AAAAA playoff draw: Brutal for some
My pal Chip Saye sent me a mock draw for the Class AAAAA playoffs today, and it’s pretty interesting.
Here are some highlights:
Lowndes is projected to play at Camden County in the second round, which is widely known by now. But the winner would face another juggernaut in the quaterfinals, probably either McEachern or the Region 7 champion (Peachtree Ridge or North Gwinnett).
How’s that for a stacked quarter of the draw?
No. 1 Grayson and No. 4 Newnan also share a quarter, and a coin flip would determine which would have home-field edge if they play.
The third quarter figures to have Northside, Woodstock and the Peachtree Ridge-North Gwinnett winner.
The lowest quarter has the fewest ‘big-name’ teams. Stephenson is the highest ranked and would be seeded to play the Region 6 champ, Roswell or Lassiter.
I’ll post the potential matchups in other classes later this week.
Here is AAAAA, and note that I’m not sure I agree with Chip that North Gwinnett and Lassiter are winning their regions. I might have to pick Peachtree Ridge and Roswell. But Chip is killing me in the predictions this season. I’ll stick to rankings.
Newton at Camden County*
East Coweta at Lowndes
Brookwood at McEachern*
Walton at Peachtree Ridge
Valdosta at Newnan*
Bradwell Institute at M.L. King
Harrison at Grayson*
Collins Hill at Roswell
Kell at North Gwinnett*
Dacula at Woodstock
Pebblebrook at Northside*
Union Grove at Windsor Forest
North Forsyth at Lassiter*
Etowah at South Gwinnett
Beach at Stephenson*
Colquitt County at Westlake
*Regoin champion
This week’s rankings:
CLASS AAAAA
1. Grayson (9-0)
2. Northside, Warner Robins (8-0)
3. North Gwinnett (8-0)
4. Newnan (8-0)
5. Lowndes (7-1)
6. Stephenson (8-0)
7. McEachern (8-0)
8. Peachtree Ridge (7-1)
9. Camden County (6-2)
10. Woodstock (7-1)
CLASS AAAA
1. Griffin (8-0)
2. Westside, Macon (8-0)
3. Southwest DeKalb (7-1)
4. Sandy Creek (7-1)
5. North Clayton (7-1)
6. Hiram (8-0)
7. Marist (6-2)
8. Tucker (7-1)
9. Apalachee (8-0)
10. Thomas County Central (7-1)
CLASS AAA
1. Gainesville (8-0)
2. Peach County (8-0)
3. St. Pius (8-0)
4. Carver, Columbus (7-1)
5. Washington County (8-0)
6. Carrollton (8-0)
7. LaGrange (7-1)
8. Jackson (8-0)
9. Baldwin (6-2)
10. North Hall (6-2)
CLASS AA
1. Calhoun (8-0)
2. Fitzgerald (8-0)
3. Buford (7-1)
4. Jefferson County (8-0)
5. Charlton County (7-0-1)
6. Lovett (7-1)
7. Thomasville (6-2)
8. Westminster (6-2)
9. Jefferson (8-0)
10. Swainsboro (7-1)
CLASS A
1. Wesleyan (9-0)
2. Savannah Christian (8-0)
3. Lincoln County (7-1)
4. ECI (7-1)
5. Twiggs County (7-1)
6. Wilkinson County (7-1)
7. Greenville (8-0)
8. Miller County (7-1)
9. Johnson County (7-1)
10. Wilcox County (6-2)
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246 comments Add your comment
goober
October 26th, 2009
5:05 pm
SanityRules: OK, if “Newnan don’t (sic) give up points”, what do you call those 27 “things” that Newnan give up to Camden County last year in the playoffs?
RAMMITBABY
October 26th, 2009
5:06 pm
(Think about ENR when you’re doing it. ha ha) Look for the red F150 with matching camper top in the Silver Viking parking lot Friday.
[So Much for the HILLBILLIES OF GRAYSON diatribes] LOL! GO RAMS!!!!!!!
