Georgia High School Football Daily Spotlight: Computer rankings say M.L. King, Stephenson are overrated
Above all else, computer rankings are objective. That’s not the same thing as accurate, but it’s something that human polls can’t deliver 100 percent.
Here, the GHSF Daily staff takes a look at the Maxwell Rankings, calculated by Loren Maxwell, the founder of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. The Maxwell Rankings consider performance from previous seasons (as do human pollsters), but historical influence diminishes each week as the season grows older.
Class AAAAA
The computer says Lowndes would beat Grayson by seven on a neutral field and that M.L. King and Stephenson are overrated in human polls based on Region 2-AAAAA’s recent playoff struggles.
1. Lowndes (2-0)
2. Grayson (2-0)
3. Northside, Warner Robins (1-0)
4. North Gwinnett (2-0)
5. Newnan (2-0)
6. Peachtree Ridge (1-1)
7. Camden County (1-1)
8. McEachern (2-0)
9. Roswell (2-0)
10. Walton (2-0)
11. East Paulding (2-0)
12. M.L. King (2-0)
13. Woodstock (1-0)
14. Collins Hill (2-0)
15. Warner Robins (1-1)
Next: Harrison, Stephenson, Valdosta, Brookwood, Parkview
Class AAAA
The computer likes southeast Georgia teams and says Hillgrove has been the most impressive AAAA team so far but lacks the pedigree for a top-five ranking this early.
1. Tucker (2-0)
2. Westside, Macon (2-0)
3. Griffin (2-0)
4. Statesboro (2-0)
5. Marist (1-1)
6. Hillgrove (2-0)
7. Sandy Creek (1-1)
8. Whitewater (2-0)
9. Brunswick (1-1)
10. Ware County (1-1)
11. North Clayton (2-0)
12. Thomas County Central (1-1)
13. Rome (0-2)
14. Southwest DeKalb (1-1)
15. Dalton (1-1)
Next: Mays, Bainbridge, Mount Zion, Chamblee, Sequoyah
Class AAA
The computer holds an inexplicable grudge against Gainesville but says human polls are generally accurate otherwise in this classification.
1. Carver, Columbus (2-0)
2. Flowery Branch (2-0)
3. Baldwin (2-0)
4. St. Pius (2-0)
5. LaGrange (1-1)
6. Peach County (2-0)
7. Carrollton (2-0)
8. Burke County (2-0)
9. Gainesville (2-0)
10. Hart County (1-1)
11. Thomson (1-0)
12. Dunwoody (1-1)
13. North Hall (1-1)
14. Creekview (1-0)
15. Washington County (2-0)
Next: Woodward Academy, Cairo, Eastside, Troup, Monroe
Class AA
The computer says Charlton County and Dublin are back but would be three-touchdown underdogs to Buford. It remains skeptical of Jefferson.
1. Buford (2-0)
2. Charlton County (1-0-1)
3. Fitzgerald (2-0)
4. Dublin (1-0)
5. Calhoun (2-0)
6. Lovett (2-0)
7. Brooks County (2-0)
8. Jefferson County (2-0)
9. Thomasville (1-1)
10. Pepperell (2-0)
11. Swainsboro (2-0)
12. Blessed Trinity (2-0)
13. Laney (1-1)
14. Westminster (0-2)
15. Cook (1-1)
Next: GAC, Screven County, Appling County, Jefferson
Class A
The computer says Wilcox County, Wesleyan and Lincoln County are about 10 points better than Savannah Christian and Wilkinson County. The rest are not legitimate state contenders. The computer really loves Clinch County’s history of being good at the end.
1. Wilcox County (2-0)
2. Lincoln County (2-0)
3. Wesleyan (2-0)
4. Savannah Christian (2-0)
9. Holy Innocents’ (2-0)
5. Wilkinson County (2-0)
6. Clinch County (0-2)
7. Irwin County (1-1)
8. ECI (1-1)
9. Seminole County (1-1)
10. Washington-Wilkes (1-1)
11. Chattahoochee County (2-0)
12. Twiggs County (1-1)
13. Hawkinsville (1-1)
14. Athens Academy (1-1)
15. Johnson County (2-0)
Next: Commerce, Bowdon, Miller County, Whitefield Academy, Darlington
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86 comments Add your comment
john
September 9th, 2009
10:35 am
suck
HeadEast
September 9th, 2009
11:13 am
Over at the Boneyard we already knew EP was better than MLK, Woodstock, and Warner Robbins but it’s nice of the computer to confirm it, even if they do incorrectly show us as already having two wins!
What???
September 9th, 2009
11:21 am
Now I know where my computer techie went… he is ranking hs football… sux at that toooooo
the real Old Gold
September 9th, 2009
12:21 pm
How does AA Calhoun Beat AAAA Dalton, and AAA Ridgeland and move DOWN from 2 to 5!?
decatur where it is greater
September 9th, 2009
1:57 pm
Stephenson and MLK are overrated. WOW Lets look at your list and see who deserves attention. This seems to have more human bias than anything.
1. Lowndes (2-0)
2. Grayson (2-0)
3. Northside, Warner Robins (1-0)has not won anything other than region games since moving to AAAAA
4. North Gwinnett (2-0)Has not done well in playoffs
5. Newnan (2-0)One good year 2008
6. Peachtree Ridge (1-1)two good years 2007 2009
7. Camden County (1-1)
8. McEachern (2-0)no past history
9. Roswell (2-0)disappeared after championship
10. Walton (2-0)
11. East Paulding (2-0)never made it past quarter finals
12. M.L. King (2-0)
13. Woodstock (1-0)never heard of them
14. Collins Hill (2-0)if the sport was girls basketball maybe
15. Warner Robins (1-1)has won nothing significant
TRUE BLUE
September 9th, 2009
2:01 pm
WE LIKE THAT AJC SPORTS. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU , THANK YOU AJC SPORTS. WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR COMPUTER.
