8-AAAAA, 7-AAA playoff races to play out on air this Friday

The playoffs are still weeks away, but on Friday the airwaves of Jacobs Media will broadcast three games that will be about as close as you can get to an early postseason.<br /> <br /> Region 8-AAAAA in particular features what could be construed as an early championship game, as the only two undefeated squads in region play face off in Sugar Hill.<br /> <br /> Lanier (5-0, 4-0 Region 8-AAAAA) will play host to Gainesville (4-1, 4-0) in a contest broadcast live on 1240 AM.<br /> <br /> The Red Elephants are coming off a key, 29-6 defeat of Salem in which Gainesville handed the Seminoles their first defeat in 8-AAAAA play. The Longhorns, meanwhile, have a had a week to prep for the game -- which could well prove the championship-decider.<br /> <br /> Lanier has been steadily working its way through its first 8-AAAAA slate, ringing up almost 28 points per game while allowing 13. The Longhorns have done so via a dominating ground game led by running back Tario Fuller, while junior defensive end Derrick Brown has been a disruptive force.<br /> <br /> Gainesville's defense has been a disruptive force of its own since region play started, allowing just 8 points per game -- while also creating 18 turnovers over the same span (just over 4 per game). The Red Elephants' defense has also scored touchdowns in back-to-back games, while its special teams has also scored multiple TDs.<br /> <br /> Gainesville's offense will look to rebound in the contest after scoring just one touchdown last week.<br /> <br /> Speaking of rebounds, both Flowery Branch and Clarke Central know that they must do so in order to stay in the playoff race in 8-AAAAA. The two playoff stalwarts are trailing in the postseason race, making their showdown on Friday an absolute must-win for both programs when they face off live on WDUN AM 550.<br /> <br /> The two teams have played some memorable battles in the past, splitting their four contests 2-2. The Falcons (2-3, 1-3) have won the last two and will enter this year's knowing that they must find a way past the Gladiators (2-3, 2-2).<br /> <br /> Region 7-AAA won't feature any elimination games, but the league will see plenty of jockeying for position on Friday -- and both West Hall and East Hall know their outcome will mean a lot over the coming weeks when the Spartans play host to the Vikings in a game broadcast live on WDUN 102.9 FM.<br /> <br /> West Hall (4-1, 1-0 Region 7-AAA) trails Lumpkin County by a half game in the 7-AAA standings and will want to keep pace with the Indians. East Hall (2-3, 1-1), meanwhile, will want to keep up its winning ways after a bounce back victory at Dawson County last week. A win for the Vikings would also put them right back in the thick of the 7-AAA title race.<br /> <br /> Elsewhere in 7-AAA, Lumpkin County will travel to Fannin County, pitting the other two teams with unblemished region records against each other.<br /> <br /> There are plenty more intriguing contests around northeast Georgia this weekend, including in Region 8-AAAA, where Stephens County will play host to White County in a key showdown of playoff hopefuls.<br /> <br /> The Indians (4-1, 2-0 Region 8-AAAA) and Warriors (3-2, 1-1) each feature bruising run games behind imposing offensive lines -- and fans can expect a slugfest on Friday at The Reservation in Toccoa.<br /> <br /> And, in Region 7-AAAAAA, North Gwinnett faces a key contest with Peachtree Ridge in Suwanee. The Bulldogs (4-2, 2-1 Region 7-AAAAAA) suffered a region setback to Norcross last Friday and know that another loss could put them in a perilous position. Victory won't come easy, however, as the Lions (5-1, 3-0) bring a formidable defense to bear, one allowing just 12 points per game.<br /> <br /> Beyond the three live broadcasts, <b><a href="http://www.accessnorthga.com/fridaygamenight">Friday Game Night</a></b> will keep track of all the action during Week 7. Be sure to check back throughout the week for features and updates, as well as on Friday night for full game coverage, including video highlights and interviews.<br /> <br /> <b>WEEK 7 PREP FOOTBALL SCHEDULE, OCT. 10</b><br /> Clarke Central at Flowery Branch -- Radio: AM 550<br /> Chestatee at Madison County<br /> Dawson County at Franklin County<br /> East Hall at West Hall -- Radio: 102.9 FM<br /> Elbert County at Jackson County<br /> Gainesville at Lanier -- Radio 1240 AM<br /> Habersham Central at Lambert<br /> Jefferson at Morgan County<br /> Lakeview Academy at George Walton<br /> Lumpkin County at Fannin County<br /> Mountain View at Mill Creek<br /> North Forsyth at West Forsyth<br /> North Gwinnett at Peachtree Ridge<br /> North Hall at Buford<br /> Oglethorpe County at Rabun County<br /> Osborne at Johnson<br /> Towns County at Athens Christian<br /> Union County at Greene County<br /> Washington-Wilkes at Riverside Military<br /> White County at Stephens County -- Radio: www.wrwh.com

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/10/280422