Match-ups will decide direction of playoffs
It's a huge weekend for Columbia County football. Evans can put itself in terrific position for a playoff spot with a win against Ware County, and Augusta Christian has a chance to win a region crown on senior night at Pride Valley.
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Greenbrier can keep its faint playoff hopes alive if it can knock off a very good Glynn Academy squad.
It has been a long time since we had so many teams battling for the playoffs this late in the season. Last week I went 3-2 on my predictions. For the season I'm 28-6.
Evans (6-1, 5-1) vs. Ware County (5-2, 5-1)
The Knights got a major wake-up call last week on the road in Brunswick. The Knights were primed for an upset. They were coming off an emotional win over Statesboro, traveling a long way on a short week and everyone (including me) was telling them how good they were.
You can bet they will be ready to play this week. They must get a ground game going to help open up the passing attack, and the offensive line must give Kevin Millward time to throw.
Prediction: Evans 23, Ware County 17
Greenbrier (4-4, 3-4) vs. Glynn Academy (5-2, 4-2)
Glynn Academy lost to Brunswick, but they beat Ware County and took Statesboro to overtime so the Pack will have their hands full. I think the Terrors defense (yielding only 10 points per game) will be too much.
Prediction: Glynn Academy 20, Greenbrier 16
Harlem (2-5, 1-1) at Thomson (6-0-1, 2-0)
Although this Thomson team is not as good as some of the Thomson squads of the past, they are still pretty good. In its six wins it has out-scored opponents by an average of 25 points per game. Thomson's defense is outstanding, yielding only 6.6 points per contest. Harlem gave up more than 300 yards rushing last week to Washington County. The ground game is the bread and butter for Thomson, so Harlem will have a tough night.
Prediction: Thomson 27, Harlem 10
Lakeside (2-6, 1-6) vs. Wayne County (1-6, 1-5)
The Panthers have lost four straight games, but those losses came to four of the region's top five teams. Those teams have a combined record of 21-7. The Panthers should be able to get a victory here. Wayne County has been out-scored 203-27 in its six losses.
Prediction: Lakeside 20, Wayne County 7
Augusta Christian (8-1, 3-0) vs. Hammond (8-1, 3-0)
This is a huge match up with the region crown hanging in the balance. Augusta Christian, ranked No. 2 in SCISA Class AAA, has won seven straight games and has not lost to a SCISA team all year. Hammond, ranked No. 3, is extremely balanced. In last week's 26-14 win against Ben Lippen, running back Brad Meredith rushed for 150 yards while quarterback Cliff Ayers threw for 151 yards on 10 of 18 passing. On the road I might be concerned, but on senior night at Pride Valley I am going with the Lions.
Prediction: ACS 24, Hammond 20.