Opene I. Football Fridays in Georgia.

Presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while you're driving.

It saves lives as we welcome you to Cobb Energy Hillgrove Stadium for the Battle of Powder Springs and a huge region three 6-A showdown as the fifth ranked and undefeated McEachern Indians have traveled the 3 miles from their campus to take on the tenth ranked and undefeated Hillgrove Hawks.

And good evening, I'm Matt Stewart, joined by former Auburn Tigers All-American NFL first round draft pick and 15 year pro Wayne Gandy and Wayne, what we have here tonight is a backyard brawl.

A neighborhood street fight.

We mean that in the nicest possible way.

But the truth of the matter is these fans, these players, these schools are not very fond of each other.

Reminds me of a rivalry.

You used to be a part of.

Yeah.

Something called the Iron Bowl.

They said they're having it here in Cobb County tonight, and I'm here for it.

The fans are out.

A defense that only gives up 1.9, and an offense that rushes for 290 yards a game.

Let's talk about McEachern.

They are 7-0 for the first time since 2019 when they went to the state quarterfinals there under head coach Kareem Reid.

And they got a star studded lineup.

In fact, two of their biggest stars who've not played a down this season because of injury will make their debuts tonight.

But more on that coming up as we go throughout the game.

On the offensive side of the ball, they're led by Henry Pullen, who doesn't have all the recruiting rankings, but he has been a star in his own right.

He has definitely been a bright spot, a blessing, as his coach says, for this offense.

Big, physical, great balance with great vision, averaging 130 yards a game.

He has 6100 yard games out of seven games.

Amazing season.

They have to stop him tonight and get to him early.

Defensive side of the ball.

The highest rated player in this game is the sophomore Casey Barner.

He's a five star rated as high as the number 1 safety in the class of 2028.

He's going to play all over the field.

Special teams and offense.

But first and foremost, he's a big time safety.

And when you can get your name linked to Eric Berry, you're a special player.

This young man has instincts, range and he's physical and he's going to need to bring that physicality to stop the run.

Game of Hillgrove.

Now the Storey with Hillgrove dramatic turnaround under head coach Justin DeShon, they went 7-20 4-2 and 11 in the region in his first three seasons.

Last two seasons, they've gone 18-2 overall and 10-1 in the region.

And they like to run the ball.

They like to be physical.

They like to get dirty in the trenches and they're led by their quarterback, Donovan Mack.

A dominant dual threat quarterback.

He's game managing right now, but he's efficient.

And the best thing about him.

Ten touchdowns zero interceptions.

He's fast.

He's smart.

But tonight he's going to have to get those legs going.

He's going to have to punish this McEachern defense.

And on the defensive side of the ball, Jameson McCollough linebacker is committed to Jacksonville State.

Their coaches are in the building here today.

He chose the Gamecocks over 14 other offers including Georgia State.

A young tackling machine, the heart and soul of the defense, 43 tackles, 16 TFLs.

He's a stat stuffer for sacks.

This young man can make plays out on the edge and in the middle.

He's going to have to have a big game tonight trying to stop the run game.

And his brother Jalen is a safety with the L.A.

Rams.

Came through this program.

In fact he's one of seven current Hillgrove Hawks playing in the National Football League.

Wow.

All right.

Third member of our team is John Nelson.

He's down on the field.

Good evening Matt.

Good evening Wayne.

Good evening to all of you who are accessing us.

However, you are doing so large device or small, if you've never seen the Battle down in Powder Town, the most kind word that I heard this week about this rivalry was disdain.

And that barely begins to cover it.

Matt said it.

They don't like each other at all.

They're only a couple miles apart.

And when you have a rivalry like this, you thought that every aspect might be off the charts for the two head coaches.

Not necessarily the case.

The relationship between Justin DeShon and Kareem Reid goes back to their time at Chapel Hill and Westlake, respectively, when one was looking for a new job, he texted the other and the job?

The new job for Coach Reid ended up being McEachern the text to Coach DeShon was time to compete.

That was at the beginning of the season and the beginning of the run.

With these two coaches here leading into the matchup this week, the relationship a little tighter for 5,000, maybe 6,000 folks.

The response time to go to war.

Let's find out what happens when these two go to war.

Here in the Grove.

Matt.

Let's light a rather confined candle for this rivalry here tonight.

All right, Nellie, we will do that.

We are just moments away from the opening kickoff.

Go to the QR code right there on your screen and pick the winner of tonight's game between the Hillgrove, Hawks and the McEachern Indians Hillgrove won the opening toss.

They have deferred until the second half.

Wayne.

That means we get to see the McEachern Indians on offense to start this game.

Yeah, CJ Pittman a dual threat quarterback.

He's going to have to make some plays here tonight against this aggressive Hawks defense.

And remember your opening kickoff is brought to you by heads up Georgia.

Park your phone while you're driving.

It saves lives.

And the aforementioned Casey Barner, the five star stands deep at the five yard line to receive this opening kick from one of the best kickers in the entire state.

Carter Genchi, who's 50 of 54 on touchbacks this season.

And this one's not even close.

Sends it to the back of the end zone, and we have flags out.

Might have an offsides here on the kicking team.

And so Jinshi might get a chance to show that he can kick it into the end zone from 65 yards.

Matt, we're going to get a personal foul here right off the bat.

Oh, wow.

Going up and hitting the kicker in the return game.

The returner just went up and blasted the kicker right there.

Right off the off the tee.

Is Buddy Ryan in the building.

He.

I know we're going to war, but I guess shots are fired right there.

As soon as he kicked the ball off he got hit.

Well, again, she is one of the best.

They say they will have no problem kicking a 60 yard field goal tonight.

If it comes down to that.

And it might in this rivalry.

But indeed, if this is a 15 yard Markoff, let's see what the call is here from Todd Downs who is our referee tonight.

Known Todd for 25 years.

In fact, we've even done TV together.

Going back to covering the Georgia High School Association softball championships.

Dave Reynolds, our good friend.

He works the flag football state championships for us and is in the booth for the state championship games as our official in the booth is on this crew as well.

So we got an A plus crew foul.

Against the receiving team.

On the kicker.

That penalty is declined.

The results of the play is a touchback.

Just a question.

Why wouldn't we assume so?

It'll be at the 20 yard line.

That ball.

And McEachern in that situation.

Actually that was an intentional going after the kicker right there just to get things started.

Let the set the tempo early on.

Yeah, the kicker was in no danger of making a tackle on a dead ball play because the ball is out of the back of the end zone.

So you kind of get the feel for where this game is going to be tonight.

So this McEachern offense going up against a Hillgrove defense that's given up a total of 13 points the entire season.

And the first team hasn't given up any points.

KJ Pittman is the quarterback number 12.

And Barner goes to actually that's Nalin Scott who goes in motion and Nalin Scott on his first touch of the season.

He's one of those big time stars that had not played a down yet this year, and he gets the first snap of this game on the sweep.

A little jet sweep.

Get to the outside.

And this is all about individual effort here by Scott.

You could tell them warm ups watching him.

He had a certain energy.

He's been hungry to get back for his team.

He is a four star wide receiver in the class of 2026 and committed to Nebraska.

Picks up a first down on his very first snap of the season.

They're going to throw it to him on the second play and he slips trying to make a cut and goes down for a no gain at the 32 yard line.

As Wayne, let's take a look at the Breda Pest Management impact players.

When the Indians have the ball.

And we can already see, intention of getting the ball to Nalin Scott, he's back.

Finally healthy.

Pettaway the big left tackle, 320 pounds.

Chris Carbin a playmaker out on the edge, rushing the passer and Jayden Jones, the best cover guy for this Hillgrove defense.

Henry Pullen gets his first carry of the ball game, gets driven out of bounds at the 36 yard line after a four yard pickup.

There's Henry Pullen.

We talked about him just a few moments ago.

He's been offered by Jacksonville State and Shorter, but he's going to be a 1,000 yard rusher maybe before this night is over.

You would expect more offers than that.

Yeah big physical back.

That's just kind of going under the radar.

Didn't have a big junior year.

And that's what really why the recruiting down.

But he's having a sensational you look at his size and he has deceptive speed.

Once he breaks that first level.

So you got to get to him early as you just saw in that last play by the Hawks.

Pullen played in the Wing-t offense at Campbell High School before transferring to McEachern.

This offense much better showcases his talents.

Pittman on a pass complete to Shockley Jacorey Shockley the freshman with the first down at the 45 yard line.

Nice read here by Pittman.

Feeling the pressure.

Reading the blitz coming off the edge a little shallow cross there by his freshman receiver who's leading the team so far.

Shockley nice job of stopping and catching the ball right there.

Not running without the ball and then just getting upfield.

That was Shockley's team leading 20th catch of the season.

Pullen gets the handoff and Pullen down to the 38 yard line.

And let's take a look at the starters delivered by Johnny's New York style pizza.

Your original neighborhood pizzeria up front.

You got Pettaway, who was just talking about Green, Wisdom, Elkins and Goston, the running back is Pullen and then the wide receiver Shockley Harris, Page, and the tight end is Carter.

So Hillgrove gets their first TfL of the night, 103 TFLs as a team.

, and just jumped off the page when you went through the stats.

And right here, third and short, you imagine they're going to get downhill with Pullen and this big offensive line, especially there in the middle with Wisdom, Elkins and Green.

Let me retract that.

Not a TfL.

They might have actually picked up a yard on the play.

Hand off goes to Pullen.

That's going to be a first down as Pullen pulls his way forward to the 33 yard line.

This is what this offense likes to do.

They like to get downhill.

They're not trying to dress it up.

They are challenging you to stop them when they run the ball.

It's not a lot of trick plays out on the edge.

It's right down.

Can you stop us?

They challenge each and every motto is five equals one.

Up there in that offensive line.

They're averaging 40 points per game and their 7-0 start four and oh start in the region.

And we're going to have encroachment on the Hillgrove defensive line.

Looks like the nose Aiden Montford jumped offsides.

Prior to the snap.

Encroachment against the defense.

Five yard penalty still first down.

All kinds of story lines in this game.

Aidan's dad Joe is a Canadian Football League Hall of Famer, one of the best ever to play in that league.

His son Aidan, big time player in the middle, holding down big size in there for Hillgrove.

Casey Barner gets his first carry of the game and he gets driven back as the safety Maliek Coaxum comes up from his position to make the tackle.

And can see Colson close up into that line right there.

You can see good job there on the outside by McCullough forcing that run back inside.

And these safeties they're going to have to do a lot of work here tonight.

Wright Coaxum Galardo.

They're going to have to play down in that box and make some tackles.

Second down and five ball sitting at the 28 yard line.

Barner stays in the game lined up next to Pittman.

Barner gets it again.

Slashes through the hole.

Man.

He was a breath away from taking that to the house.

Saving tackle there.

Just getting a foot right there as Corbin Forbes the Will linebacker.

Watch how this opens up pulling right there.

The kickout block by the tight end as he motions over and Barner always just a heartbeat away from making a track meet on young sophomore.

So much potential, so dangerous in all three phases.

Coach Reid said it would be coaching malpractice if I didn't use him on the offensive side of the ball, and Pullen gets stopped short of the first down.

On the third down carry going to bring up fourth down and very short.

Nice job here.

Corbin Forbes playing off the edge.

Nice job making that tackle.

Here's a look at the Hawks on defense.

Marbury Montford and Stafford up front.

Rose McCullough, Forbes and Carbin in the linebacking corps.

James Coaxum Galardo and Wells in the secondary.

It's fourth and one.

Handoff goes pulling right up the middle.

Has the first down Pullen inside the ten and down to the eight yard line.

Christian Wells the corner, I believe, was the one who made the touchdown saving tackle.

Great blocking in the middle right there.

Green Wisdom right guard Elkins.

Watch how this middle of the field opens up.

Push him down.

Physical back breaking tackle the vision right there to see Coaxum out of the corner of his eye and make that cutback.

And that's some of that vision coach talked about just great feel by Pullen.

First down and goal to go.

Ball is sitting on the eight yard line.

McEachern offense trying to do something that no offense has done this season.

And that score on Hillgrove first team defense.

Handoff goes to the freshman Nolan into the end zone.

Touchdown!

Ty Nolan, who they call baby Derrick Henry, and he looks like baby Derrick Henry scores the touchdown.

Young man.

Just has a physical presence.

And then right there a little juke to the inside.

Watch the speed here.

The speed to the outside.

Those long strides a freshman 61 200 pounds.

Well built.

Hopefully he can stay within the framework to play running back here as he moves.

He's a big fella right there showing you the speed.

By Sheehan is up and good.

And it's a 7-0 lead for McEachern as the Indians score on the Hillgrove first team defense.

First team to do that this season is Ty Nolan rumbles in.

Football Fridays in Georgia is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while driving.

Saves lives.

Heads up Georgia.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket and you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Cigna Healthcare is a proud partner of Georgia Public Broadcasting and Football Fridays.

Cigna Healthcare mission is to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.

Visit cigna.com to learn how you can support your physical and emotional well-being.

Welcome back to The Grove.

Seven points to the visitors here in the first, it is time to catch up with our friends from Hillgrove, and we're joined by half of the senior cheerleader group right here for the $1,500 donation, our friends from Cigna catching up with the ad, Jonathan Brown, who's also an AP.

So an AP and an ad.

Let's get all of the 411.

Thanks for being a great friend to us all week long and Football Fridays all season long.

Thank you so much and we love having you guys out here this week.

It's been a great atmosphere all week.

Hey, when we are having our cross town rival, we're having so much fun.

What better way can you ask for?

What better can you do?

It's Friday night, powder Springs, both teams with 3 miles down the road from each other.

This is a great atmosphere.

We're having so much fun and thank you for being here.

Thank you for letting us display our talents.

$1,500 donation to our friends from Cigna to here at Hillgrove.

Our first time to The Grove Matt Hillgrove in a very unfamiliar place as we continue here in the first quarter.

Yeah, they're trailing.

Haven't trailed all season long and here they trail seven.

Nothing to their crosstown rivals McEachern Wayne.

After a very impressive drive by the Indians.

Old school drive right down the middle of the field, running at them with multiple backs.

A lot of guys touching the ball, they're going to have to correct some things in game here on the sideline.

So James and Wells are standing deep and it'll be Jaiden James.

The former McEachern Indian now Hillgrove Hawks who takes the kickoff and turns the edge.

James stutter step and driven out of bounds beyond the 40 yard line.

So Jayden James against his former team.

First time he touches the ball tonight.

Goes 40 yards nearly on the return.

Good blocking here to be able to cross the field and get to the other side.

Good blocking without holding and just just turning on the natural speed.

You could see he knows who he's playing.

He came here to win this game and make an impact.

And these kids outside of this rivalry, they've been playing against each other since youth ball seven 8-years-old.

So they are very familiar with each other.

Mack going to hand off to Moore Jaiden Moore, who ran for 297 yards against McEachern in last year's 30-23 win, gets the first carry of the game for the Hawks.

