Week 7 may be the most pivotal of the season in several regions as the playoff races really begin to heat up and perhaps take shape.
Regions 8-4A and 7-3A all have some huge matchups involving area teams, while 8-5A area teams Jefferson and Flowery Branch face another key week.
North Hall plays host to No. 2 North Oconee in a huge battle for first place, while East Hall travels to East Forsyth as the Broncos look to stay unbeaten in Region 8-4A. In Region 7-3A, No. 9 Lumpkin County plays host to Wesleyan while Dawson County ravels to White County in a pair of battles to stay unbeaten atop the early region standings.
Meanwhile, Regions 8-7A, 8-2A, and 8-A Division 2 get things underway on Friday as well.
No. 1-ranked Buford opens its region schedule against Collins Hill on the road. East Jackson begins on the road at Banks County as both teams open 8-2A play, while Towns County faces a huge road test at No. 6 Greene County in 8-A Division 2.
Overall, 14 of the 18 games on the schedule involve region battles.
(Lanier Christian, North Forsyth, Riverside Prep, and Union County 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 Sept. 29
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN at LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
Records: Knights (6-0, 0-0 GIAA District 4-AAAA-AAA); Lions (2-3, 0-0 GIAA District 4-AAAA-AAA)
Last week: Bethlehem Christian beat Kings Ridge, 38-6; Lakeview lost 54-0 to Strong Rock Christian
Where: Lions Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Bethlehem Christian leads series 1-0. The Knights won 24-7 in 2022. The Knights lead all of GIAA in scoring (259, 43.1 ppg) and also have the No. 1 defense, giving up just 6.3 ppg. The Lakeview offense has been shut out twice despite scoring 57 in one game and 52 in another.
What to watch for: The Lakeview defense vs. the Bethlehem offense. Defense has been the biggest issue for the Lions, who are 0-3 when giving up more than 14 points. They have surrendered 115 points (38.3 ppg) in their three losses.
BUFORD at COLLINS HILL
Records: Wolves (5-0, 0-0 Region 8-7A), ranked No. 1 in Class 7A; Eagles (0-0, 0-0 Region 8-7A)
Last week: Buford beat Marietta, 30-3; Collins Hill lost 42-7 to Westlake
Where: Fahring Field, Suwanee
Time: 7 p.m.
The Statisticals: Buford leads series 1-0. The Wolves won 23-3 in 2022—the region opener for both teams and the first of three consecutive road games for Buford. The Wolves are doing it with defense so far in 2023, giving up just 38 points (7.6 ppg). They have nearly two dozen TFL, almost a dozen sacks, 7 turnovers, including 4 INTs. The Wolves DL tandem of Bryce Perry-Wright and Eddrick Houston have dominated with 12 TFL, 8 sacks, and 11 QB hurries.
What to watch for: The Buford offense vs. the Collins Hill defense. Buford is just 28th in offense in 7A (134, 26.8 ppg), but the Wolves have begun to gel of late, scoring 106 points (35.3 ppg) over their last three games. QB Dylan Raiola has thrown for 7 TD passes in that span. The Eagles are in the bottom 7 in Class 7A in defense, having already 150 points (30.0 ppg).
CHEROKEE BLUFF at CEDAR SHOALS
Records: Bears (1-4, 1-2 Region 8-4A); Jaguars (2-3, 2-1 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Cherokee Bluff lost 27-17 to North Hall; Cedar Shoals beat East Hall, 10-7.
Where: Waters-Wilkins Stadium, Athens
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Cedar Shoals leads series 1-0. The Jaguars won 21-19 in 2022. The Jaguars have won two straight, winning a pair of defensive battles and giving up just 13 total points. Turnovers undid the Bears last week as they had a fumble returned for a score and also had a pick-6. It's almost a must-win for Bluff if it wants to stay in the playoff race. The Bears are tied for 6th coming into this week. The Jaguars have scored the 8th-fewest points in 4A (44, 8.80 ppg) but have scored 37 (12.3 ppg) over their last 3 games.
