NORTHWEST WHITFIELD BRUINS (4-3, 1-2) PICKENS AT DRAGONS (4-2, 2-0)

Storyline: This Region 6-AAAA game features teams trying to overcome adversity. The Bruins will be without star QB Luke Shiflett, who broke an ankle in last week’s loss to Heritage. The Dragons are dealing with the death of freshman Shawn Mask as the result of a dirt bike accident. On the field, Northwest will turn to Matthew Redmond at QB and likely will change the offensive plan to feature RB Dominique Sistrunk more prominently. Pickens, coming off a 49-21 win over Southeast Whitfield, has one of the state’s top playmakers in QB Jacob Brumby, who has passed for 1,485 yards and 16 TDs. RB Robert Davis (714 rushing yards, 11.5 yards per carry) and WR Zack Goss (31 catches, 607 yards, 11 TDs) complete this dangerous offense. If Northwest loses, reaching the playoffs could be difficult.