It’s coaching: Semifinal teams have a common edge

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?

Newnan 1 fan

November 30th, 2009
5:42 pm

NEWNAN IS THE ONLY NEWNAN TEAM LEFT WE ARE NOT A PART OF METRO. BUT NORTHSIDE WILL THINK WE HIT LIKE WE ARE FROM THE SOUTH. AND WE SCORE LIKE WE ARE FROM THE NORTH. SO IM PREDICTING A 17 -0 WIN FOR NEWNAN

columbia Blue

November 30th, 2009
5:42 pm

Packer Fan

The following is your quote:

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 will certainly not reply to your post in a negative manner; however, I am certain our team will be given additional incentive to play as good as possible. You see, I refuse to talk trash because anyone with class would certainly not stoop to the gutter as you have. Good luck Colquitt—may the best team win. I hope the winner Friday night gets credit for representing South Ga. GO WILDCATS

packer

November 30th, 2009
6:04 pm

All jokes aside. Sure camden is good, im not saying they arent. But they arent better than lowndes, look at what lowndes did to peachtree ridge, look at what lowndes did to us at the beggining of the season. Thats why i said they dont deserve to be here.

The packers are gonna win, point blank period, sorry. End of story. They will come out and run the kick back with roberson, and if we are defense first then itll be three and out he’ll run the punt back. Oh, nevermind itll probally be blocked.

I respect camdens program and if it werent for us they would most likely win state again, but the Pack is here and we aint make it this far to go home already. Bye camden, maybe next year, well, never mind, colquitt county will take it again next year.

Camden

November 30th, 2009
6:08 pm

packer.

you are honestly a complete idiot.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
6:15 pm

Duh, of course its coaching, especially in the playoffs. Its also execution and a little luck. One mistake, one turover, one bad play, one bad call, one missed field goal, and you lose. Just ask Grayson and Peachtree Ridge. The legend of the MAC continued Friday night for the Eagles and the streak lives. Unfortunately we must now travel to Newnan this Friday without the MAC and our starting quarterback and running back (both juniors by the way). I know Newnan is not in North Georgia or South Georgia. I think its in east Alabama. I have only been there once, back in 1981 when the WR Demons beat them for the championship (nice memories of Newnan from that) Do the players still parade down the hill in single file for 20 minutes to scare the opposing team? Anyway, Newnan should win since they have the best defense in the world but Northside will show up and with little luck, who knows. Maybe we will bring some magic dirt from the MAC with us on the bottom of our cleats.

cane fan

November 30th, 2009
6:20 pm

this friday buford will see how much fitzgerald backs up their coach, I bet this game will be sold out before weds, and no one will be sitting for this game, it is going to be exciting to see two great coaches in action, the only weakness that i see in buford is in their kicking game, special teams will play a major role in this one

FITZGERALD 21 – buford 12

Matt-GHS 1999

November 30th, 2009
6:22 pm

The Sandy Creek-Griffin game has been moved from Sandy Creek to Memorial Stadium in Griffin b/c SC’s stadium didn’t have enough capacity to host a semifinal game.

Just came down at about 2PM.

columbia Blue

November 30th, 2009
6:22 pm

Packer Fan

I do not know what too say. We will be there Friday night. Heck I did not know we were playing the Dallas Cowboys. You guys must really be good.

packer

November 30th, 2009
6:26 pm

you didnt know? haha

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
6:41 pm

By the way, I predict Camden will beat Colquitt and will win state. Camden does not lose at home and has the best team in the state for the 2nd year in a row, probably three years in a row if you count next year too. Camden has the best team and the best coach/assistants. Since Georgia Southern didnt, Georgia should hire Herron as either offensive or defensive coach, maybe both. Anyway, Camden is the best in the state but they still have an unfair advantage by playing in their weak region and having only one school in the county. Sorry, I am just stating the truth.

klent

November 30th, 2009
6:44 pm

A good coach can rally his troops in any stituation. it doesnt matter what region the team is in. Carrollton has the highest paid coach in the state. he makes according to the AJC over $110,000 a year. has the state of the art equiment. this coach only runs three basic plans on offense. just think if Camden Co, CALHOLN,NSHS,BUFORD, CCHS,NEWNAN,WILCOX had the resources to work with. i wish the best for the teams in the semis. COULD ANY OF THE WINNING COACHES PLEASE APPLY FOR THE HEAD COACHING POSITION AT CARROLLTON?

spwhite

November 30th, 2009
7:11 pm

Like I have stated many times before. What did Camden do before Jeff Herron arrived? We were a typical region 3 team. We had the same number of students, only one school in the county, and played the same teams. Herron comes along gets the community involved, more players involved, starts scheduling tougher non region opponents, and now all we here is how unfair it is to be in this region and have so many students. Well if you use the student population as a guide then we should never finish higher the 4rth in the state since we are not the largest school in Ga.

dakotah

November 30th, 2009
7:15 pm

Enter your comments here

vikefan

November 30th, 2009
7:22 pm

I’ve always felt that at Lowndes we have been blessed with athletes moreso than great coaching. When we beat Parkview back in 04 ??? (17-14 was the score…not sure of the date), we beat them with great play calls from whoever was calling the O plays back then. Since then, Lowndes won 49-7 against Brookwood and won 36-7 (or so) against So.Gwinnett (I think)… we were soooooo much quicker and faster no contest.
For the last two years, we’ve (shoulda, woulda, coulda) had the talent, but when we ran up on teams that could match our athletic ability (Grayson, NSWR, Camden) we had no answer. In all of those games the D held their own for the most part, but when there is little doubt as to what the Vikes offensive scheme will be…run, run, run… well, the opposing D doesn’t have to plan or think about much. Example: Several folks after the Camden game ran into one of Camden’s Coaches at a Waffle/Huddle house after the game and their scheme was to protect the outer flats w/LBs (and as he said) because they knew Lowndes would not pass over the short middle… I’ll say it again… if Lowndes could throw a 5-8 yard pass effectively from time to time, they would have two more State Championship trophys in the case. I mean at least something to cause the opposing D at least think about, rather than, nah it’s Lowndes; lets just load the box for the run and you know what… run is usually what we would do.

Obviously still frustrated… over our 2nd year in a row 2nd round exit

Jefferson

November 30th, 2009
7:35 pm

It helps to have big, fast players, when you don’t and win that’s where the coaching shows up.

Andy

November 30th, 2009
7:42 pm

Packer: Camden does not deserve to be here?
Why does eveyone say that EVERY year and yet camden wins every year. I also think region one is the best but, camden beats region1 teams often (not everytime but, often) and still never gets the recognition that they deserve.
Every team in the final four deserves to be there thats what a playoff system is (as opposed to the college bcs) if you don’t understand it, I can further break it down for you.

cowetatakenover57

November 30th, 2009
7:50 pm

NSWR better hope the ‘03 Newnan team don’t show up because if they do smh DOME BOUND! NSWR remember if NO one else do lol

Bleed Red

November 30th, 2009
7:57 pm

Camden been there so, It think the trash talk ant going to win the game for the Pac. Your not going to a prep school like LHS your going to kingsland and as regions go dont matter Camden will win in any of them .They have one best program in state that tells alot about the coaching staff.

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
8:01 pm

Vikefan you guy’s lost to Grayson in the third round in 08′ the problem Lowndes has had was the road in the playoffs they only have 1 win on the road since the inception of 5A the play calling stinks up the joint on the road in a hostile environment and a strong defense……. they choked at Northside they were busted in the mouth at Camden…..face the facts They are like the playground bully they are bigger stronger faster and have all the friends(see the ajc picking them the last two years) but when they come to somebodys else’s turf they get punched in the mouth….then all the woulda,shoulda, coulda come out to play while other teams are still playing you better be glad your losing some of that competition in region 1….maybe that #1 seed will help you out??

Old Wildcat

November 30th, 2009
8:05 pm

Packer, the game will be played on the field. So let’s watch and cheer on our team. The scores from last week games are irrelevant. Good luck to both teams and may the best coaching and execution win the game. (Its been said that a little luck helps, but we’ll see.) Safe trip to Kingsland.