And I know we've talked a lot about the Indians and their rushing attack, but this Hillgrove team, they could do work on the ground as well.

Averaged 228 on the ground and Jayden in Wilcox are their two main back.

They split time trying to keep each other fresh.. And then you got Donovan Mack, the dual threat quarterback.

He'll run it too.

So you got three big time running threats in this ground game for the Hawks.

Hand off goes to Moore again Moore trying to get outside and get slung out of bounds at the 46 yard line Wayne let's take a look at the Breda Pest Management impact players.

When the Hawks have the ball.

As we talked about Jaiden Moore, a slasher that likes to get to the outside Jadon Fisher young receiver, explosive playing in that slot and Darryl Rivers for McEachern Tennessee commit great penetration in Matthews Jackson State commit athletics Uber physical linebacker Mack.

Passes broken up out on the edge as he was trying to go to Jaiden Moore and it's going to be fourth down.

Right right right right right.

That was Michai Rowe, the Mike linebacker who broke up that pass.

Great job timing it up there by Rowe.

The young junior as coach talked about I really think the only thing negative people see is measurables.

But he's a guy.

Once he gets to that next level he's going to be able to play himself onto the field and overachieve.

Right now, just being six feet, people are questioning, but he's only a junior.

Great possibility he can grow another inch or two here in his high school career.

Genchi on the punt.

He's averaging 45 yards per punt as well as this great place kicking.

This might be returnable by Barner is going to come up and take it on the fly at the 32 yard line.

Barner streaking down the sideline, but it stepped out of bounds.

Let's see where they mark.

It looks like it's going to be about the 34.

So that's where the Indians are going to go on offense for the second time tonight.

You get a certain tension in this stadium in this game coming in.

Fans sitting already set at about 90 minutes out.

Very seldom do you go to a game and people are already sitting in their seats.

It was like a wedding.

People were here early.

They were here early.

I was trying to think of something that people.

Get too early.

And they were in their seats ready for it to start.

So first and ten ball at the 34 yard line.

I'll tell you what the McEachern that first drive, though, was taking a little bit of air out of this Hillgrove side.

They haven't experienced anything like that this year.

As Pullen gets tackled at the 38 yard line again, Christian Wells actually, that was not Wells that time.

That was number 14.

Jaden Wright, who came up and made the tackle.

Good job right there.

By Pullen nothing in the middle bouncing to the outside.

This team with this big offensive line Pettaway over there at 3:20 on that right side.

Courtney Elkins 295.

Pittman going deep.

He's got a man wide open and Jacorey Shockley couldn't catch up with it.

Good protection right there by the O line.

Just could not connect with the young freshman.

And I can't say that enough.

Who came into this game with five touchdowns here?

Just launching it right there.

You could see him trying to get there.

Good job of leading him and leaving it in the field right there.

Just could not get to the ball.

There with Shockley.

Wayne I've never seen a team that's 7-0 And having the kind of season that McEachern is having that relies on so many freshman.

Coach is not shying away from going down to the ninth grade level.

And just imagine if these young men were playing great football.

No one could play with them.

But they're counting on production in that class.

Charge time out.

McEachern.

This is McEachern first charge.

Time out of the half.

So McEachern burns a time out with a big third down coming up.

We'll step aside with the Indians on top by a touchdown.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Georgia's EMCs.

So much more than electricity.

Wherever you go, there we are.

Just look at the numbers.

Georgia's 41 not for profit, member owned Dmcs deliver electricity to 5 million Georgians.

Our network of electric lines traverses 73% of Georgia's land area, with operations in 157 of 159 Georgia counties.

We meet our members right where they live, work and learn, strength in numbers to be where you need us.

Georgia's EMCs so much more than electricity.

I said.

I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was.

Joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

From ninth grade through graduation, Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA Futures.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Cigna.

Together all the way.

Breda Pest Management works to protect your home from termites with a liquid barrier.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

Tonight's game is brought to you by Breda Pest Management with Breda.

No need to be afraid of bugs.

So not a region championship?

Not quite on the line tonight, but Kareem Reid team wins.

They will firmly be in the driver's seat.

And next week could mathematically lock it down and clinch a little bit more difficult path for Hillgrove.

But if they win tonight, they control Destiny themselves.

They still got a big game with Harrison coming up next Friday night.

You get the feeling early that this is a big drive already for this Hillgrove defense.

Kind of on the ropes.

Got to get off on this third and long.

Pittman on a straight drop back.

Heavy rush fires incomplete for Shockley Hawks were heating him up that time.

Brought the pressure and it's going to be fourth.

Down late.

Tall right here by Jameson McCollough as he saw the back leave the backfield, decided the dog blitz right there.

Put the pressure on Pittman and just not able to find anybody in time.

So Justin Sinon the 510 210 senior will be punting for the Indians standing at his 23.

And Jayden James is standing deep to return for the Hawks at his 35.

Snap back clean and the punt goes straight up into the air.

Almost, and then bounces straight up and down and James takes it on the hop and gets 5 yards on the play.

Very dangerous play, but if it works, it's great.

And he gets a return to the 45 yard line.

Let's take a look at the Johnny's Pizza offense for the Hawks.

Wood at left tackle built more like a tight end.

Harkness Rivero Cater, who's committed to Kennesaw State and Joshua round out that offensive line.

And then Jaiden Moore.

We've talked about him.

Jadon Fisher the slot.

Then you got Wooten and Hembree and their tight end Stang for head coach Justin DeShon and first and ten from the 45.

Wilcox now in there this time.

And Wilcox slips out of a tackle.

No, it was a keeper.

Good read by Mack.

I followed the running back.

He didn't have the ball and Mack gets 2 yards on the play rather than them taking a loss.

And established the line of scrimmage up front.

Physical in the trenches.

That's what Coach DeShon wants from this team.

Keep themselves out of third and long.

They're not the greatest passing attack.

The are efficient with Mack, who completes 71% of the passes, but he only throws about 7:10 times a game.

So second down.

Mack goes to the air far side.

It's going to be caught.

And that's going to be a first down catch and run for Preston Wooten.

Nice job right here.

Play action.

Fake.

Just getting the ball out to the edge.

Good job coming back and getting the ball physical right there.

Finishing that run after the catch.

And Nasir Banks had the tackle at the end of that play.

They like him a lot.

Call him a jack of all trades at that nickelback position.

So first and ten Hawks pick up their first first down of the game and they're now in plus territory.

The McEachern 42.

Handoff does go to Wilcox this time as he crashes across the 40 and down to the 37.

The starters delivered by Johnny's New York style pizza.

As we take a look at McEachern on defense, Abdul-Salaam, who is committed to Kennesaw State recently Okafor Rivers, who is the Tennessee commit, and Irby round out that defensive line in the second level.

Matthews committed to Jacksonville State Rowe and Banks.

We just mentioned.

And did we mention they have elite corners starting with Nash Johnson, who's committed to Alabama and just a junior?

Then you got Hackney, the five star Barner and Battle on the other side at corner has six offers.

Top notch secondary corners that like to come up, play, bump and run.

Very aggressive.

Time out Hillgrove that is Hillgrove first charge time out of the half.

So Hillgrove calls their first time out.

This is the 16th consecutive year these two teams have played.

You heard Nelly talking about the rivalry a little bit, and this school is an offshoot of McEachern that opened in 2006.

So they've played every year since 2010.

And they actually Hillgrove actually leads the series 87, one at McEachern 30-23 last year.

And this is the first time they've played here at Hillgrove since the 2022 season, when the Hawks eked out a 16-15 victory.

And the coaches really approached this as a true rivalry within a three mile distance.

Even the churches, as they mentioned.

, I was shocked.

When Kareem Reid said.

The church is divided over the rivalry.

Or divided on Sunday over this rivalry.

So it is deep rooted, even though it's only been a short rivalry, it's deep rooted.

No truth to the rumor.

The deacons got into a. Fight right there in the sanctuary.

So second down and six.

Handoff goes to Wilcox again, and Wilcox lunges forward across the 35.

Great body lean to keep falling forward to the 34.

It's going to bring up third down and short.

Contrasting backs between McEachern and Hillgrove.

McEachern comes with big physical backs.

Hillgrove right there with Wilcox and more smaller.

You got to find him defensively.

To get into those little creases, and the next thing you know is three or 4 yards later, by the time you're able to pull him down.

Yeah Morris 511175.

Wilcox who just came off the field is 581 75.

Their rushing totals are pretty similar.

Moore at 5:44 on the season, Wilcox Wilcox at 474.

Now, Wilcox does stay on the field.

Going to get the hand off again and pick up the first down.

Oh, wow.

How about that?

Coming from the secondary Kiyante Ingram brought the lumber, but it might be enough for a first down on that carry by Wilcox.

Right there.

Able to get to that soft side on that edge right there is Wilcox.

As you can see, shoulder swear taking the big hit, spinning off of it right there to pick up that first down.

Brayden Matthews in his legs but able to spin off of that hit and pick up that big first down.

So first and ten for the Hawks at the 31.

Trying to answer the McEachern score as they opened up the game with a nice impressive drive.

And now the Hawks trying to put one together themselves.

We got people all over the place.

We got people standing on the hill along the fence.

There's not enough seats for the people here tonight.

Love to see it.

And that was Moore that time.

He gets driven back by Darryl Rivers.

Look at that guy.

Rivers is massive.

65, 270 headed to Tennessee.

He's raw talent as his coach said.

Still learning, still growing, but at times just cannot be blocked in a one on one situation.

Yeah, they're really excited about his potential going up to Tennessee to play for Rodney Garner, who was a GA when you were at Auburn right?

Yeah.

War Eagle to you, Rodney.

He played guard at Auburn.

At his time there.

Went to arena ball and played for a while as well.

But been a great presence on the college level.

Mack throws it is complete down to the 15 yard line on the reception by Mike Shelby.

Good job so far.

Mixing it up.

Offensive coordinator, which is the head coach, Justin DeShon little roll out there by Mack get it out on the edge.

Shelby.

This game means a lot.

As you can see.

Seems to be intention when anybody gets the ball, they're trying to get some yards and make some plays for their offense.

First and ten ball at the 16 yard line is where they put it down.

Wilcox gets the rock again, this time Wilcox going to get stopped right there at the line of scrimmage.

After picking up just a couple of yards on the play.

Caleb Wray 56 in on that tackle.

I believe it was Wray.

Or maybe it was 55.

Good shiftiness there by Wilcox to get up under that tackle by Rowe Rowe beaming down off of the edge.

Wilcox only 58 ducking underneath, falling forward for two or 3 yards.

So ball sitting on the 14.

We're in the final minute of this first quarter.

Play coming in late.

Taking a long time to get lined up.

Here for the Hawks.

Keeper this time by Mack Mack inside the ten Mack down the sideline and out of bounds.

Let's see.

They're going to spot him out at the six.

He's going to be close to another first down.

Little jet sweep action.

Pulling the ball here is Mack showing you the speed off the edge.

Catching a salaam looking down into the backfield.

The speed off the edge right there.

Nice decision reading in that situation.

Directing traffic right there as well.

Pointing telling Grant Stang who to block.

Yeah.

Coach DeShon says Mack is not a D1 quarterback, but he's a D1 caliber athlete.

Showed you that right?

There is first and goal to go from the six.

Wilcox this time got tracked down by Rivers Rivers one armed him.

Penetration right there big time.

Byron Rivers.

And just with one arm pulling Wilcox down to the ground and you can see the physical presence that he shows right there.

Big penetration.

Beating the left guard Harkness into the backfield.

Just nowhere to run for.

Wilcox and Rivers turned around and told Harkness you got nothing for me.

That is the end of the first quarter and a fun first quarter.

It was here in Powder Springs.

Bragging rights on the line and also the top spot in the region.

McEachern on top 7-0 As we head to the second quarter.

I've been checking food labels for years.

I like to buy local, and I like to buy healthy for my family.

So I started checking the labels on our clothes too.

Did you know synthetic fibers like polyester are pretty much made of oil?

No thanks.

I look for cotton now, which grows right here in Georgia.

A major source of the world's cotton.

Cotton is natural, renewable, sustainable.

And buying cotton supports Georgia farmers.

Good enough for me and my family.

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, presenting Georgia's home energy rebates, the initiative assists eligible households seeking energy efficient home improvements.

Details are online at energy rebates dot.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man.

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Football Fridays in Georgia presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you, heads up, Georgia.

Park your phone while you're driving.

It saves lives.

As we head to the second quarter here at Hillgrove McEachern on top seven.

Nothing GPB free educational resources.

Support Georgia's families and educators from preschool to high school.

Explore lessons, videos and games at GPB.

Education.

Matt Stewart Wayne Gandy.

Jon Nelson.

Our Emmy Award winning GPB team here with you tonight for the first time ever at Hillgrove Stadium and excited to be here.

And it's second down and goal for the Hawks as we begin the second quarter.

Handoff goes to Wilcox, runs into his own man, then gets clobbered, ran into his own man, and then Brayden Matthews the Jacksonville State commit.

Cleaned him up.

Big time.

Downhill playing on the other side of the ball here.

Michai Rowe watch seven right here.

Come right to the party and knock Wilcox out of that hole right into the arms there of Matthews.

What physical play right there by those linebackers?

Matthews with 41 total tackles, 22 solo leads the team eight TfL leads the team.

Those linebackers.

You mentioned Rowe.

You mentioned Matthews.

Those guys are anchors on this defense.

It's third down and goal for the Hawks.

Mack going to throw and it's caught by Wilcox and he's going to get stopped by Barner.

There's your big time safety making a stop there at the five yard line.

The young sophomore he's counted on to make these kind of plays out in space right here.

Good read by Mack.

Get it out right there.

But even a better tackle, better play there.

By Casey Barner.

Right here.

Swear shoulders leverage and strength right there to get him down.

Wow.

So likely a field goal attempt right here by Genki Genki is five for seven on the season.

But the two misses.

His holder was out with a concussion for a couple of weeks.

And now the first team holder, Cody Cowan is back in there.

So this is going to be a 20 yard attempt.

Should be a chip shot for him.

Everything looks good and the kick gets blocked and the ball is going to go over to McEachern.

Big pressure.

Dowell Rivers once again in the backfield with that big body putting up that right arm.

What a job of penetrating right there and blocking that field goal by the big fella inside.

652 70 headed to Tennessee.

You can see right there that big arm just knocking that ball down.

Yeah it wasn't the dive.

It was just the big six five frame of Rivers reaching up there right in the middle of the line of scrimmage to knock it down.

What a big time play by Daryl Rivers, who's already made his presence felt here in the first 13 minutes of this game.

Another look at it right here.

Penetration right there on that right side coming through that gap.

And just outstretching that arm is Rivers.

Good job there Godwin.

Just getting in that play, making sure Rivers didn't pick it up.

He has some speed.

So first and ten for the Indians from the 15 yard line.

And the handoff goes to Pullen Pullen big strong run up close to the 15 and close to a first down for Pullen.

Great jump cut here by Pullen bouncing out of that tackle.

Having McCollough bearing down on him.

