Week 11: Playoffs beginning a week early?

It's hard to believe it's over, but for most teams in the state the high school football season will be finished once the final horn sounds tonight.

For a few programs, tonight puts an end to the build up and starts the big time -- though a few playoff hopefuls still have a lot of work to do this evening to ensure they reach the postseason.

And even some teams who are destined for the playoffs face big-time showdowns just to see where in fact they will be for the first round. For example, Gainesville, Flowery Branch and North Hall all will find out their first-round fates tonight. The same holds for Jefferson and East Jackson, as well as North Gwinnett and Peachtree Ridge.

All three games are amongst the biggest in the state and highlight area action. Read on to learn all you need to know about the final week of the regular season and check back here tonight for updated scores and see how it all plays out. Access North Georgia will also try to have all of those first round match-ups for you tonight as well...


-- GAINESVILLE at FLOWERY BRANCH

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Flowery Branch, Falcon Field
RADIO: 1240 AM ESPN and WDUN AM-550
GAINESVILLE: (9-0, 4-0 Region 7B-AAA) Defeated Johnson 63-0 last week. The Red Elephants are ranked No. 1 in Class AAA in both the Associated Press and Ga.Prepcountry.com coaches polls.
FLOWERY BRANCH: (7-2, 4-0 Region 7B-AAA) Bye last week. Flowery Branch defeated West Forsyth 54-51 on Oct. 23.
LAST MEETING: Gainesville won 27-13 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Red Elephants lead the series 5-2.
NOTABLE: See our breakdown of this game on our main sports and high school page here: http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=224527


-- CHESTATEE at CREEKVIEW

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Grizzlies Stadium, Canton
CHESTATEE: (4-5, 3-2 Region 7A-AAA) Lost to West Forsyth 41-7 last week.
CREEKVIEW: (8-1, 4-1 Region 7A-AAA) Defeated Lumpkin County 55-13 last week. Creekview is ranked ninth in Class AAA in the AP poll.
LAST MEETING: Creekview won 69-35 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Grizzlies lead the series 1-0.
NOTABLE: Creekview has a pretty clear task in front of it on Friday. If the Grizzlies can beat Chestatee, they will reach the postseason for the second straight season (in the program’s fourth year of existence). Chestatee, meanwhile, has a more convoluted scenario, but the War Eagles can still reach the playoffs -- if they win and White County loses at Gilmer. While Chestatee knows its destiny is out of its own hands, the War Eagles would love to close out with a win for no other reason than to stop a three-game losing skid and erase some bad memories over the past couple of weeks. A victory would also avoid a second straight losing campaign for the War Eagles. To pull off the win, Chestatee must avoid the turnovers that have dogged it over recent weeks. The War Eagles have given the ball up 13 times in its last three losses. If they can hold on to the ball, they certainly have weapons, including running back Ben Souther, who has over 1,000 yards on the ground this season. Chestatee has also been hampered by the loss of quarterback Scott Chewning, who suffered a broken collarbone against White County on Oct. 16. Back-up Lamar Brooks has played well at times in his stead and freshman Jordan DeGraff also impressed in the second half of last week’s loss, completing 4 of 6 passes for 51 yards, while rushing for 65 more yards. “They’re a dangerous team,” Creekview coach Al Morell said. “They use that option, which you don’t see much, and it can be tough to defend.” Creekview’s defense is giving up an average of 16.6 points per game this year, but has played well in its last three wins, giving up just 13 total points and forcing numerous turnovers. The Grizzlies offense, meanwhile, has been one of the most consistent in 7-AAA this season, averaging 37.6 points per contest. Creekview’s wing-T attack is led by running backs Hunter Livingston and Michael Ay, and quarterback Cody Allen can keep defenses honest with his arm. Running back Eric Smith, another backfield standout, is still out for this game with a broken arm suffered in September, but he could be back in time for the playoffs -- should the Grizzlies reach the postseason.


