Georgia High School Football Daily Spotlight: Five semifinals playoff teams that far exceeded expectations
Of the 20 teams that have reached the semifinals, 15 were ranked in the preseason and can’t be called a true Cinderella. Five were unranked and given little chance before the season of sticking around this long.
Here is a look at each by the GHSF Daily staff:
Rockdale County (AAAA): The Bulldogs were 5-5 last season and started this year 1-3. Then, to ensure that no one would predict them to reach the final four, they nipped winless Monroe Area 18-15 in the 10th game. Since then, it’s been three decisive playoff victories on the road – Banneker (41-18), Hiram (21-7) and Westside (23-7).
Darlington (A): The Tigers were 6-5 last season and started 0-3. This is the private school in Rome that lost star quarterback Nash Nance to Calhoun, the No. 1-ranked team in Class AA. Darlington won its region but lost to Trion in the 10th game. Who saw this coming? Not us. Coach Tommy Atha has Darlington in the semifinals for the first time since the state championship season of 1998.
Clarke Central (AAAA): Talk about a blast from the past. Clarke Central was North Georgia’s top program in the largest class from the mid-1970s through the mid-’80s under Billy Henderson, a Hall of Fame coach, but hadn’t won a playoff game since 1997. The program hadn’t hit bottom, just become mediocre. Leroy Ryals has improved the school’s victory total each since he arrived in 2006. Still, Clarke Central was 8-2 in the regular season.
Colquitt County (AAAAA): Colquitt is the only semifinalist that is coming off a losing season. Colquitt was 4-6 in Rush Propst’s first season in Moultrie, but the coach who won five state titles at Hoover of Alabama has the program in the semifinals for the first time since 1998. Colquitt finished in third place in powerful Region 1-AAAAA.
Eastside (AAA): The Eagles of Covington lost most of their starters from last season’s region champions. That included player of the year Justin Wray. Eastside started 1-2, losing to its Newton County rivals, but has won 10 straight. Remember that this is a program that suffered consecutive 0-10 seasons in 2004-05.
Here is the preseason ranking of the other 15 semifinal teams:
No. 1 – Buford (AA)
No. 2 – Calhoun (AA), Gainesville (AAA), Wilcox County (A)
No. 3 – Flowery Branch (AAA), Clinch County (A)
No. 4 – Camden County (AAAAA), Fitzgerald (AA)
No. 5 – Sandy Creek (AAAA)
No. 6 – Griffin (AAAA)
No. 7 – Northside (AAAAA), Peach County (AAA), Lovett (AA)
No. 8 – Savannah Christian (A)
No. 10 – Newnan (AAAAA)
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171 comments Add your comment
NHS
December 2nd, 2009
7:11 pm
I bet Savannah Arts Academy beats you next year in basket weaving!
wildcat fan
December 2nd, 2009
7:11 pm
Region 1AAAAA against Camden County in Coach Herron era. 11-3, 2 losses against Lowndes and 1 against WR. Against Lowndes 4-2 in the last 6. Do something significate in the last 15 years, then talk. Camden Co this decade 2 State Championships, 6 final fours, 7 quarter appearances and seeking a third. Give me Colquitt record this decade, don’t come with the early 90’s thing. We were going to be polite and have good clean respectfull fun, but I see its impossible. You are the worst fans yet. You had 6 TO’s in the Lassiter game. And 3 in the Stephenson game. So it seems to me you were on the other end of getting the TO’s as you say it hurt you in the Lowndes Game. You were very fortunate, but i give you credit you did what, you are suppose to do with TO’s and thats turn them into points. A win is a win, but i saw that Stephenson game you scored 1 offensive touchdown, Stephenson played aweful, and turned the ball over and still nearly beat you if not for that long kick-return they would have. They had terrible quarterback play. You are a good football team, but if you think, you are coming into THUNDER Ally or into The WILDCAT DEN, and just beat the CATS like that you are sick. You will be in for a long hard fight. Stephenson and Lassiter are good teams and no disrepesct but they are not WILDCATS OF CAMDEN. OH BY THE WAY STOP WITH THE WEAK REGION CRAP THATS OLD.
columbia Blue
December 2nd, 2009
7:15 pm
NHS
I cherish all the negative comments about Camden. It really gets us ready to play. It will be a cold day when I say anything negative about the Packers. The Packers are a great team and CAMDEN PLAYS IN REGION 3-AAAAA. We respect the Pack 100 per cent and we certainly will not take them for Granted. If we win the State Cahmpionship again you recon they will put REGION 3-AAAAA (THE PATSY REGION ON THE TROPHY) I REALY CANNOT REMEBER IF IT WAS ON THE 2003 AND 2008 TROPHY========PLEASE-PLEASE-PLEASE- CONTINUE TO TALK TRASH
Old Wildcat
December 2nd, 2009
7:15 pm
I must admit the Ogletree twins is making a mark. Are they seniors?