Sugar Hill Dawg

November 30th, 2009
8:12 pm

My hat’s off to the Wildcats from Camden County. I never dreamed they would handle North Gwinnett so easily last Friday. That said, look out for the NGHS Bulldogs next year. (I know, I know – I’m beginning to sound like a whiny Tech fan!) With a few exceptions (a few linemen, some off of the under rated defense), North should be much stronger next year. Evidence of North’s rise: Buford’s not recruiting nearly as many of our guys as they used to.

fred

November 30th, 2009
8:13 pm

To all my Camden fans. Once again we get no respect. We don’t play anybody. But year after year we are still here and still competitive. We continue to put GA football on the map by playing nationally ranked teams in nationally televised games. You have to excuse all the trash talk from Colquitt County fans because they have not been here before. They don’t understand that all teams in the Semis earned the right to be there. When the lights go out at Chris Gilman Stadium on Friday night Camden County will be victorious. Of this I have no doubts. Packers you can continue to talk trash because in the end it will be decided on the field, but atleast show some class, act like this is not your first time.

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
8:24 pm

cowetatakenover57
NSWR better hope the ‘03 Newnan team don’t show up because if they do smh DOME BOUND! NSWR remember if NO one else do lol

I am a Newnan fan also but the 03 team has nothing to do with this game we are the hunted in this scenario……they will tout that 03 game at Northside for revenge….. I expect Northside to have a little extra in the tank for this one… they are not intimidated by our team, they intend to be smarter and use every inch of that field…. Nix is a very smart coach he has seen defense and he probably has a wrinkle or two in store for the Newnan Defense; the question is will we have one for them….they have a strong defense also…this is the week our coaching will be tested…. last week we knew what grayson had for us …they never deviated from what they normally do….and they were a blocked FG away from putting us out…..I assure you they (Northside) will come out swinging the question is can and will we counter? Not trying to throw a wet blanket over enthusiasm but the Cougars need FOCUS this week more than the last 3………… everyone penciled Lowndes in the #1 seed in Region 1 and Northside busted them in the mouth…and took it like they were taking their girlfriends….Don’t sleep this week this is not a BYE!!

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
10:09 pm

Just watched the game film of Peachtree Ridge and Northside. Teams evenly matched so it came down to coaching. With about 5 mintes left in the game and leading 10-3, Peachtree Ridge had a 4th and 2 to go around the Northside 40. Tough decision for the coach. Go for it and probably put the game away or punt and hope your defense holds one more time. The coach blinked and punted. The rest is history.

spwhite

November 30th, 2009
10:10 pm

What are y’alls thought on this. Lets say Camden does get moved to region 1. Does Coach Herron still schedule tough non region opponents? Or would he start scheduling weaker non region opponents? I would think that he would still schedule the tougher teams myself. You still can build and develop your team. I would think he would still swap players in and out like he does now. If we lose a non region game it still wont affect the region standings and maybe it will make us stronger.
Any thoughts or theories on this?

jcwfalcon

November 30th, 2009
10:13 pm

Is the Pridge/NHS game on the internet? I was there but wouldnt mind seeing it again.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
10:13 pm

Just got directions/map to Newnan’s stadium. It says head toward Alabama and look for a big hole in the ground and sign that says Cougars will be buried here.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
10:16 pm

PR/NHS game not on the Internet to my knowledge. Watched it at the Booster Club meeting.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
10:21 pm

I dont think Camden will move to Region 1. But if they did, they should schedule weaker non-region opponents. Region 1 is tough enough to wear down a team over the season and cause injuries. Just ask Lowndes and Northside.

SanityRules

November 30th, 2009
10:36 pm

NHS(not Newnan High School), you seem awful confident about NSWR fate. You seem to have a Alabama hillbilly education since it seem you don’t know your school’s initials. Seriously it won’t be easy and I think you know that and insulting the people of Coweta county won’t help NSWR one bit come Friday night. Have a safe trip.

jcwfalcon

November 30th, 2009
10:44 pm

SanityRules, for the record, Northside is only NSWR to the talking heads. Northside High School is NHS. Longtime fans hate when people spell it out- Northside-Warner Robins. Warner Robins is not in the name of the school anywhere.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
10:51 pm

Yep, you’re right, I was born and raised in Alabama. Northside is not really from Warner Robins, we’re from Northside Georgia. Thanks for the safe trip comment, I hope I dont hit a cow in the road.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
10:58 pm

Newnan is in COW-eta count right?

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
11:02 pm

Oh Sanity just look at the record against Warner Robbins they are 19 – 33 against the Demons when your the little brother in town you don’t want everyone to know your the lil brother so that is the reason the faithful dropped the WR hey if your big brother beat you like you was a step… you would hate him too….glad there is no Northside (Newnan) we would probably be getting hated right now!!!

SanityRules

November 30th, 2009
11:03 pm

Jcwfalcon, I hear you and it is duly noted. NHS(not Newnan High) appears to be a juvenile and it would be a complete waste of my time to converse with a child or someone with a mind of a child. See you on Friday.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
11:04 pm

Since ENR is not available for history lesson, I just looked up Northside vs Newnan series record. Bad news for Northside is that Northside is 1-2 all time against Newnan. Bad news for Newnan is that the one win for Northside came at Newnan. Oh-oh.

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
11:06 pm

In what 1972 hey better pull Grandad out to remember that one?

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
11:06 pm

Not looking for conversation anyway, thanks

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
11:08 pm

I was there and it was ugly

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
11:09 pm

what 22-6?

jcwfalcon

November 30th, 2009
11:10 pm

inthatrenches- only one “b” in Robins.

Yep, Warner Robins used to beat Northside like a step child. It was tough. That is why we hate them so much. They were national contenders, Northside was the team fighting to maybe make the playoffs. Fortunately since 96 the Eagles are 10-4 vs the hated Demons. But even back in the day, Northside folks didnt want to be known as the little brother of the Demons. They wanted to be contenders in their own right. Cant blame them. It has worked out nicely over the last decade plus.

The US used to have a good economy too. That fact wont help your 401K.

SanityRules

November 30th, 2009
11:12 pm

Inthatrenches ,you are correct. He seems to have a inferiority complex. I thought we could have some good football talk this week ,not all this insulting talk. You would think with a program like Northside and their fans,it would be different. I guess there’s a rotten apple in every bunch.

spwhite

November 30th, 2009
11:14 pm

NHS (not Newnan High School) – I dont think Camden will move to Region 1. But if they did, they should schedule weaker non-region opponents. Region 1 is tough enough to wear down a team over the season and cause injuries. Just ask Lowndes and Northside.
Well, I think that I read somewhere on here that Lowndes was looking at scheduling tougher non region opponents for thier away games. Maybe to help them with their post season road trips.

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
11:14 pm

Yeah I was cryin’ on the bank when WR came here and owned us probably the biggest team I ever saw play Newnan Heck I was only 12 but I remember every lineman for WR was a head taller than the cougars line….

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
11:16 pm

Sorry the 1981 WR team I was referring to!!!

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
11:17 pm

Okay, I give up, no sense of humor in Newnan. Both Newnan and Nortside won last week becuase of a blocked field goal in the 4th by a star player. Both Northside and Newnan have great defenses that are better than there offenses. Both run the spread formation and rarely from under center. The teams are evenly matched and a lot alike.

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
11:23 pm

Do high schools have to report injuries I would like to know the status of the RB and QB for Northside? You Northside guys holding back? is Van Brunt going to play?

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
11:25 pm

Lowndes does need to schedule tougher road games even though region 1 does take its injury toll. Lowndes seems to have trouble winning against good teams on the road. However, they are unbeatable at home and at the dome. Northside also does not play well on the road, see Lowndes and Carver last year and Tift and Valdosta this year. Camden does not seem to have the road problem.

inthatrenches

November 30th, 2009
11:29 pm

NHS (not Newnan High School) I think it is scary how even they are? the offenses are either big play or bust…. the defenses are lights out……. the advantage of being at home for Newnan may be slight but the experience of Nix balances that back out this may look alot like last weekend!! I just hope you guys do not find the cryptonite….

