WHO'S HOT: Lincoln County is the only team in the area yet to give up a point.

While the Red Devils' emphasis on defense is known throughout the state, only one Larry Campbell team has shut out its first three opponents (1978), according to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association.

"As you know at Lincoln County we always take pride in our defense and the kicking game," said Campbell, who has coached at the school since 1972.

The 1978 team allowed 15 regular-season points and advanced to the state quarterfinals.

BEST WIN LAST WEEK: No contest. Laney's 21-11 win over Dublin, which was ranked No. 4 in the state and unbeaten in four games vs. the Wildcats. It might have been Laney's best victory since a 2004 state quarterfinal win over Vidalia.

Laney is off this week.

BIGGEST SURPRISE: Strom Thurmond not only beating North Augusta, but giving up just one touchdown. The Rebels' defense has led the way during a 3-0 start. The offense has two more games to find its groove before region play begins.

BIGGEST SURPRISE, PART II: Thomson, with its inexperienced offensive line, opened region play against Hart County, which won eight games a year ago. The Bulldogs rushed for 221 yards and won by 16.

The Bulldogs (2-0) are halfway through a tough nonregion schedule. It won't be so easy the next two times they step out of region: at Class AAAA No. 9 Statesboro this week and vs. Class AA No. 1 Buford next month.

WARRIORS SURGING: After knocking off Laney by two points in its opener, Jefferson County quietly won its next two games.

With a win this week -- against Bleckley County (1-2) -- the Warriors would set up a showdown at Vidalia in two weeks. The Indians are all but guaranteed to enter the meeting unbeaten.

THREE TO WATCH ON FRIDAY NIGHT

- Glenn Hills at Lakeside, 7:30: Jody Grooms returns to the sidelines for an immediate Region 3-AAAA test.

- Richmond Academy at North Augusta, 7:30: Who would have predicted the Musketeers would have a better record heading into this one?

- Lincoln County at Abbeville (S.C.): Red Devils likely to face their first test in Larry Campbell's hometown.

SCHEDULE REQUEST: Aiken and Strom Thurmond appear to be the top area teams in South Carolina. They won't play each other this year. Is there any way we can arrange a meeting?

Reach Matt Middleton at (706) 823-3425 or matt.middleton@augustachronicle.com.