Scrimmages are in the books, and for better or worse, many teams hit the field Friday night in Week Zero for games that actually count. Ready or not…let’s play some football!

Below are our games we are laying predictions on. Just to be clear, we want ALL of our local teams to go 10-0 in the regular season, so a pick against them doesn’t mean we don’t want them to win. That said, here are the official BLITZ Prediction Stats (all-time):

2017: 139-32 (81.3%) | 2016: 155-29 (84.2%) | 2015: 135-39 (77.6%)
2014: 173-31 (84.8%) | 2013: 157-21 (88.2%) | 2012: 133-43 (75.6%)
2011: 121-69 (63.7%) | 2010: 129-75 (63.2%) | 2009: 121-73 (62.4%)
2008: 119-71 (62.6%) | 2007: 123-62 (66.5%) | 2006: 101-85 (54.3%)

ALL-TIME: 1,606-630 (71.8%)

THE LOCALS

Habersham Central vs Dawson County

Both teams feature brand new quarterbacks but both are all-state selections (Tre’ Luttrell/Habersham & Sevuaghn Clark/Dawson). Plenty of talented skill position players on both sides with strong running games. Defense for Dawson is stout! Habersham has a new defense after allowing 37 points per game last year. PREDICTION: FAN VOTE!

#2 Rabun County vs Bremen ^Saturday

Erk Russell Classic // Georgia Southern Saturday game. This is the official debut of Gunner Stockton, the freshman who looked as good as advertised in a two-quarter scrimmage last Friday. Bremen is a juggernaut though (formerly in 3A), so this will be a better litmus test for the Wildcats. PREDICTION: RABUN WINS

#6 Jefferson @ Oconee County

Jefferson has a new running game after losing Colby Wood. Colby Clark is back at QB, as many remember his sensational play there as a freshman. So many weapons for the Dragons, a slew of future college players and a defense with few weaknesses. PREDICTION: JEFFERSON WINS

#7 Commerce vs West Hall

Commerce is Commerce. West Hall returns seven starters on offense, but only five on defense. It was a playoff team at 5-6. This one might be very close as the Spartans have solid depth. PREDICTION: COMMERCE WINS BUT IT’S VERY CLOSE

Banks County vs Jackson County

Banks County has a new system under Jay Reid. It has some standout players like Terrence Walker, Cody Dodge, Sawyer Pace, Ryan Dove, Jacob Lehotsky, etc. After a playoff run last year for Jackson County, they return only 10 starters, so experience might be an issue. PREDICTION: BANKS WINS

Lumpkin County @ East Jackson

Lumpkin County is looking for big steps forward after showing great signs of improvement late in 2017. East Jackson went 1-8 a year ago, and return a grand total of six starters on both sides of the ball. PREDICTION: LUMPKIN WINS

Stephens County @ Franklin County

The Indians open their season at Franklin, a fairly tough first opponent. The QB situation is interesting, but might be just enough to keep Franklin on its toes. PREDICTION: STEPHENS WINS

Towns County @ Hayesville (NC)

Towns County, on the heels of an historic playoff run, play big-time rivals Hayesville. PREDICTION: TOWNS WINS

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THE REST

Predicted winners underlined….

#2 Buford vs #2 Tucker (Corky Kell Classic // Georgia State)

North Hall vs Chestatee

East Hall vs #10 Flowery Branch

Gainesville at #6 Mary Persons

Johnson at Oglethorpe County

Riverside Military at Christian Heritage

Cherokee Bluff vs Whitefield Academy ^Saturday