It will be the busiest week of the season with 19 games in northeast Georgia scheduled as playoff races have gotten red-hot around the area.
Buford and East Forsyth got things started on Thursday, winning a pair of region contests to stay in the title chase in their respective regions. The Wolves routed rival Dacula, 51-14, in Region 8-6A while the Broncos ran past Walnut Grove, 34-14, in Region 8-4A.
But neither of those games will have the impact we'll see at City Park Stadium when Class 5A No. 1 and nationally-ranked Milton rolls in to take on No. 6 Gainesville in the first massive showdown for the Region 7-5A title.
The Eagles (7-0, 3-0 Region 7-5A) lead the region in scoring and defense and have beaten all seven of their first opponents by an average of 30 points. The Red Elephants (6-1, 3-0 Region 7-5A) are still looking for that signature win in 2024 and this will be the second No. 1-ranked team they have played this season (45-16 loss to Carrollton).
The other massive showdown will be just up the road at The Brickyard as North Hall (4-2, 3-0 Region 6-3A) plays host to Greater Atlanta Christian (3-3, 3-0 Region 6-3A) with first place on the line in Region 6-3A.
The Trojans are 0-5 all-time vs. the Spartans and Hall County teams are 1-16 lifetime against GAC, with the only win coming from Cherokee Bluff in 2021 in a playoff game. They are 0-16 collectively in the regular season against GAC.
Cherokee Bluff plays host to Monroe Area in a huge Region 8-3A game as the Bears (6-0, 1-0 Region 8-3A) try to stay unbeaten and keep pace with Jefferson for their matchup in two weeks.
(Chestatee, Flowery Branch, Lanier Christian, Lumpkin County, North Hall and White County are all off.)
To look at 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 Oct. 11
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BANKS COUNTY at ELBERT COUNTY
Records: Leopards (0-6, 0-2 Region 8-A D1); Blue Devils (3-4, 2-1 Region 8-A D1)
Last week: Banks County lost 41-6 to Athens Academy; Elbert County beat Providence Christian, 48-6
Where: The Granite Bowl, Elberton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Elbert County leads series 5-1. The Blue Devils won 20-18 in 2021. Elbert County has the last five meetings and all seven have been since 2016. The Blue Devils are the 2nd-highest scoring team in the region (226, 32.29 ppg) but have given up the 3rd-most points (182, 26.0 ppg). The Leopards have struggled in their new triple-option attack, scoring a region-low 42 points (7.0 ppg). But despite getting little help, the defense has surrendered the 2nd-fewest points in the region (152, 25.5 ppg).
What to watch for: The Banks County offense vs. the Blue Devils defense. The Leopards have lost three games by a total of 12 points. Can the offense grind out enough first downs and find the end zone to give the defense some help?
CROSS KEYS at LANIER CHRISTIAN
Records: Indians (0-5, non-region); Lightning (3-3, 1-0 GAPPS 11-man)
Last week: Cross Keys lost 33-6 to Creekside Christian; Lanier Christian beat Skipstone Academy, 57-12
Where: Cabbel Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. This is the second straight GAPPS team the Indians will play. This will be the third GIAA program for the Lightning in 2024. They went 1-1 against Lakeview Academy (loss) and Riverside Prep (win).
What to watch for: The LCA offense vs. the Cross Key defense. After scoring just 14 points in its first two games, LCA has averaged 28.75 ppg over their last four. The Indians are giving up 36.0 ppg on defense.
EAST HALL at JEFFERSON
Records: Vikings (3-4, 0-2 Region 8-3A); Dragons (5-2, 2-0 Region 8-3A)
Last week: East Hall lost 56-7 to Oconee County; Jefferson beat Monroe Area, 38-14
Where: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson leads series 12-5. The Dragons won 63-0 in 2021 in Matt Turner’s first season in Valhalla. It’s just the third meeting since 1987 between the two teams. The Dragons can’t afford a letdown with Cherokee Bluff up next in two weeks. The Vikings need a win to stay in the playoff race. It won’t be an easy task for the Vikings, who have lost 10 straight and are just 1-35 vs. ranked teams since 2001. Their only win over a ranked team in that span came against Morgan County in the first round of the 2017 Class 3A playoffs. Jefferson has won 15 straight games over non-ranked teams. The Vikings are putting up some solid offensive numbers, averaging 29.0 ppg behind QB Jamarcus Harrison and WR Chasen Jones. However, the Dragons have been stingy, allowing just 17.71 ppg on the season.