-- LUMPKIN COUNTY at NORTH HALL

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Gainesville, The Brickyard
LUMPKIN COUNTY: (4-5, 1-4 Region 7A-AAA) Lost to Creekview 55-13 last week.
NORTH HALL: (7-2, 5-0 Region 7A-AAA) Defeated Gilmer 49-0 last week. The Trojans are ranked eighth in Class AAA in the coaches poll.
LAST MEETING: North Hall won 35-17 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Trojans lead the series 15-6, including six straight wins.
NOTABLE: North Hall will want to make sure it is focused on this game, considering what is happening in the south end of Hall County. The Trojans know they can win Region 7-AAA with a Flowery Branch win over Gainesville on Friday night, but coach Bob Christmas warns that North Hall better be ready to face a Lumpkin County team that is much better than its record indicates. “They’re playing their best football right now and are really going in a good direction as a program,” Christmas said of the Indians. Lumpkin -- despite graduating 23 seniors from last season’s team -- has lost some close contests this season, including defeats to Gilmer, Chestatee and White County by a combined 24 points. The Indians posses enough speed on offense to make teams protect the outside and are led by four backs that all have ability. Quarterback Taylor Guthrie leads the offense with 440 yards rushing, 677 yards passing and seven total touchdowns. Michael Flanagan also has 424 yards and Jake McClure has 346 yards on the ground. Yet Lumpkin’s offense has had trouble scoring this season, averaging just 17 points per game – despite outgaining teams 2,552-1,904. Those scoring issues could continue against a North Hall defense that is playing into its top form. The Trojans are allowing just 17.2 points per contest and have shut out three of their last five opponents and have given up a total of 41 points in that span. North Hall’s defense is led by standouts at every level, including tackle Daniel Blitch, a number of talented linebackers like Peyton Wilhoite and Robert Humphrey and safety Nathan Jones. Meanwhile, the Trojans’ offense has been feasting since two early-season losses to Buford and Gainesville (both ranked No. 1 at the time), averaging 42.3 points per game in six straight wins. Last week North Hall managed 19 different ball carriers in a blowout of Gilmer, and Lumpkin County will certainly know its in for a test against a stellar offensive line. The Indians defense is led by outside linebacker Lee Cagle with a team-high 73 tackles and four forced fumbles. Inside linebacker Lance Chuvala is second on the team with 68 stops. No matter the outcome of this game, North Hall has wrapped up home-field advantage for the first round of the playoffs, as the Trojans have already won Region 7A-AAA and will finish no worse than second overall in 7-AAA. Lumpkin County, however, would love to get the upset and finish out at 5-5 in what was looked at as a rebuilding year entering the season (last season the Indians were 4-6).


-- WEST FORSYTH at WEST HALL

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Oakwood, Spartan Stadium
WEST FORSYTH: (5-4, 2-2 Region 7B-AAA) Defeated Chestatee 41-7 last week.
WEST HALL: (0-9, 0-4 Region 7B-AAA) Lost to East Hall 34-28 last week.
LAST MEETING: West Forsyth won 48-7 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Wolverines lead the series 1-0.
NOTABLE: After falling to East Hall in a hardfought game last week, West Hall has just one shot left to grab a win this season, and that comes against a very strong West Forsyth team. The Wolverines just missed out on a playoff berth from Region 7B-AAA in a 54-51 loss to Flowery Branch two weeks ago and will want to finish just their second season of varsity competition with a winning record. There’s no secret to containing West Forsyth, it starts with slowing standout fullback Ben Emert. The senior is roughly 150 yards shy of 1,500 for the season and already has 25 touchdowns to his name. Emert has the speed to run away from tacklers in the secondary as well as the size to break tackles at the line and will be playing somewhere at the next level. He should present a tough challenge to a Spartans defense that allowed East Hall to score almost 28 points more than their season average last week. West Hall’s young unit has allowed an average of 44 points per contest. The Spartans offense has been effective all season, led by quarterback Shunquez Stephens, a junior who presents match-up problems for every defense with his ability to scramble and throw on the run. Stephens has amassed over 2,000 yards passing this season and almost 400 yards rushing. He has three capable targets in Dylan Bartlett, Brandon Fuqua and William Stroup. West Forsyth’s defense has also been gashed at times this season and were riddled by another mobile quarterback in Connor Shaw, though the only teams that have scored more than seven points on the Wolverines in region play this season were Gainesville, Flowery Branch and Creekview (two playoff-bound teams and another that is one win removed from the postseason).


