With just two games left for most teams and one game for others, the playoff race is in the final lap and the teams are headed toward the finish line. Some teams fare better than others, but every Newton County high school football team has a shot at making it to the big dance. Here are the current playoff implications for each team. (Note: this was written before Newton’s game against Lovejoy).

Playoff implications

Newton: The Rams are currently in third place in region 2-AAAAAA, with a 1-1 record. Newton has a huge region contest Saturday afternoon, with the winner of that game taking over second place in the region with a chance to host a home playoff game. Newton also has slim chance to win the region by winning the rest of their games, and having Lovejoy beat Tucker by 21 points or more. To secure a playoff spot, the Rams virtually have to win at least one more game.
Projected Region Ranking: 2nd

Rockdale: The Bulldogs are currently in fourth place in region 2-AAAAAA with a 1-2 record. Rockdale’s region schedule was top-heavy with two roads games at Lovejoy and Tucker, considered to be maybe the top teams in the region, hence the 0-2 start. Rockdale does have Alcovy and Newton to finish out their schedule with two of those games being at home. With one win, the Bulldogs can seal that last playoff spot in the region.
Projected Region Ranking: 4th

Alcovy: The Tigers are currently winless in region 2-AAAAAA, also winless on their season. Alcovy can still make the playoffs though, but their remaining schedule includes games against Rockdale and Lovejoy. With two wins, Alcovy could shock the world and sneak into the playoffs, as there are only six teams in the region and four make the playoffs. Currently, Lakeside and Alcovy are the odd men out.
Projected Region Ranking: 6th

Eastside: Eastside (5-3, 3-3 Region 4-AAAA) has just one game left in its season to secure an in-region matchup in week 10, which with a win would secure a playoff spot. Region 4-AAAA is different from other regions because it has so many teams. Therefore, there is region play and then there’s sub-region play. The Eagles are 0-2 in region play, but 2-1 in their sub-region. The No. 1 seed in the region plays the No. 1 seed in sub-region to determine the region champion and region runner-up. The No. 2 and No. 3 seeds from both sides play to determine the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds. With a win against Walnut Grove next week the Eagles are an automatic lock to play in an in-region game and get a shot at the playoffs.
Projected Region Ranking: 4th