The stakes continue to get higher as teams across the state of Georgia fight for playoff position. Week-9 gives us more great action across the state of Georgia. This is our weekly feature in which we take a look at eight of some intriguing matchups from around the state.
First up, the Toombs County Bulldogs will look to take another step towards a region title as they host Pierce County. All signs point to a competitive matchup. Is Toombs ready to take control of the region or will Pierce create havoc in the region with a road win? Next up, in one of the biggest games in the state, the Mill Creek Hawks will host the Buford Wolves. The Wolves are one of the favorites to win the Class 7A state title, but the Hawks, the defending 7A champions won’t go quietly. Is Buford the real deal or will Mill Creek make their own statement on Friday?
The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes are looking for another region title. They’ve cleared two hurdles with close calls and now host a very talented Hiram team. Can the upset minded Hornets get back into the playoff race or will Cartersville continue their march towards another region title. Finally, in Suwanee, the North Gwinnett Bulldogs host the upstart Peachtree Ridge Lions. The Lions are off to the best start in school history. Are the Lions contenders or pretenders?
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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
Historical records are provided by the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. (ghsfa.org)
The Skinny
The Toombs County Bulldogs have won their first seven games for the first time since 1995, when they went undefeated during the regular season. The Bulldogs got a big win last week; an upset win over Appling County. Offensively, they are averaging 326.9 yards per game on offense and scoring an average of 38.1 points per game. Quarterback T.J. Stanley has thrown for 1,273 yards and 17-TDs. His top targets have been Keshon Deloach (17 receptions, 346 yards, 4-TDs) and Lagonza Hayward, (13 receptions, 436 yards, 5-TDs). Meanwhile, freshman Alex Scott leads the team in total tackles (50), while Brock Nobles leads the team in sacks (4). The Bulldogs have forced 14 turnovers and are allowing 8 points per game and have shutout four of their opponents this season.
The Pierce County Bears were off last week and can jump back into contention for a region title, despite their loss to Appling County the last time out. As we have mentioned before, quarterback Caden McGatha is the straw that stirs the drink for the offense. McGatha leads the team in passing and rushing and is completing 67.9% of his passes. Joe Drew continues to lead the team in receiving. The Bears are averaging 42.5 points per game and have only been held under 40 points one time this season. The defense has been outstanding, allowing just 7.8 points per game.
The winner of this game won’t necessarily be a shoo-in for the region title as both teams have yet to play a tough Vidalia team. Toombs County is probably riding high after that big win last week. Pierce County has had time to refocus after their loss to Appling. We believe this is a bounce back game for Pierce County. We like McGatha and the Bears by a touchdown on the road.
The Skinny
The Mill Creek Hawks are 6-0 for the second consecutive season. Mill Creek is averaging 41.8 points per game offensively and are beating their opponents by an average margin of 25 points per game. Cam Robinson is steadily approaching the 1,000 yard mark in the ground as he’s rushed for 945 yards and 12-TDs. Trajen Greco remains atop the leader board with his 21 receptions, 260 yards and 6-TDs. Josh Anglin leads the defense with 39 total tackles and 6 sacks. The defense is allowing 16 points per game and has sacked opposing quarterbacks 19 times this season.
The Buford Wolves are 6-0 for the second consecutive season. They’ve shutout three of their opponents this season and are defeating opponents by an average margin of victory of 23.1 points per game. The offense is led by quarterback Dylan Raiola, who has thrown for 1,350 yards and 14-TDs. Jordan Allen (18 receptions, 332 yards, 1-TD), TyShun White, (11 receptions, 106 yards, 2-TDs) and K.J. Bolden, (10 receptions, 220 yards, 6-TDs). The Wolves are allowing just 6.3 points per game and have forced 15 turnovers, including three interceptions from defensive lineman Eddrick Houston. Bryce Perry-Wright leads the team with 6 sacks and 10 QB hurries.
While this is only the second region game for both teams, by most accounts, the winner in this game should go on to win the region title, barring any upsets. Buford hasn’t been spectacular rushing the football, but the really haven’t had to this season. Meanwhile, expect Mill Creek to lean on Cam Robinson and the ground game to pace their offense for another week. Against anyone else we like his chances, but this Buford defense should be up to the task. Wolves by 8.
The Skinny
The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes escaped last week with an overtime victory over Barrow County rival Cass. The Canes have not been as prolific on offense this season as they have been in recent seasons, but are still averaging a respectable 29.4 points per game. The offense is averaging 309 yards per game; 138.9 yards per game through the air and 171.3 yards per game on the ground. Nate Russell tossed two touchdown passes last week and has now thrown for 887 yards and 9-TDs. The Canes defense has been stout this season, allowing 9.1 points per game including two shutouts.
The Hiram Hornets will go on the road and look to stay in contention for a region playoff spot. Running back Kaden Hamilton leads the way on the ground with 701 yards and 13-TDs. The Hornets are averaging 277.6 rushing yards per game this season. The Hornets defense allowed a season high 56 points last week to Calhoun. On the year, the are allowing 23.4 points per game. The Hornets defense has allowed 39 or more points three times this season. They’ve also shutout two of their opponents.
Cartersville victory would almost guaranty a region title for the Canes. Meanwhile, Hiram can really muddy the region standings with a win on Friday. This game features some of the best linemen in the region including Cartersville’s Luke Surrett and Malachi Toliver and Hiram’s Jameson Riggs and Clinton Richards. We expect both teams to establish their ground game. Hiram will keep this game close with their ability to run the football, but we like Cartersville at home. Canes by 5.
The Skinny
The North Gwinnett Bulldogs have won three straight games entering this week and both of their losses this season have come at the hands of ranked teams in Class7A. Quarterback Ryan Hall has thrown for 1,226 yards and 15-TDs. Hall, along with Julian Walters has combined to rush for 995 yards rushing and 17-TDs. Carter Campbell (20 receptions, 230 yards, 5-TDs), Nicholas Bookman (18 receptions, 211 yards, 2-TDs) and Hudson Morton (13 receptions, 233 yards, 4-TDs) lead the team in receiving. Cole Funderburk leads the defense in total tackles (46) and sacks (10).
The Peachtree Ridge Lions are off to their best start in school history. This week will be the Lions biggest test to date. The offense is averaging 40.8 points per game and has done it averaging 393.5 yards of total offense. Sophomore quarterback Darnell Kelly has thrown for 1,323 yards and 17-TDs. Rhari Thomas, Myles Abernathy and Lamar White have combined for 86 receptions, 878 yards and 14-TDs. Defensively, the Lions are allowing 12.6 points per game. They’ve also forced 16 turnovers, including 14 interceptions.
Both teams are playing well at this point in the season, and there is no reason not to think that both of these teams will be in the post season. The winner of this game will be in the catbird seat for a home playoff game come November. Peachtree Ridge has been great offensively this season, however, they haven’t faced an opponent like North Gwinnett. We believe the Bulldogs will out-duel the Lions. North Gwinnett by 10.