Football: Is Grayson Georgia’s top team in 2011? One national poll thinks so
Brookwood is the defending champion in Class AAAAA football. Camden County and Lowndes are programs that have won three titles apiece since 2003.
Which will be the team to beat in 2011?
None of those, according to MaxPreps, which released one of the first national preseason polls on Wednesday.
Instead, Grayson – the only AAAAA program that has reached the quarterfinals or better each of the past four seasons – is the choice of Steve Spiewak, who coordinates the MaxPreps’ top 25.
Grayson, which returns about 11 of 22 starters, is the only Georgia team ranked, coming in at No. 25.
“The more I looked into Grayson, the more I liked them,’’ Spiewak said. “They have a quarterback [Nick Schuessler] who can allow them to expand out of their Wing T offense. Korey Jones [a running back] seems like a legit athlete that can be used a number of ways. Devin Gillespie and Terrius Watson will also benefit from an experienced offensive line. On defense, [defensive lineman] Robert Nkemdiche might be the best defensive player in the country next year, and I expect Zach Barnes to have a breakout season on the defensive line as well. If the offense comes together as expected and the linebackers can mature quickly on defense, this could be the best team Grayson has ever had.’’
Grayson, a Gwinnett County school that opened in 2000, has never won a state title. In 2010, the Rams upset No. 1-ranked North Gwinnett and then Valdosta on the road last year before falling to Colquitt County 31-24 in the semifinals.
Don Bosco Prep of New Jersey is MaxPreps’ No. 1-rated team.
MaxPreps Preseason Top 25:
http://www.maxpreps.com/news/B4_jCIulEeCkhgAcxJSkrA/preseason-top-25-high-school-football-early-contenders.htm
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205 comments Add your comment
yo
June 7th, 2011
10:38 pm
sarcasm folks………..sarcasm
AVikingFan
June 8th, 2011
9:40 am
You folks that questioned YO’s comments about Stephenson, don’t know YO. He was strictly reiterizing a point that so many people talk about every year. With all the talent the Jaquars have had year after year, and all the press they get, they have NEVER won a title. Now Grayson on the other hand has been a “coming” program for several years, seeming to get better every year, with considerably less talent than Stephenson or Buford. If they can add a passing game this year, and still run the ball when they need to, they will be formidable. Lowndes tried it last year, was good at times with the passing game, but couldn’t run when we needed to. And we had trouble stopping the high powered passing offenses – EVEN THOUGH WE DID BEAT COLQUITT COUNTY!
Defense still wins most of the titles, and I’m sure Grayson will not forget that. Camden knows it well. Last year Brookwood won because Colquitt had NO defense. Colquitt stayed in the game because Brookwood had a poor defense also. Bottom line is if you can’t stop the other team when the game is on the line, ala Grayson vs Lowndes in 2008, Camden vs Lowndes in 2009, or Collins Hill vs Lowndes in 2010, you won’t win the big dance.
This year’s top teams in AAAAA? This Viking fan predicts Grayson, Camden, McEachern, North Gwinnett or Newnan will produce the winner. I think Lowndes, Brookwood, Colquitt, Valdosta and other contenders from the past graduated too much to be a factor this year.
Bwolves
June 9th, 2011
7:56 am
for the record – you don’t know what you’re talking about. Buford and North used to be big rivals years ago, but it is NORTH that will not play Buford not the other way around. We owned you by the way when they played too. I do see where larger schools wouldn’t want to play them, if you win, you were supposed to, if you didn’t you’re embarassed. Buford could play with anybody in the state for a game; however the larger schools would have the advantage of depth over the season, and Buford would probably get worn down. Just an FYI – There were over 100 college coaches in attendance over a 2 week period to watch Buford’s spring practices. Not too shabby.
Who the heck is Lambert? Never heard of them.
AVikingFan
June 9th, 2011
9:57 am
Where’s REESE, EagleNationRising, Sportsfan31313, the NG and Newnan folks, and all those EP guys? Who do you think will be the top teams this year?
