Collins Hill and M.L. King suffer first losses of season

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Peachtree Ridge knocked Collins Hill from the ranks of Gwinnett’s undefeated Class AAAAA teams with a 21-7 win on Friday, but the Lions were not really in the mood to celebrate afterwards.

As the final buzzer sounded, there were no Peachtree Ridge players jumping up and down in jubilation, and coach Bill Ballard barely cracked a post-game smile.

When asked why he wasn’t happier, Ballard shrugged his shoulders and said, “I don’t know what to say. We’ve just got to play better. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Peachtree Ridge’s Brandon Stanley scored a pair of first-quarter touchdowns as the No. 9-ranked Lions improved to 6-1. Unranked Collins Hill dropped it first game after kicking off the year with six wins in a row.

“There’s some learning moments we need to look at,” Collins Hill coach Billy Wells said. “In big games, you can’t make crucial mistakes … like turning it the ball over, and taking sacks when you don’t need to. We’ve got a lot of learning to do.”

It was a devastating loss for Collins Hill. All the Eagles had to do was find a way to get past Peachtree Ridge and they had inside track on the Region 7-AAAAA championship and an undefeated regular season. Due to a wacky conference schedule, Collins Hill does not play against still-undefeated North Gwinnett this season. North Gwinnett is ranked No. 3.

No. 1 Grayson, which is in a different region, improved to 8-0 on Friday.

So which Class AAAAA team do you think is the state’s best after the Friday games? Is it Grayson or North Gwinnett? Stephenson — which shut out MLK on ESPNU? Newnan or Northside-Warner Robins?

YOU make the call.

204 comments Add your comment

EagleNationRising

October 18th, 2009
10:03 am

Quinn, you would agree that at best Lowndes County can only finish second in their own region. I do not have a crystal ball. However, I do know a team that will not hit when I see one.

Etowah Fan

October 18th, 2009
10:08 am

1. Grayson
2. NSWR
3. Lowndes
4. North Gwinnett
5. McEachern
6. Stephenson
7. Newnan
8. P’Ridge
9. Lassiter
10.Roswell

Others receiving votes: Woodstock, Camden County

EagleNationRising

October 18th, 2009
10:15 am

Decatur Where It Is Greater: Much of the Colquitt County Packer hype will subside after their game against Warner Robins on Friday night. Although the contengent of South Georgia posters have prepared to crown Colquitt County as the third seed from Region 1-AAAAA and believe that Valdosta sneaks in at 4-3, I want to caution you on buying into this ridiculous way of thinking.

Colquitt County completes their schedule with a run against the three Warner Robins high schools. They start by hosting Warner Robins in Moultrie. Watch what happens. The Packers will be fortunate to win one of their final three games. Warner Robins is going to VIOLATE Colquitt County!!! It will not even be close. Many people have written off Warner Robins. I do not buy it. Warner Robins will beat Colquitt County, easily. Northside and Lowndes County are going to be on “Upset Alert” agaisnt WR.

Warner Robins has faced a very competitive schedule. They run the ball practically every play. They are big, physical, and very experienced on both side of the ball. Bryan Way is a highly underrated coach in the region, who does have a State Championship (2004). The assumption is Warner Robins and Valdosta fight it out for fourth place. I expect Northside to win the region undefeated or with one loss (from Warner Robins). I expect Lowndes County to finish second with one or two region losses (the Vikings may get caught sleeping on Warner Robins). I expect Warner Robins, Colquitt County, and Valdosta to be in a three way tie for third with each team knocking off one of the other three and each sitting at 4-3. It will be a sticky tie-breaker situation. Truth be told, Warner Robins should be undefeated and 4-0 in region play. They had there feet on Valdosta’s neck and gave away a fumble for a touchdown in the closing minutes.

Warner Robins 28, Colquitt County 7

Before you roll your eyes, Warner Robins lost at Grayson 10-0 (an almost three hour road game). Grayson is not just better than Colquitt County. Grayson is MUCH better than Colquitt County.

GO UG!

October 18th, 2009
10:37 am

Decatur where it is Greater, what are you talking about, humble road? You guys smashed Luella and we barely squeaked out a win. You crushed MLK who has already proclaimed that they are 2nd in region 2AAAAA and as I have been saying that Newton is far from being a push-over. You are the mighty Jags, how in the world can we compete with that? Can you get me ticket when you play in the Dome?

