Down to the final three weeks in the season, the playoff picture in several regions is starting to take shape. For others, it’s just getting interesting.
Region 7-AAAAAA already knows the four teams it will be sending to the state playoffs. Now, they begin jockeying for position and the all-important region title as the top four teams take on one another on Friday night. Mill Creek travels to Collins Hill while Norcross plays host to Peachtree Ridge. The Hawks are looking for their fourth straight shutout.
It’s quite the opposite in Region 7-AAA, where five teams are essentially tied for first place. However, at least two of the five will walk away with losses as four of the five teams play each other tonight. Banks County travels to Dawson County (click here for a video preview of the contest), Franklin County plays host to East Hall, and West Hall travels to Fannin County.
In Region 8-AA, Rabun County is just one win from wrapping up its second straight region title but will have to beat fellow region unbeaten Washington-Wilkes in Tiger. Meanwhile, Riverside Military, Greene County, and Union County are all still alive for playoff spots.
In Region 8-AAAAA, Lanier has taken control with victories over Loganville and Gainesville but is just one game ahead of the Red Devils (though they do have the head-to-head win over Loganville too). The Red Elephants are tied with Winder-Barrow with Flowery Branch, Salem and Clarke Central just a game behind with four of the group playing each other and Gainesville taking on Cedar Shoals trying to snap a two-game losing streak and stay in the race.
Class AAAA No. 3 Buford will take on North Oconee on Friday in the first of two key 8-AAAA contests over the final three weeks to decide the region champion. Stephens County plays host to Madison County as the Indians try to stay unbeaten and set up a one-game showdown with Buford to close out the season. North Hall plays host to Monroe Area in an effort to hold onto an assured playoff spot, and White County is still alive and travels to Chestatee.
In Region 8-AAA, front-runner Class AAA No. 3 Jefferson has a bye but Hart County and Oconee County battle in Hartwell for second place and a chance to stay in the running for a region title. Both teams will take on the Dragons in the final two weeks of the season.
For a look at all of the night's contests involving area teams, simply scroll down. And be sure to check back with AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night throughout the night for score updates and game stories and video highlights. You can also check for scores and highlights on our Twitter feed: @FridayGameNight
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Oct. 23
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
ATHENS CHRISTIAN at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Jock Hornor Field, Gainesville
-- ATHENS CHRISTIAN (4-4, 3-3 Region 8-A): Defeated George Walton Academy 27-26 last week
-- LAKEVIEW ACADEMY (2-5, 1-4 Region 8-A): Lost 41-10 to Athens Academy last week
-- NOTABLE: Athens Christian leads series 3-0. The Eagles won 40-0 in 2014. ... The two teams are headed in opposite directions. The Eagles have won three straight and the Lions have lost three straight, all in the region. ... Lakeview could play the spoiler down the stretch as they are in the midst of a four-game gauntlet to close out the season with No. 2-ranked Prince Avenue coming up next week and then Commerce, which advanced to the semifinals in 2014, in two weeks. ... The Eagles recent surge has put them in the final No. 16 slot in the Class A Private power rankings so they cannot afford a loss. However, they could be caught looking past the Lions with a bye next week.
BANKS COUNTY at DAWSON COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
-- RADIO: northgeorgiasportslink.com
-- BANKS COUNTY (4-3, 3-1 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Lumpkin County 48-31 last week
-- DAWSON COUNTY (5-2, 2-1 Region 7-AAA): Lost 31-15 to Fannin County last week
-- NOTABLE: Banks County leads series 24-10. The Leopards won 27-21 in 2014. ... One of the oldest series in north Georgia. The two teams have met every year but eight going back to 1972. ... It will take on special importance this time around as both are part of a five-team logjam atop the region standings and fighting for their playoff lives. Expect a wide-open offensive game. ... The Leopards have the most overall wins than any team in the region and have won 5 of their last 6 overall and two straight behind a potent offense that has found its groove. They are averaging 33.1 ppg overall but 42.4 ppg in their five wins behind RB Trevae Cain, who has 10 TDs in the last two games. However, Banks County finishes the season with three straight road games and lost its only 7-AAA game on the road to Franklin County. ... The Tigers saw their 3-game win streak snapped last week that had seen them score 35.3 ppg over that span. Defense, however, has been an issue of late as they have given up 99 points (33 ppg) over their last three contests. ... The Tigers have the most region wins but also have just one more region contest left so a loss could put them in a precarious spot.
CEDAR SHOALS at GAINESVILLE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
-- RADIO: 1240 AM ESPN Radio
-- CEDAR SHOALS (1-6, 1-5 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 30-25 to Winder-Barrow last week
-- GAINESVILLE (4-3, 4-2 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 44-7 to Clarke Central last week
-- NOTABLE: Gainesville leads series 3-2. The Red Elephants won 61-26 in 2014. ... With five teams within a game for third place in the region, every game is a must-win the rest of the way. Gainesville is tied with Winder-Barrow for third and owns the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Bulldoggs. ... The Red Elephants offense has spurted mightily the last two weeks, both losses. They averaged 37.5 ppg in the first four region games but scored a total of just 15 points the last two weeks. ... The Jaguars have played much better over the past month. They had the lead in the fourth quarter in two of their last three losses. After scoring just 14 total points with two shutouts in their first three games, they have averaged 16 ppg. They have yielded just 18.6 ppg over their last three games after giving up 32 ppg in the opening month. ... Injuries have depleted what was a strong DL for Gainesville and it showed last week as they allowed their most points in a loss since giving up 46 to Loganville in 2012. They gave up 45 to Flowery Branch in a win in 2013. ... Cedar Shoals, however, has lost nine straight on the road.
CLARKE CENTRAL at WINDER-BARROW
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: W. Clair Harris Stadium, Winder
-- CLARKE CENTRAL (3-4, 3-3 Region 8-AAAAA): Defeated Gainesville 44-7 last week
-- WINDER-BARROW (4-3, 4-2 Region 8-AAAAA): Defeated Cedar Shoals 30-25 last week
-- NOTABLE: Clarke Central leads series 12-1. Winder-Barrow got its first-ever victory over the Gladiators in 2014, 35-29 in Athens. ... Clarke Central got back in the playoff conversation with its stunning win over Gainesville last week. Gladiators So. QB Jack Mengel was on fire going 14-of-23 passing for 352 yards with 4 TD passes. ... The Bulldoggs, who have won three straight, pulled off a miraculous comeback last week after trailing by two scores in the fourth quarter. They own fourth place and hold the tiebreaker over Salem and Flowery Branch, who are immediately behind them. It will be tough to win out with No. 4 Lanier and its stout defense up next, but with Sr. RB CeCe Green, who is back and close to early season form when he ran for 350 yards in a loss to Gainesville, they are in a strong position to get back to the playoffs. ... Whichever offense is able to control the game will win this one but it was the Clarke Central defense that was the difference last week forcing five Gainesville turnovers. The Bulldoggs will look to pound the ball with Green while the defense, which has yielded 25 ppg, will try to slow down Mengel and a rejuvenated Gladiators offense.
COMMERCE at TOWNS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee
-- COMMERCE (4-3, 3-2 Region 8-A): Defeated Providence Christian 45-0 last week
-- TOWNS COUNTY (1-7, 1-5 Region 8-A): Lost 42-14 to No. 2 Prince Avenue Christian last week
-- NOTABLE: Commerce leads series 19-0. The Tigers won 58-0 in 2014. ... Towns County has lost five straight and has struggled on both sides of the ball. The Indians have scored just 28 total points and allowed 34.4 ppg in that span. ... Commerce is looking to tune-up for a sure playoff run in Class A Public. The Tigers sit sixth in the power rankings and cannot afford a loss against any of the bottom teams in the region. They still have games against George Walton (19th in power rankings) and Lakeview Academy, who are a combined 5-9 on the season.
DULUTH at NORTH GWINNETT
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Tom Robinson Memorial Stadium, Suwanee
-- DULUTH (1-6, 0-4 Region 7-AAAAAA): Bye last week, lost 49-10 to Collins Hill two weeks ago
-- NORTH GWINNETT (2-5, 0-4 Region 7-AAAAAA): Bye last week, lost 42-6 to Peachtree Ridge two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Duluth leads series 23-22-1. North Gwinnett won 71-24 in 2014. The Bulldogs have won have 17 straight in the series. The last Duluth win was in 1996. ... Two teams playing out the string. It has been a disappointing season for the Bulldogs, who will be missing out on the playoffs for the first since 2003. Another loss also would secure their first losing season since 2003 as well. ... A young North Gwinnett defense has struggled most of the season allowing 36 ppg. However, Duluth has scored just 66 total points (9.4 ppg) on the season. ... The Bulldogs are averaging just 16.1 ppg on offense, their lowest output in the Bob Sphire-era.
EAST HALL at FRANKLIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Ed Bryant Stadium, Carnesville
-- RADIO: WDUN AM 550
-- EAST HALL (3-4, 2-1 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Johnson 24-14 last week
-- FRANKLIN COUNTY (4-3, 3-1 Region 7-AAA): Defeated West Hall 21-14 last week
-- NOTABLE: Franklin County leads series 9-4. East Hall won 34-7 in 2014 in first meeting between the two teams since 1999. ... With a five-team logjam atop the region, it is a must-win for both teams. Franklin County is tied with Dawson County atop the standings with the Vikings just one-half game behind. ... The key to this one could be the Lions defensive group. In their three losses they have allowed 126 points (42 ppg) but just 40 points (10 ppg) in their four wins. The Lions will have a tough task with an East Hall offense that has been very consistent this season. ... Since scoring just 6 points vs. Wesleyan in their opener, the Vikings are averaging 33.3 ppg. They also have fared well against run-oriented teams like the Lions. The East Hall defense yielded just 35 total points in wins over Lumpkin, West Hall, and Johnson over the past month.
EAST JACKSON at JACKSON COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Panther Stadium, Jefferson
-- EAST JACKSON (1-7, 0-4 Region 8-AAA): Lost 49-0 to No. 3 Jefferson last week
-- JACKSON COUNTY (3-5, 0-4 Region 8-AAA): Lost 41-24 to Hart County last week
-- NOTABLE: Jackson County leads series 3-2. The Panthers won 35-15 in 2014. Jackson County has won the last three meetings. ... The Panthers playoff chances fizzled in the fourth quarter last week as Hart County rallied with three fourth quarter touchdowns. Now, both teams are left battling to stay out of the cellar in 8-AAA. ... Jackson County has lost four straight but had the lead against the Bulldogs and also led No. 6 Elbert County, also in region play, before faltering late. However, the Panthers, with two wins to close out the season, can clinch just their second non-losing season since 1992. ... East Jackson has struggled in region play being outscored 197-7 over the first four games.
HERITAGE, CONYERS at APALACHEE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: R. Harold Harrison Stadium, Winder
-- HERITAGE, CONYERS (0-7, 0-6 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 41-6 to Flowery Branch last week
-- APALACHEE (0-7, 0-6 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 42-0 to No. 4 Lanier last week
-- NOTABLE: Heritage leads series 5-2. The Patriots won 35-28 in 2014. Heritage has won four straight in the series. ... Heritage currently is in the midst of its worst losing streak (9 straight now) in program history. However, Apalachee is just 1-26 since the start of the 2013 season. ... The winner will stay out of the cellar in 8-AAAAA. ... Apalachee has continued to struggle on offense scoring the fewest in Class AAAAA (18). But, Heritage has allowed 34.4 ppg on defense. ... The Wildcats defense has yielded 38.8 ppg while Heritage has scored just 52 points (7.4 ppg) on the season.
