Greenbrier gets to play Richmond as rebound

It was a terrific week for Columbia County football. Lakeside rolled over Richmond Academy 26-7, Augusta Christian moved to 4-1 with a 21-7 victory over Porter-Gaud, and of course, Evans moved to 3-0 at the expense of Greenbrier.

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The Greenbrier/Evans matchup was what high school football is all about. The crowd was huge, and the atmosphere was electric. In the end the Wolfpack's turnovers, coupled with the performances of Kevin Millward, Brandon McCladdie and David Smith, sealed a perfect 3-0 record for Evans.

There are some tremendous match-ups this week, including a return trip to Effingham County for the Evans Knights. Lakeside will get a visit from perennial power Statesboro led by one of the nation's premier defensive linemen in UGA-bound DeAngelo Tyson.

Harlem (1-2) at Liberty County (2-1)

Harlem fought Liberty County tooth and nail last season before falling 7-0. The Bulldogs will once again have their hands full but should be able to make it tight.

Prediction: Liberty County 13, Harlem 10

Greenbrier (2-2) at Richmond Academy (0-4)

Greenbrier will have to rebound from an emotional loss to Evans. It likely have a good opponent for that in winless Richmond Academy. The Musketeers did nearly knock off Westside, though, so the Wolfpack had better not relax this week.

Prediction: Greenbrier 27, Richmond Academy 13

Lakeside (2-2) vs. Statesboro (3-0)

The Panthers' offense looked great last week in a blowout win over Richmond Academy. Chad Chandler has become one of the top statistical athletes in the county as he rushed and threw for more than 100 yards in the Richmond Academy win. Statesboro is a different animal. The offensive line will have to play its best game of the year for the Panthers to have a chance.

Prediction: Statesboro 35, Lakeside 17

Evans (3-0) at Effingham County (2-1)

The players for both teams were not even born when Evans made their trip to Effingham County during the 1987 state playoffs. I'm quite sure they all know the story of Evans' win, then forfeit in the state quarterfinals. Several current Evans assistant coaches were on the sidelines for the Knights back in '87, and trust me they would love nothing more than to beat Effingham County at their place.

Prediction: Evans 23, Effingham County 20

Augusta Christian (4-1) vs. Hilton Head Christian (4-1)

The Lions' ground attack led by quarterback Tyler Bourdo and fullback Jay Harmon has been solid all season, and that should not change this week. Hilton Head Prep's visit to Pride Valley will not likely be a trip they wish to remember.

Prediction: Augusta Christian 34, Hilton Head Christian 7