Georgia High School Football Daily Spotlight: Class AAAAA Playoff Preview
Peachtree Ridge at Northside, W. Robins
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, McConnell-Talbert Stadium, Warner Robins
Records, rankings: Peachtree Ridge is 10-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 7-AAAAA and unranked; Northside is 11-1, the No. 1 seed from Region 1-AAAAA and ranked No. 7.
Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.
Three things to know:
1. Both teams were state champions in 2006, Peachtree Ridge in Class AAAAA, Northside in AAAA. Northside repeated as AAAA champion in 2007.
2. The teams have a common opponent in Lowndes, which defeated Peachtree Ridge 51-17 and lost to Northside 10-7.
3. Northside has won 44 consecutive games at McConnell-Talbert Stadium except when playing Warner Robins, a school with which it shares the stadium.
Winner plays: Newnan-Grayson winner
Newnan at Grayson
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Grayson Community Stadium, Grayson
Records, rankings: Newnan is 12-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 4-AAAAA and ranked No. 3; Grayson is 12-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 8-AAAAA and ranked No. 1.
Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.
Three things to know:
1. These teams ranked 1-2 in scoring defense in Class AAAAA. Newnan allows 6.3 points per game. Grayson allows 8.0.
2. These two teams have the best records in AAAAA over the past two seasons. Newnan is 24-1. Grayson is 25-1.
3. Newnan is led by safety Alec Ogletree, a two-way player best known as a safety. He has committed to Georgia. Grayson’s top defensive player is probably Shawn Green, a defensive tackle who is committed to Georgia Tech.
Winner plays: Peachtree Ridge-Northside winner
Camden County at North Gwinnett
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Tom Robinson Memorial Stadium, Suwanee
Records, rankings: Camden County is 10-2, the No. 1 seed from Region 3-AAAAA and ranked No. 8; North Gwinnett is 12-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 7-AAAAA and ranked No. 2.
Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.
Three things to know:
1. Camden County has the biggest scoring differential of the eight teams remaining. The Wildcats have outscored their opponents by 31.7 points per game.
2. Camden County’s run-based offense is led by Ean Days, who rushed for 945 yards and 13 touchdowns out of the Wing-T during the regular season.
3. North Gwinnett quarterback C.J. Uzomah has more than 2,000 yards of total offense this season.
Winner plays: Colquitt County-Lassiter winner
Colquitt County at Lassiter
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Frank Fillman Stadium, Marietta
Records, rankings: Colquitt County is 10-2, the No. 3 seed from Region 1-AAAAA and unranked; Lassiter is 12-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 6-AAAAA and ranked No. 9.
Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.
Three things to know:
1. In 2007, Lassiter coach Chip Lindsey was the offensive coordinator at Alabama’s Hoover High and was the assistant to head coach Rush Propst, the current Colquitt County coach.
2. In the 70-49 victory against South Gwinnett in the second round, Lassiter quarterback Hutson Mason threw for a state-record 552 yards and eight touchdowns and became the first QB in Georgia history to surpass 4,000 yards in a season. He has 4,266 yards and 54 touchdowns, also a state record.
3. Colquitt County and Peachtree Ridge are the only teams remaining in AAAAA that are not No. 1 seeds, and Colquitt is the only No. 3 seed left in the field.
Winner plays: Camden County-North Gwinnett winner
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421 comments Add your comment
Suwanee 0wnz
November 25th, 2009
2:12 pm
Perhaps I can clear up a mistaken impression. I have never seen NSWR on film or otherwise. I do not know what offense they run. While I root for P Ridge as a close Gwinnett team, I only attend their games when they play North. I have nothing at all to do with any football decisions at PTR. A few of their players played for me in little league and I am happy to see them do well.
My point was not what I know about NSWR, clearly I know little. Although I do know they have been held to 21 points or less in 5 games this year, and they have only put up “big points” on lesser teams. I am sure Coach Ballard has seen NSWR and knows exactly what offense they run. I am sure he has a plan to minimize scoring by NSWR. And he has a strong defense that CAN execute even though they have had a couple bad games.
I would expect NSWR to win this game, and I was giving an example of how any of these teams could win despite the other team being a favorite. It is obviously possible to hold NSWR to less than 21 points this season, and PTR is exactly the sort of team that could do it. Do not underestimate their defense.
