“Truth is, if my team had to win at the expense of shamefully recruiting players from outside of their respective districts,I would find it difficult to enjoy the wins.”

Yeah right, you would take them either way. Everyone does it whether you get caught or not. It’s sad but now teams have to do it just to compete. Being honest and working with what you have will get you fired now a days if you’re not winning.

I understand what you’re saying with trying to make up for the cost of the dome but multiple games at Grady stadium and multiple games at the Georgia Dome the prices will never be the same. One is a professional venue and the other is used for prep sports. It’s the same in basketball, the ealry rounds of the state playoffs(hosted by the higher seeds) would never be the same price as the admission at the finals.(Neutral Site-Gwinnett Arena or Macon Coliseum)

Viking / South GA people. If your not doing anything tonight Valdosta State is playing #1 North Alabama at Blazemore-Hyder. Come introduce yourself to the mascot. haha.

At this point, I want to close ranks and hope Region 5 bodes well in the playoffs. A little sorry to not see EP going to the post season… as you guys have historically traveled and played well in the playoffs. I am guessing our #3 (hopefully Etowah) draws South Gwinnett in the first round…

If the McEachern team that played EP so hard shows up and the Harrison team we saw at “The Boneyard” shows up McEachern will win easily…McEachern is a VERY physical team and EP had a good game against them a few weeks ago…That game was a HARD loss for EP as they really wanted to win it and EP cam to play that night and could have stole one from McEachern but let it get away…

Last wek was totally different and EP kept Harrison in the game all night…GIVING them a gift with seconds to go before halftime of a TD when EP fumbled a STUPID play in its own endzone!!! The Harrison team we saw at “THE BONEYARD” last week will have a VERY tough time against McEachern!!!

It still looks like #1 McEachern, #2 Woodstock, #3 Etowah & #4 Harrison…

McEachern has already run the gauntlet in our Region and “should” win out to claim the Region title. Harrison tomorrow night is really McEachern’s only remaining test… and it should be no problem as long as they don’t beat themselves. First round, McEachern should draw Brookwood, Dacula, or Parkview… and they beat Brookwood earlier this year.

Cannon – I wouldn’t leave the cannon tradition (on this blog) behind just yet. I have rather gotten used to it and might actually miss it.

Pops – not sure where the Wolverine crew is headed except for a little worry that their heads have gotten too big with their new found (and deserved) ranking. I think Coach O’Brien will keep them grounded. To quote another rather successful coach from the North Avenue Trade School: “[They] haven’t won anything yet.”

Then came Etowah and we again loaded the Cannon and wound up the countdown clock…this time the clock exploded & the cannon misfired all night as Etowah turned the cannon on EP and had us ducking and running all night long!!! EP was lucky to get out of that Eagles Nest at all, those were some VICIOUS eagles that night!!!

Then came last week and we started the countdown clock and loaded the cannon for Harrison as they came to “THE BONEYARD”…again the cannon misfired just enough and Hoya Chuck and his crew left EP with a victory!

So now comes Kennesaw Mtn. tomorrow night, don’t think this one rates the countdown clock and just hoping the Raiders from EP have enough pride to at least play a complete game this time and finish this game with a win!!!

This years team IS NOT as good as we had thought, but IT IS NOT as bad as they have played in several games this year!!! Finishing at 6/4 on the year is still doable and a good goal at this point!!! Probably not worthy of a playoff spot but it builds for next year as EP is playing with a LOT of jr. starters this season who will be back next year…

GO RAIDERS!!!

In other news, North Gwinnett is making a good run for State this year alongside NS Warner Robins..Lowndes Co. can forget it this year..not enough fire power as usual..Grayson has a good team but not a GREAT team yet..They are over-hyped and geared for a playoff upset in my opinion..im taking NSWR and North Gwinnet in State..that is “IF” my Wolverines don’t luck up and make it..God bless them and the ol’ Collinater

Hey Todd – this might make the Colquitt vs Warner Robins game the biggest in the state this week. You and ole Carvel need to ponder that.

My take is that Marietta is basically a one dimensional team offensively with their stud running back, #21. He broke a long run for a TD on the first play from scrimmage against Etowah, but after that Etowah was basically able to contain him. I haven’t seen Harrison play yet, but I suspect if their defense shows up and plays containment, then Harrison actually has a good chance. Harrison looks (on paper) to be able to score offensively. Marietta will struggle to control the line of scrimmage.

I really DO NOT see EP having a chance in that game, Woodstock is just too loaded this year…So I have EP finishing at 6/4 & 5/4 in the Region…

I don’t see Harrison winning another game this year so they finish at 4/6 & 4/6 in the Region…

The only wildcard in that prediction is the Harrison / Marietta game which I know Harrison is counting on winning to end up tied with EP for the #4 seed and then they win the spot by virtue of beating EP last week…

whatever the outcome it is a mute point as neither team (EP or Harrison) has a snowballs chance against Grayson this year!!!

The other Paulding County game that should be fun/exciting this week is the
Hiram Hornets playing Hillgrove…that one should be a BARNBURNER!!!

