Week 8 is done and while there were a lot of teams on a bye week, that didn't take away from the slate of games we did have.
Here are five things we learned from Week 8:
1. REGION 8-3A NOW HAS FRONTRUNNERS
Now that everyone has had a chance to get started in Region 8-3A, we are starting to see the cream rise to the top as Cherokee Bluff, Jefferson and Oconee County all were dominant this week over their opponents. While Monroe Area shouldn't be written off, the three undefeated teams in the region are setting themselves up for the stretch run that will definitely (hopefully) show us who is the best team in the region. Although, there's still a very real possibility they all beat each other and we are looking at a three-way tie atop the region come November.
2. GAINESVILLE DEFENSE READY FOR SECOND BIG TEST
After a shutout of Seckinger this week at home, Gainesville is now set up for the biggest game of the season, a matchup with defending state champ Milton at City Park Friday night. The Big Red defense showed that they can hang with high powered offenses against Carrollton a few weeks ago, but the special teams and offensive woes gave the Trojans that win on the road. Can the Red Elephant defense slow down Milton and let the offensive cook? We can't wait to find out Friday night.
3. CAN NORTH HALL BREAK THE GAC CURSE?
GAC has been a thorn in the side of Northeast Georgia teams for a long time. In fact, Hall County schools are a combined 1-16 against the Spartans all-time with the only win coming via Cherokee Bluff in the playoffs. The Trojans are 0-5 against GAC all-time. With both coming off a bye this past week heading into their big matchup Friday night, North Hall is likely the last best chance of knocking the Spartans off the throne of 6-3A.
4. IS THE TIDE TURNING IN THE COMMERCE/RABUN RIVALRY?
Commerce has now won two straight thrillers in their rivalry against Rabun County. While that may not sound important, Rabun had won nine straight region championships before the Tigers took out the Wildcats in last year's region championship game. Now Commerce wins again this year. The Tigers have a lot of seniors on this year's squad, but with the momentum in that program, it's not crazy to think that Commerce might continue this winning streak in years to come.
5. BUFORD CONTINUES PHYSICAL DOMINANCE
The big question for everyone this past week was would Buford be able to run the football against the stout front seven of Collins Hill. The answer was an overwhelming yes and yes. The Wolves wore down the Eagle defense and rushed for 311 yards, including three rushers with over 60 yards on the ground. This is the type of Buford football that has been so dominant in the past, and now that it seems to be improving week over week, there's no reason to think that this Buford team can't make a run to Atlanta in mid-December.
