This could be championship week for several regions in the northeast Georgia area. Or at the very least, set things up for a grand finale next week.
Regions 7-5A, 8-4A, 6-3A, and 8-A Division 1 (maybe) all could crown champions on Friday. Meanwhile, a half-dozen other teams will be playing for their playoff lives
There were no real upsets in Week 10, as the top tier teams all took dominating wins. But teams like Dawson County (6-3A), East Forsyth (8-4A), Union County (8-2A) are on the proverbial bubble heading into this week.
Week 11 has 19 games with 25 of the 26 northeast Georgia teams covered by AccessWDUN and Friday Game Night in action, all but two involved in region play.
Can anyone pull the upset in Week 11? Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Lumpkin County, and Cherokee Bluff all are at home in huge games that will have huge playoff and region title implications.
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 24
Athens Academy at Rabun County
Records: Class A Private No. 6 Spartans (8-1, 5-0 Region 8-A D1); Wildcats (7-1, 3-1 Region 8-A D1)
Last week: Athens Academy beat Elbert County, 48-14; Rabun County was off
Time: 7:30 p.m., Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
Key players: Athens Academy — Sr. QB Chap Chapman (72-of-119 1,614 yards, 16 TD, 1 INT passing; 15-119 yards, 4 TD rushing), Jr. WR/CB Keyon Standifer (36-959 yards, 14 TD receiving; 18-208 yards, 5 TD rushing; 20 tkl, 3 INT, 1 pick-6, 1 PR TD), Sr. RB Zay Prince (131-1,236 yards, 15 TD, 6 100-yard games), , Sr. RB Cash Cowart (30-136 yards, 1 TD; 33 tkl, 2 TFL), Sr. WR Ben Bush (11-196 yards, 1 TD; 3 INT), Jr. WR/S Grayson Stafford (10-182 yards; 1 INT), Jr. LB Land Johnson (51 tkl, 6 TFL, 2 sacks), So. FS Baynes Collins (34 tkl, 3 TFL, 2INT); Rabun County — Sr. QB Ty Truelove (86-145 1,151 yards, 13 TD, 1 INT passing; 47-330 yards, 4 TD rushing), Sr. RB/FS Reid Giles (97-939 yards, 15 TD rushing; 38-530 yards, 4 TD receiving; 42 tkl, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 2 PD), Sr. RB Lake Evans (90-568, 6 TD rushing; 11-97 yards passing), Jr. WR Reed Burrell (12-191 yards, 2 TD), So. Brock Brady (44 tkl, 6 TFL, 1 PD, 1 FF), Sr. NG Ethan Hopper (38 tkl, 6 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 17 QB hurries, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 FF), Jr. LB Jakaden Fruster (32 tkl, 7 TFL), Jr. DE Ryan Yearwood (30 tkl, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 8 QB hurries, 1 INT, 2 FR)
Why watch it: The region title could be settled by the end of the night if the Spartans can knock off the Wildcats on the road. But Rabun County does control its own destiny. Beat the Spartans and then Elbert County next week at The Granite Bowl and they can claim their first region title since 2022. The main question is have the Wildcats gotten the rotten taste out after their upset loss two weeks ago at Oglethorpe County? Defense has been the issue. After giving up just 51 total points in their first five games (10.2 ppg), Rabun County has surrendered 77 points (25.67 ppg) over its last three games, all in the region. The Spartans are by far the best offense they have faced this season, averaging 43.56 ppg behind Chapman, Standifer, and Prince. Standifer is the engine that makes them go and is a beast in all 3 phases, with 1,379 all-purpose yards, including a punt return for a TD and 3 INTs on defense, including a pick-6. Last year, Standifer had 5 catches for 170 yards and 3 TDs vs. Rabun. The Wildcats will need to play ball control with Truelove, Giles, and Evans in the ground game to keep the Spartans offense on the sidelines. They ran the ball 50 times for 281 yards in last year’s game but it still wasn’t enough as they gave up 3 TD passes of over 60 yards. Stop Standifer and the big play and the Wildcats could be preparing for a region title game this time next week.