What to watch for: The Cherokee Bluff offense vs. the Cedar Shoals defense. The Bears outgained North Hall last week and have averaged 30.3 ppg over their past 3 games. In their three losses, the Jaguars surrendered 104 points (34.6 ppg).
EAST HALL at EAST FORSYTH
Records: Vikings (2-3, 1-2 Region 8-4A); Broncos (4-0, 2-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: East Hall lost 10-7 to Cedar Shoals; East Forsyth beat Walnut Grove, 21-0
Where: Broncos Stadium, Gainesville
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: East Forsyth leads series 1-0. The Broncos won 45-0 in 2022. The Broncos have been as dominant as any team in the region. They are 3rd in offense and 2nd in defense in the region. The Vikings are much-improved, especially on defense, where they are giving up nearly 20 ppg less in 2023 than in 2022.
What to watch for: The East Hall offense vs. the East Forsyth defense. The Broncos are not only 2nd in the region in defense, they're 2nd in Class 4A (40, 10.0 ppg). They have given up just 20 points (6.7 ppg) in region play. The Vikings are averaging 17.8 ppg but have scored just 35 points (11.6 ppg) in region play.
EAST JACKSON at BANKS COUNTY
Records: Eagles (5-0, 0-0 Region 8-2A); Leopards (4-1, 0-0 Region 8-2A)
Last week: East Jackson beat Johnson, 42-0; Banks County lost 38-21 to Commerce
Where: Leopard Stadium, Homer
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: East Jackson leads series 8-5. The Eagles won 55-24 in 2022. East Jackson has won four straight in the series. The last Banks County win came in 2018 at home. Region 8-2A opener for both teams. The Eagles continue their best start since 2009. They are doing it on both sides of the ball. They are 4th in defense and 6th in offense in Class 2A.
What to watch for: The East Jackson defense vs. the Banks County offense. However, the Leopards are averaging 29.2 ppg in a region full of explosive offenses that is last among the six teams. The Eagles have given up just 38 points (7.6 ppg), and no one has scored more than 14 in any game this season. Banks County will have to find a way to break through vs. the Eagles front-7 to have any chance.
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN at RABUN COUNTY
Records: Paladins (3-1, Region 8-2A), ranked 7th in Class 2A; Wildcats (4-1, Region 8-A Division 1), ranked 4th in Class Division 1
Last week: Fellowship beat Lovett, 30-24; Rabun County beat Whitefield Academy, 38-7
Where: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Rabun County leads series 1-0. The Wildcats won 21-16 in 2022. The Paladins are coming off a Class 2A semifinal appearance and have played a very tough schedule. Paladins RB C.J. Givers is averaging over 150 yards/rushing a game. Rabun County is the fifth straight 2022 playoff team they have faced. For the Wildcats, the Paladins are the fifth straight 2022 playoff team they have faced as well. Rabun County has won 15 straight at home going back to a semifinal playoff loss to Callaway in 2020.
What to watch for: The Rabun County offense vs. the Fellowship defense. Rabun County has found its offensive groove after its only loss to Stephens County last month. The Wildcats have averaged 39.3 ppg since then behind QB Ty Truelove and WR Willie Goodwyn. Despite the tough schedule, the Paladins are 10th in 2A in defense, yielding just 65 points (16.6 ppg).
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN at COMMERCE
Records: Vikings (3-1-1, GIAA District 6-AAAA-AAA); Tigers (4-1, Region 8-A Division 1)
Last week: First Presbyterian beat Mt. Pisgah, 42-0; Commerce beat Banks County, 38-21
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Commerce leads series 1-0. The Tigers won 31-26 in 2022. The Vikings already have surpassed last season's win total. Both teams like to run the ball, though the Vikings are averaging just under 100 yards passing a game. The Tigers are led by Tysean Wiggins and Jaiden Daniels in their punishing triple-option attack. They rushed for 381 yards last week.
