Ready for Some Friday Night Lights?

Football is full gear in Georgia, and that includes our own gridiron heroes who play for local high school teams.

Maybe this is the week you take in a local game. The weather's going to be great and you know the excitement will be at a high level.

Here are five Georgia High School Association games involving Northeast Georgia schools Friday night that might spark your interest. Kickoffs begin at 7:30 p.m.

1. North Oconee at Madison County: Don't let Madison County's 1-9 record in 2012 fool you. The Red Raiders are 2-0 and off to their best start since 2006. North Oconee (0-1), with a 1-2 punch of quarterback Tate Adcock and running back Kawon Bryant, is ranked No. 10 in Class 3A despite last week's loss to St. Pius, last year's state runner-up.

2. Winder-Barrow at Gainesville: Winder-Barrow has its hands full in this one. Gainesville is the defending Class 5A champ and is smarting after a 38-14 loss to mighty Buford, last year Class 3A champ. Winder, which lost to Monroe Area last week, also is 1-1, but may be hard-pressed to beat the Red Elephants, who beat the Bulldoggs 69-0 in 2012.

3. Cedar Shoals at Flowery Branch: The Region 8-AAAAA opener for both schools is a gotta-have if either team hopes to challenge for a playoff spot. Neither has won in two previous games this season. Flowery Branch used a win over Cedar Shoals after an 0-2 start last year to win its last eight regular-season games and reach the playoffs. Cedar Shoals started 2-0 last year, then lost six of eight to end the season.

4. Clarke Central at Loganville: The Athens powerhouse comes to Loganville in a Region 8-AAAAA opener for both schools. The Gladiators and the hometown Red Devils know each other well. Both teams are 1-1.

5. Oconee County at Monroe Area: The home opener for Matt Fligg's Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes could be a repeat of last year's 62-14 win at Oconee, which is 0-2. Monroe Area is looking every bit the part of the No. 6 team in Class 4A. Last week, Kwan Brooks scored four touchdowns in a win over Winder-Barrow. Oconee lost to Lanier last week.

Note: Some statistical information was gathered from the Georgia High School Football Historians Association website, which compiles the state's best database on the sport.

See also:

• High School Football Games Scheduled in NE Georgia, Sept. 13
• NE Georgia High School Football Scores, Sept. 6
• NE Georgia High School Football Scores, Aug. 30