Jemison and Bibb County are playing for more than bragging rights as inter-county rivals; they are playing for a region championship, well at least Jemison is. The Panthers can clinch the title tonight regardless of what happens next week.

The Panthers’ defense and special teams must be good tonight. The Choctaws will have a strong running game, but three fumbles cost them a win over Calera.

The Panthers’ senior leadership, especially from Eric Argo and Merell Morrow, could pay dividends in a tight game. Jemison and Bibb County always play hard against each other, and I expect no less tonight.

Wilcox-Central at CCHS

While Wilcox isn’t one of the best teams in the region, the Tigers should expect a tough game. The defense, which has struggled for most of the season, saved the day for CCHS last week in a win over Selma, but the offense needs to make some improvements if they expect to win tonight.

The Tigers will clinch a playoff berth if they win tonight.

Isabella at Thorsby

The Mustangs have truly had a great season so far, but Thorsby hopes to ruin that. The Rebels can erase this year’s misery with a win tonight, but Isabella has something to say about that. Isabella leads the series all time 22-8, according to www.ahsfhs.org (the series record is incomplete).

A.L. Johnson at Maplesville

The Red Devils shouldn’t have any trouble with the Eagles tonight. A.L. Johnson has lost the last three games and four of the last five. The Red Devils need to get everything tuned up for a big game next week with Holy Spirit.

Maplesville has won the only three meetings between these two teams by a combined score of 108-14. This is the first non-playoff meeting for them.

Donoho at Verbena

Donoho is winless on the season, but the Red Devils can’t overlook them, especially since Verbena has lost its last four games, scoring a combined 24 points. The bright side is that Verbena can make the playoffs if they win tonight and next week. I expect the offense to get rolling this week, and the defense will step up and make some plays.

Holy Spirit at Billingsley

This should be a great game as well. The Bears can try to stay in the hunt for home field if they can win tonight and then Maplesville loses next week. Billingsley must be able to rely on their bread and butter – running the ball. If they can’t, it could be a tough night for the Bears.

Marbury at Trinity

This is a difficult test for the Bulldogs considering that Trinity is sitting in second place in the region. The Bulldogs need some explosive plays on offense to help them stay in the game.