Gwinnett Daily Post

Parkview Panthers (8-AAAAA)

Coach: Cecil Flowe

Record: 3-2, 3-0 region

Last week: Beat Berkmar 41-3

Central Gwinnett Black Knights (8-AAAAA)

Coach: Todd Wofford

Record: 3-3, 1-3 region

Last week: Lost to Dacula 49-21

For the past month, Parkview and Central Gwinnett have been heading in opposite directions. The Panthers have surged to the top of the region standings with three straight wins, while the Black Knights have fallen toward the bottom with three straight losses. Parkview will try to keep that momentum going tonight against a Central squad desperate for a win to stay in the playoff hunt.

"Parkview is Parkview. They do what they've been doing forever," Central head coach Todd Wofford said. "They run it down your throat and play solid defense. It sounds simple, but it has been working for them for years."

Central has allowed 49 points or more in its last three games. While the defense has had some problems, Wofford pointed out that the offense has also put the unit in some bad spots with turnovers.

"You've got to be careful with them. You look at them up front and they are physical," Parkview coach Cecil Flowe said. "We've got to do everything we can to try and have success against them."

The defense will be without linebacker Trey Johnson, an Auburn commit, who was ejected from last week's game.

"When you lose a linebacker of that caliber, it's never good," Wofford said. "But at the same time, the defense, you have to find guys on defense to step up and replace his 17 tackles a game."

The defense will have its hands full trying to slow down Parkview running back Chris Carson. The junior has emerged as the work horse in the Panthers' offense, rushing for 132 yards and three touchdowns last week. Parkview will be without linebacker Patrick Flowe for the second week as he tries heal an injured wrist. Keanu Mole, who had interception for a touchdown, Bryce Lewis and Shaq Vareen will pick up the slack.

Last meeting: Parkview won 24-17 last year

Directions to Central Gwinnett High School: From I-85, take Sugarloaf Parkway exit and go east to Ga. Highway 29. Turn left on Highway 29 and school is on the right at Gwinnett Drive.