Comments on: It’s coaching: Semifinal teams have a common edge

By: TRUE BLUE

TRUE BLUE — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:55:14 +0000

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.

By: Eagle Fan

Eagle Fan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:47:17 +0000

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

By: Cougar Supporter

Cougar Supporter — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:59:48 +0000

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

By: Cougar Supporter

Cougar Supporter — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:57:36 +0000

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

By: GAIL

GAIL — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:33:11 +0000

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.

By: Cougar Supporter

Cougar Supporter — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:03:08 +0000

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!

By: Newnan Fan

Newnan Fan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:38:59 +0000

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.

By: Jefferson

Jefferson — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:58:36 +0000

Who’s Lowndes playing this week?

By: ImaTitleTownBaby

ImaTitleTownBaby — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:11:15 +0000

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!!

By: Cougar Fan

Cougar Fan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:07:12 +0000

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.

By: Jefferson

Jefferson — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:15:31 +0000

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

By: eagleforlife

eagleforlife — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:27:14 +0000

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!!

By: Jefferson

Jefferson — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:52:56 +0000

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

By: wardawg

wardawg — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:52:50 +0000

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.

By: Jefferson

Jefferson — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:50:23 +0000

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.

By: NOHS

NOHS — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:47:25 +0000

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!

By: Jefferson

Jefferson — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:39:37 +0000

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

By: NOHS

NOHS — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:37:03 +0000

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…….

By: Jefferson

Jefferson — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:30:54 +0000

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

By: Newnan Fan

Newnan Fan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:52:22 +0000

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.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:51:34 +0000

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.

By: COUGFAN88

COUGFAN88 — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:21:00 +0000

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…

By: NOHS

NOHS — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:14:16 +0000

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??

By: eagleforlife

eagleforlife — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:11:26 +0000

make that ranked 5th… LOL

By: eagleforlife

eagleforlife — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:10:18 +0000

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.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:23:43 +0000

That was supposed to be “last year.”

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:22:28 +0000

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!

By: cane fan

cane fan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:54:00 +0000

or FITZGERALD 47
BUFORD 34

By: cane fan

cane fan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:50:56 +0000

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

By: CamdenGuy

CamdenGuy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:29:22 +0000

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

By: COUGFAN88

COUGFAN88 — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:52:49 +0000

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..

By: WAQ

WAQ — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:08:12 +0000

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.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:43:00 +0000

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

By: Cougar Supporter

Cougar Supporter — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:15:08 +0000

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.

By: SouthGARules

SouthGARules — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:10:08 +0000

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.

By: CamdenGuy

CamdenGuy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:51:18 +0000

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!

By: Cat Fan

Cat Fan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:33:25 +0000

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.

By: BLACKGOLD

BLACKGOLD — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:14:15 +0000

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

By: BLACKGOLD

BLACKGOLD — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:34:35 +0000

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

By: Newnan Fan

Newnan Fan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:38:50 +0000

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.

By: ImaTitleTownBaby

ImaTitleTownBaby — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:28:08 +0000

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.

By: Panther Pride

Panther Pride — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:14:55 +0000

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.

By: NEWNAN EC FAN

NEWNAN EC FAN — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:44:59 +0000

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

By: JAGUARS FOR LIFE

JAGUARS FOR LIFE — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:40:01 +0000

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

By: Callitlikeitis

Callitlikeitis — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:55:15 +0000

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.

By: FALCONS

FALCONS — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:41:58 +0000

thanks for the feedback! have any more?

By: WAQ

WAQ — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:22:27 +0000

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.

By: Jefferson

Jefferson — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:11:31 +0000

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

By: columbia Blue

columbia Blue — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:08:01 +0000

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

By: FALCONS

FALCONS — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:03:50 +0000

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

By: WAQ

WAQ — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:03:25 +0000

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….

By: FALCONS

FALCONS — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:02:19 +0000

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

By: colquitt fan

colquitt fan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:00:45 +0000

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

By: columbia Blue

columbia Blue — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:59:00 +0000

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—-

By: grams

grams — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:58:39 +0000

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.

By: White Trash

White Trash — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:53:22 +0000

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.

By: Football Observer

Football Observer — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:52:07 +0000

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!

By: White Trash

White Trash — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:51:03 +0000

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……..

By: colquitt fan

colquitt fan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:44:32 +0000

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

By: True Blue Cat

True Blue Cat — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:42:31 +0000

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….

By: inthatrenches

inthatrenches — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:52:14 +0000

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?

By: columbia Blue

columbia Blue — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:47:50 +0000

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

By: Tift Devil

Tift Devil — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:45:18 +0000

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.

By: topper

topper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:05:36 +0000

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

By: wardawg

wardawg — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:56:58 +0000

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.

By: plowboy

plowboy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:56:25 +0000

packers 28 camden 14
northside 24 newnan 10

By: SouthGARules

SouthGARules — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:40:39 +0000

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.

By: This why they play the games

This why they play the games — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:59:52 +0000

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.

By: Newnan i

Newnan i — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:59:37 +0000

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.

By: Newnan i

Newnan i — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:52:22 +0000

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

By: CamdenGuy

CamdenGuy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:37:28 +0000

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!

By: topper

topper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:26:57 +0000

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!

By: good days

good days — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:26:36 +0000

oconee county warrior was state champion 1999 under coach herron

By: inthatrenches

inthatrenches — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:11:22 +0000

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…

By: WAQ

WAQ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:07:06 +0000

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.

By: xman

xman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:59:09 +0000

johnies and joes, not X’s and O’s

By: topper

topper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:43:53 +0000

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!!!!!

By: WAQ

WAQ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:38:21 +0000

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.

By: White Trash

White Trash — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:25:50 +0000

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.

By: topper

topper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:13:19 +0000

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.

By: WAQ

WAQ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:06:58 +0000

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….

By: WAQ

WAQ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:01:42 +0000

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.

By: White Trash

White Trash — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:55:27 +0000

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.

By: WARDAWG

WARDAWG — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:42:16 +0000

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.

By: Fred

Fred — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:30:19 +0000

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.

By: randy prosen

randy prosen — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:12:04 +0000

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.

By: WAQ

WAQ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:11:58 +0000

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.

By: WAQ

WAQ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:05:46 +0000

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.

By: Peach County

Peach County — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:01:26 +0000

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!

By: WAQ

WAQ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:59:46 +0000

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.

By: True Blue Cat

True Blue Cat — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:53:13 +0000

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.

By: Newnan 1 fan

Newnan 1 fan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:48:09 +0000

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

By: wilcoxfan4life

wilcoxfan4life — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:45:42 +0000

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

By: Fred

Fred — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:45:20 +0000

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!

By: Sportsfan31313

Sportsfan31313 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:37:36 +0000

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?

By: cane fan

cane fan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:14:13 +0000

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!!!!!!

By: WAQ

WAQ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:05:22 +0000

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.

By: Decatur 4 Life

Decatur 4 Life — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:02:27 +0000

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

By: Decatur 4 Life

Decatur 4 Life — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:51:34 +0000

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.

By: topper

topper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:29:19 +0000

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!