Through four games, Screven County finds itself in the same position it was in last season.

The Gamecocks, following a 34-7 win at Westside, are 3-1, including a 1-0 mark in Region 3-AA. They will face Jefferson County at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Sylvania. The Warriors had a bye week after going 1-1-1 the first three games.

Last season, Jefferson County knocked off the Gamecocks, 31-26. Screven County followed with a close loss to Laney and had to scramble to grab the region's final playoff seed.

On Friday night, Warriors coach J.B. Arnold and his assistants watched Screven County from the stands at Westside. Gamecocks coach Pat Collins didn't need to see the Warriors in person. He already knows what to expect.

"Jefferson County brings a lot of weapons," Collins said. "We'll really have to do a good job of trying to find some matchups we can be successful with. The biggest thing we have to work on is us."

KEEP IT SIMPLE: After suffering some early-season struggles getting their passing off the ground, Strom Thurmond didn't go to the air much Friday night.

Aramis Hillary (119 yards) and Oquendo Curry (113 yards, two touchdowns) led a ground attack that primarily featured a variation of an option read out of the shotgun. Strom Thurmond gained 302 rushing yards on 44 carries.

KINGS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY: Evans' 28-7 victory over region rival Greenbrier was convincing from any angle. But it could have been even bigger.

The Knights had two starters on the bench for disciplinary reasons. Starting defensive lineman Tim Tillman joined them with an ankle injury. Starting receiver David Smith also limped off the field with an ankle sprain.

REGION READY: It's been an interesting first six weeks of the season for South Aiken.

The Thoroughbreds broke even through the stretch, picking up three wins against losses to three ranked teams.

South Aiken struggled to find an identity on offense with the suspension of star running back Calvin Fuller, but Bucky Washington has shown a flair for moving the ball and Jamal Davis is the area's top receiver.

South Aiken is off this week, and coach Robert Wrightenberry promises his team will review the fundamentals before region play begins with a trip to Irmo.

"It doesn't get any easier," Wrightenberry said. "That's what excites me about playing football. I want to play the best."

Staff Writers John Boyette, Billy Byler and Steve Sanders contributed to this article.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.