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
11:30 pm

High schools do not have to tell if a player will play or not due to injury. Just like the PROs, its better not to tell so the opposing team will have more to prepare for. I know but i am not telling. Does’nt really matter about the quarterback anyway, as demostrated friday, either can lead the team to victory. I am more concerning about our running back.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
11:36 pm

Just like the WR game, Friday was a wake up call. Peachtree defense was the best we have seen this year. Lowndes was also good but slept thru the first half. Ridge was awake the whole game except one big play in the 4th. How do you let a receiver get open behind the safety in the last few minutes of a game. Its just highschool football, unpredictable.

NHS (not Newnan High School)

November 30th, 2009
11:42 pm

This year’s Northside team is not great but they do seem to find a way to win and make history. First region 1 championship, first win ever at Valdosta, first win ever at Tift county, first time ever beating Lowndes and Valdosta in the same year. Now thats scary.

Colquitt County Underdog

December 1st, 2009
2:56 am

packer- you have gone beyond what is deemed reasonable trash talk. the packers have 2 losses on the record. we are not undefeated. we are not the 72 Dolphins or 85 Chicago Bears. stop saying crazy stuff just for the sake of saying it. Camden is the defending AAAAA champion and they are not going to just lay down at home for the Packers to beat them. the Packers will have to play their best game of the season to win in Kingsland…luckily we are peaking at the right time.

White Trash

December 1st, 2009
8:55 am

Colquitt County Underdog – Great response to Packer, I am glad that someone from your team has common sense. Every team is beatable, you guys have a safe trip to Kingsland and lets have a great semi final game…

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
9:27 am

It’s all about strategy when it comes to scheduling look at UGA’s schedule vs Florida schedule. If you schedule to many tough teams outside your conference early on it can be problematic. Florida took Miami off their schedule for that reason.

If Camden moves to 1-AAAAA they will schedule just like the other teams. You get three non-region games. First game is a cup cake. Second game a tough opponent. Now a great coach can find his glaring weakness. The third game another cup cake or mid level program. This allow a great coach to see the adjustments.

Camden has used this formula in region 3-AAAAA. But there weak region allows the coach to continue to develop young players and stay away from major injuries. This is the main reason they can win on the road.

Player development for depth and no major injuries is the key.

But unlike say Valdosta,Lowndes,Colquitt,NSWR and WR (1-AAAAA) or Peach County, Baldwin, Carver Colombus (1-AAA)who has to deal with a tough region schedule and major injuries and cannot rely on a weak region schedule to develop experience back up during the season. Give any great coach the ability to play freshman and sophmores a half game every game and watch the results. Take any of these programs and give them Camden’s 3-AAAAA schedule and watch the results. They can not schedule no more than one tough opponent outside their region. Check all the above teams non-region schedule and you will see what I just said.

NSWR removed Peach County from their schedule for this reason when they went to 1-AAAAA.

Robert Davis did this when he left Warner Robins and went to Westside Macon and that program.

Buzzbee removed Screven County and Swainsboro tough AA teams from Statesboro schedule to build up that program when he arrived.

When I was in the military I was stationed at at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Warner Robins AFB, Texas, Florida. I was raised in Statesboro Ga. I now live in Metro Atlanta. I have seen great High School football.

To win State you need plenty of depth and no key injuries.

I was at the NSWR and PTR game and I saw NSWR starting QB go down with a possible concussion. A key starting DL also went down late. But they had enough depth to gut out a win at home. This could be a major problem come Friday vs Newnan. Wesleyan starting QB went down with a knee injury and the defending Class A State champs went home.

NSWR Injuries

December 1st, 2009
9:30 am

Are all these injuries to NSWR just dings or are they ones that could be game changing injuries, keeping key players out. I know that rumors of injuries are usually hard to count on. Does anyone know if Newnan has anyone out?

topper

December 1st, 2009
11:04 am

packer – If Lowndes were better than Camden wouldn’t they have beat Camden? The better team won that game!

jcwfalcon

December 1st, 2009
11:23 am

NSWR injuries- I was at the game but other than that I know no more than anyone else without inside info. Briar Van Brunt- starting QB went out in the 1st half and didnt return. I wouldnt expect to see him vs Newnan if it was a concussion, unless…it seems Nix has a habit of trying to win with his backup unless the game gets out of hand, then he will put his recovering starting QB back in to try to change it up or create a spark. We saw this vs. Tucker in the playoffs two years ago, and it worked. I believe Northside was down 21 and came back to win that game in the 2nd half.

Because Van Brunt is more of what I would consider a Tebow style QB (which is to say he seems to run more than he passes), with the backup in I think we can expect to see more of a traditional passing QB. Not sure if he passed more in the 2nd half vs Peachtree because they had shut down the run and NHS was behind, or because he doesnt have the same running ability as Van Brunt.

Starting HB Shaquille O’Neal went into last week vs Peachtree Ridge with with two broken fingers, but played anyway. He was uneffective, and Northside was unable to get any running game going with anyone. I do not know if it was just Peachtree Ridge’s solid run D that stopped O’Neal, or if his fingers had an effect. I would expect to see him play vs Newnan, but we dont know what type of performance we will get.

I could be wrong about much of this. My info comes from other people who arent in the inner circle. I dont have any idea about the d-lineman that went down vs Peachtree Ridge.

GOPACKGO

December 1st, 2009
12:03 pm

Sorry Camden fans but we have been here many times before. Some of our fans are just stupid and talk trash. I will root for our Packers but totally respect Camden County. Don’t let one person spoil your opinion of all of us. We are a program with a winning history and we typically do not trash our opponents. Some people from Moultrie need to shut their mouths. Go Pack Go!!!!

White Trash

December 1st, 2009
12:12 pm

GOPACKGO- There are always one bad apple of the bunch, it goes both ways. Should be a great game friday and both teams deserving to be there. Go WILDCATS…

Eagle Fan

December 1st, 2009
12:23 pm

NSWR Injuries according to the Macon Telegraph Van Brunt has a bruised sternum and is expected to play Friday. O’neill will play most likely.

topper

December 1st, 2009
12:29 pm

GOPACKGO – No offense taken… I think it is just some of your younger fans who might be a little new to this! We are looking forward to a great game!

Decatur 4 Life

December 1st, 2009
12:51 pm

Stephenson Jaguars Supporter

Don’t put Columbia in the same boat with Cross keys in anything. That lets me know you know nothing about what you talk. Although I agree with you about Gartrell that game against Colquitt was not packed with Jaguar fans. It was actually more Packer fans there than Stephenson, the fact is maybe the rest of the Jaguar Nation knew Gartrell’s luck would not change this year.

Decatur 4 Life

December 1st, 2009
1:02 pm

Drago

I like Newnan’s chances this year but we I never considerd you a part of metro Atlanta and I’m still not. You’re close but that only matters in hand grenade throwing and horseshoes, and another thing I’m still pulling for you because the baby SEC way overrated

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
1:05 pm

Hi Eagle Fan,

That’s good news for the Eagles. I think NSWR most important player is the field goal kicker (All State 2 years). Conrad seems to be playing to keep it close and mistake free and let him win it. That’s why he let him kick it in the first overtime without running a play (also they could not move the ball on the ground and he did not want risk a fumble). If Newnan can play mistake free this could come down to who has the best kicker/punter.

cane fan

December 1st, 2009
1:14 pm

fitzgerald at home this week; should be a 4 qtr war, buford may be “big”, but fitzgerald has been small all year, fitz is strong and fast, I bet buford has not seen such a fast “D” like fitz, also fitz has so many weapons on “O” pass attack 4 rb’s that avg over 10 yds per carry, I hope buford has a safe trip down 75, it’s going to be a longer trip back north, good luck guys

GO CANES!!!!!!

