Banneker coach Mario Allen scheduled this week’s game against Hillgrove, a high-quality team from a larger classification, on the road in what should be a difficult environment with a long-range view of the season in mind.
“The main reason was to get a team on the schedule that was going to give us a test,” Allen said. “We need to learn how to prepare for this kind of team.”
Banneker went 8-3 last year in Allen’s first season, losing to Maynard Jackson and coming up short in a showdown with Carver-Atlanta 24-23. The Trojans lost to Southwest DeKalb in the first round of the playoffs, the school’s first trip to the postseason since 2013.
Most of that young team returns and expects to be in the middle of the Region 6-AAAAA playoff race against a deep field of contenders. The Trojans are off to a 2-0 start after wins against Lovejoy and BEST Academy.
Banneker is led by sophomore running back Kobe Harris and offensive lineman Joshua Simon, a 6-2, 235-pound senior. The defense features a pair of experienced senior linebackers in Dre’quan Eason on the outside and Jaylin Williams in the middle.
“We wanted the kids to have to step up and experience what it’s like to go against a bigger team, a high-caliber team. It’s going to be a true test. We can’t afford to make mistakes. The offense has to be consistent and the defense has to play well and capitalize on mistakes.”
Here are other interesting games this weekend:
Deerfield Beach, Fla., at Buford: The No. 2-ranked Wolves (2-0) could get a test from Deerfield, the top-ranked team in Florida's Class 8A. The game could be a showcase for Buford tailback Derrian Brown, who has rushed for 297 yards in the first two games, and Deerfield's Jaylan Knighton, an Oklahoma commit who ran for 149 yards in the opening win.
Clarke Central at Flowery Branch: The former rivals in Region 8-AAAAA play a non-region affair; Flowery Branch dropped a class when a new school opened and sapped its enrollment. Clarke (2-0) has run the ball effectively behind Jonathan Sewell and O'Brien Barnett. Class AAAA No. 9 Flowery Branch (1-0) opened with a 70-6 win over East Hall. Clarke has won both its games on the road and coach David Perno said the Branch will be the toughest test the Gladiators have faced.
Stone Mountain vs. Lithonia at Adams Stadium: This will be the 41st meeting between the two schools, one of the oldest rivalries in DeKalb County. Lithonia holds a 25-14-1 advantage and has won the last five meetings, 40-13 in 2017. Lithonia (2-0) hasn't started the season with two wins since 2015. The Bulldogs are led by running back Shawn Morris, who rushed for 112 yards in the season opener against Forest Park, and quarterback Seoul Newton. The defense is led by sophomore linebackers Asmar Hassan and Quezmond Hatcher and senior linemen Brandarius Minor and Zaryon Stubbs.
Carver Atlanta vs. Stockbridge at Tri-Cities (Saturday, 5:30 p.m.): These two region champions from a year ago meet for the first time. The game will be a showcase for Carver running back Jo'quavious Marks, an all-state back a year ago who has rushed for 302 yards in the first game games of his junior season. Carver (0-2) will be tested by a rebuilt Stockbridge defense that is typically one of the best in the state. Kerick Reese and Desmond Barkley will be tasked with slowing down Marks.
Jones County at Northside Warner Robins: There could be a lot of points scored when these two schools meet for the first since 2015. No. 9 Jones (2-0) is led by quarterback Hunter Costlow, who has already thrown eight touchdown passes. Class AAAAAA No. 8 Northside features a strong running threat from Eric Smith (215 yards) and quarterback Jadin Daniels (165 yards rushing, 196 yards passing).
Dutchtown at Crisp County: The No. 10-ranked Bulldogs (2-0) have shut out their first two opponents on the road and try to make it three in a row. Crisp County was blanked last week and has had trouble moving the ball on the ground and through the air. Dutchtown is led by veteran linebackers Kevon Glenn and Adonis Butler.
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