It’s coaching: Semifinal teams have a common edge
We can talk north-south this week. (Does metro Atlanta get credit for Newnan?)
We can talk public-private. (Did two injuries last week prevent a private school sweep of Class A?)
But here’s what strikes me about the semifinals:
Coaching.
How does Camden County struggle to gain positive yardage on Aug. 29 and win 35-0 on Nov. 27?
How does Colquitt County, after years of mediocrity, go from 2-8 to 11-2 in two seasons?
How do Lassiter and North Gwinnett go decades without winning a state playoff game and become region champions?
Fizgerald in nine seasons under Robby Pruitt: 99-15-1.
Fitzgerald in the nine seasons before Robby Pruitt: 32-63.
Gainesville in eight seasons under Bruce Miller: 83-16.
Gainesville in eight seasons prior to Bruce Miller: 35-48.
Calhoun has won 111 games this decade under Hal Lamb.
Calhoun won 50 games in the 1990s and 39 games in the 1980s.
Savannah Christian has won 48 games in five seasons under Donald Chumley. Savannah Christian won 25 games in the five years prior to Donald Chumley.
Darlington? Really? Didn’t its best player transfer to Calhoun?
Did I mention Conrad Nix?
Do you really think Wilcox County is just having a run of good athletes?
What do you think of Lovett’s athletes?
How does Rockdale County go 1-9 in 2007, hire Mike Etheridge, and go 10-3 in 2009?
Has Chip Walker at Sandy Creek or Steve Devoursney at Griffin or Chad Campbell at Peach County or Jim Dickerson at Clinch County ever had a losing season?
Has any other coach ever started his career winning 66 of his first 69 games?
Will Mike McDonald at Newnan ever lose a game?
Was high school football so special in Hall County seven years ago that everyone just knew Flowery Branch could open in 2002 and win 52 games from 2005 to 2009?
Even Cinderella needs a fairy godmother.
Eastside’s Rick Hurst took over a team that went 0-10 in 2004, and his Cinderella is 11-2 for the second straight year in a county that has its first-ever semifinal team.
At Clarke Central, the Athens Cinderella, Leroy Ryals took over a 4-6 team and has improved the victory total in each of his four seasons – 6-5, 7-3-1, 9-2, 11-2.
How many of these teams wouldn’t be playing this week if they hadn’t hired the coach they did?
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261 comments Add your comment
speedy gonzales
November 29th, 2009
4:17 pm
first
bears all the way
November 29th, 2009
4:18 pm
can griffin get some luv on these blogs
T
November 29th, 2009
4:28 pm
I can’t believe that a little private school like Lovett and their tremendous coach Mike Muschamp is not mentioned!!! How many semis does he have to go to?
fumble rooskie
November 29th, 2009
4:39 pm
fitzgerald’s pruitt is no fluke, this guy can coach, he is also in the florida hs coach hall of fame, he is probably the ONLY guy in our town who could beat our mayor of 30+ yrs not just the players, but the whole town has bought in his system.+++++++++ how many coaches do you know who left the program for a year to go to another school get the boot from that school and the school let him come back!!!!!
BEAR MEAT..
November 29th, 2009
5:03 pm
TEAMS and BLOGGERS will never respect the bears are give them respect…because i think they fear them..blog what you want about griffin but your team has to FACE US BEFORE YOU GET TOO THE DOME..
THEHILLISREAL
November 29th, 2009
5:36 pm
Are you kidding ME? Newnan is no more south Georgia than Mays,Westlake, Creekside, Langston Hughes, Chapel Hill all these school can be reached off CASCADE/PALMETTO HWY or FIB=Fulton Industrial BLVD.
Secondly, Coach Mike McDonald and the Newnan cougars A great seasons but unfortunately this where I have them losing. The run game at NSWR is too much for the middle of that Newnan DL, the LB are great #37,#51,#33 and the HAMMER BIG TREE#39. I find it funny now that NSWR feel they may lose; they’re claiming Newnan now. I love nothing more than Newnan to Win shout ENR UP!
IN closing, My teams all year have been Peach CTY,Newnan,Carrollton,Fitzgerald,Griffin,Weslyan.
But BOiiiiiiii! Those RED elephant are making me a believer. EAGLE NATION RAISING, I WAS SPEAKING WITH THE PCHS FAITHFUL (DANCING BAND) NSWR WANT PLAY US ONLY SCRIMMAGE US.HMMMMMMM!
Distant Observer
November 29th, 2009
5:38 pm
T: I believe the question posed regarding Lovett’s athletes was actually Mr. Holcomb PRAISING Coach Muschamp and his ability to lead, teach and coach.
SGT CHRIS
November 29th, 2009
5:39 pm
plain and simple to get respect, win a TITLE. Thats the ONLY way to get respect. You can win a ZILLION games during the regular season and playoffs, but until you finish the job, you just had another successful season!
ATL Dawg
November 29th, 2009
6:27 pm
I watched the Newnan/Valdosta game this year. Coaching absolutely matters. Newnan made adjustements at halftime and beat Valdosta in the second half. Looked to me Valdosta didn’t amke any adjustements from the first half. Newnan had better athletes, but Valdosta surely had its share also. Now I know why Rcik Tomberlin was fired in Valdosta. Now I know why Newnan is still playing and is in the final four! Coaching has a huge impact on games – especially in high school football.
