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
MaysAlumni
September 16th, 2009
11:19 am
Here’s one you both got wrong, Benjamin E. Mays Raiders MOVE ‘EM UP!!!
Say it Aint So
September 16th, 2009
11:21 am
After this weekend, Walton should show up in the top 10. They are some what of a second half team. Playing from behind in the 2nd half of the last 2 games, they shut out their opponents on the way to comeback victories.
Ed
September 16th, 2009
11:32 am
How does Marist not even receive a vote for AAAA ranking? Yes, Marist lost to a very good St. Pius team, but it is the returning State runner-up, started the year ranked fourth, and has won its last two games big.
Lincoln County Red Devil
September 16th, 2009
12:04 pm
I know, why don’t we make it a standard that if you are a private school, offering scholarships and have the ability to recruit, you should be classified as MINIMUM AAA school. Heck, i’d go as far as to say you must compete in AAAAA.
We are talking about you Wesleyan!! Your program is destroying the greatness that is small town A Georgia High School Football. If you guys are so good, move up to a larger classification and prove it!!!!
Tony
September 16th, 2009
12:12 pm
Class AAAAA is loaded with good teams. McEachern is big, fast and aggressive. If there is a team better than them, I would like to see them play. This team has already defeated 2 top 10 teams. It’s good to see them in the top ten. East Paulding had better bring their A game if they plan to match up against McEachern this Friday.
Kyle
September 16th, 2009
12:20 pm
Roger Holmes and the Irish at number 10? This team has made it to the 3rd round or better since 2002…and the AJC has them at number 10
Grayson Student
September 16th, 2009
12:23 pm
I would say Lowndes, Grayson, Stephenson, North Gwinnett, Valdosta, and the ridge are all better than mceachern… maybe even teams who are unranked such as south gwinnett
NW Georgia fan
September 16th, 2009
12:24 pm
Thanks for noticing Chattooga County in AA. They will compete!
Joe
September 16th, 2009
12:40 pm
Mays should be moved up.
MaysHighFan
September 16th, 2009
12:44 pm
I agree with Joe Mays should be moved up atleast in the top 5 of AAAA.
Bone
September 16th, 2009
12:56 pm
Why is a 1-2 team even ranked???
Daddy Big Bucks
September 16th, 2009
1:21 pm
RECRUITING!!! – IN GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL? OMG!!
Well LC Red Devil, it had been 4 days since I heard that charge and I almost got it out of my mind. I have got to get the right mindset: if a team is good (too good), and it is a Private school, then they must have cheated with recruiting and scholarships. Same song different sport; Football, Basketball, etc etc.
Look forward to playing the Red Devils on the field – where the question of who is number one should be settled for all the divisions.
DBB
James
September 16th, 2009
1:22 pm
I don’t understand the rankings do you rank by who you think is better or by what the records are cause what I’ am seeing seems crazy. I think rankings should be by what the teams records are not by who you think is better how is a 2-1 team gets ranked over a 3-0 team that don’t make any sense.
PiHi
September 16th, 2009
1:38 pm
I think marist should be ranked even though pius ran their faces up and down the field. Marist is the kind of team that gets better and better as the season goes on, more so than any other team in the state. Back when I was at pius there was always the love triangle with pius, tucker and marist. Tucker beats marist in the 3rd game of the season, pius beats tucker in the 5th game, and Marist beats pius in the last game. Don’t under estimate them.
Wolverine2Blazer
September 16th, 2009
1:42 pm
Nah, McE is a great team. right up there with Valdosta and “the Ridge”. trust me. They’re going to be making some headlines in november.
clg003
September 16th, 2009
1:55 pm
how does creekview have a 3-0 record when they have only played 2 games?
the real Old Gold
September 16th, 2009
2:17 pm
Calhoun looks strong.. do you think this could finally be Coach Lamb’s state championship year?
vikingsrule
September 16th, 2009
2:18 pm
I grew up in Valdosta, went from kindergarten through four years of college there. I played football for Lowndes and have always looked at Valdosta as a bitter rival but one that I respected. I have been a student of the game for many years and I can tell you that Valdosta is a much better team than the one from a year ago. I predict a VHS win this friday against NSWR. I also predict for the Wildcats to end up in Mr. Holcombs top ten before the year is out. Lowndes goes 15-0 and the “cats” only lose twice, the first time to my MIGHTY VIKINGS and the second in the semifinals. Mark it down!
decatur where it is greater
September 16th, 2009
2:21 pm
Stephenson: Don’t get us wrong. Stephenson is loaded. Or so we hear, and we don’t doubt it. What is this statement suppose to mean. Mr. AJC Sports or who ever you are you dont have to rank stephenson at all. Just be ready to eat crow when we play your favorites. I want you to bet against stephenson every week and see how successful you are with your predictions.
Scott
September 16th, 2009
2:31 pm
Recruiting? Are you kidding me? If you think certain public schools do not recruit you are out of touch with reality.
Calvin
September 16th, 2009
2:33 pm
i just want to no why Newnan high school havn’t received the channnel 5 trophy yet they just don’t get no respect from the AJC
The Cannon Rules!!
September 16th, 2009
2:42 pm
AJC SPORTS…
WOW!…This is HARD to say BUT I actually AGREE with you…East Paulding should not be ranked…YET…and McEachern SHOULD NOT be kept out of the rankings…this week…because of a loss LAST year to EP but ABSOUTELY The Raiders from EAST PAULDING should be ranked once they beat McEachern this week…AT MCEACHERN…this will be a HUGE win for EAST and set the tone for the division for the rest of the year!!!
STAY TUNED…the countdown clock is ticking…64 hours AND COUNTING…TICK…TICK…TICK…BOOOOOOOOM!!!!…GO RAIDERS!!!
bubba
September 16th, 2009
2:53 pm
St. Pius X Golden Lions should be number 1, they have one of the best defense in the state bar none!
They do have the very best defensive coordinator in the South!
