Football at high school level gave off upsets

The Evans Knights are closing in on a top 10 ranking after their 34-28 overtime thriller over Effingham County.

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Speaking of thrillers, Greenbrier rallied from a 24-7 deficit in the fourth quarter to stun Richmond Academy. That win keeps Greenbrier's playoff hopes alive.

No. 2 ranked Augusta Christian continues to roll in the SCISA.

Yes, it was a wild weekend in area football. I went 5-0 on my predictions to put me at 17-2 on the season. Here are this week's picks:-

Evans (4-0, 3-0) at ARC (0-5, 0-4)

The Knights are 4-0 for the first time since 1995. That was the last 10-win season on Cox Road as well. The Knights' offense is producing 30 points per game, and they should have no trouble against the Musketeers.

Prediction: Evans 31, ARC 10

Greenbrier (3-2, 2-2) at Statesboro (4-0, 3-0)

The 'Pack is 1-8 all time against Statesboro. After beating the Blue Devils 41-7 in 1998 they have been outscored 316-69 during the past eight match-ups. This Statesboro squad is not as good as the teams they have put on the field the last few seasons, but they are still pretty solid. The 'Pack will try to keep their momentum from their come-from-behind, last-second win against ARC.

Prediction: Statesboro 24, Greenbrier 13

Harlem (1-3) vs. Burke County (2-2)

The Bears are coming off a hard-fought 11-6 win over a good Glenn Hills squad, while the Bulldogs were hammered by Liberty County 32-0. Burke County features one of the nation's top defensive ends in UGA-bound, 6-5 speedster Cornelius Washington. Harlem will have to play their best game to win.

Prediction: Burke County 20, Harlem 9

Lakeside (2-3, 1-3) at Brunswick (3-1, 2-1)

Lakeside has played a pretty tough schedule with unbeaten Evans and Statesboro and now 3-1 Brunswick. Last season the Panthers were no match in a 48-0 loss. However, the Panthers were shut out six times in 2006. This Panther offense, despite being shutout last week, is much better, but they will need some magic from quarterback Chad Chandler.

Prediction: Brunswick 34, Lakeside 14

Augusta Christian (5-1) at Ben Lippen (5-1)

The Lions cruised past Hilton Head Christian last week 42-14, while Ben Lippen took a homecoming loss vs. Heathwood Hall. Heathwood Hall quarterback Brett Whalen ran for 164 yards and four touchdowns while passing for 141 yards and another score as Ben Lippen lost 49-38. The game was not as close as the final score would indicate, as Ben Lippen scored 16 points late when the outcome was not in doubt. The Lions will have to watch out for the duo of quarterback Kyle Williamson and wide receiver Rob Brigman. Williamson was 16-for-26 for 302 yards and four scores through the air, while Brigman hauled in six passes for 174 yards and three touchdown grabs.

Prediction: ACS 38, Ben Lippen 27