After a chaotic Week 7 due to Hurricane Helene, things are back to normal in high school football in the state. (You thought I was serious about that, didn’t you!)
Chaos could be the talk of Week 8 as well, only this time from what happens on the field as region races heat up and some crucial matchups this week could shape the final third of the season.
Some regions could start to take shape.
Region 8-6A will stage its first major showdown when No. 7 Collins Hill heads to Tom Riden Stadium to take on No. 2 Buford. The winner will have the initial jump on claiming a region title. But both also still have to face No. 6 Mill Creek.
Region 6-6A has a pair of critical matchups as the top two teams -- North Atlanta and Lambert -- square off in the suburbs for first place. And North Forsyth will entertain Denmark in a game where the winner will jump into a tie for second place.
Region 8-3A has a similar situation as No. 3 Jefferson travels to take on Monroe Area in an early battle for first place. In GIAA, Lakeview Academy heads to Bethlehem Christian in a showdown of unbeatens with the top spot in District 4A/3A on the line.
The chaos could come from matchups like Cherokee Bluff heading to West Hall in Region 8-3A. The Bears are unbeaten. The Spartans were routed last week by Jefferson but have enough firepower with running back Elijah Hayes and quarterback Brett Sturm to pull the upset.
Then there’s Habersham Central playing host to first-place Clarke Central in Region 8-5A. The Raiders could pull into a tie for second place with a win at Raider Stadium. They have scored 99 points in the last two games but are just 1-1.
And, of course, there’s always the unexpected.
(Chestatee, Flowery Branch, Lanier Christian, Lumpkin County, North Hall and White County are all off.)
To look at 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. 4
(Games listed in alphabetical order of visiting team)
ATHENS ACADEMY at BANKS COUNTY
Records: Spartans (6-0, 2-0 Region 8-A D1), ranked 5th in Class A Private; Leopards (0-5, 0-1 Region 8-A D1)
Last week: Athens Academy beat Oglethorpe County, 47-27; Banks County was off
Where: Leopards Stadium, Homer
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Athens Academy leads series 11-8-1. The Spartans won 56-27 in 2023 and have won two straight. The last Leopards win in the series came in 1997, 20-14, in Homer. It’s been a tough stretch for the Leopards. This will be the 3rd straight-ranked team they have played. Offense continues to be an issue as they continue to develop their wing-T attack. Banks County has scored just 36 points (7.2 ppg) this season. The Spartans may be the best they have faced so far.
What to watch for: The Banks County defense vs. the Spartans offense. The Leopards have been solid on defense all season despite getting little help from the offense. They have yielded just 22.4 ppg. However, the Spartans come in averaging over 40 ppg and have scored 29 or more in every game in 2024.
CEDAR SHOALS at EAST FORSYTH
Records: Jaguars (0-6, 0-2 Region 8-4A); Broncos (5-1, 1-1 Region 8-4A)
Last week: Cedar Shoals lost 49-7 to North Oconee; East Forsyth beat Flowery Branch, 14-10
Where: Broncos Stadium, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: East Forsyth leads series 2-0. The Broncos won 35-13 in 2023 at home. The Jaguars have scored the fewest points in the region (51, 8.5 ppg), while East Forsyth is giving up just 14.6 ppg on the season. The Broncos cannot afford to be caught looking ahead to huge showdowns to follow with Walnut Grove next week and then Eastside in two weeks.
What to watch for: The East Forsyth offense vs. the Jaguars defense. The Broncos averaged 37.5 ppg in the four non-region games. They have scored just 21 points (10.5 ppg) in their two region games. However, Cedar has allowed the most points in the region (251, 41.8 ppg) by a wide margin. They have surrendered at least 29 in every game so far in 2024.