Objective Observer
September 16th, 2009
2:54 pm
Lincoln Fan why are you so quick to rail against recruiting? LC is one of the best at doing it. Carl Dorsey never lived in L-town but his grandmoter did. He was from Harlem. Tae Norman (R.I.P.) was from McCormick and didn’t live there either. Travis Clark not a L-town native neither was Brandon Barden who led them to two State Championships. Oh by the way, this year is Garrett Mohr. Everyone knows he is from Thomson and couldn’t get recognition at Briarwood so his dad pulled some strings and made it happen. Just don’t be too quick to judge next time.
Some Sense
September 16th, 2009
2:57 pm
To whoever “Ed” is…I gotta agree that Marist should be ranked. Not having the Big M in the top ten is like dinner without wine…o. k.., a day w/out sunshine.
To whoever PIHI is…Really unfair to disrespect a great program the way you did…”ran their faces up and down the field.”
No two coaches in the state are better than Paul S. at SPX and Alan C. at Marist. Neither, not their respective programs, deserves to ever be spoken to or about like that.
Terrible.
And now to the tired old argument about private schools recruiting and offering scholarships. Get a grip…this one’s a been there/done that. If you want to see why private schools succeed, visit one and look at the way the coaches and players simply “handle” themselves. These kids were raised to do right, and that covers a lot of ground, including how they play games.
Mike
September 16th, 2009
3:36 pm
What idiot voted for GAC!! Haven’t they given up like 180 points in 3 games.
Ryan
September 16th, 2009
3:39 pm
Roger Holmes = best coach in the state.
trey
September 16th, 2009
4:12 pm
why did ajc take their version of the rankings off the website???????????
gary
September 16th, 2009
4:18 pm
Valdosta does not deserve to be ranked at #10. They may deserve an honorable mention, but that’s all. They have beatebn 3 teams that they beat last year, by roughly the same margins and then the wheels came off. Thery are clearly outclassed by Lowndes, and many other teams. their glory years are behind them. Bazemore and Hyder are rolling over in their graves!!
VIKING DAD
September 16th, 2009
4:22 pm
Friday predictions: LOWNDES rolls over Colquitt. Northside by 10 over Valdosta.
Nick
September 16th, 2009
4:39 pm
What about Appling County they beat Charlton County last year and also beat two AAAA teams this year.
Sting 'em Buzz
September 16th, 2009
4:46 pm
Bubba, Granted it was a preseason game, but St. Pius lost that game to Gainesville this season. There is no way that they should be ranked #1.
BullDawg Rick
September 16th, 2009
4:56 pm
The “Beauty” of all this is…. The rankings do NOT matter… There is a playoffs at season end!!!
The Wolves of Buford will be a better team from losing to Lovett and win their 3rd straight & 6th State Championship this century..
dst
September 16th, 2009
5:12 pm
What about Warner Robins demons? They lost 10-0 against the #2 team(grayson) and dont even get mentioned, they play in the toughest region in the country and are 2-1 and blew out the other 2 teams!
R.W. Gweed
September 16th, 2009
5:32 pm
The AJC should take notice of Jackson’s #10 ranking in AAA by the GSWA. Also, I don’t believe Tucker or Gainesville will win it all this year. Tucker had to be the team of the year last year, especially for winning at Westside-Macon. Then they got their revenge against Marist, showing just how much they improved during the year. Gainesville has some individual superstars to be sure, but I,m not convinced they can go all the way and win the state championship (I could be wrong on this one).
RealisticEPFan
September 16th, 2009
5:39 pm
Machearn fans: Need advise on where us East Paulding fans can park and tailgate before the game?
SouthGARules
September 16th, 2009
5:50 pm
Mike: Maybe the vote for GAC is similar to college where Steve Spurrier voted Duke 25th on his ballot every week because he has a soft spot for the Blue Devils.
dst: Warner Robins opponents outside of Grayson are a combined 0-6. Houston County has a more quality win by beating Bradwell Institute, a playoff team last year.
Todd: Agree with you about Valdosta. They have not played anybody yet. I would rank EP & Walton in the top ten & drop Camden & Valdosta out.
Wolverine Fan
September 16th, 2009
5:53 pm
Speaking of parking. What is the parking like at Marietta?
PROUD MOM
September 16th, 2009
5:54 pm
DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL HAS PROGRESSED A LOT I AM VERY PROUD OF THEM STARTING OUT THE SEASON 2-0 WILL PLAY HILLGROVE ON FIRDAY @ HILLGROVE JUST WANTED TO GIVE THEM A SHOUT OUT ON DOING A GOOD JOB!
newnancougarfanCHD
September 16th, 2009
5:55 pm
Thanks for givving Newnan some recognition. They are truly an amazing team this year and could stick with any of the top schools in Georgia right now. Grayson and Lowndes are the only schools I would say would beat us if we were to play today.
TJ
September 16th, 2009
6:05 pm
Any given Friday a team can lose. Especially if your are the visiting team. Newnan is tough team and could beat big dogs at home and things just went right.
I want to see Warner Robins play a really good team in their region soon. I think they are really stout on defensive front. Do not think they will be scored on easily.
Game I am really excited about is South Gwinnett and Grayson. There is a lot of smack talk happening in Gwinnett communities. Should be a really sprited game. Hope no one gets hurt. And it is suppose to rain. Grayson will really do well then. What is rain rule for high school football? Stop games only if lightning or when kids can get hurt?
Pops
September 16th, 2009
7:44 pm
Realistic EP fan- at McCeachern you need to park in the school lot. Take the first right turn on the road before the school and left into parking lot. A couple hundred yards from staduium. This is also pretty easy access out. Cars will eventually park on the road side as well, as I know you will be bringing many “Raiders”.
Wolverine Fan – Good luck, you have to park on the street in one of the old neighborhoods and walk up. They paly at the old field. You goota love it though, great old school football atmosphere, gate right on the street,campus setting, very close to the action. Make sure you check out the restrooms under the vistor’s stands. Classic!
