The final week of the regular season will be filled with drama. The additional week, made necessary because of the postponements caused by Hurricane Helene, features numerous games that will determine region championships and playoff seeds.

Here are five of the most important games to watch this week:

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Carver-Atlanta vs. Hapeville Charter: These two meet at Banneker High to decide the Region 5-2A title. Carver (7-2, 5-0) did not play this week. The Panthers, coached by Darren Myles, have won six straight games. Hapeville Charter (6-3, 5-0) blanked Therrell 20-0 on Friday. The Hornets, coached by Winston Gordon, have won five in a row. Two of Hapeville’s losses came against Class 5A No. 2 Lee County and Class 4A No. 2 Cartersville.

This will be the first meeting between the two schools.

Thomson at Burke County: The Region 4-2A championship will go to the winner. Thomson (7-2, 4-0) has won seven in a row and Burke County (8-1, 4-0) has won six straight since losing to Benedictine. The rivalry between the two area schools dates back to 1987, with Burke County holding a 14-3 series lead. Burke County has won the last two meetings, including 14-12 in 2023.

Charlton County at Clinch County: Things are never dull in Region 2-A Division II. Charlton County (5-4, 2-2) can end Clinch’s dreams of a region title with a win. Clinch County (8-1, 3-1) would grab a piece of first place with the victory. The Swamp War series goes back to 1962 and is tied 31-31-1. Clinch won 31-6 in 2023 to end Charlton’s three-game winning streak in the series.

Grayson at Newton: This makeup game will be played on Saturday, since Grayson and Newton both have an additional makeup game on Tuesday. Grayson (7-0, 4-1) will try to avenge last year’s loss to Newton (5-3, 4-0), with the winner earning the Region 4-6A championship.  Grayson leads the series 7-1.

Wilcox County at Telfair County: First place is at stake in Region 4-A Division II. Telfair (7-2, 5-0) has won seven straight. Wilcox (6-3, 4-1) has won four in a row since being upset by Hawkinsville. The two schools have been playing since 1968. Wilcox leads the series 20-10 but Telfair ended a five-game losing streak with a 29-15 win in 2023.