Last week: 4-2; season 27-9

Thursday, Sept. 29

Ardmore (2-3) at Lee-Huntsville (2-3),

Milton Frank Stadium, Huntsville

Preview: Ardmore continues its difficult schedule during the month of September when the Tigers travel to Huntsville to face Lee. Since being ranked for the first time in over a decade, the Generals have dropped two straight and need a win over Ardmore to stay in playoff contention. Ardmore has scored 48 points per game in two wins and given up 55 points per game in three losses.

Series history: These teams have never met.

News Courier Prediction: Lee 34, Ardmore 17

Friday, Sept. 30

GAME OF THE WEEK

Decatur (4-1) at Athens (1-4),

Athens Stadium

Why it’s important: A week after a dominating win over East Limestone, Athens can make a big statement with a victory over a Decatur team that has been impressive at the halfway point of the season. A win would keep Athens in playoff contention.

Preview: Athens will face a completely different type of offense this week when the Golden Eagles welcome Decatur for homecoming. Decatur won its third straight last week, 34-14, over Lee. QB Alec Marks threw for 262 yards and three touchdowns while completing 77 percent of his passes.

Players to watch: Athens wide receiver Kiah Rice: Rice leads Athens in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Decatur wide receiver Tyrique Purvis: Purvis caught eight passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns last week.

Series history: Decatur leads 58-24 with two ties.

Last meeting: Decatur won 41-26 in 2015.

News Courier Prediction: Decatur 28, Athens 20

Cleveland (5-0) at Tanner (2-3),

Rip Swanner Field, Tanner

Preview: It’s been 15 years since Tanner had a losing record this late in the season, but the Rattlers have faced a gauntlet over the first half of the season and it won’t get any easier Friday when No. 5 Cleveland comes to town. The Panthers have beaten everyone on their schedule by at least two touchdowns. Could Tanner’s state-record 49-game consecutive winning streak in the region be in jeopardy?

Series history: Tanner leads 3-0.

Last meeting: Tanner won 48-7 in 2011.

News Courier Prediction: Tanner 33, Cleveland 27

East Limestone (2-3) at Lawrence County (2-3),

Red Devil Stadium, Moulton

Preview: East Limestone hits the road for a tricky region road game in Moulton. The Red Devils have become a playoff contender under fifth-year head coach Rich Dutton. Already 1-2 in the region, Dutton knows this is a must-win if his team is going to reach the playoffs for a second straight season. Finishing the region with games against Russellville and Brooks means East Limestone really needs this win.

Series history: East Limestone leads 9-6.

Last meeting: East Limestone won 28-7 in 2015.

News Courier Prediction: East Limestone 24, Lawrence County 19.

West Limestone (4-1) at Danville (3-2)

Smith-Owens Stadium, Danville

Preview: Fresh off a comfortable 47-0 victory over Elkmont, West Limestone hits the road for the third straight week to face a Danville team that was outscored a combined 80-6 by Rogers and Wilson. Since Danville was added to 4A Region 8 this year, this will be first meeting between these teams in 33 years.

Series history: Danville leads 2-0.

Last meeting: Danville won 17-7 in 1983.

News Courier Prediction: West Limestone 41, Danville 6

Colbert County (4-1) at Clements (1-4)

M.T. Newman Stadium, Clements

Preview: Clements returns to the friendly confines of its home stadium after picking up a hard-fought road victory over Hanceville last week. The Colts face a Colbert County team that has reeled off four straight victories and is averaging 41 points per game this season.

Series history: Colbert County leads 7-1.

Last meeting: Colbert County won 43-16 in 2015.

News Courier Prediction: Colbert County 27, Clements 10

Grissom (0-5) at James Clemens (3-2),

Madison City Schools Stadium

Preview: After facing four teams that have been ranked at some point this season in Class 6A or 7A, James Clemens welcomes Grissom to Madison City School Stadium. The Tigers have allowed an average of 63 points per game their past three games to region foes.

Series history: James Clemens leads 2-0.

Last meeting: James Clemens won 49-6.

News Courier Prediction: James Clemens 55, Grissom 6

Colbert Heights (3-3) at Elkmont (0-6)

Boss Hill Stadium, Elkmont

Preview: Colbert Heights visits Elkmont Friday trying to snap a two-game losing streak. Prior to those losses, the Wildcats put together a three-game winning streak including a 22-9 win over Clements. Elkmont has lost six straight and been outscored by at least four touchdowns in every game this season.

Series history: Colbert Heights leads 11-5.

Last meeting: Elkmont won 10-0 in 2009.

News Courier Prediction: Colbert Heights 29, Elkmont 9