Wolfpack, Bulldogs are looking for road victories

Last week: 3-1

Overall 16-2

Greenbrier and Harlem have huge region road games Friday night, and though losses wouldn't end their playoff hopes, wins could propel the Columbia County squads toward postseason berths.

Harlem really could make a statement this week at Washington County. A Region 3-AAA win by the Bulldogs could spark a win streak in October. The Dogs will finish the month with games against Josey, Richmond Academy and Jefferson County.

Lakeside and Evans, meanwhile, are coming off blowout losses last week, and will try to get back on track with home games Friday night.

Augusta Christian has an open date this week and will return to action Oct. 11 at Southland Academy.

Lithonia at Evans: The Knights (1-3) had a tough time last week at Tri-Cities, losing 49-7 to the Bulldogs. This week's game is against Lithonia (3-2), and this bunch of Bulldogs won't have quite as much bite. The Region 7-AAAAA contest at Blanchard Stadium should be closer, but the young Knights still will be looking for win No. 2 after the final whistle Friday.

Lithonia 27, Evans 14

Greenbrier at Hephzibah: The Wolfpack improved to 3-1 with a win last week over Butler, but the Brierpatch victory came with a cost - starting quarterback Brooks Robinson suffered a broken collarbone while taking a big hit on a touchdown run in the first quarter. The junior is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.

Though the Pack will miss Robinson, they are fortunate in one respect: Cam Griffin takes over at quarterback, and he has plenty of experience at the position, having started there last season for Greenbrier.

Greenbrier offensive coordinator Ed Williams may go to the run more often now, but Griffin is a competitor and will find a way to get the job done.

According to Pack head coach Mickey Derrick, several candidates will work out this week in an attempt to fill Griffin's spot at linebacker.

Even with players stepping into new roles, Robinson's injury couldn't have come at a worse time.

The Pack is starting a three-game stretch of winnable Region 3-AAAA games against Hephzibah, Cross Creek and Jones County. Greenbrier realistically could have a 6-1 region record heading into the Oct. 25 game with Burke County.

Look for Greenbrier to take a step in that direction Friday at Hephzibah (1-3).

Greenbrier 13, Hephzibah 10

Glenn Hills at Lakeside: The Spartans (2-2) have been a little up and down this season, but they have some really solid players. The Panthers (0-4) must play mistake-free ball and pick up a big play or two. Also, the Lakeside defense has to stop Glenn Hills running back Ricky Dunn.

Glenn Hills 27, Lakeside 14

Harlem at Washington County: The Bulldogs had an open date last week, which gave Harlem some extra time to prepare for the big Region 3-AAA game at Washington County.

The Golden Hawks will present a challenge, but coach Rick Tomberlin's team isn't unbeatable this season.

If this game was at Harlem I'd probably pick the Dogs, but the showdown is in Sandersville, and it's tough for a visiting opponent to win in The House of Pain.

Washington County 32, Harlem 27