Friday night’s games

Game of the week: Austin (7-1, 5-1) at Bob Jones (6-2, 5-1)

Where: Madison City Schools Stadium

What: Class 6A, Region 8 game

Radio:FM-94.7

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: Austin suffered its first loss of the season last week at Florence, which has shaken up the Region 8 standings. An Austin win at Bob Jones and a Florence win at Sparkman would create a three-way tie for first place among the Black Bears, Patriots and Falcons. If Austin loses, the Black Bears will be Region 8’s third seed and travel for the opening round of the playoffs. Protecting quarterback Chris Sparkman was a problem last week against Florence. The Austin signal caller was sacked several times. Austin running back Josh Walker has amassed more than 1,500 yards of total offense this season, with more than 1,000 coming on the ground. Austin leads the series 6-4.

The Daily picks: Austin 24, Bob Jones 21

James Clemens (0-8, 0-6) at Decatur (5-3, 3-3)

Where: Ogle Stadium

What: Class 6A, Region 8 game

Radio: AM-1400

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: This is a must-win game for Decatur’s playoff hopes. If Decatur wins, the Red Raiders would clinch the fourth seed in Region 8 and be on the road for the opening round of the playoffs. Decatur has won two straight since losing to Bob Jones in Week 6. Defense is a major reason why. The Red Raiders have given up just 14 points during that span. James Clemens is playing its first football season, and the Jets have taken plenty of lumps, getting outscored 329-109.

The Daily picks: Decatur 49, James Clemens 7

Lawrence County (2-6, 0-6) at Athens (1-7, 1-5)

Where: Golden Eagles Stadium

What: Class 5A, Region 8 game

Radio: FM-98.3 and streaming at WKAC180.com

Last season: Athens won 38-16

The skinny: There are no playoff implications with this game, but plenty of pride is at stake. A win for either team would provide a needed highlight for what has been disappointing seasons. Athens’ starting lineup has been hit hard by injuries throughout the season.

Derek Teague had a rushing touchdown, and William Matthews threw a touchdown pass last for Athens last week in a loss to Cullman. Athens leads the series 21-10-2.

The Daily picks: Athens 35, Lawrence County 7

Brewer (1-7, 1-5) at Southside -Gadsden (5-3, 3-3)

Where: Barney Hood Stadium

What: Class 5A, Region 7 game

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: This game has no postseason implications. Southside has already secured the fourth seed in Region 7, while Brewer has been eliminated. Brewer’s offense got a boost with quarterback Weston Pritchett’s return in Week 6, averaging 24 points per game during the past three games, but the Patriots are giving up 41.4 points per game this season. Southside leads the series 1-0.

The Daily picks: Southside 45, Brewer 20

East Limestone (3-5, 2-4) at West Point (2-6, 1-5)

Where: Warrior Stadium

What: Class 5A, Region 8 game

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: East Limestone looks to bounce back after struggling in a loss against Hartselle. The Indians were held to less than 190 yards of total offense. With two physical running backs in Torren Haley and Jevon Turner, East Limestone will try to push West Point’s defense around with a downhill running game. Haley rushed for 87 yards last week against Hartselle. Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention. The series is tied 3-3.

The Daily picks: East Limestone 42, West Point 14

Hartselle (6-2, 5-1) at Russellville (6-2, 4-2)

Where: Golden Tigers Stadium

What: Class 5A, Region 8 game

Radio: FM-99.9

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: This is a crucial game in the Class 5A, Region 8 standings. Muscle Shoals, Hartselle, Cullman and Russellville have all clinched playoff spots, but the seeding won’t be determined until after Friday’s games.

After losing consecutive games to Decatur and Muscle Shoals, Hartselle appears to have found its stride. The Tigers have outscored their last two opponents, West Point and Lawrence County 92-7. Russellville also has improved throughout the season. Led by running back Tyler Boyd, the Golden Tigers have outscored opponents 248-132. Russellville leads the series 23-6-1.

