Panthers prowl for first victory

A.B.'s High School Football Picks

Last week's record: 4-0

Overall: 32-6

Redan at Evans

The Knights are coming off a 62-7 whipping at the hands of unbeaten Stephenson, and this week's opponent isn't nearly as tough as the squad from Stone Mountain. Redan comes to Columbia County with a 2-6 record, which is identical to Evans' mark. The Knights will keep it close, but Redan will win.

Redan 23, Evans 14

Cross Creek at Lakeside

The Panthers have two more chances to avoid a winless season, and that first victory of 2001 could come Friday night against Cross Creek. The Razorbacks also are 0-8, so something's got to give. Lakeside will pull this one out. Cross Creek has scored only 14 points in its past six games, and has totaled just 41 points all season.

Lakeside 27, Cross Creek 14

Westside at Harlem

The Patriots will be in a sour mood after their loss to Laney last week. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, desperately need a victory to stay in the playoff hunt. Harlem's loss to Jefferson County is still stinging, but many people underestimated Jefferson County. The Warriors started the season 0-6, but the win at Harlem gives them the inside track to a playoff berth in Region 3-AAA. The bottom line is, with a loss to Westside this week, Harlem would be out of the playoff picture.

Westside 31, Harlem 17

Windsor Academy at Augusta Christian

The Lions start the Georgia Independent Schools Association state playoffs this week at Pride Valley, and AC should have no trouble with Windsor Academy. The Knights began the season with a 3-1 record, but have lost seven in a row since, including a 54-0 pounding of John Milledge Academy, a team the Lions beat 23-0. I don't like to compare games in that way, but the numbers are hard to ignore.

Augusta Christian 48, Windsor Academy 7

Statesboro at Greenbrier

The Wolfpack finishes their season at the Brierpatch, and Senior Night is going to be a tough for Greenbrier. Statesboro is the defending Class AAAA state champions, and although the Blue Devils aren't as strong this season, they should be able to handle Greenbrier.

Statesboro 24, Greenbrier 14