MLK, Stephenson, Collins Hill must answer bell Friday
There are 12 undefeated teams in Class AAAAA, and about half have not been tested against another top AAAAA opponent.
The chance to make an impression is now for MLK and Stephenson, which play each other Friday, and Collins Hill, which takes on Peachtree Ridge, another team that has something to prove.
I think Peachtree Ridge will reassert itself as a state-title contender and handle Collins Hill. I have no feel for MLK-Stephenson other than a sense that one is better, and one is worse, than we all think and that it could be a blowout.
In other news, I’d like to her people’s take on Lowndes-Valdosta. The score – 57-15 – was stunning, but then Lowndes also beat Peachtree Ridge by similar numbers. Valdosta had some injury issues. I expected Lowndes to roll, but not like that.
Because it’s Valdosta, I quickly went to some of the message boards to hear the backlash after the game.
I don’t know Rick Tomberlin well, but I’ve had many conversations with him, and it’s hard for me to think those who spend time around him don’t like and admire him. Truth is, Valdosta always has had a good head coach, and the current one seems like the kind of role model I’d want around my kids. Is that enough in Valdosta? I think Valdosta will make the playoffs this season and bounce back from this loss, but Tomberlin is still a game under .500 at Valdosta
I also think most Valdosta fans realize the current challenges in the football program and support Tomberlin, who told me this summer, “I never thought Valdosta would be so nice. In some respects, Valdosta gets a bad rap in terms of not treating coaches good. Maybe some things happened in the past. I can’t say good or bad, but they’ve treated me nothing but wonderfully.’’
Of course, Tomberlin doesn’t read the message boards. There, he would find people who don’t realize that winning at Valdosta is tougher now than it’s been in 70 years.
This week’s rankings:
CLASS AAAAA
1. Grayson (7-0)
2. Northside, Warner Robins (6-0)
3. North Gwinnett (6-0)
4. Newnan (6-0)
5. Lowndes (6-1)
6. McEachern (7-0)
7. Stephenson (6-0)
8. M.L. King (6-0)
9. Peachtree Ridge (5-1)
10. Camden County (4-2)
CLASS AAAA
1. Griffin (6-0)
2. Westside, Macon (7-0)
3. Southwest DeKalb (5-1)
4. Hillgrove (6-0)
5. Sandy Creek (5-1)
6. Marist (5-1)
7. North Clayton (6-1)
8. Tucker (5-1)
9. Apalachee (6-0)
10. Hiram (6-0)
CLASS AAA
1. Gainesville (7-0)
2. Peach County (6-0)
3. St. Pius (6-0)
4. Carver, Columbus (5-1)
5. Washington County (6-0)
6. Carrollton (7-0)
7. LaGrange (5-1)
8. Jackson (7-0)
9. Baldwin (4-2)
10. Burke County (5-1)
CLASS AA
1. Calhoun (6-0)
2. Fitzgerald (6-0)
3. Buford (5-1)
4. Jefferson County (7-0)
5. Charlton County (5-0-1)
6. Lovett (6-1)
7. Thomasville (4-2)
8. Westminster (4-2)
9. Jefferson (6-0)
10. Brooks County (5-1)
CLASS A
1. Wesleyan (7-0)
2. Savannah Christian (6-0)
3. Johnson County (7-0)
4. Lincoln County (5-1)
5. ECI (5-1)
6. Twiggs County (6-1)
7. Wilkinson County (5-1)
8. Greenville (6-0)
9. Seminole County (6-1)
10. Miller County (5-1)
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209 comments Add your comment
Newton
October 12th, 2009
12:39 pm
Go UG: Stephenson seems to be better. Didn’t hear MLK give any excuses on why the game was so close with us. They seemed like they didn’t have any major injuries, and it didn’t rain. Stephenson had players out, it rained, TDs called back,etc,etc. We should have lost by 30 on a normal FRI night, let some Stephenson bloggers tell it. At any rate, I haven’t seen the real Stephenson so, Ill say they are potentially better than MLK. But you know they decide these type of things on the field. Hman: Wow I said most of your post yesterday about Stephenson’s front seven, Brown’s chances against said defense, the FL- LSU connection, etc. I also said I like Stephenson, I hope they do well and win state. But folks are going hate on yall because most people feel yall should be hangin banners instead of making excuses. Period. A team that has multiple D1 prospects every year, shouldn’t be losing to anybody in the first round, especially at HOME. Until yall win state, expect the hate. Anyways, Stephenson wins FRI in a low scoring game, but I wouldn’t count on a bunch of big plays; both teams are stout on Defense.
