After both having extra time off, the Northwest Whitfield Bruins and the Oconee County Warriors will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field against one another at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Northwest Whitfield will be strutting in after a win while Oconee County will be coming in after a defeat.
Northwest Whitfield took a loss when they played away from home back in October, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed back in October. They took their game with ease, bagging a 52-21 victory over Ridgeland. Considering the Bruins have won six matchups by more than 19 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Gavin Nuckolls
| 09/20/25 @ Gilmer | 5 |
| 09/26/25 vs Heritage | 4 |
| 10/24/25 vs Ridgeland | 3 |
| 10/03/25 @ LaFayette | 3 |
| 08/14/25 vs Coahulla Creek | 3 |
| + 5 more games |
Northwest Whitfield's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Gavin Nuckolls led the charge by throwing for 188 yards and three touchdowns while completing 90.9% of his passes. Nuckolls has become a key player for the Bruins: the team is undefeated when he posts at least three passing touchdowns, but 2-3 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Gage Parker, who rushed for 98 yards and a pair of TDs.
Northwest Whitfield's run defense was locked in: Ridgeland could only muster 2.6 yards per carry. The Bruins' ground attack was stronger, having averaged 4.5.
The home team had won the previous four meetings between Oconee County and Jefferson, and Jefferson kept the tradition alive. The Warriors took a 24-19 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Dragons last Friday. While losing is never fun, the Warriors can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Georgia football rankings (they are ranked 142nd, while the Dragons are ranked 29th).
Northwest Whitfield will have to keep a close watch on Brody Hannah and Mason Hall, a pair of players who had a big impact on Oconee County's prior game. Hannah threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns, while Hall picked up 151 receiving yards.
Northwest Whitfield's record is now 7-3. As for Oconee County, their loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 6-4.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Northwest Whitfield has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 173.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Oconee County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 184.7 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Northwest Whitfield was taken down by Oconee County 41-14 in their previous matchup back in November of 2019. Thankfully for the Bruins, Jimmy Boswell (who rushed for 227 yards and three scores) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