What to watch for: The Jefferson offense vs. the Vikings defense. During a 4-game losing streak, East Hall has given up 184 points (46.0 ppg). The Dragons have scored 38 or more in 5 of their last 6 games (35.3 ppg) behind QB Gavin Markey and RB Rett Hemphill.
GAC at NORTH HALL
Records: Spartans (3-3, 3-0 Region 6-3A); Trojans (4-2, 3-0 Region 6-3A)
Last week: GAC was off; North Hall was off
Where: The Brickyard, Gainesville
Radio: WDUN 102.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: GAC leads series 5-0. The Spartans won 33-0 in the 1st round of the 2020 Class 3A playoffs. It has not been a good matchup for the Trojans traditionally. None of the previous 5 meetings have been closer than 21 points. But both teams come in hot for this one. North Hall is riding a 4-game win streak while the Spartans have won 3 straight. The winner will take over sole possession of first place in the region. This begins a 2-game stretch for the Trojans vs. the other top teams in the region that could decide the region title. After scoring just 37 points (12.3 ppg) in their first 3 games, the Spartans have averaged 29.3 ppg over their last 3 games. Spartans backup Sr. QB Tommy Young has filled in nicely for injured So. Adrian Hughes. Young has thrown for 822 yards and 4 TDs but he has been picked off 5 times. WRs Gabe Daniels (37 rec., 522 yards, 6 TD) and Jack Griggs (20 rec., 366 tards, 2 TD) have been the go-to guys. North Hall has allowed just 19.25 ppg during its 4-game win streak.
What to watch for: The North Hall offense vs. the Spartans defense. The Trojans dual quarterback system has been paying huge dividends during their win streak as both Alex Schleiman and Smith McGarvey have engineered the unit to average 35.25 ppg. Schleiman set a school-record two weeks ago vs. Pickens. The Spartans, meanwhile, have allowed just 29 points (9.67 ppg) in region play. They have 18 TFL and a pair of INTs in that span.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at ALCOVY
Records: Raiders (2-5, 1-2 Region 8-5A); Tigers (1-5, 0-2 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Habersham Central lost 42-28 to Clarke Central; Alcoy was off
Where: Homer Sharp Stadium, Covington
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Habersham leads series 2-0. The Raiders won 34-14 in 2007 in Covington. A must-win for both teams to stay in the playoff race with the winner grabbing sole possession 4th place. Alcovy has given up the most points in 8-5A (284, 47.3 ppg) while the Raiders have scored 127 points (42.3 ppg) in region play.
What to watch for: The Habersham defense vs. the Tigers offense. The Tigers also have struggled mightily on offense, scoring just 71 points (11.83 ppg) with 33 of those coming in their opener against Arabia Mountain. They have scored just 38 points in their last 5 games (7.6 ppg). However, in their 5 losses, the Raiders have allowed 181 points (36.2 ppg).
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at KING’S ACADEMY
Records: Lions (6-1, 3-1 GIAA District 4A/3A); Knights (3-4, 1-3 GIAA District 4A/3A)
Last week: Lakeview lost 17-0 to Bethlehem Christian; King’s Academy beat Athens Christian, 12-0
Where: Woodstock
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Lions had their program-best 6-game win streak snapped last week while the Knights ended a 3-game losing streak. It’s a big game for the Lions, who are still in line for a top two spot in the region despite the loss. This begins a finishing stretch against 3 of the bottom 4 teams in the region to end the season. Both teams have played Bethlehem Christian and George Walton, with the Lions going 1-1 and the Knights dropping both matchups by an 89-12 total.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense vs. the Knights defense. The Lions are still averaging 32.29 ppg while King’s Academy is yielding a respectable 22.86 ppg on defense. But they allowed 55 in a loss to Bethlehem last month so look for Lions’ QB Kyari Burch and WR Jr. Thompson to have plenty of opportunities to put points on the board.
