North Forsyth got Week 6 of the season under way around northeast Georgia on Thursday, and did it in thrilling and heartbreaking fashion all at the same ime
The Raiders trailed 35-0 to Lambert in the first quarter but would rally to take a 43-42 lead late in the fourth quarter only to eventually fall 48-43 in the final moments in Region 6-6A action.
For the rest of the area, we'll have 15 more games on Friday, 12 involving region contests.
Week 6 will be an early pivotal week as some key matchups for area teams will open several regions in northeast Georgia.
Regions 8-6A, 8-5A, 7-5A, 8-4A, and 8-A Division 1 kick off their playoff quests Thursday and Friday night. Regions 6-6A, 6-3A, and 7-2A will also continue with some big matchups.
Buford opens 8-6A on the road against Discovery as a heavy favorite, while Gainesville, in 7-5A, opens the new-and-improved City Park Stadium against old foe Lanier. Jackson County has a massive showdown at home against Clarke Central to get 8-5A started.
In 8-4A, East Forsyth and Flowery Branch both have huge showdowns and tasks to open region play. The Broncos play host to No. 7 North Oconee while the Falcons travel to No. 9 Eastside.
A massive 8-A Division 1 game features a resurgent Commerce squad, ranked in the top five to start the season, taking on Class A Private fifth-ranked Athens Academy at Tiger Stadium. Also, in 8-A D1, Rabun County heads to Banks County for both teams’ region openers.
Region 6-3A has three more key showdowns, highlighted by North Hall traveling to rival White County in a battle for first place.
(Cherokee Bluff, Habersham Central, Jefferson, Lakeview Academy, Lanier Christian, and Riverside Prep are all off.)
To look at 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. 20
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
ATHENS ACADEMY at COMMERCE
Records: Spartans (4-0, 0-0 Region 8-A D1), ranked 5th in Class 1A DI-3A Private; Tigers (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-A D1)
Last week: Athens Academy was off; Commerce was off
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Radio: WJJC 95.1 FM/1270 AM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: The series is tied 14-14. Athens Academy won 24-7 in 2020 in Athens. The Spartans have won three straight and four of the last five overall in the series. It’s the region opener for both teams. It is also the first time since 2015 where only one team is ranked and not both coming into the matchup. The Tigers have won two straight since Jaiden Daniels took over at quarterback. The Tigers have not beaten the Spartans at Tiger Stadium since 2014.
What to watch for: The Commerce defense vs. the Spartans offense. Athens Academy runs a similar style as Wesleyan, who the Tigers saw in their opener, and is averaging 43.75 ppg. The secondary will be challenged. The Tigers have allowed just 13.1 ppg since a loss to Wesleyan, but this may be the best offense they'll see all season. Sr. QB Hampton Johnson has thrown for 863 yards and 11 TDs, with just 1 INT, and is 2nd in Class A D1 in passing. Keyon Standifer (619 yards) leads Class A D1 in receiving. The Spartans also have four players with over 150 yards rushing on the season and are averaging 514 yards/game on offense.
BUFORD at DISCOVERY
Records: Wolves (3-1, 0-0 Region 8-6A), ranked 2nd in Class 6A; Titans (0-4, 0-0 Region 8-6A)
Last week: Buford beat Douglas County, 31-14; Discovery was off
Where: Discovery Stadium, Lawrenceville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Wolves have won 3 straight since their opening loss to Milton, the last two in dominating fashion, led by a nasty defense, yielding just 31 points vs. high-powered offenses Roswell and Douglas County. Discovery has scored the fewest points of any 8-6A team coming into region play, just 27 (6.75 ppg).
What to watch for: The Buford offense vs. the Titans defense. With a huge showdown with No. 6 Collins Hill set for next week, coming out of this obvious mismatch without any injuries may be the primary goal. After scoring just 39 points (19.5 ppg) in their first two games, the Wolves have exploded for 83 points (41.5 ppg) over their last two. The Titans are surrendering a whopping 41.0 ppg in 2024.
