Dallas County and Francis Marion square off in a regional battle featuring two teams in search of confidence.

The Hornets are looking to recapture the magic after getting their first win over Holt last week.

“It was very big for us,” said Hornets coach John Higgins. “It was a big morale booster.”

Justin McAfee was 8-of-16 passing with 67 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in his first full game as a starter.

“Justin had a pretty good game,” said Higgins. “It’s a work in progress. We just need to be more consistent.”

McAfee replaced the injured Drew Blackmon, who returned from a previous injury to compete for the position.

Blackmon suffered a concussion in the Hornets’ loss at Greensboro Public two weeks ago. His doctor advised him to drop football, and Blackmon decided to follow his advice. He will continue to play baseball for the Hornets.

The Rams enter Friday’s homecoming game still searching for their first win. They fell to Saint Jude 60-0 last week.

“We’re not dwelling on the past or our record,” said Francis Marion coach Javaris Jackson. “I feel confident going into this game. I’m trying to keep up the motivation of our guys.”

The Hornets and Rams kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Marion.

Selma High (3-1) vs. John LeFlore (0-4)

After suffering its first loss on the season, Selma has a golden opportunity to bounce back on the road against John LeFlore.

The Rattlers dropped to 0-4 on the year with a 23-6 loss to St. Paul’s Episcopal last week. The Saints fell 37-0 at Greenville.

“Greenville was a lot faster,” said Selma coach Foster Davis. “We had opportunities to win the game, but we just shot ourselves in the foot.”

The Saints had four interceptions on the night, and failed to score despite reaching the Greenville red zone four times.

Despite the Rattlers’ record, Davis sees Friday’s contest as a huge opportunity for his team.

“That would be a huge win for us,” said Davis. “Anytime you go into football country and come out with a win, that’s huge.”

The Saints and Rattlers kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Mobile.

Maplesville (3-0) vs. Autaugaville (0-4)

Maplesville continues to roll, despite losing the majority of its starters from two teams that reached the state semifinals.

At this juncture, one could say coach Brent Hubbert doesn’t rebuild. He reloads.

“We’re pleased,” said Hubbert. “We’re still making junior high mistakes, but we’re pleasantly surprised.”

The Red Devils moved to 3-0 on the season with a 41-6 win at John Essex last week. They play host to an Autaugaville team still searching for its first win.

The Eagles have fallen on hard times since finishing 10-1 in 2005, and fell to 0-4 after losing to Billingsley 28-6 last week.

“They’re the best looking team physically that we’ve played to this point,” said Hubbert. “We hope we can match up with them.”

The Red Devils and Eagles kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Maplesville.

Meadowview (2-2) vs. Edgewood (4-0)

Meadowview fell at Clarke Prep 56-36 last week, and the road doesn’t get any easier.

After two down years, Edgewood appears ready to make a statement. The Wildcats improved to 4-0 with a 48-0 win over Lakeside last week.

“They’re back to the old Edgewood,” said Meadowview coach Rick Jackson. “They’ve rebounded, and they’re on the right track. It looks like they’re hands down to win the east side.”

Complicating matters further is the potential absence of some key Trojan players. Quarterback Randal Hamilton, offensive lineman Josh Barlow, receiver Daniel Blackmon, running back Davis Jones, offensive lineman Shane Skinner and receiver Ryan Aultman are all banged up, and up to three may miss Friday’s contest.

“We’ve already been having difficulties,” said Jackson. “We’re just going to have to line up and play.”

The Trojans and Wildcats kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Elmore.

R.C. Hatch (3-1) vs. Lamar County (3-1)

R.C. Hatch coach Jammie Abraham displayed his new Mohawk during the Bobcats’ 20-6 win over Highland Home last week.

If the wins continue, he promises his new hairdo will get bigger.

“We want to prove we are not a fluke,” said Abraham. “We are the real deal.”

After a 40-19 loss to Sulligent last week, Lamar County fell to 3-1.

“Overall, I think we match up with Sulligent pretty well,” said Abraham. “We’re hungry. We’re trying to turn this into football country.”

The Bobcats and Bulldogs kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Vernon.

Wilcox Academy (1-4) vs. Escambia (0-5)

Wilcox will try to end its four-game losing streak against an Escambia team still searching for its first win.

The Cougars fell to Pickens 53-0 last week. The Wildcats suffered a 41-3 setback against Monroe.

“We’re looking forward to playing them,” said Wilcox coach Chris Burford. “I think we match up real good with them. We both need to win.”

The Wildcats and Cougars kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Atmore.

Wilcox-Central (1-3) vs. Gulf Shores (2-2)

Wilcox-Central put a mark in the win column with a 26-21 win over Monroe County last week.

On Friday, the Jaguars go for their second win against Gulf Shores.

The Dolphins lost to Vigor 46-26 last week.

The teams kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Camden.

Lowndes Academy (4-1) vs. Autauga Academy (5-0)

Lowndes bounced back from an early loss to region leader Edgewood with two consecutive wins — including a 27-0 defeat of Shelby Academy last week.

A win over undefeated Autauga on Friday would give the Rebels sole possession of second place in Class AA Region 1.

The Generals beat Springwood 21-9 last week.

The Rebels and Generals kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Prattville.