Lowndes-Camden headlines a loaded second round
I can’t remember a better second round in the highest classification.
Lowndes-Camden County goes without saying. Playing a tougher schedule week in, week out, will help Lowndes, so I’m picking the Vikes on the road. I know Camden beat Northside last season in the same second round, but that was when Camden was the better team. This year, Lowndes is the better team.
Other amazin’ games in AAAAA –
MLK vs. Newnan (Mack Brown vs. Alec Ogletree)
Woodstock at North Gwinnett (I like both these teams a long and think either could’ve made the semis with another draw)
Roswell at Grayson (Is Pemberton hurt? How is Champaign? Good upset pick game here. Cool story about the backup QB at Roswell throwing the winning TD pass in OT. Who will cover Chris Boyd?)
South Gwinnett at Lassiter (Can anybody stop Hutson Mason?)
Colquitt County at Stephenson (Good news for Jags is that they get to see the spread offense before having to face Lassiter. Bad news is that they might not live to see next week. As Ron Gartrell said to me today, “We have so much trouble with South Georgia teams.’’)
Other stuff …
Team of the week: Liberty County. I really love teams that turn things around. Best win in program history against LaGrange last week. … I would’ve given the same kudos to Chattooga, btw.
Now, let’s discuss Carver of Columbus. OK, you beat Burke County 28-21. Burke is the best No. 4 team in the state, but still. Is this what a state-championship team would do to Burke? Is it too late to jump on the Gainesville bandwagon? I’m only now starting to realize how good Gainesville’s defense is. Carver didn’t want me on their bandwagon in the first place, but I’m curious to see how those two teams do this week.
In AAAA, it’s two teams – Griffin, SWD.
In AAA, it’s two – Carver, Gainesville.
In AA, it’s three – Fitz, Calhoun, Buford.
In A, it’s two – Wesleyan, Twiggs.
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338 comments Add your comment
SanityRules
November 15th, 2009
5:25 pm
What does Coach Gartrell mean when he says he has so much trouble with south Georgia teams? Is it better coaching, better athletes or what is it? If he was my head coach and said that, I would be worried . That’s loser talk. Sorry Stephenson, your coach is waving the white flag already.
TRUE BLUE
November 15th, 2009
6:49 pm
No, he just telling the truth from previously experience, but he knows where he stand this year.This team love it when people doubt them. Todd Holcomb , we already know where we stand with you. You had a chance to make up but spend your entire column on a player that was suspend because he got in a fight and you were suppose to write about the game. Your main topic was about GARRISON SMITH of Douglass High School. We at STEPHENSON don’t care if you don’t like our team. Hell if anybody is overrated that 11-0 give them a hand clap TODD. If you think for once that LASSITER will get past SOUTH GWINNETTI with no DEFENSE. You better think twice. HUTSON MASON is a good quarterback but he about to see some fast and better defense in the playoff.
highschool football fan
November 15th, 2009
7:05 pm
Can’t wait until Friday night. Camden vs Lowndes has the potential for being a real shoot-out. Both defenses are too good for the other to run up and down the field. Expect a couple of break away plays, and maybe a couple of mid field drives. Special teams will probably be the difference. One Camden fan “…..BEAR”, said they should give the state championship to Lowndes after watching them last week…..I think he was probably being a little sarcastic…Should be a good though. Goodluck to both teams.
Viking Girl
November 15th, 2009
8:02 pm
Not to underestimate or disrespect Camden because I know they are the defending AAAAA State Champions but I just feel Lowndes has the better team this year. I don’t think the score will be as close as people think. I’m picking Lowndes by a couple of scores. Go Vikings!
E!
November 15th, 2009
8:27 pm
Hey, SanityRules, I don’t think Coach Gartrell is waving any white flag. Like TRUE BLUE said, I think he is just saying that in the past, SHS has had trouble with schools from South Georgia and that is a well documented fact. However, this is not the same SHS Jaguars that many have seen in the past. This team “finishes” and finishes very well.
I expect this to be a good game but by no means should anyone think that was loser talk. One thing is for sure, we will know for sure, one way or another, in about 5 days or so.
LET’S GO JAGUARS!!!
SanityRules
November 15th, 2009
8:44 pm
E!, you have to have a 100% positive attitude and always believe that this team is not last year’s and you will get the job done. If you don’t have that mindset you will surely go down in defeat. Frankly,I’m tired of these arrogant south Georgia bloggers and we know what we got to do to shut them up. So Stephenson, handle your business.
dawg4life
November 15th, 2009
8:54 pm
where’s the love for jackson in AAA,don’t count us out.
Mark
November 15th, 2009
9:00 pm
The Northside-WR defense makes them a canidate in any game they play!
Colquitt County Fans
November 15th, 2009
9:00 pm
We Love You Colquitt County Packers Guys go take care of South Georgia Business like we did back in the 90’s.
GO PACK GO, Moultrie Georgia!!!!!
Gwinnett Fan
November 15th, 2009
9:06 pm
I have a bracket question for you. Even though they changed the brackets they still do not seem quite right.
They have corrected the seeds so that the right seeds meet each other in the appropriate rounds but they have not properly aligned the regions.
