Football Boxes
A look at what to expect Friday night in Columbia County high school football action.
Evans Knights (0-0)
Last week: Preseason workouts
This week: Home vs. Harlem (0-0)
The past: This annual season-opening matchup saw Harlem win 13-6 last year at Evans, but the Knights took the victory in 2004 with a 35-7 blowout at Harlem.
The matchup: Columbia County's only two returning quarterbacks clash with Evans' Kevin Millward vs. Harlem's Brendan Gray.
The story: Not one Evans player was satisfied with last season's 1-9 record. The first step toward redemption begins with this game.
Harlem Bulldogs (0-0)
Last week: Preseason workouts
This week: At Evans (0-0)
The past: Harlem's 2005 winning season began at Evans last year with a 13-6 victory. Fullback Barry St. Johns rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown in the win.
The matchup: Columbia County's only two returning quarterbacks clash with Evans' Kevin Millward vs. Harlem's Brendan Gray.
The story: Expectations are high for a Bulldogs team that returns most of its starters. A strong win at a bigger in-county rival would give the team a good confidence boost before region play begins.
Lakeside Panthers (0-0)
Last week: Preseason workouts
This week: At Aquinas (0-0)
The past: In the school's 18-year history Lakeside has never faced Aquinas.
The matchup: Lakeside's defensive line leader Jermel Bennett vs. Aquinas' new flashy quarterback Mike Cardell.
The story: An opening game against a Class A opponent should be a good warmup for a young Panther team that needs wins and confidence whenever it can get them.
Greenbrier Wolfpack(0-0)
Last week: Preseason workouts
This week: At Westside (0-0)
The past: The Greenbrier/Westside series is even at five wins each. In last year's meeting, Greenbrier fought back from a 28-0 second-quarter deficit for a respectable 35-23 Wolfpack loss.
The matchup: Greenbrier's new offense, led by quarterback Nick Richards vs. Westside's experienced secondary stars, Alex Walker and Chris Sanders.
The story: All eyes will be on Greenbrier first-year head coach Scott Chadwick, who was hired in February to take over the Wolfpack program after guiding Lackey High School in Indian Head, Md., to two state championship games.
Augusta Christian (1-0)
Last week: Defeated Orangeburg Prep 33-19
This week: At Charlotte-Latin School (1-0)
The past: These two teams have never played each other.
The matchup: Augusta Christians' running game vs. Charlotte-Latin's defense. The Lions racked up 338 yards on the ground last week while Charlotte-Latin held its opponent, Porter Ridge, to eight carries for negative yardage in a 55-2 win.
The story: Augusta Christian won last year's SCISA Class AAA state championship. Charlotte-Latin won last year's NCISAA Class AAA state championship. It's the battle of the two best teams among the South Carolina and North Carolina independent schools.