Gainesville at Walnut Grove
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Walnut Grove Community Stadium
Radio: 1240-AM
Coaches: Gainesville, Bruce Miller; Walnut Grove, O.J. Soto
Records: Gainesville (6-1, 3-0 Region 8-AAA South), Walnut Grove (2-5, 1-2).
Key players: Gainesville, QB Deshaun Watson (6-3, 185 So.), DB Eli Nwefo (5-9, 175 Sr.), WR Justin Cantrell (6-1, 175 Jr.). Walnut Grove, OL Jay Weldon (6-0, 225 Sr.), QB Jonah Guinn (6-0, 190 Sr.), RB Tyler Bennett (6-0, 185 Sr.).
Outlook: Tonight, the Red Elephants can lock up the South subregion title and a spot in the region title game on Nov. 4. Gainesville secures the subregion crown with a win tonight against the Warriors, along with a Monroe Area win against West Hall. If that scenario doesn’t come together, the Red Elephants can still claim the subregion title next Friday with a win against West Hall in Oakwood.
Tonight’s game is one that could play right into Gainesville’s hand. The Red Elephants are averaging 42 points per game, and facing a Walnut Grove defense that is giving up 27 points per game.
Watson remains the area’s leading passer with 1,677 yards (10 yards per attempt) and 21 touchdowns. He’s completed 62 percent of his throws (104 of 169). Mason is the leading receiver with 32 catches for 547 yards. Cantrell remains second on the team with 31 receptions for 473 yards, including three touchdowns last week against the Purple Hurricanes.
Prediction: GAINESVILLE. There’s no standing in the Red Elephants’ way of an undefeated record in subregion play.
Loganville at Flowery Branch
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Falcon Field, Flowery Branch
Radio: 1330-AM
Coaches: Loganville, Eric Godfree; Flowery Branch, Lee Shaw
Records: Loganville (4-3, 4-3 Region 8-AAAA); Flowery Branch (7-0, 7-0)
Key players: Loganville, QB Garrett Ford (6-0, 175 Sr.), RB/DB Braxton Beck (5-9, 160 So.), RB Bernard Merriweather (5-10, 190 Jr.). Flowery Branch, QB Kanler Coker (6-4, 210 Sr.), WR C.J. Curry (6-2, 206 Sr.), RB Jeremy Haley (5-8, 210 Sr.).
Outlook: The Falcons survived their toughest test of the season last week in a 21-13 win over previously undefeated Heritage.
There is no time for a breather with another playoff contender up next.
The Red Devils, who have been in the postseason the last three years and are tied with Habersham Central for the fourth spot in the region, have won two straight since a close loss at defending region champs Clarke Central.
Statistically, the team is squarely in the middle of the pack, averaging 29 points per game on offense and allowing 24 on defense. The offense has been better the last three weeks, averaging 35 points per game.
In a 42-7 win over still-winless Winder-Barrow last week, Merriweather ran for two scores and senior linebacker Allen Cofer ran an interception back for a score.
Loganville is still not in the same conversation as the Flowery Branch offense, which averages 48.4 points per game, second in the area.
Haley is fourth in the area with 791 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns on 86 carries, Curry and fellow receiver Jeremy Osborne have combined for 1,049 yards receiving and 13 scores, and Coker is 89 of 141 passing for 1,590 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air.
The Falcons defense, led by junior linebacker Jared Allen (74 tackles, 11 for loss) is second in the area in points allowed at 12.1 per game.
Prediction: FLOWERY BRANCH. The Falcons offense cranks back up after a tough week in Conyers.
Greater Atlanta Christian at Buford
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford
Radio: 550-AM
Coaches: Greater Atlanta Christian, Tim Cokely; Buford, Jess Simpson
Records: Greater Atlanta Christian (7-0, 2-0 Region 6A-AA); Buford (8-0, 2-0)
Key players: Greater Atlanta Christian, RB/DB Lavondre Nelson (5-8, 170 Sr.), OL/DL Chase Roberts (6-4, 285 Sr.), TE/LB Jonathan Ford (6-3, 220 Sr.). Buford, RB/LB Andre Johnson (5-11, 220 Sr.), LB Dillon Lee (6-5, 240 Sr.), TE/DE Kurt Freitag (6-5, 241 Sr.).