I know you guys are rabid about your team. You should win. But you might not. This game is a perfect example of a close back and forth battle that will probably occur this friday. I suspect both teams will be withing striking range of a win until the final buzzer sounds.
Good luck! Enjoy your game! I hope that nobody gets hurt. It should be an awesome football game.
cuga fan
November 25th, 2009
2:14 pm
sorry fred but it’s about the kids and NEWNAN is the BEST sorry mommy should have waited to have you so you could be out there on the field playing friday night but she didn’t so grin and bear it …. Grayson just begin to win Newnan 4years in a row region champs!!! #1 defense(NEWNAN)
DaveDawg96
November 25th, 2009
2:19 pm
Revised 11-25-09:
1AAAAA (6)
Camden County
Coffee
Colquitt County
Lowndes
Tift County
Valdosta
2AAAAA (8)
East Coweta
Langston Hughes
Luella
M.L. King
Newnan
Newton
Stephenson
Westlake
3AAAAA (8)
Beach
Benedictine
Bradwell Institute
Groves
Jenkins
Johnson, Savannah
Savannah
Windsor Forest
4AAAAA (8)
Campbell
Harrison
Hillgrove
Kennesaw Mountain
McEachern
North Cobb
Pebblebrook
South Cobb
5AAAAA (7)
Cherokee
Etowah
Lassiter
Marietta
Walton
Wheeler
Woodstock
6AAAAA (7)
Alpharetta
Centennial
Milton
North Forsyth
Northview
Roswell
West Forsyth
7AAAAA (8)
Collins Hill
Duluth
Meadowcreek
Mill Creek
Mountain View
Norcross
North Gwinnett
Peachtree Ridge
8AAAAA (9)
Archer
Berkmar
Brookwood
Central Gwinnett
Dacula
Grayson
Parkview
Shiloh
South Gwinnett
randy p
November 25th, 2009
2:38 pm
Good luck Cats. Have a safe trip and enjoy the game. Run it again.
jcwfalcon
November 25th, 2009
2:49 pm
Suwanee 0wnz- was just having some fun with you. Most people on here dont know jack about other teams. I am one of them.
Suwanee 0wnz
November 25th, 2009
2:52 pm
Several people have asked whether any team running a passing offense can win a title in Georgia? Go ask the Red Elephants what they think.
The phrase “3 yards and a cloud of dust” originally referred to the offense of Woody Hays at Ohio State. Coaches like Woody Hays, Bear Bryant, Amos Alonzo Stagg, and Tom Osborne “ran the ball” and “ran the ball”, and if that wasn’t working then they “ran the ball” some more. Many coaches followed the advice of Woody Hays who said “only 3 things can happen when you pass, and 2 of them are bad”.
Eventually a new era came to football with the vision of coaches like LaVelle Edwards (BYU), Tiger Ellison (Middleton OH), Paul Johnson (GA Southern), Urban Meyer (FL), Mouse Davis and Bill Walsh. A new breed of quarter back developed typified by players like Jim Plunket, Johnny Unitas, June Jones (go look up his high school and college stats!).
A balanced or passing attack has almost completely replaced “3 yards and a cloud of dust” in college ball, and a new era is arriving in High School football also.
Some other poster belittled Alabama football since North beat their 6A champion. But their 5A champion beat Camden. And 2 of our elite 8 coaches in GA 5A this year (Colquit and Lassiter) learned their offense from Hoover (AL).
Let’s look at the math. With a “Bay City” Wing-T, 11 defensive players only have to cover about 45 square yards of field. With a “Spread” or “Run and Shoot”, those same 11 players have to cover about 1,500 square yards of the field. All of the defensive players have to be pretty good to slow down a “vertical” offense. The offense can pick the weak spot in the defense that they want to attack, so that 1 awesome safety hardly matters if the left CB keeps getting burned.
If a passing attack does not win it this year in 5A, then it will not be long. The new era is already on its way.
cchswildcat86
November 25th, 2009
2:59 pm
ngdogdad
November 25th, 2009
2:00 pm
True Blue is not a camden fan maybe Stephenson fan/colquit??
blu eagle
November 25th, 2009
3:17 pm
I saw Lassiter on ghsatv versus roswell, man they have an exciting offense, that guy can ring a doughnut from anywhere on the field,may see them continue, unless colquitt gets a lot of penetration all night.
