Week Two of the high school football season saw a few upsets, but a couple of those “upsets” should not have been huge shocks to people who follow local football.
Augusta Christian topped Richmond Academy in a thriller with a score of 20-18. Sure, that was a mild upset, but keep in mind that Augusta Christian features some of the area’s premier players in Zack Blackwell, Jeb Bradford and several other players who would be key starters at any team in the area.
MORE: Ashley Brown Previews the Local Football Landscape for 2021-2022
For the second straight week, Harlem showcased an impressive rushing attack as they rallied past Greenbrier. Again, this was a mild surprise, but Harlem nearly knocked off Greenbrier last season and the ‘Pack lost several key starters to graduation. Harlem definitely looks for real and the backfield combo of Jason Williams and Jacorius Boyd should be fun to watch all season long. The Bulldogs face another tough test this week when they face Evans, but do not be shocked if Harlem stays unbeaten.
Here is a look at last week’s top performers and my picks for this week’s games.
Passing
Kaleb Jackson (Evans)
9 of 13 for 114 yards and a TD passing. 13 carries for 87 yards and a TD rushing as Evans topped Hephzibah 27-6.
Colson Brown (North Augusta)
12 of 21 for 138 yards and a TD as North Augusta lost to Ridge View 29-14.
Jeb Bradford (Augusta Christian)
14 of 24 for 135 yards and 2 TDs (also had two interceptions), helping the Lions beat ARC 20-18.
Noah Story (Thomson)
9 of 16 for 126 yards as Thomson blanked Grovetown 40-0.
Jack Murphy (Richmond Academy)
8 of 16 for 69 yards and 2 TDs in ARC’s lost to Augusta Christian.
TJ Price (Westside)
10 of 15 for 117 yards and a TD as Westside improved to 2-0 with a 17-8 win over Warren Co.
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Rushing
Tevin Gartrell (Lincoln Co.)
19 carries for 210 yards and 2 TDs as Lincoln Co. beat Bryan County 22-8.
Zack Blackwell (Augusta Christian)
23 carries for 130 yards as ACS topped Richmond Academy 20-18.
Jontavius Curry (ARC)
108 yards on 21 carries for the Musketeers
Joe Hampton (Evans)
8 carries for 137 yards, including a 95 yard TD run as Evans got past Hephzibah 27-6
Jason Williams (Harlem)
19 carries 131 yards and 3 TDs in Harlem’s thrilling win over Greenbrier 29-25
Jacorius Boyd (Harlem)
26 carries for 153 yards and a TD, 1 reception for 12 yards and 4 tackles on defense
Jordan Lane (Thomson)
11 carries for 142 yards and a TD, also caught a pair of passes
Receiving
Mickael Brown (Augusta Christian)
7 catches for 90 yards and 2 TDs as the Lions topped ARC
Maurice Freeman (ARC)
3 catches for 52 yards and a TD, also rushed for 49 yards and a TD on 6 carries
Xavier Davis (North Augusta)
4 catches for 80 yards and a TD in the Jackets loss to Ridge View
Jermichel Ambrose (Westside)
3 catches for 67 yards and a TD as the Patriots improved 2-0
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Defense
Wes Michaelson (Augusta Christian)
Was all over the field as he piled up 12 tackles in ACS’s huge win over ARC
Predictions:
Last Week: 9-3 Season Totals: 19-9
Augusta Christian 34, Athens Academy 26
Greenbrier 27, Lakeside 26
Evans 35, Harlem 33
North Augusta 38, Grovetown 7
Burke Co. 23, Richmond Hill 21
Screven Co. 26, Hephzibah 23
Thomson 34, WACO 28
Warren Co. 27, Butler 20
Westside 20, Lincoln Co. 17
Pelion 19, Midland Valley 13
Barnwell 33, South Aiken 14
Ashley Brown covers sports for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Ashley.brown@theaugustapress.com.
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