Gainesville at Clarke Central

Records: Gainesville (4-2, 4-1 8-AAAAA), Clarke Central (2-4, 2-3)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Death Valley Field at Billy Henderson Stadium, Athens

Last year: Gainesville won 35-10

Game notes: The Red Elephants are in the position where they need to run the table on the final four games of the regular season to remain in the chase for the 8-AAAAA title, following the 16-8 loss last week to Lanier in Gainesville. ... Meanwhile, Clarke Central has been hot and cold in region play, last losing 28-21 against Flowery Branch last Friday in Athens. ... Gainesville offense has been the result of steady senior Messiah Dorsey at quarterback. ... The Red Elephants’ signal caller has completed 64 percent of his throws for 774 and nine touchdowns, while putting up the second-highest rushing total on the team with 301 yards and five more touchdowns. ... Senior Chris Byrd is leading the Gainesville running game with 391 yards and three touchdowns. ... These two schools have a long history against one another. ... Gainesville has won 7 of 9 meetings against Clarke Central since 1970. ... Known as Athens High through the 1969 season, it faced Gainesville 53 times, according to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. ... All together, Gainesville has a 35-25-2 record against Clarke Central and Athens High combined.

Lakeview Academy at Athens Academy

Records: Lakeview (2-4, 1-3 8-A), Athens Academy (5-1, 3-1)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Slaughter Field, Athens

Last year: Lakeview won 29-28

Game notes: Lakeview snapped a four-game losing streak to Athens Academy last season. ... Athens Academy is coming off a 31-point loss to Prince Avenue, its first loss of the season. ... The Lions are looking to avoid their first three-game skid since late last season. ... Athens Academy hopes to get back to the state playoffs for the first time since 2012. ... With only four games remaining, Lakeview is facing a must-win game each week to keep any playoff hopes alive. ... The Lions will host Athens Christian next week.

Riverside Military vs. Oglethorpe County

Records: Riverside Military (1-5, 0-2 8-AA), Oglethorpe County (0-7, 0-3)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Maginnis Field, Gainesville

Last year: Riverside Military won 21-0

Game notes: Even though the Eagles are struggling to win, running back Kaseem Dukes is quietly putting together a nice season. ... Last week, he rushed for 100 yards in a loss at Washington-Wilkes, and now stands at 334 yards this season. ... In just a few games since enrolling at Riverside Military, quarterback Chandler Jones has topped 400 passing yards. ... The Eagles’ highest offensive output this season was in its 21-10 win against Strong Rock Christian. ... Every other game this season, Riverside Military has been kept under 10 points. ... Oglethorpe County has had its own struggles moving the ball, rushing for just 99 yards in a 60-12 loss to Rabun County last week. ... The Patriots’ defense surrendered 439 passing yards to the Wildcats. ... Oglethorpe County has dropped all three of its region games by more than 20 points.

Chestatee at Stephens County

Records: Chestatee (0-6, 0-3 8-AAAA), Stephens County (5-1, 3-0)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: The Reservation, Toccoa

Last year: Stephens County won 55-27

Game notes: It’s been a difficult go for the War Eagles this season, losing all but one game by more than 20 this season. ... A loss tonight would mathematically eliminate Chestatee from any chance of rallying for a playoff run. ... After scoring a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to beat White County, Stephens County remained perfect in region play. ... The Indians are anchored by a steady defense, which has kept the opposition under 10 points in three games this season. ... Stephens County has 4 of 6 meetings against Chestatee since the schools first met in 2005.

North Hall at Madison County

Records: North Hall (2-4, 1-2 8-AAAA), Madison County (1-5, 1-2)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Red Raider Stadium, Danielsville

Last year: Madison County won 49-20

Game notes: The Trojans and Red Devils both need a win to remain with a realistic shot of making the postseason. ... North Hall is coming off a 49-0 loss to third-ranked Buford, while Madison County picked up its first region win against Chestatee last week. ... Running out of the Wing-T, Kyle Bacus is the Trojans’ leading rusher with 297 yards and three touchdowns. The Red Devils had a season-high 411 yards (six touchdowns) from quarterback David Metts in their 59-29 win against the War Eagles. Madison County’s 59 points was its first time going over 50 in a game since beating Northview in 2002. ... Madison County has won 10 of 13 all-time meetings against North Hall.

