Sports

Prediction: Wildcats By A Whisker

Duluth and Archer play in what could be an exciting season-opener.

Ah, the optimism of a new football season.

Teams that struggled last year just need some confidence to turn things around.

Teams that fell short of their goals are dedicated more than ever to get it done this time.

Find out what's happening in Duluthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Teams that won it all have the swagger that comes with knowing how to reach the top.

You may not see your favorite team in a better light than you do right now … before the reality of game time can change everything.

Find out what's happening in Duluthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Each week through the high school season, Patch will share our predictions on local football games — and ask for yours. Think you’ve got what it takes to pick a winner?

Let’s get it on.

Archer at Duluth: These two Gwinnett County teams expect to be improved this season, and that’s a good thing, considering both are coming off losing seasons.

Duluth, 4-6 last year, is on the uptick under coach Corey Jarvis, the former M.L. King coach who led that DeKalb County team to a 49-11 record in five seasons. The Wildcats improved by three wins last season in Jarvis’ first season, and there’s a good bit of experience returning — 15 starters, to be exact.

Archer, in its second varsity season, is coming off a 2-8 season and looks poised for bigger and better things after a year of playing in rugged Region 8-AAAAA.

Duluth won last year’s game 21-17 and should be considered the favorite again. We won’t know until later in the season whether either of these team can challenge for a playoff berth in their respective regions, but this should be an entertaining opener. Go with the home team, but we’re not making any promises here. Duluth 24, Archer 23.


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