ARMUCHEE AT LAFAYETTE
7:30 p.m. Armuchee LAST MEETING: Aug. 19, 2016; LaFayette won 22-6
Armuchee once again jumps out as the first Floyd County team to start the regular season, except the Indians will be far away from The Reservation tonight. A sloppy start to the second half put an end to Armuchee’s 6-0 lead against the Ramblers last year. Some tough veterans like J.C. Burkett and Tamalachi Lovelace will have to help bring consistency and energy on defense to work against LaFayette’s talented running backs. RN-T PICK: LaFayette by 6 LAST MEETING: Aug. 26, 2016; Cedartown won 35-7
The Battle of Polk County happens right out of the gate this season and will feature two programs on the rise. Both teams had productive preseasons and will have to work on keeping focus in another early-season rivalry game. Rockmart is trying to continue the momentum of their 9-3 season with QB Dylan Bailey and Markus Smith leading the offense. Cedartown QB Trevon Wofford threw for over 200 yards and three TDs in last year’s game. RN-T PICK: Cedartown by 10 LAST MEETING: Aug. 19, 2016; Calhoun won 28-0
After shutting down Douglass a year ago, Calhoun opens this season with new turf at Phil Reeve Stadium and some experienced players ready to try and improve on the Jackets’ Elite Eight season. Douglass has some decent speed in QB Juan Powell, but the defense is a big strength of Calhoun’s team this season with solid defensive line and good depth at nearly every position. Junior Gavin Gray steps in as the full-time starting QB. RN-T PICK: Calhoun by 20 RN-T PICK: