Some things are beginning to take shape around the Northeast Georgia area after the opening two weeks of the high school football season.
Buford has not missed a beat since moving up to Class 7A. The preseason hype surrounding Gainesville coming into the season may have been well-founded. Region 8-5A with Jefferson, Flowery Branch, and Clarke Central will be a slugfest. And Lumpkin County, which has not had a winning season since 2011, is for real under new coach Heath Webb.
However, there are still more questions than answers at this point in the season. With the resurgence of Lumpkin County, Region 7-3A will be even more wide-open than expected. Region 8-6A may be more balanced than first thought. Area teams Habersham Central, Jackson County, North Forsyth, and the Red Elephants, are 5-3 combined in non-region play so far.
Week 3 offers some interesting matchups and one area team, East Forsyth, opens its first-ever region schedule on the road at Cedar Shoals. Perhaps the biggest matchup of the night once again features No. 1-ranked Buford, which puts its perfect record on the line against No. 4 North Cobb at Tom Riden Stadium.
For a look at all of the week's contests involving area teams, simply scroll down. And be sure to check back with AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night throughout the night on Friday for score updates, game stories, and video highlights. You can also check for scores and highlights on our Twitter feed: @FridayGameNight
(Cherokee Bluff, Habersham Central, Lanier Christian, and Riverside Military are off this week.)
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Sept. 2
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
ADAIRSVILLE at RABUN COUNTY
Records: Tigers, ranked 10th in Class 3A (1-0, Region 6-3A); Wildcats, ranked 4th in Class A, Division 1 (2-0, Region 8-A, Division 1)
Last week: Adairsville beat Cherokee Bluff, 51-50, in OT; Rabun County beat Stephens County, 14-7.
Where: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Rabun is looking for its first 3-0 start since 2019. The 14 points for the Wildcats was their lowest scoring output in a win since 1998. The Wildcats have allowed just 10 total points but face a Tigers offense that has averaged 33 ppg since the start of the 2021 season and scored 35 or more 5 times in that span. They were explosive last week scoring 5 TDs of 68 yards or longer.
What to watch for: Wildcats’ versatility. Already they have shown they can win with offense and defense. Jaden Gibson was held to his lowest yardage output (7 catches, 38 yards) since his freshman year (Dawson County) but is now less than 1,000 yards (992 to be exact) behind Stan Rome’s all-time receiving record of 4,477 yards set from 1971 to 1973.
CHESTATEE at WHITE COUNTY
Records: War Eagles (0-1, Region 8-4A); Warriors (1-1, Region 7-3A)
Last week: Chestatee was off; White County lost 42-28 to Habersham Central.
Where: Warriors Stadium, Cleveland
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: 1240 AM/94.5 FM The Lake; 93.9 FM WRWH
The Statisticals: White County has won 10 of the last 11 meetings going back to 2007. They have not played since 2019. The Warriors are averaging 31.5 ppg but the defense and special teams have accounted for 21 of their 63 total points. White County amassed nearly 400 yards last week but had two more turnovers and the team had 11 penalties for 126 yards. The War Eagles are in rebuild mode but have had a week to correct things after a rough opening week loss to Hebron Christian. Fr. QB Josh Kermode was 18--of-36 for 239 with 1 INT in his varsity debut for Chestatee.
What to watch for: Can two offenses that usually are as potent as any in the state get untracked? The White County defense. The Warriors have played well at times forcing 7 turnovers in 2 games. But the Warriors also gave up 3 chunk plays for TDs of over 30 yards last week.
DAWSON COUNTY at NORTH HALL
Records: Tigers (1-1, Region 7-3A); Trojans (0-1, Region 8-4A)
Last week: Dawson County lost 49-6 to Lambert; North Hall was off
Where: The Brickyard, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
The Statisticals: The series is tied 4-4 and all 9 meetings have been 2012. This will be the first non-region showdown. The Trojans are 3-1 all-time vs. the Tigers at The Brickyard. The Tigers last week were held to their lowest regular-season point total in Sid Maxwell’s 8 seasons, and it was the lowest total over the past 78 regular-season games going back to a 26-3 loss to West Hall on Sept. 26, 2014. North Hall struggled snapping the ball in their new spread offense with more than half-a-dozen bad snaps accounting for more than 100 yards of lost yardage. They also turned the ball over 5 times in their loss to White County.
What to watch for: Which offense will show up for Dawson County? The Tigers had 300 yards in a win over Jackson County but struggled all night last week. Has North Hall solved its snap issues? The Trojans changed centers twice in the loss to White County and the bad snaps snuffed out several promising drives for a young team learning a new system.