Outlook: Tonight’s game pits two very strong offenses against one another, but don’t assume it will be a high-scoring game. The Wolves and Spartans both play very good defense.
Top-ranked Buford has steamrolled into its final game of the regular season by averaging 50 points a game, and is allowing less than a touchdown every Friday night. Meanwhile, No. 3 Greater Atlanta Christian has been solid offensively with about 48 points per game, including in excess of 60 in subregion games against Decatur and Clarkston the past two games. The Spartans have allowed 19 points per game.
Buford’s offense is almost entirely ground based out of the I-formation. The Wolves have 2,264 rushing yards (283 yards per game) and 13 different players have scored a rushing touchdown. Johnson (565 yards, 10 TDs), Darrian Smith (333 yards, four TD’s) and Dontravious Wilson (311 yards, 12.4 yards per carry) are Buford’s leading ball carriers.
For GAC, Nelson is an explosive player with 684 yards (16 yards per carry). Spartans quarterback Delano Spencer has completed 43 of 60 passes for 739 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Prediction: BUFORD. With two weeks between games, the Wolves are going to be rested and hungry.
East Hall at Dawson County
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Tiger Stadium, Dawsonville
Coaches: East Hall, Bryan Gray; Dawson County, Jeff Lee
Records: East Hall (4-3, 2-1 Region 8-AA North); Dawson County (4-3, 2-1)
Key players: East Hall, RB/DB Jamond Witt (5-10, 173 Sr.), OL/DL Jeffery Howard (6-1, 235 Sr.), QB Cameron Davis (5-10, 175 So). Dawson County, QB Tyler Dominy (6-5, 185 Jr.), WR Bruce Clark (6-4, 190 Jr.), RB/LB Zack Martin (5-10, 190 Jr.).
Outlook: The winner of this game will clinch a spot in one of the region play-in games.
Dawson County enters play having slipped by Union County 22-19, while East Hall will be looking to rebound after a 35-19 loss to Fannin County.
Both are tied for second place in the subregion, and while a loss won’t end either team’s chances of a region play-in game, a Vikings loss and a Fannin County win would mean that East Hall would drop to fourth in the subregion.
The offenses have both averaged just over 26 points per game, even if they score in very different ways.
East Hall, led by running back Jamond Witt (775 yards and 11 touchdowns on 82 carries), averages 26.3 points scored per game. Dawson County, led by quarterback Tyler Dominy (second in the area with 1,612 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions on 113 of 177 passing) is just a hair below at 26.1.
East Hall has the slight edge on defense, allowing an average of 22 points per game (Howard leads area with six sacks), while Dawson County has allowed 28. But the Tigers defense has been at its best the last two games, allowing just 19 points in each.
Prediction: DAWSON COUNTY. Dominy leads the home team to another close win.
Heritage at Habersham Central
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Raider Stadium, Mount Airy
Radio: 99.3-FM
Coaches: Heritage, Chad Frazier; Habersham Central, Stuart Cunningham
Records: Heritage (7-1, 7-1 Region 8-AAAA); Habersham Central (4-3, 4-3)
Key players: Heritage, RB/DB Quami Stanley (5-9, 170 Sr.), RB/WR/DB Dominic Craft (5-8, 132 Sr.), QB/DB Ryan Sutton (5-9, 170 So.). Habersham Central, QB Kevin Ellison (6-1, 180 Sr.), LB Drew Ferguson (5-10, 190 Sr.), RB/DE Patrick Burns (6-1, 190 Sr.).
Outlook: The Patriots and Raiders are both looking to bounce back from losses to Flowery Branch.
Heritage fell 21-13 last week; Habersham Central fell 56-31 the week before and is coming off of its bye week.
This isn’t a must-win game to get to state (the Raiders need to win their final two games to clinch a playoff berth), but it is a win that would keep Habersham Central alive in the race for a possible No. 2 or No. 3 seed.
The match-up to watch this season is region player of the year candidate Ellison (first in area with 1,333 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns on 135 carries, 37 of 85 for 625 yards passing and seven touchdowns) against the Patriots defense (tied with Flowery Branch with a region-best 12 points allowed per game).
