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
Usual Noises
October 25th, 2009
6:45 pm
What!? Where’s Grady?
HomeFieldAdvantage
October 25th, 2009
7:29 pm
Spread the word. EAGLENATIONRISING is buying a round for all the AJC Sports Blog posters in the lobby hotel bar at the Omni Hotel during State Championship weekend. Also invited – Chip Saye, Todd Holcomb, and Michael Carvell.
EagleNationRising and HomeFieldAdvantage had a side wager on the Colquitt vs Warner Robins game. ENR guranteed us that Warner Robins would “violate” Colquitt. I pointed out to him the fact that the AP, Chip Saye and the AJC picked Colquitt, but he wrote paragraph after paragraph explaining how Rush Propst and his Alabama type team could not stay on the field with an accomplished, tough team from Warner robins Georgia.
The “friendly wager” was made on an AJC blog so it can not be denied. All posters are invited.
A table will be available with name tags where our nicknames – or blog handles – will be written so we can meet each other, and drink up ENR’s money. Lets spread the word and have a huge turn out. The more the merrier. Hopefully we can start doing this every year at the same time and location.
I think EagleNationRising should also say GOOOOOOO PACKERS!
yo
October 25th, 2009
7:51 pm
I’m thinking off of the top of my head that the Region 7 second seed goes on the side of the bracket with Lowndes and the Region 7 champion goes on the side with Northside. Correct me if I am wrong but that means Camden/Lowndes winner would get the winner of McEachern/loser of NGwinnett and Ptree ridge.
yo
October 25th, 2009
7:58 pm
McEachern run to a state championship very likely looks like this.
1st round – Region 8 seed 4
2nd round – loser of N Gwinnett/Ptree Ridge game
3rd round – winner of Camden/Lowndes
4th round – winner of Grayson/Newnan
5th round – winner of Colquit/Stephenson/Northside/North Gwinnett
looks like a fun trip for the McEachern Indians who will have to prove
through that gauntlet that offense really does win state championships.
yo
October 25th, 2009
8:01 pm
In the above post the 5th round I should have said winner of Colquit/Stephenson/Northside/Region 7 champ (who IMO will be North Gwinnett)
HomeFieldAdvantage
October 25th, 2009
8:11 pm
I’m with you YO – No way will we meet the WINNER of PeaRidge and NG until the title game. Also, I differ from Todd in that last week when I filled out my brackets I listed Centenial instead of Kell, and Norcross instead of N. Forsyth. Other than those two we were the exactly the same.
HomeFieldAdvantage
October 25th, 2009
8:17 pm
Todd If Warner Robins was “looking ahead” to this week’s match up with NSWR when they were SHUTOUT by Colquitt, maybe the can beat their cross town rivals. ENR said last week that is very possible and he knows those two teams better than anyone. Just ask him.. Also IF Colquitt beats NSWR, yeah yeah “IF” is a big word, Lowndes is region Champ! Don’t write us in that bracket on the left side in INK just yet.
BulldawgBite
October 25th, 2009
8:30 pm
As a NG fan i am really hoping northside wins out and that we win that last game against ptreeridge. the loser of the region 7 championship game is gonna be in a very very difficult part of the draw. the winner will get northside in the 3rd round. this is much preferable to a lowndes team who no one wants to play in the playoffs. even if they lost earlier in the season. i think almost everyone would agree that lowndes is still better than northside w.r.
SouthGARules
October 25th, 2009
8:31 pm
Todd: In looking back at the predictions for AAAAA playoffs, you have predicted 24 of the 32 playoff teams.
These are the 8 that were projected, with the probable teams in parenthesis..
Warner Robins (Colquitt Co), Tift (Valdosta), Luella (Newton), Savannah Johnson (Beach), Creekside (Pebblebrook), East Paulding (Harrison), Norcross (North Forsyth), & Parkview (Dacula).
Who would you say is the biggest surprise & disappointment in AAAAA this year? Mine would be South Gwinnett, Colquitt County, McEachern for surprises & Norcross, Tift County & Creekside as disappointments. Also, who would have thought that right now Grayson would have more WINS than Brookwood & Parkview COMBINED.
Grayson Student
October 25th, 2009
8:35 pm
lookin at potential left side of bracket i do believe the state champion will emerge from the left… whether it be lowndes newnan or grayson… the right side has north gwinnett and northside which would both be great opponents but any of the 3 i listed have the defense to win, dont count out south gwinnett tho, they can and will sneak up on some people
BulldawgBite
October 25th, 2009
8:39 pm
good picks southGARules. im with ya all the way that south gwinnett and colquitt county are very much improved. those 2 teams are gonna beat someone their not supposed to in the playoffs. north forsyth is a lot better than people give them credit for. they have never been a factor in football but over the past 3 years have progressed and are now better than norcross. parkview got some tough injuries otherwise they would be in over brookwood or dacula.
SouthGARules
October 25th, 2009
8:50 pm
yo: looks very possible. The #4 seed will probably be the Brookwood/Parkview winner which if it’s Brookwood, it would be a rematch from the Corky Kell Classic. If Lowndes upsets Camden, then it’s possible that McEachern could play at home until the finals unless they lose a coin flip with Grayson/Newnan. In that case, they would be looking at maybe a 75 mile bus ride to Newnan & less to Grayson.
