It’s coming down to the nitty-gritty for many northeast Georgia area teams.
While officially, the regular season does not end until Nov. 8 now because of Hurricane Helene, all the teams in our coverage area for AccessWDUN have just two games left to state their case for the playoffs.
Two area teams can clinch region titles -- North Hall in 6-3A and Cherokee Bluff in 8-3A -- with straight wins on Friday. Rabun County and Commerce in Region 8-A Division both could walk away with a region title depending on the Wildcats showdown with Athens Academy.
Buford in Region 8-6A and Gainesville in 7-5A can clinch at least home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with wins.
Several more can lock in playoff berths, while others need wins to stay alive for a playoff berth.
In all, there are 19 games on the schedule, one of the busiest weeks of the season. Only East Forsyth among the 26 area teams in the AccessWDUN coverage area is off this week.
(East Forsyth is 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 date
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
APALACHEE at HABERSHAM CENTRAL
Records: Wildcats (0-6, 0-3 Region 8-5A); Raiders (3-5, 2-2 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Apalachee lost 21-10 to Alcovy; Habersham Central was off
Where: Raider Stadium, Mt. Airy
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Habersham leads series 8-4. The Raiders won 42-15 in 2023 in Bethlehem and have won four straight in the series. This is the 9th straight year they have played. Habersham is 4-1 all-time vs. the Wildcats at home. The game will not count in the region standings.
What to watch for: The Raiders are still very much alive for a playoff spot in 8-5A and would like to keep momentum going. They can still finish 3rd if they can beat Jackson County next week.
BANKS COUNTY at COMMERCE
Records: Leopards (1-7, 1-3 Region 8-A D1); Tigers (5-3, 3-1 Region 8-A D1), ranked 9th in Class A D1
Last week: Banks County beat Providence Christian, 34-20; Commerce beat Oglethorpe County, 55-14
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Radio: WJJC 95.1 FM/1270 AM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Commerce leads series 34-2. The Tigers won 38-21 in 2023 in Commerce and have won 19 straight in the series. The last Banks County win came in 1992 (28-0) in Homer. The Tigers have plenty to still play for as they can force a 3-way tie atop the region if they can beat the Leopards AND get a Rabun County win over Athens Academy. But they would also need the Wildcats to beat Elbert County in the season finale to make that happen. The Leopards got their first win last week for new coach Todd Winter, and the 34 points was a season-high after scoring just 42 points (6.0 ppg) in their first 7 games. The Tigers have given up almost as many points so far in 2024 (190, 23.75 ppg) as they did in all of 2023 (203, 15.62 ppg) in 13 games.
What to watch for: The Commerce offense vs. the Leopards defense. The Tigers are averaging nearly 300 yards/per game on the ground behind Jacari Huff, Tysean Wiggins, and Jaiden Daniels. Banks County has allowed 167 points (35.6 ppg) over its last 5 games.
BUFORD at MOUNTAIN VIEW
Records: Wolves (7-1, 4-0 Region 8-6A), ranked No. 2 in Class 6A; Bears (2-7, 2-3 Region 8-6A)
Last week: Buford beat Central Gwinnett, 50-0; Mountain View lost to Dacula 23-14
Where: Mountain View Community Stadium, Lawrenceville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Buford leads series 2-0. The Wolves won 51-0 in 2023 at Tom Riden Stadium. They have outscored the Bears 107-7 in the two games, both since 2022. The Wolves special teams and defense have been on fire of late. Jordan Allen scored on a 55-yard punt return, and Deion Miller intercepted a pass and forced a fumble. They held the Knights to just 76 total yards of offense last week.
What to watch for: The Buford offense vs. the Bears defense. The Wolves have scored 181 points (45.5 ppg) in region play. Mountain View is giving 33.89 ppg.
