PLANTERSVILLE — The Dallas County Hornets have already equaled last season’s win total by winning two of their five games, including last week’s 22-0 thrashing of Francis Marion.

Now, they get a chance to see just how far they’ve come in their first season under head coach Barry Colburn, as No. 7 Dadeville visits the Hornets in a Class 4A, Region 3 showdown.

It’s clear that Dallas County has made progress from last season just by looking at their results. The Hornets lost 27-0 to No. 4 Clay-Central earlier this year, compared to a 60-0 loss last season. Last season, the Hornets lost to Handley 53-0, compared to a 35-12 loss this season.

But, are the Hornets ready to take a big leap forward?

Colburn said this year’s team has not gotten breaks that would’ve swung a couple of games in their favor, something he is optimistic will eventually flip the Hornets way.

“Good things are going to happen for us,” Colburn said. “As long as you are playing hard and you are focused on what you are doing, you are going to have good things happen to you. We just have a very tough region.”

Dadeville is 4-1 on the season with their only loss coming last week to Tallassee 27-25. Colburn said Tigers quarterback C. J. Tolbert makes Dadeville hard to defend.

“Their quarterback is really quick and really fast and very athletic,” Colburn said. “He poses a problem for pretty much anybody.”

However, he wants his team to understand that the Tigers are a lot like his team.

“What I try to explain to our kids is that we aren’t playing Alabama or Auburn. We are playing another high school,” Colburn said. “They can’t put more than 11 out there at a time, just like us. It comes down to being very personal and taking care of your business and staying focused.”

Dallas County will be a little shorthanded. Quarterback Prince Tolbert is expected to play with a shoulder injury, but lineman Lowell Furlow is likely to be extremely limited, if he takes the field at all Friday night.

Last season Dadeville defeated the Hornets 46-8.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

Keith at Billingsley

BILLINGSLEY — The last three weeks for Keith have probably felt like a roller coaster ride for the Bears. Keith lost to Ellwood Christian 26-20 three weeks ago, but followed that defeat by crushing Holy Spirit 50-0. Keith overwhelmed the Titans so much that the quarters were reduced to six minutes in the second half.

Last week, the roller coaster ride continued when Keith lost at home to Southside 18-14. Even with the ups and downs they’ve faced, Keith is still in great shape. Keith has only one region loss going into this Friday night’s game at Billingsley. Billingsley, who is 1-2 in region play, badly needs a win because a loss would likely end the school’s playoff chances.

Last season, Keith defeated Billingsley 33-6.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

Maplesville at Ellwood Christian

Ellwood Christian has a tough test ahead of them Friday when No. 2 Maplesville visits Memorial Stadium. The Eagles are still in good shape to make the playoffs, but a loss would drop them back to .500 in area play.

Ellwood has struggled with turnovers in non-area losses to Francis Marion and A. L. Johnson this year. In another loss, Autaugaville was able to move the ball consistently, while holding Ellwood’s offense in check.

The Red Devils had only allowed 18 points all season before giving up 24 to Sweet Water last week. Maplesville has outscored opponents 271-42 this season.

Last season, Maplesville defeated Ellwood Christian 48-12. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

 

Southside at Opp

OPP — The Panthers are riding momentum into this week’s game at Opp. Last week Southside came from behind to defeat county rival Keith 18-14. Both teams are in desperate need of a victory, considering each team is 1-2 in area play and in danger of falling out of the playoff race.

Opp’s only region win of the year came in a 7-0 victory over Excel. In week three, Southside defeated Cottage Hill 20-6 to get its lone region win. Last season, Opp defeated the Panthers 39-6. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

 

Selma at Saraland

SARALAND — For Selma to sneak into the playoffs this season, the Saints knew they would have to knock off one of the top teams in Class 5A, Region 3 from 2012.

Opportunities have already come and gone against Jackson and Demopolis, the teams that finished first and second in the region last year and are in the top three this season.

Next up for Selma is No. 9 Saraland, the team leading the region at 3-0 through five weeks.

Selma defeated 6A Sidney Lanier last week in Montgomery. Saraland has scored at least 35 points in four of its five games, while holding opponents to an average of 6.8 points per game.

Saraland defeated Selma 24-21 last season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

Marengo Academy at Meadowview Christian

Meadowview is still in search of its first win of the season heading into Friday night’s game against No. 7 Marengo Academy.

The Longhorns are undefeated on the season, winning all of their games by 22 points or more.

Last season, Marengo defeated Meadowview 46-26. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Fort Dale at Morgan Academy

It has been a rough stretch for the Senators, who started the season 2-0 after back-to-back shutout wins over Pike Liberal Arts and Meadowview Christian.

Losses to Wilcox Academy, Tuscaloosa Academy and Escambia Academy have quickly put a damper on a great start, leaving Morgan needing wins to secure a playoff berth.

No. 9 Fort Dale is 2-1 in region play, with its only loss coming last week to Monroe Academy.

The Eagles have given up a lot of points, surrendering 20 or more in every game this season. Fort Dale has also allowed 38 points or more three times, with two of those occasions resulting in wins.

Last season, Fort Dale defeated Morgan 38-28. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.