SouthGARules
October 25th, 2009
8:58 pm
BulldawgBite: Thanks, I know you are looking forward to the NG-PRidge game in 2 weeks. I am looking to go to this one, it will be one of the top games in the state on Nov 6th. I know Brookwood & Parkview will be playing for the right to play McEachern, but playing for the Region 7 title trumps that game. (sorry BROOKWOOD MOM)
Hornet Nation
October 25th, 2009
8:58 pm
Would anyone like to comment on what I see as an obvious recognition and rankings bias? Unless you come from South Georgia, Atlanta (inside the I-285 perimeter) or Gwinnett County then your SOL.
Tell the Truth
October 25th, 2009
8:59 pm
Usual Noises: You beat me to the punch. Good one.
SouthGARules: I agree with you on the disappointment and surprises, especially with Creekside. I am not sure if the coaching change played a big part. I think they may have changed their offense from the triple option. Also, Chapel Hill is very much alive in the playoff hunt from Region 4-AAAA. They end with Lovejoy and Westlake, two winnable games.
The Newton-Union Grove game should be pretty interesting because the loser will likely make the trip to Camden County.
HomeFieldAdvantage
October 25th, 2009
9:00 pm
Greyson Student – seems like you are forgetting about what appears to be a very good McEachern team. EagleNationRising, trying to shift attention from Colquitt’s shutout over the Warner Robins team that was supposed to “VIOLATE” them, annointed McEachern as the next great team. I admit they sure look good on paper to me.
On the left side of the bracket will most likely be Camden, Lowndes, McEachern, either PeaRidge or NG, Newnan, MLK, Roswell, and Grayson. Wowwwwwww! What a bracket!
Hornet Dave
October 25th, 2009
9:12 pm
For surprises, throw in North Forsyth – any team with “Forsyth” in its name making the AAAAA playoffs looks like a typo. For disappointments, add Wheeler because it’s sad to see a team that won its region and beat the eventual state champs just three years ago lose 19 games in a row.
yo
October 25th, 2009
9:13 pm
Hornet Nation I think you are right. There is that bias because that is where the better teams are until one of the teams from the other areas proves other wise. Frankly I think Colquit made a statement this week that with only 1 loss they have as much right to be in the top 10 as any of the 8-10 place teams. Their only loss being to Lowndes.
MAD AS HELL
October 25th, 2009
9:24 pm
Creekside has lost 4 in a row since their offensive line coach passed away!! Also, is Colquitt County really that good or is everybody jumping on thier band wagon because they hail from God’s gift to football, South Georgia?? Everything will work itself out believe me!!
Tell the Truth
October 25th, 2009
9:28 pm
Hornet Nation: Actually, Stephenson, Newnan and Woodstock are all outside the perimeter. Roswell is having a good year record-wise and could make some noise in the playoffs, however, it is hard to judge that team against the rest of the state now since they have not faced a team that is above .500.
Again, where are the Grady fans?
BulldawgBite
October 25th, 2009
9:34 pm
the championship game might not necessarily be won by left side. it is so much more difficult for any team. there are two ways to look at it. left sides championship teams confidence should be high after playing a hellacious schedule while they may also be banged up :/ right side = way easier
Todd Holcomb
October 25th, 2009
10:16 pm
Most surprising in AAAAA have been Colquitt County (up) and Norcross (down). Doesn’t surprise me that Colquitt is good, but it’s happened a season sooner than I might’ve expected.
As for rankings bias, Hornet, I don’t see what you’re talking about. Gainesville and Calhoun don’t fit those discriptions (South Georgia, metro ATL outside 285 and Gwinnett County), and they’re No. 1.
As for Roswell, I’d say that after McEachern, there’s no good way to rank the next five — Peachtree Ridge, Camden, Lassiter, Roswell, Woodstock. Might as well pull those names from a hat. They have different pros and cons, but they add to up to about the same thing. They’re appear to be pretty even. I’m sure we’ll find in the playoffs how good they are. One will probably go out in the first round, and another will make the semifinals. It’s anybody’s guess which one it will be.
re: Grady fans: Grady is another example of how W-L record is overrated and strength of schedule is underrated. Nothing against Grady. It’s a good football team that is well-coached. But not a Top 10 team.
Todd Holcomb
October 25th, 2009
10:21 pm
rankings bias II: OK, perhaps Hornet is talking about Class AAAAA in the rankings bias. Yes, I am showing a bias against Region 6-AAAAA right now. That region went 1-4 in the state playoffs last season and did not have a Top 10 team, and because 6-AAAAA teams haven’t played much outside the region to prove otherwise, I’m concerned nothing has changed this season. It’s not surprising that the two best teams in 6-AAAAA are undefeated because they haven’t played each other. So, yes, I’ve chosen to favor two teams that reached the state final last season (Peachtree Ridge, Camden) in the rankings over Roswell & Lassiter. But as I said, there’s no good way to separate those five teams I listed. It’s pretty clear that Roswell and Lassiter are good, and I don’t take issue to anyone that would put them in their Top 10 ahead of Peachtree Ridge, Camden County or Woodstock. I just happen to rank Roswell and Lassiter 11th and 12th.
