CENTRE — In last week's issue we laid out a week-by-week look at Class 1A Region 7. As promised, we turn our attention this week to Cherokee County, Piedmont and Sand Rock.

Week One: Local fans may still be talking about Thursday night's Gaylesville vs. Cedar Bluff game as they drive to Piedmont to watch the Bulldogs entertain Cherokee County. In 2008 the Warriors renewed their longtime rivalry with the Bulldogs after a five-year hiatus. For two seasons, the game served as the season opener for the two squads. Cherokee County, behind Cody Blanchard & Co., won both. In 2010 and 2011 the game moved to the end of the season and the Bulldogs evened the score with consecutive wins.

What does all this mean? Absolutely nothing. But there will be plenty to talk about—and plenty of people on both sides of the field doing the talking—leading up to kickoff at the Field of Champions.

Week Two: 2012 marks Russell Jacoway's 30th year prowling the Sand Rock sideline. Jacoway and the boys from Lookout Mountain welcome Gaston back into the Class 2A tier after spending six years in Class 1A. Both coaches know that opening region play with a win is an absolute necessity. A loss is unacceptable if either team is to entertain playoff thoughts. Keep two things in mind when the Bulldogs and Wildcats butt heads: First, Gaston has a 10-year streak of playoff appearances that the folks on Shinbone Ridge want to see become 11; and second, don't bet against the cagey Sand Rock cat who gets more out of his players than any coach around.

Week Three: In the past three years, Glencoe's Lee Ozmint has coached three stellar teams, going 9-3, 10-2 and 9-3 over that span. As good as the Yellow Jackets have been in those three seasons, they still finished behind Steve Smith's Piedmont Bulldogs in the final region standings. Will revenge be enough of a motive to derail a Piedmont team that may be on track for Jordan-Hare Stadium and another 3A state championship game?

Week Four: Sand Rock is the only one of the three aforementioned teams at home during week four, as they host the Section Lions. The Wildcats will be coming off of a tough battle against North Sand Mountain in week three, but the Rock still should roll past the Lions. If the Wildcats can manage an undefeated region record after this game, they will be knocking on Fyffe's door in week six with a great shot at the playoffs.

Week Five: In a Thursday Night Special, North clashes with South as the Green Wave coasts in for a mid-season meeting with the Bulldogs in Piedmont. Leeds Coach Keith Ethridge is working on an every-other-year state title plan. In 2008 and 2010 Leeds ran off 15 wins without losing a game and captured two 3A championships. In between, Piedmont captured the 3A crown. There will not be a seat anywhere at the Field of Champions as these two powerhouse programs collide. Pack up the family and get there early, and don't worry about a seat because you'll be standing from start to finish.

Week Six: While the Warriors are at home against the Lincoln Golden Bears, Sand Rock travels to Fyffe and Piedmont journeys to White Plains for region games. Historical records indicate that the Warriors and Golden Bears hooked up once before the Great Depression, on Nov. 5, 1926. (No record of the outcome exists.) That being said, Lincoln has had their ups and downs in recent years. Last year was an up year, with the Golden Bears reaching the second round of postseason play. A coaching change at Lincoln brings in Ryan Herring from Class 5A Shelby County. Cherokee County had better make sure they bag the Golden Bears because they can't afford to get caught peeking a week ahead to Anniston. If they do, Lincoln just might disrupt the Warriors' playoff plans.

Week Seven: Contenders or pretenders? I've seen that somewhere before. By now the Wildcats will have shown what kind of hand they are playing with. Will the Wildcats be “all in” against Westbrook Christian or will it be time to re-shuffle?

Week Eight: When the student plays the teacher, who has the advantage? In this case, former Warrior assistant coach Will Wagnon will compete against former mentor Tripp Curry. Wagnon went 3-7 in his first year at Munford and followed that up with a very respectable 5-5 mark last season. This year Munford brings the fight to a strong 4A Region 5. “Will” the student surpass the teacher? If he wants to make the playoffs he's going to have to find a way. This game is being held in Curry's classroom and he may have a few more lessons left in his planner.

Week Nine: The final Class 3A Region 5 game should be another thriller at the Field of Champions. The Weaver Bearcats are coming off an exceptional year that ended with a 27-26 first-round playoff loss to eventual Class 3A runner-up Madison Academy. This game is likely to decide home-field advantage for whoever wins.

Week Ten: As of now, Cherokee County is without an opponent for the final week of the season. Piedmont ends 2012 with a game at Class 4A Lincoln. Sand Rock finishes with a non-region contest against Cedar Bluff, a series in which the Tigers hold the overall series lead 29- 24. (No game has ever ended in a tie.) That gap has been narrowed to five thanks to three-straight Wildcat wins. With playoff scenarios virtually complete, there is not much on the line in this game except pride. But to players, coaches and fans in Cedar Bluff and Sand Rock, the pride of winning this game will mean plenty.