Panthers eye region title

Last Week: 5-0

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Year to Date: 36-6

Evans (7-1, 6-1) vs. Cross Creek (3-5, 3-4)

Last week: Evans beat Hephzibah 28-16; Cross Creek upset ARC 23-20 in overtime.

Last meeting: Evans won 35-6 last season (first meeting).

The Knights and Razorbacks are sky-high after impressive wins last week. The Knights threw a monkey wrench into the region title plans of Hephzibah, while Cross Creek shocked Richmond Academy.

Evans has won 19 of its last 20 regular season games, and is 25-3 in regular season action since 2007. In their six-game winning streak, the Knights have averaged 37 points per game. I do not think Cross Creek will pull off another shocker this week.

Evans 34, Cross Creek 9

Greenbrier (2-6, 1-4) at Stephenson (8-0, 5-0)

Last week: Greenbrier was shut out by M.L. King 35-0; Stephenson beat Union Grove 27-7.

Last meeting: Stephenson pounded Greenbrier last season 64-6 in the only meeting between the schools.

Greenbrier continued its rough season in Region 3-AAAAA last week with a 35-0 loss to M.L. King. In their five region games, the Wolfpack have managed only 20 points, four points per game. You would think it has to get better.

Well, not exactly. The 'Pack face sixth-ranked Stephenson. The Jaguars have allowed only 40 points all season. Greenbrier is in for a long night.

Stephenson 49, Greenbrier 7

Harlem (2-6, 2-5) at Josey (1-7, 1-6)

Last week: Harlem beat Butler 34-14; Josey was blanked by Glenn Hills 42-0.

Last meeting: Harlem won 41-20 a year ago.

All-times series: Harlem leads 5-4.

The Bulldogs face a team that has been shut out by a combined 78-0 in its last two games. This one will be closer, but Harlem should get its third win.

Harlem 24, Josey 13

Lakeside (7-1, 6-1) vs. Butler (0-8, 0-7)

Last week: Lakeside shut out Westside 39-0; Butler lost to Harlem 34-14.

Last meeting: Lakeside won 42-6 last season.

All-time series: Lakeside leads 7-2.

The Panthers are closing in on several firsts. They are on their way to their first nine-win season. They also are chasing the program's first region title.

The schedule could not be any easier. The Panthers simply need wins over the two worst teams in the region to set the school mark for wins in a season. The region title is a little more cloudy and will likely come down to a coin flip. Let's just say the Panthers have all of a sudden become huge fans of Cross Creek and ARC. Those are the teams that Evans and Hephzibah have left on their schedules. If Hephzibah falters, the region crown will reside at Blue Ridge Drive.

Lakeside 41, Butler 6

Augusta Christian (5-5) vs. Hammond (9-1)

Last week: ACS beat Pinewood Prep 20-14; Hammond lost its first game of the season 10-7 to Heathwood Hall.

Last meeting: Hammond shutout ACS last season 42-0.

Hammond is the defending SCISA state champion and is not happy coming into this one after losing to Heathwood Hall. The Lions have showed some glimpses of brilliance, but this young squad will have its hands full with the Skyhawks.

Hammond 35, ACS 17