BulldawgBite

October 18th, 2009
10:54 am

ENR your bias towards region 1AAAAA blinds you so that you cant see a good team when you see one. Pridge would contend for your region because they can play with lowndes and northside. they would probably win 2AAAAA and compete with grayson for 8AAAAA. they come into the season ranked 7th nationally after one game you judge them. every team has played a bad game before. this doesnt make them a bad team. if a northside or lowndes team came up to atlanta and got beat badly its not like all the sudden they suck. their still a good team that is capable of winning against the best.

GO UG!

October 18th, 2009
11:09 am

BulldawgBite, have you been smoking crack? How could you possibly think that Pridge could win 2AAAAA with Stephenson in that bracket. THEY are going to the dome and if you don’t believe me just ask them, really ask them!

GO UG!

October 18th, 2009
11:14 am

Decature where it is greater, I have already heard from someone who played you that told me how big and fast you guys are. Just remember to be gentle with us next weekend.

Suwanee 0wnz

October 18th, 2009
12:06 pm

Patience Bulldawg. ENR will get his comeupense when his team travels to Suwanee in the quarterfinals and gets their tail handed to them. I’m sure NSWR is a good team, too bad they have such an obnoxious proponent.

I think Stephenson exposed MLK as merely a pretender. While MLK may have a decent team they were not able to score ANY points against a decent opponent. Dropped passes and uninspired play calling with continual dives into the strength of the Stephenson defense. Even if they have great players play-calling and coaching like that is not going to win them games against strong competitors. While the game showed us that MLK is not all that good, I am not sure that it proved Stephenson is all that strong either?

It is time to consider some recognition for Roswell or Lassiter or both for their unbeaten records so far. Between the two of them Lassieter broke a Georgia record with 545 yards of total passing on Friday night. That is exactly the sort of offense that might give fits to teams like Grayson, NSWR, and many of the others in the 5A Top 10 list. I am not sure we really know about Lassiter yet, but there is some potential to do real damage in the playoffs.

Newnan is hard to judge since they play such weak opponents. But they seem to produce quality teams year after year. I expect they will do well in the playoffs.

Camden continues to prove why they belong in the Top 10. They are one of the teams that could win it all. Playing tough competition early might just give them an edge to beat the tough competition in the playoffs.

It seems to me that 1AAAAA is relatively untested. One win against a decent non-conference opponent doesn’t prove diddly especially given that it was a home game after a 5 hour bus ride in front of a hostile crowd. I think everyone can admit the wheels came off for Peachtree Ridge after the long bus ride, and a couple of early scores. Will it happen to P Ridge again? Maybe. There is a good chance it will happen to any team that makes the long trip to South Georgia, but things might be completely different when it is the South Georgia team that gets on the bus.

In the 10 total 5A championships awarded in Georgia, 3 of them have gone to 1AAAAA teams. While 5 of them have gone to teams from Gwinnett or Cobb. I think we are just going to have to wait to see how this one plays out.

BTW, AJC it is extremely irritationg that I cannot post from a different PC. Is there anything the SWAT team can do to fix that? Thanks.

K-MAN

October 18th, 2009
12:18 pm

COLQUITT-COUNTY-FAN…You are so right…STEPHENSON has won a couple of mediocore games and they THINK they ready! They do have a good team…but they are not disciplined! Sloppy is the word that comes to mind. All of that talent, size, speed,and depth…there is no reason they should be flying up under the radar! But they are! And dont pay attention to that DECATUR FAN…hes just an excited person that is not used to winning apparently! You have plenty of room to talk…COLQUITT has a CHAMPIONSHIP! STEPHENSON DONT! ENOUGH SAID!

grayram

October 18th, 2009
12:18 pm

ENR
Peachtree Ridge would however make the playoffs in AAA where NSWR plays.

[...] from:  Collins Hill and M.L. King suffer first losses of season | Prep … By admin | category: hill school | tags: 21-7-win, aaaaa, class, collins, friday, [...]

