This week's top Middle Georgia high school football games

Central vs. Rutland, Thursday (at Ed DeFore Sports Complex): Central needs wins over Rutland and Kendrick, as well as a Spencer loss to one of its Columbus rivals, to make the playoffs. Rutland is out of the playoff picture, and head coach George Collins will be coaching his final game in Macon prior to his retirement from the Hurricanes' program.

Veterans at Howard (at Henderson Stadium): Howard lost in a double-overtime heartbreaker Friday at Upson-Lee, and now the Huskies need two wins and help in order to go to the playoffs. Veterans is in with a win over Howard or next week over Upson-Lee.

Peach County at Westside (at Ed DeFore Sports Complex): First place in GHSA Region 2-AAA won't be on the line unless Jackson is tripped up in the final two weeks, but the Trojans and Seminoles will be playing for seeding. Peach County has clinched a playoff spot, while Westside needs a win in one of its final two games or a Central loss.

Grovetown at Warner Robins: On paper, this has some importance to it, since Grovetown is still mathematically alive for a playoff spot. Of course, the Warriors' closest game the past two seasons against the Middle Georgia team in Region 2-AAAAA is a 21-point loss this year to Northside.

Northeast at Bleckley County: Despite sitting at 0-8, Northeast can make the Class AA playoffs with a win at Bleckley County and a home win over Monticello on Nov. 6. Both of Northeast's opponents are 1-7, with Monticello's 20-14 win over Bleckley County last Friday being the only Region 4-AA win between the teams.

Creekside Christian at Covenant: A pair of unbeaten teams meet at Covenant in a key GICAA Division I-AA contest.

Pierce County at Dodge County: The Bears are coming off a 55-42 loss but are 6-2 overall and 4-1 in Region 1A-AAA, meaning the Indians and that dandy defense will have to work to keep their undefeated season alive.

Putnam County at Macon County: After getting blanked by Lamar County, Putnam County now faces Macon County's high-octane offense, and the War Eagles need a win to keep region title hopes alive. Macon County wants to make sure next week's trip to Lamar County is for the 4-AA title.

Hawkinsville at Pacelli: The defending Class A public school champion Red Devils are on the outside looking in right now for the playoffs at No. 20 and need a win to have any hope that they'll get some help. Pacelli is 13th in the private-school rankings. This is the Red Devils' regular-season finale, so a loss means basketball practice picks up.

Dublin at Screven County: The Irish are making things tough. They're a half-game behind fourth-place Swainsboro, which owns the tiebreaker, and must travel to face a team that has won three straight games by 41, 35 and 34 points and has given up more than seven points in only two games.

This story was originally published October 26, 2015 at 7:12 PM with the headline "This week's top Middle Georgia high school football games ."