Four Questions with Oconee Enterprise sports editor Jeremy Johnson

2. How do you see the Oconee County-North Oconee game playing out? What's the brief scouting report on each? "Prior to the season, I thought Oconee County would win the region. In our preview magazine, I predicted it would be the Warriors beating the Titans 31-21 to grab control of the region and eventually clinch in their season finale next week. Now, I'm completely unsure. I think the team that handles the hype the best and doesn't turn the football over will win as in any game. Both are veteran teams who are well coached, so mistakes will be small and at the most random of times. Though both offenses are high-powered, I don't think there will be a lot of scoring. The Warriors can be flashy, but they're built on the old-school, come-down-the-hill and hit-you-in-the-mouth fraternity. They have a four-star quarterback in Max Johnson, who I think people have yet to gain a true appreciation for. Johnson isn't going to throw for 50 touchdowns. The Warriors don't need him to. Most of what he does is the stuff outside of the box score. The Titans have a special talent under center as well. They're different in that the Titans don't mind throwing the ball 30 times. Junior Bubba Chandler doesn't mind doing it. He's electric. He's fun to watch. He has that Patrick Mahomes ability that wows you on every snap. He has different arm slots due to his baseball experience, and he can really spin the ball. He's good and he'll let you know it. He's got a fire that his teammates gravitate towards. He's committed to the University of Georgia as a baseball player, but he could have a decision to make on which sport will be his future if he continues to develop at the rate he has. I have no idea who is going to win. It's going to be a game that I'm going to have to remind myself to cover and not just watch."

3. How would you describe the Oconee-North Oconee rivalry? And how does it compare or contrast with the Athens Academy-Prince Avenue rivalry? "I think the Prince Avenue and Athens Academy rivalry has more venom to it. Those kids aren't necessarily neighbors. There's something real there in terms of hate (which is a strong word) but it makes it a fun buildup to the week. I haven't been able to put my finger on exactly what makes it tick even in my four years covering it. The North Oconee and Oconee County rivalry is a proximity rivalry. These student-athletes grow up together. They live near each other. They play little football, baseball and basketball together. Their parents work together and then all of a sudden a districting line separates them. There is a lot of respect between the two schools. Not that there isn't respect between Athens Academy and PACS, but NOHS and OCHS root for one another when they're not playing. That's not always the case in the PACS-Athens Academy rivalry. I love them both. It's the most exciting time of the year when they meet, regardless of the sport."

4. How does Friday's game compare to other sports events that have taken place in the time you've covered Oconee County sports? Can you describe the hype for the game? "It's like Phil Collins' voice is in the air for a week leading into the game. People see me on the street or at another sporting event and that's what's on their mind. I'm asked what I think about the game. I'm told their opinion. In the week that leads up to these games, talk about Georgia's football season takes a back seat. On game night I know to get to the stadium at least an hour before I normally would. I see people from all over the community in one place, no matter their affiliation. Time stops. This week hasn't been any different. By late Friday night, the constant 'that's a big one next week' comment had begun making its way onto my phone screen and into my ears. It's the big thing this week, for sure."

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