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
BcS2010
June 1st, 2011
11:18 am
AAAAA MLK Lions will be a title contender!
4Awin
June 1st, 2011
12:59 pm
I heard this type of talk last year before their opener at the Dome in the Corky Kell Classic. Apparently some little AAAA team named Kell took them out and ended their 22 game win streak last year. Maybe they will have better luck this year……………….
TJ
June 1st, 2011
1:26 pm
Losses for Grayson last year were due to injury. They made it deep in the playoffs and it was not a fluke. This will be their best year. Mark my words….the name talked about more than any other this season from Grayson will be Wayne Gallman, a transfer from Florida. Defense has always carried Grayson, think it will be offense this year…..
Max Sizemore
June 1st, 2011
4:17 pm
That comment on the QB suggests that the MaxPreps’ guy doesn’t know that much about the wing-T, which is as much of a philosophy as it is an offense.
WarEagle
June 1st, 2011
6:01 pm
Very interesting, but where are the rest of the spring previews the AJC promised?!
dekalbfootball1
June 1st, 2011
6:32 pm
I agree totally BcS2010. MLK will be better b/c of the returning players and another year in the system. Nobody gave them a chance with a new coaching staff along with new offensive and defense schemes. They replace over 30 seniors. Please word of advice to all opportnets. You better score TD’s and not FG’s; definitely no punts!!!!
Double Winner
June 1st, 2011
10:51 pm
Grayson is not the best team in Gwinnett County. Buford is the best. I hope Buford loses because of their almost perfect situation. But, make no mistake about it, in any given year Buford is the best team in Georgia regardless of classification. You AAAAA boys crow all you want, but none of you seem to want to play them.
ghs class of 2012
June 1st, 2011
11:18 pm
grayson isnt even running the wing t this year. They switched to a spread offense.
BD
June 2nd, 2011
1:24 am
Buford best team in Gwinnett….. what a joke!!!! Thanks for the laugh Double Winner
Stick to the subject
June 2nd, 2011
7:04 am
I look forward to a competitive AAAAA season this year. Grayson sticks out becuase of Ndemkiche. The QB has talent, but then again Grayson has always relied on a stingy defense to keep them in games. I expect them to have another good defensive squad, if they can put an offense with that defense, then I agree they will be tough. There are a lot of if’s though. Their schedule is favorable to a possible undefeated season. Parkview if they can get it back together may be a challenge, Brookwood may have graduated too much, but will be task, Kell has the same issues as Brookwood. Other than those 3, don’t see anyone really challeneging them in the “Gwinnett Region”.
WarEagle
June 2nd, 2011
9:15 am
@Double winner — If Buford would simply choose to play up, then we’d get to play them. Buford is a great program, no doubt, and their team would be successful at a larger classification, but playing against AA competition each year is not the stiffest test in the state.
Lowndes96
June 2nd, 2011
3:02 pm
WarEagle buford is not interested in a stiff test, only filling their trophy cases. If you ask them they will tell you they are right where they belong, in AA. Even though I think they are on at least a 3-peat in 3 different sports, I think that shows just how unlevel the playing field is for them in AA. But they would tell you it would be unfair for them to play up, I hear this on a daily basis on another message board. I laugh every time.
Lowndes96
June 2nd, 2011
3:06 pm
@ghs class of 2012 grayson is going to go from the wing T straight into the spread huh? You don’t think this will hinder your chances at winning the state title this year? Seems like there would have to be some fall off with the new offence and all. Honestly grayson had a golden opprotunity to play for a state championship last year. It still baffles how the worst defense in the state stopped grayson twice to win the game.
68 Viking
June 2nd, 2011
3:28 pm
man i sure like being under the radar I believe the vikings will do very well this yr, but mostly looking forward to playing teams that defeater us in earlier seasons,,,at any rate good luck to all participants
ghs class of 2012
June 2nd, 2011
4:59 pm
yeah, they switched. It will only hinder the team if the line has trouble, because Watson and Jones both have good hands. Look for Austin Meadows and Casey Gaines too emerge this year. I doubt they will use Nkemdiche on offense before the playoffs.
TJ
June 2nd, 2011
7:32 pm
I went to Grayson Spring game, look like Wing T to me with a few spreadlike wrinkles. Do not think that coach would retool everything. If it aint broke don’t fix it!
ghs class of 2012
June 2nd, 2011
7:42 pm
Devin Gillespie told me they were switching (new offensive coordinator). Either they did not implement it all in the spring or that they are just putting wrinkles in.
zippy the clown
June 2nd, 2011
7:47 pm
Buford played out of state a couple of times (Herbstreit Classic) during the last decade against teams in much bigger classifications and Buford beat them quite handily………scheduling for Buford IS a problem because a bigger school stands to lose much more to Buford than Buford does to them – there was an article 2 years ago talking about this situation………nobody wants to play Buford outside of their region and in higher classifications, and Buford has beaten the bigger teams so they’re not the joke many want to make of them……….yes, Lowndes96, you might beat Buford, but you’ll definitely know you’ve played a tough team when its finished………….
zippy the clown
June 2nd, 2011
7:49 pm
btw, folks, Buford has been ranked nationally in the MaxPreps football rankings over the last decade so don’t under estimate them……….
Lowndes96
June 2nd, 2011
8:24 pm
zippy i didnt say a word about playing buford. What i said with every word of my post is they dont belong in AA. If you think im wrong about that you are entitled to your opinion. I honestly dont understand why they dont move up, and show everybody in this state how great they are. I read posts on another message board every day that read just like this, “yes we (buford) have a big advantage over all of AA, there aint nothing you can do about it, they said the only thing AA could do about it was bend over and take it like the whiny b**** that you are.” Now i just not 20 minutes ago read a post almost exactly like that. Those are truly the words of a champion dont you say? Thats my last post on buford this thread is supposed to be about grayson and i got off topic. I apologize for getting off topic.
One On One With The Great One
June 2nd, 2011
8:47 pm
For now the best team in the State of georgia in my eyes are the Brookwood Broncos until they are beatedn no can claim fame to that in 5-A. Buford is the best team in there classification no doubt about that. Until the champion is deefeated then they are still considered the best I thought? Did I miss something? I been saying for years yes Buford has nothing else to prove in AA. They should play up. Yes they might be good that first or second year in playing up, but I can assure you that they will not be as dominent as people think after coaches see them on a regular. But until then the State Champion is the best until knocked off in my opinion.
BcS2010
June 3rd, 2011
2:03 am
I no in 6AAAA this is a region this year with no real favorite to win it. I love Tucker of course but i can honestly say that Tucker,Marist,SWD,Mays,and Redan will be competing for the 4 playoff spots. I still think it will be the same 4 teams from last season. Tucker wins the region!
EWE2
June 3rd, 2011
7:02 am
Lots of upcoming talent for Grayson. Look for an unknown “Chaz Hutcheson” to make an impact. Should have won it all last year but in my opinion, their talent was not used correctly. It sometimes hard to the trees because of the forest.
