Best game in Class AAAAAA this week …
Grayson and Parkview just beat their arch-rivals. Now, they’ll face each other, with the winner of their game this week taking the role as front-runner in Region 8-AAAAAA.
Last week, Grayson defeated No. 1-ranked Archer 26-24 on a 25-yard field goal by Will VanPamlen in the final seconds. Parkview quarterback Jack Chambers passed for 404 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-9 victory over Brookwood.
Grayson has won eight of the past nine in the series, but the one loss was remarkable, as Grayson was ranked No. 1 at the time, in 2012. Both teams are 3-0. The game is at Parkview.
Another good one ...
Walton and Wheeler form the oldest continuous rivalry in East Cobb County. This week, they play with eve more at stake after both sat out the post-season in 2014.
On Friday, Wheeler defeated defending Region 5-AAAAAA champion Milton 35-7. Benaiah Franklin rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns. Wheeler is 3-1 overall, 2-0 in region play.
Walton, ranked No. 8, defeated No. 7 Etowah 35-10 in another region game Friday. Wide receiver Dominick Blaylock had seven receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns. A 60-yard touchdown was called back for holding. A freshman, Blaylock already has offers from Auburn, Georgia and others.
Walton has won 16 of the past 17 games in this seasons between schools only four miles apart. Walton and Wheeler have played each season since 1978.
Two more to watch …
Newton (4-0) at Lowndes (3-1): Newton stunned Lowndes on the road in 2013, then won at Lowndes' cross-town rival Valdosta in the 2014 playoffs. This is probably the best Newton team of the three, the first to start 4-0 since 2010.
Woodstock (3-1) at Etowah (3-1): Etowah is likely out of the Top 10 after losing to Walton 35-10 last week, but crosstown rival Woodstock offers a chance at redemption. Etowah leads the series 8-7. Six of the past seven meetings have been decided by seven points or less, and three have gone overtime, including Woodstock's 47-44 win in 2014.
About the Author
