Flowery Branch at Chestatee

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: War Eagles Stadium

Coaches: Flowery Branch, Lee Shaw; Chestatee, Stan Luttrell

Records: Flowery Branch (1-1); Chestatee (1-1)

Key players: Flowery Branch, QB Connor Shaw (6-2, 200 Sr.), RB Imani Cross (6-1, 218 So.), WR/DB Rodriquez Frazier (6-2, 185 Sr.). Chestatee, RB Ben Souther (6-1, 200 Sr.), TE/LB Robby Poole (5-10, 175 Sr.), QB Scott Chewning (5-10, 165 Jr.).

Outlook: When assessing this game the first thing that needs to be stated is this: Last week Chestatee ran to a win against Johnson (272 yards) and Flowery Branch lost because it couldn’t stop the run (Creekview had 402 yards on the ground).

The second thing that should be stated: The Falcons don’t like to lose and adjust well to exposed weaknesses. In 2008 after dropping the first game of the season, they went on an eight-game win streak, and after losing the last game of the regular season to Gainesville, won their way to the state title game.

Chestatee’s offensive confidence should be pretty high after Ben Souther’s record breaking, 157-yard and two touchdown rushing performance last week.

And the War Eagles defense shouldn’t be hanging its heads after holding an athletic Johnson offense to just 12 points.

Prediction: FLOWERY BRANCH. The Falcons defense should have learned from last week and will have something to prove, therefore, the Falcons win the Expansion Bowl.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Maginnis Field

Coaches: North Oconee, Terry Tuley; Riverside, Scot Sloan

Records: North Oconee (3-0, 2-0 Region 8-AA); Riverside (2-1, 2-0)

Key players: North Oconee, RB/DB Brandon Whitlock (5-9, 170 Sr.), DE/TE Jesse Webb (6-2, 190 Sr.), WR/DB Levi Street (5-11, 155 Sr.). Riverside, LB Aaron Gambrah (6-1, 200 Sr.), QB Alex O’Donnell (6-4, 218 Sr.), RB Cole Tudor (5-10, 175 Sr.).

Outlook: Riverside and North Oconee comprise half of the undefeated group remaining in Region 8-AA. The Eagles are led on offense by O’Donnell (21-for-44 passing and 345 yards), and tight end Brandon McKinney is one of the top receiving targets in the area with 11 catches and an average of 16 yards per reception.

On defense, the Eagles are led by senior Gambrah (33 tackles) and Lucas Bersin (26 tackles).

Last week, Bersin and O’Donnell combined to throw for 197 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown pass from O’Donnell to Brian Cox in a 20-6 win against Rabun County.

Through three games, the Titans are led in the Wing-T offense by Whitlock with 176 yards per game and nine touchdowns this season. North Oconee’s region victories are against Oglethorpe County and Union County.

Prediction: RIVERSIDE. The Eagles pull an upset in the ranks of Region 8-AA thanks to their versatility on offense. Expect a big night from O’Donnell at quarterback.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Dragons Stadium, Jasper

Coaches: Johnson, Paul Friel; Pickens, Steve Sewell

Records: Johnson (0-3); Pickens (1-1)

Key players: Johnson, RB Mantevius Rucker (6-2, 215 Jr.), QB Anthony Prophet (5-11, 200 Sr.), DT E.J. Wright (6-4, 300 Sr.). Pickens, QB Cooper Shaw (Sr.), LB Dustin Nicholson (Sr.), LB/RB Jordan Shaw (Sr.).

Outlook: The Knights are eagerly anticipating getting their first win of the season. However, playing tough competition with games against North Hall, North Forsyth and Chestatee has made picking up the first win elusive so far. Last week, the Knights squandered scoring opportunities against Chestatee, including a first-and-goal at the 3 which was set up with a turnover.

Mantevius Rucker is Johnson’s leading ball carrier with 44 carries for 175 yards on the season (4 yards per carry). Tight end Seth Spivey is the team’s leading receiver with seven catches for 93 yards this season, including a 49-yard touchdown last week against the War Eagles. Through three games, the Knights are averaging 180 yards of offense per game and only five points.

