Glance at notable Week 5 games in Class AAAA:
White County at No. 2 Buford
For the first time since 2012, Buford will be looking to bounce back from a loss, when the Wolves travel to winless White County on Friday for the Region 8-AAAA opener for both teams. Buford hung Class AAAAAA power McEachern into the second half, before the talented Indians pulled away for a 37-14 win. It was the first loss for the Wolves in 42 games. Anthony Grant and Martin Mangram have bolstered Buford’s ground game. Grant is averaging 7.6 yards per carry, and Mangram has five touchdowns in three games. White County has lost three low-scoring affair, including 16-14 to Pace Academy last week.
No. 10 Eagle’s Landing at Spalding
Two-way star Antonio Gibson has been a playmaker during Eagle’s Landing’s hot start that includes an impressive 17-7 win over previously unbeaten Jonesboro on Friday. Gibson returned the opening kickoff 92 yards to spark the win. Spalding has outscored its first three opponents 102-16. The Jaguars are 5-3 against Eagle’s Landing in the series, but the teams met twice last season with the Golden Eagles winning both games.
Carrollton at North Hall
A battle between two programs striving to get back to their previous heights, Carrollton heads to The Brickyard looking to avoid its first 0-4 start in the modern era. The Trojans missed the playoffs for the first time in 26 seasons last year. North Hall made several deep playoff runs under former coach Bob Christmas (2001-2013), but went 2-8 last season under current coach David Bishop. Carrollton beat North Hall 46-10 last season.
Clarkston at No. 3 Woodward Academy
The War Eagles blew out Lovett last week 37-7 and are looking for their first 4-0 start since 2010. Star running back Elijah Holyfield has rushed for 313 yards and six touchdowns in two games after missing the season opener. Quarterback Ryan Glover has been sharp, completed 37 of 60 pass for 391 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Glover also has rushed for two touchdowns. Joshua Johnson has been Glover’s favorite target. Three of Johnson’s team-high 13 catches have gone for touchdowns. Clarkston (0-4) is in Class AAAAAA and has lost 14 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Stone Mountain at No. 6 Marist
The War Eagles are looking for their third straight win. Michael Addicks leads Marist’s always potent option attack with 286 yards. Spencer Taylor has scored four touchdowns. The War Eagles’ defense has stiffed since surrendering 41 points in an opening loss to Coconut Creek of Florida. Marist opponents are averaging just less than 100 yards of offense.
Stone Mountain, at 0-3, is a big underdog. The Pirates have been outscored 151-20 this season.
Notes
--No. 1 Cartersville is off this week. The undefeated Purple Hurricanes will open region play against Gilmer next week.
--No. 9 St. Pius is off this week. The Golden Lions (1-2) return to action next week against Grady.
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