-- PICKENS at EAST HALL

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Rabbittown, East Hall Stadium
PICKENS: (1-8, 0-6 Region 7A-AAA) Lost to White County 49-7 last week.
EAST HALL: (1-8, 1-4 Region 7B-AAA) Defeated West Hall 34-28 last week.
LAST MEETING: Pickens won 9-7 on Nov. 7, 2008. East Hall leads the series 11-10 but has lost five straight.
NOTABLE: After notching its first win of the season last week, East Hall would love to extend that momentum into the offseason with a second straight win. Pickens, meanwhile, is looking to stop an eight-game losing streak. If the Vikings are to get victory No. 2, they will hope to get similar offensive production as they did last week against West Hall, where they scored nearly 28 more points than their season average. East Hall finished with 291 yards of total offense in the game with all but 52 on the ground. A new set of playmakers made their presence known last week, when freshman Carlos Negron led the Viking rushing attack with 5 carries for 82 yards. Sophomore Jamond Witt also had 73 yards and 2 touchdowns on eight carries, and freshman Austin Mahaffey rushed 8 times for 42 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, freshman quarterback Zach Groover threw for 52 yards and one touchdown. This week, East Hall faces a Pickens defense that, while continuing to fight, has allowed an average of 31.8 points per game. Meanwhile, the Dragons offense has struggled even more, scoring in just three games this season and managing 35 points for the whole campaign -- 28 of those in a season-opening win over West Hall. Yet a win in their season finale would do a lot for team morale.


-- WHITE COUNTY at GILMER

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Ellijay, Huff-Mosley Stadium
RADIO: Ga. 105.1 FM
WHITE COUNTY: (6-3, 3-2 Region 7A-AAA) Defeated Pickens 49-7 last week.
GILMER: (4-5, 2-3 Region 7A-AAA) Lost to North Hall 49-0 last week.
LAST MEETING: White County won 40-0 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Warriors lead the series 21-14 and have won five straight.
NOTABLE: White County’s playoff chances hang in the balance both in Ellijay and in Canton tonight, as the Warriors know they must defeat Gilmer and have Chestatee upset Creekview to create a three-way tie for second place in Region 7A-AAA. If that were to happen things will get even more confusing, but White County does know at least that it must defeat Gilmer by 13 or more points and hope for the War Eagles to knock off the Grizzlies by more than 10 points to have a chance at the postseason. “All we’re doing is focusing on what we can control,” Warriors coach Gregg Segraves said. Regardless of what happens in Canton, White County can post a 7-3 record with a win and match its regular-season mark of 7-3 in 2007 (which at that point was its best campaign in 23 years). “We would be disappointed not to make the playoffs, but we would have nothing to be ashamed of,” Segraves said. “We know how tough Region 7-AAA is, undoubtedly the toughest in all of Class AAA. But we just didn’t win the games we had to.” The Warriors will be looking to seal their fourth straight win tonight and have reason for excitement after the way their offense has played of late. Freshman quarterback Cole Segraves has come on strong and went 9 of 10 for 172 yards passing and three touchdowns (along with 40 yards rushing and a score) last week. Meanwhile, running back Ashley Lowery chipped in with 114 yards rushing and two touchdowns; he now has 724 yards rushing on the season and nine touchdowns. Lowery also had a 67-yard punt return in the win. White County’s defense has given up an average of 10.3 points per game over its last three wins (Chestatee, Lumpkin County and Pickens). Gilmer, meanwhile, has already surpassed its best win total since 2001 (when the Bobcats went 7-3) but would love to cap a resurgent season with a .500 record. The Bobcats have struggled of late, losing four straight to Chestatee, Creekview, Gainesville and North Hall (two certain playoff teams and two possibles) by an average score of 40-7. Gilmer has also been hurt by injury of late and has been without standout fullback Jacob Teague (over 700 yards rushing). Last week, Ian Burger led the Bobcats with 66 yards on eight carries. Whatever happens, both programs will feel things are looking up as the 2009 regular season comes to a close.