EAST FORSYTH at CEDAR SHOALS
Records: Broncos (1-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A); Jaguars (0-2, 0-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: East Forsyth beat Seckinger 48-0; Cedar Shoals lost 58-13 to Monroe Area
Where: Waters-Wilkins Stadium, Athens
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: The two teams will be the first to open region play in the Northeast Georgia area. It will also be the first official region contest for the 2nd-year Broncos. The Jaguars, who have made the playoffs 5 consecutive years, are a young team struggling to find a QB and a consistent mainline running back. East Forsyth QB Brock Szakacs was 10-of-12 passing for 176 yards and 2 TDs last week.
What to watch for: The Broncos’ Jr. LB Will Moffitt. With Szakacs now at the helm of the offense, Moffiit will be more rested to roam on defense where he is a major impact player. The Jaguars defense. They have allowed the 3rd-most points in Class 4A (98, 49 ppg) after 2 games.
EAST JACKSON at WEST HALL
Records: Eagles (0-2, Region 8-2A); Spartans (1-1, Region 7-3A)
Last week: East Jackson lost 25-0 to Social Circle; West Hall beat Johnson, 23-7
Where: West Hall Stadium, Oakwood
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: The Spartans lead the series 2-1 and won 14-7 in 2021. A rebuilding Eagles offense has struggled out of the gate scoring just 7 total points. The Spartans defense is allowing just 13 ppg so far. West Hall has lost three straight games to 8-2A teams going back to 2011.
What to watch for: The East Jackson offense. The Eagles were in the same spot last year at Game 3 and went on to average 37 ppg over their next three games. Can they break out again in 2022? West Hall is also rebuilding its offense. Can the Spartans find the right pieces? They led just 9-7 over Johnson last week until two late Knights’ fumbles led to 14 points in the 4th quarter.
FLOWERY BRANCH at STEPHENS COUNTY
Records: Falcons, tied for 9th in Class 5A (2-0, Region 8-5A); Indians (1-1, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Flowery Branch beat St. Pius 9-0; Stephens County lost 14-7 to Rabun County.
Where: The Reservation, Toccoa
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: The Falcons offense, behind the running game of Myles Ivey and Malik Dryden that is averaging over 200 yards/game, has been a little more productive averaging 24 ppg so far. The Stephens County offense, despite a slew of returning starters, has struggled scoring just 21 points. The Indians' Aidan Butts (8.0) and Nathan Walker (5.0) sit Nos. 1 and 2 in Class 3A in sacks and will be a tough matchup for the Falcons O-line.
What to watch for: Can the Indians get their offense untracked? They were expected to be one of the more explosive units in North Georgia but have struggled vs. a pair of defenses they were expected to dominate. The Branch defense. They shut out a solid St. Pius ground attack last week and look to be resembling the unit many expected before the season started.
FRANKLIN COUNTY at LUMPKIN COUNTY
Records: Lions (0-2, Region 8-3A); Indians (2-0, Region 7-3A)
Last week: Franklin County lost 42-17 to Pickens (SC); Lumpkin County beat Union County, 28-6
Where: The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
The Statisticals: Franklin leads the series 4-2 and the Lions won 20-6 in 2021. The current Indians, however, are proving to be an early force. They are in the top five in both points scored (89, 44.5 ppg) and fewest points allowed (13, 6.5 ppg) in Class 3A after the first two weeks. The Lions are averaging just 11.5 ppg on offense piling up just 294 total yards in two games. Franklin has allowed the 3rd-most points in 3A (77, 38.5 ppg)
What to watch for: Can Lumpkin get its first 3-0 start since 2003? New coach Heath Webb has his group believing early that it can win. A buzz is brewing that the Indians, who have not made the playoffs since 2014, could be an early front-runner to win a region title. Can they handle the new-found expectations?
GAINESVILLE at MONROE AREA
Records: Red Elephants, ranked 7th in Class 6A(2-0, Region 8-6A); Purple Hurricanes (1-1, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Gainesville beat Mountain View, 30-7; Monroe Area beat Cedar Shoals, 58-13.
Where: The Purple Pit, Monroe
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Gainesville has never lost to the Purple Hurricanes, with an all-time 24-0-1 record. This is their first meeting since 2011 and just the third since 1999. Monroe Area is the 3rd-highest scoring team in 3A averaging 48.5 ppg. But the Hurricanes are allowing 29 ppg on defense. After 2 games in 2021, Big Red was averaging 27 ppg and allowing just 13 ppg. In 2022, they are averaging 32 ppg and giving up 15 ppg through 2 games.
What to watch for: Both teams’ rushing offense vs. the run defenses. Monroe has allowed nearly 200 yards/game on the ground. The GHS defense will be tested by a Monore ground game that had over 300 yards last week. However, the Red Elephants held a bigger Mountain View team to just 63 yards last week. Whoever wins that battle will is likely win this one.
