Tucker is No. 1 in AAAA; Georgia is No. 1 in GA vs. AL
First full-week observations:
So how does Georgia football compare to that in Alabama? North Gwinnett was impressive in its victory over Prattville. Hold on just a minute … . Nevermind, that was just Sam Gibson being sacked again. Now if Camden County can just whoop Hoover again on Sept. 11, Georgia will turn westward and thump its chest for a good year.
North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire tells me that Peachtree Ridge is the best team in the state. (Of course, you don’t want to say Grayson or Lowndes is the best when P’Ridge is the one in your region, but I think the coach was sincere.). I’d love to see P’Ridge at Lowndes this week. It will be hard not to rank the winner No. 1 next week, especially if it’s decisive.
Southwest DeKalb’s Buck Godfrey says he still thinks SWD will win state. He told Chip Towers that after SWD’s loss to MLK. Remember that MLK is a Class AAAAA team, and SWD’s quarterback went down on the first play. If it were me, I’d still guess SWD or Griffin will win state.
Having said that, Tucker is the new No. 1 in AAAA. I agree with Franklin Stephens that Tucker right now is not the best team in AAAA. But with no obvious successor, let’s let the defending champions stay put. Tucker wasn’t the best AAAA team in the state this time last year, either.
What were the most surprising things you saw this weekend? Here are mine:
Roswell 42, Tift County 7
St. Pius 28, Marist 3
Charlton County 38, Clinch County 0
Worth County 39, Turner County 0
South Gwinnett 49, Norcross 28
And I probably should’ve ranked Charlton County.
Todd Holcomb publishes a free weekly email newsletter called Georgia High School Football Daily. To sign up, go here.
CLASS AAAAA
1. Lowndes (1-0)
2. Grayson (1-0)
3. Peachtree Ridge (1-0)
4. North Gwinnett (1-0)
5. Camden County (0-1)
6. Stephenson (1-0)
7. Northside, Warner Robins (1-0)
8. M.L. King (1-0)
9. Newnan (1-0)
10. Etowah (1-0)
CLASS AAAA
1. Tucker (1-0)
2. Griffin (1-0)
3. Southwest DeKalb (0-1)
4. Westside, Macon (1-0)
5. Statesboro (1-0)
6. Sequoyah (1-0)
7. Rome (0-1)
8. North Clayton (1-0)
9. Banneker (1-0)
10. Hillgrove (1-0)
CLASS AAA
1. Carver, Columbus (1-0)
2. Gainesville (1-0)
3. Flowery Branch (1-0)
4. Baldwin (1-0)
5. Peach County (1-0)
6. St. Pius (1-0)
7. Carrollton (1-0)
8. LaGrange (0-1)
9. Cairo (0-1)
10. Washington County (1-0)
CLASS AA
1. Buford (1-0)
2. Calhoun (1-0)
3. Thomasville (1-0)
4. Fitzgerald (1-0)
5. Jefferson County (1-0)
6. Pepperell (1-0)
7. Lovett (1-0)
8. Brooks County (0-0)
9. Callaway (0-1)
10. Jefferson (1-0)
CLASS A
1. Wesleyan (1-0)
2. Wilcox County (1-0)
3. Lincoln County (1-0)
4. Wilkinson County (1-0)
5. Emanuel County Institute (1-0)
6. Brookstone (1-0)
7. Savannah Christian (1-0)
8. Miller County (1-0)
9. Johnson County (1-0)
10. Bowdon (1-0)
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226 comments Add your comment
wolverine fan
August 31st, 2009
6:09 am
Todd……I think the defense of Woodstock will hold Etowah in check. The offense from Woodstock usually does not start clicking right away but against Kell they showed they can score.
ngdogdad
August 31st, 2009
7:00 am
North Gwinnett tried to get Buford to play in the National Event and Buford wanted no part of it! I suppose they were trying to preserve the winning streak and had some high doubts that they could compete at that high of level. Just one man’s opinion why they wouldnt come and play with the big boys!
drock09
August 31st, 2009
7:07 am
I want to congratulate east coweta and newnan on their victories. I was very impress because both was team efforts from the coaching staff on down. Tay willis and austin ingram was impressive on offense as well as the santiago kid on defense. Sandy creek is sandy creek a lot of hype but no coaching. Number 24 the mansour kid is the real deal from lagrange. The newnan defense reloaded they look bigger and faster. Lagrange had 81 yards and two first downs.
