Ex-Panther makes his mark at Ferman
Before we look ahead and predict the winners and losers in this week's high-school football games, here's an update on a Columbia County product performing well on the collegiate level.
Former Lakeside High School standout Brian Bratton has become one of the top offensive threats for the Furman University football team. In fact, Bratton has blossomed into one of the premier performers in the Southern Conference.
The redshirt junior leads the Paladins in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, and he also has done a nice job of returning kicks.
Last Saturday was just another day at the office for Bratton. In Furman's game against Appalachian State, the 5-foot-11, 178-pound speedster had two kick returns for 71 yards, including one for 49.
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Bratton added one carry for 11 yards and two receptions for 35 yards, but it wasn't enough, as the Paladins lost 13-10.
Now, for this week's prep pigskin picks.
Evans (2-4) at Lakeside-DeKalb (5-1): the records seem to indicate that Evans will have an extremely tough time keeping up with Lakeside-DeKalb, but the records are deceiving. The Vikings have raced to a 5-1 mark, but that includes victories over Lithonia and Cedar Grove, the weaker teams in Region 7-AAAAA. When the Vikings faced Stephenson, one of the top region teams, they were hammered 34-0. Evans will keep this game close.
Lakeside-DeKalb 27, Evans 20
Jones County (1-4) at Greenbrier (5-1): The Wolfpack stuggled early last week at Cross Creek, but eventually blew out the Razorbacks. Greenbrier should be ready to go four quarters this Friday night at the Brierpatch, and that will boost the Pack to 6-1.
Greenbrier 31, Jones County 16
Richmond Academy (2-3) at Harlem (2-4): The Bulldogs have had two disappointing games in a row. First was the 72-0 blowout by Washington County, but last week's 21-20 defeat to Josey was even more demoralizing for Harlem. Harlem should recover from that heartbreak, and Tim Camp will lead the way. The senior had a great game at Josey, and should be able to do the same against a below-average ARC defense.
Harlem 23, Richmond Academy 14
Augusta Christian (6-1) at Eagle's Landing (3-4): Augusta Christian is asserting itself as one of the Georgia Independent School Association's top teams in Class AAA. The Lions have more balance and depth than most squads in the state, and AC certainly has too many weapons for Eagle's Landing.
Augusta Christian 37, Eagle's Landing 7