Tough foes loom for schools

A.B.'s High School Football Picks

Last week's record: 2-2

Overall: 28-6

Evans at Stephenson

The Knights obviously will have their hands full Friday night in Stone Mountain. The Jaguars are absolutely loaded this season, and currently are ranked No. 3 in the state in Class AAAA. Stephenson features three of the premier recruits in the Southeast, led by tailback Kregg Lumpkin, who has signed with the University of Georgia. He rushed for over 2,000 yards as a junior, and should repeat the feat this season.

Stephenson quarterback Reggie Ball (being courted by LSU, Auburn, Clemson and Michigan) is quick and athletic. He also has a rifle arm. Ball's top target is T.J. Gartrell, who is interested in LSU, Auburn, Florida and several other programs.

The Jaguars also have four or five other Division I prospects, so even if Evans puts up a battle, Stephenson is going to be hard to stop.

Stephenson 37, Evans 10

Greenbrier at Thomson

Like Evans, Greenbrier will take on an unbeaten opponent. And as highly regarded as Stephenson is, Thomson may be even tougher. The Bulldogs are No. 1 in Class AAAA and have outscored their foes 341-48. The Pack can pick their poison - quarterback Deon Palmer, tailback Demarco McNair, tailback Ricky Hill or fullback Antoine Johnson. With that kind of offensive firepower, Thomson is headed for a perfect season and a state title.

Thomson 41, Greenbrier 13

Lakeside at Hephzibah

Hephzibah is coming off a heartbreaking loss to upstart Glenn Hills. The Rebels, like Lakeside, have a first-year coach (Todd Booker); but other than a 42-point loss to Thomson, Hephzibah's defense is giving up only 16 points per game. The problem is offense - the Rebels have scored only 68 points all season. If the Panthers play a good game, this is one they could win.

Hephzibah 24, Lakeside 20

George Walton Academy at Augusta Christian

The Lions have been hot, winning their past two games by a combined score of 100-7. George Walton, however, is not going to be blown out. The Bulldogs narrowly lost to First Presbyterian Day 21-14, and FPD beat the Lions 30-0 earlier this season. This one will be a dogfight.

Augusta Christian 27, George Walton Academy 24