Georgia High School Football Daily Spotlight: Critiquing the Ga. Sportswriters Association rankings (and ours, too)
The Georgia Sportswriters Association rankings are out. They’re not much different than our GHSF Daily rankings, but we thought it would be fun to critique their work, and perhaps our own as well.
We’ve selected five teams that should be higher, and five that should be lower:
Move ‘em up
Brooks County: Brooks made the Class AA semifinals last season and lost to Calhoun 38-35. This season, Brooks has beaten Class AAAAA Tift County 27-7. Brooks has a star player in Keith Christopher, who could break 1,500 yards rushing. Where would one expect such a team to be ranked? Eighth? Doesn’t seem right. We admit we have Brooks only seventh. We’re going to deliberate more on that.
East Paulding: The Raiders finished in the Top 10 of Class AAAAA last season and are 2-0, with a victory over Rome, a former ranked team in AAAA. Further, East Paulding defeated McEachern a year ago. Should McEachern be the team on the outside until it avenges that loss to East Paulding? We won’t go that far, but East should be the first team in line to be ranked next week, if it wins.
LaGrange: LaGrange reached the semifinals last year and is averaging about 12 wins a season this decade. Should we keep LaGrange out of the rankings just because the Grangers lost to the No. 7 team in Class AAAAA? The GSWA did. Does anyone really think LaGrange isn’t a Top 10 team? Because it lost to Newnan?
Mount Zion: This Clayton County school reached the quarterfinals a year ago, losing to Marist 33-32. This season, Mount Zion has beaten Shiloh 40-10 (after losing to Shiloh last season) and Forest Park 65-6 (after winning only 15-14 last season). That walks and talks like a top-10 team. But it’s not in the GSWA.
Newnan: No one has scored on Newnan’s defense. Save for LaGrange, a Class AAA school, there hasn’t been great competition yet, and perhaps there won’t be a true measure of Newnan until the playoffs. But this defense is perhaps better than a year ago, when Newnan went 13-1. Plus, Newnan might have the best player in the state in Alec Ogletree, a safety. Yet Newnan is only No. 7.
Move ‘em down
Bainbridge: It’s too soon. Bainbridge was 6-4 last season. It has a great coach. But it’s too soon. Bainbridge also was undefeated at this time last season. OK, we know Bainbridge didn’t play Cairo last year and beat Cairo this year, but the Bearcats don’t need to be No. 6 in Class AAAA. We’ve got them No. 9 and worry that this is still too high.
Jefferson: T. McFerrin likes to read our newsletter, and we’re trying to help him by giving him something to post on his bulletin board. The Dragons and Darius Minor are streaking toward another 10-0 regular season, but we still won’t know how good they are. Jefferson shouldn’t be ranked higher than No. 9 or No. 10 until it beats a team that will win a playoff game. Last year, that didn’t happen. Jefferson has not finished with a Top 10 ranking in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution since 1977. The GSWA gave the Dragons the No. 10 spot last season. Truth is, mainstream Georgia high school football fans don’t believe Jefferson would beat Charlton County, Dublin, Thomasville and the like, all teams ranked below.
Statesboro: Statesboro lost 35-17 to a good Class AAA team (Burke County) and stayed in the GSWA rankings while Marist lost 28-3 to a good AAA team (St. Pius) and can’t get a single vote. Marist finished higher than Statesboro last season, started higher than Statesboro this season and returned more starters. Further, Marist just beat no-slouch Chamblee 40-0. GHSF Daily doesn’t have Marist in its Top 10 either, but neither does it have Statesboro.
Stephenson: Don’t get us wrong. Stephenson is loaded. Or so we hear, and we don’t doubt it. GHSF Daily has Stephenson No. 5, and the GSWA has Stephenson No. 4. Unproven is the word we’re looking for. The Jags have shut out a pair of weak teams and also apparently shut out Tucker in a scrimmage. OK, but No. 4 in Class AAAAA is pretty high for a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2006. That’s why Northside of Warner Robins jumped the Jags this week to No. 4 in the GHSF Daily poll.
Valdosta: Same as Stephenson. By all accounts, Valdosta is better this season. But if you’re looking for an undefeated team to rank at No. 10, would you pick Valdosta, which was 5-5 last season and has not faced a real good team yet, or would you pick East Paulding or Walton, teams that were better than Valdosta last season and have beaten ranked teams this season?