NHS
December 2nd, 2009
7:18 pm
Newnan and Camden fans have no sense of humor.
CAMDEN IS THE GREATEST! CANT BE BEAT! BEST COACH! BEST TEAM! BEST FANS! BEST CHEERLEADERS! BEST STADIUM!
How’s that?
btown
December 2nd, 2009
7:18 pm
ALL BUFORD SCHOOLS GET OUT AT 11 30 JUST TO MAKE THE TRIP DOWN TO FITZGERALD. THE HURRICANES AINT READY FOR THE BIG BAD WOLVES. IF I WAS THE CANES I WOULD BE EXPECTING ALOT OF BUFORD PEOPLE. DEFINTLY SHOULD WATCH OUT. GO WOLVESS!!!!
NHS
December 2nd, 2009
7:21 pm
Sorry, I am not a Packer, just a neutral observer who pulls for the underdog!
columbia Blue
December 2nd, 2009
7:22 pm
NHS
YOU HAVE SET THE TABLE FOR THE WILDCATS—NOW IT IS TIME TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP. I BELIEVE THE PACKERS MAY BE THE BEST TEAM WE HAVE PLAYED ALL YEAR. WE WILL–WE WILL—WE WILL–WE WILL BE READY. THANKS FOR THE ADDITIONAL INCENTIVE TO PLAY OUR BEST. GO WILDCATS
NHS
December 2nd, 2009
7:29 pm
If the Camden football team needs my remarks for incentive, then they are in trouble!
Colquitt is not the best team you have played all year. That would be the 2 teams you lost to and Lowndes!
columbia Blue
December 2nd, 2009
7:31 pm
NHS
ADDITIONAL INCENTIVE???? HECK WE DROVE SEVEN HOURS AND SCORED 35 ON NORTH GWINETTE—-YOU RECON WE WERE READY TO PLAY
Auburn Packer
December 2nd, 2009
7:32 pm
NHS,
I am really not sure that Colquitt is an underdog in this game. I would say dead even at the least.
NHS
December 2nd, 2009
7:33 pm
Yep, that was pretty impressive I have to admit.
NHS
December 2nd, 2009
7:37 pm
I have seen both teams. Colquitt is definitely the underdog from an offensive point of view and home field advantage view. Fairly even on defense. Not a big underdog but underdog.
Auburn Packer
December 2nd, 2009
7:42 pm
I would think that Colquitt would play better on the road than at home. As a former player, I think that once you get into the swing of travel, it is used as incentive.
BigCatPlayerClass'11
December 2nd, 2009
7:46 pm
camden on top all da way go cats go all da way to state
columbia Blue
December 2nd, 2009
7:47 pm
NHS
IT IS THE FORTH ROUND OF THE STATE AAAAA PLAY-OFFS——THERE IS NOT A UNDERDOG. BOTH TEAMS ARE VERY GOOD—CAMDEN SURE AS HECK RESPECTS THE PACK—THEY ARE A GREAT TEAM===IF THEY WERE NOT A GREAT TEAM—THEY WOULD NOT BE IN THE FORTH ROUND—-REMEMBER THERE IS ONLY 4 TEAMS LEFT—YOU HAVE TO BE GOOD TO MAKE IT THIS FAR
BigCatPlayerClass'11
December 2nd, 2009
7:47 pm
ROUND 5 ITS OUR TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! GO CATS
NHS
December 2nd, 2009
7:52 pm
True, with their new coach, Colquitt seems to be getting better every game and both Colquitt and Camden are good road teams. But anyone that plays Camden, the reigning state champion and ranked 15 in USA today, has to be an underdog.
columbia Blue
December 2nd, 2009
7:55 pm
NHS
RANKINGS ARE FOR THE MEDIA—WE CARE NOTHING ABOUT THAT BUT THE THIRD RING WOULD CERTAINLY LOOK GOOD—IT IS ALL ABOUT REACHING GOALS—GO WILDCATS
NHS
December 2nd, 2009
8:00 pm
True, early rankings dont mean much, but rankings now are based on results. I am pulling for the Packers but I feel sure Camden will win Fri and also next week, and next year, for 3 championships in a row. Something just isnt right about that! Yea, Camden has an unfair advantage!
