Final rankings: At least we agree on who’s No. 1
Throughout the season, we hear that the only rankings that matter are the final rankings. Then when the final rankings come out, we find that those are the most controversial of all.
These are the ones that live in history. So I hope I haven’t messed them up too badly.
Now, a look back at the finals. If I were a head coach, or a fan of a particular school that’s playing for a championship, I might feel differently, but as a fan of high school football in general who lives within easy driving distance of the Georgia Dome, it’s pretty nice having the finals in one spot.
Congrats to Wilcox County and Sandy Creek for winning their first state titles. Before the playoffs, I claimed that only SWD and Griffin could win AAAA. That wasn’t smart. On the other hand, I’m proud that I stuck w/ Wilcox in the rankings when others didn’t after the Pats lost two games. One of my favorite posts: “Can you guys explain to me how a two-loss Wilcox Co. team gets the nod … ? … Man you guys haven’t got a clue!”
We also stuck w/ Camden County w/ two losses. That was a weekly source of contention, but I will add that many Poll Talk bloggers came to my defense on that one. Rule of thumb for ranking teams: When you’re not sure, trust history. Camden is the most improved state champion in the big class from Week One to Week 15 since perhaps Brookwood in 1996.
We never ruled out Buford. When the playoffs started, I picked Buford. When the draw was changed and Buford was seeded to travel to Fitz, I picked Fitz. When game time came, I picked Buford again. Class AA was a lot of fun this year, for a chance, because Buford was beatable. But the Wolves ruled in the end.
Gainesville-Peach was one of the best finals I’ve seen. (So was Wilcox-Savannah Christian.) The defense in the AAA final was intense and vicious on both sides. Good high school football.
Finally, who would be your statewide player of the year? Da’Rick? Ogletree? Sims? Nick Marshall? Ean Days? Mason?
Class AAAAA
1. Camden County (13-2)
2. Northside-Warner Robins (13-2)
3. Lowndes (10-2)
4. Newnan (13-1)
5. Grayson (12-1)
6. Colquitt County (11-3)
7. North Gwinnett (12-1)
8. Stephenson (11-1)
9. Peachtree Ridge (10-3)
10. Lassiter (12-1)
Class AAAA
1. Sandy Creek (14-1)
2. Griffin (13-1)
3. Clarke Central (12-3)
4. Apalachee (12-1)
5. Southwest DeKalb (10-2)
6. Thomas County Central (11-2)
7. Rockdale County (10-4)
8. Marist (9-3)
9. Westside-Macon (11-2)
10. Hiram (11-1)
Class AAA
1. Peach County (15-0)
2. Gainesville (14-1)
3. St. Pius (12-1)
4. Flowery Branch (10-4)
5. Carver-Columbus (11-2)
6. Eastside (11-3)
7. Cairo (9-4)
8. North Hall (9-3)
9. Baldwin (9-3)
10. Jackson (12-1)
Class AA
1.Buford (14-1)
2. Calhoun (14-1)
3. Fitzgerald (13-1)
4. Lovett (12-2)
5. Jefferson County (12-1)
6. Charlton County (12-1)
7. Callaway (10-3)
8. Westminster (8-4)
9. Jefferson (11-1)
10. Thomasville (8-4)
Class A
1. Wilcox County (13-2)
2. Savannah Christian (14-1)
3. Wesleyan (12-1)
4. Lincoln County (11-2)
5. Clinch County (10-4)
6. Darlington (9-5)
7. Greenville (11-1)
8. Bowdon (10-2)
9. Twiggs County (11-2)
10. Holy Innocents’ (11-2)
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310 comments Add your comment
EagleNationRising
December 15th, 2009
12:24 am
AvikingFan: I look forward to seeing you in the years to come. Please keep us posted on the Valdosta hire. The program at Independence HS has been very successful in North Carolina. That should be interesting. As for Northside playing up, I have no interest as a Northside fan in our program playing anywhere except where our local programs play. In that, I mean Warner Robins, Houston County, Veterans HS, Perry, and Westside-Macon.
With the exception of Lowndes County, I was not impressed at all with the fan support in Region 1-AAAAA. I believe that the schools are spread too far apart from one another. There is no way that Northside made more money as an athletic program playing in this region. With fuel costs, it was not worth the trouble.
Our programs make money and play in front of full houses against local programs. My ideal region would include four high schools from Warner Robins (Northside, Warner Robins, Houston County, & Veterans), Perry HS, Westside-Macon, Baldwin (Milledgeville), Washington County, and Peach County. That would require Baldwin, Washington County, and Peach County to play up from AAA. However, it would be a money making bonanza. By the way, Perry is not AAAA, but the school system will make all five county high schools AAAA enrollment over the next 3-4 years.
