Games of the Week

Northside (3-3) at Coffee (5-1)

          For many reasons, even as only the region opener, this is a huge game for Northside, which is, simply put, fairly reeling. After an historic 39-0 loss to Warner Robins, the Eagles had a week off for that game to fester and to hear about that game and questions about the program. Northside was 3-3 at this point last year, and beat visiting Coffee 30-20, a game which didn’t really do anything in the big picture, the Eagles losing two of the next three before the memorable playoff run. While the Coffee of 2018 was undefeated at the time, the 5-1 Coffee of 2019 a chunk better, and the 2019 Eagles have taken a step back. How Northside – which will likely be a double-digit underdog until the Houston County game - executes and competes is more important long-term than a win or loss.

Houston County (4-2) at Valdosta (5-1)

          Valdosta head coach Alan Rodemaker sees a Houston County team with plenty of weapons in QB Max Rigby and receivers Isaih Harris, Leeshoen Jarrett, and Kyan Plummer, among others, but he also sees a team that’s been prone to mistakes. “They've had some games they've played really well – basically every game except for the second half against Warner Robins and the game against Veterans, they had some big plays and had some touchdowns called back and had some turnovers that really cost them,” he told the Valdosta Daily Times. And that sums up Houston County. Play simple smart and fundamental football, beat Peach County. Don’t, and lose a 7-2 game and dig a hole in another loss. Which Houston County team shows up makes this a potentially interesting game. Valdosta has been pretty consistent, but has had to wait a week to put the 24-0 loss to Lowndes in the filing cabinet.

Bainbridge (5-1) at Veterans (5-1)

          The Warhawks lost 27-14 last year, and have mostly themselves to blame, with four turnovers and a blocked field goal. The run game was stuffed to the point of minus-17 yards, and a scoring threat ended when a reverse pass was picked off and returned 50 yards for the clinching touchdown. This is a more tested Veterans team, which Bainbridge knows. The Bearcats run a little more than pass, but get more yards passing. The Warhawks are run-heavy, with Julian Barnes at 442 yards on 78 carries and Lebron Field 418 on 72. A line-of-scrimmage game.

Harris County (4-2) at Warner Robins (5-1)

          The Demons put a 41-0 hurting on Harris County a year ago, but the Tigers were a 2-4 team at the time. Warner Robins ended up forfeiting for using an ineligible player in the second half, but the reality of 41-0 can’t be erased. Harris County is putting up more points this year, led by QB Cooper Corey’s five rushing TDs to go with 13 passing scores (and 410 rushing and 948 passing yards). The Demons counter at that spot with the talented-and-improving Jalen Addie, who has 1,204 passing yards and 12 TDs along with 176 rushing yards and two scores. Harris County will need some consistent stops and turn a few of them into points to keep alive hopes of the upset.

Jones County (6-0/3-0) at Dutchtown (6-0/3-0)

          It’ll be fairly electric, this battle between two of the three ranked teams in 4-5A. Both defenses are good in points allowed, Dutchtown giving up 24 fewer than Jones County, including only 14 to then-No.10/6A Creekside and 17 to then-No. 10/3A Crisp County. The Greyhounds have scored 37 more points, including 56 against then-No. 7/6a Northside. Jones County wasn’t overly sharp in beating winless Locust Grove by 14 at home last week, and will have to step up protection of QB Hunter Costlow. Dutchtown broke a three-game losing streak to the Greyhounds last year in a game Jones County sort of let slip away.

Upson-Lee (2-4/0-1) at Mary Persons (3-3/1-0)

          The battle of two teams who may have lost more starters/regulars than anybody in Central Georgia. And figuring out the two remains quite a task. The Knights gave away two losses, and have been hammered in between. The Bulldogs have survived two one-possession wins, and lost two by a possession, with a convincing loss and win in the mix. Upson-Lee’s passing game has taken a step back (1o interceptions, sub.50-percent completion rate), putting pressure on a run game and on the defense. Mary Persons is more run-heavy this year, which with the inexperience helps keep them in games. Oddly, the Knights have been better in this short series (they’re 0-5) in Forsyth lately, the last two losses by seven and 14, compared to by 35 and 24 at home.