CHEROKEE BLUFF at WEST HALL
Records: Bears (5-0, 0-0 Region 8-3A)ranked 6th in Class 3A; Spartans (4-2, 0-1 Region 8-3A)
Last week: Cherokee Bluff was off; West Hall lost 49-7 to Jefferson
Where: West Hall Stadium, Oakwood
Radio: WDUN 102.9 FM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Bluff leads series 2-0. The Bears won 37-7 in 2021. Due to Hurricane Helene forcing Bluff to move its game last week with Oconee County to Oct. 17, this will be the first action for the Bears in three weeks. They could be incredibly rested, a little rusty, or both. The Spartans continue their tough stretch this week with the second of three straight games vs. ranked teams. They will need a better start than last week when Jefferson exploded for 28-first quarter points. West Hall was 3rd in scoring in 3A until last week but dropped to 7th (33.83 ppg). The Bears are 8th in defense in 3A (12.8 ppg)
What to watch for: The Bluff offense vs. the Spartans defense. West Hall will have to find a way to slow down a balanced attack (38.2 ppg, 4th in 3A) led by QB Brooks Brien (1,032 yards) and RBs Connor Griffin and Jackson Pirkle. They are averaging over 200 yards/game passing and rushing. The Spartans are yielding a respectable 21.5 ppg but in their 2 losses they surrendered 83 points (41.5 ppg).
CLARKE CENTRAL at HABERSHAM CENTRAL
Records: Gladiators (4-2, 2-0 Region 8-5A); Raiders (2-4, 1-1 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Clarke Central beat Apalachee, 48-21; Habersham Central lost 57-43 to Winder-Barrow
Where: Raider Stadium, Mt. Airy
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Clarke Central leads series 20-5. It’s the first meeting since 2011, a 34-20 Gladiators win in Athens. Clarke has won 4 straight, but 4 of Habersham’s 5 wins came between 2002 and 207 when Gene Cathcart was coach of the Raiders. The last Habersham win came in 2007, 42-14 in Mt. Airy. Both teams bring some dynamic offenses into this one. The Raiders are still averaging 29.5 ppg, and QB Paris Wilbanks is having a breakout season. The So. QB had a career day last week with 466 yards passing with 3 TDs and 1 INT. Sr. WR Zeke Whittington had 13 catches for 196 yards and 2 TDs, and Jay Fettus caught 6 for 128 yards and a TD.
What to watch for: The Habersham defense vs. the Gladiators offense. Clarke is averaging 38.5 ppg in region play behind QB Hezekiah Millender and RB Corey Watkins. The Raiders are yielding 39.0 ppg in region play on defense. Last week’s 57 allowed was the 3rd-most during Benji Harrison’s 10 years as coach.
COLLINS HILL at BUFORD
Records: Eagles (6-0, 2-0 Region 8-6A), ranked 7th in Class 6A; Wolves (4-1, 1-0 Region 8-6A), ranked 2nd in Class 6A
Last week: Collins Hill beat Mountain View, 51-0; Buford was off
Where: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Buford leads series 2-0. The Wolves won 43-0 in 2023. It has been a favorable matchup for Buford so far, outscoring the Eagles 66-3. But this will be the best Eagles team of the three. Buford has played one of the tougher schedules in the state and is no stranger to big games. This is a huge game for both teams for the region title race. Both teams also still have Mill Creek to play, so the loser may have to win out just to finish in the top two. Buford is 7th in 6A in defense (14.4 ppg) and has allowed just 82 total points in 11 region games (7.45 ppg) since joining the highest classification in 2022. The Eagles have scored more than 27 points just once in 2024.
What to watch for: The Buford offense vs. the Eagles defense. The Wolves O-line will face its biggest test since Milton. They will have to give QB Dayton Raiola time to find a way to find some open receivers to open up their run game. Collins Hill is 4th in 6A in defense (12.6 ppg), and that unit has already fueled wins over Grayson, Woodward Academy, Cedar Grove, and Parkview. Jr. DE Deuce Geralds (6-3, 261 lbs) will be a handful, leading a solid front-7 that has racked up 55 TFL, 26 sacks, 56 QB hurries, and forced 11 turnovers so far. Geralds has 36 tkls, 12 TFL, 6 sacks, and 22 QB hurries alone.
