CLEVELAND, Ga. — Friday night in Cleveland settles the top of Region 6-4A. White County, 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the region, hosts North Hall, 6-2 and 3-0, and the winner takes the region championship.
The Warriors have made late rallies their trademark. Six of their seven wins came after they fell behind, and four of those came after trailing by 10 points or more. Two weeks ago at Pickens in Jasper, they were down 27-14 at the half and came back to win 34-33.
Earlier comebacks included a 22-21 win over East Jackson after trailing 21-7 and a 20-14 overtime win over Union County after falling behind 14-0. Coach Bennett said the results are not luck but a team that makes plays when it has to and believes as long as time is left on the clock.
Staying healthy has been a big change for White County, which went 3-7 in back-to-back seasons when injuries piled up. Bennett said he expects a packed home crowd as the school and the Cleveland community rally behind the team.
North Hall arrives from Gainesville after rebuilding nearly its whole defense. Coach Sean Pender said the Trojans lost 15 defenders with real playing time from last season. After allowing 125 points over their first four games, they have given up 41 since, about 10.3 a game.
The North Hall offense is led by senior quarterback Alex Schlieman, who has thrown for 2,063 yards and 21 touchdowns against three interceptions. Colton Steele, a transfer from Chestatee, has run for 705 yards and 13 scores. On defense, no Trojan has more stops than Sawyer Lazenby, credited with 61 tackles.
The game will be carried on FM 102.9 radio. A region crown would also give the Warriors a home playoff game.
