Poll Talk: MLK to test Southwest DeKalb’s No. 1 ranking
Grayson had something to prove with its No. 2 ranking (and even a No. 5 ranking in one national poll) against defending Class AAAAA champ Camden County. Grayson did pretty well, winning 14-10. Linebacker Terry Williams looked like the best player on the field, but I don’t want to digress.
Now, it’s Southwest DeKalb’s turn to validate its ranking. SWD is No. 1 in AAAA, and its opponent this week is M.L. King, the No. 8 team in AAAAA. Should be a great game just to watch the running backs – SWD’s Ken Malcome and MLK’s Mack King.
Here are some questions for you:
Should Grayson be No. 1? The Rams beat Lowndes (our No. 1) last season, and they just beat the champs.
Of course, Peachtree Ridge beat Grayson last year. Should P’Ridge be No. 1?
Did anyone notice that Cobb County was 2-0 in the Corky Kell Classic? Walton and McEachern each were underdogs.
Class AAAAA
1. Lowndes (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Woodland, Stockbridge
2. Grayson (1-0)
Next: Sept. 4 vs. Warner Robins
3. Peachtree Ridge (0-0)
Next: Friday at Harrison
4. Camden County (0-1)
Next: Sept. 4 vs. First Coast (Fla.)
5. Stephenson (0-0)
Next: Saturday vs. McNair (Hallford)
6. North Gwinnett (0-0)
Next: Saturday vs. Prattville (Ala.)
7. Northside, Warner Robins (0-0)
Next: Thursday vs. Perry
8. M.L. King (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. S.W. DeKalb (Hallford)
9. Etowah (1-0)
Next: Sept. 4 at McEachern
10. Newnan (0-0)
Next: Thursday at LaGrange
Class AAAA
1. Southwest DeKalb (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. M.L. King
2. Tucker (0-0)
Next: Saturday at Brunswick
3. Rome (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. East Paulding
4. Marist (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. St. Pius
5. Sandy Creek (0-0)
Next: Friday at East Coweta
6. Griffin (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Dunwoody
7. Westside, Macon (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Central, Macon
8. Statesboro (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Josey
9. Sequoyah (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Cherokee
10. Loganville (0-0)
Next: Friday at Clarke Central
Class AAA
1. Carver, Columbus (0-0)
Next: Friday at Spencer (Columbus Memorial)
2. Gainesville (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Chestatee
3. Flowery Branch (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Stephens County
4. LaGrange (0-0)
Next: Thursday vs. Newnan
5. Baldwin (0-0)
Next: Friday at Glenn Hills
6. Peach County (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Macon County
7. Carrollton (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Westminster
8. Cairo (0-1)
Next: Sept. 4 vs. Thomas County Central
9. Washington County (0-0)
Next: Friday at Cross Creek
10. Jackson (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Therrell
Class AA
1. Buford (1-0)
Next: Sept. 4 at North Hall
2. Calhoun (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Dalton
3. Thomasville (0-0)
Next: Friday at Thomas County Central
4. Fitzgerald (0-0)
Next: Friday at Irwin County
5. Jefferson County 0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Laney
6. Pepperell (0-0)
Next: Friday at Paulding County
7. Lovett (0-0)
Next: Friday at Woodward Academy
8. Callaway (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Troup
9. Brooks County (0-0)
Next: Sept. 4 at Tift County
10. Jefferson (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Commerce
Class A
1. Wesleyan (0-0)
Next: Friday at Clarkston (North DeKalb)
2. Wilcox County (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Seminole County
3. Clinch County (0-0)
Next: Friday at Charlton County
4. Lincoln County (0-0)
Next: Friday at Greene County
5. Wilkinson County (0-0)
Next: Friday at Twiggs County
6. Emanuel County Institute (0-0)
Next: Friday at Savannah Country Day
7. Brookstone (0-0)
Next: Friday vs. Landmark Christian
8. Savannah Christian (0-0)
Next: Friday at Montgomery County
9. Turner County (0-0)
Next: Friday at Worth County
10. Bremen (0-0)
Next: Friday at Alexander
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77 comments Add your comment
Kadosh
August 25th, 2009
1:49 pm
Did anyone see the scrimmage between Ptree Ridge and SWD, who is number (51) for SWD, that kid was unstoppable. Ptree Ridge couldn’t find anyone to block him they even doubled him and he was getting into the backfield. I think the kid had from my count 12 tackles and he was long snapping as well as, that kid is a beast who is he. They didn’t mention him along with the other D-1 signees, I know someone is looking at him if not SWD has a secret weapon.
