Here are this week’s top high school football matchups in Middle Georgia

Football is back in Middle Georgia despite a state-mandated delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first week of games has some intriguing matchups with some of the top players in the area ready to take to the field once again.

Here is a look at this week’s top games:

Northside vs Veterans

Story of the game: In 2019, Northside missed the playoffs for the first time in over 20 years. Head coach Chad Alligood has taken over after Kevin Kinsler announced his retirement shortly after the season ended.

Veterans reached the second round of the playoffs last season, and players hope to build on that success. Head coach Milan Turner has turned this team into a contender.

Keys to the game for Northside: The Eagles will need to score quickly. They struggled to put up points early in ball games, which forced them away from their dangerous running game. Northside can get Alligood his first win as the head coach if they are able to dictate the pace of the game and aren’t scrambling to score in the second half.

Keys to the game for Veterans: Veterans has improved significantly over the past three seasons, particularly on defense.

The first few of the season could be sloppy games with penalties and turnovers due to the cancellation of spring practices as well as a shortened offseason. If the Warhawks are able to win it will be through the defensive side of the ball setting up the offense with good field position..

Staff pick: Veterans

Jones vs Grayson

Story of the game: Jones County is coming off of one is the best seasons in the school’s history after reaching the semifinals in the state playoffs. Head coach Mike Chastain will look to build on his successful first season at the helm. The Greyhounds will take on one of the best teams in the state. Grayson is a powerhouse in 7A and is looking to win its first state title since 2016.

Keys to the game for Jones County: The Greyhounds have their work cut out for them. Grayson is arguably the best team in the state. Jones County will need a perfect game plan to win this game. Greyhound wide receiver Maleek Wooten is one of the most talented players in Middle Georgia. Look for Chastain to get the ball in his hands a lot.

Keys to the game for Grayson: Grayson has the talent advantage and, in an offseason that didn’t allow for much preparation, teams loaded with talent have an advantage. Talent tends to win out in these early season games. Grayson will need to avoid major mistakes and getting caught off guard by a hungry Jones County team.

Staff pick: Grayson

Warner Robins vs Valdosta

Story of the game: This game, which was originally slated to take place at Mercer but has moved to Valdosta, will be the coaching debut for Rush Prospt. Propst has found both success and controversy at his stops at Hoover in Alabama and Colquitt County in Georgia, where he won state titles. Warner Robins is coming off of three straight state title runner up finishes. Marquis Westbrook is in his second season as the head coach and was painfully close to winning a state title before losing in overtime to Buford.

Keys to the game for Warner Robins: Quarterback Jalen Addie is the key to this team this season. He caught a lot of teams off guard last season who didn’t realize until it was too late that he was more than capable of picking up right where Dylan Fromm left off at Warner Robins. Addis’s growth this season will determine how far this team can go and it all starts in game one. If Addie is able to impact the game both with his arm and his legs, the Demons can spoil Propst’s debut.

Keys to the game for Valdosta: The Wildcats need to neutralize Addie when on defense and on offense avoid letting linebacker Ahmed Walker change the game with his ability to cause turnovers. If they can limit the main Warner Robins playmakers , they have a good shot to win this game.

Staff pick: Warner Robins

Schedule of games for the week:

All games are set for kickoff at 7:30 p.m. on Friday unless designated otherwise.

Veterans at Northside

Perry at Houston County

Grayson at Jones County

West Laurens at Bleckley County.

Jasper/Monticello at Mount de Sales .

Warner Robins at Valdosta

ACE at FPD on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.