--Marist coach Alan Chadwick kicks off his 30th season by leading the War Eagles against Florida power Godby in the first of four games at 11:45 a.m., Saturday in the second annual Georgia-Florida Battle of the Borders Showdown at Hallford Stadium. Godby, out of Tallahassee, dropped its opener, 32-13, to IMG Academy, but is stacked with college prospects. "From what I understand, they're ranked preseason No. 7 in the country and have about 20 (college) prospects," said Chadwick. "We've got two. We certainly have our hands full."
--No. 1 Buford continues its challenging non-region slate with a home game against Class AAAAAA’s Berkmar on Friday. It’s the first game for the Wolves against a school from the state’s largest classification since 2006, when they opened the season with a 35-7 win over East Coweta. Buford beat Florida’s defending AAA state champion Trinity Christian, 17-0, last week for the Wolves' 25th straight win. Berkmar lost its opener to Newton, 42-14.
--St. Pius X opens its return season to Class AAAA against Blessed Trinity on Friday. The Golden Lions have won five of six all-time meetings with Blessed Trinity, but lost last season's game. St. Pius was last in AAAA in 2006.
--Defending AAAA state champion Griffin opens its first season under coach Jarrett Laws at Henry County on Friday. Laws came over from Drew to replace Steve DeVoursney, who resigned after an investigation into alleged illegal recruiting and improper academic assistance. Laws says the entire Griffin community is to ready to take a step forward. Having a dynamic receiving corps featuring Keyston Fuller, Chris Owens and Darquavious Mangham should help the third-ranked Bears.
--Thomasville and Cairo will meet for the 71st time Friday, continuing a series that dates back to the early 1920s. Thomasville beat Cairo last season, ending an eight-game losing streak to the Syrupmakers. Thomasville lost its opener, 42-35, to West Laurens in Week 1. This will be Cairo's first game.
--No.9 Veterans opens its season at Houston County. The game features two talented quarterbacks in Veterans' Logan Byrd and Houston County's Jake Fromm. The Warhawks won't have starting running back in Desjuan Harris, who is out with a broken arm, according to Macon.com.
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