Recruiter
June 9th, 2011
10:11 am
@Double Winner
June 1st, 2011
10:51 pm
But, make no mistake about it, in any given year Buford is the best team in Georgia regardless of classification.
Well, Double Winner, they certainly should be……if your school could get all the best players around, regardless of whether they’re in your attendance zone or not, your team could also be awesome every year. Recruiting is the key folks…….you’ve got to have a good recruiter.
Pete
June 9th, 2011
12:58 pm
Buford has some good talent, but they also have players that wouldn’t shine as much at the schools they transfered from. ONE of the reasons a lot of people send their kids there is so that they look better against lessor opponents, and it works, they have a ton of recruiters coming through their school. But then again, there are a ton recruiters that can’t judge talent. I know there are other reasons that some people send their kids to Buford schools, and there are some good one’s. But, from knowing some of the parents that do it it’s about opportunity(not a bad thing). Buford would be a good team if they played at AAAAA, but they would not be anywhere as successful as they have been. If they end up in the region in AAA in 2012 that was listed as a possiblity with the new realignment, their schedule will be even weaker than it has been. If people outside of Gwinnett wonder why so much attention seems so focused on Buford, you would have to be around the area to understand how a AA school truly thinks they could dominate the county at any classification. Understand that without the transfers, mostly from other Gwinnett schools and a few from surrounding counties, Buford wouldn’t be jack.
Peachtree Ridge
June 10th, 2011
11:20 am
Buford doesnt even play a real game unti;l the layoffs. all other team are big patsy’s.. Practice games…..BUford plays no one, year after year. Th ey are in a wussified division!!!!!! they are at best a 6 win team in 5A ball. Now they are doing at all sports, not just football. They play no one guys, no one. Brookwood would have 10 rings if we played in that division ……. Buford is fuul of wussys!!!!!
AVikingFan
June 10th, 2011
2:47 pm
PEACHTREE RIDGE – If Buford played McEachern, North Gwinnett, Grayson, Brookwood, South Gwinnett, Collins Hill, Northside Warner Robins, Lowndes, Colquitt, Valdosta, Camden, or Newnan, how many games would Buford win in almost any given year, in your esteemed opinion?
I have watched’em in the dome several times. They are always very good, and cwertainly well coached. But they do have a lot of guys going both ways, at least a lot of the game. I personally think they could hold their own with any of the teams I listed, at least for three quarters. However, if they had to play more than one or two of them in a season, they would get worn down with fatigue and injuries, bumps and bruises, and would then not have nearly as many titles as they now own. They may boast and say “bring it on AAAAA”, but their very smart coach is NOT one of those people mouthing off.
But isn’t it fun to have people brag on their teams. The EP, Stephenson, and MLK folks are among the state’s leaders in this and not one of them own any titles. They are up there right next to Northside Warner Robins, who have only won 2 titles in their history, and none in the state’s largest classification. But hey, the bantor is still fun, right? I’m just glad football is only right around the corner.
One On One With The Great One
June 12th, 2011
8:09 am
How is it that Stephenson Jaguars seem to come up in you all conversations? AVikingFan I also read your blogs always voicing your opinion, Some I agree some I disagree. If your program is defines by how many state titles you get then that’s fine. Well sir if Imay ask you a question? how many kids you see that has won that GREAT STATE TITLE YOU SEE EVERYDAY WALKING AROUND? Yes Stephenson has not won a state title., but what Stephenson has done is put well over 100 athletes in schools. Now I don’t know what your standards are on judging a team, but if you want state titles go those SCHOOLS. If you want a shot at COLLEGE and possibly a state title then.. Hands down STEPHENSON IS THE SCHOOL! I Just my opinion for Stephenson haters
Lowndes96
June 12th, 2011
12:30 pm
Dang AVikingFan, we in that bad of shape? I did leave the spring game a little comfused, but i didnt think we were a non factor. Tell me why you think this.
realitycheck
June 12th, 2011
4:54 pm
don’t you have to beat the champion especially if you play the champion to become the champion. I think Brookwood still has the top two running backs coming back next year..