Valdosta Dawg
September 16th, 2009
7:59 pm
“Vikingsrule” good post, we (Valdosta) our a much improved team from last year, Coach T finally has some things working. I think we may give your beloved Vikes a run for their money, I hope so because my wife teaches at that school and I want to beat the crap out of Lowndes so I can rub it in her eye! GO CATS!
“Viking Dad” y’all will beat the Pack but hold on to your skirt Missy, we will beat Northside and then maybe Todd will think we our worthy. I will say this Todd we get the love we do because of 23 state titles, 6 national titles, and over 845 wins thats why we are 10
Go Cats and Todd lighten up on Bainbridge!.
Wolverine Fan
September 16th, 2009
8:24 pm
Thanks for the info Pops. I love the old stadiums. Cherokee has a great one also.
Pops
September 16th, 2009
8:30 pm
Wolverine Fan – Absolutely, I am looking very much forward to the Etowah game at Cherooke this week. I honestly prefer most of the road venues for getting close to the action. I like to be right up in it, and at Etowah despite the beautiful field, well kept grounds and amenities, the best seat for me is up top standing along side the fence.
cricket
September 16th, 2009
8:47 pm
for you east paulding fans on where to park, in paulding co. and walk on over, just kidding we have all kinds of room, be safe and have a great time!
Wolverine2Blazer
September 16th, 2009
9:26 pm
Personally I like Marietta’s stadium over Cherokee’s. My dad played there back in the 60’s back when Athens High was still around. Its got a feel sorta like the UGA baseball stadium cuz the people who live next to the south end-zone just walk out on their porch to watch the game. And you’ve gotta make sure your WR’s dont run through the south endzone and try to keep going cuz of the brick wall that’ll lay you out. haha
EagleNationRising
September 16th, 2009
9:59 pm
To all followers of Region 1-AAAAA football and GHSA observers: Is Friday night a must win for Valdosta head coach Tomberlin? I believe that Valdosta has at least one All-American on their roster and a myriad of All-State level players. What happens in Winnersville if the Wildcats lose at home to Northside-Warner Robins?
I believe that Tomberlin is on the hot seat. Things can only get worse for him as Valdosta fans watch Lowndes County roll year after year. A loss to Northside on Friday night signals a third place region finish for Valdosta, at best, and bad news for the Wildcats. This week’s big game hosting our beloved Eagles has to be a must-win for the Wildcats from Valdosta.
Ironically, Valdosta has only lost once to Northside ever…last season. Northside won easily 28-14.
AAAAA
September 16th, 2009
10:12 pm
if anything… stephenson is UNDERRATED!!! but we’ll see
EagleNationRising
September 16th, 2009
10:19 pm
By the way, Northside-Warner Robins trailing metro Atlanta programs, like North Gwinnett and Stephenson is a borderline sham. What has Stephenson accomplished on the football field to merit a ranking as high as 4th in the state? The same question is applicable to North Gwinnett.
After Lowndes County destroyed yet another grossly overhyped metro Atlanta program, Peachtree Ridge, the state rankings should be Lowndes County, Grayson, Northside-Warner Robins as the top three. I would add that other teams in Region 1-AAAAA like Valdosta, Warner Robins, and Colquitt County, should be ranked due to principle.
Saying that Valdosta or that Warner Robins has not played stiff competition is interesting. Who has Stephenson HS played? These guys couldn’t win a state championship game with superstars like Reggie Ball and Kregg Lumpkin. What makes anyone believe these guys can shake that giant lump lodged in the throats of practically every DeKalb County program?
the show!!
September 16th, 2009
10:19 pm
I think AAAA should be watching out for Loganville!! Great Offensive Line, 2 of the best backs in the state! Senior Storm Johnson and Junior Mykel Wyyet!!! should be Ranked in the Top 5
Rimshot
September 16th, 2009
10:31 pm
Stop the hate on Stephenson,eaglenationrising. Must you post on AJC, doesnt South Georga have a news paper?
hey
September 16th, 2009
10:33 pm
EaglesNationRising, that’s y the game is played ON THE FIELD and NOT played by HISTORY and RANKINGS, what does kregg lumpkin and reggie ball have to do with this years team?
nf raiders
September 16th, 2009
11:03 pm
we need to get more coverage on teams in the north ga region for example north forsyth who are 3-0 since their 05′ run to playoffs
Yo
September 17th, 2009
12:05 am
ENR probably 2010 is Valdosta T’s do or die year.
This year they have lots of talented juniors who will be
seniors in 2010. Expectations are pretty high at Valdosta
this year but I anticipate enormously high next year (2010).
This years edition of Valdosta/Northside should be a dandy.
Valdosta will be a better team than they were last year.
Hornet fan
September 17th, 2009
12:25 am
I think the AJC should start looking at that Hiram team.
Reeze
September 17th, 2009
12:40 am
Some of you people are comical……How can you actually get on this blog screaming about higher ranking spots and beating your chest with wins over Columbia , Mcnair , Chapel Hill , Lovejoy ,Jenkins and Windsor Forrest . You Valdosta folks should know better……Can you Newnan folks tell me how in the hell you can lose practically your entire 2008 squad to graduation and in 2009 “be a truly amazing team and could stick with any of the top teams in Georgia right now”……….You Stephenson folks , You guys still don’t get it , every year the Eagles will play a sqaud with these so called all world D-1 players,gametime comes and you never see them……You can have a backyard full of D-1 players , and if you are more concerned with 10 and 40 dash times and lack the foundations of a good team (offensive/defensive line work ,special teams ,kicking etc) you will continue to lose first rounders against the Coffee’s and E Coweta’s of the world………It’s funny, Avikingfan wanted to know ,where are the Northside folks….Even with a win against Carver ,(with 6 or 7 D-1 players) we know the jury is still out on the Eagles…… I hope You Valdosta folks don’t think that either of these 4 playoff spots in region -1 are a gimme,……….I’m gonna give Lowndes the #1 . Last season ,Northside whooped up on the Cats ,You lost to Warner Robins ,You had a shootout with Colquitt…… In 2009 ,Nothside’s defense may be as good as last years,the offense still needs a little tweaking………I think T.J is correct ,Warner Robins is good on defense ,it’s gonna be hard to move the ball against them, and the Beach game i saw is what thier offense needed to get going…..Colquitt has improved and will be in the mix and this Hoco team is as good as their 2006 squad I think….It’s gonna be a dog fight for the 2 , 3 and 4 spots . I don’t think any team will lay down this year in the region……..We will see friday how much the Cat have improved.