Habersham Central averages an area-high 336 yards rushing per game and 37.3 points per game.
The Patriots, who started 7-0 for the first time in school history and are a lock to return to the playoffs, average 27 points per game this season. Against Flowery Branch, Craft provided all of the offense with two rushing touchdowns as Heritage was held to its lowest offensive output of the season.
Habersham Central may have the edge on special teams, as Raiders’ junior punter Ian Wheeler leads the area with a 39.1 average on 18 punts.
Prediction: HABERSHAM CENTRAL. The Raiders can pull the upset because they have shown they can score on top defenses (31 points scored against Flowery Branch) and have had an extra week to prepare.
White County at Chestatee
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: War Eagle Stadium, Gainesville
Coaches: White County, Bill Ballard; Chestatee, Stan Luttrell
Records: White County (1-6, 0-3 Region 8-AAA North); Chestatee (3-4, 0-3)
Key players: White County, RB/DB Ryan Kennedy (5-11, 180 Sr.), RB/LB Dalton Whitfield (6-1, 220 So.), QB Will Brock (6-2, 190 Jr.). Chestatee, RB Quan Clark (5-10, 180 Jr.), DE Garrett Bennett (5-10, 205 Sr), QB Jordan Degraff (6-2, 170 Jr.).
Outlook: This game matches opponents which are a combined 0-8 in their past four games, 0-6 in the subregion.
Tonight, something is going to give.
Chestatee has struggled ever since starting the season 3-0. After a close loss to Monroe Area in their fourth game of the season, the War Eagles have been outscored by their opponents 117-14. Production on both sides of the ball has decreased in that span.
One problem the War Eagles have been faced with has been an increase in turnovers. After throwing no interceptions in their three wins to start the season, War Eagle quarterbacks have combined for two in each of four losses. It’s an issue they need to fix to give themselves a chance against a White County team that has performed better than its record might suggest.
Despite winning just one game this season, White County has performed well on defense in its past two games and had a chance to pull off upsets in both.
Two weeks ago, the Warriors gave up just 59 yards to the area’s second-leading rusher, North Hall running back Cross.
Another good performance on defense will give the Warriors the edge tonight.
Prediction: WHITE COUNTY. The Warriors’ defense will step up again, this time giving their team a victory.
Johnson at Oconee County
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Warriors Stadium, Watkinsville
Coaches: Johnson, Paul Friel; Oconee County, Mitch Olson
Records: Johnson (0-7, 0-3 Region 8-AAA South), Oconee County (3-4, 1-2)
Key players: Johnson, RB Cedric Harris (6-1, 175 Jr.), RB A.J. Millwood (5-10, 155 Jr.), LB Jose Martinez (6-2, 230 Jr.). Oconee County, QB Connor White (6-4, 180 Sr.), RB Davis Aiken (5-9, 180 Jr.), OL Logan Reach (6-2, 230 Sr.).
Outlook: Johnson’s running game continues to churn out consistent yardage, but the team is still having trouble putting points on the board. Harris is third in the area in rushing with 961 yards (7 yards per carry) and Millwood is eighth with 714 yards (6.1 per rush). Still, the Knights aren’t getting the ball in the end zone enough. Johnson still hasn’t scored more than 21 points in a game this season and is averaging right at 14 points per game.
Harris has also been a leader on defense. He had a team-high 14 tackles from his defensive back position last Friday against Walnut Grove. Martinez finished with 12 tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery.
Oconee County is a little more consistent on offense. The Warriors average 21 points per game, including last week’s 35-31 win against West Hall in Watkinsville. Defense has continued to be a struggle for the Warriors. Since a season-opening shutout of East Jackson, Oconee County has allowed an average of 37 points per game.
Prediction: OCONEE COUNTY. The Warriors have a passing game that will pose problems for the Knights young defense.
West Hall at Monroe Area
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Purple Pit, Monroe
Coaches: West Hall, Mike Newton; Monroe Area, Matt Fligg
Records: West Hall (2-5, 2-1 Region 8-AAA South), Monroe Area (5-2, 2-1)
Key players: West Hall, RB A.J. Stephens (5-8, 165 Sr.), QB Chandler Newton (6-1, 190 So.), LB/FB Turk Taylor (5-11, 215 Sr.). Monroe Area, QB Floyd McCoy (5-10, 175 Sr.), RB/DB Darius Blackwell (5-11, 175 Sr.), RB Kwan Brooks (5-9, 155 So.).