Sportsfan31313

December 1st, 2009
1:37 pm

Okay this weeks Predictions:

Class A
Wilcox County beats Clinch County
Savannah Christain over Darlington

Class AA
Fitzgerald beats Buford
Calhoun Beats Lovett

Class AAA
Peach County Beats Eastside
Gainesville Over Flowery Branch

Class AAAA
Griffin Beats Sandy Creek
Clarke Central Beats Rockdale County

Class AAAAA
Northside Warner Robins Beats Newnan
Camden County Beats Colquitt County

WHO DARES TO DIFFER?

Fred

December 1st, 2009
1:45 pm

Newnan and NS (I dropped the WR! ) both had tough opponents last week from the weak (to hear ENR talk) Gwinnett teams. Both walked to the edge of the abyss and looked in. I think Newnan knew they were going to have a tough game while I think NS might have gotten caught up in someone’s hype and underestimated PTR. This week’s game will require perfection to win. I kind of like Newnan since I have direct knowledge of them (whew!) but know that NS will play strong. This is where coaching will tell. It is going to be all about getting the kids prepared to be on the top of their game. I predict another very close game similar to last week’s. If there is a spread in the score, I think it will be because mentally the loser broke down. Of course, this assumes no sigificant injuries. If Olgetree goes down, then NS wins.

By the way, I’m Fred and not fred!

wilcoxfan4life

December 1st, 2009
1:45 pm

These predicts look right on the money to me!!!!!!!!!

Newnan 1 fan

December 1st, 2009
1:48 pm

Mighty Grayson had a good fg kicker and punter. but he got both of his fg blocked . the first by Zander and the second by Alec.
We kicked the ball off and play defense all game long. and eventually NSWR will get tired of getting hit and turn the ball over.

We have had the hardest playoff schedule this yaer and so glad we have playing region 1 teams because i want close there mouth about who the play in the regular season and using that as an excuse to lose, my theory is that you all build up this hype and cant live up to it. I said it before we had the best team in state last year and we lost 26 players all 11 on offense and we still have the best team this year. The best thing about it we will be really good the next 3 years. National Champions once al 9th graders become seniors

True Blue Cat

December 1st, 2009
1:53 pm

I think at this level coaching has so much to do with how the team performs. You look at Camden County even when they were a 2AA school they would play non-region games against larger opponents and win some lose some but they could never carry deep into the playoffs. The talent is the same the school is larger but Jeff Herron seems to be the real difference maker.

We also love the fact that many schools do not give Camden much respect as a program. We continue to compete though year after year and always seem to play with a little chip on our shoulder.

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
1:59 pm

Newnan 1 fan

Can you really continue to count on blocked fields to get you thru? The key is turn overs and field position. Which ever team wins that battle will win the game. A bad punt could decide the game.

Peach County

December 1st, 2009
2:01 pm

Coaching makes a huge difference! Carver-Columbus has more talent than the Auburn Tigers, yet they only have 1 ring to show for it.

Fitzgerald fans, get over yourselves. Pruitt came to WRHS and tried to make a Wing-T team into a passing team. Brian Wray led WRHS to a title that Pruitt lost badly with. A good coach adjusts his schemes to fit his players talent. That was like Wade Phillips trying to run the 3-4 with 255lb Patcrick Kerney at DE

NSWR fans get over yourselves. Until HoCo opened, WRHS was the dominant power in Houston County. Even then it took Robert Davis going to Westside before y’all ever won anything!

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
2:05 pm

True Blue Cat

You have a solid/great program at Camden. I justed wished you and the rest of the supports would admit the region schedule gives your coach chance to develop solid talent during live game situation. You have no need to play with a chip on your shoulder. You have great talent year end and year out period.

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
2:11 pm

Peach County

Great post. Amen on the Pruitt and Robert Davis comment. Davis used Northside as a feeder program for the Demons. He would recruit the great Sophmores. Pruitt almost destroyed the Demons program.

randy prosen

December 1st, 2009
2:12 pm

Camden beat Lowndes in a defensive battle, that game is over. It was not an upset it was a shutdown. I beleive Jeff Herron and his staff are the best coaches in GA. Coaching does get those kids ready and up for these games. But I think its the kids out there making the plays. I would put Camden up against anyone player for player. And they do it with class. Have a safe trip Colquitt Co., enjoy Thunder Alley, I know I do. Go cats. Beleive in the Paw.

Fred

December 1st, 2009
2:30 pm

Newnan 1 fan,

I think you might be mistaken. The first field goal attempt was pushed slightly to the right and missed by a foot or two. The second field goal attempt was in all reallity slightly beyond his reach and fell short. The last attempt with 5 secs left was blocked when no one touched Olgetree.

Your team played very strong. You might want to look at things as they really are so as not to be blind sided. Good luck with your predictions. A lot can change in three years.

WARDAWG

December 1st, 2009
2:42 pm

Packer, this is about coaching. Coaching plays a vital part in any program. The coaches have to get the kids to buy into a program. This occurrs through trial and error. Camden has palyed in the Kell Classic for some years now, with the exception of this year have won. (Great Season Grayson). Look no further than 2000 when the largest classification was formed, the only winner’s have been Parkview, Lowdnes, Pridge/Roswell,Camden. That is only four teams over a 9 year span. three of these teams have multiple titles. The only team to beat Camden from AAAAA during this time is Lowdnes. There are numerous successful programs in Georgia. All it takes is one bad night on a friday and you are on your way home. Colquitt has 1 title in AAAA(1994). So Packer, Just the facts please. Camden just wins, and they have a program supported by the community. No trash talk needed. The Cats strap it up and execute the game plan. Best of luck to all teams on friday.

White Trash

December 1st, 2009
2:55 pm

WAQ- I can admit that our region allows us to develop players, at the same time, you still have to have good players to execute the system we play. In our community, everyone is involved so it is easy for the transition when they (kids) come up from pee-wee to Varsity, due to them playing/learning the wing-t system early.

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
3:01 pm

WARDAWG cut Packer some slack. He’s just excited about his second year coach Propst and how he has revived the program and the community. Surely you remember the years before Herron or maybe not. I saw Colquitt play Stephenson live and was very impressed with Propst and how he out coached Gartrell. He put together a great game plan to stop a high scoring offense the next week. Should be a great game wished I could be there.

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
3:06 pm

Thanks White Trash. You seem to be the only voice of reason among your compadree’s. It’s about player development during live game situations. Good luck….

topper

December 1st, 2009
3:13 pm

WAQ – You are right about the weak region helping in player development, but where it does not help is you never know how a team who beat everyone by 50 will react when they are involved in a tight game situation. That is when you know it is all about coaching. Last year that was my major concern with Camden in the playoffs. Not as much this year having played 3 close games to start the season.

White Trash

December 1st, 2009
3:25 pm

WAQ – No problem, but it is only common sense, why would you play your starters for 4-Qtrs when you are up by 35 points or more at halftime. You risk them getting hurt and it is a great opportunity for everyone to play and contribute to the team. It builds morale and confidence in the younger players when there time is up to play the main role in the system. This is coming from a Camden grad and huge fan.

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
3:38 pm

topper
That’s why Herron schedules the two tough non-region games early to see were the possible problems maybe. Use the region to work on them. He is not scared to take the early loss. He does NOT care about polls. Only championships. The 3-AAAAA region is a great advantage to him.

topper

December 1st, 2009
3:43 pm

WAQ – I agree and have been saying for a while now there biggest advantage is the lack of injuries due to playing the easy schedule. Last year all of the non region games he scheduled were easy wins! Not the case this year.. Honestly in all the years I have been watching this team this years team is the most improved over the course of a season I have ever seen! Can’t wait for friday!!!!!

xman

December 1st, 2009
3:59 pm

johnies and joes, not X’s and O’s

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
4:07 pm

topper
This might be Camden’s best team. It reminds of the Lowndes County team from 99. They lost the their first game to Warner Robins 14-7, then in the middle of the season they lost back to back games to Colquitt and Ware County. Made the playoffs. Went on the road for every playoff game except the finals. Overcame a 28 to 7 halftime deficit to NSWR in the Dome to win 31-28. Beat Brunswick in the final 17-0. If memory servers me correctly Jay Ratliff the All Pro nose for the Cowboys was his All state Tight End.

inthatrenches

December 1st, 2009
4:11 pm

Fred sorry for some over anxious fans the reality we escaped Loganville….we definitely are talented but some people (obviously) do not know how to look at a win objectively….the grayson game could have went the other way as far as the 9th grade team goes…..that group might be the best 9th grade group I have ever seen… but as you have said alot can happen in three years…Thanks for the well wishes the Cougars appreciate your support….hey we could be saying the same for grayson Wow what a game…..and as far as coaching goes….. I think Grayson has a bright future…

good days

December 1st, 2009
4:26 pm

oconee county warrior was state champion 1999 under coach herron

topper

December 1st, 2009
4:26 pm

WAQ -I think you might be right. Maybe not as taleneted but the best TEAM. If you would have asked me if this would be the case the after the Hoover game which was the third game of the year I would have said wait till next year! But again coaching!!!! Great job done by Coach Herron!