LUMPKIN COUNTY at JOHNSON
Records: Indians (4-2, 2-1 Region 6-3A); Knights (0-6, 0-3 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Lumpkin County beat White County, 29-23; Johnson lost 71-0 to Dawson County
Where: The Dungeon, Oakwood
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lumpkin County leads series 5-1. The Indians won 38-19 in 2015 at The Dungeon. All 7 meetings have been since 2006. The Indians are still alive for a region title but will need some help. They can’t afford a slip up against the Knights, who have been struggling through their latest rebuild.
What to watch for: Can the Indians come out without any injuries to key as they gear up for a final stretch vs. North Hall, Dawson County, and Pickens to close out the season? The Knights have scored just 7 total points on the season and given up 371 on the season.
MADISON COUNTY at FLOWERY BRANCH
Records: Red Raiders (2-4, 0-2 Region 8-4A); Falcons (1-5, 0-2 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Madison County lost 56-13 to North Oconee; Flowery Branch was off
Where: Falcon Field, Flowery Branch
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Flowery Branch leads series 4-0. The Falcons won 32-8 in 2021 in Danielsville. Another huge game for an area team. The loser will be tied for last and on the brink of elimination. The winner could move into a tie for 4th if East Forsyth can beat Walnut Grove. Both teams have the same issues: lack of offense and a porous defense. The Falcons are averaging just 10.17 ppg while the Red Raiders are giving up 30.83 ppg.
What to watch for: The Flowery Branch defense vs. the Red Raiders offense. Madison County’s triple-option attack has been slow to come around, with the offense averaging just 17.1 ppg, which would be its lowest output since 2020. The Falcons gave up 342 yards on the ground to Eastside earlier this year and are surrendering 25.15 ppg on defense but 31.0 ppg in region play.
MILTON at GAINESVILLE
Records: Eagles (7-0, 3-0 Region 7-5A); Red Elephants (6-1, 3-0 Region 7-5A)
Last week: Milton beat Lanier, 49-7; Gainesville beat Seckinger, 41-0
Where: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 8 p.m.
The Statisticals: Gainesville leads series 3-1. This is the first meeting, however, since 1985, a 12-0 Gainesville win in Milton. The previous four meetings all came between 1980 and 1985. This may be the biggest of all of their showdowns as the Eagles are ranked No. 1 in Class 5A and Gainesville sits 6th in the latest 5A rankings. This is the 2nd game this year for GHS vs. a top-ranked team, losing 45-16 to Carrollton (6A) last month. The winner will have the inside track to the region title but both also still have Roswell left to play. It also pits the top two offenses in 7-5A against the top two defenses in 7-5A. Something will have to give no matter who has the ball. Milton’s Luke Nickel has thrown for 1,556 yards and 16 TDs. T.J. Lester has rushed for 678 yards and 13 TDs.
What to watch for: The Gainesville offense vs. the Eagles defense. Only once has Big Red been held under 31 this season against a tougher overall schedule. Only once has the Milton defense allowed more than 14 in a game They held Buford, which has averaged 38.4 ppg over its last five games, to just 10 points. The Eagles have collected 53 TFLs, including 16 sacks, 48 QB hurries, and forced 8 turnovers, including 5 INTs, on the season.
MONROE AREA at CHEROKEE BLUFF
Records: Hurricanes (4-2, 1-1 Region 8-3A); Bears (6-0, 1-0 Region 8-3A)
Last week: Monroe Area lost 38-14 to Jefferson; Cherokee Bluff beat West Hall, 41-14
Where: Yonah Field, Flowery Branch
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The two teams picked a good time for their first-ever showdown with a lot riding on this for region titles and playoff spots at stake. The Bears begin a 3-game stretch that could decide not only their region title hopes, but playoffs as well. This is an almost-must win to have a shot at a region title with road games to Oconee County and Jefferson to follow. Bluff has been the stingiest team in the region, allowing just 78 points (13.0 ppg). The Hurricanes have scored 149 points (37.25 ppg) in their four wins but managed just 35 (17.5 ppg) in their two losses. What to watch for: The Cherokee Bluff offense vs. the ‘Canes defense. The Bears lead the region in scoring (232, 38.67 ppg) while the ‘Canes have given up the 3rd-most in the region (138, 23.0 ppg). However, Monroe has surrendered 118 points over their last 3 games (39.3 ppg). One of the best matchups will probably have 'Canes Jr. DB Kenzi Battle (2 INTs, 3 PBUs) most likely matched with Bluff WR KT Thompson (22 rec., 446 yards, 7 TDs). Bears QB Brooks Brien threw for 288 yards and 2 TDs, both to Thompson, who had 6 catches for 134 yards. Malcolm Millsap had 4 catches for 94 yards and Jackson Pirkle had 94 yards rushing for Bluff.