And I like that Wildcat idea, wonder if Skogan has an arm. We’d have to come up with a cool nickname for it like Oregon did, how about Rabid Wolverine? haha. I really dont think we’re going to loose btw, Just think it might be a little closer than it should be. haha

“Bufording” I like that! I don’t know though AAAA might not be as easy to dominate now. A lot of great teams all around the state in that classification could pose a problem for the “mighty” eagles.

They charge $10-$12 because there is more than one game at the dome that day.

re: Alcovy vs. Hillgrove: I can see either of those teams ranked, so we’re splitting hairs, but Hillgrove has been more decisive in its victories. Both could easily be 7-0, but Alcovy had a couple of close calls in its wins.

Todd Holcomb – I saw your article today naming the Georgians in the Ivy League. Where are the QB’s from Roswell and NG who played in 2007? They were good high school QB’s and I was just wondering where they are. Someone told me Tamburo from NG is at Boise State but wasn’t certain.

The Demons will definitely put it to Colquit and possibly to Lowndes… Now wouldn’t that be entertaining?

I think I may just have to put on my old Demons sweat shirt that collects dust in my closet from 2004 and head out to the Lowndes/Demons game… =)

Also… The blog sure was a lot more enjoyable when the Lowndes fans were gone off crying and shameful… Now they are BACK… UGGGGHHHH! LOL.

Once again, NSWR has a pretty uneventful game this week… but next week… it is a SHOWDOWN AT THE MAC!! The BIG game….. LOOK out DEMONS… the EAGLES are READY!! =)

I hate to say it but Woodstock is on upset alert against Cherokee. Well for the first half atleast. Our QB has been suspended for the first half because he was found with dip which is something that O’B strongly hates. I’m sure Skogan and Carmicheal will step it up though.

Northside will not win state this year and next year when they go back down to where they are most comfortable we will hear it all over again just like a few years ago.

“We won state in AAAA and we are the best team in all of Georgia”.

I call it Bufording.

I agree with you. And I can explain as to why, but not right now. Yo, Reeze, Eagle Nation Rising, and AVIKING could tell you why. What I will say is that the citizens does not support thier schools like they should. I can say somethings about the Region 3-AAAAA school that I am a fan of. I am a fan of Bradwell Institute. They have a very young and in experienced team this year, and they were doing very well this until a total of twelve starters got injured in different games this thereby sending their win loss record into a frenzy. But i will defend them by saying that Bradwell Institute have proven themselves to be a good football team as well in addition to Camden County. It seems as if you have looked up and studied the regions. So I will recommend to you to go to Ga Football Historians beginning 1980 to the present. You will see what Schools Bradwell Institute have beaten over the years, to include Valdosta, Warner Robbins, Baldwin County, East Coweta, Newnan and etc. As a matter of fact, Bradwell Institute did beat Region 4-AAAAA East Coweta “AGAIN” in the first round of the playoffs last year. So there you have it. You have Bradwell Institute, Camden County, and then everybody else in Region 3-AAAAA.

In Region 3-AAA you also have Liberty County that is doing great as well, and position themselves for the number two seed for the post season. OedipusTax, what Region are you from, and what team?

But remember, football is not the only sport played. GHSA rules prevent a team from traveling more than 100 miles on a school night. (Basketball, wrestling, softball, tennis, golf, baseball, soccer, etc.) Therefore those schools play “UP” in AAAAA because of travel time. It’s kinda not a good situation for Camden either because often their football team is not in “4 quarter game condition” when the playoffs roll around, because of substituting to prevent running up the score any more than they do. Their coach has really worked on that the past couple of years.

Camden County, however, is legitimate, and can obviously beat anybody in the State on any given day. They have proven that over and over again. Yes, two losses, but very narrow ones, and against the very best. They could be our State Champion again, easily, in AAAAA.

However, 3-AAAAA is a complete and total disaster. Something wrong with the water down there? The region is 5-19 against non region opponents this year, and not a single victory is against another in-state AAAAA school. Discounting Camden’s quality win against a Florida team, the region’s four outside-of-the-region victories are against teams with a combined record of 7-22. I doubt a more mediocre performance disgraces the history of Georgia High School football.

Thus, Camden also has to overcome a huge handicap, which might be the equivalent of North Gwinnett having to play Meadowcreek for seven games in a row prior to the playoffs. Keep in mind how Camden can’t get ready to play anybody good when they can’t play anybody good in their region.

Thanks for your comment. Bradwell is in a must win situation if they are planning to make the playoffs. I am quite disappointed in the way Bradwell had been playing. Although they have a very young and inexperienced team this year in addition to 12 starters being injured, I still believe that they could have run the table on the Savannah Teams. Losing to them are very unacceptable.