DENMARK at NORTH FORSYTH
Records: Danes (1-4, 1-1 Region 6-6A); Raiders (3-2, 1-1 Region 6-6A)
Last week: Denmark was off; North Forsyth was off
Where: Raider Valley, Coal Mountain
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Denmark leads series 2-0. The Danes won 20-17 in 2021. A huge game for both with 6 of the 8 teams all within a game of each other n the early going. The Danes have been close, with 3 of their losses by a total of 11 points. And offense has not been the issue, as they have scored 21 or more 4 times and 32 or more 3 times in their first five games. Until running into a high-powered Lambert offense 2 weeks ago (48), the Raiders had been yielding just 11.3 ppg on defense. Jr. Danes QB Matthew Baer has thrown for over 1,000 yards but also thrown 7 INTs on the season.
What to watch for: The North Forsyth offense vs. the Danes defense. The Raiders are averaging 34.75 ppg on the season but have scored 92 points (46.0 ppg) in region play The Danes are giving up 30.6 ppg but have surrendered 28 or more in 4 of their 5 games.
EAST JACKSON at FRANKLIN COUNTY
Records: Eagles (3-3, 0-1 Region 8-2A); Lions (3-3, 0-1 Region 8-2A)
Last week: East jackson lost 66-7 to Hebron Christian; Franklin County lost 35-5 to Stephens County
Where: Ed Bryant Stadium, Carnesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Franklin County leads series 9-3. East Jackson won 53-10 in 2023 and has won 3 straight over the Lions. With two private schools in the region, the PRS in place for Class 2A, and uncertainty with how the seedings will be done for 8-2A teams, every win will be huge for trying to get into the top 32 in the classification. The Lions are much improved, having already surpassed their win total for the last two seasons combined. They have scored 160 points (32.0 ppg) after scoring just 152 points combined in the last two seasons. Defense is the issue for the Eagles. In their 3 wins, they have allowed just 50 points (16.7 ppg). In their 3 losses, they have surrendered 164 points (54.6 ppg) vs. 3 of the area’s best offenses (Winder-Barrow, White County, Hebron Christian).
What to watch for: The East Jackson offense vs. the Lions defense. The Lions have been stingy in 2024, giving up just 16 ppg and no more than 27 in any game this season. The Eagles are led by QB Drew Richardson and until last week had scored 14 or more in 15 straight games. They had been averaging 28.6 ppg on the season.
JACKSON COUNTY at APALACHEE
Records: Panthers (4-2, 1-1 Region 8-5A); Wildcats (0-4, 0-1 Region 8-5A)
Last week: Jackson County beat Alcovy 48-10; Apalachee lost 48-21 to Clarke Central
Where: R. Harold Harrison Stadium, Bethlehem
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Apalachee leads series 5-3. Jackson County won 35-17 in 2023 and has won 2 straight and 3 of the last 4 meetings since 2020. The Wildcats loss last week, their first game played since Aug. 30 in the wake of the school shooting, was their 25th straight going back to a 2021 playoff loss. The Panthers' two losses have been to perennial powers Jefferson and Clarke Central. They’re 4-0 vs. everyone else. But this is a potential trap game with a huge showdown looming in two weeks against Winder-Barrow. That game could be for second place, but they can’t fall victim to the upset on the road in the Wildcats’ first home game since Aug. 23. The Panthers defense picked off 3 passes last week, including a pick-6.
What to watch for: The Apalachee defense vs. the Panthers offense. The Wildcats are giving up 44.75 ppg on the season. They have allowed 35 or more in every game. Jackson County QB RJ Knapp tossed 5 TD passes last week. The Panthers have scored 135 points (33.75 ppg) in their 4 wins and just 14 in their 2 losses.
