Region 8-AAAA, 8-AA and 8-A know their 2013 champs. Monroe Area fended off Chestatee 28-21 at home to notch its second straight 8-AAAA crown, though the War Eagles will feel they let their first region title get away after losing a second half lead.
It was perhaps the most intriguing finish on a night that also saw a tight affair in Oakwood -- White County blanking West Hall 14-0 -- an impressive fightback in Johns Creek -- North Forsyth overcoming a 21-0 deficit to win 38-21 -- and Union County winning handily to secure the Panthers first state playoff bid since 2001.
The Warriors' victory over the Spartans helped White County take a giant step toward the No. 2 postseason seed in Region 7-AAA -- and set up a winner-take-all contest between West Hall and Dawson County next week for the final playoff spot in 7-AAA.
North Forsyth also kept its postseason hopes alive and ensured its first winning regular season record since 2009 by scoring 38 unanswered points to top Johns Creek. The Raiders will need some help to reach state, but they know they must at least beat arch-rival South Forsyth next week.
Washington-Wilkes and Prince Avenue Christian also clinched 8-AA and 8-A, respectively, on Friday, but those were hardly surprises.
But there are plenty of potential twists and turns remaining for the area's regions and programs.
For instance, Region 8-AAAAA features a title-deciding showdown next week between Gainesville and Flowery Branch at City Park. The Red Elephants paid Loganville a little cold revenge on Friday, avenging last year's shock defeat with a 63-0 win in Loganville.
Meanwhile, Buford kept its unblemished record going with a 70-6 defeat of East Hall. The Wolves still have not clinched the 7-AAA title, however, and must take out North Hall in Gainesville next Friday to seal the crown. The Trojans hammered Banks County 63-7 on Friday -- and a North Hall upset next week could make for a mess at the top of 7-AAA.
Region 8-AA's final seeding is also not decided -- even if its four playoff teams and champion are. Jefferson, Rabun County and Union County are all in, and the Panthers could ensure a three-way tie for second with a win over the Dragons next Friday in Blairsville. All three squads won easily this week.
Stephens County also took out Eastside 30-14 to stay alive in the race for the final 8-AAAA postseason spot.
Mill Creek found out last week that it will not make the playoffs, but the Hawks put up a school record in points with a 62-0 win over Habersham Central.
It's hard to believe there is only one more week left in the regular season, and it's setting up for one heck of a finish.
Check our Sports and Friday Game Night pages for in-depth game stories and video highlights of Friday's game action.
NOV. 1 AREA FOOTBALL FINALS
Buford 70, East Hall 6
Clarke Central 13, Winder-Barrow 7
Dawson County 45, Fannin County 14
Elbert County 48, Jackson County 27
Franklin County 27, East Jackson 18
Gainesville 63, Loganville 0
Heritage, Conyers 47, Apalachee 21
Jefferson 62, Riverside Military Academy 23
Lanier 41, Lumpkin County 7
Mill Creek 62, Habersham Central 0
Monroe Area 28, Chestatee 21
North Forsyth 38, Johns Creek 21
North Gwinnett 40, Mountain View 7
North Hall 63, Banks County 7
Rabun County 40, Greene County 14
Stephens County 30, Eastside 14
Towns County 10, Lakeview Academy 7
Union County 47, Social Circle 6
White County 14, West Hall 0
North Forsyth's Luke Slaton leaps over a Johns Creek defender during the Raiders' comeback win on Friday at Johns Creek. / photo: David McGregor
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