Predictions are mixed for county's pigskin boys

In last Wednesday's column, I talked about how tough the games were to call. In all three match-ups, the games could have gone either way.

Despite going just 1-2 on my picks, I'm not too discouraged. I predicted Evans would win 17-6. Well, with 1.4 seconds on the clock, they led 19-15. Greenbrier scored the clincher on the game's final play.

I also picked the Academy of Richmond County to knock off Lakeside 20-13. Credit Randy Hill and the Panthers' defense for taking the 12-10 victory in that game.

I did have a good pick in the Augusta Christian Schools vs. Porter Gaud game. The predicted final was 23-17. The actual final was 20-14, so at least I salvaged one correct pick.

For the season, I stand at 12-3. I hope I can improve my percentage this week.

EVANS (2-1) VS. EFFINGHAM COUNTY (4-0)

This game will always have extra meaning because of the "headphone incident" in 1987. That season, Evans defeated Effingham County 12-10 only to have the Georgia High School Association overturn the game's outcome because of Evans' use of an illegal audio receiver in the helmet of quarterback Craig Cassedy. Instead of the Knights being 13-0 and heading to the state semifinals, Evans' season was over.

Fast-forward to 2006, and the Knights will have a difficult time earning revenge on Effingham County. The Knights are coming off a tough loss to county rival Greenbrier, and Effingham County is off to a 4-0 start. In their four wins, Effingham County has averaged 40 points per contest and outscored its opponents by 29 points per contest.

Prediction:

Effingham 31

Evans 14

GREENBRIER (2-2) VS. RICHMOND ACADEMY (1-3)

The Wolfpack earned an emotional victory on the final play of the game last week against Evans. Now it faces a Richmond Academy team that has struggled to a 1-3 start. If the 'Pack can limit its turnovers, they should be able to pick up their third win of the season.

Prediction:

Greenbrier 24

Richmond Academy 10

LAKESIDE (2-2) AT STATESBORO (3-0)

The Panthers have proved me wrong twice this season. Randy Hill's young squad has picked up two wins, but they take a major step up in competition this week. Statesboro has yielded only three points all season. Two of its three wins are against solid opponents (Screven County and Glynn Academy).

Prediction:

Statesboro 37

Lakeside 10

HARLEM (1-2) VS. LIBERTY COUNTY (2-0)

The Bulldogs face a good Liberty offense that is averaging 35 points per game. I think Liberty might have too much for the Bulldogs.

Prediction:

Liberty County 34

Harlem 28

AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN (4-1) AT HILTON HEAD CHRISTIAN (3-2)

The Lions have bounced back nicely from an early season loss and appear ready to defend their SCISA state title. Hilton Head is coming off a win of their own (30-21 over Dorcester). The Lions will have too much for Hilton Head Christian in this one.

Prediction:

Augusta Christian 27

Hilton Head Christian 10