West Hall vs. Franklin County

Records: West Hall (2-4, 0-2 7-AAA), Franklin County (3-3, 2-1)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: West Hall Stadium, Oakwood

Last year: West Hall won 27-12

Game notes: Following back-to-back region losses, the Spartans are teetering on the edge of falling out of playoff contention in 7-AAA. ... West Hall is stuck in a four-game losing streak, the last two against Dawson County and East Hall counting toward the region mark. ... Since starting the season 2-0, the Spartans have not gone over 10 points in the current four-game slide. ... Franklin County has proven to be a prolific offense, even though it has a .500 overall record. ... Last week, the Lions put up 40 points in a loss to region-leading Dawson County.

Johnson vs. East Hall

Records: Johnson (2-5), East Hall (2-4, 2-1 7-AAA)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium, Gainesville

Last year: East Hall won 42-23

Game notes: After a slow start to the season, the Vikings are right in the thick of the playoff discussion in 7-AAA, despite losing all three non-region games to start the season. ... Sophomore quarterback Austin Parker has given the Vikings’ offense life, completing 97 passes for 1,172 yards and 12 touchdowns. ... Markese Jackson, a junior, has been his go-to receiver with 36 catches for 663 yards. ... The Vikings currently sit at third in the region standings. ... East Hall has region games against Franklin County, Banks County and Fannin County all remaining. ... Off-and-on region rivals through the years, Johnson has a 22-14-1 series edge.

Flowery Branch vs. Apalachee

Records: Flowery Branch (4-3, 3-3 8-AAAAA), Apalachee (0-6, 0-5)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Falcon Field, Flowery Branch

Last year: Flowery Branch won 52-28

No. 3 Buford vs. Monroe Area

Records: Buford (5-1, 3-0 8-AAAA), Monroe Area (2-4, 1-2)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Tom Riden Stadium, Buford

Last year: Buford won 51-12

Game notes: Riding a 22-game region win streak, the Wolves look poised to win their third straight region title. ... Through three region contests, Buford has allowed a paltry field goal, which came in the closing seconds of a 49-3 win against White County on Sept. 18. ... Behind an average of 233 rushing yards per game, the Wolves are averaging 45 points per game. ... Per usual, the Wolves are getting plenty of running backs in on the action. ... Anthony Grant and Christian Turner are both over 300 yards on the ground, while Martin Mangram is not far behind with 279 for the season. ... Led by Mangram’s 12 rushing touchdowns, 12 different Buford players have scored on offense. ... Meanwhile, the Wolves’ defense is allowing 161 yards of offense per game. Tackles by the Buford defense are well spread out, led by Jacob Martin (23) and Jake Simpson (21). ... Monroe Area has scored just 6 points in each of its last two region outings, losses to Stephens County and North Oconee. ... The Purple Hurricanes run a balanced offense, led by senior quarterback Hunter Byron, who has completed 45 throws for 643 yards and two touchdowns. ... Senior C.J. Winding leads Monroe Area on the ground with 514 yards (7.3 yards per attempt) in 2015. ... The meeting last season between these two schools was the first since 1951.

Jackson County vs. Hart County

Records: Jackson County (3-4, 0-3 8-AAA), Hart County (4-2, 1-1)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Panther Stadium, Jefferson

Last year: Hart County won 43-7

Game notes: The Panthers have dropped all three region games, after what appeared to be a promising start to the season. ... Jackson County could still vie for a postseason spot if it wins the final three games of the regular season. ... Hart County’s overall mark is a bit misleading. ... The Bulldogs’ only losses were against Class AAAA’s No. 8 Thomson, and Class AAA’s seventh-ranked Elbert County. ... Hart County runs an offense that’s production is split 50-50 between the run and pass game. ... Bulldogs’ senior quarterback Robert Allen has thrown for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. ... Trae Stowers (476 yards) is Hart County’s leading rusher. ... Hart County has won all 12 prior meetings against Jackson County since the two first met in 1996.

Jefferson at East Jackson

Records: Jefferson (7-0, 3-0 8-AAA), East Jackson (1-6, 0-3)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Commerce

Last year: Jefferson won 63-0

Game notes: The third-ranked Dragons should face little resistance against the Eagles, who have lost all three region games by 30 points or more. ... Jefferson has moved the ball efficiently all season behind sensational sophomore Colby Wood, who has 1,399 yards. ... Wood had both rushing scores in last week’s 17-0 win against Morgan County. ... Dragons quarterback Bryce Moore has completed 42 of 71 throws for 578 yards in 2015. ... Jefferson has won all five previous meetings against East Jackson.

White County at North Oconee

Records: White County (1-5, 1-2 8-AAAA), North Oconee (3-3, 2-1)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Bogart

Last year: North Oconee won 31-6

Game notes: The Warriors are looking to avoid their first losing record since 2011, coach Bill Ballard’s first season as head coach, and need to win all four remaining games to do that. ... Tonight will be the second meeting between the two teams. ... Both schools are still fighting for playoff spots, with White County needing the win to keep those hopes alive. ... North Oconee will travel to Buford next week, while White County will head to Chestatee.

