Here are 11 things to watch during Week 3 high school football action in the Augusta area

It's the third week of high school football action in Augusta.

We're getting to the point where coaches are finding out what they have as teams get into the home stretch of non-region schedules. Some aim to keep winning momentum in their favor and others that started slowly look to right the ship before the games have playoff seeding on the line.

This week's matchups feature very much the same, with several notable Augusta-area programs looking for their first win and others out to prove their unbeaten start wasn't a fluke.

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Here are 11 things to watch for during Week 3 of high school football in Augusta

Lakeside defense faces biggest test yet with North Augusta

Both teams come into Friday’s matchup with a great deal of familiarity. North Augusta as taken this contest each of the past two seasons, including last year’s 28-21 thriller at the Jacket’s Nest. Lakeside comes in off a bye week after a blowout win over Aiken, while North Augusta is looking to bounce back from a loss to Dorman. This game will likely come down to how the experienced Panther front seven combats the Yellow Jackets’ offensive weapons, including dual-threat quarterback Corey Tillman and running backs Beans Hunt and Mike Doe.

Unbeaten Aquinas hosts high-powered Country Day offense

Aquinas survived a 14-12 scare against Westside last week, but the Fightin’ Irish can't afford to play like they did to get a win this week. Savannah Country Day comes in having outscored its opponents 100-0 in two games. SCD junior quarterback Barton Mixon has carved up opposing defenses through two weeks, having completed 28 of 36 passes for 476 yards and eight touchdowns while spreading the ball to multiple receivers. Aquinas’ offense will have to sustain drives and its defense needs to get off the field on third down if it’s going to have a chance Friday.

Augusta Christian, Hephzibah offensive stars clash at Pride Valley

Both Hephzibah and Augusta Christian look to right the ship after losses last week. For the Augusta Christian defense, the No. 1 assignment is running back Telly Johnson, who is averaging 14.3 yards per carry over two games. Johnson scored both times for the Rebels last week and it’s looking more and more like attempting to slow him down is the more feasible plan. The Hephzibah defense, however, has its hands full with the Lions’ speed on the perimeter in Devin and Dallas Carter. Simply put, this could end up being a high-scoring affair at Pride Valley.

Playmakers Ethan and Elijah Evangelista set pace for Harlem offense

The Harlem offense enters Friday’s contest in midseason form coming off a blowout win over Hancock Central. Traditionally a run-first scheme, it’s the quarterback play that’s leading the Bulldogs in 2023. Ethan Evangelista has been spectacular through two games, completing 80 percent of his passes for 370 yards, eight touchdowns and no picks. His brother, Elijah, has been one of his favorite targets to date with nine grabs for 110 yards and two scores. This one has the potential for being a barn burner as Elbert County can throw the ball around, as well.

Butler football laces up for season opener

Following a cancellation and a bye, Butler welcomes KIPP Atlanta Collegiate for its season opener Friday. The Warriors are struggling, coming off losses to North Clayton (38-18) and Druid Hills (26-7). Senior quarterback Marcus Martin has been the top producer in the KIPP offense and will be Butler’s No. 1 responsibility. The Bulldogs have to be eager to finally get out on the field and they’ll get their chance in front of the home crowd Friday.

Young Greenbrier team looks to end skid against rival Evans

Both teams have struggled out of the gate and are looking for their first wins of the season. Evans’ offense was almost nonexistent in the Knights’ season-opening loss to North Augusta, save for a 60-yard Rayshaun King touchdown. For Greenbrier, sophomore quarterback Brayden Stephens has been earning his stripes. He’s scored four times in two games and leading receiver Vernon Guyton has been his top target. Evans has taken the last nine games in the rivalry dating back to 2012.

Thomson football returns to the ground game, win column

After throwing the football 27 times in the opener at Burke County, Thomson returned to its bread and butter in a blowout over Jefferson County. The Bulldogs ran the football 26 times for 301 yards and five touchdowns in the win, the result and style we’ve been accustomed to seeing. When Thomson is right, the Bulldogs are a tough draw for any opponent, and they’ve had Grovetown’s number the past few seasons (outscoring the Warriors 110-27 in three games). Despite the Warriors’ explosive play ability, Thomson is once again the team to beat in this matchup.

Richmond Academy football offense firing on all cylinders

In a rare third week instance, both teams have a win over a common opponent. Josey knocked off Savannah 28-26 in a last-minute road game two weeks ago and Richmond Academy blasted the Blue Jackets 41-0 last week. Quarterback Brooks Dickinson led the way for the Musketeers with four total touchdowns and new ARC coach Keenan Grissett will get to see his offense in action against a local opponent. Josey, meanwhile, is coming off a bye week and has had two weeks to prepare for this game.

Kamga, Ogden take keys to Westside football offense

While Westside is still searching for its first win, the Patriots have a lot going for them early. The backfield tandem of Jeanarion Kamga and Jarius Ogden has been dangerous so far, combining for 438 yards and three touchdowns over two games. While things haven’t been rolling Westside’s way to this point, the formula for success is there and Screven County isn’t as strong as years’ past. The Patriots could very well be in the win column Friday night.

Young Augusta Prep squad learning on the job

Several factors have played into Augusta Prep’s season to this point. Senior captain Sam Connell went down over the summer and heading into the first game, it was certainly a blow to the morale of the team. Despite a few seniors sprinkled around the roster, it’s still a young group learning on the job and the season-opener at Bethlehem Christian show that much. Sophomore Beau Polcha and freshman Carter Chavous made up a majority of the Cavaliers’ offense and expect that to be the case this week against another tough opponent in Gatewood.

Westminster Schools of Augusta football eyeing 2-0 start

Westminster opened the season with a nail-biting win over Westwood and looks to keep that trend going against Windsor Academy this week. Senior quarterback Mason Merritt leads the way for the Knights with 370 yards and seven touchdowns through two games. The Wildcats fell to Windsor 24-19 a year ago and Levi Murphey and company are looking for a little payback Friday night.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: What to watch for during Week 3 of Augusta-area high school football