Will be a good game!
Trying to be real
November 25th, 2009
3:26 pm
Since most posters only see there select teams It is impossible to actually say with certainty what will happen–especially with the last eight standing.Snapping that NSWR win streak sure would be fun—-but Pridge will have to be mistake free.This will have to be the night Pridge plays to its full potential and that really has not happened yet. Great opportunity for a young program.Under the radar–no respect–the pressure is all on NSWR—–after all its only Peachtree Ridge.
BlackandGold24
November 25th, 2009
3:51 pm
Enter your comments here
Overrated1AAAAA
November 25th, 2009
3:53 pm
SouthGaDrools – Thanks, I just like to fire up the plowboys and Lady Eaglettes fans with a few facts. Mighty Lowndes is 1-6 on the road in playoff games this century. That’s a fact. The only championship NS Wienie Robbins has won this century is in AAAA. That’s also a fact. Colquitt is the worst team left and they’re definitely going down Friday. The Eaglettes will have to win on D because their O is clearly mediocre, I think scores by D, great field position from turnovers, and kick returns have accounted for most of their points this season. They think they important but really this just impotent!
BlackandGold24
November 25th, 2009
3:58 pm
I have been posting on here since mid season. I have consistently stated that Colquitt is a tough, physical football team and is better than what everyone thinks they are. We have proved that over and over again. The playoffs started and still the Packers did not recieve the respect that was due them. We have have won 2 tough fought games in the playoffs and beat what I thought was the most talented team in the state last week. Each week I have heard smack talk from other teams fans and each week we have taken care of business, except for the week that ENR talked his smack,(NSWR backed him up). The Packers will take care of business again this week on our way to a state championship. The game is played on the field not discussion boards.
Lioness 30097
November 25th, 2009
4:03 pm
I don’t see N-Gwinnett making it past Camden, even at home. We will see, though. Some slobber knockers this week, best of luck to all teams.
cane fan
November 25th, 2009
4:09 pm
****************** hurricane warning**************************
callaway better heed the warning
SouthGARules
November 25th, 2009
4:19 pm
BlackandGold24: Not only have you won 2 hard fought games, but being on the road for the last 3, now 4 weeks (Yes, I’m including the trip to the mecca, the MAC, as well). I figured you would beat Westlake, but thought Stephenson would finally put it together, but the Jags being the Jags figured a way to lose again early (what a shock). You are right about the game being played on the field, but hopefully, the Pack dominates time of possession & does not turn the ball over. My biggest concern for the Pack is having to travel to metro Atlanta 3 weeks in a row. I believe Coffee came to Atlanta area three times last year, beating Stephenson & Chapel Hill before being punished by Peachtree Ridge. Anyway, good luck to you Friday night.
Lioness 30097
November 25th, 2009
4:44 pm
The PRidge-NSWR game will come down to whoever can win the battle of the turnovers, which both teams are prone to yet they still manage to win. Best of luck to the LIONS. Both state championship teams from ‘08 are on the road Friday night. Should be an interesting Saturday morning. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Reeze
November 25th, 2009
4:57 pm
True Blue…….I said last week that if the Stephenson coaching staff didn’t do their home work on the Pack that they could lose…… True Blue Join the club #4 Quin Roberson of Colquitt had a field day on Northside’s defense as well ,he had around 200 total yards of offense (U.G totaled 118 against the Eagles as a team). This is the best kid I have seen handling the football all year, and I am talking about the Lowndes , Carver and Peach County boys, Franklin ,Crowell and Burns just to name a few……I think Roberson will be the decide factor againsst Lassiter…..With the speed on Northside’s defense and he gets over 200 , What do you think he’ll do against a lassiter defense that gives up 23 per game in Region 6……Lassiter won’t keep up with this kid ,Roberson is gonna have a field day
EAGLE1
November 25th, 2009
5:08 pm
Northside won 2 State titles in AAAA ball this decade! They haven’t won a AAAAA title because they just got moved up last year. Overated1AAAAA, since you know so much, put that in yo pipe and smoke it! you got to be from the Warner Robins Demons side of town and are just sore because the Eagles are the best team in middle GA. You want to let people know where you’re from? Or are you just plain chicken!
