Gwinnett Daily Post

Staff Photo: John Bohn South Gwinnett quarterback Jordan Ramey (2) runs the ball as Grayson defensive back Kasey Gaines (5) attempts to tackle Ramey during a recent 8-AAAAAA game.

Not everyone is in Norcross' position.

The Blue Devils have something to play for --a perfect 10-0 regular season --on Friday night, but they should get a chance to rest up for the playoffs this week.

They close with winless Meadowcreek, which should mean a drama-free week if Norcross can avoid injuries.

As for the rest of Gwinnett teams, there is plenty at stake in Game 10. And a more intriguing week for the fans, particularly in Region 8-AAAAAA.

Based on Friday night's outcomes, Parkview, Grayson and South Gwinnett all have shots at the 8-AAAAAA championship. Their seedings will vary greatly depending on the winners of Brookwood at Grayson and Parkview at South Gwinnett. Personally, I think Grayson and South win those two games, but we'll see how it shakes out in those two.

While Norcross has locked up the 7-AAAAAA crown and North Gwinnett is a solid second seed, there is still drama this Friday in that region, too. Collins Hill hosts Mill Creek in a clear-cut, third-place game. I like the Hawks in this one.

A few games in the smaller classifications also have major playoff implications on Friday. Greater Atlanta Christian travels to Lovett in a matchup to decide the Region 6-AA title (I'd like the Spartans to win their first region crown since 2001) and North Hall plays at Buford in a key 7-AAA game (look for the Wolves to win and earn a home playoff game next week).

Even a few season finales that won't impact the playoffs should be interesting.

Lanier's regular-season finale at Walnut Grove offers the Longhorns a chance to finish 5-5 in their first year of region play. With a win over Duluth, Mountain View can win four games for the first time since beginning region play. Central Gwinnett, which hosts Shiloh, has a shot at its first winning season since 2006 with a win.

For those teams, Game 10 is like their playoff game. For the postseason-bound teams, it's like the playoffs start a week early.

For the fans, it's the ideal situation --regular-season finales that matter.

Will Hammock can be reached via email at will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com. His column appears on Thursdays. For archived columns, go to www.gwinnettdailypost.com/willhammock.