Poll Talk: Lowndes, SWD, Carver, Buford, Wesleyan are No. 1
Rankings don’t mean anything in high school football, but until toe meets leather for the first time this season Friday, it’s all we’ve got. So have at it with these.
Some think the defending champs should start No. 1, but I figure we’re ranking 2009, not 2008, so three state champs with heavy graduation losses — Camden County, Tucker and Cairo — won’t start in first place.
But I do think all three will be very good by the end of the season.
Lowndes (AAAAA) and Carver of Columbus (AAA) are safe choices, but I’m sure picking of Southwest DeKalb will cause some skepticism. But SWD was a Top 10 team last season that returns more marquee players than any other in AAAAA.
Todd Holcomb is co-publisher of Georgia High School Football Daily, a free email newsletter. To join the mailing list, go here.
Class AAAAA
Lowndes
Grayson
Peachtree Ridge
Camden County
Stephenson
North Gwinnett
Northside-Warner Robins
M.L. King
Etowah
Newnan
Class AAAA
Southwest DeKalb
Tucker
Rome
Marist
Sandy Creek
Griffin
Westside-Macon
Statesboro
Sequoyah
Loganville
Class AAA
Carver-Columbus
Gainesville
Flowery Branch
LaGrange
Cairo
Baldwin
Peach County
Carrollton
Washington County
Jackson
Class AA
Buford
Calhoun
Thomasville
Fitzgerald
Jefferson County
Pepperell
Lovett
Callaway
Brooks County
Jefferson
Class A
Wesleyan
Wilcox County
Clinch County
Lincoln County
Wilkinson County
Emanuel County Institute
Brookstone
Savannah Christian
Turner County
Bremen
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222 comments Add your comment
800pdGORILLA
August 17th, 2009
10:37 pm
Hey everyone. I’m back for another year of Georgia high school football… YEAH!!!!! Looks like its been a busy day where is that darn HOMET at btw? He might be lurking before he posts.
Good luck to everyone this year!
Yo
August 18th, 2009
12:32 am
I think Grayson will have the all world team of the century this year.
Nobody stands a chance against them. The only team even considered close will be Peachtree Ridge. Aw man, we gotta play them boys in a few weeks. I just hope we can survive Region 1AAAAA and maybe if we are lucky we can get a chance to upset Grayson (since we might get to be one of the lower seeded 1AAAAA teams)in the first few rounds of the playoffs before some body hands us our lunch. I don’t know if I would call that lucky though. Having to play an all world team of the century.
drock09
August 18th, 2009
6:19 am
If Newnan o line holds up the offense will be good. They have too fast running backs and a potential star at wide receiver. The defense has a chance to be as good as last year. Jamal Ransby the most under rated player in Georgia will have a great year.
drock09
August 18th, 2009
6:28 am
Todd all time super 11 team? How about rodnei Hudson over Hines ward? I watch. Them both and its not close. Andrae Hastings over Calvin Johnson? Derrick Stegall over Eric berry? Jasper sanks over Jamal Lewis?
TJ
August 18th, 2009
7:31 am
Will know more on Grayson when I see them Saturday. Do they have a QB? This Senior class is special one and should pull it off but not sure what the lower classmen will bring to the table. If they stay healthy, they will go deep. I personally like Peachtree Ridge this year as well. A lot of returning players. Last years P. Ridge game vs. Grayson was a slugfest and went down to the wire. Showed me they had heart to stay in any contest.
South GA Rules
August 18th, 2009
8:12 am
Soccer Mom: Parkview should be like they have been the last 3 years. A playoff team with a first round exit.
I will be curious about Grayson, though. This year they are the hunted, not the hunter. It will be interesting to see how they respond to that. They should dominate their weak region, though & make a nice playoff run.
Taylor Wooden
August 18th, 2009
8:50 am
Im a little surprised with Lowndes being ranked #1. Im a big LHS fan, but Im concerned. Sure we have some stars, but the QB position is unsettled, Reid is gone, etc. Im also concerned with some of the “stuff” that has happened in the past and more recently….on and off the field
TJ
August 18th, 2009
10:17 am
South GA Rules, good observation on Grayson, they have snuck up on people the last 3 years in playoffs. They are not in the shadows anymore, the limelight can be distraction. Additional distraction is with all the college recruiters with this batch of seniors. Hope focus is there to make run.
