The #1 Archer Tigers visit the #4 Grayson Rams in what is most likely the 6A Region 8 championship game.

To truly understand these two teams one must first recall the last few seasons, for each program.

The 2013 season for Archer was a dream. Unfortunately, the first playoff and double-digit win season in program history came to a screeching halt in week two of the state playoffs via a dramatic 34-32 loss to North Gwinnett; the Tigers finished 11-1. Last season, they were a bit of an enigma; starting 0-3 versus top flight teams. Then, they reeled off 11 straight wins on their way to the state championship game; which, of course, they lost to Colquitt County. This 2015 team is now on a mission.

For the Grayson Rams, the story is a bit different. From 2007-2012 they averaged 11.6 wins, won a state title and were more talented than just about any team, every year. However, entering the 2013 season, astonishingly they lost all 22 starters. The Rams finished that 2013 season at 4-6; yet narrowly missed the playoffs. In the process, Chase Brice, then a freshman, and sophomore Cameron Brent, were thrown into starting roles; along with a host of other youngsters. Last season, the Loganville based program reeled off eight straight wins to start the year, including a 14-10 victory over Archer, and finished 10-2; losing to Tucker, 26-23, in Sweet 16.

So, tonight we get two teams who believe anything less than a state championship is less than acceptable. With the incredible talent level on both sides, the winner most likely holds on for the region title and the loser takes the number two seed.

______________________________________________________________

In most polls across the state the Tigers are top two. The AJC has the Lawrenceville based program at #1 and for good reason. Many people have questioned the team for a number of reasons; but, respectfully-in regards to other media members-The Mooneyham Poll does not subscribe to that criticism. This Archer team is most likely the most talented team-depth wise-in the state.

The Tigers return 10 defensive starters, and received a major transfer, to form a unit that allowed only 14 points per game in 2014. JR LB Quinn Miller (2013: 100+ Tackles/ 2014: 130 Tackles), SR ILB Donta Evans (transferred in from Lake Marion High in Santee, SC/ Ole Miss commit/ 6’3/ 230/ #51 in 247 comp), SR NT Kobe Smith (Kentucky commit/ 6’4/ 295/ #53 in 247 comp) highlight that side of the ball.

Offensively, they are led by one of the top wide outs in America in Kyle Davis. They also feature two of the top juniors in the country in JR RB/CB Jamyest Williams (5’9/ 170/ 2014: 1,000 total yds/ 44 T/ 2 Int/ 24 PD) and JR DB/RB Isaiah Pryor (Ohio St commit/ one of the top in America in 2017/ 4*). SR DB/RB Dylan Singleton (Duke commit/ 5’11/ 180/ 141 T/ 4 Int/ 1,000 Yds in total offense) is an absolute big play maker.

All of that and we haven’t dived into conversation about their top offensive lineman SR EJ Price, who transferred in from Central Gwinnett.

Obviously, this team is loaded.

The biggest question coming into the season was at quarterback with the graduation of three-year starter Gabe Tiller. Will Bearden won the job and has been very good so far this year. Versus the highly regarded Peachtree Ridge secondary, Bearden was 13-of-18 passing for 200 yards.

Head Coach Andy Dyer started the program and has posted a 38-25 record in the seven seasons of Archer’s history.

______________________________________________________________

The quarterback position was not a question for Grayson entering 2015. The growth for that freshman from two years ago has been tremendous. Today, Chase Brice is one of the top junior quarterbacks in America; and his skill level has allowed the usually conservative Mickey Conn offense to open up a little bit. Versus a very good Langston Hughes defense, the right-hander was 17-of-23 passing for 274 yards and three touchdowns. The young running back, Cameron Brent, who’s recruiting has been far too slow, has averaged over 150 yards per game.

As good as the offense has become the strength for Grayson is the same as it was in the championship days- defense. The Rams have one of the top defensive lines in the state with SR DE Mykelle McDaniel (6’4/ 255/ 20+ major offers), SR DT/DE Chris Martin (Georgia Tech), and SR DL Bryce Morais (Boston College). The other levels are highlighted by a top player in each: SR LB Denzel Wright and SR DB Adesola Abisoye. Finally, the buzz is legit when it comes to freshman LB/DE Owen Pappoe (6’1/194).

Like Dyer at Archer, Head Coach Mickey Conn piloted the Rams program, amassing a 126-47 record, with the 2011 state championship, in 16 seasons.

It should be a great matchup and one of the more highly anticipated games of 2015. Plus, if things work out right, it may not be their only meeting this year.