Houston County football to host Thomas County Central in final home game of regular season

The Houston County Bears (6-2, 2-1 Region 2-5A) will aim to stay in the top half of the region standings on Friday as the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets (7-1, 2-1 Region) come to Freedom Field.

Here are three things to watch:

1. Back-to-back

Last week against Coffee HoCo faced what is likely the best defense they’ll face all year. They were shut out for the first time since last October, and the team that did that was Thomas County Central.

The most points the Yellow Jackets have allowed was 35 to Lee County, then 28 to Florida State University High School for an average of 13.8 points allowed per game.

There’s not one player who brings home a bulk of the production for the Yellow Jackets’ defense, but rather several players.

There are four players with at least five tackles for a loss: Defensive end Isaiah Andrews (5.5 TFLs, two sacks, seven quarterback hurries) defensive end Cam Brooks (five TFLs, two sacks, six QB hurries), defensive tackle Triston Flounoy (five TFLs, .5 sacks, seven QB hurries) and outside linebacker Tre’von Pringle (five TFLs, three QB hurries).

They also have four different players with an interception this season: Cornerback Aacoyah Rawls, free safety Dannell Jester, strong safety Kendarius Reddick and defensive back Eddie Guerra.

2. Versatile weapon

Junior running back Christian Lawrence does a lot for the Thomas County Central offense.

On the ground he’s rushed for 823 yards and 12 touchdowns, and averages 10 yards per carry. The offensive line does a great job creating holes for him, and he knows when to turn on the jets and get to or past the second level.

He’s also a capable pass catcher out of the backfield. Lawrence has shown his ability to shake or freeze defenders by stopping on a dime or using hesitations to get him extra yardage.

Of course he’s not the only weapon. Junior quarterback Jaylen Johnson has thrown for 1507 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.

He’s garnered an offer from Georgia State thanks to his arm, ability to throw on the run, and speed as he evacuates the pocket into a scramble.

3. Big stretch for region standings

Obviously every region game has serious implications for seeding in the region, but the Bears need a win against Thomas County Central to avoid plummeting to the fourth spot.

Currently Lee County is in first place at 8-0 and 3-0 in the region, HoCo is in second, Thomas County Central brings up third and Coffee is in the fourth spot at 7-1 and 2-1 in the region.

With the Bears’ loss to Coffee last week, if both they and the Trojans lose to the Yellow Jackets, HoCo would be left in the fourth and final playoff spot because of their tiebreaker. Though that won’t matter if the Bears lose to Lee County next week, and Coffee beats Veterans.

There’s a lot of ifs, ands and buts when it comes to seeing who will land where in the region, but there is no denying the importance of Friday’s game against Thomas County Central for the Bears.

Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. on Freedom Field.