WarEagle
June 3rd, 2011
9:41 am
@BcS2010 — Good to talk Region 6AAAA with you again. Your list is missing Dunwoody, and that team will be a contender to win the region this coming season. Tucker sure has a lot of great players to replace, and the best players from last year’s teams for Redan and Mays (both QBs) are gone. Hard to say who will come out on top in this region. But we know for sure, it will be a tough region and the winner will be a contender for the title in AAAA!
BcS2010
June 3rd, 2011
12:06 pm
@WarEagle…yea football is back!! but yeah Mays lost alot of talent but still has an ok team coming back. Redan has some talent athletes on this years team i just think they will give teams problems. Tucker lost alot of there key players but still have enough good players to contend for state. I feel like there backfield this year will be almost impossible to defend and there defense is fast again! There only problem will be and this may not be a problem is there new QB..he is bigger than there last but faster and more athletic and this may cause alot of problems. SWD will be a good team again there tight end is ligit and there defense looks better than last year. Marist team looks like they can also be good. I like the safties that yall have and of course yall coaching!.
topper
June 4th, 2011
7:40 am
What happened to the 30 teams in 30 days preview?
Trojan94
June 4th, 2011
8:51 am
Greyson!??? great program but not on that level yet. camden or buford would be my choice
KMHS
June 4th, 2011
1:17 pm
What about those Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs?
justsaying
June 4th, 2011
2:10 pm
Dunwoody will be a contender in the 6AAAA region, they have at strong returning senior class and have put together a great coaching staff. This senior class was a freshman team that got to move up and play during the 2009 season that Dunwoody made the elite eight run. Watch out for those Wildcats.
BcS2010
June 4th, 2011
4:09 pm
Dunwoody plays Mays in the 1st game of the season if im not mistakin. This should tell a little something if they are a serious contender or not! I cant wait this looks to be the best 6AAAA region with 6 teams fighting for 4 playoff spots!
for the record
June 4th, 2011
7:35 pm
@ Double Winner…. The truth is that Buford does not want to play Gwinnett’s top AAAAA teams. This is more than evident after Buford turned down North Gwinnett’s offer to play them the last two out of four years, preseason and regular season. The two used to play every season with Buford running the table always, so what is Buford scared of? It is also noted that former Peachtree Ridge coach Ballard and Mill Creek’s coach have asked Buford to join their schedules in recent seasons and every time the answer has been no.
Aside from all that, it makes no sense for anyone to complain about not playing Buford or for having to play Buford. If a AAAAA team beats them, then everyone will say, “that’s what is supposed to happen because they have more students.”…and if a AAAAA team lost to them then it would be a big dissapointment to the AAAAA school’s program and fan base.
No matter what side of the fence a fan is on regarding this topic, it is a fact that Buford fields top tier talent from ALL OVER Gwinnett and from surrounding counties. Honestly I think Buford does not want to play any top ten AAAAA teams like Grayson, Camden, Lowndes, Colquitt, North Gwinnett, Brookwood, or Mac and Stephenson because if they lose they will be laughed at and spectators will jump all over that program.
I always cheer for Gwinnett so i am on both sides of the fence quite often, but saying other teams deny the so called “invite” to play Buford is absurd.
hold on a minute folks
June 4th, 2011
7:44 pm
this is one man’s opinion, nothing more….no way the AJC would out right stand by this so far from opening kickoff.
Gwinnett...of course
June 4th, 2011
7:50 pm
Grayson is a powerhouse for sure. I am a North Gwinnett fan at heart and have immense respect for coach Conn and that program after they whipped us last fall. Great character and class by everyone. Grayson has beat just about every top ten team in the last five seasons. The names are big ones too in GHSA football. I like Grayson, North Gwinnett, Buford, Brookwood, and yes Peachtree Ridge to contend this year. The title will come back to this great county one way or another.
inside I-285
June 5th, 2011
8:59 am
Dunwoody may be a contender, but they have some major gaps to fill in the offensive and defensive backfields. They have some very fast players for these positions, but without any experience. If these gaps are filled, Dunwoody will be a very strong team.
hammerhead
June 5th, 2011
9:03 am
Hilarious how quickly this devolved into a Buford Blog.
yo
June 5th, 2011
10:45 pm
Stephenson already has 9 players committed to SEC and ACC schools and Grayson is considered the team to beat next year? Go figure….LOL.
camden3peat
June 6th, 2011
1:04 am
Camden’s coaches are starting to pay attention to the offense this offseason instead of the defense first mentality they went with last year. Oh, oh Georgia … they’re back!!!
CamdensFinest
June 6th, 2011
1:08 am
Amen to that 3peat
GoPackGo
June 6th, 2011
9:53 am
All I can say is LAUGH OUT LOUD!
Stick to the subject
June 6th, 2011
10:39 am
Gwinnett…of course. How is Grayson a Powerhouse? How many state titles do they have? Are they nationally ranked year in and year out? Do they compete for the state title year in and year out? Do they seek out the some of the best programs in the stae as well as the country? These are some of the qualities of a powerhouse program. Would have, could have, and should have makes for good conversation. Just saying. Yo…. lets not start with the Stephenson talent and signings already.A talented teams does not make them the best team. The talent on the team that is willing to sacrifice for the team makes the best team.
RealTalk
June 6th, 2011
1:34 pm
@ Yo, Stephenson has D1 talent every year and cannot come close to a title, how is this year any different?
From Where I Sit
June 6th, 2011
4:17 pm
Buford couldn’t beat Lambert!
ghs class of 2012
June 6th, 2011
5:39 pm
stick to the subject, answer to the first question is none, after that though, all answers are yes
CamdenMark
June 6th, 2011
7:52 pm
Hahahahahahahahahah………Ahahahahahahahahahahah!
CamdenMark
June 6th, 2011
8:26 pm
Why don’t one of the north Ga schools man up and go up to the Herbstriet Classic with us to open up the season in Sept.
Camden vs Glenville (Cleveland)Ohio, 5 Sept, noon on ESPN TV
We intend to win this thing and bring that trophy back to GEORGIA!
The Realist
June 7th, 2011
10:35 am
Why does the AJC continue to overrate these grayson teams every year? Ever since they beat lowndes they have been living off of that. Some of you idiots have the nerve to call them a “POWERHOUSE” how are you a powerhouse with no state championships? Colquiitt came in their house and beat them last year! To be honest, they are basically living off of that one win against lowndes high! ask yourself this were you talking about them before that win? Lowndes, brookwood, or colquitt will be the teams to beat this coming season.
Pecan
June 7th, 2011
10:50 am
Let’s see about that schedule, CamdenMark. After the Corky Kell Classic, North Gwinnett plays two powerhouse teams from Floria and Grayson plays one. That ain’t too shaby.
Eagle dad
June 7th, 2011
10:50 am
I guess the spring football previews were labeled “30 in 30″ by mistake…we’ve been sitting on 20 for a couple of weeks now.
Eagle dad
June 7th, 2011
10:57 am
Pecan, my guess is that North Gwinnett will find their Corky Kell opponent is not too shabby, either.
ghs class of 2012
June 7th, 2011
6:19 pm
the realist, continue to overrate?????????????? Maxpreps said this STUPID! How about you read the article next time?
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?