Reeze
November 25th, 2009
5:10 pm
The Northside / Pridge game could go either way , which team makes the least mistakes wins……The Northside offense is a young one prone to make mistakes , I don’t think Pridge will be as forgiving as U.G and Chapel Hill if mistakes are made……However it plays out everyone one North of Watson Blvd are Proud of what the Eagles coaching staff and players have accomplished this year. …At seasons start , I don’t think anyone expected the Eagles to be 11-1 and going into the qrts , this is all gravy from now on…..Good luck to the Lions and the Eagles this friday
Reeze
November 25th, 2009
5:41 pm
Where are the Lowndes county folks?
926 Green St.
November 25th, 2009
5:42 pm
is up thru there!
randy p
November 25th, 2009
5:51 pm
When your schools win as many as Lowmdes county has , you to can talk.
randy p
November 25th, 2009
5:53 pm
I need to learn to type. I meant Lowndes County. Go Cats and Indians.
LHS
November 25th, 2009
5:57 pm
REEZE. Are you really bragging about 200 total offensive yards? Hutson throws a hundred more on his worst day. I understand you love your team as we all love ours, but I’m going to go with the team that has scored around 130 points in two games, that is all against playoff teams. That said, either team could end up winning as they both have the best coaching staffs in GA. Good luck to all!
dakotah
November 25th, 2009
6:21 pm
Elite eight in the Peach State
The quarterfinals are set in Georgia and six of the eight teams remaining will be in the RivalsHigh 100 on Monday – the other two have been ranked this year as well.
RivalsHigh.com’s No. 1 team in state, Loganville (GA) Grayson, will take on the fourth-ranked Newnan (GA) High.
Warner Robins (GA) Northside, our current No. 2 team in state, will do battle with Suwanee (GA) Peachtree Ridge. Peachtree Ridge is not currently ranked but has bounced in-and-out of the national rankings all season.
Suwanee (GA) North Gwinnett will have to prove it is the No. 3 team against defending state winner and current No. 5 team, Kingsland (GA) Camden County.
And newly ranked this week Marietta (GA) Lassiter will have its hands full with previously ranked Moultrie (GA) Colquitt County.
LHS
November 25th, 2009
6:26 pm
Heck, just one of our receivers had 225 yards catching…that is a nice chunk. I am tired of hearing about a scrimmage that meant nothing as well as how “athletic” the Colquitt team is. I’m sure Coach Propst has a plan to overcome us, but don’t forget Coach Linsey has a plan as well. We’ll see who’s the more athletic and better team Friday. As someone stated earlier in this blog…championships are won on the field, not on blogs. Best of luck
Grayson Student
November 25th, 2009
6:31 pm
nomo… do u really think that because you watched the comcast broadcast of newnan that you have seen “film”. hahaha get real buddy, of course you have seen them play but have you broken down their plays frame by frame? can u even name their defensive starters? no, so next time before you call me ignorant think before you talk. by the looks of your posts you are an outcasted band parent on here wishing nothing but safety in travels… thats all great and gives us all warm fuzzies inside but thats not what this blog is about, its about football something you know nothing about. can u name the players on our team who made all county? hahaha you are a waste of breath.
To all the Newnan fans, its gonna be a great game. I agree with the post about coming down to a fieldgoal, i would say we have a stronger place kicker BUT ive seen ogletree on punt block, hes scary good coming from the outside. I look for all aspects of special teams to determine the outcome of this game.
And to finally clear up my comment on the “2 man show” i probably could of used a better terminology but what i meant was those were the 2 major weapons. Obviously if your averaging only giving up 6 per game its a team effort. Im glad to see that theres not much trash talking going on, 2 very well respected programs… So just no that all of the “educated” fans at grayson are expecting a great game… also just take whatever nomo says lightly… he’s probably a jealous dad whose son doesnt play
EagleNationRising
November 25th, 2009
6:41 pm
@ BlackandGold24: I honestly was not talking trash. I would have been completely shocked if Northside lost at McConnell-Talbert Stadium to a team like Colquitt County. If you remember correctly, I BOLDLY stated on this board that Lowndes County were “suspect” on the road. I said that. It was not meant as a way of talking trash. I even gave reasons, like travel, as a way to explain the Vikings’ road woes. I just do not believe that a high school program is going to get on a bus travel for hours and handle the pressure of playing a program like Northside. End of story.
