Five squads get pigskin poundings
It was a memorable Friday night for Columbia County's high school football teams, but for all the wrong reasons.
The low-lights included blowout losses, blown opportunities and botched execution. When the contests ended, five county teams had lost five games by a combined score of 214-86.
Harlem High School's Domonique Brown is brought down behind the line of scrimmage by Washington County during the second quarter of Friday's game. Harlem lost 53-21.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Greenbrier, Harlem and Augusta Christian all surrendered 50 points to opponents; Evans pulled out all the stops but couldn't pull out a win; and Lakeside engineered its own demise.
Hawks claw Dogs
Harlem high School played host to Washington County in a key Region 3-AAA game. The Bulldogs entered the contest atop the region standings, but when the night was over, Harlem had been humbled with a 53-21 thrashing from the Golden Hawks.
Washington County (7-1, 4-1 in region play) can secure the region title with a win this week against Jefferson County.
Harlem (5-2-1, 4-1) could still claim the region championship, but for that to happen, the Dogs need to beat Westside on Saturday at ARC Stadium (7:30 p.m. kickoff) and hope that Jefferson shocks Washington County.
More importantly, a win over Westside would earn at least a No. 2 seed from Region 3-AAA, which would give Harlem its first state playoff home game Nov. 23.
Greenbrier High School traveled to Statesboro High School for a Region 3-AAAA game, and the Wolfpack was no match for the No. 1 ranked Blue Devils.
Statesboro rolled to a 51-0 victory to end Greenbrier's playoff chances. The point total was the most Greenbrier has allowed in its six-year history.
Greenbrier (3-5, 2-4) plays its final home game Friday against T.W. Josey High School at 7:30 p.m. The Pack closes the season Nov. 16 against Butler at Lumpkin Road Stadium.
Augusta Christian also received road rash last week. The Lions allowed a school-record rushing total of 491 yards during a 58-27 loss to George Walton Academy.
"Defensively, we really struggled, but George Walton probably played about a perfect game," AC coach Steve Price said.
The Region 2-AAA defeat sends Augusta Christian (6-5) on the road this week for first-round action in the Georgia Independent Schools Association Class AAA state playoffs, where the Lions will face First Presbyterian Day School (8 p.m. Friday).
"It's a real good matchup for us. If we play well, I think we'll win," Price said. "We don't have any big injuries, and I'm sure our kids will be ready to play."
Swan song
Evans High School played its final home game of the season, and despite a 30-17 loss to North Clayton, the Knights' seniors put on a show during their swan song at Blanchard Stadium.
Ernest Powell notched 23 tackles, including 19 unassisted, and recovered a fumble at linebacker. On offense, he recorded a touchdown run at fullback.
Fernando Mickens was supposed to be out for the season with an injury, but he chose to play in his final home game and hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass.
Jon Lee also was hobbled, but he bravely suited up and played on one leg. Chris Jennell performed well at tight end, receiver Terrell White caught several passes and Matt Sharpe excelled on both sides of the ball.
"Matt Sharpe played a great game," Evans coach Lee Chomskis said of his senior lineman. "The coaching staff agreed that he deserved a game ball. He really played hard. I'm happy for him, but I hate that we couldn't get a win."
Evans' underclassmen also contributed. Sophomore quarterback Travis Clark threw for close to 300 yards, and junior kicker Brad Sickles booted a field goal.
The Knights opened the game by recovering an onside kick and mounting a solid drive, but the scoring threat ended with a dropped pass and missed field goal.
In the third quarter, with Evans trailing by only five points, the Knights tried a fake punt. Chomskis said a receiver was wide open, but the play didn't work.
It's been that kind of year for Evans (1-8). The Knights will finish their season Friday at Fayette County High School (7:30 p.m.).