Yo
August 25th, 2009
1:57 pm
ENR does Warner have an offense this year?
drock09
August 25th, 2009
3:26 pm
Thanks slalom about the tailgating info. I love the comment about your fiancée my wife is very passionate as well. I will be at the 50 slalom and leechampion
slalom1
August 25th, 2009
3:35 pm
NTH Trojans. You are 100% correct regarding the North Hall schedule for 2009. Mighty tough. Was not aware that your son was playing. For what school and what position? I will try to keep up with him. Best of all in 2009.
slalom1
August 25th, 2009
3:44 pm
Drock09 and leechampion, I will most likely be wearing my worn out NYPD cap that I traded with an NYPD officer right after 9-11. At one time it was “Granger Blue”, but has sinced faded into light purple. Also plan to pick up a bag full of barbecue sandwiches for those of us who feel that football and barbecue are at one.By the way, my fiance does not know the difference between a football and Q ball. LOL. But she humors me.
slalom1
August 25th, 2009
3:46 pm
I will see you guys at the “50″ up top.
slalom1
August 25th, 2009
4:25 pm
NTH Trojans, As always, appreciate your interest in the Grangers. I am equally interested in North Hall and would enjoy your pre-season analysis. As for the Grangers, the offense should be good. The backfield from 2008 returns led by QB Jamius Gunsby(6′5 229, 4.5 forty and very difficult to tackle. Also has a cannon for an arm). Has an offer from Florida as well as other D-1 schools. His Rivals *** rating would most likely be a **** or ***** rating had he finished the 2008 season without a suspension. RB Ocie Salter is the greatest “little BIG Man” in the state including E. Pemberton. The defense will be young but very talented. 4 players stand out. They are Junior LB Devond Smith 6′0.5 222, CB/REC Josh Manning 5′10 170(4.35 forty) DT Jarrell Williams 6′1 275 and DT Lamarcus Hardnet 5′11 234. Hardnet comes from a football family and is probably the most athletic of all the linemen at LaGrange for 2009. The rest of the team is a guess. Lots of talent, but lots of inexperience. Guess we will get a clue against Newnan day after tomorrow. What about N. Hall?
plowboy
August 25th, 2009
4:44 pm
predictions grayson will really be tested this weekend
warner robins will come to play
plowboy
August 25th, 2009
4:57 pm
oh yeah , lowndes has a new QB that can chunk the ball!!!!!!!!
and not one RB they have 5 and the LB`s are D1 prospects
grayson
August 25th, 2009
6:22 pm
plowboy and ENR, let me remind you that grayson blew out warner robbins by 30 last year. i dont think it will be much of a contest, but who knows, every dog has its day. grayson just needs to stay focused and not overlook anyone
SouthGARules
August 25th, 2009
6:29 pm
plowboy: Hate to disappoint you, but Grayson is off this weekend. They play Warner Robins on Sept 4th. With Lowndes having a QB that can pass, maybe that will loosen up the defense so they can run. It sure would have helped last year versus Grayson.
Grayson Student: Please take it easy on my wife’s Demons next weekend. She’s not used to beatings applied to them (unless its Valdosta, Lowndes or Tift Co. back in the day). She was not pleased when I took her to see them play & lose to a mediocre Central Gwinnett team a few years back.
Serious Grayson Hater
August 25th, 2009
6:35 pm
I am so sick of reading all the hype about Grayson! They won by 4 points. BIG FRICKING deal! I can’t wait til somebody brings those arrogant snot nose ussys down a level or two! and the parents are no better!! I saw how they were acting in the DOME, like a bunch of redneck hillbillies that they are, I even heard one “MOM” tell a Brookwood Mom that she hopes her son breaks his leg!! now what the hell kind of comment is that? what mother would say such a thing! I wish they would play MLK, or Stephenson or even North Gwinnett because I know one of those team would kick their fricking ass. And Buford as well. I hope Dacula, Brookwood or Parkview can pull off something and take them down. The only player with dignity is the little 5′4 midget. He is the only one on the team that has any class and can’t even get a scholarship. What a shame. I hope they don’t win state!! I hope they do make to finals and then get the air popped right out of them. Whoever they play this season I am rooting for the other team!!!
Yo
August 25th, 2009
6:48 pm
Strength of Lowndes is in the trenches this year. Defensive line and Offensive line are serious! BIG….Fast…Physical.
Lowndes sophomore qback will be very good. Over threw the first 2 passes by a little and then completed the next 3.
The only thing in question at this point with Lowndes is the defensive backfield. Lost most to graduation last year.
The good news is that against the Top 3 teams in 5A you don’t need a good defensive backfield. Grayson….runs. Ptree….runs. Camden….runs.
SERIOUS GRAYSON HATER
August 25th, 2009
7:06 pm
Who is the punk that keeps deleting my comment?? I have the right to post “my opinion” as well!
Grayson Student
August 25th, 2009
7:22 pm
serious grayosn hater… why exactly do u hate grayson… because of one persons comment? who do u pull for? south ga rules haha that was a great game last year but every break went our way, should be a better game next week
SERIOUS GRAYSON HATER
August 25th, 2009
7:40 pm
Grayson student: seriously do you have to ask?? I think they are waaaayyyyy overrated! They are NOT as good as everyone thinks they are. If they didn’t have that arrogant attitude and walk around saying they “have a statement to make” I might be rooting for them. I was rooting for Camden. They are the better team.In Gwinnett I am rooting for Brookwood and Parkview. At least they have class and they show respect to the other teams that they play. I absolutely cannot stand a bunch of oversize football players that think they are better than any other team. I can’t wait til they get brought down a few notches! It is good to have a winning attitude but to have the attitude that they are better that all the football teams in the state of Georgia is non tolerable!!
