Prep Football Previews
Augusta Christian (9-2)
In the region: Augusta Christian finished the regular season with a 3-1 record and in second place in SCISA's Region 1-AAA standings.
Last week: Augusta Christian knocked off Porter-Gaud in the state playoffs for the second straight year with a 41-7 blowout win in the first round of the SCISA Class AAA state playoffs.
This week: At Laurence Manning, SCISA Class AAA state tournament semifinals round
The past: The Lions have faced Laurence Manning only once in school history. Augusta Christian came away with a 35-6 home win in the first round of the state playoffs last season.
The matchup: Augusta Christian's momentum vs. Laurence Manning's memory. The Lions rolled to an easy first-round win and hold a 4-1 record in SCISA state playoff games. Laurence Manning fell to Augusta Christian last year in the state playoffs and will be looking for revenge at home.
The story: According to the region standings, Laurence Manning, the Region II-AAA champ, is favored over Region I-AAA two-seed Augusta Christian. In the most recent SCISA top 10 poll, the Lions are ranked Class AAA No. 2 and Laurence Manning Class AAA No. 4.
Evans Knights (3-6)
In the region: The Knights are currently in seventh place in the Region 3-AAAA standings with a 2-6 region record.
Last week: Evans lost to Glynn Academy 24-7 with quarterback Kevin Millward's three-yard touchdown run serving as the Knights' only score.
This week: At Wayne County (1-8)
The past: Wayne County has defeated Evans twice in the past two years, including a 37-6 win at home last year.
The matchup: Evans' Junior Coley vs. Wayne County's run defense. Coley, Evans' starting tailback, was held to only 28 yards rushing this past weekend, but Wayne County's defense gave up almost 200 yards rushing last week at Greenbrier.
The story: Neither team has a shot at the state playoffs, but a win for Evans would at least end the season in a tie with Greenbrier for the best record among Columbia County public schools.
Greenbrier Wolfpack (4-6)
In the region: The Wolfpack finished at 4-5 in region play and in sixth place in the Region 3-AAAA standings.
Last week: In its final game of the year, Greenbrier beat Wayne County 21-12 with quarterback Nick Richards leading the way. The junior threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to snap a four-game losing streak.
This week: Bye week
The past: Greenbrier 4-6 overall record in 2006 matched last year's record. The four region wins are the most for the Wolfpack since the 2003 season.
The matchup: None.
The story: In his first season as Greenbrier's head coach, Scott Chadwick led the Wolfpack to a mediocre season, but he'll return next year with a veteran quarterback and a year as football coach and athletic director under his belt.
Harlem Bulldogs (3-6)
In the region: The Bulldogs are 2-2 in Region 3B-AAA play with wins over Glenn Hills and Butler and hold sole possession of third place in the Region 3B-AAA standings.
Last week: Harlem destroyed winless Butler with a 44-6 homecoming victory. Both Barry St. John and Trey Crain rushed for more than 100 yards each in the win.
This week: At Cross Creek (4-5)
The past: In the four previous meetings between the two schools, Harlem has won three times. However, Cross Creek got the win last year with a 34-14 victory at home.
The matchup: Harlem's fumbles vs. Cross Creek's fumbles. This is one match-up neither team wants to win. The slippery football has killed Harlem this season. The Razorbacks have lost six fumbles in the past two games.
The story: Neither team can make the state playoffs at this point, but the winner will take third place in the Region 3B-AAA final standings.
Lakeside Panthers (2-8)
In the region: Lakeside finished the year with a 1-8 region record and at best can finish in a tie for last place in the Region 3-AAAA standings.
Last week: The Panthers fell to Effingham County 41-0. Three fumbles handcuffed Lakeside's offense while Effingham County, still vying for a spot in the state playoffs, tallied 359 yards of total offense.
This week: Bye week.
The past: Lakeside's final 2006 record of 2-8 is the worst record the school has seen since the 2002 season's 0-10 record.
The matchup: None.
The story: After losing last season's No. 1 college prospect in the county and a large crew of other seniors, the 2006 Panthers were crippled by inexperience. A large majority of the Lakeside roster will be back next year, but this time with experience.