WHO'S HOT: Laney (5-2) and Jefferson County (7-1) are a combined 3-0 when coming off a loss. If they keep it up, their ability to avoid a losing streak will be one key to earning a playoff berth in Region 3-AA.

Laney has allowed one touchdown in two games since its last defeat and remains one game behind Jefferson County and Dublin in the loss column. All three are close to clinching playoff berths.

That probably means just one of the three teams with three losses -- Screven County, Toombs County and East Laurens -- will make the playoffs.

Vidalia and Swainsboro, both 3-4, could be factors in the playoff race if they win out.

WHO'S NOT: It doesn't look as if any of the bottom six teams in Region 3-AAAA are going to make a playoff push.

Only Lakeside has a reasonable shot at making the playoffs, but a 34-14 loss to Glenn Hills in September means the Panthers need help -- probably too much help -- to steal the last spot from the Spartans.

A bit more drama was expected coming into the season.

BEST WIN LAST WEEK: Lincoln County gave up a touchdown on the first play of the second quarter, but responded with a 14-6 comeback win over Washington-Wilkes. This week's Washington-Wilkes at Wilkinson County game should show the Red Devils if they will be tested again during the regular season.

Wilkinson won 48-0 in its first two region games this season and nearly beat Lincoln County last year, falling 35-32.

MOST SURPRISING: Rivalry games are supposed to be close. One team isn't supposed to give up 535 yards while gaining just 29. Someone forgot to tell that to Strom Thurmond (8-0), which pasted Saluda 64-0 in their first meeting in five years. The Rebels are two wins away from a perfect regular season.

THREE TO WATCH ON FRIDAY

1. Hephzibah (5-2) at Evans (7-0): Two of the top three teams in Region 3-AAAA clash in Columbia County.

2. Washington County (7-0) at Burke County (4-3): Now region foes, these two teams haven't met since 1995.

3. Laney (5-2) at Swainsboro (3-4): Wacky recent results (Laney won 3-0 last year and lost 6-0 in 2006) suggests this could be another good one.

CLASS AAAA UPDATE: South Carolina Class AAAA schools, such as Aiken and North Augusta, won't automatically be placed in Division II should they qualify for the playoffs.

The South Carolina High School League has adjusted the playoff format. Thirty-two teams will make the Class AAAA playoffs (25 automatic, seven at-large) and from that group the 16 schools with the largest enrollment will make up Division I. The remaining 16 will make up the Division II field.

While there's an outside shot they could be in the larger division, count on both Aiken and North Augusta making the playoffs and competing in Division II.

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