The season is starting to take shape after two weeks of action. South Cobb continued its strong start with a win over Wheeler last week, while Whitefield and Pebblebrook were upset by Pace and East Coweta respectively. It's on to week three of the GHSA football schedule.
vs. Northview
The Eagles picked up their second win of the season with a thrilling. It looked like South Cobb was going to be blown out in the first half, when Wheeler took a commanding 28-7 halftime lead.
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In the second half, junior Joshua Kimble turned the game around by grabbing two interceptions; the first one set up a Chris Beck touchdown run to cut the lead to 28-13. Beck would score two more touchdowns to pull the Eagles within two points. Finally, quarterback Stephon Masha hit Carlos Anderson on a 43-yard pass to set up the game-winning 41-yard field goal by Carlos Saldana.
The Eagles are going to have to rely on a lot more than heroic comebacks if they want to beat Northview this week. The Titans are averaging 28 points a game this season. The turnover battle will be critical. South Cobb caused six turnovers against Wheeler, which was the biggest factor in last weeks win. They will need to cause multiple turnovers again in order to slow Northview's offense.
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The 'big play' has hurt the Eagles in the first two games this year. They have given up scoring plays of 40-plus yards, four times already this season. The defense has to get more three-and-outs.
Junior running back Beck gives the Eagles the edge against Northview. He should add to his 253 yards and four touchdowns in this game.
Prediction: South Cobb 31 Northview 21
at Wilkinson County
Last week's game looked like a mismatch against Pace Academy, but the mismatch turned out to be a blowout, as Pace beat Whitefield 25-7.
The defense simply had no answers for Pace freshman quarterback Kevin Johnson, who burned the Wolfpack with three touchdown passes.
Whitefield running back Richard Sherrell was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal performance. He led the team in rushing with 125 yards and scored the only Wolfpack touchdown.
It was the second week in a row that Sherrell ran for over 100 yards, so look for him to get a lot more hand-offs from here on out.
Wilkinson County will be a tough match-up for the Wolfpack. The Warriors come in with a 2-0 record and have allowed an average of six points in the first two weeks. WCHS also defeated Whitefield 33-7 on the Wolfpack's home-field last year. This year, the game will be played at Wilkinson.
It would be an upset if Whitefield goes on the road and defeats the Warriors this week, but anything can happen.
Prediction: Wilkinson County 27 Whitefield Academy 7
at Chapel Hill
For the second straight season, the Falcons have started 0-2. Pebblebrook dropped its second game to East Coweta 27-13, last Friday.
Penalties and turnovers doomed the Falcons chances to win their first game. A total of seven penalties were handed out, giving East Coweta 75 free yards. To compound the problem, three turnovers were committed. Those mistakes proved to be the difference in the game.
If that wasn't enough, salt was added to the wound when Falcons starting quarterback C.J. Goodman went down with a neck injury in the fourth quarter. Goodman led the team with 103 yards rushing.
It's hard to tell if Goodman will play this week. Neck injuries are always dangerous, so his status is up-in-the-air against Chapel Hill.
Senior running back Sertonuse Harris has to step up and carry the load on offense for Pebblebrook. He gained 66 yards on 14 carries last week and will be counted on even more this week.
Both teams will be looking for their first win when the Falcons travel to face the Panthers. The edge goes to Chapel Hill, as they have the home-field advantage, while the Falcons will be starting an injured quarterback or a backup.
Prediction: Chapel Hill 14 Pebblebrook 13
