Games2Watch: Big night in store in regions 8-4A, 6-3A

Upsets were the rule in Week 9, with six teams pulling off stunning wins.

In Week 9, the three biggest shockers of the night were Madison County leading from start to finish in a 35-14 win over Flowery Branch. North Forsyth held off North Atlanta 10-6 to get back in the playoff race in Region 6-6A. And Rabun County, which was No. 1 in the Class A D1 PSR rankings, saw its undefeated dreams smashed in a totally unexpected 28-19 loss to Oglethorpe County.

East Forsyth knocked off Walnut Grove in Region 8-4A, while Gainesville dominated two-time defending state champion Milton in a 28-16 win on the road in Region 7-5A. It was a wild night all around.

Week 10 has 17 games with just 18 northeast Georgia teams covered by AccessWDUN and Friday Game Night in action, and 17 of the 18 involved in region play.

Who can pull the upset win in Week 10? 

Can East Forsyth do it again in Region 8-4A? How about Lumpkin County against No. 1-ranked (PSR) North Hall? Can Gainesville avoid the upset against Chattahoochee after last week’s emotional win?

That’s why we’re going to show up this week, to find out.

With that, here are the five GAMES2WATCH on Friday that had us asking the most questions among ourselves this week. Two can be heard on Jacobs Media airwaves.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17

Chestatee at Dawson County

Records: War Eagles (3-4, 1-3 Region 6-3A); Tigers (2-5, 1-3 Region 6-3A)

Last week: Chestatee lost 49-28 to Pickens; Dawson County lost 25-20 to White County

Radio: WDUN AM 550; www.northgeorgiasportslink.com

Time: 7:30 p.m., Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville

Key players: Chestatee — Sr. QB Gage Reese (30-of-44 463 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT), Sr. RB Ben Plemons (80-565 yards, 7 TD 2 100-yard games; 33 tkl, 1 TFL, 3 INT), Jr. QB Colton Steele (28-332 yards, 3 TD, 1 100-yard game; 41 tkl, 2 INT, 2 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR), Jr. RB Joe Blaker (9 car., 47 yards, 8 rec., 114 yards; 19 tkl, 2 TFL, 1 FR), So. LB Yohann Reyna (46-176 yards, 3 TD rushing; 15 tkl, 1 TFL, 1 INT), Sr. RB/CB Blake Conner (4-116 yards, 1 TD receiving; 15 tkl, 3 PD), Sr. CB Brody Burke (35 tkl, 1 TFL); Dawson County — Sr. QB Gunner Weaver (103-of-167 1,206 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT passing; 60-217 yards, 5 TD rushing), Jr. RB Cody McBrayer (116-714 yards, 3 TD rushing; 9-88 yards receiving), Jr. RB Aden Bannister (20-80 yards), Sr. WR Dylan Edwards (42-508 yards, 3 TD), Sr. Paxton Phillips (26-347 yards), So. WR Brody Sorensen (14-228 yards, 2 TD), Sr. LB Jadyn Mattie (46 tkl, 2 TFL, 1 PD, 1 FR, 1 block), Jr. LB Josiah Holtzclaw (48 tkl), Sr. LB Owen Wooten (33 tkl, 2 TFL), Sr. CB Jacob Felkai (12 tkl, 2 INT, 3 PD), Sr. CB Avery Martin (22 tkl, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PD), So. Jayden Cohen (30 tkl, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PD)

Why watch it: Basically, this is a do-or-die for both teams as far as the playoffs go. Expect Tiger Stadium to be packed and rocking. Both teams are tied for fifth in 6-3A, two games behind a 3-way logjam for 2nd. It will be an uphill climb for both teams to crack into the top four. But the Tigers, who are 52nd in the PSR rankings, are in a must-win mode for the rest of the season, and their only chance may be to try and sneak into the top 4. They finish the year vs. Lumpkin County and North Hall, and if they can pull the upsets, they should be able to climb the ladder. The War Eagles, meanwhile, are 34th in the PSR, which means when the four private schools are removed, that puts them just inside the top 32 bubble for the playoffs…for the moment. But Chestatee cannot afford to lose to a team below them in the PSR and continue to remain inside the bubble. And they may be without Ben Plemons, who got injured early last week. The Tigers’ defense has yielded the 3rd-fewest points in region play to this point (80, 20.0 ppg) and will have a much easier task without Plemons in the lineup. The Dawson defense has forced 10 TOs in 7 games, but Chestatee has lost just 1 fumble all season.

