Prep Gridiron Previews
A look at what to expect Friday night in Columbia County high school football action:
Evans Knights (1-0)
Last week: Evans fought off a feisty Harlem team for a 21-16 victory in front of a home crowd. Junior quarterback Kevin Millward rushed for two touchdowns and threw to four receivers for 63 yards in the win.
This week: bye week
The past: Since 1990, Evans is 5-10 after a bye week.
The matchup: none
The story: An extra seven days of rest might not be necessary for a team that's played only one game so far this season, but an extra seven days of preparing for Lakeside (next week's opponent) certainly won't hurt.
Harlem Bulldogs (0-1)
Last week: Despite having more rushing and passing yards than the Knights, Harlem lost to Evans 21-16 thanks to three costly fumbles and a fourth-quarter desperation drive that just barely fell short.
This week: at Lincoln County (1-0)
The past: Harlem and Lincoln County have faced off 18 times. The Red Devils have owned the series by winning all six meetings since 1982. The most recent contest was a 54-6 Lincoln County win exactly 17 years ago.
The matchup: The game's two coaches, Harlem's Jimmie Lewis vs. Lincoln County's Larry Campbell, already own steady places in Georgia high school coaching history.
The story: Lincoln County is a Class A school, but as defending state champs it's one of the toughest in the state. Harlem's chances don't get any easier by playing on the road.
Lakeside Panthers (1-0)
Last week: Lakeside defeated Class A Aquinas 20-12 on the road. Tailback Patrick Tynan scored once on the ground and Dustin Panks found receiver Kyle Hicks through the air for another touchdown.
This week: vs. Greenbrier (0-1)
The past: The two teams have faced off every year since Greenbrier opened. Lakeside has a 2-6 record against the Wolfpack with the Panthers' last win coming in 2003 with a 35-28 victory at Greenbrier.
The matchup: Two first-year quarterbacks, Lakeside's Chad Chandler vs. Greenbrier's Nick Richards, will get their first crack at a region rival.
The story: Bragging rights are on the line once again. Last year, Greenbrier stung Lakeside with a 25-0 shutout. No matter what happens the rest of the year, the Panthers season would be considered a success with a win against Greenbrier on Friday.
Greenbrier Wolfpack (0-1)
Last week: The Wolfpack suffered a blowout loss at Class AA Westside 47-14. Greenbrier mustered only 53 yards of total offense, and quarterback Nick Richards, in his first game as a starter, threw five interceptions that led to 28 Westside points.
This week: at Lakeside (1-0)
The past: The two teams have faced off every year since Greenbrier opened. Greenbrier has a 6-2 advantage over Lakeside and dominated last year's meeting with a 25-0 blowout. The Wolfpack rushed for 278 yards and four touchdowns in the win.
The matchup: Two first-year quarterbacks, Lakeside's Chad Chandler vs. Greenbrier's Nick Richards, will get their first crack at a region rival.
The story: Greenbrier will be more than ready to get last week's 33-point loss behind them. There's no better way to do that than with a win over a hated rival.
Augusta Christian lions (1-1)
Last week: The Lions found themselves in unfamiliar territory with a 56-11 loss to Charlotte-Latin on the road. The 45-point defeat is the largest the Lions have suffered since the 1994 season. Kyle Meeks' 27-yard run served as Augusta Christian's lone touchdown.
This week: vs. Pinewood Prep (1-1)
The past: These two teams have never played each other.
The matchup: Augusta Christian's running game vs. Pinewood Prep's run-stopping defense. Although Pinewood Prep lost 20-0 in its season opener, the Panthers allowed only 102 yards of total offense.
The story: Augusta Christian coach Bruce Lane will get a rare opportunity in the third week of the season. He'll get to see how well his Lions will bounce back after a blowout loss on the road last week.