Football: NoFo-South Forsyth renew rivalry in region opener

North Forsyth coach Robert Craft knows the Region 6-6A opener against South Forsyth won't be easy.

The War Eagles have controlled their northern rivals in the series, especially in the last decade, winning eight of the last 10 battles and two straight.

But the two foes haven't played each other since 2021, when they were in the same region. North Forsyth left Class 7A in 2022, while the War Eagles remained in the state's largest classification. 

Now, the two return to the same region for a showdown at Raider Valley on Friday night. You can hear the game live on WDUN AM 550.

"It's fun to get back into some of these rivalries that we'll have really every week in our region," Craft said. "This is certainly one of the older ones in our county. We expect a really tough, physical game from them on Friday." 

The Raiders oddly opened the season, getting a win on a forfeit from Wheeler in Week 1. The game was delayed due to weather, and Wheeler led 7-0 at halftime. Wheeler decided to forfeit the game, giving the Raiders the win. The following week, NoFo led most of the game against Creekview but failed to finish off the Grizzles, falling late. The Raiders put it all together two weeks ago, knocking off former region mate Lanier, 33-20. 

"We were tested there only for a half, unfortunately, but it was good (against Wheeler)," he said. "Then we went on the road again against Creekview, another good team, and we played well in many phases. We just had some unfortunate turnovers, two on special teams, and still had a chance to win. So, I think our guys showed you the ability to fight through some adversity and play tough. And then we were glad to get back at home against Lanier, who we think is a really good team. And I thought our guys kind of put it all together in all three phases. So, I felt like we grew as a team over the last four weeks."

The Raiders have shown balance on offense, but the rushing attack has outshined the passing game in the last two games. Colton Constable and Darron Parry have combined for close to 400 yards and five TDs. Meanwhile, senior QB Eli Seaney is 36-of-60 for 312 yards, completing passes to eight different receivers. He's also added 73 yards rushing. 

"It's more about just being balanced and being what the opponent gives us that week," Craft said. "We believe in running the football. We feel like we have a veteran group of running backs within that group, but at the same time, we feel like we're talented at wide receiver. So, I think it just has to do with the opponents and what they've been doing defensively. Our quarterback, Eli, and offensive coaches have just taken what the defense and the opponent have given us. So that's been good to establish these first few weeks, and we will need to continue to do that as we play some of our region opponents and be able to run the football."

South Forsyth's defense, led by a solid linebacking corps that has combined for 51 tackles—Callum McGilvery, Jack Arnette, Troy Barber—plays a physical, pressure-style game. 

"They're going to try to pressure you," Craft said. "So, our offensive line, running backs, and quarterbacks have to be on the same page, be able to pick that up, and be very disciplined."  

Defensively, the Raiders front six -- DE Adriel Rojas (11 tkls), NG Jaylan Williams (9 tkls), DT Patrick Carnes (11 tkls), LB Ben Gardner (20 tkls), LB Cole Simpson (19 tkls) and LB Hudson Wheeler (6 tkls) -- will be tested by the War Eagles' "smash-mouth" style of play. Kingston Jerrod leads the ground game with 56 touches for 369 yards and four scores. But the War Eagles aren't afraid to throw it either, as sophomore quarterback Will Watkins has tossed for 500 yards, six TDs, and two interceptions, completing passes to six different receivers. 

"They want to run the football, so you better be ready to get to the ball," Craft said about South Forsyth. "They really kind of play a smash-mouth style of football. They will stress you with their formations, motions, and shifts. So you have to line up well. We've got to communicate defensively."