Storms play havoc with games

Thunderstorms hammered the area Friday just in time to interfere with all four Columbia County football games.

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The worst of the weather took place at Greenbrier High School, where the annual homecoming festivities were held indoors to avoid the brutal conditions.

Greenbrier's pass-heavy offense couldn't avoid the wet weather. The Wolfpack fell to Effingham County 24-7.

"It was 14-7 in the fourth quarter, but they kicked a field goal and scored a touchdown in the last few minutes," Greenbrier football coach Scott Chadwick said.

"(Quarterback) Nick (Richards) did get to practice this week, and you could tell that helped. He was much more sharp."

Despite the wind and driving rain, Richards still completed 10 of 20 passes for 145 yards. Some of those incomplete passes slipped through the hands of open receivers due to the wet conditions.

Harlem 14, Aquinas 7

The Bulldog defense did just about everything in a 14-7 win over Aquinas on Friday. Harlem's Seth Hill picked off a pass and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown for the first Bulldog score of the game. Ky Arnold also grabbed an interception and ran 52 yards for the other touchdown.

"They played great defense all night long," Harlem football coach Jimmie Lewis said. "Our offense just couldn't get on track with all the rain."

Halftime at Aquinas lasted almost an hour because of lightning.

Harlem's 14-0 lead held until the final five minutes of the game. Aquinas scored a touchdown, regained possession of the ball on an onside kick and threatened to tie the score with the ball on the Harlem 20 yard line.

"They got it down there, but on fourth and about 25 one of our guys knocked a pass down, and that was it," Lewis said.

The win was the first of the season for Harlem.

Augusta Christian 52, Fox Creek 8

The annual Battle for the Paddle once again ended in a Lions blowout. Augusta Christian put up 374 yards of total offense, including 117 yards on the ground on 11 carries for senior Jay Harmon. The starting tailback found the end zone twice while quarterback Tyler Bourdo completed four of his five pass attempts for 152 yards and three touchdowns.

Lions receiver William Banks hauled in three receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

No excuses

First-year Lakeside football coach Jody Grooms didn't hide his disappointment after a 10-0 lead slipped out of the Panthers' hands at Evans.

The Evans Knights climbed out of the 10-point deficit and scored 37 points in three quarters to take a convincing region win. The rain added to the dreary scene on the sidelines.

"I think, no, I know it's our worst performance of the year. We didn't put up any resistance at all. We didn't do anything well, and that's what's frustrating," Grooms said. "This Lakeside team that played tonight has got to get a lot better."

The Panthers (1-2) will get their chance Friday against Richmond Academy (0-3).