Prep Gridiron Preview
Here's what to expect Friday night in Columbia County high school football action.
Evans Knights (1-0)
Last week: Evans enjoyed a bye week, but the coaching staff was still hard at work. The Knights were in attendance at the Lakeside/Greenbrier game with pen and paper in hand. It was the perfect opportunity to scout two opponents in one game.
This week: at Lakeside (1-1)
The past: In 14 meetings between the two rival schools, Evans has a commanding 10-3-1 series lead. One of the more dramatic wins occurred last season when the Knights' only victory of the year came on a last-minute trick play for an 8-7 win at Lakeside.
The matchup: Evans' tall (and rested) receivers vs. Lakeside's not-so-rested secondary.
The story: With a week off, Evans has had all the time in the world to prepare for a big rivalry game, while Lakeside had to deal with Greenbrier last week.
Harlem Bulldogs (0-2)
Last week: Facing the No. 1 team in all of Class A, The Bulldogs fell to Lincoln County 35-14. Harlem trailed only 8-7 after one quarter, but the state champion Red Devils were too much for the road team.
This week: vs. Aquinas (0-2)
The past: Harlem owns the series with 19 wins and only five losses since the Bulldogs first started playing Aquinas in 1970. In the most recent meetings, Harlem shut out Aquinas with a 35-0 win in 2003 and a 24-0 win in 2002.
The matchup: Harlem's 0-2 record vs. Aquinas 0-2 record. Both teams have built solid programs in recent years and are itching for the win column.
The story: Considering the opponents Harlem has faced so far (Evans, Lincoln County), the Bulldogs may be the best 0-2 team in the state. Look for Harlem to take out its frustrations on a smaller Aquinas team.
Lakeside Panthers (1-1)
Last week: Coming off a season-opening win, the Panthers looked lackadaisical in a 36-12 loss to Greenbrier in its home opener. The lone highlight for the Lakeside offense was a 23-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chad Chandler to Jay Price midway through the fourth quarter.
This week: vs. Evans (1-1)
The past: In 14 meetings between the rivals schools, Lakeside has defeated Evans only three times. The last victory was a 30-6 blowout over the Knights in a 2003 home game.
The matchup: Evans' tall (and rested) receivers vs. Lakeside's not-so-rested secondary.
The story: The Panthers looked strong in a win over Aquinas, but lost their heads and the game the following week against Greenbrier despite leading 6-0 in the first quarter. The big question for Lakeside fans is how quickly can the team put that game behind them to concentrate on another rival. The sooner the better.
Greenbrier Wolfpack (1-1)
Last week: The Wolfpack bounced back from a spanking at Westside to find redemption in the form of a rivalry win over Lakeside. Greenbrier tallied more than 400 yards of total offense with more than 250 of them coming through the air.
This week: at Effingham County (2-0)
The past: Region realignment brought these two schools together for the first time two years ago. Effingham County has emerged the victor in both meetings over the past two years. Both times Greenbrier lost by a single point.
The matchup: Two high-powered offenses. Greenbrier's passing and running games could do no wrong last week, but Effingham County averages 44.5 points a game this year.
The story: Effingham County's first two wins have been laughers. They've outscored their opponents in 2006 89-9. Greenbrier will need every yard and big play it can muster to come away with a second region win this week.
Augusta Christian (2-1)
Last week: The Lions rebounded from their worst loss in over 10 years with a 28-0 shutout of Pinewood Prep at home. Augusta Christian quarterback Tyler Bourdo found senior wide receiver Josh Whitaker in the end zone twice while the running game also had two scores.
This week: at Fox Creek (2-1)
The past: These two teams have never played each other, but history will be made on Friday as Augusta Christian will face a public school for the first time in football.
The matchup: Public school vs. private school. It will take more than one game to determine whether private school teams can hold their own against the public schools, but that won't stop the common opponent comparisons after this game.
The story: These two schools, separated by the Savannah River, are fully embracing this first meeting by announcing an annual rivalry deemed the "Baddle for the Paddle." The winner each year will take home a trophy in the shape of a boat paddle.