Reeze
August 18th, 2009
11:03 am
George……..good to see you up and running. I think what we all saw friday was really expected .Other than Clark and Bryson this years senior class is not to impressive.What you have to remember is that most of the upperclassmen have sat mostly on the bench the last 2 seasons behind the likes of Fields ,Jones ,Ivory , Green and others. And the others are young and inexperienced.Most of the mistakes we saw friday can be fixed .Both the corners concern me though .There is no way in the hell that Kinsler can think these two are ready.We are gonna miss K.J Morton and Brian Jones this year. I thought that I would never say it ,but Northside is rebuilding George.I think we’ll have a solid building and respectable year, . I am really imprssed with the 9th and 10 grade classes.I think this is the best group of younger kids that I had ever seen at Northside. Conteder No ,region champ No ,making the playoffs ,we’ll have to see.Eagles fans will have to lower the bar this season .This year consider wins against our cross town rivals a successful season.
PANTHER23
August 18th, 2009
11:48 am
MY NAME IS ERIC ROBINSON #2 I PLAY S/S FOR SWD… all i have to say is…………………… WE GOT THAT PPPPPPPPPRRRRRRRIDDDDDEEE!! THAT PANTHER PRIDE!!!
SAVAGE
August 18th, 2009
12:00 pm
SWD??? OVERRATED??? OF COURSE NOT!!! WE WORKED TO HARD TO GET WHERE WE ARE AND WE’RE WORKING EVEN HARDER TO GET WHERE WE WANNA BE…STATE CHAMPION STATUS!!! WE JUST GOTTA STAY HUMBLE, FOCUSED, HUNGRY, AND HAVE FAITH….SWD 15-0… NEW YEAR, NEW TEAM, SAME DREAM…STATE CHAMPS
SAVAGE
August 18th, 2009
12:01 pm
SWD??? OVERRATED??? OF COURSE NOT!!! WE WORKED TO HARD TO GET WHERE WE ARE AND WE’RE WORKING EVEN HARDER TO GET WHERE WE WANNA BE…STATE CHAMPION STATUS!!! WE JUST GOTTA STAY HUMBLE, FOCUSED, HUNGRY, AND HAVE FAITH….SWD 15-0… NEW YEAR, NEW TEAM, SAME DREAM…STATE CHAMPS!
Grayson Student
August 18th, 2009
12:57 pm
Most assesments on here are suprisingly correct. It will truly be a test to see how they react to being the hunter rather than the hunted. One thing to consider… the top prospects from the senior class are already committed besides champaign. As far as calling grayson an all world team… even a devout fan knows where to draw the line, this team has many holes Patrick Santry will start at quarterback and should gain experience fast on saturday at the dome. We have a junior who will play tackle for the line. Defense will be the rams strong suit again with speed and 11 guys who fly to the ball anchored by shawn green. I do believe however that this group of seniors have been the top dawg in gwinnett county since rec league. I remember that the ridge and grayson had several showdowns back in rec and it will be interesting to see if that scenario will play out again this year… and one last point, we have a great long snapper so hopefully the season wont come down to a single snap
Hendu
August 18th, 2009
3:17 pm
Blogging and bs’ ing is all rankings have or will ever be good for. They have absolutely no influence on brackets which are already setup and waiting for the top 4 seeds from each region to play a 32 team single elimination tourney that results in a champion from each class. Heck, the people that vote in the polls did not even play football the majority of time. College football would be an untouchable favorite if they fell in line with high school and the NFL.
George
August 18th, 2009
4:02 pm
Reeze, I agree with you about the young talent. I would like to see them playing “early”, since this is a rebuilding year. It can’t hurt to give them some experience. It pains me to say it, but I just can’t see Northside being favored over anyone but Grovetown. And, if I were betting, I would have to say Lowndes beats the Eagles by at least 28, even playing in Warner Robins. I hope they prove me wrong, but I think 5-5 would be outstanding at this point.
Todd Holcomb
August 18th, 2009
5:14 pm
Regarding the all-time Super 11, since the Super 11 is about long-term potential along with current talent, I looked at their college and pro careers. That’s why I went with Berry, Johnson and Lewis. And I think Jamal Lewis was better in high school than Sanks. But Hastings and Rodney Hudson were hard to beat in high school.
Brookwood Mom
August 18th, 2009
6:00 pm
Hey guys!! Brookwood Mom is back!!! and I can’t wait to play in the dome on Saturday!! My boys are pumped up and ready to go. We are definitely going to have a better season this year and we are ready for some exciting football this year!!
