Week – 9 GHSA Football Previews – Eight Greats Around the State – Part 1 of 2

The Marietta Blue Devils and McEachern Indians will face off in a big Region 3-7A matchup. If Marietta is going to win their first region title since 2005, they will need a strong showing this Friday from Harrison Bailey. They senior quarterback has passed for 1,817 yards and 18-TDs. The Blue Devils are a  pass heavy offense, but Kimani Vidal has rushed for 545 yards and 8-TDs. The Blue Devils are averaging 33.1 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 18.8 points per game. B.J. Oujulari has recorded 10 sacks for the Marietta defense.

Meanwhile, the McEachern Indians come into the game unbeaten. They picked up a big win, albeit controversial in some eyes, over Hillgrove last week. The Indians defense is only allowing 10 points per game this season. McEachern is a little more balanced on offense but still averages more yards through the air than on the ground. Carlos Del Rio has passed 998 yards and 10-TDs while running backs Jordan Simmons and Christian Mason have combined for 539 yards and 13 rushing TDs. McEachern should be the most difficult defense that Marietta faces in region play. But we think Marietta has enough offense at home this week. We like the Blue Devils by 6.

Since 2011, the Grayson Rams and Archer Tigers have won the Region Titles in the Regions they have competed in. This year’s game should determine the region champion again, although we are still early in Region play. The Tigers two losses have been by a combined 4-points; and one of those games was weather shortened. The Archer defense is allowing 11.5 points per game. The Tigers are averaging 30.8 points per game on offense. As a team, they’ve rushed for over 1,100 yards and 17-TDs.

The Grayson Rams bounced back from their first loss of the season last Thursday with a big win over Shiloh. The Rams are averaging 29.1 points per game. C.J. Dixon has passed for 1,267 yards and 13-TDs. Lafayette Gurvin Jr. continues to lead the team in rushing in Phil Mafah’s absence with 654 yards and 7-TDs. The Rams are allowing 16.6 points per game on defense. Grayson is 1-1 against ranked teams in 7A this season. While this is a road game for the Rams, we think they get the best of Archer again this season. But it will be a little closer than last year. We like Grayson by a touchdown.

Hapeville Charter and Allatoona will face off in a non-region contest. Both teams are ranked in their respective classes. Hapeville has won five straight games since their Week-1 loss to Cedar Grove. In their five wins, the Hornets are outscoring their opponents 261-26. The offense is averaging 46.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 8.6 points this season. Marcus Powell leads the team in rushing with 623 yards and 10-TDs while Nae’Sean Dickerson and Rico Powers Jr. have combined for 23 receptions 520 yards and 5 receiving TDs.

Their opponent though is a defensive minded team as well. 6A Allatoona is allowing 13.8 points per game and their two losses have come by a combined 5 points. The Bucs are averaging 30.6 points per game this season. Dante Marshall has passed for 906 yards and 10-TDs. As a team, Allatoona has rushed for 870 yards and has shown a very balanced attack. Asante Das is the leading receiver with 619 yards and 8-TDs. Kicker Jude Kelley is averaging 45.1 yards per punt and has also connected on 80% of his field goals with a long of 54. This game should be very competitive, but we like the Allatoona to wear down Hapeville. Bucs by 9.

The Carrollton Trojans and Kell Longhorns will meet in a game with significant region standing implications. Kell’s only loss was a one-point defeat to Rome a month ago. The Longhorns defense has been stingy, allowing only 9.6 points per game. They have recorded two shutouts thus far. Offensively, the Longhorns are averaging 31.5 points per game. Talented Freshman David Mbadinga leads the way for the Longhorns in rushing.

Meanwhile, the Carrollton Trojans are in search of their first region title since 2011. While a win this Friday won’t guaranty that, but it will put the Trojans in the drivers seat for the Region 7-5A title. Sophomore quarterback Myles Morris has passed for 1,333 yards and 11-TDs. The Trojans offense is pretty balanced between the pass and run. As a team, the Trojans have rushed for 1,350 yards and are led by Mecose Todd and Brandon Marenco. Sophomore Terrell Carmichael leads the team in receiving with 14 receptions for 398 yards and 4-TDs. The Carrollton defense is allowing 13.5 points per game. This game should be one of the best in the state this week. We think Carrollton will have just enough to edge the Longhorns. Trojans by 2.