Eastside at East Forsyth

Records: Eagles (4-4, 2-2 Region 8-4A); Broncos (5-3, 2-2 Region 8-4A)

Last week: Eastside lost 14-13 to North Oconee; East Forsyth beat Walnut Grove, 10-3

Time: 7:30 p.m., Broncos Stadium, Gainesville

Key players: Eastside — Sr. QB/CB Payton Shaw (92-of-143 1,221 yards, 12 TD, 4 INT passing; 21-80 yards rushing), Sr. RB/CB Myles Mims (121-900 yards, 9 TD, 6 100-yard games rushing; 7-85 yards, 1 TD receiving), Sr. RB/LB Tyler Solomon (56-347 yards), Sr. WR/CB Chase Jordan (25-360 yards, 5 TD), So. WR/S Garrett Brooks (14-263 yards, 2 TD), Sr. WR/CB Jace Taylor (12-178 yards, 2 TD; 31 tkl, 4 INT, 2 PD, 1 FF), Sr. LB Jameel McMichael (47 tkl, 2 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FR), Jr. CB Amond Sands (32 tkl, 1 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PD, 1 FF), Sr. DE Christian Seymore (37 tkl, 6 TFL, 3 sacks), Sr. DE Xavier Joseph (20 tkl, 10 TFL, 3 sacks); East Forsyth — Sr. QB Chase Rhoads (101-of-186 1,200 yards, 7 TD, 8 INT passing; 41-114 yards, 1 TD rushing), Jr. RB Brooks Smallwood (103-474 yards, 6 TD rushing; 9-131 yards, 1 TD receiving), Sr. WR Jace Forrest (28-376 yards, 1 TD), Sr. WR Jackson Norman (60-327 yards, 3 TD rushing; 23-227 yards, 1 TD receiving), Sr. WR Trent Polk (7-135 yards, 2 TD), Sr. WR Tate Lamb (22-255 yards, 1 TD), Sr. LB Kellen Moran (114tkls, 9 TFL, 1 INT, 5 PD, 3 FF), Sr. LB Knox Allen (78 tkls, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PD, 1 FR), Sr. LB Jake Hudson (65 tkls, 3 TFL, 1 FF), Sr. DB Dominic Primato (70 tkls, 2 TFL, 2 INT, 1 block)

Why watch it: This is also a must-win for both teams, and no team last year made the playoffs in 8-4A with more than three region losses. It may be even bigger for the Broncos, who finish with Madison County, while the Eagles close out the season against winless Cedar Shoals. The Broncos played themselves back into the playoff picture last week, but face a huge challenge this week. The Eagles missed out on their own massive upset last week when the No. 1-ranked Titans blocked the tying extra point. Eastside is allowing just 16.5 ppg in region play, while the Broncos are averaging just 16.8 ppg on offense. Turnovers have been the issue for East Forsyth. They have 12 so far on the season, including 8 INTs. The Eagles’ defense has forced 16 turnovers, including picking off 9 passes in 8 games on the season. Since giving up 32 to Branch in their region opener, the Eagles have surrendered just 34 points in the last three games.

Flowery Branch at Walnut Grove

Records: Falcons (5-2, 2-1 Region 8-4A); Warriors (5-2, 1-2 Region 8-4A)

Last week: Flowery Branch lost 35-14 to Madison County; Walnut Grove lost to East Forsyth 10-3

Time: 7:30 p.m., Warrior Stadium, Walnut Grove

Key players: Flowery Branch — Sr. QB Brett Sturm (105-of-151 1,283 yards, 12 TD, 3 INT passing; 78-378 yards, 3 TD rushing, 1 100-yard game rushing), Sr. RB/LB Griffin Harper (102-596, 7 TD, 3 100-yd games rushing; 16-145 yards, 2 TD receiving; 23 tkl, 5 TFL, 2 FF, 2 FR), Sr. WR Tre Shields (28-578 yards, 5 TD), Sr. TE Brooks Recinella (13-139 yards, 1 TD), Jr. TE Jake Bursinger (12-113 yards, 1 TD), Jr. WR/S Tyler Robinson (23-264 yards, 1 TD; 11 tkl, 3 INT), So. LB Ryland Garrison (83 tkl, 9 TFL, 3 sack, 2 FR, 2 FF), Jr. DE Dre Sandler (42 tkl, 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks), So. LB Nick Hall (61 tkl, 2.5 TFL, 2 sacks), Jr. DE Eli Poole (51 tkl, 8 TFL, 4.5 sacks), Sr. CB Tripp Morris (13 tkl, 2 INT, 4 PD), Sr. DB Parker Bourrie (58 tkl, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 FF), Sr. DB Riley Bourrie (29 tkl, 1 INT, 1 FR); Walnut Grove — NO STATS AVAILABLE

Why watch it: This time last week, the Falcons were looking for one win to almost secure a top-two finish in the region. But after a stunning loss to the Bulldogs last week, this may be a must-win with North Oconee up next. But they own the head-to-head over both Eastside and East Forsyth, so a win this week could put them right back in the same position, in second place with a half-game lead and holding the tiebreakers. They finish with Cedar Shoals. However, a loss to the Warriors would knock them into fifth place behind Walnut Grove and Madison County. Sturm and the Falcons’ offense are as balanced and explosive as they come, and they will need Shields and Robinson to find the holes in the Warriors’ secondary. But Walnut Grove has allowed just 84 points in 2025 (12.0 ppg) and no more than 34 in any game this season. It may be a must-win for the Warriors as well. They could end up anywhere from third to sixth after the night is over. They have perhaps the toughest finish, starting with the Falcons this week and then North Oconee and Madison County on the road to close out the season.