-- BUFORD at GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Norcross, Spartans Sports Complex
BUFORD: (8-1, 5-1 Region 6-AA) Defeated Westminster 21-0 last week. The Wolves are ranked third in Class AA in both polls.
GAC: (1-8, 1-5 Region 6-AA) Defeated Cross Keys 48-6 last week.
LAST MEETING: Buford won 34-6 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Wolves lead the series 12-2, including nine straight wins.
NOTABLE: With its playoff future already secured, Buford will look to keep fine-tuning for the postseason in tonight’s contest. A rivalry for some time, the luster may be off this game because of Greater Atlanta’s record, but the Wolves won’t want to look past the Spartans or get caught up in what Lovett is doing (a Lovett loss at Decatur tonight combined with a Buford win would yield the Wolves the Region 6-AA title). And a victory over GAC would ensure Buford of the No. 2 seed from 6-AA and a first-round home game for the postseason. The Spartans got their first win of the season last week over Cross Keys (whose only win this season came on a forfeit), but have been close in several contests. In fact, GAC’s offense comes in averaging 22.3 points per game. But it is the Spartans’ defense that has been the biggest issue, leaking 40.1 points per contest. Buford’s defense, meanwhile, has been nothing short of stellar this season, allowing just 4.7 points per game and shutting out six of nine opponents so far. In fact, only Lovett has scored more than seven points on the Wolves this campaign, as standouts like DL Kolton Houston and LBs Jessel Curry and Andrew Swope have allowed an average of just 113.5 yards per game. On offense, Buford continues to lean on a plethora of running backs while looking for big plays from the arm of quarterback Alex Ross. The junior quarterback has passed for 1,049 yards and 11 touchdowns. Curry leads the rushing attack with 420 yards and eight TDs -- though 10 different players have scored rushing touchdowns for Buford this season. Darrian Smith is second on the team with 371 yards and five scores.


-- EAST JACKSON at JEFFERSON

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Jefferson, Memorial Stadium
RADIO: Majic 102.9 FM
EAST JACKSON: (9-0, 8-0 Region 8-AA) Defeated Dawson County 41-0 last week.
JEFFERSON: (9-0, 8-0 Region 8-AA) Defeated North Oconee 20-6 last week. The Dragons are ranked fourth in Class AA by the coaches poll, seventh by the AP.
LAST MEETING: Jefferson won 48-0 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Dragons lead the series 1-0.
NOTABLE: See our breakdown of the game at: http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=224509


-- DAWSON COUNTY at RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Gainesville, Maginnis Field
DAWSON COUNTY: (1-8, 1-7 Region 8-AA) Lost to East Jackson 41-0 last week.
RIVERSIDE MILITARY: (4-5, 4-4 Region 8-AA) Defeated Union County 28-27 last week.
LAST MEETING: Riverside won 33-9 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Eagles lead the series 7-6.
NOTABLE: It’s simple as at gets for Riverside this week -- win and you’re in. Thanks to last week’s come-from-behind victory at Union County, the Eagles wrested back control of their playoff destiny and just need a result over Dawson County to reach the Class AA postseason for the second straight year. Of course, Riverside coach Scot Sloan doesn’t see that task as necessarily simple and wishes his team had just taken care of business against Oglethorpe County two weeks ago. A win over the Patriots coupled with the victory over the Panthers would have already sealed a postseason spot. Now, Sloan hopes his team avoids the roller-coaster is has been on over the past three weeks, defeating Fannin County, falling to Oglethorpe and then defeating Union. “We’ve got to be consistent and not overlook Dawson, because they’re dangerous,” Sloan said. The Tigers have just one victory to their names this season but a run a tricky offense that requires defenses to remain disciplined. “They’re kind of like Georgia Tech with that option, and you have to account for three different guys on every play,” Sloan said. Yet the Eagles managed to overcome Fannin’s triple option thanks in large part to fast play from its defensive line and linebackers. Leading the way is linebacker Aaron Gambrah, who overcame an ankle injury to come off the bench last week and spark the Riverside defense. Gambrah is the team’s leading tackler and has also put in some big plays as a running back, though a sore ankle should limit him to just defense again this week. “He really was the spark last week,” Sloan said. “He just plays so fast, it’s hard for offenses to stop him.” Led by quarterback Ethan Brown, the Tigers are averaging just 8.1 points per game and have scored more than 16 points once all season -- a 32-21 loss to Banks County on Sept. 11. Dawson County’s defense is also allowing 30.2 points per contest.


