Regions 8-4A, 7-3A, 8-2A and 8-A Division 1 all will hold some huge showdowns Friday night as teams try to get back in the race or stay near the top in the playoff races.
But NONE will hold as much attention as when Buford, ranked No. 1 in Class 7A, travels to Hoschton to take on No. 2 Mill Creek in a battle for Region 8-7A supremacy.
The Wolves beat Mill Creek in 2022 for the region title but the Hawks got the last laugh going on to win the Class 7A state title. The game will feature nearly a dozen Division I prospects on both teams. Both teams are undefeated in 2023 but one will leave with a loss.
A huge matchup in Region 8-5A is not far behind. A surging Flowery Branch squad heads to No. 4 Jefferson trying to keep its recent momentum going.
In 8-A D1, fifth-ranked Elbert County heads to No. 3 Rabun County in a rematch of last year’s game that eventually decided the region title. Both teams have been dominating so far in 2023. No. 7 Commerce plays host to winless Athens Christian.
In 8-4A, the race is tightening for teams from second to sixth. Cherokee Bluff will try to keep its momentum going on the road at Walnut Grove while North Hall will try to snap its two-game losing streak against arch-rival Chestatee at The Brickyard. East Forsyth will have a tough task playing host to No. 2 North Oconee looking to shake off a tough loss last week to Bluff.
(Banks County, East Hall, East Jackson, Jackson County, Lumpkin County, North Forsyth all are off this week.)
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 Oct. 13
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
ATHENS CHRISTIAN at COMMERCE
Records: Eagles (0-6, 0-0 Region 8-A Division 1); Tigers (6-1, 0-0 Region 8-A Division 1), ranked 6th in Class A Division 1
Last week: Athens Christian lost 56-0 to Oglethorpe County; Commerce beat Social Circle, 34-0
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Commerce leads series 13-2. The Tigers won 49-24 in 2022. All 16 meetings have been since 2002. The Eagles are 1-6 all-time at Tiger Stadium (2012). Commerce had another huge night last week rushing for 421 yards. The Tigers already have a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Jaiden Daniels (1,060) and Tysean Wiggins (1,002). Both should pile up huge numbers against an Eagles defense that has allowed the most points (343, 57.0 ppg) in Class A D1.
What to watch for: The Athens Christian offense. The Eagles have the classification’s top receiver in Bryson Campbell (648 yards) and Fr. QB Layden Bryson is in the top 5 in Class A D1 in passing (940) but Bryson also has thrown 10 INTs. Despite the big passing numbers, the Eagles have scored just 28 total points (4.6 ppg) and have been shut out in their last 4 games. The Tigers are yielding just 15.4 ppg on defense.
BUFORD at MILL CREEK
Records: Wolves (6-0, 1-0 Region 8-7A), ranked No. 1 in Class 7A; Hawks (6-0, 1-0 Region 8-7A), ranked No. 2 in Class 7A
Last week: Buford was off; Mill Creek was off
Where: Mill Creek Community Stadium, Hoschton
Time: 7 p.m. ESPN2
The Statisticals: Buford leads series 1-0. The Wolves won 39-27 in 2022. Pick your matchup, it figures to be another instant classic. It also might not be the last time the two behemoths hook up. The Hawks are the defending 7A state champions. Both teams should be rested and healed up (as best as you can get 9 weeks in) after taking a week off. There will be more D1 prospects on the field than almost can be counted on virtually every play. Both offenses are running on all cylinders coming into this one. The Hawks are 5th in Class 7A in scoring average (251, 41.8 ppg) while the Wolves sit just 23rd overall (177, 29.5 ppg) but have scored 149 points (37.2 ppg) over their last 4 games. The defenses have been stingy all season. Buford is 2nd overall, allowing just 38 points (6.3 ppg) while Mill Creek has surrendered just 96 points (16.0 ppg). Mill Creek Sr. WR/CB Trajen Greco, a Georgia Tech commit, like Buford's KJ Bolden (Florida State commit) is one of the state's best two-way players. On offense, Greco leads the team in receptions (21), yards (260), and TDs (6). On defense, he has 5 career INTs.
What to watch for: Every matchup on the field, regardless of who has the ball, will be fun to watch. But the Mill Creek offense vs. the Buford defense may eventually decide the outcome. The Wolves have 29 TFL, 12 sacks, 30 QB hurries, 16 passes defended, with 10 INTs and 5 fumble recoveries as a unit. Mill Creek's Cam Robinson leads 7A in rushing (945 yards) while Hawks' Jr. QB Shane Throgmartin (898 yards, 13 TD) has thrown just 2 INTs on the season and is completing 76% of his passes.