Lowndes96
June 20th, 2011
5:50 pm
@AVikingFan I pointed out #17 before he even put on his jersey to my son. Hes a fine looking athelete certainly was delivering some punishment at the spring game too. Im with you on the QB Josh looked pretty good but the baseball kid was better. I got it on good authority that CC transfer from tenn. has been waiting his turn to transfer to…valdosta. This transfer bug is getting contagious word is the kid got mad after waiting his turn it looked like he was gonna lose his spot aint it funny how things work out. I want to ask you a question witout saying too much, after watching the spring game im not sure we know who we are, do we know who we are?
Lowndes96
June 20th, 2011
5:53 pm
correction* i meant to say the kid that transferrer from Tenn. to CC transferred to valdosta. according to the CC and valdosta fans on the vent.
Packer 2001
June 20th, 2011
9:10 pm
Rush will have the Pack ready to play!!! Lowndes – will be ready. Grayson – I am just not sold on!!! Can not wait for football though!!!
GO PACK GO!!!!
One On One With The Great One
June 20th, 2011
11:34 pm
Re-calssification has hurt or should I say teams playing in 4-A in dekalb county this year. I was hoping that some teams play up, but that was only a wish. Not sure but is south Gwinnett strong a gain this year? I heard Hillgrove will be good as well. Some surprise teams in 5-A will be catch some of the favorite teams sleeping again around playoffs
AVikingFan
June 21st, 2011
10:44 am
Lowndes96 To try and answer your question about “WHO ARE WE”. I think Coach Mac did some things in the spring to let the guys have fun. But we are a wing t team and will stay that way. Kenny Durden said it best, the offense opens up when we have a good lead on the score board. Only then. Coach Mac likes to pass when he wants to, not when we have to. Often that’s a problem against really good teams.
The thing that continues to worry me is the defense. Are we making philosophy changes to put more pressure on these wide open offenses we are beginning to see from all over the state? I haven’t seen that change. I am also worried about our young defensive backs. Can they cover if we don’t pressure the QBs?
We will have a bench full of goodm, young running backs this year, but we will continue to run them in a sometimes predictable fashion. I truly believe that. We will have speed to burn. A very fast team.
Will we be better in the kicking game this year? I don’t think so. It might be our biggest problem. Return wise, we’ll be good. Punting, consistant field goals, kickoffs into the endzone on a regular basis? No.
One ON One With The Great One —– Reclassification won’t affect this year. Same regions, same schedules as last year. Probably most of the same teams leading their regions. Same certainties. NSWR, NG, and Lowndes will lose we they shouldn’t, Colquitt is re-loading, Camden will be STRONG, Clinch will probably have a “down year” in Class A, and the AJC will continue to sing praises for the Gwinnett teams. I believe their darling Peachtree Ridge will suffer the Lassiter virus and take a while to get over losing their coach. White Water should be good again in AAAA, as will White County under Ballard. But I agree with you, reclassification will certainly make 2012 interesting.
Packer 2001
June 21st, 2011
11:18 am
AVikingFan- Do you like the wing T?? I did at first but I love the spread a lot more!! It seems like there are people open all the time. What do you think??
NGHS 09
June 21st, 2011
12:10 pm
As for NG, NG’s four running backs are back. Donnie miles has blazing speed and posesses the ability to take it to the house any given snap. Joe Jones is the veteran of the group. He will run you over or make you miss; complete running back top to bottom. Ethan Kilgore is the middle guy who just eats up yardage in short yardage situations. Sophmore Dante Sawyer is the biggest of the group standing 6′3″ and about 220 lbs. Monster size and has good speed. I can see him playing receiver more this year or possibly tight end.
- QB will be scotty hosch, who in my opinion should have been the starting QB all season last year. He is a true pocket passer will flawless mechanics, a good arm, and very good accuracy. He will definately make NG’s passing game lethal and quicker. The balance of run and pass will propel NG farther than anyone thinks in my opinion, but the passing game will be up to par this year.
- The recieving core is in question, i’m not too confident or sure in this group except for the slot backs and running backs. I have not seen a dominant # 1 wide out so far, but NG has never had one and we have done just fine so i’m not really concerned.
- The O-line will be fine. It always is and coach Allen just does an outstanding job with what he is given and putting a solid group on the field. They will need to protect Hosch at all times this year because there is not a solid backup QB.
- The Defense speaks for itself. Returning 8 starters, the defensive line, linebackers return except for Brandon McGowan, but his backup from last year is a brick wall. The secondary lost two but the corners are returning and they are the best we’ve ever had.
All in all the defense will be one of the best in the state and NG will suprise this year.
AVikingFan
June 21st, 2011
12:41 pm
packer 2001 — I am not crazy about the Wing T, although we have 3 titles with it in the last 8 years. (I liked our 1999 Title winning offense better, which was a balanced mix of pass and run.) We could, however pass it when we needed to during those last 3 title runs. I am the exact opposite on that issue with our head coach. I think it is very important to be able to pass it when you need to. He is mainly concerned with passing when he wants to, to catch a defense by surprise. But he’s getting paid the big bucks to coach and I Ain’t! Enuff said ’bout that.
HGHS 09 — Sounds like NG should be preseason number 2, right behind Brookwood. (Brookwood should be ranked number one until they lose.)_ What do you think about Grayson’s chances this year? I know it’s a different county and region, but what do you think McEachern will have this year? I heard they graduated a lot of talent from last year’s team, and that maybe Harrison is the team to watch in that region this year. A friend of minhe in Powder Springs told me that. We play McEachern Friday before Labor Day, and South Gwinnett (who I was very impressed with last year) in August. I sure hope McEachern keeps on under-achieving, ala NSWR, at least until Labor Day. They did however over-achieve one crucial game last year, and beat us at their home place.
Lowndes is seriously rebuilding this year, as is Valdosta who lost about 35 seniors. Sounds like Colquitt County (Moultrie) is reloading with Alabama transfers (???), and should be tough again. Propst is a wizard offensively, but can’t spell the word defense. Tifton might surprise some folks. They have a very gifted young QB. Tall guy!
Camden should carry the torch for South Georgia.
Trojan94
June 21st, 2011
1:54 pm
Packers 2001- Carrollton also runs the wing t and belive if you have the explosive backs to run it, than that offense can be just as good as the spread, just like in the spread you have to have the QB and WR’s to run it. There have been plenty of teams to win a state championships out of the wing t. But i do belive you have to be able to pass the ball out of it when needed.
Eagle Dad
June 22nd, 2011
6:00 am
AVikingFan- been 3-4 years since I’ve heard anyone say Harrison is the team to beat in that region. Real tough to replace a coach of Cobleigh’s stature and it shows, combined with simply not having the level of talent they’ve had in the past. They’ve got some good talent in this year’s freshman class, but not much ahead or behind it. McEachern and Hillgrove both lost some great players but the Indians are in the best position to restock and I’ll be shocked if they do not win the region again in 2011. Matter of fact, the consensus in Cobb is that they’ll run the county for several more years- they’re reportedly winning big from JV all the way down to 6th grade, showing the back-to-back class depth is there to make good playoff runs.