The brackets have been set up on a three year rotation. A #1 seed will play a different #4 seed from the three other north or south regions in the first round each year.
Year 1 Region 1 vs region 2
Year 2 Region 1 vs region 3
Year 3 Region 1 vs region 4
It can be assumed that if the higher or favored team wins in the first round each year, that the second round match ups will be a #1 seed vs a #2 seed. The second round should also be similar to the first round in that each year you should play a #2 seed from a different region each year.
You should not play a #2 seed from the same region two years in a row. Camden County has been a #1 seed from region 3 for several years in a row. Last year they had to play Northside Warner Robins (region 1 #2 seed) in the second round. This year they have to play Lowndes (region 1 #2 seed) in the second round.
This should not happen if the brackets were set up properly. I believe they should be playing the winner of the Region 4 #2 seed vs the Region 1 #3 seed. In this case the winner was Colquitt County.
Can you please speak to the GHSA and get a clarification why this did not happen?
Thanks
Todd Holcomb
November 15th, 2009
9:13 pm
I think Coach Gartrell is making sure his kids know their history so they’ll realize Colquitt County is no joke. It’s the same thing South Georgia coaches do when their playing a team that might not be a household name to a 17-year-old. Coach G. knows what he’s doing, and he’s as confident as he needs to be.
True Blue: Fair comment, bu there’s the story on that … For the final game of the regular season, I thought a good story would be the experience of a great player on a bad team playing his final high school game. What’s it like to toil for a 1-9 team? I spoke with Garrison the day before the game. He didn’t tell me he was suspended. He was embarrassed. I didn’t know he serving a sit-out penalty until I got there. Then, Garrison talked candidly about the suspension and his season. It’s not my job to decide whether a person is deserving of a story. My job is to write what’s interesting. Plus, he paid more than most for the suspension because if it were anybody else, it would have gone unreported. : ) In Smith’s defense, I found him to be well-spoken and likeable. I’m sorry for him that I picked the wrong time to visit.
Callitlikeitis
November 15th, 2009
9:25 pm
I am picking the Vikings to beat Camden County.
Their is only one dominate team in Class AA and it is Fitzgerald. And the northern part of Georgia will see real soon what south Georgia already knows. Buford is not strong enough this year to complete with Fitz. Calhoun can compete with Fitz but depends on just several players to win and is not a complete dominate team.
Stephenson has enough good players to complete with Colquitt Co. but I question Stephenson’s game scheming and stragedy (coaching). They will be up against one of the best coaches in the Nation (Former Hoover Coach Rush Propst). Stephenson will have to defend the whole football field and Colquitt offense does not huddle. Stephenson’s defense is athletic enough to defend this spread offense but can they hold up late in the 3rd and 4th quarter due to the no huddling offense. I saw Colquitt beat Lassiter during a scrimmage this year and Lassiter had a very hard time defending Colquitt’s offense.
viking lover
November 15th, 2009
9:27 pm
I have to say that I think Grayson’s chances to do well are a little suspect. To be ranked #1 in the state and only beat a fourth seeded team by one touchdown does not bode well for them. I will be suprised to see them in the hunt after this week. Lowndes looked a little scary in the first half against East Coweta, but the second half was all Vikings. As long as the Plowboys play that type of football, no one will beat them. Vikings by 21 points.
TRUE BLUE
November 15th, 2009
9:32 pm
TODD, you went to the DOUGLASS and STEHENSON game to cover the game not interview GARRISON SMITH. You could interviewed him FRIDAY morning or THURSDAY evening. If you read the newspaper SATURDAY morning and saw the article its was a nice article, but his article was bigger than the game. You had a small article in the metro scores, but covered the game and wrote big article on Garrison Smith. Everybody else wrote nice articles about the game they cover that night. They had game stats and everything.
spwhite
November 15th, 2009
9:47 pm
Gwinnett Fan- havent you figured it out? Its a conspiracy to try and keep Camden county from winning the state every year. We have an unfair advantage because we play in the weakest region, we have an unfair advantage because we have soo many players, so and and so forth. So to make it fair for the other schools we get the toughest draw!! All of this, of course, is said in jest.
Lets just play some ball!!!!
Todd Holcomb
November 15th, 2009
9:54 pm
TRUE BLUE: You’re misunderstanding what my assignment is each week. I went to the Douglass-Stephenson game to interview him, not to cover the game. That’s what I do each week. I write about something that takes place at a game that isn’t the game itself. In this case, it was a star player’s final game and his experience of it. I also went to the MLK-Stephenson game, but I wrote about DeKalb’s policy of revenue sharing, not who won or lost. Last week, I wrote about Rick Tomberlin and his firing at Valdosta and how fans at the game felt about it. I did not cover the Valdosta-Newnan game except for a few sentences. My purpose in going to the Stephenson-Douglass game was to interview Garrison Smith. If the AJC were going to cover only five or six games, one of those games would not involve Douglass, a 1-9 team. I was there for another story.