SanityRules
October 26th, 2009
5:22 pm
Goober you must be a goober. You said the magic words, last year. Different defense. In that game ,our defense played well but our offense put us in bad spots all game long. I won’t make any excuses as Camden was a great team with great fans and they took care of business. Would love to get a rematch this year.
observer
October 26th, 2009
5:34 pm
Thank goodness those whiners from Parkview probably won’t make it
GO UG!
October 26th, 2009
5:38 pm
Tell the Truth, there is a huge difference in playing as the #2 seed vs. #3. If we finish #3 and we win the first round then we get Lowndes the 2nd round, so I would much rather finish #2. I think Newton and MLK have good teams but I do like our chances.
SouthGARules
October 26th, 2009
6:07 pm
Black and Gold24 & SportsFan31313: While I respect your opinions, I will beat ENR to the punch and remind you that Northside DOES NOT LOSE AT McConnell-Talbot Stadium in the REGULAR SEASON.
If Warner Robins can not run the ball (see Grayson, Colquitt County, Valdosta), they will LOSE. In the 30+ years I have followed Warner Robins HS football, they have only had 1 QB that could pass (Bob Davis, son of the coach). For all the people that have made excuses about injuries, I read where Thomasville won Friday night with their THIRD String QB.
goober
October 26th, 2009
6:07 pm
Looks like Newnan in ‘09 is almost a perfect replica of Newnan in ‘08. Let’s see … thru eight games this year Newnan is 8-0 with five shutouts and 28 total points allowed on defense and 33.5 ppg scored on offense. Through eight games in ‘08 Newnan was 8-0 with four shutouts and 28 total points allowed on defense and 41.0 ppg scored on offense. Maybe the only difference is the offense was better last year.
Newnan is clearly the best team inside region 4-AAAAA. Outside is another matter, as what counts is what you do in the playoffs. As Newnan proved last year, all those shutouts in the R-S don’t mean much. Just like this year, when Lowndes steamrolled over every team until it hit a Northside team with a wise old coach and good athletes who knew how to slow down the Wing-T. And just like Lowndes vs. Grayson last year … regular-season victories are great, but a team better use them to prepare for the rigors of the playoffs.
The state champ in every Class, but especially in 5A, truly EARNS the right to be #1. Four of the last six years it’s been Camden or Lowndes. Maybe this could be Newnan’s year … good luck!
inthatrenches
October 26th, 2009
6:49 pm
Sanity, they knew they (camden) had a match up and anyone who seen or was at the game has to admit Camden played on the Newnan side of the field the entire 1 st half and had atleast one fluke touchdown the fourth down pass that was broken up and then caught out of the air by a second receiver the non-defensive fumble that Powell had on the first play of the game (I believe we would have been better off on Defense first) No need to rehash old issues but the game may have been much different. Newnan will have to get by 2 good teams and then Grayson to get back to Camden who will also have quite a run to get back to the Semi finals
eagleforlife
October 26th, 2009
7:06 pm
I did not say that we have already won the region championship.. Gosh! Some of you are quite touchy! =) especially you Lowndes COUNTY folks! Hehe!
I know the next two games aren’t going to be easy, however I am confident in my Eagles as they have proven throughout this season that they have the strength and pride for the game to pull it off!
Gooo Eagles!
BROOKWOOD MOM
October 26th, 2009
7:06 pm
Thanks Chip! I’m glad SOMEBODY has confidence that my BRONCOS will make it to round one in the playoffs!
eagleforlife
October 26th, 2009
7:10 pm
Also, thank you all for telling me that it is not Lowndes County High, I had NO idea. Your COUNTY is Lowndes, or am I wrong? =) I guess ya’ll don’t want to be Lowndes County High just as we don’t care to be called Northside-Warner Robins.. But we got over it, so I suggest you do the same and worry about more important issues, like, NORTHSIDE just MAY win your precious 1-AAAAA region title! =)
SouthGARules
October 26th, 2009
7:57 pm
Black and Gold24 & SportsFan31313: I respect your insight & opinions, however I will beat ENR to the punch & point out that NSWR DOES NOT LOSE AT THE MAC IN THE REGULAR SEASON. With that being said, it was said that GT could not win at UVA, but we know what happened Saturday. The only way Warner Robins wins is if they can run the ball effectively. I have said & will continue to say: If you stop the Demons from running the ball (see Grayson, Colquitt County, Valdosta), you will beat them. In the 30+ years I have followed HS football in GA, Warner Robins has had 1 decent passing QB (Bob Davis, son of the coach).