Pickens is experiencing some of the same offensive difficulties. After scoring 21 in a season-opening win against West Hall, the Dragons were held scoreless in a 28-0 loss to West Forsyth last week. Pickens quarterback Cooper Shaw was the offensive leader last week with 48 rushing yards. Dustin Nicholson (11 tackles) and Jordan Shaw (10 tackles) led the Dragons defense.

That’s a stark contrast to the 367 rushing yards for the Dragons in the season opener.

Prediction: JOHNSON. The Knights have been bitten by tough luck this season, but manage to pick up their first win tonight in Jasper.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: East Hall Stadium

Coaches: Gilmer, Wesley Tankersley; East Hall, Bryan Gray

Records: Gilmer (1-2); East Hall (0-3)

Key players: Gilmer, RB Jacob Teague (Jr.), QB Thomas Davis (Sr.), RB/DB Ryan Lowery (So.). East Hall, DE Sterling Bailey (6-6, 250 Jr.), TE/WR Chaz Cheeks (6-5, 225 Jr.), WR/OLB
Stephen Mendoza (5-10, 175 Sr.)

Outlook: In each of the last’s two seasons, Gilmer has been East Hall’s lone win, continuing a streak of 14 straight wins against the Bobcats for the Vikings. This year, however, might be a little different.

Gilmer is coming off its first win in 16 games (35-18 against West Hall) and even in standing at 1-1, has proven that offense isn’t as big of a concern this year as it was last year.

The Bobcats are averaging 26.5 points per game compared to last year when they averaged just 6.5.

Against West Hall, Gilmer rushed for 393 yards and five touchdowns led by Teague who had 173 yards on 16 carries and three touchdowns.

The Vikings, on the other hand, are still struggling to find their offensive identity, averaging just 2.3 points per game.

Working in East Hall’s favor is its defense are Corey Richardson (26 tackles), Desmon Gardner (23 tackles), Chaz Cheeks (2 1/2 sacks and three quarterback hurries) and company are giving up 21 points per game, the same as Gilmer.

Prediction: GILMER. The Bobcats defense is just as good and their offense is better — the streak ends tonight.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Spartans Stadium, Oakwood

Coaches: White County, Gregg Segraves; West Hall, Mike Newton

Records: White County (2-1); West Hall (0-3)

Key players: White County, RB/DB Ashely Lowery (6-2, 190 Jr.), DL Tyler Hamilton (6-1, 285 Sr.), QB/DB Tyler Dotson (5-10, 175 Sr.). West Hall, QB Shunquez Stephens (6-4, 240 Jr.), WR Brandon Fuqua (5-10, 150 Jr.), RB Marquise Young (5-9, 180 Sr.).

Outlook: Both teams enter tonight’s game on different ends of the spectrum. The Warriors have played well their first three games and their only loss of the year came last week against top-ranked Gainesville. Meanwhile, the Spartans are still in search of their first victory despite averaging 21 points per game.

That point total is in large part due to the play of Stephens, who’s on pace to throw for almost 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns this year. Still, those numbers haven’t been enough for West Hall to notch a win. That first win will be hard to come by tonight, as the Warriors boast a well-balanced offense that will cause problems for a West Hall defense giving up 39 points per game.

Prediction: WHITE COUNTY. The Warriors are too balanced and too experienced for the Spartans.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Leopards Stadium, Homer

Coaches: Rabun County, Danny Durham; Banks County, Blair Armstrong

Records: Rabun County (1-2, 0-2 Region 8-AA); Banks County (1-2, 0-2)

Key players: Rabun County, RB/DB Paul Blackstock (5-10, 160), RB/DB Daniel Campbell (5-10, 165), FB/LB J.B. McClain (5-11, 175). Banks County, WB/LB Jeremy Greenway (5-9, 170 Jr.), TE/LB Matthew Patton (6-1, 220 Jr.), QB/WR/DB Kane Duncan (6-3, 170 Sr.).

Outlook: Just when Armstrong’s new-look bunch were turning the corner, they seem to have run into a brick wall. Now it’s up to those Leopards still standing to find a way to run over, through, or around it.

