The Brookwood-Central Gwinnett series has been one-sided since the Broncos and Black Knights began playing each other in 1982. Central Gwinnett won the first three matchups but hasn’t had much luck since, losing 10 in a row to Brookwood. The Broncos lead the overall series 18-5.
On paper, it looks like the Broncos (3-3) may be in solid position to win their 11th straight against the Black Knights (1-5). If Central Gwinnett, coached by Ed Stokes, is going to turn not only this matchup but also its season around, the Black Knights are going to have to get Diante Drake going. Drake rushed for 208 yards on 16 carries on Oct. 3 against Parkview and had 1,500 yards with 18 touchdowns last season.
Brookwood is 3-1 in Region 8-AAAAA and is looking to rebound after losing to Grayson 10-7 last week. The Broncos will continue to depend on their defense, led by linebackers Michael Brown and Chris Martin. Brown led the Broncos with 48 tackles in the team’s first four games, while Martin led the team last season with 106 tackles. On offense, fullback Brice Smith looked good for the Broncos in their first five games, rushing for 486 yards.
Central Gwinnett started the season 0-5 but picked up its first win last Friday with a 21-10 victory over Shiloh. If the Black Knights can ride last week’s momentum, control the clock with their running game and keep the Broncos out of the end zone, they have a shot at handing Brookwood its second region loss. If not, the Black Knights will be forced to suffer their second straight losing season.
Wiley can be reached at dwiley@scoreatl.com.
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