CHEROKEE BLUFF at WALNUT GROVE
Records: Bears (3-4, 3-2 Region 8-4A); Warriors (2-4, 1-3 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Cherokee Bluff beat East Forsyth, 10-3; Walnut Grove beat East Hall, 41-14
Where: Warriors Stadium, Walnut Grove
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Walnut Grove leads series 1-0. The Warriors won 28-25 in 2022. The Bears kept themselves in the playoff race with an impressive win last week. They have won 3 of their last 4 games since an 0-3 start. The Warriors will be in desperation mode again. Another region loss may knock them out with North Oconee and Madison County still to follow. The Bears also still have to play North Oconee so neither team can afford another loss.
What to watch for: The Cherokee Bluff defense vs. the Walnut Grove offense. The Bears are yielding just 16 ppg in region play. The Warriors have scored just 111 points (18.5 ppg) and 81 came in their two wins. They have scored just 30 points (7.5 ppg) in their four losses and are 0-4 when scoring less than 40 points.
CHESTATEE at NORTH HALL
Records: War Eagles (0-6, 0-6 Region 8-4A); Trojans (5-2, 3-2 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Chestatee was off; North Hall lost 49-35 to Madison County
Where: The Brickyard, Gainesville
Radio: WDUN FM 102.9
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Hall leads series 19-2. The Trojans won 28-21 in 2022 and have won 5 straight in the series. The War Eagles have really struggled, scoring just 46 points (7.6 ppg) the 4th-fewest in Class 4A. They also have given up the 5th-most points (288, 48.0 ppg) in 4A. North Hall’s offense (235 points) is 11th in 4A, averaging 33.5 ppg. Tanner Marsh continued to destroy the North Hall record book. Marsh broke school records for single-season and career passing yards, single-season and career passing TDs, and the single-game total offense record in last week’s loss.
What to watch for: Can the War Eagles get their new wing-T hybrid offense going? Power rushing teams have fared better vs. the Trojans defense, which is allowing 25.5 ppg. However, Chestatee has not scored more than 15 in any game this season.
ELBERT COUNTY at RABUN COUNTY
Records: Blue Devils (6-1, 0-0 Region 8-A Division 1), ranked 5th in Class A Division 1; Wildcats (6-1, 0-0 Region 8-A Division 1), ranked 3rd in Class A Division 1
Last week: Elbert County beat Whitefield Academy, 34-16; Rabun County beat St. Francis, 49-13
Where: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rabun County leads series 7-0. The Wildcats won 41-21 in 2022. Rabun is 3-0 vs. the Blue Devils at home. Both teams have played tough non-region schedules and are red-hot coming in sporting 5-game win streaks each. And both offenses are potent. The Wildcats are 3rd in Class D1 (254, 36.2 ppg) while the Blue Devils are 7th (234, 33.4 ppg). Rabun’s So. QB Ty Truelove is 3rd in Class D1 in passing with 1,270 yards, 14 TD, and 3 INT. So. RB Reid Giles (722 yards rushing, 10 TD) and Sr. WR/DB Willie Goodwyn (647 receiving, 10 TD) give Truelove plenty of weapons. Rabun may have the slight edge on defense allowing 19.5 ppg while Elbert is giving up 26.5 ppg.
What to watch for: The Elbert County offense vs. the Wildcats defense. Blue Devils’ QB Braydon Scarborough has 4 receivers with over 20 catches and 355 yards apiece to target. Jr. RB Jacari Barnett is in the top 5 in rushing in Class A D1 with 1,023 yards.
FLOWERY BRANCH at JEFFERSON
Records: Falcons (4-3, 2-1 Region 8-5A); Dragons (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-4A), ranked 4th in Class 5A
Last week: Flowery Branch beat Winder-Barrow, 48-0; Jefferson was off
Where: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson leads series 5-0. The Dragons won 27-0 in 2022. All six meetings have been since 2016. The Falcons offense continues to put up huge numbers on offense and have climbed into 8th in scoring average in Class 5A (230, 32.8 ppg). QB Josh Oliver has thrown for 622 yards and 8 TDs the last two weeks. They also have done the damage without No. 1 RB Malik Dryden, who may be able to return this week. However, they will face their toughest test since Stephens County (a 32-7 loss, and the only time they have been held under 31 points) with a Jefferson defense that is ranked 2nd in 5A, giving up just 59 points (9.8 ppg) on the season. The Dragons have 36 TFL, 13 sacks, and have forced 7 turnovers on the season.
