We're past the halfway point of the high school football season, and the playoff races are starting to take shape. Here's where every Columbus-area team stands after Week 7, how they got there, and what's next.

This guide updates every week through the end of the regular season. Bookmark it, and check back after Friday's games.

Week 7 scoreboard

Byes: Carver, Hardaway, Kendrick

Muscogee County schools (Georgia)

Northside Patriots (4-2)
Northside is one of the area's hottest teams. The Patriots beat Morrow 28-12 behind Alex Tarboro's 143 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with Maxwell Thrash adding a rushing score.

Spencer Greenwave (3-3, 2-2 Region 1-4A)
Spencer gave unbeaten Cairo a game before falling 49-21. At 2-2 in the region, the Greenwave remain right in the playoff hunt, and every region game from here matters.

Shaw Raiders (3-3)
Shaw ran into a strong Dougherty team, unbeaten in region play, and lost 45-0. The Raiders need to bounce back quickly to stay in the race.

Columbus Blue Devils (2-4, 0-4 Region 1-4A)
A 41-0 loss to Bainbridge leaves Columbus still searching for its first region win. The Blue Devils will be looking to play spoiler down the stretch.

Jordan, Carver, Hardaway and Kendrick
Jordan played at Calhoun County in Week 7, while Carver, Hardaway and Kendrick had byes. Look for their updated records in next week's edition.

Private schools (Georgia)

St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings (5-2)
Pacelli keeps winning, rolling past Strong Rock Christian 38-7 for its fifth win. The Vikings are one of the area's best stories this fall.

Brookstone Cougars (3-5)
Brookstone exploded for 64 points against Calvary Christian. It was a big confidence boost heading into the second half of the season.

Calvary Christian Knights (3-4)
Calvary has dropped three straight after the loss to Brookstone and will look to regroup.

Across the river (Alabama)

Central-Phenix City Red Devils (5-1)
The Red Devils look like the class of the area, blanking Dothan 45-0. Next up: a crosstown showdown with Smiths Station on Friday, Oct. 9.

Russell County Warriors (4-3)
Russell County fell 51-10 at Pike Road, but still has a winning record heading into the back half of the season.

Glenwood Gators (3-3)
Glenwood nearly upset UMS-Wright before losing 36-32, a close one that shows the Gators can play with anyone.

Smiths Station Panthers (1-6)
A 38-19 loss at Enterprise makes it a tough season for the Panthers, who face rival Central next.

Game of the week to watch: Smiths Station at Central-Phenix City, Friday, Oct. 9
It's a rivalry game, whatever the records say.

Send us your scores and photos!
Coaches, parents and fans: email scores, standout performances and game photos to [email protected]. We'll include them in next week's update.