NORTH ATLANTA at NORTH FORSYTH
Records: Warriors (5-1, 3-0 Region 6-6A); Raiders (3-3, 1-2 Region 6-6A)
Last week: North Atlanta beat Lambert, 24-21; North Forsyth lost 19-14 to Denmark
Where: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Atlanta leads series 1-0. The Warriors won 31-27 in 2022. North Atlanta took over the top spot in the region with last week’s win while Raiders tumbled into a 3-way tie for 5th with last week’s loss. After scoring 125 points in a 3-game stretch (41.67 ppg), the Raiders were held to a season-low last week. Colton Constable and Darron Parry each scored on TD runs last week. Elijah Seaney threw for 183 yards. North Atlanta has been stingy of late, giving up just 74 points (14.8 ppg) over its last 5 games.
What to watch for: The North Atlanta offense vs. the Raiders defense. The Warriors have feasted on 6-6A defenses so far. In three region games they have exploded for 133 points (44.3 ppg). NoFo, however, has held 4 of their 5 opponents on the field to 20 or fewer points and are led by Sr. LB Ben Gardner and Jr. LB Cole Simpson, who have combined for 59 tackles, 7 TFL, 4 sacks.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY at RABUN COUNTY
Records: Patriots (0-6, 0-2 Region 8-A D1); Wildcats (5-2, 2-1 Region 8-A D1)
Last week: Oglethorpe County was off; Rabun County lost 42-38 to Commerce
Where: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rabun County leads series 17-9. The Wildcats won 49-0 in 2019 and have won 8 straight over the Patriots. They are 10-3 overall and 6-1 at home vs. Oglethorpe this century. Rabun County is averaging 39.67 ppg in region play. The Patriots have struggled on defense, allowing the most points in the region (235, 39.17 ppg). The Wildcats’ Reid Giles had 379 all-purpose yards and 5 touchdowns last week. He ran for 232 yards and 3 TDs, caught 4 passes for 61 yards and a TD and scored on an 86-yard kickoff return. Ty Truelove was 8-of-11 passing for 108 yards passing in his first game back from injury.
What to watch for: The Rabun County defense vs. the Patriots offense. The Wildcats are allowing 22.0 ppg, the most in a season since 2012 (26.36 ppg), the first season under Lee Shaw. The Patriots are averaging just 19.8 ppg, their lowest output since 2020.
PICKENS at CHESTATEE
Records: Dragons (3-3, 1-2 Region 6-3A); War Eagles (2-4, 1-2 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Pickens was off; Chestatee was off
Where: Lynn Cottrell Complex, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Pickens leads series 4-2. This is the first meeting since 109, a 33-0 Chestatee win at home. A huge game for both teams as they try and stay in the hunt in a tight playoff race. Five teams are within a game of third place and the final two playoff spots, including the Dragons and War Eagles. The Chestatee offense has picked up the pace in region play, averaging 31.67 ppg over its last 3 games. The Dragons have surrendered 23 or more in every game and are giving up 30.0 ppg in region play. Only Johnson has allowed more points among Region 6-3A teams (181) on the season.
What to watch for: The Chestatee defense vs. the Dragons offense. Pickens has scored 27 or more in all but one game. But they are averaging 10 points less per game (23.0 ppg) in region play in 2024. Chestatee is much-improved defensively, allowing 27.17 ppg on the season, more than 16 ppg less than the last two seasons combined.