Wish I could see that matchup against your Vikings in September! Heard the game last year was a good one to watch, as well as their game against Valdosta.
AVikingFan
June 22nd, 2011
9:41 am
Thanks for the update, Eagle Dad. I remember looking at the Game program last year in Powder Springs on Sept. 3rd that McEachern did have a lot of guys returning. I have said it in the past and I’ll say it again. Anyone can be a “one year wonder” but it takes a good “program” to field a good team year after year, like Camden, Northside WR, Buford, Clinch, and a few more. It starts in the 7th grade, but is very important in the 9th and 10th grades. It surely seems like McEachern is building that, along with Grayson and NG. Peachtree Ridge was on track to do that, but lost their coach to White County. Lasseter appeared to be “coming” but losing their coach seemed to side track them also. We’ll see where they go from that. But a “good program” will only take you to the top of the mountain. Getting over the top requires good game planning, preparation, and smart in-game coaching. Admit it or not, that is sooooooooo important to winning the big one. I sincerely think that has been Stephenson’s Achilles tendon in the past, as well as Carver Columbus and Northside WR, and even Lowndes, to a degree.
IMO, a great team wins all the games they should win, and most of the ones they shouldn’t.
The two games you mentioned from last year were indeed classics, one being a huge win for McEachern and one being a heartbreaking loss, if I remember correctly. The electricity in the air in that Lowndes vs McEachern game reminded me of the great Washington County (with Coach Tomberlin) game against Dan Pitt’s great Mary Persons team in Forsyth when Coach Pitts first attempted his 300th win against Takeo Spikes, Terrence Edwards, and company. (WACO’s Golden Hawks won) And I can boast seeing both of those games. It also reminded me of the Lowndes Northside WR game in 2008 at Lowndes’ Martin Stadium, one the AJC billed as the “Game of the Century.” I saw that one too!
While speaking of teams from the Cobb County area, I want to also mention Walton. I think they have recovered nicely from losing their very good coach to Ware County. My jury’s still out on Hillgrove. This year will let everyone know more about them.
yo
June 22nd, 2011
10:53 am
AVikingFan I believe Tift was a very young team last year and I will be surprised if they aren’t a force to be reckoned with this year. I already have them as a 1AAAAA contender. They have good coaching and improved greatly from beginning of last year to when they upset us, thereby giving them some serious momentum going into this year. Except Tift, 1AAAAA may get off to a slower than usual this year, but a lot of young teams will be seasoned by playoff time and they will be ready to make their run. Having said that, the coaching and programs in 1AAAAA take a back seat to no one so it wouldn’t surprise me if they all hit the road running early even with young teams.
Even when Lowndes has heavy senior laden team they play and rotate about 15 kids in who are basically starters with the amount of playing time they get. So I know we have at least 15 kids coming back who received plenty of what was basically first string playing time last year.
The key to every team taking it all home is leadership that goes beyond the coaching staff. Our 2007 state championship team had senior leadership (mainly coming from the offensive line) that made that team probably better than it should have been. I can’t say the same for 2008 and 2009 teams that were loaded but lacked a key ingrediant (student leadership).
Great talent is one thing but there has to also be something inside the kids that creates a bond and determination. Coaching can foster that but eventually the team has to grasp it and run with it.
If Grayson brings some offense this year I do see them as the team to beat with Camden at this point and based on what I’ve been hearing a close second.
AVikingFan
June 22nd, 2011
11:16 am
YO – Great post and comments. Don’t leave CC out, if the stories about those transfers are true. That Tifton QB is going to have one heck of a future! My son who works with the radio broadcast for the Lowndes games has been saying that since the kid was in the 7th grade.
I do believe this may be NG’s year. We will know more about McEachern after September 2. I wish we were in the Corky Kell Classic, from a fan’s point of view. But I think that has become basically a Cobb vs Gwinnett thing.
If we get good play from the QB position, and I really like the Jarriel kid, we will be pretty dag-gum good this year. We will have unbelievable speed, and a lot of size, particularly on the D line. This is the kind of team that can improve each week, ala the 2004 team!
AVikingFan
June 22nd, 2011
3:32 pm
Life in the South (Georgia) And What’s Really Important
The year is 2016 and the United States has just elected the first woman as well as the first female Georgian as president.
A few days after the election the president-elect calls her father and says, ‘So, Daddy, I assume you will be coming to my inauguration?’ ‘I don’t think so. It’s a 16 hour drive, your mother isn’t as young as she used to be, and my arthritis is acting up again.’ ‘Don’t worry about it Daddy, I’ll send Air Force One to pick you up and take you home. A limousine will pick you up at your door.’
‘I don’t know. Everybody will be so fancy. What would your mother wear?’ ‘Oh, Daddy’, replies the president-elect, ‘I’ll make sure she has a wonderful gown custom made by the best designer in Washington .’
‘Honey,’ Dad complains, ‘you know I can’t eat those rich foods you and your friends like to eat.’
The President-to-be responds, ‘Don’t worry Daddy. The entire affair is going to be handled by the best caterer in Washington , I’ll ensure your meals are salt free Daddy, I really want you to come.’
So Dad reluctantly agrees, and on January 20, 2017, the first woman, a Georgian, is being sworn in as President of the United States . In the front row sits the new president’s Dad and Mom. Dad notices the Supreme Court Justice sitting next to him and leans over and whispers, ‘You see that woman over there with her hand on the Bible, becoming President of the United States .’
The Justice whispers back, ‘Yes I do.’
Daddy says proudly, ‘Her brother played football for the Lowndes High Vikings!’
yo
June 22nd, 2011
3:44 pm
LOL
yo
June 22nd, 2011
3:45 pm
and so true!!!
SportsFan31313
June 22nd, 2011
11:07 pm
The State Class AAAAA Title will come back to South Georgia. No Doubt about it….
AVikingFan
June 23rd, 2011
9:35 am
Howdy Colonel, welcome back to the blog! Hope things are going well for you!
topper
June 23rd, 2011
9:47 am
Camden should be tough on defense this season, questions on offense will be how Coach Herron uses his QB. Can’t wait for the season to get started, you know it is getting close when all the old faces start showing up in here.
Sideline Observer
June 23rd, 2011
12:30 pm
Howdy Topper! Keep us posted on the Blue Cats. I picked them to rival NG, Grayson, and possibly Stephenson or McEachern for the AAAAA trophy this year.
AVikingFan
June 24th, 2011
10:14 am
I heard the Tifton coach, Jay Walls, on a radio call in show this morning say his QB, Tadrick Jackson, really tall freshman QB last season starting as a 9th grader, seems to have given up football in favor of concentrating on basketball, something else he exceeds at. That would be a serious loss to Tifton’s football team which has a lot of talent returning this year otherwise.
Topper, your question as to how Jeff Herron will use his QB has a simple answer. Like Lowndes, the QB will be under center nearly all the time, and will hand the ball off to one of his many speedy wingbacks or his tough fullback nearly every play. Like Lowndes’ McPherson, Herron will pass it when he wants to, but will have difficulties passing if he has to. Herron will play for field position and concentrate on having excellent special teams play. That and defense is what makes the Blue Cats good.