BAD GLAD
November 29th, 2009
6:38 pm
I am a Gladiator. I am thankful for Coach Ryals! Our program was a mess when he took over and now we are in the semi’s. This is just the beginning. We are still a year away from being our best and we have a TON of young talent in the program. Coach Ryals does it the right way and is a tremendous asset to Clarke Central and West Athens
EagleNationRising
November 29th, 2009
6:44 pm
When I attempted to make this same argument to explain why Northside had an advantage over programs like Lowndes County earlier this season, I was the dumbest guy on the block. Coaching is everything. Programs have systems. It is the coach who has to develop that system. The top coaches take it a step farther. The top coaches build through middle schools and local recreation departments to create a program and a community atmosphere.
Before you guy up here in Atlanta roll your eyes, take a look at Roswell Recreation Department. Although, all of the kids will not end up in Hornet uniforms, the guys at Roswell have big time influence there. I speak as a parent. It makes a big, big difference.
Northside High School had mediocre coaches in the 1980s and 1990s. They were mediocre at the X’s and O’s part of their job. They were worse at reaching out to top athletes in their schools. Northside has Division I athletes in practically every other sport except football for large parts of the Stan Gann era. If you did not play for Stan Gann, the guy did not know you. Coaches across the state like Conrad Nix, know every kid that is coming through the rans. It makes all the difference in the world.
packer
November 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
Coaching is the most important thing in highschool football. Look at the Colquitt County program, we go from never really being a contender at all to being in the Semi’s about to play the biggest game in school history in just two years. Do you think it was suddenly a great crop of athletes that came? no, it was coaching. we got a great coach, put in a great system, and are starting to play some good football at the right time. I personally dont think that right now anyone in the state could beat us right now anywhere we play. We are gonna go into a hostile enviroment this friday and do work, handle our business and pack up and get ready for atlanta to play another region one team.
Region one is by far the best region in the state, and honestly, no one can argue with that. Just look at the facts. Northside and Colquitt county are two of the teams in Semi’s. And colquitt is a three seed. The only reason that there are not three teams is because Camden Somehow upset Lowndes. Camden doesnt deserve to be here.
I have resepect for Camdens program but lowndes is clearly the better team as colquitt is the better team this week. Region 1 all the way. Get used to seeing the Pack go far in the playoffs.
Tom-Dawg73
November 29th, 2009
7:08 pm
Where’s all the Wesleyan people on here.Oh, Wilcox shut them up. Time to start your recruting trips coach Frig.
EAGLESNATION1
November 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
thehillisreal,check with us first,we beat peach 9 straight times and they tied us in a scrimmage and you would have thought they won the state. we love playing them. they play hard.newnan game will be a good one. all i can say is this.FE FI FO FOM,BIG BLUE IS COMING TO SPOIL THE FUN!!!!
Camden
November 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
If you look at Camden County, they graduated 17 of 22 starters, and they started the season out horrible. losing to Grayson showing no offense at all, they looked like a rec team and that is being nice, getting picked apart by Hoover the score should have been way worse then it was and beating a First coast fl team that is not very good with a last second hail marry. but after some Great Coaching they beat a Good North Gwinnett team, beat lowndes (probally the best team in the state) if you look at talent across the board with both those matchups they should have lost by 21 each time. No one can tell me that they had all this talent waiting to step up. I dont believe that have more talent than lowndes or NG or prolly even the CC. it was coaching, old jeff herron does a great job. hes the CEO and makes the final decisions but its not just him coaching. the defensive and offensive coordinators play a huge part, each posisition coach plays a huge part. Coaching wins championships.
the camden QB whos a junior, ruiz, didnt play a snap before this season, didnt even start JV the year before. camdens running back darius sullivan didnt play football till his junior year as goes with steven murphy (WR, and DB) and they also didnt see the field last year. the whole offensive line is new except one guard and started the season off looking horrible and is still a weakness of this team but has improved so much.
the defense has 8 new starters. the only ones they return are glenn mack (LB), matt jackson (DE), and booth (DT). Camden starts a freshman at corner, JJ Green, who is only 14 years old, hes still a little kid, he shouldnt be out there. the safety marx is not athletic at all. the defensive line rotates in multiple sophomores because the dline has to play both ways. Attoway, a LB, is sophomore.
Camden County highschool should not be successful at all. With out coaches they would be just another team to lose in the second round. No talent
But with all that said, coaching can only get you so far, you need athletes, and i hate to say it but thats something camden lacks. and it would surprise me if this friday was it for the boys in blue.
The HAWGS are out!
November 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
@Packer……
As a long time Packer I appreciate your enthusiasm…and you speak the truth for the most part.
However I have to disagree with you on a couple of points, Camden deserves to be exactly where they are and while no one will be pulling harder for the Pack next Friday night than I will!
In fact I think if you had to seed the 4 teams left in 5A it would be Camden #1, Newnan #2, Colquitt and NSWR 3 a&b!
Now on to coaching…Rush Probst is the TRUTH…Colquitt County will be a fixture in the 5A playoffs as long as Probst is here and we will win championships period!
I question your age Pcaker…the Colquitt-Camden game is BIG…..BUT we have been there before and this is NOT by any means the biggest game in the history of Colquitt County/Moultrie high School football!
The HAWGS are out!
November 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Last post should have read…”while no one will be pulling harder for the Packers than I will, you have no reason to come here and try to trash Camden!….sorry
newnan93
November 29th, 2009
7:54 pm
Coaching matters more than the players.Newnan should have had several titles in the early 90s but coach Bass was not a good playoff coach.This year Newnan has made adjustments at half time and out coached Valdosta,Mlk and Grayson in the second half.All three teams had great players (D1 players) but the coaches did not make adjustments.I still cant figure out why Mlk would only kick the ball 25 yards on kick offs and give Newnan short field.I know Ogletree made great plays last week,but it was the half time adjustments that shut down Graysons running.I think they only had 44 yards rushing the second half(could be wrong on that but is wasnt much more).A great coach can take a good team a long way.