-- UNION COUNTY at BANKS COUNTY

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Homer, Leopard Stadium
UNION COUNTY: (5-4, 4-4 Region 8-AA) Lost to Riverside Military 28-27 last week.
BANKS COUNTY: (2-7, 2-6 Region 8-AA) Lost to Oglethorpe County 28-12 last week.
LAST MEETING: Banks County won 34-13 on Nov. 7, 2008. Union County leads the series 18-16 but has lost four straight.
NOTABLE: Union County is still alive in the playoff race coming in to tonight’s game but must win and hope that Dawson County can do the Panthers a favor against Riverside. Union County saw a three-game win streak snapped by the narrowest of margins last week and with it went the Panthers control of their own postseason destiny. Union certainly has the more explosive offense heading into this contest, averaging 31.9 points per game to Banks County’s 13.4. Quarterback Kolt Owenby is a big part of those numbers. The senior has thrown for over 2,200 yards and rushed for over 600 yards in the Panthers spread attack. Meanwhile, 6-foot-2 receiver Blake Gowder has been his top target and has been receiving attention from several top college programs. Defense has been tough to come by for Union County, however, allowing 31.4 points per contest. Tonight they will be tested by a ground control attack from the Leopards led by running backs Dylan Lackey and Clay Frick. A win tonight for Banks County would get the program back on track after five straight defeats. Union County, meanwhile, can secure its first winning season since 2001 (when the Panthers went 9-2) with a victory.


-- NORTH OCONEE at FANNIN COUNTY

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Blue Ridge, Rebel Stadium
NORTH OCONEE: (7-2, 6-2 Region 8-AA) Lost to Jefferson 20-6 last week.
FANNIN COUNTY: (5-4, 4-4 Region 8-AA) Defeated Rabun County 20-0 last week.
LAST MEETING: North Oconee won 21-14 in overtime on Nov. 7, 2008. The Titans lead the series 1-0.
NOTABLE: The Rebels have played themselves back into the playoff race with two straight wins and they may be in prime position to pull off the upset against the Titans. North Oconee has already wrapped up third place and may be down following two straight tough losses to Jefferson and East Jackson after being undefeated and tied for first place in 8-AA two weeks ago. Fannin County has been consistent on offense all season and put up the most points No. 4 Jefferson (27) has allowed all season. Defensively, the Rebels have allowed just 14 total points the last two weeks. After averaging 35 points through the first seven games, North Oconee has scored just 16 points the last two weeks. Fannin County, however, will need some help to get to the postseason. The Rebels, who are tied with both Union County and Riverside Military Academy at 4-4 in the region for the final spot, lost to both teams and will need both teams to lose Friday. Union County is on the road at Banks County (2-7) and Riverside plays host to Dawson County (1-8).


-- RABUN COUNTY at OGLETHORPE COUNTY

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Lexington, Patriot Stadium
RABUN COUNTY: (1-8, 0-8 Region 8-AA) Lost to Fannin County 20-0 last week.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY (4-5, 3-5 Region 8-AA) Defeated Banks County 28-12 last week.
LAST MEETING: Oglethorpe County won 31-26 on Nov. 7, 2008. Rabun County leads the series 8-7.
NOTABLE: Rabun County is trying to avoid going winless in the region for the second time in three seasons and also snap an eight-game losing streak. Oglethorpe County, meanwhile, is trying to complete its first non-losing season since 2005. The Wildcats have struggled on offense the past six weeks, scoring a total of just12 points. The defense has not fared much better, allowing an average of 33 points over the past four games. Oglethorpe has won two straight, and three of its last four games, behind its defense. The Patriots have allowed just 10 points per game in their four wins.