Grayson Student
November 25th, 2009
6:43 pm
and im not quite sure whats with all the doubt coming out of the grayson supporters on here. this time last year we were oozing confidence regardless of the star studded team of lowndes… i dont necessarily agree with the post about us not being able to drive at will. those drives are usually with us having the chance to put the game out of reach and we just run it up the middle. i wouldnt say we will try those drives because it will be a tie through the late stages of the game
LHS
November 25th, 2009
6:53 pm
I’m tired of reading about how athletic CC is. Their D is not prepared for the offensive assault Lassiter brings. I wouldn’t be surprised if Lassiter puts up another 70 points. CC’s D has practiced against a less than average offense all season and I believe Lassiter’s gone up against tougher D’s than CC’s. I am, however, concerned about #4 during special teams plays
inthatrenches
November 25th, 2009
6:56 pm
ENR I missed your picks for Rd 3 I already know one but curious how you see the other three?
EagleNationRising
November 25th, 2009
6:58 pm
Grayson Student: My opinions about our Northside Eagles playing at home and home teams in general are well documented in this blog. If there is any program that has proven an exception to the rule, it is Newnan. I can only tell you this. On November 28, 2005, Northside was rolling on all cylinders. This is not trash talk. We were undefeated and frankly running up the score on all comers. Our previous four games looked something like this: Northside 47, Eagles’ Landing 7; Northside 69, Henry County 0; Northside 37, Warner Robins 16; 1st Round of State Playoff – Northside 47, Bradwell 0.
To say that our Eagles were on cruise control to a state championship would be an understatement. We then played Newnan. They were just flying under the radar (as usual) and getting no respect. They did not beat us, they violated our program. Newnan beat Northside 24-0 at McConnell-Talbert. No one saw it coming, except Newnan.
Since 1996, Northside has NEVER lost a regular season game to a visiting team and only lost twice in that stadium. Northside is 65-2 versus visiting teams at the MAC since 1996. One loss was in the state championship game to Parkview 12-7. In that classic, Northside running back, (we do not speak his name), fumbled a pitch from All-American candidate Chauncey Stuckey (now starting wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, #88) inside the 25 yard line which would have resulted in an easy touchdown. Parkview 12, Northside 7. 65 wins versus 67 visiting opponents. People on this site who have never been to the MAC fail to understand that the stadium practically sits on the Warner Robins HS campus. It is borderline impossible to beat Northside at the MAC. Newnan did so…easily. The place was a zoo and Newnan made it very quiet, very quickly. They owned the MAC that night. With all due respect to Grayson’s facility, the MAC has real tradition and history. These guys will not be intimidated.
The exception to the MAC rule is Newnan. Respect Newnan (Grayson posters) or they will take respect. You heard it from me. You guys from Grayson have the best team in the state. No one can argue that. You have proven yourself at home. Do not disrespect Newnan or you will regret it. Your great season will be wasted, if you look past Newnan.
I will be one happy Eagle, because we are chumping at the bit to get another shot at Newnan. First, the Nation will focus upon ripping silver spoons out of some Lion Cub mouths.
Being real
November 25th, 2009
6:59 pm
since lowndes so much inits history history–I need a lesson from someone : how many years was it beefor there 1st winning season / 1st region championship? 1st state championship
inthatrenches
November 25th, 2009
7:06 pm
Suwaneez own I agree the balanced attack is coming and Georgia has some very talented QB’s and receivers… I think it will take a passing team to take the state championship in 5A for the cloud of dust thing dissipates although it will take the infusion of Coaches like Prospt and Lindsey to make it happen..there are more and more teams moving to this.I think of old Region 4 years ago EVERYONE ran and played defense……. things are changing
Being real
November 25th, 2009
7:13 pm
ENR
Lion cubs-”silver spoons”. LOL you obviously have no clue as to mixed communities that make up Pridge overall.Be carefull the “eagletts” may not be chirping so loudly come saturday morning—-Eagletts are ALL THAT –Pridge is is just a lowley #2 seed from region 7. pressure is all on the Eagletts !!
