For a preview of the Washington County-Perry and Haralson County-Callaway games, check out the GHSF Daily’s top 10 games.
Vidalia Indians at Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, The Pinelands at Yellow Jacket Stadium, Hazlehurst
Records, rankings: Vidalia is 1-4, 0-0 in 2-2A and unranked; Jeff Davis is 6-0, 1-0 and No. 6.
Last meeting: Vidalia won 42-18 in 2020.
Maxwell’s projection: Jeff Davis by 20
Notes: The Yellow Jackets are looking to beat Vidalia for the first time since 1999, going 0-13 since — including every year going back to 2012. The Jackets use a run-heavy attack led by sophomore Kiyon Dotson, who has 420 yards and seven touchdowns on 41 carries, and senior Aahiyus Allen (391-6-38). One of the Jackets’ wins came via an Atkinson Count forfeit. They opened the season with a 41-0 shutout of Rutland, and last week they beat Bacon County 52-0. In all, they’ve outscored their opponents, which also include Jenkins, Tattnall County and Long County by a combined 180-26. None of their opponents this season are currently ranked. The Indians are trying to avoid their first losing season since going 4-6 in 2008. They haven’t lost a region game since Nov. 1, 2019 against Metter, 21-3.
Bleckley County Royals at Lamar County Trojans
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Trojan Field, Barnesville
Records, rankings: Bleckley County is 6-0, 2-0 in 3-2A and No. 4; Lamar County is 4-2, 1-1 and unranked
Last meeting: Bleckley County won 30-0 in 2020
Maxwell’s projection: Bleckley County by 13
Notes: The Royals’ win last year snapped a five-game losing streak in the series that dated to 2011. All of their games this season have been relatively close — their largest victory was 35-18 over Toombs County. They beat No. 7 Dodge County 21-19 last week in their region opener. Junior Eli Mullis is 50 of 81 passing for 551 yards and four touchdowns to an interception, and junior TJ Mays has 305 yards and four touchdowns on 40 carries. The Trojans have already equaled their win total from last year, when they went 4-6. They rebounded from a 46-20 loss to No. 8 Washington County in their region opener to beat Southwest 62-0. That was their first shutout since 2019 and the most points they’ve scored since 2011. The Trojans haven’t made the playoffs since 2016. Junior CJ Allen has rushed 63 times for 599 yards and nine touchdowns to lead the offense.
Model Blue Devils at Dade County Wolverines
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dade County Stadium, Trenton
Records: Model is 2-4, 1-1 in 7-2A; Dade county is 4-1, 1-0
Last meeting: Model won 27-0 in 2020.
Watch the game: NFHS Network
Maxwell’s projection: Dade County by 7
Notes: The Wolverines are playing for their first winning season since 2015, which is the last time they reached the playoffs. They’ve finished 2-8 in each of their last two seasons. In coach Jeff Poston’s second year, they’ve already won as many games as the last two seasons combined, and a win Friday will equal their combined total of the last three years. They took a big step toward securing a playoff spot with a 21-20 win over Pepperell on Sept. 24 in their region opener. Junior Brody Cooper is 33 of 53 passing for 481 yards and four touchdowns to one interception, and senior Cayden Cooper has 579 yards and six touchdowns on 90 carries. The Wolverines defense has totaled 12 sacks thus far, led by sophomore Kaden Moore and Landon Williams, who have three each. The Blue Devils have struggled thus far, but have also reached the playoffs in each of the last two seasons and, by going 7-5 last year, enjoyed their first winning season since 2016.
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