CHEROKEE BLUFF at JEFFERSON
Records: Bears (8-0, 3-0 Region 8-3A), ranked 4th in Class 3A; Dragons (6-2, 3-0 Region 8-3A), ranked 3rd in Class 3A
Last week: Cherokee Bluff beat Oconee County, 17-10; Jefferson was off
Where: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. A lot riding on this game as well. The Bears can clinch the region title with a win. The Dragons need a win AND a win over Oconee County next week to claim the title. Something will have to give. The Dragons are 4-0 at home, while Bluff is 4-0 on the road this season. Jefferson has won 10 straight at Memorial Stadium going back to the start of the 2023 season. The Dragons have allowed just 125 points (12.5 ppg) in those 10 games. Against the best defense they have seen this season in the Warriors, the Bears were held to a season-low 17 points. Bluff’s Brooks Brien leads Class 3A in passing with 1,750 passing yards (18 TDs). WR K.T. Thompson is 2nd in 3A in receiving (40 rec., 753 yards, 10 TD).
What to watch for: The Bluff defense vs. the Jefferson offense. The Bears held Oconee County, which came in averaging 35.0 ppg, to its lowest output of the season. No one has scored more than 24 on Bluff this season. The Dragons are averaging 33.5 ppg, but in their two losses against the two best defenses they’ve seen to this point (Marist and North Oconee), they scored just 7 total points. They have averaged 43.5 ppg in their 6 wins. The key matchups will be Jefferson QB Gavin Markey and RBs Mikel Pittman and Dallas Russell vs. the Bears’ secondary of KT Thompson, Colin Muyres, and Tyler Underwood. The Bears recorded 6 PBUs last week, including 3 by Thompson.
CHESTATEE at WHITE COUNTY
Records: War Eagles (3-5, 2-3 Region 6-3A); Warriors (2-6, 1-4 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Chestatee lost 22-20 to Dawson County; White County lost 28-23 to GAC
Where: Warriors Stadium, Cleveland
Radio: WRWH 93.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: White County leads series 15-3. The Warriors won 52-7 in 2023 in Cleveland. White County has won 5 straight in the series. The last Chestatee win came in 2016 at Lynn Cottrell Complex, 27-21. The Warriors were eliminated last week from the postseason. The War Eagles can still finish 2nd in the region (with a lot of help and some upsets) but need a win just to stay alive for now.
What to watch for: The Chestatee offense vs. the Warriors defense. The War Eagles have scored 138 points (34.5 ppg) in their last 4 games, going 2-2. The Warriors have surrendered 27 or more points in 6 of their 8 games, going 1-5.
DOMINION CHRISTIAN at LANIER CHRISTIAN
Records: Knights (2-6, non-region); Lightning (5-3, GAPPS 11-man)
Last week: Dominion Christian lost 25-18 to Mount Bethel Christian; Lanier Christian beat Cherokee Christian, 17-10
Where: Cabbel Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Two teams going in opposite directions. The Knights have lost four straight and have scored just 30 points. The Lightning have won 3 straight and 5 of their last 6 and have allowed just 62 points (10.3 ppg) in that span.
What to watch for: The LCA offense vs. the Knights defense. LCA has scored 124 points (41.3 ppg) during its win streak. Dominion has given up 38.25 ppg during its losing streak.
EAST JACKSON at PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN
Records: Eagles (4-4, 1-2 Region 8-2A); Wolverines (6-3, 4-0 Region 8-2A), ranked 3rd in Class A DI-3A Private
Last week: East Jackson lost 40-10 to Hart County; Prince Avenue beat Franklin County, 56-6
Where: Wolverine Field, Bogart
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Eagles are locked in a 3-way tie for third place in the region. But with the PRS in place for the Class 2A playoffs, they are very much alive for a postseason slot. They are 24th in the latest PRS rankings. The Wolverines, who won the Class A D1 state title each of the last two seasons, are 13th in 2A but will be playing in the private school playoffs.
