East Coweta Indians (1-1) vs. Jackson Red Devils (0-1)

Last week: East Coweta defeated McIntosh 20-10, Jackson was off.

East Coweta escaped last week with a come-from-behind victory over McIntosh, which led 10-7 going into the fourth quarter. The Indians will be looking to avoid another near upset and put away the Red Devils early. Quarterback Mac McKnight, who threw two touchdown passes against McIntosh, and running back Tim McGill are the two standouts on East Coweta’s offense.

Jackson is young and inexperienced on offense. Its defense is similar to its offense — young and inexperienced — but the Red Devils’ defense has three players who could cause problems for the Indians: cornerback Cameron Gannaway, defensive lineman Joey Holtgreven and linebacker Trey Head.

Fayette County Tigers (2-0) vs. Whitewater Wildcats (1-1)

Last week: Fayette defeated Jonesboro 21-0, Whitewater defeated Sandy Creek 10-7.

This is perhaps the biggest local game of the week. It’s also the Region 2-AAAA opener for both teams. Fayette is looking for its first victory against the Wildcats and its third win — it won only two in each of the past two seasons. Fayette’s offense is explosive — it has scored 42 points in two games — and fullback Matt Daniels has scored five touchdowns in two games.

Whitewater’s defense, especially defensive back Kevin Fleming, coming off a huge game (one interception, one fumble returned for a touchdown, five tackles); linebackers Ryan Hidalgo and Zach Mann; and defensive tackles Ryan Bowman and J.C. Jennings; must hold Fayette’s potent offense in check to win.

Whitewater might have to score early and often to keep up with Fayette. That could be a problem. Whitewater has yet to complete a pass this season, and its running game hasn’t been as potent as it’s been in years past. If fullback Collin Wooddy has a big game, it could open up the play-action passing attack for first-year starting quarterback David Byrd.

Landmark Christian War Eagles (1-1) @ Pacelli Vikings (2-0)
Last week: Landmark defeated Ola 56-27. Pacelli beat Manchester 42-6.

The War Eagles offense looked as good as advertised last week. Quarterback Tanner Bryant threw for 235 yards and five touchdowns. Jimmy Eden had five catches for 131 yards and three touchdowns, while Matt Thornton had four catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

Landmark didn’t just get it done in the air though. Walter Lenard led the team in rushing once again with 15 rushes for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Robert Trotter added another touchdown, rushing for 31 yards on two carries.
Landmark had a great night on defense as well. Luke Griffith had eight total tackles, while Blake Wyatt added seven total tackles and an interception. Michael Leonard added two total tackles and an interception.

Pacelli will be a big challenge for Landmark. The Vikings, ranked 10th in Class A, have scored over 40 points in both of their wins, one of which was against Bowdon (48-21). The Vikings have 15 returning starters, including running back Jacquise Terry and quarterback Stuart Wilkerson, who threw for over 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns. Linebacker Ritchee Scott had 111 tackles last year.

McIntosh Chiefs (1-1) @ Westlake Lions (2-0)

Last week: McIntosh lost to East Coweta, 20-10; Westlake defeated Douglass 23-21.

The Chiefs beat Sandy Creek in the first week of the season but were outgained in total yards and held to a minimum of offensive yards in the game. Last week, they had East Coweta on the roped but gave them excellent opportunities to score in their own end of the field and the Indians capitalized. The Chiefs had a much better offensive game last week with Nick Popiel rushing for 100 yards and Jeff Prather throwing a touchdown pass for the second straight week, but the defense is leading the team. Not only have they held talented offenses to a limited number of points, but they are penetrating the backfield of their opponents and putting a lot of pressure on them as well. Linebacker Andrew Graham had nine total tackles and one sack. Last week. Linebacker Rickey Oskey had eight total tackles, including two for loss.

Westlake will present a challenge. The Lions have scored over 20 points a game in their first two games, both of which were against opponents from Class AAAAA. They have a new quarterback this year and only return two starters from last year’s squad. Receiver Rico Pool is a big weapon for Westlake and Randolf Burch is the team’s top cornerback.

Northgate Vikings (1-0) vs. Woodward Academy War Eagles (1-1)

Last week: Northgate was off, Woodward lost to Dunwoody 22-3.

It’s early in the season, but this Region 2-AAAA game actually could decide who goes to the playoffs; the winner of this game the last three years has reached the postseason. Northgate’s defense will be key in the game. Defensive end James Searcy, linebacker Derrick Brisbane and defensive backs Jake Copeland and Austin Witt are the Vikings’ top players on defense.

Quarterback Greg Patton and running backs Jamal Paige and Juwan Thompson are the three players who make Woodward’s offense go.

Northgate will be led offensively by quarterbacks Kase Cook and Nic Dickens and wide receiver Jake Copeland. They face a Woodward defense that is green; it has eight sophomores who start.

Our Lady of Mercy Bobcats (0-1) vs. Athens Christian Eagles (0-2)

Last week: Mercy was off, Athens Christian lost to Fellowship Christian 35-0.

One of these teams will win its first game of the season this week. Mercy has had two weeks to prepare for this game, a significant advantage. Also working in Mercy’s favor is that Athens Christian has given up 85 points in two games. Mercy’s offense, particularly quarterback William Pearl and running backs Christian Willis and Jarrell Bankhead, might be foaming at the mouth for this game to start.

Two seniors, linebacker Will Simmons and defensive tackle Patrick Silloway, are the leaders of Mercy’s defense. If Mercy can can hold Athens Christian scoreless for the second consecutive week, the Bobcats’ first win of the season could be theirs.

Sandy Creek Patriots (0-2) vs. Franklin County Lions (1-1)

Last week: Sandy Creek lost to Whitewater 10-7, Franklin County defeated Commerce 33-14.
The last thing Creek wants is to fall to 0-3. Creek has been in both games it has played — each of its two losses have been by six points or less — but its primary problem has been the offense’s inability to sustain drives and put the ball in the end zone. Creek has plenty of weapons on offense — wide receivers Braxton Lane, Marc Ellis, running back Josh Williams and quarterback Rio Johnson. This could be the game Creek’s offense awakens.

Creek’s defense has been stout thus far this season. Linebackers Matt Solomon and Zack Hilton, defensive end Jeremy Holt and defensive back Jordan Griffin have been playmakers for the Patriots, making life difficult for opposing offense. Franklin County’s scored 33 points last week, so Creek’s defense must continue its strong play to end the team’s losing streak.

Starr’s Mill Panthers (1-1) vs. Creekside Seminoles (2-0)

Last week: Starr’s Mill defeated Rockdale County 21-14, Creekside defeated Riverdale 26-0.
A week after Starr’s Mill’s offense sputtered and its defense was relatively stout against Cherokee, its offense broke out and its defense took a step back against Rockdale. Starr’s Mill will need to play a complete game on both sides of the ball to beat 10th-ranked Creekside.

Quarterback Matt Sweat and running back Spencer Penson are coming off breakout games. Both will be counted on to lead Starr’s Mill against Creekside’s talented defense, featuring five returning starters, including one of the top defensive backs in the country, Terrance Parks, who’s being recruited by Ohio State, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama and Tennessee, among others.

Creekside’s spread offense is led by athletic quarterback Jay Carter. His go-to guy is wide receiver Justin Arrington. Starr’s Mill inside linebackers Parker duPont and Chris Sudduth and defensive linemen Nate Baker and Blake Debartola will have their hands full.

login to post comments