Some coaches might prefer to take it easy heading into a tough stretch of must-win conference games.

Not Tallulah Academy’s Jacky Thames.

Thames will take his team to Haynesville, La., tonight to face Claiborne (6-1) in a matchup of powerhouse, run-oriented teams.

“It’s a good game at a good time,” Thames said. “The only thing we’re concerned with is injury, but that’s a risk you take every Friday.”

Claiborne has already clinched a playoff spot, but Tallulah (6-1) has not. The Trojans must win their last two games, including the season finale against Briarfield, to assure themselves of a postseason berth.

Thames said the Trojans were well aware of the high stakes they’ll face in the next two weeks, but that his team was downplaying the situation.

“We’re not talking about it a whole lot, but it’s pretty well known,” Thames said. “We’re letting them get themselves up, as far as pumping them up.”

Central Hinds (5-2) hosts SIA (5-2)

Sharkey-Issaquena has been reeling while Central Hinds has been rolling.

SIA hopes to end its slide of back-to-back losses in this non-conference matchup. Central Hinds, meanwhile, will try to avoid looking ahead to next week’s big Conference 3-AA showdown with undefeated Simpson.

“We’ve been pretty successful with selling to these kids that we have 11 games in the season and each one is important,” Central Hinds coach Kenny Granberry said. “This bunch seems to really enjoy playing football.”

S. Delta (4-2) at Velma Jackson (2-4)

South Delta is atop Region 4-3A at 2-0 while three others including Velma Jackson are close behind at 2-1.

Velma Jackson’s divisional record can be deceiving. The Falcons escaped with two wins against Ruleville (1-4-1) and Greenwood Elzy (0-6).

“I think we’ll be ready,” South Delta coach Derrick Hooker said of Velma Jackson’s wing-T offense. “Just about every team we’ve played has run some version of the wing-T.”

Tensas (2-5) hosts Veritas (1-5)

Tensas Academy’s two-game winning streak has coincided with the resurgence of its running game. Sophomore fullback Cody Hill has rushed for more than 100 yards each of the last two weeks, and totaled four touchdowns in last week’s 40-6 win over Huntington.

After an 0-5 start, the late-season charge has given Tensas a chance to finish .500. Coach Chris Jacobs warned that his team can’t overlook first-year program Veritas this week, however.

Hinds AHS (5-1) at Madison-St. Joe (1-5)

The War Dawgs are trying to avoid a letdown while they look to keep pace with one of the most dangerous Class 2A teams in the state.

Hinds AHS won its region opener last week over St. Andrew’s and will play at Madison-St. Joe tonight. The War Dawgs are second in the region behind Loyd Star.

P. Gibson (1-5) at Wilkinson Co. (2-4)

Since winning its opener against Natchez, Port Gibson has slid into a five-game losing streak. Now, the Blue Waves face a must-win game against Wilkinson County to salvage their fading playoff hopes.

A loss would drop Port Gibson to 0-3 in Region 7-3A play, and into last place in the division.

CHA (0-7) hosts Brookhaven Ac. (1-6)

Chamberlain-Hunt will try to lose its claim as the only winless team in Academy-AA when it hosts Brookhaven. CHA has been outscored 299-32 this season, and was routed 47-14 by previously winless Prairie View last week to extend its losing streak to 17 games.

McCall (2-3) at Benton (4-1)

McCall snapped a three-game losing streak by routing Grambling 48-0 last week, but enters a rough stretch with a game against Benton.

McCall will face a pair of ranked teams in consecutive weeks beginning with Benton, ranked No. 10 in Louisiana Class 3A. The Dragons will play Class 2A No. 2 Vidalia in the District 4-2A opener next week, then play tough Crowville and Ferriday teams in back-to-back games.

Newellton (2-3) at Lakeview (4-1)

Newellton plays in Class 1A, but its schedule has read more like a 2A team this season. When the Bears travel to face Lakeview, it will be the fourth time in five games that they have played a Class 2A school.

Tallulah High (0-5) at Block (1-4)

Tallulah had its highest point total of the season last week in a 48-20 loss to St. Frederick, but wasn’t able to pull out a win. St. Frederick scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to overcome an early 12-6 deficit. Greg Smith threw a pair of touchdown passes for Tallulah.

The Trojans open District 4-1A play this week against Block.

Davidson (2-3) hosts Delhi (2-3)

Davidson will try to regroup from three straight losses when it opens district play against Delhi.

Two of the Warriors’ three losses have come against a pair of the best teams in Louisiana. LaSalle, which beat Davidson 39-20, is the No. 2 team in Class 1A. Sterlington is No. 1 in Class 2A

Briarfield (6-1) at N. Sunflower (3-4)

Briarfield will take a breather from conference play and try to heal some of its injuries against North Sunflower. Briarfield has had a rash of injuries recently, including quarterback J.D. Kiefer, lineman Major Tanksley and running back E.J. Holden.

Raymond (2-4) at Collins (5-1)

Raymond will face its most difficult challenge of the season, traveling to play the defending Class 3A state champions.

Rebul (5-2) at Franklin (1-5)

Rebul is coming off a 36-14 win over Union and should continue its strong season against a weak Franklin squad.

Tri-County (6-1) at C. Holmes (5-2)

In four of its five wins, Central Holmes has cracked 30 points. But in its two losses including last week’s 32-7 defeat by Strider it has scored only seven points.