The Rabun County Wildcats (8-0; 4-0) for the second straight season went into a Week 9 matchup against Elbert County (7-2; 3-1) with a chance to almost lock down the region 8-AA title.

For the second straight season, quarterback Bailey Fisher made sure it happened. Fisher accounted for four touchdowns, throwing two to Braxton Hicks and rushing for another pair. Brison Beck added a rushing score for the rest of the Cats offense.

The defense was solid, holding a highly-touted running game by Elbert County. The Wildcats held a 28-7 lead at the half and survived a shaky third quarter to go on to win 35-7.

Rabun got on the board on the opening drive with a 16-yd TD pass from Fisher to Hicks, which came after a monster Beck run and a huge gain from Fisher to Austin Jones. Later in the first, Beck dove into the end zone for a touchdown. Beck went on to rush for 132 yards in the win.

The Blue Devils bounced back before the quarter ended on a short touchdown run by Shun Allen, cutting the deficit to 14-7. The Wildcats responded with a 69-yard TD from Fisher to Hicks to open the second quarter. Fisher then added a short-yardage score just before the half, which was set up by another big run by Beck and a pass-and-catch from Fisher to Cole Keener.

Fisher capped the scoring late in the fourth with a 17-yard TD run. The Wildcats go on to play Oglethorpe on the road next week, where a win would secure the region championship officially.

LOCAL SCORES

#3 Rabun 35, #10 Elbert 7
#6 Commerce 38, Towns 14
Dawson 56, East Hall 42
White 56, Chestatee 27
Stephens 24, Oconee 17
Dacula 35, Habersham Central 28
Banks 38, Social Circle 6
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Gainesville 38, #7 Winder-Barrow 16
#10 Flowery Branch 32, Clarke Central 14
#2 Buford 49, Walnut Grove 0
St. Pius 43, #4 Jefferson 29
#1 GAC 56, North Hall 6