Five things to know heading into Week 7 of high school football in the Augusta area

We're just past the halfway point of the high school football season in Augusta and Week 7 should be an interesting one.

Due to Hurricane Ian's landfall, area games were either pushed back to later in the season or moved up earlier in the week. Last-minute scheduling changes are always tough, but a suddenly-shortened week of practice can be even tougher.

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Here are a few things to look for heading into the action this week:

Evans and Lakeside meet again

Evans (3-2) seems to have righted the ship as the Knights cruised past region foe Grovetown last week. Things won't get any easier as they travel to Lakeside (2-2) this week.

The biggest thing for Evans last week was establishing the run (outside of the quarterback position) for the first time in a number of weeks. With backs like Jofranstar Graham and Joe Hampton, that hasn't been much of a problem in the past, but this is a new learning curve for this crop of Knights.

Another thing to keep in mind is that coach Barrett Davis is using many of his offensive skill players on the defensive side of the ball. It worked out last week, but we'll see how that strategy holds up over four quarters in a closer game.

For Lakeside, the formula is there. Like few teams in the area can, the Panthers have the ability to constantly rotate in fresh backs. That worked against North Augusta, which certainly was Lakeside's best performance this season so far (even in a one-score loss). If they can string some first downs together and sustain a few drives, that could be the point that exposes the lack of depth on the Evans defensive unit.

It's a different region this time around and Evans, Lakeside and Grovetown will likely be fighting for one or two state playoff spots. The winner Thursday will be in the driver's seat.

Rivalry across the river

North Augusta (1-5) travels to South Aiken (1-5) Thursday for what's likely the best matchup anyone could ask for between 1-5 teams. The Yellow Jackets aim to avenge the 15-12 from loss a year ago.

South Aiken has turned heads this year, mainly because of the ridiculous numbers its tandem of tailbacks have racked up through six games. Junior Terrence Smith has 1,163 yards and 14 touchdowns on 97 carries. Sophomore Jevon Edwards has 984 yards and seven scores on 122 carries. That's a tall order for the North Augusta defense.

The good news for the Yellow Jackets is they have a feature back of their own in DJ Curry. If North Augusta can minimize the mistakes and take care of the football, Colson Brown and company can get a win here. The trick is keeping the score close early. Being down two or three scores early against South Aiken's offense can spell disaster.

That said, rivalry games are a different animal. One would be inclined to throw the numbers out altogether, as this game could be just as likely to finish 15-12 as it its 56-49.

Harlem hosts Cross Creek in region opener

Harlem (4-1) hosts Cross Creek (1-4) in what will be both teams' Region 4-AAA opener. It'll be a chance for the Bulldogs to get off to the right start in region play and nearly match their win total from a year ago (six).

This will be the toughest opponent the Razorbacks have faced to this point. Harlem has one of the more opposing rushing attacks in the area and isn't afraid to take advantage of open receivers downfield. The Bulldogs are more of a complete team this year and they're seeing the success because of it.

A win here and Harlem can set itself up with key region games against Richmond Academy and Hephzibah down the road.

Richmond Academy looks to bounce back

Staying in Region 4-AAA, Richmond Academy (3-2) welcomes Morgan County (3-2) to Walton Way Thursday evening for its region opener.

Lincoln County hit the Musketeers in the mouth last week, running up 41 points on a Richmond defense that had allowed just four points per game over its previous three contests. That won't get much easier this week as Morgan County has posted a few crooked numbers on the scoreboard. The Bulldogs are averaging 38 points per game.

Morgan County features a pair of talented backs in Jacere Cooper and Jaydon Dorsey, who have combined for nearly 1,100 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns so far. Add in senior receiver TJ Thompson and his 373 yards and six scores and there's a lot for this Musketeer defense to keep up with.

It'll be on Jack Murphy and the Richmond offense to keep the Morgan County offense off the field as much as possible; that includes the Musketeer defense getting off the field on third downs.

This is a big one for the purple and gold as they'll need a win here to keep pace with the aforementioned Harlem and Hephzibah in the region standings.

Cavaliers face biggest test yet

Augusta Prep (2-3) travels to Louisville to square off against three-time defending state champ Thomas Jefferson Academy (5-0).

Thomas Jefferson is a ground-and-pound machine. The Jaguars have four backs with at least 30 carries and all are averaging more than six yards per carry. That unit is led by junior Beans Hunt and senior John Durden, both just a hair under the nine-yard mark with 15 touchdowns between them.

It's a potential nightmare scenario for an Augusta Prep team with many players playing both ways. The key will be if the Cavalier offense can put several solid drives together and win the time-of-possession battle. That, and keeping the turnovers to a minimum.

While an upset would be a nice signature win for Augusta Prep in this one, there's a lot to play for after this week.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Things to know heading into Week 7 of high school football in Augusta