BD
October 25th, 2009
10:27 pm
I wish people would stop crying about these rankings, rankings will mean nothing here in about three weeks.Hornet Dave Roswell is rank in the coaches poll. Be glad that highschool football has a playoffs system instead some stupid BCS system like college football. If Lassiter, Roswell,Colquitt,etc, are that good they will take care of business in playoffs. Championship are won on the football field, not by polls and rankings!!!!!
DWH
October 25th, 2009
10:54 pm
For “yo” and others who think offense can win state this year, check out Lassiter. They get Roswell at home on Friday to decide the region championship, then (if they win) have perhaps the easiest path to the Dome. Don’t forget that Lassiter is coached by the “other” ex-Hoover coach, so he knows how to win in the big games and play for championships. Cobb County football has been taken to the next level — it could be McEachern vs. Lassiter in the state championship game.
DaveDawg
October 25th, 2009
10:59 pm
For those who think offense can win state this year, check out Lassiter. They get Roswell at home on Friday to decide the region championship, then (if they win) have perhaps the easiest path to the Dome. Don’t forget that Lassiter is coached by the “other” ex-Hoover coach, so he knows how to win in the big games and play for championships. Cobb County football has been taken to the next level — it could be McEachern vs. Lassiter in the state championship game.
Hornet Dave
October 25th, 2009
11:34 pm
The problem with Camden is over what you consider for the rankings. While I have no doubt that they are among the 10 best in the state, if you rank based on performance, Camden has played three actual football teams and lost to two of them. Fortuneately, there are playoffs so it doesn’t matter what anybody thinks.
Panola Road's Finest
October 25th, 2009
11:38 pm
Why is it that Marist is still in the top ten after losing badly to St. Pius and SWD, but MLK falls for the first time to a higher ranked opponent and drops out of the list completely.
Hornets Fan
October 25th, 2009
11:44 pm
Looks like Hiram Hornets proved they deserved to be in top ten by defeating Hillgrove.
Cowboy
October 26th, 2009
12:01 am
Parkview will make the playoffs!!!It’s going to come down to the Parkview vs.Brookwood game…..Broncos, you’d better watch out!! I hope the coaching gets a WHOLE LOT SMARTER,BRAVER AND PLAY THE RIGHT PEOPLE LIKE THEY WANT TO WIN!!!!!
Get Real
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
because no one really likes you chokers from SWD. Tucker is about to lay the wood to your backside next week.
Get Real
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
Grady not in the rankings because St. Pius just beat them like a rented mule…..Grady found out what it was like to play a real team.
cane fan
October 26th, 2009
12:11 am
cant wait for fitzgerald to thomasville in 2 weeks, how would you compare the two teams TODD H. ? I know they are not in 5A , but for 2A they are both good teams
EagleNationRising
October 26th, 2009
12:13 am
HomeFieldAdvantage: Colquitt beat Warner Robins. You won the bet. However, you are fooling yourself if you are taking the liberty to add other people to the fray. Colquitt beat Warner Robins. You will get your drink.
As for saying, Go Packers…are you kidding yourself? Go Packers will be the last thing on your mind after we (Northside) shows you what a zonw blitz looks like. Eagle fans do not cheer for other programs.
Warner Robins was not looking ahead to Northside. Those guys completely understood that they needed to beat Colquitt or their hopes of reaching the state playoffs were slim. They simply turned the ball over too much. Warner Robins had every opportunity to win that game.
It has become the hallmark of their program. It will be interesting to see how those guys over there at Warner Robins inevitably evaluate their own program.
As for Northside, we are still on track. We take each week at a time. There is no week like this week for everyone who has ever walked the hallways of Northside High School. There will be multiple pep rallies from pre-bell hour in the morning, through breaks, through lunch periods, and concluding each day. It is the BIG GAME in Warner Robins. It is great to be a Northside Eagle!
Get Real
October 26th, 2009
12:13 am
All teams in AA stand no chance as either Buford or Charlton County will win the title again……….Lovett got lucky against Buford and gave them a wake up call. Only team that can hang with Buford is Charlton County.
EagleNationRising
October 26th, 2009
12:18 am
Todd: Roswell is UNDEFEATED. They are one of only a few metro Atlanta programs that compete in AAAAA and actually have a State Championship. Less the ten current Atlanta schools in class AAAAA have a State Championship. You guys should forget all the college prospect hype. I NEVER thought that a program like Roswell would be undefeated this late in the season and nranked. It is a borderline joke!
Roswell has eon State Championships without having players with big time reputations and fanfare in football and in basketball. There are very, very few metro Atlanta programs with any tradition of winning. Roswell is one of them and someone should show Roswell some respect!
For all of those who believe that McEachern is anything less than one of the five best AAAAA teams in Georiga, stop fooling yourself. They have thoroughbred athletes and a strong coaching staff. I saw them this past Friday night and they were VERY impressive.
