Region 8-6A title game: Jackson County's offense meets Clarke Central's defense

Jackson County High School fans who want to see the Panthers play for a region title can watch Friday at Billy Henderson Stadium in Athens. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m., with a pregame show starting at 7 p.m. on Atlanta News First. The broadcast streams on the ANF+ app and the Atlanta News First website.

The Region 8-6A championship pits Jackson County (8-0) against Clarke Central. Jackson County coach Korey Mobbs is in his fourth season leading the Panthers. Clarke Central coach David Perno has built a team centered on physical play. Mobbs and Perno are 1-1 against each other.

Jackson County enters the game 8-0, the first time in program history the Panthers have started a season with eight straight wins. The Panthers have scored 40 or more points in each of their last five games. They average 47 points per game through eight contests. Clarke Central's defense has allowed 10 points per game this season. The most points the Gladiators have given up was 17 to North Oconee, which is Clarke Central's only loss this year.

Clarke Central leads the all-time series 9-1. Jackson County's first win over the Gladiators came last season, a 64-14 victory. Friday marks the 11th meeting between the two programs.

Jackson County quarterback Ben Musser, a senior and Appalachian State commit, transferred from Prince Avenue Christian before this season. He has thrown for 1,332 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 471 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior running back Daylan Maxwell has 1,155 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Noah Norwood has 10 touchdowns on 16 receptions.

On defense, linebackers Maher Magness and Noah Bade have combined for 142 total tackles and six tackles for loss. Tyler Mobbs has 51 total tackles and four interceptions, both team highs.

Clarke Central's Trey Bryant plays quarterback and runs the ball. Running back Faustino Rangel joins him in the backfield. Receivers Jordan Jones and La'Gracion Little, a Georgia Southern commit, round out the Gladiators' offense.

The winner takes the Region 8-6A title. Clarke Central is looking for its first region championship since 2024. Jackson County is seeking consecutive region titles for the first time in program history. A postgame show follows the game with scores from around the state.

The game will be shown on the WANF Special Events channel. The ANF+ app is available on FireTV, AppleTV, Roku and YouTube TV.