Here are a few of the top games in Class A this weekend:
No. 4 Mount Paran Christian (4-0) vs. Pinecrest (3-0).
MPC will look to bolster its case as a challenger to No. 1 Aquinas for the private school state title, while Pinecrest wants to gain respect in the Georgia High School Association. MPC has been impressive this season, outscoring its first four opponents by an average score of 45-14. Leading the charge is running back Dorian Walker, who had 220 yards rushing on just 11 carries, three of which were touchdowns, in a 56-14 beat down of King's Ridge last week. Pinecrest is just 16-23 since moving from the Georgia Independent Schools Association in 2010. The Paladins average 28 points per game, while they have given up just 14 in each of their three games this season. This will be the first meeting between the two schools.
No. 8 Landmark Christian (4-0) vs. No. 8 (AAA) Central-Carrollton (4-0).
This inter-classification battle of unbeaten teams features two state title contenders. Landmark played for the Class A state championship in 2011. The War Eagles have a relatively young team with several sophomores and juniors, and are surrendering 23 points per game. But the offense, led by senior QB Stockton McGuire, is putting up over 40 per contest. Landmark has already beaten teams from Class AAAAA (Lithia Springs, 48-36), Class AAA (Josey, 55-20) and Class AA (Pace Academy, 27-21). After years of living in the shadow of the Carrollton program across town, Central-Carrollton is coming into its own under head coach Rico Zachery, in his second season at the helm. After finishing 5-6 in 2012, the Lions went 10-3 last season and advanced to the Class AAA quarterfinals.
No. 9 Irwin County (2-1-1, 1-0 in Region 2) at Telfair County (4-0, 1-0).
In what looks to be one of the most competitive games of the night, Irwin County will look to hold off a surging Telfair County program in a game that will go a long way in deciding the Region 2 champion. Telfair County took a step back last season (4-6) after nearly making the playoffs in 2011, the first season for head coach Matt Burleson. Irwin County advanced to the public school semi finals last season, and the Indians' only loss this year was at the hands of Fitzgerald, the No. 2 team in Class AA.
No. 10 Pacelli (4-0, 2-0 in Region 4) vs. Dooly County (3-1, 1-1).
The Vikings look to continue their rebuilding program under Randy Grace, now in his fourth season. After going winless in 2010 prior to Grace's arrival, Pacelli has gone 1-9, 4-6 and then 7-4 last season. However, the Vikings are 0-8 all time against Dooly County, which advanced to the public school championship in 2012 and the quarterfinals last season.
Other games of note:
No. 1 Aquinas (4-0) at Mount de Sales (2-1)
No. 2 Marion County (3-0, 1-0 in Region 4) at Schley County (2-1, 1-1)
No. 5 Charlton County (4-0, 1-0 in Region 2) vs. Turner County (2-2, 0-1)
About the Author