JOHNS CREEK at HABERSHAM CENTRAL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Raider Stadium, Mt. Airy
-- RADIO: 99.3 FM
-- JOHNS CREEK (4-3, 4-2 Region 6-AAAAAA): Defeated North Forsyth 17-14 last week
-- HABERSHAM CENTRAL (0-7, 0-6 Region 6-AAAAAA): Lost 42-35 to Centennial last week
-- NOTABLE: Johns Creek leads series 1-0. The Gladiators won 42-14 in 2014 in first-ever meeting between the two schools. ... The Raiders, despite the record, appear to be on the cusp of breaking out. The last two weeks they were within a touchdown in the fourth quarter against two of the top teams in the region. ... The Gladiators are showing they know how to win the close games. All four of their victories are by a total of just 12 points. The Gladiators are tied with Centennial for fourth place and cannot afford to overlook the Raiders. ... It should be an interesting matchup. Johns Creek is allowing 25 ppg while the Raiders offense has shown signs of being explosive with three games of 31 or more points in region play. ... Hab Central RB Michael Babers has been coming on. Last week he had 222 all-purpose yards and scored four times.
LANIER at SALEM
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Evans Stadium, Conyers
-- LANIER (7-0, 6-0 Region 8-AAAAA): Ranked No. 4 in Class AAAAA; defeated Heritage, Conyers 42-0 last week
-- SALEM (4-3, 3-3 Region 8-AAAAA): Lost 20-9 to Loganville last week
-- NOTABLE: Lanier leads series 1-0. The Longhorns won 42-35 in 2014 in first-ever meeting between the two schools. ... Lanier can clinch a playoff spot with a win while the Seminoles need a win just to stay alive in the playoff race. ... It will be a huge challenge for Salem, which has scored just 15 total points the last two weeks. The Longhorns defense, behind DT Derrick Brown and LBs Devin Miller and Juwan Jones, have yielded just 41 total points (5.8 ppg) on the season, which is second in all of Class AAAAA. Lanier held Heritage to four first downs and less than 100 yards in total offense last week.
MADISON COUNTY at STEPHENS COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: The Reservation, Toccoa
-- MADISON COUNTY (1-6, 1-3 Region 8-AAAA): Lost 56-28 to North Hall last week
-- STEPHENS COUNTY (6-1, 4-0 Region 8-AAAA): Defeated Chestatee 40-21 last week
-- NOTABLE: Stephens County leads series 27-8. The Indians won 31-10 in 2014. The Indians have won 13 straight in the series. The last Madison County victory was in 1989 in Danielsville. ... It has the makings for a trap game for the Indians, who are still in the running for a region title and will close out the season against North Oconee and Buford over the final two weeks. Madison County has scored the second-most points in region play (130, 32.5 ppg). However, only Chestatee (311) has given up more points overall than the Red Raiders (263, 37.5 ppg) on the season. ... The Indians have two region wins by just a point each but has yielded just 14.2 ppg on the season. They are averaging 27.0 ppg on offense.
MILL CREEK at COLLINS HILL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Fahring Field, Lawrenceville
-- MILL CREEK (7-0, 4-0 Region 7-AAAAAA): Ranked No. 5 in Class AAAAAA; Bye last week, defeated Mountain View 42-0 two weeks ago
-- COLLINS HILL (4-3, 4-0 Region 7-AAAAAA): Bye last week, defeated Duluth 49-10 two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Collins Hill leads series 6-3. Mill Creek won 51-7 in 2014. The Hawks have won 2 of the last 3 meetings. ... It is the start of a three-week sprint toward a region title for both teams, who are locked in a four-way tie for first with Norcross and Peachtree Ridge. Norcross plays host to Peachtree Ridge this week so only two teams will remain unbeaten. ... Mill Creek has been nearly impenetrable on defense allowing a Class AAAAAA-low 27 points on the season (3.8 ppg). Collins Hill has scored the most points in region play with 181 (45.2 ppg) but Mill Creek has posted 290 on the season (41.4 ppg) while the Eagles have yielded nearly 20 ppg on defense. ... The key will be which offense is able to generate the most time-consuming drives. The Hawks are working on four consecutive shutouts.
