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— www.MainStreetNewsSports.com — November 13, 2008 The Banks County News Justin Poole, Sports Editor 706-367-2348, direct line 706-387-5418, FAX justin@mainstreetnews.com BCHS @ Calhoun, Friday, 7:30 p.m. Banks County headed to State Playoffs BY JUSTIN POOLE For the first time in 11 years, the Banks County Leopards are going to the show. The Leopards made it into the first round of the state playoffs as the number four seed in region 8-AA after a 34-13 defeat of Union County. Yet Banks cannot take all the credit since the North Oconee win over Fannin County is what forced an opening for Banks to fill. Regardless, the Leopards are excited because with a winning season record of 6-4, 6-3 the 2008 team has made it among the best. The first challenge for the Leopards on their quest to the Georgia Dome is Calhoun. Calhoun is the number one seed in sub- region 7B-AA and undefeated in region play with an 8-2 overall record. On paper, Calhoun has a slight advantage over the Leopards. The Yellow Jackets have averaged 33.6 points per game while Banks has averaged 30.6 points per game. Banks will definitely have to keep the ball out of Calhoun’s hands as the Leopards have allowed 21.4 points per game compared to Calhoun’s 14.5. With the exception of the Calhoun versus Pepperell game, Calhoun has won their games with more than 20 points over their opponents. Banks County is really the underdog, but that matches with the whole season as many still underestimate the team. Coach Blair Armstrong said that the Leopards have been scaring him a little in the past few games, but expects that not to See Playoffs on page 3B CROSS COUNTRY The 2008 boy’s cross country team at the state race. Photo by A! McLeod Cross country among elite teams in region BY JUSTIN POOLE in Carrollton, but also four the region. The Diaz both- Banks County’s cross- Banks runners were named ers Jorge and Ivan broke country team has a lot of to the All Region team. a school record. Then the reasons to be proud. After running in the region boy’s team began preparing Not only did the boys race at Riverside, where for the state race, make it to the state race the boys placed third in See Runners on page 3B Chris Porter sails the ball down the field during the Union County game last Friday. Banks won a trip to the playoffs after the 34-13 win. Photo by Justin Poole WNIER TECHNICAL COLLEGE www.laniertech.edu aniertech.edu Lanier Technical College provides training for careers in: Healthcare, Personal and Public Service Business and Computers Technical and Industry WNIER TECHNICAL COLLEGE www.laniertech.edu