Hartselle (4-1, 1-1) at Muscle Shoals (3-2, 1-2)

Series: Hartselle leads 12-7-1

Last Meeting: Muscle Shoals won 24-9

Terrific Tiffin: Jake Tiffin is coming off of one of his best weeks as the starting quarterback, although he’s always the first credit his teammates for any success. He accounted for four touchdowns, three passing and one rushing, in the Tigers’ 38-6 win over Grissom last week. That all came in one half. Tiffin earned an honorable mention in the AHSAA Prep Spotlight. The Tigers will need Tiffin to continue that success tonight on the road.

Much-needed rest: Because of the easy win over Grissom, Hartselle was able to rest its starters for the second half last week. It also gave the backups plenty of reps to gain some valuable game experience. Hartselle head coach Bob Godsey said they haven’t been able to give their backups many snaps because of playing so many tight games over the last two seasons. That experience should help build depth for the stretch run of the season.

Back to the grind: Region 8 has been one of the most competitive regions in Class 6A. There are three region matchups this week. Although Austin is the last place team in the region right now, they are likely to give Florence all they can handle, as the Black Bears have lost so many close games. Cullman and Athens are likely to play another gem this week. Expect Hartselle and Muscle Shoals to be another competitive matchup.

Arab (2-3, 0-2) at Brewer  (0-5, 0-3)

Series: Arab leads 22-10

Last Meeting: Arab won 45-14 in 2013

Patriots give Decatur a scare: If you looked at the final score, it might not indicate that Brewer actually made things interesting for a time a Decatur. After being shut out in the first half, Brewer scored its lone touchdown midway through the third quarter. The Patriots held Decatur’s leading rusher to less than 50 yards. The problem was they just couldn’t get over the hump.

Homecoming night: It’s homecoming for the Patriots tonight, and Brewer faces one of the most important games of the season. They host rival Arab tonight, but the Pats haven’t defeated Arab since 2000. In addition to that, the winner of this game remains in the hunt for a playoff berth.

Brutal Brewer schedule: The Patriots have played one of the toughest schedules in North Alabama to start this season. The combined record of their opponents so far is 21-7. Including Arab, the record of the final four teams is 6-14. The Pats have an opportunity to finish this season well.

Priceville (3-2, 1-2) at Oneonta (4-1, 3-0)

Series: First meeting

Priceville survives: The Bulldogs were in need of a win last week against Danville. After taking a 20-0 lead in the first half, they had to hold on for dear life against the Hawks. The defense turned the Hawks away late to preserve the win. This win was what the doctor ordered, as the Bulldogs move into a difficult second half of the season.

Oneonta still good: The Redskins might not be the same as the team that won state last year, but they’re still pretty good. After losing to 6A Pinson Valley in the opener, the Redskins appear to be in good shape to win another region title. This should be a measuring stick to see how far Priceville has improved since the North Jackson thrashing in Week 3.

Curry (0-5, 0-3) at Danville (1-4, 1-1)

Series: First Meeting

Comeback comes up short: Danville had its chances to come back against Priceville, but they just couldn’t close the deal. Expect to see the Hawks rally from the tough loss this week.

Curry struggling: The Yellow Jackets are struggling in the new Class 4A. Over the last few years, Curry has been in Class 5A, but they only made it to the playoffs once during that span. Curry now has a new coach and is rebuilding, similar to the same situation that Danville is in.

Sumiton Christian (1-4, 1-2) at Falkville (3-2, 1-2)

Series: Tied 2-2

Last Meeting: Falkville won 40-0

Falkville gets back on track: The Blue Devils rallied from a 27-12 deficit to beat West Morgan last week. It was the first win since Andy Dove had to take over for Ryan Sullivan at quarterback. Running back Patrick Knowles and receiver Logan Vinson also had excellent games to help the Blue Devils rally. Expect that win to carry over into this week.

Sumiton Christian struggling: The Eagles’ only win this season has been against bottom-dweller Southeastern, which has just three total victories in its third season as a program. This should be an opportunity to help the Blue Devils prepare for a difficult road game against Tarrant next week, which has lost three games to teams from 3A, 5A and 6A and faces Tanner tonight.