Game of the Week

 East Limestone at Ardmore

Cooper Field, Ardmore

 Why it’s important: It may not have playoff implications, but it’s likely both teams will be fired up for this longtime rivalry game. It’s the first meeting between the teams since 2009 and the first with both teams in Class 5A. With playoff hopes out the window, Ardmore’s season is all about its final two games against traditional rivals East and West Limestone.

 Preview: East Limestone is off to its best start since 1965 and could finish its region slate with a perfect 7-0 record with a victory. The Indians were dominant once again in a 31-7 win over West Point while Ardmore dropped its second consecutive game, 50-39 to Columbia. The Tigers fell behind 30-7 and 50-27 in that game, but fought back both times. Should East Limestone jump out to a big lead, you can bet Ardmore will fight back once again. East has allowed just five touchdowns through the first three quarters of games this year.

 Last meeting: East Limestone won 55-20 in 2009.

 Series history: East Limestone leads 24-21.

 News Courier Prediction: East Limestone 35, Ardmore 13

Lauderdale County at Clements

M.T. Newman Stadium, Clements

 Preview: These 3A rivals are separated by just seven miles, but the divide is far greater on the gridiron. Lauderdale County (7-2), ranked No. 9 in 3A, has dominated as of late, winning the last four in the series by an average score of 39-7. The Tigers can secure home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a win. The Colts are looking for their second win of the season.

 Last meeting: Lauderdale County won 52-6 in 2013.

 Series history: Lauderdale County leads 16-4.

News Courier Prediction: Lauderdale County 41, Clements 7

Elkmont at East Lawrence

Eagle Stadium, Caddo

Preview: After locking up the No. 3 seed in Class 4A Region with a win over Rogers last week, Elkmont (6-2) looks to finish strong entering the playoffs. The Red Devils will be heavy favorites in their final two games, starting with East Lawrence (0-8) Friday. The Eagles have scored four touchdowns all season and were shut out in the last three games.

Last meeting: Elkmont won 30-0 in 1981.

Series history: Elkmont leads 2-0.

News Courier Prediction: Elkmont 49, East Lawrence 6

Falkville at Tanner

Rip Swanner Stadium, Tanner

Preview: Tanner is going for its third consecutive shutout and sixth overall this season when the Rattlers host Falkville Friday in their final game of the regular season. On offense, the Rattlers are quietly having one of their best seasons, averaging 48.3 points per game. They are on pace to set a new school record for points scored in a season. That record was set by the 2012 state championship team, which averaged 45.2 points per game.

Last meeting: Tanner won 56-0 in 2011.

Series history: Tanner leads 17-7, with two ties.

News Courier Prediction: Tanner 48, Falkville 20

West Limestone at Wilson

Warrior Stadium, Zip City

Preview: West Limestone travels to Wilson after narrowly losing to Central 23-20 last week on a last second field goal. A win by West Limestone would have given this game major playoff implications but, as it stands, pride is the only thing on the line in Zip City. Wilson has already secured a home-field playoff spot and has an outside chance to win the region.

Last meeting: West Limestone won 30-22 in 2013.

Series history: Wilson leads 7-6.

News Courier Prediction: Wilson 27, West Limestone 13

Last week 5-2; overall 40-10