The 3 most intriguing games in NW/W Ga from a fan in the stands point of view. Calhoun v Cedartown finishes a close 4th.
#3: Lumpkin Co at Temple
A battle of two coaches that have turned their programs in the right direction in just 2 years. Heath Webb has the Lumpkin Co Indians at 2-0 after leading them to their 1st winning season in 11 years in ’22. Cory Nix has the Tigers off to a 3-0 start and looking at their 1st 4-0 start since 2016.
NwGaFootball Take: On paper you have the #17 AAA v the #17 A team which in theory should give the advantage to the larger classification school. Lumpkin definitely comes in with a size advantage on the field but the edge on overall speed goes to the Tigers. Throw in a long bus ride for the Indians you can expect this to be a one possession game like last years contest in Dahlonega.
Spoiler alert but I took the Tigers as my Upset Pick of the Week on tonight’s show, which you can watch HERE at 7pm. NwGa Pick: Temple 32 Lumpkin Co 30; Calpreps: Lumpkin 31 Temple 26
#2: North Murray at Northwest Whitfield
The biggest question in this one is how many total points will be scored. According to Maxpreps this game features two of the top 7 passers in the State. Junior Skylar Williams at North Murray comes in at #1 with 900+ yards and Bruins Sophomore starter Gavin Nuckolls is in 7th and 3rd in TD passes thrown.
NwGaFootball Take: Yes, the Bruins can score, averaging over 32 points per game, but the surprise has been their defense. They have one of the best scoring defenses in our area, 8.3 points per game, through the 1st 3 weeks of the season. North Murray on the other hand is lighting up the scoreboard for 40+ per night but giving up 35 on defense. The edge here goes to whomever can come up with defensive stops, maybe just one! I think the edge goes to the Bruins. NwGa Pick: NW 38 North Murray 21 Calpreps: agrees
#1 Dalton at Rockmart
The Catamounts are off to a great start with impressive wins over North Murray and Sonoraville but Friday will be a different kind of test when they travel to #4 AA Rockmart. The Yellow Jackets are no stranger to bigger competition having played Rome in the preseason and opened the season splitting a couple of 1 pt games with 4A Cedartown and 5A Cass.
NwGaFootball Take: Rockmart scored 63 on the Catamounts last season in Dalton. I don’t think that will be the case this year. I look for a much closer game as both teams have talent all over the field. NwGaFootball Take: Rockmart 31 Dalton 30 Calpreps Pick: Rockmart 34 Dalton 18