Keep us posted on’em! Thanks.
NGHS 09
June 24th, 2011
10:30 am
@ AVikingFan…Grayson will be good again, and whoever doubts them will get embarrassed every Friday night. They have seniors this year that have been three year starters, so they will be really really good. It may come as a shock to everyone when their offense is better than their defense this year. They have a veteran back field, bulky physical line and a defensive end who is rated in the top ten DE in the country. And it was made clear that they have an outstanding secondary because they beat NG and Valdosta last year. They are coming back as well. It could be their year to finally win it, i mean they make it to the semis every year. They are due, so look for them to come out swinging.
AVikingFan
June 24th, 2011
3:41 pm
NGHS 09 —– WOW! Really sounds like Grayson AND NG will be strong this year. Keep us posted. What do you know about South Gwinnett? We play them in August. Hope our guys are through cropping tobacco and picking cantalopes and butter beans in time to dress out for the game and get in a little summer practice. Mannnnn that’s early for a football game! I read where Stephenson is getting some really good transfers! This might finally be their year to get to play in the dome when it counts.
GoPackGo
June 24th, 2011
6:49 pm
I wish I was aware of any transfers we are receiving. Other than Seagraves, whose father was hired as a coach…..he’s the only transfer I am aware of. People move in and out of counties and cities. It’s part of life. It’s happened many times in every county in our state. Good luck to Region 1AAAAA and Go Pack Go!
yo
June 25th, 2011
12:20 am
If that’s true about Tift’s qback Jackson then it’s sad and Tift will be half the team they would have been otherwise. That kid has the chance to be something special in footbal.
BIGHORN
June 25th, 2011
9:18 am
Man im excited my longhorns get to open up in the georgia dome against the num.1 team in the state!
WPI
June 26th, 2011
12:00 pm
Not to sure about NG this year… saw them in a passing league game with Duluth.. They went at it neck in neck.. Duluth has a amazing spread that at times made NG look silly.. but on the flip NG’s Hosch made some good throws but the wide outs need a lot of work this summer… solid backs (lots of backs) If you spread NG defense out they showed confusion and inexperience with the new starters. What was more surprising was Duluth, they may actually contend in their region this year. QB is going to UGA next yr to play safety and wideout Myles Campbell will be a name you hear alot this year… you heard it from me first lol
AVikingFan
June 27th, 2011
8:58 am
Who’s scheduled to play in this years’s Corkey Kell classic in the Dome? BIGHORN said something about his team playing. I apologize, but I’m not familiar with the “Longhorns” (except the Texas version and a field full of’em just south of Old Town, FL on Hwy 349. Are they AAAAA or AAAA, and what’s the name of the school? Good nickname for a high school!
AVikingFan
June 27th, 2011
9:08 am
YO — If you have a chance, check out the new radio talk show on 8:10 AM radio between 7:00 and 9:00 Mon thru Fri. One day last week they interviewed the Tifton head coach, and he talked about losing his QB to full time basketball. (he did say he hasn’t given up getting the young man to change his mind!) The annoucers are Valdosta High’s game night Sideline radio announcer Monte Long and Lowndes’ game night Sideline announcer, Marty Rodgers. On Thursdays Lowndes’ basketball annoucer Taylor Biddle joins’em. They have interviewed most of the local coaches including VSU’s coach already, but will repeat as we get closer to the season.
Jon
June 27th, 2011
9:22 am
Ok. So if Buford pulls in kids from ALL OVER Gwinnett county as mentioned. And this is why they completely dominate their classification, then why shouldn’t they be able to win in higher classifications? From what I understand by some of these people’s posts; Parkview, Brookwood, Grayson, NG, etc., can only pull from their schools boudaries. So, these people’s rhetoric doesn’t make much sense if Buford is pulling from ALL OVER Gwinnett and other schools are regionalized. Buford, in theory should be better than all, correct? I for one am of the opinion that if your parents are willing to pay the money, then your kid should go wherever he or she chooses. Period. There are a number of students outside the Buford city limits that pay tuition and choose to go to school there for things other than sports. After all, it is in Forbes Magazine’s list of top 1000 academic schools in the United States. It also doesn’t hurt that it could possibly become the first school in GHSA history to win five straight state football titles.
AVikingFan
June 27th, 2011
11:57 am
JON — Sounds like you make a good argument for Buford. I wonder why NG, Grayson, Brookwood, Peachtree Ridge, Collins Hill, etc doesn’t schedule some games with Buford. I don’t put a lot of stock in the old argument that “if one of those schools lose to Buford the world would come to an end but if Buford loses, people would say they should have.” On the other hand, I’ve never heard an official from Buford ever saying they have tried to schedule one of the county’s bigger boys. Sooooooo, who’s really afraid to play who?
AVikingFan
June 27th, 2011
12:17 pm
Let’s see if we can get something going with One ON ONE With the Great One—- A friend of mine just made the statement that if Rance Gillespie, head coach at Valdosta, Rush Probst from Colquitt County, Jeff Herron from Camden, or Randy McPherson from Lowndes, ever had as many D-1 Prospects as Stephenson does every year, and especially this year, they could compete with the SEC. That’s a pretty bold statement, but I bet you could also add Buford’s head coach to that list, as well as Clinch County’s and probably a few more. (Oh well, maybe they’ll win it all this year and get the monkey off their back.)
NGHS 09
June 27th, 2011
4:28 pm
@ WPI … I know of what you speak. I addressed, earlier, some of the things you saw. I will however remind you that it was a passing league tournament, not a real game. NG will iron out the wrinkles and the defense will win most of the games. Gauging a teams ability at this point of the off season is like telling a starting running back he will never score in a season. It’s just a silly thing to talk about. Mo Dixon will have the squad blanking teams by mid season. Region title will mostly likely come again, but the only difference is around game 12 or 13. NG will surprise at that junction, “you heard it here first”.
Whatever happens happens. May the best team win.
NGHS 09
June 27th, 2011
4:36 pm
@ Jon… Everything you stated is true. Everyone has there opinion, but at the end of the day Jess Simpson wouldn’t move up for anything. He’s smart and his system works. I think it is often misread that other Gwinnett schools complain about the situation, when in reality they are addressing a valid point. Ask chattahoochie or north forsyth or south forsyth how AAAAA fotball was. IT’s brutal plain and simple. There are no easy games other than the bottom feeder schools in every region. I know for a fact, personally, that region 7-AAAAA is as brutal as it gets in AAAAA. And now with the emergence of Duluth, there’s one easy game. All we are all trying to say is that Buford would not display the same dominance in AAAAA simply because of the much harder competition night in and night out. IMO.
Whatever happens happens. May the best team win.
NGHS 09
June 27th, 2011
4:37 pm
@ AVikingFan… it’s beating a dead horse by trying to schedule Buford. It will probably never happen because there is no real interest from either side of the fence.
AVikingFan
June 27th, 2011
5:02 pm
NGHS 09 I don’t think the Buford coach is trying to play a lot of AAAAA teams. He’s smarter than that!