Able to get out of that tackle and pick up a first down.

Pittman out on the far edge it goes and it's caught by Scott Nalin Scott.

They're making sure they get used with Nalin Scott tonight, his first game since the Nebraska commit was hurt during the preseason.

The other big time star for the Indians that's been hurt and is expected to maybe get a snap or two tonight, is their three star running back, Jayreon Campbell, who's committed to Indiana.

Where he will go play for the latest 93 millionaire, $93 million air.

Curt Cignetti.

What a contract that guy got.. Physical run once again right down the middle by Pullen.

Cass driving those legs 203 pounds here.

As you can see, right down.

Big gap to run through.

Running through tackles right there.

Knocking Maliek Coaxum Coaxum back.

That's going to be Nolan who scored the touchdown in that first quarter.

Get another carry.

And there's another one of those freshman.

Like I said before you've got Shockley a freshman starting at wide receiver.

You got Ty Nolan a freshman getting lots of snaps as the number two running back, especially with Campbell out so far this season.

And then you've got the freshman Jahlil Page starting at wide receiver as well.

Counting on to make big plays not just on the roster but in the rotation and kind of on to make plays.

Pittman's going to run it and Pittman's going to get tackled by Jayden James.

He was an all region cornerback for McEachern last year for transferring Cross Town to Hillgrove late in the summer.

Good job there.

By James keeping his eye, you can see him looking at the quarterback right there, coming up, keeping that outside leverage, getting into the legs, making that tackle.

Jaiden James I remember you used to be my teammate.

So third down now big tackle by James.

They got him lined up out there on Ke'shon Hall Pittman wants to throw.

Here comes a heavy rush.

He gets it out of there and it is going to be caught by Shockley.

But it's going to be short of the first down at the 42 after the tackle was made by Jayden Wright.

Nice job by CJ Pittman to be able to get that ball off.

A lot of pressure right there, pushing him out of the pocket, kind of falling back.

Good job creating third and long by the Hawks and getting off the field.

Sinon on the punt again.

Second time he's punted.

Jaiden James as he stands at the 28.

Snap.

Gets back there clean.

He gets it out of there.

Nice rainbow kick.

James is going to let it hit at the 28.

Bounces backwards and down at the 30.

And that's where the Hawks will go on offense when we get back with 714 to play in the half.

Indians still lead by seven.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Cigna.

Together all the way.

Cigna Healthcare is a proud partner of Georgia Public Broadcasting and Football Fridays.

Cigna Healthcare mission is to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.

Visit cigna.com to learn how you can support your physical and emotional well-being.

Support for this program comes from Northside Hospital Orthopedics, a proud sponsor of Georgia High school football from physicians and athletic trainers to physical therapists and performance nutritionists, Northside Hospital provides holistic sports medicine care to student athletes across Georgia.

At Northside, we're committed to caring for Georgia's student athletes and their families on and off the field.

Northside Hospital orthopedics.

Because Georgia moves us and we keep Georgia moving, Football Fridays in is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while driving.

Saves lives.

Heads up, Georgia from ninth grade through graduation.

Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA futures.

Breda Pest Management knows it's the bugs inside that you want gone.

That's why Brady works to protect the inside and outside of your home.

Crowd still filing in here at Hillgrove Stadium.

It's like a Dodgers game.

Indians lead Hillgrove 7-0 Think you can make a movie on a budget?

We'll try.

Lights, camera.

Budget.

GPB free game where you produce a film and manage the money.

Play now at gpb.org slash Matt Stewart Wayne Gandy Jon Nelson.

And our Emmy Award winning producer Glenn Diamond, who used to produce the Dodgers games.

That's why I said that for his benefit and his chuckle.

You're up three zero in the series.

Yeah, yeah, it's probably going to end tonight.

Hate that for the Brewers.

But back to our action here.

First and ten ball at the 30 yard line.

And a fun game so far.

More back in there at running back.

He's going to get the ball Jadon Moore struggles for the yardage and picks up for up to the 34 yard line.

Still trying to establish the run up front.

That is what both of these teams really put their hat on about, trying to establish the offensive line and the dominance and you definitely have to take opportunity when Darryl Rivers is not on the field to run at this McEachern defense.

Yeah, that was, Brayden Matthews who made the tackle right there.

So as I mentioned before, we got Jacksonville State coaches in the House today.

Kennesaw State, Georgia coaches, Kansas State coaches in the building here today to watch these prospects.

Check the call.

False start over at the left guard position.

Prior to the snap.

False start offense five yard penalty.

Still second down.

Just a little too eager over there by Gabe Harkness.

I see Todd Downs, our referee.

We talked about him and Dave Reynolds and the rest of the great crew working this game here tonight.

And Kareem Reid, who came back from the college game to coach in high school, he had left after coaching at Westlake and Griffin.

He had gone back to the college game.

He went to his alma mater at UCF, was on Gus Malzahn staff, and then he went to Florida with coach Napier and then the McEachern job opened up and he said, you know, that's one of those jobs.

I might go back to high school for.

A lot of talent here with McEachern right there in a big hit going downhill once again, Michai Rowe at that middle linebacker position, six feet, 200 pound junior, big time player for them in that middle, kind of missing half of his pants too.

I can't.

Kind of looks like he's in the.

He's got he's wearing bicycles.

A bicycle, shorts with pads in him.

All these kids.

Physical play.

All these kids are wearing their pants like that these days.

I don't understand that.

They used to make us wear pads.

Third down and long here for Hillgrove and pass is complete out on the edge down there.

His knee hit the ground at the 31.

I'm pretty sure.

And that's going to be fourth down.

Good job Brayden Matthews showing you the range, showing you why he's such a big time player.

Out of the box, playing on the edge, making this tackle out here.

Just quick throw to the edge.

You can see eight right there right on the spot headed to Jacksonville State.

Big time athlete.

Physical player.

So Hillgrove unable to get anything going offensively.

And a nice drive on their last possession.

Then had the field goal attempt blocked.

So Genchi who had that field goal attempt blocked, is now punting from his own 16 yard line.

Gets it out of there and Barner comes over and watches it go out of bounds.

Let's see where they're going to spot that.

Still walking up the sideline.

There it is the 45.

So good field position for McEachern as they get ready to head back out there on offense with 424 to play in the half.

So far so good here.

By Hillgrove.

They were able to withstand the momentum of that first drive where they gave up a touchdown.

And kind of getting back to themselves on the defensive side of the ball.

Justin DeShon played at Semo and then when his days at Southeast Missouri State.

He's a native of Missouri.

And so when his playing days were over, he packed up his car.

He had two job interviews, one at Ferris State, one at West Georgia.

West Georgia was the first interview he got to West Georgia and got offered the job and didn't take that second interview.

And he's been in Georgia ever since, said he looked like The Beverly Hillbillies coming from Missouri and everything he owned packed up in his car.

Good job right there.

You can see all those black jerseys trying to get the Henry Pullen big physical back.

It's always falling forward.

But this defense, as we talked about until that touchdown, the first team defense coach was proud, hadn't really hadn't given up a point this season.

The 13 points that had been given up by Hillgrove was from the second and third units in blowouts.

Second down and nine Pittman to the air, and it's caught in traffic.

Nice catch in traffic across the 50 over to the 48 yard line as Ke'shon Hall makes the catch.

The freshman another freshman.

Nice job there by Hall making himself available, letting the quarterback see his numbers right there.

Just sitting in that hole, making the catch.

E.J.

Pittman.

Nice arm right there.

Threading the needle between two defenders.

And all these freshmen tell me, is that McEachern is going to be good for a while.

Kind of reestablishing those glory days when McEachern was a state championship contender year in and year out under legendary coach Jimmy Dorsey, the all time winningest coach in Cobb County history.

And that's the one close to the first down.

Don't think he quite got it right there.

So stop short.

Big decision right here early on.

Kareem Reid 251 left on the clock.

Keeping the offense out on the field.

The way they run the ball right downhill.

You have to imagine they're going to go for it.

Handoff goes to Pullen got the first down and more.

And you know and of course you played offensive line your whole life.

Auburn in the National Football League for 15 years.

When you've got a fourth and one like that, that's like a challenge to your manhood, isn't it?

Yeah.

Well you got these big backs.

If we can't get one yard, we might as well just get on the bus right now.

Yeah.

You don't want to give this ball back.

Want to make sure at least you go in up seven right here and try to possess this ball.

But good job falling forward as Henry Pullen right there.

Getting off that right side all the way.

His vision and his feet to find the hole.. Hall goes in motion behind the line and the handoff goes to Pullen.

He's weaving through traffic trying to find a cut, and he does lunge forward and ends up getting a couple of yards on the play down to the 40 1 yard line.

So prior to that run right there, 72 yards rushing for the Indians on 17 carries.

They have five yards passing and McEachern.

That's McEachern.

Hillgrove has got 33 yards rushing and 28 yards passing.

Let me correct myself.

McEachern has 42 yards passing.

They've completed five.

There's Nolan that freshman again.

This is the McEachern offense.

Two backs.

Nolan Pullen.

They're always falling forward.

Dangerous right here KJ Pittman got to keep your eye on him running in the middle I don't those edges keep containment on the quarterback baby.

Derrick Henry already has five offers including Ole Miss, UConn and Georgia State.

Third down.

Taking a lot of time getting this ball off the clock is under a minute.

Now.

Pittman looking now.

He's going to run it himself and he's dangerous in the open field.

And he streaks down the sideline, steps out of bounds at the 21.

Right there showing you the wheels and that aspect that he hasn't really shown you tonight.

But he came in this game averaging 10 yards a carry four touchdowns here.

Good protection.

Nowhere to go with the ball.

Decides to pull it down.

And showing you why he's such a great athlete.

And Pittman can do that to you.

Watching the the Harrison game, which was televised a couple of weeks ago, and he had a big run against the Hoyas.

Down to the 20 it goes.

And just 41 seconds left on the clock here in the half.

Getting close to the field goal range of Wes Sheehan.

McEachern that is McEachern second charge time out of the half.

So we'll step aside as McEachern is trying to close out this half with another score.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Georgia's EMCs.

So much more than electricity.

With boots on the ground and suspended mid-air.

Our lineworkers are everywhere.

Behind every turn switch are those who put it all on the line to illuminate lives down the line.

Their job is as honorable as it is rigorous.

As we look on with admiring eyes, we want them to know we are grateful.

Georgia's electric membership Cooperative celebrate the life sustaining contributions of our line, storm or shine.

Thank you for being our lifeline.

Georgia's EMCs so much more than electricity.

From ninth grade through graduation, Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA Futures.

So Hunt.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket and you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Welcome back to the.

Let's see what McEachern can do here.

As the second quarter is winding down.

Coming up Football Fridays in Georgia halftime show.

We'll take the tour around the state, let you know what's going on with a lot of key region matchups.

Catch up with our youth student athlete of the week.

Heads up Georgia campaign, Georgia's EMC, all of that.

And we have an addition to the crew here at Football Fridays in Georgia.

We would like to congratulate Hannah and John Gooden.

Violet Jessica has now turned into a PA for us, eight pounds and 2 ounces, 21 and a quarter inches.

Born on the 14th and she's already on the payroll.

Matt, let's send it back up to you for the rest of the second quarter.

Well.

Congratulations to Hannah and John.

Wow.

And Violet, I mean, she's got the cutest kids in the world.

I tell you what, she's she's doing something, right.

I mean, they they have the most adorable family.

You see their pictures on Facebook.

I mean, they're already little models.

Took my seat last year, too.

Just took my mic in my seat.

Yeah.

They're great.

All right.

Pittman rolling Wright and throwing and Kort.

Touchdown.

Ball goes to Jacori.

Shockley and McEachern has now matched as many points here tonight that Hillgrove has given up all season 13.

And this is all about the protection up front by the offensive line.

Long developing routes.

As you can see, Shockley was in the end zone when he caught the ball.

It's not like he had to get there.

Good protection, buying time with his feet.

That's how he hurts people right there.

And a great throw to his freshman target.

Good job right there.

Catching the ball a little behind him.

But Shockley making the play.

So the p.a.t is up and it is good.

And a 14 to nothing lead for McEachern with 35 seconds left in the first half.

We'll see how Hillgrove responds because I know it's as crazy as it sounds.

They've given up only 13 total points in their first seven games, and they've given up 14 points here tonight in the first 20:03 plus minutes of the game.

Yeah, they had a lot of adjustments to make in the halftime right now.

And it starts with being able to stop the run up front right there.

Just no pressure on the quarterback.

Good job of him buying a little extra time there and finding his young receiver who's been making plays for him all year long.

That is the sixth touchdown catch for Jacorey Shockley.

17 Christian Wells of the 21 Jaiden James.

And McEachern in this battle of unbeatens and the Battle of Powder Springs, there's a crowd that just keeps growing by the minute, has a 14 to nothing lead late here in the first half.

Three catches, 45 yards for the freshman Shockley.

Something about that name.

Shockley.

They always seem to be great athletes.

They do, don't they?

DJ Jeremy yeah.

Just goes with the name I guess.

Ball coming down and taken by the returner area out across the 45 and a big time return right there by Rayfia Arrey Rayfia Arrey with a huge return and gives Hillgrove a chance to score here with their great kicker right before the half.

Yeah that's the key right there.

The return burning some clock but enough yardage here to put him in striking distance.

Try to get something down the field vertically right here with 20-4 seconds to go.

That was a huge return by the sophomore Rayfia Arrey out across the 50 to the 46.

So right here that's a 63 yard kick.

And Coach DeShon says he can hit from 60.

Kah'Vaeir a lot of confidence that his 60 yards he would try it.

So right here first things first.

Being good with the ball, safe with the ball and picking up a first down.

Play gets blown dead before we could run it.

Time out McEachern that is McEachern third and final time-out of the half.

You can see Jinshi.

He's already getting that leg warmed up.

He was blasting them in pregame.

And I know pregame is a totally different thing than live action.

You don't have anybody trying to block it.

Already had one blocked here tonight.

And I don't think it was a bad kick.

The one they had blocked Rivers is just I mean you got to get that thing up if you got Rivers in the middle of that defensive line, you're going to have to sky that thing a little bit more than you typically do with him up there.

Yeah, you got to you got to change your launch point, put a little more into it to get it off.

But here, Donovan Mack, as we talked about, very efficient quarterback.

Only ten touchdowns.

No interceptions here.

You got to be clean with this throw here.

And use your legs.

We talked about on the other side with CJ Pittman.

Don't be afraid to pull this ball down if you need to and go get some yardage with the field goal kicker that you have.

So first and ten again 24 seconds on the clock here in the first half.

Hillgrove trying to get some points before they head to the locker room.

Rush is coming.

Max in trouble.

He's going to be sacked back at the 46.

And there he is.

Daryl Rivers wow, what a half.

Daryl Rivers has had the Tennessee commit getting after it.

Coach Reid talked about when Rivers right there off the edge.

Hillgrove.

ET start coming around the ball.

Actually able to knock the ball out.