JEFFERSON at MONROE AREA
Records: Dragons (4-2, 1-0 Region 8-3A), ranked 3rd in Class 3A; Hurricanes (4-1, 1-0 Region 8-3A), ranked 10th in Class 3A
Last week: Jefferson beat West Hall, 49-7; Monroe Area beat East Hall, 48-42
Where: The Pit, Monroe
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Monroe Area leads series 2-1. Jefferson won 26-7 in 2019. This will be for the early lead in the region. Both offenses put up some big numbers last week. The Canes, however, had to hang on for dear life after nearly letting a 42-0 lead slip away in the second half vs. an explosive East Hall offense. That was the most points they’ve allowed this season and the most in their last 14 games overall.
What to watch for: The Jefferson defense vs. the Canes’ offense. Canes’ QB Forrest Ross and RB Jitt Carr were too much for the Vikings' defense last week, but the Dragons have one of the best trio of LBs in the state in Rett Hemphill, Max Lang, and JD Yang, who have combined for 120 tackles, 8 TFL, and 3 turnovers so far. Jefferson is giving up 18.3 ppg but has forced 8 turnovers on the season (4 INT, 4 FR), while the Canes’ have turned it over just 3 times in 2024. Monroe Area is averaging 34 ppg but has scored 135 points at home (45.0 ppg) compared to just 17.5 ppg in road games.
JOHNSON at DAWSON COUNTY
Records: Knights (0-5, 0-2 Region 6-3A); Tigers (1-4, 0-2 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Johnson lost 56-0 to Chestatee; Dawson County lost 21-16 to GAC
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Dawson County leads series 4-0. The Tigers won 17-14 in 2015 in Sid Maxwell’s first season in Dawsonville. Both teams have struggled mightily this season, but the Tigers are closer to putting things together. They had the ball late in the game last week with a chance to knock off GAC. A young Johnson team is still struggling. They have scored just 1 TD all season. The loser may be out of any playoff picture with six teams ahead of them in the standings coming into Week 8.
What to watch for: The Johnson defense vs. the Tigers offense. After scoring just 17 points in their first two games (8.5 ppg), the Tigers have averaged 17.6 ppg over their past three. The Knights have allowed 300 points (60.0 ppg) and will need to find a way to make some stops.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN
Records: Lions (6-0, 3-0 GISA District 4A/3A); Knights (7-0, 4-0 GISA District 4A/3A)
Last week: Lakeview beat Riverside Prep, 49-0; Bethlehem beat Athens Christian, 33-0
Where: Knights Stadium, Bethlehem
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Bethlehem leads series 2-0. The Knights won 41-8 in 2023 in Gainesville. The Lions quest for a first-ever region title is on the line in this one. After finishing 3rd in 2023, they already knocked off one long-time nemesis in George Walton earlier in the season. Now they get a shot at the Knights, who have outscored them 65-15 in the previous two meetings. The Knights are explosive, balanced, and deep on offense. They’re averaging 35.86 ppg behind Sr. QB Coy Buckner (698 yards, 13 TD, 1 INT, but just 53% accuracy) and Sr. RB Zeke Clanton (996 yards, 10 TD, 5 100-yard games). Buckner has spread the ball around all season as 13 different receivers have caught passes and 6 different players have at least 1 TD catch. They have lost 6 fumbles, however. Lakeview is giving up just 9.5 ppg on defense.
What to watch for: The Lakeview offense vs. the Knights defense. Something will have to give here. Lakeview leads the GIAA in scoring at 37.7 ppg and comes in with arguably the best player in District 4A/3A in QB Kyari Burch (1,000 yards, 12 TD, 3 INT, 67% completion; 198 yards, 1 TD rushing). Jr. Thompson (25 rec., 379 yards, 5 TD) and NeSean Dorsey (20 rec., 258 yards, 3 TD) have been a nearly unstoppable duo receiving. But the Knights lead GIAA in defense, having yielded just 34 points (4.86 ppg) and come in on the heels of 4 consecutive shutouts.
LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN at RIVERSIDE PREP
Records: Lions (0-7, 0-4 GISA District 4A/3A); Eagles (0-6, 0-3 GISA District 4A/3A)
Last week: LCA lost 41-8 to George Walton; Riverside lost 49-0 to Lakeview Academy
Where: Maginnis Field, Gainesville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: LCA leads series 2-0. The Lions won 42-6 in 2023 in Loganville. Both teams are already on the brink of any playoff spots in GISA District 4A/3A, sitting at the bottom of the 8-team. The LCA offense is averaging just 13.5 ppg, but the Eagles defense is giving up 31.8 ppg.
What to watch for: The Riverside offense vs. the Lions defense. The Eagles have scored just 24 points on the season and will need to find a way to score vs. a Lions group that is giving up 35.1 ppg on the season.
OCONEE COUNTY at EAST HALL
Records: Warriors (2-3, 0-0 Region 8-3A); Vikings (3-3, 0-1 Region 8-3A)
Last week: Oconee County was off; East Hall lost 48-42 to Monroe Area
Where: East Hall Stadium, Rabbittown
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Oconee County leads series 10-4. This will be their first meeting since 1985, a 22-13 Warriors’ win in Rabbittown. East Hall's last win in the series came in 1981, 14-12 in Valhalla. Oconee County has not played in 3 weeks due to last week’s game with Cherokee Bluff being moved to Oct. 17. They were playing their best ball of the season, coming off a stunning 35-10 win over then-Class 2A-No. 2-ranked Stephens County in Toccoa. During a 2-game win streak, the Warriors have given up just 17 points (8.5 ppg). East Hall nearly staged one of its greatest comebacks in history. The Vikings trailed 42-0 but had the ball late with a chance to win it before an INT in the end zone in the final minute. Jamarcus Harrison and Co. have averaged 28.6 ppg during their 3-game losing streak.
What to watch for: The East Hall defense vs. the Warriors offense. This is where the Vikings have made some improvement but still find themselves struggling in big games. East Hall allowed just 21 points (7.0 ppg) in their first three games. They’ve surrendered 128 points (42.6 ppg) during a 3-game losing streak. Oconee County has scored 80 points (40.0 ppg) during its 2-game win streak.
RABUN COUNTY at COMMERCE
Records: Wildcats (5-1, 2-0 Region 8-A D1), ranked 8th in Class A D1; Tigers (3-3, 1-1 Region 8-A D1), ranked 10th in Class A D1
Last week: Rabun County beat Providence Christian, 50-14; Commerce beat Elbert County, 42-20
Where: Tiger Stadium, Commerce
Radio: WJJC 95.1 FM/1270 AM
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: Commerce leads series 22-8-1. The Tigers won 23-17 in OT in 2023 in Commerce. They have split the two meetings since the series resumed in 2022, with the Wildcats winning 27-22 in Tiger. Both teams are coming off big wins last week and this one has region title implications. The Wildcats can set up a possible title showdown with Athens Academy in three weeks while the Tigers can take over 2nd place with a win. The Tigers would need help after their heartbreaking 1-point loss to Athens Academy two weeks ago to win the region. Despite two high-powered offenses, it could be the defenses that decide this one. The Tigers got a huge defensive stop in last year’s matchup that sealed the win and their first region title since 2020. Rabun, without QB Ty Truelove most of the season, is still averaging 31.17 ppg, switching to a more ground-oriented attack behind Reid Giles. After surrendering 42 in their opener to Wesleyan, the Tigers defense has allowed just 96 points since (19.2 ppg).