inthatrenches
December 2nd, 2009
8:17 pm
Why is it when you get to this point of the playoffs the trash talk gets to a fever pitch last week I thought there was a bit to much this week objectivity goes out the window hey I love my Cougars and I know they are in for a fight with Northside I love and welcome the competition but I refuse to enter into the my 9th grade will beat your 9th grade and this is the best team you will face theme…Hey EVERYONE there are 4 excellent programs in AAAAA any one of them could win it but they got to line it up!! I have not played a down this year nor have any of you!!! I don’t mind a little trash talk, but the reality is that my team could be in the stands next week and so could yours all four are semifinalist…… I think all these teams are a good represenative of Great High school football…. YOU or I cannot play we can only get excited and talk about it….. Good luck to all these teams…… I pray for injury free games….. Northside welcome to Drake stadium we look forward to another great game….
SanityRules
December 2nd, 2009
8:43 pm
Well said inthatrenches . Too much trash talk as they are shutting these blogs down when it gets out of hand. What do you think of the new region 2 AAAAA? No more weak region talk. Still waiting on your award winning predictions for Friday. I see it Newnan 24 Northside 13.
dakotah
December 2nd, 2009
9:13 pm
hey ysall
dakotah
December 2nd, 2009
9:15 pm
newnan 24 nswr 23
camden 35 coulquit 28
inthatrenches
December 2nd, 2009
9:29 pm
Sanity
Ok since the scores are starting I see the NewnanNorthside game as slow starting Newnan is due for an offensive breakout they breakout in the late third quarter and put it away in the 4th
Newnan 20 Northside Eagles 10…. Sorry Eagles you need a proper send off back to AAAA…
Camden v Colquit- I see this one going to Camden
Camden 31 Colquitt 14 Camden at home is too tough Colquitt’s cinderella road warrior season ends in the “Den”
Auburn Packer
December 2nd, 2009
9:29 pm
dakotah,
I just can’t see COLQUITT County giving up 35. Whether it be on the road, in my Jacksonville backyard or on the moon.
shopgood
December 2nd, 2009
9:31 pm
great website to shop online with discounts – http://www.shop4lowonline.com
Melissa
December 2nd, 2009
9:35 pm
Rockdale is going to win! The Bulldogs are the best them!
inthatrenches
December 2nd, 2009
9:39 pm
Sanity
They are in need of quality coaching in region 2….. I think Coach Mcdonald and Coach Wade will show the way…. I think the Region will have more Raw talent than any other Region in the state I think our Young Cougars will get some extra looks because the talent that was already in Region 2 brought the recruiters to Dekalb county…..and now the coaching level just went up… …. Our band might have to step up and learn how to dance LOL I look forward to some great games….
NHS (not Newnan HS)
December 2nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Newnan’s Touchdown Club is planning a “blue out” for Friday’s Class AAAAA semifinal against Northside
Wow, that means Newnan will be feeling blue before and after the game.
I guess the TD club doesn’t realize Northside fans wear Blue, Thanks for helping us out.
SanityRules
December 2nd, 2009
9:56 pm
Inthatrenches ,why did you have to bring up the band? If I remember corectly, Newnan did a Earth Wind and Fire melody a few years back that was pretty good. What they do now is awful. My other scores are Camden 24 Colquitt 21. Home team prevails. Sandy Creek 28 Griffin 21.
Memorial Stadium
December 2nd, 2009
10:07 pm
Look for Griffin’s Memorial Stadium to be rocking as Griffin takes it to Sandy Creek 21-10. I wonder if Sandy Creek will be called the home team because they had won the coin toss.
Fred
December 2nd, 2009
10:37 pm
newnancougarfanCHD,
I guess everything is relative but without going back to look it up Ean had over 100 yard rushing. I don’t really call that “shutting him down.” Newnan has a great team and I think the only thing that might cause you to lose is overconfidence. I think Newnan-NS is a 3 point game in Newnan’s favor. I like Camdem by 10. I like Newnan-Camden in the dome. I don’t have a guess as to the score but know it should be a close, competitive game similar to Newnan-Grayson.
Good luck and don’t get over confident.
