Week 6 could be a pivotal week for several area teams already involved in region play. Meanwhile, three more regions -- 8-5A, 7-3A, and GAPPS 11-man -- open their region schedules this week with critical matchups.
In Region 8-4A, North Hall traveling to Cherokee Bluff will headline a full slate of games as teams begin looking for separation. East Forsyth heads to Walnut Grove, while East Hall plays host to Cedar Shoals.
North Hall and East Forsyth can put themselves at or near the top of the region standings with road wins, while Bluff and East Hall can get into the upper tier with wins at home.
Region 8-6A will stage some key matchups as No. 1-ranked Gainesville is off. Jackson County will try to rebound from a loss last week, playing host to winless Apalachee. North Forsyth will try to stay unbeaten on the road against a struggling Shiloh squad. But the most intriguing matchup will have a rejuvenated Habersham Central team heading to Lanier in both teams' region openers.
Jefferson and Flowery Branch will both open their Region 8-5A schedules at home. The fourth-ranked Dragons take on Clarke Central while the Falcons play Eastside.
In Region 7-3A, No. 9 Lumpkin County travels to always-pesky Pickens while Dawson County hits the road against West Hall in a matchup of struggling teams looking to get a fresh start in the region and back on track.
And, Lanier Christian will get its GAPPS 11-man schedule underway on the road against Pinecrest Academy.
(Gainesville, Towns County, Union County, and 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 AAccessWDUN'sFriday 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 date Sept. 22
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
APALACHEE at JACKSON COUNTY
Records: Wildcats (0-5, 0-1 Region 8-6A); Panthers (2-3, 0-1 Region 8-6A)
Last week: Apalachee lost 70-6 to Gainesville; Jackson County lost 42-35 to North Forsyth
Where: Panther Stadium, Hoschton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Apalachee leads series 5-2. Jackson County won 28-10 in 2022, and the two teams have split the last four meetings. The Panthers may have found their QB last week with So. RJ Knapp, who was 16-of-32 for 207 yards, 2 TD, and 2 INT last week in his first start. He led them back from a 35-14 deficit in the 2nd half but was picked off in the final minute in North Forsyth territory. Sr. RB Acoreon McClure had 68 yards for Jackson County after MJ Spurlin went down last in the 1st half. Spurlin is questionable for this week. The Wildcats, meanwhile, have surrendered the most points in Class 6A (220, 44.0 ppg).
What to watch for: The Jackson County defense vs. the Apalachee offense. The Wildcats have struggled all season and have thrown 6 INT and are averaging only 116 yards rushing/game so far. The Panthers defense has picked off 3 passes to go with 4 sacks and 21 QB hurries.
BANKS COUNTY at COMMERCE
Records: Leopards (4-0, Region 8-2A); Tigers (3-1, Region 8-A Division 1)
Last week: Banks County beat George Walton, 19-7; Commerce beat Lincoln County, 17-10
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Commerce leads series 33-2. The Tigers won 17-14 in 2022 and have won 18 straight, spanning nine different Leopards coaches in that span. The last Banks County win came in 1992. The Tigers have owned the series, however, the last two meetings have been basically one-possession games, decided by just 13 total points. An Ivey Tolbert field goal was the difference last year.
What to watch for: The Commerce rushing attack vs. the Banks County defense. The Leopards have only given up 50 points (12.5 ppg) but the Tigers' triple-option behind Jaiden Daniels and Tysean Wiggins, who both are in the top 10 in Class A D1 in rushing, has been nearly unstoppable. The Tigers are 8th in scoring at 28.75 ppg.
CEDAR SHOALS at EAST HALL
Records: Jaguars (1-3, 1-1 Region 8-4A); Vikings (2-2, 1-1 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Cedar Shoals beat Walnut Grove, 14-6; East Hall lost 49-14 to North Hall
Where: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Cedar Shoals leads series 2-0. The Jaguars won 49-21 in 2022 in Athens. The Vikings have shown marked improvement so far in 2023 despite last week's loss. They have QB Jamarcus Harrison and a slew of young, talented skill players. They have doubled their offensive output to this point (82, 20.5 ppg) and trimmed 16 points off the defense, allowing a respectable 26.75 ppg so far. The Jaguars continue to be a Jekyll-and-Hyde team. They are averaging just 8.25 ppg and had given up 104 points (34.6 ppg) over their first three games until winning a defensive battle last week.
