Week 8 preview: These four Athens-area high school football teams remain undefeated

Things got a little shaken up last week with Hurricane Helene hitting the coastal south.

Sixteen Athens-area teams played their games on Saturday, while one pushed through Friday and another rescheduled for what was supposed to be a bye in October. The GHSA announced Tuesday that they'd be extending the regular season one week to make up for the challenges, eliminating the originally planned playoff bye week during Thanksgiving. Since all Athens-area schools were able to play or reschedule and play, if they happen to advance to the playoffs, they will be granted a week off Nov. 8-9.

Week 7 was chaotic, especially with the return of Apalachee to the gridiron for the first time since the Sept. 4 shooting at the high school that killed four. They were welcomed back at Clarke Central and have their first home game coming up this week against Jackson County. Meanwhile, Winder-Barrow's MJ Dowdy is setting school-records with his rushing abilities and Prince Avenue has reached the .500 mark.

North Oconee (6-0) and Athens Academy (6-0) remain undefeated in GHSA, taking on Madison County (2-3) and Banks County (0-5) respectively in Week 8. Bethlehem Christian (7-0) is walking into a 50/50 match this week in GIAA, facing the possibility of breaking their streak to an undefeated Lakeview Academy (6-0). How will they fare? Who will come out still unscathed?

For some, the answer is obvious. For others, it could go either way. Here's what to watch for as the season rounds the bend for the final third.

North Oconee (6-0) at Madison County (2-3)

The Titans will travel to Danielsville on Friday at 7:30 p.m. for a game against the Red Raiders.

In five games, North Oconee has out-passed and out-rushed its opponents a whopping 1,831 total yards to 980 — almost double. Harrison Faulkner throws an average of 192.2 yards per game (961 total) and has tallied 10 touchdowns and two interceptions with 70 completions of 99 attempts. He's also second in rushing with 35 carries for 215 yards and another score.

Justin Curtis is their other top rusher with 62 carries for 274 yards and four touchdowns. Landon Roldan rounds out the offense with his speedy, sneak attacks, leading with 30 receptions for 441 yards and six touchdowns.

The Titans are coming into the matchup off a 49-7 win over Cedar Shoals, while the Red Raiders are off a 37-7 loss to Eastside.

Athens Academy (6-0) at Banks County (0-5)

The Spartans will travel to Homer on Friday at 7:30 p.m. for a game against the Leopards.

In six games, Athens Academy has racked up 18 receiving and 16 rushing touchdowns. Hampton Johnson has eclipsed the 1,100 passing yard marker with 51 completions on 77 attempts for 15 of those touchdowns, while Chap Chapman has completed and thrown one pass for 25 yards to rake in that 16th score.

Jamari Welch is leading the rushing game with almost 600 yards on the season in 64 carries for three touchdowns. Johnson has the most rushing touchdowns with eight, carrying 45 times for 247 yards. Combined, Jeremiah Wingfield and Keyon Standifer add another 577 rushing yards, while Standifer leads the receiving game with a solo 761 yards and 12 touchdowns on 31 catches and four interceptions for 50 yards.

The Spartans are coming into the matchup off a 47-27 win over Oglethorpe County, while the Leopards are off a bye.

Bethlehem Christian (7-0) vs. Lakeview Academy (6-0)

The Knights will travel to Gainesville on Friday at 7:30 p.m. for a game against the Lions.

In seven games, Bethlehem Chrisitan has found a one member of its rushing game already edging on 1,000 yards in Zeke Clanton. He has 105 carries for 996 yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as three receptions for 88 yards and two more scores. Tristan Puckett helps him out in the backfield, having caught 10 balls for 217 yards and six touchdowns.

Coy Buckner is throwing a 53.5% completion rate with 38 completed passes on 71 attempts for 698 yards and 13 touchdowns. He's also only been intercepted once. Caleb Craft is a train moving along its tracks for the defense, tallying 37 solo tackles and 23 assisted for 60 total to lead the team.

The Knights are coming into the matchup off a 33-0 win over Athens Christian, while the Lions defeated Riverside Military Academy 49-0.

Westminster Christian (6-0) vs. Monsignor Donovan Catholic (1-3)

The Lions will host the Rams for a game in Watkinsville on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

In Week 6, Ethan Townsend threw for 217 yards and five touchdowns against St. Mary's Academy. Asa Morecraft has been a key contributor to the Lions' offense, with 126 receiving yards and two touchdowns in that game. Noah Goodwin had 69 receiving yards for a touchdown and Asher Irvine scored on an eight-yard catch.

Josiah Richards has been the other key contributor to the Lions' offense, rushing for 110 yards that night to score two touchdowns. El Barnett rushed for 46 yards to account for the last touchdown. The Lions have been outscoring their opponents 258-75, recording two shutouts.

The Lions and Rams are both coming into the matchup off a bye week. The Rams were meant to reschedule Holy Spirit Prep, but have not announced a new date.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Week 8 preview: These four Athens-area high school football teams remain undefeated