NGHS 09
June 28th, 2011
11:37 am
That’s what i was pretty much saying lol…and it’s sad because there would be some great match ups.
Camden74
June 28th, 2011
8:39 pm
Can anyone tell me why Camden is no longer being invited to Corky Kell?
AVikingFan
June 29th, 2011
9:15 am
Camden74 — I think it has evolved into pretty much a Cobb/Gwinnett shootout kinda thing. Has Jeff Herron said anything? He may not want to do it anymore (travel expenses being what they are, etc). I’d be interested in his comments. Good luck this year!!!! I expect the Blue Cats to be really good again.
Camden74
June 29th, 2011
11:13 am
Thanks, AVikingFan! I’m not aware of Coach Herron saying anything about not being invited. I don’t live in Camden, so most of my information comes via friends and/or relatives who have someone on the team. Corky Kell was my way of measuring where the Cats were early in the season. From what I’m hearing, they have a chance to go deep into the playoffs again. Waiting to see how the new QB will perform. Guess we’ll know on Labor Day weekend! Here’s to bringing the championship back to South Georgia……Good luck!
TJ
June 29th, 2011
12:10 pm
Anyone notice that Grayson won a regional 7 on 7 tournament at North Gwinnett? Wing – T team throwing? Things that make say Hmmmm…..
SportsFan31313
June 29th, 2011
5:51 pm
Greetings AVikingFan,
I have been on some serious travel up and down the East Coast. Spending most of my time up North. I do miss you all though. July is here very soon and it’s the unofficial beginning of Pre Season Football. Boy am i glad. Watching ESPN as well. UGA Coach Ritch is also under some serious pressure and they also said that he may be on the hot seat this year,. Especially after losing to Central Florida in the Bowl Game.
I am curious to know how Region !-AAAAA looks this year. Region 3-AAAAA will have no changes. Camden County Dominates quite easily. Bradwelll Institute? Geeze!!!!!!!!!!!! Man Pleeze!!!!!!!!!!
GAIL
June 29th, 2011
9:35 pm
Newnan Cougars…I hope I am shocked come end of season, but do not see Newnan being much of a contender this year. This will be a rebuid and most likely a retooling year for the Cougars.
AVikingFan
June 30th, 2011
2:22 pm
GAIL — The Newnan team I saw when they came down and played Lowndes in the playoffs last year looked to have some good, athletic returning players. I expect Newnan to challenge McEachern to give NG and Grayson a run for their money.
SportsFan31313 — I predict one team in Region 1-AAAAA will go 3 and 1, three will go 2 -2, and one will go 1 -3. Lowndes, Colquitt, and Valdosta are all seriously rebuilding this year. Tifton’s sophomore to be all-world QB seems to have quit football, but coach Walls said he hasn’t given up hope he will change his mind before the season actually starts.
TJ — Don’t read too much into Grayson winning that 7 on 7 passing tournament. Lowndes won a 42 team shootout last summer over some really good teams, then ran the ball almost every play during the season. Expect Grayson to do the same.
GHS#22
July 1st, 2011
10:16 am
AVikingFan
expect Grayson to mix it with a combination of passing and running, just like a high calibra team should.
AVikingFan
July 1st, 2011
3:58 pm
GHS#22 — Great hearing from you again. Good luck in the Kell Classic Aug 20! We thought we would have passed it more last year after going undefeated in the 7 on 7 tournaments, but when the action started for real, it was same ole Wing T. Looking for big things from your guys this year!
Packer 2001
July 1st, 2011
9:14 pm
If think the Packers are rebuilding you are crazy!! They will be in it at the end. Mark my words Propst will have them ready
NGHS 09
July 1st, 2011
11:01 pm
Does anyone know anything about Peachtree Ridge’s status? Or Mill Creek and Collins Hill? I’m trying not to read to much into the media’s outlook. Anyone seen these teams so far?
NGHS 09
July 1st, 2011
11:04 pm
Oh and TJ, trust me Grayson will run the ball 90% of the time. They hand it off to that monster DE whenever inside the 20 yd line. I didn’t see any high school player that could stop him last year. They will throw in key situations because their QB is pretty dang good, but it’ll be more of a suprise play.
rwdekalb
July 3rd, 2011
7:48 am
Dunwoody seems like the team most likely to win 6AAAA this season. They did not seem to lose as much talent as the other top teams. Marist of course will be in the running as well as SWD and Tucker. Mays has an outside chance but they lost some very key players.
inside I-285
July 4th, 2011
7:10 am
Dunwoody lost all their running backs and most of their secondary on defense. They have some pretty big gaps to fill.
AVikingFan
July 8th, 2011
9:21 am
Time for Todd Holcomb to write another article. Comments on this one have about fizzled out! The season starts in about 6 weeks. Lowndes travels to South Gwinnett on August 19th. That should be fodder for a good blog.
Super Steelers
July 11th, 2011
1:30 am
MLK in my opinion is the going to make a serious run at the state title.. they’ve dominated almost every passing league this summer.. they have the top QB in the state pair with one of the best WR in the state…. not to mention they dominated stephenson at UGA 48-18
AVikingFan
July 11th, 2011
9:01 am
Like with Colquitt County if MLK can come up with some defense, their high powered offense can take them a long way. Passing QB’s sell tickets, hotdogs and popcorn, defenses most of the time win headlines and titles.
Camden74
July 12th, 2011
10:47 am
Geez! The game is 11 on 11, not 7 on 7!
Ghs class of 2012
July 12th, 2011
8:14 pm
Grayson will pass it more. It is the first year they have ever had with d1 caliber qb who has experience.
AVikingFan
July 15th, 2011
1:41 pm
Camden74 — Whats the latest on the Blue Cats?
SportsFan31313
July 15th, 2011
3:06 pm
AVikingAfan,
Bradwell has some size from what I have seen so far. But there is soooooo much to be desired there. They are going to build a new Football Stadium.
Camden74
July 15th, 2011
10:31 pm
AVikingFan,
According to the info I was given, fast and deep on defense! And depending on the new QB, offense could be surprisingly good………But we won’t really know for sure until September 5!
warner robins
July 16th, 2011
12:39 pm
i want to see camden smash glenville ohio to smitherines,whats so of yalls thoughts on that
Camden74
July 17th, 2011
12:21 am
Year in and year out Glenville is, most times, one of the better teams in Ohio! They stole one against Dwyer last season, but they’re supposed to be very good again this coming season. Camden will have to bring their “A” game! But I believe Camden will win…………..
warner robins
July 17th, 2011
5:53 am
i cant belive grayson is the only gorgia team in the top 25,seriously..im geting so tired of texas,california,flordia teams being over rated,bet south panola will not play anyone now,ranked num 1,i ican make a whole list of teams that would not have happened to,brookwood,lowndes,tucker,camden,carrolton,sandy creek,valdosta,peach c,marist,,, i could still go on and on,cc had an undersized defense of the likes you would have seen on a chumpy middle of the road class A team,
Grayson2009
July 17th, 2011
8:55 pm
Mickey Conn is the reason Grayson does not already have 3 State Championships in football. His teams are good, but he is lacks the confidence in his kids all season, so they doubt themselves when its all on the line!
