One-third of our northeast Georgia area teams are off this week, but that doesn’t mean there will be a lack of quality and important showdowns as we near the halfway point of the 2024 season.
Regions 6-6A, 8-5A, 6-3A, 7-2A, and GIAA District 4A/3A will all open their quests for playoff spots on Friday. And there are some key showdowns to open up several of the regions.
But a trio of non-region games involving six ranked teams may steal the spotlight this week. Buford heads to Douglas County, pitting the No. 2-ranked Wolves against the No. 3-ranked Tigers in Class 6A.
Gainesville, ranked No. 2 in Class 5A, keeps the road show going, heading to Class 6A No. 1 Carrollton to face JuJu Lewis and the Trojans.
And Class 3A No. 2 Jefferson takes on North Oconee, ranked No. 8 in Class 4A, in Bogart.
Overall, it could be the best week so far in the first half of the season. We'll have to find out when the smoke clears, and we can’t wait!
(Commerce, Dawson County, East Forsyth, East Hall, East Jackson, Flowery Branch, Johnson, and West Hall all are off)
For a look at all of the weekend's contests involving area teams, scroll down. And be sure to check back with AccessWDUN's Friday Game Night throughout the night for score updates, game stories, and video highlights. You can also check for scores and highlights on our Twitter feed: @FridayGameNight
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE FOR Sept. 13
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BANKS COUNTY at CHEROKEE BLUFF
Records: Leopards (0-3, Region 8-A D1); Bears (4-0, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Banks County lost 14-7 to Dawson County; Cherokee Bluff beat Habersham Central, 31-24
Where: Yonah Field, Flowery Branch
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Bears have put together an impressive first month of the season. The offense has been led by QB Brooks Brien, who leads Class 3A in passing with 947 yards, threw for 371 yards and 3 TDs last week. WR Dylan Haley caught TD passes of 81 and 51 yards last week. They are averaging 37.25 ppg and allowing just 16.0 ppg. Banks County is still implementing new systems on offense and defense. The defense has played, yielding just 13.0 ppg. The offense is still a work in progress, scoring just 27 points (9.0 ppg).
What to watch for: The Banks County defense vs. the Bears offense. With the Leopards' offense still working out the kinks in their new triple-option attack, the defense will have to keep a balanced and explosive Bluff offense within striking distance.
BREMEN at RABUN COUNTY
Records: Blue Devils (2-1, Region 6-A D1); Wildcats (2-1, Region 8-A D1), ranked No. 7 in Class A D1
Last week: Bremen beat McNair, 31-14; Rabun County beat Dalton, 35-13
Where: Tiger
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rabun County leads series 3-1. All five matchups have been held since 2015, but this is the first meeting since 2020 when a 48-34 Wildcats win was held in Bremen. QB Ty Trulove returned for the Wildcats and was a modest 9-of-16 for 87 yards. Reid Giles had 10 carries for 151 yards and 4 TDs on the ground last week for Rabun. Bremen has lost nine straight games to ranked teams going back to 2019. Since 2022, the Blue Devils are 13-2 since 2022 when they score 21 or more points. They are just 3-9 since when scoring less than 21.
What to watch for: The Rabun County offense vs. the Bremen defense. The Blue Devils are yielding just 16.0 ppg. But with Truelove back and the running of Giles, look for the Wildcats to utilize a balanced attack.
BUFORD at DOUGLAS COUNTY
Records: Wolves (3-1, Region 8-6A), ranked No. 2 in Class 6A; Tigers (4-0, Region 2-6A), ranked No. 3 in Class 6A
Last week: Buford beat Roswell, 52-10; Douglas County beat Hughes, 21-14
Where: Tiger Stadium, Douglasville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Buford leads series 1-0. The Wolves won 48-0 in 2020 in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs. The Wolves win last week snapped a three-game losing streak to ranked teams. The 52 points were a season-high, but the Wolves got a 102-yard INT return by Tyriq Green for a TD, and Chris Garland returned an INT for a touchdown. Dayton Raiola was a modest 6-of-10 passing for 100 yards. Ethan Erwin rushed for 98 yards on four carries, including a 77-yard TD run. Buford piled up a season-high 280 yards on the ground last week. For Douglas, Zamarcus Lindley (510 yards, 6 TDs) posted his 3rd 100-yard game of the season last week. They pounded 227 yards on the ground against a good Hughes defense last week.