Newton

October 18th, 2009
12:35 pm

One thing I can agree on about the Stephenson-MLK game: sloppy play and penalties are a staple with these two teams. For a showcase of two of Dekalb’s best programs, it was what I predicted. Having grew up in Dekalb though I took a lot of pride in this game, and was proud to have witnessed it on TV. ESPN has got an affinity for HS in GA this year though, the Sanders TD was the second highlight Ive seen in as many weeks on ESPN. The Clarence Jackson pick-6 from the Griffin-NC game last week was also an ESPN top 10 highlight. Anyways, I had gotten the feeling over the past week the Union Grove posters were being sarcastic decatur where its greater, but all in good fun. They know they haven’t beat yall EVER, so you got to appreciate the respect tied in as well. Stephenson has a ton of talent, and the confidence is high after a big win over a region rival on a national stage. But as far a state title contender goes, I’ll just see it when I see it. You guys are going to have to do it on the field, not in the chat room. Ive seen some great Stephenson teams get knocked out the playoffs, and the team you have this year isn’t one of greats IMO. Good luck to region 2-AAAAA playoff bound teams the season is almost over, lets represent at state

Newton

October 18th, 2009
1:16 pm

props to the Rams for the 39-0 drubbing of Greenbrier, let’s continue to beat the teams we are suppose to in convincing fashion. Things are lookin good with winless Douglass, Union Grove and Luella left. If we take care of business, we avoid Camden Co. and I like our chances with anyone else in 3-AAAAA in the first round. Also props to Eastside for the 48-0 win over Jackson Co. Looks like they should defend their region 8-AAA crown with tough part of their schedule behind them. Looks like they really pulled it together after we beat them: good job Eagles! Alcovy, great win over Ola, but yall got a dangerous game coming up this week with Mt. Zion-Jonesboro. They have a ton of talent and their running back Morgan is a beast. Im looking for yall to roll into Griffin 8-1. AJC wake up and realize its great football being played in Newton Co.

Rod

October 18th, 2009
1:21 pm

McEachern baby, if that coach get rid of that 2 QB system, the #7 kid can do it all and they have a lot of speed at all the skill position. Just ask Coach OB and Woodstock.

BulldawgBite

October 18th, 2009
2:28 pm

decatur where its greater,
i wont ask our AD to put is in the same region as you because our schools are 45 mins away and that makes 0 sense. and the difference between the ridge game versus lowndes and the stephenson-newton game is that Lowndes is actually good. stephenson did win big against MLK but everyone has said they play sloppy football and are undisciplined. 3 fumbles would explain those assumptions. in the playoffs if stephenson can get past their two seed then they will get to the semis becaust they play a horrid region 6 team.

zach

October 18th, 2009
2:54 pm

Lassiter has the most explosive offense in the state

Westlake Title

October 18th, 2009
3:09 pm

WESTLAKE ALL THE WAY, ONE SET BACK AGAINST NEWNAN BUT MICHAEL TAYLOR WILL LEAD THEM TO STATE ALONG WITH YOUNG TALENT

Westlake Title

October 18th, 2009
3:10 pm

WESTLAKE WILL HAVE A REMATCH AGAINST NEWNAN IN THE SEMIS AND IT WILL BE A THRILLER

Pridge senior

October 18th, 2009
3:48 pm

Bulldog bite I’m sorry to disappoint you but brad roby is not our only player. He barely played at all against collins hill last night and we still did very well. We might just have to wait and see

Robert

October 18th, 2009
4:38 pm

Lowndes. End of discussion.

GO UG!

October 18th, 2009
4:39 pm

can you talk those players that you mentioned to commit to UGA before Lane Kiffin gets to them?

newnancougar39

October 18th, 2009
5:03 pm

we do hav a weak schedule so just admit it we do and until we prove ourselves in a bigtime situation you cannot promise a state championship. Yes we have a very good shot because we are really good,have stellar athletes,good coaches,and a lot of heart but you cannot guarantee a state championship because there are a good 8 more teams in the state who are neck and neck with us. So yes I think if we play to our potential we will win state

dakotah

October 18th, 2009
5:13 pm

i wanna ee grayson com down here to camden and talk all the carp there talking yea u beat ujs so wat were 5-2 u may be 7-0 i dont caqre the noise it crazy here id love to see u beat jus here then ill respect