K-MAN
September 9th, 2009
2:22 pm
The north has caught-up with the south as far as football savy and knowledge of the game go,s…. the only thing there lacking is the physicality part! Thats why the south still rules.
RaiderNowandForever
September 9th, 2009
2:48 pm
to: decatur where it is greater
Ok you have no clue about anything football if you don’t know who McEachern is, and you don’t know that peachtree ridge is a newer school. Woodstock is the team that upset people in the playoffs last year. Making the Quarterfinals is a big deal in football for EP. Roswell had a change of coach and is always good. Newnan has been a good team for like 5 years running they were just in AAAA. Ya but NSWR wining a state title in 4 A is a big deal.
You must be a Soccer fan or something.
Also Any Computer that would rank Harrison or any team that Harrison plays close this year anywhere near the top 20 is Bias. Harrison has the worst team I have ever seen at Harrison.
CAMDEN COUNTY WILDCAT!!!!!
September 9th, 2009
3:09 pm
O.K. NOW….CAMDEN COUNTY, THEY HAVE MOVED DOWN!!! WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM A TOUGH SCHEDULE THAT WE HAVE THIS YEAR!!! WE FACED GRAYSON THE 1ST GAME AND A TOUGH FIRST COAST TEAM FROM FLORIDA AND NOW WE HAVE A GOOD HOOVER SQUAD WHO IS LOOKING FOR REVENGE FROM LAST YEAR, BUT ITS ALL GOOD, WE COULD HAVE WENT AND LOST THE FIRST 3 GAMES AND STILL TAKE IT ALL THE WAY BECAUSE THATS THE TYPE OF TALENT WE HAVE….BUT FOR GRAYSON, THEY STILL HAVENT PROVE ME ANYTHING THAT THEY IS A POWER HOUSE BECAUSE THEY CAME UP CLOS LAST WEEK TO ALMOST LOSING TO WARNER ROBINS….BUT THEY STILL WON BUT A WIN IS A WIN!!! BUT I EXPECT FOR CAMDEN TO TAKE THE AAAAA TITTL AGAIN MARK MY WORD ON THAT!!! THIS IS OUR REBUILDING YEAR BUT IT LOOKS LIKE A CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR AGAIN FOR OUR BOYS IN THE BLUE…BUT THE TEAM THAT I WANT US TO FACE THE MOST IS THAT LOWNDES COUNTY SQUAD!! WE MEET THEM IN THE DOME 2 YEARS AGO AND STILL HAVENT GOT OVER THAT LOST EVEN THOUGH WE WON THE TITTLE LAST YEAR, BUT A CHAMPIONSHIP WONT FEEL RYTE IF WE CANT FACE THE TEAM THAT HAVE OWNED US FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS!!! BUT GRAYSON, WE WILL MEET AGAIN, AND WE WILL BE A BETTER TEAM, AND BUT WE CANT LOOK AHEAD TO THAT, WE IS JUST GONNA TAKE ONE GAME AT A TIME…BUT LOOK OUT FOR CAMDEN COUNTY IN THE FUTURE!!!!
GAME TIME
September 9th, 2009
3:22 pm
If you look at the ranking, Grayson should be #1. They beat the #7 and #15 team this year.Don’t nobody want to face that RAMS defense ask CAMDEN COUNTY and WARNER ROBINS. The best team in the state this year is GRAYSON RAMS. GO RAMS
K
September 9th, 2009
3:44 pm
I say none of it matters. In high school football they have a playoff system that determines who is the best. Make the playoffs and you have a chance to stake your claim. Until then, just watch and enjoy!
nomo
September 9th, 2009
3:47 pm
CAMDEN COUNTY ….Grayson alomst lost to WR? We had two scores, and missed on two more…WR had a total of 2 earned first downs and a Grand total of 40 yards offense. You think the mildcats are gonna be the only team improving? I hope we do meet again. Go play your banjo.
MLK Band Mom
September 9th, 2009
4:13 pm
Say what you want…all that matter is the ‘here and now’. Let’s talk about it once the games are completed and we will see who’s really over/under rated! Go MLK LIONS!
MLK Band Mom
September 9th, 2009
4:14 pm
One Game at a time…you better ask SWD and North Cobb.
K
September 9th, 2009
4:17 pm
HeadEast -what do you know about MLK? I am an MLK supporter and I didn’t know much about EP until today. Let me present you some facts: In 17 full season EP is 72-113-1 .390 win pct 10 total all-state players. In 7 full seasons MLK is 66-21-0 .759 win pct 21 total all-state players. Seeing as how we have almost as many wins in 10 less season, i think you need to know who and what you are talking about before you speak. Good luck with you season!
SouthGARules
September 9th, 2009
5:03 pm
Decatur where it is greater: You are a moron. For example: North Gwinnett-not done well in playoffs. Wrong-state runnerup 2007. Peachtree Ridge-State finals in 2006 & 2008. Get your facts straight.
McEachern-no past history. BTW, lost in state finals to Valdosta in 1998. Warner Robins-has done nothing significant. Wrong again. Warner Robins-state champs 1976,1981,1988 & 2004. National champs 1976 & 1981. It is evident that you take offense to anybody denigrating Dekalb schools. How many state titles have they won in AAAAA? NONE
Yes, Tucker won in AAAA, but this is not about Tucker or SWD, who won in 1995 with Quitsy Carter. Until Stephenson wins a state title, they are the most overrated, overhyped team in the state. All that D-1 talent & Ron Gartrell flames out every year in the playoffs.