What to watch for: What to watch for: The Buford defense vs. the Tigers rushing attack. The Wolves will face perhaps the best rushing attack they’ve seen so far. Douglas County is averaging 319 yards/game on the ground and nearly 500 yards/game on offense. QB D.J. Bordeaux is averaging just under 150 yards/game through the air. But, according GHSF Daily, Tigers' WRs Aaron Gregory, Devin Carter and James Johnson, all are Georgia Power 100 players.
GAC at LUMPKIN COUNTY
Records: Spartans (0-3, 0-0 Region 6-3A); Indians (2-1, 0-0 Region 6-3A)
Last week: GAC lost 34-13 to Westminster; Lumpkin County beat Dunwoody, 49-35
Where: The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: GAC leads series 10-0. Every meeting has been held since 2000, but this is the first meeting since 2019, when the Spartans won 49-6 in Norcross. Lumpkin is 0-5 all-time vs. GAC at home. This is the region opener for both. The last two seasons have seen the Indians snap all-time losing streaks against several teams, and this could be another opportunity. However, despite the Spartans' rough start, two losses have been to ranked teams, and all three have been against higher-classification opponents. The Indians are averaging 32.33 ppg and yielding 30.33 ppg on defense. GAC is averaging just 12.33 ppg and giving up 32.0 ppg.
What to watch for: The Lumpkin offense vs. the Spartans defense. The Indians’ O-line of Rylan Armstrong, Matthew Reece, Jacob Baloga, Jacob Garmany, and Zeke Cochran had perhaps their best game of the season, paving the way for 300 yards of rushing last week. RB Nolan Matthews is steadily getting more effective. Matthews had 210 yards rushing last week, 145 in the first half. He is giving QB Cal Faulkner production that has begun to open the passing game. When Matthews rushes for 100-plus yards, they are 2-0 this season. The Spartans have allowed 76 points (38.0 ppg) vs. balanced offenses the last two weeks.
GAINESVILLE at CARROLLTON
Records: Red Elephants (3-0, Region 7-5A), ranked No. 2 in Class 5A; Trojans (4-0, Region 2-6A), ranked No. 1 in Class 6A
Last week: Gainesville was off; Carrollton beat Lithia Springs, 63-0
Where: Grisham Stadium, Carrollton
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Carrollton leads series 2-0. The Trojans won a pair of playoff matchups in 2004 and 2006, both at Grisham Stadium. They won 41-6 in 2006. Both teams have been as dominant as you can get in the first third of the 2024 season. The Trojans have outscored their opponents 166-43. Big Red has outscored its opponents 113-17. The star-studded matchups are endless with both featuring a trio of 3-star recruits or better. The Carrollton offense is led by Sr. 4-star QB Julian Lewis (USC commit) and Sr. 3-star ATH Kai Callen (James Madison commit). Sr. 3-star DE Zion Cooley (East Carolina commit) leads a tough Trojans defense. Big Red’s defense is led by Sr. 3-star DE Julius Columbus (Duke commit) and 4-star Jr. LB Xavier Griffin (USC commit). The GHS offense has Sr. 4-star OT Alex Payne (UNC commit) and Sr. 3-star WR Shane King (Troy commit).
What to watch for: Basically everything, everywhere, all at once. But the key could be Gainesville So. QB Kharim Hughley, who is 4th in Class 5A in passing with 811 yards. Hughley will face his toughest challenge yet against one of the state’s best defensive units in a hostile environment that is one of the toughest places to win on the road. According to 247Sports Composite, Carrollton FS Zelus Hicks and CB Dorian Barney are the highest-rated pair of defensive backs in Georgia from the same team and recruiting class this century. The Trojans are 26-2 at home since Lewis arrived at the HS level, with their two losses coming vs. state champ Hughes and Walton in 2023.