NORTH HALL at MONROE AREA
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Legion Field, Monroe
-- RADIO: WDUN 102.9 FM
-- NORTH HALL (3-4, 2-2 Region 8-AAAA): North Hall defeated Madison County 56-28 last week
-- MONROE AREA (2-5, 1-3 Region 8-AAAA): Lost 51-0 to No. 3 Buford last week
-- NOTABLE: Monroe Area leads series 12-8. North Hall won 38-35 in 2014. The two teams have split the only two meetings since 1997. ... The Trojans had their best offensive game of the season last week churning out nearly 600 yards on the ground in their traditional wing-T attack. Kyle Bacus led three 100-yard rushers with 237 yards and four TDs. Sam Jackson and Colby Miller also ran for over 100 yards. ... The Hurricanes defense has been gashed several times this season allowing more than 34 ppg. They have lost three straight to primarily running teams in Stephens County, North Oconee, and Buford. ... North Hall cannot afford a letdown leading the Hurricanes and White County by just one game for the fourth playoff spot. The Trojans close out the season in Cleveland against White County. ... North Hall is still in the running for third place, just a game behind North Oconee, who takes on Buford Friday, and holding the tiebreaker over the Titans.
NORTH FORSYTH at CENTENNIAL
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Centennial Stadium, Roswell
-- NORTH FORSYTH (1-6, 1-5 Region 6-AAAAAA): Lost 17-14 to Johns Creek last week
-- CENTENNIAL (4-3, 4-2 Region 6-AAAAAA): Defeated Habersham Central 42-35 last week
-- NOTABLE: Centennial leads series 3-2. The Knights won 27-3 in 2014. ... Centennial has won four straight after an 0-3 start to get back in the region race in a tie with Johns Creek for fourth. The Raiders would love nothing more than to play the spoiler. ... North Forsyth took Johns Creek to the wire last week in their best defensive effort of the season. The Raiders will have to find a way to slow down Centennial QB Casen Conway, who was 23-of-28 passing for 340 yards and 2 TDs against Habersham. ... The Raiders have lost five straight and have scored just 67 points (15.4 ppg) during that stretch.
NORTH OCONEE at BUFORD
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
-- RADIO:
-- NORTH OCONEE (4-3, 3-1 Region 8-AAAA): Defeated White County 20-0 last week
-- BUFORD (6-1, 4-0 Region 8-AAAA): Defeated Monroe Area 51-0 last week
-- NOTABLE: Buford leads series 3-0. The Wolves won 58-3 in 2014. ... Buford’s defense just keeps getting better. The Wolves held the Hurricanes to minus-18 yards rushing last week. That could make for an interesting matchup with the Titans, who like to run the ball behind a big OL and two big running backs. ... Since being shutout by North Hall, North Oconee has responded with two wins scoring 53 points. Buford, however, has given up just 3 points in region play, a late field goal to White County. ... The Buford offense has been efficient scoring on all but two first half possessions over the past three weeks. The Wolves have won 28 straight at home. Their last home loss was to Gainesville and Deshaun Watson in 2012.