In a weird sort of way, I would like to see Valdosta make a long run in the playoffs & leave the powers that be in Valdosta with egg all over their faces.
BROOKWOOD MOM: Hope you got rested up this weekend. I know you are looking forward to the Battle of Snellville Friday night.
SouthGARules
October 26th, 2009
8:08 pm
Have had 2 posts eaten. Let’s try again.
I know a lot of people are hopping on the Warner Robins & Colquitt County trains, just to aggrevate ENR.
Warner Robins can beat NSWR if they are successful at running the ball. However, as Grayson, Colquitt County & Valdosta showed, if Warner Robins can not run the ball, they are toast.
Also, you forgot Rule #1: NSWR does not lose at the MAC in the regular season.
BROOKWOOD MOM: Are you rested up from last Friday night? Hope to see you at the Battle of Snellville.
2 weeks to go in the regular season & so much to play for! HS football is the best value around.
VHS Transplant
October 26th, 2009
8:19 pm
Just a reply to someone the other day that had a comment about the Valdosta/Lowndes (two separate stadiums) football stadiums. I think the guilty one is from the Warner Robins area. The comment was how great the Warner Robins area stadium is and much better than the Valdosta/Lowndes stadiums. Well I live in Macon now and I have been to the Warner Robins stadium or is the Northside stadium or is it the Houston County stadium and next year it may also be the Veterans High School stadium???? I guess you haven’t been to the Valdosta/Lowndes stadiums lately. If you do go you will be impressed. Maybe one day you all will be able to afford more than one stadium for four (4) high schools. Don’t ya think!!!
BROOKWOOD MOM
October 26th, 2009
8:26 pm
SouthGARules: Hey buddy! Yea, I am rested up from Friday. I am still in denial that we lost. LOL. I gotta be honest. If they don’t get motivated then we only have two games left! I am not ready for the season to end! We will be in on the 50 so come and and say hey if you make it out there.
SouthGARules
October 26th, 2009
8:36 pm
BROOKWOOD MOM: I plan to be there. I sure hope it does not rain. I know last week it held the crowds down & neither band was at the Collins Hill-Mill Creek game. As far as Brookwood goes, they MUST beat Parkview to get the #4 seed. Beating South is not as critical as beating Parkview. I know you want to win both, but beating Parkview is an absolute must to get to play McEachern in a rematch.
slalom1
October 26th, 2009
8:50 pm
Sanity Rules, Yes I believe the 2009 Cougars would win Round 1 against Valdosta. But it could be the toughest first round draw in the play-offs. I have been somewhat concerned about the Cougars’ offensive output in the last 2 games. Thought they would put up more points in particular against Westlake. Still have not seen the Cougars but 2 times in 2009, but liked what I saw. While you are busy pulling for the Cougars, how about a little mojo for my Grangers who will play Carver University on Friday night? lol.
Tell The Truth
October 26th, 2009
8:55 pm
Go UG!: Took another look at the brackets. A #2 seed from Region 2-AAAAA would more than likely face Newnan barring an upset in the first round, which meets a team from Region 1-AAAAA. A #3 seed would play either Lowndes, Northside or Colquitt County. So I stand by my earlier, statement, playing as the #2 or #3 seed is not different because you will either face Newnan or a Region 1 team in the second round. But anyway, good luck to you all Friday against Newton. That will be one of the first scores I will check for on Friday.
PlayON
October 26th, 2009
9:04 pm
Remember to watch your top ranked teams on http://www.GHSA.tv
Univ.Of Central-Dekalb-12u-blue
October 26th, 2009
9:43 pm
Very interesting — 2nd rd. Stephenson vs Colquit county, Could be a statement game for either team !!!!! Have coached at Stephenson feeder park for years,most balanced team in all 11 years——THIS COULD BE THE YEAR !!