What to watch for: The Cedar Shoals offense vs. the East Hall defense. The Jaguars have had trouble scoring, and the Vikings are improving rapidly on defense after allowing 42.8 ppg last season. If East Hall can keep the Jaguars offense in check, that should allow the offense to find its rhythm against a porous Cedar Shoals defense.
CHESTATEE at NORTH OCONEE
Records: War Eagles (0-4, 0-2 Region 8-4A); Titans (3-0, 1-0 Region 8-4A), ranked No. 2 in Class 4A
Last week: Chestatee lost 48-0 to Cherokee Bluff; North Oconee beat Madison County, 38-8
Where: Titan Stadium, Watkinsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Oconee leads series 5-0. The Titans won 52-7 in 2022. The Titans have been dominating on defense, leading Class 4A at 7.6 ppg (23 points). The Chestatee offense has been struggling in its new wing-T hybrid offense, scoring just 31 points (7.75 ppg).
What to watch for: The North Oconee offense vs. the Chestatee defense. The War Eagles are giving up 46.0 ppg on defense. They will have to find a way to slow down the Titans, who are averaging 34.0 ppg behind QB Max Wilson and WR Landon Roldan.
CLARKE CENTRAL at JEFFERSON
Records: Gladiators (3-1, 0-0 Region 8-5A); Dragons (4-0, 0-0 Region 8-5A), ranked 4th in Class 5A
Last week: Clarke Central beat South Forsyth, 21-20; Jefferson was off
Where: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Radio: 102.9 FM WDUN
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson leads series 1-0. The Dragons won 17-7 in 2022. Most expect this game to be the deciding factor for the region title. But the emergence of Winder-Barrow this season makes this one even more important. Both teams have been outstanding on the defensive end. Jefferson is 4th in 5A, allowing just 11.1 ppg and the Gladiators are 11th giving up just 20.5 ppg. The Glads' only loss was to Class 6A No. 1 Gainesville (24-7) two weeks ago in a game they led 7-0 early. Sammy Brown is among the leaders in 5A in rushing with 59 car., 491 yards, and 12 TD. However, the offense has turned the ball over 6 times (5 INTs) on the season.
What to watch for: The Jefferson offense vs. the Gladiators defense. The Dragons have twice as many rushing yards than passing yards as they rely on Brown and the running game. If they can get some production from QB Gavin Markey (27-of-54, 367 yards, 4 TD, 5 INT) and the passing game, they should be able to control the tempo with the run game.
DAWSON COUNTY at WEST HALL
Records: Tigers (0-4, 0-0 Region 7-3A); Spartans (1-3, 0-0 Region 7-3A)
Last week: Dawson County was off; West Hall lost 42-7 to Union County
Where: Spartans Field, Oakwood
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Dawson County leads series 8-6. The Tigers won 56-7 in 2022 and have won 5 straight in the series. Both teams come in having played very tough non-region schedules. The Spartans 4 opponents were 11-6, while the Tigers 4 opponents are 16-3 overall. Both defenses have been ravaged of late. Dawson has yielded 123 points (41.0 ppg) over its past three games while West Hall has surrendered 84 points (42.0 ppg) over its last two games.
What to watch for: Both offenses. Dawson County has scored just 25 total points (6.25 ppg) the third-fewest in Class 3A. West Hall has managed 71 points (17.75 ppg) but has scored just 14 points total in its last two games. Whichever offense can find some traction will win this one.
EAST FORSYTH at WALNUT GROVE
Records: Broncos (3-0, 1-0 Region 8-4A); Warriors (1-3, 0-2 Region 8-4A)
Last week: East Forsyth beat Johnson, 49-7; Walnut Grove lost 14-6 to Cedar Shoals
Where: Warriors Stadium, Walnut Grove
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Walnut Grove leads series 1-0. The Warriors won 7-6 in 2022. A missed PAT was the difference last year, and that turned out to be the difference between the Broncos not making the playoffs and the Warriors grabbing the No. 2 seed. Things have changed this year as Walnut Grove graduated the bulk of the offense from a year ago. The Warriors have played well defensively, allowing just 62 points (15.5 ppg). However, the Broncos statistically are 2nd in Class 4A in scoring average at 42.6 ppg. East Forsyth RB Tripp Morris is leading Region 8-4A in yards/game averaging 132.7 (398 yards) with 3 100-yard games and 4 TD.
