The Georgia High School Football Daily’s Weekend Predictions: Who’s winning and losing in Playoffs Semifinals
By CHIP SAYE
For the AJC
Football fans of a certain age might remember “Leonard’s Losers.” The long-running syndicated radio show, which featured the late Leonard Postero of Athens predicting which teams would lose college and pro football games, aired on more than 1,400 stations during its heyday. The show was popular because of Postero’s humor and down-home style, but he also was quite accurate with his predictions.
Last week, I was successful in picking the loser in 12 of the 20 quarterfinal games. Unlike what Postero did on his show, however, I was trying to pick the winners. Not good. Considering my inability to spot the winners last week, I figured I’d stick with what worked and pick the losers for the semifinals.
Class AAAAA
I didn’t see Colquitt County being able to stop Lassiter last week. I might be just as wrong this week, but I don’t see the Packers beating Camden County tonight, either. … Northside-Warner Robins avoided a quarterfinal loss to Peachtree Ridge last week by the narrowest of margins, winning 20-17 in three overtimes. The Eagles won’t be so fortunate this week, losing at Newnan. … Speaking of Newnan, Alec Ogletree made perhaps the catch of the year last week when his leaping, one-handed grab for a touchdown provided the winning points against Grayson. … Semifinal losers: Colquitt County, Northside.
Class AAAA
Clarke Central and Griffin used to be the North Georgia powers in the highest classification, two of the few teams that could stand in the way of Valdosta and another state championship. Neither has been as successful since dropping to Class AAAA, although Griffin has had some very good teams, and Clarke Central has almost always been competitive. They haven’t faced each other since 1993, and they haven’t met in the postseason since 1982, so the prospect of them battling for the state championship next weekend is an intriguing one. It will happen after Rockdale County, which beat Clarke Central in the regular season, loses the rematch tonight and Sandy Creek loses to Griffin. … Semifinal losers: Rockdale County, Sandy Creek.
Class AAA
Gainesville is the closest thing to a clear-cut favorite as there is in any classification. The No. 1-ranked Red Elephants already have proved that they can win big against tonight’s opponent, beating Flowery Branch 49-17 in the regular-season finale. And while Flowery Branch was impressive in its come-from-behind victory against No. 2 Carver-Columbus last week, I don’t see the Falcons being able to make up the 32-point gap against Gainesville. … I didn’t pick Eastside to win either of its previous two games, and the Eagles proved me wrong. I’m identifying the losers this week, so I’ll take Eastside to lose again, this time to Peach County. … Semifinal losers: Flowery Branch, Eastside.
Class AA
T his classification has had the fewest surprises of any, as the No. 1 (Calhoun), No. 2 (Fitzgerald), No. 3 (Buford) and No. 6 (Lovett) teams reached the semifinals, and all four have legitimate shots at winning the championship. But I have to pick two of them to lose tonight. I’ll say it’s going to be a disappointing night for Region 6-AA. … Semifinal losers: Lovett, Buford.
Class A
My worst performance last week came in Class A, where I picked Wesleyan, Twiggs County, Holy Innocents’ and Lincoln County, only to see all four eliminated. That means the Wesleyan-Twiggs County matchup I was anticipating in the final is out the window, too. Darlington has more losses than any team remaining in any classification, and I look for it to add one more to that total at the hands of undefeated Savannah Christian. … Can the only No. 2 seed remaining in Class A make it to the final? When Clinch County loses to Wilcox County, the answer will be yes. … Semifinal losers: Darlington, Clinch County.
Playoff predictions
Last week: 8-12 (.400); Overall: 1,603-411 (.796)
Winner—Loser
Class AAAAA
Camden Co.–Colquitt Co.
Newnan–Northside-W.R.
Class AAAA
Clarke Central–Rockdale Co.
Griffin–Sandy Creek
Class AAA
Gainesville–Flowery Branch
Peach Co.—Eastside
Class AA
Fitzgerald–Buford
Calhoun—Lovett
Class A
Wilcox Co.–Clinch Co.
