Garrison finds itself in another big game, playing on the road against West Rusk in a contest that has major playoff implications for both teams.

A rare Saturday game has Center playing Rusk in a game with playoff ties.

To the games of the week:

Garrison at West Rusk

Records: Garrison is 5-2 and 1-1 in District 19-AA. West Rusk is 6-0 and 2-0 in 19-AA.

Last week: Garrison defeated Elkhart 7-0. West Rusk defeated Frankston 28-0.

Coaches: Garrison's Craten Phillips. West Rusk's John Frazier.

Outlook: This is a big game in 19-AA. Garrison needs a win to stay in contention for a playoff berth. A loss wouldn't end the Bulldogs' chances, but it would make next week's game with Frankston huge. West Rusk has 19-AA wins against Elkhart and Frankston.

Bottom line: The Bulldogs better bring their best game. West Rusk has outscored its opponents 61-3 the last two weeks. Included in the mix was a 33-3 win over an Elkhart team that Garrison defeated 7-0 last week. Garrison, which relies heavily on its running game, probably won't have smooth sailing in this one.

San Augustine at Shelbyville

Records: San Augustine is 0-7 and 0-2 in District 22-AA. Shelbyville is 1-6 and 0-2.

Last week: Woodville defeated Shelbyville 43-16. Newton defeated San Augustine 42-6.

Coaches: San Augustine's Bryan Clay. Shelbvyille's Jim Bradford.

Outlook: Two struggling teams in search of a ray of hope square off in this one.

Bottom line: Shelbyville has shown it can score some points, something San Augustine can't say. The Wolves scored 6 points the last three weeks.

Alto at Cushing

Records: Alto is 7-1 and 4-0 in District 20-A. Cushing is 1-6 and 0-3 in 20-A.

Last week: Alto defeated Cross Roads 56-0. Cayuga defeated Cushing 66-0.

Coaches: Cushing's Glen Tunstall. Alto's Keith Gardner.

Outlook: Two teams on opposite ends of the food chain in 20-A meet in this match up. Alto has allowed 8 points in four district games. Cushing's offense has struggled all season.

Bottom line: Alto has the advantage all over the field and should be in line for a convincing victory.

Joaquin at Timpson

Records: Joaquin is 5-2 and 2-1 in 19-A. Timpson is 2-6 and 0-4 in 19-A.

Last week: Beckville defeated Timpson 41-6. Joaquin was idle.

Coaches: Timpson's Kenny Washington. Joaquin's Wayne Gandy.

Outlook: Joaquin needs a win to solidify its playoff chances. Timpson has hit hard times, because its offense has trouble finding the end zone.

Bottom line: With Timpson held to 6 points in its four district losses, it could be a long night for the Bears. Joaquin is a tough, physical team that defeated Beckville 26-7 two weeks ago.

Tenaha at West Sabine

Records: Tenaha is 8-0 and 4-0 in District 19-A. West Sabine is 4-3 and 2-1.

Last week: Tenaha defeated Waskom 40-6. Mount Enterprise defeated Waskom 45-6.

Coaches: Tenaha's Terry Ward. West Sabine's T.D. Stark.

Outlook: The Tigers are playing a decent West Sabine team before next week's big contest against Mount Enterprise.

Bottom line: Can West Sabine keep it interesting? Maybe. Maybe not. West Sabine's 39-point loss to Mount Enterprise came after wins against Timpson and Waskom. If Tenaha is ready and focused, it won't be a matter of which team will win, but by how much. Tenaha's right on.

Saturday: Center at Rusk

Records: Center is 5-2 and 2-0. Rusk is 4-3 and 1-1.

Last week: Center defeated Diboll 51-6. Carthage defeated Rusk 34-19.

Coaches: Center's Kevin Goodwin. Rusk's Ted Patton.

Outlook: Center didn't dwell on the loss of QB De'Andre Simmons, who is out with a leg injury, last week. The Roughriders put up 51 points against Diboll. Rusk played Carthage a 15-point game last week and has some other impressive outings on its ledger this season.

Bottom line: This looks like a good match up. New Roughrider starting QB Jaelyn Short will have to stay away from mistakes while playing a tough Rusk team on the road. Rusk hung 104 points on the scoreboard in just two games before playing Carthage. Look out.

Kevin Gore's e-mail address

is kgore@dailysentinel.com.