As for potential pairings, the home teams are going to roll. Mark it down.
CoolLikeDat
October 26th, 2009
1:32 am
SWD plays plays smash mouth football, runs the ball well with great defense…. that’s a strategy for success. Tucker will show up Ken Malcome should be the difference this upcoming week. Panther Pride!!!!
Saintmarks
October 26th, 2009
1:58 am
After handily taking care of Walton this weekend, let’s hope that Lassiter finally enters the rankings and gets some respect. Cobb schools not named Walton, Marietta or McEachern have a hard time getting on anyone’s radar.
Friday Nights Lights Fan
October 26th, 2009
4:10 am
Hiram is looking pretty darn good heading into the playoffs…but will they get by Sprayberry?
24601
October 26th, 2009
6:28 am
If Jimmy Southard were still playing, the Decatur Bulldogs would rule the roost.
SWD Panther
October 26th, 2009
6:53 am
Get real we gon see okay they gon lay the wood we just beat a team 21-7 that drug tucker 32-7 but we aint worried about yall haters just make sure you get over the disappointment when we win Friday
War Jacket
October 26th, 2009
7:02 am
Don’t understand why Sprayberry gets snubbed again. Granted they have two losses, but one was to Lassiter (a 5A school) in which the Jackets held them to their lowest point total of the year (14). I guess after we put the beat down on Hiram this week, you won’t be able to ignor us then.
TJ
October 26th, 2009
7:23 am
Left bracket is brutal! Anybody can come limping out of there will win it all. I do not think teams on the right side of the bracket will be as beat up and are as good as the left. Very lopsided bracket overall. I will not even try to predict a winner. Anybody can win or lose any given Friday.
War Jacket
October 26th, 2009
8:19 am
Well Sprayberry gets snubbed again by the AAAA rankings. Hopefully that will change after the beat down they will administer to Hiram this Friday.
CHFan
October 26th, 2009
8:24 am
Tell the Truth – I agree that Chapel Hill still has a chance. Lovejoy and Westlake are both improved from last year though. I am really proud of Chapel Hill this season. They have put together back-to-back good seasons after never having one in school history!
Trojan Man
October 26th, 2009
8:32 am
Lassiter isn’t ranked because of what happen last year in the playoffs? Todd you must have been one of those people who had Ole Miss ranked in the top 10. By the way Lassiter had the lone playoff win last year on the road at region champ Etowah.
White Trash
October 26th, 2009
8:42 am
One good thing about Camden loses were they came early in the year verse some great teams with a young squad and they were able to get a taste of playing great teams and a taste of a lose, and now they were able to correct there problems and now they are steam rolling.
The Cannon Rules!!
October 26th, 2009
8:49 am
Friday Nights Lights Fan / War Jacket…
Hiram showed me a LOT las friday night as they kept coming back against a FAST, Well coached and HUGE Hillgrove team. Hiram scored on Offense & Defense and corrected first quarter mistakes to keep a highpowered Hillgrove team in check in the vital 4th quarter…
The Hiram / Sprayberry match-up this friday should be something to see as the winner obviously locks up the sub-region.
Harrison has Marietta this week and EP has Cherokee coming to
“THE BONEYARD”…another Harrison loss and EP taking care of Cherokee “SHOULD” put EP in the 4th seed for Region 5A/AAAAA
BUT…BUT…BUT…as I have said many times before, while I would of course like to see EP make the playoffs again, I don’t think it matters this year if EP or Harrison draws the 4th seed as that team gets the DUBIOUS honor of traveling to Grayson and baring a gift from “the football gods” neither EP nor Harrison can handle Grayson this year!!!
Vince
October 26th, 2009
8:54 am
Exactly, why do I even bother reading this paper? Unfortunatley, it’s the only one with as wide of circulation. Hopefully, one day, this will change. Until then, I guess I am signing off for good. It’s pretty amazing that the Sports Dept. has the same agenda as the other departments within the AJC. I’ll just start expanding my news/sports gathering in cyber world and reading the more local rags.
Dekalbfootball
October 26th, 2009
9:08 am
Keeping up with everything region 6 AAAA is probably the toughest region don’t be surprised to see 2 of those teams facing each other in the championship again. Southwest Dekalb, Marist, Tucker, Stone Mountain.
DaveDawg
October 26th, 2009
9:20 am
If offense is going to win the state championship, look no further than Lassiter. They get Roswell at home on Friday to decide the region championship, then (if they win) have a relatively easy trip to the semifinals. They’re coached by the “other” ex-Hoover coach and know how to win big games deep into the playoffs. Cobb County football has been taken to the next level – it could be Lassiter vs. McEachern for the state title.
U must be kidding!!!
October 26th, 2009
9:50 am
Apalachee Region 8AAAA champions, 8-0 and lose a spot in the rankings. This is a joke!!!!
allcrimson
October 26th, 2009
10:00 am
Hear! Hear! All hail the Blue Nation!
First accomplishment is to win 1-AAAAA region championship. (something large groups of 1-AAAAA told us we could not do “Play with the big boys”)
Then it’s one at a time to the AAAAA State Championship!
