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
Griffin Guy
December 3rd, 2009
11:59 pm
Gentleman…Start Your Engines!
EagleNationRising
December 4th, 2009
12:23 am
Up_for_Grabs: I will tell you one thing that is a big difference for Colquitt County. The Packers have made it this far via playing metro Atlanta teams and they are different from the remaining teams in that they are not a defensive team. It’s a guarantee that any of our top programs South of the Gnat line would excel against Atlanta teams. I will be pulling for the Packers to play well. However, Camden County is one of the finest programs in the state. It is going to be a tall order for either of our Region 1-AAAAA teams to go on the road and beat either Camden County or Newnan. Home teams usually win big games.
No disrespect to Colquitt County. The Packers are back. However, be rest assured Lowndes County, who beat Colquitt County 31-6, would have issued a cakewalk through Lassiter, potentially putting up nearly 60 points against the Trojans. The Stephenson would have beaten themselves against Lowndes, just as they did against Colquitt County. Colquitt County has been tested against teams like Camden County and failed each time. Perhaps, Friday will be different. I doubt it.
Colquitt County scored 17 against Northside & Warner Robins, 14 against Valdosta, 10 against Westlake, and only 6 against Lowndes County. The Packers are not going to just hang 49 against Camden County. Colquitt County is going to have to hold Camden County under 21. That, my friend, is a real challenge in Wildcat Stadium in Kingsland, especially for an offense first team like Colquitt.
In AAAAA football, the name of the game is going to be field position, special teams play, and defense. Of the four remaining team, Colquitt has the weakest defense and play on the road. As I said, Colquitt County and Northside have their hands full.
Colquitt County Underdog
December 4th, 2009
1:30 am
ENR- offense first team like Colquitt? they shutout Warner Robins, Westlake, basically shutout Lassiter (only allowed a FG, Lassiter’s first TD came on a punt return, the other came against our 2nd team D with 2 minutes left in the game), and shutdown Northside in the 2nd half after allowing 14 points on their opening two drives. nothing could be farther from the truth when you say CC is an offense first team. defense is the reason why they have gotten this far.
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
2:53 am
PEP RALLY WAS CRONK ,ERBODY WAS IN ALL BLACK ….WE MOURNED FOR BUFORD,THE TIME IS ALMOST HERE TO PUT YOU AWAY FOR DA 2009 SEASON, MAY DA WOLVES R.I.P
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
2:57 am
BUFORD R.I.P LIVE AA CHAMPIONS 2008 – REST 4TH RND 2009
tennessee tom
December 4th, 2009
5:36 am
been listening to fitz ball games all yr on the web,had a great season,now its the toughest test of the year,if you want to be the best then beat the best,this should be one hell of a game,can fitzs offense,stand up to bufords defense,hope fitz wins,but until somebody beats buford they are still the champs,homefield should help,a six hr bus ride want help buford,but they have been here year after year,probley comes down to coaching,and both teams have great coaches,just hope the stupid refs will let um play
gaobserver
December 4th, 2009
7:09 am
Lot’s of emotions out there concerning the playoffs. I live in Camden County, so of course, I’m for the Wildcats. I was just sitting here thinking this morning that “all” of the young people involved in these events from the players, cheer leaders, band members and student body are “winners”. I’m extremely proud of our young men and women, America is in good hands for a bright future.
Cane Daddy
December 4th, 2009
8:05 am
Go Bears… see ya in Da House!
tommydawg22
December 4th, 2009
8:06 am
EagleNation…At first I respected some of your comments, but you keep bringing up all these stats, you guys only scored 20 points on CC we scored 17 on you not a big difference but you did get the victory, you lost to a team that didn’t even make the playoffs that we shut out, the you guys only scored 10 points against Lowdnes once again 10 vs 6 not much difference but you did get the win..you also had to come from behind to beat Tift so don’t give me this stats crap..we have all done what we needed to do to get this far Good Luck To All and Safe Travels Go Pack
emdawg
December 4th, 2009
8:11 am
It is not 6 hour ride to Fitzgerald. They should be well rested and focused. We have been on the road for big games before so no big deal. I don’t think Fitz can put a big number on the Wolves tonight as shown by our shutouts of Peperel and Cook in the earlier playoff rounds. I think the Buford offense wears down the smaller canes and pulls away at the end. I see a rematch of Buford and Lovett in the dome so I am also picking an upset of Calhoun.
Colquitt County Underdog
December 4th, 2009
8:26 am
i second everything Tommydawg said…see you guys in Kingsland tonight! GO PACK GO
Trojan Man
December 4th, 2009
8:47 am
Go Colquitt County!!! If you can stop the mighty Trojan offense, you probably have a good defense. Prove to everyone that you don’t have to run the mind numbing, ultra boring wing-t to win state, it can be done with the spread. GO PACK!!
