Phil Jones gives his score predictions for the top six games being played in Week 8 of the 2024 Georgia high school football season.
Buford vs Collins Hill
Two teams that are red hot will meet at Tom Riden Stadium as the undefeated Collins Hill Eagles visit the Buford Wolves in our ITG Next live stream Game of the Week.
Buford has reeled off four straight wins since their season-opening loss to Milton.
Collins Hill has run the table since their season-opening win over Grayson, a game they trailed 19-3 before rallying for two late touchdowns to win 20-19.
Can Drew Swick and his smothering defense find a way to keep Buford’s vaunted offense at bay enough to get the win?
Phil’s Pick: Buford 28, Collins Hill 21
Bowdon vs Manchester
This rematch of last year’s GHSA Class 1A-Division II state championship game pits the Manchester Blue Devils against the Bowdon Red Devils.
These two teams actually met twice last season, opening and closing the season against each other. Both games were decided by 1 point. Manchester won the season opener 21-20 after stopping the Red Devils’ late 2-point try, and Bowdon took the state title by stopping Manchester’s 2-point conversion in the fourth quarter to hold on and win 28-27.
This will be Bowdon’s region opener, while Manchester is 1-0 in region play.
Both teams are ranked in our 2024 Georgia high school football Top 10 rankings for Class 1A-Division II, with Bowdon at No. 1 and Manchester at No. 5.
Phil’s Pick: Bowdon 26, Manchester 19
Starr’s Mill vs Central (Carroll)
This is a Region 3 battle of Top 10 Class 4A teams as No. 4 Starr’s Mill hosts No. 7 Central (Carroll).
Central is led by sophomore quarterback JR Harris and top junior running back Jonaz Walton. Starr’ss Mill is led by quarterback Logan Inagawa. Harris and Inagawa have each thrown for 11 touchdowns so far this season.
These two teams provided us with one of the most exciting playoff matchups last season as Starr’s Mill won 35-29 on a last-second pass in the Class 4A state quarterfinals.
Will we get another one of those games?
Phil’s Pick: Central 36, Starr’s Mill 21
Richmond Hill vs. Tift County
This game features two Region 1-6A teams hoping to get the upperhand in what will be a fight for one of four playoff spots as region play opens.
Tift County head coach Jeff Littleton has Blue Devils fans believing. They already have as many wins this season as the team had all of last year.
Richmond Hill comes in with a 5-0 record after a 35-28 win against Buchholz (Florida) on Sept. 20.
None of what has happened so far matters with either team. This game could determine the season.
Phil’s Pick: Richmond Hill 28, Tift County 14
Valdosta vs. Camden County
This matchup is between the two teams that many feel are the favorites to win the region in Region 1-6A. The winner certainly takes the upperhand in claiming the top spot. It’s not like the loser is eliminated from being the No. 1 seed, but the winner would sure feel better about their chances.
Head coach Travis Roland has Camden County averaging over 50 points per game, but Valdosta will be their toughest opponent so far.
Phil’s Pick: Valdosta 35, Camden County 31
Colquitt County vs. Lowndes
A Lowndes win could be just what this program needs to get Vikings fans believing again. A Colquitt County win keeps Packers fans believing they are still the team to beat in Region 1-6A. The winner takes a big step toward securing a playoff spot.
Both Lowndes head coach Adam Carter and Colquitt County head coach Sean Calhoun know what it takes to prepare their teams for a big game. They’ve each taken teams to deep runs in the state playoffs over their careers. It’s a battle of two good teams and two great coaches on this one.
The Vikings are off to a 5-0 start. Has Lowndes arrived at the point of being able to knock off the Pack at the Hawg Pen?