CamdenGuy

December 1st, 2009
4:37 pm

One of the greatest joys we have about the Camden County Wildcats is that we take care of business of play at a time! From being around this team for the last 8 years I can say we have to maintain class, respect and focus! The only game that matters is this Friday Night! Period! Region 1AAAAA is an incredible region that have incredible teams! Being in South Georgia Rocks! Go Cats Go!

Newnan i

December 1st, 2009
4:52 pm

Fred- I am glad you could read my message didnt proof read. But my prediction is based on knowledge of our 9th grade team and how they are learning from the seniors. the fastest person at our school is a wide receiver in the 9th grade and our 9th grade team blew every team they played out. i know its 9th graders but just saying look out they are very talented . remember these names Maurice White LB, Devon Henry WR,and Bryce QB

We are ranked 12 in the nation and after we beat NSWR. Then I hope Camden win so we can beat them for the championship.
This will rank us in the top 5. And next year our entire offense will return. with a very young but big defense. Newnan will be National Champs 2011

Newnan i

December 1st, 2009
4:59 pm

WAQ- Yes, i count block fg goals when its not luck. Our team plays very intense and hard. Grayson was ready to throw in the towels, the first quarter they got out of their game plan they threw more passes in the first half then they did all year. We got tired and they scored so we let them off the hook they was ready to give up. the reason they was able to attempt those fg. is because there coach made a great call by facking the punt and we got fooled bad. but they couldnt move the ball at all we played lights out.

This why they play the games

December 1st, 2009
4:59 pm

Certain scholls don’t fit the mold of north or south georgia footaball. Newnan, LaGrange, Griffin, and Carrollton fit that mold. They play a western style that hasn’t changed much in generations. The bottom line is that style doesn’t win it- talent and coaching do. I remember when Douglass came to Griffin and did all kinds of strange workouts to put some fear in Griffin. They got back on their buses on the short end of a 27-0 score. But they looked good.

SouthGARules

December 1st, 2009
5:40 pm

I have to agree with SportsFan31313 especially Northside over Newnan. Northside has the greatest coach in the state in Conrad Nix, while Newnan has a relative neophyte in Mike McDonald. That should more than overcome the home field advantage that Newnan has. All you have to do is ask ENR.

plowboy

December 1st, 2009
5:56 pm

packers 28 camden 14
northside 24 newnan 10

wardawg

December 1st, 2009
5:56 pm

WAQ, I will cut Packer some slack. Friday is a few days away. Hopefully Packer will get on the road to travel and see the game live, not play by play from a blog site or from someone watching the game. This one will be a dandy.

topper

December 1st, 2009
6:05 pm

plowboy – I don’t think there is any way Northside scors 24 on Newnan an Colquit will not put 28 points on Camden.

Tift Devil

December 1st, 2009
6:45 pm

plowboy- Those are two of the worst picks I have seen this year, there is NO WAY Northside is going to put up 24 on Newnan, I think they will be doing good to get 14.

columbia Blue

December 1st, 2009
6:47 pm

To all Packer Fans

I am a life long resident of Camden County. We have had great talent in the past but we did not have coach Herron and his staff. The coaching staff at Camden is absolutly great. As far as Packer football is concerned—You guys have a GREAT TEAM. Camden will have to play their best game to win. As far as the tradition at Colquitt—–You Guys have always been good. If I am not mistaken, the packer team of 94 (maybe 96) was one of the best teams I have ever seen. I think the running back that year was a kid by the name of Lavisky King. He was a GREAT running back. I heard that he was killed in a car accident his senior year. Camden certainly respects the PACKERS. We will certainly not take them for granted. Good luck Colquitt. May the best team win. GO WILDCATS

inthatrenches

December 1st, 2009
6:52 pm

South Ga really!! I do not mind your Nix vs Neophyte argument but this defense has faced three tough teams….. they definitely adjust well at the half……. I think like the other teams Newnan has faced, if Northside is not up by 2 TD’s Newnan will adjust and the defense will hold serve then the Ogletree’s take over!!! your thoughts…….. I do not think Northside is that explosive but hey anything can happen?

True Blue Cat

December 1st, 2009
7:42 pm

WAQ

I freely admit that we play in a very weak region and it helps us in certain ways. Many of them you have talked about. However with that being said Camden schedules the most difficult non-conference games they can get. Coach Herron has always had the philosophy of to be the best you have to play the best and hopefully you will be able to beat the best. When I played Valdosta was the team we tried to emulate our program after and we took a bunch of beatings by them but it made us better. We have built on that year after year until now we have truly developed a culture of winning here. We have a great program but frankly sometimes we win because we think we are supposed to win. The easier region games are balanced by the best competition we can find outside the region. If our region changes it will probably change the way we schedule non-conference but I bet we will still win many games even in a different game and still be able to carry deep into the playoffs.

I think Camden and Colquitt will be a great match-up and we should see a very good game. All I can say it Go Cats Go….

colquitt fan

December 1st, 2009
7:44 pm

few statements to put up here (not being a homer, if i ask a question, it is a serious question:
-packer is an idiot
-yes, colquitt has been here before (94 state champs- #3 in the nation), 91 runner up
-lavasky was a great RB and person, he did die very young, too young
-camden does deserve respect, but saying region opponents doesnt matter is crazy. would ohio state do well in the SEC? didnt think so
-Rush Propst deserves to be compared to any coach in the state or the country, was it 5 titles at hoover? turning a 2-8, extremely disoriented colquitt program around in 2 years(seriously, colquitt county was a mess). thats impressive no matter who u are
-do camden fans take into consideration that hoover put up like what, 30 on yall with an offense that rush put into that system? and im sure that rush can run his system better than the guy at hoover.
-camden should worry if the game is close at the half bc colquitt is serious in the second half
-and camden fans, we are not all bad from colquitt. dont let one fan mess it up for everybody
-good luck to both teams, as i think the winner of this game takes it all
-finally, i think this game will be decided by turnovers, IDK about camden, but colquitt is usually pretty protective of the ball.
Colquitt-24 Camden-16

White Trash

December 1st, 2009
7:51 pm

colquitt fan – you are talking about a Camden team that was trying to find their identity when they played Hoover. A Camden team that was very young since they lost most of there starters from a year ago and now they matured as usually.
Camden is protective of the ball as well, will be a good game and wont be a blowout on who ever wins. Go Wildcats……..

Football Observer

December 1st, 2009
7:52 pm

Newnan i,

I am okay with you thinking the team is going to be great in three years – just recognizing how much things can change that you cannot account for. We lost 3 running backs to private school this year and still did pretty well.

Having said that, if you really think Grayson was ready to throw in the towel I know you weren’t at the same game as me. For what it is worth, we threw more this year than we did last year so no, we didn’t throw more in the first half than all year. I think I have already pointed out that there was only one blocked field goal. 2-3 feet to the left on the first one and we aren’t having this discussion. If we were so ready to give up then how did we get in position to go for not one but two field goals in the last 3 minutes of the game?

I am in no way saying Newnan did not play an outstanding game but if you and the team really believe you beat us down to the point we were ready to quit, I think you are in for a VERY rude awakening when NS shows up Friday. The ONLY way you beat them, and I hope you do, is to play with the same focus and intensity you did at Grayson.

Good luck Friday!