Camden74
July 18th, 2011
1:02 am
It’s getting close y’all………..Kick butt, Camden Wildcats!
longhorn FAN
July 19th, 2011
5:42 pm
kELL IS LOCATED IN MARIETTA AND WE WILL FIND OUT HOW GOOD GRAYSON IS AUG. 20 IN THE GEORGIA DOME! CANT WAIT
REAL DEAL
July 19th, 2011
5:45 pm
Grayson is loaded but i think that kell team may surprise a few people just like they did last year. either way i think thats going to be a great game and a heck of a way to kick off the season!
warner robins
July 19th, 2011
7:45 pm
ya ia had to look twice when i saw that grayson-kell score last year ,wouldnt be suprised ,turns out AAAA and AAA was way tougher than AAAAA last year,AAAAA was at a all time low in 10,AAAAA really wasnt much better than AA,i think that will change this year, mabey its just my imagination,hell A clinch vs buford would have been a al -some- (mispelled)game to watch,why dont buford go kick some more texas a$s,that would be fun to watch
Camden74
July 19th, 2011
8:55 pm
@warner robins………LOL……….WHAT?
warner robins
July 19th, 2011
11:25 pm
CAMDEN 74,ok there is a method to my madness,grayson,lost to AAAA kell,colquitt(state champ runner up,lost to AA ook,&AAAA thomas cc,witch did get shlacked by lowndes in a scrimmage yes,tift,$ got a bet down by fitsgerald,coffee lost to ware county 31-12,also got a beat down by fitsgerald 36-7, brunswick which also beat them 20-7,camden beat them 28-18,probalby would have benn 35 or 42-18 if yall kept the starters in which is around the same ball park,look at hillgroves schedule,then look at sprayberries,hillgrove won but statisticly it was a close one,by the way im not useing hillgrove as a dis,that game could have went etheir way,centennial lost to carrolton 49-14 but it could have been worse,tucker killed ware county 42-3,witch loss lowndes 0-3,that dosent even cover half of it ,mabey im right mabey im wrong but im just looking at the stats,i understand with what i said earlier & Camden being in AAAAA you didnt want to hear all that$h1T im just sayin…im not drinking my koolaid,this stuff has never happend before,it just did in 2010
no disrespect
warner robins
July 19th, 2011
11:36 pm
and yes the if you brought any one of back the back camden state champs before,they would have trampled everone in the playoffs and looked like juggernauts in the 2010 AAAAA state championship
as they did in 2009
warner robins
July 19th, 2011
11:53 pm
$h!t!!!before i get dised on my spelling… i know
Camden74
July 20th, 2011
1:53 am
@warner robins……….I don’t believe any of those teams would have made it past round 2 in the 5A playoffs! Camden beat Miami Central, the Florida 6A Champions.I don’t believe any other team in Georgia could have done that! Then they turn around and lose to a pretty good Hillgrove team. Here’s my point, once you move past the first round in the 5A playoffs, their are no powder puffs! You have to come with it every week after that. I don’t believe a lower classification team can take the punishment or the pressure of winning 5 games in a row against the best teams in Georgia’s highest and best classification!
Camden74
July 20th, 2011
1:55 am
There*
warner robins
July 20th, 2011
10:30 am
just cause miami central is from flordia dosent mean they are world beaters,valdosta also beat one of flordias state champions,flordia is just a buch of flash and dash,camden could have beat st thomas aquinas,the score lies,they just made to many mistakes. st is flordias best team,,im not sayn camden is incapable they were still very good,probably going ton be better this year,man i really think tucker,chattahoccee ,carrolton,sandy creek- ( exedra) would have beat the piss out
of miami central,its the #1 & #3 ranked teams camden played from flordia, they(miami central) would have been ranked number 2 if they did not lose to yall due to win/lose statistics.. this is clueless maxpreps bigitry ,that camden squad that beat hoover 44-16 fairly destructively would have wallopted st thomas aquinas 100% .the AAAA & AAA playoffs were defintly not filled with your average bears this year,i think AAAAA is going to be 3 times better than it was last year
warner robins
July 20th, 2011
10:30 am
you go!!!*
warner robins
July 20th, 2011
2:29 pm
and did you see what lowndes did to leon fl 53-7,and it really could have been 70-0….(leon) a team that lost to FL
AAAA champ 10-15 ,….less than a touchdown ..i would relly like to see miami central blow lincion
out,they maight win but not by much
Gold and Blue
July 20th, 2011
2:40 pm
Mceachern may be even better this year than people realize. I don’t know the true #’s, but I think that they are going to have close to 40 seniors and 40 juniors. Even if they have no great players,(which they do) that would be hard to contend with. With their offense they could average 50 points a game for the season, they will have better special teams in every game they play, and their defense has 8 or 9 returning starters. Unless they seriously underachieve this year I can’t see anyone beating them!!! Until they battle on the field know one knows whats going to happen, but their first two games should be a great indicator of how their season will go. I think the NG and Mceachern game is definitely going to be the highlight of the Corky Kell Classic, CAN’T WAIT!!!!
Saints 1
July 20th, 2011
2:42 pm
MLK plays Cedar Grove for their jamboree game. It will be two of the best QBs in the state. who will win? and who will pass for more yds? Jonquel Dawson or Jonathan McCrary
Camden74
July 20th, 2011
5:29 pm
@warner robins, you very well could be right, but I disagree. I believe a win in the regular season is much different than a win in the playoffs. The mental intensity a player has to have during the playoffs definitely takes a toll both mentally and physically. I don’t believe a lower classification team could run the table during the playoffs! And as far as Miami Central is concerned, they were the fastest HS offense I’ve ever seen! And I live in Texas where there are some very good HS football! No HS team in Georgia last year was accustomed to seeing that kind of speed…….. Also, the Leon of present is definitely not the Leon of years ago. We could debate this point forever! Unless there are few games featuring the best of 4A vs the best of 5A, state wide, we’ll probably never know for sure!
warner robins
July 20th, 2011
8:41 pm
yah true tjeir is no 100% definitive evidence but in your honest opionion what do you think (allen) i think the top team in texas would squre off agianst brookwood,& trinity vs a good lowndes or camden team? did you play for camden
warner robins
July 20th, 2011
8:43 pm
disregaurd ithink after allen…
warner robins
July 20th, 2011
9:03 pm
heres my opionion , i think the best high school football is played in 1.gorgia
2 utah
3 tenn
not texas,cal,fl,my cousin is a jornalist for maxpreps and he told me its all about money
Fred
July 21st, 2011
12:12 am
Wow, how did I miss this! I know I have been working too hard when I don’t see this. A couple of observations – Finally! Someone with longer posts than mine (OOOWTGO).
Just kidding of course. About the Corky Kell last year and Grayson – our starting QB broke his wrist the week before in the scrimmage with NG. We were rotating QBs and while you might not have know what the exact play was going to be, when Nick was in you knew it was going to be a pass and when Kayman was in a running play. Just an observation, not an excuse. This year could be a good year for Grayson. There are a lot of returning players that matured a lot last year. They what happens when you ease up at this level (you lose), when you play perfect (you win -1st 3 playoff games) and when you get too confident and look past your opponent (you lose – CC Packers, a good team but one we should have been able to beat in a close game). I won’t predict how far we go but I expect a longer as opposed to a shorter post season. I’m ready for the season to start!
