Another week of high school football is upon us, and this one seems to be much different than weeks past when it comes to the number of high-ranked matchups.
Still, there are a number of intriguing showdowns set to take place on Friday, so let’s break down the top five matchups of the week across the country.
Thomas County Central (GA) vs. Lee County (GA)
With IMG’s matchup against Phenix City Central getting canceled this week due to Hurricane Helene, there’s a new top game of the week and we have to go to Georgia to find it.
Thomas County Central (5-0) takes on Lee County (5-0) in a battle between two top undefeated teams in the state of Georgia, with both starting off the season in impressive manners. The game is now set for 12 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Thomas County Central has blown out each of their opponents this year, winning every game by at least 30 points, while Lee County has won games by 60, 48, and 45 points.
Thomas County Central’s quarterback Jaylen Johnson has started off the season strong, throwing for 894 yards, 10 touchdowns and an interception through five games, while also rushing for five scores as well. He’s complemented by top running back Christian Lawrence, who already has 673 yards and nine scores on the ground this year.
Lee County’s high-powered offense is led by top running back Ousmane Kromah, who has 605 yards and seven touchdowns already this season. This battle should be a fun one, both on the ground and in the air, between two of the top teams in Georgia.
UPDATE: Class of 2025 four-star running back target Ousmane Kromah has delayed his commitment until October 5th. He was originally supposed to commit on September 28th.
Kromah will be choosing between Florida State, Auburn, Georgia, and Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/2BaV7bXAvk
— Norvell Central (@CentralNorvell) September 26, 2024
Clay-Chalkville (AL) vs. Thompson (AL)
Two of the hottest teams in the state of Alabama collide this week when 5-0 Clay-Chalkville takes on 4-1 Thompson on the road on Friday.
Clay-Chalkville is coming off back-to-back shutouts, winning those two games by a margin of 87-0, with the connection between junior quarterback Aaron Frye and senior receiver Jabari Staples leading the way.
Thompson, on the other hand, has put together four straight wins after a loss in their season opener and will look to ride a strong defense, as well as sophomore quarterback Trent Seaborn.
This one could be a battle of defenses, with both teams facing their toughest tests to date this week.
Westfield (IN) vs. Brownsburg (IN)
In addition, we’re getting a matchup between the top two teams in Indiana when Westfield takes on Brownsburg this weekend.
Both teams are 5-0, but it hasn’t been easy getting there, as Westfield narrowly beat Hamilton Southeastern in overtime last weekend, while Brownsburg pulled away with a 31-30 victory over Fishers on the road to remain undefeated last week.
There will be a nice quarterback battle in this one, as Bowling Green commit Carsen Melvin will look to lead his team over Brownsburg’s 2027 signal-caller Oscar Frye, who already has a scholarship offer.
The ranking of the top team in Indiana is on the line here on Friday, as both teams have beaten some tough competition in the state and now get their biggest test yet, with Brownsburg getting the home-field advantage in this one.
Don Bosco (NJ) vs. Bergen Catholic (NJ)
Moving over to New Jersey, you can’t forget about Bergen Catholic’s strong start to the season, as they’ve now pulled off three consecutive victories after a 27-14 loss to IMG in the opener.
They’ll get 2-1 Don Bosco Prep coming to town this weekend, who have won back-to-back games after a 21-7 loss to Archbishop Hogan in their opener.
One of the top rivalries in the state, this one should have some added flair to it, as Bergen Catholic will look to make it five wins in the last six matchups between the two sides when they host Don Bosco on Friday.
Last year, Bergen Catholic had a blowout 38-15 win in the two teams’ matchup, thanks to a three-score performance from quarterback Dominic Campanile, who will be a player to watch in this one.
Don Bosco will need good play from quarterback Deven Sisler, who struggled in the team’s Week 1 loss, but played well in Week 3 with a three-touchdown performance.
Westside (SC) vs. Weddington (NC)
Another highlight game this week is a battle of the Carolinas, as Westside will take on Weddington this Monday, with the game getting moved due to Hurricane Helene.
Westside, standing at 4-0 this year, is led by South Carolina quarterback commit Cutter Woods, who has already thrown for 1,049 yards and 13 scores on the season.
Weddington, on the other hand, is an impressive 5-0, most recently coming off a 56-0 road win over Chapel Hill.
Both teams can light up the scoreboard, which could be the determining factor for a win on Monday. Weddington could potentially hold the edge, given the home-field advantage and some good defensive efforts to start the year.
Stay tuned for the top matchups on next week’s high school slate.
