Knights hope to keep up solid defensive effort

Evans (7-0, 6-0) vs. Hephzibah (5-2, 5-1 )

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Last Week -- Evans beat Josey 17-0; Hephzibah beat Harlem 12-9

Hephzibah got a scare last week from Harlem. The Rebels are 5-1 in Region 3-AAAA, and their one defeat was a two-point loss in the closing minutes to Lakeside.

But they will have their hands full this week. Hephzibah has a solid defense, but will find points tough to come by. Evans has yielded only 5.4 points a game. Defensive end Nigel Charles feasted on Josey with three sacks, increasing his season total to 7.5.

Evans 23, Hephzibah 6

Greenbrier (1-6, 0-4) at M.L. King (5-2, 3-1)

Last week, Greenbrier lost to Newton 28-14; M.L. King lost to Stephenson, 27-7

Greenbrier has found the going tough in Region 2-AAAAA, while M.L. King may be the best two-loss team in the state.

One key statistic puts this game in perspective. The two teams have had three like opponents: Luella, Douglass and Newton. Greenbrier has lost to that trio by an average of 27.3 points per game. M.L. King has dominated the three, winning by 31.7 points per contest. That adds up to a brutal road trip for the Wolfpack.

M.L. King 54, Greenbrier 10

Lakeside (4-3, 3-3) vs. Westside (3-4, 2-4)

Last week -- Lakeside beat Cross Creek 14-0; Westside topped Butler 28-14

Lakeside got an ugly win against Cross Creek, and the Panthers will need to do the same thing against Westside to stay in the playoff hunt.

The Panthers should be able to handle a Patriots team that has lost three of its past four games.

The key for Lakeside will be to stop junior tailback Chris Hunter, something only Evans has been able to do.

Lakeside 24, Westside 13

Harlem (1-6, 1-5) vs. Butler (0-7, 0-6)

Last week, Harlem lost to Hephzibah 12-9; Butler lost to Westside 28-14

Butler has dropped an amazing 28 games in a row, and 34 of their past 35. They have been very competitive their past two games, and likely will be again this week, but Harlem should win and move the Butler losing streak to 29.

Harlem 27, Butler 19

Augusta Christian (8-1) vs. Pinewood Prep

The Lions are having another terrific season led by William Banks. The talented senior is one of the area's leading rushers and has spearheaded the Lions' efforts this season.

The Lions should be able to improve to 9-1 against a Pinewood Prep squad that has been mediocre in this season.

Augusta Christian 31, Pinewood Prep 17