Todd Holcomb
November 15th, 2009
9:55 pm
Not sure if Grayson’s tight victory over Marietta means much or not. Grayson had over 300 yards rushing and held Marietta to about 3 first downs. Marietta ran back a kick for a TD. Grayson was never in any real danger. Bigger question for Grayson is injuries – Ean Pemberton and Joe Champaign have injury issues. I hope they’re well soon.
keel
November 15th, 2009
10:01 pm
well he told u TRUE BLUE
keel
November 15th, 2009
10:02 pm
no love 4 clark central they will beat down SWD
Panola Road's Finest
November 15th, 2009
10:04 pm
Hey True Blue chill out. Let’s talk about Stephenson, MLK which might lose badly this weekend, and SWD doing well in the playoffs. Let’s put the doubters in check once and for all because I promise you there is alot of them out there in regards to Dekalb teams. Secondly, tell Gartrell not to say things that can be taken as weakness. I am sure that Colquitt County is not coming up here expecting to lose on Friday.
Third, why are Stephenson fans so sensitive?
TRUE BLUE
November 15th, 2009
10:06 pm
CALLINLIKEITIS,Show STEPHENSON some repect when you try an compare them to a team. LASSITER don’t play defense goto ga.prepcountry.com and you will that gave up over 30 points in 4 games and over 25 in 2 games. LASSITER is giving up 21.0 compared to STEPHENSON 5.0. STEPHENSON in the last 3 years has never had 20 points scored on them can any other 5a team say that, I probably can go back further. You must don’t know STEPHENSON HIGH SCHOOL, because that what they are known for DEFENSE, but now they have a offense to go along with their GREAT DEFENSE. DOME BOUND BABY WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT DOME BOUND
SouthGARules
November 15th, 2009
10:06 pm
Todd: It’s not only Hutson Mason that has to worry about being stopped, but Kent Rollins is no slouch. He is on the verge of breaking some of David Greene’s records at South Gwinnett & from what I’ve heard, some of the Brookwood folks wish he was their starting QB. I imagine the scoreboard will get a serious workout. Also, I know Alec Ogletree gets all the pub, but Zander is a good player in his own right as is #51 for Newnan. I guess you are a little underwhelmed with the Brookwood-Peachtree Ridge & Union Grove-NSWR matchups. Why Brookwood & Peachtree Ridge want to win Friday night is beyond me. They will have to go to the Mecca of the state, McConnell-Talbott Stadium and meet the greatest team of all time to get a massive beatdown from. I’m sure Bill Ballard & Mark Crews are wringing their hands trying to figure out how to lose so they will not have that embarrassment on their resumes. LOL
HSFootballover12
November 15th, 2009
10:09 pm
whoa wait why is everyone counting out tucker and sandy creek they got a big game in 4-A this week?
inthatrenches (from the sunbelt conference)
November 15th, 2009
10:13 pm
Early predictions are of course coming from people who are not playing the game it is hard to measure heart, emotion, a fluke bounce, a early game fumble,an adjustment at halftime??? Here is my early predictions:
Lassiter vs S. Gwinnett- Lassiter by 3
N.Gwinnett vs Woodstock- NG by a 8
Peachtree ridge vs Brookwood- Pridge by 10
Grayson vs Roswell- Grayson by 10
Stephenson vs Colquitt- Stephenson by 14
Northside WR vs UnionGrove- Northside WR by 6
Newnan vs MLK- Newnan by a TD Good defensive game
Camden vs Lowndes- the most evenly matched 2nd round game “possibly ever’ #1 and 2 in offensive points and 5 & 7 in defensive pts allowed The home team by 1
RHS
November 15th, 2009
10:17 pm
Know what is wrong with Pemberton, what is wrong with Champaign? Two great players!
SouthGARules
November 15th, 2009
10:20 pm
RHS: Champaign tore his ACL in the Brookwood game. He is playing with a brace on his knee.
RHS
November 15th, 2009
10:24 pm
Playing with a torn ACL? All I have to say is what a warrior. That boy has a motor.
robert
November 15th, 2009
10:25 pm
Todd. Answer the lady’s ? from above. Why is Camen playing the same #2 seed from the same region two years in a row. I thought the seeding and alternating the regions you are bracketed against each yaer was supposed to eliminate this. Please answer this for me and the lady and forget about Garrison smith and your story.
inthatrenches (from the sunbelt conference)
November 15th, 2009
10:28 pm
Todd I think you and the AJC do a good job that video with Coach Williams and the article was a moving story….. I hope you guy’s continue with what you do Life happens sports is what we enjoy along the way…..I also hope you guy’s follow Greenville and the story of his terminal disease I had a friend pass from this and it only gets worst from here his family has my prayers and many others on this blog I’m sure…
Grayson Student
November 15th, 2009
10:37 pm
u have questions i have answers… pemberton had a stinger and nothing more… i have talked to a lot of the players and it was just a stinger. champaign is fine but limited action i would guess for friday, dont forget we have our starting tight end coming back friday. Roswell has a couple of favorable matchups but that quarterback will have a hard time in his first road start at a rocking britt moody field… we will see
Todd Holcomb
November 15th, 2009
10:44 pm
Gwinnett Fan:
I’ve studied it, and as best I can tell, the GHSA should use six-year cycles if the GHSA’s goal is to ensure that each region champion is seeded to face another region’s #2 seed exactly twice every six years.
