If you were

at last year's football game between Starr's Mill and

Sandy Creek, you'd know why it is important that you

don't miss this year's match.

Last year,

the game went into the final drive before Starr's Mill

pulled out a victory over the Patriots. Though the game

was played at Sandy Creek, the field was full of Starr's

Mill fans by game's end. That game made the statement

that there is a new rivalry in the county, and it is a

good one.

Starr's

Mill is currently 6-1 and in sole possession of second

place in Region 4-AAA. The team has been led this season

Maddock, Reuben Houston, LaDon Cooper - and the

ability, confidence and leadership of quarterback Brad

McClaren. The Panthers' defense has also been

outstanding, limiting the superstars on other teams to

fairly meager evenings. Matt Defenbaugh, Tony Tofanelli

and Matt Fuhrmann play well each week and are capable of

turning their team around at any given moment.

Sandy Creek

is 5-2 and tied for fourth place and the final playoff

spot in the region. The Patriots' strength on offense is

the athletic ability and speed of running backs Mark

Lawson and J.R. Lemon and the quarterback Andre Green.

Sandy Creek possesses a lot of power and intensity,

displayed on both sides of the ball for the duration of

the game.

Jermaine

Harris sees time on offense and defense and he is a

presence in the middle of the field. Harris, also a

basketball player for Sandy Creek, has a height advantage

over most and is an interception threat that strikes fear

in most high school offensive coordinators.

Lots of

credit for the two teams' successes has to go to their

coaches. Mike Earwood has developed a formidable team at

Starr's Mill. They are a disciplined bunch that show up

ready to play each week and still have fun on the field.

Rodney Walker took the reins at Sandy Creek this season

and has got the Patriots using the talents and athletic

ability that choke the hallways at the school.

Last week,

Starr's Mill defeated Jones County 27-13, while Sandy

Creek lost to Woodward Academy 35-7. The Panthers want to

protect their bragging rights and secure a good playoff

spot, while a win for the Patriots would open up the

entire playoff picture in Region 4-AAA. If Starr's Mill

can keep its offense on the field and establish long

drives, the Panthers should be successful. The Patriots

must get huge production from Lawson and Lemon, pounding

the defensive line of the Panthers.

It should

be a great game and it is much too close to call. The

game will be played at 7:30 p.m. this Friday at Tiger

Stadium at Fayette County High School.

In other

Friday night matches, McIntosh (1-7) hosts Newnan (6-2),

while Fayette County (3-5) travels to Griffin (4-4). East

Coweta (6-2) will host Carver, Columbus (4-4) and

Northgate (4-3) hosts Temple (0-7). Landmark Christian

(1-6) will host Mt. Zion, Carrollton (1-6).