Football gets ready to wrap up for season

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Ashley Brown

StaffThis week marks the end of the regular season for Georgia High School Association football teams, and the Friday night contests also are the end of the road for Columbia County's prep squads.

There is one exception, and we'll touch on that with this week's high school picks.

Douglass (7-2) at Evans (3-6): Douglass is coming off a tough loss to Stephenson. While the Astros may come out flat Friday night at Blanchard Stadium, they have too much talent for the Knights. Douglass has great team speed, especially on defense, and held Stephenson to 16 points last week. Evans has been playing much better, but beating Douglass is too much to ask.

Douglass 30, Evans 17

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Lakeside (4-5) at Burke County (3-6): Burke County is averaging less than four points per game in region play this season, but the Bears have performed very well in their past two games. Burke played tough in a 21-9 loss to Butler, and the Bears managed to upset Glenn Hills last week. Waynesboro is never an easy place to play, but Lakeside should pick up the win and even its record at .500.

Lakeside 20, Burke County 13

Laney (5-4) at Harlem (2-7): It has been a long season for the Bulldogs, and the season-finale won't be much fun either. After a shaky start in 2003, the Wildcats are now red hot - Laney has outscored its last three opponents 125-29. Laney is probably the best team with four losses in the state.

Laney 40, Harlem 14

Baldwin (7-2) at Thomson (8-1): Here's a bonus pick from McDuffie County, and Greenbrier fans will be watching this Region 3-AAAA game with much interest. If Thomson beats Baldwin, the Wolfpack qualifies for the Class AAAA state playoffs. Thomson has the region title wrapped up, while Baldwin needs a win to make the postseason - but don't expect the Dogs to mail this one in. Thomson wants to build momentum for the playoffs, and since the Dogs had a bye last week, they should be rested and ready to knock off the Braves.

Thomson 28, Baldwin 17