GREATER ATLANTA: Renewal of rivalry likely to be tighter

The last time Creekside and East Coweta hooked up in a series, it wasn’t much of a fight. In 1994 and 1995, East Coweta won 23-0 and 42-0, respectively.

It’s pretty safe to say that when the teams meet tonight, things will be a little bit tighter. Both have looked impressive this season and appear ready to challenge No. 4 Newnan (3-0) for the Region 4-AAAAA title.

“It’s going to be tough,” said East Coweta head coach Clint Wade, in his first year in place of Danny Cronic, who led the Indians for 17 years. “They execute well on offense. They keep the ball away from you, and they’re fast, strong and well-coached.”

East Coweta is adjusting to two significant losses on offense. Bruising fullback Tim McGill graduated, and senior quarterback Mac McKnight, the unquestioned leader of the team, is out for the year after injuring a knee in Week 2.

East Coweta had to replace seven defensive starters from last year. The four who remain —- seniors Denzel Bass, D.J. Hardaway, Ryan Hudson and Jeric Woodall —- are playing well. They will have to keep that up in order to contain Creekside’s wing-T, triple-option offense.

Led by junior quarterback Tara Sewell and junior fullback Zach Amey, Creekside has had more than 200 yards rushing in all three games but also had nine turnovers.

CREEKSIDE AT EAST COWETA

> When, where: 7:30 p.m. today, Garland Shoemake Memorial Stadium, Sharpsburg.

> Records, rankings: Creekside is 3-0, 2-0 in Region 4-AAAAA. East Coweta is 2-1, 2-0 in Region 4-AAAAA. Both are unranked.

Other top games

WASHINGTON (1-2) AT GRADY (3-0)

> When, where: 8 p.m., today, Grady Stadium, Atlanta.

> Why it counts: It’s the first game for both teams within Region 5-AAA Division B.

> Three keys: 1. Is Grady for real after trouncing three lesser opponents?

2. Washington’s defense has failed to hold any of its opponents to fewer than 20 points.

3. Washington must find a way to get Branden Smith at least 15 touches from scrimmage.

ST. PIUS (3-0) AT CARVER-ATLANTA (1-1)

> When, where: 5:30 p.m. today, Lakewood Stadium, Atlanta.

> Why it counts: The game could decide the top seed in Region 5-AAA Division B.

> Three keys: 1. After beating perennial playoff favorites Marist and GAC, this could be St. Pius’ year. 2. Which is the real Carver? The team that lost to Mays in Week 1 or the team that smashed South Atlanta in Week 2? 3. Will being off last week help or hurt Carver?

WESTMINSTER (3-0) AT CARTERSVILLE (3-0)

> When, where: 7:30 p.m. today, Weinman Stadium, Cartersville.

> Why it counts: Both teams want to continue the early momentum they’ve built.

> Three keys: 1. Westminster needs to corral Cartersville playmaker Morgan Alexander, who has seven touchdowns in three games. 2. Look for Donavan Tate, Cartersville’s two-sport phenom, to bust out soon, after working himself into football shape. 3. Westminster is averaging more than 30 points per game.

WHITEWATER (2-1) AT CARROLLTON (2-1)

> When, where: 7:30 p.m. today, Grisham Stadium, Carrollton.

> Why it counts: It’s a great non-region test for both teams before they get to league play.

> Three keys: 1. After a tough loss to Westminster in Week 1, Carrollton is going for its third consecutive victory. 2. After a close loss to Mays (17-14) last week, Whitewater will try to get back on the winning track.

3. Whitewater will try to slow a Carrollton offense that scored 65 points last week.