AVikingFan

October 18th, 2009
5:50 pm

To High School Football Fan: If Region 1AAAAA regular season ends with a three way, the tie breaker is points allowed in games with the three teams. In other words, if Lowndes, Northside and Colquitt ended the season tied, Lowndes has given up 16 points to those two teams (10 to NSWR and 6 to Colquitt) Lowndes put 31 on Colquitt. Colquitt and Northside have not played yet. Lowndes scored 7 on NSWR. But I don’t look for Colquitt to defeat NSWR, who should win 1st place in our region, with Lowndes 2nd, Colquitt 3rd, and Valdosta 4th.

slalom1

October 18th, 2009
7:18 pm

Have not studied the play-off brackets, but as far as who has the best shot in AAAAA, I would have to still bet on Lowndes. Grayson is over-hyped. N. Gwinnett is impressive. Living on the Alabama side of the “Hooche” I catch lots of Alabama HS football as well. The win over Prattville still has Alabama HS fans feeling woozy. Camden County and Northside are still young. McKeachern has NEVER gotten the job done. P’Ridge? Come on. They are done. Then there is Newnan. Hands down the best defense in the state along with the state’s best player, Alec Ogletree. The Newnan offense still needs work, but if the 2 best teams in AAAAA played tomorrow it would be Newnan vs. Lowndes.

slalom1

October 18th, 2009
7:31 pm

There have been several comments on some of A. Ogletree’s biggest hits of the year. One that I will never forget is the one he put on LG’s Ocie Salter right before the half in Game 1. Speaking of Ocie Salter, everyone seems to have discovered the state’s most popular “little BIG man” in Ean Pemberton. But I am here to say that the state’s best “little BIG man” is LG’s Ocie Salter. At 5′5 162 lbs. he is simply an amazing RB. Catch his highlights @ http://www.lagrangefootball.com. He is #5. FINALLY up to full speed after the devasting hit by Ogletree in Game 1. Had 174 yds rushing in the first half 2 weeks ago and had over 210 yds total offense yesterday. Amazing.

observer

October 18th, 2009
7:41 pm

Slalom1- What do you mean by pridge is done?

Northside Observer

October 18th, 2009
9:15 pm

Northtside-WR is not out of the woods yet for a lock on 1st place in 1AAAAA. Warner Robins Demons have gotten better as the season as progressed. Throw the ratings out of the window when thses two play. The Demons get Colquitt on the road this week while NSWR plays them at home on the last weekend of the season. Colquitt is a very good team and dangerous—as is NSWR at home. I see them coming in 3rd in the region. The Demons will bring it against NSWR with 3 or 4 track speed running backs and a senior D-and O line.

AJC Sports

October 18th, 2009
9:24 pm

decatur – Your posts mentioning topics about the Colquitt coach that have nothing to do with football have been deleted. End of discussion on that and if we see any more about it, you’re gone for a week.

It’s fine if you want to argue Stephenson’s case, FOOTBALL-wise. But for the last flippin’ time: STOP WITH THE PERSONAL ATTACKS — either on other commenters or coaches, players, etc.

Talk FOOTBALL here. If you just can’t keep yourself from running off about personal rumors, maybe the fine folks at TMZ.com will add a “Georgia High School Football Rumors And Innuendo” section where you can get wild, go crazy. But on this blog, we won’t.

We’ve been pretty patient with you, decatur, because we hate sending our regulars to the Time Out corner and we know you’re a passionate fan. Please don’t make that happen just because someone disses your team. C’mon…

That said, it’s also not cool to bait other commenters here just to get them to blow up. We love your intense debates, gang, but lay off the little snipe-fests that are too personal. It’s childish.

big j

October 18th, 2009
10:15 pm

You so called union grove fans trip me out we have a bad game in all phases of the game and now goin into biggest game of year you want to basicly throw coach under bus we all no what the problem is the o line are d will play with anybody there’s no doubt we need to open it up but u can’t do it when we r that thin up front I challenge you to look at the top teams in state and look at there o line then if you think we have what it takes to beat anyone its simple weak up front

The Grove

October 18th, 2009
10:46 pm

big j – You have no clue nor do you know anything about football if you don’t think these coaching moves are suspect with all of this talent we have. If we coach like this against Stephenson this week like we have for the last 7 weeks, it’s a done deal and all that the Stephenson and MLK people have been saying will be true.

big j

October 18th, 2009
11:03 pm

Grove your missin my point have you seen the o line I agree extremly talented at skill not on line I totally agree play callin suspect at best I don’t care who plays we just don’t have it on the line there’s no doubt if we play the way we did friday no chance that’s in all phases at all levels

Jags

October 19th, 2009
12:09 am

JAGUARS…Anybody,Anytime,Anywhere. Sorry haters no we are a prefect team but we are “THE” Team .Yes Sir thank you keep it coming!!! We have to be doing it right because yall talking.