The ball came out Mack able to fall back on it.

A little.

ET son the ability and athleticism to bend the corner and get to the quarterback there as Rivers.

Man, he is really playing a great game here tonight.

He's already blocked a field goal, made a big tackle there at the five yard line when Hillgrove was threatening to score earlier and now comes up with a quarterback sack.

His first of the night.

He committed to Tennessee over 19 other offers, including Georgia Tech and Georgia.

Consensus three star defensive lineman.

And you just look at that frame at six, five, 270.

He's got a lot to work with right there.

Yeah.

The versatility that he brings to the field as he showed you right there on that stunt right there.

That game inside that kind of frame.

Do you keep him at that 27280 and put him out on the edge, or do you put another 20 on him and put him in the middle.

So now it's going to be second down.

They're out of field goal range right now.

Mack and a straight drop going up top.

And Nash.

The cornerback battles the wide receiver gets broken up.

And that was Hackney who came over the safety to help Rivers.

Nash was battling with the wide receiver and Hackney knocked the ball down.

Tight coverage here by Nash Johnson right there.

Running step for step with the receiver right there.

Montgomery and a good job playing center field there by Hackney.

The General back there.

He's the communicator.

He's the guy that gets everybody lined up.

He has to stay on the field as coach says, because he's just that, that football IQ that they have in the secondary.

So now it's going to be third down the downs, kind of inconsequential at this point.

It's more about the time there's 12 seconds.

They probably need to get at least 20 yards here to get Jinshi on the field.

They do have one time-out left to stop the clock for that the handoff instead is going to be stonewalled at the line of scrimmage.

The 50.

Let's see if they burn a time-out and try an astronomically long field goal here.

Once again, the man in the middle, Daryl Rivers, just has decided he will not be blocked.

They're making that tackle.

They don't.

Half is.

Over.

Half belongs to McEachern and a big time way 14-0 for the Indians as they head to the locker room.

Daryl Rivers you mentioned it.

He is had a big time presence on that defensive line here for the Indians tonight.

Impressed with McEachern trying to go to eight and oh, still got a shot at their ninth 10-0 season.

Regular season in program history.

A win here tonight would put them two wins away from it against opponents coming up on their schedule, that they will be heavily favored to beat.

And time now for our halftime interview.

It's brought to you by Johnny's New York Style pizza, your original neighborhood pizzeria.

Nellie.

Thank you very much, Matt.

Let's get the slice of the first half from the coach.

All three phases working.

You get the block on the field goal attempt, and you kept a zero on the board against them.

Okay, so what are you going to talk to him about coming up at halftime with everything working so far?

Keep doing what we're doing.

You know, playing hard.

Our kids are straining, executing at a high level and playing clean football.

So we want to continue.

That in the next 24:00 At the same time, you know you're running the ball inside outside.

You're getting the speed to the edges and getting those big chunk plays against a very tough defense.

Obviously more the same.

You're looking for that second half.

For sure.

I mean that's our our identity.

We're going to keep doing what we do.

Thanks coach.

Thank you.

That is the early word from McEachern.

They are up 14 at the break.

When we come back halftime show take you around the state.

We promise here on the great GPB McEachern up 14 as we come back right after this.

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority presenting Georgia's Home energy rebates.

The initiative assists eligible households seeking energy efficient home improvements.

Details are online at energy rebates.

Dot.

Cigna Healthcare is a proud partner of Georgia Public Broadcasting and Football Fridays.

Cigna Healthcare mission is to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.

Visit cigna.com to learn how you can support your physical and emotional well-being.

Support for this program comes from Northside Hospital Orthopedics, a proud sponsor of Georgia High school football from physicians and athletic trainers to physical therapists and performance nutritionists, Northside Hospital provides holistic sports medicine care to student athletes across Georgia.

At Northside, we're committed to caring for Georgia's student athletes and their families on and off the field.

Northside Hospital Orthopedics.

Because Georgia moves us and we keep Georgia moving.

Kenny's not ready.

Welcome back to The Grove.

It is halftime here.

Football Fridays in Georgia.

And it is the road team McEachern here in the battle down in Powder Town.

They are up 14.

Nothing.

And it has been all three phases working for McEachern to make it 14.

Nothing right now.

And it is the road side in the 16th renewal of this matchup happening here in a big region matchup, two teams 4-0 seven.

And oh, and we get to see what happens here.

Winner of this one gets the inside track for the region title here in region play Jon Nelson here with you.

Now let's take a tour around the state.

Let you know what's going on with a couple of games that we have on the spot.

Shadow here.

First Page we can update some of the scores as we go.

Coffee.

And in Houston County, Houston County now leading that 12821 that one's at the break.

Northgate and Hughes Hughes leading that 163.

We got that one in the first second quarter.

Ware County leading Perry.

And that one's in Waycross 7-0 in the second.

No score.

Kellen Centennial Lovett with the score on the board leading Hapeville charter by the score of 6-0 that one is in second quarter.

Page two.

Archer leading at South Gwinnett 13.

Nothing.

That one's in the second quarter.

Heard County and Bremen in the western frontier.

73 first quarter Bleckley in Dublin.

That one's been going back and forth.

We can update it.

Dublin leading 14:10 second quarter North Hall putting the pedal down.

Sean Pender doing great work with the Trojans, shutting out Lumpkin County 21-0 Second quarter and our web game.

Cody Chaffins he got a great one.

Another great rivalry here in the state of Georgia right now.

Second quarter Troup leading Lagrange by the score of 14-7 We'll keep an eye on those games and a lot more here on a busy night.

When it comes to region football here on Football Fridays.

Time to catch up with our friends from Cigna and get our signature moment and find out about family health and how important it is.

Let's catch up with our friends from Cigna.

It can be hard to find time in our busy lives to prioritize our health.

Believe me, I know.

Scott Kennedy, vice president of sales for Cigna Healthcare, is here with tips to get the whole family healthier.

Scott, why should we focus on improving our family's health?

Hannah.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death here in Georgia, and one in ten people have diabetes and may not even know it.

Those are troubling numbers.

When you consider those are preventable diseases.

That's why it's so important for your and your children's health to make sure that you get your annual checkup and talk to your doctor about your physical and emotional well-being.

How can families prioritize health?

Engage the whole family in physical activities like taking a walk around the neighborhood after dinner?

It's not just about exercising, it's about socializing and being together as a whole family.

As you improve your health and vitality.

Taking it even further, what are some more steps that families can do?

Good nutrition is essential and we all benefit from having balanced meals and sleep is as crucial for kids as nutrition.

A good night's sleep helps lower the risk of becoming overweight.

Developing diabetes, or facing attention issues.

And as parents, we can set a good example for our kids by going to bed early.

Lower those sugar levels.

We do die free at our house, so all that stuff is really important.

Scott, thank you so much for being here.

Thank you.

If you'd like more information on Family Health, please visit cigna.com.

Thanks as always to our friends from Cigna for the signature moment that you hear every single week here on Football Fridays.

Time to turn the page and catch up with our friends at the Heads Up Georgia Campaign and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

We catch up with Josh Turner, find out what's going on in his world.

Here's the latest from Heads Up Georgia.

Welcome back everybody.

Time to catch up with our friend Josh Turner, director of the Georgia Driver's Education Commission, here to talk about the Grant scholarship program.

So Josh hit me.

So these scholarships are available to any young Georgian between the ages of 15 and 17, if they have a permit or driver's license and they meet certain financial thresholds in their family, they're free to apply.

We'll get them in a driver's education course where they can get 30 hours of classroom training, 6 hours behind the wheel.

Now, you hit a milestone recently.

That was really cool.

We have just crossed the threshold of awarding 50,000 scholarships to young Georgians across the state of Georgia.

We're very proud of it.

All right.

So information on how folks apply for this really cool thing.

Yeah.

You visit GA Highway safety org.

You can go in there and log in, apply for a scholarship.

What Josh said scholarship opportunities.

And that is the latest news from our friends at the GDC and the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

The heads up Georgia Student Video contest is back.

If you're a Georgia high school student, we need your help to spread the message.

Make a 32nd PSA about the dangers of distracted driving, and you could win a MacBook Pro.

As always, quick reminder once again, go to gpb.org/sports.

Find out how you can be a part of the Heads Up Georgia campaign.

You cut the best PSA, you win stuff, and you get to hang out with us at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to get said stuff.

Very, very cool stuff from our friends at the Heads Up Georgia campaign and the governor's.

We're going to go to break.

When we come back, the story, will continue here from The Grove.

Our first visit on a fantastic rivalry.

McEachern 14 to the good.

We come back, we find out about our youth, save it, student athlete of the week and more.

Stick and stay on the great GPB.

Playing DB is just playing with great technique.

You know you don't got to be the fastest guy.

You don't got to be the most physical guy.

You just got to be a technician.

Well, keep your eyes down.

You want to move your feet.

You want to get hands on receivers.

And I think sometimes it's not the plays that he makes.

It's the impact that he has with with covering somebody where they won't throw the ball to him.

I have a lot of eyes on me.

I understand that, and I feel like I do well with it.

So, you know, just doing the right thing all the time, even when nobody's watching.

Just keeping that good habit.

So I'm gonna continue to work hard, continue to be doing what I'm doing, and just let my work show on Friday.

Welcome back to The Grove.

Once again, halftime rolls on here on Football Fridays in Georgia.

The road team two scores to the good.

We'll get back to game action coming up in just a bit.

And we'll catch up with Coach DeShon as we get ready for the third quarter.

Find out the adjustments that he needs to make a team in a very unfamiliar spot.

A lot of zeros given up all season long on defense.

Four out of their last five have been shutouts.

They've already given up more points than they've given up all season long in the first half.

Here tonight.

Now let's catch up with our you save it student athlete of the week.

And for this one we head down to Forsyth.

The town not the county.

In Mary persons catch up with a great student athlete from the cheer side of things, here's our student athlete of the week.

She lost her father when she was nine.

Her mother when she was 11.

In tenth grade, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes.

She fought through with perseverance and just a strength of character that is not typical for a 16-year-old student.

Being a good cheerleader is a lot more than having a pretty face and good motions, and being able to stunt.

It's in our name to be a leader, and she's just a great role model for all of those around her.

She's always trying to help whoever she can help.

I have every reason to be sad, but I choose to be happy.

As always, great to catch up with our friends at you.

Save it for their student athlete of the week.

They tour the state for us and let us know about all the cool stories and the cool student athletes.

And we get to showcase them here on Football Fridays on halftime.

Now it's time to catch up with our friends at Georgia's EMCs.

We head up to Alpharetta and catch up with our friends at Denmark and we were very, very busy when we caught up with the Danes.

One, 23.

Sony EMC and 35 other participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives congratulate Denmark High School on winning the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

This award honors schools that exhibit exemplary sportsmanship during competitive events.

Only one school in each region in each classification is chosen to receive this annual award.

The GHSA takes into consideration all aspects of sportsmanship, making the award a tribute to the entire community.

Sawnee EMC is thrilled to recognize Denmark High School with the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

The staff athlete, student and leadership truly embody this award through their commitment to respect, integrity and honesty.

Denmark's outstanding sportsmanship is evident both on and off the field, and we couldn't be prouder of their dedication to the principles of exemplary sportsmanship that they demonstrate each and every day.

Introduced in 2006, this award reinforces the GHSA philosophy that everyone associated with high school activities, from athletes to spectators, should adhere to the fundamental values it represents.

Our students have bought into what we talk about, that there is something to be said for being a gracious winner and a gracious loser, and that in both instances, you can treat everybody with respect, whether that's the opposing team, whether it's your own teammates, whether it's your coaches, and they've really bought into that and that we really are stronger if we're kind of all together.

It's being a good sport on and off the field and presenting a good attitude to the teams you face.

Being a good sport, when times are rough and you're facing adversity as a team, maybe when you don't want to have a great attitude but is pushing through with good character and being polite.

Georgia EMC in the 36 participating Georgia Electric membership cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.

Congratulations to the Denmark Danes community.

Thanks, as always to our friends at Georgia EMC.

Thanks to our friends at Denmark for a great day there on campus.

Halftime rolls on when we come back on the other side of the break, we find out where your muscles are when it comes to pointing your index finger at the football and the screens, and we find out about some of the great gyms around the state.

Plus we find out what's going on here at Hillgrove.

Halftime rolls on here.

Football Fridays in Georgia Moore from The Grove.

After this.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket and you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Georgia's 41 electric cooperatives are anything but static.

Since the flip of the first light switch, we continue to innovate as the demand for energy increases.

MCs draw from a wide variety of resources to generate electricity, from natural gas to nuclear power and renewables, so that we can reliably power tomorrow.

We're harnessing the current to satisfy the future Georgia's EMCs so much more than electricity.

Welcome back to The Grove.

Once again, halftime rolls on here on the great GPB and Football Fridays in Georgia.

Visiting team two scores to the good.

All right.

We hope that you stretched out in the commercial break.

You're all ready to go.

Time to wind up those index fingers and point them to the screen.

Because it is that time to make that kid an offer.

Let's start.

Make that kid an offer this week at North Murray and the NIRs.

Hudson Hulett, athlete 510, 180 pounds.

Senior starting QB and safety.

Top ten rankings MaxPreps rushing yards, TDs and yards offense this year 736 passing yards, seven scores, 1,340 rushing yards, 21 scores, 160 receiving yards and a score 36 total tackles, eight solo, one pick.

GHSA player of the week for the performance against Sonoraville 246 rushing yards for TD's, a passing TD as well a 43 GPA and he's only got one offer.

Mack Hudson Hulett Moore offers Marshall Leonard, Gainesville, class of 2662, 230.

Senior defensive end, 25 total tackles, 21 solo, four QB sacks, six TfL, two forced fumbles, 11 hurries on the year against Milton, four tackles, two sacks, tackle and a half for loss.

Only one offer from Rinehart.

Mack Marshall Leonard, an offer Caiden Benson, QB, Creekside, 511, 1713 star All-State, QB, three 3,900 passing yards, 50 scores just under 1,300 rushing yards, 19 scores just over 1,160 yards, total of 3.75 GPA and 30 on the Act.

Make Caden Benson an offer.

Tribe pride DeShon Davis, Monroe Area six foot two, 45 senior defensive lineman, 64 tackles, 29 TfL, 15 hurries, eight sacks, seven games this season.

Davis made the preseason Make That Kid Offer All-State team after the junior year.

69 tackles.

Nice 25 TfL, 12 sacks, 15 hurries, a 3.8 GPA and offer from Chattanooga make DeShon Davis an offer.

That's it for this week.

You can also find out more from our Make That Kid an offer list from this week.

We go to Sprayberry, catch up on Kobey Lewis Aiden Young from Woodward Academy and also PJ Wolfe, the QB out of Norcross, okay, Miss Stewart, come on in time to catch up with Angela Stewart, the principal at Hillgrove.

Hi.

How are you doing tonight?

Fantastic.

Love this environment.

The fact that it is a packed house.

It is a packed house.

One community, two different teams.

And there's a rivalry.

