It’s on to Week Six! Here are the matchups and our predictions that come with it. FYI, Week Six at completion will mark the 1/2 way point of the regular season.

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 (Home Games Listed First)

White County Warriors vs Dawson County Tigers

Let’s be clear, these two teams BOTH need a boost in a big way. This one could essentially go either way, as both have the playmakers to do it. Though Dawson is on the road, we’re taking them here as they’re coming off a win as opposed to White County, and have seemed to be trending in the right direction. VERDICT: Dawson County

#1 Rabun County Wildcats vs Pickens (SC) Blue Flame

The Wildcats host Pickens (SC) in a third straight out-of-state battle. It’s looking like a game that has the makings of a blowout by second quarter, though Pickens is no pushover. Just a testament to what Rabun has done to the previous two stellar out-of-state opponents. VERDICT: Rabun County

#1 Jefferson Dragons vs #7 Flowery Branch Falcons

The Dragons are well-rested following a bye week. This is the last big game on the schedule (by big, meaning any team that truly can put Jefferson to the test). Flowery Branch might be able to hold its own for just a tad bit, but that’s about all we’ll give. VERDICT: Jefferson

Habersham Central Raiders vs Winder-Barrow Bulldoggs

Habersham is coming off a draining (emotionally) loss to Stephens, but they won’t stop and feel sorry for themselves. They know the real season starts now when hosting Winder-Barrow, a 2-2 team that is sort of starving for offense. That plays well for the Raiders, who hang their hat on the defense. This is a MUST win for Habersham to get out early and win the winnable region games, if the goal is state playoffs. VERDICT: Habersham Central

Union County Panthers vs #1 Murphy (NC) Bulldogs

Not much has gone great for Union County so far. Not that the good times aren’t coming, because inevitably we think they are. It just may not be this week, as hosting #1-ranked Murphy (NC) is not going to give them much. If they stay within a solid gameplan, they can hang in there and work on some things ahead of region play which begins soon. VERDICT: Murphy

Commerce Tigers vs Mt. Paran Christian Eagles

The Tigers need a win in a big way. Rumors swirling that Commerce is going back to a time-honored traditional offensive style that gave them much success in former glory days. Let’s see if that helps. Mt. Paran is a 2-2 group that scored over half its points in just 2 games, but has struggled in the closest 2 games since. This is a winnable game for Commerce. VERDICT: Commerce

Towns County Indians @ Bethlehem Christian Academy Knights xx

The Indians are 3-1 to start a season for the first time since 2007. Bethlehem Christian is a fringe top-10 team, and will be hosting. Still, we like what we’re seeing of the offensive trio of sophomore QB Connor Chastain, senior RB Kyle Oakes, and SR WR Collin Crowder. VERDICT: Towns County

Banks County Leopards @ #8 Haralson County Rebels

The Leopards are facing a pretty tough task in hitting the road to a top-10 opponent. This game gives some opportunity for Banks County to address some concerns as a tune-up for region play. VERDICT: Haralson County

BYE WEEKS

#4 Stephens County, Lumpkin County

THE OTHERS

Predicted winners are in bold

West Hall vs North Hall
Jackson County vs Clarke Central
Johnson vs Loganville
Riverside vs Toombs County
East Hall @ Cedar Shoals
#1 Buford @ Central Gwinnett
Gainesville @ Hillgrove
#8 Cherokee Bluff @ Gilmer

CANCELED: TBD

BYE WEEKS: Chestatee, Denmark, Franklin County, East Jackson, #7 Hart County, Lakeview Academy