It’s Great To Be A Northside Eagle!
ac
Ed
October 26th, 2009
10:13 am
Marist did not get beat “badly” — was up 7-6 at halftime and the 14 point loss was not decided until mid-way in the 4th quarter. Was actually a close game.
I am surprised that Tucker remains in the Top 10 — got smoked by Marist earlier in the season and barely escaped against a Stone Mountain team that is not nearly as good as its 2 loss record suggests. I expect Tucker to get crushed by SWD, the same way that Marist crushed Tucker a few weeks ago.
eagleforlife
October 26th, 2009
10:22 am
Northside is looking to make it 5 wins in a row against the mighty Warner Robins Demons this Friday night!!
Warner Robins actually reminds me of Valdosta… LIVING IN THE PAST!! Northside has won 11 of the last 13 games… and looking to making it 12!!
Also, I most also say that Northside was told that we couldn’t hang in 1-AAAAA… and it looks as if we will be going undefeated and region champs… Wow!! Guess ya’ll were WRONG!!
=)
It’s Great to be a Northside Eagle! GOOOOO BIG BLUE!! Let’s get a DEMON!!
Tell the Truth
October 26th, 2009
10:23 am
Chip &/or Todd: I see you all have Union Grove beating Newton this week. Interesting. Considering that Newton forced Stephenson into overtime and only lost to MLK by seven. Stephenson just needed a half to put Union Grove away. Grabbing the No. 3 seed as opposed to being No. 4 is huge since the region is matched up against Region 3. This is might be the biggest regular season game that both UG and Newton have been in for a while. Big stakes to aviod a trip to Camden. A win by UG makes the season finale against MLK big because the winner gets to host a first round game, but I don’t think there is much difference from playing the Region 3 No. 2 or 3 team in the first round. The only thing is you get to be at home. Newton and UG fans lets here your take.
Mark
October 26th, 2009
10:25 am
C’mon yellowjacket – If Lassiter isn’t in the top 10 with an 8-0 record, Sprayberry (who was beat by Lassiter) surely does not belong
Dekalb Football Fan
October 26th, 2009
10:35 am
Ed you are a hater. Tucker is a top 5 program still. Can’t blame them for their region being so tough. Other teams in 6AAAA are stepping up. Stone Mountain would beat majority of the teams in AAAA. What football have you been watching?
Pirate Alum
October 26th, 2009
10:36 am
Stone Mountain isnt good and only lost to the defending State Champion and Runner up from last year. Look at their record and tell me who was supposed to beat them besides them two.
big j
October 26th, 2009
10:36 am
I could easily see 3 way tie between union grove – newton -and mlk what happens then someone please explain thanks
SportsFan31313
October 26th, 2009
10:41 am
This is Brutal….
Looking at my Region 3-AAAAA
Definitely Beach, and Windsor Forest, will be one and done………and maybe Bradwell Insititue ( Bradwell Insitute has 12 starters down, and five of them out for the season).
Camden County advances to the 2nd round and then lose to Lowndes County……
draycoach
October 26th, 2009
10:44 am
Get Real: Your comment on Buford or Charlton being the only teams that can win Class AA are way off. I’ve seen Charlton County play several times. The Indians have an explosive offense that can play smashmouth football or if need be win by throwing. Charlton’s downfall will be on the defensive side of the ball. The Indians can’t stop the run nor the pass with any consistency. Their playoff games could resemble the old WAC playing days with the first team to 50 winning.
Grayson Student
October 26th, 2009
10:47 am
my bad, i really do think mceachern is a great team… they sure have the offense to win state. I just think that once they play a good defense the deciding factor will be their defense, im just not sure they can stop some of the more stronger offenses
SportsFan31313
October 26th, 2009
10:50 am
Greetings EagleNationsRising,
You still have two very tough games you still have to play before claiming that Region 1-AAAAA Title. Warner Robbins is still very much a team to be reckoned with, and also Colquitt County. For this very tough Region of 1-AAAAA you had better take one game at a time. Those Warner Robbins Demons will definitely be looking for the upset along with Colquitt County.
Ed
October 26th, 2009
10:55 am
Dekalb Football Fan: Tucker in the top 5 — are you insane. Tucker barely beat a Stone Mountain team that lost by 29 points to Marist. Stone Mountain is better than it has been in the past, but a strong team would have pounded them. I am confident that Tucker will lose big to SWD, like it lost to Marist this year. This is just not Tucker’s year.
Just the Facts!
October 26th, 2009
10:57 am
Yeah, Ed, quit hating on Tucker. The Tigers have established themselves as a top 10 program like Marist. Remember what happened last season.
SWD outgained Marist 314 to 123, with Ken Malcome rushing for 182 yards, including a 74-yard touchdown in the first quarter.Matt Connors rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown, but Marist didn’t have a run longer than 16 yards. QB Andy Perez was 3-for-8 for 41 yards and had minus-31 yards rushing. All this according to Georgia High School Football Daily.