EagleNationRising
November 25th, 2009
7:36 pm
Inthetrenches: Wow, it is going to be a great week in football across the state. I just reached my family’s home in Warner Robins with my family. I opened the Macon Telegraph and there are going to be some great games in the lower classification, as well.
Let me get this one off of my chest. Peach County is going to beat an undefeated DeKalb County team called St. Pius X. You heard it from me. Peach County 28, St. Pius X 14. By 10:30 pm Friday night, it is officially high school basketball season across all of DeKalb County.
By the way, Stephenson boosters should consider firing Ron Gartrell for his shameless defense of his boneheaded play-calling in the Stephenson vs. Colquitt County game. He said the he and his staff “get kids in college.” Is this guy serious??? I believe he has read too many of his own news clippings? Does Gartrell really believe he is the guy developing the athletes at the school that has nothing be thoroughbreds walking the halls. He said it is more important to send kids to college. What about actually teaching them the game and compotently coach state playoff games? I can’t count the number of DeKalb kids who go to big programs and underachieve because they have such bad high school coaches. It is a disgrace. This guy needs one season at a school like Meadowcreek or Alpharetta HS. We will see how he develops less talented kids.
As for AAAAA, I do not see the close games that so many people are predicting. I, hope for everyone’s sake the games are competitive and fun. I see some very, very long road trips after a bunch of turkey. I see some packed stadiums with visiting alumnus and family’s reunited to get behind the home teams. I see a very disappointing night for the Gwinnett County faithful and Todd Holcomb, who makes it is life’s work to hype these mediocre programs.
inthatrenches
November 25th, 2009
7:49 pm
ENR I enjoy your posts you obviously are a well read and football saavy individual How would a Tomberlin fit at a MLK or Stephenson? I think if the football teams in Dekalb got a coach of say Nix’s pedigree..they would probably be the admiration of the state……. that MLK Lion team that I saw Friday night was as athletic as any team I seen in the last two years against Newnan they just need discipline and direction…
EagleNationRising
November 25th, 2009
7:51 pm
Being Real: There is no pressure on Northside’s program. This season was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Instead, we have gone right back to hitting people in the mouth’s.
Mixed community. Of course, Peachtree Ridge is a mixed community. You guys talk about the mixed community. The thing that people from Gwinnett fail to talk about is how a program gets violated 51-17 by a second round playoff team.
You are entitled to carry your own beliefs and opinions to your grave. However, you better believe that soft teams get embarrassed by Northside. 119-13 since 2000. 65-2 at home against road teams. No visiting road team has won a regular season game at McConnell-Talbert against Northside since 1996.
Dude, this is not a scene from some Hollywood script. This is Northside High School. This is McConnell-Talbert. This is three weeks removed from another State Championship on a team that will practically return everyone. This is one of the most football crazed towns in America with a proven track record in producing with all of the marbles on the floor (See multiple National Championships in high school football…see multiple state championships at multiple schools…see Little League World Series winner…see Little League Softball World Series winners…see such domination in GHSA activities like One Act, the state championship is just hosted at Northside – why leave).
Northside is going to hit very hard. Mixed community or not, soft teams with little heart get embarrassed. Brace yourself. That is real talk for you, Being Real.
Like Lowndes County, Peachtree Ridge is “suspect” on the road. In the past three season, the Lions are 12-7 playing away outside of Suwanee. Mixed community or not, that sounds like a bunch of “momma’s boys” to me. 7 road losses and people from Suwanee and Gwinnett are making wild claims about Northside lossing at the MAC to this group.
I am laughing my tail off at the proclamation that a team that is 12-7 away from home is going to load on to a bus travel for over three hours and compete (not win…I said compete) against Northside at the MAC on the Friday after Thanksgiving. There will be 15,000 Eagle fans packed into the MAC and the fans will be fired up. Peachtree Ridge will quit on the road…just as they always do.
EagleNationRising
November 25th, 2009
7:56 pm
Inthatrenches: Rick Tomberlin has already proven himself at a program similar to Stephenson. Take a look at this body of work in Sandersville at Washington County. The guy can coach. I have verified reports that he has been offered the head coaching job at the new high school in Warner Robins, Veterans HS.
