North Forsyth and Jackson County won the award for the most nerve-racking finish last week in Coal Mountain. The Panthers rallied back and had a chance to tie it up late in the game, but the Raiders snagged an interception on the final drive to seal the Region 8-6A opening win, 42-35.
In other action on Friday, Commerce fought back to beat Lincoln on the road. Banks County and East Jackson picked up big wins to stay undefeated. North Hall rolled past East Hall in the second half to post another big win. Stephens County used a big second half to knock off White County, and Gainesville demolished Apalachee in the Region 8-6A opener.
Week 6 has several big region games on the schedule, and three of those showdowns are on the Jacobs Media airwaves and streaming live on AccessWDUN.com.
North Hall at Cherokee Bluff – This game has always been one to pay attention to, and this week, pay even more attention to it. This game has a possible home playoff berth on the line. North Hall's offense is clicking on all cylinders heading into this matchup. The Trojans are averaging 41.5 points per game and are third in scoring in Class 4A. The Bears are beginning to find a rhythm on offense, averaging 37.5 ppg in region play. But Bluff's defense will get tested early and often against the Trojans' high-flying offense. This one will either be a shootout or an old-fashioned slugfest. You can listen to the game on WDUN AM 550 (Click to listen live).
Clarke Central at Jefferson – This one has defensive battle written all over it. On paper, Jefferson has the better defense, giving up just 11.1 ppg, heading into this crucial Region 8-5A opener. Some might say this is the defacto region title game. Clarke Central has weapons at running back, tight end, and receiver and is massive in the trenches. Jefferson is averaging over 37 points per game behind a fierce rushing attack, while the Gladiators are giving up just over 20 ppg. Buckle up for this one. If you're a fan of smashmouth football, get to Memorial Stadium early. You can hear the game on FM 102.9 WDUN (Click to listen live).
Cedar Shoals at East Hall – In a crowded Region 8-4A, with only four playoff spots up for grabs, this could be the most crucial game on the Region 8-4A schedule. East Hall kept it close for most of the first half against North Hall, proving they have the firepower to win ball games. Cedar Shoals struggled against East Forsyth in the region opener three weeks ago and only put up two touchdowns in the win over Walnut Grove. If East Hall's offense, behind quarterback Jamarcus Harrison, is clicking early, the Vikings could be on their way to a second region win. However, this game could also be a low-scoring affair. The game can be heard live on FM 94.5 The Lake (Click to listen live).
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE for Friday, September 22
Apalachee at Jackson County*
Banks County at Commerce
Cedar Shoals at East Hall*
Chestatee at North Oconee*
Clarke Central at Jefferson*
Dawson County at West Hall*
East Forsyth at Walnut Grove*
East Jackson at Johnson
Eastside at Flowery Branch*
Habersham Central at Lanier*
Lakeview Academy at Strong Rock Christian
Lanier Christian at Pinecrest Academy*
Lumpkin County at Pickens*
Marietta at Buford
North Forsyth at Shiloh*
North Hall at Cherokee Bluff*
Rabun County at Whitefield Academy
Riverside Prep at Oglethorpe County
SCORES FOR FRIDAY, Sept. 15
Banks County 19, George Walton Academy 7
Buford 31, Carver Atlanta 0
Calvary Christian 35, Lanier Christian 21
Cherokee Bluff 48, Chestatee 0*
Commerce 17, Lincoln County 10
Coosa 42, Towns County 28
East Forsyth 49, Johnson 7
East Jackson 53, Franklin County 10
Habersham Central 28, Forsyth Central 10
Gainesville 70, Apalachee 6*
Georgia Military Academy 46, Riverside Prep 12
Lambert 49, Flowery Branch 33
Lumpkin County 30, Hart County 10
North Forsyth 42, Jackson County 35*
North Hall 49, East Hall 14*
Rabun County 45, Heard County 13
Stephens County 56, White County 26
Union County 42, West Hall 7
