Trojans play stingy defense

WHO'S HOT: Ridge Spring-Monetta. The Trojans (6-2) have been terrific on defense. The boys in powder blue have given up just 20 points in the past six games. They are 5-1 along that stretch with four shutouts. The loss was a 6-0 setback against Pelion.

WHO'S NOT: North Augusta. Probably the hardest team in the area to read. The Yellow Jackets (1-7) are getting scorched by offenses for 36 points a game, but they've been competitive, with two of the losses coming in overtime.

Short touchdown drives from the overtime games have skewed the points-allowed numbers a bit, but it's hard to put a positive spin on six consecutive losses and falling short in at least two winnable games.

BEST WIN LAST WEEK: Laney 12, Screven County 7: A loss in the inaugural game at Lucy C. Laney Memorial Stadium would probably have never been lived down.

A team could get another shot at a state title. There's no second chance to win the opener at a new stadium.

TOP AREA GAMES THIS WEEK:

1. Swainsboro (6-0) at Jefferson County (4-2): The winner of this game is all but assured a playoff spot. The Tigers could pretty much lock up the region title with a win.

2. South Aiken (3-5) at North Augusta (1-7): The guess here is that North Augusta coach Dan Pippin will remember how to attack his former team and pull out a win.

3. Josey (3-3) at Screven County (3-3): Josey's Danny Daggett remains one of the area's top talents. Does he have enough electricity in his arm and legs to upset Screven County on the road?

OLD FRIEND: Former Washington County coach Rick Tomberlin is having a tough year at Valdosta. His new team is 1-6 and has lost its games by a combined 21 points.

STADIUM SECRETS: The National Football League matched the $5,000 given to Laney by linebacker Kendrell Bell of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bell gave the money to his alma mater to help pay for the second scoreboard at the new facility.

- There's a brick at the walk of fame at Laney's new stadium that looks out of place. It's a brick of support wishing the Wildcats the best from the T.W. Josey booster club.

SCREVEN SIDE: Lost amid the hoopla at Laney was a solid effort by the Gamecocks.

First-year coach Pat Collins was stunned afterward but still proud of his team in the 12-7 loss.

"I'm real proud of our effort, especially after a disappointing performance in our last game," Collins said.

That was a 31-26 loss to Jefferson County.

"So now I challenge our team to continue to make the improvement week-to-week that we made getting ready for Laney," Collins said.

Reach Jeff Sentell at (706) 823-3425 or jeff.sentell@augustachronicle.com.