Debo-99
December 4th, 2009
9:02 am
WHO DAT?… WHO DAT?… WHO DAT MESSIN WIT DEM MIGHTY MIGHTY BEARS?… Not Sandy Creek! Bears will be victorious tonight at the den. Too much team talent and speed for SC to handle. Dome bound! GHS STATE CHAMPIONS once again!
Jim
December 4th, 2009
9:10 am
Go Gnats!!!
GoPCHS
December 4th, 2009
9:12 am
Time for Eastside to Kiss The Baby. Go Trojans!
Jerry
December 4th, 2009
9:13 am
Northside 17 Newnan 14
Camden 28 Colquitt 21
I look forward to some great games! Go Eagles!
patriot
December 4th, 2009
9:49 am
I thought best record amongst competing teams was a reward for home field advantage. So much for logic all of the time. What genius decided that Clinch County deserves home field over Wilcox County, or for that matter that any team with a worse record deserves home field advantage? Huge advantage for the home team, undeservedly so in such case. Fairer result at least would be a neutral site.
That’s precisely why, although not a perfect setup(home field fans want their team at home), that playing the championship games in the Georgia Dome is not an all bad idea. Its a neutral site and both teams are rewarded with a trip to the dome.
J- DAWG
December 4th, 2009
10:11 am
Who that say they gonna beat them bears? Who that? Who that? Go Green & Gold! Memorial Stadium will be rocking tonight!
SportsFan31313
December 4th, 2009
10:20 am
BlackandGold24 States:
Colquitt county picked to lose again? We have come to expect this and each week we have proven everyone wrong, and we will again this week. This game will be won in the fourth quarter by the Packers.
Well I never picked them to lose against any of the teams that they were playing because I knew the caliber of team that Colquitt County is. But, they wont beat Camden County….
Hank Jr.
December 4th, 2009
10:22 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nG0YUzyWQU
Packers win!!!!!!!
1 5 A fan
December 4th, 2009
10:37 am
Does any body have a link to the games on the enternet or radio for tonight? Looking for Camden and colquitt, Northside Newnan.
Hank Jr.
December 4th, 2009
10:56 am
http://www.cruisin94.com for Colquitt and Camden
black and gold baby
December 4th, 2009
11:06 am
Well this is it.Friday is here and tonight someone has to loose.First i have all the respect in the world for Camden Co. because they are a powerhouse in Ga.and they bring it week after week.Now i am a Packer to the heart but i can’t sit here and bash Camden because of the respect i have for them.Weather i like them are not i do respect the heck out of them and thanks columbia blue for your commits and best of luck to Camden,Northside,and Newnan!!! Now as a PACKER BACKER
i have a lil somethin for all you haters.We do like being the underdog and against the defending champs what could we expect..But plse don’t get it twisted we are no North Gwinnet or any Atl school.This game will be a war for sure.The Packers are battle tested and we just take what you give us and we adjust so you will have a hard time preparing for so that is the edge that we have in this game.We know what Camden is going to do we just have to stop them but they dont know what we are going to do (run or pass) but good luck and GO PACK GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jerry
December 4th, 2009
11:20 am
1 5 A fan– The Northside-Newnan game is televised and available streaming telecast by Georgia Public Television. Just go to their website http://www.gpb.org.
M P
December 4th, 2009
12:18 pm
Go Griffin Class of “75″
M P
December 4th, 2009
12:18 pm
Go Griffin Class of “75″
White Trash
December 4th, 2009
12:27 pm
Colquitt County Underdog – Lassiter was overrated just like N. Gwinnett and I believe most of the bloggers had picked you guys to win that game anyways. So stop talking about being favored or not, that craps does not matter in the 3rd rounds plus in the playoffs. Just want to say one more thing though, CAMDEN Defense is no punk, they are fast and tackle well. The game will be decided by them, not us.
BlackandGold24
December 4th, 2009
12:36 pm
Sportsfan 31313, I am glad that someone outside of Colquitt county realizes the Packers are a quality team. We have been disrespected by most and the AJC all year. These guys have persevered and adjusted to whatever has been thrown at them. I do realize this is our toughest test yet, but i believe we will be ready and it will be an all out war. However; history does not bode well for a repeat champion in AAAAA, it is hard to beat top tier teams every year and claim the coveted state title.
We may not win this one, but if our offense can put together a few drives and keep their defense on the field, they will be winded by the fouth quarter, then the advantage swings to the Packers.
TNGADAWG
December 4th, 2009
12:37 pm
Guess Todd Holcomb and Chip Saye will never learn. You would think after their “atrocious” picking last week, they would drop the anti-1AAAAA bias, which has been coming through all year long loud and clear !!! I don’t know which is more obvious, their bias against 1AAAAA or their pro-Atlanta area leanings?
Northside (please drop the WR)
December 4th, 2009
12:46 pm
Are any of the games Friday going to be on TV?
