This week's high school football games, and who's going to win
This week’s high school football games, and who’s going to win
Last week: 17-4
Season: 129-30 (81.1 pct.)
Within 6 points of margin: 8
Upset specials: No picks.
Games of the Week
Dutchtown (6-0, 3-0) at Jones County (6-0, 3-0)
There will be few places in Georgia as electric as The Barking Lot. Dutchtown is an easy drive to Gray, so an overflow crowd will watch a pair of top-10 teams battling. Dutchtown has given up 23 points, 92 less than Jones County. The Greyhounds have scored 64 more points.
TSR pick: Jones County by 9
Howard (4-2, 1-0) at Perry (4-2, 0-1)
The Huskies came up clutch to beat West Laurens, and now face the opposite scheme, pass-happy Perry and QB Lane Rucker. Perry needs more D and Howard needs more O.
TSR pick: Howard by 3
Mary Persons (6-0, 1-0) at Upson-Lee (4-2, 1-0)
Two of the area’s better QBs will be on the field, and both teams have threat. Defense has been an issue. Upson-Lee has momentum and confidence, and is in a position that seemed unlikely six weeks ago. Expect a playoff atmosphere at Matthews Field.
TSR pick: Mary Persons by 11
Dodge County (6-0, 2-0) at Dublin (5-1, 2-0)
The colors at the Shamrock Bowl will be red for Dodge County and green for Dublin, and black and blue by the end of the night for the players in what’ll be a physical, run-heavy battle. And yet, the passing game, such as it will be, may be the difference.
TSR pick: Dublin by 2 (upset special)
Bulloch (5-0) at John Milledge (5-0)
Nothing like a non-region battle of undefeated in the middle of the season to keep things interesting.
TSR pick: John Milledge by 4
The Matchups
6A
Valdosta (3-3) at Houston County (2-4)
Record-wise, the teams are pretty even. Can Houston County come up with its marquee win of the post-Fromm era?
TSR pick: Valdosta by 20
Coffee (6-0) at Northside (3-3)
Speaking of marquee wins, Northside needs one to avoid being 3-4 for the first time in “it’s just too long to look it up”. How much 12th man support will be there? And can it boost an offense against a defense that’s given up only 33 points?
TSR pick: Coffee by 17
5A
Veterans (6-0) at Bainbridge (2-4)
Losing record aside, Bainbridge provides a test because it’s the first road region game for the upstart Warhawks. The Bearcats have lost four straight, but everybody starts anew in region.
TSR pick: Veterans by 4
Warner Robins (5-1) at Harris County (2-4)
The Tigers have won two straight after losing four in a row, but neither win is all that inspiring.
TSR pick: Warner Robins by 24
4A
Spalding (3-3, 0-1) at West Laurens (4-2, 0-1)
The redundant “another tight game in 2-4A” battle. Spalding has an even record and is even in points scored and allowed. West Laurens is off a disappointing offensive night in a loss to Howard, and digs a hole with another loss.
TSR pick: West Laurens by 13
Baldwin (1-5) at Richmond Academy (6-0)
The records tell a story.
TSR pick: Richmond Academy by 27
3A
Kendrick (1-5, 1-1) at Central (1-5, 0-2), Thompson
Time for the Chargers to put it together a bit?
TSR pick: Central by 18
Westside (4-2, 2-0) at Jackson (3-2, 1-0)
Jackson may be underrated, and these two teams are even. And there will be a home-crowd advantage.
TSR pick: Jackson by 2
Pike County (4-1, 0-1) at Rutland (0-6, 0-2), Ed DeFore
The first game since Dylan Thomas’ death will be hard for both teams, but the emotion will soon be big for Pike County. Emotion doesn’t always lead to good execution.
TSR pick: Pike County by 14
2A
Northeast (2-4, 1-1) at Southwest (2-3, 0-1), Henderson
City rivalry aside, the Raiders and Patriots are playing for one playoff spot in the region. Southwest needs to get some offense going.
TSR pick: Northeast by 11
Bleckley County (2-4, 0-2) at Washington County (5-0, 1-0)
A thumping from Dublin last week aside, the Golden Hawks aren’t likely to overlook the Royals, at least not for long.
TSR pick: Washington County by 30
Callaway (5-1, 2-0) at Lamar County (3-3, 1-1)
Lamar County was pounded by winless Spencer last week.
TSR pick: Callaway by 24
A
Macon County (2-3, 1-1) at Crawford County (2-3, 0-2)
The Bulldogs can’t afford to slip up if they want to stay in the playoff hunt, and a loss takes care of that.
TSR pick: Macon County by 22
Dooly County (2-3, 1-1) at Hawkinsville (2-3, 1-1)
It’s doubtful Hawkinsville’s offense can keep up with Dooly County’s.
TSR pick: Dooly County by 20
Schley County (4-1, 2-0) at Taylor County (2-3, 1-1)
Schley County had a week off after topping Dooly County, but Taylor County may be getting some momentum. Possible upset alert.
TSR pick: Schley County by 4
Wilkinson County (0-5, 0-1) at FPD (1-4, 1-0)
FPD hasn’t’ necessarily righted the ship, but it’s going in the right direction.
TSR pick: FPD by 18
Warren County (3-3, 1-2) at GMC (3-3, 1-2)
These two need a win, the home team more than the visitor.
TSR pick: Warren County by 5
ACE (3-4) at Glascock County (0-6)
The battle of the two 7-A teams not playing a region schedule.
TSR pick: ACE by 13
Hancock Central (4-1, 2-0) at Greene County (3-2, 2-0)
Both teams have pretty god defenses, but the Bulldogs – who have been dominated in this series – have a little better offense.
TSR pick: Hancock Central by 15
Twiggs County (0-6, 0-2) at Mount de Sales (5-0, 1-0)
The Cavs may struggle a little bit before pulling away.
TSR pick: Mount de Sales by 23
Tattnall (3-3, 2-0) at Stratford (1-4, 0-1)
Records and rankings aside, it’s Tattnall and Stratford.
TSR pick: Tattnall by 8
GISA
Augusta Prep (1-5) at Trinity Christian (3-2)
TSR pick: TCS by 17
Westfield (1-5) at Frederica (4-2)
TSR pick: Frederica by 11
Piedmont (2-2-1) at Crisp (2-3)
TSR pick: Crisp by 4
Brentwood (3-3) at Robert Toombs (5-1)
TSR pick: Robert Toombs by 19