MOULTRIE — The Associated Press high school football poll ranks the top 10 vote-receivers in each classification, then, in paragraph style, lists “others receiving votes.”

Undoubtedly, there were many football fans around the state who never got far enough down this week’s Class AAAAA rankings to note that among those “others receiving votes” were Woodstock, five votes; Martin Luther King Jr., four votes; and Colquitt County, one vote.

The Packers haven’t had much statewide recognition since 2006 when its 5-0 start turned into a 6-4 finish.

Successive 2-8 and 4-6 seasons will do that.

But this year’s 7-1 record that includes a 17-0 victory over Warner Robins last week impressed at least one Associated Press voter.

A few more votes could be added to the tally next week if the Packers can defeat Houston County in the Homecoming and Senior Night game at 7:30 tonight at Tom White Field at Mack Tharpe Stadium.

A loss to the Bears, who have not won a Region 1-AAAAA game since 2006, would negate that vote and tarnish what has become a unexpectedly successful season by any standards.

A victory tonight would ensure the Packers their most victories since the 2001 team coached by Mike Singletary went 8-3.

And then the Packers could put their ears back and go after Northside a week from tonight at McConnell-Talbert Stadium in Warner Robins.

Northside is 8-0 overall in the aforementioned Class AAAAA poll.

And 5-0 and in first place in the Region 1-AAAAA standings.

There should not be many vacant seats on the home side stands tonight.

The team’s 24 seniors will be honored and a number of former Packers are sure to make Homecoming scene.

And it could be the final home game of the season for the Packers.

There is still a possibility of the team playing a home playoff game, but that will be determined down the road.