Critical Games of the Weekend to Know

<strong>McEachern vs. Newton</strong> It hasn’t been the best start for the McEachern Indians who find themselves 1-3, but they might have had the toughest schedule in the country so far. They’re a talented team so they aren’t you’re usual 1-3 team, but they’ll need to play their best game of the season if they want to take a win away from the 2-0 Newton Rams. The Rams have one of the best defenses in their region led by four-star cornerback [player_tooltip player_id="33657" first="Nyland" last="Green"] and defensive end [player_tooltip player_id="34010" first="Justin" last="Benton"]. Green is one of the top defensive back prospects in the 2021 who can make an impact on both offense and special teams. Benton is an athletic pass rusher in the 2023 class who could be one of the nation’s best down the road. &nbsp; <strong>Parkview vs. Marietta</strong> It’s been a tough year for the Marietta Blue Devils, the reigning 7A champions, after losing so much talent including quarterback Harrison Bailey, tight end Arik Gilbert, and multiple impact defenders. Still, the Blue Devils didn’t think they’d be 1-2 through the first three games. They need stellar play from linebacker [player_tooltip player_id="33863" first="Daniel" last="Martin"] who will have the task of slowing down Parkview’s high-powered rushing attack led by four-star Tennessee commitment, [player_tooltip player_id="33667" first="Cody" last="Brown"]. The Panthers are 2-1 with their lone loss coming to North Gwinnett. &nbsp; <strong>Cherokee vs. Cartersville</strong> This is the biggest matchup in Northwest Georgia this weekend as the mighty Cartersville Hurricanes put their 61-game regular season hitting streak on the line against undefeated Cherokee. The Warriors are led by junior quarterback AJ Swann who has been terrific through the first four games, but it’s their defense that has really stood out so far this year. Cherokee held Rome to just 15 points and held Creekview to just 9. Cartersville won a close game last weekend to a very good Creekside team, but the Warriors might be the team to end the streak if they continue to play defense the way they have so far this season. <strong>Milton vs. Cedar Grove</strong> The mighty Cedar Grove Saints FINALLY hit the field in 2020, and they’ll have quite the test on the road against the 2-0 Milton Eagles. The Saints have one of the best defensive lines in the entire state led by junior defensive tackle Christen Miller who holds multiple Power 5 offers. They are a program that expects to play for state championships each year, and they’ll be on that track again if they can beat Milton on the road. The Eagles are led by tight end [player_tooltip player_id="33880" first="Jack" last="Nickel"], a Notre Dame commitment, running back Jordan McDonald, and elite 2023 defensive lineman, Lebbeus Overton. &nbsp;