Pops(formerlybigpappi)
August 31st, 2009
7:43 am
Wolverine Fan, I would like to aknowlwegde the Woodstock defense, but as your post indicates the Woodstock offense is inept. The only way you are able to score is when your defense sets it up for you. See the Kell game. Keeping Etowah in check will be difficult for any team. I like Etowah at home in a tooth and nail battle. Todd don’t rank Woodstock just yet.
Pops(formerlybigpappi)
August 31st, 2009
7:50 am
Yo, to answer your post from last night. It is tradition for Todd to rank the best region 5AAAAA team (Etowah) this week, as either number 9 or 10. However, there is a region AAAAA line knocking at the door, which includes Woodstock, East P, and perhaps an upcoming McCeachern. Whoever the hot team is this weekend gets the nod. Perhaps that is why Etowah fell a spot whilst not palying?
Keith
August 31st, 2009
8:01 am
Hey PiusGrad – I like how you begrudgingly say “Marist decided to stay in AAAA”, as if that was some stupid decision. Every time that Alan Chadwick has lost to St. Pius, Marist has reached the state title game that season. And oh, by the way, Marist has been in AAAA for all of those years. I will gladly take a loss to Pius if it means a state championship or runner-up. We at Marist have bigger aspirations.
wolverine fan
August 31st, 2009
8:18 am
I remember last year when people were saying the same thing about Woodstock. By the way Pops the offense is not inept.
Pops(formerlybigpappi)
August 31st, 2009
8:31 am
Wolverine Fan, we shall see? Just saying that your success will be dependant on your defense setting up your offense. Not such a bad thing.
Ken
August 31st, 2009
8:32 am
No one cares about how we compare to Alabama. The real question is how we compare to Florida.
Hard But Fair
August 31st, 2009
8:39 am
@ Bee Shabazz – you may be correct in that South Atlanta has had some challenges, but there is new coach there & he is committed to turning South Atlanta’s program around just as several other City of Atlanta programs APS have done in recent years. These teams may not ever experience a consistent level of success that the S & Mid GA programs or even your teams is S. Fl, but you should be finding a way to support your very own alma mater & not touting the programs of other schools. South Atlanta does have some good athletes that simply need to be coached up and have that losing mentality adjusted. Go ahead and try supporting your team.
sportsfan
August 31st, 2009
8:40 am
Most AAAAA schools don’t want to lose to a AA school…that’s why they won’t schedule Buford. Some 4A’s and 5A’s have tried over the last several years with little success. As a Buford fan I don’t think we could beat Byrnes, as was stated earlier by one of you numb-brain idiots. I noticed one of you writers mentioned how powerful south Florida football is and to be sure watch one of their matches coming up soon on television….why didn’t you mention the Byrnes vs. St. Thomas Aquinas on ESPN Oct. 2nd. It’s obvious Georgia has great football as does Fla. Ala. and S.C., but let it get settled on the field whenever they have an opportunity to play each other. And by the way, Buford has played some of the better teams from Ohio and Tesax over the last couple years….from much larger divisions…..and they haven’t lost yet.
gary
August 31st, 2009
8:48 am
isn’t it amazingg, all this talk and not one word about the Valdosta Wildcats. Times are a changing!!
GatorMan
August 31st, 2009
8:59 am
Was at the Flowery Branch/Stephens County game and Coach Shaw showed no class or is just stupid; with less than 5 min left in the game and a 31-8 lead, he still had his son at QB with the rest of the 1st team offense. The boy already has a committment to SC so it won’t help his stats. High School rankings mean nothing when it comes to a state championship so that wasn’t the reason either. Sooner or later he could end up needing a back up and then he will deserve what he gets. I have to qualify by saying that I go to Flowery Branch games and live in a neighborhood where all of the kids go there so I am not biased for Stephens County or anyone else. Come on Coach, get you head out of your
$#* !!!