Jackson County at Winder-Barrow

Records: Panthers (6-1, 3-0 Region 8-5A); Bulldoggs (4-4, 3-1 Region 8-5A)

Last week: Jackson County was off; Winder-Barrow was off

Time: 7:30 p.m., W. Clair Harris Stadium, Winder

Key players: Jackson County — Sr. QB RJ Knapp III (78-of-120 1,167 yards, 10 TD, 1 INT passing; 20-119 yards rushing), Sr. RB Daylon Maxwell (121-918 yards, 13 TD, 5 100-yard games rushing; 8-95 yards receiving), So. RB/LB Jayson Lee (47-394 yards, 9 TD, 1 100-yard games; 8-59 yards receiving; 22 tkl, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF), Sr. WR Silas McDaniel (25-404, 5 TD), Jr. WR Landon Jones (13-230, 3 TD), Jr. WR/CB Robert Spry (17-239 yards; 19 tkl, 1 INT, 4 PD), Jr. FS Tyler Mobbs (62 tkls, 2 INT), So. LB Noah Bade (69 tkls, 6 TFL, 4 sacks, 6 QB hurries, 1 block), Sr. LB Caylor Phillips (49 tkls 8 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FR); Winder-Barrow — Sr. QB Westley Booth (51-of-94 629 yards, 4 TD, 4 INT), Sr. RB DJ Dowdy (166-1,528 yards, 9.2 ppc, 19 TD, 8 100-yard games), Jr. WR London Munoz (29-376 yards, 3 TD), Jr. WR Grayson Engel (18-344 yards, 2 TD), Sr. WR Kenyan Glasper (20-310 yards, 2 TD), Sr. LB Xavier McCoy (93 tkl, 7 TFL, 1 INT, 4 PD), So. LB Pierce Baillargeon (66 tkl, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF), So. CB Giovanni Tuggle (64 tkl, 2 TFL, 4 INT, 5 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF), Sr. LB/FS Devonte Livingston (56 tkl, 10 TFL,4 PD, 1 FF), Jr. DL Braylen Billings (43 tkl, 11 TFL)

Why watch it: This is a key game for the Panthers, who can pull into a tie for first place with idle Habersham Central with a win. The Panthers also can seal a spot in the top two with a win and set up a showdown for 1st place vs. the Raiders in two weeks. However, a loss to the Bulldoggs would drop them into third place based on the tiebreaker. The key matchup may be the Jackson County offense vs. the Winder defense. The Bulldoggs have struggled vs. balanced attacks, and the Panthers have one of the more efficient offenses in the area. In their 4 losses, the Bulldoggs have surrendered 137 points (36.75 ppg). They have allowed just 65 points (16.25 ppg) in their 4 wins and forced 15 turnovers, including 9 INTs on the season. Jackson County’s Knapp is completing 65% of his passes, while Maxwell is 3rd in the region in rushing. Jackson County leads the region in defense, allowing just 76 points (10.86 ppg) on the season and just 20 points (6.6.7 ppg) in region play. Stopping Dowdy is always the key vs. the Bulldoggs. Dowdy once again leads the state in rushing, and Winder is 4-1 (Habersham Central) when they rush for more than 200 yards in a game.

Lumpkin County at North Hall

Records: Indians (5-2, 3-1 Region 6-3A); Trojans (7-0, 4-0 Region 6-3A)