What to watch for: The Commerce offense vs. the Wildcats defense. The Commerce triple-option is now run by Jaiden Daniels, giving them a three-headed monster with Tysean Wiggins and Jacari Huff on the ground that is averaging nearly 300 yards/game rushing. But Daniels has worked in some timely passes that have made them nearly unstoppable. They scored on 7 of 8 drives last week. Rabun County, meanwhile, has not yielded more than 28 in a game this season and has produced 40 TFLs so far. They also have forced 12 turnovers, including recovering 10 fumbles.
SECKINGER at GAINESVILLE
Records: Jaguars (4-2, 0-2 Region 7-5A); Red Elephants (5-1, 2-0 Region 7-5A), ranked 6th in Class 5A
Last week: Seckinger lost 44-7 to Milton; Gainesville beat Johns Creek, 48-0
Where: City Park Stadium, Gainesville
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Red Elephants have been rolling since entering region play. They have outscored their first two 7-5A opponents 98-14. The Jaguars are playing their first-ever varsity schedule in 2024 and already have more wins than in their first two seasons as a program combined. Former West Hall coach Tony Lotti has them more than competitive. But a tough opening to region play (Roswell, Milton, now the Red Elephants) could have them at the bottom of the standings. After being shut out in 6 of their first 7 games as a program and scoring 12 or fewer points in 9 of their first 10 games, the Jaguars are averaging 31.5 ppg in their last 10 games going back to last season. But Gainesville is giving up a 12.67 ppg, good for 7th in Class 5A. They held Johns Creek to 8 total yards last week.
What to watch for: The Gainesville offense vs. the Jaguars defense. Seckinger gave up just 62 points (15.5 ppg) while going 4-0 in non-region action against some quality teams. But they have surrendered xx points in their last two games in 7-5A play. They will need to find a way to slow down Kharim Hughley and a talented group of WRs in Taz Smith, Jeremiah Ware, and Shane Kings. The Red Elephants are 9th in 5A in scoring (227 points, 37.83 ppg).
TOWNS COUNTY at ANDERSON CAVALIERS (SC)
Records: Indians (3-3, non-region); Cavaliers (3-4, non-region)
Last week: Towns County’s game with Dixie (SC) was canceled; Anderson beat South Carolina Spartans, 32-26
Where: Anderson, SC
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. The Cavaliers played in the Southeastern Independent league. The Indians are playing a full non-region schedule. Towns County has dropped two straight and this will be its final road trip of the season.
What to watch for: The Towns County defense vs. the Cavaliers offense. In their three wins, the Indians have surrendered just 20 points (6.7 ppg). In their three losses, they have given up 118 points (39.3 ppg). In Anderson’s three wins, they have scored 72 points (24.0 ppg). In their four losses, they scored just 34 total points (8.5 ppg).
UNION COUNTY at RINGGOLD
Records: Panthers (3-3, 3-1 Region 7-2A); Tigers (4-2, 2-2 Region 7-2A)
Last week: Union County beat LFO, 40-33; Ringgold was off
Where: Don Patterson Stadium, Ringgold
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Statisticals: First-ever meeting. Both teams are coming off shootout wins over LFO and both offenses have been clicking of late. The Tigers' two losses have been to the top two teams in the region (Rockmart and North Cobb Christian) by a total of just 5 points. Jeremiah Frost leads Ringgold in rushing with 603 yards.
What to watch for: The Union County offense vs. the Tigers defense. Ringgold gave up just 34 points (11.3 ppg) in the first three games. In their last three games, they have surrendered 91 points (30.3 ppg) and gone 1-2. The Panthers have found their QB of the future in Fr. Kamden Kendrick. After a shaky start, he has exploded for 1,190 yards over essentially his last four games with 11 TD passes. He has thrown 5 INTs, but most of them came early in the season. Maddox Young has 510 yards receiving this year. Against LFO, Tyler Parker hauled in 120 yards and three scores, including TD catches of 60 and 40 yards. Conner Schuknecht has rushed for 602 yards and 5 TDs on the season.