Camden74
June 12th, 2011
7:27 pm
Here we come!
Camden74
June 12th, 2011
7:30 pm
Geez! Not that Stephenson crap already!
One On One With The Great One
June 12th, 2011
8:20 pm
@Camden74.. Yes her comes the hate from Stephenson disguntles as usual. I will say this again. This article was about the best team in the state of georgia. I said Brookwood is the best in my earlier post until they are beaten the are the best in georgia. I also mentione Buford is the best in there classification. Anyway someone else mentioned the negative about Stephenson so I responded. Is this always going to be the same ole stuff.. ” Stephenson has all the athletes but no state titles to show for it?” or with all that talent they need to get rid of the coach. We are tired of hearing the same ole song. You people sound like a broken record. Do you not think it’s not every team goal to win the State title? I will end on this note, when the recruiters come there and no what kind of football player that fits into there system, recruiters don’t are not concerned about who won state, they are concerned about if this player is still commiting to my school.
One On One With The Great One
June 12th, 2011
8:27 pm
RealTalk & Yo what urks me the most is that no matter what Stephenson does we still will not be liked. So continue on your blog binges and we will see when the season is here. Until then folks please speak on the topic at hand. have a nice day
Camden74
June 12th, 2011
10:18 pm
@OOOWTGO……..It’s too early for that smack already! There are a number of HS programs that send kids to college, so give it a rest, please! Better still, at least make it to the finals!
One On One With The Great One
June 12th, 2011
10:30 pm
@ Camden74 it seems everytime someone speak on Stephenson it always the same ole song. If you all stop saying the same ole song then maybe we stop talking about scholarships. What you all is facts about we haven’t won a state title. and what I say about Stephenson putting kids in school are facts as well. So when you all stop with the B.S we will stop with it as well. But because of people like you it will not stop. So continue your haterade until we meet you all.
ghs class of 2012
June 12th, 2011
11:03 pm
realitycheck- Nick Thompkins does need guys to block Nkemdiche and Co. for him, right? I think that is why BWood isn’t getting a ton of attention. Too many key people left. But you are correct, Grayson needs to prove that one out of 3 years is the pattern, not the exception.
ghs class of 2012
June 12th, 2011
11:05 pm
For those who are wondering about the 3 year reference, Grayson beat Brookwood in 08 and 09
Stick to the subject
June 13th, 2011
7:48 am
I think that the question was whether or not Grayson was Georgia’s top team in 2011. Not who has sent the most kids to college, not who has the most titles. What makes your team the top team for 2011, based on the talent that they have now, not last year, year before that and so forth and so on. So, what makes any of the mentioned teams the top team in Georgia in 2011? Make a case why Grayson is or is not, why Brookwood is or is not, why Camden is or is not, why Stephenson is or is not, fill in your team.
Nukieie
June 13th, 2011
9:43 am
Some of this chatter makes me wonder just how old some of you are? Reading all of this can be so very funny at times.
NGHS 09
June 14th, 2011
11:55 am
@ Pete….Well said sir. Well said.
NGHS 09
June 14th, 2011
12:03 pm
The top team is whoever wins and nobody will know who that is until its all said and done. Talk all the smack you want when the season starts.
And i can’t remember who blogged this earlier but the person who said Grayson is not a powerhouse because they have no state rings is wrong. A powerhouse program is a school that, yes has a title or more but, is consistenly among the states best and plays deep into the playoffs every year. Look at the numbers and Grayson deserves that distinction, especially considering the age of their school.
Also, for all those out there in cyber space who like to determine a teams value by it’s national rank; it’s a poll system that means NOTHING. You do not have to be nationally ranked to win a title. National rankings are for college sports.