HSBallfan
October 12th, 2009
12:46 pm
Wildcat Fan… As soon as Appalachee beats a team that doesn’t suck, they’ll move up. Every season one or two teams with no prior winning credentials will put together a 5-0 record against weak opponents, and their fans start hurling accusations about how the AJC staff doesn’t know squat about football. Frankly, Appalachee is lucky to be ranked at all.
San Francisco Dawg
October 12th, 2009
1:04 pm
Is this the year for Newnan?
Roland
October 12th, 2009
1:07 pm
Newton,
Don’t flatter yourself. MLK slept against you guys because they were looking ahead. Don’t forget they had two touchdowns called back due to “holding” penalties. If it were not for the backup QB throwing a pick six you guys would have been shout out at least 29-0.
Say it Aint So
October 12th, 2009
1:07 pm
Mike Branca you can’t be serious about wanting St Pius X, could ya? I watched your game against Therrell on their homecoming, come on now.
Newton
October 12th, 2009
1:08 pm
Wildcat fan, you got to know Apalachee isn’t going to get a whole lot of respect from AJC. Be for real, your region is one of the worst in AAAA. I know this for a fact I was at the Rockdale game earlier this year, yall could have lost that game. Clarke Central is the only other team in your region that looks like they have a chance to get out of the first round, maybe Loganville. I know yall play a ten game region schedule, that’s what is going to keep yall at the bottom, because overall the region is not that good. Not being a Newton Co. homer, but Id take a 5-1 Alcovy team that has beaten an at the time undefeated Dutchtown on the road, Newton, eventual 8-AAA champ Eastside, and lost to North Clayton on the road by a FG. Looks like pedigree. Beat Loganville, Madison Co., and Salem convincingly, then holla back.
D Tech-Fan!
October 12th, 2009
1:14 pm
San Fran: I think it can be for sure. Lowndes and NSWR look really good…not sold on the over-hyped Gwinnett County schools. Newnan definitely has the best Defense in the state. They were ranked nationally last year in the top 50 and have all the main ingredients back. They do play in a weak region, but they do what they are supposed to do, which is dominate. Given up 2 defensive TD’s all year. Creekside ran a 58 yard TD on the third play of the game, yet yielded only 15 yards the rest of the game.
Newton
October 12th, 2009
1:19 pm
MLK wasn’t looking ahead, I dare a MLK player to say that. Our guys went hard just like MLK went hard. Yeah our points came on D, so what. Just like I said earlier, MLK defense was stout, but as much as our one-dimensional offense wasn’t great. Penalties are a part of the game,obviously a part of the game we all need to work on. Yall kill me though trying to diminsh final scores involving Newton Co. like yall are sooooo much better; ID love to see that translates into a 15th game for Stephenson or MLK instead of the usual.
Some Sense
October 12th, 2009
1:35 pm
OMG…six, count ‘em six, private schools. Must be the scholarships and recruiting. Better call your legislator.
GHS#22
October 12th, 2009
1:42 pm
Where’s BrookwoodMom?
Brook Would if Brook Could!!!!
GO UG!
October 12th, 2009
1:46 pm
Sideline Observer that is really sad; Valdosta has always been one of the elite programs, maybe somehow some way the community can get it turned around. Unfortunately, gangs are a growing problem everywhere and they need to be squashed like bugs.
Roland, I would bet the farm that MLK WAS NOT looking past Newton! I am just ready to get it on with you guys so that we can see where we really are, of course we will know that before we get to you. Again I think Stephenson/MLK will be a close low scoring game with the edge going to Stephenson.