Sav. Christian–Darlington
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267 comments Add your comment
GO PACK GO
December 3rd, 2009
3:23 pm
I wish we could play Lowndes again. I think the outcome would be much different. Mandatory drug testing would end Lowndes’ run of anything.
nrth ga cane
December 3rd, 2009
3:47 pm
canes 31 woves 14
nrth ga cane
December 3rd, 2009
3:48 pm
canes 31 wolves 14
Bear_Backer (the UNBANNABLE!)
December 3rd, 2009
4:03 pm
they closed the other blog for Griffin folks defending their honor….so be it…All I know is that The Mighty BEARS will have to rise up yet again and Defend our home turf on the hallowed grounds of the beloved Memorial Stadium (AKA “the den”). I hope the Sandy Creek Fans have enough guts to venture outside of their self-deemed gilded county line and pull for their team. I commend the Patriots, and the whole student body of Sandy Creek on a fine season this year, but alas, the end is nigh!!
GO GRIFFIN BEARS 
dakotah
December 3rd, 2009
4:03 pm
wildcats chachacha woooo
Pack1989
December 3rd, 2009
4:11 pm
Anyone who thinks Colquitts “D” can’t stop Camden needs to go read the Marietta Daily Journal. Lassiters QB quoted,”If that isn’t the best defense in the state of GA, I don’t know what is.” The Packers are okay with going in as underdogs. We are used to getting no respect. I also heard the NSWR coaches show and the comment made on there. Someone commented that they “would not pick the Packers if they had to.” Wander why that is…Afraid they may have to face us again. There would not be anything that happened last time (Packers getting cheated out of a down!). I say lets pull out another upset this week PACK!!
SportsFan31313
December 3rd, 2009
4:22 pm
Camden County wins it again for the 2nd straight year. No team will stop them…..
EastsideEagleFan
December 3rd, 2009
4:44 pm
Previous quotes “Carrollton should win big over eastside” “Jackson will roll eastside at home” “eastside is a cinderella but can contend with Jackson”
keep picking against us please! lol these kids LOVE coming in as the underdog and then showing you their guts!!! GO EAGLES!
EastsideEagleFan
December 3rd, 2009
4:45 pm
sorry the quote shouldve been CANT contend with eastside…..oh i left one out……”eastside’s run will end in jackson with the red devils scoring big” lol
keep fighting eagles!! keep proving them wrong!!
EastsideEagleFan
December 3rd, 2009
4:47 pm
correction, quote shouldve been “cant” contend with jackson
Jon
December 3rd, 2009
4:49 pm
Ain’t nobody scoring 31 on Buford’s defense. That my friend, is wishful thinking. Gotta hand it to you for even having the marbles to imagine that.
camdencat
December 3rd, 2009
5:07 pm
In last years semi’s NEWNAN was undefeated and had only given up 30 points all season,CAMDEN went over there and hung 27 on them, I witnessed it firsthand CAMDEN’S DEFENSE is the fastest i’ve seen all year so be careful what you wish for,see you at the DOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overrated1AAAAA
December 3rd, 2009
5:18 pm
Griffin Bears rule. Oh and Camden and Newnan are great picks, probably the only mortal locks of the semis. Word out of Wienie Robbins is the teams are not interested in playing up in !AAAAA again, but are seeing if they can petition to play down in AAA where they expect to have a fighting chance.
EAGLE1
December 3rd, 2009
5:22 pm
On any given night any given team can beat any other given team! I’m o.k. with being the underdog! Go EAGLES. Show’um what we’re made of! Northside 17 – Newnan 14
inthatrenches
December 3rd, 2009
5:53 pm
Newnan 20 Northside Eagles 10….
Camden 31 Colquitt 14
Woodpecker
December 3rd, 2009
6:02 pm
Griffin Bears rule the canes are a good team but I can’t see them beating the Wolves rematch of last year’s final Yellow Jackets vs Wolves
Wild CAT Grandmother.
December 3rd, 2009
6:09 pm
I am glad to finally see someone from up the Atlanta way have Camden up for the win this Friday night. I don’t think you are wrong. To Pack 1989,the only reason the Lassiter QB can make that kind of statement is because they have not played CAMDEN, QB’s can say what ever they want to about a team that just beat them, but if you don’t have anything to judge them by other than they just beat you, U HAVE NOT PLAYED CAMDEN. SEE YOU AT THE GREAT WILDCAT STADIUM.