#1 fer now
November 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
Talent is wasted without coaching. Every team still alive in the playoffs has experienced years in which talent was there but the coaching was not. By the same token, we’ve pretty much all seen coaches take talent that wasn’t at its highest level and nevertheless turn it into some frightfully good teams.
I have a ton of newfound respect for Steve Devoursney. I always thought he was a solid coach, and more importantly, admired the way he always put his kids first, but the way he changed his offense from the Wing-T to a spread hybrid took guts and my hat is off to him for doing so. The change has really maximized his team’s overall set of skills and made his offense multidimensional. He evolved and he’s a better coach because of it.
Two more wins and he’ll get AAAA Coach of the Year. He will have earned it.
city slicker
November 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
at packer if camden dont deserve to b there then colquit dont deserve to b here either stephenson was a better team then yall u guys just happen to pull an upset
patriot
November 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
Wilcox lost to Washund Ealy and ECI in 2007 championship game. If they dont get to the dome this year, nothing will take away having beaten undefeated Greenville and last years champ(Wesleyan), who was also undefeated. Colquit could make a similar claim about having taken two undefeateds on the 2009 playoffs.
wildcat fan
November 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
PACKER we are here and deal with it. You guys are having one good season and you are off running your mouth. We beat the #1 and #2 teams in the State of Ga. We know of the Packers Teams from the early 90’s but its about what have you done lately. Thing about it is you won so you deserve to be here, we wont trash the Packers succes, we respect it. People get on here after one year of some success and start all that boasting. Do it year after year like these teams. Lowndes, NS, PeachTreeRidge, Newnan, Charlton, Buford,Lagrange,Clinch,Lincoln, Just to name a few, oh by the way Camden also. But good luck Friday and lets have a good game. Have a safe trip. If your team is fortunate to win I will wish your team all the luck in the world.
wildcat fan
November 29th, 2009
8:30 pm
CITY SLICKER, Great Point.
footballfan
November 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
as a packer fan i can say, wildcat fan is a beast. i completely agree with you. but, realize the majoirt of our packer nation realizes that this is the first time in a while. “packer” doesnt really know what hes talking about. its going to be an awesome game. these two teams really beat the crap out of their semi final opponents. two amazing defenses. i get the feeling colquitt and camden are going to start seeing a lot more of each other. but city slicker, i will say that while stephenson was a much stronger and faster team than us, but if you had been there you would have realized the better “TEAM” won. football is the greatest team sport and the CCHS players just would NOT let each other loose that game.
foryouhaters
November 29th, 2009
8:59 pm
Griffin Bears are for real! Speed, speed , and more speed! Come see some talent on both sides ; offense or defense. This is a team that’s fun to watch! Come see for yourself. Everyone is invited!
Todd Holcomb
November 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
Didn’t mean to suggest Newnan was in South Georgia. I was just asking whether Newnan would allow itself to be called metro Atlanta this week so that the metro could feel better about its performance in the quarters. …
Good posts on the subject of coaching. I think it’s possible to get to the semis with average coaching if you’ve got great talent, but it just seems like this group of 20 coaches is outstanding if you look at their body of work, or just how quickly they turned nothing into something.
SGT CHRIS
November 29th, 2009
9:11 pm
Yes the way we (LaGrange) went out, coaching is definitely a must, along with a major pair of cojones to make the gutsy calls when the game is on the line lol!!!
Todd Holcomb
November 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
And thanks, Distant Observer. I did mean that as a compliment to Mike Muschamp. He has seven former players on college football rosters this fall. Not bad, but Buford has four times that many.
Colquitt County Underdog
November 29th, 2009
10:19 pm
the difference in the Colquitt-Camden game will come down to special teams and which superstar player can make a big play. Camden has a great running back in Days. Colquitt has a great receiver/kick returner in Roberson. Camden could not defend Hoover’s spread offense but they did shutout North Gwinnett…but we have Coach Propst and i have faith that he will come up with a gameplan to win on the road again. should be a great game though
Common Sense
November 29th, 2009
10:31 pm
The guy that defended coach pruitt (the second comment) he made Warner Robins miss the playoffs like 5 or 6 years ago for the first time in over 25 years. He might be a good AA coach but can’t cut it with the big boys!
Warrior Fan
November 29th, 2009
10:36 pm
Have anyone heard about Calhoun High being disqualified because one the refs was a Calhoun coach. I just would like to know if that’s true or not.
John In Jacksonville
November 29th, 2009
10:42 pm
Interesting topic. Coaching is certainly a leading factor, one of several, in how some schools rise to the top. Everyone knows football is a numbers game, and that’s certainly true. However, the coach – apart from his skills with X’s and O’s – can boost his odds of winning a lot just by getting the most out of his school’s “natural resources.” Let’s consider this in more detail.
All the traits that make a super athlete are randomly distributed through the population.
A few people have it all; most have some; a few have none. If you graph this kind of distribution, it would be a line that starts out skinny, bulges way up in the middle, then goes down skinny again. It basically draws a bell. This typical result is known as a bell curve.
You’ll get the same result with just about any trait – height, nose size, length of middle finger, anything. The trait always shakes out in a bell curve. So if you’re looking for the “best,” however you define best, you need a whole lot of people to find a few with the desired quality.
Just for the sake of example, let’s say that only 20 boys out of every 1000 students have all the natural gifts to be top-flight football players.
Then a school with 2,000 students would have 40 potential top athletes walking its halls, while a school with 3,000 students would have 60.
But the question is, how many of the 40 or 60 will play football?
