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In and around the SEC: Week 8

 SEC Midseason Report

At the midway point of the 2012 season, the Southeastern Conference is dominating the college football landscape. Alabama and Florida hold the top two spots in the first BCS standings, and the SEC has seven teams in the top 20. Alabama has been the best team so far, but the other championship contenders seemingly vary from week to

Lots on the line for Etowah, Southside

 Southside (4-3, 2-3) at Etowah (6-1, 4-1)
Series record: Etowah 26, Southside 7, one tie
Last meeting: 2011 Etowah 44, Southside 15
Last week: Etowah 30, Arab 13; Boaz 27, Southside 13

    By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent

Simply put, Etowah is still playing for first-round home field advantage and Southside is fighting for its playoff life.

Tied for second in Region 7 with Boaz

Westbrook in thick of 2A, Region 7 playoff scramble

Westbrook Christian (5-2, 3-2) at Section (4-3, 3-2)
Series record: Westbrook 4, Section 2
Last meeting: 2011 Westbrook 17, Section 7
Last week: Westbrook 31, Sand Rock 20; Section 28, West End 6

    By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent

Fyffe and North Sand Mountain have clinched playoff berths in Class 2A, Region 7, while Gaston and West End have been eliminated from consideration. But

Gadsden City hopes for happy homecoming

 Grissom (2-5, 1-4) at Gadsden City (4-3, 3-2)
Series record: First meeting
Last week: Clay-Chalkville 21, Gadsden City 14 (OT); Oxford 42, Grissom 14

    By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent

After suffering an overtime loss last week, Gadsden City finds itself somewhat on the rope.

A loss this week wouldn’t eliminate the Titans from playoff consideration, but it certainly wouldn’t help anything.

“For us to

It’s win-and-in for Sardis tonight against Fairview

Fairview (5-2, 3-2) at Sardis (6-1, 5-0)
Series record: Sardis 4, Fairview 1
Last meeting: 1981 – Sardis 28, Fairview 0
Last week: Sardis 48, St. Clair County 40; Oneonta 59, Fairview 21

By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent

Win this game and Sardis hosts a first-round playoff game, regardless of next week’s game against Oneonta.

Even should Fairview win, it is still possible for the

Yellow Jackets on cusp of 3A postseason berth

Susan Moore (3-4, 2-3) at Glencoe (3-4, 3-2)
Series record: Glencoe 3, Susan Moore 1
Last meeting: 2011 Glencoe 20, Susan Moore 10
Last week: Glencoe 14, Cleveland 9; Piedmont 49, Susan Moore 7

By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent

Glencoe has no chance at winning home field advantage, but the Yellow Jackets can put themselves into the Class 3A postseason with a win this

Speedy Bulldogs visit Hokes Bluff

Anniston (4-3, 3-2) at Hokes Bluff (1-6, 0-5)
Series record: First meeting
Last week: Munford 33, Hokes Bluff 15; Anniston 48, Cherokee County 14

    By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent

Hokes Bluff coach Mike Robertson doesn’t hesitate to admit that his team’s record isn’t where he would like it to be, but he also said he’s seeing on-field improvement each week.

In last week’s

Conquerors hope to silence Thunder

Jacksonville Christian (1-6, 1-6) at Coosa Christian (1-6, 0-6)
Series record: Coosa Christian 8, Jacksonville Christian 6
Last meeting: 2011 Coosa Christian 42, Jacksonville Christian 6
Last week: Coosa 13, Shades Mountain Christian 7; Valley Head 54, Jacksonville Christian 35

    By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent

It’s amazing what a win will do for the attitude of high school football players.

Coosa Christian went into