GO UG!
October 26th, 2009
10:06 pm
To Tell the Truth, you are right, there is no easy way. We lost to a very good Stepenson team but I think our guys will be ready to play Friday night. Thanks!
HomeFieldAdvantage
October 26th, 2009
10:06 pm
Mannnn! Don’t you get love this time of the year! The next two games for just about everyone are like playoff games. But I think all 8 1st places are set, the rest of us are playing for 2,3 and 4, with the exception of Region 6-AAAAA.
Region 1 Northside High School
2 Stephenson
3 Camden
4 Newnan
5 McEachern
6 Lassiter or Roswell
7 N. Gwinnett
8 Greyson
SanityRules
October 26th, 2009
10:13 pm
Slalom, we always pull for our old region foes especially LaGrange. They always rough me up when I talk about those awesome LaGrange teams. Take it to Carver. Newnan’s offense is pretty young but Coach MacDonald is playing it somewhat conservative right now. Look for them to open it up as they get ready for the playoffs. As you know we have a huge offensive line and plenty of speed. We should be ok.
grayram
October 26th, 2009
10:38 pm
Eagleforlife: Be careful, those Lowndes players like to fight when you whip em. Sounds like their bloggers are just as touchy!
yo
October 26th, 2009
11:02 pm
Actually eagleforlife I am some what hoping Northside goes on to win 1AAAAA championship to make your way easier to get to the dome. You shouldn’t have any excuses for not being in the championship game then, since you will be on the easier side of the bracket and most of your games will not be played in Tift Co. but in the Mac.
Unfortunately for you the state championship will be in the Dome should you be able to get lucky on the coin toss and avoid having to go to North Gwinnet prior to then.
So looking forward to a rematch.
First Grayson….please show up city of the “self righteous”.
Then later Northside….we would love to see you show up too.
yo
October 26th, 2009
11:18 pm
“Newnan’s offense is pretty young but Coach MacDonald is playing it somewhat conservative right now. Look for them to open it up as they get ready for the playoffs.”
SanityRules I am sorry but I have to laugh at your seemingly naivetivity on that statement. May I suggest to your coach that while Newnan is playing cupcakes that he practice opening it up a little bit now. Deciding to open it up against good defensive football teams at a later date in such an important game as a playoff game just might be a little too late. Only 2 games remaining to get ready for good defenses and the playoffs.
yo
October 26th, 2009
11:35 pm
Don’t forget the 15 Newnan gave up to AAA LaGrange.
Their toughest competition to date this year.
If on Lowndes schedule LaGrange might have been considered any where from the 3rd to as low as the 6th best team that Lowndes had played.
The fact is if your offense was any better, then your defense
would have given up some points by now, because your 3rd and 4th
string defense (like Lowndes and others) would have gotten some significant playing time.
Lowndes is one of the highest scoring teams in the state
against one of the toughest schedules in the state…according
to Todd and I believe Max Preps computers.
TJ
October 26th, 2009
11:41 pm
A interesting game woud be a Newnan versus Grayson game in the playoffs. I would predict a very low scoring game and overtime win by either squad.
Wolverine09
October 26th, 2009
11:43 pm
Good story on Coach O’B. Great man and funny guy. Mrs. O’B was awsome too. Go WOODSTOCK!!!!
B4uknewit
October 27th, 2009
8:16 am
The potential state playoff seeding also is jumbled in both regions, with the exception of unbeaten Grayson, which is locked in as the 8-AAAAA champion. South can lock up the region’s No. 2 seed with a win over rival Brookwood on Friday
Hoya Chuck
October 27th, 2009
8:30 am
To me, it really doesn’t matter what team Harrison plays in the play-offs. I just hope we get to play in the play-offs!! Extending the season one more week, if only for one more week, works for me!! I love watching High School football & my Harrison Hoyas!! I’m sure The Cannon Rules!!! would agree. Even if EP played just one more week, its one more week of fun!!
GO HOYAS!!