The Daily picks: Hartselle 21, Russellville 14

DAR (3-5, 3-3) at Ardmore (5-3, 3-3)

Where: Cooper Field

What: Class 4A, Region 7 game

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: This is a game with heavy playoff implications. The winner will secure the fourth seed in Region 7. With one of the youngest rosters in the area, Ardmore has several freshmen in the starting lineup, including three on the offensive line. Running backs Tyler McCarley and Zach Ellis lead Ardmore’s offensive, while quarterback Garrett Miller has been a steady presence. The all-time series is tied 1-1.

The Daily picks: Ardmore 20, DAR 14

East Lawrence (3-5, 2-4) at Rogers (4-4, 3-3)

Where: Pirate Stadium

What: Class 4A, Region 8 game

Last season: Rogers won 28-6

The skinny: East Lawrence has played its way into playoff contention, but the Eagles need help. If East Lawrence beats Rogers, and Brooks beats Wilson, the Eagles would receive the fourth playoff seed in Region 8. East Lawrence quarterback Terrence Deloney has emerged as one of the area’s top playmakers. He is averaging more than 150 yards rushing. Rogers advanced to the Class 3A semifinals last season, but despite returning several key starters, including running back Austin Kerr, the Pirates have struggled with consistency. Rogers leads the series 4-0.

The Daily picks: Rogers 21, East Lawrence 7

Central-Florence (5-3, 4-2) at Priceville (2-6, 0-6)

Where: Bulldog Stadium

What: Class 4A, Region 8 game

Last season: Central won 42-14

The skinny: Priceville has been eliminated from playoff contention, while Central is jockeying for position in Region 8. The Wildcats can still finish as the No. 2 seed with a win, accompanied by a Haleyville loss. Priceville receiver Nick Bell has been a consistent playmaker. He caught three touchdown passes in a loss against West Limestone last week. Quarterback Caleb Barker threw four touchdown passes. Central leads the series 2-0.

The Daily picks: Central 35, Priceville 14

West Limestone (4-4, 2-4) at Haleyville (6-2, 4-2)

Where: Memorial Stadium

What: Class 4A, Region 8

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: Haleyville can finish second in the region with a win and a Priceville upset of Central. West Limestone needs a win to have a chance at a winning season. West Limestone and Priceville combined for 90 points last week as the Wildcats held on to a 49-41 win. Logan Pugh ran for 218 yards and two touchdowns and Dillon Miller added 148 yards for West Limestone. Haleyville’s Tanner Ivey threw for 221 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 26 yards and a score in a 26-8 win over Rogers.

The Daily picks: Haleyville 30, West Limestone 20

Deshler (5-3, 4-2) at Clements (0-8, 0-6)

Where: M.T. Newman Stadium

What: Class 3A, Region 8

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: Deshler is playing for third place in the region. Clements just needs a win. The Colts can’t continue to spot the opponent 28 points as they did in a 56-30 loss last week to Colbert County. Gevon Buck had an 85-yard kickoff return for a score and Demarcus Johnson had touchdown runs of 14 and 9 yards for Clements. Deshler won its fourth straight game with a 55-6 victory over Elkmont last week. Juakeem Fuqua had 117 yards and a touchdown on seven carries for Tigers.

The Daily picks: Deshler 30, Clements 9

Danville (3-5, 2-4) at Hamilton (8-0, 6-0)

Where: Joe Sargent Stadium

What: Class 3A, Region 7

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: Fourth-ranked Hamilton is tuning up for the playoffs while Danville must win to have a chance to reach .500. Hanceville scored twice in the final 5:30 to rally past Danville 28-24 last week. The loss was the Hawks’ second straight heartbreaker. Justin Hannah gained 121 yards on 30 carries for the Hawks. Hamilton beat Winston County 46-27 last week. The Aggies have outscored opponents 338-158. Hamilton leads the all-time series 2-0.

