Grovetown looks good in school's first victory

It was great to get 2009 off to a good start. I was a perfect 3-0 with my selections in what was admittedly a fairly easy trio of games. This week will be a little tougher, but we'll give it a try.

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First, let me congratulate Rodney Holder and his Grovetown Warriors on the first win in school history. Grovetown knocked off Walnut Grove (another first-year school) 39-7.

The Warriors were sharp playing a foe that is more on their level, rather than one of the premier programs in the Southeast. They made some big plays on offense and used a stifling defense to subdue Walnut Grove.

Seth Hill ran for 200 yards and three scores on just 15 carries, while Xavier Crain added 130 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries for the Warriors.

Now for this week's picks:

Evans (1-0) at Lakeside (0-0)

Last Meeting: Evans edged the Panthers 19-15 in 2008.

Last Week: Evans beat Greenbrier 28-7; Lakeside was idle.

The Knights showed off their strength at running back, with Jamerson Turner racing out of the gates for more than 145 yards against Greenbrier. Evans looks like the Region 3-AAAA favorite again this season.

The Panthers gave Evans fits last year, but they have had to replace several key players on offense, including Chad Chandler, a three-year starter at quarterback. The Panther defense could be among the best in the region. The defense will find out how good it is in the opener, because Evans has a dangerous offense.

Evans 23, Lakeside 14

Greenbrier (0-1) at Harlem (0-0)

Last Meeting: Greenbrier won a wild game 49-28 last season.

Last Week: Greenbrier lost to Evans 28-7; Harlem was idle.

The Wolfpack hung in early against Evans but had no answer for the Knights' ground game. Harlem was decimated by transfers with the opening of Grovetown High School. Bulldogs coach Jimmie Lewis will need quarterback Zach Morris to play at an incredibly high level for the team to have success.

Greenbrier 27, Harlem 7

Grovetown (1-1) vs. Langston Hughes (0-1)

Last Week: Grovetown beat Walnut Grove 39-7; Langston Hughes lost to Johns Creek 24-12.

The Warriors will be sky high for the first home game in school history. Like last week, they will play another first-year program. I think the Warriors will fare well once again. Look for Crain, Hill, Cummings and the Warrior offense to shine.

Grovetown 32, Langston Hughes 13

Augusta Christian (0-1) vs. Fox Creek (0-1)

Last Meeting: Augusta Christian 44, Fox Creek 6

Last Week: Augusta Christian lost to Charlotte Christian 38-0; Fox Creek lost to Silver Bluff 56-0.

. Augusta Christian should be able to get its first win of 2009.

ACS 27, Fox Creek 7