Our game of the week is Habersham Central vs Dawson County in a Week 0 matchup. This one was an easy pick for us as Game of the Week because it’s two of our local programs playing, but also it’s a first-ever matchup between schools that are fairly close in locale.
HABERSHAM
Hab Central had the unwanted title of “unluckiest team” in the state after going just 2-8, but losing six of those games by a combined 18 points. If there was a heartbreaking way to lose last year, the Raiders suffered it. This was an 8-2 team that just couldn’t buy a break. Fortunately, the talent this year is right alongside it, with Gainesville transfer Tre’ Luttrell (who beat Hab with a Hail Mary last year) in at quarterback. He’s an all-state selection in Class 6A, and has a plethora of weapons in Donovan Curry, Daniel Matkovic, Tarin Westbrook, Tracey Lowery (Stephens transfer), Dontarious Bailey, Arian Curry and others. The Raiders had both extremes last year – an offense that ranked fourth best in school history (35 pts/game) but a defense that was the sixth highest in school history in points allowed (36 pts/game). With the addition of defensive coordinator Stan Luttrell (former Gainesville, Buford and Chestatee coach), that number will surely decrease.
DAWSON
Dawson had yet another incredible season last year. Gone however is Coey Watson, a 100-touchdown quarterback who ended his career as one of the top dual threats in state history. He’s now on to the next level, and the Tigers, under head coach Sid Maxwell, turn the page. Last season’s Tigers put up the most points in school history (32/game). They return all-state running back Sevaughn Clark and top threat receiver Ryan Glass, as well as an extremely impressive defense anchored by Zac Baloga, Logan Barnes, Noah Brock and Caleb Bell just to name a few. Clark will now be the quarterback, so he immediately becomes a dual threat, and Dawson Christian transfer Admad Kamara is expected to get some big carries, as will some others.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Be looking for highlights post-game late Friday on BLITZ and Now Habersham, as well as a story recapping WEEK 0. BLITZ will also share highlights with Fox 5’s HIGH 5 Sports, so the highlights will play on Channel 5 at 11 PM.
