Is West Hall for real? ... Battle of QBs when East Hall plays Hart ... Take 2: Laney vs. Westminster

Like most years, there are very few compelling first-round matchups. Many of the opening-round games feature bad No. 4 seeds against a good No. 1 seed. And in a classification that is very top-heavy, there are a bunch of bad games involving a No. 2 and a No. 3 seed.

Here are six of the most interesting first-round matches:

Oconee County at West Hall: Oconee County (7-3) is the fourth seed from one of the best regions in the state. But the Warriors, who finished the season with three losses, will have their hands full against an underrated West Hall (9-1) team that has played some of the best defense in Class AAA this season.

The West Hall offense is led by running backs Kwon Williams (609 yards, 11 TDs) and Tyquan Statham (498 yards, four TDs). The Oconee offense is led by quarterback Zeb Noland (1,581 yards, 10 TDs) and running back Chris Casey (1,024 yards), but the defense has allowed 119 points over the last three games.

Westminster at Laney: No.6 Westminster (9-1) must make the drive to Augusta for the second time this season to play Laney (7-3).  Westminster won 14-6 on Sept. 5, a stretch which saw the Wildcats lost three of four. But Laney has won five straight since its lopsided loss to Washington County.

The Westminster offense is sparked by tailback Zay Malcome, who has surpassed 1,000 yards rushing. Laney has been a more consistent offensive team since Levin Lackey, son of coach Lemuel Lackey, took the job in midseason.

East Hall at Hart County: East Hall (6-4) and quarterback Devin Watson will see if it can find a way to upset No. 8 Hart County (9-1), which lost the region title on the last week of the season. Hart County features quarterback Cameron Fouch, who leads Class AAA with 2,148 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Ringgold at Callaway: Ringgold (8-2) was one of the surprise teams a year ago when the Tigers reached the semifinals. Ringgold has lost only to No. 2 Calhoun and No. 9 Adairsville, but has a tough opponent in Callaway (6-4), which features Terry Godwin, one of the top prospects in the state.

Ringgold’s offense is led by quarterback Devin  Lancaster (1,574 yards, 17 TDs) and running back D.J. Goins (*868 yards, 11 TDs).

Elbert County at Lumpkin County: Elbert County (7-3) could be one of the real sleepers in AAA. The Blue Devils got talented quarterback Mecole Hardman back from a knee injury last week and he sparked the team to an important win over Oconee County. Hardman has rushed for 543 yards in four games.  Elbert also has a top rusher in Rantious "Boochie" Reed (1,140 yards, 19 TDs). Lumpkin (5-5) is making its first postseason appearance since 2003. The Indians have never won a playoff game.

Dodge County at Westside Macon: In a game that involves two excellent rushing teams, Dodge County (8-2) will get a test against No. 10 Westside Macon (9-1). Dodge is led by Roscoe Wilcox (457 yards, seven TDs), Gerard Davis (317 yards) and quarterback Landon Martin (321 yards). Westside features Cedric Hollingshed (617 yards)and Donta Pate (559 yards, five TDs).

Here's the remainder of the first-round schedule:

(R4 #4) Jackson, Atlanta (7-3) at (R3 #1) Washington County (10-0)

(R2 #3) Jackson (7-3) at (R1 #2) Pierce County (8-2)

(R5 #3) Cedartown (3-7) at (R6 #2) Adairsville (9-1)

(R3 #4) Hephzibah (6-4) at (R4 #1) Blessed Trinity (10-0)

(R7 #4) Franklin County (4-6) at (R8 #1) Jefferson (10-0)