Banks County picked up their first win of the season last week, 32-21, against Dawson County, thanks to a prolific ground attack spearheaded by Dylan Lackey’s 218 yards and four touchdowns. That was before he left the game with a knee injury that tests proved to be a season-ending ACL tear. Through three games, the junior was second in the area with 453 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Clay Frinks, the team’s second-leading rusher is also banged up, and may miss Friday night’s game, Armstrong said.

To compensate, the Leopards will "shuffle a lot of parts around," Armstrong said, including playing Duncan more at receiver and getting junior Harrison Dale some snaps at quarterback.

Prediction: BANKS COUNTY. They’ll have to scrap to get through it, but the Leopards will come up with just enough defense to get their first region win of 2009.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Patriot Stadium, Lexington

Coaches: Jefferson, T. McFerrin; Oglethorpe County, Larry Milligan

Records: Jefferson (3-0, 2-0 Region 8-AA); Oglethorpe County (1-2, 0-2)

Key players: Jefferson, QB Darius Minor (5-11, 170 Sr.), LB/OL Kyle Mosley (6-2, 240 Jr.), RB/LB Lucas Redd (6-1, 200 Sr.). Oglethorpe County, QB A.J. Perlotte (5-10, 180 Sr.), RB D.J. Johnson (6-1, 175 Sr.), WR Cody Erwin (6-2, 195 Jr.).

Outlook: The Dragons got their first test of the season last week in a back-and-forth tussle with Fannin County. Jefferson passed with a 42-27 win, extending its region winning streak to 11 games. The Dragons have yet to lose a region game since moving up to Class AA last season.

Through three games this year, Jefferson has one of the area’s most prolific offenses, averaging 42.7 points per game. They’ve done it with a variety of weapons, starting with Minor. The senior QB is completing 64 percent of his passes, averaging nearly 10 yards per rush, and has returned a punt for a touchdown, too. But he’s far from a one-man show, as nine different Dragons have scored touchdowns this season.

Prediction: JEFFERSON. The Dragons offense keeps putting up points in bunches.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Panthers Stadium, Jefferson

Records: Prince Avenue (2-1), Jackson County (2-0)

Coaches: Prince Avenue, Mark Farriba; Jackson County, Billy Kirk

Key players: Prince Avenue, TE/LB Taylor Clark (6-3, 171 Sr.), QB/LB BoBo Marshall (6-1, 176 Sr.), OL/LB Dillon Faulkner (5-7, 177 Jr.). Jackson County, WR/S Charlie Waycaster (6-0, 170 Sr.), QB Alex Crawford (5-7, 140 Jr.), LB Kelly Moats (6-0, 180 Jr.)

Outlook: Last year’s 12-12 tie was the first meeting between these two schools.

Jackson County enters this game after a bye week with a 2-0 record, a position that this program has not been in since 1981.

The Panthers have amassed a total of 86 points in their first two games led by junior quarterback Alex Crawford, who threw for 121 yards against Sonoraville on Sept. 4, but the real difference this year has been Jackson County’s defense that has only surrendered seven points all season.

Prediction: JACKSON COUNTY. The Panthers’ week off assures Jackson County is well-rested and ready to begin the season 3-0.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Raider Stadium, Mount Airy

Coaches: Loganville, Eric Godfree; Habersham Central, Stuart Cunningham

Records: Loganville (1-1, 1-1 Region 8-AAAA); Habersham Central (1-2, 1-2)

Key players: Loganville, RB Storm Johnson (6-0, 210 Sr.), QB A.J. Schmidt (6-3, 200 Sr.), OL Morgan Bailey (6-4, 280 Sr.). Habersham Central, QB Austin Brown (6-1, 185 Jr.), OL Kalan Jones (6-3, 280 Sr.), RB/DB Dee Ellison (6-1, 170 Sr.).

Outlook: It’s not going overboard to say tonight is a must win game for the Raiders. Playing a 10-game region schedule, Habersham Central can’t afford to drop 3 of 4 to start the season. Last week, the Raiders endured a 23-7 loss to Clarke Central.

