With just three weeks left in the 2014 high school football season, several of this week's #Team11 Game of the Week nominees are looking to get one step closer to an undefeated regular season, while others are looking at Friday's game as a chance to pull closer or even take over the top spot in their respective regions. Here's a look at what to watch for in every matchup:
Grayson (8-0, 6-0 in Region) vs. Dacula (7-0, 5-0 in Region)- To say this matchup of two Region 8 AAAAAA heavyweights is huge is an understatement. The Rams have instituted a spread offense to balance its attack. A huge 153-yard effort on the ground by Cameryn Brent helped Grayson take an early lead against Central Gwinnett that the team never relinquished. In order to beat Dacula, they'll need to rely on a similar effort on defense that helped them pitch the shutout against the Black Knights. Dacula, on the other hand, definitely has the firepower to make this game a duel. The Falcons got behind early against the Brookwood, but battled back to get the win off the Jakob Brashear interception to end the game.
Norcross (6-1, 4-0 in Region) vs. Peachtree Ridge (5-2, 3-1 Region)- Coming off a bye week and a dominating 49-0 performance over Meadowcreek the week before, the Blue Devils played a near-perfect game to get the shutout. Norcross was especially impressive on offense, where they were a perfect 7 for 7 in the first half and used four quarterbacks to ensure they got six out of every trip to the red zone. To get a win against Peachtree Ridge, they'll need to stop a team that averages nearly 254 yards in the air and 157 yards on the ground. Peachtree Ridge went into the bye week to regroup from a tough loss to region rival North Gwinnett. The Lions kept up with the Bulldogs through the first half of the game. And, if they can continue their dominance in the passing game for all four quarters and tighten things up on the defensive side, they can potentially pull into a first-place tie in Region 6 AAAAAA with the Blue Devils and Bulldogs.
Woodland, Henry (6-1, 2-1 in Region) vs. Stockbridge (5-2, 2-1 in Region)- With just two games left in the regular season, Region 4-AAAAA Division B is still anybody's to win outright. The three teams atop the region are all tied at 2-1- and two of them are playing each other in this matchup. Woodland is deceptively speedy and played a solid all-around game to defeat Union Grove on Friday night. They'll need it to get passed the Tigers. Stockbridge is on a two-game winning streak that came as a result of victories against region co-leader Dutchtown and Ola. The Tigers will need their strong running attack, led by Artemus Mitchell, and an improved passing game to beat the Wolfpack and contend for sole possession of first place.
Sandy Creek (7-0, 2-0 in Region) vs. Woodward (6-1, 2-0 in Region)- With both teams undefeated in Region 5 AAAA, this game is a pivotal one for both schools. Sandy Creek hasn't dropped a game all season and hasn't had an opponent to get any closer than to within a touchdown. The Patriots have been nothing short of dominant in the running game, averaging nearly 228 yards per game. They'll need to dominant on both sides of the ball to defeat Woodward and take the spot alone atop the region. The War Eagles are riding a four-game winning streak heading into this matchup. Woodward got the decisive win over Fayette County with a very balanced attack on offense. They'll need the same on defense to stop a high-powered attack from a Patriots team that is finding its stride in all three phases of the game.
Lovett (6-2, 5-0 in Region) vs. Wesleyan (5-2, 3-1 in Region)- Lovett's six-touchdown performance against Holy Innocents showed their domination in Region 6 AA this season. Lovett gets nearly 205 yards per game from the ground attack, but also stacks the box to average 20 sacks an outing. They'll need a strong performance to win the game and stay atop the region with co-leader Greater Atlanta Christian. Wesleyan is coming off a bye week and a 17-0 shutout of B.E.S.T. Academy. Ollis Robinson, Christian Stark, and Tyler Harper have shown strong performances on the defensive end all season long and look to keep this a low-scoring matchup in order for the Wolves to get the W and make some progress in region standings.