TJ
September 9th, 2009
5:36 pm
Only championship Camden will win will be Region, unless they change their quarterback. Bench that midget senior or AAAAA will be out of reach.
Raider from the Start
September 9th, 2009
7:46 pm
K– You still don’t know much about EAST. Their winning percentage is better than 90% the past 3 years, the John Reid era. They have just about the lowest student enrollment of any AAAAA school yet they still find a way to win. That way is to play good sound football.
You are right about the playoffs being the real test, but it’s so much fun talking about it along the way.
drock09
September 9th, 2009
7:54 pm
For the most part I agree with the computer. Milk and the jags will not make it pass the 2nd round. Reality is a lot of talent and not much coaching. I won’t be surprise if union grove wins that region.
BITE ME
September 9th, 2009
7:54 pm
SouthGaRules, It’s not about Stephenson. So keep Stephenson and Coach Gartrell off your blog. Stephenson could careless about the computer ranking and these negative comments. We know that We are OVERRATED and have alot of D-1 players. So who cares THE BLOG SAYS STEPHENSON AND MLK ARE OVERRATED.
SouthGARules
September 9th, 2009
8:13 pm
BITE ME: It is evident your stupidity is surpassed by your ignorance. The article is about Stephenson & MLK. BTW: I WILL discuss what is relevant to this blog. If you do not like it, go to another blog.
BITE ME
September 9th, 2009
8:14 pm
drock09 you got to be crazy if you think UNION GROVE going to win the region. I would have believed you if you said wrestling and rifle shooting, but FOOTBALL HELL NA. I think MLK have done a nice job since they been open. MLK OPEN UP IN AUGUST OF 2001 with in those 8 years they made it to the semi-finals in 3A FOOTBALL. This just their 4th year in 5A FOOTBALL. Lost in the quarter-finals in 2007 to WALTON on a last second field goal.
BITE ME
September 9th, 2009
8:26 pm
SouthGARules my mistake I forgot ,just like you didn’t mention the other school from Dekalb that has STATE CHAMPIONSHIP[ REDAN, LAKESIDE, MARIST, AND DUNWOODY], but I am not going call you dumb and stupid, because that what them redneck folks from the south do anyway.
Raider11Soccer
September 9th, 2009
8:27 pm
To: RaiderNowandForever
Whats wrong with being a soccer fan. I play soccer for EPHS and you sitting there thinking that you must be a soccer fan. What is that suppose to mean? We cant talk about football like everyone else…. really come on
SouthGARules
September 9th, 2009
8:58 pm
BITE ME: Just take a chill pill. Marist is a private school & Dunwoody won theirs by “recruiting” or are you not aware of that. Dekalb County had a M to M program where you could transfer to schools where you were in the minority. David Kelly took advantage of that loophole or are you going to tell me Rod Perrymond & the other stars on that team lived in the Dunwoody district. Just because my handle is SouthGARules does not mean I live there. So I would not make reference to me being a redneck. BTW, educate me on how many state titles Dekalb schools have won. I would be willing to bet they are nowhere near the number Lowndes County has won. BTW, that includes Valdosta High as well. Peachtree Ridge makes MLK look like nothing. A state title & a runnerup finish and they opened AFTER MLK. Face it, Dekalb football does not compare to South Georgia or Gwinnett County football.
trey
September 9th, 2009
9:05 pm
rome is 0-2…….mays is 2-0………..welll….we play white water this weekend……youll see now
Dekalb Resident
September 9th, 2009
9:13 pm
OVERRATED!!!!! We will see how we feel, being so OVERRATED on ESPN October 16, 2009 – 2 Dekalb High Schools getting OVERRATED National exposure….
Thank You Computer!!!
newnancougar
September 9th, 2009
9:33 pm
Newnan one good year? You’re crazy we have been getting better for a good four years and it has shown. We went from your average high school football team one year to second round of playoffs, to quarterfinals, then finally to the semifinals last year. Newnan has definitely become a force to be reckoned with and has one of the best defenses in the state and definitely the top secondary in the state.
BITE ME
September 9th, 2009
9:35 pm
SouthGARules, BRAD LESTER LIVED IN DEKALB COUNTY AND CALEB KING WHILE PLAYING AT PARKVIEW.DEKALB HAS NO STATE TITLES BUT A ASS LOAD OF SCHOLARSHIPS IN FOOTBALL.WE RULED BASKETBALL AND TRACK AND FIELD, BUT WE DON’T BRAG ABOUT IT LIKE YALL DO IN FOOTBALL. MARIST IS A PRIVATE SCHOOL BUT IT IS A SCHOOL STILL IN THE DEKALB COUNTY.WE HAVE OVER 19 HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE DEKALB COUNTY AND WITH NO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WE STILL SEND OUR KIDS TO COLLEGE ON FULL SCHOLARSHIPS.
SouthGARules
September 9th, 2009
10:30 pm
And Gwinnett doesn’t send kids to college?
Not nearly as many people care about basketball & even less about track & field.
Good for Dekalb having a televised game, I believe the Valdosta/Lowndes game was on one of the ESPN networks last year. When did you rule in hoops? I believe Norcross & Wheeler have won the most recent state titles in basketball.