BALANCE BOTH
June 14th, 2011
1:30 pm
As I sit and read the bantering back and forth about what should be about football. The topic of education over championships always comes to the forefront. Of 1,071,775 high school football players, the NCAA estimates 17,501, or 5.7 percent, will play college football as freshmen. Nearly four thousand of them will no longer be playing by their senior seasons. Only 250 will be drafted into the National Football League. That means that .08 percent of high school football players will play in the NFL. The numbers are even lower for high school basketball players trying to make it in the NBA, where three in 10,000 will make the big leagues. For female student-athletes hoping to play professional basketball in the WNBA, .02 percent, or 2 in 10,000, will meet that goal. 75% of high school athletes that enter college as freshmen athletes will not be playing by their senior year.” Consider these facts:
Only 3% of high school football players receive a scholarship to play in college; most of those are partials.
Only 1 1/2% of high school basketball players receive scholarships to play in college—also mostly partials.
Only 38% of Division I (major college) football players graduate at the end of five years. The percentage is lower for basketball.
Tennis, swimming, and other kinds of scholarships are necessarily limited because of financial restrictions in many colleges.
If you receive a questionnaire from a major college expressing interest in you as a football player, the odds are still as high as 320:1 that you’ll ever receive a scholarship.
I said all of that to say: ACADEMICS are THE ANSWER to achieving your goals!
Trojan94
June 14th, 2011
2:27 pm
AVikingFan – I want to give you my opinion on your ?
Out of that list of great teams they would only lose to camden lowndes north gwinnet and maybe northside. Buford do play a soft regular season schdule but have shown they can play with some of the best teams in the nation when challange. Plus 7 championships in 9 years is hard to argue aginst no matter what classification you’re in
cat doc
June 15th, 2011
8:35 am
it should be a great football season. I perdict Camden to show up to play, strong defense. The offense will come along. As far as Buford goes they are private school, get them out of 2A ball. Thats my thoughts.
AVikingFan
June 15th, 2011
9:43 am
Lowndes 96 – To answer your question, make no mistake, Lowndes will have some stellar athletes this year. But losing the big nose guard who moved back to Oklahoma will certainly hurt the defense. Big Al’s son and Gump Statem’s grandson will provide some huge bulk to make up for that loss. But until the philosphy of our defense changes, and I don’t see that happening, we will have trouble with high powered west coast style offenses. We simply do not put enough pressure on passers. Our only blitz is with a linebacker, usually the MLB. We blitzed the Collins Hill QB 4 times in the playoffs, all by our MLB. We need to design some zone blitz packages, occasionally blitz a corner back or a safety and drop off a DE to cover, etc. Sure, we beat Valdosta and Colquitt, and their passing attacks. Our win over valodsta was the 7th in a row! (NO ONE HAS EVER COME CLOSE TO BEATING VALDOSTA 7 TIMES IN A ROW BEFORE!) But look what the tall kid from Tifton did to us. And we couldn’t stop McEachern’s passes when we needed to. R Hill is a great (really great) high school def coord, but he needs to change with the times. Just my opinion of course. I think we will not be as good offensively or defensively this year as we were in the past 3 years.
I do have high hope for the baseball player (Jarriel) who went out for spring football (QB). He could very well be our starter. He looked very good at times in the spring “game” ala roundrobin scrimmage whatchamacallit at Martin Stadium. And man do we have some running backs this year! The kid from Lowndes Middle looks really good for a freshman. I don’t see Clemons becoming a full time QB.
But are we at a level near where Grayson is or some of those other Atlanta area teams, like Stephenson, Newnan, Brookwood, NG, P Ridge, etc? We’ll find out the 3rd game of the season when McEachern comes calling.
Right now I’d have to say Grayson is probably the leading contender for the AAAAA title. Maybe Stephenson will finally break the drought and win one this year, despite their coaching. They do have the constant support and posts from One on One With The Great One (who can lose with a fan with a blog handle like that?) and they have a big fan base. Goodness knows they have the talent.
I expect South Gwinnett to be strong again also. And certainly Camden and the Blue Cats will be back. The big question is will Northside choke and lose in the playoffs again?