EagleNationRising
December 3rd, 2009
6:10 pm
North Gwinnett played their first opponent from South of the Gnat line last Friday night. Result: North Gwinnett loses. Peachtree Ridge played their second opponent from South of the Gnat line. Their first resulted in a 51-17 beatdown that no one will forget. Their second resulted in yet another team finding a way to pull defeat from the jaws of victory facing a backup quarterback, a backup running back, and a team of 10th graders. Result: Peachtree Ridge loses. Lassiter faced their first opponent from South of the Gnat line. Lassiter played on their own home field and received violation that no team deserves. Result: It is girls’ basketball seaaon at Lassiter HS.
Now, Newnan hosts a team from South of the Gnat line. We all know that Newnan is very, very talented. We know that they have a talented duo. However, Northside has faced a loaded Carver-Columbus team, the 3rd ranked team in the nation in Lowndes County, a talented Colquitt County team, a loaded Valdosta team, Peachtree Ridge, who opened this season as the 8th ranked team in America.
At what point does logic set in for you guys. Northside is the premiere program in the state of Georgia. We enjoy those who continue to doubt. Northside is going to the Georgia Dome. I know it and deep down inside, you know it too.
EagleNationRising
December 3rd, 2009
6:15 pm
Pack1989: You are NOT quoting a player from Cobb County who actually thinks he knows what a great defense looks like. Come on Pack1989. You have got to stop. Is this comedy hour or what?
When you play programs like Pope, Walton, Kell, Roswell, etc, you are going to think that Colquitt County Middle School has the best defense in the state. All of these schools hang 35 points per game on one another. Cobb County high school football is similar to the Pac-10. No one is ever really hit. They just pull one another down.
Stop it! Stop quoting metro Atlanta kids making statements about football south of the Gnat line. I hope Colquitt County represents our region well. We all know that Colquitt County is far from a defensive juggernaut. Stop!
EagleNationRising
December 3rd, 2009
6:18 pm
Inthatrenches: There is not enough talent on the Newnan sideline to hang 20 points against Northside. The Eagles defense is not going to give up 20 points. You can write that down! You are playing South of the Gnat line football now. There are going to be players hit. There is going to be gang tackling. There are going to be quarterbacks sacked…blitzes…zone blitzes.
Football as Newnan Cougar players know it is about to get much more physical and much more complex in schemes. Trust me. It should be a great game. I am looking forward to it.
Auburn Packer
December 3rd, 2009
6:28 pm
Dakotah,
Are you Kidding me? Those were the words spoken when Auburn defeated UGA in 05 with a 4th and forever play in the 4th quarter. I will not take one shred of praise from Camden for their talent, heart and ability. But you must be crazy. I really do not know who will win the game but I assure you that this game is the state championship game…..
Antoniobears95-99
December 3rd, 2009
6:33 pm
Enter your comments here
Antoniobears95-99
December 3rd, 2009
6:34 pm
Bears 28 Sandy Creek 14
Sir Miller #20
December 3rd, 2009
7:58 pm
Here are my predictions for the Fourth Round (Final Four):
Class A
Clinch County wins close one over Wilcox County
Darlington sqeaks by Savannah Christian by a field goal
Class AA
Fitzgerald outlasts Buford in a battle for the ages
Calhoun will beat a good Lovett team but not without a fight though by The Lovett School
Class AAA
Peach County will handle Eastside and look forward to playing in the Dome next week.
Gainesville will get by Flowery Branch but this game will be a lot closer than there first battle though.
Class AAAA
Griffin will get by Sandy Creek in what many are calling the State Championship Game in AAAA, expect a great game because Griffin is a very good team.
Clarke Central will get by Rockdale County this time because its time for Rockdale County’s Cinderella Shoes to come on off.
Class AAAAA
Northside Warner Robins will really squeak by a great Newnan squad but it will really depend on who brings there “A” game because both teams are equally matched.
Camden County will outlast a good Colquitt County bunch that has just been shocking everyone these past couple of weeks.
