Welcome to Week 8: the crucial point of the season. A win this week may help your team's chances for the playoffs. On the other hand, a loss make the road ahead much more difficult. Several schools have moved their games to tonight due to inclement weather moving into the area. Check the list at the bottom of the page. Here are the top games of Week 8 (with CoachesAid.com rankings):
Meridian (6-0, No.2 in 6A) at Oak Grove (4-1, No. 7 in 6A)
If there ever was an arch-rivalry, this would be it. Defending 5A state champion Tigers beat Oak Grove twice last season including in the semifinals to send the Warriors back to Oak Grove. The Wildcats put their 18-game win streak on the line.Senior Wildcats quarterback Antionne Adkins will miss the game after having surgery earlier in the week. The Warriors starting quarterback returned to action last week for the first time since week one. If you like a heated offense battle, I would encourage you to be at Oak Grove Friday night. The game will be broadcast on WDAM or your local NBC-offiliate for the third game of the Yall vs. Us rivalry games presented by Cellular South.
Pearl (4-2, No. 10 in 5A) at Ridgeland (5-1, No. 7 in 5A)
The Pirates lost their first two games of the season to Quitman and Brandon, however they have bounced back to win four straight. The Pirates will rely on their quarterback Devnate Nichols to get things going on the ground and through the air. The Titans only loss came in week two to Clinton. Since the loss, the Titans have put up impressive numbers in the last three weeks outscoring their opponents 124-31. The Titans quarterback Brantely Adams will get things rolling offensively.
North Pontotoc (5-1, No. 10 in 4A) at Shannon (6-0, No. 1 in 4A)
Two powerful offenses will battle in this matchup Friday night. The Vikings come into this game averaging more than 359 points per outing behind their quarterback Brandon Bailey and shifty running back Joe Robbins. The top-ranked Red Raiders have been unstoppable this season. In their last four games they have only allowed two touchdowns to the opposition.
Nanih Waiya (5-1, No. 4 in A) at Weir (5-1, No. 3 in A)
In week one the Warriors lost 29-6 to Union, however things have drastically changed for the Warriors. In the last four weeks, the Warrior offense has put up 172 points while only allowing 12 defensively. This week they face a team that has been equally as dominant. The Lions average more than 355 yards per game and gave up only 11 points per game defensively. This could be one of the best class A matchups all season.
Velma Jackson (7-0, No. 6 in 3A) at McLaurin (6-1, No. 9 in 3A)
The Falcons have been perfect through their first seven games, however this week they face an impressive Tigers team. The Falcons play a run-based offense that racks up 276 yards per game behind running back Anthony Green. The Tigers are led by their quarterback Michael Young who averages 200 all-purpose yards per outing.
Forest (5-0, No. 5 in 3A) at Jackson Prep (5-2, No. 2 in MAIS AAA)
The Bearcats bring their powerful offense to Lakeland Drive to face the three-time defending MAIS champions. The Bearcats have scored 39 points or more all season behind do-it-all quarterback Lavadius Lyles except for a 28-0 shutout win over St. Andrews. The defending champion Patriots are no stranger to big games. Look for this to be an intense MHSAA vs. MAIS battle.
Natchez (4-2) at Brandon (4-2)
Both teams are coming off big games from last week. The Natchez Bulldogs upset offensive- powerhouse Oak Grove 48-45. The Brandon Bulldogs made easy work of Terry 52-20. Brandon is led by their senior quarterback Caleb Jett who was injured against Northwest Rankin but has bounced back nicely to lead the Bulldogs. Natchez relys on junior quarterback Javon Washington to get things rolling offensively. Washington averages more than 233 all-purpose yards per game this season. CoachesAid will be in attendance Friday night.
Lafayette County (6-1) at Senatobia (6-0)
The Commodores have been unstoppable since their loss in week four to Itawamba Agricultural. The Commodores have racked up 146 points in their last three games and only allowed six points defensively. Do-it-all quarterback Jeremy Liggins, who averages more than 230 all-purpose yards will get things rolling for the Commodores. Do not forget about the undefeated Warriors. The Warriors average more than 350 yards behind running back Josh Garrett and dual-threat quarterback Dex Herrington.
Scott Central (6-1, No. 10 in 2A) at Pisgah (7-0, No. 3 in 2A)
If you are a fan of 2A football, this game is a must-see Region 5 matchup. The Rebels only loss came to a very good Forest team in week two. The Rebels have since won five straight to stay in our top ten rankings. The Rebels rely on their quarterback Jimmie Bloomfield who powers the offense to 338 yards per game. The Dragons have been a dominant force all season. They have outscored their opponents 260-54 this season. If you enjoy watching offense, you should be in Sandhill Friday night.
Note: Due to weather concerns, several schools have moved their football games from Friday to tonight.
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