Prep football previews
Augusta Christian Lions (6-1)
In the region: Augusta Christian is a perfect 2-0 in SCISA's Region 1-AAA standings with wins over Ben Lippen and Cardinal Newman.
Last week: Augusta Christian's ground game did it again Friday night with 339 yards rushing and five touchdowns in a 44-8 win.
This week: vs. Heathwood Hall (3-5)
The past: Heathwood Hall is the closest thing to a rival Augusta Christian has had in the past. The Lions have never beaten Heathwood Hall in their two previous meetings.
The match-up: Augusta Christian's pass defense vs. Heathwood Hall's Brett Whalen. Lions senior Will Wright, the school's all-time interceptions leader, highlights a strong Lions secondary. Whalen threw for more than 300 yards and a touchdown last week against No. 1 ranked Hammond.
The story: With a 3-5 record, Heathwood Hall certainly isn't the powerhouse its been in past years. However, it's still a region game, and neither team will hold back in what has become an annual rivalry.
Greenbrier Wolfpack (3-4)
In the region: The Wolfpack hold fifth place in Region 3-AAAA standings with a 3-3 region record.
Last week: Greenbrier scored 28 points on Brunswick - more than any other opponent this season. However, it was a small consolation in a 49-28 region loss on the road.
This week: vs. Ware County (4-2)
The past: Friday's game will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
The match-up: Greenbrier's offense vs. Ware County's defense. Even with a losing record, the Wolfpack offense has averaged almost 20 points per game this year. Ware County's defense hasn't allowed a point in the last two weeks.
The story: With the region's top four teams going to the state playoffs, Greenbrier sits in fifth place. Ware County is in a three-way tie for second; a Wolfpack win would keep Greenbrier alive in playoffs.
Evans Knights (3-3)
In the region: The Knights stand at 2-3 in Region 3-AAAA play- good for a tie for sixth place in the region with Glynn Academy.
Last week: Evans dropped its third loss in four games with a 38-0 road defeat at Statesboro. Knight quarterback Kevin Millward threw for 119 yards, but the Evans offense was shutout.
This week: vs. Brunswick (4-2)
The past: Friday's game will be the first meeting between the two schools.
The match-up: Evans' defense vs. Brunswick's Darius Slay. The road team's running back ran all over Greenbrier's defense last week for 252 yards rushing and two scores.
The story: The Brunswick Pirates have scored 48 and 49 points over the past two weeks in wins against Lakeside and Greenbrier respectively. At 2-3 in the region, Evans needs a win to stay in the playoff chase.
Harlem Bulldogs (2-4)
In the region: Despite the slow start to the season, the Bulldogs are a perfect 1-0 in the Region 3-AAA standings.
Last week: The Bulldogs picked up a region win over Glenn Hills with a 22-14 home victory. Harlem's Trey Crain and Brendan Gray both scored while placekicker Kenji Link nailed three field goals and an extra point.
This week: at Washington County (4-2)
The past: Washington County owns Harlem with 13 wins over the past 13 meetings. The last game was a 72-0 Washington County win at Harlem in 2003.
The match-up: Harlem's defense vs. Washington County's offense. Washington County has averaged 49 points per game over the last three weeks. Harlem's defense, led by senior Maurice Dorsey and junior Mike Leverett, forced three fumbles and an interception last week against Glenn Hills.
The story: This will be the toughest road game of the season for Harlem, but in the Region 3-AAA picture, it's a must-win for a shot at the state playoffs.
Lakeside Panthers (2-5)
In the region: Lakeside's 1-5 region record puts the Panthers in ninth place in the Region 3-AAAA standings a half game behind 1-4 Richmond Academy.
Last week: The Panthers lost a road region game against Ware County 40-0.
This week: vs. Glynn Academy (3-3)
The past: Friday's game will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
The match-up: Lake-side's home-field advantage vs. Glynn Academy's momentum. Glynn is coming off of a huge upset win over Effingham County last week after losing three straight games. The Red Terrors will be making a long bus ride from Brunswick to Panther Stadium, though.
The story: Glynn Academy has to be riding high after knocking off Effingham County last week. At this point, Lakeside can only play the role of spoiler.