The Johnson Knights will square off against the North Hall Trojans at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Johnson's offense hasn't had much luck over their past seven games, but Friday's contest will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Friday, Johnson took a blow against Pickens, falling 49-3. While losing is never fun, the Knights can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Georgia football rankings (they are ranked 433rd, while the Dragons are ranked 148th).
Meanwhile, North Hall strolled into their game on Friday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They put the hurt on Lumpkin County with a sharp 35-12 win. Considering the Trojans have won five matchups by more than 22 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Johnson better keep an eye on Alex Schlieman. He was instrumental in North Hall's win, throwing for 266 yards and four TDs while completing 71.4% of his passes. What's more, Schlieman racked up 19 rushing yards, the most he's had since back in August. The team also got some help courtesy of Parker Carlton, who gained 38 total yards and two touchdowns.
North Hall didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Lumpkin County to a completion percentage of just 37.9%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from four players: Daniel Guevara, Walker Davis, Cole Lindlief, and Noah Kemp, who each logged one passes deflected. Given Schlieman's standout performance, it's clear Lumpkin County's secondary just wasn't on the same level.
North Hall's defense didn't let Mason Hester, get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Carlton, Dalton Hulsey, and Guevara, who each picked up one sack apiece.
Johnson's defeat dropped their record down to 0-8. As for North Hall, their victory bumped their record up to 8-0.
Johnson was taken down by North Hall 56-7 in their previous matchup back in October of 2024. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Knights were down 42-0.