This is where the coaching staff comes in. A savvy staff running a great program, with strong community support, may put 38 out of those 40 on the practice field. Put the 38 at the skill positions (depending on their grade); fill in with 40-60 lower-tier players working their cans off to make the team; and you’ve got a formula for year-in, year-out success.
However, consider the 3,000 student school. If it has mediocre coaching and indifferent support for the program, maybe only 30 out of the 60 top athletes actually put on the uniform.
Thus, the 2,000-student school, in this example, has 38 skilled players on the field, to only 30 for the larger school. So a smaller school can remain competitive with the larger, given the coaching.
My numbers were chosen to illustrate a North-South scenario, with the smaller school representing a school like Colquitt or Valdosta, and the larger school representing the typical Gwinnett school.
Not to say all the best coaches are in the South, obviously they’re not, but coaching may be the biggest reason that schools in the South are still competing better than the numbers would suggest.
I’m speaking in this post only about the coaches’ ability to recruit, not to strategize during a game. But coaches at the top of the bell curve can do both!
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT
November 29th, 2009
10:58 pm
Hey Todd,
I am glad you wrote this article. Its time we wake up and realize that COACHING not D1 prospects is what win championships. No metro atlanta team other than Newnan which sits at the edge of metro atlanta made the semis this year. This with the most D1 athletes, best quarterback in state history, most money, best stadiums etc.
COACHING IS WHAT GETS IT DONE ON ALL LEVELS. THIS COMING FROM A FORMER COACH.
Fred
November 29th, 2009
10:59 pm
newnan93,
I think both coaches in the Grayson-Newnan game made adjustments all night long. Grayson was not looking good until 2 minutes befoer the 1st quarter ended. Then they proceeded with an 8 minute drive to score. Everyone was saying that would not happen against Newnan. Newnan adjusted after that and then Grayson and then Newnan, etc. The second half was about big plays, not adjustments. Without a leaping one handed catch, Newnan doesn’t score. Without Ogletree getting by the blocking, no blocked field goal and Grayson advances and Newnan goes home. When Grayson was not able to run, they started passing and if you don’t think passing is an adjustment for Grayson, well you weren’t paying attention thoughout the season!
I believe the fake punt was a great adjustment. I am not trying to play the what if, if only, etc game. Newnan won a hard fought game and I wish them well. I just think both sets of coaches did a great job and to say one out coached the other is looking at the game through rose colored glasses. Good luck against NSWR this Friday. I will be watching and cheering you on!
Haiku-575
November 30th, 2009
2:08 am
Griffin is So HOT…
when they arrived at the Chee
the field IGNITED!!!
Drago
November 30th, 2009
2:30 am
Todd, to answer your question. No. West Georgia has always claimed Newnan when Atlanta, the North and the South found a reason not to.
klent
November 30th, 2009
4:09 am
Its all about coaching. could someone tell the higher ups at Carrollton High School. the coaches mention budgets are half of Carrollton’s and these teams are in the semi’s. Coaching makes a difference.
Always a Red Elephant
November 30th, 2009
4:32 am
Gainesville is the real deal. One of the best Gainesville teams ever. Sims, Jones and Company are the complete package. Good D and great O means special things. Bobby Gruhn would have loved to have coached this team. They will take the state. Bruce Miller is a tremendous coach. 83-16 is winning at over 80%. Gainesville has had a long tradition of good football teams including a team with Billy Lothridge, Billy Martin and Preston Ridlehuber, but this may be the best team of all. Go Red Elephants!!!!
Cougar Nation
November 30th, 2009
6:56 am
Amen, Drago. Metro Atlanta has dissed Newnan many times in the past. Now you want to claim us? Fred – you were in the same bleachers as me Friday night. And I think it’s going to be the same this Friday at Newnan – another defensive fight against NSWR. It’s called competition. And this year, with Coach McDonald and the kids who never quit, Newnan is up for the challenge. Bring it on!
mistermak
November 30th, 2009
7:21 am
ROLL TIDE!! Just had to throw that in there!!
Packer Fan 90's Days
November 30th, 2009
8:03 am
We the older generation would love to wish our opponent the Camden County Much Success & For that success program that they have put in place over the years; even though we are Colquitt supporters; we support any and every team that has made it this far; their is no such thing as a team that should not have “Been Here” because this is what the players and coaches suit up to do is to “WIN” and Colquitt and Camden Counties have done that so I am ashame of Our Colquitt supporter posting such arrangant messages and too the Camden Supporter posting such a arrangant message be proud of both successes and be happy that you are part of the elite 4; win or lose their is no such thing as a loser when you get this far or just to say deep into the playoffs. Thanks Camden for a great season; and also for our Beloved Colquitt County Team.
Camden Support
November 30th, 2009
8:06 am
Packer Fan 90’s Days; same with us and you are very so much right; be proud of what both programs have done this year esp; for the Packers with a team that will be recognized for again year to come.
Pat Fargason
November 30th, 2009
8:36 am
A 13-0 team ranked second in the state (Savannah Christian) has to travel 300 miles to play a 9-4 team. (Darlingon) I guess the GHSA thinks that going undefeated doesn’t mean anything! GO RAIDERS!
Distant Observer
November 30th, 2009
8:44 am
John in Jacksonville: Your comments are spot on and also serve as great leverage as to why it is extremely subjective and a bit risky to banter regarding smaller classification schools not being able to compete with larger classification schools. No one with any football I.Q. would sensibly argue that depth would not come into play, but to make a blanket statement that a 2A school could not be competitive against a 5A school is far fetched when there is EXCEPTIONAL COACHING at play. Love your though process. Mr. Holcomb, would you agree or disagree?
