For the first time in three weeks, the Georgiana Panthers will not be playing a No. 1 ranked team.

The Panthers shocked the state with a 20-13 win over No. 1 Southern Choctaw two weeks ago, but then fell to the new No. 1 team, the Leroy Bears, 28-0 last week.

This week, the Panthers will host Class 1A A.L. Johnson for homecoming and Georgiana head coach Donald Ray Mixon said he is glad to be back home.

Although Mixon said he is glad to be back home, homecoming week can often be a distraction to his team.

&#8220It's a big distraction, but it's good for the kids,” Mixon said. &#8220We've had to keep telling them that we do have a football game Friday.”

Following Friday night's loss to region rival Leroy, Mixon said he saw several positives on his team, especially his defense.

&#8220We had a great effort on the defensive side,” Mixon said. &#8220I can't say enough about that defense.”

The Panthers gave up only one true drive during the loss as the Bears scored three of the four touchdowns on runs of 60 yards or more.

On the injury front, senior Derrick Godwin has a tweaked ankle, but should be ready for Friday.

Kickoff for Friday night's game is 7 p.m.