Warriors, Lions face difficult matchups

Lakeside's defense continued its stellar play this past week with its second consecutive shutout. Linebackers Chris Hartfield and Kendal Parker have been outstanding this season, and Khadi Tshishiku is playing like a Division 1 prospect. The Panthers will certainly give up some points this year, but probably not very many.

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And how about Grovetown? The Warriors improved to 3-1 on the season with a 14-8 win over Allatoona. The schedule stiffens up quite a bit this week as Palmetto state power Fairfield Central visits Columbia County on Friday night. No matter what happens this week, Grovetown's start has been extremely solid.

Now for this week's picks.

I was 4-0 last week, which puts me at 10-1 on the young season. We will try to keep up the winning ways this year.

Harlem (0-2) at Evans (1-1)

Last week: Harlem lost to Glenn Hills 40-15, while Evans had the week off.

Last meeting: Evans routed Harlem 41-7 last season.

All-time: The Knights lead the series 20-13-2.

Harlem hung in there for a while with a solid Glenn Hills team last week. However, the Spartans eventually pulled away for the win. Evans is likely going to play with a chip on its shoulder after a shutout loss to Lakeside in their first game. I'll go with the Knights here.

Evans 34. Harlem 13

Douglass (0-3) at Greenbrier (1-2)

Last week: Douglass lost to Booker T. Washington 25-0, while Greenbrier was blanked by Lakeside 26-0.

Last meeting: Douglass ran past Greenbrier last season 47-14 in the schools' only meeting.

Greenbrier opens region play with a struggling Douglass team. However, the Astros have played a tough early schedule and should be able to get their first win this week.

Douglass 23, Greenbrier 13

Lakeside (2-0) at Glenn Hills (1-1)

Last week: Lakeside shut out Greenbrier 26-0, while Glenn Hills raced past Harlem 40-15.

Last meeting: Glenn Hills won last season's matchup 34-14.

All-time: Lakeside leads 6-5, but Glenn Hills has won three in a row.

This is going to be a hardnosed, physical game.

The last few seasons that kind of game would have favored Glenn Hills, but this year it may play right into the hands of the Panthers.

Lakeside 20, Glenn Hills 13

Fairfield Central at Grovetown (3-1)

Last week: Fairfield lost to Newberry 36-22, while Grovetown won a tight game against Allatoona 14-8.

Grovetown has looked good this season, but Fairfield has a solid program. Also, they will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Newberry. I think the Warriors will play them tough, but I pick Fairfield to get the victory.

Fairfield 31, Grovetown 20

Augusta Christian (2-1) vs. Laurence Manning (3-0)

Last week: ACS won a wild game over Hilton Head Prep 42-39, while Laurence Manning knocked off Robert E. Lee 34-6.

Last meeting: The Lions won a close game 13-9.

This should be a good measuring stick for a youthful Lions squad. ACS will have its hands full with dual threat quarterback Josh Boykin. He had four rushing touchdowns in his team's 41-13 victory over Pee Dee two weeks ago.

Laurence Manning 23, ACS 17