Week 6 of the 2014 season may go down as the week the contenders for region titles and playoff spots separated themselves from the pretenders.<br />
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And no region learned more about itself perhaps than 8-AAAAA.<br />
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Gainesville put itself in line for a title run with a 29-6 win over Salem in a battle of region unbeatens at City Park. The Red Elephants are now tied with Lanier with 4-0 record records with the two teams playing for first place next week in Sugar Hill.<br />
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Winder-Barrow (3-3, 3-2 Region 8-AAAAA) dealt a serious blow to Flowery Branch with a 24-7 win over the Falcons (2-3, 1-3 Region 8-AAAAA) and at the same time put themselves in the middle of the playoff race for the first time since 2003. Loganville and Heritage, Conyers also had big wins while the loss for the Falcons puts them eighth in the 10-team region. Flowery Branch may have to win out in order to leapfrog over four teams.<br />
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In 7-AAA, Lumpkin County, behind new coach Ty Maxwell, jumped into first place with a 27-21 win over Franklin County at The Burial Grounds. The Indians (3-3, 2-0 Region 7-AAA) have now won consecutive games for the first time since 2012 and are one-half game ahead of West Hall (4-1, 1-0) which was idle.<br />
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Fannin County opened its 7-AAA schedule with a thrilling 30-23 win over Banks County. The Rebels (3-2, 1-0 Region 7-AAA) scored the game-winner with 7 seconds left after blocking a punt. East Hall also picked up its first 7-AAA win holding off a late Dawson County rally for a 36-29 victory. The Vikings (2-3, 1-1 Region 7-AAA) next up will travel to West Hall.<br />
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In Region 8-AAAA, Buford, North Oconee, and Stephens County got wins to stay unbeaten. The No. 1-ranked Wolves (5-0, 2-0, 8-AAAA) hammered Chestatee 54-7, the Indians (4-1, 2-0, 8-AAAA) hung on for a 42-34 win over Monroe Area, and the Titans (3-2, 2-0, 8-AAAA) routed North Hall 46-6. White County jumped into the fourth spot with a thrilling 34-27 win over Madison County. The Warriors scored the game-winning touchdown with less than a minute left one play after getting a gift turnover from the Red Raiders.<br />
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In 8-AAA, Jefferson made a statement with stunning 52-6 thumping of Elbert County. The Dragons (6-0, 2-0, 8-AAA) are tied with Oconee County (6-0, 2-0, 8-AAA) which knocked off Jackson County 42-21 atop the standings, one-half game ahead of idle Hart County (5-0, 1-0, 8-AAA). Jackson County's bid for a third straight trip to the playoffs took a hit. The Panthers (1-5, 0-2, 8-AAA) will need to win three of their last four to have a chance.<br />
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In Region 8-AA, Union County and Rabun County both improved to 2-0 in the region with wins on the road. The Panthers (6-0, 2-0, 8-AA) blanked Oglethorpe County 46-0, while the Wildcats (4-2, 2-0, 8-AA) whipped Social Circle 49-21. Greene County joined them at 2-0 in the region with a 16-7 win over Washington-Wilkes. Union County travels to Greene County next week.<br />
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In Region 8-A, Commerce dropped its first region game in a 48-27 loss to Prince Avenue. Meanwhile, Lakeview Academy won its second straight game with a come-from-behind 29-27 victory over Hebron Christian.<br />
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In Region 7-AAAAAA, North Gwinnett's magic ran out against defending Class AAAAAA champion Norcross. The Bulldogs (4-2, 2-1, 7-AAAAAA) had rallied for all of its wins but could not complete the comeback in a 17-10 loss to the Blue Devils in a rematch of last year's title game. Mill Creek (3-3, 2-1, 7-AAAAAA) rebounded from its loss to North Gwinnett last week with a 63-7 demolition of Meadowcreek.<br />
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It was a huge night of games, and you can read about them on our <a href="http://www.accessnorthga.com/fridaygamenight"><b>Friday Game Night</b> page by clicking here</a>. Inside you'll find in-depth game stories, video highlights and photos of all the action in Week 6.<br />
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<b>WEEK 6 PREP FOOTBALL SCORES</b><br />
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Athens Academy 41, Towns County 0<br />
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Buford 54, Chestatee 7<br />
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East Hall 36, Dawson County 29<br />
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Fannin County 30, Banks County 23<br />
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Gainesville 29, Salem 6<br />
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Jefferson 52, Elbert County 6<br />
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Lakeview Academy 29, Hebron Christian Academy 27<br />
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Loganville 29, Apalachee 22<br />
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Lumpkin County 27, Franklin County 21<br />
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Mill Creek 63, Meadowcreek 7<br />
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Morgan County 49, East Jackson 6<br />
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Norcross 17, North Gwinnett 10<br />
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North Oconee 42, North Hall 6<br />
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Oconee County 42, Jackson County 21<br />
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Prince Avenue Christian 48, Commerce 27<br />
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Rabun County 49, Social Circle 21<br />
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Stephens County 42, Monroe Area 34<br />
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Strong Rock Christian 10, Riverside Military Academy 7<br />
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Union County 46, Oglethorpe County 0<br />
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White County 34, Madison County 27<br />
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Winder-Barrow 24, Flowery Branch 7