PRidgeonDeckk
August 18th, 2009
9:03 pm
Lets go lioonnnsss! Ranked #8 in the Nation. Grayson kids..we would love to play yall a game that was one of the best games I’ve ever watched. um.. lowndes is overrated….and Camden wasnt that good. Yaall are gonna get beat by Grayson Saturday
rwdekalbfan
August 18th, 2009
9:03 pm
I believe the top 5 teams regardless of classification are in no particular order are Grayson, Stephensen, Carver Columbus, Peachtree Ridge and Southwest Dekalb.
guwinster
August 19th, 2009
2:04 am
I’m sorry slalom but you’re wrong. I don’t know about the other classes but the AAAAA Championship has been won by a pure wing-t five of the past six years. The truth is in high school, run oriented attacks are by far the best offense. I’ve lived in Camden County for 8 years, and I can only think of one time we’ve lost to a team that even came close to passing as much as they ran and that was way back in 2002 to Brookwood.
Run offenses risk far fewer turnovers than pass-offenses, and in a high school match up between two equals that will likely be the difference. No high school has enough talent to match the passing efficiency of a college or pro team and a good defense will pick it apart. I’d like to go way back to when Privett played for Charlton. Charlton ran a Texas Tech style offense that year that averaged over 400 yards and 50-60 points a game, but when they finally saw a good defense in Camden County they crumbled. Same thing happened with Hoover last year.
Yo
August 19th, 2009
7:01 am
**PRidgeonDeckk** you are right. All Gwinnett this year. Down year for Camden compared to last. Down year for Lowndes compared to last. Lowndes is way over rated this year. I can’t imagine what Todd must have been thinking…maybe lost his rocker?
Except Peachtree Ridge, no one has a prayer against Grayson. The Rams are going to be absolutely unbeatable. Lowndes? Just hoping we don’t embarass ourselves. I’m just hoping we can stay healthy enough to at least make the playoffs. Our defense is so bad, we have moved our best offensive lineman over to play defensive line. Every body knows except Greg Reid we didn’t have much going on last year and now we don’t even have him around to bail us out. I’m just hoping we can win at least 1 game before Peachtree Ridge comes to town and stomps all over us.
Yo
August 19th, 2009
7:03 am
**guwinster** slalom is never wrong. If you don’t believe me! Just ask him.
HoyaDawg
August 19th, 2009
9:40 am
Not gonna lie to ya… Not much to bark about at Harrison this year. Etowah is a good pick right where they are.You guys up north are underestimating The Indians of MAC. They should contend for the region along with Etowah and yes I hate to say it, but East Paulding. The 4th spot is up for grabs. Who knows by mid season somebody might UNLEASH THEM HOYAS!
wolverine fan
August 19th, 2009
10:19 am
Woodstock is gonna take ya to the woodshed. The LB’S from Woodstock are the best in the region. Coach OB is gonna throw some surprises at everyone this year. You are all about to be THUNDERSTRUCK.
leechampion
August 19th, 2009
10:50 am
Jasper Sanks over Jamal Lewis? Please! Sanks had a lousy college career and proved what an idiot Jim Donnan was when he told Lewis “Sanks is our number one running back recruit” which of course was all it took for Lewis to go to Tenn. Then Lewis averaged around 150 yard a game against UGA every year til he started starring in the pros. Ain’t heard Sank’s name in a long time down here in Columbus
HoyaDawg
August 19th, 2009
11:07 am
Wolverine fan, Yall should be a contender, but you lost a lot with the QB. Linebackers are great, but how many points are they gonna put on the boards. It’s the O I am concerned about. I am eager to see how yall respond after last years late season success. Yall should have beat us last year. Although I loved the win… I felt bad for you last year. I wouldn’t mind seeing yall put together a good one. Still think you will be fighting for the 4th spot.
Realistic_EP/NP_Fan
August 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
Hoya Dawg: I think it is going to be pretty wide open in the entire 5-AAAAA region this year. My take…other than South Cobb and Cherokee, I think you could toss a blanket over the rest of the teams, they should be that close. EP’s early contest at Rome might either be a nice spring board or really set them back depending on the outcome but either way it will be a good barometer. The coaching in the region is stellar for the most part, and I think that Kenn Mtn will be improved,(but lack of O), North Cobb will have speed to burn but coaching their seems to be the thing that holds them back,, good coach poor attitude. Etowah seems to be the odds on choice to win, and people think Harrison is down. The talk about EP being big in the trenches in intrigueing, and how Woodstock responds after the deep playoff run will also be interesting. McEachern,,,,,,kinda a wild card I’d say, just not sure what to expect from them. Glad EP gets the early rather than late lets put it that way.
