Gainesville and North Forsyth got Week 2 under way on Thursday, with the Red Elephants getting their first-ever out-of-state road win in program history, beating Moody, (Ala.) 31-7. The Raiders lost 20-14 to Creekview after leading 14-6 at halftime.
Which brings us to therest of Week 2 on Friday. There are only a handful of truly marquee matchups.
Behemoths Buford and Benedictine, who were humbled by Rabun Gap last week, will tangle at Tom Riden Stadium. And Jackson County, who looked impressive in the second half against the Falcons, plays host to arch-rival Jefferson with more than a solid chance to get its first-ever win in the series.
Hopefully, Mother Nature will pick on another area of the planet this week.
For a look at all of the weekend's contests involving area teams, simply 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 Aug. 23
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BENEDICTINE at BUFORD
Records: Cadets (0-1, Region 1-4A); Wolves (0-1, Region 8-6A)
Last week: Benedictine lost 41-17 to Rabun Gap; Buford lost 13-10 to Milton
Where: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. This is one most everyone in the state circled as the two powerhouses stage their first-ever contest. But what we didn’t expect was that both would be coming off season-opening losses. One of them will begin the season 0-2 after Friday. The Cadets last started 0-2 in 2021 but would then go on to run the table and capture the Class 4A state title. Buford has not started 0-2 since 1998, the last time they also did not make the playoffs. They are 2-0 since then after dropping an opening game. Both teams’ numbers did not look great after Week 1, but considering the opposition, neither is panicking. Buford was held to 109 yards rushing, while the Cadets managed just 13 on the ground vs. Rabun Gap.
What to watch for: Both offenses. They both faced stiff defenses last week, and both teams come in sporting stout defensive units of their own. But Benedictine apparently lost a pair of D-line starters last week, possibly for the season. Buford held the powerful Eagles to just 99 yards rushing and shut out Milton over the final 18 minutes of the game after falling behind 13-0.
CHEROKEE BLUFF at APALACHEE
Records: Bears (1-0, Region 8-3A); Wildcats (0-1, Region 8-5A)
Last week: Cherokee Bluff beat Lumpkin County, 31-20; Apalachee lost 47-21 to Chattahocchee
Where: R. Harold Harrison Stadium, Bethlehem
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Wildcats are in the midst of their worst stretch in program history, riding a 22-game losing streak. The Bears looked sharp last week in knocking off the 7th-ranked Indians. The Wildcats showed some promise last week with 21 points on offense. They had been averaging 11.5 ppg during their losing streak. The Bluff defense looked stout in holding down Lumpkin’s high-powered offense to its lowest output since 2022, covering 16 games, and picked off two Cal Faulkner passes down the stretch. Apalachee RB Favian Williford had 286 all-purpose yards last week.
What to watch for: The Bluff offense vs. the Wildcats defense. Apalachee is allowing 38.1 ppg during its losing streak. Bears’ QB Brooks Brien finished with 239 yards passing in his first start last week.
COMMERCE at EAST JACKSON
Records: Tigers (0-1, Region 8-A D1); Eagles (0-1, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Commerce lost 42-21 to Wesleyan; East Jackson lost 37-20 to Winder-Barrow
Where: East Jackson Stadium, Commerce
Radio: WJJC 95.1 FM/1270 AM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Commerce leads series 2-0. It’s the first meeting since 2014, a 19-7 Tigers win at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers ran for 424 yards, paced by 221 from Tysean Wiggins, last week. But a pair of turnovers in Wesleyan territory were huge. A usually solid Commerce secondary was torched through the air as Ben Brown tossed 6 TD passes. The Eagles offense had three drives stall inside the Bulldoggs’ 10 last week.
What to watch for: The East Jackson offense vs. the Tigers defense. Commerce will have to make some adjustments on the back end. Eagles QB Drew Richardson is one of the more dynamic players in the area and has the ability to exploit defenses in the passing game.
CREEKSIDE CHRISTIAN at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
Records: Cougars (1-0, GISA Region 1-2A); Lions (0-0, GISA District 4A/3A)
Last week: Creekside beat Dominion Christian 35-7; Lakeview beat Lanier Christian 21-0
Where: Lakeview Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lakeview leads series 2-0. The Lions won 52-0 in 2023. Lakeview has outscored the Cougars 94-6 in the two meetings.
What to watch for: The Creekside offense vs. the Lakeview defense. Since an 11-game losing streak from 2022 into 2023 and scoring just 37 points (3.36 ppg) with 7 shutouts in that span, the Cougars have gone 2-1 and scored 94 points (31.3 ppg). The Lions' defense was solid last week, holding LCA scoreless and having negative yardage for the game.