Outlook: These two schools are meeting for only the fourth time, but it couldn’t be any bigger for two schools both in the hunt for a playoff-qualifying region play-in game on Nov. 4. The winner will have an inside track to the No. 2 seed for a game to try and make the postseason, while the loser will be in a fight for the third and final seed for a potential postseason bid.
One reason for the Spartans’ 2-1 mark in subregion play is the increase in offensive production with 35 points per game, even 31 last week in a loss at Oconee County. Newton has come on strong with 943 passing yards (8.3 yards per attempt), and a speedy Stephens in the backfield (393 yards, 9 yards per carry). In its first four games of the season, West Hall averaged just 12 points per game.
On the other side, Monroe Area’s biggest inconsistency has been its defense. The Purple Hurricanes have limited the opposition to less than 10 points three times this year, but allowed 41 last Friday against Gainesville at City Park.
Prediction: MONROE AREA. The Purple Hurricanes can run the ball and are geared up to claim a probable No. 2 seed for the region play-in game.
Georgia Military at Lakeview Academy
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Jock Hornor Field, Gainesville
Coaches: Georgia Military, Brad Owens; Lakeview Academy, Matthew Gruhn
Records: Georgia Military (5-2); Lakeview Academy (2-4)
Key players: Georgia Military, RB/DB Andreus Warthen (Sr.), RB Colby Lawrence (Sr.), QB/LB Wayne Griffin (Sr.). Lakeview Academy, RB/S Matt Askounis (5-11, 175 Sr.), QB/DB Ted Reynolds (5-9, 140 Jr.), RB/LB Trevor Price (5-10, 160 Jr.).
Outlook: With each game, the Lakeview offense has improved where it counts the most: on the scoreboard. Since opening the season in a shutout, the Lions have scored 3, 7, 10, 21 and 49 points in the five games since.
But after matching the most points in a game in program history in last week’s win over North Cobb Christian, continuing that trend won’t be easy — especially against a Georgia Military defense that’s yielding only 10.4 points per game this season.
The Bulldogs, who lost to Lakeview 31-0 last year, are just one win away from their first winning season since 2001, and defense is a big reason why. Through seven games, they’ve yet to yield more than 20 points in a single contest.
The Lions will test that defense with a triple-option offense that produced two 100-yard rushers last week (Askounis and Reynolds).
Lakeview has its own milestone to shoot for: matching last year’s 4-4 mark by finishing just as the 2010 team did — with three straight wins.
Prediction: GEORGIA MILITARY. The Bulldogs appear to have the more complete team.
Jefferson at Jackson County
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Panther Stadium, Jefferson
Coaches: Jefferson, T. McFerrin; Jackson County, Billy Kirk
Records: Jefferson (5-2, 2-2 Region 8-AA South); Jackson County (2-5, 1-3)
Key players: Jefferson, QB Bryant Shirreffs (6-3, 200 Jr.), DE Carson Newman (6-0, 200 Sr.), LB Wesley Simonton (6-2, 205 Jr.). Jackson County, RB Dustin Scott ( Jr.), MLB Andy Williams (5-11 210, Sr.), QB Kyle Daniel (6-2 195, Jr.).
Outlook: Jefferson just finished its toughest stretch of the schedule, playing undefeated North Oconee and undefeated Elbert County in a span of three weeks.
Jackson County has actually played the same schedule in reverse the last three weeks and finished with the same 1-2 record.
In three tries, Jackson County has never beat Jefferson, including a 42-21 Dragons win last season at Memorial Stadium.
The Jefferson offense, which averaged over 40 points per game until being shut out 14-0 by Elbert County last week, is still the second most potent in Region 8-AA at 36 points per game. That isn’t good news for a Jackson County defense allowing a subregion-high 30 points per game.
