Football: NoFo, Jackson Co. get set for huge 8-6A opener

It's Week 5. We're not quite at the halfway point of the 2023 season. Yet, somehow, it feels like the playoff fate of Region 8-6A may already be at stake for several teams even as they prepare to open region play on Friday.

Jackson County travels to Coal Mountain to take on North Forsyth in the region opener for both teams. With No. 2-ranked Gainesville, who takes on winless Apalachee, a prohibitive favorite to repeat as region champs, the showdown between the Panthers and Raiders could set the tone for the rest of the field. Both are expected to challenge not just for playoff spots but a top-two finish and maybe even push the Red Elephants for the region title.

However, neither North Forsyth coach Robert Craft nor Jackson County coach Korey Mobbs are buying into that at this point. 

"We're not gonna get into that yet," Mobbs said. We're not to that point yet as a program. We have got to find some more consistency in what we do before we can start talking about playoffs and things beyond that. We have no thoughts of grandeur other than just trying to win the ballgame on Friday night."

"I think every region game is really important, and there's a long road ahead of us," Craft said. "I think our region is going to be very good again. We're at home, so we need to take advantage of playing at home.

"Last year, all (of the region games) were challenging. They all went into the fourth quarter. I don't really see any of them being much different this year, to be honest with you."

However, the winner will open region 1-0, knowing they have some wiggle room with both teams still having Gainesville left to play. The Raiders (1-3, 0-0 Region 8-6A) and Panthers (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-6A) have played a trio of Class 7A teams during the non-region portion of their schedules. Both went 1-2, and both beat Central Gwinnett. 

Does that tell us anything beyond those facts? Not sure, but two of North Forsyth's losses have been by a field goal. 

The Panthers got blown out last week (56-14) by a very good Mountain View team, with three interceptions playing a huge factor. That despite another solid game from senior running back MJ Spurlin, who is averaging 154 yards/game with 9 TDs so far.

The North Forsyth defense already has five picks on the season. That could be a key matchup, especially for a Jackson County offense still trying to achieve some kind of balance in the passing game.

First-year starter Zack Scott, a junior, is a respectable 36-of-72 for 391 yards and 2 TD. But he has thrown seven interceptions.

"We were down (to Mountain View) just 21-14 with about four or five minutes to go in the third quarter, and then things just kind of snowballed on us from there," Mobbs said. "They kind of leaned on us, and we made some mistakes. A lot of what happened we did to ourselves. The thing for us is we need to be more consistent in the passing game because we're going to need it."

Both teams rely on a stingy defense, and both have the ability to be lock down at times. North Forsyth has 15 TFL, six sacks and 20 QB hurries, not to mention the seven turnovers, including five interceptions, so far. The Panthers have 11 TFL, two sacks and 17 QB hurries but have forced just two turnovers, both interceptions.

Last year's game was a defensive slugfest as North Forsyth scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to erase a 3-0 Jackson County lead late in the game. It could be more of the same in 2023.

"I think both defenses are very good," Craft said. "We feel like our defense is playing very well right now. Jackson County returned some very good players defensively at all three levels, with a lot of experience. I think it will be similar to last year."

Mobbs agreed.

"As far as (North Forsyth) defensively, it's a scrappy bunch," he said. "The secondary, I think, is the most cohesive secondary that we will have faced so far. And that's not to discount their front-seven. I think their front is active and does a great job of being physical up front on the defensive line. So it's going to be a really good football game."

Mobbs also summed up what both coaches already know coming into this hugely important opener. 

"The winner of the ballgame is going to have a nice little shot in the arm for the rest of region play," Mobbs said. "It won't be the end all be all. But at the same time, it's a good way to get ahead of the game, so to speak. You're only one Friday night away from gaining a spark in that area. We're planning on it being us this Friday night."