AA Region 6 Fan
December 3rd, 2009
8:03 pm
Jon is right. All the Canes fans have every right to be proud of Fitz and obviously have a powerful offense, but the mere thought that you will put up 31 points on Buford indicates someone is probably on some kind of mind-altering chemical. I doubt that your offense is predictable, but if you are, you will be lucky to get 7 before the Buford coaches make a quick adjustment and make the rest of the night very frustrating. I hope it is the great game everyone expects and wish you both the best, but I have to pull for 6AA Buford.
SanityRules
December 3rd, 2009
8:15 pm
Are you bloggers insane? Do Newnan and Northside even need to play if the championship game is in Kingsland? That’s nonsense. I hope Camden and Colquitt feel the same way and maybe the GHSA can give the winner the trophy after the game. That might be the only way you win it. Colquitt, you couldn’t even win your region.
Pack1989
December 3rd, 2009
8:20 pm
EagleNationRising,
I was just making a statement since there was so much “trash talking” about how GREAT that Lassiters QB was and how he was unstoppable. No one gave us a chance over Lassiter that I knew of. As far as not playing anyone “south of the gnat line”, I could care less who they had or had not played!! They got a dose that “shut their mouths”. The point I’m making is don’t go running your mouth if you can’t back it up. May the best team win Friday!! Go Pack!!
SanityRules
December 3rd, 2009
8:21 pm
ENR, it will be a tough game but don’t fall for the trap that Newnan has a talented duo. We have a talented team and we may not score 20 but don’t see Northside scoring a lot of points either. It should be war.
AA Region 6 Fan
December 3rd, 2009
8:24 pm
We Lovett fans truly appreciate so many “no dog in this fight” football observers expecting us to make a good showing Friday night, but we’re not looking for a moral victory. Our guys are much smaller than any other team we play, as usual, but they have been working hard for this for 3-4 years, and want it all. We’ll see. There are going to be ten of the best games in the nation Friday night right here in GA, and two of the best will be in AA, so everyone grab a friend and have fun. Best wishes for all the teams to bring their “A” games and finish injury-free
columbia Blue
December 3rd, 2009
8:41 pm
I am a Camden fan but I want to wish the pakers a safe trip and good luck.I am certain the packers are a classy bunch. May the best team win.GO WILDCATS GO
inthatrenches
December 3rd, 2009
8:42 pm
ENR I just think that it is time for Newnan to stretch out this week…. really Newnan has not played a complete game… I may be wrong….. i have been on occasion just ask my wife. In talking to a family member of those now Georgia famous twins…this team seems to be more focused and hungry I hope Newnan wins and the reality is……… it is tough round…… no one at this point has had an easy track… I do not see a blowout I just think that a late TD by the Cougars seals it… and that is just that an opinion I think everyone besides yourself have been sleeping on the Cougars I just will say this Newnan is not ready to put on the Basketball Jersey’s and turn in the football equipment….I would say that Northside is not either it should be a war…
Cougarfan
December 3rd, 2009
9:24 pm
ENR, I have been reading your posts going back to last year. I agree with you on some things and sometimes just chuckle and close the blog. I have been in agreement with you that Northside is no doubt very talented. They have been a fine program for some time. I have seen them play one game in person and have watched one televised game (vs Lowndes) and they are as advertised. Although, Newnan played, in my opinion, a tougher team in Grayson last week. Now I do think you may be right that they won’t hang 20 on Northside. But you can mark it down also that you won’t hang 20 on Newnan. I believe this game will be alot like Newnans game last week and as well for Northside. If either team is showing up expecting anything less than a war they may as well hang up the cleats and whip out the sneakers. If you have seen any defensive film on Newnan this year you should know your team is going to be hit hard and often. Gang tackled to the point of not seeming fair. And if they can keep lining up and swapping licks with that 4 quarters then they have just as much chance of winning as Newnan. Now you can draw that little GNAT line any way or where you want it. But when the clock starts at Drake stadium Friday night there will be Cougars hitting unlike any defense you have faced this year. Good luck to the Northside Eagles and may the best team win. Oh, and to heck with a “blue out”! How about we line up and kick some a$&!!!
