Daily Dive: Flowery Branch and Eastside open region play with a possible two seed on the line

Flowery Branch and new coach Michael Perry will host Eastside on Friday in a matchup that will put the winner in position to claim the No. 2 seed out of Region 8-4A. In addition to the region implications, it will also be Eastside defensive coordinator Jason Tester’s first trip back to Flowery Branch since the program parted ways with him last December.

Flowery Branch is having a bounce-back season, going from 1-3 last year to 3-1 this season. This is their best start since 2022, and a win would give the Falcons their best opening stretch since 2019. The Falcons are led by several productive playmakers. Transfer quarterback Bret Sturm has been highly efficient, throwing for 600 yards while completing 79 percent of his passes for six touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Griffin Harper has been dominant, rushing for 399 yards and six touchdowns while also catching eight passes for 100 yards and two more scores. Wide receiver Tre Shields has been a reliable target as well, hauling in 12 catches for 202 yards and three touchdowns in the three games he has played.

On defense, the Falcons are a bit undersized up front, relying on a trio of more traditional edge rushers in Dre Sadler, Eli Poole, and Jake Bursinger. While undersized on passing downs, they can still create havoc and put pressure on the quarterback. The defense is anchored by standout sophomore linebacker Ryland Garrison, who has already made 51 tackles, three sacks, six tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble through four games. His versatility and ability to play all over the field make him the glue of the Falcons’ defense.

Eastside is traditionally one of the stronger programs in the region. In coach Jay Cawthon’s four previous seasons, the Eagles have made it past the first round of the playoffs three times. Their 2024 campaign was their best yet, as they won 11 games and reached the quarterfinals. One of the few returning stars from that team is quarterback Payton Shaw, now in his third year as the starter. Shaw has already thrown for 728 yards and six touchdowns this season. Alongside him, running back Myles Mims has been explosive, averaging more than nine yards per carry and topping 400 rushing yards in just four games. The wide receiver duo of Garrett Brooks and Chase Jordan has also been nearly unstoppable, combining for 428 yards and five touchdowns.

Defensively, Eastside will look to its front line to slow Flowery Branch’s rushing attack. Christian Seymore and Xavier Joseph anchor the edges of the defensive front, and their ability to set the edge will be key to containing Harper and forcing Sturm to win the game through the air. In the secondary, defensive back Jace Taylor could be a difference-maker. He already has two interceptions this season, something Flowery Branch has yet to throw.

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