North Gwinnett-Collins Hill: Suwanee Battle Is On

Noted philosopher Yogi Berra said it first, and now North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire agrees: It's like deja vu all over again as the Bulldogs take on Suwanee rival Collins Hill on Friday.

"Last year they were 1-3 and wound up in the semifinals of the state playoffs," Sphire said of the Eagles, who are 1-2 as they host North Gwinnett.

Collins Hill won its opener against Roswell, but fell to defending state champ Brookwood and M.L. King, ranked in the top 10 statewide, in its next two games.

"Collins Hill is deceptively good," Sphire said Thursday, singling out running back Jordan Parker as a prime offensive threat. "I'm scared that it will turn into a shootout. If they work the play action with their passing game, we're in trouble."

Sphire sings the praise of quarterback Scotty Hosch, who threw for six TDs in the Eagles' first two games.

"He's really an extension of the coaching staff. He's not surrounded with exceptional talent, but he makes everyone better," Sphire said.

North's only loss was to McEachern, ranked No. 1 in AAAAA, in the season opener.

Also Friday, Peachtree Ridge (2-1) opens region play when the Lions travel to Meadowcreek.

Region 7-AAAA Standings

(Through Sept. 9, 2011)

Team          All Games          Region        

Norcross                 3-0            0-0

Mill Creek                3-0             0-0

Duluth                     2-1              0-0

North Gwinnett         2-1            0-0

Peachtree Ridge      2-1            0-0

Collins Hill               1-2              0-0

Mountain View         1-2             0-0

Meadowcreek          0-3             0-0

2011 schedules for all Suwanee teams: http://patch.com/A-lGDG

Suwanee games-Sept. 16

North Gwinnett at Collins Hill

Peachtree Ridge at Meadowcreek