NGHS 09
June 16th, 2011
10:46 am
@ cat doc…Buford is a city school, not private
AVikingFan
June 16th, 2011
1:13 pm
NGHS 09 When the Legislature grants a city a charter to operate a school system, ala, Valdosta City Schools and Thomasville City Schools, and others, they are by legaleze definition a “private school system”. The constitutioon mandates that COUNTIES operate a school system that is in legaleze called a public school system. Or at least that’s what they told me when I spent 8 years on the Lowndes Board of Educationm. I assume Buford is like valdosta and Thomasville – and others.
One On One With The Great One
June 16th, 2011
10:42 pm
AVikingFan all I am saying is sir, whenever an article is mentioned about Stephenson the same ole song is played. Yes we all NO STEPHENSON HAS NOT WON A STATE TITLE, but on the other hand Stephenson has sent so many to school for a program with out a STATE TITLE that’s all I’m saying.
One On One With The Great One
June 16th, 2011
10:43 pm
It’s always the same bloggers mentioning NO STATE TITLE! AS IF YOU ALL DIDN’T KNOW THAT ALREADY
Scholarships and Championships
June 17th, 2011
7:19 am
Teams win championships. You can have all of the talent in the world, but if those talented players do not possess the intangible skills like leadership and setting the example for the young players, then it is difficult to mesh that talent to win a championship. You cannot convince me that those players on Stephenson would not like to win a state title. The scholarship is the main course, but it sure would not hurt to have some dessert to go along with it. Either way these are our kids and we have to support them. These kids have enough issues with society, we don’t need to be tearing them down. These kids need encouragers not discouragers.
AVikingFan
June 17th, 2011
10:32 am
One on One With the Great One: I whole-heartedly agree with what you are saying about the players at Stephenson and what all they have accomplished individually. All I have ever done is to question the coaching and discipline at Stephenson (Marcus Ball stood on the 50 yard line in our stadium and shot double birds to the Lowndes fans.) In another game, Marcus Ball came off the bench and hit our tight end in the Dome after we completed a pass near the sidelines. No action was taken by the Stephenson coaches in either incident.
But heck, all coaches make mistakes. Our coaches at Lowndes make far too many also. But even someone as close to Stephenson’s program as you are has to question why there are no titles with all the talent that has gone through the school. After all that is the goal. Personally I think Lowndes should have won the title in 2008 and 2009 but coaching and game planning cost us. We have won 4 titles in the last 11 years and we’ve never had the kind of talent Stephenson seems to have every year.
But maybe this will finally be their year. I also look for Newnan to be very good this year. And of course there is Grayson. But don’t count out Camden. I think they will be very strong. Lowndes is seriously rebuilding, as are Valdosta and Colquitt. We had 165 players at spring training. We’ll be back. May take us a year or so.
One On One With The Great One
June 17th, 2011
7:04 pm
AVikingFan yes there has been incidents in the past with players and they were disciplined just like Lowdnes players acted out a few years ago and Camden county players to. All I am suggesting is that yes talent can carry you so far and coaching plays a big difference in games. No one play loose a game just as one play does not win a game. It’s overall play of the teams on both side of the ball that wins games. A missed tackle here, a blown coverage assignment there, penalties, turnovers and sometimes the act of good luck on a certain play. All in all football is still played inbetween the lines. Some things you cannot control on the field. I am sure the coaches come into games with a strong game plan and sometimes adjustments need to made at half. Yes the coaches do make adjustment. There is talent but if a defense is continueously on the field and stop the offense the first two or three times eventually something will give. I am looking forward to this season because I am not sure if the talent will continue to come through Stephenson. For now yes the State title has eluded us for years. The time is now regardless if we play up in 5-A. This is the best in classification. In order to leave a legacy Stephenson must win STATE! AVikingFan I appreciate your honesty and observations from a neutral standpoint. I can also critize some play calling myself but overall I am a STEPHENSON SUPPORTER NO MATTER IF WE WIN OR NOT!
yo
June 18th, 2011
10:46 am
One On One With The Great One….first of all your handle should be the motto at Stephenson. I believe that is the real problem so congratulations on a very appropriate handle. Second…..because some one speaks the truth doesn’t mean they hate….it just means those who get their feelings hurt so easily when they can’t acknowledge the truth about themselves have to lash out with name calling because they can’t accept the truth.
