While the Panthers (4-3 overall, 3-1 region) have a win over the Rebels of HC already this season, they still have three games left in which to decide their own fate and reach the state playoffs.
Haralson (4-4, 2-3) under second year coach Alan Lane, is in a must win situation if they hope to reach the playoffs.
Chapel Hill’s win last week over BEST Academy moved the team into second place in the region, which if they can hold on to the spot, will insure a home field advantage in the first round of State. The Panthers have a hold of the second slot currently because they have played once less game than Central-Carroll (3-2), and hold a better record than fourth place Jackson (2-2).
Haralson is currently looking from the outside, standing in sixth place. They own the same number of region wins against fifth place Rockmart and fourth place Jackson but are one down in the loss column.
The Rebels will be desperate this week as a loss could mean the end of any playoff hopes while a win will set up Haralson nicely if they can also take down Jackson the following week.
Chapel Hill’s must win situation comes based on the fact that if they fall, they will face a very tough Central team on Nov. 2 and then follow that up with another tough region foe in Jackson in the last week of the season.
Haralson County has relied on the run this season, using mostly their quarterback and fullback in an option offense. Defensively they run a 3-4.
The Panthers have been mostly a running team this season behind Tre Mitchell, but Mitchell missed last weeks game due to an injury. However, quarterback Brett Roberts was able to step up and lead the team to a 28-7 victory over BEST.
Jamarcus Morrissette took over at running back and performed well in Mitchell’s absence. Morissette rushed for two scores last Friday and had over 100-yards rushing. Roberts threw for his first TD of the season.
“Jamarcus was outstanding. He had early jitters but I am proud of him,” said CHHS Coach Geoff Pastrick. “During the week we tried to simplify things for Brett and he looked more confident than he had all season.”
Mitchell will be back this Friday against against the Rebels and is 100-percent according to Pastrick.
While Chapel Hill is coming off its second straight win, the Rebels are in a situation four other region opponents have already been in this season, playing the week after a loss to top ranked Callaway (6-1, 4-0).
Friday night will be the second-to-last regular-season game for the Rebels and the home finale and Their head coach hopes the home crowd, home field and festivities can help lift his team. Home has been good to HC so far this season, going 3-1 with the lone loss against Bowdon in the home opener.
The Panthers are 1-2 on the road in 2012 and 1-1 against region opponents. They will be on the road this Friday as well as their final game against Jackson.
On paper, the teams have been similar, with Haralson edging out Chapel Hill on offense, 22.8 points per game to 16.4. Defensively, the Panthers hold the slight edge, allowing opponents 22.4 points per game to the Rebels’ 24.9.
Kickoff time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Taylor Memorial Stadium.
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