By SAM McGAW
Christ Presbyterian Academy travels to face Camden Central Friday, while Franklin Road Academy visits Harding Academy.
See below for a closer look at those matchups:
Christ Presbyterian Academy (4-6) at Camden Central (6-3), 7 p.m. Friday
After starting the season with a 1-5 record, Christ Presbyterian Academy had to fight its way back into playoff contention.
It did just that with three league wins over its final four games to finish third in Region 5-3A.
The Lions have been led by the elevated play of sophomore quarterback Ryan Eledge (1,103 pass yds, 11 TDs, 7 ints) and senior running back James Deaton.
Deaton has recorded 774 rushing yards, 151 receiving yards and eight touchdowns this season.
Eledge has recorded 390 passing yards and nine touchdowns (1 run) over the past three games.
His top targets are receivers Noah Henderson (32 rec., 470 yds, 4 TDs) and Andrew Howard (11 rec.,208 yds, 1 TD).
The Lions will need to fire on all cylinders against Camden Central’s stiff defense.
The unit is allowing 16.67 points per game. It’s given up 14 points or less in five of its last six games.
Camden Central’s offense has proven to be potent throughout the season. With last week’s 54-14 win over Stewart County, it enters Friday averaging 28.67 PPG.
CPA has given up 30 points or more in five games.
Franklin Road Academy (1-8) at Harding Academy (8-1), 7 p.m. Friday
One year after finishing the regular season undefeated for the first time since 1982, the Franklin Road Academy Panthers stumble into the Division II-A playoffs on the heels of their worst regular season since they went 1-9 in 1977.
FRA has lost three straight games since defeating Ezell-Harding on Sept. 30.
Harding Academy is riding a five-game winning streak.
It’s led by running back Marquavious Moore, who’s averaging close to 160 rushing yards per game.
The offense averages 36.9 PPG, while FRA enters the affair giving up 32.11 PPG.
Just like their defense, the Panthers have struggled on offense all season. They’ve been held to 10 points or less in five different games.
Harding Academy provides another tough test for the Panthers, as it allows 12.6 PPG.
