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By ZACHARY SEIFTER/ Staff Writer

Week three was a very good week for football in Chilton County. Three teams had a bye week, giving them some rest, while the other three won their games handily.

In week four, all six, as well as Billingsley, take the field once again. This week has a great slate of games. There are rivalry games and important regional games. An in-county rivalry that just so happens to be a regional game sits at the top as this week’s game of the week.

 

Game of the week:

 

Thorsby (2-0) vs. Isabella (1-2)

 

There is no shortage of storylines when it comes to this game. Isabella High School will make the short drive to play its in-county rival Thorsby High School in an important matchup for both teams.

This game means much more because there is more at stake than just bragging rights. These two teams are regional foes, meaning this game could make a big difference in the standings at the end of the year.

Isabella comes into this game having already won a regional game. They demolished Francis Marion on Sept. 3 by a score of 62-8. The Mustangs also come into this game with a two-game winning streak over the Rebels. Isabella won this matchup handily a year ago, beating Thorsby by a score of 40-8.

The Rebels will look to turn the tide on this county rivalry. This will be their first regional game of the season after a superb 2-0 start. They will come into this game well-rested following a bye in week three.

 

Other games:

 

Maplesville (3-0) vs. Billingsley (1-2)

 

This game is another that will feature two rivalry teams that are also regional foes. Following week one wins for both teams, Maplesville and Billingsley have gone in different directions in the past two weeks.

The Red Devils have surged to a perfect start. They won two tough games over Highland Home and Isabella before cruising to a 69-0 win over Barbour County last week.

The Bears, on the other hand, find themselves in a tough spot after two ugly losses to Vincent and Loachapoka.

Maplesville won this matchup a season ago, knocking off Billingsley by a score of 51-14.

They will look to replicate that success this week for a second straight regional win while the Bears hope to even up their record and get their first regional win of the season.

 

CCHS (1-1) vs. Calera (1-2)

 

Chilton County High School will open up regional play this week as they travel to Calera High School to take on the Eagles.

The Tigers got plenty of rest in week three during their bye after knocking off Jemison High School in week two.

Calera started the season off with a big win over Demopolis, but the Eagles have fallen off the last two weeks with losses to Jackson-Olin High School and Pelham High School. They will look to get back in the win column this week against CCHS.

This game will be will be Calera’s second regional game in 2021.

This matchup was a very close one in 2020, as Calera won by a score of 24-21. This is just the second time that these two will face off since 2016.

 

Jemison (0-2) vs. Marbury (1-2)

 

Jemison High School is another Chilton County team to open up regional play this week. They stay at home for a third straight game for a matchup against Marbury High School.

The Panthers stumbled out the gate to start this season, losing two in-county games to Thorsby and CCHS. However, following a bye in week three, this squad will look to get on track with a win over a regional opponent.

Marbury has been up-and-down to start the 2021 campaign. The Bulldogs opened the season with a 30-13 loss to Montevallo before beating Dallas County to even up their record. Last week, they lost a tough regional battle against Selma by a score of 12-7.

Jemison will look to avenge a tough loss to Marbury in 2020. The Panthers fell to the Bulldogs in that game by a score of 18-13. Jemison has not beaten Marbury since 2018.

 

Verbena (2-1) vs. Autaugaville (2-1)

 

Verbena High School has gotten off to a great start in 2021. Their 2-1 record is the best they have had after three games since 2016.

This week, the Red Devils kick off regional play with a very tough matchup at home against Autaugaville High School.

Verbena will look to establish the run early against the Eagles. The Red Devils have had success when they have been able to get stud running back DJ Jackson going.

Autaugaville will have to limit Jackson if they hope to pick up the regional win.

The Eagles come into this game 0-1 in regional play following a 17-14 loss to Notasulga in week three. They have beaten Verbena four straight times dating back to the 2017 season.