A Northside versus Peach County game will draw twice as many fans as a Northside vs. Colquitt, Coffee, or Valdosta game. We have a big stadium and our athletic program benefits from having big draw football games. Is it an honor to be a part of a region that many observers view as the best in America? Yes. Of course Is that region the best in America without Northside and Warner Robins? No way! I know it and you know it too.
As much as I am going to tease Jaybo, I believe that Thomas County Central is every bit as good as Valdosta, Tift County, and Coffee. TCC has GREAT tradition and they will always have great players. I do not see any benefit to Northside HS in playing up. We do not have enough local schools to make it worth our time considering all of the travel involved. Those people calling for Northside to play in Region 1-AAAAA obviously have no idea about the travel strains that the Region saddled our programs with. It is not the same as the metro Atlanta regions separated by county.
For football, it is easy. The team travels on Friday night. In other sports and activities, you are asking people to travel up to three hours during the week…on a school night. For what? For an empty stadium when you host a historic program like Valdosta. For what? 2,000 fans, including the band coming up from Coffee or Tift County. Forget that. When we play Peach County, 7,000+ paying fans are coming over from Ft. Valley to see the big game. They pack our football stadiums, basketball gyms, and baseball diamonds. I will take the Middle Georgia rivalries on anyday and the money that we get with big gates. I will watch Region 1-AAAAA and cheer from the sidelines. Sorry AVikingFan. I do not believe we get out of Region 1-AAAAA, what Region 1-AAAAA got from programs like Northside and Warner Robins being in the region.
blu eagle
December 15th, 2009
1:38 am
Again congrats to Camden, a big thank you to NSWR for a good season, I got to take my daughter to the Newnan game and she got to see for the first time big time high school football as she goes to a small school in Lindale. It was so much fun for us and the memories would not have been possible without the great fan bases we saw that night. To all teams this year, thanks for all the great memories, and more to come next year! GO EAGLES!
travrob
December 15th, 2009
1:38 am
WELL I FEEL BAD FOR CLASS A NEXT YEAR….CHARLTON COUNTY IS COMING BACK!!!!!!!!!!!
ADVISOR
December 15th, 2009
8:53 am
I will never understand the HATE out there for Stephenson …Even though they went out in the 2nd round you’re ranking them #8 …We have 16 players headed towards D1 colleges …maybe an additional 9 …then you dis us further by not ranking Raymond Sanders as the Greatest Back in Georgia H/S History …What’s with you people …One call our way …one less mistake …We’re State Champs …State Champs or not you should still give us our just Due …WE’re the best Team …the best program in the State…
camden county wildcat
December 15th, 2009
10:00 am
i dont know if yall remembered me from the beginning of the year when i was saying that grayson was not the best team in the state. didnt i garentee that camden was gonna win another championship. yall didnt believe me but the boys in the blue got it done this year. i dont know what happened to grayson this year, but i told yall if we would of had our squad we would have beat yall….but now we have two rings now back to back! i dont see the grayson fans on here anymore, and to the whole state whats the excuse now about camdens weak region, what yall dont understand, it depends upon how you finish! but i guess next year we will have to hear the same ol trash talking again about how we play in a weak region, but we showed yall this year, we beat all the good teams from region one this year, so what do yall have to saynow, plus we ran over poor ol north gwinett at thier place, so what do you have to say about camden now, plus next year is gonna be another big year for my boys again so beware of the mighty wildcats again. and tell grayson to get a championship before yall compare yallsevles to us again…..
ByStander
December 15th, 2009
10:07 am
I believe that nick marshall should be the POY, this kid carried his team all year, not only is he the states top qb but he was also a shutdown corner when his team needed it, he had 6ints, 2 of which he returned for td’s, if the award was still up for grabs pending the championship games then is has to be marshall, he was the best player in the dome hands down!!!
plowboy
December 15th, 2009
10:21 am
Congratulations to Camden County…you guys deserve it….can`t wait til next year , now it`s time to see where all the Athletes are going to play FOOTBALL…hopefully UGA…
Reeze
December 15th, 2009
10:42 am
Jaybo……..Calm down kid!…….other than the travel issues Northside ,Warner Robins ,TCC and Bainbridge Football in the same region should be a lot of fun…..Hopefully Northside’s first game vs TCC will take place at the Nest……Baseball should be a blast with Lee County ,TCC ,Harris County , Northside Columbus and the 3 up Coming Houston County schools ( remember Northside made it to the qrts in AAAAA and shut out Pope in the first game)…..just imagine the seeds coming out of Region 1 -AAAA in Baseball.