Tommydawg22
December 3rd, 2009
9:48 pm
SanityRules, most teams that made the playoffs this year wouldn’t have even made it to the playoffs if they would have played in Region 1-AAAAA…It’s a fact that Region 1-AAAAA is tops in Georgia Football…We can’t play basketball but we will hit you in the mouth…
Auburn Packer
December 3rd, 2009
9:50 pm
Thanks Columbia Blue. Our team just left a couple of hours ago. Best of Luck to you and yours!!!!
War Eagle and Go Pack Go!!!!
spwhite
December 3rd, 2009
9:59 pm
Aw man, the ajc has picked Camden to win. I hope this doesn’t bring us bad luck.
Lets hope for a great and safe game tomorrow and for a game that will showcase great sportsmanship from both teams. Travel safely Packers, see you tomorrow at the game!!
Auburn Packer
December 3rd, 2009
9:59 pm
Sanity Rules,
I would just like to say that we did not win our region but we are still standing. That says a lot for the teams that are not playing that were undefeated until they played Colquitt County. It also speaks volumes for our region. How many teams are still left from your region? Can’t be Colquitt County per your comments and If you are from Northside, you should already know the drill. This is a vry tough region that we are from. 1AAAAA has been one of the toughest regions in the nation for years. I take nothing away from Camden. They are a well coached team that has played lights out. I really believe that this will be their toughest game to date. I am a former Packer and former Auburn Tiger and I can tell you that sometimes the darkhorse shines in glory to no regard what their record shows. Remember LSU won the national championship a couple of years back and they had lost 2 games as well….. Just remember these lyrics. Everybody knows that we are HOG WILD!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nG0YUzyWQU
Hank Jr.
December 3rd, 2009
10:10 pm
THOSE PACKERS ARE HOG WILD!!!!
CougarDad
December 3rd, 2009
10:26 pm
In 24 hours from now there will be a winner between Newnan & Northside. Travel safely Eagles, see you tomorrow at the game!! The young Cougar offense will take the load off the defense tomorrow night. Newnan 17 Northside 7…..
johnboy
December 3rd, 2009
10:42 pm
GO CANES……………….The Hurricane offense has been awesome all season… it will be a great game in Fitzgerald Friday Night……all the play by play action on http://www.realradio969.com and Ihigh.com stating at 7pm. …………………….Fitz 42 Buford 21…
Bear_Backer
December 3rd, 2009
10:43 pm
I would be remiss if I I did not give out a big GO COUGARS to our great neighbors in Newnan. The Mighty Griffin Bear Nation wishes you the best of luck and also congrats on a fine team, coaches, and season. That Fellow Bear in Texas reminds me of all the great games we used to have against Newnan back in the day. They were always classy win or lose. Is it not amazing how much talent is in our part of Georgia? just look at how many neighboring counties have teams still DEEP in the playoffs. GO GRIFFIN BEARS!!
Taco
December 3rd, 2009
10:59 pm
I am so pumped about playing the Patriots! The Bears are gonna roll and then the losers bracket can come help us hoist the state championship banner at the Dome next week. This is the year baby. X. Dixon will eat their lunch tomorrow night. he may be the best player to ever come from this PRO Caliber town. We have over 30 former and current NFL players and this team could get us as many as 3-4 more. The tailback from Sandy Creek better bring two mouth pieces because one is gonna be dirty al the time from getting his bell rung.
EagleNationRising
December 3rd, 2009
11:03 pm
Cougarfan: The cake walks are over. I am honestly going to be a true “homer” this week. My theory says that the home team has the overwhelming advantage. Unfortunately, our Eagles are going to be on the road. the odds are stacked heavily agsinst our beloved Eagles. We are going to have to dig deep against a very good Cougar team.
Good luck to the fine fans at Newnan. This time tomorrow we will know where our Eagles stand.
EagleNationRising
December 3rd, 2009
11:06 pm
Inthatrenches: It is going to be a good one. Someone tell CougarDad that no one is going to put up 17 points against Northside in a semifinal football game. The game is going to be low scoring and I believe it is going to come down to special teams (a long field goal). Come on Devon Pike!