I will tell you in a heart beat that with Lowndes talent in 2008 and 2009 they underachieved as a team. Now admit the truth that Stephenson’s problem is they have to many “one on one with the great ones” and team at Stephenson is spelled “t..double I…m”.
yo
June 18th, 2011
10:54 am
I see AVikingFan has already posted some of my same thoughts….LOL….just a little more tactfully.
One On One With The Great One
June 19th, 2011
9:41 am
@YO. I can see where sacrasm runs through your veins. So let me break it down to you. first of all eachkid has individual talent. What the coaches do is try to mesh all that talent into one melting pot. It is difficult no doubt about it, but for the most part the coaches have done a good job on that. Secondly my commits are to those who always mention the same ole song. LIKE YOU and a few others. I can objective on Stephenson program from where it was several years ago to where it is now. Alot of you all has only heard about Stephenson since since they signed 29 players which was 3 years ago. Now most of georgia and the nation for that part is looking to see what they are doing in getting players into college when you have some programs that has been around for decades. getting back to my point.. No one new of Boise State until they beat Oklahoma in the BCS bowl. Now they are on everybody’s watch list. Is Boise State the most talented team in college probably not. But on any given day a team can be beat. What makes this high school playoffs or football playoffs in general is. ONE AND DONE. No series to play.You speak of underachieving. Maybe from your standpoint (probably not to high) but how can you say a program is undeachieving when leading the state in scholarships maybe the nation? You speak on State Titles. Do you asked the kids on the 2008 team at your local five & dimes store well tell me about that State title you won in 2008 and 2009? Or is that about how far you all get? You see YO, different people have aspirations (goals) in life as well. Not just a State title to make people feel good like you so you can brag or talk to your local buddies about what we did in 2008 or 2009. Football is a game played by Individuals to come together as ONE! So maybe your right my handle is correct we go oneononewithgreatones, that is the only way to become great!
One On One With The Great One
June 19th, 2011
9:57 am
Sorry Yo I forgot to address your other concern. At the end of the day regardless of what Stephenson does, North Gwinnett, Brookwood, Lowndes, Camden or any other school does people will always have an opinion. The hate comes in on feel good stories like Stephenson player has committed to this school. It’s a feel good story! Then some idiot always mention, “yeah but they ain’t won no state title with all that talent”. When does that stratched record gets thrown in the garbage? Now there are alot of things I will blog on, but you have never and never will hear me call out a kid on this blog unlike some of you have done with Stephenson players. That’s where the hate comes in Yo.
No we don’t have to many one on ones on the team. I know when Stephenson has a bulleyes on it’s back and teams play harder just because of who we are and the press received by the school. Not to mention success on the next level. I am happy for any kid that gets a scholarship, but what urks me is that some of you all in smaller towns know what is going on and some kid is talented enough to go to school but the coach will not even bother to vouch or speak to any recruiter on his behalf. Now Yo tell me is that fair after this kid has bust his (you no what) for this coach and his team? You and the others can sit back and be blog bullies all you want,but until you actually do something to make your school or local community get some press, then Stephenson will continue to get recognize for they are doing. All I’m saying Yo is don’t hate… congratulate… and motivate
Nukieie
June 19th, 2011
1:24 pm
Sounds to me like some one got his feelings hurt ie:(One On One With The Great One). But tell us how many of the kids that get those offers go on to graduate, that my friend is the most important. Please tell us “One On One With The Great One”where you get you completion data from if you are aboe to produce it. It is not hate, but the rest of the state get so very tired of hearing how many kids that Stephenson going to school, but really just how many of those large number actuall go or go on to finish school. This is not about hating Stephenson but acually wanting you or someone to produce the data on completion of their schooling.
yo
June 19th, 2011
5:36 pm
If Lowndes could recruit from the whole county of DeKalb that every one know produces some of the best “one on one with the great ones” in the state, just wondering????????? How many of those same kids would have division 1 scholarships “AND” a state title. Just saying……….
