WHO'S HOT: Jefferson County, whose 17-13 win over Screven County last week assured it will be the host team for a playoff game for the fourth consecutive season.

Throw out a 35-7 loss to East Laurens, and the Warriors haven't given up more than two scores on defense in a span of eight games. Playing for the Region 3-AA title this week against Dublin, they will be tested by quarterback Rashard Smith , who has scholarship offers to play wide receiver or cornerback for three Atlantic Coast Conference schools, according to scout.com.

Jefferson County coach J.B. Arnold credits defensive coordinator David Land , a former Butler coach, with developing a stingy unit. Land coached at Butler from 1995-2002.

"Richmond County's loss was our gain," Arnold said. "He's done a great job with our defense."

WHO'S NOT: The South Carolina High School League, which handed out playoff bids this weekend to teams with poor records: South Aiken (2-8), C.E. Murray (2-8) and Seneca (3-7).

Obviously, the playoffs need to be compacted in some way. Teams shouldn't be rewarded for winning 20 percent of their games. They should be hitting the weight room or the basketball court.

BEST WIN LAST WEEK: How about wins. Aiken won twice in five days. Weather moved its game at Orangeburg-Wilkinson to Monday, and the Hornets still had to play on Halloween at Dutch Fork. The Hornets won the two road games by an average of 25 points. This week's game against North Augusta is mighty interesting.

MOST SURPRISING: Blackville-Hilda's shutout at Williston-Elko. The Blue Devils had scored more than 50 points in all but one of their previous nine games.

Considering what Blackville-Hilda lost on its offensive and defensive lines, the notion the Hawks have a strong shot at defending their state title is a credit to coach David Berry and his staff.

The Fighting Hawks open the playoffs at home against Lincoln this week.

BIG GAMES THIS WEEK

1. North Augusta (7-3) at Aiken (8-2): Winner zooms into the playoffs with an automatic berth. Both teams have impressive region wins.

2. Dublin (8-1) at Jefferson County (8-1): Region 3-AA title on the line. Loser still gets a home playoff game.

3. Hephzibah (6-3) at Cross Creek (2-7): The one game that will have the most impact on the Region 3-AAAA playoff race. A win gives the Rebels the No. 2 seed. A loss, and things get messy.

INTERESTING CLASH: Perhaps the most intriguing matchup has Toombs County visiting Swainsboro. The winner gets the fourth playoff spot in Region 3-AA, assuming Laney beats one-win Southeast Bulloch. First-year Toombs coach Shane Williamson spent the past six years at Swainsboro.

BEARS ON THE BRINK: Burke County is on the brink of clinching the second home playoff game in as many years under coach Eric Parker.

The Bears opened the playoffs with a 43-12 loss to Worth County last season, but they should get an easier draw this time.

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