It's a rivalry, but it's a friendly rivalry.

I'll say that we go back really far, but these students all live in the same community, so they they love each other and on the field they don't know, man.

So they're having a blast tonight.

Absolutely true.

What else is going on at Hillgrove?

Folks need to know about?

Well, I think the best thing to know about Hillgrove is that we are a community with a healthy culture.

We basically believe in being intentional with our mission statement is deliberately successful.

So we work very hard in the realm of academics, arts, and athletics.

Not just one area.

We don't want to be known as the athletic school or the art school.

We're all three academics, arts and athletics.

We work hard to be intentional.

That's why our mission is deliberate success for all students.

AAA excellence I love that excellence.

I mean, and that's that's the fun part.

This has been our first trip here.

We've done the rivalry in the past, but it was to, I guess we say the other school, the M word.

Do we say it that way?

Yes.

They always say the school up the road or down the road.

Yeah, the school down the road, whatever.

Whichever one.

That's how they refer to us.

I guess that's how we refer to them.

For, for this particular a that we're talking about here.

What is athletics on the whole mean.

We're talking band and everything real quick.

20s what does it mean?

So it goes to character.

It goes beyond the field on and off the field.

Who are you and what do you bring to the table?

So that's what it means in 20s.

I hope I caught that.

Absolutely did appreciate you.

Thanks for letting us hang out here.

Thank you so much.

Thank you for being here.

All right.

One more time.

Our newest PA, we're going to show the new PA here at GPB.

It's Violet, young Violet.

And we know that Hannah's watching us tonight once again, thanks to hang out with us here all halftime long in the great GPB, including our new production assistant.

Okay, we're going to come back.

We're going to catch up with Coach DeShon, find out what he told the guys.

Down 14 points at the half.

Halftime shows over coming up around the corner.

Third and fourth quarter here.

Football Fridays in Georgia on the great GPB stick and stay.

We'll be right back.

Cigna Healthcare is a proud partner of Georgia Public Broadcasting and Football Fridays.

Cigna Healthcare mission is to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.

Visit cigna.com to learn how you can support your physical and emotional well-being.

I said I never joined.

Never knew how strong I was.

Joining the Navy sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

All right.

What do you think, Jasper?

Honestly, I think that polyester shirts affecting your game.

What?

I think cotton would have been a better choice.

Cotton?

Yeah, it's come a long way.

You know, nowadays, cotton breeze and wicks moisture.

Great.

Plus, buying cotton means supporting Georgia farmers.

I think that's wonderful.

Okay, sure.

But what do you think about the putt?

Oh, it's really hadn't thought about it.

From ninth grade through graduation, Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA futures.. Breda Pest Management works to protect the inside and outside of your home from pests.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

Back at Hillgrove, where fifth ranked and undefeated McEachern leads tenth ranked and undefeated Hillgrove 14 to nothing impressive first half for the McEachern Indians.

Tonight's halftime interview is brought to you by Johnny's New York style pizza.

Your original neighborhood pizzeria.

Nelly.

Thank you very much, Matt.

Coach, one of the questions that you had internally was how this group was going to respond to adversity.

What did they feel like, sound like, look like as you were discussing the adversity at the half, getting ready for the third quarter?

Well, it felt like the whole first half was adversity.

We didn't play.

Very well and couldn't move the ball offensively.

So I think we've handled it for a half.

I wish we could have got off the field right there.

Kids were good in the locker room.

Good response.

We got a great crowd.

We're looking forward to getting the ball right here to start the half.

Thanks for your time.

Yes, sir.

Matt, back up to you.

We'll start the second 20:04 minutes.

All right, Nelly Wayne, let's take a look at the first half highlights.

And the freshman Jacorey Shockley three catches for 45 yards in that first half.

Big catch and run right here to put this his offense down the field.

And then the run here by Ty Nolan falling in the end zone to put his team on the board.

Another freshman that was from 8 yards out 7-0 lead.

And then Hillgrove put together a good drive.

But Darryl Rivers in the middle jumped up there and blocked the field goal attempt.

Great job by the big fella.

Pressure with the big arm setting his team up for this right here.

TJ Pittman working the pocket and finding Jacorey Shockley once again for a big play.

Put another touchdown on the board.

Pittman six of eight passing for 56 yards.

You take a look at the stats.

And Wayne what jumps off the page.

Really?

Jazz.

No offense for passing or throwing for Hillgrove.

Pretty clean game.

Neither team with a lot of penalties and then third down conversion one of five.

Just can't stay on the field.

And that's something they're going to have to possess and finish some of these drives.

So what do you expect to see from the Hawks.

They'll get the ball first here to start the second.

Half I expect Donovan Mack to use his legs here in this second half early.

Trying to move this ball right now.

They're going to have to loosen up this defense.

They're losing at the line of scrimmage against Darryl Rivers.

And they're going to have to figure out a way to stop him.

But Daryl Donovan Mack is going to have to make some plays from that quarterback position with his legs.

Yeah, Darrell Rivers might be our man in the clubhouse, kind of the clubhouse lead, if you will, for the Georgia Cotton Commission player of the game after the first half that he had.

And this second half kickoff is brought to you by heads up, Georgia.

Park your phone while you're driving.

It saves lives.

Here's the return by the Hawks up to the 31, and that's where they're going to put the ball in play to start this third quarter.

Rivers had a blocked field goal.

He had a quarterback sack.

He had a one arm tackle at the five yard line that might have prevented a touchdown from scoring.

Yeah.

Just had a phenomenal first half right there.

The size really caused the problem.

Just not able to guard in a one on one situation.

Harkness or Kanter.

And he's been mostly over Harkness tonight.

Just not able to block him.

Let's see if they can do a better job against him.

He's right there in the middle of that defensive line at 6:52 70.

He is hard to miss.

Donovan Mack for six for 28 yards in that first half.

And just three carries for 3 yards in that first half.

And an auspicious start for the Hawks as they're going backwards on the first snap.

They'll count this as a no gain.

Right there.

Pulling the ball once again Okafor in the middle right there not being blocked.

The big body there.

And his buddy Matthews cleaning up on that play.

But once again, too much penetration.

Just nowhere for the quarterback or backs to run the ball.

So when you're getting beat at the line of scrimmage, like Hillgrove has been so far tonight, what can you do?

You got to start getting that on the edge.

Maybe, motion use your running backs to get out on the edge or the quick passing game as well.

Mack being flushed out of the pocket.

Now he's going to run it himself.

Okafor missing, and Mack stumbles up to the 40 yard line and close to the first down yardage.

If they spot him out at the 41.

Yeah, it's going to be a first down.

And this is what he's going to have to feature here tonight.

Right here.

Improvising using his talents.

Getting out of the tackle right there.

Keeping the drive alive.

Picking up the first down.

That was a big time play by Donovan Mack.

Okafor tripped him up, but not enough to keep him from getting the first down.

First and ten at the 41.

I like to see the plays right here for Hillgrove kind of come in a little fast to keep the sequence, to get a little momentum, and then it takes 25 30s to get the next play in.

Yeah, I think you play better when you play up tempo, don't you?

Yeah.

You stay in that groove.

You do less thinking as well.

Handoff goes to Moore Jaiden Moore.

He's been able to pick up three right there up to the 44.

Moore six carries for 13 yards in the first half.

And Wilcox had six carries for 12 yards in the first half.

Far cry from what the Hawks typically are able to produce on the ground.

Yeah.

228 an average game for the Hawks right there.

Good job of Jaiden Moore just bouncing to the outside.

Nowhere inside.

The run is clogged up.

You're going to have to start hitting out on the edge.

So second down and seven ball at the 44.

A nice sustained drive with a touchdown will be just what the doctor ordered for the Hawks to start this third quarter play action.

And Mack going to run it.

And Okafor chases him down at the 40 for no gain.

Nice job there of Okafor playing to the whistle right there.

Mack a little indecisive here, trying to find there's nothing open right here.

You got to take off right there.

He was a little late deciding to pull that ball and run, and gave Okafor a chance to run it down.

He's that scrappy, undersized nose guard at five nine, 229.

Not your typical behemoth there at that nose position.

Plays a lot of leverage.

It's hard to get up underneath him right there and just plays hard.

And try to hold that point for this defense.

So third down now, third and seven.

Mack with a pocket fires in the middle.

And it's caught for a first down to the 42.

And still moving on the pass completion ball goes to Sidney Montgomery.

Nice job of just sitting in that zone by Montgomery Mack right there.

Good protection right here.

Watch how Montgomery.

He just sits right there in the middle of that zone.

Make yourself a target for his quarterback.

So first and ten at the 42 ball has not gone to their top receiver so far tonight.

Jadon Fisher in the slot with 17 catches this year I don't know that he's even been targeted so far tonight.

Right now still not playing with a little pace.

Not an up tempo, but just want to get in and out of the huddle.

Keep this momentum going and building it.

So first and ten from the 42.

Mack fakes the handoff, fakes a pitch and goes out of bounds at the 41 yard line.

1 yard pickup right there.

You saw number 47 Zion Williams in the game for the first time at running back.

He's kind of their bigger back typically used in the goal line situations.

At 59, 210.

Good job there.

Kiyante Ingram from that safety position getting downhill, not allowing Mack to get to that corner.

Only a short gain.

So second down and nine.

Williams stays in there at running back.

He's going to block.

Mack's going to throw and it's going to be caught by Montgomery again.

Montgomery down to the 30 couple of back to back catches here by Sidney Montgomery and a couple of first downs in the process.

Little rollout here by Mack finding his target right now.

Cooking with Montgomery little roll out.

Moving the pocket, getting away from the pressure.

Good decision.

Quick decision.

Get the ball out on the edge and let Montgomery go to work.

Soft coverage there by Caiden Battle the corner.

They were way off of Montgomery on that play and it's a first down at the 30.

So Hillgrove trying to get back in this game after falling behind 14-0 in the first half.

Moore back in there at running back.

Mack's going to keep it on the Reid Mack inside the 20 and Mack out of bounds close to the 11 great run by Donovan Mack on the RPO Reid.

Instead of handing off, he kept it and ran.

Good job of catching Abdul-Salaam down.

Looking into the backfield, not keeping the corner there.

And we talked about what would be the adjustment it was going to be.

Donovan Mack using his legs here in the second half to create positive plays right there.

Getting a big run off right there.

Donovan Mack has come to life here in this second half.

It's not quite goal to go yet.

The ball was out of the 11.

So first and ten from their.

Williams gets the hand off right up the middle.

Zion Williams down to the two.

But we do have a flag down on the field after a big run by Zion Williams.

, you're going to get a shift here by Hillgrove.

Illegal motion against the offense.

Five yard penalty.

Still first down.

You can see the frustration right there.

Coach DeShon his offense is in a groove right now playing ahead of the chains.

Just can't really see the motion right there.

But you can see the physicality of Zion Williams 22 carries coming into this game.

Seven of them was touchdowns.

So that lets you know what kind of situations he gets in.

Now.

Puts him back at the 16 first and 15 from their.

Moore's in there now at running back.

Moore gets the handoff and right into the teeth of that defense.

And they keep moving the pile.

Let's see where they're going to spot it.

Number 0 Jaiden Moore.

He's going to get about two on the play.

So it'll be at the 14.

Looks like maybe a McEachern defender is down Jachai Hackney.

You can see this offensive line has come to life with running game inside.

So while they tend to Jachai Hackney will step aside.

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority presenting Georgia's Home energy rebates, the initiative assists eligible households seeking energy efficient home improvements.

Details are online at energy rebates.

Dot.

You've seen what your electric cooperative can do for your home, your workplace, your weekend.

What lights us up is empowering your local community and economy.

Georgia's EMCs support 15,000 jobs and invest $16 billion in infrastructure annually.

And because we operate at cost, any extra revenue is reinvested into your co-op or return to members investment with impact.

That's the electric cooperative difference.

Georgia's EMCs so much more than electricity.

So.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Hackney able to get off the field under his own power.

It's 14.

Nothing McEachern but Hillgrove threatening to score here in the third quarter.

Looking for smart screen time?

GPB Joshua world offers free games and videos.

Help young kids build literacy and problem solving skills, all while having fun.

Visit GPB.

Org.

Hillgrove.

Got a Joshua?

Go right here.

Get in the end zone.

Second down.

Line to gain is the two and they're going to have a sweep here.

Play going to Moore who came in from a wide receiver slot and took the handoff.

And he's down to the ten.

And that's going to be third down.

Once again in on the action.

Okafor and Matthews making that tackle.

Coming up looking like he might be having a cramp right there as Makai Rose been very active in that middle linebacker spot tonight.

And you got to punch this ball in some kind of way here.

If you're Hillgrove taking a lot of time off the clock, a methodical drive, just what you needed to start to have.

They've eaten up nearly half of the quarter, but the payoff has got to be a touchdown here and probably not three.

Although they'll have to settle for three if they have to.

Rivers right there in the middle, man, you gotta watch for that guy and a delay of game penalty.

Or do they get a time-out?

Delay of game offense.

Five-Yard penalty.

Still third down.

And we've been discussing the play coming in late.

Taking about 25 seconds before they even break the huddle right there catching him.

Cost him another five yards here.

They gotta throw this ball into the end zone don't they.

Yeah they got to test this end zone.

Spread them out as they are right here.

Try to find that one on one matchup.

If you're Mack.

Mack here comes a heavy rush.

He gets it out of there.

It's caught inside the ten by Montgomery.

And he's down to the four.

Barner saved the touchdown with his tackle.

And now it's going to be fourth down.

Big time play right there.

Good find by Mack here.

Good protection working underneath.

Coming is Montgomery who's having a second half.

And then the tackle right there.

Touchdown saving tackle by the young sophomore Barner.

So it's fourth down and two from the four.

And they keep the offense out there to try to pick up this first down.

Can't get this first down a lot of bodies heavy formation here.

Handoff goes to Williams.

No the keeper by Mack to the pylon.

Touchdown Hillgrove.

The adjustment is Donovan Mack using his legs.

Write here RPO eyeing that defensive end holding it real late.

Watch how late he holds this right there.

Then just a little wiggle of the shoulders to get outside of Nash Johnson to get into the end zone.

Outrunning Barner for the touchdown.

Bass is the snapper.

Cowan is the holder.

Jinshi the kicker and the kick is good.

It's 14-7 That was a couple of times on that drive, Wayne, where we saw Mack really make the right read on the RPO.

Right here.

Staring at the end feeling he was too far down.

Nash coming.

Nash Johnson.

Coming with the pressure.

And then just a foot race between Mack and Barner to the end zone.

What an impressive drive I got.

They got the message, coach read.

They got the message.

Excuse me.

DeShon.

They got the message.

Here's your DBHDD new red ribbon.

365 curriculum scoring drive.

Look at that.

Over half the quarter 6:26 time of possession.

12 plays and 69 yards.

And they kept it on a fourth down and two with Mack taking it in from 4 yards out.

And now we got a new game.

It's 14-7 And you had to feel like Coach DeShon was feeling three.