The GSWA rankings, with team, first-place votes in parentheses, record, points in the poll and last week’s ranking:
Class AAAAA
1. Lowndes (11) 3-0 119 1
2. Grayson (1) 3-0 109 2
3. North Gwinnett 3-0 90 3
4. Stephenson 2-0 75 4
5. Northside, Warner Robins 2-0 70 7
6. M.L. King 3-0 65 6
7. Newnan 3-0 46 8
8. McEachern 3-0 26
8. Peachtree Ridge 2-1 26 9
10. Camden County 1-2 14 5
(tie) Valdosta 3-0 14
Others receiving votes: East Coweta 4, South Gwinnett 4, Lassiter 3, Woodstock 2, Walton 1, East Paulding 1
Class AAAA
1. Tucker (12) 3-0 120 1
2. Griffin 3-0 103 2
3. Westside, Macon 3-0 95 3
4. Hillgrove 3-0 80 6
5. Southwest DeKalb 2-1 74 5
6. Bainbridge 3-0 49 8
7. Sandy Creek 2-1 42 7
8. North Clayton 3-0 38 9
9. Clarke Central 3-0 27
10. Statesboro 2-1 8 4
Others receiving votes: Brunswick 7, Apalachee 5, Mount Zion 5, Richmond Academy 3, Hardaway 2, Mays 1, Dalton 1
Class AAA
1. Gainesville (12) 3-0 120 2
2. Peach County 3-0 101 4
3. Carver, Columbus 2-1 96 1
4. St. Pius 3-0 72 6
5. Washington County 3-0 57 7
6. Carrollton 3-0 54 8
7. Creekview 3-0 30
8. Flowery Branch 2-1 27 3
(tie) Burke County 3-0 27
10. Jackson 3-0 24 9
Others receiving votes: Baldwin 19, LaGrange 18, Washington 7, LaFayette 5, Monroe 3
Class AA
1. Calhoun (9) 3-0 116 2
2. Fitzgerald (1) 3-0 101 3
3. Lovett (2) 3-0 100 6
4. Jefferson County 3-0 77 4
5. Buford 2-1 75 1
6. Pepperell 3-0 63 5
7. Jefferson 3-0 44 7
8. Brooks County 2-0 42 8
9. Charlton County 2-0-1 22 9
10. Dublin 2-0 8
Others receiving votes: Blessed Trinity 4, Chattooga 3, Swainsboro 2, Greater Atlanta Christian 1, Thomasville 1, North Oconee 1
Class A
1. Wesleyan (13) 3-0 130 1
2. Wilkinson County 3-0 116 3
3. Lincoln County 3-0 99 4
4. Savannah Christian 3-0 89 5
5. Wilcox County 2-1 78 2
6. Johnson County 3-0 68 6
7. Bowdon 3-0 51 7
8. Chattahoochee County 3-0 39 8
9. Treutlen 3-0 16
10. Emanuel County Institute 2-1 8 10
(tie) Twiggs County 2-1 8
Others receiving votes: Washington-Wilkes 3, Seminole County 2, Warren County 2, Holy Innocents’ 2, Walker 1, Brookstone 1, Marion County 1, Athens Academy 1
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124 comments Add your comment
SouthGARules
September 17th, 2009
4:28 pm
Brandon Glass: You make too much sense. Rankings are just for people to argue about. Just be 1 of the top 4 teams in your region and win 5 games in a row. It does not matter your record or seed. P’Tree Ridge was a #4 seed in 2006. Collins Hill was a #3 seed in 2001 & beat Lowndes at Martin Stadium (the last time Lowndes lost a HOME playoff game) in the quarterfinals. TCC won state with a 5-5 regular season.
EagleNationRising
September 17th, 2009
4:30 pm
Todd Holcomb: I guess my point is until Northside-Warner Robins loses a football game it is a big, I mean HUGE stretch to rate two metro Atlanta teams above the Eagles. I do not know how any voter could put Grayson ahead of other top teams based upon their play this season. Beating a great Lowndes team last season should not play into voting. Camden is way down and Grayson struggled. I will be shocked if Warner Robins even makes the state playoffs. Believe it or not Warner Robins will be lucky win one game in the city of Warner Robins against their rivals Northside or even Houston County.
The great thing about Georgia is everything is settled on the field. Speaking of the field, two top five AAAAA programs are on upset alert tomorrow night. #4 Stephenson is on “Upset Alert” at a down 1-2 Ware County in the Jungle in downtown Waycross. #5 Northside-Warner Robins has to be put on “Upset Alert” playing at #10 Valdosta because Northside has NEVER beaten Valdosta at Valdosta.
