Daily Dive: Northeast Georgia football notebook

1. North Hall dominates Wesleyan

Only a year after losing a heartbreaker to Wesleyan, North Hall turned the tables with a 47-7 rout of the Wolves. Quarterback Alex Schlieman threw for 220 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Wyatt Timlin ran for 221 yards and a score. It was the Trojans’ first win over a ranked opponent since 2013 and their largest margin over a ranked team since a 2012 quarterfinal victory over Peach County.

2. Flowery Branch runs all over Habersham Central

In the second game of the Michael Perry-era, Flowery Branch notched its first win of the season, rushing for more than 300 yards in a 31-28 victory over Habersham Central. Senior running back Griffin Harper once again torched Habersham Central, following up last year’s 176-yard performance with 200 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Brett Sturm added 135 rushing yards. The effort was a complete turnaround from Week 1, when the Falcons managed just 24 rushing yards but passed for 251.

3. Defensive woes plague East Hall once again

East Hall suffered a 30-27 upset loss to Oglethorpe County on Saturday, continuing a troubling defensive trend. In 32 of 42 games under coach Matt Turner, the Vikings have allowed 30 or more points. Since 2021, East Hall is 8-2 when holding opponents under 30, but just 2-30 when giving up more than 30. While the Vikings’ offense is often explosive, their defense continues to hold them back, and its improvement will determine the fate of the 2025 season.

4. Riverside Prep ends 35-game losing streak

One of the state’s oldest programs, Riverside Prep entered its 118th season on a 35-game losing streak. Against Cross Keys, who also owned a 35-game losing streak, the Eagles dominated, earning a 36-6 victory. Quarterback JJ Blackwell had a career day, completing four of six passes for 111 yards and three touchdowns while adding 66 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. Riverside will now face county rival Lanier Christian with a chance to start 2-0 for the first time since 2008.

5. East Forsyth denies Jaybo Shaw his first win at Dawson County

East Forsyth spoiled Dawson County coach Jaybo Shaw’s home debut, winning 19-16 in overtime. Tied 16-16 at the end of regulation, the Tigers drove into field-goal range but saw their attempt blocked. The Broncos capitalized, kicking the game-winning field goal on the ensuing possession.

6. Jefferson outlasts Jackson County

Jefferson’s defense carried the Dragons to a 10-3 win over rival Jackson County. The Panthers pushed Jefferson to the limit, keeping the game tied 3-3 for much of the night, but the Dragons once again kept their opponent out of the end zone, the second straight week they’ve done so.

7. East Jackson beats Commerce for the second straight year

After finally breaking through against Commerce in 2024, East Jackson made it two in a row with a 21-14 victory. The Eagles continue their best stretch in program history: the only three-year span in which they’ve won more than three games each season. It’s just the Eagles fourth 2-0 start since the school opened in 2007.

8. Oconee County gets first win of the season

Oconee County avoided dropping to 0-2 for the third straight year with a win over Clarke Central. The Warriors leaned on their trademark defense and now turn their attention to Morgan County, a team that beat them last season.

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