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: 25-4
Season: 112-26 (81.1 pct.)
Within 6 points of margin: 6
Upset specials: 2-0 (Got Schley County over Dooly County and Hancock-Central over Washington-Wilkes).
Games of the Week
Upson-Lee (3-2) at Perry (4-1)
Ah, the brutal world of Region 2-AAAA gets going as, for the most part, the race for second commences. The Knights could easily be 4-1, just as the Panthers could easily be 2-3. And the reality is that both of these teams could finish second or miss the playoffs. A statement game for Perry after the heartbreaking loss to Veterans.
The Sports Report pick: Upson-Lee by 4 (Upset Special No. 1)
Houston County (2-3) at Warner Robins (4-1)
The Bears are still a tough team to figure. They’ve done a fine job of outgaining teams and losing, as was the case against Perry and Veterans. Warner Robins is off the big win over Northside, so there’s a chance of being a little flat.
TSR pick: Warner Robins by 27.
West Laurens (4-1) at Howard (3-2), Henderson
It feels like Howard has slowed down after a nice start, mistakes hurting the Huskies more than getting downright beaten. But their second loss was to 3A Jackson, whose stock is rising. The Raiders will bring a lumber-laying defense to town, the kind that makes an offense pay for those 5-yard pre-snap penalties.
TSR pick: West Laurens by 9.
Spalding (3-2) at Mary Persons (5-0)
Will Mary Persons be a little sore after a week off of back-patting? Only when away from the practice field. Spalding brings in a quality team with two marketable losses and a two-game winning streak.
TSR pick: Mary Persons by 27.
Peach County (3-2, 1-0) at Pike County (4-0)
The Pirates are, yes, undefeated, but they haven’t played much of a schedule – two 0-fers, a 1-win and a decent Lamar County team. This should be similar to last year’s 49-21 Peach County win.
TSR pick: Peach County by 29
Macon County (2-2, 1-0) at Dooly County (1-3, 0-1)
Both teams need to just win, and almost win out, to firm up their playoff hopes and get within the top 24 in the ratings. Both are on the outside looking in, but a win is a win.
TSR pick: Dooly County by 4.
The Matchups
Class 5A
Jones County (5-0, 2-0) at Locust Grove (2-3, 1-1)
TSR pick: Jones County by 31
Class 3A
Central (1-4, 0-1) at Westside (3-2, 1-0), Ed DeFore
Both teams are still a little tough to figure, and Central had a week off to clarify things while Westside took care of business. This is a NUP: Near Upset Special.
TSR pick: Westside by 10
Class 2A
Dublin (4-1, 1-0) at Bleckley County (2-3, 0-1)
The Royals have speed, but enough to handle Dublin’s size and wing-T? With Washington County next, it’s almost a must-win for Bleckley County
TSR pick: Dublin by 17
Northeast (2-3, 1-0) at Dodge County (5-0, 1-0)
Northeast remains a tough team to figure out. Dodge County remains a tough team to beat. And at home?
TSR pick: Dodge County by 27
Washington County (4-0) at East Laurens (1-4, 0-1)
The Golden Hawks will likely be able to work on the passing game they’ll need in the postseason.
TSR pick: Washington County by 37.
Lamar County (3-2, 1-0) at Spencer (0-5, 0-1)
Spencer is not the winless team to treat like a winless team. The Greenwave Owls have losses by seven, one, and four, two to higher-classification teams.
TSR pick: Lamar County by 1.
Putnam County (1-4, 0-2) at Monticello (1-4, 0-2)
Not much separates the two, on the field or geographically, except that Putnam County has given up 58 more points.
TSR pick: Monticello by 4.
Class A
Taylor County (1-3, 0-1) at Crawford County (2-2, 0-1)
Working toward a .500 season is the adjusted goal for both, who otherwise need to win out to have a postseason chance.
TSR pick: Taylor County by 6
GMC (3-2, 0-2) at Aquinas (4-0, 1-0)
The Bulldogs are in a slump, and this is a tough week to break out of it.
TSR pick: Aquinas by 24
Wilkinson County (0-4) at Tattnall (2-3, 1-0)
The Trojans can’t afford to overlook anybody, and the Warriors are equal, as far as the GHSA rankings go.
TSR pick: Tattnall by 14
FPD (0-4) at Twiggs County (0-5, 0-1)
The Cobras finally scored, last week, and the Vikings had a week to fine-tune the offense they changed into after the opener.
TSR pick: FPD by 21
ACE (3-3) at Maclay, Fla.
ACE has a long way to go for a game against an undefeated team.
TSR pick: Maclay by 29
GISA/GICAA
Trinity Christian (2-2) at Westfield (1-4)
Keeping their heads up is the priorit for the Hornets, who are atop the “this close” standings.
TSR pick: Westfield by 5
Gatewood (4-1) at Terrell (3-3)
The Gators are rolling, and may need a little time to get rolling on the road.
TSR pick: Gatewood by 22
Memorial Day (3-2) at Brentwood (2-3)
There will be some points scored.
TSR pick: Memorial Day by 9