SportsFan31313
December 15th, 2009
11:24 am
AvikingFan, & EagleNationsRising,
In case you two didn’t know, Former head Coach and Athletic Director Rick Tomberlin will be the next Head Football Coach at Effingham County High School. He will NOT be the Athletic Director though. That is a Savannah area team where he will the head Coach. I am very happy that he was given another opportunity to Coach again. There are 23 more open slots I believe for Coaching here in Georgia High Schools across the state.
sponk
December 15th, 2009
11:24 am
I guess you guys are still wondering who’s the best back in Ga.? You would have to be on another planet to not say 8AAA player of the “Git Aikens!” What other back in ANY region rushed for over 1800 yds. this season? I’ll wait……. no one. You guys better start checking outside the 285 perimeter. For the last 2 yrs. the AAA champions have been having to beat Eastside High School to be the champs ( Cairo, and Peach Co.)! But we’re only ranked 6? You guys amaze me, we’ll be back cause we were plagued with sophomores and juniors and you see how close we came! Shout out to my FAVORITE back….GIT AIKENS! P.S. watch out for Alcovy’s TRE DEUCE too, Damn he’s good (soph.)!
JayBo
December 15th, 2009
11:32 am
Reeze,
What the heck are you talking about boy??? I guess you’re still hurting over the way NS choked!!!! You are acting real sensitive boy!!!!
JayBo
December 15th, 2009
12:09 pm
mouth run off from NS,
It amazes me that you have soooo much to say now, but jus a day or so ago you had nothing to say when NS got drug by Camden!!!!! In fact your mighty NS put up the POOREST SHOWING of any team in the dome!!!! NS got peachtree ridged(can’t believe I quoted you b/c your words are such garbage 2 me) blew off the field!!! You brushed the lost off after you had talked soooo much trash…but I knew that a weakling such as yourself would do just that!!! Comment on the blowout lost for me first, then you can talk about other issues!!!
Now, as far as my TCC comments, I will not back down from them one bit!!! We will finish in the top 2 in the region…I’m not disrespecting any program, I just know what kind od team we will have next year. Finally, every team has spurts of long runs and then droughts. TCC had its run in the 90’s and we won count ‘em 5 STATE TITLES!!!!! Where was NS then???? Tell me how many titles did you win in the 90’s??????? Ok we move to this decade and TCC has no titles, but played in two semifinals and one campionship game…but you know me, that means nothing to me b/c IMO its state title or bust!! As for the great NS, you have, count ‘em 2 titles this decade and several chokes. Hey, when comparing NS to TCC I will say this…the 90’s was our decade, the 2000’s has been NS’s. However, what you’ve done in the 2000’s CAN NOT TOUCH WHAT TCC DID IN THE 90’s…end of discussion!!! But lastly fallen and hurting NS fan, I hope you get over the embarassment and grief that your eagles caused you on the big stage. Everybody I’ve talked to have asked me “man did you see how Camden beat the brakes off NS in the dome?” I said yea and the great CONRAD NIX looked confused didn’t he??? LMBO!!!!
pity poor monroe area
December 15th, 2009
1:02 pm
@ADVISOR – whoa, man, have you been smoking the same stuff as SWD, and can I please have some??? Stephenson regularly rolls through the regular season (I saw them dismantle mighty Columbia 68-0), then is FOREVER one-and-done or two-and-through come playoff time. The best program in the STATE? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!! Get serious, dude!! Sanders is good, but the best in GA HS history?? Not even on the top 10, brother……(hey, Todd, there’s a slot for another ranking to p*** a bunch of people off!!)
“One call our way”…”one less mistake”…your own words negate your argument. One less mistake is the difference between winners and losers. When Stephenson can at least get to the third round, then maybe we’ll all reconsider. But probably not.
Northside Observer
December 15th, 2009
2:20 pm
Sportsfan 31313: That is a good move on Tomberlin’s part. There are Effingham Cty and South Effingham Schools. Both will greatly benefit from the new auomobilie plant that will bring hundreds of new jobs and people.to the county. I am sure Tomberlin saw a building opportunity in the making. A hint that the current AD is leaving within a certain time could also be a draw.
I miss coastal Georgia.
SportsFan31313
December 15th, 2009
3:34 pm
Greetings Northside Observer,
Yes it is a good move. Tomberlin does have a few State titles under his belt from Washington County. he will definitely turn that program around. Effingham County was Bradwell Institute warm games in the season before we played some of the tougher teams.
