If there were ever any concerns about Calhoun’s offense, those worries have been alievated — or actually, alinilated — during the past two weeks.

Led by quarterback Michael Johnson, the Jackets have outscored their opponents 99-26 in the last two games, and have shown that they are more than ready for the Region 7-AA North tests that lie ahead.

Johnson compiled 300 yards of total offense last Friday in Calhoun’s 48-14 victory over county rival Gordon Central in a 7-AA crossover game on the road.

The previous week, Calhoun had sailed past Coosa 51-12 in a contest that was highlighted by Johnson’s two touchdown passes.

Now, the Jackets (3-2) will turn their full attention toward obtaining their seventh straight region title.

The first hurdle to clear comes Friday night, when Calhoun hosts Chattooga in the subregion opener for the Jackets. It is the first of four straight games against 7-AA North foes.

Calhoun opened the season with a brutaul non-region schedule that included a road test at Dalton and a home game against Cartersville, sandwhiched around a home date against Ridgeland.

But that rugged road, which resulted in a pair of losses, appears to have benefited the Jackets.

The battle-tested team executed its game plan to near perfection on both sides of the ball last week against Gordon Central.

Linebacker Carter Harrison led the defensive charge, making nine tackles and breaking up five passes while helping Calhoun control the game’s tempo.

In other local prep football news:

Abbreviated week for Eagles

The Coosa Eagles are having a shortened week of practice after their 36-15 win against Model in the Shrine Game last Saturday.

Fortunately for Coosa, the week after Shrine Game coincided with the school’s fall break, thus affording more time for the team to prepare for Friday’s game against Rockmart.

“It was a quick turn around on Saturday’s game,” Coosa head coach Chad Perry said. “We had to get back to work on Sunday. (But) the kids are used to it.”

Coosa has participated in the Shrine Game every year since 1994.

Pepperell hopes to maintain momentum

Pepperell had a big 42-15 win against Armuchee on the road last Friday.

Now, the undefeated Dragons return home to host Temple this week, and Pepperell coach Jeff Shiflett hopes his team will keep the momentum going.

“We’re still practicing the same way we normally do,” he said. “We’ve had a good week to this point. We need a couple of more days of good practice to get ready for Friday.”

Shiflett said building momentum takes the entire week before finally facing the opponent.

“It’s a slow process,” Shiflett said. “You build, build, build and Friday you’re able to come out and play hard.”