Columnist's picks draw more winners than losers

Last week's picks went pretty well. I was way off on Lakeside vs. Richmond Academy, as the Musketeers shut out the Panthers 30-0. However, I picked Harlem to win 23-20 over Cross Creek (they won 27-24) and I had Evans topping Westside 37-16 (they won 35-10).

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Last week's picks: 4-1

Picks for the season: 22-4

We'll see if we can't put another solid week together this week.

Evans (6-0) vs. Josey (2-4)

All-time series: Tied 2-2

Last meeting: Evans won 41-0 in 1975

I was floored to find out that these two have not played since 1975. Heck, even a few of the coaches in this one weren't born when Evans and Josey last met.

Josey is actually the home team, but the game will be played at Evans, due to a lack of available security at Josey.

The Knights seem to be getting better each week. They come in as the ninth-ranked team in AAAA. The Knights' defense shut down the area's top rusher in their 35-10 win over Westside, holding talented junior tailback Chris Hunter to just 34 yards rushing. For the season, the "D" is allowing just 6.3 points per game.

Josey has won two in a row, but the Eagles have not faced an opponent as good as Evans.

Evans 30, Josey 13

Greenbrier (1-5) vs. Newton (2-4)

This is the first time these two have met. Newton has struggled this season, but the same can obviously be said for Greenbrier. The 'Pack have had no fun since their move to AAAAA. This one should be tight, but Newton likely will edge the 'Pack.

Newton 20, Greenbrier 14

Lakeside (3-3) at Cross Creek (2-4)

All-time series: Tied 1-1

Last meeting: Lakeside won 28-27 in 2005

The Panthers are the Jekyll and Hyde of the CSRA. They look like a playoff team one game, then look like a basement-dweller the next. For the second consecutive week, they face a talented, dual-threat quarterback in senior Keenan Grissett. Grissett, however, does not have the weapons around him to do much damage.

Lakeside 31, Cross Creek 20

Harlem (1-5) vs. Hephzibah (4-2)

All-time series: Harlem leads 10-9

Last meeting: Harlem won 42-7 in 2005

The Bulldogs used the ground game to post their first victory of the season, as Seth Hill and Zach Morris raced through the Cross Creek defense in a 27-24 win.

They will have a tougher time this week with a much-improved Hephzibah team that appears to be in line for a playoff spot. The Rebels' quick, athletic defense will be the difference in this one.

Hephzibah 26, Harlem 13

Augusta Christian (7-1) at Cardinal Newman

Last meeting: Augusta Christian won last season, 48-7

The Lions were shut down offensively by Wilson Hall, but Bruce Lane's crew found a way to win. This week should be a little easier, but I do not expect a 41-point win like they had last season against Cardinal Newman.

Augusta Christian 24, Cardinal Newman 10