Prep Gridiron Previews
EVANS KNIGHTS (2-2)
In the region: The Knights stand at 1-2 in Region 3-AAAA play with a win at Lakeside and losses to Greenbrier and Effingham County. Evans is in sole possession of sixth place in the region standings.
Last week: Evans suffered its worst loss of the season so far with a 33-7 defeat at the hands of Effingham County. Although quarterback Kevin Millward didn't find the end zone, the junior still threw for 230 yards. Evans junior Trey Henderson ran for the Knights' only score of the game on a 7-yard sprint.
This week: vs. the Academy of Richmond County (1-4)
The past: The Evans-Richmond Academy series is heavily one-sided with the Knights owning the win column. Evans has an 11-1-1 record against the Musketeers, but the last time the two teams met was 1985 in a 33-0 Evans win at home.
The match-up: Evans' Kevin Millward vs. Richmond Academy's Jacob Sullivan. Millward is a pocket passer who, despite two losses in the past two weeks, still has put up good numbers in the air. Sullivan doesn't have as many passing yards but is a bigger threat on the ground.
The story: Both teams have dropped their past two games and are itching to get back in the win column. For Evans, it's a must-win before facing bigger and better region opponents.
HARLEM BULLDOGS (1-3)
In the region: Harlem's Region 3N-AAA schedule begins Oct. 13 vs. Glenn Hills.
Last week: The Bulldogs fell to Liberty County in a 7-0 loss. It was the first time Harlem has been shut out since the 2004 season.
This week: at Burke County.
The past: Friday's game will be the first meeting between the two schools.
The match-up: Burke County's Jonathan Cohen vs. Harlem's Barry St. John. Both teams like to run the ball, and Cohen and St. John have proven themselves as the main ball carrier for their respective teams.
The story: Although a 1-3 start is certainly an underachievement for an experienced Bulldog team, nothing matters until region play begins. With that in mind, Friday's Burke County game is the final warm-up before region play begins Oct. 13.
LAKESIDE PANTHERS (2-3)
In the region: Lakeside's 1-3 region record puts the Panthers in a three-way tie for seventh place with Glynn Academy and Richmond Academy in the 10-team Region 3-AAAA.
Last week: The Panthers lost a region game against defending Class AAAA state champion Statesboro 33-0. Turnovers and a strong Blue Devils defense limited Lakeside to 48 yards of total offense.
This week: vs. Brunswick (2-2)
The past: Friday's game will be the first meeting between the two schools.
The match-up: Lakeside's defense vs. Brunswick's offense. The Pirates are averaging more than 20 points per game, while Lakeside has given up an average of 21 points per game.
The story: The first of the Brunswick schools will make the trip to Columbia County. On paper, Lakeside might be the underdog, but the Panthers won't be the team playing in front of an opposing homecoming crowd after a four-hour bus ride.
GREENBRIER WOLFPACK (3-2)
In the region: With region wins over Evans, Lakeside and Richmond Academy, the Wolfpack boast a 3-1 Region 3-AAAA record and enjoy a third-place ranking in the region standings.
Last week: Greenbrier took care of Richmond Academy with a 37-14 region win in front of a homecoming crowd. Senior Freddie Jones rushed for three scores and teammate Tyrone Bonds caught two touchdowns in the win.
This week: vs. Statesboro (4-0)
The past: Greenbrier beat Statesboro 41-7 in the first meeting between the two schools in 1998. Since then, the Blue Devils have knocked off Greenbrier seven straight times, including last season's 48-6 Statesboro win.
The match-up: Greenbrier's offense vs. Statesboro's defense. The Wolfpack offense, led by senior tailback Freddie Jones, has put up an average of 23.8 points per game this season. Statesboro's defense, in four games this year, has yet to give up a touchdown.
The story: After wins over Lakeside and Evans, Greenbrier is the best football team in Columbia County. However, Statesboro is one of the best in the state and will bring a 19-game winning streak to the Brierpatch on Friday.
AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN (5-1)
In the region: Augusta Christian's region schedule will begin this Friday with a homecoming game against Ben Lippen.
Last week: The Lions ran all over Hilton Head Christian for a 27-13 win highlighted by Augusta Christian's two rushing touchdowns and 218 yards of ground offense.
This week: vs. Ben Lippen (2-3)
The past: Augusta Christian has won the two previous meetings between the schools, including a 45-8 win last season.
The match-up: Augusta Christian's Jay Harmon and Kyle Meeks vs. Ben Lippen's Josh Cox. The Lions' two tailbacks have combined for more more than 900 yards rushing and six touchdowns this season. Cox led Ben Lippen two weeks ago with 13 tackles and three sacks in a win over SCISA No. 10 Cardinal Newman.
The story: Augusta Christian begins region play this Friday with homecoming festivities also taking place. Though a 5-1 record is a strong start to the season, the real season begins with the region schedule.