Panola Road's Finest

October 19th, 2009
12:30 am

Hey Jaguar Fans,
We used to have heated debates two years ago when MLK was undefeated and came one kick from going to the dome. Just wanted to say that, sorry.

But anyway, might I suggest that the Jaguar nation stop talking and finally go out and prove it in the playoffs. The stakes are higher this year due to the fact that your team was featured on NATIONAL TV beating a solid, but young team. Say what you want Jaguar Fans but a first round exit with yet ANOTHER REGION CHAMPIONSHIP is NOT a good look.

No hate, no disrespect just saying what everyone is saying including us here in Dekalb. Tucker never talks. SWD never talks. Each went deeper in the playoffs than Stephenson the past couple of years.

ColquittCountyUnderdog

October 19th, 2009
5:27 am

thank you AJCSports for regulating the comments.

to decatur- i stand by my comments regarding Stephenson’s lack of discipline. Stephenson has some of the best talent in the state but it all goes to waste every year when they fail to make it past the first or 2nd round of the playoffs. a weak kicking game and sloppy fumbles will get a team sent home in a hurry against the likes of a Lowndes, Northside, Colquitt, or Warner Robins. if Stephenson had better coaching, i think they could be in the title mix every year.

The Grove

October 19th, 2009
6:11 am

big j – Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith did not have a legendary line and Neither has Tom Brady, but if you put the best 11 on the field and get your play makers the ball your chances are greater. That’s probably why other teams or writers are not taking us seriously because our coaching is suspect in all phases of the game. Speed and talent will out weigh the rough spots on the o-line. There are some bright spots on the line though we just have to get into their ears and give them a chance and not let coaching defeat us like it did last year in the 2 regular season and 1 playoff game we lost.

ColquittCountyUnderdog

October 19th, 2009
8:37 am

wow decatur…i really didnt think you would go there but then again it doesnt surprise me…i think the fact that Stephenson made so many mistakes and still won is a testament to the great talent they have. Stephenson certaintly has the talent to beat anyone if they limit mistakes, play solid on special teams, and open up the offense a bit.

TRUE BLUE

October 19th, 2009
8:49 am

ColquittCountyUnderdog, you need to stop your foolish talking about STEPHENSON. The things that you are saying sound like you from the Dekalb County.So you need to keep your negative comments to yourself acting like you from Colquitt County living up here Dekalb County.

ColquittCountyUnderdog

October 19th, 2009
9:08 am

True Blue- what i said about Stephenson is not foolish talk…its obvious and im not the only one who mentioned Stephenson’s turnovers and mistakes…with better coaching, i think they could be in the state title mix every year but i doubt they will go that deep in the playoffs this year if they continue to play like they did against MLK.

i thought this was a blog. i cant give my honest opinion now?…good luck to Stephenson the rest of the way unless you meet Colquitt County of course.

GO UG!

October 19th, 2009
9:22 am

big J, do you think that we are doing the absoulute best that we can with what we have? I really think that we need a little more diversity in the offense. Take that little shuffle pass out…it don’t work.

Hey Coach, put in the SECRET PLAY this week.

GO UG!

October 19th, 2009
9:23 am

Hey Coach, put in the SECRET PLAY this week for Stephenson.

NHSEagle

October 19th, 2009
9:32 am

The Northside Eagles are the best team in the state, period. Just come see us at the MAC in Warner Robins or at our 2nd home, the GA Dome…We will be waiting…

ColquittCountyUnderdog

October 19th, 2009
9:52 am

Lowndes has also won 3 titles in the last 5 years and Grayson made it to the semifinals, a place unknown to Stephenson. im not “bashing” Stephenson. why are you so sensitive? i guess you ignore the fact that i mentioned Stephenson’s great talent.