BUTLER at TOWNS COUNTY
Records: Bulldogs (0-4, Region 4-2A); Indians (3-2, Region 8-A D2)
Last week: Butler lost 35-0 to Washington-Wilkes; Towns County lost 28-12 to Ware Shoals (SC)
Where: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Despite the loss last week, the Indians already have matched their win total from the past two seasons combined. Another win would match the 2022 season, their best since 2013. The Bulldogs have struggled the past two weeks, being outscored 55-6, both losses.
What to watch for: The Butler offense vs. the Indians defense. The Bulldogs have only scored 30 points (10.0 ppg) on the season. Towns County is surrendering just 18.0 ppg. The Indians are 3-0 when allowing less than 28 points. They are 0-2 when giving up 28 or more.
CHESTATEE at LUMPKIN COUNTY
Records: War Eagles (1-3, 0-1 Region 6-3A); Indians (2-2, 0-1 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Chestatee lost 28-14 to North Hall; Lumpkin County lost 19-13 to GAC
Where: The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Chestatee leads series 8-2. This is the first meeting since 2017, a 60-32 War Eagles win. They have won four straight in the series. The last Lumpkin County win came in 2011 in Dahlonega. This is a huge game for both teams as they try to avoid a 0-2 start in the region. Both will also try to rebound after holding leads last week. The Indians let a 13-0 lead slip away while the War Eagles led early but also could not hold on. After scoring 27 points in their opener, the War Eagles have managed just 40 points (13.3 ppg) over their last three. But RB Ben Plemmons is having a breakout season with 434 yards, 4 TDs, and 3 100-yard games already. The Indians, who allowed just 22.23 ppg in 2023, including playoffs, already have surrendered 110 points (27.5 ppg) in the first half of 2024.
What to watch for: The Chestatee defense vs. the Indians offense. The War Eagles are much-improved over 2023, giving up 28.5 ppg, down by more than two touchdowns last season. Only White County (135) has scored more points among 6-3A teams than the Indians (110, 27.5 ppg). However, Lumpkin RB Nolan Matthews, who has established himself as one of the area’s top rushers with 410 yards and 6 TDs in the previous three games, will be limited after suffering an injury last week and sitting out the 2nd half. QB Cal Faulkner has thrown for 433 yards and 7 TDs and run for over another 300 yards.
CLARKE CENTRAL at JACKSON COUNTY
Records: Gladiators (1-3, 0-0 Region 8-5A); Panthers (3-1, 0-0 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Clarke Central was off; Jackson County beat Madison County, 21-7
Where: Panther Stadium, Hoschton
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Clarke Central leads series 8-0. The Gladiators won 34-30 in 2021 on the road. All 8 meetings have been since 2002. It’s the region opener for both teams. This will be the third matchup this season where the Panthers have never beaten their opponent in 8 or more tries. They lost to Jefferson but knocked off Dacula three weeks ago in Hoschton. And the Panthers come in riding a 2-game win streak, sparked by a young offense that is improving every game. They have averaged 28.0 ppg during the streak. Jr. QB RJ Knapp has picked it up of late. He has thrown for 588 yards and 7 TDs (just 3 INTs) and rushed for another 173 yards. His 7 TD passes have been to 5 different receivers. So. WR Robert Spry has 11 catches for 182 yards and 1 TD to lead the way, and So. RB Daylan Maxwell has 314 yards and 4 TDs rushing. The Gladiators are giving up 29.25 ppg but have surrendered 114 points (38.0 ppg) over their past three games, including two straight losses to ranked teams Jefferson and North Oconee.
What to watch for: The Jackson County defense vs. the Gladiators offense. The Panthers have yielded a region-low 75 points (18.75 ppg). Jefferson scored 38, but in their three wins, they surrendered just 37 points (12.3 ppg). They have 30 TFLs, 5 sacks, 22 QB hurries, and 3 takeaways, including 2 INTs. Glads Sr. QB Hezekiah Millender has thrown for 822 yards, which is 20th in the state in all classifications, leads the team in rushing as well, and will be a tough matchup.