White Trash

December 1st, 2009
7:53 pm

By the way, that Hoover game came down to a last second feild goal to win the game and I do recall that Hoover is in the State Finals in Alabama, so I must say we are pretty darn good for someone trying to find out who were are at that time.

grams

December 1st, 2009
7:58 pm

Southern GA, i know for a fact you shouldnt underestimate Buford. They may be a young team, but they have the knowledge and power to beat any team in ANY classification.

columbia Blue

December 1st, 2009
7:59 pm

Camden will be ready to play Friday night. I have heard enough and seen enough comments on the blog. Heck lets play football. Columbis Blue is signing off. GO CATS—-

colquitt fan

December 1st, 2009
8:00 pm

that could be true trash, but im just sayin, if an offense gives you trouble before, then theres a chance it will again, when the team ur playin runs it as good or better.dont get me wrong though, i think lowndes is the only team that can comared to camden over the last ten years.
-and for the doubters for region 1-AAAAA, when colquitt lost by 3 to NSWR, and dont know how many people, but we were robbed of a down inside the ten in that game, but when we played them, we had 3 teams in the top 69 teams in the country. maybe a florida region can comare, but i will need a link on that one for some proof

FALCONS

December 1st, 2009
8:02 pm

Whats up with all these Buford haters. I will have the hardest laugh Friday night when the wolves win. You fitzgerald fans are hilarious.

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
8:03 pm

I hate trying to predict playoff games. It makes fools out of most of us. I do believe home teams are always tough to beat give them 3 points for the advantage. That being said, the road warriors of Colquitt should give Camden a good run, I think NorthSide can score 10 maybe against Nenwan but that might not be enough.

That’s why you play the game.
.
Nix is a great coach but he has rep of not listening to his assistant at cruicial time during the game and it has cost him in the past. He does makes his half time adjustments,

I wish all the teams luck and have a great time out there….

FALCONS

December 1st, 2009
8:03 pm

also, I dont just want a AA classification view of this topic. Camden County, Newnan, Gainesville, NSWR give us your opinion on Buford vs. Fitzgerald

columbia Blue

December 1st, 2009
8:08 pm

FALCONS

I thought I was signing off but I do want to comment on FALCONS post.Buford has been there and won state titles. I think that will give them the overwelming advantage over Fitz

Jefferson

December 1st, 2009
8:11 pm

I bet if Buford has the same center as last year, he will look to chop block a d lineman for Fitz.

WAQ

December 1st, 2009
8:22 pm

Falcon

I am bias toward home teams during the semi of playoff. It’s worth aleast 3 points. The only home team I think is really in need of miracle is Darlington.

FALCONS

December 1st, 2009
8:41 pm

thanks for the feedback! have any more?

Callitlikeitis

December 1st, 2009
9:55 pm

GRAMS, I go to Buford games every year. The team this year is the weakest Buford team (probably because several D1 players transfered out over the summer) that I have seen in years. Like I predicted the outcome of the Lassiter game, you are in for an awakening because Fitzgerald is on another level than Buford. I know this and north georgia is about to find out what south georgia already knows. Fitzgerald is a traditional running team but this year they pass the ball very well too. Good Luck Buford because you will need it.

JAGUARS FOR LIFE

December 1st, 2009
10:40 pm

I agree that coaching is key to winning playoff games. Stephenson is a perfect example of how D1 propects (8) and counting don’t mean anything if the coaching is not solid. The coaching staff at Stephenson takes pride in scholarships over championships. What they fail to relize is that championships equal more schlarships. The players from Stephenson that earn D1 offers are players that would have received those at vitually any decent football school. Those players have been all-stars since they were playing recreation ball for Central Dekalb. Case in point: Daunte Carr, Storm Johnson, Atremus Norman to name a few are kids that left the Stephenson system after rec ball. All of those kids to include the eight on Stephenson roster all were super-high-pofile youth football players that have won championship after championship. It was no doubt to anyone that saw those kids play as youth, that they had great football futures and would be playing on Saturdays with big -time programs. So for the coach to say ” I rather have scholarships over championships” is a cop-out. Over the course of the last five years, Stephenson should have played for the state championship at least three times. The team prior to this years team that should have won, was the team that consist of: Perry Riley and Sheppard both with LSU, Jermaine Cunningham with Florida, and Marcus Ball previously with FSU and now with Memphis. Three of those players have won BCS National Championships. All of them will be drafted in the NFL between round 1 and 3. Again, of those guys were super talented youth players in the community.

We need a head coach at Stephenson that knows how to prepare the team for playoffs and win championships. The fans, community and more importantly the player deserve that kind of coach. I truely beleive that Coach Gartrell has maxed out with this program and has taken it as far as he can. We need to be like the south georgia programs and demand more thatregion championships.

These guys do not know how to prepare for playoffs. There are horrible at scouting the opponent and preparing their team. Their game plan is

NEWNAN EC FAN

December 1st, 2009
10:44 pm

PLOWBOY I dont think this game will have 24 points total.Should be a hard hitting game on a cold wet feild.CANT WAIT..

Panther Pride

December 1st, 2009
11:14 pm

I congrads clarke central to make it this far,i rather have swd lose 2 a team dat is in the final four instead of a team that get blown out the nex week,even though swd was expected to make it,but that goes to show you games arent played on paper.I cheer for Clarke central to win state.

ImaTitleTownBaby

December 2nd, 2009
12:28 am

These games are always a chess match betweeen the coaches…to see who can play the right players at every position and call the right plays to win the game…case in point Lowndes vs. Camden…Herron won the chess match over McPhearson…Lowndes vs. Northside…Nix won that one…Stephenson vs. Colquitt…Propst won that one…and Lassiter vs. Colquitt…Propst won that one…it’s always the coaching stategy that matters most…look at Florida State…knowing that their defense isn;t the best…the coaching staff still plays man…and look what happens…their best bet would be to play a lil zone blitz…but that’s on another note…you just have to have a coach who’s gonna be aware of every variable and take the advantage…it’s that simple.

Newnan Fan

December 2nd, 2009
12:38 am

Newnan’s 9th Grade Team held it down all season, offense led by QB Bryce Benton, WR Devin Henry (Ran a 4.4 40 time in Little League Baseball) who also returns kicks and punts (Devin Henry=Devin Hester),WR/FS Tray Matthews (hitting power and ablity to play many positions reminds me of Alec Ogletree) and RB Quinton Dix (running style reminds me of Adrian Peterson), whose older brother Trell, is the starting corner on Varsity. Defense led by DE Tay Kemp, LB/FB Maurice White, already at almost 200 lbs. plays a little like Ray Lewis, and WR/FS Tray Matthews(could be the next Alec Ogletree) Defense avg. 8 poins a game. Offense avg. 35 points a game. Newnan could win a national title within the next 3 years.

BLACKGOLD

December 2nd, 2009
1:34 am

FALCON QUIT LIVING IN 2008 , ITS A NEW YEAR …FACE THE FACT AT HAND, BUFORD WANT WIN FRIDAY NITE …HANDS DOWN, OUR 1AA COOK HORNETS DIDNT SCORE BUT YOU COULD PUT BUT 26 IN EM , WE PUT 42 IN EM .. …. WHEN WE STACK THAT BOX FRIDAY , I JUST HOPE YOU GOT BREAKAWAY BACKS , OR ONE THAT CAN TAKE A SERIES A HARD HITS CAUSE HE GONNA GET ATE UP ALL NITE ,AND YOUR BIG BOYS DAMN SHO GONNA BE TIRED A RUNNING ALL NITE…….HAVE EM BRING THEIR ASHMA PUMPS BOI…………..35-14 CANES

BLACKGOLD

December 2nd, 2009
2:14 am

YEAH BUFORD SHUT OUT 8 TEAMS , BUT IT WANT HAPPEN FRIDAY NIGHT ………NOBODY THEY PLAYED GOT AN XPLOSIVE OFFENSE AS WE DO AVG 47 A GAME , LOVETT DA CLOSEST WIT 38 AND YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENED…………Y..O..U .. .. L..O..S..T SAME THING GONNA HAPPEN 11-4-09 AT JAYCEE STADIUM

Cat Fan

December 2nd, 2009
4:33 am

Newnan Fan. Wow your 9th graders are amazing!!!! I guess no other school has good upcoming classes at all. Hmmmm Camden JV this year undefeated and scored 355 pts in 7 games. Last yr 9th grade team and this year 9th grade team both undefeated and thats playing other schools JV squads. There is TONS of football talent in this state and to base something in the future based on 14 year olds now is crazy.

