Gwinnett Daily Post

Winder-Barrow Bulldoggs (8-AAAA)

Coach: David Wagner

Record: 0-4, 0-4 region

Last week: Lost to Clarke Central 44-0

Habersham Central Raiders (8-AAAA)

Coach: Stuart Cunningham

Record: 3-2, 3-2 region

Last week: Beat Madison Co. 41-24

On the surface, the key for the Bulldoggs beating Habersham Central and breaking their current 18-game losing streak seems simple enough.

But as head coach David Wagner points out, implementing that game plan isn't quite that simple.

"If you want to beat Habersham, you'd better stop (Kevin) Ellison," Wagner said of the quarterback who engineers the Raiders' option attack. "He makes everything go, and he's got enough talented pieces around him to keep you honest."

The Bulldoggs will have nearly all the weapons they have at their disposal to try to execute their game plan.

Actually, the return of senior fullback C.J. Hall, who hasn't played since being injured in the season opener against Rockdale County, may be the biggest help in that regard.

"That will help with some defensive guys that we've needed to play offense," Wagner said. "Al Schotter (in particular) has had to fill in, and that may have affected him late in games (on defense)."

Still, Winder-Barrow will need a few two-way players to chip in Friday, most notably on both lines of scrimmage, including 5-foot-8, 228-pound junior Austin Stewart.

"We're trying to funnel and dictate where (Ellison and Habersham's offense) go," Wagner said. "(Stewart) will be a huge part of that."

Last meeting: Habersham Central won 21-0 last year

Directions to Habersham Central High School: I-85 north to I-985 north, which turns into Highway 365. Get off on Clarksville exit, or Highway 197 and go toward Clarksville. At stop sign, turn right and school is on right.