So, we've made it almost halfway through the high school football season. With that monumental moment in time, what have we learned so far?
Well, here goes ... a Region 8-4A home playoff spot could be more of a battle than we expected. With North Oconee the hands-down favorite to win the region again, that leaves only three spots left for four teams: Madison County, East Forsyth, North Hall and Cherokee Bluff. Those three have shown they have what it takes to grab a playoff spot. Who's going to be No. 2? We'll find out on the next episode of Region 8-4A football.
Region 8-6A begins region play this week. So far, Gainesville has proven they are ready to defend. As for the rest, North Forsyth, Jackson County and Lanier could round out the top four. But can anyone contend with Big Red? We're not sure, but what we do know, this region will get very interesting.
Region 7-3A's front-runner is Lumpkin County. White County is improving weekly and could push the Indians for the No. 1 spot. Mark that game on the calendar (October 20) as one to attend. Defending region champion Dawson County has started the season winless for the first time since 2014. Can the Tigers get it together to defend the title, or will they miss the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons?
The Region 8-5A title is Jefferson's to lose, and Clarke Central might take it from them. The Dragons have shown improvement week-to-week and slapped Oconee County last week 44-7. Clarke Central hung around against Gainesville and even had an early lead. Do they have enough to knock the Dragons off for the title? And what about Flowery Branch? They didn't look all that great against Stephens County two weeks ago. Can they get back on track against Lambert this week?
And did No. 1 Buford's offense finally find itself? Maybe so. Georgia-commit Dylan Raiola had his best game as a Wolf two weeks ago, proving what we all thought could be at Tom Riden Stadium. They'll host Carver Atlanta this week and, with the 10 days of rest, could blow up the scoreboard on Friday.
So, we've learned a few things and will continue to learn more as the season hits the second half. This week, we've sorted through the 18 games on the schedule and found three we think could be Games2Watch.
To follow scores and more this week, follow our Friday Game Night X (formerly Twitter) for scores, stories and highlights.
HART COUNTY at LUMPKIN COUNTY
Records: Bulldogs (1-2, 0-0 Region 8-3A); Indians (3-0, 0-0 Region 7-3A)
Last week: Hart County lost 52-21 to Daniel (SC); Lumpkin County was off
Where: The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lumpkin County: QB Cal Faulkner (26-of-37, 367 yards, 4 TDs passing, 30-171 yards rushing, 3 TDs), RB Mason Sullens (75-619, 9 TDs rushing, WR Luke Evans (14-238, 3 TDs rec.), LB Gerald Walker Jr ( 20 tks, 2 TFL), LB Will Wood (19 tkls), Nate Gilleland (16 tkls); Hart County: RB/WR Jashon Gaines, QB Kip Phillips, RB Nori K Moore, WR Trey Martin
WHY WATCH IT? Although the Indians beat Region 8-3A Franklin County last week, Hart County has a much richer football tradition. But there is a BUT. Hart County isn't the Bulldogs of old. They are struggling this season in all categories, which makes this game even more interesting because it seems no matter the troubles a normally top-tier 8-3A team is going through, they have found a way to win.
On the other hand, the Indians have proven they are more than legit -- ranking second in scoring and fourth in points allowed in Class 3A. While the offense can score at will, and the defense has been strong, this will be more of a mental test for the rising Indian program. If the Indians can forget the name across the front of the jersey on the other side of the field, they should roll to their fourth straight win of the season.
JACKSON COUNTY at NORTH FORSYTH
Records: Panthers (2-2, 0-0 Region 8-6A); Raiders (1-3, 0-0 Region 8-6A)
Last week: Jackson County lost 56-14 to Mountain View; North Forsyth lost 24-21 to Creekview
Where: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
Time: 7:30 p.m.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jackson County: RB MJ Spurlin (103-616, 9 TDs rushing), QB Zack Scott (36-of-72, 391 yards passing, 2 TDs, 7 INT), WR Jaydan Hibbert (16-193 rec., 5-51 rushing yards), LB Daniel Stites (26 tks, 2 TFL), LB Abbott Plank Miller (18 tkls, 3 TFL), NG Peyton Scott (13 tkls, 2 TFL); North Forsyth: QB Eli Seaney (46-of-82, 355 passing, 4 TDs, 4 INT, 22-226 rushing, 2 TD), RB Darron Parry (55-310 rushing, 1 TD, RB/LB Jacob Shirley (19-114, 3 TDs, 20 Tkls), WR Brady Holbrook (8-119, 3 TDs rec.), WR Cole Smith (16-125, 1 TD rec.), LB Dylan Parker (26 tkls), DB CJ Lenyszyn (24 tkls), SS Colter Vela (23 tkls, 2 TFL), DB Colton Constable (16 tkls), LB Brody Hancock (15 tkls).