EagleNationRising
September 17th, 2009
3:07 am
Rimshot, I live in the middle of the city of Atlanta. Unfortunately, I have to watch the mediocre football aroud metro Atlanta, which includes Stephenson HS. The fact is very few programs in America perform worse with all of the talent that Stephenson possesses. Stephenson is the new Southwest DeKalb. That coupled with Stephenson’s horrible record against teams from South of the Gnat Line (Macon) is relevent to this conversation. Northside is a power south of the Gnat Line and I am scratching my head on how the Eagles trail Stephenson in any legitimate state poll.
The point is simple. There is no evidence to logically support ranking Stephenson over Northside-Warner Robins (or Valdosta or Warner Robins or Colquitt County or Camden County or Coffee, who beat Stephenson in the state playoffs as a 4th seed from Region 1-AAAAA last season). The only logical explanation is a gross bias towards metropolitan Atlanta schools. Stephenson would not reach the playoffs playing in Region 1-AAAAA. You are fooling yourself if you believe otherwise.
North Georgia
September 17th, 2009
4:22 am
I keep up with the southern football teams of tradition like Valdosta, Colquitt County, Lowndes County, Tift, Coffee, when it was made up just of them; but people have got to realize that 1AAAAA is very tough and Colquitt County over years has beaten the #1 Football tean (Valdosta Wildcats) when the wildcats were better than Lowndes at that time and I suppose by what I see in this team that it is not a team that you can run over; Moultrie Colquitt County Packers fell apart once they lost Jim Hughes who took them to the State in 94, and with that new Coach Pospst I think Moultrie is on the right tract of returning and is capable of defecting Lowndes as long AS THEY DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKES THEY ARE MAKING IN SOME OF THE IMPORTANT GAMES THEY PLAY; THEY HAVE GOT TO PLAY SOLID; AND IF THEY DO THEY WIN, I love to see the underdog wins games so GO PACKERS, GO PACKERS.
Atlanta Support
September 17th, 2009
4:30 am
I think that Colquitt County along with Valdosta had their times; now it is time for lowndes to shine in this date and time and once Lowndes had their time then another team like Tift or Coffee etc will take over because Lowndes as you can recall use to be one of the worsiest team in that league not to say is harsh but it was just a team at the time you would use for practice and now that the times have changes Colquitt County along with Valdosta are pissed off because of this; Colquitt County Packers and Valdosta Wildcats grow up and support your Counterpart and support them for making you region even respectable because Lowndes do not just support themselves but Your region that consist of you and what you stand for so GROW UP!!!!
TarHeelBred bleeds TarHeelBlue
September 17th, 2009
4:57 am
EaglesNationRising:
I agree with you that the jury may still be out on Stephenson, especially with being in a relatively weak region and their recent early postseason flameouts, but as usual, Stephenson features a team loaded with lots of talent and speed so they will always be highly-regarded by the Atlanta media during the regular season, regardless of schedule or recent postseason play. North Gwinnett is ranked #3 in AAAAA courtesy of their monster season-opening 14-11 win over national power Prattville, Alabama, a team that was ranked #5 in the nation at the time. North Gwinnett lost to Prattville, 44-0, in a preseason scrimmage two years ago so a win over a program of that caliber demonstrates that NG is clearly a program that is continuing to improve and make strides on the local and national level. North Gwinnett also features three heavily-recruited and very highly-regarded hot D-I prospects in QB C.J. Uzomah and two of their big offensive linemen.
Nf raiders:
Congratulations to the North Forsyth Raiders on the 3-0 record and their best start since ‘05. North Forsyth is clearly a program that is continuing to improve. Though it may not have truly reflected on the scoreboard to the naked eye, in the two games I saw at Norcross and North Gwinnett, NF’s performance improved significantly last season as the Raiders seemed to have gained a ton of yardage on the ground, primarily by rushing the ball to the outside against two fairly stout defenses in NG and Norcross, even though they put up only like a couple of field goals against NG and were shutout by Norcross.
The lack of coverage of North Georgia Mountain/Foothill-area teams by the AJC may be frustrating for an improving program like North Forsyth, but the Forsyth County teams have been at a very big competitive disadvantage since being moved up from AAA to AAAAA about five or six years ago. Forsyth County teams have spent that time being kicked around by Gwinnett County programs with bigger enrollments, bigger sponsors, lots more money and a bigger pool of athletes to draw from. To get that increased coverage that a team on the rise like North Forsyth so intensely desires they are simply going to have to pull-off a monster win or upset against a perennial Region 7-AAAAA contender like North Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge, Norcross or Collins Hill, teams that NF has had almost no success against since moving to 7-AAAAA. I’ve looked at their schedule and it looks like NF can get at least six wins this year if they take care of business against the bottom feeders of the region like Duluth, Northview, South Forsyth and what looks to be a slightly-improved Chattahoochee team. Even if NF can run the table on the cellar-dwellars and can pull one out against a competitive middle-of-the-pack Mill Creek team, to get to the playoffs (and get some press), they’re gonna have to pick-off one of the four contenders which are as tough as any top four in the state.
