Now that region play is in full swing, the races for playoff berths and region titles are heating up. Region 7-5A has two blockbusters on the schedule this week (Calhoun at Hiram and Cass at Cartersville) that will shape the playoff picture. Other big games in Week 8 include Lowndes at Valdosta, Walton at North Cobb and Benedictine at Burke County.

The Georgia High School Associated approved a reclassification framework for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years on Monday. The big change is that private schools in classes 3A to A will play for one state championship in all sports, separate from public schools. They will continue to play in regions with public schools during the regular season.

The GHSA’s executive committee on Monday approved NIL deals for high school athletes and a plan that will have private schools in classes 3A, 2A and A competing in private-only state playoffs beginning in 2024-25. Both were expected.

Private schools in classes 3A-A will be playing for state championships separate from public schools beginning in 2024-25 if the Georgia High School Association’s executive committee approves the plan today in Macon. The GHSA’s reclassification committee voted 12-2 on Sunday to recommend the plan to the 75-member executive committee, which can make it official.

David Eziomume of North Cobb is the GHSA’s new leading rusher after a 326-yard performance in a victory over Milton last week. Eziomume has rushed for 933 yards in five games. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back is committed to Clemson. Prince Avenue Christian’s Aaron Philo (1,926 passing yards) and North Murray’s Judson Petty (707 yards receiving) maintained their leads.

It's still early in region play, but several Week 7 games will have a huge impact on who wins 2023 region championships. Among those games this week are Newton vs. Grayson in Class 7A; Lee County vs. Houston County and Roswell vs. Blessed Trinity in 6A; Cartersville vs. Calhoun and Ola vs. Warner Robins in 5A; North Oconee vs. North Hall in 4A; and Appling County vs. Pierce County in 2A

The Georgia High School Association is discussing again a plan that would have private schools playing for their own state championships separate from public schools in classes 3A to A. GHSA reclassification committee chairman Curt Miller, who pushed hard for a similar plan two years ago before compromising, made the motion to discuss the idea Tuesday in Thomaston at a GHSA reclass meeting.

Douglas County's James Johnson scored three touchdowns and had eight tackles in a victory over defending Class 6A champion Hughes; Jefferson's Sammy Brown does a little big of everything in a Region 8-5A win over Clarke Central; and Worth County freshman Lyndon Worthy passes for 409 yards and six touchdowns against Terrell County.