Through three games, Kevin Ellison is leading the Raiders rushing game with 170 yards and three touchdowns. Chuck Rucker is Habersham’s leading receiver with 12 catches for 155 yards.

Meanwhile, Loganville is looking to get back above the .500 mark after last week’s 47-point outburst in a win against Salem. Loganville has a common opponent with Habersham Central, a loss against Clarke Central 20-15 in the season opener.

The Red Devils offense is based off their ability to run the ball. Buford transfer Storm Johnson leads Loganville with 400 yards and four touchdowns this season while senior quarterback A.J. Schmidt has 250 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns for the Red Devils.

Prediction: HABERSHAM CENTRAL. The Raiders pick up a much-needed win to stay in contention for the playoffs.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Dawsonville

Coaches: Clark Drennan; Dawson County, Jeff Lee

Records: Fannin County (1-2, 0-2 Region 8-AA); Dawson County (0-3, 0-2 Region 8-AA)

Key players: Fannin County, QB Nick Dean (6-0, 170 Sr.), RB/DB Garrison Kreis (5-10, 170 Jr.), RB/LB Blake Henry (5-9, 155 So.). Dawson County, QB/DB Ethan Brown (5-11, 175 Jr.), RB/LB Stephen King (5-10, 170 Sr.), LB Sam Edwards.

Outlook: After a Week 1 win against Gilmer, Fannin County comes in riding a two-game losing streak, including last week’s 15-point loss to Region 8-AA foe Jefferson.

The fact that Dawson County also lost to Jefferson could mean that tonight’s matchup between the Rebels and Tigers has the potential to be a good game — until it’s considered that Dawson County lost by 40 to the Dragons.

Thanks to last week’s 21 points scored against Banks County, the Tigers — who have had a hard time finding their offense — are averaging 12 points compared to Fannin County’s 24.

Prediction: FANNIN COUNTY. The Rebels have a slight advantage offensively and that should end their losing streak.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Mike Colwell Memorial Stadium, Blairsville

Records: East Jackson (3-0, 2-0 8-AA), Union County (2-1, 1-1 8-AA)

Coaches: East Jackson, Frank Caputo; Union County, Brian Allison

Key players: East Jackson, QB Evan Williamson (5-11, 175 Sr.), TE/DL Scott Hill (6-2, 195 Sr.), OL/DL Parker Wilson (5-11, 200 Jr.). Union County, WR/LB Blake Gowder (6-2, 215 Sr.), QB Kolt Owenby (6-2, 180 Sr.), LB Michael Sossei (6-0, 190 Sr.).

Outlook: Union County won its first meeting in school history against East Jackson 35-14 last season. With the Panthers’ tough 31-30 loss to North Oconee on a failed 2-point conversion in double overtime last week, the Panthers have a lot riding on tonight’s game.

Prediction: UNION COUNTY. The Panthers can’t afford a second-straight loss to a fellow playoff contender.

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Frank McClure Stadium, Hiawassee

Records: Hayesville (0-3), Towns County (0-3)

Coaches: Hayesville (N.C.), Gary Miller; Towns County, Kyle Langford

Key players: Towns County, WR/S Matt Hogsed (6-1, 180 Sr.), RB Matt Beni (5-10, 175 Sr.), FB/DT Taylor Denton (5-11, 215 Jr.). Hayesville (N.C.), RB /LB Bradley Nuckolls (6-0, 236 Sr.), WR/LB Brandon Brooks (6-3, 188 Sr.), OL/DL Evan Furby (6-1, 240 Sr.)

Outlook: Towns County has never defeated Hayesville (N.C.) in a losing streak that dates back 26 years to 1983 and this year looks to be much of the same.

The Indians come into this game with a 0-3 record and some tough losses.

In last week’s 7-6 loss to Copper Basin (Tenn.), a team that has a 10-3 overall win record over the Indians, it was a missed extra point that sealed the win for Copper Basin. The Indians’ Landon Harris led defensively with two sacks and 11 tackles, but it wasn’t enough to give Towns County the edge it needed to win.

Prediction: HAYESVILLE. The Indians can make big plays on defense, but lack the scoring power needed to win this one.