-- PRINCE AVENUE CHRISTIAN at COMMERCE

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Commerce, Tiger Stadium
PRINCE AVENUE: (3-6, 1-4 Region 8-A) Bye last week. Lost to Social Circle 36-28 on Oct. 23.
COMMERCE: (5-4, 4-1 Region 8-A) Defeated Social Circle 42-14 last week.
LAST MEETING: Commerce won 22-12 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Tigers lead the series 3-0.
NOTABLE: Commerce has locked up the No. 2 seed in 8-A and has played outstanding football inside the region. The Tigers have averaged just below 30 points per game and allowed just 13 points per contest in region play. After opening the season 2-1, Prince Avenue has struggled down the stretch, losing five of its last six games. Against the top five teams in the region, the Wolverines have allowed an average of 38 points while scoring just 49 total points. Commerce’s offense is led by running back Deon Brock and quarterback Cody Streetman.


-- LAKEVIEW ACADEMY at ATHENS CHRISTIAN

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Athens, Eagle Field
LAKEVIEW: (1-7, 0-5 Region 8-A) Lost to Athens Academy 28-7 last week.
ATHENS CHRISTIAN: (4-5, 1-4 Region 8-A) Lost to Wesleyan 56-7 last week.
LAST MEETING: Athens Christian won 35-6 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Eagles lead the series 1-0.
NOTABLE: Lakeview is looking to break its six-game losing streak and end the season on a high note. The Lions are coming off two of their best games of the season, having played Commerce close for a half two weeks ago and then Athens Academy tough for one half last week, actually leading the game 7-0 midway through the second quarter and trailing just 14-7 at halftime. “Everybody’s pretty upbeat around here,” Lakeview coach Matthew Gruhn said. “We’ve been playing good football lately, and while we haven’t been getting the final result, there’s been plenty to be pleased with.” The Eagles are trying to avoid their second straight losing season and end their three-game losing streak. The Eagles were beaten and battered during their current streak with back-to-back-to-back loses to Commerce, Athens Academy, and Wesleyan -- losing all three games by a combined 112-30 score. Lakeview, however, has struggled on defense all season, allowing over 33 points per game. After scoring 41 points in their two games, the Lions have scored just 35 total points since. “We just want to go out strong,” said Gruhn. “We want to build toward next season. Our main goal in the offseason will be to add more players to the program.” The Lions only dress about 24 players. Yet quarterback Jordan Chastain and fullback Tom Drury have excelled this year in Lakeview’s triple option offense.


-- SALEM at APALACHEE

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Bethlehem, R. Harold Harrison Stadium
SALEM: (6-3, 6-3 Region 8-AAAA) Defeated Habersham Central 21-7 last week.
APALACHEE: (9-0, 9-0 Region 8-AAAA) Defeated Madison County 31-14 last week. The Wildcats are ranked sixth in Class AAAA by the AP, fourth by the coaches.
LAST MEETING: Apalachee won 23-7 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Wildcats lead the series 1-0.
NOTABLE: Apalachee has already clinched the 8-AAAA title but has something to play for as it goes for its first-ever undefeated regular season. Salem, however, is still fighting for a third seed in the region. The Seminoles are tied with Rockdale County and need a win to assure the third spot. A Salem loss and a Rockdale win would put the Seminoles fourth. Salem has won three straight coming into the game behind a stellar defense that has allowed just 21 points in that span. They have held six of nine opponents to 14 points or less this season. The Wildcats defense has been pretty stellar too, allowing just 13.9 points on average. Apalachee has remained unbeaten behind its offense, which has scored over 28 points per game and over 34 per contest in its past five games. The Wildcats wing-T attack is led by a number of capable running backs, including Jon Lee, John Ansley, Christian Hoard and Reggie Battle..