The Dragons defense is improving, having allowed just 27 points combined in the last two games, led by Newman, who has 59 solo tackles and 17 assists for the season. The defensive end has been on fire in the past two games, recording 40 tackles, 12 for loss, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
The Jefferson defense should be stingy for a third-straight week with the Panthers (led by Scott with 455 yards and four touchdowns on 87 carries, and Daniel with 681 yards passing and five scores) averaging a subregion low 11 points per game.
Prediction: JEFFERSON. The Dragons offense will break out against a porous Panthers defense.
Banks County at Fannin County
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Rebel Stadium, Blue Ridge
Coaches: Banks County, Phillip Jones; Fannin County, Greg Chambers
Records: Banks County (6-1, 3-0 Region 8-AA North); Fannin County (4-3, 1-2)
Key players: Banks County, QB Tyler Hubbard (65-9, 150 Jr.), TB Dean Ewing (6-1, 200 Sr.), WR/DB Brenton Ruark (Jr.). Fannin County, RB Peyton Satterfield (6-0, 180 So.), RB/DB Blake Henry (5-10, 160 Sr.), K Taylor Brodowsky (6-1, 170 Sr.).
Outlook: In the last week, Banks County had two wins added to their season total. One came on their home field, a 40-28 victory over Rabun County in which the Leopards had five different players score touchdowns. The second win came by way of the Georgia High School Association.
On Tuesday, the GHSA ruled that Athens Christian must forfeit victories over Hebron Christian, Banks County and Social Circle because Eagles running back Travis Wildgoose did not meet the GHSA standards for eligibility regarding foreign exchange students. The Eagles scored with 11 seconds left in a 27-21 win to spoil a Leopard comeback on Sept. 16.
Banks County now looks to a date with a Rebel squad which helped the Leopards a week ago, as Fannin County beat East Hall 35-19. The Vikings had been tied with Banks County atop the sub-region standings.
The game is the toughest on paper of the two left this season for the Leopards, and they will continue to lean heavily on Ewing who rushed for 187 yards and a score last week.
When they do pass the ball the Leopards have been productive. On his four pass attempts last week, quarterback Tyler Hubbard had two touchdown passes.
Prediction: BANKS COUNTY. The Leopards offense is starting to get hot at the right time of year and will make it three wins in eight days.
Lumpkin County at Stephens County
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: The Reservation, Toccoa
Coaches: Lumpkin County, Tommy Jones; Stephens County, Travis Noland
Records: Lumpkin County (4-3, 1-2 Region 8-AAA North); Stephens County (6-1, 3-0)
Key players: Lumpkin County, FB/DT Lee Cagle (5-10, 185 Sr), RB/WR/CB Ian McIntosh (5-10, 185 Sr), OL/DL Zach Kile (6-1, 260 Jr). Stephens County, RB Chaz Thornton (5-9, 180 Jr.), WR T’omas Colbert (6-0, 180 Jr.), QB Dionte Mayfield (6-0, 180 Jr.).
Outlook: After a strong start, Lumpkin County has lost its last two games, scoring just six points in the two games combined. It’s bad timing as they travel to play a Stephens County team that hasn’t allowed more than 14 points in a single game since an opening-week loss to Elbert County.
One thing that helped Lumpkin County early that has hurt it in the last two is a great turnover margin. Through five games, the Indians had recorded 17 takeaways and just two turnovers. The team has lost the turnover battle in both of its losses in the pasts two weeks.
A turnaround on defense could go a long way toward helping the Indians stay in the game against a Stephens County team that struggled against White County a week ago.
Lumpkin County will also look to its dynamic ground attack to put it in a good position in the game. Leading rusher McIntosh carries the ball less than nine times per game on average, but gains about 13 yards per carry. He has 778 yards on the season to go with six touchdowns.
The Indians will need to establish the line of scrimmage early to let this strong running game do its work against Stephens County.
Prediction: STEPHENS COUNTY. Lumpkin County may put its struggles behind it tonight, but look for the home team to take the win.
Commerce at Prince Avenue Christian
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Wolverine Field, Bogart
Coaches: Commerce, Marvin Justice; Prince Avenue, Mark Farriba
Records: Commerce (3-4, 2-1 Region 8-A); Prince Avenue (7-0, 3-0)
Key players: Commerce, QB Cody Streetman (6-1, 200 Sr.), LB/K Josh Swistak (6-0, 200 Sr.), FB/LB Chance McClure (6-0, 215 So.). Prince Avenue, QB/CB Carl Mattox (5-10, 155 Jr.), RB/DB Rob Farriba (6-0, 165 Jr.), OL/DL Jason Shivar (6-1, 250 Sr.)