Dawson County at Lumpkin County
Records: Tigers (3-5, 2-3 Region 6-3A); Indians (5-3, 3-2 Region 6-3A)
Last week: Dawson County beat Chestatee, 42-14; Lumpkin County lost to North Hall 35-12
Radio: www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Time: 7:30 p.m., The Burial Grounds, Dahlonega
Key players: Dawson County — Sr. QB Gunner Weaver (103-of-167 1,206 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT passing; 61-219 yards, 6 TD rushing), Jr. RB Cody McBrayer (139-892 yards, 11 TD rushing; 10-91 yards receiving), Jr. RB Aden Bannister (20-80 yards), Sr. WR Dylan Edwards (45-599 yards, 4 TD), Sr. Paxton Phillips (29-370 yards), So. WR Brody Sorensen (14-228 yards, 2 TD), Sr. LB Jadyn Mattie (56 tkl, 2 TFL, 3 PD, 3 FR, 1 block), Jr. LB Josiah Holtzclaw (54 tkl), Sr. LB Owen Wooten (42 tkl, 2 TFL), Sr. CB Jacob Felkai (15 tkl, 2 INT, 3 PD), Sr. CB Avery Martin (23 tkl, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PD), So. Jayden Cohen (40 tkl, 3 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PD); Lumpkin County — Sr. RB Nolan Matthews (179-1,425 yards, 22 TD, 7 100-yard games; 6 rec., 106 yards, 1 TD receiving), Sr. QB Mason Hester (101-of-180 1,223 yards, 11 TD, 6 INT passing; 31-103 rushing), So. WR/FS Martin Hulsey (37-433 yards, 6 TD), Jr. WR/S MacLane Powell (35-474 yards, 3 TD), Sr. LB Mike Nichols (43 tkl, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 FR), Sr. FS Parker Cox (38 tkl), Sr. LB Wolf Harbin (47 tkl, 1 PD, 1 FF), Sr. DE River Kelley (36 tkl, 3 TFL, 3 sacks), Sr. DL Patrick Woody (31 tkl, 2 TFL, 2 sacks), Sr. LB Caleb Wendl (56 tkl, 5 TFL, 2 sacks), So. FS Kolson Howell (30 tkl, 2 TFL, 2 INT, 1 PD, 1 FR), So. CB Micah Popko (14 tkl, 2 INT, 1 PD)
Why watch it: Basically because they just don’t like each other. Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned, bare-knuckle brawl? Right. Add to the fact that both teams are still fighting for a playoff spot and that it also could be an elimination game, depending on other outcomes in the region, and you’ve got everything you need for an instant classic. The Indians, for the moment, look set for the postseason, sitting 28th in the PSR while Dawson County is in a must-win scenario sitting 50th. But both teams are still alive for the third and fourth spots in the standings so neither is out of the running for snagging one of the automatic top four bids. The Indians’ ground game was slowed last week by the Trojans for just 173 yards, their 2nd-lowest of the season and the Tigers defense has come alive over the past month. In their first 4 games, the Tigers gave up 112 points (28.0 ppg). But in their last 4 games, they have allowed just 60 points (15 ppg). But the key for Dawson County may be the offense. They are 3-0 when scoring more than 23 points. They are 0-5 when scoring 23 or less. The Lumpkin defense is still No. 1 in the region, surrendering just 20.5 ppg and forcing 11 turnovers. However, Dawson County has turned the ball over just 4 times in 2025. Something will have to give.
Jefferson at Cherokee Bluff
Records: Class 3A No. 3 Dragons (7-1, 3-0 Region 8-3A); Bears (5-3, 1-2 Region 8-3A)
Last week: Jefferson was off; Cherokee Bluff was off
Radio: WDUN AM 550
Time: 7:30 p.m., Yonah Field, Flowery Branch
