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Valley:

The Rams are home to take on region foe Elmore County. This match-up could be huge for Valley, as the playoffs are right around the corner. As it stands, Valley is at the number three spot, with Elmore right behind them. The top four teams go to the playoffs, so while the game is not make or break, it could allow the Rams to have home-field advantage in the first round. 

While Elmore is lower in the rankings, they have an easier path to the playoff for the rest of their schedule. The Panthers went undefeated in their first five games, only to fall in back-to-back weeks against region juggernauts Clay Central and Beauregard. Despite the strength of both teams, Elmore County held its own in both games, losing 29-7 against Central and 31-13 to Beauregard. Valley will face Beauregard later this month but fell to Clay Central 48-0 this season.

Valley has relied on its running game this season, averaging 252 rushing yards per game this year. The Rams’ speedy quarterback Galvin Goss is the rushing leader for the region. Elmore will be a bit more balanced, averaging 158 rushing yards and 73 passing yards a game. 

Whatever the stats say, it will likely be a close game. The two teams have swapped wins against each other, the most recent win went to Valley in 2023, a one-point game ending 41-40. 

 

Lanett: 

The Panthers aim to bounce back after a shutout, 40-0, against region leader, Reeltown. Despite the loss, Lanett still holds the number two spot in the region. For the first time ever the Panthers will play Central Coosa.

Central Coosa has not gotten a win yet this season, nor have they scored in the first quarter. With the season winding down, the last few games will decide what seed or if the Panthers go to the playoffs. Beating the team at the bottom of the table is a must, with tougher competition ahead. 

Lanett has Horsoe Bend and Ranburne left on their schedule, both region opponents who could scrabble the rankings. All three are poised to make it to the postseason, but Lanett will have to keep the second seed in order to get home-field advantage for Game 1. 

 

LaFayette: 

After a hot start to the season, the Bulldogs have struggled in region play, going 0-3. The hopes for a playoff spot are dim, with Friday’s match-up against top-of-the-table Reeltown. The Rebels have been perfect in the region and undefeated since their second game. 

Reeltown’s offense has been putting up big numbers all season, including almost 200 rushing yards a game and 122 passing yards a game. The Bulldog’s defense will have to squash both threats on Friday. 

The Bulldogs have shown offensive spark this season. On all three of their wins, LaFayette has scored over 40 points, including a 56-8 win against Red Level last week. 

 

Chambers:

The Rebels have their bye week and will not be playing on Friday. The timing is perfect as the following week will bring a state championship rematch against Banks Academy. The matchup will also decide the region champs.