Both teams are on five-game winning streaks fueled primarily two high-octane offenses.
North Hall (9-1) has scored 40 or more points seven times this season, including five of their last six games. The offense even got a boost last week with the return of senior Michael Christmas from a concussion. North Hall is averaging 40 points a game.
Carrollton (7-3) has scored 40 or more five times and is averaging 31 points a game despite being shut out by No. 4 LaGrange and Class AAAAA Newnan.
North Hall coach Bob Christmas said they will have to play better on defense than they have against some of the better offenses. gainesville put up 31 points, 21 in the first quarter, and West Hall exploited some weaknesses to score 28.
"We've had a few breakdowns and given up some big plays. But I think overall we've played pretty well. But a big key to how well our defense plays is how well our offense plays," Christmas said. "They have three great running backs and a good quarterback and they can run and throw very well. They're very balanced and execute very well. We will have to find a way to slow them down."
Christmas said his offense will dictate a lot about how well his defense will play.
"We have to be able to control to keep the ball away from their offense. We've been able to move against just about everybody this year and don't think that will be any different (Friday night)," he said. "But we will not be able to make any mistakes and give them the ball on our side of the field because they will make us pay."
Offensively, T.J. Pitts has been the spark for North Hall all season. The junior running back has over 1,700 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. Michael Christmas, who returned last week after missing three games with a concussion, and Beau Whitemire, along with quarterback Corey Hutchins give Christmas four solid runners.
"We've been able to keep people off balance with our depth. And getting Michael back last week only makes us more dangerous," Christmas said.
Last year North Hall made its first-ever trip to the playoffs and were humbled by Cedartown. This year, the Trojans are looking for, and expecting, a better run in the playoffs.
"Last year we were all just happy to get in. This year, now that we've put two good good years together, people are expecting more from us, which is the way you want it. But now it's time to move up the ladder by winning a playoff. Hopefully this will be the start of a lot of playoff wins in the future," Christmas said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/11/168557