Crash001
August 31st, 2009
9:02 am
Enter your comments here
Big Blue – Vigor is a 5-A in the state of Alabama. Alabama football classification goes up to 6-A therefore, Union Grove should of have won the scrimage game. Let’s see how Union Gove compete’s against Stephenson & MLK. Speaking of a scrimage shocker – I was told that Southwest Dekalb defeated Peachtree Ridge two weeks ago in a scrimage.
TRUE BLUE
August 31st, 2009
9:09 am
BEE SHABAZZ did you see the GEORGIA TECH and MIAMI GAME last year at tech on NATIONAL TELEVISION. TECH had over 500yds. total offense running the ball. BUFORD would beat any team from the DADE COUNTY area. Last I heard B.T.W. is in MIAMI AND NORTHSIDE WARNER ROBBIN beat them last year 42-21.So don’t come talking trash about the wing t, because every team in GEORGIA don’t run it.
Yo
August 31st, 2009
9:18 am
bee shabazz …..seems you forget Miami Northwestern’s decision not to return to Georgia this year to take on that Wing T team called Camden.
The fact is I fail to see all of the fuss over Miami schools except maybe Aquinas. Miami N. got their butts shelacked by both Camden and Jenks of Okla. and they return the same players who apparently could only beat Florida schools last year. Couldn’t stay on the same field with Okla or Ga but then go to the title game in Fl. FOFL….yea right…fear Miami….FOFL
Yo
August 31st, 2009
9:23 am
Oops sorry got Miami Northwestern confused with Booker T…..all the same though. Actually I would love to see Lowndes/Aquinas hook up this year. As you say, since Lowndes does it the “right way” then I foresee next year to be a rebuilding year for Lowndes…at least a rebuilding year by Lowndes standards.
Suprised
August 31st, 2009
9:25 am
67 comments and nothing from the EP Fans. Did the coach finally get them under control?
Yo
August 31st, 2009
9:35 am
True Blue to help clarify your well put post “for” bee shabazz, that would be the same Miami Hurricane team that recruits so heavily from Miami Northwestern and all of the Miami power houses every one is supposed to fear.
Decatur 4 Life
August 31st, 2009
9:42 am
bee shabazz, i don’t know about that. Yes, they have gifted athletes in south Florida but those teams wouldn’t run through anybody. We have gifted teams here as well that are just as talented. You talk about weak teams in N. Florida well there’s some in S. Florida too. Why hasn’t NW or Central played any other nationally ranked school recently? Could it be that they don’t want to lose during a national televised game? STA played someone from OH., the team wasn’t good but at least they took the challenge. They also are scheduled to play Byrnes from SC in a matchup of the top teams in the nation. And before I forget, S. Atlanta man please. You guys are not a basketball powerhouse, you can’t go to two state title games in school history and be considered a powerhouse. Try Again
Sting 'em Buzz
August 31st, 2009
9:46 am
13jas
August 31st, 2009
1:42 am
I no Flower Branch is good, question is Stephens Co. that Bad? I went to the game & It was dominated by the Falcons. R the Indians N 4 along season?
13jas,
If Stephens County doesn’t develop a better punter than I saw on Friday, it very well could be a long season. I have never seen so many poor punts in one game.
Sting 'em Buzz
August 31st, 2009
9:48 am
GatorMan, The subs did come in at 38-8. It was a high profile game with it being the first game at the new Branch. Jaybo was there watching his little brother. It could have been a message being sent to Gainesville that Flowery Branch is here to play.
Decatur 4 Life
August 31st, 2009
9:50 am
Keith what are you talking about, Marist hasn’t been in 4A too long. They were in 3A when we didn’t go higher that 4A. They moved to 4A when GHSA created 5A. Besides, Marist should be Braves fans. They are the Braves of high school football. The few titles you’ve won don’t compare to how many times you’ve been there. Let Pius have their bragging rights, they deserve it now.
theman
August 31st, 2009
9:55 am
Why did Jackson drop out of the AAA ranking after a 37-7 win over Therrell??????
T
August 31st, 2009
10:02 am
I loved seeing the Marist boys get their tales whipped by ST. PIUS!! Best game of the weekend!!!
DeKalb
August 31st, 2009
10:12 am
How could ML King defeat the Top Team in class AAAA and only be ranked at No. 8 in AAAAA? They should at least be rewarded a top five billing.
