A win on the road Friday night against Pickens County in a critical Region 7-AAA game will give the Trojans second place in the region and at least one home game in the playoffs, maybe more.
"That was one of our goals at the beginning of the year," Christmas said. "We wanted to be undefeated, win the region and host a playoff game. We'll take what we can."
North Hall (7-1, 7-1) is coming off a big 49-28 win over West Hall and has now won three straight since losing to Gainesville. Pickens (4-4, 4-4) lost to Gainesville 48-7 last week.
The loss for Pickens snapped a four-game winning streak and the 48 points allowed by the Dragons were the most all season.
"Everyone has struggled against Gainesville. Pickens has been playing very well the last six weeks and they are a hungry, dangerous team right now," Christmas said.
Pickens can earn a playoff spot by winning its final two games. It holds the tiebreaker over East Hall if the two teams are tied.
But the North Hall offense has been rolling, averaging 37 points a game during its three-game win streak. Christmas said they would not be in the position they're in without the play of junior running back T.J. Pitts.
"T.J. is just an outstanding person and he just happens to be an outstanding football player as well," Christmas said. "He's become a leader on the team and has a work ethic that inspires others around him. It's not often that one player can make that much of a difference but he has this year."
Pitts has 1,380 yards and a school-record 18 TDs so far this year.
"He gives us a threat that can score every time he touches the ball. He has amazing football instincts," Christmas said.
The Trojans, however, also have Beau Whitmire and Michael Christmas, as well as quarterback Corey Hutchins, which gives them four separate options in their running attack. Senior Michael Christmas, though, may not play again this year after suffering his second concussion of the year two weeks ago.
"Beau can score every time he gets it and so can Michael so that's a lot of weapons that most teams don't have. Not having Michael hurts us but his health right now is more important. But, the doctors think he may be able to play later if we advance in the playoffs," Christmas said.
Christmas said the defensive play of his Trojans has contributed to the production of his offense. They have allowed just 28 points over their last 14 quarters.
"To score points your offense has to be on the field and our defense has been outstanding except for a few series the last few games," he said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/11/169664