The Daily picks: Hamilton 33, Danville 9

Lauderdale County (7-1, 5-1) at Elkmont (2-6, 2-4)

Where: Boss Hill Stadium

What: Class 3A, Region 8

Last season: Lauderdale County won 34-14

The skinny: Lauderdale County must win or hope for a Madison Academy loss to claim the region title. Elkmont can only hope to play spoiler. Josh Ferrazas’ late touchdown was the Red Devils’ only score in a 55-6 loss to Deshler last week. Lauderdale County held Westminster Christian to -1 yard of offense the first half of a 48-7 rout last week. Lauderdale County leads all-time series 17-6.

The Daily picks: Lauderdale County 28, Elkmont 6

Westminster Christian (4-4, 2-4) at W. Morgan (1-7, 1-7)

Where: Rebels Stadium

What: Class 3A, Region 8

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: With playoff hopes dashed, both teams are hoping to finish the season on positive note. The Rebels were no match for sixth-ranked Madison Academy in a 56-0 loss last week. Demetrius Warren led West Morgan with 46 yards rushing on 17 carries and the Rebels finished with 101 yards. Jay Madison caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Beasley for Westminster’s only score in a 48-7 loss to Lauderdale County last week.

The Daily picks:West Morgan 14, Westminster 13

Sheffield (4-4, 4-2) at Hatton (3-5, 3-3)

Where: Hatton Field

What: Class 2A, Region 8

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: Hatton must win and hope Lexington loses to get into the playoffs. Sheffield needs to win to stay in third place in the region. The Hornets must shake off a 60-6 loss to No. 1 ranked Tanner. The Rattlers have beaten a lot of people in this fashion. Justin Smith scored Hatton’s touchdown with 15 seconds left. Sheffield beat Cherokee 55-13.

The Daily picks: Sheffield 22, Hatton 10

Tanner (8-0, 6-0) at Phil Campbell (2-6, 1-5)

Where: Parrish Stadium

What: Class 2A, Region 8

Last year: Did not play

The skinny: The top-ranked Rattlers are tuning up for the playoff with a long road trip. A Phil Campbell win would be a monumental upset. A Hatton touchdown with 15 seconds left spoiled Tanner’s shutout bid in a 60-6 win. Hayden Stephens, led Tanner with 142 yards rushing and a touchdown. Rattler quarterback Jonathon Fletcher hit all five passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score. Phil Campbell lost 46-20 last week to Colbert Heights. Tanner leads all-time series 6-0.

The Daily picks: Tanner 40, Phil Campbell 6

Ragland (7-0, 6-0) at Falkville (6-1, 5-1)

Where: Burl Vest Stadium

What: Class 1A, Region 6

Last season: Did not play.

The skinny: Falkville must rebound from its first loss, beat fourth-ranked Ragland and hope for an Addison loss to win the region. Ragland can claim the region title with a win. Falkville couldn’t hold on to a 12-0 first-half lead in the 20-12 loss to Addison. Aaron Estes completed 16 of 20 passes for 145 yards for the Blue Devils. Ragland beat Sumiton Christian 56-17 last week. Led by Devane Brewster, the Purple Devils are averaging 275.6 rushing yards a game.

The Daily picks: Falkville 17, Ragland 14

Thursday's game

R.A. Hubbard (5-3, 4-2) at Decatur Heritage (4-4, 3-3)

Where: West Morgan High

What: Class 1A, Region 8 game

Last season: Did not play

The skinny: The home Eagles posted a 21-12 win over region foe Vina last week and can move to 4-3 in the region with a win over the inconsistent Chiefs, who are 4-2 in the region with both teams battling for the last playoff spot. If the Eagles win and if Phillips-Bear Creek defeats Shoals Christian, Decatur Heritage would claim the region’s fourth spot and R.A. Hubbard would miss the playoffs for the first time since 2007. R.A. Hubbard’s John Owens was exciting both times he carried the ball last week. He had two rushes good for an impressive 165 yards, including a 99-yard run in the third quarter in a 36-0 win over Waterloo.

The Daily picks: R.A. Hubbard 36, Decatur Heritage 14

COMPILED BY JUSTIN GRAVES AND BAYNE HUGHES