However; better watch out though, Region 3-AAA Liberty County is definitely on a roll. They are playing with heart, poise and a lot of confidence. They have beaten at least two ranked teams on their schedule this year with only two losses against Region 2-AAAA Glynn Academy in OT and Number 5 Ranked Region 3-AAA Washington County in a very close game as well. They have beaten Burke County in a stunning upset at Burke County in the Bears Den. This week, they play Baldwin County at home in which a lot of eyes will be watching. Baldwin County is not new to the area as Bradwell Institute use to beat them when they played them. It will be a good game I am sure if Liberty County wins, and by chance Washington County lose before the regular season is over, I believe that Liberty County may win the Region, and then become the number one seed in the playoffs from their Region. If not, then Liberty County will be the number 2 seed.

That is true, and if you really believe that? Your feelings will be hurt. Example. Region 3-AAAAA Camden County plays in a so called weak Region, yet they won the State last year beating everyone they came in contact with. They Beat Region Northside Warner Robbins, They beat Region 4 Newnan, They Beat Region 5 Woodstock, and they beat Region 7 Peachtree Ridge. So what you are saying in not accurate.

Curious to know, where does region 3 #2 fit? You have Region 3 #3 but I dont see Region 3 #2.

What are you talking about? Buck Godfrey has a state championship and they went through Warner Robins to do so in the dome. The question is will Northside win one now that they’re in AAAAA.

What’s with all the Buck Godfrey bashing. There are quite a few teams in every classification that have talent and haven’t won anything. He has. Who cares if it was in the mid 90’s, they won and went thru middle and south GA to do so in the highest class. There’s always a coach to blame for lack of success in the playoffs. You talk about him and his teams but they beat up on teams all over the state of GA, with good talent or no talent.

It depends on what “hood” school you referring to. Some hillbilly schools get mopped as well

ETA: Yo, you had a question about your comments not showing up but we see them just fine. — AJC Sports

Bottom Left Bottom Right
Reg 4 #1 Newnan Reg 6 #1 Walton
Reg 1 #4 W.R Reg 7 #4 Norcross
Reg 2 #2 M.L.K Reg 8 #2 S. Gwinnett
Reg 3 #3 ? Reg 5 #3 Woodstock
Reg 8 #1 Grayson Reg 2 #1 Stephens
Reg 5 #4 E. Paulding Reg 3 #4 ?
Reg 6 #2 Roswell Reg 4 #2 Creekside
Reg 7 #3 Collins Hill Reg 1 # Valdosta

Having said this I am liking the Northside/Warner matchup more and more.
Going to be interesting to see how Northside moves the ball on Warners defense.

Did you ever follow my suggesttion and talk to your old friend Buck Godfrey and suggest that he might consider doing a Tomberlin/Nix and work on going down a classification so he can win his first championship? It worked for Tomberlin/Nix!!!

As for Lowndes County playing in the Georgia Dome, that is a neutral site. You are very stubborn on this. Lowndes County usually loses on the road against top tier teams, particularly in the regular season. It is more than just Northside.

I can only go by what I have seen with my own eyes. I saw Lowndes County lose at McConnell-Talbert in 1997. Lowndes County had a SUPERIOR team. I saw Lowndes County lose at Grayson in the playoffs. Northside had lost the previous week at Camden County. I was certain that Lowndes was one of the best team ever assembled. The Vikings lost. I saw Lowndes bring, yet another, superior team to the MAC this season. Same result. I told this entire board that Lowndes was suspect and provided ample evidence to support my claims. We all saw it. We all saw Lowndes fold.

Warner Robins is going to beat Colquitt County. Watch! It will not be an upset. Warner Robins and Colquitt are both 3-1 in the region. Warner Robins has played at the #1 team in the state and natioonally ranked Grayson. They are prepared for Colquitt. Scheduling matters. Colquitt could not even compete against Lowndes. Warner Robins will beat Colquitt and compete/maybe beat Northside and/or Lowndes County.

Again, thanks for the tiebreaker information.

Northside 16, Valdosta 13
Northside 10, Lowndes County 7 (Northside playing without their only All-State player on their roster)
Lowndes County 55, Valdosta 17

What does a score from a previous week have to do with another Friday night? Some teams do not match up well with others. What’s your point? If we used your flawed logic, we would assume that Lowndes County would put up 35 on Northside simply because Valdosta put up 13 points and were in the Red Zone four times. One week does not translate into another week. Lowndes County rarely matches up well against top tier competition when they play on the road. Therefore, you can throw their games at Martin Stadium out the window.

Warner Robins is more physical than Valdosta. Warner Robins runs the ball MUCH better than Valdosta. The last strong running team that Colquitt faced was Lowndes County. Lowndes HAMMERED Colquitt County. Warner Robins will do the same.

Lowndes County are quickly becoming the Kings of Underachievement. With losses to an inferior Grayson team last season and to a team of sophomores and juniors at Northside, Randy McPherson is about to become the first back-to-back winner of the Buck Godfrey Award. Losing at Grayson and at the MAC against Northside is a case study in doing less with more.

I know those National Championship hopes are falling hard. That what Northside Eagles do to unprepared programs. Watch the PBS telecast. Even the analyst highlights how Randy McPherson and his Lowndes County staff were UNPREPARED for the moment.

Northside-Warner Robins 6, Lowndes County 2. These are the facts.