AVikingFan
October 27th, 2009
10:02 am
TO SANITY RULES: Reference your post in this blog at 4:58 pm 10-26-09.
In my 4:23 pm post I did not in any way mean to “insult” Newnan. I was merely talking about how I think other 1st place teams, like Northside, Greyson, Camden and McEachern are better than Newnan, even with its outstanding defense. Sorry I did not come across that way in my post. I assure you everybody involved with the Lowndes football program respects Newnan AND East Coweta!
To Hoya Chuck – I too hope either your team (one that we also respect very much) or EP makes it to the playoffs!
Ain’t this a great time of the year. The next two games are just like playoff games!
Northside Observer
October 27th, 2009
10:13 am
If Norhtside fails to win Friday’s game with Warner Robins in 1AAAAA, I would just as well see them lose to Colqiuitt. The team that comes in third from 1AAAAA will fair well in the play-offs. A long trip to Camden as the two seed is tough.
goober
October 27th, 2009
10:25 am
Hey ENR! Did you see that? One of your Snortside fellow fans is suggesting your Iggles might lose this week, and if so then they are actually pulling for them to lose the next week!
Come on boy … I thought you had absolute and total mind and thought control over all of your fellow Snortside fans.
goober
October 27th, 2009
10:33 am
Still waiting to learn … which national TV network is going to televise the Warner Robins – Northside game Friday night?
Also this: Since Northside is so great (at least, according to ENR) when they become eligible to drop to 4A next year, they will choose to play up a class with the big boys in 5A won’t they?
ETA: goober — Notice that your posts relating to football are being approved. Right now, your comments must be okayed by a moderator. If you’ll stick to football talk and lay off the sort of comments and references that got you put in the “watch” area, you may be moved out soon; if not, we’ll continue to manually approve your comments. But we appreciate your football posts and that’s what we’d like to see more of on this board. Thanks. – AJC Sports
SportsFan31313
October 27th, 2009
10:39 am
Doc Says:
“This year will have more upsets in AAAAA than any previous year. Threre are too many good teams and very few great teams”.
I agree with you Doc. I haven’t seen the playoff picture like this in years… There will be a lot of upsets this year in Georgia Football.
AVikingFan
October 27th, 2009
11:15 am
I AGREE SPORTSFAN31313: starting with Greyson, then Northside, then Camden, McEachern, Newnan, Lowndes, N. Gwinnett, Lassiter, Roswell, Stephenson, Woodstock, Colquitt, Walton, etc.
A great time of the year. The last two games are like playoff games!
Suwanee 0wnz
October 27th, 2009
12:03 pm
Some BIG games coming in the next 2 weeks.
NSWR, Colquitt
North Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge
Roswell, Lassiter
Looks like the Friday Night fun only gets better from here.
I would like to point out that another team that has been a positive surprise has been Collins Hill. I will be anxious to see how deep they can make it in the playoffs.
Peachtree Ridge seems to show up to their games with 2 completely different teams. Sometimes they play inspired and almost flawless football. Other games they sputter on both offense and defense. Squeaking one out by 17 – 10 over South Forsyth (1 – 7) is highly unexpected for a team of this supposed caliber.
plowboy
October 27th, 2009
12:55 pm
colquitt is going to pound northside………………..28-7
randy prosen
October 27th, 2009
1:37 pm
It’s going to be an awesome playoff this year. I give it all to Camden County. The Wildcats are coming into a zone now. You won’t be able to get a ticket when Lowndes comes to Thunder Alley. Camden back to back 5A champs. You heard it here first!
JL
October 27th, 2009
2:16 pm
I am confident that Northside will beat Warner Robins and Colquitt, winning the vaunted 1-AAAAA title in their second year. The Northside defense is very athletic and will carry this team a long way. Should the playoff scenario unfold as predicted, North Gwinnett will be a big challenge, but I expect Northside to win that game as well. I would enjoy a rematch with Lowndes or taking on Grayson in the dome. It’s going to be fun.
