On to Week 9 in the high school season. Here’s a region-by-region look at this weekend’s action in high the class.
Region 1 – This is the last region statewide to start region play. It’s Tift County at Lowndes and Camden County at Colquitt County. Interesting that the two passing-yards leaders in 7A last week were Tift’s Griffin Collier (1,840) and Lowndes’ Michael Barrett (1,495). Yep, Lowndes No. 2 in passing. That's change. Remember that only three teams in a four-team region is guaranteed of a playoff berth. The 32nd playoff spot in Class 7A will be chosen among region also-rans using the GHSA’s power ratings.
Region 2 – Westlake (3-3, 1-0) and Pebblebrook (4-2, 1-0) play for first place while Wheeler (3-3, 1-0) would make itself very relevant with a victory at East Coweta (4-2, 0-1).
Region 3 – Marietta (3-3, 1-0) is at Hillgrove (3-3, 1-0). The winner will keep pace with McEachern (5-1, 1-0) as the region leaders (assuming McEachern beats Kennesaw Mountain). Note that Marietta freshman-sensation QB Harrison Bailey – who threw for a freshman state-record 462 yards last week – grew up in the Hillgrove district but attends the city-school Marietta, which is perfectly legal and adds a little spice to the proceedings.
Region 4 – Top game is Woodstock (4-2, 1-0) at No. 7 Lassiter (5-1, 0-1). Lassiter’s loss is to No. 1 Roswell (6-0, 1-0), the presumptive region champ. Woodstock QB Garrett Bass has thrown at TD passes. Lassiter’s secondary is full of D-I recruits. Region leader Cherokee (4-3, 2-0) is off.
Region 5 – If you enjoy suspense, this is your region. It’s the most difficult to project, and it’s probably the only region where ‘on any given Friday’ truly applies, this one and maybe Region 1. North Forsyth (4-2, 1-0) plays at Lambert (3-3, 1-0). Milton (2-4, 0-1) plays at South Forsyth (3-3, 0-1). West Forsyth (5-1) plays at Forsyth Central (3-2, 0-1). Hard to think this will be over until West plays at 2015 region champ South in the final game.
Region 6 – Second-ranked Mill Creek (7-0, 3-0) can take another step toward another region title with a victory at Peachtree Ridge (2-4, 1-1). Mountain View (6-1, 2-1) is home against Collins Hill (2-5, 2-1). Mountain View has never won more than four games in a season until now. It’s looking like 8-2 is a likelihood. Beating Collins Hill would probably mean a home playoff game in the first round.
Region 7 – Best game is Brookwood (4-2, 2-0) at Central Gwinnett (3-4, 2-1). Neat fact – Central QB Jarren Williams has thrown 182 passes without an interception this year.
Region 8 – Archer (2-4, 1-0) emerged last week as the top contender in the region to third-ranked Grayson (5-1, 2-0) with a 42-0 victory over Newton, which entered that game 4-1-1. After the Grayson game, Archer will have played every top-five team in 7A. It would be shocking if Archer beat Grayson, but the Tigers are hopeful of the future in general with the return of QB Dillon Waye, injured the first four games. He played well in the Newton win.
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