What to watch for: The Commerce defense vs. the Vikings offense. No one has been able to slow down the Commerce offense, so assume they will get their fair share of points. The key will be the Tigers defense. Only once have they allowed more than 21 points in a game. Meanwhile, the Vikings, averaging 33.4 ppg, have scored 28 or more in their last four games and 42 or more three times in that span. The Tigers will have to find a way to make some stops.
FLOWERY BRANCH at CLARKE CENTRAL
Records: Falcons (2-3, 0-1 Region 8-5A); Gladiators (3-2, 0-1 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Flowery Branch lost 39-32 to Eastside in OT; Clarke Central lost 22-14 to No. 4 Jefferson
Where: Billy Henderson Stadium, Athens
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Flowery Branch leads series 6-5. Clarke Central won 17-7 in 2022. This is a must-win for both teams. The loser of this one will be in last place in the region. The Falcons nearly rallied from a 19-point deficit last week only to lose in OT. The Gladiators trailed 15-0 before getting within one score last week. The Branch is trying to snap a three-game losing streak. The Falcons are averaging 28.2 ppg but will need faster starts than the last three games, where they scored just 21 points in the first half.
What to watch for: The Flowery Branch defense vs. the Gladiators offense. The Falcons have surrendered 120 points (40.0 ppg) during their losing streak. Clarke Central has scored just 42 points (14.0 ppg) in its last three games.
JACKSON COUNTY at HABERSHAM CENTRAL
Records: Panthers (3-3, 1-1 Region 8-6A); Raiders (2-3, 0-1 Region 8-6A)
Last week: Jackson County beat Apalachee, 35-17; Habersham Central lost 35-14 to Lanier
Where: Raider Stadium, Mt. Airy
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Habersham leads series 8-1. The Panthers won 38-13 in 2022 in Hoschton for their first win in the series. The Panthers offense has picked up some momentum of late, scoring 70 points over their last two games after managing just 24 ppg over their first four. The Raiders saw their 2-game win streak snapped last week after getting outscored 21-0 in the second half.
What to watch for: The Jackson County offense vs. the Raiders defense. So. QB RJ Knapp has brought some life to the Panthers passing game, and Sr. RB Corey McClure has filled in nicely for the injured MJ Spurlin with 168 yards in 6 quarters the last two weeks. The Raiders defense may be the key in this one. In Hab Central's two wins, they have given up just 10 points. In their three losses, they have allowed 100 points (33.3 ppg).
JEFFERSON at WINDER-BARROW
Records: Dragons (5-0, 1-0 Region 8-5A), ranked 4th in Class 5A; Bulldoggs (4-1, 1-0 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Jefferson beat Clarke Central, 22-14; Winder-Barrow was off
Where: W. Clair Harris Stadium, Winder
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Jefferson leads series 18-10. The Dragons won 28-0 in 2022 and have won three straight in the series. Jefferson got its first big test last week, building a big lead and then holding off a 2nd half charge. This is the last of five straight home games for the Bulldoggs, who are 8-2 at home since the beginning of last season. Jefferson has won five straight road games going back to 2022.
What to watch for: The Jefferson defense. The Dragons defense saved the win last week, making a huge stop on 4th-and-goal in the fourth quarter. Jefferson is 4th in defense in Class 5A and has only allowed 35 points (8.75 ppg) over their last four games. After scoring 112 points (37.3 ppg) in their first three games, the Bulldoggs scored just 19 (9.5 ppg) over the past two. The Dragons defense has 24 TFL, 11 sacks, and 6 takeaways so far.
