A look at No. 1 Buford reveals an offense that’s capable of huge numbers. The Wolves have scored 38 or more points in each of the last seven games and has scored 48 or more in four of those games.
A look at No. 10 Loganville reveals a defense with a history of making the big play. The Red Devils have shut out four opponents this season, including the last two it has faced.
So, when Loganville travels to Buford on Friday to determine the Region 8 championship, which will prevail: the high-school offense or the rock-solid defense?
Buford (7-1) has won seven straight since losing the season opener to Roswell, the No. 1 ranked team in Class AAAAAAA. The Wolves have an experience quarterback in Mic Roof and a strong group of running backs led by Anthony Grant.
But the Buford defense isn’t anything to scoff at, since many of the points allowed have come in one-sided games against the second- and third-team defenses.
Loganville (7-1) has won six straight since its Week 2 loss to North Forsyth. The Red Devils gave up 37 points to Clarke Central, but has not given up a point in its four other region games.
Loganville quarterback Cameron Perkins-McLeod has thrown for 801 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed for 289. Darryl Giles Jr. leads the Red Devils with 970 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Veterans at Warner Robins: Veterans can finish no worse than second in Region 1 if it can score its first win over Warner Robins. The Warhawks (5-4) are led by quarterback Leyton Pinckney, who has thrown for 799 yards and two touchdowns, and a stable of running backs led by senior Amarrian Brown (317 yards). Jeremy Horton is a big-play threat at receiver and on returns.
The two have met only twice, with Warner Robins winning both times. The Demons took the last meeting 21-10 in 2013.
Wayne County at Ware County: If Ware wins, the Gators will clinch the Region 2 title. If Wayne wins, the Yellow Jackets would win the title with a victory over Statesboro next week.
Ware County (4-3, 2-0) has benefitted from playing a tough schedule and absorbed three losses from ranked schools in higher classifications. Once the Gators got involved with teams in their own region, they’ve prevailed by a combined 65-0 in two games. Quarterback Jermar Lincoln leads the offense with 640 yards and seven touchdowns passing and 739 yards and 10 TDs rushing.
Wayne County (2-6, 2-0) has also had its record sullied by competition against bigger schools and has outscored the opposition 65-26 in its two region wins. The Yellow Jackets are led by quarterback Greg Overholt, who has thrown for 959 yards and 11 touchdowns, and running back M.J. Fuller, who has rushed for 777 yards and eight touchdowns.
Ware County holds a 15-10 lead in the series between the two teams from Swamp County. The Gators have won the last eight games, the most recent a 39-3 victory in Jesup in 2011.
Riverdale at Starr's Mill: Both teams appear headed for the playoffs, but this game will definitely have an impact on the seeding. Riverdale (6-2) and Starr's Mill (5-4) are part of a four-way atop Region 3 with one league loss. Riverdale finishes the season next week against Griffin, while Starr's Mill concludes at Fayette County. Riverdale and Starr's Mill have already dropped a game to Whitewater.
Riverdale and Starr’s Mill haven’t played since 2004. Starr’s Mill leads the series 5-2 and won the most recent meeting 24-6, which occurred in the first round of the state playoffs.
Jones County at Stockbridge: Jones County has won four straight games and takes a full head of steam into this game against Region 4 leader Stockbridge. If the Greyhounds can find a way to knock off No. 2 Stockbridge, it would likely create a three-way tie at the top of the standings.
No one has successfully stopped the mighty Stockbridge offense. The Tigers have scored 27 or more points in seven of their eight games and hung 50 on Hampton last week.
Jones County has proven it can light up the scoreboard. Its offense has scored 43 points in five games this season, giving the Greyhounds hope for Friday.
These two teams have met only twice and have split the two meetings. Stockbridge won the most recent meeting 56-21 in 2007.
Arabia Mountain at Southwest DeKalb (Godfrey Stadium): If Southwest DeKalb wins, the Panthers will essentially wrap up the Region 5 title. If Arabia Mountain wins, the No. 8 Rams will still need to turn away Columbia on the final week.
Each team is on a three-game winning streak (all within the region) and each has scored some nice non-region wins – Arabia Mountain over Dacula, Southwest over Cedar Grove. Each team has beaten Redan.
This will be the third meeting between the two schools. They have split the first two games, with Arabia Mountain winning 41-6 in the most recent meeting in 2013.