HEBRON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY at COMMERCE
Records: Lions (2-0, Region 8-3A); Tigers (1-1, Region 8-A, Division 1)
Last week: Hebron Christian beat Providence Christian, 48-9; Commerce lost 15-14 to Murphy (NC).
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First meeting since 2019 when both were in the old Region 8-A. Tigers lead the series 7-1 but lost the last meeting in 2019, 21-7, at home. Commerce is trying to avoid a 2nd straight 1-2 start. The last time the Tigers started 1-2 or worse in back-to-back seasons was 2010 & 2011. The last time Hebron started a season 3-0 was also in 2010. Hebron Christian WR/SS J.T. Hornick had three receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown, two rushes for 70 yards and a touchdown and an interception return for a touchdown in a 48-9 victory over Providence Christian.
What to watch for: The Lions offense, which is 2nd in 3A in points scored (111, 55.5 ppg) against the Commerce defense, which is allowing just 16 ppg. But the key may be the Commerce offense. The Tigers had 8 fumbled snaps in the loss to Murphy, including two in the closing minute as they were driving for the potential winning score.
JACKSON COUNTY at CENTRAL GWINNETT
Records: Panthers (1-1, Region 8-6A); Black Knights (2-0, Region 8-7A)
Last week: Jackson County beat Duluth, 22-7; Central Gwinnett beat Apalachee, 20-13.
Where: Tally Johnson Field, Lawrenceville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: This is the first meeting between the two programs since 1999 and the Black Knights lead the series 2-0. Central is 2-0 for the first time since 2017 and just the 2nd time in a decade. This is the second of three consecutive games vs. 8-6A teams for the Black Knights (Habersham Central next week). First of two straight games vs. 8-7A teams for the Panthers (Mountain Viewnext week).
What to watch for: Panthers’ QB Chase Berrong and RB MJ Spurlin. The pair of juniors may be solidifying a rebuilding offense. Berrong had 179 yards passing and 1 TD while Spurlin had 125 yards rushing last week.The Panthers defense. They have forced 7 turnovers, including 6 fumbles, to go with 16 TFL in 2 games.
JOHNSON at EAST HALL
Records: Knights (0-2, non-region); Vikings (1-0, Region 8-4A)
Last week: Johnson lost 23-7 to West Hall; East Hall was off
Where: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Johnson leads the series 22-19 but the Vikings have won 7 straight. The last Knights’ win was in 2012. The questions for East Hall coming into the season were improving a porous defense and rebuilding an offense that graduated the bulk of its production. In the Vikings opener, they had modest success on offense (281 yards) but the defense held West Hall to just 285 yards and got a game-clinching pick-6 in the second half. Johnson is playing physical but turnovers are the early issue. A pair of second-half fumbles doomed the Knights last week. The Knights’ defense is much-improved. After allowing 106 points (54 ppg) in their first two games in 2021, they are yielding just 32 ppg so far.
What to watch for: First, can Johnson snap a 24-game losing streak? Second, can East Hall get its first 2-0 start since 2011? The offenses may be the key. If the Knights can cut down on turnovers, they have been effective in moving the ball. A young Vikings offense has had two weeks to make adjustments as well.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at ST. ANNE-PACELLI
Records: Lions (1-1, GIAA Region 4 4A/3A); Vikings (1-1, GIAA Region 5 4A/3A)
Last week: Lakeview lost 42-8 to Athens Christian; Lost 27-23 to Tattnall Square
Where: Diemel Field, Columbus
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: This will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Lakeview got a slow start in their opener, a come-from-behind win over King’s Ridge. But the Lions looked over-matched last week vs. an Eagles team they have never beaten. The Lions are averaging 21.5 ppg but the defense is giving up 35 ppg so far. The Vikings are averaging just 25.5 ppg but are giving up just 20 ppg on defense.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense. QB Logan Stanley had a solid game in the opener in his first-ever start (191 yards, 1 TD). Coach Lee Shaw offenses usually get better as the season progresses so getting that unit back on track is a must. The Lions defense. They have allowed 28 or more points in their last 8 games going back to last season.
NORTH COBB at BUFORD
Records: Warriors, ranked 4th in Class 7A (1-0, Region 5-7A); Wolves, ranked No. 1 in Class 7A (2-0, Region 8-7A)
Last week: North Cobb was off; Buford beat Mallard Creek (NC), 56-7
Where: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
Time: 8 p.m.
Radio: WDUN AM 550
The Statisticals: North Cobb leads the series 3-1 but Buford won 35-27 in Kennesaw in 2021. The Wolves are off to a hot start in their season in Class 7A and are doing it with defense and special teams. They are allowing just 7.0 ppg and have 1 special teams TDs. In a rare occurrence, the Buford offense is averaging 178 yards/game passing while just 107 yards rushing/game. North Cobb has been true Road Warriors winning 7 straight road games going back to the 2020 season. Buford is 24-1 at home under Bryant Appling, its only loss to Chaminade (Fla.) almost a year ago.