What to watch for: The East Forsyth defense vs. the Warriors offense. The Broncos have allowed just 40 points (13.3 ppg), which puts them 5th in 4A in scoring defense. The Warriors have scored just 12 points in region play (6.0 ppg).
EAST JACKSON at JOHNSON
Records: Eagles (4-0, Region 8-2A); Knights (1-3, Region 8-4A, non-region)
Last week: East Jackson beat Franklin County, 53-10; Johnson lost 49-7 to East Forsyth
Where: The Dungeon,Oakwood
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: East Jackson leads series 1-0. The Eagles won 45-0 in 2022. The 53 points last week was the EEagles'third-most in a game in program history. They are 4-0 for the first time since 2009 and can match that team's record with a win on Friday. EEagles'RB Quay Hill rushed for 154 yards and 3 TDs last week. Johnson QB Demitri Moon leads Region 8-4A in rushing with 469 yards and 5 TD. They have one common opponent in West Hall. The Eagles crushed the Spartans 42-7 while the Knights lost to West Hall, 29-9.
What to watch for: The Eagles offense vs. the Johnson defense. East Jackson is 7th in scoring in Class 2A (151, 37.75 ppg). The Knights are giving up 37.5 ppg on defense.
EASTSIDE at FLOWERY BRANCH
Records: Eagles (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-5A); Falcons (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Eastside lost 42-14 to Ola; Flowery Branch lost 49-33 to Lambert
Where: Falcon Field, Flowery Branch
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Eastside leads series 1-0. The Eagles won 34-14 in 2022. The Falcons find themselves in the exact same spot as a year ago when they came into their region opener on a 2-game losing streak. This could once again be a pivotal moment in the season for the Falcons. A better start to region play with Clarke Central, Winder-Barrow, and Jefferson to follow is essential. Two weeks ago Eastside ran for 321 yards while the Falcons have had trouble with big O-lines and strong rushing teams. Sr. RB Malik Dryden (437 yards, 109.2 ypg, 3 TD) will have to have a solid game to help keep the Eagles offense off the field.
What to watch for: The Eastside offense vs. the Branch defense. In their 2 wins, the Falcons have allowed just 20 points. In their 2 losses, they have allowed 81 points (40.4 ppg). In the Eagles 2 wins, they have averaged 32.5 ppg. In their 2 losses, they scored just 21 points. Whichever unit wins this battle will probably push their team to the win.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at LANIER
Records: Raiders (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-6A); Longhorns (3-1, 0-0 Region 8-6A)
Last week: Habersham Central beat Forsyth Central, 28-10; Lanier beat Mountain View, 28-24
Where: Lanier Community Stadium, Sugar Hill
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lanier leads series 6-1. The Longhorns won 25-21 and are 4-0 all-time at home vs. the Raiders. A huge region opener for both teams. The Longhorns rallied late last year in a game that eventually decided the final playoff spot. Both teams come into this one very similar. The Raiders have given up just 85 points (21.25 ppg) while the Longhorns have allowed just 97 points (24.25 ppg) on the season. Hab Central is just 1-10 in region openers going back to 2012.
What to watch for: The Habersham defense vs. the Longhorns offense. The Raiders defense has played well with 14 TFL, 3 sacks, 11 passes defended, and forcing 6 turnovers. Lanier is averaging 35.25 ppg and more than 400 yards/game (214 passing, 203 rushing) on offense. However, Sr. QB Preston Ratliff has thrown 3 picks, and the Longhorns have 4 turnovers total so far.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at STRONG ROCK CHRISTIAN
Records: Lions (2-2, GIAA District 4-AAAA-AAA); Patriots (4-1, GIAA District 5-AAAA-AAA)
Last week: Lakeview was off; Strong Rock beat Loganville Christian, 33-0
Where: Patriot Stadium, Locust Grove
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Strong Rock leads series 2-1. Lakeview won 27-19 in 2022. New coach Lee Coleman has the Lions playing well despite a small roster but this may be their biggest test to date. The Patriots are 4th in scoring in GIAA (155, 31.0 ppg) and is 3rd in defense, allowing just 55 points (11.0 ppg). Lakeview beat Creekside Christian 2 weeks ago but has yet to win back-to-back games this season.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense vs. the Patriots defense. When the Lions have been on, they have been explosive. In their 2 wins, they scored 109 points (54.5 ppg). However, in their 2 losses, they scored just 13 points with one shutout. Strong Rock has given up just 13 points with 2 shutouts in its last 3 games.
