Gwinnett preview: Brookwood at Grayson

During its rise to prominence in Gwinnett County and the state, Grayson has defeated Norcross in the playoffs, pounded Parkview and beaten everybody in the region — except Brookwood.

Grayson coach Mickey Conn is 0-4 against the Broncos, the three-time defending Region 8-AAAAA champions. The No. 4 Rams get another crack Friday in a game that will go a long way toward determining the region winner.

“They’re undefeated and we’re undefeated in region,” Conn said. “Whoever wins this game is in the driver’s seat. You want to control your own destiny.”

Two of the four games between the teams have gone into overtime, so the Rams know they can play with Brookwood. Conn said he doesn’t talk to his kids about never beating the Broncos, but added that they know.

“Most of the time they don’t think that way,” Conn said. “But it’s a good program over there. We’re hoping we can break through on that.”

Brookwood coach Mark Crews expects a physical game between the two run-dominant teams. Grayson’s wing-T attack is led by Ean Pemberton, who has 865 yards on 126 carries (6.8 per carry) and eight touchdowns. Backfield mate Harrell Gunn has 450 yards and five touchdowns.

“They run a difficult offense to stop,” Crews said, although the Rams have never scored more than 13 points against the Broncos. “We have our work cut out for us to try and slow those guys down.”

After losing its first two games, Brookwood has won its last three. An inexperienced offensive line has started to come together. Brookwood’s run game features Brice Smith, who ran for four touchdowns in a 48-7 victory against Meadowcreek last week.

BROOKWOOD AT GRAYSON

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Britt-Moody Field, Loganville.

• Records, rankings: Brookwood is 3-2 overall, 3-0 in Region 8-AAAAA and unranked. Grayson is 6-0, 4-0 and ranked No. 4.

OTHER TOP GAMES

PARKVIEW (4-2, 3-1) at DACULA (2-3, 2-1)

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Barron Field, Dacula.

• Why it counts: The Falcons are looking for their first victory against the Panthers; the teams last played in 2003.

• Three keys: 1. Brandon Jacobs and Parkview’s running game. Auburn commit comes off a 200-yard, three-touchdown performance. 2. Dacula playing inspired ball and is thinking playoffs after a last-second, comeback victory last week. 3. The Panthers averaging more than 33 points a game.

MILL CREEK (3-2, 1-2) at PEACHTREE RIDGE (3-2, 3-0)

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Lion’s Den, Suwanee.

• Why it counts: Mill Creek, a playoff team last season, can’t afford a third loss in Region 7-AAAAA.

• Three keys: 1. Mill Creek QB Ed Russ and WR Zach Landis are a tough combo. RB Ramael Wilson gets much praise from area coaches. 2. Ridge’s offense is rounding into shape, led by QB Nick Lombardo and 6-foot-4 receiver Mitchell Williford, who has 25 receptions and four touchdowns. 3. Lions’ DL Michael Pate (35 tackles), LSU commit LB Kevin Minter and DB Connor Norman are forces on defense.

CHATTAHOOCHEE (1-4, 1-2) at NORTH GWINNETT (4-1, 3-0)

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tom Robinson Memorial Stadium, Suwanee.

• Why it counts: North must keep winning to keep pace in Region 7-AAAAA with Collins Hill, which it doesn’t play.

• Three keys: 1. North’s offense starts with Michael Tamburo, who has 753 yards passing with five touchdowns and 332 yards rushing (four TDs). 2. Chattahoochee’s spread offense scored 47 points last week. 3. The Bulldogs’ unheralded guys, OL Austin Shepherd, LB Warren Roberts and S Will Compton, are playing well.

ELSEWHERE

• Shiloh at Central Gwinnett; Greater Atlanta Christian at Decatur; Collins Hill at Duluth; Berkmar at Meadowcreek; Norcross at Northview; Prince Avenue Christian at Wesleyan; Buford at Cross Keys (Saturday, Adams Stadium); Hebron Christian, South Gwinnett do not play