Here’s a look at the top games in Week 5:
No. 1 (Public) Clinch County (2-1) at No. 5 (Public) Irwin County (2-1)
This is one of the most understated rivalries in Georgia, featuring two of the best programs, regardless of classification, in the state. The teams have met 41 times since 1952. Each has won 20 games, with one tie (1980). Their all-time records are virtually the same: 423-282-17 for Clinch to 413-285-17 for Irwin. They have combined to win 28 region titles (17 for Clinch, 11 for Irwin) and seven state titles (6 for Clinch, 1 for Irwin). Clinch has won the last two contests – 39-19 last season and 24-7 in the 2015 public state title game. Irwin won the regular season meeting that year, 28-12. The teams’ only losses this season were to foes ranked in the Class AA Top 10 – Clinch loss to No. 7 Brooks County (17-14), Irwin loss to No. 10 Fitzgerald (31-6). Irwin is the defending Region 2 champions.
No. 10 (Private) Aquinas (1-1) vs. Mount de Sales (2-1)
The two schools have met each year since Mount de Sales joined the Georgia High Schools Association in 2014, with Aquinas winning all three games, including last year’s contest, 27-14. Prior to that, the schools met just twice while they competed in the Georgia Independent Schools Association. Mount de Sales won, 35-9, in 1973, avenging a 16-7 loss to Aquinas the year before. Aquinas has made the state playoffs for six consecutive seasons, including an undefeated season and private school title in 2013. Mount de Sales is just 12-21 since joining the GHSA and has yet to advance to the post season.
Other games of note:
No. 1 (Private) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (4-0) at Holy Innocents’ (1-2)
No. 2 (Public) Manchester (3-0) at Class AA Jordan (1-2)
No. 3 (Private) Wesleyan (3-1) vs. Our Lady of Mercy (1-2)
No. 4 (Private) Mount Paran Christian (2-1) at Kings Ridge (1-2)
No. 5 (Private) Tattnall Square (2-0) vs. Pacelli (0-3)
No. 6 (Private) Calvary Day (2-0) vs. Montgomery County (2-0)
No. 7 (Public) Mount Zion-Carroll (3-0) at North Cobb Christian (1-2)
No. 8 (Private) Fellowship Christian (2-1) at St. Francis (1-1)
Gordon Lee (1-2) at Darlington (1-2)
Georgia Military College (2-1) at Oglethorpe County (0-2)