Just was not going to be enough for that kind of drive.

Those long drives you just gave your team the speech that we came here to win right there proving it to him, going for it in that situation.

So now McEachern is going to get the ball back with over half the quarter gone, this will be a returnable kick as it's taken by Shockley at the 15 and Shockley on the return up close to the 40.

Nice job there.

Jacori Shockley, the young freshman making a smart decision.

And the kicker is hurt.

Genchi is hurt.

Didn't see what happened.

Did he slip on the kick or is it cramp?

It looks like it's a cramp.

Which is not a good thing for.

The kicker.

Thing.

Especially for a team.

This game is shaping up to be one of those.

And here, right footed kicker and he looks like he was grabbing that left calf ankle down and looks like right now they put a little pressure on his Achilles.

Now they're going up to that calf.

You can see that right hand massaging that calf of that left leg.

Well that would be a huge loss for them in a tight ball game.

To lose a weapon like Genchi.

And a beautiful day for football.

The weather perfect for this time of the year for this kind of game.

He's up on his feet now.

But he's hobbling.

I would say that does not look good for their kicking prospects for the rest of this game.

He's a five star kicker rated as high as number 4 in the country, being recruited by Memphis, Florida Atlantic, Texas A&M.

And that is bad news for Hillgrove right there.

Let's go.

When you ask Coach DeShon about range, he quickly said 60 yards with no hesitation that he would send him out to try that down, that kind of distance.

But he is laboring right now.

Taking him right to the tent.

Defense rallies for Hillgrove Marbury right there at the point of attack, making that tackle on Pullen.

Good penetration right there by the defense.

Rod Johnson up field.

This defensive line is going to have to get some penetration.

They lost the trenches in that first half.

Now you can see a little confusion going on here.

Bottom of your screen with the receivers.

Second down.

Keeper this time by Pittman.

He gets around the edge across the 50 Pittman footrace 30 Pittman going to score the touchdown for McEachern Indians answer right back as C.J.

Pittman makes a house call.

You can do it.

I can do it better.

RPO reading the end.

Pulling the ball, showing you the impressive blazing speed right there in down, catching the end.

Looking into the backfield.

Chris Carbin playing down.

Smart pull by Pittman.

And then just no one in the frame.

As you can see when he hits the corner.

Massive touchdown run by CJ Pittman.

Fifth rushing touchdown of the season for him.

Sheehan with the P.a.t.

Makes it 21-7 Huge touchdown run by Pittman after the Hawks had gotten on the board as the Indians answer right back.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Georgia's EMCs.

So much more than electricity.

Wherever you go, there we are.

Just look at the numbers.

Georgia's 41 not for profit member owned Dmcs deliver electricity to 5 million Georgians.

Our network of electric lines traverses 73% of Georgia's land area, with operations in 157 of 159 Georgia counties.

We meet our members right where they live, work and learn.

Strength in numbers to be where you need us.

Georgia's EMCs so much more than electricity.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Cigna.

Together all the way.

Cigna Healthcare is a proud partner of Georgia Public Broadcasting and Football Fridays.

Cigna Healthcare mission is to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.

Visit cigna.com to learn how you can support your physical and emotional well-being.

No matter the season.

Breda works to protect the inside and outside of your home.

Breda Pest Management.

They handle bugs and critters.

Tonight's game is brought to you by Breda Pest Management with Breda.

No need to be afraid of bugs.

Very quick scoring drive.

DBHDD new red ribbon 365.

Curriculum two plays, 61 yards, 60 of that on the run by CJ Pittman.

Nelly.

We'll go to Nelly in a moment.

Sorry.

Look at that.

Numbers for Pittman here tonight.

Six of eight passing, 130 total and two touchdowns.

He's got 56 passing and he now has 74 rushing for 130 total offense which he averages 181 per game.

Total offense efficient.

Last week eight of 9135 and three touchdowns.

Tonight just playing game manager right there making a great read and showing you the blazing speed for the touchdown.

Here's the return Wells gets thrown backwards.

Does not quite make it to the 15.

I think they are going to give him forward motion to the 16.

Now we'll check in with Nelly.

Keeping an eye on Carter Genchi and I think what happened is that he may have slipped on the surface since it was his plant leg on the kick.

He's been flexing that left leg furiously, trying to figure out, okay, how is my mobility going to be?

It's kind of touch and go right now.

Obviously we'll keep an eye on it because there's a weapon like that.

You're going to need that coming down the stretch, especially from long distance.

Matt.

No doubt about it.

No question about that.

And then, you know, McEachern just with a gut punch right after Hillgrove put together this 6.5 minute drive, McEachern comes down and scores in a blink of an eye and right back to a 14 point lead.

They instantly put the fans back in their seat.

And now put them behind.

And that hard place once again trying to make something happen.

Donovan Mack Mack dancing around, going to dive forward instead of take a loss there.

Okafor falls on top of him.

He actually does end up taking a loss at the 13 yard line.

Three yard loss.

Good pressure there by the senior Irby Brayden Irby haven't talked about him much tonight.

Physical player off the edge.

Good job pushing Mack off of his launch point.

Trying to scramble to find somewhere to go with the ball.

Another sack tackle for a loss for this defense.

So second down and 13.

Mack with 60-4 yards passing and 37 yards rushing.

Going to go to the air.

Has a clean pocket now flushed out of it and throwing.

And it's complete over there on the far side.

That'll be a first down as the ball goes.

First time tonight to Jayden Fisher.

Once again having to use his legs to buy time.

Soft coverage again out on that edge by Caiden Battle a lot of space.

Good job throwing the ball on the move.

There is Mack.

You know that's not a bad thing.

DeShon told us that Mack is a better thrower when he's moving.

Get his feet moving, get him active.

He's mobile, he's accurate.

Get him outside the pocket away from the pressure.

So first and ten.

Handoff goes to Jaiden Moore.

Bounces off the pile.

Now being chased down by Rowe.

Michai Rowe drops him for a loss.

Might have a facemask penalty right here.

Yeah.

They face mask right there.

That left hand really going into the face mask by Rowe.

Got caught down inside.

Back bouncing to the outside.

During the play.

Personal foul face mask against the defense 15 yards from the previous spot.

Results in a first down.

Good job of bouncing that to the outside.

Jadon Moore and just catching Rowe down inside trying to reach out.

Grab that face mask.

Clear.

Call there for the referee.

So first and ten ball at the 46 yard line.

Big hole in the middle.

Rumbles up across the 45 up to the 48.

Zion Williams with the carry and Hillgrove continues to try to chop wood.

He'll chop wood here and get that running game going.

And we talked about what would be the adjustments.

Donovan Mack using his legs and we can see Zion Williams in this game a little more physicality and more size at 210 pounds, only a sophomore running behind his pads in the middle of that defense.

Under 2.5 minutes to play here in the third quarter.

Second down from the 47 that Stang the tight end in motion behind the line.

Williams going to get it again.

And Williams this time maybe got a yard on the play to the 49.

Good job inside all night long.

Once again we talked about Rivers Okafor playing downhill penetration.

Good to see Jachai Hackney back in the action as well.

He walked off earlier.

The third and short right here.

Where do you go if you're this defense you got to keep your eyes on Donovan Mack pulling this ball.

You can't just sell out and go in for as though they're going to run the ball in the middle.

Yeah, I would have Mack making the decision.

He's done a good job of that.

He's done a good job of reading the defense.

He does again.

This time he gets the hand off right up the board.

There he.

Goes.

Touchdown Hillgrove.

And again that's a great decision by Donovan Mack.

This time instead of keeping the football he slips it to more and more takes it the distance.

Great job off that left side.

Pierce Wood Gabe Harkness.

Watch as this opens up on that left side between the left guard and left tackle, and then just the speed that top end speed of Jaiden Moore right there.

No one's going to catch him in that situation.

So let's check the p.a.t.

Here.

This is not Genchi out there to kick, but the kick is up and good.

That was Gowan.

Gowan, who has been Jinks or Cowan, who has been Jinks holder Cody Cowan sticks it through the p.a.t.

And it's 21 14.

Right here off that left side.

Good pull.

As you can see, the end right there.

Brayden Matthews didn't want to commit.

Good decision.

Mack giving the ball off.

And then Moore and his ability to outrun Casey Barner right there to get the touchdown.

Another answer here in a heavyweight fight.

Now everybody's decided let's play football in.

The action is picking up.

So Wayne how much of that touchdown was based on what Mack had done previously in this quarter?

It was it was all based on those guys could not crash down.

He's punished them enough for selling out, trying to stop the run.

And now they're playing a little cautious right there.

And this time he made the decision to hand it off.

Yeah.

That's how one play leads to another play leads to another play.

So Max you know success reading the defense in the RPO game led to that 52 yard touchdown run right there by Jaiden Moore.

And we're down to 121 left in the third quarter.

And it's 21-14 here in Powder Springs Cowan with a pooch kick.

And it's going to be caught at the 16 yard or the 40 yard line by number 16.

So that was Coby Pittman.

Who is the backup quarterback and the younger brother of CJ Pittman.

Here's a look at the region.

363 a six standings.

It's actually the region three 6-A standings and Hillgrove and McEachern are tied for the top spot.

So that's what they're playing for here tonight in McEachern wins.

That means they will have wins over Hillgrove and Harrison and firmly in the driver's seat to win the region championship as early as next week.

If Hillgrove wins, that knocks McEachern down into a tie with Harrison and Hillgrove.

Hillgrove will be playing Harrison next week.

So no region championship decided here tonight, but huge implications in this region game.

Hand off goes to Pullen and he gets swallowed up at the 46 yard line.

A two yard pickup.

Good job.

This defensive front playing tougher more penetration up front as well.

This time getting the Pullen early.

Pullen again Henry Pullen still moving the pile.

Still moving the pile and close to a first down with second and third effort.

Always falling forward for big back.

Coach raved about that aspect of him and Ty Nolan just guys that are always driving their feet here.

Great balance.

Being able to bounce strong legs to stay off the ground there and then his buddies just pushing him forward.

So third down and one at the plus 48.

Pullen again.

First down Pullen down to the 44.

Good feet.

Able to make that jump cut and bounce to the outside.

Knowing what he needed to get that first down for his offense.

Corbin for.

Workman effort for Henry Pullen tonight 15 carries, 64 yards.

And that might have been the final play of the third quarter.

McEachern acts as if it is because they've already headed to the sideline.

So third quarter coming to a close here in Powder Springs in this battle of unbeatens, this neighborhood rivalry and number 5 McEachern 21 14 lead on number 10 Hillgrove.

As we get set to head to the fourth quarter.

Donovan Mack with a big touchdown run for the Hawks.

CJ Pittman answered with his own quarterback run.

Got a great game going on in Powder Springs.

Support for this program comes from Northside Hospital Orthopedics, a proud sponsor of Georgia High School football from physicians and athletic trainers to physical therapists and performance nutritionists, Northside Hospital provides holistic sports medicine care to student athletes across Georgia.

At Northside, we're committed to caring for Georgia's student athletes and their families on and off the field.

Northside Hospital Orthopedics because Georgia moves us and we keep Georgia moving from ninth grade through graduation, Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA Futures.

Let me know if I can help you with anything.

Just looking.

I only buy local and sustainable so.

Oh well, that shirt's not local.

You should be wearing cotton.

Georgia is a major supplier of cotton worldwide, so if you'd like to buy local to support Georgia, buying cotton is a great place to start.

It's renewable and sustainable, naturally.

Thanks.

That's a polyester fiber made of oil, by the way.

Where's your dressing room?

Football Fridays in Georgia is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while driving saves lives.

Heads up, Georgia.

Football Fridays presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Reminding you.

Heads up, Georgia.

Park your phone while you're driving.

It saves lives.

We're starting the fourth quarter in Powder Springs, 21 14 McEachern on top.

Let's check in with Nelly.

All right.

We got scores and we got some info to go with it, too.

Let's start with region two 5-A.

As we start our tour around the state, Houston County in a back and forth.

Right now they are leading coffee.

So if this continues a ten point margin in the fourth quarter, Houston County goes to three and zero.

Thomas County Central taking care of Northside.

They would go to 3-0 as well.

Lee County and veterans.

That one looks like that one's Lee County.

Lee County keeping pace at two and one.

If everything falls into place after tonight, we'll keep you posted as the tour begins.

Matt.

All right, Nelly, appreciate it.

Matt Stewart Wayne Gandy with you upstairs as we start the final 12 minutes here at Hillgrove Stadium.

McEachern on top trying to hand the Hawks their first loss of the season and themselves improved to eight.

And oh, hand off goes to Barner Barner cut back.

Wow.

Huge hit at the 43 yard line by Coaxum.

Casey Barner bouncing this to the outside showing you the speed making a foot race and watch Maliek coming from center field.

There is Coaxum right there to make this big hit right there.

The pace is picked up, the physicality has picked up in this second half for both teams.

Second down.

Again, Barner right there in the middle.

This time it's Montford falls on top of him.

Short gain to the 39.

And it's going to bring up third down and five.

Getting into that territory of a fourth down situation here for McEachern is well I'd be surprised to keep this ball on the ground and the way CJ Pittman can be able to attack the edge.

This defense has to pay attention to him.

Big third down right here.

Pulling back in the game at running back.

Pittman to the air.

It's going to be caught out here on the edge.

And that's going to be short of the first down as the ball goes to Zavion Harris yard short I think.

Good job here.

Just too wide receiver screen out on the edge trying to get out to the outside blocking there, fighting for the extra yardage, creating this fourth and one situation.

Got a man down Jaiden Gurley the tight end with cramps, maybe both legs cramping up on him right now.

And a big fourth down and about a yard to go from the 35.

Wayne what are you going to.

Do here.

Right here I'm going to trust this offensive line and these backs and keep my offense on the field and go for it right here.

The way that Pullen or Ty Nolan in this situation get downhill behind those guards and just keep those legs driving.

This is a big, drive here for McEachern.

So Gurley up on his feet, able to trot off the field under his own power.

Looks like the offense is coming back out.

Not a surprise here, coach Reid.

This offense is built for these kind of situations.

Pullen in there at running back on this fourth down and one and Hillgrove come up with a massive stop and get the ball back Shockley in motion, hand off.

Goes to Pullen first down and more inside the 30 and Pullen Battle all the way down to the 21.

Once again.

Henry Pullen sensational senior year.

The vision bounce that to the outside right there getting Chris Carbin Kort down underneath.

Being able to get a good feel of how the bounce that to the outside, the physicality at the end, picking up that first down.

First and ten.

Short game.

Ball goes to Pullen again as he gets down to the 18 yard line.

This is a McEachern drive right here.

This is 70% of their offense comes from running the ball.

They want to you know they've blown a lot of people out and had a lot of issues.

You know some situations defenses scored big plays.

They want to grind and pound and keep this clock moving.

Second down ball sitting at the 18 touchdown here for McEachern will be a huge blow to Hillgrove hopes.

Pittman on the keeper.

Pittman gets stopped at the 15 yard line as Coaxum comes up from that safety spot and gets another big tackle.

