Week 4 ended with a lot of answers.
We questioned if East Hall had enough to knock off North Hall. The answer was no.
We also questioned Jefferson's battle against Stephens County. We don't know why we even questioned the Dragons. They rallied past the Indians for a big 45-28 win. And we had our reservations about Buford, thinking the Wolves were in danger of losing their second game of the season. Again, why did we even question it?
This week brings a new round of games, some of which are huge. Class 5A No. 2 Gainesville travels to Class 6A No. 1 Carrollton. Of course, we have questions, but who cares? This one is going to be a dandy. We also wonder if Lumpkin County will ed the name Greater Atlanta Christian School scare them, and will Lakevew Academy finally knock off George Walton to remain undefeated and start region play 1-0.
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.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: GAINESVILLE: QB Kharim Hughley, OT Alex Payne, LB Xavier Griffin, DE Julius Columbus, WR Shane King; CARROLLTON: QB Julian Lewis, ATH Kai Callen, DE Zion Cooley, WR Ryan Mosley
WHY WATCH IT: You've got Class 6A No. 1 Carrollton vs. Class 5A No. 2 Gainesville. Cue the Dadgum fireworks show. The Trojans have one of the most talked about quarterbacks around the state in USC-commit Julian Lewis, AKA JuJu. He's a crafty passer who can carve up defenses with his ability to see the field. He's also a quarterback with happy feet that allow him to move quickly in and out of the pocket and make things happen down the field. Yes, he can be a nightmare for the average defense. Gainesville doesn't have an average defense. Big Red houses most of its horses on that side of the ball, and with an edge rusher like USC-commit Xavier Griffin, Lewis will need to be on his toes. And let's not forget the bull-rushing ability of Duke-commit Julius Columbus, who can power past an offensive lineman like a bear wrecking a campsite. You might sum this game up as the Carrollton offense versus the Gainesville defense. Go ahead, sleep on the ability of the Red Elephants offense. If you do, sophomore QB Khareem Hughley will drop a dime 30 yards downfield. The kid has a solid arm and can whip the ball to many speedy receivers. He can also escape the pocket and set sail. However, weather could play a factor in this one, which means the rushing attack could decide the game. Gainesville's Carmelo Byrd, who had a solid start to the season, will be key, and he's got the big guys up front, led by UNC-commit Alex Payne, to pave the way. On the flip side, the Trojans have two backs -- Kimauri Farmer and Messiah Satterwhite -- who have combined for 500 yards on the ground this season. Could all the fanfare of a potent passing game be tucked away for a steady ground game? Maybe so. Whatever it turns out to be, the local TV stations could be upset they picked different games to cover.
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.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: GEORGE WALTON: QB AJ Dillard, RB Zack Wolf, RB Laji Taylor, WR Roland Crutchfield, LB David Eberly, DE Beckett Lacour; LAKEVIEW: QB Kyari Burch, RB Collin Waldrop, RB Ryker Kohler, WR Jr. Thompson, WR Jace Forrest, LB Jacob Kelley
WHY WATCH IT: While it's true George Walton's roster is double the size of Lakeview's, this one will be a battle. It's the region opener for the two, and most expect GW to stroll into Lakeview and win easily. That, of course, is all based on the past games, as the Bulldogs have won all eight in the series. But the Lions are a different team this year, and a lot of that is because of QB Kyari Burch. He's thrown for 726 yards and nine touchdowns to six different receivers. GW is giving up 30 ppg on defense, which means the Lions and Burch could have a field day. But don't count out the Bulldogs, with the Lions giving up 45 ppg on defense, which most likely has the Bulldogs salivating. However, GW is only averaging 23 points per game, which begs the question of whether the Lions can come up with crucial stops to help the offense. I think so. I expect this one to be a high-scoring affair, and whoever makes that one crucial stop will be better positioned to win the game.
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.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: GAC: QB Adrian Hughes, WR Gabe Daniels, LB CJ Ohuabunwa, DT Stetson Phillips, SS Pierce Wilson; LUMPKIN COUNTY: QB Cal Faulkner, RB Nolan Matthews, WR A Scott, LB M Nichols, DL C Greilich, DB J Bell, DB T Mobley.
WHY WATCH IT: Lumpkin County has never beaten GAC. They've lost 10 straight. They've also only played 10 times. However, we have no clue what is going on in Norcross. The Spartans are winless and averaging a lousy 12.3 points per game. The defense isn't much better, giving up 32 ppg. They haven't played a schedule that would be considered tough. So, what's going on with a team that was 9-2 a year ago? Graduation hit the Spartans hard, and the portal was closed in the offseason. As for this matchup, all you have to say is GAC. Yep, the name across the chest is a more significant factor than what they put on the field. Do the Indians, who continue finding their way with a revamped lineup, let the fact that GAC has owned them over the years contribute to the game's outcome? I don't think so. The Indians have developed a new attitude since Heath Webb arrived in Dahlonega. They're coming off their best season yet and are rolling in at 2-1. If this is the year to get the goose egg off the win column, now is the time. Sure, the Indians gave up 35 points to Dunwoody in a game they led 35-6 at the half and are giving up a whooping 30 ppg on defense, but the desire to control their own destiny is far bigger than anything else Friday night. The Indians want to improve their playoff ranking and eliminate, at least for now, GAC's reign over the mountain schools. So, you better believe the Gold City will be in rare form for this Region 6-3A opener.
PREP FOOTBALL SCHEDULE, September 13
Banks County at Cherokee Bluff
Bremen at Rabun County
Buford at Douglas County
GAC at Lumpkin County*
Gainesville at Carrollton -- 94.5 FM The Lake
George Walton at Lakeview Academy*
Habersham Central at Loganville*
Jackson County at Madison County
Jefferson at North Oconee
Lanier Christian at Georgia Force
North Hall at Chestatee* -- FM 102.9 WDUN
Riverside Prep at Athens Christian*
South Forsyth at North Forsyth* -- AM 550 WDUN
Towns County at Ware Shoals (SC)
Union County at Rockmart*
White County at Pickens*
(Commerce, Dawson County, East Forsyth, East Hall, East Jackson, Flowery Branch, Johnson, and West Hall all are off)
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