Key players: Jefferson — Sr. QB Colton Grant (34-of-60 630 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT passing; 31-230 yards, 3 TD rushing), Jr. RB/LB Max Brown (Clemson commit, out for the season, 46-432 yards, 4 TD, 2 100-yard games, 36 tkl, 10 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FR), Jr. CB Jacob Berardinelli, Jr. LB Dylan Berardinelli, Sr. WR Logan Edmunds (10-238 yards, 2 TDs) So. Carter Perrin RB/WR (7-71 yards receiving), Sr. DB Chance Payne (Minnesota commit), Jr. RB/LB Eli Primm (41-184 yards, 2 TD, 42 tkl, 1 FR), Sr. PK Taylor McCall, Sr. WR Dalton Dye (7-220, 3 TD), Fr. RB CJ Hays (52-363 yards, 5 TD); Cherokee Bluff — OL/DL Cohen Carter, Sr. QB Cooper Dean (96-of-145 1,383 yards, 13 TD, 4 INT passing; 50-194 yards, 6 TD rushing), Jr. RB/CB Jackson Pirkle (132-741 yards, 5 TD, 3 100-yard games rushing; 12-174 yards, 2 TD receiving), Sr. WR/CB Malcolm Milsap (32-537 yards, 4 TD receiving; 14-137 yards rushing), Jr. WR Dylan Haley (31-370 yards, 3 TD), Fr. WR Huddie Kemp (9-177 yards, 3 TD), Jr. RB/DE Tony Rushin (36-199 yards, 4 TD rushing), Jr. LB LB Conner Cook, Jr. DL Hudson Davis, Jr. LB Mattax Sutulovich, Sr. LB Brett Pierce , So. DT Joel Woodson
Why watch it: You’ve got the No. 1 offense (Bluff) vs. the No. 1 defense (Dragons) in the region. The Dragons already have locked down a region title showdown next week with Oconee County, win or lose Friday. The Bears, however, have not clinched anything yet and sit 26th in PSR coming into this week. They also finish next week with East Hall, who is still alive for the 4th spot in 8-3A. They probably need at least one win to insure a playoff spot in the final PSR seedings. Bluff will be playing with a sense of urgency. If Dean, Pirkle, Millsap, and Haley can get the Bears offense moving, they have the firepower to put some points on the board. But Jefferson has surrendered just 40 points (5.71 ppg) to the seven other teams not named North Oconee. They gave up just 1 TD to Monroe Area, who beat the Bears 28-16 two weeks ago. Jefferson is averaging just under 30 ppg on offense, but vs. the 3 best defenses they’ve seen this year (Marist, Jackson County, Monroe Area) they scored just 51 total points (17.0 ppg). The Bluff defense should be able to keep them in the game. If they can get to the fourth quarter in a one-score game, anything is possible.
North Oconee at Flowery Branch
Records: Class 4A No. 2 Titans (8-0, 4-0 Region 8-4A); Falcons (6-2, 3-1 Region 8-4A)
Last week: North Oconee was off last week; Flowery Branch beat Walnut Grove, 49-28
Time: 7:30 p.m., Falcon Field, Flowery Branch
Key players: North Oconee — Sr. QB Harrison Faulkner, Sr. DE Khamari Brooks (Georgia commit, out of the season), Sr. WR Dallas Dickerson (Kentucky commit), Sr. RB JT Doster, ; Flowery Branch — Sr. QB Brett Sturm (131-of-181 1,649 yards, 14 TD, 3 INT passing; 90-453 yards, 5 TD rushing, 1 100-yard game rushing), Sr. RB/LB Griffin Harper (118-681, 8 TD, 3 100-yd games rushing; 20-199 yards, 2 TD receiving), Sr. WR Tre Shields (37-753 yards, 7 TD), Sr. TE Brooks Recinella (18-179 yards, 1TD), Jr. TE Jake Bursinger (12-113 yards, 1 TD), Jr. WR/S Tyler Robinson (29-344 yards, 1 TD; 12 tkl, 3 INT), So. LB Ryland Garrison (95 tkl, 11 TFL, 4 sack, 2 FR, 2 FF), Jr. DE Dre Sandler (47 tkl, 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks), So. LB Nick Hall (69 tkl, 2.5 TFL, 2 sacks), Jr. DE Eli Poole (57 tkl, 8 TFL, 4.5 sacks), Sr. CB Tripp Morris (15 tkl, 2 INT, 4 PD), Sr. DB Parker Bourrie (64 tkl, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 FF), Sr. DB Riley Bourrie (34 tkl, 1 INT, 2 FR)
Why watch it: The Titans can clinch the title with a win. Branch can take over first place with a win and set up a chance to win it next week against winless Cedar Shoals. But even with a loss this week, the Falcons can clinch the No. 2 seed with a Madison County loss in one of its last two games AND a win over Cedar Shoals next week. On Friday, the Titans will be huge favorites and the Falcons will be playing with a limited Harper on offense. Sturm, Shields, and Robinson are one of the more exciting tandems to watch in the area. If they can get some deep passes against the Titans defense, they could make things interesting. But the Titans have only given up 38 points (4.75 ppg) all season, including a shutout win over Class 3A No. 2 Jefferson.