K
October 12th, 2009
1:50 pm
Newton – The goal is to win every game. No team should be making excuses for how they won or how they lost. Injuries, penalties, weather, and missed opportunities are all a part of the games. No team is immune from it and usually the team that handles all of these things better is usually the winner…take pride in what your team has done so far and maybe you all can build off it..Newton County’s season is still in front of them. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades! Good Luck in your season…..GO LIONS!!!!!
teheran
October 12th, 2009
2:11 pm
I don’t thin Valdosta needs to make any changes at the coaching position. They are in the SEC of High School football in the nation. This is the toughest region anyone could imagine being in. The region is crazy. Northside, Lowdnes, Warner Robins, Valdosta, Colquitt, Tifton, Houston. anybody can beat any team on a given day.
pmuckle
October 12th, 2009
2:13 pm
say what you want this friday at Holford Stadium it will be the super bowol of Dekalb County. MLK Vs Stephonson the 2 best school in Dekalb will be going head to head. i’m am MLK fan and i’m going for MLK of course. ESPN is in for a treat! 2 best bands, teams and fan support. are we ready for some football? YES WE ARE!!! GO LIONS GO
What
October 12th, 2009
2:18 pm
MLK/Stephenson who is better? having played both i give the edge to Stephenson becuase they have the one thing we don’t at newton speed. I thought MLK would be way better than us and they were not and unlike NEWTON who must have been at another game we would never have lost by 30 to either team for any reason, our coach told us something last week that stephenson has scored three offensive touchdowns against us in the last two years, one after a fumble inside the 10, one after a fumble inside the 20 and one after getting the ball on the 15,in other words they have not been able to move the ball on us. Our coach does not make excuses for losing, but I wonder how much different those games would be if our best DB had played,or if we had played with two of our three missing starters on the OL? Penalties are part of the game and if you were not commiting a penalty then maybe you would not have scored. This is not the newton of old, our coach is doing a good job of building a good team,look how fast he has made them better against the region powers,together neither of you scored your average number of points against us. This team is one to watch. Stop making excuses and accept the fact that you cannot bully everyone and because we are not from Dekalb that we can still play. so back to the Question……Jags win!
GO UG!
October 12th, 2009
2:26 pm
Well said, What! I can tell you that Union Grove is definitely NOT overlooking Newton. We know that we are going to have our hands full. Dekalb is whining about not getting any love, well neither are we. Our records are the same and our PF and PA are real close. At least they are ranked. Oh well that is what the playoffs are for.
mark newnan 1
October 12th, 2009
2:29 pm
i agree with teheran . its easy to get the score raned up on you in one game. there is no way that tenn. is that much better than uga, but once a team gets rolling on you its hard to stop the bleeding. but if val. keep losiing than its time for coaching change
Jaguar
October 12th, 2009
3:00 pm
Newton We at Stephenson respect you as a great football team. We only talked about what we had to overcome to beat yall because MLK was calling us sorry for not blowing you guys out and AJC drop us in ranking. Other than that We really didnt feel the need to explain a Win to anyone a win is a win. We saw you guys play friday didnt look like the same team that played us but thought you were going to beat us to the punch and give MLK their first lost. GO JAGUARS!!!
Cougarfan
October 12th, 2009
3:26 pm
Ok, anyone interested on the creekside and westlAke game. I called the school and was told Westlake won 36-12.
BROOKWOOD MOM
October 12th, 2009
3:36 pm
SouthGaRules: Hey buddy!! Thanks for wishing us luck Friday night.
GHS#22: And ya wonder why SERIOUS GRAYSON HATER is calling you a bunch of Redneck Hillbillies!! I’m glad I was on your mind today!! Now don’t you have some homework to get done???