Washington County (4-1/1-0) at Bleckley County (4-2/1-1)

          The Royals came out of the battle with Dublin on the losing end but with a confidence boost, and the schedule helped – so to speak – with a second straight one-dimensional offense to face. The single-wing is different than the wing-T, but there’s no drastic change in defensive preparation. Still, the Royals can’t afford to get into an early hole, and the Golden Hawks can’t afford too many mistakes against an offense with speed and balance, and playmaker Bryce Bailey. A 34-point margin of victory is unlikely to be repeated.

Dublin (5-0/2-0) at Dodge County (3-3/2-0)

          Daylon Gordon of Dodge County leads Central Georgia in rushing with 843 yards, good for 7.8 yards a carry and 140.5 yards a game, with eight touchdowns. Dublin counters with the three-headed monster of JaQues Evans (53-538, 9 TDs), Marcus Adams (46-498, 6 TDs), and Zion Kemp (35-484, 6 TDs). The Indians are improving, and have some balance with QB Kade Harpe, who has completed only 43.2 percent of his passes but for 726 yards and 10 TDs. Last year, Dodge County passed for 422 yards and four touchdowns. If the Indians avoid turnovers and the run game keeps it close, their passing game may make it very interesting.

Stratford (1-4/0-1) at Tattnall (3-2/2-0)

          Both teams need a win. Stratford is 20th in the latest power rankings, Tattnall 28th (which remains confusing). In the last 10 meetings, only four games have been by double figures. The last four have been decided by two, four, six, and four. Stratford scored with 1:12 left, but Tattnall stopped the conversion for a 21-19 win.

 

The games (last year’s score)

Class 4A

West Laurens (5-1/1-0) at Spalding (1-5, 0-1)

          The Raiders, off an impressive 43-7 win over Howard, won 14-2 last year

Richmond Academy (3-2) at Baldwin (1-5)

          The Braves ruined homecoming with a 28-21 overtime win.

Class 3A

Jackson (4-2/2-0) at Westside (4-2/2-0)

          The Red Devils won’t forget last year’s 40-7 loss.

Rutland (2-4/1-1) at Pike County (2-3/0-1)

          Pike County turned a 7-2 lead after one into a 48-2 win. Rutland seeks its first two-game winning streak and second region win in a season since 2014.

Class A

Hawkinsville (1-4/1-1) at Dooly County (1-4/1-1)

          Dooly County cruised 32-6.

Crawford County (1-4/0-2) at Macon County (2-3/1-1)

          Macon County rolled 46-3.

Taylor County (3-2/1-1) at Schley County (3-2/2-0)

          Schley County improved to 5-1 after the 41-7 win.

Mount de Sales (5-0/1-0) at Twiggs County (0-6/0-2)

          The Cavs rushed for 362 yards in a 35-0 win.

GMC (2-4/0-3) at Warren County (3-3/1-2)

          GMC, then under new Warren County defensive coordinator Steven Simpson, fell 38-6.

FPD (2-3/1-0) at Wilkinson County (0-5/0-1)

          The Vikings won 43-26 after trailing early.

Greene County (1-4/1-1) at Hancock Central (2-3/1-1)

          Hancock Central fell 31-14.

Glascock County (1-5) at ACE (0-5)

          ACE won 47-10.

GISA/GAPPS

Trinity Christian (1-4) at Augusta Prep (0-6)

          Trinity Christian rolled 28-7.

John Milledge (5-0) at Bulloch (4-1)

          JMA won the battle of undefeateds 29-14.

Frederica (2-3/0-1) at Westfield (1-6/1-1)

          Westfield fell 48-3.

Piedmont (1-3) at Terrell (3-3)

Robert Toombs (2-4) at Brentwood (4-2)

          Chase Everett led Brentwood to a 20-14 win.

John Hancock vs. Lanier

          Lanier won 13-6.

CFCA vs. Sherwood