Top teams look to avoid upsets in our featured matchups in Middle Georgia
Unsure of which game you want to attend this week? Here are our four feature matchups from around Middle Georgia.
Dublin (7-1) vs. Northeast (3-4)
7:30 p.m. Friday at Dublin
Story of the game: Dublin is coming off of a 48-0 win over Southwest. Northeast was off last week after a dramatic overtime victory over Southwest the week before.
Keys to the game for Dublin: Dublin comes off another shutout courtesy of that defense. They were the key last week and will be the key again this week. The Fighting Irish have been turning turnovers into points all year. The defense can score touchdowns on interceptions and fumbles. If they score a defensive touchdown in this game, they will win.
Keys to the game for Northeast: The Raiders have some serious talent on both sides of the ball and will need to have all of them show up to take down Dublin. The task is tall, but this team has a lot of fight. The bye week has given them time to prepare for this game. Quarterback Nolan Ussery will have to be a factor with his arm and his legs for Northeast to pull the upset.
Staff picks: Justin pick: Dublin; Hayes pick: Dublin
Fan pick: Dublin
Mount de Sales (6-1) vs. FPD (2-5)
7:30 p.m. Friday at Mount de Sales
Story of the game: Mount de Sales is coming off of its first loss of the season against Tattnall, 28-17. FPD also found itself on the losing end last week to Stratford, 19-13.
Keys to the game for Mount de Sales: The Cavaliers are looking to get back to the team’s winning ways this week. It will be important for them to put the loss behind them. If Mount de Sales gets caught up in the emotions of losing for the first time, it could drop another game.
Keys to the game for FPD: The Vikings lost quarterback Coleman Cauley to a possible season-ending injury last week against Stratford. The freshman signal caller has been spectacular for the Vikings this season. He leads the team in passing yards and is second in rushing yards. FPD will not be able to replicate that production but must find someone who can try to make up for the loss.
Staff picks: Justin pick: Mount de Sales; Hayes pick: FPD
Fan pick: Mount de Sales
Mary Persons (7-0) vs. West Laurens (5-2)
7:30 p.m. Friday at West Laurens
Story of the game: Mary Persons had a bye week after it dismantled Upson Lee 49-14. West Laurens grinded out a win 14-2 over Spalding before taking the week off last week.
Keys to the game for Mary Persons: The Bulldogs have been tough all season long. There is a reason they haven’t been beaten yet. Running back Quen Wilson is a “badddddd man.” He has paced Mary Persons rushing attack and has 17 touchdowns in seven games. If Wilson gets rolling, this will be a tough team to defend.
Keys to the game for West Laurens: The key is stopping Wilson. The senior has been the Bulldogs best player this season. West Laurens must make quarterback J.T. Hartage beat them through the air. Hartage has been stellar this season too, but you are in a pick-your-poison situation with the Bulldogs either way.
Staff picks: Justin pick: Mary Persons; Hayes pick: West Laurens
Fan pick: Mary Persons
Peach County (5-2) vs. Central (2-6)
7:30 p.m. Friday at Peach County
Story of the game: The Peach County Trojans are coming off of a 73-14 win over Rutland where the team led by 63 going into the half. Central lost a low-scoring affair to Pike County 17-15 last week.
Keys to the game for Peach County: This team is just plain scary at times. Last week, they turned the Hurricanes into the tropical disturbances. It was just an all out onslaught. This week they will be looking to repeat that performance against Central. This team has played angry since its loss to Mary Persons. If it can keep that same intensity, this one should be another big win.
Keys to the game for Central: After a heartbreaking loss, it would be easy for this team to dwell on the failure, but they don’t have time too. The Chargers face arguably the best opponent on the schedule. Donald Lamb, the quarterback for Central, will have to play perfect for them to have a shot in this game. He has looked really good at times but needs this to be his coming out party.
Staff picks: Justin pick: Peach County; Hayes pick: Peach County
Fan pick: Peach County
Pick Standings
Hayes: 17-3
Justin: 14-6
Fans: 10-10
This story was originally published October 18, 2018 at 3:02 PM.