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
CougarDad
December 4th, 2009
3:39 pm
EagleNationRising: 4 hours until Show Time! I hear that the Eagles QB made it back? That’s Good…Tell him to beware of the Newnan D…….Newnan 17 Northside 7….Go Cougars!
NSWR Eagle 98
December 4th, 2009
3:42 pm
Here is my take on Northside-WR vs Newnan. Northside is coming in knowing that alot of people already are picking Newnan to win in close defensive battle, people think Peachtree Ridge solved the mystery to stopping Northside’s run game. well what Peachtree Ridge Did was plainly play great defense against the run for 3.5 quarters and forgot there is more to football than just running the ball! Northside does not pass alot because it rarely has too but they showed PTR that there is more to NSWR than just running. everytime we Threw our wide receivers were wide open and when it counted we burnt them. our defense if you wanna really know the stats have only given up 21 points in the playoffs, every one else(chapel hill, union grove only scored on kickoff returns and field goals)so running on NSWR is out of the picture when they make you one dimentional that is where we put teams in trouble! our offense proved against PTR we can beat you thru the air. so about tonights game i believe Coach Nix has a couple wrinkles up his sleeve for the aggresive Newnan Defense! so if the Ogletree twins are excited you best believe the Eagles are excited about making a statement! We don’t Care about what happen in 2003, al1 we care about is tonight! Remember we play hard, hit you hard and most of all Win hard! Go Eagles and good luck to the Newnan! Much health to both Teams.
J. Lowder#50(Northside class of ‘98)
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
3:44 pm
FITZ 31 BUF 20
really?
December 4th, 2009
3:51 pm
31 on buford? are you serious? and the bus ride wont effect them boys at all. oh theyre ready.
SportsFan31313
December 4th, 2009
3:53 pm
BlackandGold24,
Good luck tonight….
really?
December 4th, 2009
4:02 pm
but best of luck to both teams, goin to be a battle for sure. buford just keeps the ball from fitz then we’re fine. run the clock down and they can do that. running attack is something serious!
CougarDad
December 4th, 2009
4:20 pm
NSWR Eagle 98 :I watched two games the Eagles played this year, Lowndes and Union Grove. In watching both games Northside likes to run first so that everyone will think run and then sneak a pass in. This will not happen tonight believe me the Cougars Defense is balanced.The youth of Northside will show tonight maybe next year in AAAA. Go Cats!
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:26 pm
VISE VERSA
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:27 pm
BUFORD WOLVES / JESS SIMPSON R.I.P
SUNRISE 2007/2008
SUNSET 12-4-09
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:28 pm
REALLY
91 cane #34
December 4th, 2009
4:28 pm
In a game that should be as good as any in AA Fitzgerald will beat Buford. It’s payback time regardless of the shutouts they have fitz is averaging over 40 a game and allowing 8 how can u not see that. Gone are Storm Johnson, and the other RB, we got RB thatavg 14 yrds per carry. Our Defense is 2nd in the state………buford your run is over!!!!
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:29 pm
AINT GONNA BE NO RUNNING TONITE , CODY GETZ GONE
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:31 pm
THIS RICK DEESE 94 BABY/ 91 CANE
GO CANES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO UG!
December 4th, 2009
4:34 pm
Newnan beats NSWR tonight! Surely to goodness if little Union Grove can luck up and get 10 points against NSWR and only give up 21, I bet Newnan does a whole lot better. ENR please join us for girls basketball come Monday, hey that sounds like a Jimmy Buffett song…”Come Monday.” Although, I have not seen Camden play this year I have seen Colquitt and they have earned my respect.
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:34 pm
R.I.P WE ARE NOT SCARED OF LIONS ,TIGERS ,BEARS AND D%#! SHOW NOT WOLVES
CougarDad
December 4th, 2009
4:35 pm
HEADED TO DRAKE STADIUM…………………..SHOW TIME! GO COUGARS!!!!!!!!!!!
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:35 pm
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:37 pm
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW …COME ON WOLVES
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
4:38 pm
IT AINT FRIDAY THE 13TH ,BUT WE GONNA PLAY JASON
really?
December 4th, 2009
4:48 pm
we have jessel curry and 4 RBs that can run on that so called defense yall have. you keep saying RIP but yall havent ended anything yet, especially 5 state championships this decade. what have yall done? yeah exactly. good luck to the most fearsome PURPLE hurricanes( HAHAHAHA), gone need that and some more
really?
December 4th, 2009
4:48 pm
Do yall have any D1 signees this year?
BlackandGold24
December 4th, 2009
5:02 pm
SportsFan31313, Thanks. Colquitt County is hoping the Packers come back to Moultrie victorious.
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:15 pm
EVERYTHING MUST COME THROUGH FITZGERALD
dostadawg
December 4th, 2009
5:17 pm
AJC always picking against region 1-AAAAA. WHY????