Stephenson Jaguars Supporter
November 30th, 2009
8:47 am
I agree it is about the coaching! As a STEPHENSON HIGH fan and SUPPORTER, i will say that it is time for a CHANGE! Gartrell is NOT a good playoff coach at all! Year in and year out we under achieve and I really feel bad for these boys. This was there year and BAD coaching once again got us an early exit. I understand Dekalb County has it’s issues with the coaches pay, resources, and shared revenue but i truly believe with all that talent EVERY YEAR there are some coaches who would look beyond that and just want to coach a talented group of young men who want to WIN. Talent wise Stephenson is very lucky. There are so many schools right around the corner from each other in Dekalb to where the talented players are scattered out. SWD and MLK are about 5 to 6 miles away from each other. We at Stephenson have had more talent in the short 13 years of existance than programs who have been aroundfor 30 or more! Stephenson could’ve ended up like Coss Keys or Columbia..searching far and wide for some talent and having only maybe 30 people in stands..But we’re different! We have all the talent in the world and the coaches can’t get it done! Stephenson’s BAND, GREAT!! The girls BASKETBALL TEAM, GREAT, 2 STATE TITLES!!..but football NADA!! I know Dekalb schools want to keep everything home grown and find coaches who are from the school or the area but you have to do whats BESTfor the kids! Look at the GREAT job coach stephens has done with TUCKER! A STATE TITLE in just TWO seasons. Ron Gartrell is probaly a good hearted man and all but the truth is,with him at the helm STEPHENSON won’t get a STATE TITLE! Stephenson High we have a GREAT school and community. We are still a pretty young program and we ARE a PREMIER DEKALB CO. POWEERHOUSE! LET’S START ACTING LIKE IT! Don’t be afraid of change..we CAN get a GREAT COACH!! Stephenson High Administration PLEASE MAKE A CHANGE..NOW!!!
Richard Dawson
November 30th, 2009
9:09 am
Coaching is nothing without good players. Look at the year-by-year records available on the Georgia High School Football historical website. Other than Valdosta, most schools that have great runs under one coach also have mediocre seasons. Granted, coaching does make a key difference, but an experienced, good coach can’t prevent a team from going 5-5 or 6-4 every now and then if the athletes aren’t there.
Mark Richt, on the other hand, can take a boatload of NFL prospects and underachieve every season.
fred
November 30th, 2009
9:10 am
I am a Camden Fan and coaching makes the difference in a lot of games. I wish Colquitt County luck in the semi-finals this week. Both sides are passionate about their teams, so I understand some of the arrogance on the board. I make the three hour drive from Charleston, SC every week to see my CATS. We will win this Friday. You will hear me in the stands. GO CATS!!!!!!
Distant Observer
November 30th, 2009
9:12 am
John in Jacksonville: Your comments are spot on and also serve as great leverage as to why it is extremely subjective and a bit risky to banter regarding smaller classification schools not being able to compete with larger classification schools. No one with any football I.Q. would sensibly argue that depth would not come into play, but to make a blanket statement that a 2A school could not be competitive against a 5A school is far fetched when there is EXCEPTIONAL COACHING at play. Love your thought process. Mr. Holcomb, would you agree or disagree?
Shawn
November 30th, 2009
9:40 am
Coaches make all the difference. Look what Buzz Busby did at Kendrick. Won a state title. The school had never won before he took over and hasnt had a winning season since he left. Two of his students took over losing programs, Dell Mcgee at Carver(col) and Jeremy Williams at Greensville. We know what those two programs are all about these days.
NHS Eagle
November 30th, 2009
9:51 am
I look forward to a great game in Newnan Friday night . We are banged up but a deep bench
This young Northside team has made us very proud
Drago
November 30th, 2009
9:51 am
Cougar Nation, I am not saying that the Metro folks “dissed” us. It is more like they ignored us. Anything done south of Metro was treated like it did not happen. The bunch out of South Georgia told us we were in the North. The bunch out of North Georgia told us we were in a historically South region. We seem to be in the same boat as the Carrolltons, LaGranges, Bowdons, Bremens, and Greenvilles of this world. That being said, I guess that it alright if the Metro area claims us this week. We can always use another well-wisher.
I don’t see how we can control it anyway. This is an excellent argument for the off season. But, for now, my Cougars have bigger fish to fry.
Carlton
November 30th, 2009
9:56 am
As my old high school coach used to say, “if we loose or win by a large score, it is you guys (players) fault. If we lose or win by a couple of points, it is my fault.” I have always believed him whether it is hign school, college or the pros. Having a large number of players to choose from is significantly important but having a great coach is just as important, if not more so, to have a great team. Just look at Moultrie (Colquitt) if you need proof. By the way Newmnan is NOT in South Ga!!! Even a South Ga boy living in Tenn knows that!
Jefferson
November 30th, 2009
10:34 am
I haven’t heard that Calhoun had coaches that were refs, except in the rec leagues.
That would save a lot of payola (just kidding).
1-aa
November 30th, 2009
10:40 am
WELL WE ARE AT THE BRINK OF ANOTHER STATE DAY AT THE DOME. ONCE AGAIN 1-AA MADE THE SEMI. THAT’S 5 TEAMS MOVING FORWARD IN THE PLAYOFFS ALONG. THAT’S WHY 1-AA IS THE BEST REGION IN AA. MAYBE THE OTHER ONES WILL GIVE 1-AA THE GAME TO THE STATE(EFFORT WINS). WILL BE WAITING ON THE BUFORD CROWDS TO COMMENT ON THE GAME. WILL BE READING.
AJC WRITER? LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE REGION RACE IN SOME WAY.