However, the GHSA has not been using six-year cycles. It has been using cycles that I can’t follow logically. The Region 3 champion has been seeded to play the Region 1 runner-up in 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009. …
So while perhaps that shouldn’t happen, it has happened that way consistently since 2002 (except for 2004 and 2007). So the GHSA is being consistent in maintaining the pattern that I’m not smart enough to decipher for you.
Todd Holcomb
November 15th, 2009
10:48 pm
And further, I’ll ask the GHSA about it this week and report back.
re: Sandy Creek, Tucker … Logically, I shouldn’t write out half the teams that I did, but my gut feel is that neither can win it. Sandy Creek has had many good teams before but never a really deep run. As for Tucker, I can’t think of a team that’s been beaten soundly twiceby teams in its own classification that came back to win a state title. I can think of a team that got beat 38-0 and came back to win a state title, so maybe there’s hope.
inthatrenches (from the sunbelt conference)
November 15th, 2009
10:48 pm
Robert Gwinnettfan spwhite
It does not matter where you play them if you are championship caliber you move on….YOU PLAY THE TEAM IN FRONT OF YOU! as a region 4 supporter we face region 1 every other year we cannot wish away Region 1 there is a 4 and 1 in every bracket you to have a bracket with each region represented just MAN UP and play ball If Camden was ever a 2 seed then they would not have a problem with it..
Warhawk
November 15th, 2009
10:53 pm
TODD:
Please answer this question. Why does the GSHA rotate only the 1-4 and 5-8 Regions. It would make more sense to me that they would rotate all 8 regions. There is to many good teams in Gwinnett and in the deep south that those team beat each other before the finals. I know that travel has a lot to do with it, but this is 2009 and it it is the State Playoffs. You would think that the GSHA would want the two best teams meeting in the finals, and not just North vs South.
Callitlikeitis
November 15th, 2009
10:54 pm
True Blue, I happen to like Stephenson and usually go to 2 to 3 of their games a year. I have been to two of thier games this year thus far and think that they have a great team. Also, I travel thru out the state and see teams from north to south georgia. I have seen Colquitt County play too and they are a great team also. Stephenson has never faced the type of offense that they are about to face this week. Haven seen Lassiter play this year, I agree with you that Stephenson defense is better. My main points that I was trying make is can Stephenson coach a good enough game and out coach the Colquitt County coaches to a Stephenson victory??? Let’s face it, Stephenson’s offense is not very creative and they have been running the same stuff for years. Colquitt Co. runs a pro set spread offense that forces the defender to defend the entire football field and many players touch the ball too.Can Stephenson’s defense hold up to the rapid fire offense of Colquitt late in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Unlike you I have no affiliation to any team, I call-it-like-it-is.
Dekalb Fan
November 15th, 2009
10:57 pm
I truely believe the Stephenson Jaguars will prevail on Friday night. We are dome bound this year!!!!!!!Shout out to the entire team and coaching staff as well as the parents of the jaguars!!!!!!!!!
coffee fan
November 15th, 2009
10:59 pm
where will lowndes game be, will it be on tv? it should.
Two best teams in State , both should be playing in Finals for Championship but under present system that will not happen. One will go home. I’ll take the Vikings by 7. Go Lowndes!!!
C-town
November 15th, 2009
11:03 pm
Dear Todd, Please Jump on the G-Ville bandwagon. Carver had to play a # 1 seed in Burke CO. Burke Co QB T.Bingham is like Jordan, he can get hot and put a team on its back…….But Carver still won. That win just makes us better. Who has G-Ville played this year? Its Cup-Cake city every week! Carver will be there at the end. …TODD make I .Crowell AAA Player of the Year…you need to jump on that Bandwagon!!!
spwhite
November 15th, 2009
11:04 pm
inthatrenches (from the sunbelt conference) – Hey we are not complaining here in Camden. We want to play the best and I think most everyone agrees that region 1 is the best! Doesnt matter to us if its 1st round or for the championship.Like I said in my last post, lets just play some ball!!! Im ready to see the 2 masters of the wing t go at it!!!!
inthatrenches (from the sunbelt conference)
November 15th, 2009
11:12 pm
spwhite.
Your team and the team you are facing have averaged 44 and 45 pts per game that is 1 and 2 in all the 16 teams remaining your defenses are allowing 9 and 10 pts per game that is 5 and 7 in the 16 teams remaining I figured Home field advantage gives Camden a slight edge?
LizDawg
November 15th, 2009
11:14 pm
I look for Camden, St. Pius, Gainesville, and Roswell to win.
A Fan
November 15th, 2009
11:17 pm
Todd,
Where is the A love? Wesleyan v Bowdon and Holy Innocents’ v Bremen
inthatrenches (from the sunbelt conference)
November 15th, 2009
11:23 pm
Sorry A fan us Rabid AAAAA fans seem to make the High school juices flow…… got to get some more A friends on here….. or learn to talk AAAAA football make a prediction or a proclaimation about your team to get a response…..
Yo
November 15th, 2009
11:39 pm
If I play Berkmar and beat them 14-0 and your team plays Grayson and beats the 10-7 I guess that means my team has a better defense according to the logic of some the people posting on here.