He will definitely bring to the new Region 2-AAAA some competition soon enough. It’s hard trying to be a Coach in Winnersville (Valdosta) where he was Coaching at Valdosta when you use to having a solid football program in prior years. But I am happy for him, and I wish him the best.
Ace
December 15th, 2009
3:36 pm
Buford gets NO respect because of how they do it. Fitz is a real AA school with a real good team, where the size comes and goes. Recruit in a county that size not much different, recruit in a milllion people county, well you get a stacked team that wins, but NO respect if they win every game forever. Paid for. No hate, just sympathy because its just pathetic.
Todd Holcomb
December 15th, 2009
3:43 pm
Enter your comments here
Todd Holcomb
December 15th, 2009
3:48 pm
Re: Gainesville going for two: I hope you guys don’t seriously believe that Coach Miller didn’t know there would be no ties in state finals. He knew there would be overtime. He felt his chances of winning the game by going for two were better than winning in OT, especially given that OT was certain only if Gainesville made the PAT. I don’t have a problem w/ the call. Coaches have a pretty good gut feel for their chances in situations like that, IMO.
Southside: It doesn’t mean much to me that North Clayton beat five playoff teams compared to Marist’s three because none of those five teams were as good as Tucker, which Marist beat 32-7. There’s no reason to think Marist would not have beaten all five. What it comes down to is this: Dutchtown. You believe that North Clayton should be given a pass for that because it was a meaningless game and because six starters did not play. I respect that point of view. But my philosophy consistently has been that I don’t care about ‘’why’’ teams win and lose. That’s because it’s impossible for me or anyone to know the ‘’why’’ behind every single game that is played. And ‘’why’’ a team wins or loses is subjective. Lots of teams played so-called meaningless games in the regular season. My view is that it’s inadmissible evidence. You don’t have to agree with that philosophy, but I hope you can respect it. One other point. There are a couple of computer rankings that I check out while doing my own rankings. One of them is Massey, which is one of the six that does the BCS rankings. The other is the Maxwell Ratings. Both rank Marist higher than North Clayton. That doesn’t prove that Marist deserves to be ranked higher. But it does prove that an entirely objective analysis of scores and wins and losses and schedule can conclude that Marist should be ranked higher than North Clayton. Like me, the computers don’t care why North Clayton lost to Dutchtown.
“Swainsboro had 2 losses on the season……and those came from #3 (Fitzgerald) and #5(Jefferson County) in the state….the loss to #3 coming in the 2nd round of the playoffs and we aren’t in the Top 10 in the state in AA? The blatant disrespect for South Georgia schools still exists I see.”
You make a good point that Swainsboro had ‘’good’’ losses, but so did the rest of the teams that I ranked. What were Swainsboro’s best wins? Westminster beat Buford. Thomasville beat Thomas County Central. The best team that Swainsboro beat was maybe McIntosh County Academy or Vidalia. Not quite the same.
“I would love to be able to compare the stats of Connor Shaw, Blake Sims, and the QB from Wilcox County. It would also be nice to compare the stats of some of the great running backs across the state, or even some of the defensive stars. Who (if anyone) keeps track of this information?”
No, there is no Web site like that. Schools aren’t even required to keep stats, though most do. Here are some approximate numbers:
Sims 2,300 passing (150 of 260), 28 TD, 11 INT; 850 rushing, 13 TD. Probably 2 return TDs.
Marshall: 2,950 passing, 33 TD, 14 INT. He missed at least one game.
Shaw: 3,036 yards with 30 TD, 6 INT. 76 percent completion ratio. Rushed for 793 yards and 18 TDs.
Hey AJC: I’d be happy to address your comments, but I honestly don’t know what you’re trying to say. Can you try again?
Re: Apalachee – I probably shouldn’t say this, but I don’t think Apalachee is the fourth-best team in the state, but if you look at their bottom-line wins and losses, it’s hard not to conclude that they were not the #4 team. Both computer rankings that I’ve seen put Apalachee at #3.
“You ranked the losing team 2nd in every classification except AAAA….something is very wrong with that picture!!! The AJC had anointed Griffin or SWD as the champions in AAAA, but when it didnt happen, you arrange your final rankings in a way that reflects your aphixation with those teams. No way should Griffin be #2….should be Clark Central…just be consistent”
Jaybo: Do you really believe that I put Griffin at No. 2 to save face for picking SWD or Griffin to win the title? There was a point when I picked Fitzgerald to win AA. To be consistent, wouldn’t I have put Fitzgerald at No. 2 to save face? I also picked Wesleyan to win Class A. Why wouldn’t I put Wesleyan at No. 2 and Savannah Christian at No. 3 to save face? I can understand if you say the runner-up should always be No. 2. That’s an honest disagreement. But what you’re really saying is that my ego is more important than my desire to be objective and professional.Reminds me of that song, “If you don’t know me by now, you will never, never really know me … ”
“The problem I have is that Jackson was ranked 7th before the playoffs and finished in the top 8. How can they drop to 10th? And look at all of the schools with more than 1 loss”
The playoffs give us a lot more information about strength of schedule and strength of region. And yes, Jackson had one loss. Jackson also played the weakest schedule of any ranked team in AAA.