Stephenson’s running back lost 3 fumbles. those are obvious mistakes in ball security. yes, other teams turn the ball over but i seriously doubt Lowndes, Grayson, North Gwinnett, Northside WR, or any other top AAAAA team go on national tv and turn it over like that.

like i said BEFORE and will say AGAIN, good luck to Stephenson the rest of the way.

ColquittCountyUnderdog

October 19th, 2009
10:00 am

Lowndes and Grayson have turnovers periodically but i cant name a game where Lowndes has lost 3 fumbles. Lowndes has won 3 of the past 5 state titles in AAAAA and Grayson made it to the semifinals, a place unknown to Stephenson.

i would think losing 3 fumbles are mistakes but thats just my opinion based on the facts of the Stephenson-MLK game. the punting and kicking were not as good as some of the top AAAAA teams either. teams that lack solid special teams usually give up field position and it comes back to haunt them against great teams. some of the Stephenson posters were saying that Stephenson would make it to the dome but i just dont see that unless they dramatically improve between now and the playoffs.

im not bashing them. im just giving my opinion. like i said BEFORE, good luck to Stephenson the rest of the way

SportsFan31313

October 19th, 2009
10:33 am

NHSEagle,

It’s nice to back your team. But to go as far as to say the Northside Warner Robbins are the best in the State is just your opinion. Last I have seen it, Grayson is the number one which makes them the best in the state.

big j

October 19th, 2009
10:39 am

Not sayin we can’t do better we can all do better sure we need to open it up iam sure coach wakes up every sat mornin wishin he had done somethi different iam just stating a fact about o-line when you are missing 3 out of 7 in rotation it hurts we all no the backbone of team is on d if they have breakdowns like they did friday it changes game completly

AJC Sports

October 19th, 2009
10:48 am

These commenters are now banned. If you contact us to complain, we have the posts that got you banned on file and will be happy to send them to the editors so they, too, can read them. Decatur, you were warned and given chances to stop. Punisher, there’s no excuse for what you wrote to another commenter on this forum.

decatur where it is greater
PUNISHER

Gone for a week with a warning:

mark newnan 1

Mark, you may be back for Week 10 but only if you stop personally attacking other commenters. You’re gone for Week 9. If you try to return under another name, trust us — it won’t work. We’ll be watching. Our advice: Cool down and return to football talk. Thanks. We know you can do it.

Today we’re going through this blog, Poll Talk and the Free For All Forum and deleting posts that are personal in tone because things are ridiculous at the moment. If we see that you go behind us and continue posting these sorts of messages, like decatur tried to do or if you post something as disgusting as Punisher did, we’ll just shut down commenting. We’d hate to do that because we think this is the most fun part of what we do here online but it’s up to you, folks.

We do appreciate it and those of you who have helped us keep the trolls off the boards and keep the football talk on track. You know who you are. Many thanks.

mike

October 19th, 2009
11:14 am

pridge- Collins Hill was not overhyped. You made 2 big plays, we made none, you won. Love to play you again. We’ll still finish 9-1, which in 7AAAAA is only good for third place.

NHSEagle

October 19th, 2009
11:41 am

SportsFan, I appreciate your comments, but if Grayson and Northside haven’t played, I guess your assessment of the situation is also an opinion. Rankings don’t make a team #1, victories do. And we DO have plenty of those over the years. Remember…men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t. Again, come see us (Northside High School Eagles) at home in Warner Robins at the MAC or at our 2nd home field, the GA Dome. We play the game on the field, folks…True Blue!

NHSEagle

October 19th, 2009
12:02 pm

SportsFan,
Yeah, I’m True Blue all the way. But, if Northside and Grayson haven’t played this year, isn’t the #1 ranking also someone’s opinion? I’m sure if you ask Lowndes who the best team in the state is, they will concur with my assessment. An opinionated, metro ATL-biased ranking doesn’t make you the best team in the state, victories do. Of which, we (NHS Eagles) have plenty. Remember…men lie, women lie, but numbers don’t. Come see us at home in Warner Robins at the MAC or at our adopted home field, the GA Dome. We will be there waiting, as usual, when the smoke clears. Oh, to all you WR Demon fans…Great year so far. From what I’ve seen and heard, you have another great team over there on the southside. The showdown should be another great game, but it’s all about the Eagles!