DACULA, Ga. - No. 1 Hebron Christian Academy (3A-A Private) is set to begin its five-game region slate against No. 10 East Jackson (2A) this Friday, Sept. 26.

The 3-1 Lions will play host to the 5-0 Eagles, who have been on an impressive run to start this year, after a 4-7 record a year ago. Hebron has had a strong non-region run itself, winning three of four games against stout competition. 

"[Non-region] tells you the truth, and we have faced an unbelievable schedule, so to come out of that 3-1 is fantastic, but the goal beyond the record is to know exactly who we are," head coach Kenny Dallas said. "We start fast with [East Jackson], who's ranked in the top 10 at 5-0, so we're excited about where we are." 

While there isn't much history between these two top-ranked foes; Friday will be just the third meeting in the last 10 seasons; the Eagles will look to earn revenge over the Lions, who defeated them soundly in 2024, 66-7. Hebron ran out of the gate on fire last season, scoring 28 in the first quarter, and then added 17 before half and 21 in the third quarter. It wasn't until the final frame when the Eagles scratched across a score. 

This season, the Eagles offense has been the complete opposite. Averaging just over 35 points in their five games, they have scored early and often with senior quarterback Drew Richardson at the helm. Richardson is currently committed to play football for Army. 

"Nobody falls into being 5-0, obviously they've got some great players and have put it all together," Dallas said. "They're led by a really talented quarterback, who this past week threw for over 300 yards and rushed for over 200, so he's a guy to keep your eye on." 

For the Lions, they are averaging 26 points per game this season, scoring a high of 45 against No. 3 Fellowship Christian (3A-A Private), which has been on a tear, scoring 153 points in the last three games. 

Offensive leaders for the Lions have been senior running back (Mercer) Devon Caldwell with 613 yards-rushing and nine touchdowns, senior wide receiver Jarvis Mathurin (Georgia Southern) with 163 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and the powerful offensive line which includes senior Fletcher Turk (Wake Forest) and junior Elijah Morrison, who stands with collegiate offers including Georgia Tech, Liberty and Troy.

Defense will be key for the Lions against East Jackson. They are allowing an average of 23 points per game and have forced 14 turnovers, something few teams have done against the Eagles. 

The Lions will certainly be met with an early test to start region play, but have been prepared by the best in the state over the last four games.

Kickoff between the region foes is set for 7:30 p.m. at Burlingame Field.