Final countdown coming as area football teams fight for playoff positions

The GHSA playoffs begin Nov. 10, meaning there are two more weeks left in the regular season. With teams jockeying for playoff positions, here is a breakdown of the regions that include teams from Bibb, Houston, Peach, Monroe, Jones, Twiggs and Crawford counties and what could happen in their playoff races the next two weeks:

Region 1-6A

Leading the way: Coffee (2-0 in region play).

In good shape: Lee County (2-1), Valdosta (1-1), Northside (1-2).

Still in the hunt: Houston County (0-2).

Key games left to play for area teams: Houston County at Northside (Friday); Houston County at Valdosta (Nov. 3).

Region 1-5A

Leading the way: Warner Robins (2-0 in region play), Bainbridge (2-0).

In good shape: Harris County (1-1), Thomas County Central (1-2).

Key games left to play for area teams: Warner Robins at Veterans (Friday); Bainbridge at Warner Robins (Nov. 3).

Region 4-5A

Leading the way: Jones County (6-0 in region), Stockbridge (6-0).

In good shape: Dutchtown (4-2), Eagle’s Landing (4-3).

Still in the hunt: Ola (2-4), Union Grove (2-4), Woodland (2-4).

Key games left to play for area teams: Stockbridge at Jones County (Friday).

Region 2-4A

Leading the way: Mary Persons (3-0 in region).

In good shape: Howard (2-1), West Laurens (2-1).

Still in the hunt: Upson-Lee (1-2), Spalding (1-2), Perry (0-3).

Key games left to play for area teams: Mary Persons at Perry (Friday); Howard at Mary Persons (Nov. 3); Perry at West Laurens (Nov. 3).

Region 4-3A

Leading the way: Peach County (4-0 in region).

In good shape: Westside (3-1), Pike County (3-1).

Still in the hunt: Jackson (2-2), Central (2-3).

Key games left to play for area teams: Pike County at Peach County (Friday); Westside vs. Central (Friday); Kendrick at Westside (Thursday); Jackson at Peach County (Nov. 3).

Region 3-2A

Leading the way: Dodge County (5-0 in region).

In good shape: Bleckley County (3-1), Dublin (3-2), Washington County (2-2).

Still in the hunt: Northeast (1-3), Southwest (1-3).

Key games left to play: Southwest at East Laurens (Friday); Northeast at Washington County (Friday); Bleckley County at Southwest (Nov. 3); East Laurens at Northeast (Nov. 3).

Region 4B-1A

Leading the way: Playoff spots are determined by power ratings, and the top 24 teams in the ratings qualify for the Class 1A public school and private school playoffs.

In good shape: Macon County (6-2 overall, No. 16 in public school ratings); Taylor County (6-2, No. 18 in public school ratings).

Still in the hunt: Dooly County (3-5, No. 20 in public school ratings); Schley County (5-3, No. 22 in public school ratings).

Region 7A-1A

Leading the way: Playoff spots are determined by power ratings, and the top 24 teams in the ratings qualify for the Class 1A public school and private school playoffs.

In good shape: Stratford (8-0 overall, No. 4 in private school ratings); Tattnall Square (7-1, No. 14 in private school ratings); FPD (6-2, No. 15 in private school ratings); Mount de Sales (5-3, No. 16 in private school ratings).

Key games left to play for area teams: Stratford at Tattnall (Friday); Mount de Sales at FPD (Friday); Region crossover games (Nov. 3).

This story was originally published October 26, 2017 at 9:25 AM with the headline "Final countdown coming as area football teams fight for playoff positions."