Nice read again by Pittman.

Not the biggest quarterback right here.

Pull right there.

Nice job.

By Elkins.

And then just finding that area.

Good athlete right there.

The young the senior Pittman.

Pullen 19 carries for 90 yards.

That puts him at 1,000 yards right now.

Came in at 9:10.

So he's at 1,000 yards rushing for the season.

The first of the coach Kareem Reid era.

They're going empty backfield set right here.

However on third down and four.

Time-outs going to be called by the Indians.

Time out McEachern.

That's their first charge.

Time out of the half.

We'll step aside.

Big third coming up with under nine to go.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Cigna together all the way.

Cigna Healthcare is a proud partner of Georgia Public Broadcasting and Football Fridays.

Cigna Healthcare mission is to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.

Visit cigna.com to learn how you can support your physical and emotional well-being.

I said I never joined.

Never knew I was strong.

I was.

Joining the Navy.

Sounds crazy.

Saying never actually is.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Georgia's EMCs.

So much more than electricity.

With boots on the ground and suspended mid-air, our line are everywhere.

Behind every turn switch are those who put it all on the line to illuminate lives down the line.

Their job is as honorable as it is rigorous.

As we look on with admiring eyes, we want them to know we are grateful.

Georgia's electric membership cooperative celebrate the life sustaining contributions of our Lineworkers storm or shine.

Thank you for being our lifeline.

Georgia's EMCs so much more than electricity.

Breda Pest Management works to protect your home from termites with a liquid barrier.

Breda.

They handle bugs and critters.

Back at Hillgrove 21 14.

Lead for McEachern to the Hawks in trouble.

Right here is McEachern driving towards possibly another touchdown.

Think you've got what it takes to launch a business?

Test your skills with start it up.

GPB free game that puts you in charge of your own startup.

Play now at GPB..org.

Slash it up Matt Stewart Wayne Gandy Jon Nelson.

As we're heading down the stretch here at Hillgrove Stadium, Henry Pullen 19 carries 90 yards.

That puts him at an even 1,000 for the season.

Came in at 9:10.

The 90 makes 1,000.

Big milestone for that young man.

And this is an even bigger play right here.

Third down and four coming out of the time-out.

Empty backfield set with Pittman.

The quarterback going to fake the handoff and try to bounce it outside.

He does.

First down and more for Pittman.

Pittman still on his feet and down to the three.

Another big run for CJ Pittman.

Empty backfield.

Little motion action right here.

Reid pulled the ball.

Nice job bouncing outside.

Good blocking of caving.

Everything down to by that offensive line.

Pettaway Green on that left side.

Just clearing the way and good blocking outside as well by his young receiver to give him that time.

First and goal to go.

Pullen gets it.

Pullen gets stonewalled at the two yard line.

Wayne, these both quarterbacks have really put on a clinic on reading the defense here in the second half.

Yeah, came alive.

Both of them.

Their legs are carrying their team and both coaches talked about that.

That's a weapon that sometimes they get away from their ability to run the ball.

Second down and goal Pullen again Pullen into the end zone.

Touchdown!

McEachern!

And a 27-14 lead is Pullen gets into the end zone for the first time tonight, and for the 15th time this season.

Just running behind his pads.

Great leverage.

Good blocking, no penetration here.

As you can see by Hillgrove.

And then the hole right there.

The vision the feet.

Get back to that hole on that right side.

And just getting to the end zone.

Sheehan on for the P.a.t Samuela is the snapper hold is placed down and the kick is up and it is good and it's a 28-14 lead for McEachern Hillgrove perfect record in jeopardy.

McEachern on their way, perhaps to go into eight zero on the season as Pullen crashes in to make it 28 14.

I've been checking food labels for years.

I like to buy local, and I like to buy healthy for my family.

So I started checking the labels on our clothes too.

Did you know synthetic fibers like polyester are pretty much made of oil?

No, thanks.

I look for cotton now, which grows right here in Georgia.

A major source of the world's cotton.

Cotton is natural, renewable, sustainable.

And buying cotton supports Georgia farmers.

Good enough for me and my family.

So.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game?

Oh, hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted?

Driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, presenting Georgia's home energy rebates.

The initiative assists eligible households seeking energy efficient home improvements.

Details are online at energy rebates.

Dot.

Welcome back to The Grove 8:01 to go.

McEachern back up by two scores.

Next stop down in South Georgia.

We will go to region one quad a Benedictine.

Looks like they're well on their way to go.

3-0 They're leading big at the half over Wayne County.

Perry and Ware is the game to look at here.

Loser of that one in one quad A drops to 1-2 If it's Ware County.

They had a lead.

It's now 14 all Perry.

If they win they go to three.

And oh to keep pace with Benedictine Wayne County.

Looks like they're going to drop to 1-2 Warner Robins and Hempstead trying to find their first win in region play.

One quad Hammett might go into the mini blender considering there's only six teams back up to you.

Absolutely.

And of course, right now in one quad A, you're depending upon the region standings to create the playoff bracket.

That will change.

Of course, starting next year when the Georgia High School Association goes to total PSR postseason rankings for all of the classifications.

And speaking of which, if you are using PSR this year, McEachern would be the number 3 overall seed in the state, which means they would have a home playoff game guaranteed, you know, through the quarterfinals, as the number three seed bouncing kick is going to go all the way back to the 16 yard line.

And Wells on the return up to the 23.

And that's where Hillgrove goes on offense.

And they got some business to do and they got to do it quick.

Yeah.

They got to get vertical down the field.

Some plays that we still haven't talked a lot about.

Jadon Fisher and his ability in that slot position.

He came into the game as their leading receiver.

Donovan Mack Mack is going to he can still mix in the run.

You can keep a little balance, but you're going to have to get in and out of the huddle a lot quicker than they have been.

This game.

756 left on the clock and Hillgrove, which has not trailed all year coming into this game, is down two touchdowns.

And the handoff goes to Moore.

Moore had the 52 yard run earlier in this half short gain right there.

And right here.

The tempo has the pick up of the plays going in and out.

You got to give yourself a chance to score.

And if you have to play defense, even though you have three time-outs, you need that time.

Need a little more pace.

Second down.

Stang the tight end sets on the other side.

And Mack sprint out looking downfield and throwing.

And it is caught.

They're going to rule that a catch.

No they're going to rule no catch over on that far sideline.

That was Fisher.

They were trying to get the ball to.

You were just talking about Jadon Fisher.

Well, they tried to get the ball to him.

Roll out there high throw.

Good job of Fisher going to get it.

Just running out of room there.

Better angle right here.

You can see.

Very close right there.

He was.

Very close to getting that down.

Maybe that knee or that.

Yeah.

Looks like that left knee came down on the line or otherwise.

It would have been a catch.

Super catch.

On top of that third down Mack clean pocket.

Retreating, throwing and nearly picked off by Rowe right there in the middle of the defense.

Kind of falling back has gotten away with this pass a little bit tonight.

Falling back is Mack here.

Here's another look at that attempt by Fisher.

And does he get down now.

See he's out.

He's right there on the line as he comes down.

That was a great effort by Fisher to even make the catch.

Even though he was not able to stay in bounds.

And now it's fourth down.

And you got a punt here don't you?

You gotta punt the ball here and try to get a three and out defensively and get this ball back.

So Cowan is going to punt.

As you heard Nelly say he's done for the night.

In all likelihood.

So Cowan taking over the kicking and the punting duties.

Not a bad kick by Cowan a spiraling kick that's going to be caught by Barner going out of bounds at about the 40.

So McEachern is going to go back on offense with 7-0 five to go and a drive and score right here is going to put this game out of reach if it's not already.

And here you really just trying to get two or three first downs and eat up this clock.

If you can knock another three or 4 minutes off of this clock in this drive, you really set yourself up.

Well to win this game.

We've seen them methodically run the ball with Pullen, and now Ty Nolan is in there for a little bigger back.

So first and ten.

Handoff goes to Nolan Ty Nolan spins and lunges forward to the 44.

Picks up four on the play.

Nolan brings is not just bigger size.

Also fresh.

Didn't do a lot of work there in that third quarter.

No, that was just his fifth carry of the game and a man down for Hillgrove.

Looks like another cramp.

And I think that's McCullough.

Jameson McCullough right there.

Their vocal leader, the heart and soul of the team.

They need him in these moments.

Hopefully this is a quick cramp and he can get back in.

Jadon Jameson McCullough.

His big brother Jalen came through this program and is now a safety with the L.A.

Rams.

His dad, Earls is the secondary coach.

And look at this.

They are seven Hillgrove Hawks currently playing in the National Football Football League Bradley Chubb now with the Dolphins having Ingram with the Broncos, the aforementioned Jalen McCullough with the Rams, Myles Murphy with the Bengals, Okonkwo with the Titans.

Jalen Royal's with the Chiefs and Reuben Lowery with the Ravens.

And it would have been eight, except that Kenyan Drake just recently retired.

2023 was his last year.

Just a phenomenal run.

You want to trip up your friends at a party, say, you know what?

What school in the country, what public school in the country has the most current players in the National Football League?

And if they know that Hillgrove Hawks is the answer, there, right?

There.

Cheating.

That's what they're doing.

They're googling at that point, because I didn't even know that because you you think of the Buford or the Valdosta or programs like that, the Graysons would be that team.

But it's.

An impressive list there for Hillgrove.

And those players remain very active.

In fact, Coach DeShon said Kenyan Drake just popped in unannounced and, you know, was visiting with the team recently.

And every summer Evan Ingram kind of got it kicked off with a free camp a couple of summers ago.

Really got people involved in the community.

And then this past year it was Myles Murphy's turn.

And this next year it's going to be Chigs turn to be the, you know, the guy that leads the camp.

And that's a great way to rotate it and keep it long standing.

It's not just on one person to keep that camp in place.

So second down, as they get McCollough off the field.

McEachern going to let that clock run.

He's standing there looking.

At all of them, looking at the clock.

Pittman going to keep it and he's going to get dropped by Marbury Isaiah Marbury.

Actually it was, Montford.

Nice job.

53 instead of 63.

Nice job showing a little speed here.

Is Montford right here working down the line.

Sees the quarterback off of that end position.

Good job by the big fella making that play.

Chip off the old block.

We were talking about his dad Joe who's a Hall of Famer in the Canadian Football League.

Nelly can tell you all about that from his days covering that league.

So third down and 11.

Right here.

Hillgrove keep everything in front of you.

Make the tackle in this situation.

You can't let them pick up a first down.

Time out.

McEachern this is McEachern second charge time-out of the half.

So time out for the Indians and we'll step aside with a 5:38 to go.

McEachern on top 28 14.

Cigna Healthcare is a proud partner of Georgia Public Broadcasting and Football Fridays.

Cigna Healthcare mission is to improve the health and vitality of those we serve.

Visit cigna.com to learn how you can support your physical and emotional well-being.

From ninth grade through graduation.

Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA futures.

Support for this program comes from Northside Hospital Orthopedics, a proud sponsor of Georgia High School football from physicians and athletic trainers to physical therapists and performance nutritionists, Northside Hospital provides holistic sports medicine care to student athletes across Georgia.

At Northside, we're committed to caring for Georgia's student athletes and their families on and off the field.

Northside Hospital Orthopedics because Georgia moves us and we keep Georgia moving.

Welcome back to The Grove.

5:38 to go.

And the margin is all McEachern got some more scores to kind of lead into next week a little bit.

So you can call this seven day tease in region seven 6-A North Gwinnett with the win tonight.

They were 63.

Nothing over Meadowcreek Norcross over Berkmar 35 19.

So that means you've got two teams at 0-5 at the bottom of the region.

North Gwinnett five and Norcross 4-1 And guess where we're going to be next week, Matt?

We're going to be at Norcross.

Yes.

Absolutely correct.

Special start time.

And that would be 7:00.

Attaboy.

More as we go back upstairs.

You can teach me anything, man.

Just feed me.

Right here.

McEachern be very surprised if they throw this ball right here.

I know you want to pick up that first down, but you want to get this clock running.

Take some time off.

They're going to throw it being chased and Pittman's going to take a big sack back at the 18 yard line as Carter rolls who plays that Viper position.

Love that name.

Gets the quarterback sacked.

Great pressure off the edge.

Just no time to set up.

No time to even throw the ball away.

Right there.

Big pressure by Rose.

Just play where you really just should have kept that on the ground.

Run the ball and live with it.

The way your defense is playing.

Keep that clock rolling.

Really kind of surprised they elected to do that.

They take a huge loss on the play.

So Hillgrove with a chance potentially to come out of this with some pretty good field position.

And here is the punt.

Didn't attack that thing and let it bounce and roll.

So could have gotten better field position out of it.

Had the punt returner there James been a little bit more aggressive.

So the ball is going to be down.

They're going to spot it at the 41 I believe must have been touched there.

So 443 left on the clock.

Hillgrove has got to score twice and come up with stops in order to force overtime here and even up this game.

It's going to be a tall task for them against this McEachern.

Defense and find something vertical, something they really haven't done tonight.

With Donovan Mack in this receiving corps.

But Sidney Montgomery has been a bright spot for them tonight.

Catching the ball number ten trying to get himself in one on one matchup and test the back end of this defense.

Montgomery has three catches for 36 yards.

Mack wants to go to the air.

Going to step up and run out of the pocket and be brought down from behind by Okafor.

And there's a flag down on the field back at the 36.

Might have a holding.

And Mack is slow to get up there.

Quarterback looks like he's got a cramp.

He got.

A lot of cramping out here tonight.

During the run.

Holding against the offense.

Ten yard penalty from the previous spot.

Still first down.

Jabari Green having to come in and show some action and tough time.

A lot of confidence in the young man.

He's had to play a lot, especially when Mack was injured.

So Mack can get in, take one play off, trying to walk it off.

It'd be okay.

Jabari Green comes in Jabari Green last year, Donovan Mack suffered a severe injury at the halfway point of the season, suffered a compound fracture in his arm, and missed the rest of the year in Green subbed in at quarterback and led them to the quarterfinals.

And Green got a lot, a lot more playing time earlier this season until Mack kind of was totally healthy and confident with that arm, and and kind of taking over the position, but they are fully confident in Jabari Green running the offense.

They got to get going.

The play clock is running as they come out onto the field.

So Green in there at quarterback is Mack goes to the sideline.

In the left hander.

Wants to look downfield.

Oh heavy rush.

He's hit from behind and the ball is out.

And guess who's got it.

Rivers with the quarterback sack the blind side leveling of Jabari Green and McEachern got it.

And that might be the cherry on top right there.

Darryl Rivers siding to turn the lights off in the stadium.

Yes he did with that kind of play right there off the edge, off that backside working underneath the tackle in the big hit.

Hand on the ball, knocking the ball off out of the quarterback's hand.

Yes young fella that's how you end a game.

Go get the quarterback and get us the ball back for McEachern.

Wow what an effort by Rivers tonight two quarterback sacks blocked field goal.

He's had a tremendous night.