-- WINDER-BARROW at LOGANVILLE

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Loganville, Red Devil Stadium
WINDER-BARROW: (2-7, 2-7 Region 8-AAAA) Lost to Clarke Central 56-12 last week.
LOGANVILLE: (5-4, 5-4 Region 8-AAAA) Lost to Rockdale County 31-28 last week.
LAST MEETING: Loganville won 19-7 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Red Devils lead the series 6-1.
NOTABLE: After winning the region last year, Loganville is still battling just to make the playoffs this season. Winder-Barrow is trying to finish the year on a positive note, but its defense will have another tough match-up against the high-scoring Red Devils. Winder-Barrow has a dubious streak going of allowing 40 or more points in each of its last six games. Loganville has averaged 33 points per game. The Bulldoggs do have a strong offense, led by quarterback Christian Davila.


-- PEACHTREE RIDGE at NORTH GWINNETT

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Suwanee, Tom Robinson Memorial Stadium
PEACHTREE RIDGE: (8-1, 7-0 Region 7-AAAAA) Defeated Norcross 20-10 last week. The Lions are ranked eighth in Class AAAAA by the AP.
NORTH GWINNETT: (9-0, 7-0 Region 7-AAAAA) Defeated Duluth 34-0 last week. The Bulldogs are ranked second in Class AAAAA by both polls.
LAST MEETING: Peachtree Ridge won 19-7 on Nov. 7, 2008. North Gwinnett leads the series 4-1.
NOTABLE: This may be the biggest showdown in the state in any classification with the third-ranked Bulldogs looking to avenge last year’s loss to the ninth-ranked Lions. The winner will take the 7-AAAAA crown, though the loser could finish either second or third, depending on what happens with Collins Hill. Peachtree Ridge, should it lose is guaranteed second place. North Gwinnett, however could tie with Collins Hill for second if the Bulldogs lose and the Eagles win on Friday night. Because the two teams did not play during the regular season, a coin-flip would take place on Saturday morning to determine second and third place in 7-AAAAA, should the two teams finish even in the standings. “It wouldn’t really bother us either way,” Bulldogs coach Bob Sphire said. “We don’t mind going on the road. We’ve done it a lot before, and truth be told, it might be better to play at someone else’s place because our field is torn up because of the rains this season.” It should be an interesting clash in styles with the high-scoring Bulldogs averaging 32 points per game and the defensive-minded Lions allowing just 98 points (10.9 per game) on the season. Peachtree Ridge’s offensive attack is based on the option and is a patient, ground-chewing attack that will look to score on mutiple-play drives. Yet while the Bulldogs spread attack is much more quick-strike, North Gwinnett may be without star quarterback C.J. Uzomah, who is battling to recover from an undisclosed injury picked up against North Forsyth two weeks ago. The junior standout did not play last week and was replaced by sophomore Scotty Hosch, the younger brother of former Buford standout and state champion Twoey Hosch. “C.J. may even be cleared to play and I hold him out just thinking of making sure he’s 100 percent for the playoffs,” Sphire said. “And Scotty is a smart kid and a good football player.” Having not won the 7-AAAAA title yet during his three-year reign that includes a state championship appearance and two quarterfinal berths, Sphire admits that it would be nice to break through. But he also says it’s not his program’s main goal. “We want to win state titles here,” Sphire said. “I don’t want to people to think I don’t respect the region title, I just want us to keep it in perspective.” The Bulldogs, in fact, have never won a region title in the program’s history. North Gwinnett had never lost to Peachtree Ridge in the series until last year.