“SWD had one of the best teams in Georgia this year and furthermore Todd Holcomb is entitled to his opinion. I f He feels SWD is number 5 we are number 5 in his book. Just because you advance further in the postseason doesn’t make you better than a team you didn’t face. That is like saying because Griffin didnt make it to the dome Clarke Central is better than them. Its not necessarily true.”
Right on, SWD! …
“Can anyone tell me if there is a limit to the number of players a team can have? I noticed at the dome that a lot of the a thru aaaa teams had just as many players as a lot of aaaaa teams. Just curious, thanks.”
No limit that I’m aware of.
““One final thing, when NSWR beats TCC (Jaybo-lol) for the 2010 AAAA championship and that being their third in the decade—–would NSWR be team of the decade for AAAA?”
Too late. Decade is over! …
ATL Dawg
December 15th, 2009
3:50 pm
LOWNDES still SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AVikingFan
December 15th, 2009
4:50 pm
EagleNationRising – I served on the Lowndes Bd of Edu for 8 years, so I know about the expenses with traveling, when one considers all sports. I completely agree with your analysis as to why Northside should stick with the other Houston County teams. It would be foolish not to.
I also agree with the advice you gave Jaybo, who is I’m sure a fine young man to my immediate west, about not overlooking Warner Robions. I mean afterall, the Demons were the county champs this year right? And Coach McPherson firmly thinks they were the best region opponent we faced this year. But, and this is a big BUT, it appears that WR’s team was loaded with seniors. Had WR remained in AAAA they may well have been state champs! But even so, WR should finish no worse than 3rd in it’s new region. Bainbridge may grow into being a player there also, with their good coaching staff, and may even push TCC to 4th place. (Sorry Jaybo)
(BTW, what is it with ATL Dawg? Does he know a single player who suits up for Lowndes, or a single coach, or fan? I assure you, Lowndes had some of the finest young men on its team this year I have ever had the priviledge and honor to meet!)
SWD
December 15th, 2009
5:02 pm
Jaybo STFU TCC didn’t win STATE EITHER so what were you saying. First of all Jaybo Thomas County Central is not the worth the feces on a horses backside. Talk to me next year if TCC makes a run for state. Yes we lost in the second round okay your point you lost in the third so what are you really saying you werent runners up and you weren’t semi-finalists so whats all this secound round talk you were gone a week later.
JayBo
December 15th, 2009
5:12 pm
Avinking,
I am not overlooking anybody sir. Why is it I have to be disrespecting or overlooking somebody b/c I have an opinion??? I am keenly aware that many variables will be involved in the way next season unfolds. However, I still believe (key word is I) that TCC will finish in the top two in the region. I am not worried about no WR, Bainbridge or anybody else for that matter!!! And again, thats no disrespect to those teams. All I know is we have 8 starters returning (including all skill positions) on offense and 7 returning starters on defense…needless to say, I think TCC will compete a lil bit!!
JayBo
December 15th, 2009
5:14 pm
AViking, sorry for misspelling your name….I can spell a lil bit!
JayBo
December 15th, 2009
5:25 pm
SWD,
The difference youngster is this: SWD was picked to win it all, TCC wasnt even expected to win its region with so many young players in the starting lineup. However, my young Jackets grew up quick, won region and made it to the quarter finals!!! Meanwhile, your team that was picked and anointed to be the champs choked in the 2nd round of the playoffs. One program had high expectations(SWD) and the other none whatsoever(TCC). So I understand why you are soo hurt and dissapointed, b/c you didn’t believe that your SWD would choke yet again…listen to me good…SWD CHOKED AGAIN!!!! End of story…talk to you next season b/c this season is a done deal. Hopefully, you guys wont choke again, but you had a lot of seniors soooo…….
