Should it earn its sixth shutout and record a couple of touchdowns Friday against Josey, the Lakeside defense could produce an unbelievable statistic: finish the regular season scoring more points than it allows.

Through nine games, Lakeside has allowed 39 points. Lakeside's defensive touchdowns and safeties created off punt blocks -- coach Jody Grooms said all his top defensive players play on special teams -- add up to 30 points, after defensive back Chris Tynan returned an interception for a touchdown last week in a 38-0 win over Butler.

"We're just really fast (on defense)," Tynan said. "We're not that big, not that tall; we work every day on our speed, and that helps."

Lakeside's average of 4.3 points allowed per game is best in the state among Class AAAA teams, a big reason the team can claim its first region title in 21 years of football with a win over Josey. Grooms cited preparation as a main reason his defense is able to be in position to make so many game-changing plays.

Tynan said his team had scouted Butler's offense so well, it recognized passing plays right away.

In addition to Tynan's score, Lakeside has tallied: two interception returns for TDs against Greenbrier, two safeties against Glenn Hills, a safety against Harlem and a Chris Hartfield interception return for a TD against Cross Creek.

INJURY UPDATE: Richmond Academy quarterback Mar-Quon Medlock returned to practice this week in preparation for his team's game against Evans.

Medlock (ankle injury) did not practice last week before his team's game with Hephzibah, yet threw three touchdown passes in the Musketeers' 35-13 win. Coaches did not call running plays for the dual-threat passer last week because of the injury and said they did not yet know how the injury could affect the game plan this week.

"We'll see how he is Friday night," coach Chris Hughes said.

QUICK-STRIKE ATTACK: Evans coach Marty Jackson said Evans ran only 20 plays in the first half of its 49-18 win over Cross Creek last week. The Knights scored six touchdowns in the first two quarters, which turned out to be a half of big plays.

"It was a good half," Jackson said.

Evans is averaging 33.3 points per game this season, best in the region.