Jefferson
November 30th, 2009
10:45 am
6AA has 2 of the finial 4, I’d say they look pretty strong.
White Trash
November 30th, 2009
10:45 am
Not another week of bashing Camden.
Come on folks, it is getting old.
GO PACK GO
November 30th, 2009
11:11 am
Biggest game in the history of our school? I am still laughing about that one. WOW. This is gonna be a great game. I’m a little surprised at the trash talk. Let’s not do that Colquitt County fans. Let’s let the game play out. Lassiter talked alot of it and look what happened. Let’s sit back and keep our mouths shut until we get to Kingsland Friday night. Then let’s be LOUD! GO PACK GO!!
Dawgsig
November 30th, 2009
11:21 am
We who live in Newnan do not think of ourselves as part of metro Atlanta, never have, never will. Atlanta(including the AJC) has ignored us in the past so don’t try to claim us now. We’re in West Georgia, along with LaGrange, Carrollton, Griffin, etc. We play West Georgia style football, not Atlanta football!! Don’t insult us by dragging us into Atlanta.
NHS EAGLE??
November 30th, 2009
11:27 am
what do you mean you are banged up? do you know this for sure or is it just specualtion??
Griffin Bear
November 30th, 2009
11:56 am
Dawgsig
all the schools u just named except LaGrange are all in the atlanta metro area including Newnan.
Newnan Fan
November 30th, 2009
12:08 pm
Griffin Bear
I think the point that everyone from Newnan is trying to make is that no one from metro Atlanta wanted to claim us until we started doing well in the playoffs. We were always too South to be a part of Metro Atlanta and too North to be considered south Georgia. That’s why we call ourselves West Georgia. The AJC or any other school from Metro Atlanta wanted us to be a part of “their community” so don’t try to claim us now just to say you have a team still standing in the playoffs
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
12:11 pm
AGAIN EVERYONE:
I believe that the Class AAAAA State Title game will be between Northside Warner Robins and Camden County: In football, defense is EVERYTHING in being the difference between a good football team and a great football team. Northside Warner Robins didn’t get here this year and previous years on just a good offense. Same thing with Camden County. I agree with Eagle Nations Rising when it come to great Coaches. Great Coaches take the program a step further. They put time in with the recreation teams the middle schools etc. This is a feeder system. Kids already have a concept of what the program / system is about by the time they reach the varsity level. However; some Counties wont allow it.
I stated earlier the probability of Northside Warner Robins and Camden County may be headed for a head on collision fore the State Title. My question is will Region 3-AAAAA Camden County win the Class AAAAA State Title for the 2nd straight season bringing the Championship trophy back to South Georgia Region 3-AAAAA? or will Northside Warner Robins redeem themselves for match up number two, and seek revenge against Camden County for the loss they acquired from Camden County last year? If Northside Warner Robins wins the State Title, Northside Warner Robins will joins the ranks of Lowndes High School being the only Class AAAAA School to win a State Title in Class AAAA and Class AAAAA.
But hold on a minute. A lot of Metro Atlanta Fans at the beginning of the season was criticizing AJC and Todd Holcomb complaining why was Camden County ranked in the top ten in the state with two losses when they were other Metro Atlanta Teams that were undefeated? Remember that? I came to Camden County’s defense along with Todd Holcomb stating that the teams that Camden County lost to were nationally ranked teams. Grayson, and Hoover Ala. I also stated that even with the two losses, Camden County was still a great team. Now it winding down and you see what I am saying? Camden County is still there.
Now, with that being said, I will now make an early prediction this week, and I have been pretty good during the playoffs in my predictions in Class AAAAA. Camden County will win against a good Colquitt County Football team. Colquitt County is good but they will see what it is like to play against a tream that is great. Take Camden County in a good football game.
Newnan vs Northside Warner Robins: Newnan has dominated Region 4-AAAAA. They have beaten teams they people doubted that they could win. heck, they even made a believe out of me when they beat a very good Grayson football team. Now it comes to the wire. Can they beat Northside Warner Robins. the winner out of these two are dome bound for the State Title. My prediction is Newnan will not beat Northside Warner Robins. This game will rest mainly on defense. With respect to Newnan, they wont beat Northside Warner Robins. Take The Eagles of Northside Warner Robins.
Newnan Fan
November 30th, 2009
12:11 pm
Everyone wants to claim us when it is convenient for them. Now North Georgia/Metro Atlanta wants to claim us since they have no one standing in the playoffs for them. I have even heard some south Georgia folk saying that we have a “south Georgia final four.” No….there are three teams from south Georgia and one team from WEST GEORGIA (being Newnan) in the final four. PERIOD.
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
12:15 pm
Sorry about the typos. But I am sure that everyone know what I am saying.
wilcoxfan4life
November 30th, 2009
12:18 pm
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE WILCOX
Fred
November 30th, 2009
12:18 pm
J in J,
I have been thinking about your example. While I agree to some extent with your basic premise of a larger school having a statistically better chance of having more top flight players, I think you perhaps did not dwell enough on the community support and the status of the coaching staff in that community.
I grew up when even the metro area had the small town feel to it. Everyone knew the coach, where he lived, went to church with him, etc. I don’t know that exists as much now. Coaches may not live in the community where they coach, at least in the metro area. While the better coaches do work with the feeder programs, I don’t know that the immediacy of feeling like you know the coach is as strong as in the smaller community regardless of the size of the school. Back in the day , we walked to the game, traveled to south, mid and west Georgia for playoffs and the football culture was strong. We played Valdosta, Moultrie, Lagrange, Newnan for state at the AAA level and won occasionally. I think when the community has that culture, the coach has both a much easier time and a much harder time. Easier to recruit the top talent in the area and harder because of the expectations a la Valdosta this year. I don’t know that kind of culture exists in the metro area. Obviously a good coach can do very well in the metro area, but perhaps the same good coach becomes a great coach in a supportive community. Equally obviously, a poor coach in a great community will not thrive or survive even.