Tomberlin is a very good coach and be all accounts a good person. Ironically, he has struggled in Valdosta at both high schools. I believe there was a negative energy around him at Valdosta. He would bring a positive energy to a place like Stephenson. The problem is we all know that the people at a school like MLK, Stephenson, or SWD will NEVER hire a guy like Tomberlin…and we all know why. It is sad.
I will not be surprised to see him at a strong Atlanta area program or another small classification powerhouse. It will be very interesting should he wind up at Veterans in Warner Robins. That would give our city four high schools with three of the four coaches having state championship rings. Amazing.
LHS
November 25th, 2009
7:58 pm
What 5A team has scored the most points in total this season?
EagleNationRising
November 25th, 2009
8:01 pm
Inthatrenches: The Friday night predictions in AAAA are as follows (there will be great action in all classifications this week…it is great to be in Georgia this time of year):
The easiest call of the week: Northside 24, Peachtree Ridge 9. Northside’s defense has yet to give up a touchdown in the playoffs. They are doing what every young team does. They are getting better as the season moves forward. The best gift that we received from the game against Union Grove was the touchdown return on the kickoff. It will be addressed. It is no surprise the Gwinnett posters are looking for easy points. Nothing will come for free for Peachtree Ridge on Friday night. If Peachtree Ridge throws in the towel, it may get worse. This score prediction is assuming that the Lion Cubs will fight. Peachtree Ridge is a very suspect 12-7 outside of Suwanee in the past 3 seasons.
The barn burner: Colquitt County 49, Lassiter 24. I have very little faith in Colquitt County. I have no faith in teams taking long road trips. I will believe that run and gun will win in Georgia, when I see it. However, with the Colquitt County at Lassiter game you have to throw out my distain for the style of play because both teams are playing it. You have to throw out the long road trip because Colquitt will put their kids up in a hotel. You also have to forget the fact that Colquitt is totally unproven in this situation (Stephenson will ALWAYS find a way to pull defeat from the jaws of victory). The most alarming stat associated with Lassiter is not their GREAT quarterback play and fine coaching staff. It is not Lassiter’s impressive record. Lassiter has given up and average of 34.3 points per game in the past 4 weeks. 34.3 points!!! That is a recipe for disaster. Colquitt County will clearly be the best team that Lassiter has faced. They will be the most physical and they may outdraw Lassiter. There may be more Colquitt fans in that little stadium. Colquitt County is going to embarrass Lassiter. These guys have played at Martin Stadium against Lowndes, at the MAC against Northside, and beat Stephenson in DeKalb County. Colquitt rolls.
The hard game: Camden County 14, North Gwinnett 10. This will be the game of all games. I give a significant advantage to North Gwinnett. Camden beats everyone. I love our Eagles. I have to respect Lowndes County. However, name a program with more signature wins than Camden County. You name the program, Camden has beaten them. Now, name the signature wins for North Gwinnett. I know that beat an Alabama program. So what! Name the signature wins for North Gwinnett in Georgia. You still thinking…me too. Camden wins with all of the chips stacked against them. I would hate a flight as long as their pending road trip to NG. I refuse to ever doubt Camden.
The shocker: Newnan 28, Grayson 17. This is the week. This is the week that the best team in the state with the shakiest offense has to pay the piper. If you believe that Grayson coaches have had an easy job at convincing Ram players that Newnan is for real, stop lying to yourself. Grayson is very good, probably the best. However, we can take a big game every year in the state playoffs where someone is asleep at the wheel. Last year, it was Lowndes County at Grayson. Earlier I posted about Northside hosting Newnan. Newnan has at least one major signature win on the road over the past five seasons. Grayson has at least one major signature win at home, in the playoffs, over the past five years. Newnan kids will respect Grayson. Grayson kids will not respect Newnan. Newnan wins it easily.
Final prediction: Todd Holcomb and the AJC staff will suggest that every team outside of Gwinnett, Cobb, and DeKalb county play in one region for the good of the kids. The four qualifying teams should them play first round games at Camden County’s Wildcat Stadium, at McConnell-Talbert Stadium, and at Martin Stadium in Valdosta. Then, the winning teams should play all of their remaing playoff games in Gwinnett and Cobb County for the good of the kids. His shameless hyping of metro Atlanta football wil once again end with a myriad of excuses. It will make logistical sense because if the games are played in Gwinnett and Cobb, it will benefit the programs. The Gwinnett excuse thread is coming to an AJC.com blog near you.
