From teams looking to rebound off of tough losses to matchups between unbeatens, the football landscape is shaping up and is full of action.  We’re three quarters of the way home and the contenders are making their move but some refuse to be counted out.  Let’s take a look back at an exciting weekend of high school football.

St. Pius vs. Southwest Dekalb

Clarkston, GA

Final Score:  St. Pius 21 – SW Dekalb 7

In a matchup of unbeatens, someone had to break.  St. Pius Golden Knights (7-0) came into their Friday night contest against regional foe, Southwest Dekalb Panthers (6-1), looking to clinch a 6-AAAA playoff berth.  The Panthers were boasting an undefeated record of their own while trying to regain the dominance they’ve had under legendary head coach Buck Godfrey.

For three quarters, SWD was lucky to still be around.  After giving up three turnovers, the Panthers managed to even the score early in the fourth quarter off of a two-yard score by Jerald Hatchett.  With momentum and the crowd in their favor, the Panthers looked to stop the Golden Knights and try to take the lead.  St. Pius’ quarterback Dylan Knight had other plans.  On third and six, the Panthers needed a stop but Knight hit the corner on a option and saw 50 yards of daylight.

The score let the air out of the Panthers as they were unable to recover.  The Golden Knights added another score but the 50-yard scamper by Knight was the blow that hurt the Panthers.  St. Pius stays undefeated, while SWD takes their first loss of the season.  SWD now prepares to face a one-loss Marist squad, and the Golden Knights move on to another tough unbeaten in Mays.  Let’s see who stays afloat.

Chamblee vs. Grady

Atlanta, GA

Final Score:  Grady 24 – Chamblee 23

After coming off of a tough loss to Dunwoody, the Chamblee Bulldogs (5-2) looked to recover against the Grey Knights of Grady (5-2).  Grady looked to take advantage of the Bulldogs loss and keep them reeling.  Chamblee jumped out to an early lead off of the legs of RB Roddy Jones, who finished with 30 rushes for 126 yards.  Grady would answer with a score of their own.  After each team added to their point total, Grady was up going into the half, 16-14. 

Chamblee’s Warren Norman, who already had a touchdown completion of 68 yards in the first half, hit tight end Nicolai Schwarzkopf for a 60-yard scoring strike to open up the scoring in the second half.  The Bulldogs then missed a two-point conversion that would come back to haunt them.  Chamblee added a field goal to put them up 23-16 with 1:27 left in the game.  Grady managed to answer in 32 seconds and with 55 seconds left in regulation, Grady’s coach Ronnie Millen had a decision to make.  Kick the extra point and play for overtime or throw dice and go for two.  When Chamblee was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty that brought the ball a yard and a half closer to the goal line, Millen had his answer. 

Darryl Farley punched it in from a yard and a half to give Grady a one point edge that would take them to victory.  After being the talk of town and beginning to gain respect they felt they were lacking, Chamblee has dropped two in row and once solid playoffs hopes are looking bleak, while Grady has moved one step closer to that once unattainable postseason appearance they long for.

Griffin vs. Riverdale

Riverdale, GA

Final Score:  Griffin 49 – Riverdale 28

With a number of names being thrown into the hat as the state’s top running back, Griffin’s Bobby Rainey continued to make sure his name won’t be left out.  Rainey rushed for 342 yards on 36 carries.  Rainey just missed a school record of 361 yards but the W will do just fine.  The Riverdale Raiders (5-2) were formidable opponents for a half but the wear and tear began to show and Rainey got stronger as the game progressed.  Griffin (8-0) held a six point margin going into the half but the second half turned out to be a different story as the Bears outscored the Raiders 22-7.

Parkview vs. Berkmar

Lilburn, GA

Final Score:  Parkview 27 – Berkmar 7

Don’t count out the Panthers just yet.  Parkview used some trickery and timely pooch kick to handle a struggling Berkmar (2-5) team.  The Panthers (4-3) are 3-1 in region and very much in playoff contention.  After getting blasted by Grayson last week, the Panthers are still alive and can make a huge statement with a win over regional leader, Central Gwinnett next week.  The Panthers also have a big contest looming at season’s end that might just make or break the season.  But that’s down the road.  For now, Parkview is quietly doing what they’ve been known to do...and that’s win.

North Gwinnett vs. South Forsyth

Cummings, CA

Final Score:  North Gwinnett 42 – South Forsyth 0

North Gwinnett (8-0) kept their unblemished record in tact against regional rival South Forsyth (4-4).  With allegations of ineligibility and appeal requests lingering in the back of their minds, there was a football game they had to prepare for.  After the news came Tuesday that their appeal was successfully upheld, football was the only focus.  And it showed.  The Bulldogs erupted early with 322 yards of offense in the first half and coasted to an easy win by scoring at will in their domineering spread offense.  North Gwinnett has another one they should win next before their bye.  They then prepare to face Norcross to wrap up the season.  Respect is coming.

Sprayberry vs. Wheeler

Marietta, GA

Final Score:  Wheeler 21 – Sprayberry 7

sshhh...Nobody tell Wheeler this is football season.  The Wildcats continue to impress as they improved to 5-2 with a win over Sprayberry (3-4).  RB Corey Tower finished with 129 yards on the ground and put Wheeler up for good as he scored from one yard out.  With Tower holding things down on the ground and the Wildcat defense averaging 9.3 per contest, Wheeler has its sights set on postseason play. 

Lowndes vs. Valdosta

Valdosta, GA

Final Score:  Lowndes 23 – Valdosta 19

A tale of two storied programs going in opposite directions.  Lowndes improved to 5-2 as they held off a late Valdosta rally.  Valdosta’s disappointing season continues as they fall to 1-7.  The Wildcats had an opportunity to steal this one late but Lowndes held strong.  Lowndes is still in position to defend their state title with three games left in their season.

Norcross vs. Mill Creek

Duluth, GA

Final Score:  Norcross 28 – Mill Creek 14

Norcross continues to go about their business winning games and remaining undefeated.  The lack of attention may be best for the Blue Devils for now.  The lack of a formidable opponent has helped Norcross to a an undefeated record and sitting pretty atop Region 7-AAAAA with a tough North Gwinnett team waiting in the wings for a season finale.

Campbell vs. McEachern

Marietta, GA

Final Score:  Campbell 10 – McEachern 0

After 19 years of disappointment, Campbell (5-2) has made it two wins in the last two years over McEachern (4-3).  This win may give the Spartans their swagger back as they end a two-game skid that saw their playoff hopes diminishing.