AJC Sports:
Both East Paulding and McEachern are very good teams out of 5-AAAAA whom deserve to be ranked. McEachern’s performance has been particularly impressive because of their 49-10 defeat of defending 5-AAAAA champion Etowah and a 37-31 OT defeat of state playoff quarterfinalist Woodstock with a lighting-fast quick-strike big-play offense and a fast, hard-hitting defense. East Paulding is simply a fundamentally-sound team that plays solid football and gets it done on the field so Friday Night’s East Paulding at McEachern showdown is an early-season matchup that will probably go a long way towards deciding the Region 5-AAAAA Champion.
drock09
September 17th, 2009
6:02 am
To answer your question reeze we reloaded. To newnan cougar fan grayson offense is one dimensional just like nswr so their is no way they would score on our defense. The ajc will never show newnan love so that’s why you have to beat respect out of teams.
The Cannon Rules!
September 17th, 2009
6:49 am
It’s early in the morn but still waiting on this weeks AJC picks…
Indians hear it in Powder Town…that growing rumble getting louder by the hour…the RAIDERS from EAST are heading your way…the countdown is ON…
24 hours AND counting!!!…TICK…TICK…TICK…BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
GO RAIDERS!!!!
Spurred
September 17th, 2009
7:12 am
Saw one of the best coached and played games ever last week between Creekview and Flowery Branch…I know why both are in top 10. My complaint is in AA rankings…..any team that can beat Buford deserves to be ranked #1 and Buford #2 until someone can prove to take their continuous state championships away. Lovett #3 and Buford #5….that’s a joke.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
September 17th, 2009
7:50 am
When did Jefferson become a county? Spurred, couple of things. Totally agree on the Creekview-FB game. One of the best ever. If Cross doesn’t run East-West a couple of times, it has a differen’t out come. The other, if you have seen Calhoun you would know why. Calhoun may be the best team in the state period. They look like a faster, much faster Flowery Branch team. They have 5 or 6 guys that would get the ball 10-12 times for other teams. Plus, Buford is down, a lot of young guys playing especially in the D. This is no where close to the same Buford. Calhoun would beat Lovett by at least 4 touchdowns.
Hoya Chuck
September 17th, 2009
7:59 am
Hey, The Cannon Rules; That’s what was said last year before the Harrison game, and EP got their tails crushed! I think the same holds true for the McEachern game. All of your “TICK, TICK, BOOMs” are not going to save you from a crushing this year either! GO INDIANS! & GO HOYAS!
babar66
September 17th, 2009
8:34 am
Hey drock09….bring it on baby!!! Hope Grayson get’s to meet Newnan in the playoffs….we’ll run down your throat, no question!! Prediction: 27-0.
Fred
September 17th, 2009
8:49 am
drock09, while I would agree about the one dimensional Grayson offense if you are looking at last year, I have been pleasently surprised by the amount of passing I have seen this year. In each game this year I have seen more pasing than all of last year combined! I guess we will have to see if they go back to the all Ean all the time offense as the season progresses.
The Cannon Rules!!
September 17th, 2009
9:05 am
Hoya Chuck…
That was then and this is NOW…the FUTURE of 5A-AAAAA now goes thru “THE BONEYARD”, not “The Cobb”…get used to it!!! I would save your energy and thoughts for Oct. 6th when you get to visit “THE BONEYARD” and get some RAIDER hospitality!!!
COUNTDOWN to the Indians continues…22 hours AND counting!!!…
TICK…TICK…TICK…BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!
GO RAIDERS!!!!GO RAIDERS!!!!GO RAIDERS!!!!GO RAIDERS!!!!
HeadEast
September 17th, 2009
9:30 am
Hoya Chuck knows his team is so pathetic this year that he’s been reduced to rooting for the MAC! The Hoya (whatever that is) got slaugthered in their own yard by the only good team they’ve played. The Friday forecast looks iffy, but it says here that in Powder Springs it will be raining Raiders! In the only other game of interest this week I’m pulling for Valdosta just so ENR can go back to giving ancient history lessons!
Mountain Man
September 17th, 2009
9:35 am
Kennesaw Mountain 42
North Cobb 7
canefan
September 17th, 2009
9:49 am
dont over look the fitz team this year… they are a much faster potent offense, as well as a more steller defense, brooks and thomasville are also very competetive, between the three… they will go deep into the playoffs and the finals.
canefan
September 17th, 2009
9:50 am
1AA rules
TRUE BLUE
September 17th, 2009
9:52 am
Eaglenationrising and Reeze,I can’t believe that you think STEPHENSON wouldn’t make the playoff out of region 1AAAAA. You forgot that STEPHENSON BEAT COFFEE in the 2006 playoffs and LOST TO PEACHTREE RIDGE 12-10, because our starting quarterback got hurt in the 1st quarter. If STEPHENSON
TRUE BLUE
September 17th, 2009
10:01 am
Eaglenationrising, you only get better playing against the best every week. So how can you say STEPHENSON wouldn’t make the playoff. Being in REGION 1AAAA would benefit STEPHENSON for the playoff. STEPHENSON contract is up with COLUMBIA, McNAIR, and WARE COUNTY this year. SO we have 3 games that we can schedule a home and away series for 2 years call the DEKALB COUNTY ATHLETIC DIRECTOR RON SEBREE AND lets make this happen
Valdosta Dawg
September 17th, 2009
10:14 am
EagleNationRising if I am correct 2 of the Eagles touchdowns against our Cats last year were on interceptions either returned for a touchdown or atleast returned to the 4 yard line. K J Morton returned a pick forty yards for 6 and Williams picked one off and took it to the 4. !4 points on turnovers. We held that offense to 14 points and our D is better than last year. Now do not get me wrong, great teams get turnovers and turn them into points. I am simply saying that Northside did not dominate the cats last year and you will have a long ride home this year! GO CATS!
Regular Joe
September 17th, 2009
10:25 am
First of all, give Stephenson a break; there is no guarantee a program can win a State Championship in less than 15 years of its existence; that doesn’t happen often. What Stephenson has done in those years is produce some good teams. How long will it take Warner Robins to win a State Championship in 5A?
rlj
September 17th, 2009
10:34 am
Jefferson (no. 7) did not become a county, but there is a Jefferson County somewhere else in the state of Georgia.