Not calling any names as I don’t desire to hurt anybodies feelings. I suppose by that same logic I must also have a better offense also.
Yo
November 15th, 2009
11:41 pm
Make that “anybody’s feelings. I suppose by that same logic I must also have a better offense.”
spwhite
November 15th, 2009
11:46 pm
inthatrenches (from the sunbelt conference -The problem that we have is that we really havent been tested since the first 3 games of the season. Of course its no big secret that we are in a really weak region. From what I can tell Lowndes is a really strong 2nd half team. They have put up numbers on some very good teams. While we on the other hand have put numbers up on some really weak teams. We have been able to score very well in all but the first game of the season and that was against Grayson in the dome. Camden is used to playing in high profile games like Grayson and Hoover so we should be ready for the challange. Right now I think it is going to be a toss up. Our senior quarterback quit week before last but that actually may have helped the team. our starting quarterback now is a junior and has been playing very well all season. He also seems to be more versatile, blocking, throwing, running, etc. i was suprised that we scored as many points as we did against newton, if you look at thier record their losses were all pretty close and against some good teams. Theres no denying that Lowndes is the master of the wing t. If anyone knows how to stop it, its Lowndes. Last year when Camden was running the wing t I just could not follow the ball 80 percent of the time. This year Ive been able to follow the ball most of the time. Dont know if that means anyting or not. I expect Lowndes to bring 1 heck of a crowd with them so Chris Gillman stadium should be rocking!!!!!!!
Todd Holcomb
November 15th, 2009
11:57 pm
Warhawk: Two teams from one region still can meet in the finals. It’s not a North-South thing except in the first two rounds. But the the north and south regions are separated in the first two rounds is travel, as you suspected. Most schools (principals, superintendents) want to play nearby regions in the first round. You’re never going to see Dalton playing Brunswick in the first round.
A Fan: For the second round, I just think the best handful of matchups are in AAAAA. That’s due to depth in that class.
C-town: Burke was not a No. 1 seed. … But I am eager for Gainesville to play a really good opponent. Good point about that.
coffee: You can’t blame the system for Camden & Lowndes playing in the second round. If they’re the best two teams in the state, then blame Lowndes for losing to Northside. That’s why Lowndes is in this predicament.
Todd Holcomb
November 15th, 2009
11:59 pm
Left a word out up there …
The REASON the north and south regions are separated is travel. …
Yo
November 15th, 2009
11:59 pm
Camden do you have a grass or turf field? I know it is relatively new, but I couldn’t tell by the pictures
on your web site whether it was natural grass of turf.
Region A
November 16th, 2009
12:04 am
Yada yada yada, I am on here every day and I never see anything about class A….. A Fan, I agree those two games are going to be some head turners haha.
spwhite
November 16th, 2009
12:12 am
yo- its a turf field.
yo
November 16th, 2009
12:26 am
thanks spwhite and glad to hear it. Playing on grass when we travel is what I think hurts us as much as the travelling now that we have a turf field also.
Todd Holcomb
November 16th, 2009
12:30 am
This turf/grass thing confuses me. Turf is grass, you know. …
One of the private schools on the southside, either Landmark or ELCA, I believe, put in new turf, I was told. I assumed that it was artificial, so I wrote that in GHSF Daily. Turns out, it was REAL turf (i.e., grass) that was installed.
Camden’s turf ain’t real. But then what is real? You can’t walk on something that’s not real, right? So let’s just say it’s not living. Camden’s turf if not living.
It’s very nice, though.
Camden’s weight room is unreal.
spwhite
November 16th, 2009
12:36 am
Todd Holcomg- Camden’s turf ain’t real. But then what is real? You can’t walk on something that’s not real, right? So let’s just say it’s not living. Camden’s turf if not living. LOL
Suwanee 0wnz
November 16th, 2009
12:38 am
Glad to see you finally recognize the strength of the Red Elephants. Most divisions are balanced enough to see several potential champions – but I honestly think that Gainesville simply dominates their division. It remains to be seen on the field, but I could easily see this team cruising through all of their oppoenents.
I also think Buford is on a mission after the loss to Lovett. They may face some tough games but there seems to be a determination there that hasn’t been there for years. We’ll see how they do with this new determination and a little less talent.
In 5A I really think there are several teams that could go all the way. There are some really good teams, and all of them have shown a bit of weakness. Primarily, there is a lack of consistency. For example, P Ridge has the tools to win it all. But they have had major lapses in several games. Can they beat Brookwood and NSWR? Absolutely! But it remains to be seen whether they will do so. NSWR exposed some weakness in Lowndes; several teams could beat them with a big D Line and a constant attack against their secondary. Each of the strong teams appears to have some weakness and they will face an opponent capable of exploiting that weakness.
As a North fan I would rather play Lowndes in Suwanee than Camden in Kingsland. North got hosed in the revised brackets. It does not mean North will win, but I think it is possible to beat either of these teams, and more possible to beat Lowndes after a nice long bus trip. No matter what, North has to be the underdog if they even make it to that game.
How anybody can pick a winner in Lassiter vs South is beyond me. If the difference is 3 points, it would not surprise me to see a score of 63 to 60 – either way.
