DeKalb preview: Southwest DeKalb at Chamblee

The first six weeks of the season have confirmed a few things about Region 6-AAAA.

Of the 10 members, five are state playoff contenders — Marist, Tucker, Miller Grove, Chamblee and Southwest DeKalb.

Now the main question is which four advance to the playoffs?

The game between Chamblee (3-1 in 6-AAAA) and Southwest DeKalb (4-0) ultimately will help decide that.

Both teams have three shutouts. Chamblee is yielding 5.6 points a game; Southwest DeKalb is giving up 6.

Sophomore linebacker Anthony Allen (13 tackles per game) and junior nose tackle Jabari Chaney (three tackles for loss a game) lead Southwest DeKalb’s defense.

Chamblee counters with senior linebacker Dakarai Penn (two fumble recoveries for touchdowns) and senior cornerback Briant Henry (one interception return for touchdown).

“We faced a very physical Marist team, but I think [Southwest DeKalb] is the best team we’ve played against, talent-wise,” Chamblee coach Mike Collins said. “Defense and special teams will really decide this game.”

It will be the teams’ first meeting since 1961, according to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, with Southwest DeKalb prevailing 25-0.

SOUTHWEST DEKALB AT CHAMBLEE

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, North DeKalb Stadium, Chamblee.

• Records, rankings: Southwest DeKalb is 4-1 overall, 4-0 in Region 6-AAAA and unranked. Chamblee is 4-1, 3-1 and No. 6.

OTHER TOP GAMES

CEDAR GROVE (4-2, 2-1) AT MCNAIR (4-2, 3-0)

• When, where: 8 p.m. Friday, Panthersville Stadium, Decatur.

• Why it counts: Cedar Grove needs to win to stay in the Region 5-AAA Div. A title race.

• Three keys: 1. McNair seeks its eighth consecutive playoff appearance; Cedar Grove its first since 1997. 2. Cedar Grove senior William Pratcher averages 211 rushing yards a game. 3. McNair senior Arnold Walker averages 138 yards a game.

REDAN (0-4-1, 0-2) AT STEPHENSON (4-1, 1-1)

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Hallford Stadium, Clarkston.

• Why it counts: Last week’s upset loss makes this one pivotal for Stephenson.

• Three keys: 1. Stephenson has won the past eight meetings, including last year’s, 15-14. 2. Stephenson’s ability to limit big-play senior Travis Benton will be pivotal. 3. Redan’s offensive line must stop senior defensive end Joshua Williams.

DRUID HILLS (3-3, 1-2) AT COLUMBIA (3-2, 1-1)

• When, where: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Panthersville Stadium, Decatur.

• Why it counts: Both teams are trying to stay alive in the Region 5-AAA Div. A postseason race.

• Three keys: 1. Druid Hills is aiming for its first winning season since 1993. 2. Druid Hills must block active junior linebackers Demario Dixon and Darrick Walker. 3. Columbia needs to curtail the big-play ability of quarterback Jay Cromwell and wide receiver Byron Dickerson.

ELSEWHERE

• Greater Atlanta Christian at Decatur; Forsyth Central at Marist; M.L. King at Newton; Dunwoody at Towers (Avondale Stadium); North Springs at Tucker (Adams Stadium); Westminster at Avondale (Saturday, Avondale Stadium); Buford at Cross Keys (Saturday, Adams Stadium); Lithonia at Miller Grove (Saturday, Hallford Stadium); Lakeside-DeKalb at Stone Mountain (Saturday, Panthersville Stadium); Clarkston, St. Pius do not play