Clayton News Daily

Derrick Mahone

Former NFL coach Dennis Green once went on a 45-second tirade after a loss and uttered the infamous words: “They are who we thought they were!”

We’ve reached the midway point of the season, so the question becomes: “Do we really know who the teams in the Southern Crescent are?”

How good is football in the Southern Crescent this season?

Because few games have come against competition from outside the immediate area, it is sort of hard to gauge their worth on the state level. Most teams in the area stayed within their comfort zone.

Lovejoy put together a competitive non-region schedule that included a trip to South Georgia power Colquitt County. And the Wildcats gave a good account for themselves with a 14-7 loss.

Until the postseason begins and teams face competition around the state, we can only assume that a few teams will make some noise in the playoffs.

This week, the Clayton News Daily/Henry Daily Herald sports staff graded the teams in the Southern Crescent, and several look to have a promising future come postseason.

Region play begins for the majority of teams today as the push to postseason is underway.

The marquee matchup is Riverdale hosting No. 10 Griffin at Tara. The Bears should rebound from last week’s upset loss to Stockbridge to take control of its subregion.

Locust Grove has looked like a playoff contender in the early part of the season. Its game against visiting Dutchtown will give the Wildcats a gauge on where they stand.

The Bulldogs should continue that march towards the top of the subregion standings.

There is no doubt that Eagle’s Landing can put some points on the scoreboard. So is Stockbridge, which comes off a big win at Griffin, ripe for an upset?

Look for Eagle’s Landing to put up a good showing, but the Tigers win.

Winner Loser

Strong Rock Pace

Peach County Henry County

Lovejoy Rockdale

Luella Druid Hills

Union Grove Ola

Dutchtown Locust Grove

Stockbridge Eagle’s Landing

Jonesboro North Clayton

Griffin Riverdale

Derrick Mahone is sports editor of the Clayton News Daily and Henry Daily Herald. He can be reached at dmahone@news-daily.com.