MAMA JAGUAR
October 12th, 2009
3:41 pm
I LOVE ALL OF MY COMMUNITY CUBS. HOWEVER PRESENTLY STEPHENSON HIGH SCHOOL HAS THE BEST DEFENSIVE AND OFFENSIVE LINE I HAVE SEEN IN A WHILE. THE TEAM OVERALL IS AT THEIR BEST WE WILL SOON SEE THEM AT THEIR PEAK. PRETTY MUCH WITH MARTIN LUTHER KING’S TEAM TOO! BUT THE BANDS ARE EQUIVALENT IN SIZE IN SOUND I THINK WITH THE PAST MR.RENDER / MR. SMITH AND AT PRESENT MR.GOINS SONIC SOUND IS AWESOME AND DYNAMIC THEY MAY HAVE THE EDGE ON MILK’S FINE BAND PROGRAM. IT WILL BE A COMPETITIVE AND AN AWESOME MEMORABLE FRIDAY NIGHT IN FOOTBALL AND IN ATHLETICISM WITH THE HALFTIME PROGRAM TIME TOO!
MAMA JAGUAR
October 12th, 2009
3:44 pm
GO JJJJJJJJJJJAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGUUUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pridge Senior
October 12th, 2009
3:48 pm
Poor Collins Hill
almost surely will
get Valdosta’d by Peachtree Ridge
Pridge
October 12th, 2009
3:49 pm
Peachtree ridge is gonna kill Collins Hill. Just like last year
#1 fer now
October 12th, 2009
4:02 pm
Is that North Clayton fan kidding? Griffin dominated that game and only allowed the Eagles to remain close through its own miscues (turnovers).
The Bears need to take fewer chances offensively (going on 4th down in their own territory) and on special teams (the onside kick worked but is too big a gamble) and realize it has a dominating defense and use it as such.
Quinn of the Ridge
October 12th, 2009
4:03 pm
Agreed with PRidge and Pridge Senior. Collins Hill benefits from playing a favorable schedule in the first half of the season and gets overhyped.
seiler3497
October 12th, 2009
4:08 pm
I am not a Newnan fan, I am more like a Newnan hater. However most people do not give this team enough respect. Look at how deep they went 2 years ago with a team full of sophomores. then they went deep in the play offs last year. This is a capable team whom will be healthy come playoff time
seiler3497
October 12th, 2009
4:25 pm
How do you know Stephenson, MLK, and Westlake have the most talent have you scene every top 10 team in the state play?
D Tech-Fan!
October 12th, 2009
4:37 pm
Thanks for the Westlake-Creekside update. Should be a good test for Newnan. And Seiler, nice to see even if you don’t like a certain team, you can give mad respect. I agree that Newnan, if healthy, is poised for a deep run in the state playoffs.
AVikingFan
October 12th, 2009
4:40 pm
Pridge Senior, that was pretty good, turning EagleNationRising’s “getting Peachtree Ridged” into “getting Valdosta’d”, I like that.
Our Lowndes coach (Randy McPherson)sure thinks a lot of your coach, in fact the whole staff does. Good luck this week against Collins Hill.
Does anyone know who Woodstock is playing this week? And what are people thinking about Walton and Milton?
BLUTO
October 12th, 2009
4:56 pm
I AM IN FULL SUPPORT OF STEPHENSON FOOTBALL TEAM,BUT THIS PAST WEEK END,REDAN HIGH SCHOOL BAND REMINDED ME OF WHAT STEPHENSON’S BAND USED TO BE.
NOT A HATER JUST HONEST
Rfrom G
October 12th, 2009
4:58 pm
GHS#22 – That was an awesome banner last Friday!
the real Old Gold
October 12th, 2009
4:58 pm
Where was all that “speed” Calhoun was supposed to be so afraid of? I guess the Jackets were just a little speedier…
Newton
October 12th, 2009
5:00 pm
Jaguar, we know what the real deal is. We have to earn our respect with wins, not close losses. But lets keep it 100: 13-7, 15-8 wins are just that. So there is no need talking about what would have happened with penalties, injuries,weather etc. Not saying it was you, but some of the bloggers have been pretty smug about why the games were close. Anyway, we gonna keep doing our flying under the radar thing and make a playoff push.
Advisor
October 12th, 2009
5:02 pm
MLK wil never beat Stephenson because:
1)#25 Raymond Sanders aka SLASHER… 2)#11 Willie Davis aka POWER… 3)#15 Denzel Hartley aka POUNDER… 4)#28 Mike Davis aka dip… all running 4.3 or better …5)#8Nathan Benford aka FLASH (4.2 forty)…6)#18 Ronnie Shields aka CLUTCH…7)#17 Cey-Ron Willingham aka STICKYFINGERS …lastly #77 Quinton Spencer #78 Ernest Echols and all the O linemen
Pridge Senior
October 12th, 2009
5:05 pm
My playoff brackets show Grayson beating Lowndes to play the winner of NSWR-Pridge. Anyone else?
