There's something about high school football
I don't know about you, but I was in the trenches last week. Specifically, I was in the rain and slop at Lakeside High School on Friday night.
Now, I didn't have to make a tackle or score any touchdowns, but I was really into the high school football game between Lakeside and Westside at Panther Stadium.
Every off-season, I forget how much I love prep football, but then it all comes back in a rush - hearing the coaches yell instructions, the echoing sound of bone-jarring hits, and watching 16- and 17-year-olds step up and make big plays are all part of the excitement.
I simply can't get enough of it, although I can't quite put my finger on why football is so special. This much is true - I'll continue to attend local high school games every Friday night, and hopefully you'll do the same.
Personally, last week was also pretty good for picking Columbia County's prep winners, as I went 4-0. That's a tough act to follow, but I'll try to keep the streak going with this week's picks.
Greenbrier at Westside (ARC Stadium): The Wolfpack proved last week that they can put points on the board, as quarterback Brooks Robinson, and sophomore running backs Tyler Dent and Orlando Pollard, looked great during a 43-26 win over Evans.
This week will be much tougher, as Greenbrier plays Westside on the road. The Patriots feature the top safety in the CSRA (Tony LeZotte), one of the best backs (Aundra Ellison), and perhaps the best junior kicker in the Southeast (Obi Egekeze).
Not to mention that the Pats' defense is much better than the Pack faced at the Brierpatch last week.
Westside 27, Greenbrier 24
Elbert County at Harlem: This is a great matchup of Class AAA squads. Elbert County has good teams every year, but Harlem's skill players are going to take care of business in the Bulldogs' home opener.
Harlem 23, Elbert County 17
Stratford Academy at Augusta Christian: Stratford Academy will be the second consecutive strong opponent AC has faced. Last week, the Lions lost a heartbreaker at Tattnall Square Academy, but Friday night at Pride Valley, Augusta Christian will turn the tables.
Augusta Christian 30, Stratford Academy 26