Area coaches face off against old schools

Published 12:00 am Saturday, October 28, 2006

For the first time all season, all four schools in Butler County were victorious and each team won a huge game in respect to the playoff picture.

This week's games are even more important and several of the games are not just for home-field advantage or a playoff berth, they're personal.

Here are this week's picks:

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No. 4 Fort Dale vs. No. 5 Lowndes

It's been nearly a decade since Fort Dale Academy head coach James &#8220Speed” Sampley walked the sidelines for the Lowndes Academy Rebels, but the Rebels and head coach Art Sullivan are coming to town Thursday night, and they're bringing their big, bad, undefeated record with them.

The Eagles got a huge win, and home-field advantage in the playoffs, over Cottage Hill Friday night, 18-14, and although this week's game means nothing in region play, this one is for bragging rights.

The Eagles have continued to get better on both sides of the ball and a win this week would be huge going into the playoffs…

Fort Dale 32, Lowndes 30.

McKenzie vs. Florala

For the fourth time this season, the McKenzie Tigers will square off against a team reeling from a loss to No. 1 Brantley, as Florala suffered a 45-16 defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs Friday night.

The first two times McKenzie caught Brantley's leftovers, it did not turn out well for the Tigers.

However, Friday night's 48-41 shootout win over Providence Christian may have given the Tigers the confidence to make the playoffs.

Tigers win this one and they're in…

Florala 38, McKenzie 37.

Georgiana @ Excel

For the first time in five weeks, the Georgiana Panthers got the taste of victory with a 48-10 win over Keith.

The Panthers' win couldn't have come at a better time and a win Friday night puts the Panthers in the playoffs.

The Georgiana defense Friday night resembled the same crew that upended No. 1 Southern Choctaw in Week 3 and the Panthers must have that same effort if they want to see the postseason…

Georgiana 28, Excel 22.

No. 9 Greenville vs. Charles Henderson

Greenville head coach Bryant Vincent and his Tigers will square off against his old school as the Tigers host the Trojans Friday night for home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Many of Vincent's former colleagues are still at Charles Henderson and the head coach wants this one not only for bragging rights, but for playoff implications as well.

The Trojans have rebounded lately, while the Tiger defense has slipped, meaning this one will be close, really close…

Greenville 21, Charles Henderson 20.

Last week: 4-5

Overall: 43-24

Austin Phillips is The Greenville Advocate sports editor.

You can contact him by e-mailing austin.phillips@greenvilleadvocate.com or by calling 382-3111 ext. 122.