What to watch for: The Jefferson offense vs. the Branch defense. The Dragons bring in Sammy Brown (797 yards, 132 ypg, 14 TD) and a rushing attack averaging 224 ypg on the season. Last week, the Falcons gave up just 77 yards to a Bulldoggs rushing attack averaging 252.3 yards/game.
GAINESVILLE at HABERSHAM CENTRAL
Records: Red Elephants (6-0, 2-0 Region 8-6A), ranked No. 1 in Class 6A; Raiders (3-3, 1-1 Region 8-6A)
Last week: Gainesville was off, Habersham Central was off
Where: Raider Stadium, Mt. Airy
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Gainesville leads series 17-12. The Red Elephants won 34-0 in 2022 and have won 5 of the last 6 going back to 2001. However, the last Raiders victory in the series came at home in 2018, 49-32. The Red Elephants can be as explosive as any team in the state on offense. They are averaging 52.5 ppg in region play so far. The Raiders are 0-3 when giving up 31 or more points. They are 3-0 when allowing less than 31.
What to watch for: The Habersham OL vs. the Gainesville DL. GHS is 6th in 6A in defense (82, 13.6 ppg). The DL duo of seniors Julius Columbus and Champ Thompson are a formidable pair. They have combined for 17 1/2 TFL, including 9 1/2 sacks. So. DL Kadin Fossung has 7 TFL, including 4 sacks as well. The Raiders have done a great job of protecting the ball with just 2 INTs and no fumbles so far in 2023. Gainesville has forced just 4 turnovers on the season.
JOHNSON at TOWNS COUNTY
Records: Knights (2-4, non-region Region 8-4A); Indians (0-6, Region 8-A Division 2)
Last week: Johnson was off; Towns County lost 40-6 to No. 2 Aquinas
Where: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Towns County leads series 1-0. The Indians won 39-21 in 2022. Johnson snapped its long losing streak earlier in the season while Towns County has now lost 8 straight going back to last season. The Indians, however, have been battling significant injuries most of the season on both sides of the ball.
What to watch for: The Johnson offense vs. the Towns County defense. The Indians have really struggled surrendering 40.0 ppg on defense. The Johnson offense is only averaging 11.5 ppg but they do have Sr. QB Demetri Moon, who has had a solid season for the Knights. He is 15th in Class 4A in rushing (587 yards, 7 TD) with one fewer game than most of the leaders.
LANIER CHRISTIAN at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
Records: Lightning (3-3, GAPPS 11-man); Lions (2-4, GIAA District 4-AAAA-AAA)
Last week: LCA lost 33-21 to King’s Academy; Lakeview Academy was off
Where: Lakeview Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Lightning have a dynamic offense, paced by So. QB CJ Britt, who leads GAPPS in passing yards (1,310) and TDs (18) but is also out for the season with an injury. So. Drew Kalinauskas has taken over for Britt and was 10-of-18 for 106 yards and 2 TDs last week. The problem has been on defense where they have yielded 187 points (31.1 ppg), which already is more than they allowed in all of 2022 (170 points). The Lions have been hit-or-miss on offense. Twice they have hit the 50-point mark (2 wins) but in their 4 losses, they have scored just 21 total points (5.75 ppg) with two shutouts.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense vs. the LCA defense. The Lightning are young and still trying to find the right combinations on defense. The Lions have shown they can score vs. average defenses.
NORTH OCONEE at EAST FORSYTH
Records: Titans (6-0, 4-0 Region 8-4A), ranked No. 2 in Class 4A; Broncos (5-1 3-1, Region 8-4A)
Last week: North Oconee beat Cedar Shoals, 56-0; East Forsyth lost 10-3 to Cherokee Bluff
Where: Broncos Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Oconee leads series 1-0. The Titans won 48-0 in 2022. The Broncos were hoping to set up this week for a possible region-title showdown. But their loss last week now puts them in the position of almost needing a win to stay in the race for a home playoff spot. They have 2nd-place Madison County on the road next week. This will be their toughest assignment so far. The Titans are 3rd in scoring average in Class 4A (288, 44.3 ppg) and are 1st in defense, allowing just 30 points (5.0 ppg). East Forsyth is coming off its worst offensive showing of the season after being shut down by a tenacious Cherokee Bluff defense. Harrison Faulkner was 7-of-7 passing for 115 yards and two touchdowns, and Max Wilson was 5-of-8 passing for 79 yards and rushed for 111 yards and three touchdowns. Wilson also had a 35-yard reception from Faulkner.
