Week-7 marks the beginning of the second half of the GHSA regular season. It also ushers in region play for many teams around the state. There are several key matchups this week that will go a long way in determining playoff seeding. This is Part II of our Eight Greats Around the State Georgia High School Football Preview. Join us as we preview a few of the more intriguing matchups across the state of Georgia this weekend.
As always, thanks for reading. While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of our coverage. Please feel free to comment and share.
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 Stephens County Indians are off to their first 5-0 start since 2007 when they went undefeated and made a run to the second round of the state tournament. The Indians are averaging 31.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 12.8 points per game. Quarterback Ben Stowe has thrown for 960 yards and 8-TDs. Stowe has also rushed for 182 yards and 5-TDs. Cam’ron Lacy is the team’s leading receiver with 16 receptions for 524 yards and 6-TDs. Stephens County has forced 13 turnovers this season and are led by Bryson Trimier and his 69 total tackles on the season.
The Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes are 5-0 for the first time in three years. They’ve shut out two of their opponents this season and are allowing 4.25 points per game. Last week, Monroe Area rolled up 639 yards if total offense. The Canes are a run heavy team, but we’d say quarterback Salatian Straughter is more of a dual threat quarterback as he’s thrown for 544 yards and 7-TDs while rushing for 596 yards and 6-TDs. Alan Jones leads the team in rushing with 722 yards and 5-TDs.
This is a critical game in what looks like one of the toughest regions in Class 3-A with four teams currently sitting at 5-0. While the winner of this game won’t guaranty a spot in the post season, they would position themselves to host a home playoff game. Stephens County has rebounded and looks to be back, but we like Monroe Area even on the road. Canes by 5.
The Skinny
The Carrollton Trojans will look to bounce back after falling to Rome on the road last week. They will be in the friendly confines of Grisham Stadium on Friday as South Paulding comes calling. Quarterback M.J. Morris has thrown for 1,363 yards and 18-TDs with only one interception. Terrell Carmicheal (14 receptions, 433 yards, 6-TDs) and Takare Lipscomb (18 receptions, 398 yards, 4-TDs) help lead the way on offense. The Trojans are averaging 44.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 21.6
The South Paulding Spartans are winners of three straight games. They are averaging 39.6 points per game. Quarterback Kasen Weisman has thrown for 1,134 yards and 9-TDs while running back Jamarion Wilcox has rushed for 579 yards and 10-TDs. The Spartans are averaging 39.6 points per game while the defense is allowing 35.8 points per game.
This is a must win game for Carrollton if they want to host a first round playoff game while South Paulding could really set themselves up for a run at a region title with a win. If Carrollton has a hangover, expect for South Paulding to ready to pounce. We believe Carrollton bounces back. Trojans by 7.
The Skinny
The Westlake Lions begin their quest for their eighth consecutive region title this Friday night. The Lions only blemish is a 7-point defeat to Creekside. Robert Johnson has thrown for 834 yards and 6-TDs while running back Jai’Den Thomas has rushed for 456 yards and 5-TDs. Cayden Lee is tops on the team in receiving with 20 catches for 325 yards and 2-TDs. Gannon Weathersby leads the defense in tackles and in sacks. As a team the, Lions are allowing 15.4 points per game and have held their last two opponents to just six points each.
The Langston Hughes Panthers have won four straight games with their only loss being a one point defeat to Class 7-A Newton. The Panthers defense has been pretty stout allowing 5.4 points per game with two shutouts on the season. They’ve forced nine turnovers and sacked opposing quarterbacks seven times. Linebacker Michael Watson leads the team in total tackles. Meanwhile, the offense is averaging 27.8 points per game behind the strength of sophomore quarterback Prentiss Noland (660 yards, 9-TDs) and running back Antonio Martin Jr, (307 yards, 2-TDs).
While this is the first region game for both teams, we believe this game will decide the regions champion. Not that there is any need for additional hype to this game, but best believe the Panthers will be geared up to face their former teammate, Gannon Weathersby, who made the move to Westlake in the offseason. We like the Lions to crack the code of the Langston Hughes defense this week. Westlake by 4.
The Skinny
After having their first two games canceled this season, the Washington County Golden Hawks have won three straight and look to stop a two game skid against region rival Northeast Macon. The Golden Hawks are averaging a healthy 37 points per game while the defense is allowing 22.3 points per game. Expect for the War Hawks to do most of their damage on the ground on the legs of Dontavius “D.J.” Braswell and Tylik Gilmore. All of the teams that Washington County has defeated have winning records to this point in the season.
The Northeast Macon Raiders are looking to win their first region title since 2009. The Raiders are averaging 27.5 points per game while the defense is allowing 11 points per game. Expect for Northeast to favor the ground game this week on the strength of Tyler Terry (389 yards, 2-TDs) and Kalik Evans (361 yards, 7-TDs). But the Raiders aren’t one-dimensional; quarterback Travion Solomon has thrown for 549 yards and 2-TDs. Omarion Ottiman leads Northeast with 16 receptions for 266 yards and 1-TD. DB D’Icey Hopkins leads the Raiders in tackles and in sacks. Expect him to wreak havoc all over the field on Friday night.
The War Hawks seem to be improving week in and week out and the offensive output makes us believe they can break their two game skid against Northeast. Something tells us that they War Hawks will hold serve at home this week. We like Washington County by 4.