One on one…..every one knows your county has possibly the best talent in the state (nothing new and it has always been that way) including Div1 coaches, now if you can just teach that talent to quit doing the Lebron James shuffle and be disciplined enough to stay home/focus on/pay the price for a state championship then guess what? Div 1 Scholarship will follow and you won’t need a coach to beg for you.
yo
June 19th, 2011
5:42 pm
ps-I hear all the blather about how unimportant State Championships are because all that great talent has yet to achieve. Age of school has nothing to do with it. Either you have the best talent or you don’t……which is it?
It would almost be hilarious to see Stephenson win a state championship. Then we would find out the truth on this blog as to how important it was after all. How does that song go? “I can only imagine”.
One On One With The Great One
June 19th, 2011
6:45 pm
@Nukie check your websites to see. I am not saying that every kid graduates, but they are given the choice at least to continue there education on the next level. I don’t have any hurt feelings. it seem the ones feelings are hurt are those you can’t keep Stephenson out of their blogs because there team isn’t getting any press. Comparing counties is no comparision sir. Dekalb is one if not the largest in the State of Georgia. We have never made any excuses. Remember it is a opportunity that’s all we can ask for. The choice is still left up for them to finish. But for the most part I do know they are there for four years without paying for school. So if your a south georgia fan that’s expected I will not hold that against you unlike you all hold the no state title against Stephenson.
@ Yo Your probably right. But when you look at how many teams play in 5-a there is only two. Stephenson & MLK. Everyone else is in 4-a or 3-A, so when you start talking about talent yes throughout the classifications your right. I didn’t say the state title is unimportant, what I been saying is that you and most of the bloggers put so much infuphasis on state titles that you forget it’s only a title stating you are the best for that year and where is the ultimate goal after there season is over? Trust me I would love for Stephenson to win it all and it is coming but there is so much that have to fall in place for you.. Unlike some schools that jock for position and tank games to avoid some teams like I seen, Stephenson just plays whoever is on their schedule or whichever bracket they are in. Anyway talent alone doesn’t win anything. Just ask the Miami Heat. There are also intangibles you must have as well. Yo if you ever get a chance to see Stephenson play don’t come in with a bias opinion already. Look at the game from a objective manner. Forget the press write ups, forget the scholarships and look at the game from a spectator standpoint. I hope to see your team whichever ones they are in the future. Until then have a nice day
One On One With The Great One
June 19th, 2011
6:47 pm
I meant to say only two teams play in 5-A from Dekalb County. Stephenson & MLK
Trojan94
June 19th, 2011
10:14 pm
State championships are great to win, but getting kids into collage should be the most important thing in every high school and communities.
Nukieie
June 20th, 2011
11:27 am
“One On One With The Great One” FYI: YO is a Lowndes fan and has a great deal of knowledge of high school football knowledge. He does know what he is saying and I’m sure that he has seen Stepheson play in 2004 and 2005 and we all knowthe results of those two games. Sorry Yo did not mean any disrect in speaking for you.
AVikingFan
June 20th, 2011
2:29 pm
Anybody have an idea what kind of teams will emerge this year for Etowah, Woodstock, and that region? I wonder if Peachtree Ridge will still be as good now that they’ve lost their head coach. I wish East Pauldin had remained in AAAAA. Their fans are quite vocal and can brag with the best of’em. Harrison should be tough this year, along with Walton, according to people I’ve talked to. Still, I think the AAAAA title will go to those teams I’ve already mentioned in past posts. Grayson, like this blog was about to start with, along with Camden, NG, Newnan – who should be really good -, McEachern, and possibly Stephenson – if they can play team football. A surprise team will emerge from 1-AAAAA. You heard it here first! Don’t be surprised if it’s a young Lowndes Viking team! We’ll know before mid September. We play South Gwinnett and McEachern early on, both in Martin Stadium, aka the Concrete Palace.