K
September 9th, 2009
10:43 pm
SouthGARules – So you apparently know a lot about GA HS football…with that said, you should also know that their is huge disparity between Gwinnett County facilities and Dekalb County facilities. This is no fault of the players,but it is a true reality. Peachtree Ridge has done well, but lets not go so far as to say that they make MLK look like nothing. You may or may not know this, but the PR coach left Tucker to go there to PR, not because of atheletes, but support and facilities. The best coaches in Gwinnett came from Dekalb. So before you go ranting about that do some digging and understand that there is much more to performance on the field than just the players and the coaching. If Lowndes was in Dekalb county they would not have as much success as they have…none of the south ga schools or any of the other school is 2 school counties or 1 horse towns would. The amount of talent in the Dekalb County schools is by far the best collection of any county in the state and WE ALL KNOW IT. There was only one team that sent more players to college last year then MLK, and that was Camden County. If your only measure of success is state championships then so beit, but the programs I support are those working to help there kids get to the next level period. The state championship is a great goal, and I will take nothing away from thos who have them, but once again put all your opinions and criticism in perspective. All those that are true followers of Ga hs football know where all the talent is and they also know what is lacking. When a talent pool is diluted like it is in Dekalb County, you are going to have good but not great teams. I will leave you with this…speaking from my personal experience, if you put Dekalb talent with Gwinnett facilities and resources…there would be very few State titles won outside of Dekalb County….BTW MLK beat Valdosta and Peach County in the playoffs, so do totally discount there ability to compete with the “small town” powerhouses…it can be done….and it will eventually. Lets just let it play out and try to speak what we know!!!!!!!!
K
September 9th, 2009
11:45 pm
Raider from the Start – You are right about what I don’t know. I am happy to see that you guys are getting it turned around up there. That region seems to be pretty competitive so good luck! I think we destroyed the North Cobb qb’s confidence so let me know how he looks when you play him. My original comments were in response to the other guy saying that he know that EP is better than MLK? How does he know and what is his basis? Why not say that you are better then some of the teams above MLK in the rankings….I am just saying unless ypu have seen MLK play against your team, then you can’t make the statement that you already knew you were better. How many Ryan Ayers type players do the EP Raiders have on their team? MLK has about 6 or 7! I am not saying that we are better…I am just saying that unless we play neither team can make that claim. Maybe we can look at common opponents…we put up 49 on North Cobb, so that means EP needs to match that number or at least the margin of victory to even have a friendly debate…preasure on! Once again good luck on your season!
rwdekalbfan
September 10th, 2009
7:53 am
The computer rankings are interesting but as stated they dont take into consideration the human factor such as key players being out with injuries during key games. And on the high school level it certainly does not carry as much weight as on collegiate level. I have also noticed when certain teams that have never played each other meet in the playoffs that computer can’t really predict how some supposedly favored to win team can’t match the team speed of the supposed inferior team. I watched a game last week where a quarterback was having a great passing game until he got creamed by a linebacker, after that he could not hit the side of a barn. These are high school kids and I dont believe the computer rankings mean that much on this level without the human factor added.
steve
September 10th, 2009
8:21 am
mlk is the most overated team in the state of georgia………………period…………… let dem come to AAAA where they will acutatally play some good teams
joeinformed
September 10th, 2009
8:25 am
I am a STEPHENSON fan and like k said you cant say who would beat who unless you play them. Stephenson has beat some very good teams over the years from parkveiw to south.ga teams and have lost to them to not because of the teams being better but not being prepared for the team they were facing…talent wise Stephenson and a few other teams in dekalb (like MLK) could beat anybody in the state WITH THE RIGHT GAME PLAN…most of time our kids are not outplayed in the big game but out coached when it comes to the X’s and O’s of the game and another problem being giving up when we think things our not going the way we want them to which also goes back to coaching and being able to refocus on the task at hand and just not hoping talent will win us a state title…but when polls are made it…it is made on the fact of the talent and what they think you can do with it for that year and on the season you had the year before..and being that stephenson has not lost more than 3 games in the past 7 to 10 years always go to the playoffs and always has one of the most talented and recruited teams in the state each year that’s why we are always ranked high but i dont think ranking mean anything its how you play on that field…i just hate when people hate on dekalb and evn more Stephenson…but i like it to because we are always being talked about so that means we are doing something right…O YEAH CHECK US OUT ON ESPN WHEN WE PLAY MLK ANOTHER DEKALB CO. SCHOOL…..OCT.16 I THINK….AND WHO THE HELL IS EP I NEVER HEARD OF YALL….! GO JAGS..WHAT IT IS MLK… NOTHING BUT LOVE YALL NO THAT.. UNTIL WE SEE YALL ON THE FIELD BUT YALL NO HOW THAT GO..DEKALB CO.LOVE
wolverine fan
September 10th, 2009
8:47 am
Joeinformed…….you make no sense…not being prepared means that the prepared team WAS better. You have never heard of East Paulding, maybe you should do some reading and learn a lttle bit about the area.