Last week: Lumpkin County beat Johnson, 49-0; North Hall beat GAC, 49-38

Radio: WDUN 102.9 FM; http://www.northgeorgiasportslink.com

Time: 7:30 p.m., The Brickyard, Gainesville

Key players: Lumpkin County — Sr. RB Nolan Matthews (152-1,245 yards, 21 TD, 6 100-yard games; 5 rec., 107 yards, 1 TD receiving), Sr. QB Mason Hester (90-of-151 1,103 yards, 10 TD, 4 INT passing; 28-105 rushing), So. WR/FS Martin Hulsey (32-372 yards, 5 TD), Jr. WR/S MacLane Powell (31-418 yards, 3 TD), Sr. LB Mike Nichols (38 tkl, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 FR), Sr. FS Parker Cox (33 tkl), Sr. LB Wolf Harbin (41 tkl, 1 PD, 1 FF), Sr. DE River Kelley (32 tkl, 2 TFL, 2 sack), Sr. DL Patrick Woody (28 tkl, 2 TFL, 2 sacks), Sr. LB Caleb Wendl (47 tkl, 5 TFL, 2 sacks), So. FS Kolson Howell (25 tkl, 1 TFL, 2 INT, 1 PD, 1 FR), So. CB Micah Popko (12 tkl, 2 INT, 1 PD); North Hall — Jr. OL Mason McGill (Charlotte commit), Sr. QB Alex Schlieman (128-of-173 1,976 yards, 14 TD, 4 INT passing; 25-31 yards, 1 TD rushing), Sr. QB Smith McGarvey (6-of-7 100 yards, 1 TD passing; 27-213 yards, 5 TD rushing; 17 rec., 211 yards receiving), Sr. WR Ty Kemp (49-773 yards, 8 TD), Jr. WR Cole Cable (38-631 yards, 3 TD), Sr. RB Justin Allen (46-274 yards, 210 TD), Sr. RB Wyatt Tumlin (29-384 yards, 4 TD), Jr. TE Dawson Gray (13 rec., 243 yards, 2 TD), Sr. RB/LB Parker Carlton (53-389 yards, 7 TD rushing; 9 rec., 149 yards 2 TD receiving; 30 tkl, 2.3 TFL, 7 QB hurries, 1 INT, 3 PD), Sr. WR/CB Jacob Adams (26-118 yards, 3 TD rushing; 2-19 yards receiving), Sr. DB Walker Davis (40 tkl, 1 TFL, 1 FF), Sr. DE Jacob Wright (23 tkl, 4.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF), Sr. LB Dalton Hulsey (44 tkl, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 3 FF), Sr. LB Buddy Clark (63 tkl, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR), Sr. FS Wade Haynes (31 tkl, 2 INT, 1 FR), Sr. DE Hunter Robertson (37 tkl, 3.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 16 QB hurries, 1 FF), Sr. DE Dawson Reed (36 tkl, 5 TFL, 2 sacks), So. CB Cole Lindlief (7 tkl, 2 INT)

Why watch it: Revenge, rivalry, region title control, you name it, it’s got it. This game was the eventual deciding factor in the region title in 2024, with the Trojans knocking off the Indians 21-16 at The Burial Grounds. That could very well be the case again in 2025, and Lumpkin would like nothing better than to return the favor at The Brickyard. The Trojans lead the region by a game over the Indians, GAC, and Pickens, and already have wins over both Pickens and GAC. A win over the Indians would move them one game from clinching the title. But a Lumpkin win could set up a four-way tie, giving the Indians a chance to perhaps go to their season finale against Pickens with a chance to claim the crown. However, North Hall has owned the series. The Trojans have won eight straight going back to 2011, and 15 of the last 16 going back to 1983. But the last two Lumpkin wins have come at The Brickyard (2010, 1982). The Lumpkin defense, which has surrendered the fewest points in the region (18.43 ppg), will be put to the test vs. a North Hall offense that has scored 38 or more in every game this season. Schlieman, who leads Class 3A in passing, has a half-dozen explosive targets at his disposal at any time, and Carlton and Tumlin are as potent a backfield combination as any in the state. It could be another track meet for the Trojans, who already have shown that you will have to outscore them to beat them. East Hall scored 49, and GAC scored 38, and both walked away with losses. The Indians are the best defense North Hall has faced since Cherokee Bluff…and the Trojans put up 43 on the Bears. Lumpkin can counter with perhaps the best RB in the region in Matthews, and Hester has improved nearly every week to run the offense. A huge factor could be the twin-tower receivers of Hulsey and Powell. They will create matchup nightmares. If the Indians can control the ball and shorten the game, they have more than a puncher’s chance.

PREP SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 16

West Forsyth at North Forsyth*

PREP SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 17 

Banks County at Providence Christian*

Buford at Central Gwinnett*

Chattahoochee at Gainesville* – 94.5 FM The Lake

Chestatee at Dawson County* – AM 550 WDUN; www.northgeorgiasportslink.com

Coahulla Creek at Union County*

Commerce at Oglethorpe County*— WJJC 95.1 FM/1270 AM

East Jackson at Hart County*

Eastside at East Forsyth*

Flowery Branch at Walnut Grove*

GAC at White County* — WRWH 93.9 FM; www.wrwh.com

Jackson County at Winder-Barrow*

Lakeview Academy at Athens Christian*

Lumpkin County at North Hall* – FM 102.9 WDUN; www.northgeorgiasportslink.com

Mt. Pisgah at Lanier Christian

Pickens at Johnson*

Riverside Prep at George Walton*

(* — denotes region contest)

(Cherokee Bluff, East Hall, Habersham Central, Jefferson, Rabun County, Towns County, West Hall all are off.)

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