Raider09
August 31st, 2009
10:21 am
Went to see the Shaw Raiders v/s 6A Central of Phenix City friday night. The Shaw Raiders are clearly rebuilding.Lots of young, small, inexperienced guys. It may take a while for the raiders if they ever become a powerhouse again.It may be a long year..especially with the schedule they have.
RAIDER FAN
August 31st, 2009
10:29 am
Go E.P. Raiders! There you go Suprised, a Raider fan post
. Although I am not one of the many who get carried away with the rankings and such, just a fan. Good luck to all the teams whatever your division or ranking.
PMC
August 31st, 2009
10:31 am
How long will Maloof waste talent at Norcross?
Kay
August 31st, 2009
10:39 am
South GA teams look good this year. Hopefully, Lowndes is the “real thing”. In answer to the BEST band in the state, that would be the GA Bridgemen from Lowndes. They are awesome. They are 357+ strong and have always represented the state well. They have been in the Macy’s parade, marched in the Inaugural parade,the Rose Parade in Pasadena and many more. GO BRIDGEMEN!!!!!!! I believe region 1AAAAA remains the toughest region in the state for AAAAA. Camden has a good team, but they are in a very weak region. There is no competition for them in that region. They need to be moved to 1AAAAA and see how they compete.
lucky
August 31st, 2009
10:52 am
Todd –
For SWD, it seems like the big variable is the recovery of its QB, who went down for the game after running for a first down on first play of the game. What’s the prognosis?
Black Panther
August 31st, 2009
11:01 am
All you haters on here talking about SWD probably didn’t even attend the MLK game on Friday. Whenever any team loses it’s first string QB on the first play of the game, it is bound to suffer a letdown. Give credit to Coach Godfrey for getting his troops to regroup and still make this a close game. We will see what happens when the QB comes back. They still have the best defense in the state. As far as being outcoached in big games, that is the biggest lie I’ve ever heard. You don’t win 80 percent of your games by being outcoached. SWD is a dynasty that always makes the playoffs no matter what happens. I guess since Parkview has been horrible the last two yrs that coach Flowe is overrated too, huh? No one will say that though because he is a white man and Coach Godfrey is black. You GA necks are too funny!! When the state championship rolls around, we will see who is talking then. Then when signing day comes, and SWD has the most D1 and D2 signees to go on to college, the AJC needs to have a blog about that!!
HeadEast
August 31st, 2009
11:02 am
Tough schedule this year at McEachern, at Etowah, and at Woodstock, especially after graduating a lot of talent. I’m interested in seeing how N Cobb does against the overrated MLK. Harrison looked bad Friday but Pridge can make a team look bad.
Observer
August 31st, 2009
11:03 am
Marist wasn’t beaten by St. Pius, they were manhandled. The more physical team won and for the first time in MANY years, that was St. Pius. Last year, Pius won but was not the better team and certainly not the most physically gifted. This year, I don’t think Marist was prepared to be dominated at the line of scrimmage. With the exception of Cole Moon, St. Pius may be down at the skill positions but this may be the most physically dominant team they’ve ever had.
MHS2010
August 31st, 2009
11:08 am
um pius was the one who flew the plane not marist
Ta'quan
August 31st, 2009
11:10 am
Man, wuzup wit dem campbeel spartains not bein rancked. Yawl aint ready for us.
Jim
August 31st, 2009
11:10 am
Watch out for Chapel Hill, they just might be sleepers in the AAAAA. They just beat Lithia Springs 46-0.
1-AA
August 31st, 2009
11:18 am
HELLO FANS OF THE BAND. THE YEAR IS AMONG US. HERE IS THE THE BAND THAT IS NO.1 IN THE STATE(FOOTBALL TEAM TOO)GA Bridgemen from Lowndes.
WITH THE SEASON ON THE WAY REGION 1-AA IS THE SUPER REGION AGAIN. GOOD-GOOD LUCK FOR THE SEASON. HAVE FUN.
THEY SCORE 48 IN A GAME FOR THE WIN(HAVE SOME MORE WINS).