GEORGE WALTON at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
Records: Bulldogs (2-2, 1-0 GIAA District 4-A/3A); Lions (4-0, 1-0 GIAA District 4-A/3A)
Last week: George Walton beat King’s Academy, 34-12; Lakeview beat Piedmont Academy, 28-20
Where: Lakeview Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: George Walton leads series 8-0. All 8 meetings have been since 2014. The Bulldogs won 28-10 in 2023 in Monroe. As the record indicates, it has not been a kind series to the Lions. In the eight games, Lakeview has given up 45.1 ppg. However, last season was the Lions' best defensive effort ever in the series. They are yielding just 6.5 ppg so far in 2024. The Bulldogs are averaging 23.25 ppg, but in their two losses, they scored just 17 points (8.5 ppg).
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense vs. the Bulldogs defense. The Lions' offense will be the key factor in this one. Kyari Burch has thrown for 726 yards and 9 TDs to 6 different receivers, but he also had 3 INTs last week as the Lions had to battle back from an early deficit. Burch has plenty of weapons in Jr. Thompson, who has 12 catches for 201 yards and 3 TDs, and NeSean Dorsey, who has 14 catches for 180 yards and 2 TDs. Ryker Kohler leads the team in rushing with 196 yards and 5 TDs. The Bulldogs are giving up just 15.0 ppg with 13 TFLs, seven sacks, 23 QB hurries, and three turnovers, including a pair of INTs.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL at LOGANVILLE
Records: Raiders (1-3, 0-0 Region 8-5A); Red Devils (0-4, 0-0 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Habersham lost 31-24 to Cherokee Bluff; Loganville lost 45-7 to Oconee County
Where: Red Devil Stadium, Loganville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Habersham Central leads series 6-4. This is the first meeting since 2011, a 47-45 Raiders win in Loganville. The Red Devils suffered a blow when coach Gene Cathcart stepped down on Tuesday due to health reasons. They were young and inexperienced coming into this one. Now they're without their head coach. They have scored just 53 points (13.25 ppg) so far and just 14 total points over their last two games. The Raiders are allowing 27.5 ppg in 2024.
What to watch for: The Hab Central offense vs. the Red Devils defense. Loganville has surrendered a region-high 169 points (42.25 ppg) so far. The Raiders are averaging just 19.5 ppg but look ready to get unleashed after scoring 55 points (27.5 ppg) over their past two games behind QB Paris Wilbanks, who threw for 290 yards and 2 TDs last week. WR Zeke Whittington already has 23 catches for 307 yards and 2 TDs for Hab Central.
JACKSON COUNTY at MADISON COUNTY
Records: Panthers (2-1, Region 8-5A); Red Raiders (2-1, Region 8-4A)
Last week: Jackson County was off; Madison County lost 28-12 to Commerce
Where: Red Raider Stadium, Danielsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Madison County leads series 12-2. Jackson County won 12-6 in 2017 in Danielsville. The Panthers have won 2 of the last 3 meetings, both on the road. The Panthers are coming off their first-ever win over Dacula. They are 2-0 vs. everyone not named Jefferson and are averaging 33.0 ppg against teams not named Jefferson. Madison County was held to its lowest output in its last 10 games going back to last year.
What to watch for: The Madison County triple-option vs. the Panthers defense. Jackson County struggled to slow down Jefferson’s ground game, and the Red Raiders have one of the most effective triple-option offenses in the state.
JEFFERSON at NORTH OCONEE
Records: Dragons (3-1, Region 8-3A), ranked No. 3 in Class 3A; Titans (3-0, Region 8-4A), ranked No. 8 in Class 4A
Last week: Jefferson beat Stephens County, 45-28; North Oconee beat Clarke Central, 36-13
Where: Titan Stadium, Watkinsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson leads series 6-3. North Oconee won the last meeting, 11-6, in 2021. The Titans have won 3 of the last five meetings. This will be the first non-region showdown between the two teams since 2005. Both teams have had success against ranked teams. Jefferson is 4-3 vs. ranked teams under Travis Noland, while North Oconee is 4-3 in its last seven games vs. ranked teams. Rett Hemphill had a huge game on defense last week for Jefferson with eight tackles, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. Also, Dragons' coach Travis Noland is 4-1 all-time against North Oconee’s Tyler Aurandt.
