METRO PREVIEW: Big region battles on tap

More pretenders will be put to rest this weekend as the true contenders will step forward in region action. Parkview will see if it falls into the first or second category when nationally-ranked Grayson visits the Big Orange Jungle. Panthers junior running back Chris Carson will need to steer clear of Robert Nkemdiche if he wants to break 100 yards yet again…. Jonesboro and Lovejoy will enter Twelve Oaks Stadium both 6-0 in Region 4-AAAA play. Lovejoy’s defense is allowing just 4.3 points per game and has won seven straight in the series. … Peachtree Ridge lost its first game of the season to Walton in the Georgia Dome, but has recovered to win five straight, including three straight in region play. Quarterback Billy Best triggers the Lions’ attack. … Norcross is trying to shake blowing a 22-0 lead in the game’s final 13:30 last week to North Gwinnett. A Norcross loss would likely eliminate any chance the Blue Devils have at the Region 7-AAAAA title. … The talk earlier this season was of the improved Miller Grove defense. That defense will be tested by No. 1 Tucker. … Mill Creek welcomes in Collins Hill as both teams enter the game 1-2 in region play, tied with Duluth and Mountain View for the final playoff spot…. The Brookwood Broncos have put up 56 and 59 points their last two times out. Shiloh gives up 28 points per game but has given up 33 per game since beating South Gwinnett. … Before the season, I am not sure many people thought Roswell at Alpharetta would pit a six-win Alpharetta team against a six-loss Roswell team, but the Hornets are still seeking head coach Justin Sanderson’s first win. Roswell has lost its last two games by a combined five points.