BIG GAME ALERT: Top Programs Square Off To End September

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What big games do you need to keep an eye on this Friday?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Read all the details on Prep Redzone...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Walton vs. North Paulding</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're talking about 7A title contenders, the Walton Raiders have to be high on the list. This is a complete team from top to bottom with plenty of high-caliber D1 talent on the roster. Led by senior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='137483' first='Jeremy' last='Hecklinski'], the Raider offense has been unstoppable this year, scoring at lest 49 points through their first four games. They throw it well, run it well, play physical in the trenches, and play outstanding defense, giving up 20+ points just once so far. They check every box, but North Paulding could be the team that finally gives them a little trouble. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Paulding is a tough team that simply knows how to win. They won some tight games early in the season to Allattoona and East Paulding, but have really started to come on strong with big wins over Kennesaw Mountain, South Paulding, and Pope. They run the ball effectively, averaging just under 200 yards a game on the ground. They play hard, and they're 5-0 coming into this big out of region game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Grayson vs. Newton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the hottest teams in the state right now, the Grayson Rams have dominated ever since their big week one loss to Walton. They may have a new staff this year, but it's easy to see the talent still coming through that program. Led by elite outside linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='212311' first='Tyler' last='Atkinson'], the Rams have been elite on defense, shutting out three of their last four opponents. Offensively, quarterback JD Davis has been outstanding, throwing for just under 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns through his first nine games. They've been playing great football of late and will have a massive test on their hands with Newton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like the Grayson Rams, the Newton Rams are off to a great 2023 season as they are 5-0 and looking to stay that way this weekend. They havee an outstanding rushing attack led by junior [player_tooltip player_id='338640' first='Zion' last='Johnson'] who has already rushed for over 770 yards and 10 touchdowns this year while averaging an eye-opening 10.1 yards per rush. They also play terrific defense, giving up 12 or more points just once this year with two shutouts. It's tough to move the ball on them, and with their consistent offense, along with the play of sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='681162' first='Deron' last='Benson'], the Newton Rams could be in store for a special season this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blessed Trinity vs. Roswell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A major 6A matchup in Roswell, two major programs right down the street will face off in a highly-anticipated cross-town game. The Titans of Blessed Trinity are off to a 4-1 start to the season with impressive wins over St. Pius, Sprayberry, Eagles Landing, and Calhoun. They're well-coached, have young talent, and ply excellent defense. They're not a big school, but they are a consistent winner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hornets are hoping to push for a 6A state title this year behind senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='553243' first='KJ' last='Smith'] and plenty of other talented players on both sides of the ball. They have wins over Denmark, Centennial, Marietta, and Johns Creek, showing the ability to score points at will. They have plenty of D1-caliber talent on the roster and are hoping to secure another big win over a regional opponent. This is a 6A matchup many will have a close eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lee County at Houston County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An outstanding matchup in Middle Georgia, these two programs are on a collision course in 6A right now. The 4-1 Lee County Trojans are always a tough, physical program with one of the top 2025 running backs in the country on the roster in [player_tooltip player_id='321475' first='Ousmane' last='Kromah'], who has rushed for just under 600 yards so far this season with 8 touchdowns. They play excellent defense, allowing 20+ points just once so far this season. Lee County has wins over Warner Robins, Hapeville Charter, Lithia Springs, and Lake Gibson (FL) so far this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears of Houston County, led by outstanding 2025 QB [player_tooltip player_id='321465' first='Antwann' last='Hill'] Jr. are off to a terrific 5-0 start with wins over Sumter County, Perry, West Laurens, Locust Grove, and Warner Robins. They've scored at least 41 points in every game so far this year and don't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Hill has been near perfect this season, throwing for over 1,250 yards with 18 touchdown passes already. They have a close win over Perry, but every other game has been a blowout. However, they'll have their biggest test of the season against Lee County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->