Around the state

By Andy Johnston

For the AJC

Albany State (8-2) vs. West Alabama (7-4)

When, where: 1 p.m. today, Albany Municipal Coliseum

Key matchup: Albany State struggled to contain Fort Valley State QB Nathaniel Samas (Americus-Sumter) in last week’s loss to the Wildcats and must try to stop West Alabama’s Deon Williams, who has thrown for 2,181 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. Samas threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams last week.

Keep an eye on: Veteran West Alabama coach Bobby Wallace coached Temple from 1998-2005 after leading North Alabama to consecutive national championships from 1993-95. Coincidentally, West Alabama defeated North Alabama last Saturday to qualify for the Division II playoffs.

Quick fact: This is West Alabama’s first postseason appearance since 1975, when the Tigers advanced to the semifinals. The Tigers lost to both Valdosta State and West Georgia this season.

Georgia Southern (4-5, 3-3 Southern) vs. Furman (4-5, 3-3)

When, where: 2 p.m. today, Paulson Stadium

Key matchup: Georgia Southern QB Lee Chapple (Greater Atlanta Christian) will be facing a defense that’s No. 116 out of 118 Division I-AA teams in total yards. Furman allows an average of 33.7 points and 454.6 yards a game. The Paladins also are last in the nation in sacks, with only six in nine games.

Keep an eye on: Furman WR Adam Mims averages 6.7 receptions per game and has 60 catches for 640 yards and two touchdowns this season. He also averages 19.6 yards on kickoff returns and 12.5 on punt returns.

Quick fact: Appalachian State scored 52 points on Georgia Southern and Furman in consecutive weeks, defeating the Eagles 52-16 on Oct. 24 and the Paladins 52-27 on Oct. 31.

Around the state

* This is the final game for LaGrange’s first four-year senior class, which includes 21 players who have been with the program since its first season in 2006. The Panthers (5-4), who went 0-10 in each of their first two seasons, can wrap up their second consecutive winning season at 1:30 p.m. today at Greenville (Ill.), which is 6-2.

* Savannah State (2-6), which will host Webber International (3-6) at 5 p.m. today, is receiving another strong season from senior WR Deleon Hollinger. He has a team-leading 37 catches after leading the Tigers in receptions with 31 as a sophomore and 45 last season.

* A victory would give Shorter (6-4, 3-2 Mid-South), which started its program in 2005, its fourth consecutive season with at least seven wins. Senior CB A.J. Baker (Calhoun), who holds the school mark for career interceptions (15), has five this season for the Hawks, who host Bethel College (4-6, 3-2) at 1:30 p.m. today.