We enter Week-7 of the Georgia High School Football season and the threat of Hurricane Ian has prompted many teams across the state to reschedule games to Wednesday or Thursday. This is another big week of high school football, as there are many games that will go a long way in determining region seedings for the state football tournament. This is part one of our Georgia High School Football Previews where we take a look at eight great games around the state.
First up, in a non-region game, the North Paulding Wolfpack host the Walton Raiders. North Paulding’s only loss of the season was a one-point defeat, while Walton has won three straight games. This should be a high scoring game as both offenses can really put up points. Meanwhile, down in Ocilla, there is a big Top-10 non-region game as Irwin County hosts Swainsboro. Will Swainsboro’s ground game get the job done or will the balanced attack of Irwin County be the difference?
Over in Southwest Georgia, the Lee County Trojans will host the Houston County Bears. Lee has dominated the series, but the Bears are off to a red-hot start. Can Houston dethrone Lee or will the Trojans continue their dominance in Region 1-6A? Finally, in Northwest Georgia, the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes host the Calhoun Yellow Jackets. This has the feeling of a region title game even though we are still in September. Can the Jackets offense keep pace with an electric Cartersville offense?
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Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com
Special thanks to the Georgia Helmet Project for providing each team’s helmet. You can find all of their work here: http://gahelmetproject.com
Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)
The Skinny
The North Paulding Wolfpack have been flying under the radar. Their only loss this season was a one point margin of defeat to Kennesaw Mountain. North Paulding is averaging 44.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 23.2 points per game. Quarterback Boone Anderson has thrown for 1,276 yards and 20-TDs. Twelve different wide receivers had caught passes this season. The statistical leader is Owen Dupree, who has caught 10 passes for 375 yards and 6-TDs. Jaylen Poe has rushed for 731 yards and 8-TDs for the Wolfpack. Defensively, Danny Pitts leads the team with 45 total tackles. The defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks 12 times this season with Aidan Maddox leading the way with 4.5.
The Walton Raiders have won three straight since dropping their opener. Quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski has thrown for 1,288 yards and 12-TDs. His top four receivers are Ayden Jackson, Cameron Loyd, Hunter Teal, and Wyatt Sonderman. The quartet has combined for 56 receptions, 1,238 yards and 12-TDs. Makari Bodiford leads the Raiders on the ground with 450 yards and 6-TDs. Defensively, Walton is allowing 21 points per game. Linebacker Ashton Woods and safety Matthew Traynor lead the team in total tackles.
We expect the scoreboard operator to be extremely busy on Thursday as both of these teams can really move the football. North Paulding should keep this game close but we believe Walton has an edge in talent this week. We like the Raiders by a touchdown.
The Skinny
The Irwin County Indians are winners of their last four games. During that stretch, they have not allowed more than 14 points in a game. Overall, Irwin is averaging 35 points per game. They are doing it with about as balanced of attack there can be, averaging 169.4 yards per game through the air and 169.6 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Cody Soliday has thrown for 844 yards and 6-TDs. Demarkus Lundy and Shane Marshall have combined for 665 yards and 11-TDs on the ground. Defensively, Irwin County is allowing 12.4 points per game.
The Swainsboro Tigers are 5-0 for the first time in 12 years. Swainsboro has also won 11 consecutive regular season games entering this week. The Tigers are led by quarterback Ty Adams and running back Quindarius Brown, as they have combined to rush for 981 yards and 12-TDs. Swainsboro has only attempted 16 passes so far this season. As a team, the Tigers are averaging 323.2 yards per game on the ground. Jonorian Foots leads the defense in total tackles and in sacks. Swainsboro’s defense has recorded three shutouts and is only allowing 3.8 points per game.
This might be one of the better matchups regardless of classification this week. Swainsboro’s defense will certainly be a factor in this game. We don’t believe either team will get to their points per game average. We believe Irwin County is a little more dynamic offensively, and that’s why we like the Indians. Irwin County by 5.
The Skinny
The Lee County Trojans are the five-time defending Region 1-6A champions and will begin their title defense at home this week. The Trojans are averaging 36.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 13 points per game. Lee County has already recorded two shutouts on the season. The Trojans will likely look to establish the run with sophomore sensation Ousmane Kromah. Kromah is a physical running back who does not shy away from contact and has proved to be a great pass catcher out of the backfield. Quarterback Chris Martin and JD Ferguson have proved to be a very good passing and catching duo in helping establish a balanced attack on offense.
The Houston County Bears are looking to go 6-0 for the first time since 2015 when the Bears made a run to the quarterfinals. Houston has been putting up some gaudy numbers averaging 316.6 yards per game through the air and 155.2 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Antwan Hill, Jr. has thrown for over 1,500 yards with 15-TDs. His top receivers this season have been Ricky Johnson (29 receptions, 544 yards and 7-TDs), Kale Woodburn (22 receptions 399 yards, 4-TDs) and Recordo Carver (17 receptions, 254 yards, 3-TDs). Houston County is averaging 50.4 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.6.
Houston County has never beaten Lee County. This could be the year that they get over the hump. They certainly have an offense capable of putting up big numbers. Lee has the experience and is playing at home, but something tells us this will be a closely contested game. We like Lee by 2.
The Skinny
The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes will be on the hunt for their second consecutive region title and their 9th in 10 years as they kick off region play on Thursday. The Canes have turned to freshman signal caller Nate Russell to lead the offense in relief of Paul Gamble. Russell has thrown for 538 yards and 7-TDs. Top receivers for the Canes include Jamauri Bryce (20 receptions, 387 yards, 4-TDs) and Colin Fletcher (8 receptions, 200 yards, 4-TDs) Defensively, Myles Forristal leads the team in total tackles and in sacks. The Cartersville defense has recorded three shutouts this season and is allowing 7.2 points per game
The Calhoun Yellow Jackets got back into the win column last week over Sonoraville. The Jackets are in search of their first region crown since 2018. Quarterback Trey Townsend has emerged as one of the top passers in Northwest Georgia. He is complimented well by running back Caden Williams who has a combination of power and speed and is also a good pass catcher out of the backfield. The Calhoun offense is averaging 25.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 23 per game.
We know it’s early in the season, but we believe the winner of this game will go on and win the region title. We believe the difference in this game will be the offensive line for Cartersville. Expect another close game on Thursday with Cartersville edging Calhoun by 7.