By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

There are seven teams in Region 5-AAAA, and four of them will qualify for the state playoffs.

LaGrange and Troup are hoping to be one of the four teams that make it to state, and they can take the first step toward making that a reality on Friday as region play gets underway.

While LaGrange will host Central-Carroll for its homecoming game, Troup goes on the road to face Chapel Hill.

A win would give both teams a leg up in the chase for a state-playoff berth.

LaGrange is hoping to earn a state-playoff spot for the first time since 2014, and it has dropped 17 consecutive region games dating back to 2016.

In a region that features three ranked teams in Cartersville, Sandy Creek and Troup, Friday’s game is a critical one for LaGrange.

LaGrange (2-1) was off last week after beating Hampton 18-14 to move above .500, and Central-Carroll beat Heard County 33-14 last week to get to .500.

“Friday, I won’t say it’s a must-win for us, but if we’ve got playoff hopes on the horizon, then we don’t need to start in the hole,” LaGrange head coach Chuck Gibbs said.

For three straight years, Troup has headed into the final week of the regular season with an opportunity to win the region championship.

If Troup wants to be in the running for a region title once again, a victory over Chapel Hill would help.

Like Troup, Chapel Hill has played well in non-region play with a 3-1 record.

Troup won its first three games before losing to Callaway 56-45 last week.

“Chapel Hill is really good, so we’ll have to play well,” Troup head coach Tanner Glisson said.

Also on Friday, the Lafayette Christian School Cougars (4-1) will go for the their fifth win in a row when they face Calvary Christian in Columbus.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

Central-Carroll at LaGrange, 7:30 p.m.

Troup at Chapel Hill, 7:30 p.m.

Lafayette Christian at Calvary Christian, 7:30 p.m.