EAST FORSYTH at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Broncos (1-0, Region 8-4A); Tigers (0-0, Region 6-3A)
Last week: East Forsyth beat Forsyth Central, 44-10; season-opener for Dawson County
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Radio: North Georgia Sports Link
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. This could be the start of a budding rivalry between the two nearby schools. The Broncos looked impressive in their first game under new coach Dustin Canon. Sr. QB Brock Szackacs threw for 277 yards with TD passes to Gus Martin and Trent Polk. The Tigers come into this one with several key personnel changes in the offseason. Sr. QB Preston Bannister is the only returning starter on offense as they break in new RBs and several new receivers.
What to watch for: The East Forsyth offense vs. the Tigers defense. The Broncos broke out a high-flying passing attack last week but it will be strength-on-strength as Dawson County returns 4 from last year’s defensive group, including a pair of starters in the secondary in Sr. CB Luke Smith and Bannister at safety.
FRANKLIN COUNTY at JOHNSON
Records: Lions (0-1, Region 8-2A); Knights (0-0, Region 6-3A)
Last week: Franklin County lost 27-21 to Chestatee; season-opener for Johnson
Where: The Dungeon, Oakwood
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Franklin County leads series 12-3-1. This will be the first meeting since 2015, a 14-7 Lions win in Carnesville. This is only the third matchup between the teams this century. Franklin has now dropped 9 straight games, is just 1-26 going back to the 2021 season, and has lost 18 straight road games going back to a win over West-Oak (SC) in October 2020. Johnson is coming off its best season (4-6) since 2019 but is replacing the bulk of its offense from last year. The Knights have dropped 4 straight season openers.
What to watch for: The Johnson offense vs. the Lions defense. Franklin has allowed 42.5 ppg in that 27-game span. The Knights run a power-option offense similar to what Chestatee ran last week. Can Johnson get chunk plays with new personnel vs. a Lions defense that is vulnerable to the run?
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at FLOWERY BRANCH
Records: Raiders (0-1, Region 8-5A); Falcons (0-1, Region 8-4A)
Last week: Habersham Central lost 28-10 to Stephens County; Flowery Branch lost 31-2 to Jackson County
Where: Falcon Field, Flowery Branch
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Flowery Branch leads series 2-0. It’s the first meeting between the two teams since 2011, a 56-31 Falcons win in Flowery Branch. Both teams suffered tough opening-week losses with chaotic finishes. Branch led 2-0 for the first 18 minutes of game time but struggled after returning from the rain delay. The Raiders were within one score of the lead for much of the first half of the game before the rains.
What to watch for: The Flowery Branch offense vs. the Raiders defense. The Falcons were shut down by a good Panthers defense. The Raiders bring in a unit that is rebuilding at spots and was exposed last week. Whichever team makes the better adjustments to Week 2 will probably come out on top in this one.
JEFFERSON at JACKSON COUNTY
Records: Dragons (0-1, Region 8-3A); Panthers (1-0, Region 8-5A)
Last week: Jefferson lost 23-7 to Marist; Jackson County beat Flowery Branch 31-2
Where: Panther Stadium, Hoschton
Radio: WDUN 102.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson leads series 10-0. The Dragons won 55-0 in 2019 in Jefferson. Jefferson has owned this series, but if the Panthers ever break the streak, this could be the year. Jackson County comes in with the most experience on both sides of the ball. The Panthers also may have the better offense, especially if QB Gavin Markey is limited or out for the Dragons after leaving last week’s game early. Jefferson managed just 132 total yards.
What to watch for: The Jackson County offense vs. the Jefferson defense. The Panthers got things going after the rain delays to score the final 31 points. RJ Knapp threw for 262 yards and 4 TDs to three different receivers. The Dragons limited a good Marist offense despite not getting much help from the offense without Markey.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN at LANIER CHRISTIAN
Records: Tiger (1-0, Region 5-A D1); Lightning (0-1, GAPPS 11-man)
Last week: King’ Ridge beat King’s Academy, 23-0; Lanier Christian lost 21-0 to Lakeview Academy
Where: Cabbel Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Series is tied 1-1. King’s Ridge won 32-14 in 2023. LCA is still settling in with new coach Joel Lulinski and will need to find some offense quickly vs. a Tigers team that is projected to be a playoff team in GHSA. Lakeview held the Lightning to negative yardage.
What to watch for: The LCA defense vs. the King’s Ridge offense. LCA will have to slow down the Tigers to give its offense a chance to find some rhythm.
NORTH HALL at WESLEYAN
Records: Trojans (0-0, Region 6-3A); Wolves (0-0, Region 5-A D1)
Last week: Season-opener for North Hall; Wesleyan beat Commerce, 42-21
Where: Henderson Stadium, Norcross
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Wolves were in midseason form last week as QB Ben Brown threw for 385 yards and 6 TDs vs. the Tigers last week, connecting with 10 different receivers. The Trojans will be breaking in virtually a brand-new offense and will need to find a way to keep pace.
What to watch for: The North Hall defense vs. the Wesleyan offense. Again, the Wolves torched a good Commerce defense last week. The Trojans’ D-line could give the Wolves fits but will need to to help returning veteran DBs Charlie Dyer and Walker Davis in the secondary. If they can get a pass rush on Brown, they could make it interesting.