WHY WATCH IT? Because this game could determine a home playoff spot. Sure, you could say it's too early to predict anything like that. However, these two teams went down to the wire last season, which set North Forsyth on the path to play for the region title. This season, these two are more similar than last year. Both have first-year starters at quarterback, and both passing games aren't what you would call scary. But the ground games are solid. If you had to hand out helmet stickers, the rushing attack would go to Jackson County. MJ Spurlin is well on his way to a 1,000-yard season. He's a big back that can run over the opponent. The Raiders have more of a team of rushing specialists, starting with Darron Parry. QB Eli Seaney also can run the football, as he's the second-leading rusher on the team. With so much on the line Friday night, this one could be an old-fashioned run-fest, which means don't blink because it could fly by.
STEPHENS COUNTY at WHITE COUNTY
Records: Nickname (4-0, Region 8-3A); Warriors (2-1, Region 7-3A)
Last week: Stephens County beat Dawson County, 35-0; White County was off
Where: White County Stadium, Cleveland
Radio: WRWH 93.9 FM & AM 1350; www.wrwh.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Stephens County: QB Tripp Underwood (35-of-67, 440 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INT), RB Javin Gordon (105-645, 7 TDs); RB Omari Feaster (28-252 rushing, 4 TDs); WR Jasec Smith (11-154 yards rec., 2 TDs), DB Jonah Swinton (38 tkls), DT Dawson Childs (32 tkls, 3 TFL), LB Santana Smith (25 tkls, 4 TFL), J Lunsford (25 tkls, 4 TFL), LB Brock Tankersley (25 tkls, 1 TFL), DE Aiden Butts (21 tkls, 8 TFL), DE Solomon Dupree (20 tkls, 5 TFL), DE Kamani Colbert (15 tkls, 7 TFL); White County: QB Tripp Nix (34-of-59, 579 yards, 6 TDs, 37-119, 5 TDs), RB Ryan Fowler (31-280, 2 TDs), RB Nick Lammers (27-149, 2 TDs), WR Von Nelson (8-189, 2 TDs, rec.), WR Cam Wilson (9-173, 1 TD rec.), Cayson Duvall (7-117 rec.), Jon Scott (44 tkls, 2 TFL), Bryce Dockery (31 tkls), Carson Smith (30 Tkls), Alex Johnson (29 tkls).
WHY WATCH IT? Because it's more of a test for White County than it is for Stephens County. We've seen Stephens County twice this season, and they are really good. This will be the toughest test of the season for White County's offense, which is ranked third in scoring in Class 3A. Stephens County's defense has racked up 34 tackles for a loss, forced 11 turnovers, and given up nine points per game, seventh-best in Class 3A. White County's glaring difference from last season is turnovers. They've only turned the ball over once this season. If the Warriors prove their high-flying offense can score on a nasty defense, the Region 7-3A picture could get a little clearer for the Warriors. However, if the Warriors' defense allows Javin Gordon to run over them again this season, it'll be a long night at Warrior Stadium.
WEEK 5 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
All games start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted
Apalachee at Gainesville*
Carver Atlanta at Buford
Cherokee Bluff at Chestatee*
Commerce at Lincoln County
Coosa at Towns County
East Hall at North Hall*
East Jackson at Franklin County
Flowery Branch at Lambert
Forsyth Central at Habersham Central
George Walton Academy at Banks County
Georgia Military Academy at Riverside Prep
Hart County at Lumpkin County
Heard County at Rabun County
Jackson County at North Forsyth*
Johnson at East Forsyth
Lanier Christian at Calvary Christian
Stephens County at White County
Union County at West Hall
