WHO'S HOT: Thomas Jefferson senior Derrick Mathis scored four touchdowns in the first quarter of his team's GISA Class A semifinal win last week.

Mathis, who has scored 29 touchdowns this season and 121 for his career, needs two touchdowns in this week's state title game to set a single-season record.

If he reaches the end zone twice, chances are pretty good the Jaguars will once gain be hoisting a state title trophy.

WHO'S NOT: Lincoln County's community prognosticators, which coach Larry Campbell said "completely overlooked" Eagle's Landing Christian Academy. The Red Devils won 7-0, their closest victory of the season.

"We knew as a coaching staff it was going to be really competitive," Campbell said Monday. "Sometimes it's hard convincing kids to listen to the coach rather than people in the community."

Campbell said ECLA used a 3-5 defense that stunted every play and confused Lincoln County's offensive line.

"They really knew how to coach it and did a heck of a job," he said.

Lincoln County hasn't allowed a point in two playoff games, but its next opponent, unbeaten Wilcox County, is averaging 38.8 points per game.

"Asking our defense to shut out that crowd is just about an impossibility," Campbell said.

BEST WIN LAST WEEK: Wardlaw Academy claimed the area's first state title.

With wins this week, Williston-Elko and Thomas Jefferson Academy can help the area exceed last year's total of one title.

Last year, Blackville-Hilda's South Carolina Class A Division II championship was the area's lone crown.

MOST SURPRISING: There were few surprises last week.

Every area team that went on the road lost, except for Williston-Elko. Every area team that played at home won, with the exception of Strom Thurmond.

But there was no shame in the Rebels' loss Friday night to a Pageland Central team most followers agreed was its finest bunch since the 2003 state championship team.

The game was played at such a high level, chances are the Class AA state title may very well have been decided Friday in Johnston, S.C.

FRIDAY'S BIG GAMES

1. Wilcox County (12-0) at Lincoln County (11-1), 7:30 p.m.: Rematch of last year's state quarterfinal. Winner should have a clear path through the semifinals to the title game.

2. Williston-Elko (12-1) vs. Scott's Branch (10-3), 3 p.m.: Blue Devils shoot for their first state title since 1980.

3. Terrell Academy (11-1) at Thomas Jefferson (11-1): Jaguars are trying for their third GISA Class A state title in four years. They may find motivation in the tape of last year's title game, a 41-13 loss to Flint River.

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