The crisp chill and darker skies during kickoff time on Friday nights is a dead giveaway to the fact that we’re right smack in the middle of October. Which means with each passing week, a high school football team’s performance becomes that much more crucial.
Last week, we saw teams like Harlem step forward with a big region win against Hephzibah that provided some separation between the Bulldogs and the Rebels in Region 4-AAA. In fact, that game went a long way in putting Harlem in prime position for a region title. We also saw Burke County take a step forward despite losing to top-ranked Benedictine.
We call it a step forward because, despite the loss, it showed that coach Franklin Stephens, already in year one, has his Bears believing they belong among the elite in Class AAAA.
The region picture is starting to take shape for many CSRA teams, and several games this week will add just a little bit more clarity.
Here are the five matchups we’re watching in Week 9.
Morgan County (6-1, 2-0) at Hephzibah (5-2, 1-1): The Rebels don’t have time to hang their heads after last week’s falter at Harlem. That’s because tonight they host Morgan County which is tied for first place in the Region 4-AAA standings with Harlem. Although the Rebels couldn’t thrust themselves into first place by beating the Bulldogs last week, they’ve got another opportunity to situate themselves for a first round home game in the Class AAA playoffs. Win against Morgan County, and not only will Hephzibah feel a little bit better about last week’s setback, but it will push itself into second place in the region standings with winnable games against Richmond Academy and Cross Creek remaining. We were wrong in our pick of Hephzibah last week, but we’re looking for the Rebels to bounce back at home. Prediction: Hephzibah 24, Morgan County 14.
Effingham County (4-3, 3-0) at Evans (3-3, 2-0): In this matchup of the two teams currently sitting atop the Region 2-AAAAAA standings, either squad winning tonight gives itself a good chance to secure one of the region’s coveted top two spots. Effingham got off to a rough 1-3 start but has won its last three, including an impressive 49-3 victory over fellow region foe Glynn Academy (6-2, 3-1). Evans is still riding the momentum of that came with playing a rugged non-region schedule, and coach Barrett Davis has the Knights believing. Evans’ defense has been salty all season. It’ll be tested by an Effingham run game that produces close to 200 yards per contest, led by senior running back AJ Butts whose averaging 11.1 yards per carry. This could be a low scoring, grinder of a game. Prediction: Evans 21, Effingham 17.
Silver Bluff (6-1, 2-0) at Saluda (5-2, 1-1): Thurmond (6-2, 3-0) took care of business in Thursday night’s 43-7 victory over South Carolina Region 3-AA opponent Pelion. That came after a 48-3 drubbing of Saluda last week. Now it’s Silver Bluff’s turn to try and push past the Tigers and keep pace with Thurmond for region standings supremacy. Silver Bluff’s only blemish this year was a 21-7 loss to arguably the CSRA’s best team in Midland Valley. Since that game, they look nearly unbeatable. Next week’s showdown at Thurmond is looming, and it will likely be for all the region marbles of the Bulldogs can win tonight. Prediction: Silver Bluff 38, Saluda 10.
Westminster Schools of Augusta (6-1, 1-1) at Dominion Christian (1-5, 0-0): After finishing 3-5 in a pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Westminster has won seven games in each of its last two seasons. This year’s Wildcats looking a little different, though. After defeating the GIAA’s top team in David Emanuel Academy back on Sept. 29, Westminster suddenly started to look the part of a state championship contender. The Wildcats can match the win totals of the 2022 and 2021 seasons with a victory tonight over dominion Christian. They can exceed that total with a victory against Crisp Academy in next Friday’s regular season finale. Prediction: Westminster 35, Dominion Christian 7.
