Martin Luther King Jr.’s Colin White (3), Keion Cush (11) and Jomel Robinson (15) combine on a tackle against Mundy’s Mill. (Photo by Mark Brock)
A key Region 4-6A battle between the No. 10 ranked Martin Luther King Jr. Loins and the Stephenson Jaguars headlines a slate of nine games in DeKalb County this weekend.
The Lions (4-0, 2-0) and Jaguars (3-1, 1-1) collide for the 14th time in a game set to be televised by GPB-TV and on GPB.org at 7:30 pm on Friday at Hallford Stadium.
Stephenson currently holds a six-game streak (2013-2018) over the Lions who are 4-0 for the first time since their last victory over the Jaguars in 2012. The Jaguars are 9-4 overall against the Lions.
King is led by the explosive play of quarterback Jacobi Haynes who leads DeKalb Count in rushing (78 carries, 715 yards, 178.8 yds/gm, 6 TDs) while also hitting on 20 of 38 passes for 472 yards and 7 TDs. Michael Fearn joins him in the backfield and has rushed for 325 yards and three TDs on the season
Haynes top target in the passing game is Dequan’dre Moore who has 12 receptions for 332 yards (27.7 yds/reception) and five TDs on the season.
Stephenson defensive lineman Bailey Malachi (55) makes a tackle. (Photo by Arielle Hayes)
Stephenson’s defense counters led by defensive linemen Tommy Smith (40 tackles, 3 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries) and Malichi Bailey (31 tackles, 5 for loss, 2 sacks and 6 passes broken up) and linebacker Dorain Helm (29 tackles, 6 for loss, 2 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries). The Jaguars have allowed just 10.8 points per game this season.
The Jaguars offense is led by Texas A&M commit Deondre Jackson (86 carries, 447 yards, 111.8/game, 8 TDs). Quarterback Joseph Jackson has thrown for 373 yards and has spread the ball around with 10 different players having at least one reception on the season.
The Lions defense has also been tough in points allowed with just 14.5 allowed per game. Linebacker Colin White (43 tackles, 3 sacks, 12 for loss) leads the Lions attacking defense. Defensive end Marquel Parks (33 tackles, 4 sacks, 15 for loss) is another force on defense and also had 64-yard touchdown reception in the 41-25 win over Mundy’s Mill last week.
Cedar Grove’s Janiran Bonner (13) fills a hole against Valor Christian during the Saints comeback victory over the defending Colorado Class 5A state champion. (Photo courtesy of Friday Night Stripes)
Cedar Grove vs. Redan
The Class 3A No. 2 ranked Cedar Grove Saints (3-2, 1-0) look to extend their Region 5-3A streak to 20 games as they face off with DeKalb rival Redan Raiders (3-2, 0-1) on Friday in a homecoming game at Godfrey Stadium at 7:30 pm.
Cedar Grove is coming off a 41-17 win over the Lovett Lions a week ago in which they scored 21 unanswered points to run away from the Lions in the Region 5-3A opener. Chavon Wright carried 19 times for 234 yards and 3 TDs in the win while quarterback Austin Smith threw for 171 yards and three TDs. Janiran Bonner had 3 catches for 67 yards and two TDs.
Linebacker Isaiah Ratcliff has been all over the field for the Saints with 60 total tackles including 3.5 sacks and 7 tackles for a loss. Defensive end Alvin Williams has contributed 36 total tackles, 3 sacks and 7 tackles for a loss.
The Raiders are coming off a 40-14 loss to Pace Academy last week that got away from them after a tight first half. Running back Jaquez Williams leads the Raiders ground attack with 535 yards on 58 carries and 6 TDs and athlete Corey Mikel added 464 yards on 53 carries and 3 TDs.
Redan’s defense is led by outstanding linebacker Tyronta Taylor (38 total tackles, 5 sacks, 8 tackles for a loss and 5 interceptions after five games. Freshman linebacker Tymer Burton (21 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 tackles for loss) gives the Raiders a one-two punch on defense.
Seven other games are set for DeKalb stadiums on Friday and Saturday as all 19 teams are in action this weekend. Other Friday home games include Lakeside vs. Central Gwinnett (Adams, 7:30 pm), Dunwoody vs. Pope (North DeKalb, 7:30 pm) and Towers vs. Lovett (Avondale, 7:30 pm).
Saturday games in DeKalb include Arabia Mountain vs. Miller Grove (Avondale, 7:30 pm), Southwest DeKalb vs. Chamblee (North DeKalb, 7:30 pm), Columbia vs. Lithonia (Hallford, 7:30 pm) and McNair vs. Washington (Godfrey, 7:30 pm).
Away games on Friday feature Tucker at Lovejoy (Twelve Oaks, 7:30 pm), Cross Keys at Pataula Charter (7:30 pm), Druid Hills at Woodward Academy (7:30 pm) and Stone Mountain at Pace Academy (Riverview Complex, 7:30 pm).
DCSD FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Friday, Oct. 4 – Week 7
ADAMS STADIUM
Central Gwinnett (0-5) vs. Lakeside (0-5), 7:30 pm (HC)
AVONDALE STADIUM
Lovett (3-2) vs. Towers (2-3), 7:30 pm (HC)
GODFREY STADIUM
Redan (3-2) vs. Cedar Grove (3-2), 7:30 pm,
HALLFORD STADIUM
M.L. King (4-0) vs. Stephenson (3-1), 7:30 pm
(GPB-TV &GPB.org)
NORTH DEKALB STADIUM
Pope (3-2) vs. Dunwoody (2-3), 7:30 pm
AWAY GAMES
Tucker (3-2) at Lovejoy (4-1), Twelve Oaks, 7:30 pm
Cross Keys (0-6) at Pataula Charter (1-4), 7:30 pm
Druid Hills (2-2) at Woodward (4-0), 7:30 pm
Stone Mountain (1-3) at Pace Academy (3-1), Riverview Complex 7:30 pm
Saturday, Oct. 5
AVONDALE STADIUM
Miller Grove (0-4) vs. Arabia Mountain (0-5), 7:30 pm
GODFREY STADIUM
Washington (1-4) vs. McNair (0-5), 7:30 pm (HC)
HALLFORD STADIUM
Lithonia (1-4) vs. Columbia (0-5), 7:30 pm (HC)
NORTH DEKALB STADIUM
SW DeKalb (4-1) vs. Chamblee (0-4), 7:30 pm