EAST HALL at EAST JACKSON
Records: Vikings (3-1, Region 8-3A); Eagles (2-2, Region 8-2A)
Last week: East Hall was off; East Jackson was off
Where: East Jackson Stadium, Commerce
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: East Hall leads series 3-1. East Jackson won 49-21 in 2021 in Rabbittown. The Vikings are off to their best start since a 4-1 start in the COVID season of 2020. Both teams are coming off losses two weeks ago and would love some momentum heading into next week as both opener their region schedules. It will be a matchup of two of the area’s more dynamic QBs in East Hall’s Jamarcus Harrison and the Eagles’ Drew Richardson. The Eagles bring in a similar offense to North Hall, who scored a season-high 35 on the Vikings two weeks ago. Richardson can run and throw and has weapons in guys like Denim Cooper and BT Callahan. East Jackson is averaging 24.5 ppg.
What to watch for: The East Hall offense vs. the Eagles defense. The Vikings were averaging 37 ppg until North Hall held them to just 16 points. East Jackson had allowed just 66 points (22.0 ppg) until White County exploded for 55 points two weeks ago against the Eagles. Harrison has thrown for 587 yards and 9 TDs and run for another 403 yards with 3 TDs and a pair of 100-yard rushing games so far. Lukas Pruitt has rushed for 299 yards, 4 TDs, and one 100-yard game. Chasen Jones has 21 catches for 263 yards and 4 TDs receiving. Harrison has tossed TD passes to 6 different receivers.
FLOWERY BRANCH at EASTSIDE
Records: Falcons (1-3, 0-0 Region 8-4A); Eagles (4-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A), ranked 8th in Class 4A
Last week: Flowery Branch lost 35-14 to Hart County; Eastside was off
Where: Sharp Stadium, Covington
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Eastside leads series 2-0. The Eagles won 39-36 in OT in 2023. Region opener for both teams. Offense has been the issue, and the key, for the Falcons. Only Cedar Shoals (25 points) among 8-4A teams has scored less than Branch’s 39 points (9.75 ppg). They scored 23 in their only win over Habersham Central but have scored just 16 points and been shut out offensively in two of their other three games.
What to watch for: The Eastside offense vs. the Falcons defense. Branch is giving up a very respectable 22.25 ppg, considering the struggles on offense. They will have to find a way to slow down the Eagles. Eastside is the highest scoring team in the region (165, 41.25 ppg) behind a rushing attack that is pounding over 225 yards/game with 13 rushing TDs and just one turnover so far on the season.
FRANKLIN COUNTY at WEST HALL
Records: Lions (3-1, Region 8-2A); Spartans (3-1, Region 8-3A)
Last week: Franklin County beat West Oaks (SC) 49-17; West Hall was off
Where: Spartans Stadium, Oakwood
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Franklin County leads series 5-2. It’s the first meeting since 2015, a 21-14 Lions win in Oakwood. Both teams are on their runs in years. The Lions have won 3 straight for the first time since 2020 and already have equaled their win total for the past two seasons combined. The Spartans have their first 3-game win streak since 2017. However, neither team's strength of schedule has been difficult. Franklin County’s first four opponents are a combined 2-12. The Spartans' four opponents are just 5-10 overall. West Hall set a program record in points last week, topping the old mark of 70 scored against North Hall in 2000.
What to watch for: The West Hall offense vs. the Lions defense. After giving up 27 to Chestatee in a season-opening loss, Franklin County has surrendered just 30 points (10.0 ppg) during its win streak. After scoring just 10 points in a loss to unbeaten Seckinger in their opener, the Spartans have scored 159 points (53.0 ppg) during their win streak. RB Elijah Hayes is 2nd in Class 3A in rushing with 671 yards and leads the classification with 13 TDs.
JOHNSON at GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN
Records: Knights (0-3, 0-0 Region 6-3A); Spartans (1-3, 1-0 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Johnson was off; GAC beat Lumpkin County 19-13
Where: Spartan Sports Complex, Lilburn
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Region opener for the Knights. The Spartans had a huge second half rally last week to knock off the Indians, outscoring Lumpkin 19-0. A rebuilding Johnson squad has struggled in the early part of their season. They have been outscored 196-7 so.
