Lakeside needs to beat Burke to avoid winless campaign
Columbia County's public high school teams are finishing off the 2002 campaign this week, so we'll wrap up the prep picks for the season.
While my final winning percentage will be pretty high, I wouldn't mind if the county teams prove me wrong this week and pick up some victories - they need them more than I do.
A.B.'s high school football picks
Last week's record: 4-1
Overall: 36-7
Burke County (5-4, 4-3 in Region 3-AAAA) at Lakeside (0-9, 0-7): With a win Friday at Panther Stadium, Burke County will secure a state playoff berth. A loss by the Bears would open the door for Glenn Hills or Hephzibah. Lakeside, meanwhile, will try to be the spoiler and get its first win of the season. The Bears aren't overly impressive, but they have won three straight, and have given up only 29 points in their five victories. The Panthers are averaging only 10 points per game, but an upset is not out of the question.
Burke County 20, Lakeside 14
Harlem (5-4, 2-3 in Region 3-AAA) at Laney (8-1, 4-1): The Bulldogs nearly knocked off Westside last week, and they'll be in upset mode Saturday night against Laney. Harlem had its state playoff hopes dashed by a loss to Jefferson County on Oct. 25. Even if the Dogs beat Laney, Harlem's season will be over. Also, Laney is a very, very good squad.
Laney 32, Harlem 17
First Presbyterian Day School (8-3) at Augusta Christian (9-2): These teams met in Macon back on Sept. 27, with FPD picking up a 30-0 win. Since then, AC has reeled off five straight wins, including a 54-0 romp over Windsor Academy in first-round playoff action last week at Pride Valley. The first matchup between these teams was somewhat of a fluke. The rematch should be much closer.
First Presbyterian Day 28, Augusta Christian 24
Evans (2-7, 1-6 in Region 7-AAAAA) at Douglass (4-4-1, 3-4): Douglass nearly pulled off the shocker of the season last Saturday, taking second-ranked Stephenson to the wire before losing 28-25. Evans also had a tight contest last week at Blanchard Stadium, falling 27-23 to Redan - it was the first time the Knights had scored more than 13 points in a region game all season.
Douglass 34, Evans 17