-- SOUTH FORSYTH at MILL CREEK

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Hoschton, Mill Creek Community Stadium
SOUTH FORSYTH: (1-8, 1-6 Region 7-AAAAA) Lost to Collins Hill 45-8 last week.
MILL CREEK: (4-5, 3-4 Region 7-AAAAA) Defeated Northview 27-0 last week.
LAST MEETING: Mill Creek won 35-0 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Hawks lead the series 2-1.
NOTABLE: At first glance this game looks like it is between two teams playing out the string. Mill Creek, however, has an outside chance at reaching the playoffs if both North Forsyth and Norcross lose, creating a three-way tie for fourth place in Region 7-AAAAA. Mill Creek can also keep from having its first losing season since 2006 with a win. The Hawks have had a roller coaster year on both sides of the ball. In their four wins the Hawks have averaged 34 points per game and allowed just 43 points. In their five losses the Hawks have scored a total of 33 points and been held to three points or less four times while allowing more than 30 per game. South Forsyth has struggled mightily on offense the last two weeks, scoring just 18 points. But the War Eagles took Peachtree Ridge down to the wire two weeks ago in a 17-10 loss, and South will also be looking for some revenge after an emotional battle between these two teams last year in which there were several personal foul penalties.


-- NORTHVIEW at NORTH FORSYTH

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Coal Mountain, Raider Valley
NORTHVIEW: (2-7, 1-6 Region 7-AAAAA) Lost to Mill Creek 27-0 last week.
NORTH FORSYTH: (6-3, 4-3 Region 7-AAAAA) Defeated Chattahoochee 34-31 last week.
LAST MEETING: North Forsyth won 47-20 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Raiders lead the series 1-0.
NOTABLE: North Forsyth can make its first playoff appearance in Class AAAAA and first of any kind since 2005 with a win over Northview, making this one of the program’s biggest games. Offense has been a problem for the Titans, who have scored 14 or fewer points in seven of their nine games and have scored seven or less four times with two shutouts. The Raiders, however, do not have a playoff seed secured. A loss to Northview coupled with a Norcross upset over Collins Hill would knock the Raiders out of the postseason. The key for North Forsyth will be its offense. When the Raiders scored 24 or more they are 6-0. When they score less than 24 they are 0-3. As usual, North Forsyth will look to do its damage on the ground, as running backs Tyler Slaton and Steven Hester combine with quarterback Joey Vicary to form one of the most potent rushing attacks in all of Class AAAAA.


-- TOWNS COUNTY at GLASCOCK COUNTY

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Gibson, Panther Stadium
TOWNS COUNTY: (2-7, playing a non-region schedule) Lost to Robbinsville, N.C. 36-0 last week.
GLASCOCK COUNTY: (1-8, playing a non-region schedule) Bye last week. Lost to Georgia Military 31-14 on Oct. 23.
LAST MEETING: Glascock County won 40-14 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Panthers lead the series 1-0.
NOTABLE: Two teams playing non-region schedules that could use a win. The Indians have lost two straight by shutout, while Glascock has lost three straight behind a porous defense. The Panthers have allowed 31 or more points in eight of the nine games and 38 ore more seven times. However, don’t expect a lot of points, as Glascock County has scored just 26 points the past three weeks. Towns County has also had problems with offense of late, getting blanked in two straight contests. Yet the Indians’ defense is only giving up 24 points per game, compared with Glascock’s 40 per contest.


-- JACKSON COUNTY at STEPHENS COUNTY

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Toccoa, The Reservation
JACKSON COUNTY: (3-6, 0-6 Region 8-AAA) Lost to Oconee County 20-0 last week.
STEPHENS COUNTY: (3-6, 2-4 Region 8-AAA) Defeated Elbert County 23-17 in overtime last week.
LAST MEETING: Stephens County won 35-0 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Indians lead the series 5-0.
NOTABLE: It has been a year to forget for Stephens County, which has sealed its first losing season since 1995. The young Indians, however, have begun to show signs of improvement, winning two of their last three games with their only loss in that span by two points to playoff-bound Franklin County. Jackson County is looking for its first four-win season since 1997 and its first-ever win over the usually powerful Indians. This series features one of the most lopsided stats over the past 20 years. The Indians have won all five games against Panthers by a combined 178-3 score, with the Panthers scoring a field goal in a 34-3 loss in 2001.

-- Compiled by Morgan Lee and Jeff Hart