LANIER CHRISTIAN at PINECREST ACADEMY
Records: Lightning (2-2, 0-0 Region 1-2A); Paladins (1-3, 0-0 Region 1-2A)
Last week: LCA lost 35-21 to Calvary Christian; Pinecrest lost 24-13 to Skipstone Academy
Where: Pinecrest Academy Stadium, Cumming
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: LCA leads series 1-0. The Lightning won 69-7 in 2022. It's the region opener for both teams. A young defense has been the issue for LCA. They are yielding 36.6 ppg a year after allowing just 15.4 ppg as a unit. The offense, which is tops in GAPPS 11-man (171, 42.75 ppg) is still churning out big numbers (120, 40.0 ppg) behind QB CJ Britt (1,310 yards, 18 TD, 1 INT) and WR Shepard Acton (25 rec., 611 yards, 6 TD).
What to watch for: The LCA defense vs. the Pinecrest offense. The Lightning have forced 7 turnovers. The Paladins are averaging 27.0 ppg (108 points) but 48 came in their only win two weeks ago.
LUMPKIN COUNTY at PICKENS
Records: Indians (4-0, 0-0 Region 7-3A), ranked 9th in Class 3A; Dragons (1-3, 0-0 Region 7-3A)
Last week: Lumpkin County beat Hart County, 30-10; Pickens lost 29-24 to Christian Heritage
Where: Dragon Stadium, Jasper
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Series is tied 19-19-1. Lumpkin won 42-7 in 2022 and has won four straight in the series. The last Pickens win was in 2006. The Indians, who are ranked for the first time since 1957 in any poll, had a statement win last week against a good Region 8-3A team, which has dominated 7-3A teams over the years. Lumpkin is 6th in 3A in scoring while Pickens is 10th in 3A in scoring (31.75 ppg).
What to watch for: The Lumpkin offense vs. the Pickens defense. The Dragons (146 points, 36.5 ppg) are 39th out of 50 in 3A in defense. IIndians'RB Mason Sullens is 2nd in 3A in rushing with 738 yards, 1st in average (184.5 ypg) and 1st in TDs with 13. If Sullens has a big game, the Indians should make it 5 straight over the Dragons.
MARIETTA at BUFORD
Records: Blue Devils (1-4, Region 3-7A); Wolves (4-0, Region 8-7A), ranked No. 1 in Class 7A
Last week: Marietta lost 52-8 to No. 4 Walton; Buford beat Carver-Atlanta, 31-0
Where: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Buford leads series 1-0. The Wolves won 14-0 in 2022. This looked like a marquee matchup in the offseason. But the Blue Devils are rebuilding and have struggled. The Buford offense has been coming around of late, scoring 76 points (38.0 ppg) in its last two games. The one issue has been finishing drives. Dylan Raiola was 14-of-17 passing for 151 yards and 2 TDs, but they also failed to score on four other drives into CCarver'sred zone last week. However, Marietta has given up the most points in 7A (199, 39.8 ppg), including 135 points (45.0 ppg) over its last 3 games.
What to watch for: The Buford defense vs. the Marietta offense. Marietta has scored the 9th-fewest points (87, 17.4 ppg) in Class 7A. Buford is 3rd in defense, allowing just 8.75 ppg (35 points) on the season. The Wolves have 16 TFL, 6 sacks, and 6 takeaways (4 INTs) on the season.