Roswell at Gainesville
Records: Class 5A No. 6 Hornet (7-1, 4-0 Region 7-5A); Class 5A No. 3 Red Elephants (8-1, 5-0 Region 7-5A)
Last week: Roswell beat Lanier, 57-0; Gainesville beat Chattahoochee, 57-3
Radio: 94.5 FM The Lake
Time: 7:30 p.m., City Park Stadium, Gainesville
Key players: Roswell — Sr. QB Trey Smith (104-of-169 1,581 yards, 18 TD, 8 INT passing; 95-674 yards, 12 TD, 3 100-yard games rushing), Sr. RB Nick Peal (107-796 yards, 12 TD, 3 100-yard games rushing; 7-168 yards, 2 TD receiving), Sr. WR/TE Wills Campbell (40-676 yards, 7 TD), Jr. RB/WR Dre Cousey (20-190 yards, 2 TD rushing; 30-463 yards, 4 TD receiving), Sr. LB Brody Duffy (101 tkl, 17.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 13 QB hurries, 1 INT, 1 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF), Jr. LB Tyler Pressnall (49 tkl, 9 TFL, 2.5 sacks), Sr. DT Alex Lucas (46 tkl, 9 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF), So. LB Jake Smith (41 tkl, 9 TFL, 5 sacks, 7 QB hurries, 1 FR), Jr. DB Ian Foust (44 tkl, 3 TFL, 3 INT); Gainesville — Jr. QB Kharim Hughley (114-of-174, 1,696 yards, 21 TD, 4 INT passing; 31-144 yards, 5 TD rushing), Jr. RB Nigel Newkirk (126-1,082 yards, 15 TD, 7 100-yard games rushing; 10-95 yards, 1 TD receiving), Sr. WR Phillip Williams (31-479 yards, 4 TD), RB PJ Lewis (80-592, 7 TD rushing; 10-146 yards, 3 TD receiving), Jr. WR Collin Porterfield (18-276 yards, 3 TD), Sr. WR Cam James (15-229 yards, 4 TD), Sr. TE Landon Williamson (7-66 yards, 2 TD), Jr. DB Jeremiah Proctor (10 tkl,1 INT, 2 PD), Sr. LB Xavier Griffin (Alabama commit, 60 tkl, 11 TFL, 4 sacks, 12 QB hurries, 1 FR), Sr. DE Jamarion Matthews (Alabama commit, 39 tkl, 17 TFL, 7 sacks, 8 QB hurries), Sr. DL Ayden Cain (Duke commit, 27 tkl, 4 TFL, 2 sacks, 7 QB hurries), Sr. DE Kadin Fossung (31 tkl, 10 TFL, 6 sacks, 9 QB hurries), Jr. LB Darryn Williams (55 tkl, 7 TFL, 1 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 3 INT, 1 TD, 4 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF), Sr. DL Marshall Leonard (26 tkl, 7 TFL, 8 QB hurries)
Why watch it: It’s a matchup of top 6 teams in Class 5A. Big Red can clinch the title with a win. Roswell can take over first place with a win and claim the title next week against Milton. Do we need any more than that? No, but there are storylines all over the field. The Hornets are the highest-scoring team in the region (355, 44.38 ppg) and have scored 259 points in their last five games. Big Red is yielding just 14.89 ppg and 12.6 ppg in region play behind a front-7 that is worth the price of admission alone to see work. The Red Elephants are averaging 42.89 ppg on offense while Roswell is allowing just 14.0 ppg to teams not named Buford. The Hornets have given up just 53 points (10.6 points/game) during a five-game win streak. Hornet’s QB Smith will be a handful with over 2,300 total yards (1,600 passing, nearly 700 rushing, and 30 combined TDs with 3 100-yard games rushing). Hughley has a half-dozen weapons at his disposal and Newkirk has hit the century mark in 7 of 8 games for the Red Elephants. This one went down to the final possession last year in a 48-45 Roswell win in Roswell. It could do so again. The Red Elephants would love nothing better than to return the favor and clinch their third region title in the last four years all at the same time.
PREP SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 24
Alpharetta at North Forsyth* — www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
Athens Academy at Rabun County*
Commerce at Banks County* — WJJC 95.1 FM/1270 AM
Dawson County at Lumpkin County* — www.northgeorgiasportslink.com
East Hall at West Hall*
Habersham Central at Apalachee*
Jefferson at Cherokee Bluff* – AM 550 WDUN
King’s Academy at Riverside Prep*
Lakeview Academy at Loganville Christian*
Lanier Christian at Dominion Christian
Loganville at Jackson County*
Mountain View at Buford*
North Hall at Johnson*
North Oconee at Flowery Branch*
Prince Avenue at East Jackson*
Roswell at Gainesville* – 94.5 FM The Lake
Towns County at SE Whitfield
Union County at Sonoraville*
White County at Chestatee* – FM 102.9 WDUN
(* — denotes region contest)
(East Forsyth is off)
The post Games2Watch: Week 11 could be championship week for some area regions appeared first on AccessWdun.
