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
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?