Statesboro is still rebuilding, but has already done plenty to stake its claim as an improved team in 2019.

But the team's playoff fate will be judged by its region record and Statesboro gets its first chance to make a good mark on that side of the ledger when it makes the trip down south to take on region favorite and longtime rival Wayne County Friday night in Jesup.

"We've got to put everything else behind us and move forward," SHS coach Jeff Kaiser said.

Wayne County will demand Statesboro's full attention as the Yellow Jackets are the region favorites and continue to skirt on the edges of the state's top-10 rankings.

Statesboro will be dealing with plenty of adversity as starting quarterback Drake Horton battles an injury to his throwing hand. The Blue Devils have ridden a stout defense to much of their early-season success and even more pressure will be put on the unit if any aspect of the offense's potential is put into question.

Meanwhile, Wayne County features a high-flying offense that has rolled to an average of just under 40 points per game.

The Yellow Jackets have claimed the last seven meetings in the rivalry, dating back to 2009, and seem poised to make another run at a region champioinship.

For each team, Friday's matchup will be crucial towards advancing into the state playoffs. Region 2-AAAAA has just five teams, and four will advance to the state tournament. Both Statesboro and Wayne County figure to finish in the top four of the region, but a win on Friday will nearly gaurantee a postseason berth nearly a month before the regular season comes to an end.

Statesboro hasn't lit up the stat charst this season, but remains committed to what it thinks is its best chance for success.

"We're going to run the ball," Kaiser said. "We need to execute in the passing game a little more, but we know what we want to do and what we have to do."

Statesboro and Wayne will kick off from Jesup at 7:30 p.m.