BulldawgBite
October 12th, 2009
5:13 pm
pridge senior. i think your already looking past the ng game. doubt yall will even win that one. i have ng playing grayson. i would watch out for newnan though.
BulldawgBite
October 12th, 2009
5:14 pm
Pridge kills collins hill. ya their undefeated but they can barely beat chattahoochee. pridge +21
Newton
October 12th, 2009
5:21 pm
QUESTION: I rep Newton of course, all 3 three schools are a combined 12-6 which is good not great. What area with schools within 10 miles of each other is the best? Right now, Suwanee and Powder Springs look like the best(record-wise), but Id like to hear from other bloggers about their areas. Your thoughts please.
Wolverine2Blazer
October 12th, 2009
5:23 pm
Viking, We’re playing Kennesaw Mt who is, well lets just say its an off year for them. Its our homecoming so the home stands will be packed, i’m even making the 260 mile drive up friday for the game. Pretty much we have a easy schedual untill week 11 when we play EP. Which I’m sure is going to be fighting for a playoff spot like we were last year but it’s our Senior Night and I’m know Carmicheal and co. will want a good old Woodstock Win on their night.
Advisor
October 12th, 2009
5:25 pm
Now the biggest reason MLK hasn’t got a chance ….HOLDING down the front… BIG #56 Michael Thornton …#57 Doral White #54 Brandon Smith At the ENDS ….#45 Miles Ashmon #49 Malcolm Strong …BACKERS #3 Jabari Johnson #22 Franchot West #34 Tyrone Cornelius …SIDELINE TO SIDELINE NO DEFENSE BETTER …Lastly our Secondary #1 Kenneth Ladler #2Chris Sharp ………………OHHHH AND less we forget two of the BEST FULLBACKS in the STATE #31 Jonathan Abrams #35 Patrick Smith ……..Need I show more examples???????????? MLK YOU CANNOT KEY ON ONE PLAYER …. YOU WILL HAVE TO KEY ON THE TEAM!!!!!! GOOD LUCK…..
B4uknewit
October 12th, 2009
5:26 pm
B4uknewit
October 12th, 2009
5:11 pm
TO ALL YOU GRAYSON HATERS…Blogging about the Past…Overcoming Adversity
Reflect upon your blessings, of which every man has plenty, not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
slalom1
October 12th, 2009
5:39 pm
WestLake ALWAYS has great talent. But in turn they ALWAYS have horrible coaching. Furthermore a foul mouthed coach who is not much of a role model for his players.
Even from the stands most anyone can hear his expletives directed toward the officials and his own players. West Lake has difficulty even showing up for the game on time, much less winning.
slalom1
October 12th, 2009
5:40 pm
I am a believer. Go Hiram!
wolverine fan
October 12th, 2009
5:46 pm
does anyone know what playoff seed plays what playoff seed for AAAAA
Etowah Fan
October 12th, 2009
6:05 pm
wolverine fan – you can find a bracket here: http://ga.prepcountry.com/files/ga/brackets/2009_fb_5.pdf
For Region 5 – we play Region 8 with #1 seed vs #4 seed and vice versa top to bottom in the first round.
wolverine fan
October 12th, 2009
6:39 pm
Thanks Etowah Fan
SCPATRIOTS
October 12th, 2009
6:46 pm
LETS GO SANDY CREEK PATRIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pridge
October 12th, 2009
6:49 pm
BullDawgBite- Prhs is gonna won the region champs just like last year. Nghs is good. But we are much stronger on defense and more talented on offense than y’all are.
dekalb fan
October 12th, 2009
7:07 pm
To Newton: SWD, MLK and Stephenson are within a ten mile area of each other and are a combined 17-1. I could add Tucker to the mix but they are the enemy so I won’t. Plus all are ranked…..I don’t think any area can top that.