Not our best guessing game last week, as we went 10-5. To our credit, Jefferson and Lumpkin lost at the very end, and Banks fell by a single score, which if those were reversed would have made us 13-2. It’s a brand new week, which means we put last week in the rearview mirror.

DISCLAIMER: We dissect the numbers, check against other projections, utilize the brain and not the heart. If we pick against any of our beloved 11 programs, take it as a diss if you want, or use it as motivation. We obviously would love to see all 11 programs win every single game, so we’ll celebrate even if we’re wrong if it means our locals walk away as winners.

THE LOCAL 11

White County vs Lumpkin County

The Warriors duke it out with rivals Lumpkin County. This is typically an intense game, irregardless of the score on the board. J. Ben Haynes is set for a big junior year, and there are tons of playmakers ready to be recognized this year in Cleveland. Lumpkin is coming off a gut-wrenching loss in which it was up 22-6 before falling at the hands of East Jackson. While Lumpkin should have its moments to shine in this game, we pick WHITE

#2 Rabun County vs North Murray

The Wildcats are riding the high of last week’s 500-yard explosion at the Erk Russell Classic. Rabun returns home with momentum, confidence, and swagger, which doesn’t bode well for North Murray. We pick RABUN

#3 Commerce vs Athens Christian

The Tigers clawed through a tough one in Week 1, but pulled away late. The game was actually closer than the score would indicate. Athens Christian hasn’t scored against Commerce in over two years, getting blown out 38-0 last year and 35-0 the year prior. It won’t be much prettier this time either, so we pick COMMERCE

Habersham Central vs Madison County

The Raiders will have a home-opener against a Madison County team that fell in overtime in Week 1 at Cedar Shoals. The Red Raiders went just 2-8 last year, while almost upsetting Habersham a year ago. This time, being at home, it should be easier going for the Raiders. We will go with HABERSHAM CENTRAL

Stephens County vs Hart County

Hart County is GOOD! Check out what they did to a good Elbert County team (won 39-7). They also nearly toppled their rivals last year, but fell 10-7 at home against Stephens. This time, the Indians are stronger, a year wiser, and at home, so we pick STEPHENS

Banks County vs Franklin County

Banks County played pretty well, especially on defense, against Jackson County on the road last week. However, it was still a 7-0 loss. Returning home helps, but playing Franklin does not. Franklin, who went just 3-7 last year and are 0-1 after losing to Stephens last week, are almost always a hard-nosed physical group. They may have a bit more experience than our Leopards, so we pick FRANKLIN

Dawson County @ Chestatee

Dawson County doesn’t rebuild, it reloads. That’s what we saw each of the past two seasons, including last week when all-new playmakers emerged and showed they were more than capable of getting the job done. Chestatee has Christian Charles, who put up about 300 yards of offense and two TDs last week, but as evidenced by the 34-14 loss to North Hall and a 49-0 beating in a scrimmage against Union, the War Eagles just aren’t there yet. We pick DAWSON

Union County @ East Hall

Union got a bye week to prep even more for East Hall, who lost badly to Flowery Branch last week. Unfortunately for the Vikings, this week might be just as tough. Big things coming this year for Pierson Allison and company. We pick UNION

Towns County @ Gilmer

The Indians fell 35-0 to Hayesville on their own brand new turf field. Traveling to Gilmer with what has been said is a very small roster, doesn’t give Towns much of an edge. However, Gilmer got throttled by Fannin in the opener, so both teams don’t send off any signals that they have it together just yet. Being at home though, we’ll go with GILMER

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THE OTHERS

Predicted winners are in bold

#2 Buford vs Jonesboro
West Hall vs Johnson
#9 North Hall vs Jackson County
Cherokee Bluff vs #8 Denmark
Gainesville @ North Forsyth
Riverside Military @ King’s Ridge
Lakeview Academy @ Strong Rock Christian