Most of the region championships have already been determined in Class AAAAA. But a couple will be decided via head-to-head competitions on Friday night. Plus, the complete 32-team field for the state playoffs will be revealed.
Here’s a look at seven of the games scheduled for Friday that hold the most interest:
Veterans at Warner Robins: The situation in Region 1 was complicated when No. 3 Warner Robins forfeited a game because of using an ineligible player against Harris County. That leaves the Demons (7-2) needing a win over Veterans (8-1) to claim the title. A Veterans win could leave Warner Robins as the No. 4 team from the region. Warner Robins is 4-0 against Veterans and won 56-17 in 2017.
Ware County at Wayne County: A battle between two of the state's top-ranked teams will determine the Region 2 championship. No. 7 Ware County (7-2) hits the road to play No. 7 Wayne County (9-0) in Jessup for all the marbles. The series dates back to 1962, when Ware County was coached by future GHSA executive director Tommy Guillebeau. The series is dead even, with both sides winning 16 times. Wayne County won 28-14 a year ago.
Riverdale at Griffin: Since Starr's Mill has already beaten both teams and secured the Region 3 championship, this game is for second place and a first-round playoff game at home. Riverdale has dominated the series, leading 26-3. The Bears have won the last 16 meetings, including 41-0 a year ago.
Stockbridge at Jones County: The Region 4 championship has already been claimed by No. 4 Dutchdown. That leaves No. 6 Stockbridge (8-1) playing No. 5 Jones County (8-1) for second place, meaning one of the state's top teams will open the playoffs on the road. Stockbridge holds a 3-1 lead in the series and has won the last three meetings.
Arabia Mountain vs. Lithonia: Arabia Mountain saw its chances to win the Region 5 title for the third straight year go by the boards last week in late loss to Southwest DeKalb. But the Rams (5-4) could still earn a first-round home playoff game if they beat Lithonia (6-3). The Bulldogs are trying to reach the seven-win plateau for the first time since 1992.
Jackson at Riverwood: Riverwood (7-2) can nail down second place in Region 6 with a victory. A win by Jackson (6-3) would likely create a three-way tie for second. Riverwood has dominated the series (8-2), but Jackson wont 20-0 last year to break a seven-game losing streak to the Raiders.
Clarke Central at Buford: No. 2-ranked Buford (7-2) can officially win the Region 8 title with a win over Clarke Central (6-3). A Clarke win creates a three-way tie with Cedar Shoals (which finishes with Walnut Grove). Clarke has won three straight region games since losing to Cedar Shoals, but has been badly beaten by Buford each of the last two years.
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