Face it, Tucker, SWD and Marist are the three opponents nobody will probably want to face in the playoffs. Stone Mountain could be a tough out this year. It all proves that Region 6-AAAA is probably the toughest 4A region in the state. And with basketball season around the corner, we all no 6-AAAA rules.
Carlos
October 26th, 2009
11:21 am
re Region 6-AAAAA, I think Todd is right re their relative shortcomings vs teams outside the region.
Walton squeaked by a Norcross team that has turned out to be a dissapointment, & I don’t see a quality win yet by either Lassiter (ok – they just beat Walton) & especially Roswell.
Until Roswell beats both Lassiter & Walton, I don’t see how they can be in the top 10.
If Walton beats Roswell & finishes #2 in the Region, then that side of the draw gets even more interesting.
the greast ever in the dekalb
October 26th, 2009
11:21 am
Stone mountainis going to suprise some people in the playoffs
ballboy
October 26th, 2009
11:24 am
I agree with PRF, MLK lost to Stepehnson and drop out of the top 10. But the great thing about it. We (MLK)should take care of our business and not worry about what everybody else think!!!
Doc
October 26th, 2009
11:36 am
This year will have more upsets in AAAAA than any previous year. Threre are too many good teams and very few great teams.
Doc
October 26th, 2009
11:38 am
sorry for the spelling error (there).
Ed
October 26th, 2009
11:42 am
Not hating, just speaking the truth. Agree that 6-AAAA is the deepest region of Georgia AAAA football and nobody wants to play the top teams in that region as part of the playoffs. But come on, admit it — Tucker is a litle down this year — even you expected a better showing against Stone Mountain. Tucker may win a game, or maybe even two, in playoffs, but you don’t really think Tucker has a serious chance to make it to the semis, do you?
Black and Gold24
October 26th, 2009
11:47 am
EagleforLife, ??? You guys are region champs? Wow! Don’t be suprised it Colquitt beat NSWR, and I believe they will. These guys are as good as anybody in the state. The Eagles have not won anything yet!
Black and Gold24
October 26th, 2009
11:49 am
ENR, Exactly how did WR turn the ball over too many times, and how could they have won that game? They were dominated! They moved the ball once against the stingy Packer D and fumbled out of the back of the Packer endzone.
Black and Gold24
October 26th, 2009
11:53 am
ENR, Exactly how did WR turn the ball over too many times, and how could they have won that game? They were dominated! They moved the ball once against the stingy Packer D and fumbled out of the back of the Packer endzone. One drive and one turnover, the other turnover was on a desperation pass late in the fourth quarter after the game was out of reach. The Demons simply got punched in the mouth from that start of the game and never recovered. I made the statement last week that these guys are as good as some of their 90’s teams, especially the defense. The state is finally taking notice of this team, although Todd Holcomb doesn’t place them in the top ten yet.These guys are good, and the NSWR and Colquitt game will be a classic. Do you still want to talk about WR’s football, or would you rather wait until after game 10?
Viking Slayer
October 26th, 2009
11:54 am
Northside,
People, people, let’s bring it back to this universe. This is your second year in 1-AAAAA and you got beat by Lowndes and Camden County. No surprise to most of us that you got beat early in the playoffs. Now, you might win a region title and you’re already putting the trophy in the case.
We’ll see how far you get. P.S. Grayson is in Gwinnett County.
Just The Facts!
October 26th, 2009
12:12 pm
First I’m affiliated with any of those schools and have a ton of respect for each as with Region 6-AAAA. If Tucker reached the semis, I wouldn’t be all too shocked because last year they lost of ton of players from the previous team and won a championship. There coach has really matured into a good head coach after cutting his teeth as DC at powerhouse Camden so anything is possible. Tucker may not have the big name players they have had in the past, but there is still a lot of talent and proud that runs through that community. A good draw in the playoffs, and they could be there.
Look at East Paulding’s team in 2006 that went through a very weak region and a weak playoff bracket that included Madison County, Rome and a Starr’s Mill program on the downturn to reach the semifinals.
So, I’m saying a Tucker playoff run with the right bracket is possible like a tougher playoff draw for SWD and Marist could spell an earlier exit. Hopefully, the latter will not happen and all three make it far. It would boost well if Stone Mountain could also get on a roll.
Tell The Truth
October 26th, 2009
12:23 pm
Big J
For the past 30 minutes, I’ve been trying to post a response to your question, but it wouldn’t go through. I’ll try again.
Personally, I still think MLK is going to be the No. 2 seed barring any major collapse. The Newton-UG game should be for the No. 3 and 4 seed, with the loser getting the trip to Camden.
However, if your forecast holds true with them all finishing 5-2 in the region, I think they will use the most common tiebreaker of overall record in classification. Meaning you put in all games against Class AAAAA teams, and the one with the best record takes the No. 2 seed and then the remaining two teams you use head-to-head record. If that is the case, MLK gets the No. 2 seed because they would be 6-2, win over North Cobb. Both UG and Newton did not play any other 5A teams outside the assigned region games. You would then take their head-to-head game and determine the No. 3 and 4 seeds.
