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There’s one every year. You never know when or where it’s going to strike. And it’s not always WHO you think it’s going to be.
Monkeywrench 2025, meet Lumpkin County.
The Indians hold the fate of the known universe in their hands…okay, maybe that’s a bit extreme. But for sure, all roads to the immediate future of Region 6-3A run through Dahlonega.
The first potential tightening of bolts will happen Friday when Lumpkin County heads to No. 6 North Hall. The Trojans sit atop the Class 3A Postseason Rankings (PSR) but lead the Indians, GAC, and Pickens by one game in the Region 6-3A standings.
North Hall (7-0, 4-0 Region 6-3A) already owns wins over both Pickens (6-1, 3-1 Region 6-3A) and GAC (5-2, 3-1 Region 6-3A) and can put itself within one more win of clinching its second straight region title. However, a Lumpkin County (5-2, 3-1 Region 6-3A) win would throw a plethora of scenarios into play with just three weeks left in the regular season.
That fact was not lost on North Hall coach Sean Pender.
“It sure can,” Pender said. “It can put things into a three-way tie, for sure. We’ve just got to take care of business.”
Actually, with GAC (vs. White County) and Pickens (vs. Johnson) heavy favorites in their matchups on Friday, the Indians could make it a four-way quagmire with an upset of the Trojans.
“We treat every game like it’s a championship game,” Pender said. “And this one is no different. We’re going to go into this game thinking like it’s a championship game.”
And it basically could be for the Trojans. A win would give them the tiebreaker over all the other top teams and put their magic number to clinch at 1 with winless Johnson (0-7, 0-4 Region 6-3A) up next.
But even in the event of a four-way tie, the Trojans’ two region wins over Pickens and GAC could give them a slight edge for now, as Lumpkin County dropped a heartbreaker to GAC (37-35) early on.
But it cannot end up a four-way tie. Pickens and GAC also have yet to meet this season, and Lumpkin County closes out the regular season at home against Pickens. Dominoes will begin to fall. And waiting to start the domino effect are the Indians.
Lumpkin County coach Heath Webb said they know what’s at stake and are using motivation from last year’s tough 21-16 loss to the Trojans. That game essentially decided the region title as North Hall took the title, and the Indians finished second.
“My players certainly feel that, you know,” Webb said. “They feel like (North Hall) took one away from us last year. It’s a big match-up, of course, and we all know what’s riding on this thing. That should make it fun, for sure.”
The numbers say it could be fun as well. The two teams come in as the highest scoring teams and the top two defensive teams in the region.
North Hall (329, 47.0 points/game) has scored 38 or more in every game this season and leads Class 3A in scoring. Lumpkin County (248, 35.43 ppg) has turned it up a notch over the last five weeks, averaging 41.4 ppg.
The Indians lead the region in defense, surrendering just 18.43 ppg, while the Trojans are giving up 20.86 ppg. Lumpkin County has also forced 9 turnovers on the season, including 5 interceptions. North Hall has forced 10 turnovers, including 6 interceptions, so far.
However, Webb let out a rather audible sigh when asked about trying to stop the North Hall offense, led by Class 3A leader and the state’s No. 2 overall passer in Alex Schlieman (128-of-173 1,976 yards, 14 TD, 4 INT passing; 25-31 yards, 1 TD rushing). They have weapons at every position, led by receivers Ty Kemp (49-773 yards, 8 TD) and Cole Cable (38-631 yards, 3 TD).
“Yeah, well, that’s the problem everybody has had this year,” Webb said. “They’re very good on offense. They can do a lot of different things.
“GAC got to a point where they took the passing game away, and (North Hall) decided to run the football and run it really well. So, yeah, they can do it all. We have got to be balanced on defense.”
North Hall gashed the Spartans for 290 yards on the ground, paced by Parker Carlton (26-179 yards), Justin Allen (11-74) and Wyatt Tumlin (5-50), who had 6 combined rushing touchdowns.
Pender said the secret to the offense is no real secret.
“We’re talking on the radio about the players that had really good games, like Ty, Alex, Cole, Parker, Justin and Smith McGarvey. But the thing that’s always consistent is our offensive line. They’ve done a great job all year, and if it wasn’t for their play, our offense would not be able to click the way it’s been doing.”
The Indians bring in a potent attack as well, led by running back Nolan Matthews (152-1,245 yards, 21 TD, 6 100-yard games; 5 rec., 107 yards, 1 TD receiving). They are averaging 242 yards on the ground, but quarterback Mason Hester (90-of-151, 1,103 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT passing; 28-105 rushing), and 6-foot-4 receivers Martin Hulsey (32 rec., 372 yards, 5 TD) and MacLane Powell (31 rec., 418 yards, 3 TD) will offer matchup problems.
“Their offense is definitely a challenge, for sure,” Pender said. “The two tall receivers are dangerous weapons. And you can’t say enough about the way Nolan Matthews runs the football. Their offensive line is big, solid, strong, and they push people around. Our defense has a big challenge ahead of them.”
Webb said the best defense against the high-flying Trojans may be their offense.
“Because they are so good on offense, making sure that you make your possessions count is a big key for us,” Webb said. “Turnovers can be a 14-point swing, so that’s no good, obviously. We have got to take care of the ball, keep possession of the ball, and take advantage of every possession.”
History is certainly on the side of the Trojans, who have won eight straight in the series since 2011 and 15 of the last 16 since 1983. However, the Indians’ previous two wins in the series have come at The Brickyard (2010, 1982).
Pender said he expects an epic battle and that they may need some of that magic Friday night.
“Two teams that have a chance to be region champs, you know, playing right here. It’s a huge game,” he said. “The Brickyard is a special place. The atmosphere has been fantastic. We haven’t played at home in three weeks, so it’s been a long time, and it’s our last home game of the season. I expect this place to be rocking.”
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