Last week
19-8, 70.4 percent
This Season
245-76, 76.3 percent
Within 7 points of margin
6, 64 for the season
Upset specials/perfect spread
0-1/0

By Michael A. Lough

The Sports Report

centralgasports@gmail.com

          Well, that was a painful week, dropping 13 percent points for the week alone, but not much overall.

          Can’t trust these 17-year-olds and 44-year-olds for nothing.

Games of the week

Spencer, 7-2/6-0, at ACE, 7-2/4-2
          The juice in this one is gone, thanks to ACE’s second-half defense last week (truth). But it’s still big for both teams, especially ACE, because a young program needs momentum going into the playoffs, and a win over a region champ – any region champ – is a solid program boost.
TSR pick: Spencer by 13

Washington County, 5-4/4-2, at Putnam County,5-4/4-2
          The winner gets third, straight up, and a winning overall season. The Golden Hawks have more weapons, but both teams should be mighty hungry.

TSR pick: Washington County by 9

Dublin, 7-2/2-1, at Swainsboro, 8-1/2-1
          Bleckley County happily did Dublin no favors by beating Swainsboro in the final minute. And now we have a burly ol’ slobberknocker for second place with two teams used to seeing more flags than footballs fly on a game night. Only overtime will push this past two hours and 15 minutes.
TSR pick: Swainsboro by 8

Games of note

Howard, 5-4/2-3, at Westside, 7-2/3-2, Ed DeFore
          Contrary to inevitable attendance, this is a relevant game that should go down to the wire, with stuff on the line. Howard needs a win and help to make the playoffs, Westside would rather be third than fourth and take some solid play into the postseason. And, ya know, it’s Friday. Play to win or stay home. Howard lost by a year ago, and the teams are pretty even.
TSR pick: Howard by 4

Heard County, 4-5/2-0, at Lamar County, 7-2/2-0
          Heard County has more balance, can throw the ball some. But Lamar County has more playmakers,and expect more plays with a region title on the line.
TSR pick: Lamar County by 26

Tattnall, 4-5/2-1, at John Milledge, 9-0//3-0
          Yes, the visiting Trojans can beat the host Trojans. But they’re going to have to do something different, wacky, head-scratching: Have success throwing the ball some. And, of course, tackle properly, because JMA has physical and talented skill people. This should be a game entering the fourth quarter, and then …
TSR pick: John Milledge by 20 (upset watch)

GHSA

Class 6A

Northside, 4-5/2-2, at Thomas County Central,9-0/4-0
TSR pick: Thomas County Central by 31

Veterans, 3-6/0-4, at Houston County (7-2/2-2)
TSR pick: Houston County by 24

Class 5A
Locus Grove, 1-8/0-5, at Warner Robins, 6-3/5-0
TSR pick: Warner Robins by 31

Union Grove, 1-8/1-4, Jones County, 6-3/4-1, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
TSR pick: Jones County by 29

Class 4A
Baldwin, 5-4/2-3, at Griffin, 1-8/1-4
TSR pick: Baldwin by 15 (upset watch)

West Laurens, 2-7/0-5, at Perry, 7-2/4-1
TSR pick: Perry by 28

Class 3A
Jackson, 2-7/1-2, at Peach County, 3-6/1-2
TSR pick: Peach County by 27

Mary Persons, 8-1/3-0, at Pike County, 0-9/0-3
TSR pick: Mary Persons by 30

Central Georgia’s best high school football coverage

This week
* Roundup: Coming Saturday morning, after Central Georgia’s lone live scoreboard Friday night
* Scouting Reports: Friday’s GHSA and GIAA games

* Maxwell Ratings picks, Central Georgia state rankings
* Who’s going to win this week’s Central Georgia football games? – You’re reading
* So, you’re wondering aout Central Georgia playoff scenarios … There’s still wondering to be had
* Monday Morning Quarterback: Latest ‘Dear Arthur Smith’ facepalm; upsets & surprises, predictions accuracy, toughest schedules in CGA, more Loughmouthings, Central Georgia rankings
* Macon Touchdown Club players of the week

Last week
* Roundup: Region titles to Warner Robins, Mary Persons, Bleckley County, Lamar County; clutch wins by Westside, Macon County, FPD; some monster smashes, heartbreakers
* Maxwell Ratings picks, Central Georgia state rankings
* Scouting Reports: Friday’s GHSA and GIAA games
* Who’s going to win this week’s Central Georgia football games?
* A look at Thursday’s games
* Big news is bad news for Northeast: Star RB Woodford done for the season
* Monday Morning Quarterback: All’s well in Athens, Atlanta; sure were some surprises last week; HS playoff picture clear yet fuzzy; Loughdmouthings galore, Central Georgia’s top teams
* Macon Touchdown Club players of the week

Class AA
Rutland, 3-5/2-3, at Northeast, 7-2/4-2
TSR pick: Northeast by 26

Central, 1-8/1-5, at Southwest, 5-4/4-2, Thursday
TSR pick: Southwest by 29

Class A/Division I
Crawford County, 1-8/0-2, at Temple, 4-5/0-2
TSR pick: Temple by 25

Jasper County, 5-4/0-2, at Oglethorpe County, 3-6/0-2
TSR pick: Jasper County by 20

Jefferson County, 0-9/0-3, at East Laurens, 2-7/0-3
TSR pick: East Laurens by 22

Class A/Division II
Dooly County, 5-4/4-0, at Hawkinsville, 6-3/2-2
TSR pick: Hawkinsville by 2

Manchester, 6-2/4-1, at Taylor County, 6-3/4-2, Thursday
TSR pick: Manchester by 27

Johnson County, 6-3/4-0, at Hancock Central, 4-5/2-2
TSR pick: Johnson County by 19

Macon County, 7-2/4-2, at Marion County, 4-5/2-4, Thursday
TSR pick: Macon County by 27

Twiggs County, 0-8/0-4, at GMC Prep, 2-7/1-3, Thursday
TSR pick: GMC by 28

Wilkinson County, 4-4/3-1, at Glascock County, 4-5/2-2
TSR pick: Glascock County by 10

GIAA
Class AAA
Athens Christian, 0-9, at Mount de Sales, 0-9
TSR pick: Mount de Sales by 10

FPD, 5-3-1/2-1, at Stratford, 5-4/1-2
TSR pick: FPD by 11

St. Anne-Pacelli, 8-1/3-0, at Westfield, 4-5/1-2
TSR pick: Pacelli by 21

Class AA
Brentwood, 5-4/1-0, at Gatewood,7-2/1-0
TSR pick: Gatewood by 20

Piedmont, 2-7, at GHSA/A-II Lake Oconee, 6-3
TSR pick: Lake Oconee by 23

A/Thomas Jefferson, 1-8, at Central Fellowship, 6-2-1
TSR pick: CFCA by 28