Rivalry games and big matchups led the conversation about Week 4 before Friday, but close games and a few teams getting win No. 1 stole the show.
Here are five things we learned from Week 4:
1. DAWSON, UNION GET FIRST WINS OF SEASON
Region play got started Friday night in 7-2A and Union County, with freshman quarterback Kamden Kendrick, routed Murray County, 49-6. Kendrick threw for four touchdowns to get the Panthers in the win column for the first time this season. Replacing Cade Dockery at quarterback hasn't been easy, but the offense is now looking like they figured something out. Dawson County also got their first win in a 14-7 victory over Banks County, but for the Tigers it was the defense and Luke Smith who stood tall with Smith getting a pair of interceptions. 6-3A gets rolling this week, so we will see if the Tigers can ride that defense to some more wins and shake up the standings.
2. CHEROKEE BLUFF FINDS WAYS TO WIN
The Bears have looked really good this season. Habersham Central seemed to have their number for a while, though, up in Mt. Airy Friday night. Paris Wilbanks had the quarterback run working to perfection, but Cherokee Bluff's never quit attitude kicked in and scored 17 unanswered points to finish the game with a 31-24 win. This tells us a lot about the Bears and how they face adversity. After they host Banks County this week, the Bears start their Region 8-3A schedule where they are sure to face adversity. Big test passed this week for the Bluff and we like their chances to pass many more this season.
3. WEST HALL CONTINUES TO RUN OAKWOOD
West Hall had their way in the Battle of Oakwood Friday night, but the impressive score isn't what pops off the page. It was Elijah Hayes' stat line that was eye-catching. 12 carries, not overly impressive, but when you keep reading and see 220 yards and SEVEN touchdowns, our jaws dropped. Then we see he didn't touch the football in the second half and we stand speechless. If Hayes and the Spartans can keep this rolling into region play, they will also play a major role in how 8-3A shapes up.
4. BUFORD LOOKS LIKE BUFORD
There was a lot of talk about how good of a game Buford vs. Roswell would be. Buford fans were treated to one, while Roswell fans were left scratching their heads after the Wolves dominated from the opening whistle in a 52-17 rout of the Hornets. When we think of Buford offenses that have been dominant, it's been the hard nosed rushing attack, and that was put on display Friday night as the Wolves went for 280 yards on the ground. We believe that Buford is really setting themselves up for a deep playoff run to Atlanta, especially if they can win the battle in the trenches like they have as of late.
5. LAKEVIEW ACADEMY SEEING SUCCESS
We haven't forgotten about the Lions. Don't worry. We see the wins coming in every week at this point, and Kyari Burch is a big reason why. Despite trailing after the first quarter on the road at Piedmont Academy, Burch led the offense to score 21 unanswered to finish the game. He also had a pick-six, while Ryker Kohler had a pair of rushing touchdowns in the win. A big test looms this week for the Lions against George Walton Academy, but if Lakeview can be in the game late, there's no reason to think they can't win the game against the powerhouse team from Monroe.
