Wolfpack overtakes Panthers for victory
After several sizzling weeks we had a rough week, going just 2-2. My apologies to Greenbrier. The Pack dominated the second half en route to a big region win over Lakeside. Greenbrier standout Reggie Rice played like a man possessed as he churned out 216 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He also made two of the game's biggest plays on defense for the Pack. That makes six touchdowns in two games against Lakeside for Rice. The win has put Greenbrier in position to make a run at the playoffs.
Well, let's try to bounce back this week.
Statesboro (5-0) at Evans (0-5)
Statesboro is the best of the region's AAAA teams in Georgia. They have outscored their opponents 122-13 this season. Evans, on the other hand, is averaging only seven points per game. It will be a long night for the Knights.
Statesboro 35 Evans 10
Greenbrier (3-2) at Wayne County (2-3)
The Pack looked great at home against Lakeside on Friday. Reggie Rice put on a show and the offensive line, once a question mark for the team, was tremendous in the win. Now the team must forget that game and prepare for Wayne County. Greenbrier is in position to grab a playoff spot, but they must win games such as this one. If they protect the football they should prevail.
Greenbrier 24 Wayne County 16
Jones Co. (1-4) at Lakeside (2-3)
Can the Panthers shake off the tough loss to Greenbrier and bounce back against the Greyhounds? Jones County is much better than their record indicates. Their four losses are to Morgan County, Mary Persons, Baldwin and Dublin. That is a murderer's row of powerful programs. Lakeside will need to play mistake-free football to have a chance.
Jones Co. 23 Lakeside 17
Harlem (3-3) at Glenn Hills (4-2)
Harlem's up-and-down season continued Friday as the Dogs lost 46-7 against Thomson. Coming off a huge win over the Academy of Richmond County, and with Thomson having struggled at home against Cross Creek, it appeared Harlem could have given Thomson a run for their money. That was not the case.
Jimmie Lewis' squad must bounce back versus an equally inconsistent Glenn Hills team. The Spartans lost to Cross Creek last week and might be without star tailback Ricky Young. If he plays, Glenn Hills has a slight edge.
Glenn Hills 20 Harlem 19
Augusta Christian Schools (4-1) vs. Porter Gaud (4-1)
The Lions lost a heartbreaker 35-33 on Friday against No. 1 ranked Heathwood Hall. The Lions, ranked second in the state, face another tough test as they battle No. 4 Porter Gaud. The key for ACS is to forget the last game. If they do they will come away with win No. 5 on the season.
ACS 31 Porter Gaud 17
Top Performers of the Week
Reggie Rice (Greenbrier)
In a match-up of the County's top two talents, Rice got the better of Chris Drayton and the Lakeside Panthers. He and his Pack teammates took over after halftime and cruised to a 25-0 win. Rice also made two incredible defensive plays. He burst through the line on a blitz and forced Drayton to fumble in the first half. On what might have been the play of the game, Rice came out of nowhere to snag Kyle Hill at the 2-yard line on what looked like a sure touchdown. The stop forced Lakeside into a fourth down, which they did not convert.
Greenbrier Defense
The Wolfpack, led by Rice, Erik Smith and William Bishop, pitched a shutout against Lakeside. Most have heard the names of Smith and Rice, but Bishop was equally solid in the huge Pack victory.