It was a great start to the 2025 season – here are the scores and details of each local contest.
East Hall 42, Banks County 21
The Leopards got some offense going, but East Hall’s high-flying offense was even better. The Vikings doubled up Banks County in the opener.
#6 Wesleyan 45, #5 Commerce 27
After a long lightning delay before the start and then in the first quarter, Wesleyan took a 7-0 lead at the end of one. Layden Bryson had a rushing score for his first as a Tiger, but it was 21-7 at the break. In the third, Jace Lyle had a TD run, then Bryson had a 40-yd TD as Commerce trailed 38-21 in the fourth. Wesleyan had a blocked punt TD a bit later. Essien Lockleer snagged a 10-yd TD pass from Bryson late.
Franklin County 14, Chestatee 7 (OT)
Keyes Harbin had a game-tying TD at the tail-end of the third. A field goal attempt was missed at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime. From there, a 25-yd TD pass for the Lions followed by a Chestatee turnover equaled an opening thrilling win for Franklin County.
Habersham Central 27, #7 Stephens County 3
As the story went for others, the game was delayed by an hour due to lightning, but it held up to expectations. The Raiders had little trouble with the Indians, making good on the hype with a win – only the second since 1996 against the arch-rivals.
#1 Jefferson vs #1 Marist (PPD to Saturday 11 AM)
After long lightning delays and a bad forecast, Jefferson and Marist agreed to play at 11 AM on Saturday.
Cherokee Bluff 31, Lumpkin County 21
Cherokee Bluff edged out Lumpkin 31-21 in the season-opener. The game was tied at 21 late in the third before the Bears scored the final 10 points to claim the win.
#6 Rabun County 42, White County 6
It was all Rabun County from the start. 36 unanswered with a 22-point first and 20-point second put the Wildcats in the driver’s seat. A running clock and young guys in the second half, that did it. Reid Giles had TD runs of three, 13, and 65 yards. Ty Truelove had a TD pass to Dane Tyler, Lake Evans had a 1-yd TD, and Bryan Avila notched a pair of long field goals. Alex Freeman threw a 77-yd TD pass to Davey Waller for the lone Warriors score. This marked the first win for coach Rance Gillespie.
Murray County 14, Towns County 3
Towns County got only a field goal, though the defense played well in an opening loss to Murray County, 14-3.
Other Games of Interest
#1 Buford 20, #1 Milton 13
#2 Gainesville 26, Marietta 7
Jackson County vs Flowery Branch (unknown)
Seckinger vs West Hall (PPD to Saturday)
Hart County 51, Elbert County 20
East Jackson vs Winder-Barrow (unknown)
Lakeview vs Lanier Christian (PPD to Saturday)