We really have some exciting teams and matchups in 5A this year. Nobody should count Newnan out. There will be some absolutely awesome football. I am sure going to have fun watching the North v Woodstock game, regardless of the winner. There are honestly 8 exciting matchups in 5A this week.
Waco_die_hard_fan
November 16th, 2009
12:48 am
C-town i thought todd knew jordan of footbal played for burke…..i don’t know why more people don’t know bout that kid he came to waco and the plays he made time after time was shocking…..the kid the truth…………FYI 3AAA WAS THE BEST REGION IN AAA……….JUST MY OPINION….BUT THE PAST 2 YRS THE FIRST ROUND HAS MADE MY POINT
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OedipusTax
November 16th, 2009
5:38 am
Stephenson hasn’t deserved respect come playoff time, simply because they haven’t won much come playoff time despite a wealth of D1 bound players. Maybe this year is their turn. But it won’t be, if Stephenson, as in the past, apparently reads their press clippings, and forgets to play the game on the field.
Peachree Ridge did get spanked by Lowndes back in September 51-17. Lowndes has beaten some very good teams badly over the years, parfticularly at home, whle losing in Gwinnett last year and shaming themselves in the process. While PR lostt to NG, the game was pretty close.. If PR plays Northside Warner Robins in round 3, my bet is that they’ll represent Gwinnett County well, and, win or lose, play a good game. When it has come to State AAAAA champs in past years, Gwinnett has won their share.
Rfrom G
November 16th, 2009
6:41 am
Winners on Friday:
NSWR
Peachtree Ridge (sorry Brookwood Mom)
Newnan
Grayson
North Gwinnett
Camden County
Lassiter
South Gwinnett
roswellfan
November 16th, 2009
7:12 am
Grayson supporters should not look past Roswell this Friday. Don’t think a 10 point spread will happen as noted in an earlier post. My early objective feeling is that if the game is close in the 4th quarter (and I expoect it to be) then Roswell will win a close game perhaps by a field goal. Grayson no doubt is very good; however Roswell is very solid against the run and has outstanding special teams play. Most kickoff are into the end zone and the kicker is very accurate; he is a Houston committ. This only matter because I believe that special teams and field position will be important in this game. It appears that Grayson is a good running team while roswell coaches have built the Roswell defense to stop the run. It will be nasty in the trenches but roswell will hold its own. I expect a close game, with Roswell winning perhaps by a field goal. Roswell qb should not be underestimated….he is very good. Grayson would be foolish to look past Roswell. I expect Roswell to pull the mild upset in a close game.
Etowah Fan
November 16th, 2009
7:22 am
Round 2 Picks:
NSWR over UG
P’Ridge over Brookwood (still can’t get over McEachern losing)
Newnan over MLK
Grayson over Roswell (but very close and tempted to pick the upset)
Woodstock over NG (a bias pick)
Camden over Lowndes (mild upset in some circles)
Lassiter over SG
Stephenson over Colquitt Co.
Still licking my wounds over the Etowah loss. What could’ve been…
Gwinnett Fan
November 16th, 2009
7:22 am
Sure sounds like Camden County is not getting a fair deal on the brackets.
The Gwinnett schools would be screaming if this happened every year.
Thanks for loking into it. I look forward to hearing the GHSA explaination.
Wolverine Fan
November 16th, 2009
7:29 am
It will be a good game at NG Etowah Fan……..Thanks for the bias pick. Hope the “D” holds tough.
TJ
November 16th, 2009
7:52 am
Grayson focuses week to week. They are not looking past Roswell, this is a huge game for them. They are getting all their players back this week that have been injured. Grayson has had injury problems this year but I hear they are all back this week for Roswell. If Pemberton is fine, and the injured produce, Roswell will be close but no cigar status. If their players are not back 100% and others do not step up, Roswell will win it. Grayson actually looked pretty good grinding out yards without Pemberton but they missed the homerun playmaker. Grayson played 3 quarters without Pemberton but he still went over 100 yards and had 2 TDs in 1 quarter. If he had played the whole game I think the score would have been in the high 30’s to a lucky 14. Grayson had game in hand and sat Pemberton, one score was desperation throw that was caught at end of game. Frustration I have with Grayson is the fact they let game scores get close when the stats show they dominated game. Usually give up a special teams run back or desperation throw score. No doubt this week will be close, but that is the way Grayson plays.
Camden and Lowndes will be almost worth driving down and seeing. I pick Lowndes but I am sure it will be a great game. Has Camden finally sat that senior QB or is he still spliting time with the better QB?
SOUTH MOM
November 16th, 2009
7:52 am
If South upsets Lassiter will they FINALLY get some respect???
Etowah Fan
November 16th, 2009
7:54 am
Wolverine Fan – I expect the “D” will hold. Coach OB should have them prepared. After last year, Woodstock should have some confidence, but not overconfidence.
I might just have to load up and make a second trip to Gwinnett County… to the North side this time. How do you think my Etowah blue will be received?
GHS#22
November 16th, 2009
7:57 am
Not sure if Roswell Fan knows this or not, but Grayson has the best defense in the state. Just as the last 20 teams. Their offense may not put up big numbers, but the defense allows none!!!!