What to watch for: The Prince Avenue offense vs. the Eagles defense. PACS is averaging 40-13 ppg, which is the worst season since 2017. East Jackson has allowed 127 points (42.3 ppg) in its first three region games.
FLOWERY BRANCH at NORTH OCONEE
Records: Falcons (3-5, 2-2 Region 8-4A); Titans (8-0, 4-0 Region 8-4A), ranked 3rd in Class 4A
Last week: Flowery Branch beat Walnut Grove, 20-17 in OT; North Oconee was off
Where: Titans Stadium, Bogart
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Series is tied 1-1. The home team has won both games. The Titans won 14-7 in 2021. North Oconee has 34 straight regular season games going back to a 48-17 loss to Benedictine in 2021. The Titans are 34-4 going back to that loss to Benedictine, with three of the losses overall coming to the Cadets. They are 34-1 vs. everyone else, with Cedartown getting the other victory in the 2022 playoffs over that span. The Falcons have won 2 straight and one win in either of their final two games will get them into the playoffs for a second consecutive season. They take on last-place and winless Cedar Shoals next week.
What to watch for: The North Oconee offense vs. the Falcons defense. The Titans are averaging 42.25 ppg in region play. Branch has allowed the 3rd-fewest points in region play (102, 25.5 ppg). Branch Fr. LB Ryland Garrison had a huge game last week with 16 tackles (11 solo) and 6 TFL, including 2 sacks.
GAINESVILLE at ROSWELL
Records: Red Elephants (7-2, 4-1 Region 7-5A), ranked 5th in Class 5A; Hornets (7-1, 4-0 Region 7-5A), ranked 7th in Class 5A
Last week: Gainesville beat Chattahoochee, 55-26; Roswell beat Lanier, 59-42
Where: Ray Manus Stadium, Roswell
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Gainesville leads series 2-0. The Red Elephants won 35-28 in 2022 in the Class 6A semifinals. It’s pretty simple for the Red Elephants: win, and they clinch no worse than the No. 2 seed. They can still win the region with a win and if Milton loses out. But Milton won 18 straight games, including playoffs, going back to last season. A loss to the Hornets, however, would knock them down to third heading into the playoffs. Last week, Big Red trailed at the half for the 2nd consecutive game. But they exploded for 33 points in the 2nd half. Kharim Hughley and Jeremiah Ware connected for a pair of TDs, and Carmelo Byrd rushed for 125 yards and 4 TDs last week. The Hornets allowed Lanier’s T.J. Peyton to rush for 407 yards last week.
What to watch for: The Gainesville defense vs. the Hornets offense. After allowing just 76 points (10.85 ppg) in their first 7 games, the Red Elephants have been scorched for 68 points (34.0 ppg) in the last two weeks. Roswell has averaged 50.2 ppf during a 5-game win streak, including beating Chattahoochee 63-7 three weeks ago.
JACKSON COUNTY at LOGANVILLE
Records: Panthers (6-2, 3-1 Region 8-5A); Red Devils (0-7, 0-3 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Jackson County beat Winder-Barrow, 27-10; Loganville was off
Where: Red Devil Stadium, Loganville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Loganville leads series 17-7. Jackson County won 47-21 in 2023 in Loganville. The Red Devils have been struggling all year with injuries and losing head coach Gene Cathcart, who stepped down halfway through the season. Loganville is last in defense (315, 45.0 ppg), while the Panthers have scored 100 points (33.3 ppg) during their 3-game win streak.
What to watch for: The Loganville offense vs. the Panthers defense. Jackson County is No. 1 in defense in the region (128, 16.0 ppg), while Loganville is averaging just 17.71 ppg with a depleted offensive unit. The Panthers have 49 TFL, including 17 sacks, 45 QB hurries, to go with 13 takeaways, including 9 INTs on the season.
