Cole Handte did his best to keep his teammates motivated and ready from the sideline when he was forced out for two weeks with a partially-torn MCL.

Now that he’s back on the field, the Gainesville High senior defensive lineman can finally lead by example again.

“It’s a big difference,” he said, following Wednesday’s practice. “Another guy can handle where I am, but when I’m in there, I’m trying to make everybody else better.”

Handte will be a key cog for Gainesville’s defense as the Red Elephants (5-3, 5-2 Region 8-AAAAA) seek to counter Loganville’s dangerous rush attack in a road matchup that may help decide who secures a No. 2 seed and a home playoff spot in the Class AAAAA playoffs.

The Red Devils (7-1, 6-1 Region 8-AAAAA) boast a strong rushing threat behind running back Darryl Giles Jr., who has picked up 914 yards and 10 touchdowns to help lead second-place Loganville to surprising success. Loganville hasn’t finished higher than fifth since joining the region in 2012, and hasn’t played a postseason game since 2010.

But under first-year coach Mike Humphreys, the Red Devils are riding a three-game win streak heading into tonight’s game — one that will help decide who will join first-place Lanier (8-0, 7-0) in the postseason.

“It’s a big game,” said Gainesville coach Bruce Miller. “We’ve got to take care of business Friday night, and then business next week, against Flowery Branch. Our region is coming down to the final weeks.”

The Red Elephants are almost back at full strength after dealing with several tough injury losses to seniors throughout the season.

Handte and linebacker Demichael Borders are both back in the starting lineup after recovering from torn ligaments, safety Chris Lyles is back in action after suffering a fracture in his left arm, and Toddrick Turner is expected to feature at defensive back after missing the last few games.

Each player will be expected to slow down Loganville’s offense, which averages nearly 28 points and 328 yards per game.

While Red Devils quarterback Cameron Perkins-McLeod has put together six 100-yard passing games, Loganville will look to establish the run behind Giles Jr. and senior Evan French (598 yards, two TDs).

“(Giles) is a little bit deceiving,” said Humphreys. “He avoids the tackles well, he’s got pretty good ... breakaway speed.”

After recording three tackles in a solid effort against Cedar Shoals, Handte wants to continue his rehab by stopping Giles before he gets going. Running back Chris Byrd said Handte regularly demands double coverage from opposing offensive linemen.

“(Giles) is a very good running back,” said Handte. “No matter where he is, he finds the hole. But I’ve got to hit him hard, whenever I get the opportunity.”

TIME FOR A TRACK MEET?: Gainesville senior quarterback Messiah Dorsey wore the pair of shoes he uses to lift weights to practice when the team was forced indoors, thanks to a recent downpour in the area. He’ll likely need to lace up his track shoes against Loganville, in order to counter Loganville’s offense.

The senior leads his team with 650 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, including two in last week’s big win over Cedar Shoals. Typically, Dorsey (1,101 passing yards, 10 passing TDs) has opted to run more in tighter matchups, including a Sept. 11 win over Winder-Barrow, where he scrambled for three scores in a 40-26 victory.

Dorsey said Loganville blitzes “probably 50 percent of the time.” The team practiced a number of pitch and option plays inside Gainesville’s old basketball gym as the players waited out the rain.

“When the going gets tough, I’ll look to the coaches, and they’ll tell me to keep a level head and keep going. I know there will be ups and downs, but I’ve got to keep a level head.”

MISTAKE-FREE FOOTBALL: Despite toting the rock nearly 35 times a game, the Red Devils have given up just one fumble all year. Meanwhile, the Red Elephants have had trouble securing the ball, giving up five turnovers in a recent loss to Clarke Central, and two fumbles each against Cedar Shoals and Lanier.

“It’s a high-risk offense,” said Humphreys. “But we stressed from the first day that we take that to heart. They’ve bought into what we’ve been preaching from Day 1. There’s not some secret serum to protect the ball, but that’s what they do.”

HISTORY ON GAINESVILLE’S SIDE: Loganville owns the all-time series record between the two teams 7-3, but hasn’t beaten the Red Elephants since 2012. Interestingly enough, Gainesville recovered from that loss to earn its first GHSA state championship.

High school football previews: Chestatee, North Hall set for rivalry game at The Brickyard

Friday's games

Gainesville at Loganville

Lakeview Academy at Prince Avenue Christian

Riverside Military at 
Union County

Chestatee at North Hall

East Hall vs. Fannin County

West Hall vs. Banks County

Johnson at Franklin County

Flowery Branch vs. Salem

Lumpkin County at Dawson County

Buford at Madison County

Jefferson at Oconee County

Habersham Central at North Forsyth

White County vs. Monroe Area

BYE: Jackson County