What to watch for: The Jefferson offense vs. the Titans defense. The Titans have allowed just 23 points (7.67 ppg) on the season. The Dragons, after a rough opener against Marist (7 points), have exploded for 125 points (41.67 ppg) during their 3-game win streak. Last week, Gavin Markey was 12-of-19 for 215 yards and 1 TD passing. But Rett Hemphill is showing his versatility. He scored 3 TDs (2 rush, one receiving) and offense and had 130 yards from scrimmage. His 68-yard TD run late in the game sealed their win over Stephens County.
LANIER CHRISTIAN at GEORGIA FORCE
Records: Lightning (2-2, 0-0 GAPPS 11-man); Blue Knights (4-0, 2-0 Southeastern Independent)
Last week: Lanier Christian beat St. Francis, 14-7; Georgia Force beat Cabarrus Stallions, 53-12
Where: Gary Pirkle Park, Suwanee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Blue Knights have been dominant in the early part of their schedule. They have outscored their opponents 194-26. The Force has produced 10 turnovers already, including 5 INTs. Meanwhile, LCA has struggled to get untracked despite a two-game win streak. The Lightning are averaging just 13.75 ppg on offense.
What to watch for: The Georgia Force offense vs. the Lightning defense. The Blue Knights are averaging more than 330 yards/game on offense. LCA has given up just 60 points (15.0 ppg) on defense.
NORTH HALL at CHESTATEE
Records: Trojans (1-2, 0-0 Region 6-3A); War Eagles (1-2, 0-0 Region 6-3A)
Last week: North Hall beat East Hall, 35-16; Chestatee lost 34-7 to East Forsyth
Where: Lynn Cottrell Complex, Gainesville
Radio: WDUN 102.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Hall leads series 20-2. The two arch-rivals have played every season since Chestatee was created in 2002. The Trojans won 27-0 in 2023 at The Brickyard. North Hall has won 6 straight overall. The last Chestatee win was in 2017, 42-12, at Lynn Cottrell. This is the third straight season this has been a region game, but just the fifth time they have been in the same region since 2011. It is also the region opener for both.
What to watch for: The Chestatee offense vs. the Trojans defense. The War Eagles run the wing-T and should give the Trojans a challenge in the run game. North Hall gave up 199 yards rushing to Bluff two weeks ago but held East Hall scoreless in the second half last week and forced two big fumbles. Chestatee has turned the ball over just once so far in 2024. North Hall DB Walker Davis had four solo tackles, forced two fumbles and intercepted a pass in a 35-16 victory over East Hall.
RIVERSIDE PREP at ATHENS CHRISTIAN
Records: Eagles (0-4, 0-1 GIAA District 4-A/3A); Eagles (2-2, 1-0 GIAA District 4-A/3A)
Last week: Riverside lost 37-0 to Bethlehem Christian; Athens Christian beat Loganville Christian, 27-13
Where: Eagle Field, Athens
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Athens Christian leads series 4-2. This is the first meeting since 2017, a 25-22 Athens Christian in Athens. They have won three straight in the series. The last RPA win came in 2010, 23-6 in Gainesville. RPA is still struggling, suffering its third straight shutout loss. RPA has scored just 6 points so far in 2024. Athens Christian has rebounded from its worst season in program history (0-11).
What to watch for: The RPA offense vs. the Athens Christian defense. RPA is allowing a respectable 26 ppg on defense but will eventually need some help from the offense, which has not scored since its opener on Aug. 16. Injuries, however, have decimated RPA in the early going.
SOUTH FORSYTH at NORTH FORSYTH
Records: War Eagles (2-1, 0-0 Region 6-6A); Raiders (2-1, 0-0 Region 6-6A)
Last week: Both teams were off last week
Where: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: SouthForsyth leads series 17-7. The War Eagles won 28-10 in 2021. South has won two straight and 7 of the last 8 going back to 2013. It’s North’s longest-running rivalry and most of the matchups have been lopsided wins. Only three games have been decided by 7 points or less.
