Sports

Early Season Surprises in Gwinnett High School Football

Five noteworthy developments so far.

Yes, we know that things can change — and probably will — after only a couple games into the 2013 high school football season in Gwinnett County.

But there already have been some surprises.

As many schools prepare to enter region play this weekend, here are five noteworthy developments so far:

1. 0-2 times three? Who would have guessed that football heavyweights Brookwood, Grayson and Parkview would all be 0-2 right off the bat? Add in South Gwinnett's 1-1 start, and that means last year's Region 8-AAAAAA playoff teams are a combined 1-7. Somebody is going to 0-3 after Friday's Grayson-Parkview game. And Brookwood has a tough assignment at Archer, which is 2-0 and aching to beat the Broncos, who beat the Tigers 21-19 and 20-19 the past two seasons.

2. Are they for real? An undefeated matchup between Shiloh and Berkmar is about as common as Georgia snow in September. The teams combined for five total wins last year. but will tie that total after the teams face Friday at Berkmar. Both are 2-0. Shiloh went 3-7 last year after a 3-0 start, by the way.

3. Hook 'Em Horns! Playing in only its second full varsity season, Lanier can improve to 3-0 with a win Friday at Franklin County. Billy Wells' Longhorns has had two easy wins so far, and considering they beat Franklin by three touchdowns last year, their chances are staying unbeaten are quite good.

4. North is No. 1: North Gwinnett's lofty ranking in Class 6A will get a big test Friday at defending state champ Norcross (ranked No. 6). It's not that the Bulldogs haven't already passed two tests, with impressive wins over previous state champions Camden County and Grayson.

5. Here Come the Hawks: Mill Creek is 2-0 as it begins a three-game stretch of road games with Friday's game at winless Mountain View. The Hawks are now state-ranked and seem poised to challenge the elite in Region 7-AAAAAA.

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