Etowah Fan
September 17th, 2009
11:17 am
HeadEast & Cannon – I think HoyaChuck is off his rocker a little… BUT as it stands right now, the title for R5-AAAAA does go through McEachern. McE had to go through Cherokee (Etowah & Woodstock) and marched right on through and out with the “heir apparent” title. I like EP’s chances and the points about some of McE’s Defense being soft in areas are right on. EP is solid and will come fired up and ready to play.
I am hoping for an EP victory this week… Etowah has to get by Cherokee (which they should) and then get ready for back-to-back games against Woodstock and EP, but lets not look ahead just yet.
What’s that annoying Tick, Tick, I keep hearing?
Wolverine Fan
September 17th, 2009
11:35 am
Etowah Fan….I too would like to see EP win but I do not think that will happen. McEarchern is just to darn tough. We played them hard and I am sure some of their players are still feeling it, as I know some of the Woodstock players are still in ice. McEarchern by 7.
nhscugas
September 17th, 2009
12:00 pm
haha ya sure you would run down our throats. Newnans defense is stacked and would tear ean pemberton to shreds. You guys barely beat Camden County on a last minute drive and Camden lost way more then Newnan. Newnan lost many players but also kept many extremely talented players and simply reloaded.
Decatur 4 Life
September 17th, 2009
12:08 pm
You people in south Georgia crack me up. Who cares about region 1AAAAA? Lowdnes is your saving grace, bottom line. Other than the Vikes, all you have is traditional names. Names don’t win championships, going out in between the lines and playing ball, that’s what wins games. Stephenson should be ranked higher because they look like the better team at this point. It has nothing to do with past playoff success or how many D-1 players you have just who has the better team. I know the history hasn’t been great but what makes you think they couldn’t win in 1AAAAA, only juggernaut in the region is Lowdnes. Everyone else is just mediocre and that’s why the race for 2, 3, 4 seed in the region will be tight. If you pull anyone of those team other than Lowdnes out of that region and put them in any region you want, would they have immediate success? I doubt it, the region is tough but there aren’t too many weak ones in the state from top to bottom. Coffee and Tift County are a little down this year, Warner Robins, CC, Valdosta, HoCo, Northside are decent teams but don’t have that type of teams to win it all. I’m glad Eaglenationrising is talkng trash about metro Atlanta schools because you guy won’t win another title unless you drop back down to AAAA. Now that you guys are back in the highest classification, back to reality. I hope you do stay in the middle of Atlanta so you don’t have to drive far to see your eagles get beat by one of those mediocre teams you were describing. You deserve a little credit by beating Carver but I stress LITTLE. There were a number 1 team but in AAA. No doubt Stephenson or MLK could have done that so the credit doesn’t go but so far. Funny how everyone was gung ho for ECI last season and Wesleyan stole the show. Now the gripe is that Wesleyan is recruiting and cheating. Now who sounds like the sore losers. Nobody complained about Lincoln County or any other team that doesn’t so why does it matter now. You think Propst at Colquitt stop recruiting since he’s been in Georgia? I doubt it, that’s why he had success at Hoover, he had players from all over Alabama. The truth is it happens everywhere all the time, I just hate hearing about it once a metro team wins. I heard somebody say that about the Dunwoody championship in the mid 90’s. Was it Coach Kelly’s fault their school was on the M to M program list, a program where minority students were placed in predominately white high schools. They weren’t the only Dekalb county school on that list Tucker, Lakeside and Henderson were there as well to name a few. Stop using recruiting and scholarships as excuses when metro Atlanta teams win just step your game up. That’s what you tell us
Hoya Chuck
September 17th, 2009
12:12 pm
Etowah Fan… I am a bit off my rocker, but it keeps people from messing with me!! You have it right, The title will go through McEachern. EP thinks that a whipping of lowly South Cobb, gives them the region title! It don’t! And that annoying TICK, TICK is part of the voices in The Cannon Rules head! GO HOYAS!! GO INDIANS!! BTW, HeadEast.. I am rooting for the Mac because my wife is an alumnus and I just can’t stand East Paulding!!
NorthsideEagle24
September 17th, 2009
12:12 pm
Northside this Northside that Quick Hate on Northside Eagles YALL must be scare!!!!!ALL this year yall talk lot of Trash!!!!!!!!!! Cant Wait unitl OCT 02
RealisticEPFan
September 17th, 2009
12:57 pm
All this annimosity towards East Paulding. It is good that Hoya Chuck is so loud right now and that the MacE fans are out. It almost sounds like the Cobb schools in 5-AAAAA are in fact all trying to point to the EP Raiders as their rivalry game and does nothing but make the EP fans and team know that they’ve gotten your attention and in some small way a degree of respect. It’s almost funny how the region’s strong holds are in Cherokee and Paulding counties instead of dear old Cobb.
Machearn may indeed be the one to beat this year but my hunch is,,,,,the EP Team will still get of tha bus on Friday night.
Also good that the Etowah and Woodstock fans are also rooting for East Paulding this Friday (even it is for their own self serving reasons). My hunch is though that the Hoya, Wolverine, and Etowah fans will be pretty darn worried about their own chances against the Raiders of EP goes into the Mac stadium and takes care of business. That would be good because they still have a shot at EP but probably of of and ‘OH NO’ we still have to play them.
SIDE NOTE TO MOUNTAIN MANL
You predict Kennesaw Mtn 42-7 over North Cobb? KSM has scored a total of 19 points in three games and have a region leading worst 33 points aginst average (including being shut out by South Cobb 21-0),,,I’m all for being a fan,,,,,,,,,,,but you need a reality check my friend.