VIKING DAD
December 15th, 2009
5:35 pm
Rumor around Valdosta is that Camden’s Off. Coor. will be offered the job at Valdosta.
slalom1
December 15th, 2009
6:07 pm
What coach in his right mind would take the Valdosta job? Like “YO” stated, “The Valdosta head coaching job is a death sentence.” I love the great city of Valdosta along with their passionate fans. Been to more than one Valdosta Touchdown Club get together. But come on guys. This is about to be 2010. Valdosta will never be the state and national powerhouse from year to year as they once were. Enrollment approx 1850 while going up against Lowndes with an enrollment of around 2700 and Gwinnett County schools even larger. Still, I understand the pride and the tradition of being a “Wildcat”. During the 1970’s, 80’s and even 90’s the top teams in the state’s largest classification were: Valdosta, Lowndes, Clarke Central, McKeachern, Colquitt County, Tift County, LaGrange, Newnan, SW Dekalb,Morrow, Griffin, Warner Robins,etc. Notice I did not include Northside WR, Camden County, Grayson,Parkview, Brookwood, N. Gwinnett,and a handful of others.
Point is, be realistic of your expectations. You no longer own south Georgia, nor even Gwinnett County. The firing of Coach Tomberlin is yet another “black eye” on the once great Valdosta machine.
rwdekalbfan
December 15th, 2009
6:25 pm
Wow it is amazing how even after witnessing the way some of the teams won their state titles this year, (Sandy Creek), (Camden County), and even (Buford) some teams still think that just because they are returning a lot of seniors or they have some outstanding individual players or they are moving down in classification that they will have a lock on the state title next year. It takes hard work, team work, good coaching, community support, talent especially at the skill positions and some good old fashion luck, to win a state title. There were several 1,2,3 point losses in the playoffs this year. There were some very good teams that lost this year. But Sandy Creek, Camden County, and yes Buford should be an inspiration to all teams out there as well as the other champions because they had all of those key ingredients even though as the playoffs began none were considered a lock to win it all.
GO UG!
December 15th, 2009
6:42 pm
I am going to go out on a limb here and make my prediction for next year. Union Grove will finish in the top ten for our region!
JayBo
December 15th, 2009
6:44 pm
Todd,
Can you give us your top 10 projections for 2010…Of course I’m only concerned about AAAA??
patriot grad
December 15th, 2009
8:03 pm
sooo gllad the creek was able to shut all the doubters up i graduated 09 dang im proud of yall felt like i won that one wit yall
pity poor monroe area
December 15th, 2009
8:04 pm
My predictions for 2010:
1 Camden will repeat.
2: Sandy Creek and Peach will not.
3: Monroe Area will drop down to 8-AAA from 8-AAAA, go 1-9 and no one outside the school will care. Again.
Prediction for 2010??
December 15th, 2009
8:05 pm
Camden will once again dominate their pseudo-AAAAA region of AAA teams.
pity poor monroe area
December 15th, 2009
8:06 pm
Hey Todd – what about the earlier suggestion tucked into my rant – how about a top 15 ranking of best HS RBs out of GA? (not that you have anything else to do….
CAMDENCOAST
December 15th, 2009
8:30 pm
Thanks to all those posters congratulating Camden on the state championship. It has been a great season for every one that enjoys Georgia high school football on friday nights, no matter what team is yours. I hate that the season is over….now we have to wait until August. it is a shame that the Atlanta schools are scared to play us again in the Kell Classic at the Dome, but I’m sure we will find someone else to play. Todd, even though you cought alot of grief all year, I thought you did a fine job. Signing off till spring training starts.
camden fan
December 15th, 2009
8:47 pm
I would be very suprised if coach Coffee took the head spot at Valdosta. I have known him for a few years now and what he is about is what Camden is about. These coaches(most of them) at Camden have an outlet like no other to influence these kids lives. It is not about winning or losing on the football field for him its about having a positive influence on these kids each and every day(of course the winnning makes it all the better). I guess what Im saying is you would have to be here to understand and would have to know Coach Coffee to understand what he is looking for and the Valdosta way IMO is not what he is all about. Take it for what it is worth.
Inglorious Basterd
December 15th, 2009
9:14 pm
I’d rank PRidge over NGwinnett and Stephenson, even with their 3 losses. At least they played a stronger Camden team head to head last yr while NG went and got SHUT OUT on their home field. NG was arguably better this year than the last, and Camden isn’t the Camden of last yr. No doubt they deserve to be #1 though. congrats Wildcats fans.
spwhite
December 15th, 2009
9:30 pm
My predictions for next year.
1. Everyone will start whinning about how Camden plays in a weak region about a month before the playoffs begin forgetting all about how our defense gave up less points per game in the playoffs against nationally ranked oppenents, then we did during the regular season.
2. Two weeks before the playoffs people will start using the excuse that Camden’s schedule prevents the players from injuries.