SouthGARules
September 10th, 2009
8:50 am
K: So, are you telling me that Stephenson’s failures in the playoffs are because of their facilities? I know there is a great disparity between Dekalb & Gwinnett HS facilities. I know Dekalb, like Clayton, has stadiums that are shared by different schools. I agree with you that Gwinnett coaches came from Dekalb (Cecil Flowe, Dave Hunter, T McFerrin, the Maloof brothers). I have never said that Dekalb doesn’t turn out tremendous talent. My question is with Stephenson. How come with all the talent they have produced they have usually exited early from the playoffs? Not trying to stir it up but just curious.
steve
September 10th, 2009
9:26 am
that makes no since about stephenson because last year tucker won state and what did we have last year we was rebuilding and still are and we had nothing
coach ej
September 10th, 2009
10:04 am
ok i am a fan of MLK and all the other aps in the city. now this overrated thing is stupid. i just cant stand how southga fans(lowndes) think they all that. now this yr i feel gud about mlk and stephenson. all we have to do is get the coaching staff together and get the players ready for these other schools. schools outside of dekalb/aps have gud coaches. i give them that but mlk and stephenson have the talent. always did. they are not overrated. this is a new yr and we all will see who will come out on top. i believe this is the yr for mlk and stephenson. so lions/ jaguars lets get it done and show these fools what dekalb has to offer in 5A.
ballboy
September 10th, 2009
10:04 am
Define success. Is it on the field and class? If so, look at the track record of MLK and Stephenson. They have done a WONDERFUL taking our young men to the next level. Considering we do not receive sponsors like other counties. We also have to share talent pool than most counties in the state.
joeinformed
September 10th, 2009
10:05 am
wolverine fan- you must have never played the game before because what you just said was stupid….coaches make the game plan or prepare the kids for team that going to play! The kids dont make up the game plan for them self’s if so then what would be need for coaches smart guy… SO knowing that even tho we may have the better team player to player wise if the teams knows what you are going to do and has the game plan to stop it then you will loose point blank..football like any other sport has a game plan to win the game and that’s where coaching comes in and plays a big part to who wins and looses on friday night. so im done with you…because you no football…AND I DONT KNOW WHAT A EP IS? ARE YALL RANKED….WON STATE…HAVE ANY D-1 PLAYERS I SHOULD NO ABOUT…I MEAN WHAT SHOULD I KNOW EP FOR…WHAT HAVE THEY DONE…INFORM ME!!!
wolverine fan
September 10th, 2009
10:10 am
joeinformed..get an education.
Crash001
September 10th, 2009
10:15 am
SouthGARules – Why asked a question that you know the answer to. Stephenson problem in my opinion is coaching; I can’t use the facilities as an excuse. I think the computer rating is not fair, but is life fair? How could Collins Hill, East Paulding, Woodstock and some of the other teams be ranked higher? This year team has more talent than the classes of 02, 03, 04, 06 had, which all of those teams if coached properly, had a chance at a state title. The question is can the coaching staff put it together. On the positive side the administration and coaches over there does good in allowing universities in to evaluate the kids for scholarships.
joeinformed
September 10th, 2009
10:24 am
wolverine fan- WHAT ARE GETTING MAD FOR LOL….CAN ANSWER MY QUESTION? I GUESS NOT BECAUSE EP IS ANYBODY TO TALK ABOUT AND YOU THAT…SO WHEN YOU GET SOME INFO ON THEM GET AT ME….AND I WILL GET MY EDUCATION THAT’S WHY I’M IN SCHOOL NOW!!BUT THANKS ANYWAY!!
H.S. FOOTBALL FAN
September 10th, 2009
10:27 am
I am a suppoter of Dekalb football and a HUGE fan and suppoterof Stephenson Jaguar Football!! But,we at Stephenson have a LOT to PROVE! I believe Gartrell and staff may be in the hot seat. Here’s why and this is my opinion. Although Stephenson is still considered a young program..we’ve seen more talent in 13 short years than most schools who have been around 20 to 30 plus! Anyone who is truly apart of the Stephenson community knows the community is divided when it comes to whats going on with the coaching. There are supporters of Gartrell but there is another half thats ready for him to prove himself. Stephenson has had EARLY playoffs exits the past couple seasons and the fans and supporters have been VERY DISSAPOINTED. At the Stephenson games..you hear from the fans in the stands..”What the hell is going on?!” “Come on Gartrell!” After last years heart breaking loss to CoffeeI even heard a band parent say “Gartrell gotta go” I’m not here to bash Gartrell buecause I have nothing but love for him..but this is the reality of whats beeing said and whats going on..In our region Stephenson’s talent alone can beat teams..This year our first REAL test will be Ware County. Other than that the only REAL test Stephenson will have is against MLK on Oct 16 for the ESPN televised game..The coaches have to step it up! Looking at the playoff bracket we are on a collision course with LOWNDES IF we make it that far. With 16 d-1’s on this team,and the horses we have, we match up well enough to beat Lowndes! BUT, it’s gonna come down to how well the coaches prepare Stephenson. From what i’ve seen,this years Stephenson team is a good as the squad that had Kelvin Shepard, Marcus Ball,etc..Like I said there are 16 D-1’s..If Gartrell does not get to the semi’s or better there might be some changes at Stephenson..
allcrimson
September 10th, 2009
10:43 am
Dekalb footbal = no coaching
Crash001
September 10th, 2009
10:51 am
AllCrimson – Tucker is a part of DeKalb Football. Also, Marist and St Pius are in DeKalb but are private schools. There are schools in Gwinnett and other metro counties that have poor coaching too.
wolverine fan
September 10th, 2009
10:52 am
joeinformed………First off I am from Woodstock…hence the name Wolverine Fan. EP along with Woodstock play in the toughest region in AAAAA.
