West Forsyth (5-2, 5-1) upset previously unbeaten South Forsyth 38-34 in what might count as the only significant upset in the highest class Friday. Lambert (6-1, 6-0) – which has never won a region title – is now the 6-AAAAAA front-runner. Lambert beat Northview 41-7.
In other news around AAAAAA, No. 1 Colquitt County (8-0, 3-0) continued its mercy-rule tour with a 49-14 victory over Valdosta (5-3, 1-2) in Region 1. Colquitt led 35-0 at halftime, setting off a running clock. No. 2 Grayson (8-0, 6-0) was similarly impressive, beating Central Gwinnett (4-3, 3-2) 35-2 in Region 8.
Here’s a look at each region –
R-1 – Camden beat Tift 31-21, and Lowndes routed Lee 42-7. FWIW, there are two unbeaten teams in this region – Colquitt and Camden – and the other four (while certainly good teams) have each been blown out at least once.
R-2 – Did not play. It was reported accidentally that they didn’t play last week either, but it’s true this time. Newton (6-1, 2-0) plays at Lovejoy (3-4, 2-0) next week, perhaps for the title.
R-3 – Westlake, Newnan, Hughes and East Coweta all but clinched playoff berths with victories over the other four. First-place Hughes (4-3, 4-0) plays at defending champion Westlake (5-2, 3-1) next week in a battle of South Fulton.
R-4 – McEachern, North Cobb and Hillgrove won, as expected, and are almost certain to make the playoffs, with idle Harrison also in nice shape. Harrison (5-2, 2-1) plays at Hillgrove (5-3, 3-1) in a game that figures to decided third and fourth places if McEachern wins out as expected.
R-5 – Milton (2-5, 2-3) beat Cherokee (4-3, 2-3) in what might’ve been a mild upset. Milton is the region’s defending champion and needed that one to remain in playoff contention. Roswell (7-0, 5-0), Walton (7-1, 5-1) and Etowah (7-1, 5-1) will finish 1-2-3 if there are no surprises from here. Or Etowah could throw a wrench in it when the Eagles plays third-ranked Roswell on Nov. 6. Fourth place is wide open.
R-6 – First, the scores: Alpha d. Chatt 49-39, Cent d. Hab 42-35, JC d. NF 17-14, Lamb d. NV 41-7, WF d. SF 38-34. … Standings: Lambert (6-1, 6-0); South Forsyth (6-1, 5-1); West Forsyth (5-2, 4-1). Centennial and Johns Creek are both 4-3, 4-2. Alpharetta is hanging around at 4-3, 3-3. Lambert has played neither West Forsyth (next week) nor South Forsyth (Nov. 6). Should be fun. South lost control of its destiny on Friday. West and Lambert still have it.
R-7 – Did not play. Four teams are 4-0 and have clinched playoff berths. They play each other next week – Mill Creek (7-0) at Collins Hill (4-3) and Peachtree Ridge (5-2) at Norcross (7-0).
R-8 – No. 2 Grayson (8-0, 6-0) beat Central Gwinnett (4-3, 3-2) 35-2 and can clinch the No. 1 seed with a victory next week at home against Dacula (5-2, 4-1). Dacula put itself in good playoff position with a 38-21 victory over Brookwood (4-4, 4-2). Dacula’s Tommy Jones and Brookwood’s Philip Jones were meeting for the first time as opposing head coaches. Brookwood is probably done short of upsetting Grayson (Oct. 30) or Archer (Nov. 6). That leaves Dacula, Parkview and Central to fight for the final two playoff berths. I’m thinking that will be decided when Parkview plays Central on Oct. 30. Just a guess.
