Interesting matchups highlight early scrimmages

Some of the early scrimmages with Middle Georgia teams would sure make for a quality regular-season Friday night.

But, in the GHSA, this weekend and next are reserved for scrimmages as they work toward opening weekend, set for Aug. 18-20.

One big scrimmage is at McConnell-Talbert Stadium, where the Mike Chastain era gets going when Warner Robins hosts Westside (7 p.m.) in a nice test for both teams.

The Demons are undergoing something of a culture change with a new staff and offensive system, and the Seminoles and quarterback Savion Knowlton test their passing game minus graduated receivers Gerimie Mitchell and Steve Dolphus.

There will no doubt be plenty of people at the Panther Pit when still-rebuilding Perry welcomes a host of college prospects and Houston County (7:30 p.m.).

Perry is hoping for a good performance as it eyes its first winning season since 2012, and the Panthers had a solid scrimmage a year ago with the Bears.

Houston County’s countdown to its Aug. 18 showdown with Mary Persons at Mercer and hopeful march to the Georgia Dome begins.

“The circus is coming to town,” Perry head coach Carl Dixon said jokingly about the Bears’ visit, which will no doubt bring a regular-season type of crowd.

Macon County, a major Class 1A contender, hosts Class 3A Jordan, and East Laurens welcomes Treutlen.

On Thursday, Mary Persons hosts Southwest.

A day later, on Aug. 12, Bleckley County visits West Laurens, Central is at FPD, Baldwin hosts Dooly County, Dublin goes to neighbor Twiggs County, GMC heads next door to Putnam County, Hawkinsville motors over to Dodge County, Howard crosses the county to Mount de Sales, Washington County hosts Jefferson County, Peach County goes to Northside and Crawford County entertains Rutland.

Also, Schley County is at Tattnall Square, South Atlanta is at Lamar County, Upson-Lee is at Jones County and Veterans invades Crisp County.

This story was originally published August 4, 2016 at 9:52 PM with the headline "Interesting matchups highlight early scrimmages."