As the regular season draws near an end in Georgia, a handful of area teams still are fighting for region titles.

In Region 3-AA, Swainsboro, Laney, Jefferson County and Screven County all are tied for the top spot with a 4-1 region record. There will be just two teams in first place after Friday when Jefferson County travels to Laney and Screven County plays host to Swainsboro.

The Wildcats are bidding for their first region title since 2004, the last time they advanced to the Georgia Dome. Laney needs a win over the defending region champs and a Swainsboro win Friday to jump into the driver's seat.

"Big game, but we're at home and I think that helps us," Wildcats coach Lemuel Lackey said. "We're going to try and hold our serve at home."

Laney defeated Jefferson County 19-7 on the road last season. This year, the Wildcats will face a Warriors squad averaging almost 36 points per region contest.

STILL IN THE MIX: While Cross Creek's upcoming home game against Thomson (7-0-1, 4-0) this Friday may have lost some luster because of the Razorbacks' 13-0 loss to Glenn Hills, the contest still has major ramifications. The winner will walk away with a playoff berth and be the front runner for the 3B-AAA title with one game remaining.

The Razorbacks (7-1, 3-1) may be closer to full strength against Thomson. Cross Creek coach Scott Tate was tight-lipped about the possible return of junior quarterback Keenan Grissett (shoulder sprain).

"Keenan is still an unknown for next week," Tate said. "He's going to meet with the doctor on Wednesday, and we'll go from there."

CLAMPING DOWN: No. 1 Lincoln County (8-0, 5-0 Region 7-A) held No. 8 Warren County (6-2, 4-1) to six first downs in the game, including just two in the second half, in its come-from-behind 14-7 victory.

BANKS ON IT: Augusta Christian's 28-21 loss to Hammond did have one bright spot for the Lions. His name is William Banks.

The junior, typically a starting wide receiver, began the night in the backfield as a fill-in for injured running back Jay Harmon.

Banks tallied 99 yards rushing and returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown late in the first half. In the fourth quarter, he stepped in under center and promptly led a seven-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.

"He looked good, didn't he?" Lions coach Bruce Lane said. "We might have seen our quarterback for next year."

AIKEN'S MAKIN': North Augusta coach Dan Pippin lamented his team's four turnovers in the Yellow Jackets' 34-9 loss to Aiken. But he added a caveat:

"I think they're really good, too," said Pippin, who had many close calls against the Hornets when he coached South Aiken. "Normally they're banged up at end of year and not healthy at the beginning, I think they're vice versa this year. I think people need to watch out for Aiken."

The Hornets are in line for another playoff berth, but they might have lost a key performer in Friday night's win.

Running back Demetrius Washington left midway through the third quarter. Early reports were that it could be an ACL tear in Washington's left knee.

Staff Writers John Boyette, Billy Byler, Steve Sanders and Justin Williams contributed to this report.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.