Franklin, Dawson answer questions in 7-AAA ... other top games

Things are starting to get serious as teams head down the home stretch. Playoff contenders are starting to be identified. Others are falling by the wayside. Here is a look at four teams in playoff implications:

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Franklin County (3-2) at Dawson County (3-2):

This game will have a huge bearing on who wins Region 7-AAA. Franklin County has won three straight since opening the season with back-to-back losses to ranked teams. The Lions even set a school record three weeks ago by scoring 56 points against East Jackson. Dawson County, under first-year coach Sid Maxwell, has won three of its last four. The Tigers are led by quarterback Coey Watson and running back Hunter Mitchell, who rushed for 173 yards last week, his second straight week with at least 140 yards. The teams met for the first time last year with Dawson County 25-7.

Appling County (3-2) at Dodge County (6-0): This game will help shuffle the standings in Region 1-AAA Div. A. Appling has won three straight since coming out of the gate with two losses; the Pirates did not play on Friday. Dodge County, which beat Toombs County 51-13 on Friday, features one of the top running games in the league and has limited the opposition to seven or fewer points in four contests. Dodge County won last year's game 33-27 in overtime to break a seven-game losing streak to Appling County, which leads the series 13-10.

Calhoun (6-0) at Sonoraville (4-2): Sonoraville is the latest team to tug on Superman's cape in Region 6-AAA. The Phoenix warmed up with a 49-6 win over Gordon Central on Friday, as quarterback Cody Long was 9-for-9 passing for 139 yards and four touchdowns.  No. 1 Calhoun dispatched No. 9 Adairsville 49-13 after spotting the Panthers a 10-point headstart. Olico Dennis rushed for 136 yards and three touchdowns for the Yellow Jackets, who have won 112 straight region games.  Calhoun has won all seven meetings against Sonoraville, including 55-13 in 2014.

Decatur (4-1) at Westminster (2-3): The loser of this Region 4-AAA Div. B game could be in big trouble as far as the playoffs are concerned, since both still have games remaining against No. 2-ranked Blessed Trinity. Decatur's four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 3-17. Westminster has played some big boys, but were shocked two weeks ago by Therrell. Westminster leads the series 11-1 and won last year's game 52-14.