See you in the Dome in 2010!
newnancougar
December 2nd, 2009
10:38 pm
Wow NHS thats kinda like what one of your linemen said about since there is an N on the field its the same as the Mac ha.That is pretty dumb to say because yalls colors are blue/orange/white that we shouldnt wear blue even though our colors are primarily blue and white with a little gold. If anybody should be talking about copying someones colors or something it should be you guys, you cant think of or create your own uniform or colors so you copy Auburn’s…..real original. and why would we be feeling blue before or after the game. Before we will be pumped and ready to show up “South Georgia Football” and after the game well be celebrating a victory all the way to the dome when you guys are riding back down south dissappointed and heads hung low from a brutal defeat delivered by us “yankees”
CamdenGuy
December 2nd, 2009
10:45 pm
Actions speak louder than words from aa pig! Go Cats Go!
Old Wildcat
December 2nd, 2009
11:04 pm
If its your intent on having this blog shut down…you are doing a good job!!!
CamdenGuy
December 2nd, 2009
11:16 pm
I am sorry and you are right! That is not nice to say! I am going to enjoy watching us play with class and heart!
CamdenGuy
December 2nd, 2009
11:19 pm
Now let us eat some Packer Pork Chops on Friday Night! Go Cats Go!
Old Wildcat
December 2nd, 2009
11:20 pm
That’s the Camden County Wildcats fans I’m accustom to.
Auburn Packer
December 3rd, 2009
12:06 am
Well I was born at a party in a barn,
with a guitar strapped accross my arm.
You can hear me play for a country mile,
Everybody knows that I’m HOG WILD!!!
OINK OINK OINK OINK!!!!!
CamdenGuy
December 3rd, 2009
12:16 am
We cook the best BBQ at our Tail Gate Parties and Friday we will eat plenty of Oink Oink! Final score Camden 28 Colquitt 3
Auburn Packer
December 3rd, 2009
12:27 am
So I’ve traveled all over this land,
and I found myself a backwoods band.
My momma said you’re a distand child,
Cause everybody knows I was born HOG WILD!!!
We’ll make you wild….
Rootin around town!!!!
Auburn Packer
December 3rd, 2009
12:37 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nG0YUzyWQU
this is for the lovely people in the nice little villages of Kingsland and St. Marys!!!!!!
BLACKGOLD
December 3rd, 2009
12:42 am
BUFORD , IF YOUR FANS NEED SOME GAS $ I GOT A 1-800 NUMBER YOU CAN CALL TO GIVE YOU A CASH ADVANCE, YALL NEED ALL YOUR FANS TO BE THERE , I PROMISE YALL NEED ALL DA SUPPORT YOU CAN GET ,DOWN SOUTH LIKE PLAYING IN FLA. ( DA SWAMP), BUFORD YOU ARE NOW IN A STATE A EMERGENCY………..YOUR ON HURRICANE WATCH…………………GO CANES
BLACKGOLD
December 3rd, 2009
1:30 am
BUFORD THE ONLY REASON YOUR DEFENSE RANKED # 1 IS BECAUSE YOU PITCHED 8 SHUTOUTS TO TEAMS THAT DIDNT HAVE A OFFENSE LIKE OURS , LOVETT CAME THE CLOSEST AVERAGING 38 PTS A GAME, THE ONLY REASON YALL ARE STILL IN THE PLAYOFFS IS BECAUSE YOU ARE A # 2 SEED ,CAUSE IF YOU WASNT AND WAS A THE TOP PART OF THE BRACKET BOUT WHERE SWAINSBORO WAS , YOU WOULD BE DEAD , I REALLY THINK SWAINSBORO WOULD BEAT YOU,LAST YEAR YOU GOT BY ,THIS YEAR WE GONNA PROTECT OUR HOUSE
BLACKGOLD
December 3rd, 2009
1:33 am
HHUURRRRIICCAANNEE / AALLEERRTT – FOR BUFORD ,GA.
camdencat
December 3rd, 2009
5:57 am
CAMDEN WILL WIN FRIDAY NIGHT AT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ENOUGH SAID PLAY THE GAME.
JayJay
December 3rd, 2009
6:26 am
When bad mouthing Camden AND STATING THAT THEIR PLAYERS ARE MORE FRESH FOR THE PLAYOFFS YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER THAT MOST OF THE PLAYERS ON THE FIELD PLAY OFFENSE AND DEFENSE….EVEN DAYS!!!!
Bleed Blue
December 3rd, 2009
6:27 am
GO CAMDEN!! By the way Auburn Packer that video was great!! LOL!!
Fans Of Moultrie Packers
December 3rd, 2009
8:48 am
Someone made the statement of how good the Camden Wildcats are: We agree but wait till friday then you are going to see how the Packers operate!!!!!