And the stadium is clearing out.

It's like a Black Friday sale.

Everybody's headed for the.

Exits.

Great crowd.

Great atmosphere here at Hillgrove.

Nolan on the carry Wells.

The corner comes up to make the hit.

That'll probably put this one.

The rest.

And McEachern will be eight and.

Oh, and 5-0 in the region they will be in firm control of the region.

Standings.

And with a victory here tonight, which they are now less than 4 minutes away from getting and then get a victory against South Cobb next week they'll be region champs for the fourth time in seven years.

And the second time under head coach Kareem Reid.

Gotta really mean Kareem Reid.

What a tremendous job he did when he came in.

They were 13-10 his first two years, but now they're about to be 8-0 here in year number 3.

This team is fully back.

Pittman on the run to the outside trying to clear the edge and gets the first down.

KJ Pittman has had a big first half or second half, I should say.

Great job once again pulling this ball is Pittman showing you the speed right there walking that tightrope.

We really want to stay in bounds in those situations.. So they spot him out at the 12 yard line.

Handoff goes to Pullen, tries to bounce, gets inside the ten and down to the five.

So this victory for McEachern here tonight will even up the all time series at eight eight.

That's what you call a rivalry series right there when it's 500.

And I have to confess Matt, I thought both coaches when they said it was going to be like this, it's kind of turn out, sell out.

You know, a lot of times they sell it that way.

But this is a massive, impressive sight to see.

Great environment.

Great environment.

Yeah.

They sold out of tickets.

I mean, they literally it wasn't a sellout and it was literally a sellout.

They had no more tickets to sell here tonight.

Pullen going to bounce into the end zone.

Touchdown for Henry Pullen as McEachern pulls away.

And it's 34 14.

Once again.

Henry Pullen the balance.

The vision, the footwork.

Able to bounce this until he found a hole.

Nice kick out there.

Just keeping his legs alive.

Keeping them churning.

Finding the end zone to really seal this victory here tonight.

Came into the game averaging 130.

A game 14 touchdowns.

600 yard games coming in as well.

McEachern team is going to be one to be reckoned with in the state playoffs.

They are solid.

They are deep.

They can play old school football.. Just getting Nalin Scott back.

And we talked about the possibility of, Jay Campbell coming back as well here in the next week or two.

Full speed as coach said, he's back and getting a couple of reps in.

But here the physicality the kick out block by the fullback and then just the balance and size and strength to get in the end zone by Pullen.

Yeah, I mean McEachern is going to be 8-0 5-0 in the region.

And on lockdown for the region championship, which they will be huge heavy favorites to clinch next week against South Cobb.

And to think that they've been able to do this with two of their highest rated players, having hardly played, Scott did not play until tonight and Campbell still has not played this season.

But you bring those guys back, that's like that's almost like you signed a free agent at the end of the season and got him ready for the playoffs.

He hasn't played at all for you the whole year, and now he's going to be ready to go.

Yeah Nebraska receiver and Indiana running back is going to add them in week nine or ten.

To a team that's already got a perfect record.

Ball fumbled around back there and scooped up and.

Battling for yardage.

Wow.

Good.

Strong run right there up to the 30 yard line.

Let's check in with Nelly.

All right.

We're going to fill out the the region bracket setting up next week's game with North Gwinnett and Norcross once again North Gwinnett beating Meadowcreek.

No problem there.

They're 5-0 seven and one.

Brookwood beat Peachtree Ridge tonight, so Brookwood is now four and one.

And they are 6-2 Same record for Norcross.

So right now Brookwood Norcross both at 4-1 Peachtree Ridge with the loss at three and two.

Parkview beat Duluth tonight.

So they're now 2-3 in region play.

So maybe some stuff hanging out at the four seed.

But right now North Gwinnett, Brookwood, Norcross both at four and one.

Peachtree Ridge at three and two setting us up next week.

Should be interesting that's for sure.

That's not a straightforward cut there in that region.

A lot of things in play.

And we'll be there at Norcross for a huge game next Friday night.

Swing the ball out there to Moore and he gets dropped right away by Brayden Matthews.

Just love the pace that Matthews and Rowe play.

They can just at that mic and that will position.

He can play out on the edge as good as two linebackers I've seen this season.

Yeah, Matthews with nine total tackles tonight, a TfL and Rowe with five total tackles tonight.

Okafor's got six tackles.

He's been really good on that defensive line as well.

The big numbers Rivers got a couple of quarterback sacks in that blocked field goal.

These guys have been hunting.

Flag comes out.

Possible pass interference right here.

He did Mike Shelby a little push there.

Or excuse me.

Nasir Banks a little push there on Jadon Fisher as he worked out of the slot.

Looks like Donovan Mack is laboring.

Still against the defense.

15 yard penalty from the previous spot.

Results in a first down.

You can see Mack getting some help there from Zion Williams to just get back to the line.

He's kind of.

We saw him leave with those cramps.

You can really see the coaching style.

Kareem Reid as he, you know, talked to us about, you know, his mentors, the guys that have had the biggest impact on his coaching career as far as his style.

George O'Leary, who was his college coach at UCF, not at Georgia Tech.

He played for George at UCF, said had a huge impact on his coaching career.

And then Billy Napier, who he worked with at the University of Florida, and Shawn Spencer, who was the D-line coach at the University of Florida.

Now on Coach Elko's staff at Texas A&M.

So those three guys had the biggest impact on his career, and I really love his approach to coaching.

It's a it's it's really almost kind of a college style of coaching.

Yeah, I was going to say it's like college, a business, a real professional about it.

He has a high expectation of how his players are supposed to play and respond out on the field.

Mack on the run, slides down.

I think that's got to be very attractive, especially for the caliber of player they have in the program right now.

He is preparing them for that next step here at the high school level, creating in them that anticipation and expectation of what they're going to get once they graduate from high school and go on to play a lot of college football.

Yeah, he already has that perspective of what they need to do.

And you talked about it earlier in the broadcast about he's in a good place with these kind of freshmen that he's already had.

He has four or five freshmen in the mix leading this team right now in 2025.

Mack in the pocket fires.

It's going to be caught at the 39 yard line down inside the 30 yard line completion and a first down as the ball goes to Preston Wooten with under a minute to go.

Yeah he's won everywhere.

He's been first at Westlake and then at Griffin and now here at McEachern.

Has that calm demeanor?

Where he really can connect with the players.

Looks like,, Donovan Mack finally left the game.

He was struggling physically still to play for for this Hillgrove team.

Yeah, they're going to be playing for trying to secure a home playoff game next week.

They got a tough one against Harrison.

Jabari Green going to run.

Tries to get outside.

Runs away from the pursuit and down out of bounds at the 15 yard line.

So yeah Hillgrove goes from this game where they're competing for the number 1 spot in the region to where next week they're trying to stay out of the three slot.

A win against Harrison would guarantee them the two slot means they get a home playoff game in the first round, but a loss next week drops them to being a road team in the playoffs.

Yeah, got to see how Donovan Mack is doing.

He's in the tent and he talked about Genchi.

He's been a weapon for them.

Something they felt like they can rely on and need in times of need.

As a kicker.

Looks like this might be the final play.

6 seconds to go.

Green goes up top and incomplete.

2 seconds, one.

And they stop the clock with now clicks over to zero.

Let's see if that's going to be it.

That's going to be it.

McEachern stays unbeaten 35 14 winners over Hillgrove as the Indians improve to 8-0 and 5-0 in the region, they can clinch the region championship next Friday and in true rivalry form, they turn off the scoreboard right away as soon as the clock hits zero, the scoreboard went black.

Impressive performance by McEachern putting 35 up on the board versus a team that only gave up 13 points all season long came in the game with five shutouts.

But methodical, physical running game.

Really.

And the ability of CJ Pittman to make great decisions when they pull the ball.

The key to this victory.

Yeah, Hillgrove will have to get back off the deck next week and in a hurry for a big game.

And McEachern has established themselves as the class of this region, and maybe more than that, this is a team that could make a deep run in the playoffs.

This team has been to the semifinals four times in their history into the finals once.

Can they go that far?

We'll wait and find out and time now to send it down to the field for our post-game interview.

Brought to you by Johnny's New York style Pizza Nelly.

We're going to have a hot tag here.

Coming up in just a bit.

We're going to start with the coach and then go to CJ Pittman.

So dominant performance all three phases tonight.

And you're in the driver's seat here in this region.

Full 48 minutes.

What did you learn about yourself tonight.

I know exactly.

Who we were and we understood what we wanted to get done, what the mission was.

And we came over here and executed.

We expected nothing less.

We felt like we were we were the better team all week when we watched tape, and we knew they really hadn't been tested before.

So we wanted to see what they were about when they got down.

I want to ask about the lines and I'm going to ask you about the line coming up in a bit.

The trenches tonight.

You had a feeling that it was going to be one there.

You could get dominance there in both offensive and defensive lines.

You knew you were going to have a leg up, and you got that coming out of the.

Blocks again.

It's RTA, bf and y'all will figure out what that means.

All right.

But we preach physicality in our program.

Toughness all right.

We bully people on the field.

And that's what we did tonight.

Now you've got another couple of games here to solidify.

Region title number 1 seed hanging out.

What do you think you need to continue to work on for these remaining games so you can stay up top in region?

We just want to remain humble and keep working at our craft and getting better.

You've never arrived as a as a player or coach in football.

There's always room for improvement.

So we made a few mistakes tonight.

We gave up 14 points that we felt like we gave them some, you know, seven of those points there.

They really earned it.

So we'll look at the tape, get better.

But man, to God be the glory.

We're blessed to be in this position and just thankful to be 8-0 Thanks for your time as always all week long.

Congratulations on the win tonight.

Thank you.

Go Indians.

Hot tag.

Here we go.

Now here's how this works.

Now if you would please, if you would put your helmet down because I'm going to need your hands.

So the hat goes to you.

So take the hat and you can wear the hat, or you can do whatever you want with the hat.

Now the key is here.

The towel.

The towel has to be right there so we can show the logo and make sure that everything is there.

Because when you have a touchdown passing and a touchdown rushing, you are Cotton Commission player of the game Georgia Cotton Commission.

The natural choice for Georgia KJ Pittman our natural choice for player of the game.

What was it like out there tonight knowing that this was a rivalry?

That was a big rivalry to begin with.

And you come out on top.

We just knew we had to lock in because last year they beat us.

We really weren't expecting that.

And this year we had to come out and prove a point.

For someone who's never seen this.

And either here tonight watching for the first time or watching on TV or however they're watching it for the first time.

How would you describe what this rivalry is to this particular part of the state?

Just it's everything.

Like.

It's I mean, it's not is it friendly?

Is it not friendly?

Friendly?

It's not friendly at all.

It's just like we know we had to come out here and win.

Well, and now you've got.

Now I'm going to ask you to brag on your lines a little bit that that offensive line of yours.

So you could have the time to work, whether it was keeping the ball, handing the ball off, getting to the edges, they were keeping you safe all night long.

What's it like having those guys in front of you?

It was good because you know you can do anything when you're behind him.

Now you got another couple of weeks to try and continue to be up here.

Region champ right now, home game, all these kinds of things.

What do you think you need to work on as a group?

Not necessarily just you personally, but what do you think you need to work on next couple of weeks so you can come out on top and continue winning to be the top seed and get all those home games?

What do you.

Think we need to all just stay stay locked in and like hitting the easy shots and layups like we missed earlier in the game.

So you got to make the bunnies huh?

Yeah, we missed a lot of those today.

All right.

So he knows he's got to work on his layup drill.

So I was going to say who's heckling us over here.

That's our running back right there.

Huh.

So this is what happens when you have running backs.

See Henry Pullen just go ahead.

Go ahead Kenny Henry Pullen.

He's over here heckling our interview.

This is what happens when Henry's off camera.

Henry.

Naturally.

Like this?

Yes.

Always.

Okay, so Henry apparently is the class clown.

We're going to have this sorted out here on the field as they make their way back to Cantrell Stadium.

Player of the game CJ Pittman one rushing, one passing.

Dominant performance tonight for the Indians as they win.

Back up to you man.

Yeah super big performance by CJ.

And by that McEachern defense as well as the Indians are now eight and zero.

They're aiming for their ninth all time undefeated regular season.

And they are just two wins away from achieving that.

Congratulations to them on a big win tonight as they knock off Hillgrove and hand the Hawks their first loss of the season.

Be sure to join us next Friday night at 7:00.

Special time 30 minutes earlier next Friday night, as the North Gwinnett Bulldogs meet the Norcross Blue Devils in a key matchup with first place at stake in region seven 6-A.

That's next Friday night again at 7:00, right here on GPB sports Football Fridays in Georgia and our web, our stream game of the week will be another big region matchup as North Atlanta plays at West Forsyth.

Be sure to join us for that one as well.

7:00 next Friday.

That's on gpb.org slash sports and GPB sports app.

If you missed portions of tonight's game or just want to see it again, you can catch a full replay later this evening or in the coming week at GPB Sports on Demand.

Now for Wayne Gandy, Jon Nelson, our VP of sports, Kevin Gerkey, our game producer Glenn Diamond, and our director, Vince Early.

I'm Matt Stewart.

Once again, the final McEachern dominates.

They knock off Hillgrove 35 14.

This has been a presentation of GPB sports.

Football Fridays in Georgia is presented by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, reminding you to park your phone while driving.

Saves lives.

Heads up Georgia.

You wouldn't take a call during the big game.

Oh, hey what's up man?

You wouldn't be texting while cheering on your team.

Jacket.

And you definitely wouldn't want to watch a video while marching with the band.

So why would you drive a car while distracted driving isn't a game when you lose on the road, it could lead to a crash.

So when you get behind the wheel, put the distractions aside, drive hands free, and save lives.

Heads up Georgia.

Georgia's 41 electric cooperatives are anything but static.

Since the flip of the first light switch, we continue to innovate as the demand for energy increases.

EMC draw from a wide variety of resources to generate electricity, from natural gas to nuclear power and renewables, so that we can reliably power tomorrow.

We're harnessing the current to satisfy the future.

Georgia's EMCs so much more than electricity.

From ninth grade through graduation, Georgia Futures provides tools to help you plan and pay for college, as well as prepare you for your career beyond high school.

Create your account today and explore the possibilities at GA Futures.

Football Fridays in Georgia on GPB is brought to you in part by Cigna.

Together all the way.

Breda Pest Management knows it's the bugs inside that you want gone.

That's why Breda works to protect the inside and outside of your.

Home.

He's coachable.

You tell him something, he's got it.

He's the kid that you want everybody else to be.

He comes to work.

Perfect attitude.

Every single day.

I think the wrestling and football kind of complement each other.

You know, mental toughness is a real ingredient in both.

Combined, his athleticism along with his relentless effort.

That just makes a really, really talented football player.

He's a worker.

And on the defensive side of the ball.

You've got to have that relentless effort.

He's not the kid that makes the same mistakes over and over again.

He corrects things and that's huge.

I don't care what sport you're playing.