Top-ranked Lynn has played two games since taking over the No. 1 spot in Class 1A.

On Friday the Bears get their first test since moving to the top. Lynn travels to Marion County in a game that will go a long way in deciding the Class 1A, Region 5 champion.

Lynn can win the Region 5 title outright with a win while a loss would put the Bears in a three-way tie with Marion County and Berry.

The Bears (8-0, 6-0) were in the same situation last year. In that matchup, Marion County rallied for a win, clinching the region title and sending Lynn to the No. 2 spot in the region.

“I’m not big on revenge or motivation,” Lynn coach Philip Smith said. “Every Friday should be motivation enough. There is a lot on the line. A region championship and a home playoff game. We don’t want to get into that tie-breaker situation. We don’t want to leave it up to that.”

Marion County (7-1, 5-1) is coming off its first loss of the season, a 68-50 defeat at Berry while Lynn put 70 points on the scoreboard in a 70-12 rout of Brilliant.

“I feel confident. The kids feel confident. It ought to be a great game to watch,” Smith said.

The Lynn-Marion County matchup is just one of several key matchups with playoff implications.

Oakman at Tanner

Like Lynn, Oakman has a shot at the outright 2A, Region 7 championship Friday night.

Also like Lynn, the Wildcats will have their hands full with a tough opponent.

Oakman (6-2, 6-1) travels to take on unbeaten and third-ranked Tanner (8-0, 7-0). Only Fultondale, which lost by 17 points, has gotten within 20 points of the Rattlers.

While a win would secure the Wildcats’ first region title since 2003, an Oakman loss could leave the Wildcats in a tie with Fultondale and Westminster Christian.

Sumiton Christian (5-3, 4-3) is in a must-win situation Friday night in a home game against Westminster Christian (6-2, 5-2). An Eagles’ win would put coach Greg Patterson’s squad into the postseason while a loss would eliminate Sumiton Christian.

Curry at Walker

Walker is one win away from locking up the No. 3 spot in Class 5A, Region 6.

Walker (5-3, 4-2) brings a four-game winning streak into Friday’s home game against Curry.

A Curry win coupled with a Mortimer Jordan loss to Hayden would put the Yellow Jackets into the playoffs for the first time since 2003 as the No. 4 seed.

Curry (4-4, 3-3) hasn’t defeated the Vikings since 1996, losing 14 straight meetings. The Yellow Jackets have lost four straight games after a 4-0 start. Cullman knocked off Curry 41-14 last week.

With a win, the Vikings would head to 5A power Fort Payne for a first-round playoff game.

Good Hope at Dora

Following a tough overtime loss to Midfield last week, the Bulldogs need a win over Good Hope Friday night to secure the No. 3 slot in Class 4A, Region 5.

Fayette County and Midfield will battle for the region title this week.

Dora (6-2, 4-2) is just ahead of Corner, Haleyville and Oak Grove, who are each tied with 3-3 region records.

The Bulldogs face a Good Hope (1-7, 0-6) team that has lost seven straight games and is winless in region play.

Cordova at Winston County

The Blue Devils have already locked up the No. 3 spot in Class 3A, Region 5 heading into Friday night’s game at winless Winston County.

Hanceville and Hamilton play Friday for the region title. Cordova (5-3, 4-2) closes the season with a pair of road games.

Next week the Blue Devils travel to Curry for the regular-season finale.

Winston County (0-8, 0-6) is in danger of having its first winless season since 2006.