LAKESIDE-DEKALB at JOHNSON
Records: Vikings (3-2, Region 4-6A); Knights (1-4, Region 8-4A, non-region)
Last week: Lakeside lost 16-15 to Dunwoody Johnson lost 42-0 to East Jackson
Where: Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium, Oakwood
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lakeside leads series 1-0. The Vikings won 21-20 in 2022. This is one of three games the Knights lost by 2 points or less last season. Despite the record, Johnson has been competitive overall. The Knights ran into two of the area's best teams in the last two weeks. The Knights will be the first non-6A or 7A team the Vikings have played this season. Johnson QB Demitri Moon is 9th in 4A in rushing with 479 yards and 5 TDs.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense vs. the Johnson defense. The Vikings are averaging just 17.0 ppg, while the Knights are yielding 38.4 ppg.
LANIER at GAINESVILLE
Records: Longhorns (4-1, 1-0 Region 8-6A); Red Elephants (5-0, 1-0 Region 8-6A), ranked No. 1 in Class 6A
Last week: Lanier beat Habersham Central, 35-14; Gainesville was off
Where: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Lanier leads series 6-1. Gainesville snapped its winless streak vs. the Longhorns last year with a 42-14 win. It may be early in the region title hunt, but this could be a de facto championship game. They are the top two in offense and defense in the region. GHS is 9th in offense in 6A (38.4 ppg) in scoring and allowing just 16.4 ppg. Lanier is averaging 35.2 ppg and is yielding 22.2 ppg. Big Red RB Gavin Hall was 10th in the state in rushing at 695 yards (139.0 ypc) going into last week.
What to watch for: The Gainesville offense vs. the Lanier defense. The Red Elephants have not scored less than 24 all season. Only once have the Longhorns given up more than 24 in 2023. Something will have to give. Big Red scored 70 two weeks ago, the 6th-most in program history and the most since a Deshaun Watson-led team beat North Hall 69-0 in 2012.
MADISON COUNTY at CHESTATEE
Records: Red Raiders (3-1, 1-1 Region 8-4A); War Eagles (0-5, 0-3 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Madison was off; Chestatee lost 56-0 to North Oconee
Where: War Eagle Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Madison County leads series 5-2. The Red Raiders won 39-8 in 2022. All eight meetings have been since 2012. The struggles continue for the War Eagles, who have been outscored 104-0 in their last two games. The Red Raiders will look to avoid the upset with a trio of games to follow vs. 3 of the top 4 teams in the region over the next month.
What to watch for: Can the Chestatee find some traction? The War Eagles' change to the wing-T has been a slow one to start, scoring just 31 total points, which puts them in the bottom 5 in Class 4A. The Red Raiders have allowed 99 points (33.0 ppg) over their last 3 games.
NORTH OCONEE at NORTH HALL
Records: Titans (4-0, 2-0 Region 8-4A), ranked No. 2 in Class 4A; Trojans (5-0, 3-0 Region 8-4A)
Last week: North Oconee beat Chestatee, 56-0; North Hall beat Cherokee Bluff, 27-17
Where: The Brickyard, Gainesville
Radio: WDUN FM 102.9
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: North Oconee leads series 2-1. The Titans won 70-7 in 2022. The Titans handed North Hall its worst loss last year since a 70-7 loss to West Hall in 2000. That could give the Trojans a little extra motivation, but it will be a tough task on both sides of the ball. The Titans have outscored their first four opponents 158-23. The North Hall defense has been outstanding over its last four games, giving up just 44 points (11.0 ppg) in that span. North Oconee has won 18 straight region games going back to an OT loss to Flowery Branch in 2020.
What to watch for: The North Hall offense vs. the Titans defense. North Oconee leads Class 4A in defense (23, 5.75 ppg). Last week, they forced 6 turnovers, including returning 2 fumbles and 1 INT for TDs. The Trojans are 4th in 4A in scoring average (38.6 ppg). Tanner Marsh, Tate Ruth, and the rest of the North Hall offense will have to play mistake-free. If the Trojans are not able to find any traction against the Titans front-7, it will be a long night.
