No one should expect a repeat of last year’s fireworks when No. 7 Rome travels to No. 3 Carrollton, but the stakes are just as large.
Those two clubs join with Kell to create one of the most difficult leagues in Class AAAAA. Rome defeated Kell last week and a victory over Carrollton would leave the Wolves in the driver’s seat for their fourth straight Region 7 championship. A Carrollton victory would put the Trojans a step closer to their first region title since 2011,
Rome (2-1) won last year’s game 65-51, which saw the teams combine for 1,253 yards of offense. But the Wolves lost four-year starting quarterback Knox Kadum (Virginia Tech) and Georgia Player of the Year tailback Jamious Griffin (Georgia Tech). Newcomers Caleb Ellard at quarterback and E.J. Burks at running back and started to fill those voids.
Carrollton (3-0) has more returners, including all-purpose back Brandon Marenco, quarterback Myles “MJ” Morris and receiver Austin Waldrop. Transfer Mecose Todd, a D-I prospect at running back, transferred in and adds more punch to the attack.
Other top games this weekend:
Dutchtown at Union Grove, 7:30 p.m. Dutchtown's vaunted defense came back for real last week in a 13-7 win over previously unbeaten Ola. The No. 6 Bulldogs (3-0) have enjoyed strong leadership all season from quarterback Arendez Fedd. Union Grove (2-1) played well last week against Region 4 contender Jones County, despite dropping a 28-21 decision. The Wolverines have thrived behind quarterback Michael Reese (249 yards passing) and running back Dechavion Williams Jr. (282 yards, four TDs).
Carver vs. Maynard Jackson (Georgia State), Saturday, 12:40 p.m. Both team are 2-1 and among the contenders to represent Region 6 in the postseason. Carver is coming off a hard-fought 34-20 loss to No. 8 Stockbridge. The Panthers feature one of the state's top backs in Mississippi State commit Jo'Quavious Marks (702 yards, nine TDs). Jackson has won two in a row since losing the opener at Valdosta. The Jaguars feature quarterback Charles Daniels, who has thrown for 232 yards and rushed for 144. The series is tied 6-6, but Carver has won the last five meetings, including 27-15 in 2018.
Southwest DeKalb at Lovejoy (Twelve Oaks), 7:30 p.m. The Panthers (3-1) have won two straight since their loss to Stephenson and have returned to their defensive prowess. In its three wins, Southwest DeKalb has allowed a total of 22 points, with Darrionque Finley, Keun Neal and John Grant at the heart of the attack. On offense coach Damien Wimes' team is led by quarterback Rion White, receiver Aquil Muhammad and running back Mekhi Gilstrap. Class AAAAA Lovejoy (3-0) is coming off a 61-7 win over Drew and currently shares first place in Region 4. Southwest won last year's game 21-16, but Lovejoy leads the series 2-1.
Warner Robins at Colquitt County, 8 p.m. The No. 4-ranked Demons will likely find an angry opponent when they arrive at Mack Tharpe Stadium, since Class AAAAAAA No. 5 Colquitt was beaten a week ago by Valdosta. Warner Robins has a growing young quarterback in Jalen Addie (613 yards, eight touchdowns) and other returning pieces in running back Jahlen Rutherford and all-state receiver Marcayll Jones. The all-time series is tied 6-6, but Colquitt County has won three of the last four meetings.
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