JOHNSON at NORTH HALL
Records: Knights (0-8, 0-5 Region 6-3A); Trojans (6-2, 5-0 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Johnson lost 62-6 to Pickens; North Hall beat Lumpkin County, 21-16
Where: The Brickyard, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Hall leads series 20-12. It’s the first meeting since 2013, a 63-6 North Hall win at The Dungeon. The Trojans have won 13 straight overall and 10 straight at The Brickyard going back to 1979. The last Johnson win came in 1994, a 7-0 win at The Dungeon. Johnson has been eliminated from the playoffs.
The Knights won 9 of the first 10 meetings between the teams from 1958 to 1971. Since then, the Trojans have gone 19-3
What to watch for: North Hall can clinch the region title, its first since 2012, with a win.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN
Records: Lions (8-1, 5-1 GIAA District 4-4A/3A); Lions (2-7, 2-4 GIAA District 4-4A/3A)
Last week: Lakeview beat Athens Christian, 38-11; Loganville Christian beat King’s Academy, 20-14
Where: Loganville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lakeview leads series 2-0. Lakeview won 31-7 in Gainesville in 2023. A win for Lakeview will clinch no worse than 2nd place in the region. There is an outside to win the region if they can have George Walton knock off Bethlehem Christian. LCA has won two straight after opening the season 0-7.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense has averaged 41.5 ppg against LCA in the series. LCA is surrendering 31.22 ppg on the season.
LUMPKIN COUNTY at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Indians (5-3, 3-2 Region 6-3A); Tigers (4-4, 3-2 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Lumpkin County lost 21-16 to North Hall; Dawson County beat Chestatee, 22-20
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Dawson County leads series 24-20-2. Lumpkin County won 34-23 in 2023 in Dawsonville, snapping an 8-game losing streak to the Tigers. That was also the Indians’ first win in Dawsonville since 1998. They had lost 9 straight in Tiger Stadium until last season. Both teams come into this one tied for third in the region, with the loser in dire straits for the playoffs going into next week’s season finales. The winner can almost assure themselves of a playoff spot with a win. The Indians have been a good road team under coach Heath Webb, going 10-2 away from Dahlonega since he arrived in 2022.
What to watch for: The Lumpkin County offense vs. the Tigers defense. This is where the game will be won or lost. The Indians lead 6-3A in scoring in region play (171, 37.0 ppg), while Dawson County has allowed the fewest points in region play (76, 15.2 ppg).
NORTH FORSYTH at ALPHARETTA
Records: Raiders (3-5, 1-4 Region 6-6A); Raiders (1-7, 1-4 Region 6-6A)
Last week: North Forsyth lost 35-10 to West Forsyth; Alpharetta lost 31-0 to North Atlanta
Where: Raider Stadium, Alpharetta
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Alpharetta leads series 8-0. It’s the first meeting since 2015, a 53-21 Alpharetta win in Coal Mountain. The first 8 meetings all were between 2006-15. Alpharetta is one of just 5 teams NoFo has not beaten with 5 or more career meetings. Both teams have been eliminated from postseason play.
What to watch for: Can NoFo get its first-ever win over Alpharetta?
RABUN COUNTY at ATHENS ACADEMY
Records: Wildcats (6-2, 3-1 Region 8-A D1); Spartans (9-0, 5-0 Region 8-A D1), ranked 4th in Class A DI-3A Private
Last week: Rabun County was off; Athens Academy beat Elbert County, 35-34
Where: Slaughter Field, Watkinsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rabun County leads series 3-2. This is the first meeting since 1998, a 21-14 Wildcats’ win in the 2nd round of the Class A playoffs that year. All 5 previous meetings came between 1994-98. This is the season finale for the Spartans, who had a scheduled off week on what was supposed to be the final week of the regular season. Now they’ll have to wait 3 weeks for their next game in the playoffs. Both teams have a lot at stake. The Spartans can claim the region title outright with a win. The Wildcats can win the title with a win and some help. The Spartans survived a wild finish last week when Keyon Standifer blocked a PAT with 44 seconds left. Spartans' Keyon Standifer will be a tough matchup. He has 1,052 receiving yards and 16 TDs and 275 yards rushing, and has 204 return yards with 20 TDs.
