7-AAA Game Previews

East Hall vs. Lumpkin Co.
Series History: East Hall leads 19-2-1
Looking back: Obviously this matchup has been one-sided in the Vikings favor. The only years that Lumpkin has won was 2001 (41-21), 1978 (14-8), & a tie in 1976 (14-14). This doesn't bode well for Indian fans.
Keys to a Viking win: Well, last week Chestatee shut down the Viking run game. I still say they are at their best when they can mix in both the run and pass. Of course, if your receivers don't catch the ball then neither matters. The Viking receivers have to step up and catch the ball in order for the Vikings to be successfull this week. Against a young and small Indian defense it shouldn't be hard for the Vikings to find the endzone this week.
Keys to an Indian win: Maybe the Viking bus will get lost on the way to Dahlonega. Chances are though they'll make it and the Indians will have their hands full. If they have a chance they'll have to make some plays on defense and create some turnovers and get field position on your side. Offensively, they'll have to play ball-control and don't turn the ball over or it might be a long night for the Indians.

Chestatee vs. White Co.
Series History: White Co. leads 3-1
Looking back: Chestatee picked up their first win in this series in 2005 by a 41-35 score in 2 OTs. In the 1st three matchups, WC outscored Chestatee 66-27.
Keys to a War Eagle win: Last week, they were able to control the ball by running their trio of backs, Sweet, Vasser, & Souther. Look for more of the same on Friday night in Cleveland. The Chestatee defense played well last week in shutting down the high-powered offense of East Hall. Against a very poor WC defense that has allowed 4 teams to score 50 points, it should be a very successfull night for the War Eagle offense.
Keys to a Warrior win: This WC team has to find someone that can play defense. They haven' t stopped anyone all year. Also, the offense isn't helping out the defense any by turning the ball over and giving the other team short fields to work with. The offense needs to hang onto the ball and the defense needs to create turnovers in order for this to be a victorious night for the Warriors.

North Hall vs. Gilmer
Series History: Surprising this series is tied 5-5
Looking back: NH won the 1st matchup in 1962 (19-12). Then they promptly lost the next 5 in the series ('63,'70,'71,'76,'77). After their game in 1977, they didn't meet again until 2002 in which NH won 41-20 in Ellijay and they have won the past 4 meetings including a 42-13 blowout last year in Ellijay. This game also happens to be in Ellijay. NH has outscored 181-40 in the last 4 meetings.
Keys to a Trojan win: Their defense is playing outstanding and their offense is controlling the clock and is hitting on all cylinders. In order for them to continue their win streak in this series, they'll have to continue to do what they do best which is run the ball and play swarming defense. Expect a tough game in Gilmer though. It's always an interesting environment over on the mountain in Ellijay.
Keys to a Bobcat win: Their defense has played well at times in limiting some of the better offenses to season lows. Last week, the ground game got rolling as they rushed for nearly 300 yds. Look for more of the same and for the Bobcats to steal a page from the NH playbook in that they'll try to control the clock with their triple option attack and play swarming defense. Should be an interesting game in Ellijay. Probably the best chance for anyone to beat NH the rest of the regular season.

Gainesville vs. Pickens
Series History: Gainesville leads 8-2
Looking back: Gainesville has dominated this series that only began in 1992. The only wins for Pickens has been in 2000(14-13) and 2004 (20-14) both in Jasper. Last year was a close game in a wet, muddy game at City Park with Gainesville winning 14-6.
Keys to a Red Elephant win: In order to get back on track after last week's loss to Flowery Branch, they have to continue to be balanced on offense by running Kendrick Harris & Brandon Cobb and getting Justin Fordham into a rhythm in the passing game. The offense got rolling in the 2nd half of last week's game and they need to put points on the board and not turn the ball over. They also have to play sound defense and not allow the big chunks of yards that they allowed to FB and to some other teams this year. The corners and safeties have to make plays in order for GHS to win in Jasper on Friday.
Keys to a Dragon win: Pickens has to continue to run the ball. The coaching staff needs to watch the NH or even the FB game film and pick up the weaknesses in the Gainesville run defense up the middle and the passing defense on the edge. Pickens likes to run the ball and NH ran the ball very well against the Red Elephants. Look for the Dragons to come out pumped up at home. If it was closer, Kenny and I would definitely be at this game.

Look for the Game of the Week preview to come in the next day or so...and for our game predictions on Thursday.