Aquinas at George Walton Academy

Here’s an early test for Aquinas. The Irish lost some veterans from 2011, but with Brendan Douglas leading the returning players, Aquinas was seen as a threat to have another playoff run. But George Walton Academy is home and went 8-3 a year ago, losing in the first round to Wilkinson County (a team the Irish beat 24-21). I think Aquinas wins a thriller.

Aquinas, 21-20

Hephzibah at Burke County

Here’s some medicine for Burke County. The Bears have had two weeks to think about the Thomson game and they get to play a team they’re 12-0 against all-time. Expect the BC offense to dominate and the defense to be strong. Don’t be surprised if the mercy rule is needed.

Burke County, 55-7

Butler at Westside

Two years ago, Butler’s 42-0, season-opening win against Westside showed the Bulldogs were on their way to drastic improvement. But this past Friday, Butler lost 43-0 to Laney. Now the question is whether or not Butler will fall back to the bad days, when it went through that 41-game losing streak. Don’t expect the Bulldogs to be that bad, but don’t expect a playoff season, either.

Butler, 20-14

Josey at Glenn Hills

Big win for the Eagles last week, as turnovers fueled the victory. Meanwhile, Glenn Hills finally begins its season after a disappointing 1-9 campaign in 2011. The Spartans are 31-16 all-time against the Eagles, but they have lost three in a row. However, I think Glenn Hills wins a close one this year.

Glenn Hills, 27-21

Greenbrier at North Augusta

No shame for the Yellow Jackets after a 28-7 loss to Valdosta, one of the best teams in Georgia’s high classification. Now North Augusta is home against a Class AAAAA-Georgia team, and it’s a local one. The Wolfpack did beat Cross Creek in game No. 1, but asking Greenbrier to win this one is probably wanting too much.

North Augusta, 31-10

Grovetown at Swainsboro

Both teams want to get that win to be 1-1. Grovetown lost to Washington County by 51 a week ago while the Tigers lost to Worth County, 14-7, on Aug. 24. With Swainsboro getting an extra week to prepare – and getting homefield – the Tigers should come away with the first win in this series.

Swainsboro, 35-18

Lakeside at Thomson

Is Thomson “back?” Or have the Bulldogs never really left? Regardless, that 21-14 win at Burke County was impressive, especially with the physical nature of it. That should be seen again at the Brickyard as the Panthers visit. The Bulldogs won a wild 57-39 game just a year ago, and should get another win this time. Just don’t expect the same amount of points.

Thomson, 28-14

Westminster (Atlanta) at Laney

Welcome to the top 10 in Class AA, Laney. The local Wildcats trounced Butler 43-0 behind an impressive defensive performance. But another Wildcats team makes its way to Augusta, and this version also has top-10 ability. Honestly, maybe just flip a coin; this could go to either Wildcats squad.

Laney, 14-13

Statesboro at Richmond Academy

Statesboro dispatched Lakeside 26-7 in Evans and probably will win by a bigger margin this week. The Musketeers’ offense struggled to pass against the Knights and the defense couldn’t stop the ground game. Some recent history: The Blue Devils have won the past three games (1999, 2006 and 2007) by a combined 115 points.

Statesboro, 49-7

Washington-Wilkes at Lincoln County

Debates about best Georgia rivalries could arguably end here. These two meet for the 75th time, with the Red Devils up 36-32-6 in the series. Lincoln County has won five in a row and nine of 10 and is also No. 1 in Class A. The Tigers are improving under the leadership of coach Robby Robinson, but they’re not there just yet.

Lincoln County, 28-7

-Wayne