Again, Region 2-AAAAA might have come up with some other tiebreaker format, but this is the most common used one. If anyone knows for sure, please inform, although I think it will not go that far.
savannahdawg
October 26th, 2009
12:37 pm
Still no respect at all for South Gwinnett?
Newton
October 26th, 2009
12:40 pm
This a huge game for the Rams@Union Grove. Everyone is conceding this win to UG but we match very well with them. I like the way the Rams have gone about business the last two weeks with a combined 59-7 showing against weak Douglass and Greenbrier teams. It shows the guys are focused and will be confident going over to McDonough. AJC has overlooked Newton all year but check us out: look who we have lost to. Stephenson, MLK, Alcovy have 3 LOSSES between them. Don’t be suprised if we sneak out of there with the upset. Even if we lose its been a great season, looking forward to playoffs and region re-alignment, Newton is going to be a beast pretty soon watch and see.
NHS Eagle Fan
October 26th, 2009
12:40 pm
This is one Eagle fan that is taking it “one game at a time”. While I hope to win these last two games (Warner Robins and Colquitt), I think anyone would be a fool to suggest either will be easy. I will say this. No matter what happens the rest of the way, 2009 has been a spectacular season for the Northside Eagles. At the beginning of the season 5-5 seemed like a strong possibility. With the group of retlurnees, next year looks very promising also, although it will be iin AAAA.
AVikingFan
October 26th, 2009
12:54 pm
Eaglenationrising – good comeback in the 23nd half last week. What’s the prediction for this week’s game with WR?
To Panola Road’s Finest – Marist is still around but MLK isn’t because there are more good teams in AAAAA.
AVikingFan
October 26th, 2009
12:59 pm
Eaglenationrising – I went back and re-read the “deal” you and HomeFieldAdvantage made last week, and it WAS a drink of choice for ALL the posters who show up.
Tell The Truth
October 26th, 2009
1:15 pm
AVikingFan: Good response, on the Marist-MLK argument. You could make a sound argument FOR and AGAINST MLK being in the top 10. I would image if Todd had a top 15 that MLK would be around 11-13. After you get past the first 11 teams in AAAA, then it is a crap shoot. Remember after Marist’s loss to St. Pius to begin the season, they did drop out until they got some good wins and St. Pius went on to prove they are a good team. Now, MLK has to take care of the business in front of them and they can be counted among the top 10 in the final poll after the playoffs are done.
Todd Holcomb
October 26th, 2009
1:16 pm
Re: Marist & MLK: Good question from Panola Road’s Finest. The difference is the depth in AAAAA vs. AAAA. In the highest class, there are some very good candidates waiting to take MLK’s place in Woodstock, Peachtree Ridge, Lassiter & Roswell. Also Colquitt County and South Gwinnett. All of them are reasonable Top 10 choices. So is MLK. But in AAAA, to be honest, it’s hard to find 10 teams that I really feel confident deserve to be No. 10. So Marist gets a break, you might say. The other issue is that history shows Marist and Marist’s region to be more reliable than MLK and MLK’s region.
Hornet Dave: If you believe that Camden is really a Top 10 team, then we simply have a disagreement about how to rank teams. Also, it’s not fair to say Camden simply has played ‘’three actual football teams’’ because those three teams (two of them at least) are very, very good. Those two would be favored to beat Roswell, Lassiter, Peachtree Ridge and every team that’s behind Camden in the rankings. Camden has played as one would expect a Top 10 team to perform. Camden doesn’t have any defining victories this season, but teams like Camden don’t need them at this point. Defending champions that are perennially in the Top 10 need defining losses before I lose faith in them.
Re: Sprayberry: This is a team that is probably as deserving of a ranking as the bottom half that are ranked. The different between No. 6 and No. 12 in AAAA is very minimal.
Re: South Gwinnett: Not being ranked does not mean lack of respect. We can rank only 10.
NHS Eagle Fan
October 26th, 2009
1:28 pm
AVikingFan…I’m not ENR but I can tell you for sure the Eagles-Demons game will be a close one. I think the team that can protect the ball best will win in a very low scoring affair…something like 10-7 or 13-10. I obviously hope that it’s the Eagles who win, but from a region stand point it doesn’t matter that much. We’ll still have to beat Colquitt OR not win the region, even with a victory over the Demons.
Jan B
October 26th, 2009
2:03 pm
Hey savannahdawg….I guess taking out Parkview, beating Grayson in every way but the actual score, and running all over everyone else they have played does not get South Gwinnett the respect they have earned….but trust me…..IT’S COMING!!
Black Angel
October 26th, 2009
2:11 pm
The problem is this.. Whenever a county or school is up for realignment within the regions most of the athletics if not successful in the larger regions most of the time drop to lower region to have success and compete for a State title. I am sure the prinicples, Ad’s, and coaches, already have this plan out. Re-alignment is up for next year.. Lokk at how many teams jump to lower regions and find success instantly.. let be known that Black angel told you this first…
grayram
October 26th, 2009
2:38 pm
Do Northside Eagles and the Warner Robbins Demons play their games at the same stadium?
NHS Eagle Fan
October 26th, 2009
2:47 pm
yes…grayram…just swap sides of the field each year. This is Warner Robins year to serve as home team.
