Emotions high as Knights seek to settle old score with Effingham CountyTop gridiron picks and performers
Evans (0-6) at Effingham County (2-4)
It has been 18 years, but I'm sure all Evans fans will be rooting extra hard this week when the Knights tangle with Effingham County. This will be Evans' first trip to Effingham since the controversial game back in the 1987 Georgia State Quarterfinals. Evans won that game, but was later forced to forfeit because of the use of equipment deemed illegal by the GHSA. Rather than heading into the State Semifinals 13-0, the Knights' season came to a crashing halt.
Trust me; Knight fans have not forgotten. It is hoped the emotions will pull Evans through. What a great way to get their first win of the year.
Evans 17, Effingham County 13
Greenbrier (3-3) vs. Baldwin (3-3)
What a difference a week makes. After their victory over Lakeside in week 5, the Pack appeared primed for the state playoffs, but just like last year, the Pack lost a very winnable game on the road.
This week they face their toughest opponent to date (don't let the record fool you) in Baldwin. The Braves have played as tough a schedule as any team in Georgia. Greenbrier needs to split their final four games, and that may just be enough to get them back in the playoffs.
Baldwin 27 Greenbrier 17
Lakeside (3-3) at Statesboro (6-0)
Like Greenbrier, the Panthers' season moved in a different direction after Friday night's game. However, for Lakeside the news is good. The Panthers put themselves right back in the playoff race with their win over Jones County. This week the Panthers are in some trouble facing a solid Statesboro team. Through six games Statesboro has yielded only 20 points - that's 20 points all year - including four shutouts.
Statesboro 29 Lakeside 10
Harlem (5-1) vs. Butler (1-5)
The Bulldogs came up with a big performance when they needed it, knocking off Glenn Hills. The win puts the Dogs in position to earn a state playoff spot. They should move to 5-3 this week vs. a Butler team that is down this year. More importantly it would give the Dogs a 3-1 region record with just two games to go.
Harlem 28, Butler 7
ACS (5-1) vs. Cardinal Newman (3-2)
The Lions got back on track this week with a 21-14 win over fourth-ranked Porter Gaud. The Lions certainly have the squad capable of making a serious run at the SCISA state crown. First they must win a few more regular season games, starting with Cardinal Newman. ACS should be able to handle the chore this week.
ACS 34, Cardinal Newman 13
Top performers from the weekend:
Chris Drayton (Lakeside)
Lakeside's star finally showed why several big-time college programs have already offered him scholarships. After a subpar game vs. Greenbrier, Drayton came through with Lakeside's back against the wall. He rushed for 111 yards on only 10 carries, including three touchdowns. Drayton also connected on a 16-yard touchdown pass to Jason McCall on a halfback option as Lakeside knocked off Jones County 33-6.
Brendon Gray and the Harlem defense
Gray, Harlem's talented young quarterback, had quite a game on both sides of the ball as the Bulldogs picked up a huge 14-7 overtime victory over Glenn Hills. He picked off a pass on a key Glenn Hills possession, and in the closing seconds he blocked the Spartans' game-winning field goal attempt. The blocked field goal forced overtime and the Bulldogs prevailed. Harlem forced four fumbles, intercepted a pass, and blocked that field goal all in the second half.
Lee Banks and Jordan Yates (Augusta Christian)
Banks was our choice as the Pre-Season 1st Team quarterback and so far he has not disappointed. Banks has been Mr. Efficiency for the Lions. In ACS's 21-14 win over Porter Gaud, Banks rushed for 102 yards on 12 carries and was equally impressive through the air, going 6 of 8 passing for 150 yards and a touchdown. Banks is certainly making his case for County Player of the Year. He has 11 touchdown passes (eight more TDs rushing) and just two interceptions this season.
Yates has been a big addition to the Lions defense. He picked up another sack this week, and that gives him nine quarterback sacks on the season. He leads the county in that category and is approaching a school record.