What better to intensify the drama of the late-season playoff race than to mix in a few rivalry games. There are a couple of head-to-head meetings this week between rivals that will have a definite impact on the playoffs. The only thing better than beating your rival would be to gain a playoff advantage by doing it.
Here’s a look at some of the top games this week in Class AAA:
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Blessed Trinity (6-0) at Westminster (3-3): No. 2 Blessed Trinity can almost nail down the Region 4-AAA Div. B championship with a win over one of their biggest rival. Blessed Trinity's defense has not allowed more than 10 points all season, with five opponents scoring a touchdown or less. The Titans had seven sacks in Friday's 46-7 win over Therrell, three from Shane Parton. Westminster has been inconsistent, but bounced back after a disappointing loss to Therrell to beat Decatur 49-13. Westminster's Rankin Woley threw for two touchdowns, ran for another an intercepted a pass in the win. Westminster leads the series 6-5, but Blessed Trinity has won the last four meetings, including 23-11 in 2014.
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Credit: Stan Awtrey
Laney (4-2) vs. Josey (5-2):
The winner of this game will have a leg up on the Region 3-AAA championship. Josey has won three in a row and will be on an emotional roll, since the school is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the state championship team. The Eagles have an outstanding quarterback in Nathaniel Foreman, who has thrown for 746 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for 360 yards and five touchdowns. Treshaun Ridley (378 yards, 2 TDs) and Naquan Anthony (241 yards, 2 TDs) make up a solid backfield and Demontrez Miles (22 catches, 5 TDs) is a go-to receiver. Laney has won two straight games and leads the series 35-14. Laney has won five straight against Josey and 12 of the last 13. Laney won last year 41-0, the fourth straight year that the Wildcats have blanked their rival.
Central Carroll (6-0) at Pepperell (5-1): Pepperell will host its most important game to date under first-year coach Rick Hurst. The Dragons have won five straight since losing the season opener and have scored 40 or more points in four games. Quarterback Trevor Thomas and back T.J. Watkins lead Pepperell, which could clinch its first winning record since 2012. Central brings a soul-crushing running game that averages 245.5 yards on the ground. The Lions are led by Demarious Owenby (751 yards, 11 TDs) and Byron Brown (236 yards, 2 TDs). Central leads the series 11-10 and has won the last two meetings, including last year's 42-3 victory.
Oconee County (5-1) at Morgan County (3-3): This game can almost viewed as an elimination game for the losing team, with powerhouses Jefferson, Elbert County and Hart County all in front of them. Oconee is led by quarterback Zeb Noland, an Appalachian State commitment, and running backs Christian Casey, Tyler Davis and Tre Whitehead. Noland has two playmaking receivers in Corderious Paschal and Roques Downey. Morgan is coming off a hard-fought 17-0 loss to Jefferson, but had averaged 28.3 points during a three-game winning streak. Morgan County leads the series 12-10-1, but Oconee County won last year's game 33-31.
Peach County (6-1) at Jackson (4-2): No. 5 Peach County warmed up with a 35-12 win over Kendrick, a game the Trojans led 35-0 at halftime. Peach County's defense came up with two touchdowns and James Jackson ran for two scores. Jackson, on the heels of its win over Westside Macon, was knocked off by Spencer on Saturday and dropped out of the rankings. Peach has won the only three meetings between the two schools, including 52-17 in 2014
About the Author