jtoocool
September 10th, 2009
10:57 am
mack brown (mlk) beast, tucker tigers beast(state champs, and have been to the dome las 3 years)marist swd and tucker all teams from the same region in the 2nd round of the playoffs knockn everyone off in sight. dekalb gives off the states best talent. and your stupid if you dont know that (and thats not mentiong all of the other great teams in dekalb)
K
September 10th, 2009
11:06 am
SouthGARules – 1st off let me be very clear in saying that I am a MLK supporter! Now I am also a high school sports junkie. I didn’t say that facilities are why we have not won a State Championship, because that is all we can be talking about. You said that Gwinnett football and South Ga football was superior to Dekalb. I contend that is not 100% true. I also pointed out the talent pool along with facilities…and my point was this: you chose to use Peachtree Ridge as a measuring stick. I remember when they were a doormat…but I digress, I was pointing out to you that Ballard left Tucker(in Dekalb) and perennial contender to go to PR not because of the talent and community support, but because of the resources and facilities…field houses, dedicated weight rooms, 6 figure booster clubs, 10,000 on campus stadiums…these things all make a difference and it is evident. He even went as far as to change PR uniforms to look like Tuckers….so don’t just dismiss what I am saying to you. You SouthGARules, are basking in the glow of your recent success, and that is fine…but it took Lowndes 14 season to win there 1st title and 19 more to win the 2nd, so why do you expect teams with less resources and community support to do it faster? Last I checked the last years state champs broke down to be 3 north GA, 1 South GA, and 1 Costal GA…get them boys out of their own backyard and they become human just like everybody else!!!!! It is great to debate, but I can’t talk to ignorant folks, there is just way too much factual information available. Good Luck on your season!
joeinformed
September 10th, 2009
11:16 am
wolverine fan – so why are talking about EP like that’s your team??? you still have not told me what they done because you must have something the way you backing them!!! so what has Woodstock done tell me that… who have they beatin that made some people turn there heads and say man there goes them Woodstock boys…im mean really i have alot of things that i can say about my school that you and the haters already no…so just stop because Woodstock or EP are NOT worth talking about thank you!!!
wolverine fan
September 10th, 2009
11:33 am
joeinformed..I have no clue how you thought EP was my team. Woodstock by the way had a stellar year last year. Beat EP last came of the year as big underdogs, Beat Walton in playoffs as big underdogs, Beat Norcross in playoffs as big undersdogs. Lost to Camden County after a 6 hour bus ride by 1 point…..
joeinformed
September 10th, 2009
11:48 am
OK GOOD JOB…NOW DO IT AGIN AND THEN WE CAN TALK ABOUT WOODSTOCK…ONE SEASON DON’T PUT YO NAME ON THE MAP…IT’S DOING IT EVERY YEAR…
phoenix falcon
September 10th, 2009
11:49 am
who the hell cares, IT’S HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.
carlos
September 10th, 2009
11:49 am
Stephenson ain’t got no 16 D1 players on their team- you have got to be kidding.
Yo
September 10th, 2009
11:51 am
K how much sooner might it have taken Lowndes to get into the playoffs and how much more might they have been in the playoffs if they were playing in a Decalb region instead of region 1AAAAA? You make a lot of good points, but you choose to only use the history that meets your goals. Take all of history into account. How about the years prior to last years state champs? Why just choose one year? Maybe because some of your agrument (to choose your wording) is ignorant and you know it.
GAME TIME
September 10th, 2009
12:23 pm
THE PROBLEM AT STEPHENSON IS COMMUNITY SUPPORT.AT STEPHENSON THE COUNTY ONLY PAYS 4 COACHES, BUT YOU MIGHT HAVE 12 ON THE STAFF.LOOK AT REGGIE BALL , HE WHAT MAKE STEPHENSON DURING THE OFFSEASON WITH STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING BUT DO YOU THINK THE COMMUNITY CARE ABOUT THAT HELL NA. LOOK AT COACH COREY, HE THIS YEAR HAS BEEN WORKING HARD WITH RECRUITING , DO YOU THINK COMMUNITY CARES HELL NA. HELL AT STEPHENSON THEY DON’T EVEN HAVE LIGHTS ON THEIR PRACTICE FIELD. DO YOU THINK COMMUNITY HAVE TRIED TO RAISE MONEY TO PUT SOME OUT THERE HELL NA. LOOK AT THE FOOTBALL FIELD, DO YOU THINK COMMUNITY DONATED ANYTHING SO THE PLAYERS COULD HAVE GRASS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD HELL NA. ALL THEY DO AT STEPHENSON IS COMPLAIN. KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO YOURSELF, WHEN YOU DON’T PUT NO TIME AND ENERGY BACK INTO THE PROGRAM. STEPHENSON NEEDS PARENTS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT. WE NEED BIG TIME SPONSOR FROM THE COMMUNITY. WE NEED A BOOSTER CLUB THAT HAS A 6 FIGURE BUDGET LIKE PARKVIEW, HARRISON, PEACHTREE RIDGE, BROOKWOOD, NOCROSS, ROSWELL AND SO ON. SO QUIT BLAMING GARTRELL AND BUCK FOR EVERYTHING AND DO YOUR PART IN THE COMMUNITY. HELL WHEN THE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM WON STATE DO YOU THINK THE COMMUNITY DID ANYTHING HELL NA. DO YOU THINK THEY DID ANYTHING FOR THE COACHES AND GIRLS HELL NA. PART OF PROBLEM IS COACHING BUT THE COMMUNITY AND PLAYERS HAS TO DO THEIR PART TOO.
SportsFan31313
September 10th, 2009
12:35 pm
I don’t agree with the entire ranking in Class AAAAA. There should have been more South Georgia teams in there. Why is McEachern in there?
carlos
September 10th, 2009
1:16 pm
Which South Georgia teams, SportsFan? There just are not many teams south of the gnat line. Do you sincerely see anyone worthy from Region 3, besides Camden? Except for them, that region has laid an egg in the first round every season for the past several. Who do you see missing from Region 1- maybe Valdosta? Surely not Coffee or Tift…and Moultrie has got to show me a heap more before I would consider them a top team. Outside of those, what the heck could your argument be for “there should have been more South Georgia teams in there?”