Anyway, I guess I am trying to say that environment has a huge hand in the continuing success of a program. Just my $.02.
pmuckle
November 30th, 2009
12:44 pm
well it looks as if the met area can’t get it together i’m going with Newnan all the way. Yeah they beat us (mlk) however i’m liking them.
WAQ
November 30th, 2009
12:54 pm
Reply to Camden:
You are correct about the coaching in Camden being great. You pointed out how kids that have never played before have contributed. How underclass man contribute, how deep the team is. This is made possible because of the weak region you play in (No fault of yours or the program. This has in effect become your feeder program). You have the luxury to develop players during the season with scrimage games. Most of your games are over before half time. Most of the great players only play half of the game. This allows for underclass man to play and injuries are minimum. Your coach has used this advantage to teach and develop the underclass man and prepare them for the playoff run. This is the main reason you do well at the end of seasons versus beginning of the season (see SportsFan31313 comments). Camden do not rebuild but reload. The more competitive regions do not have this luxury. Beware if GHSA move you to a competitive region.
WARDAWG
November 30th, 2009
12:54 pm
Coaching makes all the difference in the world. There are plenty of talented programs in Ga, some could be at the top, if they had the right coaches with the right system. Case in point Camden, Coach Heron came in and got not just the players, but the community to bye into a system which would benefit the community at large, he spends time at the other schools and the rec leagues in town. Every year Camden may not have the high profile athletes the other schools have, but they win
montanto
November 30th, 2009
1:08 pm
nix of northside is one of the best year end and year out they win
Old Coach
November 30th, 2009
1:15 pm
Coaching DOES make all the difference in the world!! But with great coaching and the best plan and all the support in the world no coach can consistantly win without PLAYERS!! Alwaws remember it is not the x’s and o’s but the Johnnys and Joe’s.
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
1:21 pm
Warrior Fan States:
Have anyone heard about Calhoun High being disqualified because one the refs was a Calhoun coach. I just would like to know if that’s true or not.
Greetings Warrior Fan States,
It would not matter if he was a former Calhoun Coach. If he called the game fair, it would not make a difference.
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
1:49 pm
Greetings WAQ,
If I’m not mistaken, believe that Camden County has been moved to Region 1-AAAAA.
WAQ
November 30th, 2009
2:04 pm
Hi SportsFan31313,
If that’s the case I believe a teams from 1-AAAAA will compete in the State Finals every year. Camden was the reason it has not happened more.
Black is Back
November 30th, 2009
2:18 pm
I know we are not still in it this year, but I would say coaching has a lot to do with winning. Before Coach Mac got here most people had never heard of Folkston. So I can say we are all very glad Coach Mac is our coach here in Charlton County and that he does not coach against us.
cane fan
November 30th, 2009
2:32 pm
coaching plays a major role in team success; not just the players,but also the town has to mesh, towns dont support losing coaches, look at valdosta, I am sure tomberlin is a good coach he sust didnt mesh with the people. pruitt is a very good coach just look at before and after, he could moonlight as the town mayor if he wanted to .
Colquitt County Contenders For State
November 30th, 2009
2:38 pm
The Packers will defeat Camden County; Camden is going to find out how good the pack are against your so=call Great Team The Wildcats?????Sportsfan31313 just like I said before you are going to find out just how good our GREAT TEAM IS??????
Lowndes County Out Of IT!!!
November 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Wildcatfan31313 The Packers are going to &#*&%^& yall up!!!!You are going to see this friday of how great you are!!!!!
GO PACK, GO PACK, Take care of business For LOWNDES COUNTY VIKINGS!!!!
Ed
November 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Of course coaching makes a difference. How else to explain how a AA school like Marist can compete at a high level in AAAA every year in every sport? (And no, “recruiting” cannot explain it — other schools, including public schools, “recruit” and in any event Marist can only “recruit” a small number of kids because of the small school size and only kids who can meet the strict academic requirements.)
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
GREETINGS WAQ,
You know, as fans of our own team, instead of being subjective, lets become objective. If Region 1-AAAAA wins the State title every year, then they deserve to. As a Coach, it is the Coach job to win games, and score points. It is the opposing team’s Coach to find a way to defend against it and stop it. if the Coach have the desire to win, then he has to find a way to get it done. Jeff Herron came to Camden County and found a way to get it done. So now the other Coaches need to find a way as well. Saying that Camden County wins in weak Region 3-AAAAA or wins because of this or that or the other is no excuse to claim a reason why another team can’t win. Coaches should be held accountable just as academic student should. If a student doesn’t pass, he / she does not play. If a player doesn’t perform well, then he / she is benched. If a Coach does not win, he should be fired or replaced with a Coach that has the will and desire to win. So everyone lets stop using these excuses. A Great Coach finds a way to win. Good Job Coach Jeff Herron.
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
2:46 pm
Lowndes County Out Of IT!!!
Don’t bet on it. Colquitt County had a very great season of football. I have the utmost respect for the team. But to say that they will beat Camden County, it is not going to happen.
topper
November 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
SportsFan31313 – have you heard for sure that Camden is going to 1AAAAA? If you have where can I find this info?
Southside
November 30th, 2009
3:11 pm
Nobody’s recognizing what North Clayton has done this year. Despite having the entire school system’s accreditation taken and many students leaving to go to different counties, they accomplished a 10-3 season and made it to the 3rd round of the playoffs.