RIVERSIDE PREP at PIEDMONT ACADEMY
Records: Eagles (0-7, 0-4 GIAA District 4A/3A); Cougars (4-2, 2-2 GIAA District 4A/3A)
Last week: Riverside lost 35-21 to Loganville Christian; Piedmont lost 47-6 to George Walton Academy
Where: Cougar Field, Monticello
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Riverside leads series 2-0. First meeting since 2003, a 31-0 Riverside win in Monticello. After scoring just 6 points with 3 shutouts in the first four games (1.5 ppg), the Eagles have scored 39 points (13.0 ppg) in their last three. Piedmont is giving up just 16.83 ppg but surrendered 75 of its 101 points in losses to Lakeview Academy and George Walton. They have allowed just 26 points (6.5 ppg) in their other four games.
What to watch for: The Riverside defense vs. the Cougars offense. Piedmont has scored just 47 points in district play (11.75 ppg). The Eagles are giving up 32.29 ppg on the season but have been torched for 171 points (42.75 ppg) in district play.
SPARTANBURG CHRISTIAN (SC) at TOWNS COUNTY
Records: Warriors (2-4, 1-1 Region II-AA); Indians (4-3, non-region)
Last week: Spartanburg lost 39-7 to Orangeburg Prep; Towns County beat Anderson Cavaliers (SC), 14-8
Where: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Indians snapped a two-game losing streak last week and continue to play solid defense. After giving up 40.2 ppg in 2023, they are yielding just 23.0 ppg in 2024 (138 points), which if they stay on pace with that would be their best season defensively since 2008, when that team allowed just 195 points (19.5 ppg). Spartanburg has scored just 26 points in its last two games, both losses.
What to watch for: The Towns County offense vs. the Warriors defense. After scoring a season-high 47 vs. Greenville Hurricanes on Sept. 6, the Indians offense has managed just 40 points since (13.3 ppg). The Warriors are giving up 33.0 ppg on the season.
WEST HALL at OCONEE COUNTY
Records: Spartans (4-3, 0-2 Region 8-3A); Warriors (3-3, 1-0 Region 8-3A)
Last week: West Hall lost 41-14 to Cherokee Bluff; Oconee County beat East Hall, 56-7
Where: Warriors Stadium, Watkinsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Oconee County leads series 7-0. This is their first meeting since 2014, a 42-38 Warriors’ win in the 1st round of the Class 3A playoffs. It’s a huge game for both teams. The Spartans need a win to stay in the playoff race. The Warriors need a win to stay in contention for a region title. The Warriors still have to play Cherokee Bluff, Monroe Area, and Jefferson to close out the season. The Spartans have found the sledding tough the last two weeks and now will have to face the No. 2 defense in the region. West Hall was in the top 5 in 3A in scoring heading into region play but managed just 21 points combined against Jefferson and Bluff. The Warriors have given up just 24 points (8.0 ppg) during their 3-game win streak.
What to watch for: The West Hall defense vs. the Warriors offense. The Spartans have allowed 90 points during a 2-game losing streak. Oconee County has exploded for 136 points (44.0 ppg) in that span. West Hall will have to find a way to slow down the Warriors and get their offense going again to have a chance.
WHITE COUNTY at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Warriors (2-4, 1-2 Region 6-3A); Tigers (2-4, 1-2 Region 6-3A)
Last week: White County lost 29-23 to Lumpkin County; Dawson County beat Johnson, 71-0
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Radio: WRWH 93.9 FM; www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: White County leads series 7-5. The Warriors won 24-14 in Dawsonville in 2023 and this is the 5th straight year the two teams have played, the longest such stretch in the series’ history. Last year’s win also snapped a 3-game losing streak to the Tigers going back to 2017. Huge, huge matchup this year for both teams. The loser could find themselves on the outside looking in for a possible playoff berth due to tiebreakers and the fact that both are part of five teams within a game of each other for third place.
The Tigers doubled their season output in points last week but the Warriors will be a much tougher better defensive unit than last week
What to watch for: The White County offense vs. the Tigers defense. The last time the Warriors were shut out was by the Tigers (31-0) in 2022. Since then, only once have they been held under 21 points, spanning 22 games with Tripp Nix as QB. The Warriors have a balanced attack behind Nix and RB Noel Lammers, averaging nearly 350 yards/game. White County also is averaging 29.67 ppg but just 22.67 ppg in region play. The Tigers have surrendered 131 points (32.75 ppg) in their four losses, all against teams with balanced attacks. But they have forced 6 turnovers (2 INT, 4 fumbles) in 2024.