3. Most everyone raises cain because Todd Holcomb picks against their team.
GO UG!
December 15th, 2009
9:40 pm
“IF” Stephenson would have had better coaching they would have had a chance to beat Camden or at least kept it real close. They absolutely had the talent. Now before all the Camden posters bombard me with comments, Camden IS the 5A State Champions, they dominated and they looked great. Colquitt had a great team and played Camden really close. Stephenson had a lead on Colquitt before the surrendered it. You put NSWR, Colquitt, Lowndes, or Camden’s coach with Stephenson and no one beats them.
WarD@mnEagle...!
December 15th, 2009
10:17 pm
Wow, a few beers consumed with the anonymity of the internet and some folks spout some mighty brave piffle. As classy as the TCC players and coaches I have known over the years are, a couple fans on the internet remind me of “Sybil”. But it’s always great to see the Yellow Jackets on the field even though you’ve broken our hearts more than Bar Refaeli.
And our Northside brethren, we welcome you back to AAAA with open arms. Y’all are always a class act and unlike some from the southern part of our great state, we hold no malice. We just desire to play you on our humble field or a neutral site. See, we have our own home little playoff streak going and although you were fine hosts, we just desire to return the favor. And don’t be too hasty about predicting a Northside and Warner Robins final so soon. The AAAA playoffs are always a strange and wondrous time for all involved. However, welcome back and hope to see you after next Thanksgiving.
As for my 6AAAA brothers, I’ve never seen a real Tucker fan complain about anything. Heck, the Tucker kids just buckle their chin straps and hit and reload. Nobody wants to see Tucker on the field next year. And Tucker never needs motivation. 6AAAA is going to pay for Tucker’s alleged down year for a while. And this year, SWD was the biggest, meanest, most athletic team I have seen since, well honestly in a long, long time. It’s a shame some of their key players were injured and ill during their loss in the playoffs but that’s part of football. (And hats off to Clarke Central) But that loss takes nothing away from their great team or their season accomplishments. I guess someone would have to stepped up and played them to know how good they really were. As someone who did play SWD and get our backsides handed to us on our home field (which doesn’t happen often) they were a VERY good team.
Finally, Southside, all the props in the world to you and your North Clayton team. You are absolutely correct your team deserves everything you wrote. But why the hate toward Marist? We don’t denigrate you or any city/urban public school. As a matter of fact, Marist plays up two classifications (from AA to AAAA) to play in the DeKalb County school district and compete against schools twice our enrollment. We don’t complain, we compete. Moreover we didn’t drop down one or two classifications when the Tom Murphy rule was changed. (Of course some moron will post under me, “That’s because Marist recruits.” Well, if we “are” recruiting, we are doing a pretty poor job of it. We didn’t have a lineman over 230 this year and other than our kicker we may not have a kid sign a major college scholarship). So Southside, please take whatever ranking you desire, especially if you feel little ole Marist took something away from you. You deserve it. Because, yes we were knocked out in the second round by Apalachee, a good team. I really don’t know exactly how good since the officials decided to invent infractions during a playoff game. (The best example was six crack-back block calls against our “defense”. Yes, I said our Defense.) But that wasn’t the opposing team only a very imaginative crew. It is interesting how I learn something new and interesting every season. Heck, at least it’s not high school wrestling…
But Southside you and North Clayton take the #8 ranking or whatever ranking begins next year or the next and make it motivation and play the best darn football you can. Because over the many years Marist has learned as well as out friends at Tucker and SWD, and Northside and TCC, the only ranking that matters at the end of the year is #1. Rankings #2-#10 is lagniappe for teams that need it for their letter jackets. See Southside, at the beginning of the year “we” plan to play in the GA Dome and at the end of the year and if we didn’t play in that game we don’t hang a banner. Moreover if we don’t win, we don’t feel the sense of accomplishment set out by the history of those who played before us….The Long Blue Line.
Best of luck to you, Southside and the North Clayton team.
Congratulations to all the high school players who dared “enter the arena” this fall, the coaches, the parents, the officials (even the imaginative ones), the cheerleaders, the bands, the students, administrators, teachers, volunteers and all the folks who make the greatest sport in the history of the world happen. See you in 2010….
And thank you Todd Holcomb! You inform and entertain us from August to December and we appreciate you!
God Bless!
NORTHSIDE
December 15th, 2009
10:48 pm
Camcats we are 2 for 2 in 1992 camden 6 eagels 14, in 1999 camden 7 eagels 54 .we will meet again, until then be happy with your win….and stop smacking your lips..