JD
November 30th, 2009
3:42 pm
Gainesville has always had talent. They just found a coach who knows how to utilize their talents.
WAQ
November 30th, 2009
3:43 pm
SportsFan31313
I am subjective. I never said Coach Herron was not a great coach.He is one of the best in the business. I just pointed out how he use the weak region schedule to his advantage. Which is a sign of good coaching. Please read my earlier comment and review the scores from this years region 3-AAAAA op.
39-6 (W)
56-0 (W)
76-0 (W)
51-0 (W)
50-0 (W)
41-0 (W)
56-9 (W)
He uses these games to develop the bench and prepare for the playoff. No Excuses here my friend…. If Camden moves to a tougher region I am not saying they want win. But he will not be able to rest the starters and develop the bench.
Camden posted earlier how the Dline plays both ways and Sophmores are now in the rotation.
With that being said, If they did move to 1-AAAAA they could be even better than they are now just because of the competition. It is no coincidence some of the tougher regions have more than one team in the semi’s (Region 1-AAAAA (2) 8-AAAA (2) 7-AAA (2) 6-AA (2))but some teams are great because of their weak region (7-A Lincoln County, Camden 3-AAAAA) and great coaches uses that to develop players and get to the finals.
Remember the blog is about coaching in the semi having a edge.
Blessedman
November 30th, 2009
3:48 pm
Great coaching and scheming can overcome the lack of talant. But great players/talant cannot overcome bad coaching. Any professional team that is a constant loser is still loaded with college superstars. For every tom Brady there must be a bill Belichick.
NorthOconee200
November 30th, 2009
3:51 pm
I agree with Jefferson, region 6-AA is the strongest, with Buford and Lovett both in the final four. I believe these two teams should be the top two ranked teams in the state. Calhoun and Fitzgerald are ok dont get me wrong, but these two teams are BETTER.
Jefferson
November 30th, 2009
4:01 pm
East now NO200, I just said the Region 6aa looked strong, no way until they win will you convince me they are better. Calhoun and Fitz both I bet are going to be ready. Both of those teams have losses already, BTW
Ghost of Dr. Hughes
November 30th, 2009
4:08 pm
Go Pack Go…Is it just me or does this team remind you of that 91′ squad that toured the state of Georgia. Let’s hope that this team can get it done. GATA PACK!!
Ghost of Dr. Hughes
November 30th, 2009
4:08 pm
Enter your comments here
Ghost of Dr. Hughes
November 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
Lets beat those hairlips!!!!!!
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
4:10 pm
topper
I heard that. Don’t know for sure….
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
4:12 pm
WAQ
You are taking my comment out of text….
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
WAQ,
Teams are not great because of their weak region. I disagree with you on that. Teams are great because of great coaching, and great players. Example: It doesn’t make a difference where you put Camden County, they will very successful. Again, as a Coach, it is the Coach job to win games, and score points. It is the opposing team’s Coach to find a way to defend against it and stop it. if the Coach have the desire to win, then he has to find a way to get it done. Bottom Line. That all I am saying. Lets not say Camden County win games because of a weak Region. Point, Look at Camden County last year, and look at Camden County this year. They are still beating great teams out of region 3-AAAAA and is heading for another State Title. They could be in Region 1-AAAAA and the results will ore than likely be the same.
Region 1 AAAAA
November 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
Coaching in a high school in a small town
with a student body approaching 3000 students
helps.
But, it is the coaching.
Valdosta won 23 state championships and 6 national
championships with smaller student bodies and three
great coaches, but recently lack of coaching and a
AAAA 1800 student body has hurt our program.
Our cross town rival, Lowndes, has excelled with their
3000 students and replaced us as a powerhouse.
Bohgey
November 30th, 2009
4:53 pm
fumble rooskie:
Not taking anything away from Pruitt, but your one name is Rick Darlington, granted it was more than one year, but Apopka let him come back and he is enjoying the same success there.
BTW, don’t be suprised to see Pruitt’s name pop up on Valdosta’s list of candidates.
SportsFan31313
November 30th, 2009
4:54 pm
Region 1 AAAAA
A great football program wins in all types of variations. 1800 student body or 3000 student body. A great Coach can put together a program that has the potential to beat any team regardless of what Class they play in. Northside Warner Robins is a great example. They are a AAAA student body, and look where they are. Warner Robins as well. Great Coaches knows how to win games, and obtain Championships.
Bullnuke
November 30th, 2009
5:09 pm
Lowndes County Out Of IT!!!
I guess you need someone to “take care of business” for Lowndes County since you couldn’t do it yourself??!!!
Maxx4955
November 30th, 2009
5:09 pm
Griffin seems to be peaking at the the right time. The running and passing game is running on all full cylinders. The defence played incredible this past Friday, practically shutting down the opponents offense (Appalache). This young team is just getting started. They are a fun bunch to watch. The speed on this team is unreal and should be illegal. Sandy Creek won’t have a chance if they make the mistake of playing their key players on both sides of the ball. Griffin will wear them down and should win easily. This Griffin bunch aren’t the biggest I’ve seen..but I can honestly say..they are scrappiest and toughest I’ve seen so far.
blu eagle
November 30th, 2009
5:26 pm
Does anyone know out there in NSWR land if Van Brunt and O’neill
will play or will mosteller start? With NSWR offense so banged up I would
love to see them win, but just don’t know if it is realistic. They had negative yards rushing against Pridge and you must have a rushing game this far in the playoffs, example Lassiter, Lassiter was on the 2 yard line trying to throw it in?