Games2Watch: Three huge games with region titles on the line in Week 11

Playoff spots are at a premium right now with only two weeks left of the high school football regular season. 

Week 11 poses some interesting matchups, region title games, and must-win-to-get-in games across the area. is upon us, two region title games are set with another possible other at The Brickyard on Friday. 

Below are my Games2Watch:

NORTH OCONEE AT No. 1 JEFFERSON

This one depends on how healthy Jefferson is by game time. The Dragons have been playing without Georgia-commit Malaki Starks, and Power 5 recruit Sammy Brown for the last few games. Will they play on Friday? That's a decision left up to head coach Gene Cathcart. But the Dragons have been slaying away without the two stars. Jordan Perry is back and is playing strong as well as Kadin Bailey. The defense has continued its impressive play, holding opponents to just eight points a game -- second-best in Class 4A.

But North Oconee has quietly marched through the region undefeated and are 5-0 since sophomore quarterback Max Wilson Jr returned to the lineup -- the Titans started the season 1-3. The Titans are averaging 37.6 ppg and are the hottest team in the region. Still, though, there's Jefferson. The Dragons are used to being in this position, and even without star running back/linebacker Brown and QB/DB Starks, Jefferson is a fierce opponent. 

The Titans like to pass. The Dragons like to run. So, could it be a grind or could it be the Dragons playing from behind? I highly doubt it. The Dragons are pretty good with their backs against the wall. I like Jefferson in this one.

No. 8 WASHINGTON-WILKES AT COMMERCE

When I look at last week's stats, I wonder how Commerce lost to Social Circle, 28-19. It's baffling. The Tigers outgained Social Circle 427-237. Jaiden Daniels rushed for 184 yards -- 299 total yards of offense, yet failed to convert late in the first half, and the Chiefs returned a fumble 58 yards for a touchdown. Even with the loss, though, they're still in the fight for the region title. But it won't be easy. 

This week, they'll welcome Region 8-A leader and eighth-ranked Washington-Wilkes to Tiger Stadium. It's truly the toughest test of the season for Commerce. Washington-Wilkes boasts a brutal run-pass-option offense. Led by quarterback Dalen Cobb, who has churned out more than 1,900 yards of total offense, and Jamarquez Tyson, with 993 yards rushing, Washington-Wilkes brings in a potent offensive attack. Cobb can execute. If he gets flushed out, he'll run it. If you leave a receiver open, he'll make you pay. Tyson is flashy and can squeeze through a small opening like a mouse.

Commerce hasn't had a problem putting up offensive yards, just crossing the goal line. That'll have to change to have a chance against Washington-Wilkes this week. Now, this game may turn into a defensive battle. It could. Both teams are giving up 16 points per game. If Commerce can put together long, time-consuming drives, they'll be in it in the fourth quarter. If not, Washington-Wilkes will roll.

CHEROKEE BLUFF AT NORTH HALL

This one turned into a rivalry last year as Cherokee Bluff won its first-ever Region 7-3A title against North Hall. The Trojans had a lead in the third quarter but surrendered 28-straight points to the Bears in a 42-21 loss in Flowery Branch. The game shifts to The Brickyard this year with the same trophy on the line. 

Bluff took care of business last week against Dawson County to set up another title showdown. However, if the Trojans win, and Dawson County beats Lumpkin County, the region title game will shift to Dawson County next week. And ... if Dawson County beats North Hall, a tiebreaker will be needed. 

Nevertheless, this game has huge implications. The Bears posted a season-low in points last week against the Tigers but still leads Class 3A in scoring and are third in defense, allowing just 63 points. North Hall, however, poses the biggest threat to the Bluff defense this season. The Trojans lead Class 3A in rushing yards per game -- 310. They also have senior running back Kevin Rochester, who is third in Class 3A rushing (1,101 yards, 14 touchdowns).

But the X factor could be senior Bluff running back Jayquan Smith. He's powerful and can get downhill quickly. He also can get to the edge and turn it up the field. It'll be a test for both teams. I'm feeling a playground battle -- a back-and-forth epic battle. Who has the edge? I'm not sure. What I do know ... you don't want to miss this one!

OTHERS OF INTEREST

Denmark at Gainesville -- This one is simple: Gainesville has to win. If they don't, the playoffs will have to wait until next year. 

Chestatee at Flowery Branch -- The War Eagles could screw everything up in the Region 8-4A standings, at least spots three and four. If Chestatee upsets Flowery Branch, they'll put themselves in a really good position to make the playoffs. If they win out, the War Eagles will catapult themselves into third place in the region. If Flowery Branch wins, they'll seal up the No. 3 seed. 

Rabun County at Union County -- Well, it's the Region 8-2A championship again and although Union County has shown improvement throughout the season, the Wildcats are just too strong. Rabun County wins their eighth-straight region title. 

North Forsyth at South Forsyth -- The Raiders still have a shot at a home playoff spot but have to win out and hope for a Lambert loss to West Forsyth. It'll start this week with a win over arch-rival South Forsyth. The Raiders have had issues crossing the goal line as of late. They'll need to be successful in the red zone to win this one.