Source: Gwinnett Prep Sports

Berkmar Patriots (7-AAAAAAA)

Coach: Cole Meyer

Record: 2-1

Last week: Beat Druid Hills

Peachtree Ridge Lions (7-AAAAAAA)

Coach: Matt Helmerich

Record: 3-1

Last week: Beat Winder-Barrow 35-21

Two of the success stories in Gwinnett high school football form the young season intersect Friday in Suwanee. Both teams have fared well already under new head coaches and sport winning records, something neither has seen much in recent seasons.

Berkmar is 2-1 after snapping a 13-game losing streak that dated back to the 2020 season. Head coach Cole Meyer’s team, off last week, rebounded from a season-opening loss to defeat Clarkston (21-12) and Druid Hills (14-13) in its past two games. The current stretch is only the second time in the past nine seasons that the Patriots have won consecutive games.

Peachtree Ridge’s 3-1 start under Matt Helmerich already has matched its win total from 2021, when it went 3-7. A victory Friday would see the Lions hit the four-win mark the earliest in a season since 2013.

Hunter Sheppard sparked last week’s win over Winder-Barrow with 235 passing yards and two touchdowns, as well as a rushing TD. Jeremiah Colbert was the top playmaker in the passing game with three catches for 150 yards. Darius Wallace (17 tackles) and Ashton Bridwell (11 tackles) stood out for the Lions’ defense last Friday.

When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Last meeting: First meeting

Location: Peachtree Ridge High School