NORTH FORSYTH at SHILOH
Records: Raiders (2-3, 1-0 Region 8-6A); Generals (1-3, 0-0 Region 8-6A)
Last week: North Forsyth beat Jackson County, 42-35; Shiloh lost 47-0 to Archer
Where: Shiloh Community Stadium, Lithonia
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Forsyth leads series 1-0. The Raiders won 42-34 in 2022. The Raiders offense finally broke out last week behind QB Elijah Seaney, who posted career-highs in yards (249), completions (20) and touchdowns (3) vs. a good Panthers defense. The Generals are yielding the 5th-most points in 6A (189, 47.25 ppg). They also have scored just 37 points (9.25 ppg) the third-fewest in 6A. They have a common opponent in Archer. The Raiders dropped a mistake-prone 35-16 decision to the Tigers in their season opener.
What to watch for: The Raiders defense vs. the Generals offense. In their three losses, the Generals have scored just 7 points with two shutouts. They are averaging just 132 yards/game total. North Forsyth held Jackson County to 100 yards below its rushing average last week.
NORTH HALL at CHEROKEE BLUFF
Records: Trojans (4-0, 2-0 Region 8-4A); Bears (1-3, 1-1 Region 8-4A)
Last week: North Hall beat East Hall, 49-14; Cherokee Bluff beat Chestatee, 48-0
Where: Yonah Field, Flowery Branch
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Hall leads series 3-2. The Trojans won 14-12 in 2022 at The Brickyard. The Trojans are the early leaders in the region standings. They are tied for 7th in points scored but are 3rd in scoring average in Class 4A (166, 41.5 ppg). The Bears' offense has begun to find some rhythm, scoring 74 points (37.0 ppg) in region play over the last two weeks. However, Bluff is 0-5 in its last 5 games at Yonah Field, including 0-2 this season.
What to watch for: The North Hall offense vs. the Bluff defense. The Trojans are putting up huge numbers behind QB Tanner Marsh (828 yards, 11 TD, 1 INT), WR Ryals Puryear (30 rec., 373 yards, 4 TD), and RB Tate Ruth (59 car., 399 yards, 5 TD, 2 100-yard games). The Bears allowed 88 points (29.3 ppg) until last week's shutout of a struggling Chestatee offense. They will have to contain Marsh, Puryear, and Ruth to have any chance.
RABUN COUNTY at WHITEFIELD ACADEMY
Records: Wildcats (3-1, Region 8-A Division 1), ranked 4th in Class A Division 1; Wolfpack (1-3, Region 6-A Division 1)
Last week: Rabun County beat Heard County, 45-13; Whitefield was off
Where: WolfPack Stadium, Mableton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rabun County leads series 1-0. The Wildcats won 28-14 at home in 2022. The Wolfpack have played a very difficult schedule, with their five opponents, including Rabun, going 17-4. They are just 1-6 vs. Class A D1 teams, including playoffs, going back to last year's loss to Rabun County. Including playoffs, Rabun County is 1-2 in its last three road games going back to last season.
What to watch for: The Rabun offense vs. the Wolfpack defense. Whitefield has allowed 66 points in the last two games to pass-oriented offenses. The Wildcats have worked out their issues since getting shut out by Stephens County, averaging 40.0 ppg the past two weeks. Ty Truelove is 5th in Class A D1 in passing (732 yards, 10 TD, 3 INT). WR Willie Goodwyn is 2nd in Class A D1 in receiving (16 rec., 453 yards, 7 TD) despite playing just 3 games.
RIVERSIDE PREP at OGLETHORPE COUNTY
Records: Eagles (0-4, GISA District 4-AAAA-AAA); Patriots (1-3, Region 5-A Division 1)
Last week: Riverside lost 42-12 to Georgia Military Prep; Lost 14-7 to Greene County
Where: Patriot Stadium, Lexington
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Oglethorpe County leads series 8-3. The Patriots won 63-12 in 2022 and have won 2 straight in the series. The last RPA win came in 2014. The Eagles are now in the midst of their 2nd-longest losing streak in program history at 20. After a 5-1 start to the 2022 season, Oglethorpe has lost 8 of its last 9 games.
What to watch for: The RPA offense vs. the Patriots defense. Oglethorpe has been in every game this season. They have not allowed more than 19 in any game, and all 3 of their losses have been by 7 points or less. Riverside has scored just 39 points (9.75 ppg) on the season.