What to watch for: Both offenses. These are the bottom two teams in 6-3A in scoring, but the Knights are yielding a whopping 65.33 ppg so far in 2024. GAC is giving up 27.25 ppg
LANIER at GAINESVILLE
Records: Longhorns (2-2, 0-0 Region 7-5A); Red Elephants (3-1, 0-0 Region 7-5A), ranked 6th in Class 5A.
Last week: Lanier beat Dacula, 41-14; Gainesville lost 45-16 to Carrollton
Where: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lanier leads series 6-2. Gainesville won 35-0 in 2023 at City Park and has won two straight over the Longhorns. The Red Elephants are 2-0 vs. Lanier under coach Josh Niblett. Region openers for both teams. The Longhorns got their first-ever win over the Falcons last week and are 2-0 vs. Region 8-6A this season. Big Red is working on a 12-game win streak in region play. They went undefeated (6-0) each of the past two seasons in Region 8-6A. Their last region loss was to North Forsyth in the old Region 6-7A in 2021. The Longhorns have won 4 straight region games since their loss to Gainesville last season.
What to watch for: The Gainesville offense vs. the Longhorns defense. The Red Elephants last week were held to their lowest output in the Niblett era. However, they are still averaging 32.25 ppg and over 400 yards of offense. In the Longhorns' two wins, they have given up just 35 points (17.5 ppg). In their two losses, they have surrendered 64 points (32.0 ppg).
NORTH HALL at WHITE COUNTY
Records: Trojans (2-2, 1-0 Region 6-3A); Warriors (2-2, 1-0 Region 6-3A)
Last week: North Hall beat Chestatee, 28-14; White County beat Pickens, 24-7
Where: White County Stadium, Cleveland
Radio: WDUN 102.9 FM; WRWH 93.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Hall leads series 26-25-1. The Trojans won 49-34 in 2023 at The Brickyard. One of the oldest rivalries in northeast Georgia and one of the most balanced. They have played every season since 2002. The two teams have split the last 12 meetings going back to 2010. This has some extra meaning, with both teams coming off wins in the region openers. The winner will grab no worse than a share of the early lead in the standings. Expect a high-scoring affair. The Warriors lead 6-3A in scoring at 33.5 ppg, and the Trojans are averaging 23.6 ppg.
What to watch for: The White County offense vs. the Trojans defense. The 24 points was the lowest output of the season for the Warriors behind QB Tripp Nix, who is having a stellar season to this point. The Trojans have won two straight, mainly due to the defense, which has allowed just 30 points (15.0 ppg) in that span. They gave up 62 points (31.0 ppg) during a two-game losing streak to open the season. They have forced 4 turnovers with two defensive stands in the last two weeks.
NORTH MURRAY at UNION COUNTY
Records: Mountaineers (3-1, 2-0 Region 7-2A); Panthers (1-3, 1-1 Region 7-2A)
Last week: North Murray beat Murray County, 4014; Union County lost 26-12 to Rockmart
Where: Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium, Blairsville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. A big game for both teams. North Murray is one of three region unbeaten, with matchups still looming with the Big Three of North Cobb Christian, Rockmart, and Ringgold. With a weak Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe up next for the Panthers, they have a chance to put themselves in the upper tier with games vs. North Cobb Christian and Ringgold down the road. The Mountaineers (95 points, 23.75 ppg) rely heavily on a power run game, paced by Jr. Hudson Hulett (711 yards, 3 TD), who is in the top five in the state and leads Class 2A in rushing. The Panthers are yielding 26.75 ppg but have given up just 32 points over their past two games.
What to watch for: The North Murray defense vs. the Panthers offense. Union County may have already found their next star at QB in Kamden Kendrick. The Fr. QB was forced into the job when projected QB Cade Dockery went down in the final scrimmage for the season. After a slow start (3 INTs in his first 17 attempts and just 77 passing yards in the season-opener), Kendrick (747 yards, 65% completion, 6 TDs, 4 INTs) exploded for 670 yards, 6 TDs, with only 2 INTs since (89 attempts). Sr. WR Maddox Young (29 rec., 346 yards, 4 TD) is his favorite target.
Union has averaged 30.5 ppg over their past two games, while the Mountaineers are giving up just 14.75 ppg.