Take notes Todd and the AJC high school staff. Objectivity is not difficult. We know Todd likes to play the “homer” role to sell papers and overhyping these mediocre Atlanta programs.
drock09
September 17th, 2009
5:19 pm
Reeze we reloaded. You should see the 9h grade team. Wow. To newnan cougar fan I don’t see teams like grayson or. Nswr scoring on newnan so they couldn’t beat newnan. Lagrange not being ranked is a joke.
slalom1
September 17th, 2009
5:44 pm
E. Paulding and Stephenson, Every year it is the same story: “Fire the Cannon”.
“You otta see our D-1 talent. “NOBODY can match the talent of Stephenson”. Yet at year’s end, it is STILL the same story. E. Paulding and Stephenson lose in Round 1, 2 or 3. That is just a fact. Until you guys have something to really brag about, why not just shut up and spare everyone the boredom.
Pops
September 17th, 2009
5:57 pm
Slalom1 – The Cannon is actually pretty cool, and a lot louder then it looks. The pirate ship at EP is somewhat comical, much like most of the EP posters.I am not an EP fan, but do enjoy it. I guess you would rather read Eagle Nation Rising ’s albeit, well informed dissertations? Boring!
slalom1
September 17th, 2009
5:58 pm
REEZE, I agree with everything you have posted with the exception of Newnan. I have watched some great GHS football teams in my life, but none better on defense than 2009 Newnan. They remind me a lot of 2007 Northside. As for the loss of 11 starters on offense, trust me on this. The 11 players they have in 2009 are much more talented than in 2008. Less experienced, but more talented.The 2008 loss to Camden County was legit. Camden was the better team that night, especially on offense. Alan Bonner was great, but the Ransby kid reminds me of Greg Reid. He can bust a game wide open at any time. Throw in the Ogletree brothers. Both are fabulous. As for Grayson, by play-off time, I like Newnan’s chances. As a matter of fact, I believe Newnan’s defense could shut down Grayson NOW. Lowndes may be a different story, NOW. But as the season progresses the Newnan offense should be a force to reckon with. Having Shaq play for Northside? Give me a break! lol.
slalom1
September 17th, 2009
6:05 pm
POPS, I hear you. For some reason 2009 seems to have much less substance and much more chest bumping. I am just a little bit weary of the smack talk.
R.W. Gweed
September 17th, 2009
6:15 pm
Response to Jackson comments: Jackson advanced to the second round of the playoffs in 2006 before losing to a loaded Carver-Columbus team on a last second field-goal. Carver-Columbus made it to the semifinals that year and won the state championship the next year. A few years before that Jackson made it to the semifinals in the dome where they lost a close game to a very good Fitzgerald team. If you remember, Woodward Academy (in Jackson’s region) did not go one-and-out in last year’s playoffs. They upset Washington County on the road.
atlman
September 17th, 2009
6:20 pm
I think we should have a Atlanta Metro ranking only. Play only Atl teams and crown the Georgia Champ out of metro teams.
slalom1
September 17th, 2009
6:20 pm
DROCK 09, I agree as for LaGrange not being ranked. However, I am not too bothered by rankings this time of year. Just for the record, I believe that Newnan is dramatically under rated also. Todd pointed out something to me that may have some substance. The AP reported that LaGrange lost to Stephens County by 38-28. Many sports writers may have simply looked at the score and placed their vote. Contrary to the score, the game was a LaGrange blow out. Leading by 38-7 with 5:20 to go in the 3rd quarter, LaGrange began wholesale substituting. Even Joe Mansour was out of the game when Stephens County ran back a kick off which ultimately kept the game from falling under the “mercy rule” for the 4th quarter. Stephens County scored their 21 points with their starters in the game while playing against everyone except the cheerleaders from LaGrange. Not to take away anything from the fight in the Stephens County players and coaches. They played hard and had no quit in them. From the LaGrange perspective, I can understand the philosophy of knowing the outcome of the game was obvious. Also considering the injuries from 2008 I can also understand the substitutions so early in the game which was basically decided at half time.
joeinformed
September 17th, 2009
6:27 pm
EagleNationRising- why do waste your time on such a sorry team should you be focused on your team and make sure they are what you think they are! and i am wondering what team do you support!! but all that hating you doin is really bad for your health…it’s sound to me like you might be a little scared of them in black and blue…just make sure your boys are ready when if it comes down yall playing the jags…they will be!
R.W. Gweed
September 17th, 2009
6:32 pm
Response to Jackson comment: Jackson advanced to the second round of the playoffs in 2006 where it lost to a loaded Carver-Columbus team on a last second field goal. Carver-Columbus advanced to the semifinals that year and won the state championship the next year. Woodward Academy (in Jackson’s region) upset Washington County on the road in the firat round of the playoffs last year (not one-and out). A team cannot be overlooked simply because of the schedule they play. Is Gainesville playing a hard schedule? Or what if Lowndes Co. played a much easier schedule; would they be penalized?
