Jemison this week didn’t dwell on its first setback of the season, last week’s 56-35 loss at Bibb County.

The Panthers have a game against Calera to prepare for, and looking back to last week’s loss won’t necessarily help.

While Bibb County employed a physical, straight-ahead rushing attack, Calera will feature a more two-dimensional attack, one in which quarterback Zack Reneau will throw the ball and run with it, JHS coach Merritt Bowden said.

“Teams do so many different things from week to week,” Bowden said. “We made a lot of mistakes against Bibb County and we’ll make some corrections to our run (defense) fits, but we can’t dwell on it too much because Calera will be different.”

The loss to BCHS was Jemison’s sixth consecutive in the series, and the outcome was even more disappointing because it likely will cost Jemison an opportunity to win the region.

But Bowden said his players never hung their heads.

“As soon as that game was over, I could sense that they were ready to make the corrections and that they were ready to win again,” he said. “We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves.”

Calera brings another interesting rivalry. The two schools are only about 10 miles apart and have played some classic games, including last year’s 41-38 Jemison win.

The Panthers have won 11 of the last 13 meetings and lead the all-time series 25-17.

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Who will win?

A football team never wants to lose a game, but Jemison’s loss to Bibb County came at an opportune time. It was in the first half of the season, so there is still time to establish momentum before the playoffs, and the loss is followed by a non-region game, allowing the Panthers to relax.

Pick: Jemison | Picks record: 16-9

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Also Friday night

Maplesville (4-0) at Billingsley (3-1)

One of the area’s best rivalries hasn’t been close in recent years. Billingsley hasn’t defeated Maplesville since 2003. Could this be the year? Don’t count on it. Pick: Maplesville

Marbury (3-1) at Chilton Co. (0-4)

Last year’s loss at Marbury—a rival right across the Autauga County line—was surely one of the most disappointing of the coach Brian Carter era. Look for the game this season to bring coach Donnie Hand’s first win. Pick: Chilton Co.

Chilton Christian (3-1) at Conecuh Springs (3-1)

Chilton Christian Academy has improved every game this season, and has won its last three in a row. The Patriots might be one of the best teams in the Christian Football Association. Pick: Chilton Christian

Verbena (1-3) at Isabella (2-2)

One of the last remaining matchups between two local teams should be an intriguing one. Neither squad has been great, but Isabella seems to be heading in the right direction. Pick: Isabella

Shades Mtn. (0-3) at Thorsby (0-4)

One of these teams will pick up its first win Friday, and count on it being Thorsby. The Rebels have issues to work through, but they’re still too talented to go winless the first half of the season. Pick: Thorsby