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By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Publisher

As we hit the final four weeks of the 2025 regular season, importance is mounting each week with playoff spots and region championships on the line for local high school football teams

With some eyeing not only region titles and playoff spots, but also state championship runs, the next few weeks will go a long way in building toward their ultimate goals.

This week, however, will be a challenging week with four big matchups for Dallas County, Southside, Ellwood and Morgan Academy all on the schedule.

Dallas County at Thorsby 

All of a sudden, this game is a lot more entertaining than it looked to be a few weeks ago. Dallas County has gone from 0-4 with 12 combined points to winning two straight with 58 combined points on offense and giving up 22 combined points. The Hornets have hit their stride, which came at the right time to even their region record at 2-2, putting them in a crowded race for one of the final two playoff spots.

Waiting in the folds, however, is undefeated Thorsby, who is tied for the region lead alongside Southside Selma. Sitting at 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the region, Thorsby is averaging 39 points per game and giving up 16.2 points per game. It is sure to be a tall task for the Hornets, but with Kentrell Hamilton gaining confidence at the running back position and the defense giving up 16 or less in four of six this season, things look more promising now. Regardless, matchups against Thomasville and Hale County will be the determining factor down the stretch for Dallas County. 

Southside vs. Sumter Central

Off to their best start since the 1989 season, Southside should have no issue continuing a historic season this week by picking up their seventh straight win to start the season, making school history in the process. The Panthers have started 6-0 a couple of times, in 1979 and 1989, but 7-0 would be a new mark for their program.

With an offense scoring 49 points per game and a defense that has given up 15 or less in every game for an average of 7.8 points per game, they should have no issues against a Sumter Central team that has scored just 26 points this season. The Jaguars are 0-6, scoring 5.3 points per game and giving up 37.3 points per game. Expect Southside to march into the history books this week.

Ellwood at Notasulga

Two weeks ago, Ellwood picked up its first win of the season and was starting to build some offensive confidence, but the Eagles took a step back last week, falling 40-0 to Billingsley. Now, they look for their first region win in a battle with Notasulga on the road this Friday. With the Blue Devils sitting at 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the region, it marks a tough challenge for Ellwood, especially against a defense playing so well.

Notasulga has given up six or less in three of their four games this season with back to back shutouts of Keith and Verbena. With Ellwood scoring 6.3 points per game, including six or less in five of seven with three shutouts, finding offensive success will be the ultimate deciding factor in the Eagles pulling off an upset for a region win.

Morgan Academy vs. Lowndes

With losses in three of their last four games, the Morgan Academy Senators are looking to get back on track this week with a home matchup against Lowndes Academy. The Senators are now 4-3 on the season and 1-1 in their region with this being one of two region battles left. Lowndes, however, has paved their way to the top of the region standings with a 6-1 record to this point, including a 3-0 region record with this being the only game standing in the way of a region title.

Lowndes’ defense has been key in their success, giving up 10.7 points per game, while the offense is scoring 35.3 points per game and was only stifled in a 27-0 loss to Chambers Academy. Morgan, however, provides one of the toughest tests Lowndes’ defense has seen this season. The Senators are scoring 36.1 points per game and have scored 30 or more in all but their season opener. The defense, however, has been inconsistent at times, giving up seven or less in four and 38 or more in three. If the defense has one of its good games, the offense is good enough to win this game. Regardless, this should be a compelling matchup.