The 2016 football slate is nearing completion, so if you haven’t already, make sure you go out and support one of the local teams.
Two top-10 matchups (#4 Jefferson vs #9 Stephens; #9 Commerce vs #7 Athens Academy) highlight Week 10’s schedule, and teams like Habersham Central, Lumpkin County and Union County are either in a “must-win” situation, or in desperate need of a win to stay alive for any chance at the playoffs.
Rabun took down Elbert in what essentially was the Region 8-AA title in Week 9, but a win for the Wildcats over visiting Oglethorpe would clinch a third straight title for Rabun County. Dawson needs a rival win over Lumpkin to set up a true region title game in Week 11 with #1-ranked GAC in Dawsonville, so that’s another one to keep an eye on. Lumpkin, as mentioned, needs the win badly to have a shot at the playoffs.
Union doesn’t have to win, but a victory would all but guarantee a spot in the state playoffs. Banks County clinched in Week 9, so now they’d love to make sure they’re a #3-seed instead of #4-seed heading into the playoffs. Teams like White County and Towns are playing spoiler at this point, and are looking at finishing strong so as to help the future of the respective programs.
BLITZ Game of the Week
#4 Jefferson Dragons (7-1; 3-0 8-AAAA) vs #9 Stephens County Indians (7-1; 3-0 8-AAAA)
WHEN: 7:30 pm
WHERE: Jefferson, GA (Stephens County High School)
HIGHLIGHTS: Check for highlights on BLITZ website (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter) for score updates and game highlights, also on High 5 Sports at 11 p.m. on Fox 5.
PREVIOUS HIGHLIGHTS:
Week 0: Habersham/East Hall | Week 1: Lumpkin/White
Week 2: Rabun/Stephens | Week 2: White/Habersham
Week 3: Rabun/White | Week 3: Habersham/Franklin
Week 4: Stephens/Habersham | Week 5: Jefferson/Gainesville
Week 6: North Hall/Dawson | Week 7: Habersham/Gainesville
Week 8: Union/North Hall | Week 9: Elbert/Rabun
When Jefferson takes on Stephens at home, it will be something none of us have seen in over 60 years. The last time these teams hooked up was 1955, and Stephens has the 3-2 lead in the all-time series, including two straight. The #4-ranked Dragons (7-1; 3-0) hold the advantage playing at home and are ranked higher by MaxPreps than the visiting #9-ranked Indians.
However, aside from a loss at Rabun County early in the season, Stephens County (7-1; 3-0) is looking great and cannot be overlooked. The Indians have already punched their ticket to state for the seventh straight season, but they’re looking for their first region title since 2007. Both Jefferson and Stephens are powerhouse programs with rich history, so the hype surrounding this game touches many generations.
Look for senior AJ Howard to lead the offense for the Indians, as he is the leading rusher for Stephens. Junior QB Jackson Bell and junior WR CJ Curry are also key playmakers to keep an eye on.
Jefferson has one of the state’s top running backs in junior Colby Wood (902 yds, 12 TD). Wood has over 3,500 yards over his first three seasons to date, tallying 52 touchdowns in the running game. He also has 244 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season and 447 and 3 TD total for his career.
Junior Bryce Moore (426 yds, 2 TD) and freshman Colby Clark (195 yds, 2 TD) share time at quarterback. Clark is a dual threat, rushing for 389 yards and 5 TDs as well. Senior Zack Boobas compliments Wood and Clark, rushing for 434 yards and 10 scores on the season. Wood’s 244 receiving yards also leads the team.
Expect much of the game to be determined at the line of scrimmage, as both teams rely on the run game and will also need to stop the opponent’s rushing attack.
Highlights of the Jefferson/Stephens game will be provided by BLITZ, and shared with HIGH 5 SPORTS at 11 p.m. on Fox 5.
Feature Photo by Bobby Escoe
Friday Night Full Slate (Week 10)
#9 Stephens @ #4 Jefferson
#3 Rabun vs Oglethorpe
#9 Dawson vs Lumpkin
#9 Commerce @ #7 Athens Academy
Union @ Fannin
Banks @ Putnam
Habersham Central @ Winder-Barrow
White Co @ West Hall
Towns @ Lakeview
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#1 Buford vs #9 Loganville
Gainesville @ Apalachee
North Hall vs East Hall
Chestatee vs #10 Marist
Johnson @ Cedar Shoals
BYE WEEK
Flowery Branch