NORTHVIEW at WEST HALL
Records: Titans (0-0, Region 5-4A); Spartans (0-1, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Season-opener for Northview; West Hall lost 41-10 to Seckinger
Where: West Hall Stadium, Oakwood
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Two teams in desperate need of a win. The Titans have lost 19 straight going back to 2022 and are 1-23 over their last 24 games. The Spartans have lost 9 straight and are just 2-19 in their last 21 games. The rain delay did not help the Spartans last week as they trailed just 14-10 after the first half on Friday. When it resumed on Saturday, they were outscored 27-0 in the second half.
What to watch for: The West Hall offense vs. the Northview defense. West Hall brings in a wealth of experience and has QB Brett Sturm and RB Elijah Hayes. That should be enough to overcome a Titans defense that has allowed 40.58 ppg during their streak.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY at EAST HALL
Records: Patriots (0-1, Region 8-A D1); Vikings (1-0, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Oglethorpe County lost 48-41 to Social Circle; East Hall beat Banks County 16-14
Where: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: East Hall leads series 4-0. This will be the first meeting since 1989, a 42-7 win for the Vikings in Valhalla. Patriots coach Mike Holland is turning things around in Lexington. After winning just 9 games in a 6-year span, he has guided them to 9 wins and back-to-back state playoff appearances for the first time in program history the past two years. Matt Turner may be close to the same thing in East Hall. They won last week’s game with a defensive goal-line stand at the buzzer.
What to watch for: The East Hall defense vs. the Patriots offense. Despite losing their QB and top 3 rushers from last season, the Patriots scored 41 last week with a lot of new pieces on offense. The Vikings defense shut out the Leopards in the second half. Turner said the key to a successful season lies with his defense and they will get a big test this week.
RABUN COUNTY at FANNIN COUNTY
Records: Wildcats (1-0, Region 8-A D1); Rebels (1-0, Region 7-A D1)
Last week: Rabun County beat White County 40-27; Fannin County beat Gilmer 42-28
Where: Rebel Stadium, Blue Ridge
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Fannin County leads series 9-7. Rabun County won 35-21 in 2011 in Tiger. This is the first meeting between the rivals of the former region since 2011. Rebels’ Sr. dual-threat QB Lawson Sullivan had a huge game last week with 224 yards passing and 2 TDs and added another 164 on the ground with another 3 scores. Rabun’s Ty Truelove threw for 214 yards and 4 TDs and rushed for 89 yards. Reid Giles had 156 yards from scrimmage on 16 touches for the Wildcats.
What to watch for: Both defenses and both QBs. Sullivan and Truelove both put on a show last week and both defenses will be tested. Whichever unit can make a stop may decide this one.
RIVERSIDE PREP at TOWNS COUNTY
Records: Eagles (0-1, GISA District 4A/3A); Indians (1-0, Region 8-A D2, non-region)
Last week: Riverside lost 14-6 to Rock Springs Christian; Towns County beat Murray County 42-14
Where: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Towns County leads series 12-10. Riverside won 66-6 in 2019. But the series is tied 3-3 since 2000. You could not have asked for a better start for the Indians, who battled numerous injuries in 2023. Towns had its biggest offensive output since a 48-20 win over Baconton Charter in 2021. The 14 points allowed by the Indians are the fewest since a 20-8 win over Warren County in 2022. Riverside’s game was called at halftime last week. RB/S Dustin Barrett had 139 yards and 3 TDs rushing, 7 catches for 33 yards receiving, five tackles, and 2 INTs for Towns County last week.
What to watch for: The Towns County defense vs. the Eagles offense. Riverside is still implementing a new system, and the Indians dominated Murray County last week. They led 28-0 at halftime and had 4 INTs.
UNION COUNTY at GILMER
Records: Panthers (0-0, Region 7-2A); Bobcats (0-1, Region 7-3A)
Last week: Season-opener for Union County; Gilmer lost 42-28 to Fannin County
Where: Huff-Mosley Stadium, Ellijay
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Union County leads series 10-8. The Panthers won 49-48 in 2021 in Blairsville. This is just the fifth meeting since 1997, all since 2016, and the Panthers have won 4 straight. Union County has won both games in Ellijay (2017 & 2020) this century. However, the Panthers will be without starting QB Cade Dockery, who was lost for the season during their scrimmage game two weeks ago. The Bobcats piled up some big numbers on offense last week but also had a pair of fumbles that were the difference.
What to watch for: The Gilmer offense vs. the Panthers defense. Union County will have to slow down the Bobcats to help an offense that definitely will have to rely on a running game that was expected to be potent as they break in a pair of QBs in Fr. Kamden Kendrick and Sr. Maddox Young. Union allowed 23.75 ppg last year but gave up 21 or less seven times.