EagleNationRising
November 25th, 2009
8:04 pm
LHS: It has to be Lassiter or Lowndes County. I do not know for certain. However, both of those teams put up some big time points. McEachern was rolling on all cylinders too. The 70 points by Lassiter had to put them over the top or close to it.
The truth is the best teams (Grayson, Camden County, North Gwinnett, Northside) usually have strong defenses. It is a good question. You can go on to the Georgia High School Football Historians site and check out all of the scores at http://www.ghsfa.org.
EagleNationRising
November 25th, 2009
8:09 pm
My apologies, Lassiter High School has given up an average of 34.3 points per game in the past 6 weeks. You heard it right. In the past four weeks, Lassiter is giving up 36.75 points per game. That is a sign of a program that is about to turn to girls’ basketball.
LHS
November 25th, 2009
8:11 pm
Thank you ENR. I’ll check that out. The higher ranked teams do have great defenses.
Eagles Unite
November 25th, 2009
8:17 pm
ENR is correct. I am a 1990 graduate. With the help of Facebook, I can say that this weekend’s game feels like a reunion of sorts.
LHS
November 25th, 2009
8:20 pm
ENR. Last week, when Lassiter put up 70, the 2nd and 3rd string D’s played virtually the entire second half. I don’t know everything about football, but I do know the team with the most points wins. Lassiter’s seen better D’s than CC this season. I believe we’ll outscore them by at least two TD’s and Yes, the score will be high on both sides.
nomo
November 25th, 2009
8:56 pm
Wow, Grayson Student, truth hurts doesn’t it? You say I know nothing of football, yet your entire contribution has been about Newnan’s “2 man show”? I suggested the comcast video for your benefit, not mine.
Yes, I have game film (on disk) on Newnan for the MLK, Pebblebrook, Westlake, Valdosta, East Coweta, and Lovejoy. No, I don’t know all the starters names, and whenever I’ve broken down film in the past, I haven’t found that it really mattered. For those of you not knowing what to look for, Grayson Student, I’m sure that’s an interesting topic. Do I know the defensive schemes we are practicing for this game? Yep. Do I know the offensive game plan we are working on? Yep.
I’m not a band parent, nor a fan of our band director, but I’ll guarantee you I spend more time in the field house than you do, and I’ve been involved at Grayson far longer than you.
Last, but not least, do I know who made all county? Of course I do – and my son that doesn’t play…he’s one of them. Without spilling all the beans before it’s publicized, I know we have the RB, LB, and DL of the year for the county. I know our two reps for the Georgia all-star game. I know who got the Team First award, and the Scholar Athlete….
I take it from the timing of your post, and the questions you asked that you are on the team? If so, I would suggest you utilize your time more wisely. If not, you are just another wannabe.
blu eagle
November 25th, 2009
9:21 pm
Between ENRS 20 Posts and suwanne, the rest of us know nothing about high school football. The Warner Robins programs started winning after the Demons had to play Bazemores Valdosta after winning their first region title score 35-14, valdosta and Bazemore was graceful in not running up the score. Since then the 2 high schools slowly started learning how to play high school football in the city of Warner Robins.
That being said, the city of Warner Robins is crazy about high school
football. Whoever comes to the Mac these days better feel the ghosts of the past because NSWR does not lose there when the playoffs come around!
We just love it too much.
Grayson Student
November 25th, 2009
9:53 pm
nomo, i will take the high road here because obviously you are going to be right in every aspect of every arguement… u took my post the wrong way and i explained what i meant in the next one… i do, however have one simple question. I have been on this blog for 4 years supporting grayson and have had many intelligent discussions with fans from lowndes, east paulding, and many others… where have you been? did u just decide it was time to jump in a blog and pick out 1 post that was misconstrued?
Grayson Student
November 25th, 2009
9:56 pm
eagle nation, when i said drive i was talking about football not the amount of fans, i do agree with you that newnan is always overrated and i have the upmost respect for them. with that being said, i have some faith in our guys too