Here’s a look at four of the top games in Class AAA this week:
Credit: Craig Sager
Credit: Craig Sager
Elbert County (4-0) at Hart County (3-1): The winner of this game will take a big step toward winning Region 8-AAA, although both must still contend with No. 3 Jefferson. Both schools feature outstanding quarterbacks -- Mecole Hardman at No. 4 Elbert County and Robert Allen Jr. at Hart County. The two Northeast Georgia rivals have been playing regularly since 1954 and Elbert leads the series 31-28. Hart County has won seven of the last 10 meetings, including 19-7 in 2014.
Jefferson (4-0) at Jackson County (3-1): Jefferson, Elbert County and Hart County make up the Big Three in Region 8-AAA. If Jackson County wants to join the playoff party, it will need to beat one of those perennial playoff teams. A win this week would be historic, as the Panthers are 0-7 against Jefferson, including last year's 34-7 thumping. Jackson has one of its best offensive threats in quite in while in running back Malik Tuck, who carried 42 times for 341 yards and four touchdowns last week in an overtime win against East Hall. No. 3-ranked Jefferson took last week off. The Dragons are led by sophomore tailback Colby Wood, who has rushed for 794 yards and 12 touchdowns, with one TD reception.
Adairsville (3-0) at Sonoraville (3-1): No. 9 Adairsville can't afford to overlook an improved Sonoraville team in anticipation of next week's showdown with No. 1 Calhoun. Adairsville is led by all-state running back Sidnee Johnson, who ran for 212 yards against Ringgold in the Tigers' last game two weeks ago. Adairsville has other threats in quarterback Roger Redd and running back Torrey Hale. Sonoraville's offense is led by quarterback Cody Long, who threw two TD passes against North Murray and accounted for two more scores last week against Coahulla Creek. Hunter Lay is a dangerous running back. Adairsville leads the series 8-1 and won 42-3 last season.
Tattnall County (3-1) at Dodge County (4-0): Tattnall sits in the exact same place it did a year ago – 3-1 going into the game with Dodge County. The Battle Creek Warriors wound up losing four straight and dropping out of the playoff picture. Tattnall's offense is led by speedy tailback Darius Mincey and quarterback Craige Saxton. No. 10 Dodge County is once again a running machine. The Indians average 272.5 yards per game on the ground, with tailback Kyle Glover (298 yards, three TDs) and quarterback Clint Thompson (247 yards, five TDs) doing the damage. Thompson has also thrown for 310 and three touchdowns, enough to keep the opposition honest.
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