Camden74
July 21st, 2011
1:55 pm
@warner robins…….I played for Camden in the early 70s. I believe the top 5 teams in Georgia would stack up well against Texas teams! The only difference is, with Texas being so BIG, there are many more good teams. There are 2 divisions in each classification, 2 state champions in each classification. In my opinion, the best football HS football is played in Florida, Texas, Georgia and California. Then I would add Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tenn., NC, Miss.,/ Alabama………There’s one thing I’ve noticed, of all the really good teams I’ve seen over the past 10 years, Camden is by far, year in and year out, the smallest! But I’m told that this year they have decent size……..
LEONCOUNTY
July 21st, 2011
7:28 pm
Warner Robins, Leon has not been great since the late 80’s and 90’s. Lowdnes will always handle them that way.
PackerFan
July 23rd, 2011
6:16 pm
FYI, that Packers did hire former Iowa State and Gene Chizik assistant to be its defensive coordinator. Gonna be a huge improvement on defense
warner robins
July 23rd, 2011
9:52 pm
if the packers could come up a with stout defense and with the same caliber offense as they had then i would raise an eyebrow,
some how some way they need to get south panola back on their schedule,(cam) 74 i think the top 50 ga teams would stack up well agianst texas teams,the top 5 would trample texas teams at the line of srimmage,but ya ,camden has been great even without half the team nearly being a d1 unlike the bigest example (stephenson),theyve won state championships i think when their was not evn one d1 atl at all,in the hardest place to play.if was funny when they played hoover the first time,they looked like a bunch of underage peach face humble young men that woulndnt possilbly hurt a fly going against hear say neck bone eating wrist chained sage smoking head stompers from al,turned out that was a joke, i remember when i played against them in the dome twice we out sized them , same strenght, speed stats wasnt to far off but they played like some one turned all their stats up to 99 like the game,we got lucky the first time ,the next year they killed us in the crky kell clsc
Camden74
July 23rd, 2011
11:21 pm
@warner robins, If you’ve noticed, Camden sometimes has problems with dual threat QBs who are complimented by a fast running back and good wide receiver. Texas has a number of teams like that. Make no mistake about it, Texas has some very good HS teams! But I believe the best teams in Ga. can definitely play with them and win! Camden has always had speed and determination, but Herron brought in the can do, unselfish championship winning attitude. I was ROTFL when they played Hoover in 2008, especially after they did the special on “The Hoover Tradition”! Then Camden rolled up around 400 yards rushing, that was unreal! The score was 44-16, but it really wasn’t that close! Camden just blew the game in 2009, after that, Hoover didn’t want to play anymore! I wouldn’t mind seeing Camden play Katy, North Shore, Abilene, Allen, Euless Trinity, Coppell or any of the other top Texas teams……….
nukieie
July 24th, 2011
6:55 pm
Some intersting reading from rivals.com
http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1242122
warner robins
July 25th, 2011
11:26 am
man what is up people,imiss the good ol days were you typed a sigle letter and have 5 people get snapy at you
AVikingFan
July 25th, 2011
11:47 am
Welcome back Fred. You too Sportsfan31313!
Fred
July 25th, 2011
9:55 pm
Thanks AVikingFan! It is shaping up to be a great year for Ga HS football!
Canden74
July 26th, 2011
1:24 am
warner robins…..In about 3 weeks, you’ll get all you can handle!
68 Viking
July 27th, 2011
3:31 pm
to a viking fan great post on 6-26-11 on first woman pres. I am sure all high school fans can identify with that sentiment just change the name of the team and no one could disagree with you, see u in atl
BLACKGOLD
July 28th, 2011
12:54 am
CANEFAN : Are you ready for 2011 Hurricane football; I cant wait for those friday nite lights and tailgate parties .
BLACKGOLD
July 28th, 2011
12:54 am
GO PURPLE HURRICANES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AVikingFan
August 1st, 2011
10:28 am
Does ANYBODY know what South Gwinnett is supposed to have this year? Has anybody seen them work out? They looked pretty good last year when they came down to Lowndes, and I know they had a good run for their region title. But what do they have coming back? Lowndes will travel to Escargotville August 19th and I assume because of the afternoon and evening Friday traffic it probably would be best for us to get off I-75 at McDonough and drive thru Conyers to get there. We have also looked at going up thru Jackson and Covington to Loganville, like when we went to Grayson a few years ago.
Any of you Gwinnett County folks got some traffic advice for us? It would be appreciated.
Viking 68 — You ARE driving to S. Gwinnett on the 19th aren’t you? How ’bout you YO and Lowndes 96? We will need to take a crowd! Hopefully the Touchdown Club will get there early and set up a hospitality tent for us when we get there.
Fred
August 1st, 2011
3:20 pm
AVikingFan, Friday afternoon traffic in Atlanta *@#$A*! US78 from I-285 will be congested and most likely slow in areas. Grayson and South are not very far apart. I would strongly consider the Jackson-Covington-Loganville route. Just stay on US78 through Loganville. Once you get to Snellville look for the QT on the left. The school is about 1/2 – 3/4 mile up the road on the left right on US78. I’d tell you where to park but it is tight on campus as the school has grown a lot since it was originally built. There is a big Kmart parking lot across the street from the school with a traffic light for easy crossing if you prefer. If you are going to tailgate and can get there early enough, go to the light at the corner of the school and turn left onto Skyland Drive. Go past the elementary school and the next parking lot on the right is for the softball and I think baseball fields and is pretty big. Lots of people tailgate there.
Have a safe trip!
Lowndes96
August 1st, 2011
7:52 pm
aVikingFan I will be in moultrie watching my son and the rest of the Cook Hornets on the 19th. I will make it to the TCC game and to the games on Cooks by weeks. Other than that it will be me and wes james while watcing the Cook games LOL. I’ll be depending on you guys to keep me informed on the Vikings this year and next.
Fred
August 1st, 2011
10:56 pm
AVikingFan, by the way, it is SNELLville (for the Snell family) not Snailville like most of us pronounce it. Although Escargotville is pretty funny!
Camden74
August 1st, 2011
11:21 pm
Go Camden County Wildcats!………….Fear the PAW!
AVikingFan
August 2nd, 2011
12:02 pm
Thanks for the help frd and the driving tips! Good luck with your team this year!
AVikingFan
August 2nd, 2011
12:03 pm
Thanks FRED sorry for the typo
AVikingFan
August 2nd, 2011
12:04 pm
CAMDEN 74 – I hope you go undefeated until you play us! Good luck in Ohio! Will it be on TV?
Grayson Fan
September 20th, 2011
11:22 am
@ ghs class of 2012 …. D1 caliber QB ?? Really?? I highly doubt it !! He is very inacurate, he constantly looks to ONE receiver on almost every play, he lacks the leadership of a D1 QB !!
Dont get me wrong… he is a good QB, but not a D1 calliber QB.