Victories in football are great surprises

I had my worst week picking winners in 2007 last weekend, going just 3-2. That puts me at 25-4 for the year. I am thrilled I was wrong on the two games I missed.

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Harlem was able to knock off slumping Glenn Hills, and Greenbrier stunned Brunswick in yet another 'Pack thriller.

I did get "The Game" correct, though. I predicted a 20-17 Evans win over Statesboro. The actual final score was 10-7. I obviously felt the game would be tight, but I had no idea just how good Evans would do up front against the Blue Devils.

Evans' offensive line and the entire defense helped to put the team in position to go for the win in the closing minutes, and that is where quarterback Kevin Millward and wide receiver Jonathan Nicely took over.

The duo has played together since seventh grade, and the chemistry showed on the game-winning drive.

The Millward to Nicely connection accounted for 82 of the 84 yards, including the final 14 yards on the game-winning touchdown.

Nicely is gaining a reputation as Mr. Clutch. It was his buzzer-beating 30-footer that gave Evans a win over Greenbrier on the hardwood last season.

The bottom line is Columbia County had a huge football weekend, something we have not been able to say in quite some time. With the three wins already mentioned, add another blowout win for Augusta Christian and our teams went 4-1 for the week.

Congratulations, guys, and keep it up.

Evans (6-0, 5-0) at Brunswick (4-2, 3-2)

The Knights have a short week with a rare Thursday game, and they cannot afford a letdown after their emotional win over Statesboro. This is a dangerous spot against a good Brunswick team who has its back against the wall.

Prediction: Evans 24, Brunswick 14

Greenbrier (4-3, 3-3) at Ware County (4-2, 4-1)

Greenbrier has become a team full of cardiac kids with all the thrilling comebacks this season. However, if the Wolfpack fall behind this week, they may have a tough time rallying against a solid Ware County squad. Hopefully they will come out hot.

Prediction: Greenbrier 21, Ware County 20

Harlem (2-4, 1-0) vs. Washington County

(1-5, 0-1)

The Bulldogs picked up a great win last week and had Burke County on the ropes the week before, so they are capable of a win this week, too. The Golden Eagles are way down this season, but a 7-0 loss to unbeaten Cross Creek showed they are still pretty good.

Prediction: Washington County 20, Harlem 14

Lakeside (2-5, 1-5) at Glynn Academy (4-2, 3-2)

The Panthers are only 2-5, but they have fought every game to the end and have been a handful for each of their opponents. Lakeside coach Jody Grooms has done a good job with this group. They will once again have a tough one against the Terrors this week.

Prediction: Glynn Academy 27, Lakeside 17

Augusta Christian (7-1, 2-0) at Heathwood Hall (6-2, 1-1)

The Lions have been a nightmare for their South Carolina Independent Schools Association opposition again in 2007. Heathwood Hall will provide a good test, but the Lions should prevail.

Prediction: Augusta Christian 28, Heathwood Hall 16