What to watch for: Justin Haynes. The Sr. transfer RB has been held in check for the most part in the early going (27 car., 166 yards 0 TD). The Warriors defense is a stout unit but the Wolves may be poised to get Haynes unleashed.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY at BANKS COUNTY
Records: Patriots (1-0, Region 5-A, Division 1); Leopards (1-0, Region 8-2A)
Last week: Oglethorpe County was off; Banks County was off.
Where: Leopards Stadium, Homer
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Banks County leads the series 11-10. The Leopards won the last meeting, 49-14, in 2019 in Lexington. The Leopards have won 4 straight in the series. Both teams had a week off to make adjustments. The Banks County ground game churned out 547-yards in their opener vs. Johnson, including Andrew Shockley exploding for 398 yards and 6 TDs.
What to watch for: The Patriots won their first season-opener two weeks ago for the first time since 2011. They have not started a season 2-0 since 2005, which included a win over Banks County that season. The Leopards are looking for their first 2-0 start since 2011. The key will be if the Patriots can slow down what looks to be a potent Banks County rushing attack.
ST. PIUS X at JEFFERSON
Records: Golden Lions (1-1, Region 4-6A); Dragons, tied for 9th in Class 5A (1-1, Region 8-5A)
Last week: Lost 9-0 to Flowery Branch; Jefferson beat Wren (SC) 56-28
Where: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Radio: 102.9 FM WDUN
The Statisticals: Jefferson’s Sammy Brown continues to show why he is one of the state’s elite players. The junior RB/LB rushed for 178 yards and 4 TDs and had 10 tackles last week. The St. Pius defense is 5th-best in Class 6A giving up just 16 total points (8.0 ppg) after the first two games.
What to watch for: The Jefferson defense. You have to go back to the 2013 playoffs to find the last time the Dragons gave up 75 or more points in consecutive games. That puts them in the bottom four in points allowed in Class 5A. However, the Jefferson offense leads 5A in scoring (51.0 ppg) after two weeks. The St. Pius offense. The Golden Lions averaged over 32 ppg in 2021 but have scored just 10 points and suffered their first home shutout loss since 2019 (Marist) last week. The Golden Lions have not been held to 10 points or less in three consecutive games since 2016.
UNION COUNTY at TOWNS COUNTY
Records: Panthers (1-1, Region 8-2A); Indians (1-1, Region 8-A, Division 2)
Last week: Union County lost 28-6 to Lumpkin County; Towns County beat Lake Oconee Academy, 23-0.
Where: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Union County has dominated this series winning 31 of 32 all-time meetings. The Indians only win came in 1993. The Panthers have won 20 straight, including the last meeting in 2019, a 60-7 in Blairsville. Towns County’s Seth Gillis, a 2022 All-AccessWDUN Honorable Mention, is already putting up some big numbers. The senior rushed 130 yards and 2 TDs and caught 4 passes for 31 yards. But known mainly for his defense, Gillis had 16 tackles, 0.5 sack, 1 TFL, and 1 pass breakup last week. It was the Indians’ first home shutout win since 2008.
What to watch for: The Indians defense vs. the Panthers offense. The Panthers are averaging just 10 ppg as they break in several new, key offensive pieces. The Indians have given up just 13 points in their first two games, their best back-to-back showings since allowing just 18 points in consecutive wins over Rabun Gap and Copper Basin (TN) in 2013. The program record for back-to-back games is just 6 points set twice in 1987 and in 2008. The Indians' best three game stretch was against Rabun County, Lakeview Academy, and Copper Basin (TN) -- 13 total points -- to open the 2008 season.
WEST FORSYTH at NORTH FORSYTH
Records: Wolverines (1-1, Region 6-7A); Raiders (1-1, Region 8-6A)
Last week: West Forsyth lost 24-17 to Marietta; North Forsyth beat Forsyth Central, 35-7.
Where: Raider Stadium, Coal Mountain
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: West leads the series 10-4 but the Raiders have won the past two meetings (2020 & 2021) after a 9-game win streak for the Wolverines. First road game of the season for West, which was just 1-4 on the road in 2021. West has had to rely even more on the running game and Sr. RB Peyton Streko, who is averaging 115 yards/game. They are averaging just 105 yards/passing through 2 games.
What to watch for: North Forsyth offense. The Raiders are averaging nearly 350 yards/game but turnovers have been a problem. However, they had 6 in their loss to North Atlanta and none last week. The Wolverines defense has forced 4 fumbles and the special teams has blocked a punt.
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