CamdenGuy

December 2nd, 2009
4:51 am

Remember Newnan gave 6 pts all last year and then in the SemiState last year, Camden went up to their place and scored 27 points in the Semi State Championship Game! I love our chances of playing them again if we take care of buisnes! Oh, North Side Warner Robbins has an Awesome team this year too! So we may have to wait another year to play Newnan. Go Eagles! Go Cats!

SouthGARules

December 2nd, 2009
8:10 am

inthatrenches: I was just doing some tweaking. I have seen Newnan play twice this year & agree they do well adjusting at the half. To be honest, I hope Newnan wins.

Cougar Supporter

December 2nd, 2009
8:15 am

Newnan Fan and Newnan 1, I’m as big a Newnan fan as there is. Please stop embarasing yourself and Newnan regarding the 9th grade team. Yes we are aware the 9th grade team was very strong this year. Are they playing this week? No. Lets focus on the remaining teams left. Newnan better worry about Coach Nix’s excellent team fron Northside. Other than region titles, we haven’t won anything yet so lets stop with the Nat’l title talk.

Fred

December 2nd, 2009
8:43 am

Interesting article in the Macon paper about NS getting shut down on the runnig game for 0 yards against PTR. Looks like PTR made the adjustments on the line but missed the pass protection. PTR might have been slightly better but then got out coached in the latter part of the game.

http://www.macon.com/176/story/936182.html

WAQ

December 2nd, 2009
9:08 am

Fred

I was at the game as a neutral observer. PTR did not get out coached. PTR coach had the better of that match up all night. His blitzing schemes had NSWR linemans confused all night. Two things happen not of PTR coaches doing. His punter who had been getting off great kicks all game. Shanked two punts Each time NSWR moved up on field position. With about 3:30 left at NSWR 45 Coach Nix called a fly route to a WR and went max protection. The DB slip on the courage off the line and could not catch up. NSWR scores a touch down. Conrad called the same play on the opening play of the game and the WR drop the ball and he was 5 yards in front of the DB. This game camed down to a player slipping, nothing more.

COUGFAN88

December 2nd, 2009
9:52 am

I am a huge fane of Newnan, but you Newnan Blow writers need to accept the fact that Northside is a great team..they are very young..but by this time of the year they have the experience needed to beat us. Coach Nix is an excelellent coach and has more experience than our coach in these types of games stop talking trash Newnan supporters or you will be crying next week as we read about Northside’s next game. Go Coug’s but don’t take Norhtside Lightly..

CamdenGuy

December 2nd, 2009
10:29 am

I love what the true Cougarfan is saying. We are just fans here who are blessed to still bee seeing our teams playing!

cane fan

December 2nd, 2009
10:50 am

Fitzgerald is going to exploit bufords running game, yeah they may be big, but you know Fitz has been small all season, it does not matter, with the strength and speed will overcome that hurdle, their qb will be stuffed so much “p r e s s u r e”, and the big thing for fitz is their passing game avg 175 yds game, their “D” is going to be smashed right in the mouth + fitz avg over 300 yds rushing, hurricane season is just know peaking, get ready to be blown back 326 miles north.

FITZGERALD 21
BUFORD 12

cane fan

December 2nd, 2009
10:54 am

or FITZGERALD 47
BUFORD 34

Fred

December 2nd, 2009
11:22 am

WAQ,

Thanks. All I had heard was from our favorite NS fan about how well Nix adjusted and out coached Ballard. It hurts sometimes that this is single elimination because of things like the slip or the field goal 2 feet wide but hey, that is the way it worked out and there has been some great football in these playoffs! Seems to me that the matchups have been better than lst year but then I’m old and forgetful!

See you in the Dome in 2010!

Fred

December 2nd, 2009
11:23 am

That was supposed to be “last year.”

eagleforlife

December 2nd, 2009
12:10 pm

It appears to me, that NHS (Northside High School), no WR… has been hated on all year long. Let’s see here, we aren’t explosive, we can’t score, etc… However, it is obvious that we are doing something right.. As we started out #7 in the state and ended up being region 1_AAAAA champions… It appears to me that and tell me if I’m wrong (WRHS Demons know this); at the end of the 4th quarter… it doesn’t matter if you scored 3 or 53 points… the only thing that matters is that it is at least 1 more than your opponent… We have no HYPE to live up to.. as we have been underestimated and doubted ALL year long.. Newnan has ALOT to live up to… I seriously expect Northside to win.. These boy apparenlty really want this! However, I wouldn’t doubt if we were to win state, the AJC having us ranked 4th under Lassiter, Stephenson, Lowndes and ofcourse Camden.

eagleforlife

December 2nd, 2009
12:11 pm

make that ranked 5th… LOL

NOHS

December 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm

Coaching makes all of the difference…….North Oconee had tremendous talent and ignorant Head Coach….stuck with a quarterback who couldn’t run or throw for entire year and Tuley is still too stupid to realize it!
They beat up on a weak AA Region schedule and didn’t prepare for the only two teams they had to beat (Jefferson & East Jackson).
I can’ wait to see the new Region alignments…..Buford & Lovett could be in Tuley’s future??

COUGFAN88

December 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm

Newnan, if you remember it was our turnovers that cost us the game last year against Camden, we fumbled witout being hit 3 times in the 1st quarter, yes they may have still beat us anyways, but we beat ourselves in the 1st quarter last year..Camden did what great teams are supposed to do they took advantage of our miscues..so don’t talk trash cause we could either lose straight up or we could beat ourselves like we did a year ago in this same position.Our QB is young too..but he has the experience now that he has played all year…so don’t doubt him…and Fred you said that if Ogletree doesn’t make that one handed catch then Newnan doesn’t score against Grayson at that time, well how do you know..it was First down and goal on the Grayson 6 when that happened so don’t say something so arrogant, that you can’t back up..we sure moved the ball easily down to Grayson’s 6 yard line on that drive, so they showed no signs of stopping us on that drive…

Fred

December 2nd, 2009
12:51 pm

COUGFAN88,

It is not arrogant. The point was that if any of a few plays had worked differently on both sides of the ball, the game would have come out different. Grayson managed to stop Newnan several times during the game, the last couple of which helped to set up the attempted field goal that missed and then the one that got blocked. I have watched the boys make similar stops all year in the red zone. There were several 3 pass and out possesions that Grayson did prevail on so it was possible. In any event, it doesn’t matter – Newnan won and Grayson lost. On that night with that set of plays, Newnan put more points on the board and that is all that matters. However, if you take the attitude that it was a sure thing, no question that you were assured a score, and apply that to your next game, you will be in trouble. Despite ENR’s chest thumping all season long, the reality is that NS is very good – beatable but very good. Better have your A+ game or you will join us in the stands.

Newnan Fan

December 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm

Eagleforlife:

Actually NSWR has more to live up to. Afterall, we are playing the MIGHTY REGION 1. Everyone knows they have the best teams in the state. It wouldn’t look too good if poor lil ole Newnan (who might I add everyone says is overrated because they play in one of the weakest regions in the state) beat a mighty region 1 team.

I am claiming a Newnan victory in a low scoring game and am extremely proud of our guys for making it this far after losing 33 seniors which includes losing an ENTIRE offense.

Jefferson

December 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm

North Oconee’s punt team coach could use a refresher course…

NOHS

December 2nd, 2009
1:37 pm

What a joke it turned out to be in Calhoun……without the Blocked Punts…score would have been tied at the half 7-7……would have run into same Offensive issues……Calhoun will not win it all in AA…….

Jefferson

December 2nd, 2009
1:39 pm

Calhoun has a lot better chance than N. Oconee, that for sure.

