Something will have to give when Bulldogs invade Flowery Branch

FLOWERY BRANCH - Despite being just five years old Flowery Branch will have a distinct advantage when it comes to playoff football.

The Falcons play host to Chamblee in the first round of the Class AAA football playoffs Friday night. Chamblee is making its first playoff appearance since 2005 and just its second appearance since the 1982 season, while Flowery Branch is making its third straight playoff appearance

The Falcons are 3-2 all-time in the playoffs with a trip to the quarterfinals in 2005.

When Chamblee invades Falcons Field something will definitely have to give for both teams.

Flowery Branch has been dominating since its only loss to No. 3 North Hall. The Falcons offense has rediscovered itself averaging 46 ppg while the Bulldogs defense has allowed just 73 total points the entire season with five shutouts.

Flowery Branch head coach Lee Shaw says one key to his team's three straight 9-1 seasons has been having the same player under center - Jaybo Shaw.

"The advantage for us is that we've had Jaybo running the team for the last three years so he brings experience to the team," Shaw said.

The Falcons also have rediscovered their defense in in a four-game winning streak allowing just 20 total points the past three games. A cause for concern is that high-flying offenses North Hall and Gainesville racked up 79 points in two games against the Falcons and Chamblee is averaging 40 ppg scoring 46 points or more four times.

Shaw has plenty of respect for Chamblee.

"I feel like we're playing the best team in 5-AAA," Shaw said. "They should be 10-0 and we'll have to play perfect to win this one."

CHAMBLEE BULLDOGS at FLOWERY BRANCH FALCONS PREVIEW

Chamblee: 9-1, No. 3 seed from Region 5-AAA; beat North Atlanta 42-0 in season finale last week

Flowery Branch: 9-1, No. 2 seed from Region 7-AAA; beat West Hall 41-7 last week in region play-in game

Last meeting: first-ever meeting