Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
It hasn’t been that long since Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals ruled their regions. In those days it seemed like any team that wanted to win a state championship had to come through Athens to do it.
As a result, the annual game between Clarke and Cedar produced some epic battles, with the winner often emerging as the region champion.
So while neither Clarke Central nor Cedar Shoals is favored to win Region 8 – the role of favorite is played by No. 1 Buford – it is very likely that the latest meeting between the two schools could be epic. They meet for the 50th time on Friday at Cedar Shoals.
Both teams are in the throes of regime change.
Clarke Central is 2-2 under first-year coach David Perno, a former Gladiator who played for the legendary Billy Henderson back in the glory days. Perno is trying to get the program back on track after it failed to make the state playoffs the last two years.
Cedar Shoals is 3-1 – its best start since 2008 -- under first-year coach Leroy Ryals, who was head coach at Clarke Central from 2006-2012 and took the Gladiators to the state championship game in 2009. The Jaguars haven’t made the playoffs since 2008 and didn’t win a game two years ago.
Clarke Central has won the last eight meetings. The Gladiators won 29-0 last year.
Clarke Central will meet region favorite Buford on the road on Sept. 30. Cedar Shoals will host the Wolves on Oct. 14.
Other big games this week:
Griffin at Whitewater: If No. 7 Griffin is going to be the class of Region 3, it will need to prove it against contenders like Whitewater (3-1), which lost for the first time last week. Griffin is averaging 49.9 points per game. The two teams have met just once, with Griffin winning 23-22 in 2011.
You can read more about Griffin by clicking here.
McIntosh vs. Riverdale (Thursday, Southern Crescent): This game could determine which of these teams will be around at the end when playoff spots are handed out. McIntosh (3-1) had a week off after losing to Luella. Riverdale (3-1) got its offense in gear last week against Henry County. Riverdale quarterback Joseph Cambridge will be showcased against a McIntosh offense led by running back Bradley Ector.
Arabia Mountain at East Coweta: No. 6 Arabia Mountain (4-0) will be tested with a trip to Sharpsburg to play Class AAAAAAA East Coweta (3-1). The Rams are led by quarterback Saad Noble, who has thrown for 450 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 264 yards and four touchdowns. Arabia Mountain also has a talented tandem of running backs in Brandon Snowball (363 yards, four TDs) and Carl White III, who has rushed for 258 yards and four touchdowns. East Coweta has won the only two meetings between the two schools, including 35-28 in 2015.
Buford at International School of Broward: No. 1 Buford plays its final showcase game before diving in the Region 8 schedule. The Wolves (3-1) were potent on offense last week, with Anthony Grant rushing 19 times for 108 yards and one touchdown and catching two passes for 56 yards and another touchdown. Quarterback Mic Roof threw for 168 yards and two scores. The Buford defense was led by T.D. Roof, who had 10 tackles, and Jake Simpson, who had 12. International School is 0-3 and hasn't come closer than 11 points. The charter school is starting to draw top prospects to its young program.
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