NOHS

December 2nd, 2009
1:47 pm

No argument……..it would have been nice to have seen the talent with better QB though…..Their #1 reciever (Street/Streeter??) was the best athlete on the team….4.4 forty….asked Tuley for opportunity to play QB in the Fall…coach laughed at him…..they never got him the ball all year!!..Great year for Jefferson! Wished you would have beaten Buford!

Jefferson

December 2nd, 2009
1:50 pm

The blocked punts sure did get the rythem of the game off, 3 in a row — the offense never played much in the 1st half. North Oconee team looked good, I’m sure they will be back to the playoffs next year.

wardawg

December 2nd, 2009
1:52 pm

Once again the only team left in AAAAA playing this week that has a state title in AAAAA is Camden(2). Camden has played all remaining and has had some success in playing them. Past success do count by the way. With that being said. I see some very good games on friday. Newnan/Northside will be a head banger. Camden/Colquitt, who can generate the most offense. Both teams feast on the turnovers. Yes turnovers are of the game. Both have excellent special team play. Colquitt has allowed 169 points, and scored 334 in 13 games. Avg 25.6 a game while surrendering 13. Camden has allowed 109, and scored 524. Avg 40.3 a game while surrendering 8.3. Let’s talk playoffs only:
Camden avg 29.3 a game, surrenders 8.6(same as season avg)
Colquit avg 26 a game, surrenders 12.6. Colquitt has remained avg as the regular season. What does all this mean, coaching has allowed both teams to remain steady, no decline in playing on the field.

Jefferson

December 2nd, 2009
1:52 pm

Buford beats a lot of teams in the head, get past that and you have a game. Still you have to play good.

eagleforlife

December 2nd, 2009
3:27 pm

Newnan fan:

No actually, ya’ll have quite a bit of hype to live up to.. Remember.. NHS-WR has heard ALL year that WE CAN’T do this and WE WON’T do that… But, WE DID!

Your HYPE is.. that you guys have been ranked highter than us all year… and now ranked nationally… and you beat Grayson.. (I thought they were like the best team in the nation or something)..

Have fun with your BLUE OUT.. but remember… WE ARE BLUE too.. It will be nice for our guys to look up and see all that blue and that N on the field…

GO EAGLES!!

Jefferson

December 2nd, 2009
4:15 pm

Northside is on the wrong side of Green St. — Again I ask “Where is Downtown Warner Robins?”

Cougar Fan

December 2nd, 2009
5:07 pm

Newnan’s 9th Grade Team held it down all season, offense led by QB Bryce Benton, WR Devin Henry (Ran a 4.4 40 time in Little League Baseball) who also returns kicks, WR/FS Tray Matthews (hitting power and ablity to play many positions reminds me of Alec Ogletree), RB Quinton Dix (running style reminds me of Adrian Peterson),whose older brother Trell, is the starting corner on Varsity and RB Okoye Robinson (who is was real maker this year) Defense led by LB/FB Maurice White (who was a big playmaker on defense), DT Xavier Phillips(who was a real force in the middle of the line of the cougars 3-5 defense), DE Tay Kemp(who was also key part to the cougars 3-5 defense), and WR/FS Tray Matthews(could be the next Alec Ogletree) Defense avg. 8 poins a game. Offense avg. 35 points a game. Newnan could win a national title within the next 3 years.

ImaTitleTownBaby

December 2nd, 2009
7:11 pm

The Lowndes High JV and Freshmen squads were undefeated also…watch out for the juniors and sophomores on nest years varsity squad…we don’t regroup…we reload…and the whole state knows it!!

Jefferson

December 2nd, 2009
7:58 pm

Who’s Lowndes playing this week?

Newnan Fan

December 2nd, 2009
8:38 pm

Not Trying to beat a dead horse, but Newnan’s 9th Grade Team has a quality that most team’s dont have; NO DROPOFF IN PERFORMANCE FROM THE BENCH!!!!! LB’s #25 Darius Martin, #26 Chaz Ferdinand, #36 Cameron Walker sit among the starting defenders on the leading tacklers list on this team and they are on 2nd defense!! on 2nd Offense RB #30 Okoye Robinson had maybe 6 or 7 TD’s 3 of which came in games where he DIDNT start, and RB/LB #26 Chaz Ferdinand had one of the longest runs of the season from a RB against EC again from off the bench. too much talent on this team, starter and backups to ignore. great thing in these freshman cougars future. just saying.

Cougar Supporter

December 2nd, 2009
10:03 pm

Newnan Fan…You and the 9th grade parents ARE definitely beating a dead horse!!!! This is about the VARSITY team and not the 9th grade team. Let it go until next year when they are in JV or the Varisty. A lot can happen in 2-3 years.
GO Cougars!

GAIL

December 2nd, 2009
10:33 pm

Anyone interested in talking about this Friday’s game? Let’s focus on the present and not what might be one of two years away. Newnan vs NSWR should be an exciting game. Hope everyone is healthy. I’m going w/ the Cougars.

Cougar Supporter

December 2nd, 2009
10:57 pm

Preach on Gail…Here is to a 2009 Semi-Final Victory for the Cougars!

Cougar Supporter

December 2nd, 2009
10:59 pm

Brookwood Mom…Been a while since we have heard from you. I know you son is ready for GSU. Any love for Newnan??????

Eagle Fan

December 3rd, 2009
7:47 am

Jefferson Warner Robins has no downtown…….but they do have the best 1AAAAA school around that is Northside High School. Go Big Blue..

TRUE BLUE

December 3rd, 2009
9:55 am

JAGUAR FOR LIFE, I AM NOT GOING TO BLAME EVERYTHING ON COACHING. PART OF IT IS COACHING AND HAVING YOUR TEAM FOCUS AND READY TO PLAY. I HAVE WATCH STEPHENSON FOR OVER 8 YEARS AND BEEN IN THE PROGRAMS FOR 4 YEARS. SWD, STEPHENSON , AND MLK IS IN SOUTH DEKALB AND SOUTH DEKALB WAS ONCE ONE OF THE RICHES AFRICAN- AMERICA COUNTY IN AMERICA. WE LIVE IN THESE BIG HOUSE AND DRIVE THESE FANCY CARS. OUR KIDS DRESS TO IMPRESS AT SCHOOL,BUT WE DON’T HAVE LIGHTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. WE WILL GO TO BOARD OF EDUCATION ABOUT SCHOOL UNIFORM BUT WANT GO TO THE BOARD ABOUT OUR SCHOOL FACILITY. YES A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE BUT AS PLAYERS YOU HAVE TO STAY FOCUS AND KNOW WHO’S IN CHARGE OF EVERYTHING. PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS COMPLAINING ABOUT NOTHING, WE WERE WINNING AND STILL HAD PARENTS COMPLAINING ABOUT THEIR KIDS NOT GETTING ENOUGH PLAYING TIME. PARENTS THAT ARE COMPLAINING YOU DON’T SEE THEM VOLUNTEER FOR NOTHING. ITS ALWAYS THE SAME PEOPLE DOING EVERTHING. YOU SAID THE COMMUNITY IS TIRED AND WANT BETTER,HELL THE KIDS WANT BETTER TOO. WHAT I MEAN ABOUT BETTER IS A BETTER WEIGHTROOM , A BETTER PRACTICE FACILITY WITH LIGHTS , A BETTER LOCKER ROOM , A BETTER FOOTBALL FIELD WITH GRASS , AND BETTER SCHOOL SUPPORT AT THE GAME. STEPHENSON FANS DON’T COME TOO THE GAME TO CHEER BECAUSE IT BE QUIET IN THE STAND. YES THEY COME TO THE GAME BUT THE KIDS WANT TO HEAR SOME SCHOOL SPIRIT FROM THE STAND. THEY HEAR WHEN YOU CRITICIZE THEIR COACHES OR TEAMMATES.

It’s coaching: Semifinal teams have a common edge

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It’s coaching: Semifinal teams have a common edge

261 comments Add your comment

About Prep Zone: High School Sports

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More from the AJC

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Other high school sports blogs of note

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