Middle Georgia’s top high school football games

Rutland vs. Howard, Friday at Henderson Stadium: Howard will be looking to go 4-0 for the first time and secure the program’s first four-win season overall. The Huskies were a little bit more balanced offensively last week against Central, breaking out some option and misdirection to go along with the passing game, and the Howard defense gave up 295 passing yards to Derrick Evans. Rutland (1-1) has shown some flashes of good play, defeating Northeast in double-overtime and not letting things get too far out of hand in a loss to Westside.

West Laurens at Westside, Friday at Ed DeFore Sports Complex: After a comfortable opening win over Rutland, Westside dominated a rebuilding Harris County team that reached the GHSA Class AAAAA playoffs last year. The Seminoles face a stronger test this week, with West Laurens outscoring opponents 117-13 in a 3-0 start.

Mount de Sales at GMC, Friday: Mount de Sales had last week off after dropping its opener to Pacelli. The Cavaliers defeated the Bulldogs 34-7 last year.

Veterans at Washington County, Friday: A game can’t get more important for winless teams than this one. Veterans is in a depressingly familiar position, same as a year ago, and Washington County in an unfamiliar position. The winner gets a huge confidence boost and a step toward righting the ship before region play. The loser gets ready for a long Monday practice.

Perry at Macon County, Friday: Few expected what happened last week for either team, Perry taking Peach County down to the wire and Macon County taking Veterans to the woodshed. The Panthers now appear to be dangerous enough to push the Bulldogs if they have a letdown.

Mary Persons at Lamar County, Friday: There might be a social media ban for the week at both schools after a rival-fueled video surfaced last year a few days before the game, leading to some Mary Persons’ suspensions. Then the game was called early -- with 1:53 left in the third quarter and the Bulldogs up 29-27 as the Trojans were preparing for a two-point conversion -- because of lightning, leading to disagreements and a protest filed to the GHSA. This is yet another rival game of sorts for Mary Persons, which has handled the first two pretty well.

Deerfield-Windsor at Westfield, Friday: A playoff-caliber game in the middle of September pits two of GISA’s remaining elite programs.

Telfair County at Treutlen, Friday: The teams are 35 miles apart but have played only 15 times. Treutlen hasn’t been 2-0 since 2009, and Telfair County is on a five-game winning streak against the Vikings. The Trojans likely aren’t happy after a 7-6 loss to Johnson County.

Wilkinson County at Johnson County, Friday: Both teams are 1-1, have been shut out and are trying to get some identity and consistency established, Johnson County especially on offense after just seven points in two games. The Warriors lead the series 13-2.

Hawkinsville at Taylor County, Friday: Sure, Taylor County is 0-2, but basically two plays, or a few seconds or few feet, from being 2-0. Hawkinsville cruised in this game last year, so the Red Devils might overlook a winless team, although the Vikings’ offense should keep Hawkinsville focused.

This story was originally published September 7, 2015 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Middle Georgia’s top high school football games ."