Grayson Student
August 25th, 2009
8:35 pm
I can respect your opinion… i would just like to know where your getting this over confident attitude from because i no its not from grayson… Camden was not the better team nor were they close. Brookwood got destroyed by a far superior mceachern team. I would be mad if Grayson didnt carry thereselves with some sort of swagger, seein as how theyre number 2 in the state and 5 in the land i think it comes with the territory. but your saying they are un sportsmanlike
grayson
August 25th, 2009
9:22 pm
whats the problem grayson hater? were not as good as everyone thinks huh? who else do we have to beat to prove ourselves?? lowndes or camden AGAIN? sounds like someones in denile….you obviously dont know how much class our football team actually has, being pumped up and excited on the field isnt being arrogant. our players show the utmost respect to every opponent, why dont you come see for yourself?
i wanna know who you pull for, sounds like you have a grudge
grayson
August 25th, 2009
9:29 pm
and just to forewarn you grayson hater, parkview and brookwood have excellent programs but they wont win region this year. graysons got it on lock down whether you like it or not. and i think we deserve to carry some swagg, who had heard of us before last year?nobody. were making a name for ourselves as a powerhouse in AAAAA. try to stop us
Marvis
August 25th, 2009
9:56 pm
SWD is gonna win state and MLK is goin down.
neicepoo
August 25th, 2009
10:28 pm
man SWD been sayin how MLK gone go down for what the past 2 years and each year we blew them out the water… this year there will be NO discussion MLK is bout ta shut Hallford Stadium DOWN!!!…
NTH Trojans
August 26th, 2009
8:31 am
Slalom,
My son plays for Hiram High school. He’s a junior, plays right guard, and also is the long snapper. Hiram runs the Wing-T ( with a few wrinkles), or I would worry more about him being undersized. Their team looks pretty solid this year with plenty of talent (which they always have), but attitude and coaching have been problematic in the past. Their most glaring weakness is the lack of size on the OL and DL. Other than that, they look sound. They even have a pretty good downfield passing game. I’ll update you more on Hiram after Friday.
As for North Hall, it’s hard to tell how much the transfers are going to hurt them this year. Thomas Sprague and Cole Smith will definitely be missed, and while I don’t think that they can find a replacement equal to Sprague, I think that as a whole the team will be better than last year. NH has more speed at the skill positions this year, a better QB (for the passing game, which they will have to do more of this season), and a deeper bench. The plan is to run a seven man rotation at RB and Wing Back, and a three man rotation at FB, so that they are fresher at the end of games. Their greatest strength is the OL and DL, biggest weakness, that I can see, is LB. The starting RB is Robert Humphrey, who last year had to transfer to Gaainesville because of custody issues, but transferred back this year. The biggest concern for this team will be how they fare in their first sub-region contest against Creekview (probably the toughest game they will have in their sub-region), right after facing Buford and Gainesville in back to back games. If they beat Creekview, then they will most likely wind up as the #2 seed out of 7AAA, behind Gainesville or Flowery Branch. Realistically, I see NH finishing with a 7-3 record, losing to Buford, Gainesville, and Flowery Branch. But after that kind of schedule, I could see them making it to the quarterfinals. Any bold predictions on LaGrange, and region 2AAA?
Northside Observer
August 27th, 2009
9:57 am
Although I am a die hard Northside Eagle Fan, I was impressed with Warner Robins Demons offensive team in their scrimmage with Crisp County. The Demons have a very good mobile (senior) QB that had to wait his turn. Their backs are big and fast. The one weakness I saw was in theri pass defense. Their DL is led by all state lineman, Jeff Whitaker. Stay away from him! Grayson will be in for a surprise if they take the Demons lightly.
MLK Lions Fan
August 29th, 2009
9:04 am
Well, well, well Southwest DeKalb. What do you have to say after last nights defeat? I CAN’T hear you. It was a very quite ride for the Blue and Gold back to the neighborhood last night. While just a couple of mies away- a HUGE CELEBRATION. GO LIONS!!!
MLK Lions Fan
August 29th, 2009
9:05 am
Well, well, well Southwest DeKalb. What do you have to say after last nights defeat? I CAN’T hear you. It was a very quite ride for the Blue and Gold back to the neighborhood last night. While just a couple of miles away- a HUGE CELEBRATION. GO LIONS!!!
slalom1
August 29th, 2009
5:59 pm
Drock09 and leechampion, Must have scared you guys off with the “law enforcement cap”. lol. Just for the record, I am not in law enforcement, but I was in fact at the “50″ all the way up on the Newnan side of the field. You guys missed a great game.
SportsFan31313
August 31st, 2009
12:10 pm
Well I did pretty good. I would have been at 100% had SW Dekalb had won against MLK……