NORTH OCONEE at EAST FORSYTH
Records: Titans (4-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A), ranked 4th in Class 4A; Broncos (3-1, 0-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: North Oconee beat Jefferson 35-0; East Forsyth was off
Where: Broncos Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Oconee leads series 2-0. The Titans won 44-19 at Broncos Stadium in 2023. Region openers for both teams. A huge game right out of the gate for both teams, who are expecting to be in the playoff and region title hunt. The Broncos are 2nd in scoring among 8-4A teams (150, 37.5 ppg) and 3rd in defense, allowing just 54 points (13.5 ppg). The Titans are 3rd in scoring (134, 33.5 ppg) but have surrendered a minuscule 23 points (5.75 ppg), which is 3rd in Class 4A overall. The matchups across the board should be intriguing. The East Forsyth defense has been solid, with 36 TFL, 14 sacks, 6 QB hurries, and forcing 6 turnovers.
What to watch for: The East Forsyth offense vs. the Titans defense. Sr. QB Brock Szakacs has thrown for 806 yards and 7 TDs and zero (0) INTs so far for East Forsyth. RB DJ Haskell has 245 yards and 4 TD rushing. Jr. Trent Polk (14 rec., 149 yards, 1 TD) and Chase Rhoads (11 rec., 277 yards, 2 TD) lead a receiving corps that has had 9 different players catch passes, 5 different players with at least 1 TD catch for the Broncos. They have scored 34 or more points in 7 consecutive regular season games going back to last season. The Titans did something no team had been able to do in over a dozen years with the shutout of Jefferson. The Dragons had gone 174 games since last being shutout, a 14-0 loss to Elbert County on Oct. 14, 2001 at Memorial Stadium. It was their second shutout of the season in 2024.
PICKENS at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Dragons (2-2, 0-1 Region 6-3A); Tigers (1-2, 0-0 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Pickens lost 24-7 to White County; Dawson County was off
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Pickens leads series 7-3. Dawson County won 42-7 in Jasper in 2023. This is just the 5th matchup between the nearby mountain schools since 1997, but this will be the third straight season they have played. Region opener for the Tigers. Another huge matchup in 6-3A, as every team is expected to be in the playoff race. Both teams still have left to play GAC and Lumpkin, and the Tigers also have White County left. The Tigers have won the past three meetings, including the past two at Tiger Stadium. However, the Tigers are in the midst of their worst home drought since dropping 11 straight at Tiger Stadium between 2008-10. The Dragons have dropped two straight since a 2-0 beginning to the season. The Dawson County offense has been slow to get going, averaging just 10.33 ppg, but did have a week off to fine-tune leading into region play.
What to watch for: The Pickens offense vs. the Tigers defense. The Dragons were averaging 32.0 ppg but were stymied by the Warriors, with their lone score coming on an 80-yard bomb. The Tigers are yielding 27.33 ppg but had their best defensive outing last week since last year’s Pickens game.
RABUN COUNTY at BANKS COUNTY
Records: Wildcats (3-1, 0-0 Region 8-A D1), ranked 9th in Class A D1; Leopards (0-4, 0-0 Region 8-A D1)
Last week: Rabun County beat Bremen, 24-21; Banks County lost 42-0 to Cherokee Bluff
Where: Leopards Stadium, Homer
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rabun County leads series 22-10. The Wildcats won 63-0 in 2021 in Homer and have won six straight in the series. The last Banks County win was in 2011, 40-28, in Homer. That was also the last time the Leopards have beaten Rabun County. The Leopards had been ultra-competitive before running a buzzsaw in the Bears last week. Banks County had lost its first three games by a total of just 11 points. Rabun County went to its run game last week in a big way. Known over the past decade for high-powered passing attacks, the Wildcats threw the ball just six times. They ran 49 times last week, with Reid Giles piling up 209 yards. Lake Evans, Noah English and Ty Truelove all had rushing TDs.
What to watch for: The Banks County offense vs. the Wildcats defense. If the Wildcats lean on their ground game again, that could play into the Leopards' style. They are still developing a triple-option offense but have managed just 27 total points (6.75 ppg). Rabun is allowing 22.25 ppg on defense.
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