Newton
October 26th, 2009
3:26 pm
Big game this week for 3rd place @Union Grove. We come in riding momentum from the last two weeks with combined scores of 59-7 against Greenbrier and Douglass. We match up well with Union Grove on both sides of the ball. Don’t see any reason why we can’t win this game. Union Grove is coming off two subpar performances, cmon Rams lets show them what were made of.
slalom1
October 26th, 2009
3:46 pm
Newnan vs. Valdosta in Round 1? Whew! Bad draw. As much as I believe in the Newnan Cougars, Valdosta is like a wounded animal. VERY dangerous. Reminds me of 1992 when Newnan undoubtedly had the state’s best team led by Derrick Stegall, then lost to Colquitt County (the #4 seed from Region 1) in Round 1. Do not think this 2009 Newnan Cougar team will repeat history. But still believe this is the toughest first round draw for a #1 seed.
Personality0905
October 26th, 2009
4:04 pm
Hey Panola Rd’s Finest and the rest of the SWD fans. Did you noticed that SWD hadn’t beaten Marist in many of times (years) and they a picture of the game and an ok article in the AJC BUT! when Marist wins against SWD then you’re just about reading from one cover to the next! What’s up with that? And Marist still in the top 10? You gotta be kidding!! But I’m not at all surprised, know whatta mean?
AVikingFan
October 26th, 2009
4:13 pm
NHS Eagle Fan – I doubt very seriously your team will have anything to worry about for the next three weeks at least. You match up really well with Colquitt’s strenghts, and you will take WR about 28-0, you might even “Valdosta-em” or Peachtree Ridge’em. Whip’em good so they’ll be sore the next week against us. (ha ha)
goober
October 26th, 2009
4:14 pm
Hey to the Warner Robins & Northside fans … also hey to ENR, the self-appointed guardian of prep football truth in Georgia whose predictions continue to crumble like a 2-week old cookie:
Big game this week guys and the spotlight is on your city. Just wondering which national TV network is carrying the game … you know, like this year CBS College Sports televised the Lowndes-Valdosta game, and last year ESPN televised the Valdosta-Lowndes game. By the way, our city/county’s old mantra of Winnersville USA was replaced last year when Valdosta-Lowndes County was named by ESPN as the winner of its very first “TitleTown” USA contest. As you might know, ENR, this award went to the one community in all of America which ESPN determined to be the winningest sports community in the United States of America. Where did Warner Robins end up in this contest, since I am sure they must have been in the running for it?
Special Alert Early Prediction: Warner Robins 14, Northside 10
Even More Special and Earlier Prediction: Colquitt Co 20, Northside 14
Finally this … Mrs. ENR, you must believe that your continued reference to Lowndes “County” High School is a way to raise the ire of Viking fans. Please be advised: Not only does it not work, but it is incorrect, inaccurate and just plain wrong. The official and proper name is “Lowndes High School”. Above all else, this is a very poor reflection on someone like you who never gets any fact or piece of information wrong, and who prides himself on absolute total perfection in everything she writes, especially when it comes to game predictions. Furthermore, it wastes your time, since you are so obsessed with your rantings against Lowndes “County” High School, that you must be typing that phrase at least 100 times per week in all of your monopolistic and bombastic postings. So, try writing the right thing — not only will it be accurate and correct, you will save yourself lots of time.
We anxiously await your next retort, as it is humanly impossible for you not to respond to any posters writing anything about your beloved Iggles of Snortside High School (Oops!).
AVikingFan
October 26th, 2009
4:23 pm
Slalom1 – I bet ????? (R2 – team 4), ????? (R5 – team 4) or ????? R4- team 4) would trade places with Valdosta all day long.
Todd Holcomb
October 26th, 2009
4:26 pm
Personality0905: A certain amount of space is budgeted in the newspaper for a game before it is played, and the writer sticks to that amoung of space no matter the outcome. If the AJC were biased toward Marist and against SWD, I doubt SWD would have been ranked No. 1 in preseason, not when Marist was coming off a state runner-up finish and was returning most of its starters.
AVikingFan
October 26th, 2009
4:31 pm
Goober, I’ve got three empty bleach jugs that I recently painted crimson, and filled’em with ENR brains (rocks). I’m going to give you one for that last post, to shake all you want to this Friday night. (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.
goober
October 26th, 2009
4:57 pm
AVikingFan: Yeah … why would anyone want to have a drink (even a free one) with such an arrogant pompous Narcissus like ENR who makes his team so easy and inviting to pick on?
Once again: Warner Robins (my new favorite team in middle GA) 14, Snortside 10
Colquitt Co: 20, Snortside 14
Oh, the pain …
SanityRules
October 26th, 2009
4:58 pm
Slalom, I see what you’re saying. Valdosta with all it’s tradition would be an interesting draw but for Newnan ,it would still be a victory. AVikingFan ,your words were intended to insult Newnan but you need to worry about Lowdnes because I think you’re a second round team this year unless you get the #1 seed. Remember you got to score to win and Newnan don’t give up points.