What to watch for: The Rabun County offense vs. the Spartans defense. Athens Academy had allowed just 50 points (12.5 ppg) outside of region play, but they have yielded 102 points (20.4 ppg) in region play. The Wildcats have scored 167 points (41.75 ppg) in region play behind a ground game that is averaging 260 yards/game. QB Ty Truelove is nearly back to 100%, passing for 187 yards last week.
RIVERSIDE PREP at KING’S ACADEMY
Records: Eagles (0-9, 0-6 GIAA District 4-4A/3A); Knights (3-6, 1-5 GIAA District 4-4A/3A)
Last week: Riverside lost 38-12 to George Walton; King’s Academy lost 2014 to Loganville Christian
Where: Woodstock
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Eagles are still mired in their longest losing streak (34 games) in program history. But have shown signs of improvement. After scoring just 6 points with three shutouts in their first 4 games, they have scored 57 points (11.18 ppg) over their last 5 games. They shaved nearly 20 points off their points allowed per game from 52.22 ppg in 2023 down to 33.11 in 2024.
What to watch for: The King’s Academy offense vs. the Eagles defense. The Knights are averaging just 11.67 ppg vs. nearly the same schedule as Riverside, so if the Eagles can make some stops, they could have a chance to end the losing streak.
SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD at TOWNS COUNTY
Records: Raiders (0-6, non-region); Indians (5-3, non-region)
Last week: Southeast lost 43-10 Woodland-Cartersville; Towns County was off
Where: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Season finale for the Indians, who already have clinched their first winning season since 2008. They have won two straight and can win a third straight game for the first time since 2021. The Indians have a chance to post more than 5 wins in a season for just the 2nd time ever and for the first time since 2008.
What to watch for: The Indians are averaging 20.5 ppg and if they hit that average they could post the 5th-most points in program history. The Raiders offer a golden opportunity. They are allowing 41.0 ppg on defense and have scored just 44 points (6.29 ppg) on the season.
SONORAVILLE at UNION COUNTY
Records: Phoenix (2-7, 2-5 Region 7-2A); Panthers (4-4, 4-2 Region 7-2A)
Last week: Sonoraville lost 20-14 to Ringgold; Union County beat Coahulla Creek, 35-20
Where: Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium, Blairsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Panthers are still in line for a top 2 spot in the region if they can win out. They can’t get caught looking past a Phoenix team that has lost 4 straight.
What to watch for: The Union County offense vs. the Phoenix defense. The Panthers are averaging 36.25 ppg in their 4 wins. They have scored just 19 points (4.75 ppg) in their 4 losses. Sonoraville has allowed 32.5 ppg during its losing streak.
WEST HALL at EAST HALL
Records: Spartans (4-4, 0-3 Region 8-3A); Vikings (3-5, 0-3 Region 8-3A)
Last week: West Hall was off; East Hall was off
Where: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
Radio: WDUN 102.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: East Hall leads series 14-11. The Vikings won 35-28 in Valhalla in 2023. They have won 3 of the 4 meetings since the series resumed in 2020. A huge game for both teams. The winner is still alive for a playoff spot, while the loser will be out. The Spartans can still grab the No. 3 seed if they can beat the Vikings and then Monroe Area next week and have the Hurricanes lose to Oconee County this week. The Vikings can get the No. 4 spot with a win this week and a win over Cherokee Bluff in the finale and have Monroe Area lose out.
What to watch for: Both offenses. West Hall was averaging 39.2 ppg before entering region play. They have scored just 21 points in their first 3 region games. The Vikings averaged 32.7 ppg in their first 6 games but have scored just 14 points in their last two games. It will come down to whichever unit can get the most traction.