TOWNS COUNTY at GREENE COUNTY
Records: Indians (0-4, 0-0 Region 8-A Division 2); Tigers (5-0, 0-0 Region 8-A Division 2), ranked 6th in Class A Division 2
Last week: Towns County was off; Greene County was off;
Where: Tigers Stadium, Greensboro
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Greene County leads series 2-1. The Tigers won 23-6 in 2022. All four games have been since 2020, and the Indians' only win came in Greensboro in 2020. The road team has won every game in the series. Towns County is still battling some key injuries, but a few key players came back two weeks ago, and the offense came alive with its best performance of the season. The Tigers are off to their best start since 2005. They also are ranked for the first time since the opening of the 2019 season.
What to watch for: The Towns County offense vs. the Tigers defense. The Indians scored 28 in a loss to Coosa after scoring just 7 points on offense through their first three games. Greene County has allowed just 45 points (9.0 ppg), which is 4th-best in Class A D2.
WESLEYAN at LUMPKIN COUNTY
Records: Wolves (3-2, 1-0 Region 7-3A); Indians (5-0, 1-0 Region 7-3A), ranked 9th in Class 3A
Last week: Wesleyan beat Gilmer, 50-28; Lumpkin County beat Pickens, 49-14
Where: The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Wesleyan leads series 5-0. The Wolves won 28-14 in 2022. This has the potential to be a high-scoring shootout. The Indians are 2nd in 3A in scoring average (40.8 ppg), while Wesleyan has scored 93 points (31 ppg) over its past three games, all wins. Lumpkin's Mason Sullens is 2nd in the state and leads Class 3A in rushing with 919 yards and leads in TDs with 16. Wesleyan QB Ben Brown is 6th in 3A in passing with 771 yards and is 3rd with 10 TD passes.
What to watch for: The Lumpkin defense vs. Brown and the Wolves passing attack. Brown poses the Indians' biggest challenge since their opener with Union County. The Indians also are 2nd in 3A in scoring defense (58. 11.6 ppg), and they come in with 9 TFL, 6 sacks, 14 QB hurries, 11 passes defended, and 5 INT.
WEST HALL at GILMER
Records: Spartans (1-4, 0-1 Region 7-3A); Bobcats (3-2, 0-1 Region 7-3A)
Last week: West Hall lost 32-14 to Dawson County; Gilmer lost 50-28 to Wesleyan
Where: Huff-Mosley Stadium, Ellijay
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Gilmer leads series 6-5. The Bobcats won 45-3 in 2022 and have won two straight and 5 of the last 7 in the series. West Hall has not won in Ellijay since 2002 (1-4). A huge game for both teams, with the loser of this one falling into the cellar in 7-3A. West Hall's Elijah Hayes is 2nd in 7-3A in rushing with 696 yards and 3 TDs. The Bobcats counter with Wyatt Stokes (409 yards, 2 TDs) and Hunter Britain (249 yards, 2 TDs).
What to watch for: The West Hall defense vs. the Bobcats ground attack. The Spartans are in the bottom fourth in 3A, allowing 160 points (32.0 ppg) and 116 points (38.6 ppg) over their last 3 games. They will have to find a way to slow down the Bobcats option offense.
WHITE COUNTY at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Warriors (2-2, 0-0 Region 7-3A); Tigers (1-4, 1-0 Region 7-3A)
Last week: White County was off; Dawson County beat West Hall, 32-14
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Radio: 93.9 FM WRWH, wrwh.com; www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: White County leads series 6-5. Dawson County won 31-0 in 2022 and has won three straight in the series. It has been a high-scoring series over the past four years, averaging 63.5 ppg. A shoot out could favor the Warriors, who are 9th in 3A in scoring (146, 36.5 ppg). The Tigers had scored just 25 points until last week and are still in the bottom 5 in 3A (57, 11.4 ppg) in scoring.
What to watch for: The White County offense vs. the Dawson County defense. The Tigers have given up the 5th-most points (153, 30.6 ppg) in 3A, albeit against one of the toughest schedules in Class 3A. The Warriors have scored 26 or more in every game this season.
