Football is full gear in Georgia, and that includes our own gridiron heroes who play for local high school teams.
Maybe this is the week you take in a local game. The weather's going to be great and you know the excitement will be at a high level.
Here are five Georgia High School Association games involving Northeast Georgia schools Friday night that might spark your interest. Kickoffs begin at 7:30 p.m.
1. North Oconee at Madison County: Don't let Madison County's 1-9 record in 2012 fool you. The Red Raiders are 2-0 and off to their best start since 2006. North Oconee (0-1), with a 1-2 punch of quarterback Tate Adcock and running back Kawon Bryant, is ranked No. 10 in Class 3A despite last week's loss to St. Pius, last year's state runner-up.
2. Winder-Barrow at Gainesville: Winder-Barrow has its hands full in this one. Gainesville is the defending Class 5A champ and is smarting after a 38-14 loss to mighty Buford, last year Class 3A champ. Winder, which lost to Monroe Area last week, also is 1-1, but may be hard-pressed to beat the Red Elephants, who beat the Bulldoggs 69-0 in 2012.
3. Cedar Shoals at Flowery Branch: The Region 8-AAAAA opener for both schools is a gotta-have if either team hopes to challenge for a playoff spot. Neither has won in two previous games this season. Flowery Branch used a win over Cedar Shoals after an 0-2 start last year to win its last eight regular-season games and reach the playoffs. Cedar Shoals started 2-0 last year, then lost six of eight to end the season.
4. Clarke Central at Loganville: The Athens powerhouse comes to Loganville in a Region 8-AAAAA opener for both schools. The Gladiators and the hometown Red Devils know each other well. Both teams are 1-1.
5. Oconee County at Monroe Area: The home opener for Matt Fligg's Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes could be a repeat of last year's 62-14 win at Oconee, which is 0-2. Monroe Area is looking every bit the part of the No. 6 team in Class 4A. Last week, Kwan Brooks scored four touchdowns in a win over Winder-Barrow. Oconee lost to Lanier last week.
Note: Some statistical information was gathered from the Georgia High School Football Historians Association website, which compiles the state's best database on the sport.
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