TRUE BLUE
September 17th, 2009
1:53 pm
NHSCOUGARS,WHY DO YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN STOP GRAYSON. HELL YOU COULDN’T STOP CAMDEN COUNTY LAST YEAR AND LOWDNES COUNTY COULDN’T STOP GRAYSON.SO,WHAT MAKE YOU THINK NEWNAN CAN STOP EAN PEMBERTON. ARE YOU TELLING ME NEWNAN DEFENSE IS BETTER THAN LOWDNES COUNTY.
DOME BOUND
September 17th, 2009
1:59 pm
EAGLENATIONRISING , WE NEED 3 NON REGION GAMES NEXT YEAR.CAN YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN. WE DON’T CARE IF ITS A SOUTH GEORGIA 5A TEAM,COBB COUNTY 5A TEAM,FULTON COUNTY 5A TEAM, GWINNETTI 5A TEAM, OR A POWERHOUSE FROM OUT OF TOWN. GO JAGS!!!!!!!!
joeinformed
September 17th, 2009
2:41 pm
Stephenson has beat N.Ggwinnett, Tift co. ,Harrison, parkveiw, griffin,sequoyah, coffee, so my others.. point is we can beat anybody that comes are way! you guys act like the only teams we have beatin is Mcnair,and other sorry teams to get our rank up to where the nation knows who we are and what type of players we produces so please stop with the hating…
Bear_Backer
September 17th, 2009
2:44 pm
“The truth hurts” so it is said, but I have to be honest. I pride myself on being a good evaluator of my alma maters talent from year to year. Yes I played for the Mighty Bears back in the day, but I am old enough now to separate reality from optimistic dreams and any media hype that may creep in. I’m sure most of you read my comment earlier about the speed and talent level of Griffin High this year, and that It saddens me to have to pick them to lose to a big AND fast Mt. Zion team this Friday in the Bears own back yard. They will have to bring an all out assault from the newly daunted “Air-Bear” arsenal, compiled with a rousing vocal shell shocking from the great Griffin high Fans who always turn up and are ready to rock! Coach Devo will have the whole teams necks bowed out, riled up, and primed for some Bulldog bashing. I expect a real gnashing and grinding affair this time…Mt. Zion should prevail however, due to the lack of size on the Bears defense. If my prognostication and scouting is right (I sure would like to be wrong this time) I see Mt. Zion prevailing in a close 4 point win. ….I do Love those Mighty Bears and go to all the games. Props and well deserved kudos to a staunch group of players in Clayco at Mt. Zion . I actually think they are under-rated and the Bears are a tad over-rated. PROVE ME WRONG BEARS!! It sure wont be the first time!!…. May the best team win, Go GRIFFIN BEARS!
Northside Observer
September 17th, 2009
2:55 pm
Decatur 4 Life:
After all your bragging about Stephenson High and your classic put down of 1AAAAA teams with the exception of Lowndes—You could have mentioned to strengthen you argument, The number of State Football Championships in ANY classification Stephenson High School has won.
What? What? say it loud!
Todd Holcomb
September 17th, 2009
3:14 pm
James: Why should teams be ranked based on W-L records? We have standings for that. Rankings attempt to tell you how good the teams really are, regardless of W-L record. And while they are subjective, rankings are much more interesting and insightful than mere standings. For example, do you really think Carver of Columbus should not be ranked and have their place taken by 10 other undefeated Class AAA teams?
Kyle: These are not the AJC rankings. They are the AP rankings. The AJC/GHSF Daily rankings have Dublin at No. 8. It’s the AP that has the irish at No. 10.
Grayson student: What has Valdosta done to demonstrate that it is better than McEachern? Valdosta was 5-5 last season playing a weaker schedule than McEachern, which went 6-4. Meanwhile, McEachern has beaten Norcross, Etowah and Woodstock – three playoff teams. Perhaps Valdosta is better, but there’s nothing to illustrate that.
Re: creekview’s record: I don’t mean to throw rocks, because we make those errors too, but I’ve noticed many errors with W-L records in the AP rankings.
Re: Calhoun. Yes, I do think it could be Coach Lamb’s state title year.
Re: Stephenson: I didn’t make any predictions about Stephenson, so there will be no crow to eat. I just said that Stephenson hasn’t been a top-five team in a few years, so it has more to prove than some other top-five teams, such as Grayson and Northside and Lowndes, which have been in the top-five at the end more recently. Stephenson’s ranking is based more on faith than performance because Stephenson hasn’t beaten beaten many quality opponents in the last year and a half.
Re: Newnan and the Channel 5 trophy: The Channel 5 team of the week is based on a vote from fans.
“What idiot voted for GAC!! Haven’t they given up like 180 points in 3 games.”
It wasn’t me!!!
Re: Appling County – Good point, but remember that Appling’s region fizzled in the playoffs.
Re: Warner Robins – If they play in the toughest region in the country, as you say, it doesn’t matter at this point because they haven’t played any region games. You don’t get credit for being in a good region until you play in that good region.
Re: Jackson – So a computer analysis yesterday that said Jackson has played the fifth-weakest schedule in AAA. What has Jackson done to deserve a Top 10 ranking? When is the last time that Jackson beat a playoff team besides the one-and-out playoff teams in its own region?
ENS: Stephenson is ahead of Northside in the statewide poll, not the AJC/GHSF Daily rankings. So I don’t think it’s bias when most of the voters are outside metro Atlanta. I think it’s a case of assuming Northside was down, then not re-adjusting when Northside beats Carver. That’s often the trouble w/ rankings, whether it’s college or high school. You start a team No. 15, and you’re afraid to let them jump another team unless that team loses.
