This week’s Class AAAA schedule has several matchups that are going to be especially interesting to see play out. Here are my top 5 games to keep an eye on.
Westover vs. Columbus, Friday 7:30 p.m. at Mills Stadium
Westover and Columbus are meeting for their Region 1-AAAA openers in Albany. When they met a year ago, Columbus cruised to a 48-28 victory. The win proved to be crucial for the Blue Devils as they closed out a 5-3 region record to earn the No. 3 seed. Westover on the other hand went 4-4 in region action and its 15-14 loss to Hardaway in the season finale kept them out of the playoffs. Last year was former Creekside head coach Olten Downs first year as Westover head coach and it is not unreasonable at all to think that his Patriots could grab a No. 1 or No. 2 seed this year. The group posted a 47-16 win over Cook in the season opener and then defeated Monroe 28-6 this past Friday.
"When I got the job at the end of March last year, the players' expectations were very low,” Downs told the AJC following the win over Cook. “We worked hard, but they didn't feel they could beat an opponent of that nature. By us missing the playoffs by one point [losing to Hardaway 15-14 in the final game] and losing three games by four points or less, that raised our expectations so much higher. It gave them something to work for. Now there's belief. Most of our skill players were very young, and they returned, and we were able to put up some good points. Our quarterback returned. It's his second year in the system, and he's more polished."
As for Columbus, The Blue Devils opened the year with a 20-14 victory over Spencer, but then had to face the Troup Tigers and their explosive playmaker Kobe Hudson. Columbus could not keep pace with Hudson and Troup ran away with a 68-13 win. This matchup against Westover will be a test for the team as they look to shake off the humbling defeat.
Thomson at Clarke Central (AAAAA), Friday 7:30 p.m.
Thomson is off to a tremendous 2-0 start heading into its visit to Class AAAAA Clarke Central this Friday night. Clarke Central has already faced two other Class AAAA opponents—defeating Oconee County (28-21) and falling (38-0) to Flowery Branch this past week. What will be interesting to see is if Thomson can replicate the same formula used by Flowery Branch in the Falcons’ shutout. After losing senior quarterback Elijah Gainey to an ACL injury this preseason, Flowery Branch has relied heavily on the running game. That reliance was the key to their success against Clarke Central as they overwhelmed the Gladiators’ defense and dictated the pace of the game with stout defense. The dual-threat ability of sophomore quarterback Tay Martin should give Thomson the edge offensively, and the Bulldogs’ defense has already proven to be outstanding after posting consecutive shutouts to open the year (26-0 North Augusta, 35-0 Eagle’s Landing).
Sandy Creek at Ridgeland, Friday 7:30 p.m.
Ridgeland defeated Sandy Creek 23-21 when they met last year, but this year’s Patriots team could present Ridgeland with a significantly bigger challenge this Friday. Sandy Creek opened the year with a 52-0 win over Whitewater and followed it with a 47-3 win over Hampton. Senior quarterback Matthew Williams tossed four touchdowns in the Whitewater win and against Hampton, completed 13-of-16 attempts for 255 yards and three touchdowns. Sandy Creek’s speed and size on the defensive line is going to be a tough challenge for Ridgeland’s offensive line as the Panthers look to avoid their first 0-3 start since 2005.
Denmark vs. Forsyth Central, Friday 7:30 p.m.
The Denmark Danes have made a statement through their first games—defeating Cherokee Bluff (41-0) and then cruising past North Springs (63-0). This 104-0 scoring advantage is remarkable for the second-year program and they are going to host Class AAAAAAA Forsyth Central this Friday in chance to send another message. Junior quarterback Aaron McLoughlin has been spectacular leading the Danes’ offense and the defensive dominance makes them a serious contender this season.
Marist vs. Westminster, Friday 7:30 p.m.
Marist (2-0) opened the year with a flawless 49-0 win over Lovett and then dominated Canyon Springs (NV) 45-8 last Friday. Now, the War Eagles will take on Westminster. The Wildcats fell 19-0 to Woodward Academy in their opener, dropped a 19-14 game to Greater Atlanta Christian, and then exploded for a 42-14 win over St. Pius this past Friday. Marist has St. Pius up next on its schedule, so its performance against Westminster will be a strong indication of how dangerous this year’s War Eagles team will be as a state title contender.
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