I will be the first to admit if you score on grayson it on the special teams. BTW the kicker is the second best in state.
lowndesvikes001
November 16th, 2009
8:09 am
GOOOOOOOOO VIKINGS GO!
LOWNDES-24
CAMDEN- 10
SouthGARules
November 16th, 2009
8:10 am
Rfrom G: How can Lassiter & South Gwinnett both win Friday night? They play each other.
SOUTH MOM: Anybody that underestimates South is a little shortsided. I will say that matchup with Lassiter will be one of the most entertaining games Friday night. Whoever has the ball last will probably win.
Etowah Fan: Agree with you on your picks except I believe North gets it done over Woodstock. My heart says Brookwood because they have definetly improved as the season has gone on, but my head says the Ridge. I know whoever wins that game should not even bother going to the MAC next Friday. LOL
DavaoJeff
November 16th, 2009
8:28 am
Lowndes 34 Camden 10
Etowah Fan
November 16th, 2009
8:30 am
SouthGARules – I was also tempted to pick Brookwood. I will definitely be rooting for the Broncos. Brookwood just might be the Cinderella Woodstock from last year and make a surprisingly deep run. P’Ridge is beatable.
Wouldn’t that be something then to see NSWR vs. Brookwood? Brookwood Mom and ENR going at each other all week next week.
Etowah Fan
November 16th, 2009
8:32 am
South Mom – Yes, SG will get respect if South beats Lassiter. Beware of the onside kicks though!
steve
November 16th, 2009
8:41 am
tucker vs sandy creek game of the week. Tucker defending champs, sandy creek is a good team. Sandy creek(10-1)only loss to east coweta, Tucker(9-2) losses to southwest dekalb and marist.
Grayson Student
November 16th, 2009
8:41 am
Even if the roswell team is built to stop the defense, graysons offense is built to run the ball… they WILL get 2-3 yards a carry… I dont think roswell has seen a running attack quite like graysons.
VikingsOnAMission
November 16th, 2009
8:45 am
The dreamer in me takes Lowndes by 10 (if our field goal kicker is having an “on” night). The realist in me takes Lowndes by 3 (if our field goal kicker is having an “on” night). I bet the Northern teams are thanking their lucky stars that Lowndes and Camden are playing against each other this Friday. One of the two finalists is being knocked out WAY too early!
phil
November 16th, 2009
8:52 am
Dawg4life
Jackson deserves no love, worst No. 1 seed in the state, any classification. The Red Devils will not survive this Friday night. So long, good night!
Bracket Fairness is for losers. The Playoffs are great, you gotta win or go home. You gotta beat the best to get to game 15. Only the strong survive. So long Camden, we hardly knew ya!
E!
November 16th, 2009
9:01 am
So, how does one know for sure if a team they want to see is playing on Friday or Saturday? The brackets only shows Nov. 20-21. Is this something that can only be found out via the schools? Thanks!
Astute Observer
November 16th, 2009
9:02 am
I’m with “roswellfan” on this one. It will be an outstanding game. Not much air attack from either side but a lot of smash-mouth, in your face, gruntin’ and groanin’ at the line. Short but consistent gains and lots of 3rd (and 4th) down conversions for both sides. My pick: Roswell by 3
Black is Back
November 16th, 2009
9:02 am
Keep sleeping on us Todd! Charlton is not the same Freshmen and Sophmores that didn’t get out of the first round last year. We couldn’t score on a bet and had to keep it close last year. This year is a different story. We will take it one game at a time. Let um keep overlooking us. GO INDIANS!!!
PACKER '02
November 16th, 2009
9:03 am
Go Golden Herd. Lowndes get ready, we’ll see you in the semi’s at the concrete palace.
GHS#22
November 16th, 2009
9:05 am
vikining on a mission:
what does Grayson care about lowndes and Camden playing each other?
Grayson held Camden Co to 60 total yards of offense and Lowndes to just 7 points……….
you guys kill me with that!!!!
VikingsOnAMission
November 16th, 2009
9:13 am
I was at the Grayson/Camden game – if you think Grayson is a better team than Camden because they won that one game you are dillusional! Also, if you think Lowndes is fielding the same team this year that you played last year you are dillusional. Once your Rams can beat an average team by more than one touchdown (this year), then get on here and talk to us! Once the Rams start putting the points up on teams that Lowndes and Camden have put up this year (with their JV players playing the second half), then get on here and talk to us!
BlackandGold24
November 16th, 2009
9:20 am
I don’t know much about Stephenson except the fact that they are undefeated. I do know that they better play defense this weekend or this game could be ugly for them. Lowdnes did not stop the Colquitt offense, they stopped theirselves with penalties and turnovers. The only team that slowed Colquitt was NSWR and they only did so in the first half. This team will find a teams weakness defensively and exploit it. I think Colquitt will put up 28 points on Stephenson. If Stephenson wins this game they better put up 29 on a tough region 1AAAAA defense.
GHS#22
November 16th, 2009
9:21 am
Just check the schedule, Grayson has shut down as many teams as any other “great” team, and they do it all in the first quarter half….second and third string plays the rest of the game.
