Riverside Military Academy’s football team is taking Region 8-AA by storm with three wins right out of the gate to open the season. The Eagles (3-0, 2-0) got their biggest win of the season with a 48-2 victory over Rabun County (0-3) Friday night at Maginnis Field.

Riverside’s defense had contributions from practically everyone that hit the field. Eagles safety Victor Frick led the team with seven tackles and a pass deflection. Senior linebacker Diego Osegueda-Weiner had four tackles, Colton Keig (three tackles, fumble recovery), Joey Lopez (five tackles) and Aaron Gambrah (three tackles, QB hurry) all made a big impact for RMA.

"I felt like we played better on defense (Friday)," Eagles coach Chris Lancaster said. "We’re really trying to challenge those guys."

Riverside Military visits North Oconee on Friday night in Watkinsville.

Lions roar

Lakeview Academy picked up a 35-6 win over Hebron Christian Friday night for its first varsity win. Tom Drury (130 rushing yards, touchdown) led the way for the Lions (1-1) en route to a 361 yard rushing effort. Haughton Carswell and Austin White each had an interception for the Lions defense, which held Hebron Christian to 113 yards total offense.

Lakeview Academy visits Wesleyan on Sept. 26 in Norcross.

Dragons dominate

Jefferson defeated defending Region 8-AA champion Fannin County 41-6 Friday at Jefferson Memorial to equal its first 3-0 start since the 2004 season. The Dragons’ defense solidified the victory by limiting the Rebels’ running game to only 119 yards.

Jefferson also came away with three turnovers and made a momentum-swinging goal-line stand.

Dragons junior quarterback Darius Minor continues to play well with 204 yards and three touchdowns against Fannin County.

Jefferson plays host to Oglethorpe County on Friday night at Jefferson Memorial. The Dragons play host to Riverside Military on Oct. 3 in a game that could possibly be crucial in deciding the Region 8-AA championship.

Mr. Good Hands

West Hall senior wide receiver Rodney Gibson kept up his high level of play this season with five catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Gilmer on Friday night. For the season, Gibson has 18 catches for 428 yards and six TDs.

Spartans coach Mike Newton says that his 6-foot-3, 180-pound receiver excels with his deceptive speed, ability to get open and good hands. His background playing basketball at West Hall doesn’t hurt either.

"Rodney is a very talented guy," Newton said. "He really had a great summer leading into the season."

Gibson is receiving college football attention from Eastern Carolina, Tennessee-Chattanooga and Western Carolina.

West Hall is off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2002. The Spartans visit White County Friday in Cleveland.

Big games

Three big cross over games in Region 7-AAA are on tap Friday night. North Hall plays host to Gainesville at The Brickyard, Flowery Branch plays host to Chestatee, and West Hall visits White County. All six of these teams are early playoff contenders.