Friday the 13th was not nice to some area teams, causing for some big revelations about what happened in Week 9.
Here are five things we learned from Week 9:
Region 8-A Division I is wide open, while 8-4A became a little clearer. Jefferson and Eastside each took another step toward the region 8-5A title game, and Gainesville's offense stole the show. Finally, Johnson might be closing in on its best season in a while.
1. Rabun County no longer controls their own destiny...or do they?
The thing is, if Commerce beats Elbert County this week, Rabun County can force a three-way tie for the top of 8-A Division I, but with the Wildcats losing to Elbert County and being held without a touchdown for the majority of the game, it looks as if we will have a new champion in that region. Rabun has won nine straight region championships, but they will need a little help from the Tigers in the Granite Bowl Friday night to have any chance of making it to double digits.
2. Do we know the four playoff teams in 8-4A?
It sure seems like it. North Oconee is by and large the region champions. It's just mathematics that keeps them from putting the crown on at this point. North Hall and East Forsyth each did their part to stay in the hunt, but with Walnut Grove's stunning upset of Cherokee Bluff, Madison County was able to take a sigh of relief after they lost this week as well. With three weeks left to go, it sure seems like the Red Raiders are in with the Trojans and Broncos right on the doorstep of clinching.
3. Region 8-5A's champion will be crowned in the last game of the regular season
Jefferson and Eastside both took care of business Friday night with the Dragons stopping the improving Falcons, while Eastside blew out Heritage. As long as the Eagles and Dragons continue to do what they have been doing, November 2 becomes a fun one down in Covington. Jefferson can't look past Loganville this week, however, as they took down Clarke Central in a 51-50 shootout Thursday night, but if they get past the road trip hurdle, it should come down to that final game for the top seed.
4. Gainesville is clicking on offense
The Red Elephants scored four times in the first nine minutes in Friday's game at Habersham Central, including putting up the first 21 points in the first three minutes of the game. Yes, the defense was a big part of that in giving short fields to the offense, but the fact that they scored on quick drives and big plays shows us that this offense is hitting its stride at the right time as Gainesville heads into the final stretch of the regular season and their defense of the region title.
5. Johnson is trending up
The Knights have three wins on the year after not winning a game in 34 chances prior to the first one this season. They haven't won four games in a year since 2019 and haven't had a winning season since 2012. Druid Hills this week will be tough, but Clarkston and Midtown are very winnable games, meaning that Johnson could be a .500 team this year. We are looking forward to seeing how the rest of the year plays out.