What to watch for: The North Forsyth offense vs. the War Eagles defense. The Raiders are averaging just 24.0 ppg but are coming off a solid 33-point outing in a win over a good Lanier defense. QB Elijah Seaney has been efficient with no turnovers, but he has thrown just 1 TD pass so far. Colton Constable and Darron Parry have combined for 288 yards and 5 TDs in two games. The War Eagles are giving up 25.0 ppg and have just one takeaway so far in 2024.
TOWNS COUNTY at WARE SHOALS (SC)
Records: Indians (3-1, Region 8-A D2, non-region); Fighting Hornets (0-3, Region 1-A)
Last week: Towns County beat Greenville Hurricanes (SC), 47-6; War Shoals lost 54-26 to Landrum (SC)
Where: Ware Shoals Stadium, Ware Shoals, SC
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Towns County is off to its best start since 2021, when the Indians opened the season 4-1. The Indians’ Dustin Barrett had a game last week. He rushed for 175 yards and 4 TDs, caught four passes for 93 yards, and returned an INT 56 yards for a touchdown. Ware Shoals has not had a winning season since 2009. The Fighting Hornets are giving up 46.33 ppg on defense. Towns County is averaging 25.75 ppg on offense.
What to watch for: The Towns County defense vs. the Fighting Hornets offense. Ware County can score, averaging 28.0 ppg. The Indians gave up 42 points in a loss to Lakeview Academy but have yielded just 14 points in their three wins. However, Riverside had four TDs called back in a 14-0 Towns County earlier in the season.
UNION COUNTY at ROCKMART
Records: Panthers (1-2, 1-0 Region 7-2A); Yellow Jackets (1-2, 1-0 Region 7-2A)
Last week: Union County beat Murray County, 49-6; Rockmart beat Ringgold, 23-20
Where: The Rock, Rockmart
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rockmart leads series 1-0. The Yellow Jackets won 56-14 in 2023 in the 2nd round of the Class 2A playoffs. The Panthers are familiar with the road trip and the Yellow Jackets, as this will be their second meeting in 10 months. Both teams have undergone some changes, and both teams got their first wins of the season last week. Special teams have been huge for the 2023 Class 2A state runners-up. Last week, the Yellow Jackets got a game-winning FG from Riley Gober in overtime. They also blocked a Ringgold PAT.
The Union County offense, which is breaking in Fr. QB Kamden Kendrick, finally got going last week. Kendrick threw for 222 yards and 4 TDs, three to WR Maddox Young (6 catches, 131 yards).
What to watch for: The Union County defense vs. the Yellow Jackets offense. Rockmart has scored just 32 points (10.67 ppg), but QB Luke Parker had 209 yards passing, with RBs Nate Davis (135) and Tyree McCrary (100) both topping the century mark last week. But Rockmart also lost five fumbles.
WHITE COUNTY at PICKENS
Records: Warriors (1-2, 0-0 Region 6-3A); Dragons (2-1, 0-0 Region 6-3A)
Last week: White County beat East Jackson, 55-27; Pickens lost 35-34 to Gilmer
Where: Dragon Stadium, Jasper
Radio: WRWH 93.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: White County leads series 25-22-2. This is the 18th meeting since 2000. The Dragons won 39-37 in 2023 in the old Region 7-3A, and they have won two straight overall. It is a streaky series. The Warriors won 3 straight from 2019-21, Pickens won 4 straight from 2014-18, and the Warriors took 4 of 5 between 2005-09. The Warriors’ Gaines Clark was everywhere last week. Clark had five catches for 107 yards and 1 TD as part of 238 all-purpose yards, added a punt return for a TD, intercepted a pass, and broke up two passes.
What to watch for: The White County offense vs. the Dragons defense. The Warriors had their best day of the season behind Tripp Nix. The Pickens defense has allowed 28 or more points in 11 of their last 12 games going back to last season.
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