Bear Fan
December 4th, 2009
1:02 pm
the Griffin game is the CSS game of the week. GO BEARS!
Jefferson
December 4th, 2009
1:25 pm
Buford charter a lear for the trip….
swampghost
December 4th, 2009
1:35 pm
Clinch all the way.
wilcoxfan4life
December 4th, 2009
1:45 pm
WILCOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tracy
December 4th, 2009
1:49 pm
Don’t count out Northside they beat a good peachtree ridge team without Qb and he’s back tonight
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
1:51 pm
BUFORD …….R.I.P
(SUNRISE) 07 ,08 AA STATE CHAMPS (SUNSET) 4TH RND 09
cugagirl83
December 4th, 2009
1:55 pm
Counting down the minutes til kick-off!! I think the Newnan-Northside game is going to be like the Newnan-Grayson game was last week-solid defenses and low scoring. Special teams will play a big factor, as will penalities. Hoping my Cougars will win in the end! Safe trip to the Northside Eagles and fans!
Lowndes County For Packers
December 4th, 2009
2:10 pm
Camden you got by us but I will tell you this; you have got to get by this team; even though we beat them they gave us HELL!!!They actually beat themselves with turnovers in the red zones; giving us by luck a good field position of touchdowns; but this is not the same team 8 weeks ago so don’t be fast of counting of going to the dome; We made a statement against one team of fan; running off at the mouth and they lost what???By 46-17????So we are going to leave it here for now and you are going to see what a true CHAMPION IS MADE OF???? GO PACKERS OUR BROTHER BRING THAT STATE TITLE TO THE SOUTH!!!!!
The real Coach G
December 4th, 2009
2:34 pm
Camden 21 Colquit 18
Northside 16 Newnan 13
Clarke Central 20 Rockdale 10
Griffin 17 Sandy Creek 16
Gainsville 35 Flowery Branch 21
Peach 27 Eastside 14
Fitzgerald 28 Buford 20
Calhoun 35 Lovett 28
Clinch 22 Wilcox 21
Darlington 16 Sav Christian 14
Stats....We Ain't PT Ridge
December 4th, 2009
2:36 pm
Just a little note for the visitors from NSWR headed to “The Drake”…If you couldn’t rush the ball last week against PTR, you are in for a night of total frustration…Better hope your passing game is on in that 30 degree weather tonight…GO CUGA’s..
EW
December 4th, 2009
2:46 pm
Thanks Lowndes fan I thought the same thing when we played the Vikings early in the season and I knew then we could make a run at it. I never thought the PACK would make it this far, but they have and I still think other teams haven’t gotten the memo “we can play”. We will hang around in this one and if it is close in the fourth we will pull it out because we have been there. They have only been in that situation once and won and it was against the Vikings who runs the wing T, like Warner Robins, and Stephenson. Camden knows how to stop that offense because they run it. Guess who else knows how to stop it. One team that does not run that offense is Hoover, and who does run an offense like hoover?
GHS BEARS
December 4th, 2009
2:53 pm
GO BEARS!!! THEY HAVE A GREAT PRE-GAME FOR BEAR NATION ON 1450 AM and 88.9 FM on WKEU!!!
GHS BEARS
December 4th, 2009
2:58 pm
THEY START AT 6:00PM AND HAVE THE COACH ON THE AIR EVERY GAME BEFORE AND AFTER
Barkin'Dog
December 4th, 2009
3:03 pm
Going to the Clarke Central game tonight in Athens, and will freeze my tookus! Expect a great rematch, with a different outcome… Clarke Central 37 Rockdale 13. Here’s hoping your team wins. But, if they don’t, let’s hope for injury-free gridiron battles, and great championships next week. Go Gladiators!!
Newnan Class of 1992
December 4th, 2009
3:16 pm
AJC definitely has a north GA (read Gwinnett) bias. But let’s face it. You tend to support those teams that are in geographical proximity to you because you are around them more and get to know the players and teams better.
Newnan v. Northside and Camden v. Colquitt are both evenly matched games. Home field advantage will give it to Newnan and Camden. Sandy Creek got robbed of home field advantage and will now face a tall order in Griffin on their turf. The Patriots will need something on special teams to pull out a win over the Bears.
nrth ga cane
December 4th, 2009
3:19 pm
jon, fitz will probably score more than 31
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
3:31 pm
SOUTH GA FOOTBALL RULE ,ESPECIALLY REGION 1
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
3:32 pm
GO CANES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
plowboy
December 4th, 2009
3:36 pm
i was at the colquitt/lowndes and the camden/lowndes games and i will tell you this the only thing camden has is homefield advantage , they did not move the ball at all on LOWNDES…but Colquitt did…
UGA_2001
December 4th, 2009
3:37 pm
ROCKDALE IS THE LOCK OF THE CENTURY.