Week 10…the sound of that just makes you think of colder football games, region titles, and playoff implications. Here’s what is in store for Week 10.

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)

#1 Rabun County Wildcats vs Elbert County Blue Devils

The Wildcats continue region play with a matchup against perhaps the next best team in 8-AA, Elbert. The Blue Devils have some solid pieces on both sides of the ball. Still…there’s a vast chasm between the two programs. Gunner Stockton plays in his final home regular season game, along with an amazing senior class. They’ll show out here, and Stockton needs 4 TD passes to break the record set by Trevor Lawrence. Three TDs tie, 4 breaks it. Probably gets it in the second or third quarter.
VERDICT: Rabun County

Lumpkin County Indians vs White County Warriors

The Indians take on rivals White County. The Warriors are rested coming off a BYE week, which came after a win that snapped a 3-game skid. White County will need to build off that last win, and get the ball in the hands of Darius Cannon and Silas Mulligan often. Lumpkin will have to play a nearly flawless game, and cannot afford any turnovers or drive-extending penalties.
VERDICT: White County

Commerce Tigers vs Social Circle Redskins

The Tigers have a 4-game win streak, and seem to look better with each passing week. Social Circle will be the latest victim for Commerce, who actually threw for over 100 yards in last week’s win over Franklin.
VERDICT: Commerce

Towns County Indians vs Greene County Tigers

Towns County hosts Greene County, and this one on the surface looks like a great opportunity for victory for the Indians. Towns is looking to snap a 2-game slide, and this week and next are solid chances for wins. The team should be well-rested after a BYE week.
VERDICT: Towns County

#1 Jefferson Dragons @ Chestatee War Eagles

The Dragons had a BYE to heal up. This team is battered at the moment. Malaki Starks has been out and rumors of an injury to Sammy Brown exist. Thank goodness for the play of Tre Reese and Jordan Perry’s return to the gridiron. Chestatee isn’t the team it used to be, but Jefferson still shouldn’t have any issues in Gainesville on Friday.
VERDICT: Jefferson

Dawson County Tigers @ #7 Cherokee Bluff Bears

The Tigers are on a 4-game win streak and look to keep that momentum going into Cherokee Bluff. It’s at Flowery Branch, but we are LOVING the offensive growth from the team and the defense has continued to be as good as expected. Calling the upset win here. This one is HUGE!
VERDICT: Dawson County

#10 Stephens County Indians @ #4 Hart County Bulldogs

Stephens County travels to Hart County in yet another top-10 billing. Hart has lost only one game. What’s on the line here is more than just bragging rights for the big-time rivals. The winner will likely be the #2 team out of 8-AAAA, which means a home playoff game. Stephens County will hopefully have a healthy Ben Stowe back in at QB, gaining a little time to recover with the BYE week. However, edge goes to the home team here. Hope we are wrong!
VERDICT: Hart County

Banks County Leopards @ Riverside Eagles

The Leopards travel to Riverside with a good chance to break a 4-game losing streak. If Banks County wants a playoff spot, here’s the golden opportunity (and probably the last opportunity). These two teams are at the bottom of the 5-team region. A win, and Banks is in.
VERDICT: Banks County

Habersham Central Raiders @ Central Gwinnett Knights

The Raiders need a win in a big way, even just for morale and building upon. We think they get one here and end the 5-game slide
VERDICT: Habersham Central

BYE WEEKS

Union County

THE OTHERS

Predicted winners are in bold

#1 Buford vs Lanier
East Jackson vs Franklin County
Jackson County vs Eastside
Flowery Branch @ Madison County
Gainesville @ West Forsyth
West Hall @ Gilmer
Johnson @ Greenbrier
Denmark @ South Forsyth

CANCELED: NONE

BYE WEEKS: East Hall, North Hall, Lakeview