I’m ready for some football………The cannon will be heard load and often, but due to scheduling,,,,not a home game until Sept 11.
slalom1
August 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
YO, Sounds to me like you are using some of the pre-season voodoo that Drock 09 used in 2008. Worked out pretty well until Camden County County came to town. I still believe the Cougars had the better team in 2008. Just played a bad game. Guwinster, last time I checked I believe that Camden County runs a Power I. Correct me if I am wrong.(But like YO said,”Slalom is never wrong”. lol. What a great time of year. As for the “Wing T”, it is a thing of beauty to watch when it works. However when an equally talented, well coached defense lines up against a “Wing T” it can be contained and in many cases snuffed out. i.e. Line up the DE’s outside of the OT’s. Rush the Front 4. Hold the linebackers in position until the play breaks. Done deal.
slalom1
August 19th, 2009
4:29 pm
Reeze, How do like Northsides’ chances against Carver-Col in 2009? Sounds like the pre-season scrimmage for Northside was not exactly pretty. But in your own words, “Slalom, you know Coach Nix will have those kids ready to play”. I think you are right. Coach Nix WILL have those kids ready to play when the REAL season begins. One thing I have always admired about a Conrad Nix coached team is the steady improvement throughout the season.
slalom1
August 19th, 2009
4:39 pm
Reeze…typo. “how do you like Northsides’ chances…….
PRidgeonDeckk
August 19th, 2009
5:42 pm
Yo- yeah i know. WHo knowsyall might beat us…we will have to wait and see
SouthGARules
August 19th, 2009
7:04 pm
Where is Sgt Chris?
wildcat fan
August 19th, 2009
7:36 pm
Camden Couny runs the Wing T 99% of the time. Gets in the power I only in some shortage yardage situations or on the goal line.
wildcat fan
August 19th, 2009
8:00 pm
When will the hating against Camden County stop. PRidgeonDeckk, said we was not that good but we still beat your team for the STATE CHAMPIOSHIP. Slalom1 said the cougars was a better team we beat them very easily on thier field 20-0 after one quarter. The way you guys sound we might as well not show up Saturday. Thank god the game is played on the field. Grayson #5 in the nation PeachtreeRidge #8. Poor Lowndes #33 and poor Camden County # 38. Rankings do not win games, polls do not win games. One good tailback does not win Championships good TEAMS win CHAMPIOSHIPS. 5 of the last 6 STATE CHAMPIOSHIPS came from poor CAMDEN COUNTY and poor LOWNDES. Please let the rankings go thier heads. We at Camden and Lowndes have been there done that. You take the rankings we will try to win another Champioship. Only one poll matters and that is the final poll.
wildcat fan
August 19th, 2009
8:03 pm
Yes i do know i left out the N in championship
Pridgeondeck
August 19th, 2009
9:22 pm
Yea….ok. Let’s see how far y’all get this year. We are pretty legit for only being open for 6 years. I’m pretty sure no team has gone to state twice for only being open for 6 years
Grayson Student
August 19th, 2009
10:24 pm
wildcat fan, if you are somehow infering grayson is merely one good running back you are in for a rude awakening… when you say you have been there and done that i dont think that sorry for excuse for a region that yall play in should count for anything. yes yall were an excellent team last year but your returning 6 starters total.
Yo
August 19th, 2009
10:36 pm
Slalom what you doing opening your mouth and proving me wrong. Camden runs the Wing T my friend. When it comes to any type of offense whether Wing T, spread, I formation, Pro set it doesn’t matter, if the defense can match up it will slow down that offense. Wing T has won AAAAA championship every year but 1 since 2003. Wing T will win it again in 2009 (?) and 2010 (Camden).
