after the first two weeks. Madison County has won 4 of its last six road games, while Bluff is just 1-5 in its last six home games.
What to watch for: The Madison County offense vs. the Bluff defense. The Red Raiders have averaged nearly 400 yards/game on the ground so far. The Bears were run over by the West Forsyth ground attack in their opener and are giving up 30.5 ppg in the early going. It could be a long night if Bluff can't slow down the Red Raiders' powerful option attack.
NORTH HALL at WALNUT GROVE
Records: Trojans (2-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A); Warriors (1-1, 0-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: North Hall beat Dawson County, 40-7; Walnut Grove beat Chattahoochee County, 40-0
Where: Warriors Stadium, Walnut Grove
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Hall leads series, 2-1. Walnut Grove won 38-20 in 2022. All four games have been since 2010, and the road team is 2-1 in the series. North Hall pulled off an impressive road win last week in Tiger Stadium, a place they had not won since 2012. It's the first 2-0 start for the Trojans since 2019, and they have not started a season 3-0 since 2018. Walnut Grove is just 7-9 at home, including playoffs, over the past three seasons. They are 1-1 at home in 2023, with both games coming against Class A opponents.
What to watch for: Tanner Marsh and the North Hall offense vs. the Walnut Grove defense. Marsh is setting records with every game, and the Trojans have scored the 2nd-most points of any 8-4A team (89, 44.5 ppg). They may have to outscore the Warriors as the Trojans' defense is still a work in progress, despite yielding just 7 points last week. The Warriors allowed just 19.9 ppg last season and have given up just 20 points (10.0 ppg) in their first two games in 2023.
OCONEE COUNTY at JEFFERSON
Records: Warriors (1-2, Region 8-3A); Dragons, ranked 6th in Class 5A (3-0, Region 8-5A)
Last week: Oconee County beat Putnam County, 51-14; Jefferson beat St. Pius, 42-0
Where: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Radio: 102.9 FM WDUN
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson leads series, 12-11. Oconee County won 9-7 in 2022 and has won 3 straight in the series. The Dragons are the fourth straight playoff team from 2022 for the Warriors. Jefferson QB Gavin Markey is settling into his new role, throwing for 174 yards, a career-high, and 3 TDs last week without an INT after having three passes picked off in the first two games. Rodney Hinton had four catches for 98 yards and 1 TD. Oconee County RB Caiden Wood had a season-high 161 yards and 4 TDs last week for the Warriors. He had just 45 yards on the season until last week.
What to watch for: The Jefferson defense vs. the Warriors offense. The Dragons are yielding just 12.6 ppg and have gotten better each week. Oconee is averaging 31.3 ppg, and the 51 last week was the most for the Warriors since scoring 55 vs. North Oconee in 2016. The Dragons already have 17 TFL, eight sacks, and 13 PBUs, though they have only generated one turnover (1 INT) on the season.
RIVERSIDE PREP at PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN
Records: Eagles (0-2, District 4-AAAA-AAA); The Storm (2-0, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Riverside lost 57-14 to Stratford Academy; Providence beat Whitefield Academy, 32-10
Where: Providence Stadium, Lilburn
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Riverside leads series, 4-2. Providence won 52-0 in 2022. The Eagles are still trying to snap out of a now 18-game losing streak, going back to a win over Druid Hills in 2021. Providence is off to its best start since 2018 and just its 2nd-ever 2-0 start in program history. The Storm have never won 3 straight games in their history. Storm WR Matthew Miller had six catches for 160 yards and 4 TDs last week.
What to watch for: The Providence offense vs. the RPA defense. The Storm are averaging 42.0 ppg after beating a pair of playoff teams in their first two weeks. The Eagles have given up 114 points (57.0 ppg) so far in their first two games. RPA will have to find a way to slow down Miller and the Storm offense to have any chance of snapping its losing streak.