Dekalb Watcher
December 15th, 2009
11:19 pm
Hey GO UG, you may not know this but coaching in Dekalb County is different, than coaching in Colquitt, Lowndes, NSWR, and Camden County. NO ONE in Dekalb has the huge coaching staffs those schools do, also take into account the Facilities for year round training those schools have. You cant make a fair comparison and say this coach would have done this, and this coach would have done that. Not when all things are not equal my friend. You have to remember this is Dekalb County, NOT Henry County which is what you are used to. It’s a completely different ballgame here in Dekalb, which is why a lot of TOP coaches dont even give first thought about coaching here, despite all the talent. We do have some TOP coaches here in Dekalb, Tucker has the best community support in all of Dekalb County, but even they don’t compare with what the other Boosters in other counties are able to do. We simply cant raise the kinds of money like our neighbors who aren’t under county rule can. Now do you still think it’s as easy as you make it sound???
WinderDogg
December 16th, 2009
7:54 am
The surprise of the 2009 AAAA Playoffs has to the showing by region 8AAAA. Clarke Central making to the title game, Rockdale County making it to the semifinals, and Apalachee making to the third round losing to to Griffin and Loganville lost in first round to state champion Sandy Creek. I’ve followed this region since 91 and this had to this region’s best showing in years congrats to this four teams and to all 5 state champions!
just facts
December 16th, 2009
8:31 am
i dont know if most of you care but there are no more co-champions. that was changed the year after peachtree ridge was a co-champ.
agree with NTH Trojans, i have a hard times with sims being player of the year when he wasnt even the best qb in hall county.
The Chee
December 16th, 2009
9:11 am
Very proud of the Apalachee and 8AAAA. 3 teams in the final top 10. Guess our region did not suck as all you Atlanta area homers said.
Tom Lotspeich
December 16th, 2009
9:46 am
Todd Holcomb, did you see any of Apalachee’s games? Every game I went to one side (offense or defense) played great and the other side played just good enough to win. Against Loganville & Storm Johnson, the defense didn’t stop Johnson all night until they had to. Loganville goes for 2 point conversion in OT & the “D” stood up! Great Year!
Rankings????
December 16th, 2009
9:46 am
GO UG!: Put the girls soccer coach at Redan as head football coach at Stephenson and they would still beat the he!! out of your pathetic Union Grove program. They always have and always will.
plowboy
December 16th, 2009
9:48 am
jaybo , you better ease up on all the smacktalk , because I watched the yellow jackets play this year and last year..you guys would have been a 4th seed if the houston county schools were playing in aaaa this past year…
Stephenson Jag
December 16th, 2009
9:53 am
GO UG
I agree with you totally. I have been a Stephenson supporter and fan since the school started. And honestlyit is the coaching that is keeping us from being the TOP program in the state! It’s the same thing every year we roll through the regular season and under achieve in the playoffs. We at Stephenson have to STOP making excuses ..yeah I know we don’t have the same resources or facilities than some of the bigger funded programs in the state but we make up the difference with the TALENT! I could see if we didn’t have the talent nor the resources the story would be different. But when you consistenly have D-1 talent and under achieve there’s a problem! Some major changes have to be made with the coaching staff a Stphenson..point blank! If it’s not the kids who could it be??!..The past few years in the playoffs..Stphenson has quite simply been out coached! As long as the Stephenson community sits back and doesn’t want change or make a change..expect the same results! I’m very optimistic that Stephenson could get a VERY GOOD coaching staff regardless of being in Dekalb County. We just have to start SPEAKING UP instead of settling. And 2-AAAAA will be one of the best regions in the state next year with Newnan, East Coweta, Westlake, and Langston Hughes joining the party..I don’t know much about MLK’s coaching staff but it seems coach Jarvis did a good job..MLK please go and get a GREAT COACH. It will be okay to hire someone who is NOT alumni,is not from Dekalb Co or the 285 and 20 east area..but MOST IMPORTANTLY has the kids BEST interest at heart and want to WIN!!! And this is coming from a Stephenson Jaguar.
Tom Lotspeich
December 16th, 2009
9:55 am
To The Chee, 3 of the final 8 is awesome! I must say I really did not think the Chee would go as far as they did! I must say though that I was a bit disappointed at the CHEE fans. No one, not even parents or students would start yelling for the team until it was 3 and long! Perhaps if the fans were behind them the whole time, they wouldn’t have had too many 3 & longs! Great job Coach Davis – should win coach of the year in AAAA.
Tom Lotspeich
December 16th, 2009
9:58 am
WinderDogg, I think all regions in every class should be set up to play a strickly region schedule like 8AAAA. Then there is no doubt as to who the region champion is.