High school games to watch: Week 8
by Caleb Johnson
There’s only one game on tap this weekend for ESPN’s coverage of high school football, with a rumble in Georgia between the defending state champions and their tough division rivals. But before we get to that, here’s what you may have missed last weekend.
The rivalry in Maryland went to the host team last Thursday night, as Good Counsel took care of business against DeMatha and kept their undefeated season in tact.
Final Score: Our Lady of Good Counsel 42 – DeMatha 21
Florida powerhouse Pahokee’s 32-game winning streak was ended by South Carolina’s Byrnes last Friday night in a dominating performance by Byrnes. Running back Marcus Lattimore was key for the Rebels as he racked up 177 yards and a touchdown while playing ball control football in the second half.
Final Score: Byrnes 38 – Pahokee 12
Player of the Game: Byrnes running back Marcus Lattimore
In a game between the Katy Tigers of Texas and the Cypress Bay Lightning of Florida, defense was key as Katy pulled away to an easy win. The Tigers defense held Cypress Bay to just 134 yards of offense. Katy running back Michael Webber and fullback Chris Roberson combined for 223 yards and two touchdowns on just 27 carries.
Final Score: Katy 31 – Cypress Bay 6
Player of the Game: Katy running back Michael Webber
Friday, 8 p.m. EST – ESPNU
Lowndes (GA) vs. Valdosta (GA)
A Peach State contest between two 5A (largest) powerhouses highlights this week’s action.
Lowndes is coming off a 14-1 2007 campaign in which they won the Georgia class 5A (largest) state title. They enter the Running back Greg Reid does damage on both sides of the ball. He is verbally committed to play for Florida, choosing the Gators over offers from Florida State, Auburn and Georgia. Joining him in the defensive backfield is safety Gerald Demps, a Florida State verbal. He accepted the offer from the Seminoles over offers from Auburn and Clemson. Cornerback Marcus Solomon rounds out an impressive group of senior defensive backs. Junior tight end Jordan Black and offensive tackle Ed Christian hold offers from Florida International. Joining them as potential FBS prospects in the 2010 class are offensive guard Layne Grant, defensive end Telvin Smith, linebacker Michael Copeland, and quarterback Khary Franklin. Sophomore cornerback Tyler Hunter is one to watch for as well.
Valdosta had a 9-3 season last year and had a second round exit in the 5A state playoffs. They are 4-2 this season and come into the Lowndes game on a 2-game losing streak. Linebacker Michael Gilliard, a Georgia verbal, leads the way defensively. After racking up 112 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks, Gilliard chose the Bulldogs over offers from Miami (FL), Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Tennessee, Michigan, and many others. Offensive guard Antonio Foster is a future Tennessee Volunteer. Defensive tackle Damian Doe and do-it-all players Travoris Belcher and VaShun Johnson are also receiving college interest. Tight end Jay Rome is a potential top recruit for the class of 2011.
Key Matchup: Greg Reid and Michael Gilliard facing each other from across the field could be a glimpse into the future of the SEC East.