This isn’t a great week for competition on Class AAA. There are a few regional rivalries that will be contested to keep things interesting.
Here’s a look at this week’s top games:
Jackson vs. Decatur at Grady Stadium: This game features two teams from opposite sides in Region 4-AAA. Decatur slammed Jackson 41-0 last season in the first meeting between the two schools since 2004, when Jackson was still known as Crim High. Jackson (1-0) is trying to make to playoffs out of Division A for the second straight year, while Decatur (0-1) is trying to fight off some big-time favorites in Division B.
Washington County at Mary Persons: Washington County will focus attention this week on its defense after a 49-42 loss to Thomson. The Golden Hawks got four touchdowns runs from Houston Channell, but allowed 40 points to an opponent for the first time since Thomson did it in 2011. Mary Persons needed two overtimes to beat Jackson 28-21 and won its season opener when Jake Johnson scored on a 2-yard run.
Washington County has won eight straight meetings against their Middle Georgia rival, including 31-0 a year ago. The teams have played intermittently since 1970 with Washington County holding a 10-7 series advantage.
Stephens County at Elbert County: Elbert County played up in class and accumulated 449 total yards in a 40-14 win over Cedar Shoals in the opener. Quarterback Mecole Hardman ran for a touchdown and threw for a pair to Joseph Johnson. Stephens County, which opened with a win over Franklin County, leads the series between the two northeast Georgia rivals 30-20-1. But Elbert has won the last three games and prevailed 35-33 in 2014.
Laney at Westminster: Westminster's win over Laney in Augusta last year was a big confidence booster for the Wildats, who rolled on to the state semifinals. Westminster (1-0) hung on to beat arch-rival Lovett last week, with quarterback Rankin Woley and running back Zay Malcome carrying the load. Laney (0-1) had last week off to find some offense after the season-opening 3-0 loss to Dublin.
Putnam County at Morgan County: These two old rivals have been playing on a regular basis since 1958 with Morgan County holding a 29-15-1 series lead. Morgan has won the last three meetings with ease, including a 42-6 victory in 2014.