Joe
September 17th, 2009
3:21 pm
The only reason why the same schools usually are in contention of the state championship every year is cause most of the Atlanta metro schools are spread out therefore the talented is spread out. The reason why the same schools are always in contention is cause their schools are usually the only school in the county therefore all the good talent goes to that one school or maybe it’s 2 big schools in the county the metro atlanta schools are all within distance of each other I know for a fact if it was one big atlanta metro school and all the talent went there that school would beat any school in the state easily.
joeinformed
September 17th, 2009
3:29 pm
Northside Observer- U STUPID STEPHENSON ONLY BEEN AROUND 13 YEARS PLEASE BUT I BET YOU THIS NORTHSIDE DON’T WANT NO PARTS OF STEPHENSON…I BET WE DONE SENT MORE PLAYERS TO D-1SHCOOLS THEN YOURS SCHOOL HAS…ANOTHER THING IS WHAT ELSE DO YALL WIN IN? STEPHENSON IS NOT JUST KNOWN FOR FOOTBALL BUT EVERY SPORT WE PLAY WE DO GREAT IN THATS WHY YOU CAN SAY STEPHENSON AT OUTSIDE OF GEORGIA AND PEOPLE KNOW WHAT IT IS!!! WHERE DO ALL THESE HATERS BE ON DEKALB WHEN HOOPS SEASON START OR TRACK LIKE REALLY…STEPHENSON HAS A GREAT PROGRAM YALL JUST HAVE A GOOD FOOTBALL TEAM THATS THE DIFFERENCE!!!
Joe
September 17th, 2009
3:30 pm
Therrell, Mays, Westlake & Douglass are very close to each other and the talent is spread within all those schools just imagine if it was just one school put together that school would be a powerhouse that would be hard to beat. That;s how schools like Camden County, Valdosta etc have always been good cause all the talent goes to one of those schools and they build a powerhouse from that people always criticize the atlanta metro schools for not being legit but look what our schools have to deal with are talent is spread throughout so many schools. I went to a high school out of my district when I was in high school in fact most of my friends did but I can guarantee you if everybody would have went to our zoned school we would have been great.
VIKING DAD
September 17th, 2009
3:33 pm
Enter your comments here
Brandon Glass
September 17th, 2009
3:34 pm
In Georgia who cares about rankings. WIN YOUR REGION AND GO TO THE PLAYOFFS! SIMPLE! THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS.
HeadEast
September 17th, 2009
3:50 pm
RealisticEP – You’re right about that respect. I was at the MAC – Etowah game and there was a questionable call that went against MAC. The guy sitting right in front of me said “what’s that East Paulding refs?” You know you’ve arrived when it’s McEachern – Etowah and
they’re mentioning EP!!!!!
VIKING DAD
September 17th, 2009
3:51 pm
VALDOSTA DAWG: The only way the “kittens” will beat the eagles is if the eagles don’t show. I’m sure that’s not going to happen. The kittens will never be another power until the Touchdown Club stops running the show. There are only so many Wright Bazemore and Nick Hyder’s. They never gave Coach O’brien a chance. Its been all down hill since they fired him.
EagleNationRising
September 17th, 2009
3:53 pm
Valdosta Dawg: I was at the Northside-Valdosta game last fall. The Wildcats just quit. When the QB threw the pick 6, he did not even try to tackle the Northside defender after throwing the interception. The Valdosta players had their heads down and their shoulders showed the Eagle Nation all that we needed to see. Quite frankly, I was devastated. The watch the most proud program in America go out like that was sad.
Please do not make it seem as though the game was close and it was simply a few Northside defensive stands that made the difference. Valdosta scored 7 of those 14 points against Northside’s 9th graders. Let’s not recreate history, V-Dawg. My point about Valdosta is the Wildcats have some of the best position players in the nation. An article is getting circulation about Jack Nicholaus’ grandson, who’s parents played sports at Georgia. If Georgia gets the commitment from the kid at Valdosta, Jay Rome, the Dawgs are not going to recruit Jack Nicholaus’ grandson. That is a statement! It seems to me if that kind of talent is walking the halls of Valdosta, there has to be pressure on the head coach to finish above third, fourth, or fifth in the Region that Valdosta has owned.
My thoughts are I would never count out the greatest high school program in American history. Our Eagles have only beaten Valdosta once ever. Winning tomorrow night against any Valdosta team will be a GREAT challenge. Last season’s game at McConnell-Talbert was far from a challenge. We got much more fight out of AAA Carver of Columbus than Valdosta. That is a fact. It was more than just two int. for 6. It was total domination. We have our second test of the season tomorrow night. Go Eagles!
EagleNationRising
September 17th, 2009
4:05 pm
Decatur 4 Life and True Blue: Stephenson has yet to play a AAAAA team this season. What is worse, the coaches at Stephenson are too afraid to even play a ranked team in a lower classification. On the other hand, programs like Grayson, who could have played a weak schedule and rode last season’s success into Region play have played Camden County, the defending state champions, and two time National Champion Warner Robins.
Everyone is one Peachtree Ridge’s back. At least they had the courage to take their grossly overhyped team to play at Lowndes County. Stephenson lost to the fourth place Region 1-AAAAA team (Coffee) in the 1st round of the playoff. True Blue would you like me to give you Stephenson’s embarassing record against large classification schools from south of the Gnat Line.
Stephenson has been a joke in the state playoffs. The truth is all of those athletes at Stephenson can not take hits and they quit when they start to get hit. Decatur 4 Life, you want to know who Region 1-AAAAA is relevent. It is easy. Six different Region 1-AAAAA programs have won a State Championship in the past 25 years. Stephenson is too afraid to even play that caliber of competition. Since Stephens is afraid to play champions, they should not be ranked in the top 5 until they prove that they can compete.
I can say with great confidence that most Stephenson teams would not have a chance to make it out of Region play in our part of the state. Stephenson proves this practically every year you guys play any level of talent south of the Gnat Line in the largest classification.
Do me a favor Stephenson. Please do not lose at 1-2 Ware County tomorrow night. If you lose in the Jungle in Waycross to a very down Ware County team, I am going to let you have it on this board. Burke County beat Ware County. Your boys are GOING to get hit tomorrown night. Let’s see how they respond to a bad team south of the Gnat line. The AJC is not talking about it. My guess is Stephenson should be put on “Upset Alert” from a 1-2 South Georgia team.
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.