Week 6 officially marks the halfway point of the season after the final score settles on the board on Friday night. Here are the local teams squaring off under the lights.

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 off the field as winners.

THE LOCALS

Dawson County vs #5 White County

The Tigers have the heavy burden of playing host to one of the hottest teams in the state. The Warriors are looking to not only go 5-0, but also earn the first region win and take the inside track on a region title. These two teams were favorites to battle for the region, so you can say this is a defacto region title game, albeit in Week Six. Adding some sauce on this one is the fact that these are rival programs. This one sounds like a good FAN VOTE. VERDICT: FAN VOTE

Union County vs Woodland (CANCELLED)

The Panthers were set to host Woodland, but that game has been cancelled due to COVID concerns for Woodland. This marks the second Union game cancelled due to COVID-related issues. For the record, we were going with: VERDICT: UNION

Banks County vs #5 Haralson

The Leopards have their hands full with #5-ranked Haralson. This one could turn out to be a long night for Banks County. VERDICT: HARALSON

#1 Jefferson @ #5 Flowery Branch

The Dragons earned a heck of a win over Hart County, 26-19. What most people didn’t know, is that head coach Gene Cathcart was forced to quarantine for that one. The entire coaching staff gelled together and made it happen. This game is already big, but add to it that Ben Hall (FB head coach) was previously the head coach at Jefferson. This one could be very interesting. VERDICT: JEFFERSON

#1 Rabun County @ East Jackson

The Cats are finally playing a game that gives them a big spread. Look for the starters to have a humungous first half, flood the box score, and then roll out the subs in the second half. 50 points could happen. VERDICT: RABUN

#6 Commerce @ Mt. Paran

Commerce moves up to ranked #4. Mt Paran is the next foe on the list. The way Sammy Brown has emerged as a frosh, and the play of Tyleon Brock and Dreylan Martin, as well as Tay Huff, and this team has huge aspirations. This should be another one in the win column. VERDICT: COMMERCE

THE OTHERS

Predicted winners are in bold

North Hall vs West Hall
Cherokee Bluff vs Gilmer
Gainesville vs Hillgrove
#2 Buford vs Central Gwinnett
East Hall vs Cedar Shoals
Johnson @ Loganville