Rantan1974
December 3rd, 2009
11:07 pm
GO GRIFFIN BEARS!!!!!!!!
Kim Bouchard
December 3rd, 2009
11:08 pm
Go Griffin Bears!!! Class of 1987!!!!
Can’t go tomorrow night, but when they win, I will be at The Dome to root them on!!!!!!!
EagleNationRising
December 3rd, 2009
11:11 pm
SanityRules: Read my post throughout this season. I have no doubts about how good Newnan is. Remember, Sanity Rules, last week I called the Newnan over Grayson, Northside over Peachtree Ridge, Colquitt County over Lassiter, and Camden County over North Gwinnett games.
As Chip Saye and Todd Holcomb were making a mockery out of the Georgia High School Football Daily by wasting our time and picking metro Atlanta schools, I was calling the overwhelming reality that in the largest classification that it was girls’ basketball season in metro Atlanta.
I have no doubts about how good Newnan is. Our Eagles are going to have our hands full. We are always the road team and that gives the advantage to Newnan. I saw our Eagles pull victory from the jaws of defeat last Friday night. Peachtree Ridge just outplayed us and we still won. These young Eagles know how to win. We will see tomorrow.
Go Eagles!
Cougarfan
December 3rd, 2009
11:34 pm
WOW, I feel like a kid a Christmas!!! I am stoked and can hardly wait for tomorrow night. ENR and all the other Northside fans and supporters, good luck tomorrow and have a safe trip. See you at the Drake. Eagles vs Cougars should be a dandy!
Northside (please drop the WR)
December 3rd, 2009
11:40 pm
I think we can win the game Friday, but we will need to throw the ball to do it. Newnan’s defense is as solid as you will find in high school football, but so is Northside’s. The game will be low scoring and the first team to 14 points will win. My heart says we win it 10-3, but my head says Newnan beats us 10-3. My heart has been right before. A couple of turnovers would help, or a big play on special teams, which we are good at producing. I hope we pull it out. And yes, I feel sorry for AAAA next year.
Griffin Guy
December 3rd, 2009
11:54 pm
I cant wait for the game tomorrow night. The 2 best AAAA teams playing in G-Town. I know Sandy Creek has a great team and one of the best running backs in the state. But the Griffin defensive has been brutal this year. I think the starters have scored as many points as they have given up. (also 8 blocked punts) 483 points scored in 13 games and 68 allowed, 1/2 by 2nd and 3rd string D in blowouts. So it will be a shootout and hopefully the Bears will come out on top. Better get there early or you wont find a seat.
Up_for_Grabs
December 3rd, 2009
11:54 pm
Ok, we should have all learned by now to not be so sure of our respected teams. In the playoffs NOTHING is a sure thing. Anyone can win and anyone can lose. Ask, Stephenson, Lassiter, Grayson and Lowndes. All for of those teams were predicted to be still in the playoffs this week but none of them are.
Camden County should know beater than anyone what happens when a team goes into a game thinking they have already won before the game even starts. That is what Lowndes did and they lost.
There is no team in the AAAAA that has impressed me more than Colquitt County. They are the only team still in the playoffs from AAAAA who did not finish 1st in their region. They finished 3rd behind Northside and Lowndes.
Colquitt has beat two undefeated and highly favored teams in a row. One with 15 or so Division 1 Collage prospects, the other with a record breaking offense and QB.
They go into this game 11-2 the same record as Camden County. Camden is coming off a state title win in 2008, Colquitt is coming off a losing season.
Colquitt is hands down the most improved team in AAAAA no question about it. I have never seen a team make such a dramatic turnaround.
Another thing that stands out about Colquitt is how much they improve from week to week. They were good in regular season but they are even better in the Playoffs. They are big, strong and fast, they are conditioned and can play to the end with the same energy as they start with.
Not being from either Colquitt or Camden County, and looking in from the outside, I can say with out a doubt the team that impresses me the most between the two is hands down Colquitt County.
They may very well lose are they may very well win. Either way, Colquitt County is the most improved team in 2009 and that community should be proud be no matter if they win or lose Friday night.
Go Newnan!