Gwinnett Daily Post

Maurice Teele

Central Gwinnett Black Knights (8-AAAAA)

Coach: Todd Wofford

Record: 3-4, 1-4 region

Last week: Lost to Parkview 22-15

Archer Tigers (8-AAAAA)

Coach: Andy Dyer

Record: 3-3, 2-2 region

Last week: Beat Shiloh 35-0

Archer drew a good portion of students from the Central cluster when it opened in 2009, making this a natural rivalry.

"It's somewhat of a rivalry because a lot of their kids are from here, a lot of our kids know their kids," Central head coach Todd Wofford said.

Wofford's team has been sliding since a 3-0 start, dropping four games in a row. The Black Knights gave up 63, 56 and 49 points in those first three losses, but rebounded with better defense in last Friday's narrow loss to Parkview. Defensive lineman Maurice Teele was among the players who stepped up last week with the absence of star linebacker Trey Johnson, an Auburn commitment who is back this week.

"It was right there for us," Wofford said of nearly beating Parkview. "It's a part of these guys learning to finish off a game against a tough opponent."

Central had its hands full with Archer quarterback Jarvis Holley last season, and he's back this year along with a stout offensive line and a group of capable running backs. Linebacker Derrick Parker leads a defense that blanked Shiloh a week ago.

"We felt like we were going to be able to move the football (against Shiloh) and defensively, we've been playing pretty good," Archer head coach Andy Dyer said. "Any time you hold the opponent to a zero, it's a good night."

Last meeting: Central won 38-24 last year

Directions to Archer High School: From Ga. Hwy. 316, go east to Ga. 20 and turn right toward Lawrenceville. Continue as Ga. 20 turns into Jackson Street and New Hope Road. School is on the right.