Matchup shouldn't be problem for Evans
Last Week: 4-1
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Year to Date: 17-3
Evans (3-1) vs. Butler (0-4)
Last season: Evans won 31-6.
All-time: Evans leads the series 14-9-1. (Evans has won eight of the past nine meetings.)
The Knights have outscored their past two opponents 74-18. In last week's win over Glenn Hills, reigning Columbia County Player of the Year Jonathan Finch got his season on track with more than 130 yards on just 14 carries.
On the flip side, Butler is in the midst of one of the nation's worst losing streaks. The Bulldogs have lost 35 consecutive games and 41 of their past 42. When Butler last won (Oct. 21, 2005), the current Evans seniors were in middle school. This season, Butler has been outscored 125-26, so it is doubtful the streak will end Friday night.
Evans 41, Butler 6
Greenbrier (2-2) vs. Union Grove (4-0)
Last season: Union Grove won 45-0 in the schools' only meeting.
The Wolfpack opened region play with a solid effort in a 7-2 win over Douglass. This week, the competition level rises quite a bit. Union Grove has outscored four solid opponents 125-24, and it appears primed to make a run at the region crown. Greenbrier has made some personnel changes that have helped, but they will have a tough time this week.
Union Grove 44, Greenbrier 10
Grovetown (4-2) at Lang. Hughes (0-4)
Last meeting: Grovetown won 35-20 at home earlier this season.
With both Grovetown and Langston Hughes being first-year schools, they are meeting twice in the regular season. The Warriors have to travel this time and will face a tough test, but they should be able to get another win.
Coach Rodney Holder's squad looked impressive in last week's 37-7 rout of Pacelli, a Columbus, Ga., school. The Warriors scored 37 unanswered points thanks to a huge game from their defense and a balanced offensive attack.
Grovetown 30, Langston Hughes 22
Harlem (0-4) vs. Rich. Academy (3-1)
Last meeting: Richmond Academy won 38-21 last year.
All-time series: Harlem leads 6-5.
The Bulldogs have struggled to stop teams this season, yielding 37.5 points per game. Richmond Academy has a somewhat inflated record, with its three wins coming over Region 3-AAAA basement-dwellers Josey, Butler and Westside. I don't think the Musketeers are as good as they were a year ago, but their huge line and talented quarterback, Mar-Quan Medlock, will get them a victory.
Richmond Academy 32, Harlem 17
Lakeside (4-0) at Hephzibah (3-1)
Last meeting: Lakeside won a thriller a year ago, 18-16.
All-time series: Lakeside leads 9-4.
The Panthers' shutout streak is over, but they are still unbeaten and have outscored their four opponents 104-7.
While Hephzibah has looked good, it has feasted on the bottom of Region 3-AAAA. They have outscored Josey, Butler and Westside by a combined 137-22.
This game could have major playoff and region title implications. I think this one will be a close one, but the Panthers will get the win.
Lakeside 19, Hephzibah 17
Aug. Christ. at Heathwood Hall
Last season: Augusta Christian edged Heathwood in overtime 35-31.
The Lions face another tough SCISA opponent this week. Heathwood has looked good in 2009 and should top the young Lions.
Heathwood Hall 38, Augusta Christian 27