Outlook: It’s been feast or famine for the Commerce offense this year. In three wins, the Tigers are averaging 31 points per game. In four losses, that number dips to six points per game. They’ll have their work cut out for them this week, taking on the region’s No. 1 defense.
Seventh-ranked Prince Avenue Christian is yielding only 2.4 points per game and posted its fifth shutout of the season last week in a 48-0 win over Social Circle in which the Wolverines allowed less than 50 yards of total offense.
Prince Avenue, which has already matched the program’s record for wins in a season, is solid on offense as well, averaging a region-best 31.1 points per game. Mattox and Rob Farriba leads the Wolverines’ multi-faceted running game, rushing for nearly 1,100 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns combined. Farriba was held out of last week’s game with an injured collar bone, but is expected to play tonight.
Commerce is currently tied for second in the region and seems assured of its 15th consecutive playoff berth. But with three weeks left in the regular season, only two games separate first place from fourth in 8-A, meaning each game is still vital to playoff seeding.
Prediction: PRINCE AVENUE. The Wolverines have the most well-balanced team in 8-A and are marching toward the program’s first region title.
Towns County at Glascock County
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Panther Stadium, Gibson
Coaches: Towns County, Kyle Langford; Glascock County, Chris Kelley
Records: Towns County (1-6); Glascock County (2-5)
Key players: Towns County, QB Jackson Noblet (5-11, 185 So.), TB Noah Calhoun (5-10, 170 Sr.), C Luke Parker (6-0, 275 Jr.). Glascock County, RB Lewis Watkins (5-9, 165 Sr.), QB Cliff Jones (6-1, 140 Jr.), WB/LB Josh Brown (5-11, 175 Sr.).
Outlook: Both of these teams are looking to salvage what have been tough seasons. Towns County and Glascock County have a combined three wins on the season and only five times in their combined 14 games has either team scored more than 10 points.
When the teams do score they score in bunches, with the average margin of victory at 39 points.
In Glascock County’s two wins this season, it has scored 60 and 82 points. The latter of which was an 82-48 win against North Cobb Christian, only the 19th team to score 82 points in Georgia according to Georgia High School Football Association. The game was also the third-highest point total in state history.
In the high-scoring affair, Glascock County’s Watkins went for 354 rushing yards on only 13 carries. If the Panthers win it will be because of another strong outing from Watkins.
The Indians beat North Cobb Christian 33-6 in their lone win of the season on Sept. 30.
Prediction: GLASCOCK COUNTY. The Panthers may not score 60, but it will be more than Towns nonetheless.
Union County at Rabun County
When: 7:30 tonight
Where: Frank Snyder Stadium, Tiger
Coaches: Union County, Brian Allison; Rabun County, Danny Durham
Records: Union County (1-6, 0-3 Region 8-AA North); Rabun County (3-4, 1-2)
Key players: Union County, QB T Bentley (6-1, 190 Jr.), LB Garret Dietz (6-0, 220 Sr.), RB/LB Jonathan Hughes (5-10, 170 Jr.). Rabun County, RB Dyllon Crabtree (6-2, 215 Sr.), QB Wes Holcombe (So.), DL/WR Dillon Bleckley (6-1, 192 Sr.).
Outlook: After winning their opening game of the season against Towns County, Union County has gone winless. They look to snap their current losing streak against Rabun County.
Look for the Panthers to use their spread attack to take advantage of a Wildcat defense that is giving up an average of 479 yards per game and 11 yards per pass completion.
Rabun County is coming off of a 40-28 point loss to Region 8-AA North leader Banks County. With the loss Rabun County must win its final two games to reach a subregion play-in game.
Tonight will mark the 46th time the Panthers and Wildcats have played. Rabun County holds a 31-15 advantage, including five of the last six.
Prediction: RABUN COUNTY. This game means more to the Wildcats, who win easily tonight in Tiger.