Reeze
August 20th, 2009
2:39 am
Slalom 1………..Starting fires already I see.I told you at seasons end last year that Northside was at the end of a good run. It’s not as bad as George makes it out to be , but this 2009 team just doesn’t have the offensive talent that Northside folks are accustomed to . Yes Nix and staff will have the kids ready ,but it won’t be enough this year.The future looks good for the Eagles we’ve got a good group of underclassmen and Nix who on rare occassions starts 9th and 10 graders , I feel will be forced to put these younger kids out of the field sometime during the season……….Carver’s biggest non-region game won;t be against the Eagles, Baldwin should be their concern.We have a few weeks to iron out things before Carver comes to the war town.we’ll see…..What do you think about AAA loaded with all this talent this year……Carvers Burns and Crowell , Peach’s Zanders (,this kid looks great ,maybe AAA player of the year) Baldwins Roshaun Milline and Javonte Edwards.I think Carver ,Peach and Baldwin will have great seasons this year. Slalom the grangers are surrounded!.lol
Wolverine Fan
August 20th, 2009
7:25 am
Woodstock showed Camden what a good defense can do. What a game that was. If Camden County played in 5-AAAAA it would be a little differant for them
Pops(formerlybigpappi)
August 20th, 2009
7:58 am
Wolverine Fan is right. Camden who is obviously very good, plays nobody until the playoffs. Much harder when you have a competiitve schedule. Etowah is ranked #9 in pre season poll 5A’s and Sequauya #9 in pre season 4A’s. Lat weeks scrimmage 48-13 Etowah. Huge difference. I believe and correct me if I am wrong most of the schools in Camden’s region would not even qualify as a 4A.
I am interested to see how EP does against Rome as well this weekend.
Welcome back Hoyadawg.
Yo
August 20th, 2009
8:58 am
How many state championships does all of the teams together of fearless 5AAAAA have?
How many state championships does weakling Camden have?
I hear a lot of noise coming from 5AAAAA…show the money…not a lot of noise.
The ultimate greatness is determined by “Who Owns the Gold!”
Valdosta Dawg
August 20th, 2009
9:05 am
Ol’ Raider Fan you are correct sir, Grayson was had a good night, if they would have played Lowndes 10 times they would have lost 9, and probably have been blown out in most of them. Coach Mac did a poor job of adjusting to what Grayson was doing all night, and did rely to heavily on Greg Reid! And I hate Lowndes, I’m a Valdosta Wildcat and we are going to be back this year, GO CATS!
Reeze
August 20th, 2009
9:51 am
Wait a minute ,Last season Camden proved they we’re the best AAAAA team in the state regardless of the region they play in. If they we’re in any region last season 1 , 2, 4 5, 6,7, or 8 they would still have been crowned champion.By far Camden had the toughest challenge to the crown last season Northside ,Woodstock ,Newnan ,Pridge .I saw them against my Northside Eagles in the 2nd round and both teams played good competetitive games , but in the 4th qtr it was obvious who the better team was. I think Camden did a good job last season of putting the weak region BS they play in to rest by kicking everyones butt.
Etowah Fan
August 20th, 2009
10:00 am
Wow! Lot’s of smack already. I think 5-AAAAA is highly comptetive at the top. My prediction; Etowah, Woodstock, EP, North Cobb. Where’s Homet? Interesting rankings… another set of rankings to consider (GSWA):
Class AAAAA
1. Camden County (2) 44
2. Peachtree Ridge (1) 42
3. Lowndes (1) 41
4. Grayson (1) 35
5. Northside (Warner Robins) 25
6. Newnan 18
T7. North Gwinnett 16
T7. Stephenson 16
T9. Lassiter 7
T9. Woodstock 7
Others receiving votes: M.L. King 6, Norcross 6, Etowah 3, Kell 3, Harrison 2, Collins Hill 2, Union Grove 1, Warner Robins 1,
Reeze
August 20th, 2009
10:06 am
Anyone know if the Corky Kell classic will be availiable on-line , If so How can you access it ?
Wolverine Fan
August 20th, 2009
10:54 am
Etowah Fan……Do you really think Woodstock will be higher than Etowah…….?
Grayson Student
August 20th, 2009
12:20 pm
now wolverine fan how do u figure we would lose 9 of 10 to lowndes
Etowah Fan
August 20th, 2009
2:18 pm
Wolverine Fan… I have to say personally that Etowah will finish higher in the Region than Woodstock (I am biased). The rankings (which had Woodstock over Etowah) were GSWA-Georgia Sports Writers. I will say that Woodstock deserves a lot of respect and should not be discounted. HoyaDawg says you will be fighting for the 4th spot, but I think Woodstock will be very much in the mix. Last year’s playoff run should have generated some confidence that will carry over this year especially on Defense. If the Woodstock offense can score… hrmm.
The TLP rivalry come 9/25 will be huge, as always.
randy p
August 20th, 2009
3:55 pm
This sat. nite will tell alot, at least about 5 A ball. I can’t wait. Go CAMDEN. The cats better come to play or the Rams will put a hurting on them. I think region 1 in 5A is the best team for team by far. Also Charlton County is going to be strong in 2A. Those swamp boys are big and bad. Jeff Herron deserves a medal he’s a top notch coach.