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:18 pm
OH REALLY … YOU PROBALLY DIDNT MAKE THE TRIP, BUT YOU A TRUE WOLVE, IM HOME YOU ON DA COMPUTER ,OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:19 pm
REGION 1 IN ALL CLASSES BRING IT
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:20 pm
REAL RECOGNIZES FAKE
Cat1985
December 4th, 2009
5:21 pm
An old 1985 Camden Wildcat here from the days when Camden was in 3A. Great to see the same last names of the guys I played with back in blue again. Does anybody have a web address for whoever is carrying the Camden – Colquitt game? I’m stuck in 1 and done land Augusta.
trojan94
December 4th, 2009
5:21 pm
NORTHSIDE-WR 31 NEWNAN 21 CAMDEN CO. 38 COLQUITT CO.27.
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:21 pm
2 HR 10 MIN BUFORD
really?
December 4th, 2009
5:24 pm
yeah and bc its a 5 hour trip to the middle of no where. its a long drive when im gonna watch buford in the dome next week. plus there is a button call the caps lock, take it off. its getting annoying
really?
December 4th, 2009
5:24 pm
2 and 5 minutes actually till fitz get that ass whooped!
BlackandGold24
December 4th, 2009
5:29 pm
Cat1985, Cruisin94.com is carrying the game. Good luck to both teams tonight, it should be a great one.
91 cane #34
December 4th, 2009
5:29 pm
Really if we recruited too we would have titles……. The teams you shut out are WEAK and you know it. Avondale 6-5 ppg 22-22 papg (???), Decatur 5-5 ppg 22-21 papg, Blessed trinity 5-5 ppg 15-13 papg. Cross keys 1-9 ppg 4-49 papg , westmister 8-4 ppg 25-11 papg, Cook 7-6 ppg 17-19 papg, and pepperell,9-2 ppg 28-12 papg ????????? come on now you bragging about shutouts, get in line please!!!!!!!
BlackandGold24
December 4th, 2009
5:30 pm
NSWR 21 Newnan 17
Colquitt 20 Camden 17
wardawg
December 4th, 2009
5:32 pm
plowboy, what matter’s most? Playing tonight? or armchair quarterbacking? Did you really watch the Lowdnes/Colquitt game. I saw the Vikings running well and holding on D, when the game is in doubt, everyone runs. Did you really watch the Camden/Lowndes game? What was the final score? Also did yo see the two dropped TD passes? The Vikings are talented, and have a great program, which competes every year in AAAAA, Colquitt’s best year is this year. Camden is tough at home, and on the road. Camden beat Hoover last year in Hoover 44-16, Hoover owed Camden 1 this year. By the way Camden was up 27-12 at the Half of that game. Hoover was the better 2 nd half time. Camden respects everyone they strap it on against. They take care of business at hand, not looking ahead. Safe travels. Just saw some Colquitt fans in Walmart in Saint Mary’s looking for rain gear. Scoring will be at a premium, passing will be difficult. Forecast to rain harder as the night goes on. Camden does not play on natural grass, that would be messy.
really?
December 4th, 2009
5:36 pm
who have yall shut down??? weak teams too and one team in your region. of course yall can score, very athletic i must say. but the defense cant stop anyone. cook scored 12 haha wow. fitz has a D??? NOT!! and still didnt answer if yall have any D1 signees this year? waiting
91 cane #34
December 4th, 2009
5:37 pm
wardawg cold and rainy? i would hate to be there Camden has always been good we lost 35-33 in 91 down there. Camden will get this one.
really?
December 4th, 2009
5:38 pm
and your westminster information is wrong. westminster did not give up 25-11 points a game.
91 cane #34
December 4th, 2009
5:40 pm
We have one i think but everyone knows metro Atl players get more coverage. How many teams you shut out during the season made the playoffs or had a 6-4 record final record?????
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:40 pm
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
CANE NATION
91 cane #34
December 4th, 2009
5:44 pm
They scored 25 per game gave up 11
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:47 pm
REALLY , YOU TALK SMALL WORDS TO A GAINT, THATS WHAT CAPS R FOR ……YOU MAD CAUSE LOVETT PISSED ON YOUR PARADE AND WE ARE TO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
really?
December 4th, 2009
5:47 pm
my bad read it wrong. thanks for the correction. best of luck to all teams playin tonight. and good luck to fitz and the fearful name of the Purple hurricanes. oh man! haha
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:48 pm
91 IM HEADED OUT HANDLE THE LIGHTWEIGHT ,really
BLACKGOLD
December 4th, 2009
5:52 pm
really THINK BUFORD GONNA WIN, BUT HE really DONT KNOW WE 09 WOLVE KILLAZ ,THAT WHY GHSA PUT YOU ON OUR SIDE .
really?
December 4th, 2009
5:54 pm
2 teams we shut down made the playoffs. giant? yall are a no name. buford is a giant. and you have a good team this year and all of the sudden your supposed to kill everyone? ok we’ll see tonight how that goes. best of luck to yall.
really?
December 4th, 2009
5:56 pm
no GHSA moved yall to our side. yall better have an offense line that is all 6′ 5″ 300 lbs or your qb is done. fitz said they were the wolf KILLAZ last year, remember that one?
91 cane #34
December 4th, 2009
6:35 pm
30 minutes and counting
Decatur Tech Fan
December 4th, 2009
7:17 pm
Comon Rockdale County……..no respect all yr long…only team left with 3 losses…Lets do DIS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep pickin against em u AJC dirtbaggs……