Jefferson head coach Travis Noland talks about his team's big Region 8-5A game against Clarke Central. The Dragons host the Gladiators on Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., and can be heard live on FM 102.9 WDUN.
CLARKE CENTRAL at JEFFERSON
Records: Gladiators (3-1, 0-0 Region 8-5A); Dragons (4-0, 0-0 Region 8-5A), ranked 4th in Class 5A
Last week: Clarke Central beat South Forsyth, 21-20; Jefferson was off
Where: Memorial Stadium, Jefferson
Radio: 102.9 FM WDUN
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson leads series 1-0. The Dragons won 17-7 in 2022. Most expect this game to be the deciding factor for the region title. But the emergence of Winder-Barrow this season makes this one even more important. Both teams have been outstanding on the defensive end. Jefferson is 4th in 5A, allowing just 11.1 ppg, and the Gladiators are 11th giving up just 20.5 ppg. The Glads' only loss was to Class 6A No. 1 Gainesville (24-7) two weeks ago in a game they led 7-0 early. Sammy Brown is among the leaders in 5A in rushing with 59 car., 491 yards, and 12 TD. However, the offense has turned the ball over 6 times (5 INTs) on the season.
What to watch for: The Jefferson offense vs. the Gladiators defense. The Dragons have twice as many rushing yards than passing yards as they rely on Brown and the running game. If they can get some production from QB Gavin Markey (27-of-54, 367 yards, 4 TD, 5 INT) and the passing game, they should be able to control the tempo with the run game.