RealisticEP_Fan
September 10th, 2009
1:19 pm
Wow lots of passion……love it.
joeinformed – what is and EP,,,,,,,,,,hmmmmm “not to informed I guess”
K – I will say right off that I know nothing about MLK other then looking at there record, past and present and what I read on the blogs. I’m interested in facts and an insightful objective assessment of MLK would be great. Keep the BS to a minimum please.
Also as a note: Ryan Ayers, is a SOUTH Paulding DB who is committed to Georgia Tech. Another Paulding country athlete you might put in that category is Chris Conley from NORTH Paulding (Jr, WR).
But if you are asking how many athletes that EAST Paulding has that are of the type of Ryan Ayers,,,,,I’d say I really don’t know. I do know that the past few couple of times that EP has played a big name recruit (aka, Lott(UGA) from North Cobb, or Garrion Smith from Douglass), that they were both taken completely out of the game by our Offensive line, last year and this. East has NOT fair as well stopping some notable running backs in recent playoff games (ie, White Buffalo from Marist, D-Train Smiley from TCC, or even Toney Williams from Milton(Ark).
What does it all mean not much other then EP prides itself on playing a very hard nosed team oriented game and there are few stars on the roster, yet alot of kids that are willing to sacrafice for the greater good. IF MLK has 6 or 7 of rated/recruited athletes that is great for them and would pose a supreme challenge for EP……….But it is a challenge that those boys, their coaches and all of RaiderNation would welcome. Best of Luck, maybe we’ll play one day.
SouthGARules
September 10th, 2009
1:44 pm
I define success as winning state titles. Getting scholarships is an INDIVIDUAL success. There is NO I in team.
GAME TIME: Thanks for your insight into the Stephenson community.
K;: I would suggest you not refer to me as ignorant. Just because I do not agree with you, that does not make me ignorant. BTW, 2 of the North GA programs were from Gwinnett.
K
September 10th, 2009
1:46 pm
Yo-”Take all of history into account. How about the years prior to last years state champs? Why just choose one year?”
I really don’t understand your point, and apparently you don’t understand mine. So let me break it down a little better. I was not referring to playing in that region, because it is not a Dekalb region, I was referring to hypothetically placing Lowndes or any other “top team” in Dekalb county. The talent pool would be diluted(see SWD), your resources would be limited and your community support would not be as strong! Dude I am way too versed and resourceful to enter into useless banter with you. I wasn’t even talking to you…which is probably why you didn’t understand my post. I was not attacking any team in particular, but used the teams that I did for specific reasons. I am not arguing who is better, because at the end of the day I like to see kids go to the next level and get an education. If you only care about HS bragging rights(Al Bundy), I can tell you that playground legends don’t live forever and they usually die broke on that same playground…so argue all you want, but I am going to see the kids I support when they are in college bettering themselves and football is paying for it.
K
September 10th, 2009
2:12 pm
SouthGARules – Ignorant is not a derogatory word, it means not knowing. There are clearly somethings that you don’t know. That is fine, but you speak as if you are an authority and its all opinion. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but please don’t put down hard working kids! Furthermore, if you don’t think each and every kid that puts the hard work and dedication into every football season deserve an opportunity to further their education and football career at some level, if so desired,then I really can’t talk to you. Winning is great, but there are only 5 State Champs, to consider the rest of the teams that compete inferior or losers, then your perspective is not one that I can share. BTW the 2 teams from Gwinnett have a great mix of coaching, talent, resources, and facilities…my point from the beginning!
Decatur 4 Life
September 10th, 2009
2:39 pm
SouthGARules
How long has AAAAA been in exsistence? It amazing that you talk about championships won in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s by teams in S. Georgia but don’t give Quincy Carter credit for winning the highest classification in 95. Going through the same WR team I been hearing a lot about in 95 and nearly Valdosta the year before. It did take overtime and a phantom holding penalty during the kickoff return run back to end the game. Since GHSA started AAAAA, you’re right we haven’t had a championship in Dekalb but when we did why is it not valid.
SouthGARules
September 10th, 2009
2:39 pm
K: Get off your high horse. I am not putting down hard working kids. More power to the kids that get scholarships. At least it takes the financial burden off of the parents. You miss the point entirely. This blog is about a computer saying that Stephenson & MLK are overrated due to their playoff struggles. If you do not agree that Stephenson & MLK have had issues in the playoffs, then so be it. Win a state title or at least make the finals. Then, they may not be overrated. Good day.
SouthGARules
September 10th, 2009
2:43 pm
Decatur 4 life: Read my post from 9/9 @ 5:02. I did give SWD & Tucker credit. This blog is about MLK & Stephenson.
joeinformed
September 10th, 2009
3:32 pm
RealisticEP_Fan- i was gone say something to you but i realize that EP is not even the topic of this conversation or any other on the ajc blogs…so can say what you want because know one cares!!! Im tired of teams and there fans trying to take shine from the real issue at hand…do it like Stephenson and MLK did earn it on the field…weather you like one of those two teams or hate them there most be something you like ABOUT them to have all these opinions about them…to no they are overrated you must have come to see them play or want to and heard about them…because there’s no way im getting on a blog to talk about teams i don’t no about!! jsut somtehing to think about!!
joeinformed
September 10th, 2009
3:55 pm
SouthGARules – so you making it to the playoffs don’t mean anything…? Stephenson and MLK make it to the playoffs every year sometimes they get put out before they should doesn’t make them overrated it makes them not focused not unprepared and many times looking past the team that they are playing and looking forward to teams that won’t come til later on not knowing that the team that they are suppose to beat up on wants to get as far as they can because they may not be able to go to the playoffs next year..or not be able to go play at a higher level after the season is over like many of the kids from those teams…and when kids get offers from d-1 school it is not just and personal success its a team success because how do you think those kids got there it took there coaches and there teammates to help them they just didnt do it by them self’s…but you should know that tho… you may ask how?? well the coaches train them up and there teammates push them on the field so that when they get to the game they are prepared to show there talents..ask any coach
SportsFan31313
September 10th, 2009
4:49 pm
Greetings Carlos,
To answer your question, and if you want to use last year’s ending results, Bradwell Institute made it to the 2nd round last year, and did Mceachern? You have Collins Hill, Roswell, North Gwinette, come on. Yes Bradwell Institute should be in there. What team do you support anyway?