R.W. Gweed
September 17th, 2009
6:37 pm
I meant to include Jackson’s trip to the dome a few years back where they lost a close game to Fitzgerald in the semifinals.
Granger By Marriage
September 17th, 2009
6:49 pm
Slalom 1, thanks for that info bro. I thought I had read wrong. Then I checked the LH football website. I follow Granger football way down here in Hinesville. As the name indicates since 1986. Was in the house for 3 of the state championships. Keep blogging so I can get the skinny on the Grangers. Go Big Blue!!
slalom1
September 17th, 2009
7:17 pm
Granger By Marriage, Appreciate the kind words. Just wondering if you are at Ft. Stewart? I actually work in Hinesville 1 day every 2 months. Like you, I bleed Granger blue. Just hate it when the story of the game becomes distorted. Hope you are a member of the GHSFD. Todd and his bunch usually get it right. As for the 2009 Grangers, VERY talented team but lacking in experience in particular on defense. But as usual, the Granger coaching staff is doing a remarkable job of coaching up the young kids. If my count is correct, I believe the defense has 12 forced turnovers in just 3 games. They are young and guilty of not wrapping up tackles, but also show their athleticism with hard hits and turn overs. Other than Joe Mansour who I believe is the most amazing kicker in GHS football history, there are at least 3 other seniors who will land somewhere at the next level. #1 Josh Manning. CB,REC,RETURNER, etc. 4.35 speed. A game breaker. 5′10.5 169 lbs. #2 Jarrell Williams, DT. 6′1 275. Quick and big but needs to get meaner.#3Jamius Gunsby. QB, 6′5 229. I have followed this kid since his freshman year. Amazing athlete. 4.5 speed and a rocket for an arm. Already has an offer from Florida as well as others. hmmm….1986. Bet you remember Dechane Cameron. Close family friend. Take care my brother. I will keep you posted.
derrick
September 17th, 2009
10:28 pm
can the Trojans of Brooks Co. get some respect. GO TROJANS!!!!!!!!!!!!
derrick
September 17th, 2009
10:47 pm
They got cheated on last year. Everyone know they beat Calhoun. I mean how far in the endzone do you have to be before its a touchdown. Who do they have to beat to get the respect? kick ass Trojans.
decatur where it is greater
September 18th, 2009
12:39 am
EagleNationRising or is it eaglegaytionrising you do alot of talking but tell your athletic director/town drunk/P.E. teacher that Stephenson’s schedule opens up for the next four years after this year. Schedule us if you are feeling yourself that much. Tell your neighboring counties the same thing, but I am willing to bet your chewing tobacco and my shiny new penny that stephenson’s phone will not ring. Everyones schedule changes after this year, we would love to hear from Gwinnett, cobb, fulton but I am willing to bet that stephenson’s phone will not ring. With all our failures why won’t anyone schedule us cane we put an ad in the mason dixon gazette or the robert e lee bugle or the south will rize again early summer publication. Stop bopping your gums and come to waycross and watch another 50 points go up on the scoreboard that would be 53-0 and not 56 because we are having kicking issues.
Frank
September 18th, 2009
9:03 am
Roswell is 3-0 with 2 major victories and blow outs against a crosstown rival and a well respected team from south Georgia…And we pulled out a tough road victory against an underrated Pope team…YET Lassister gets a vote? this isnt last season folks. They barely won against Pope AT HOME, and have 2 other unimpressive wins against softer opponents… Its time to put last year behind and look at THIS SEASONS results and stats…Which Clearly prove the Roswell Hornets deserve to be near or in the top ten of Class AAAAA
keith
September 18th, 2009
10:41 am
The Grangers are a very talented team. I don’t see them facing any stiff competion until the last two games of the regular season. Carver-Columbus and Troup. Those will be two tough games.
Steve
September 19th, 2009
12:01 pm
Enter your comments here
How can Walton and Lassiter receive votes? Both of their opponents records are W4-L12 for the season.
The Grove
September 20th, 2009
6:16 am
CAN’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TIME FOR THE STEPHENSON’S AND M.L.K.’S TO PLAY A REAL TEAM IN AAAAA LIKE THE GROVE. JUST KEEP LOOKING OVER THE GROVE, WE WILL BE WAITING FOR ALL IN AAAAA, JUST KEEP OVERLOOKING US AND IN THE BLOGS THAT COME OUT AFTER WE PLAY THESE TEAMS, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT THE GROVE!!!!
Romase
October 3rd, 2009
7:48 pm
site best
Blake Ashmon
October 4th, 2009
5:14 pm
Believe it yall Stephenson High School Jaguars are a championship caliber team. So don’t take them too lightly. We are much better than those teams that depend on one or two individuals. We are a full team of all-stars.