AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta Chronicle sports writers, Will Cheney and Wynston Wilcox, make weekly predictions of upcoming games across the Augusta area.
Here’s how they’ve fared to this point:
Will: 62-25
Wynston: 59-28
Here’s how they see things playing out in Week 12:
Burke County at Richmond Academy
Wynston: Richmond Academy 27, Burke County 20
Richmond Academy closes its historic season with an undefeated region record and grabs its long-awaited region title. The Musketeers take down the Bears, who have dropped two of the last three region games.
Will: Richmond Academy 31, Burke County 28
Following the win over Harlem, ARC coach Lyle Burns said his team needed to become more physical. He noted games against Thomson and Burke County remaining on the schedule. The Musketeers survived the first test in physicality, and they’ll get by again on Friday, completing an undefeated region slate.
Thomson at Hephzibah
Wynston: Thomson 32, Hephzibah 26
This one is a shootout in South Augusta. The Rebels battle the speedy Bulldogs all night, but I think Tay Martin will come out on top. Marshall Chambers will have another solid performance and Erick Harris takes off too, but Thomson’s speed on defense should bail it out.
Will: Thomson 55, Hephzibah 28
Hephzibah has one of the more sneaky-good offenses in the area as quarterback Marshall Chambers has taken the next step in running the unit. That said, Thomson has too much firepower for the Rebels this time around.
Eastside at Greenbrier
Wynston: Greenbrier 28, Eastside 21
The Wolfpack finish this season the best way possible, turning a two-win 2019 season into a two-loss 2020 season. Brooks Pangle and Brayden Collett connect for another historic performance, and Greenbrier enters the postseason with some momentum.
Will: Greenbrier 42, Eastside 34
Greenbrier’s offense is once-again hitting on all cylinders, and the Wolfpack are going to need every bit of it on Friday. Eastside sits behind Clarke Central atop the region at 5-1 and are riding a three-game win streak. If Greenbrier’s offensive line can give Pangle time in the pocket, the going looks good for the Wolfpack.
Aquinas at Calvary Day
Wynston: Calvary Day 24, Aquinas 14
The Fightin’ Irish have hit a wall in region play. It lost to Savannah Country Day by one before getting thumped by Savannah Christian. They used this past week to get healthy and clean up its offensive struggles. That said, I believe Calvary Day will top Aquinas for the Fightin’ Irish’s third straight loss.
Will: Aquinas 28, Calvary Day 24
Region play hasn’t been kind to Aquinas in 2020. Law of averages would suggest there’s only so many times the Irish rushing attack can be held in check. Expect Aquinas to right the ship and earn its first region win.
Alcovy at Evans
Wynston: Evans 33, Alcovy 12
The Knights have no problems with Alcovy on Friday night, and they should coast to a second-straight region title. The Knights haven’t lost since playing Washington County in Week Five. They’ve got five straight wins and continue their region dominance.
Will: Evans 45, Alcovy 17
This one is just a formality as Evans looks to secure back-to-back Region 3-AAAAAA titles. The Knights are averaging 38 points per game over a four-game win streak and they won’t be denied on Friday.
Oglethorpe County at Westside
Wynston: Westside 18, Oglethorpe County 6
The Patriots are all but a playoff team and have a chance to end Oglethorpe County’s playoff hopes with a win. It’s a tight race for No. 3 and 4 in the region. With a win, Westside and Laney are through and Oglethorpe County is out.
Will: Westside 21, Oglethorpe County 10
This is a win-and-get-in scenario for both teams. Oglethorpe County had a chance to secure a playoff berth last week against Laney, but came up short. They’ll do the same this week as Westside punches its ticket to the GHSA 2A playoffs.
North Augusta at North Myrtle Beach
Wynston: North Myrtle Beach 35, North Augusta 21
In a game between two region champs, the Chiefs outpace the Yellow Jackets. North Augusta, though no pushover, had some offensive struggles early on and North Myrtle Beach has had a high-octane offense all season.
Will: North Myrtle Beach 24, North Augusta 17
This game has been a year in the making. These two teams squared off in the playoff opener a year ago as North Myrtle Beach took the contest in three overtimes. After a coaching change, North Augusta is back and this time there will be salt in the air for this one. While the needle is pointing up for the Yellow Jackets, they’ll come up just short to a powerful Chiefs team.