Quinn of the Ridge
October 27th, 2009
3:17 pm
Suwanee 0wnz, I must say I agree, unfortunately PRHS seems to either play really well or really poorly. Against Harrison and North Forsyth we played like a team that deserved its top 10 ranking. But against Lowndes and South Forsyth, we played poorly and made silly mistakes that a team of our caliber shouldn’t be making. I will say this about the South Forsyth game, we started our backup QB and played him until the very end of the game when we needed our starting QB to throw a TD pass. (He had a minor left shoulder injury from previous in the week)
AVikingFan
October 27th, 2009
4:07 pm
Northside Observer – I agree 100% with you about the lower right hand side of the AAAAA bracket. But Lassiter, Stephenson, Colquitt, South Gwinnett, Etowah and Westlake are all pretty good teams.
grayram
October 27th, 2009
4:39 pm
Don’t count South Gwinnett out, if their defense steps up a little they are a dangerous team.
slalom1
October 27th, 2009
4:41 pm
YO, Before you go slamming on non-AAAAA teams,(once again), remember that your beloved Lowndes could only put up 7 against Northside while AAA Carver put up 12. And, before dogging the schedule of Newnan, I ask you why all of the respect for Camden County? Aside from Grayson and Hoover, who have they played? In looking at the 2 team’s schedules, I see Newnan with no less than 4 high quality opponents. By the same token, I only see Camden County with 2. I might add ALL OF THE REST “powder puffs”.*NOTE Camden County LOST to the only 2 teams of significance they have played in 2009. Newnan has won all of their games.
AVikingFan
October 27th, 2009
4:49 pm
I love the way you think PLOWBOY but I think JL (2:16pm post)is right. We had our chance to beat Northside and wasted it. 4 yard line with 9 seconds left, kick a field goal, go into overtime, and win the game. Instead we tried one more play, completed a TD pass to win the game, but was called for offensive interferance in the endzone. Then missed a 36 yard field goal to end the game. That’s about as close as you can get without winning. But Northside won, and I think they will win the region. (A rematch in the Dome is quite possible) I just can’t see Colquitt beating them at the MAC.
slalom1
October 27th, 2009
4:59 pm
YO, Just a few more things, then I will shut up. Have you seen the Grangers this year? Didn’t think so. Are you aware of QB Jamius Gunsby(6′5 230) who has major offers from schools like Florida just to name one? Have you seen Joe Mansour, the state’s best kicker? Has field goals of 56 and 59 yards. Punts average 47 yds. Kick-offs in the end zone virtually every time. As impressed as you are with Ean Pemberton, you should see LG’s Ocie Salter(5′5 162) a Lionel James clone. Salter was a non factor in the second half against Newnan due to a devastating TD saving hit by Alec Ogletree. The Grangers have a full head of steam with good size and speed on both sides of the ball. Having said that, in defense of Newnan the Cougars played the Grangers without their #1 QB. So getting back to the schedule of Lowndes, just exactly which teams would you place ahead of the Grangers? P’Ridge? NO WAY. Northside? Possibly. Colquitt, Tift, HOCO, Valdosta? Just curious.
grayram
October 27th, 2009
5:20 pm
Have you ever watched the ACC vs Big East challenge at the beginning of the college basketball season?
How much fun would the Corky Kell Classic be if it evolved into the North-South Shootout?
Stephenson v Lowndes
North Gwinn v Camden
Grayson v Northside Warner Robins
Newnan v Colquit
Mceachern v Warner Robins
All in one weekend to start the season!!
goober
October 27th, 2009
5:44 pm
OK I humbly and meekly accept the warning, Your Honor.
Meant to say earlier Camden and Lowndes have won 5 of the last 6 state crowns in 5A, not 4 of 6.
Hey AJC why don’t you guys do a Final Four or Final Two contest for each class when the playoffs begin?
And seriously, will there be a new stadium in Warner Robins next year, when Veterans High opens? If not, how are you guys gonna play four teams in one stadium? It ain’t no fun playin high school ball on Saturdays.
goober
October 27th, 2009
5:48 pm
Does Warner Robins have separate city and county boards of education like we have here in Valdosta? Or is it all administered by the Houston County Board of Education?
Note to His Honor: This is football-related, I promise.