Interity means more to the Grayson program than beating a team 76-0
sounds like the coaches are compensating for something.
GHS#22
November 16th, 2009
9:26 am
check the win columns for all 3 teams……….
if Camden puts up any offense points this week, lowndes is weak. After the game, ask Camden which defense they would rather play against?
VikingsOnAMission
November 16th, 2009
9:27 am
GHS#22 — BAHHHHAAAAAHAAAAHAAAAHAAA !!!! I don’t know how much more “integrity” Lowndes can show than letting their JV and B Team play the second half. I guess the JV and B Team players are suppose to go out there and take a knee every down. Because your second and third string players can’t score, and Lowndes’ can speaks to the excellence of the players coming up next year and the next and the next. Don’t get me started on this “integrity” garbage. And yes, I have “checked the schedule” and all I can say is: REALLY!?!?!?!
VikingsOnAMission
November 16th, 2009
9:29 am
As far as whom Camden had rather play this week, I think they have already spoken on this blog. And the loud and resounding answer is “How in the world did we get Lowndes in the second round?”
GHS#22
November 16th, 2009
9:36 am
sounds you have bought into that hold “Region 1 is the best region” crap!
oh yeah about the interity stuff I remember it from the Grayson Lowndes game
camden saint
November 16th, 2009
9:45 am
The Sr. QB FOR CAMDEN COUNTY QUIT AFTER THE LAST GAME OF THE YEAR DON’T KNOW WHY BUT WOULD. DOES ANYBODY?
GO CAMDEN!
OedipusTax
November 16th, 2009
9:57 am
The folks here can’t figure out why Lowndes is playing Camden County? All brackets where the first round favorites won are having a #1 seed play a #2 seed. Remember that Lowndes is a #2 seed this year, and will most likely have to travel for all their remaining games. As good as they are, they have to play Camden County IN Camden County. Both teams understand what each other does, consequently I see a low scoring affair. Last time these two faced each other Lowndes won 10-0 in the dome. The edge, though, still is with Lowndes because there’s nothing like game time competition, and Camden County can play in its region blindfolded and still win. Camden playing somebody this good this early favors Lowndes.
GHS#22
November 16th, 2009
9:59 am
I feel Lowndes will beat Camden, but not by much………..
I don’t think Lowndes will get past N. Gwinnett
Decatur 4 Life
November 16th, 2009
10:03 am
VikingsOnAMission
We don’t have to be happy about yall playing each other this week. Sounds like an excuse to me, to win the title you had to go through each other anyway so what difference does it make that its the second round. That’s just the draw you got
GOPACKGO
November 16th, 2009
10:04 am
Just remember Colquitt County beat Lassiter by over 10 points in the preseason scrimmage.
WolverineDefense
November 16th, 2009
10:05 am
Etowah blue will be welcomed Friday night! Thanks for the support.
camden saint
November 16th, 2009
10:05 am
I have to agree with you on that.
Canmden has had easy Victories the last 9 years with that Cupcake Region it has been playing.
It will be a challenge for Coach Heron to win Region Next year with all of the teams he has been playing moving down to where they should have been.
Hopefully we will take Valdosta’s Place in their Region.
Can’wait!
Go Cats
Suwanee 0wnz
November 16th, 2009
10:11 am
Etowah Fan, there are plenty of seats at North Gwinnett. A couple years back North “switched” sides of the field. The visiting team now gets the old “home” stands, and a generous patron built an entirely new home stand on what used to be the visitor side. I have never seen any animosity towards visitors or others at North (except maybe against Buford). I really think this will be a tough but exciting game – Woodstock is a solid team.
I think the Brookwood team that is playing now, is not the same team we saw during the playoffs. They found another gear and I think P Ridge v Brookwood will be a tremendous game.
South’s shootout with Lassiter should be another fantastic game. And anybody who likes football will want to see Lowndes v Camden. It is worth watching a Stephenson game just to see their drum-line. They have some fantastic musicians. It really is too bad there isn’t some way to record these and watch them all.
It is great to be a football fan in Georgia this year!
Decatur 4 Life
November 16th, 2009
10:18 am
BlackandGold24
Was this the same offense that scored 10 points on Westlake? Was this the same tough 1AAAAA defense yall said Newnan would have trouble with yet they scored close to 30 points. I always said 1AAAAA was a tough region but after this weekend yall might not have but one team left.
Better hope NSWR take care of business because everyone might be home watching during dome time.
TRUE BLUE
November 16th, 2009
10:39 am
BLACK AND GOLD 24, No team in the past 4 years has put 28 pts. on STEPHENSON. We just don’t give up points like that to passing teams. This is a humble team and its a new season 1-0 and 4 more to go. Hey Callitlikeitis , you can keep your negative commets to youself and you to Panola Roads Finest. Neither one of you know what you are talking about and them coaches at STEPHENSON are more than just coaches for our kids. They do more than coach them, but you wouldn’t know that because all you look for is to BLAME. BLAME IT ON the coaches, because STEPHENSON is DOME BOUND
Gram
November 16th, 2009
10:43 am
Pemberton has a seperated shoulder! He will play