Banks County vs. Lumpkin County

Records: Banks County (4-2, 1-1 7-AAA), Lumpkin County (2-5, 0-3)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Leopard Stadium, Homer

Last year: Banks County won 49-46

Game notes: Banks County is trying to snap a three-year playoff drought. ... The Leopards are currently tied for fourth in Region 7-AAA with Fannin County, who they beat two weeks ago 52-28, and are a half game behind East Hall and Franklin County. ... After making a surprise run to the playoffs last year, Lumpkin County is 0-3 in region play. ... Lumpkin County junior running back Zach Matthews has 133 carries for 890 yards and 11 touchdowns. Complementing Matthews nicely is sophomore Cole White and his 89 carries, 569 yards and two touchdowns. The problem for the Indians is that outside of Matthews and White, they are very thin at the skill positions. ... Banks County senior Trevae Cain is second only to Matthews in rushing yards in Region 7-AAA. Cain has 80 carries for 680 yards and 11 touchdowns. ... What sets Banks County apart from Lumpkin County is the threat of a passing game. ... Banks County junior quarterback Griffin Goodwin is throwing at a 69-percent completion rate for 845 passing yards and seven touchdowns. The Leopards top receiver Zez Steeple has 23 catches for 475 yards and six touchdowns. ... Lumpkin County has won 10 of 13 all-time meetings against Banks County.

Dawson County at Fannin County

Records: Dawson County (4-2, 3-0 7-AAA), Fannin County (3-3, 1-1)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Rebel Stadium, Blue Ridge

Last year: Fannin County won 35-28

Game notes: Dawson County sits alone atop the Region 7-AAA standings as they look to win their first region title in school history. ... Dawson County sophomore quarterback Coey Watson has thrown for 1,055 yards and eight touchdowns on the season, including his 23-of-37 passing performance for 289 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 54-40 win against Franklin County. ... Fannin County’s quarterback has put up bigger numbers than Watson. ... Rebels junior Brad Davis has thrown for 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns with a 68 percent completion percentage. ... Last week, Davis was 18-of-23 passing for 446 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-35 win against Lumpkin County. ... Fannin County junior receiver Cooper Earls had eight catches for 236 yards and two touchdowns. ... Earls has 51 catches for 694 yards and six touchdowns this season. ... Fannin County possesses a very balanced attack on offense. ... The Rebels have called 190 runs and 180 passes this season. ... In comparison, Dawson County has called 242 runs vs. 137 passes this season. ... Senior Hunter Mitchell leads the Tigers rushing attack with 91 carries for 553 yards and three touchdowns, while Watson has seven rushing touchdowns from the quarterback position. ... Dawson County had won four straight against Fannin County before last year’s matchup.

Habersham Central at Centennial

Records: Habersham Central (0-6, 0-5 6-AAAAAA), Centennial (3-3, 3-2)

When: 7:30 tonight

Where: Centennial High Stadium, Roswell

Last year: Centennial won 42-39

Game notes: Coach Benji Harrison is still in search of his first win as coach of Habersham Central. ... Habersham Central junior running back Michael Babers is second in Region 6-AAAAAA with 633 rushing yards on 102 carries for an average of 6.2 yards per carry. ... Lambert was able to shut down Babers (13 carries, 43 yards) last week and, as a result, held the Raiders’ offense to a season-low 7 points. ... Centennial is currently in a battle for the fourth and final playoff spot in Region 6-AAAAAA. They are tied with Johns Creek and a game up on Alpharetta and Northview. The Knights haven’t made the playoffs since 2011. ... Centennial senior Caden Herring had 14 carries for 149 yards and a touchdown as well as 79 receiving yards in a 38-35 win over Alpharetta last week, Centennial’s first win over Alpharetta since 2009. ... This is only the second time these schools have met.

Watch the latest Game Changers video with East Hall quarterback Austin Parker here:

Read a full preview of The Times' Game of the Week, Flowery Branch vs. Apalachee here:

Friday's games

Flowery Branch vs. Apalachee

Gainesville at Clarke Central

West Hall vs. Franklin County

Chestatee at Stephens County

Johnson vs. East Hall

North Hall at Madison County

Lakeview at Athens Academy

Riverside Military vs. Oglethorpe County

No. 3 Buford vs. Monroe Area

Jackson County vs. Hart County

Jefferson at East Jackson

White County at North Oconee

Banks County vs. Lumpkin County

Dawson County at Fannin County

Habersham Central at Centennial