RIVERSIDE MILITARY at GREENE COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Tiger Stadium, Greensboro
-- RIVERSIDE MILITARY (1-6, 0-3 Region 8-AA): Lost 21-16 to Oglethorpe County last week
-- GREENE COUNTY (3-4, 1-2 Region 8-AA): Bye last week, lost 49-28 to Union County two weeks ago
-- NOTABLE: Riverside leads series 2-1. Greene County won 24-7 in 2014. ... Riverside is still in the playoff chase and can climb the ladder with a win this week. The Eagles sit one game behind Greene County and just one-half game behind Oglethorpe County for fourth place. ... Riverside has gotten more competitive each week taking Washington-Wilkes down to the wire and then dropping a heartbreaker to the Patriots last week. ... Greene County still has Rabun County left to play so the Tigers cannot afford a letdown down the stretch. They have allowed more than 21 points just twice on the season while Riverside has scored just 50 points on the year. But, the Eagles have averaged 13.3 ppg the last three weeks after scoring just 10 total points through their first four contests.
WASHINGTON-WILKES at RABUN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
-- WASHINGTON-WILKES (3-4, 3-0 Region 8-AA): Defeated Social Circle 35-7 last week
-- RABUN COUNTY (7-1, 4-0 Region 8-AA): Ranked No. 5 in Class AA; defeated Union County 49-3 last week
-- NOTABLE: Washington-Wilkes leads series 5-2-1. Rabun County won 22-7 in 2014. It was the first win for the Wildcats over the Tigers since 1992. ... It’s simple for the Wildcats: win and clinch the region. A loss, however, could potentially throw the top three teams into a tie for first place and invoke a series of tiebreakers. The Tigers still have to play Union County in their finale. ... Rabun County was at its most devastating last week in the first showdown of unbeaten region teams. Bailey Fisher threw for 294 yards and 3 TDs against a Union defense that had allowed just 18 ppg over its first seven games. They have been virtually unstoppable the last four weeks averaging 48.7 ppg. ... The Tigers have won three straight after a rough start and defense has been the catalyst. They have allowed just 22 points (7.3 ppg) in region play after being torched for 143 points (35.7 ppg) in their non-region games.
WEST HALL at FANNIN COUNTY
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: Rebel Stadium, Blue Ridge
-- WEST HALL (2-5, 0-3 Region 7-AAA): Lost 21-14 to Franklin County last week
-- FANNIN COUNTY (4-3, 2-1 Region 7-AAA): Defeated Dawson County 31-15 last week
-- NOTABLE: West Hall leads series 4-3. The Spartans won 49-0 in 2014 and have won two straight in the series. ... West Hall is not officially eliminated from the playoffs but will need to win out and get LOTS of help. However, the Spartans have lost five straight and the Rebels offer another tough challenge, especially on the road. ... The key will if the Spartans offense can finally find some traction. They have scored just 38 total points (7.6 ppg) over their last five games. The Rebels have yielded just over 25 ppg on defense. ... The Spartans defense has been solid allowing just 17.8 ppg against some very good offenses. Fannin County is averaging 31.8 ppg on offense behind QB Brad Davis, who has passed for nearly 2,000 and is in the top eight in the state, covering all classifications. WR Cooper Earls is 10th in the state in receiving state-wide.
WHITE COUNTY at CHESTATEE
-- WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
-- WHERE: War Eagle Stadium, Gainesville
-- RADIO: wrwh.com
-- WHITE COUNTY (1-6, 1-3 Region 8-AAAA): Lost 20-0 to North Oconee last week
-- CHESTATEE (0-7, 0-4 Region 8-AAAA): Lost 40-21 to Stephens County last week
-- NOTABLE: White County leads series 9-2. The Warriors won 50-28 in 2014. White County has won six straight in the series. ... Despite just one win, the Warriors are just a game behind North Hall for fourth place in the standings and will play host to the Trojans to close out the season. If they can pull off a couple of winnable games the next two weeks they could have a chance to sneak into the playoffs. ... However, the War Eagles have found some offensive rhythm the last two weeks scoring 50 points after having scored just 50 points through their first five games. They would love nothing better than to play spoiler over the final three weeks of the season with games against both the Warriors and North Hall down the stretch. ... Something will have to give in this one. White County has struggled on offense scoring just 69 total points (9.8 ppg). However, the Chestatee defense is yielding 44.4 ppg on the season.
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