Harlem, Aquinas with identical records face off in 3A region test

AUGUSTA, GA (WJBF)- Another 3A region matchup is on deck for week nine of football Friday night, featuring a rivalry between Harlem and Aquinas.

Both teams have identical 5-1 regular season records, and 3-1 overall in the region. For the Fightin’ Irish, quarterback Turner Stevenson returns to the lineup after sitting out against Cross Creek last Friday. Harlem leads the overall series 24-9 and will look to avenge last year’s 12-7 loss.

Aquinas head coach James Leonard knows it’ll be a tough task but would be a critical win with postseason play on the horizon.

“We know it’s going to be a really good game. Coach Boiter, they do a great job, so we know we can’t make mistakes against Harlem, because if you make mistakes they’ll eat you up,” Leonard said.

“It’s been a rivalry for a really long time, so both teams are really energized and ready to go, so it’ll definitely be a fun game,” said senior center Emery Tyre.

“I think especially as an undersized center it would mean a lot to me, you know playing against guys double my weight isn’t fun, but it’d mean a lot.”

One of these teams will improve to 6-1 on the season. Kickoff set for Friday, 7:30 p.m.

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