Reeze
August 31st, 2009
11:21 am
c
Trey
August 31st, 2009
11:22 am
Theman: because mays beat them 70 to 3……with 9th graders coming in in the 3rd quarter………
In The Trenches
August 31st, 2009
11:24 am
Head East- That’s brutal! Real curious to see what McCeachern has this weekend against Etowah. Although early, the outcome may begin to shape the regions landscape.
CarrolltonTrojanFan
August 31st, 2009
11:37 am
#7 statewide in AAA!
GO TROJANS!
AVikingFan
August 31st, 2009
11:37 am
Todd, you wanta come to S. GA this Friday and watch lil ole undersized Lowndes try to find a way to stay on the field with Pea Ridge? I’ll steam some oysters for ya and give you all the boiled peanuts you can eat. On paper I can’t see a way for Lowndes to win, but with our kicker placing each kickoff to a spot between the one and five yardline, near the sidelines, and Pea Ridge having to go 85 or more yards on each possession, has to be an advantage for Lowndes. Now if we can only score and be able to kickoff! From what I’ve read and seen, it doesn’t look to good for Lowndes. PeaRidge, Grayson and North Gwinnett are probably the best in AAAAA this year.
To take a line from an old coach and friend of mine, we are small this year, but we are slow. Hopefully our small slow kids can somehow find a way to at least stay on the field with a very good PeaRidge team.
Etowah Fan
August 31st, 2009
11:39 am
For Todd, why exactly did Etowah drop? Then again, based on your earlier post, you will probably tell me I should be glad you didn’t switch out Etowah with Woodstock.
For Pops, Wolverine Fan, and In The Trenches: I definitely think the Etowah/McEachern game this Friday will do a lot to shape the Region 5-AAAAA landscape (sure wish Etowah was at home). Woodstock appeared to pick-up right where they left off last year… tough on D. McEachern appears to be much improved this season. My current Region 5-AAAAA ranking: Etowah, Woodstock, McEachern, EP which is based on nothing more than the preview, bias, and last year’s finish. Lots of football to play!
Big Man
August 31st, 2009
12:00 pm
LSUJ82….I was there when undisciplined 7-3 SWD beat 10-0 Tucker at “their” field in like 04. I know the coach of Tucker has changed, but Ballard does have the number 3 team in 5A tight now.
In The Trenches
August 31st, 2009
12:04 pm
Etowah Fan – It will sure be interesting to see how it all plays out. As a follower of Etowah and this region, I agree with your top four, but not sure in what order. North Cobb may have something to say, but Harrison looks down, at least for now. The other teams should mostly be afterthoughts. I feel I can safely say whoever finishes fouth will have their hands full with Grayson in the playoffs. Wow!!! That’s looking ahead, and it’s just week one?
sixpacker
August 31st, 2009
12:12 pm
Why in the the world is washington county ranked #10 behind two teams that lost their first game and we won our game?Plus the fact the fact that we played a 4A team and we are 3A.
Norton
August 31st, 2009
12:15 pm
Keith, your delusional. Not only did Marist not perform well, they were also CLEARLY the lesser talented team and they’re effort was awful. I’ve never seen a Marist team perform like that and your aspirations this year to try and get some effort out of your team because Friday was terrible.
And Observer, I actually believe the opposite of you. Our skill position guys are very young but very, very talented and probably one of the more athletic teams in Pius history.
Hoya Chuck
August 31st, 2009
12:15 pm
To AVikingFan: You are absolutely correct! After witnessing P-Ridge in action against my Harrison Hoyas, I have some advise to give; Lowndes better bring thier A-game! P-Ridge is loaded on both sides of the ball.
For Etowah Fan: I think it would be a mistake to leave Harrison out of the mix! They lost to an awesome team. However, the Hoyas looked tough on both sides of the ball, and if they can minimize the penalties and turn-overs, I feel they will have a very good shot at the region title. I respect your rankings, but I just don’t see Harrison being left out of the play-offs. Good luck to all 5AAAAA teams. It is arguably, the toughest region in the state.
HeadEast
August 31st, 2009
12:26 pm
Hoya Chuck – That P’Ridge O line was very impressive and their D looked good too. You guys are just down, no one close to replacing Robbie G and your QB was shaky, three picks if I remember right and a couple others that the defenders dropped! May I suggest a new cheer for the Hoya faithful? Wait till last year!