Most leagues begin their region play next week, but that doesn’t mean we lack for intriguing matchups. Here are five games to watch tis weekend:
Laney (2-1) at Elbert County (3--0): This non-region matchup features two of the classification's top quarterbacks. No. 4 Elbert County is led by five-star recruit Mecole Hardman, who ran for 201 yards and scored five touchdowns and four two-point conversions in a 44-38 win over Westminster. Laney's Vicen'te Thompkins ran for 79 yards and threw for 145 yards, with three touchdown passes to Andre James. Elbert County won the game 40-20 in 2014 and leads the series 3-0.
Central Macon (2-1) vs. Westside-Macon (3-0): This Region 2-AA showdown could be another showcase for quarterbacks. Central Macon's Derrick Evans threw for 258 yards and four touchdowns in a 52-28 win over Jordan. Westside's Savion Knowlton ran for a touchdown and threw three touchdown passes in a 27-24 win over Class AAAA No. 4 West Laurens. Westside has won all 13 meetings, including 35-7 in 2014.
Jenkins (2-1) at Pierce County (2-1): Both teams are considered playoff contenders from Region 1-AAA, Pierce in Division A and Jenkins in Division B. Jenkins is led by running back Arkeem Byrd (263 yards rushing, four TDs). Pierce County features quarterback Stetson Bennett, who has thrown for 726 yards, rushed for 183 yards and helped the Bears put 40 points on the board in each of their games. The teams played for the first time a year ago, with Pierce County winning 18-15.
Douglass (3-0) vs. Cedar Grove (2-1) at Panthersville: This is a big crossover game in Region 4-AAA. The No. 5 Saints won last year's game 35-7 and leads the series 4-1 against Douglass. Cedar Grove's offense is directed by quarterback Jelani Woods and running back Labron Morris (334 yards, five TDs), who missed last week's game. The Cedar Grove defense is led by Antwuan Jackson (13 tackes, one sacke, five tackles for loss) and Elijah Bandy (16 tackles, one caused fumble). Douglass is led by quarterback Jonathan Ford, a junior who has thrown for 194 yards and two touchdowns.
This promises to be an interesting non-region game. West Hall took a step backwards last week in losing to North Hall. The Vikings can regain their momentum if they can knock off Class AAAA North Oconee. North Oconee won last year’s game 28-10, which was the only regular-season game that West Hall lost in 2014. West Hall will need a good effort from quarterback Jacob Satterfield (201 yards, two touchdowns).
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