Lions ready to extend streak

I'm coming off a 4-1 week on my picks, so I hope I can keep it going this Friday night. There are some very tough calls this week. All four games involving Columbia County teams could go either way. Any team expecting to make the playoffs had better come to play this week.

For the second straight week, Evans has a huge game at home. The Knights take on Lakeside after an emotional victory over Effingham County. I was glad to see that there was a huge crowd on hand for that match-up.

Also, it has been a great year financially for the Knights. After playing in a region that featured no local teams for the past couple of seasons (meaning smaller crowds at the games), the Knights' success, along with the region change, have the Knights' crowds up in 2004. After the Effingham County game, plus a big gate expected this week, Evans will probably exceed the gate receipts from all of 2002 and 2003 with another home game still to go.

Lakeside (2-4-1) at Evans (5-2)

The Panthers have lost three straight and need to right the ship against Evans. The Knights played a very emotional game last week and must put that win behind them and come out ready to play a dangerous opponent this week. I think this will be a nail-biter. Evans could seal up county bragging rights, having already posted wins over Harlem and Greenbrier. The Panthers are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Evans 27, Lakeside 24

Greenbrier (2-5) at Effingham Co. (3-4)

As many of you know, Greenbrier head coach Mickey Derrick was on the Evans coaching staff back in 1987. So he would love nothing more than to pin back-to-back losses to Effingham County. Also, I would imagine former Evans and Greenbrier coach Terry Holder will make the trip to Effingham County with the Wolfpack. He will have a son on each sideline. His oldest son, Buddy, is an assistant at Effingham County, and his middle son Rodney coaches at Greenbrier. Sorry, Buddy; I think your dad will be pulling for your brother and the Wolfpack in this one.

Greenbrier 23, Effingham Co. 16

Harlem (2-6) vs. Cross Creek (2-5)

This was a close call, but I think Jimmie Lewis will have the Bulldogs ready to play in this one. Cross Creek has been up and down all season. The Razorbacks posted big wins over Jefferson and Burke counties, but were blasted by Josey and Butler.

Harlem 16, Cross Creek 14

Augusta Christian (4-3) vs. Ben Lippen (4-3)

The Lions are trying to run their winning streak to three games this week against Ben Lippen. It is also Homecoming Week at Pride Valley. ACS has been extremely balanced of late. Lee Banks, Dillon Quick, Jay Harmon and Kyle Meeks each have played their part in the Lions' recent success. Ben Lippen is 4-3, but they average only 11 points per game.

ACS 20, Ben Lippen 10