Five to Watch

1. Strom Thurmond vs. Laney at ARC Stadium, Sept. 9
   Strom Thurmond jumped to a 21-0 lead last year but hung on to win 35-28 in a contest with 27 third-quarter points, 650 yards passing and 846 yards of total offense. Each team’s proficiency in the air makes this a must see even if it’s a non-region game. It’s the only time a local South Carolina public school plays one from Georgia this season.
2. Lincoln County at Washington-Wilkes, Oct. 14
   The 21-7 thrashing by the Red Devils in the famed “378 War” last year forced the Tigers to re-examine their offense. Washington-Wilkes should be 6-1 by the time they face Lincoln in 2005. This will decide the Region 7-A championship. Again.
3. Strom Thurmond at South Aiken, Sept. 16
   Crucial turnovers stalled the Rebels last year. South Aiken was the only team to shut out Strom Thurmond. An enticing matchup between a top offense and a South Aiken defensive line that’s one of the best in area history.
4. Glenn Hills at Thomson, Oct. 21
   An 8-1 Spartans team that was in first place in the region figured out how good it wasn’t last season when they played host to the Bulldogs. This has been circled on the Glenn Hills schedule as payback time and should once again decide the Region 3-AAA North champion.
5. Jefferson County at Burke County, Oct. 14
   The Bears sent RB/LB Marcus Washington to Georgia. Jefferson graduated Jeffrey Walker, who ran to 2,100 yards and 27 touchdowns. But there is enough returning talent for both to ensure the winner again earns a 3-AAA playoff slot.

Other top Georgia contests

1. Washington-Wilkes at Thomson, Aug. 26 The Tigers will see if they can run it down Thomson’s throat in the famed Brickyard.
2. Thomson at Burke County, Sept. 9 Burke’s upset at the Brickyard last year ruined a perfect Bulldog regular season.
3. Warren County at Aquinas, Oct. 7 No misprint. Two programs on the rise will likely meet with a playoff berth on the line.
4. Laney at Josey, Oct. 21 One of the area’s perennial top games no matter the records or the stakes.
5. Greenbrier at Evans, Sept. 16 A whole lot of Columbia County bragging at stake in the region opener for both teams.

Other top South Carolina contests

1. Aiken at South Aiken, Nov. 4 Could the T-Breds post a rivalry win and win region title in the same night?
2. South Aiken at Rock Hill, Sept. 23 South Aiken can hold Rock Hill under 13 points and make this a game.
3. Silver Bluff at Barnwell, Oct. 21 Barnwell’s road win last year adds spice to this rivalry.
4. Silver Bluff at Strom Thurmond, Sept. 23 Coco Hillary and Otis Key keyed a thrilling Rebels’ win on the road last year.
5. Strom Thurmond at North Augusta, Aug. 26 A Jackets’ upset in this rivalry would be a big boost to a flagging North Augusta program.