Here's a look a few of the this week's top games in Class AA ...
No. 1 Greater Atlanta Christian at No. 9 B.E.S.T. Academy
Newcomer B.E.S.T. Academy (2-2, 0-1) is getting a rude introduction to Region 6-AA, facing the defending state champs and the No. 1 team in AA in consecutive weeks. The Eagles fell to No. 4 Lovett last week, 42-28, despite another stellar performance from Deshawn Waller. The senior RB/QB/DB ran for 260 yards last week and is up to 803 yards on the season, putting him among the state’s best. He's also passed for 238.
The Spartans (4-0, 1-0) welcomed the return of their own star running back last week, as Micah Abernathy returned from injury to rush for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries in a 41-0 win over Hapeville Charter. It was the first true blowout of the season for GAC, which successfully navigated a challenging non-region slate. Abernathy, who projects as a cornerback in college, is one of two elite prospects for the Spartans, as WR/DB Darius Slayton is a consensus top-20 receiver in the country according to recruiting services.
Screven County at No. 7 Jefferson County
The keys to Region 3-AA appear to be on the line Friday night in the league opener for both teams. Previously ranked Dublin took an expected loss to Bleckley County last week, leaving Screven County and Jefferson County as the presumed frontrunners.
Jefferson County jumped into the top 10 two weeks ago after knocking off then-No. 2 Washington-Wilkes. The Warriors followed it up last week their best offensive showing, a 53-10 win over Glenn Hills. Senior linebacker Daylan Williams has 44 tackles to lead a defense that has only given up 17 combined points in the last two weeks.
Led by a strong ground game, Screven County enters with its first 4-0 record since 2003. The Gamecocks average 282 rushing yards per game, but will be without leading rusher Tavarius Johnson (49 carries, 363 yards). Fellow tailback Malik Prescott (22/226/7 TDs) has proven to be a capable threat, and quarterback Donta Wilburn has run for 165 yards on 21 carries. In last week’s 36-8 win over Windsor Forest, the Screven defense chipped in with intercepted three passes, one fumble recovery and a blocked punt.
Thomasville at Seminole County
A pivotal region opener for both teams, this game could be crucial in determining playoff positioning later in the season. Region 1 could be the deepest in AA, and while both of these teams should figure into the mix, the loser will have much less room for error down the stretch.
Thomasville got its first win of the season last week, 19-18, over Baldwin. Defense has been the calling card of the Bulldogs; even during losses to Cairo and Valdosta, defense kept them close. This week, they’ll be tasked with slowing down a pair of dangerous playmakers in Javon Wiggins (5-8, 175) and Alex Fudge (5-6, 145). Wiggins ran for 284 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries in last week’s 45-20 win over Miller County. The Indians have scored 87 points in the two games since a season-opening loss to Pacelli.
Wesleyan at Pace Academy
With three teams ranked in the top 10 for much of the season up to this point, the race for the playoffs in Region 6-AA looks to be a tight one. Both Wesleyan and Pace are contenders, but the loser of this game will have some catching up to do somewhere down the line.
Pace Academy (2-3, 1-0) opened region play last week with a 31-14 win over Holy Innocents’. The Knights are led by quarterback Kevin Johnson (6-0, 175), a preseason All-State selection and James Madison commit. Wesleyan (3-1, 1-0) defeated K.I.P.P., 24-0 last week, and appears to have bounced back nicely after last season’s 2-9 campaign.
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Top 10 schedule
1. GAC (4-0) at No. 9 B.E.S.T Academy
2. Fitzgerald (4-0) at Early County
3. Vidalia (4-0) vs. Groves
4. Lovett (3-2) vs. K.I.P.P.
5. Benedictine (2-1) vs. Bryan County
6. Brooks County (2-2) at Pelham
7. Jefferson County (2-2) vs. Screven County
8. Lamar County (2-1-1) vs. Alcovy
9. B.E.S.T. Academy vs. No. 1 GAC
10. Darlington (3-1) vs. Gordon Lee
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This week's schedule by region
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