(Yo, and Lowndes 96, did either of you watch our guys any this spring? Look out for number 17. He was the only Freshman on the varsity roster last year, and plays MLB. He’s going to be a GREAT ONE. A Hahira kid. (TODD, mark it down!) There was picture of him in the VDT recently standing between Randal Godfrey and Takeo Spikes. I look for a baseball player playing his 1st football since middle school to win the QB position. Initials are “LJ”. Tall, athletic, smart, tough kid from a really good family. Dad’s a preacher in Brooks County.
I wonder what’s taking the Eagle (EagleNationRising) so long to get on here with us? Can it be ENR is waiting to see what kind of team NSWR will have before he starts his disertations and telling everybody else how bad their teams are? Noooo. He’s as loyal to his team as anybody on here with us. (He just doesn’t always stay til the game’s over like most of us does. LOL.) It could be he hasn’t gotten over the White Water rafting incident (when NSWR got surprised, capsized, and winterized early in last year’s AAAA playoffs!)
As info to all, Sportsfan31313, who says he’s a retired Lt. Colonel from Hinesville, has moved to NY or somewhere like that. Guess he gave up on Bradwell Institute ever putting it all together. He emails me occasionally, and says to say “hello” to the bloggers, as well as Todd, and Michael. In person he’s a really nice guy!
One On One With The Great One
June 20th, 2011
3:24 pm
@Nukieie.. it’s ok YO is a true fan for Lowndes as like I am for Stephenson. Yes seeing Stephenson play 6 or 7 years ago is a long time but times has change and we are in the present. Understanding high school football I think we all have pretty good knowledge of it on here. It will be intersting to see how strong Lowndes will be this year. As usual they will make some noise but that should be expected from such a school and it’s fans.I appreciate the observations and critque you gave us at Stephenson but don’t disrespect a kids name on here.
AVikingFan your article of observations are intelligent and well written. You can be objective as anyone I seen on this blog. I am awaiting on Sportsfan31313, Lowndes 96, & ENR myself. LOL still on the comment about ENR. Thats a good one! Anyway I look forward to an exciting season and see who will have the braggin rights to call there scholl the nest. As of now BROOKWOOD BRONCOS FANS MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!!!!! and No I am not a Brookwood fan but I respect what they done in 5-A last year WINNING STATE
NGHS 09
June 20th, 2011
4:46 pm
@ AVikingsFan…that’s good to know about Buford, i live five minutes from there and have a lot of friends that went there so i know they have special priviledges. They are classified as a city school though, but there really isn’t to much difference i guess b/t private and city.
AVikingFan
June 20th, 2011
4:50 pm
Brookwood should be ranked number one until they lose it on the field!
I like reading your posts, too One On One! In fact I like anyone who is passionate about their team, but respectful of others.
BTW, I was just told that a QB transferred to Colquitt County from White County and is supposed to be really good. His dad is a new assistant coach at Colquitt County. Also, reportedly three more Alabama transfers have followed Rush Propst to Colquitt County from Alabama. He can certainly pick up the transfers, especially ones who can play pitch, catch, block, and tackle! He has had several other Alabama transfers since he’s been at Colquitt. In Georgia a kid can play his senior year if he turns 19 after May 1 of his junior year. In Alabama they are ineligible. Of course we all know Rush Propst coached at Hoover, Alabama and is quite popular over there.
I wish Todd would investigate and see how much of that goes on at schools close to Alabama. Might make for a good article.
AVikingFan
June 20th, 2011
4:56 pm
NGHS 09 – What will NG have this year? Is Grayson really as good as folks are saying? Will PRidge go down after losing Coach Ballard?