Week Nine is here. This presents us with the last one-third of the regular season. Four weeks remain to determine who’s a contender and who’s a pretender…Here we go!

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

#1 Rabun County vs Banks County

The Wildcats are heating up at the right time. The region slate won’t offer quite the competition in total that the non-region slate did, but Rabun still won’t overlook anyone. They’ll show up pedal to the metal against Banks. VERDICT: RABUN COUNTY

Union County vs Elbert County

The Panthers had a lack-luster win over Banks County, but it was still a win. Jonah Daniel is back, so that’s huge. Being at home helps here, but Elbert is going to be a tough out for the Panthers. VERDICT: UNION COUNTY

Habersham Central vs #9 Lanier

The Raiders will play a third straight region foe that is state ranked. Tall task for sure, but maybe the last two have prepared them well for this one. We think Habersham can stick with Lanier for awhile, but the size and talent might be a bit much to overcome ultimately. VERDICT: LANIER

Lumpkin County vs #9 Cherokee Bluff

The Indians play against former head coach Tommy Jones, who has Cherokee Bluff undefeated. This will be the second trip back to Dahlonega for Jones as a visiting coach. The Bears look great this season, and should come out with a win here. VERDICT: CHEROKEE BLUFF

Dawson County @ West Hall

The Tigers hit the road to West Hall in a game that should be over by early in the third quarter. VERDICT: DAWSON COUNTY

THE OTHERS

Predicted winners are in bold

Chestatee vs Madison County
Lakeview vs Mt. Pisgah
Johnson vs Apalachee
Gainesville @ South Forsyth
#2 Buford @ Shiloh
#5 Flowery Branch @ Cedar Shoals
East Hall @ North Oconee
North Hall @ Gilmer