What to watch for: The North Oconee offense vs. the East Forsyth defense. The Broncos are still 2nd in Class 4A in defense (50, 8.3 ppg) and if they can hold down the Titans to half their season average, they could give their offense a chance. However, the Titans have scored 35 or more in every game this season and 20 or more in 18 straight games going back to last season.
RIVERSIDE PREP at BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN
Records: Eagles (0-6, 0-1 GIAA District 4-AAAA-AAA); Knights (7-0, 1-0 GIAA District 4-AAAA-AAA)
Last week: Riverside lost 72-7 to George Walton Academy; Bethlehem was off
Where: Bethlehem
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Bethlehem leads series 1-0. The Knights won 41-7 in 2022. The Knights lead GIAA in scoring (300, 42.8 ppg) and in defense (46, 6.5 ppg). Meanwhile, RPA has scored the fewest points (46, 7.6 ppg) and given up the most (340, 56.0 ppg) and has now lost 22 straight games.
What to watch for: Can RPA pull the big upset and snap its 2nd-longest losing streak in program history?
UNION COUNTY at PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN
Records: Panthers (5-1, 1-0 Region 8-2A); Storm (5-1, 0-1 Region 8-2A)
Last week: Union County beat Banks County, 27-7; Providence lost 51-19 to Athens Academy
Where: Lilburn
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Union County leads series 1-0. The Panthers won 56-49 in 2022. The Providence defense, which had allowed just 45 points in its first 6 games, was torched last week for over 500 yards of offense. They will see a similar style with Panthers, who are led by QB Caiden Tanner, who is 4th in 2A in passing (1,339 yards, 16 TD, 5 INT), and WR Jensen Goble, who is 3rd in 2A in receiving (607 yards, 7 TD).
What to watch for: The Union County defense vs. the Providence offense. The Storm (262 points, 43.6 ppg) will be the best offensive team the Panthers have faced since Lumpkin County (44-27 loss). The Storm are averaging 434 yards/game, including 234 ypg rushing, on the season. However, since the loss to Lumpkin, the Union defense has given up just 24 points (6.0 ppg) during its 4-game in streak and has forced 9 turnovers on the season.
WESLEYAN at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Wolves (4-3, 2-1 Region 7-3A); Tigers (2-5, 2-1 Region 7-3A)
Last week: Wesleyan beat White County, 27-24; Dawson County beat Pickens, 42-7
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Wesleyan leads series 7-3. Dawson County won 31-24 in 2022. A huge game for both teams in the region. They are tied for second and the winner will move into 2nd all alone and get the all-important tiebreaker while the loser will be left scrambling for a playoff spot. The Wolves are averaging just under 33.0 ppg in region play behind QB Ben Brown, who leads Class 3A in passing with 1,437 yards, 17 TD, and just 3 INT.
What to watch for: The Dawson County offense vs. the Wesleyan defense. After scoring just 25 total points in their first four games (6.25 ppg), the Tigers have found a groove averaging 29.3 ppg in their first three region contests. Wesleyan is giving up 27.3 ppg in region play so far.
WEST HALL at WHITE COUNTY
Records: Spartans (1-5, 0-2 Region 7-3A); Warriors (3-3, 1-1 Region 7-3A)
Last week: West Hall was off; White County lost 27-24 to Wesleyan
Where: White County Stadium, Cleveland
Radio: WRWH 93.9 FM; www.wrwh.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: White County leads series 16-9. The Warriors won 56-14 in 2022 and have won 6 straight and 14 of the last 15 meetings. The only West Hall win in that span was in 2016. A huge game for both teams. The Spartans need a win just to stay in the playoff race. White County still has designs on a top two finish and needs a win to keep pace with Dawson County, Lumpkin County, and Wesleyan.
What to watch for: The White County defense vs. the West Hall offense. The Spartans have scored just 34 points in their last four games (8.5 ppg) despite RB Elijiah Hayes being 2nd in the region in rushing with 796 yards and 4 TD. Hayes is averaging 132.7 ypg on the season. The Warriors have allowed just over 20 ppg in region play.