SouthGARules
September 10th, 2009
4:49 pm
joeinformed: How about making some sense.
Yo
September 10th, 2009
5:09 pm
Now Game Time has simply hit the nail on the head.
Yo
September 10th, 2009
5:15 pm
So K why does Gwinnett have all of these things and Decatur doesn’t?
Are you part of the community that Game Time says is the problem? Quit crying, blaming, thinking the grass is greener on the other side and change things. That my friend would be the “BEST” education you could teach your kids and better than any so called free education they might get in the future.
Will Jones II
September 10th, 2009
8:33 pm
Southgarules-
Did you know that the same Rod Perrymond the great RB out of Dunwoody is in his 2nd year as head coach at Forest Park high . His brother Larry Perrymond is the off. coordinator they helped a couple of guys get scholarships last year the first The Park have had in a few years . Coach Perrymond has put together a great team of coaches to coach up the boys. The best coaching they have had in a while.
K
September 10th, 2009
8:45 pm
SouthGARules- I know what the blog is about. I made a really simple statement earlier, but you or someone else decided to make the declaration about Gwinnett and South GA have the best teams. I am not on a high horse just very knowledgeable about both sides because I have been a parent on both sides.
Yo – There is no crying going on! Don’t talk about things that you know nothing about. For your information I have been on both sides and the grass is greener when it comes to the things that I mentioned. I have been a parent in three separate counties in Metro Atl. I have seen it all, good coaches, bad coaches, politics, strong boosters clubs, weak boosters clubs, etc…once again my initial comments were in response to something introduced by another blogger. You can pretend like you are naive to what I am saying and call me what you may, but you know exactly what I am talking about, or maybe you don’t because you haven’t lived it!
Yo
September 10th, 2009
10:18 pm
K-Humble sort aren’t you.
Yo
September 10th, 2009
10:19 pm
K-One day even God will know as much as you about everything.
K
September 10th, 2009
11:26 pm
Yo – At least you recognized it…my humility, that is! I do draw the line at GOD. I will humbly bow down in he presence of the LORD!
HoyaFan
September 11th, 2009
1:53 am
“Also Any Computer that would rank Harrison or any team that Harrison plays close this year anywhere near the top 20 is Bias. Harrison has the worst team I have ever seen at Harrison.”
_________________________________________________________________________
But I bet we look darn good when we play East Paulding!
MLK Lions Fan
September 11th, 2009
12:46 pm
WOW! Overrated??? We will see. In the meantime, check out 2 Fabulous (Overrated
South DeKalb teams compete on ESPN on 10/16/09. And if you still need more, check us out at http://www.mlklionsfootball.com.
GO MLK LIONS!!!
EagleNationRising
September 11th, 2009
10:13 pm
Everyone knows that local metro Atlanta programs are GROSSLY overrated. That includes Martin Luther King, Stephenson, Peachtree Ridge, and Grayson.
Dekalbthebest
September 12th, 2009
5:37 pm
All the fuss over the best football county or school in Georgia. Play ball and have fun, prepare the kids for their next level. Isn’t that’s why they go to school? Correct me if I’m wrong (you may check official state docs) but a football team from Dekalb County has won a state championship in at least one of the classifications every single year from 1940 to 2008, Dekalb sends more athletes to college on scholarship every year probably more than all you others so call great championship teams combined. The Dekalb athletes have preformed in MLB, NFL, and brought home the GOLD in the Olympics. Over rated maybe, under appreciated never.
d-mann
September 13th, 2009
2:24 pm
stephenson and mlk would not be on espn if they was overated
ROBERT
September 13th, 2009
9:51 pm
CLARKE CENTRAL SHOULD BE IN THE RANKINGS.
BIG3
September 14th, 2009
2:51 am
The MLK football team has been to the state playoffs every year since it has been a full high school, compiling a remarkable 66-21 record over 7 years, which is the best record in Georgia football history for a high school in its first 7 years of existence.
BANG BANG
September 14th, 2009
5:14 am
whoever the nut that says STEPHENSON is overated do in your power to get game with best 5A team in this state we will bury them i wonder why all Div 1 scouits are on the sidelines on a regular basis lately its a a very big disrespect and these MEN will MAKE everybody pay. We are the men because God said we are. Bring it dont sing it
Dekalb CO.
September 14th, 2009
3:17 pm
GAME TIME you rock dude.SE Dekalb Co schools as a whole get almost no community support , where the foreclosure rate is at the top of all Dekalb CO. Look at Stone MTN/Lithonia as a whole, the community has gone to hell or to South Gwinnett CO. Lack of money and community support effects the two areas immensely and has for years. But Stephenson and MLK are constantly among the best teams in AAAAA,and continue to dominate region 2AAAAA. Who cares about a computer anyway? We will continue to prove it on the field.