Grayson 24, Walton 0
It took Grayson 12 seasons of varsity football to get to its first championship game. It took less than a half to win it.
Grayson (15-0) took a 24-point lead in the second quarter, held Walton to minus-19 yards in the first half and won 24-0 in the Class AAAAA final Saturday at the Georgia Dome.
It was the first shutout in a championship of Georgia’s highest classification since Lowndes beat Brunswick 17-0 in 1999. The shutout was preserved when Grayson stopped a fourth-and-2 at the Grayson 6 with 2:16 left.
Grayson took command early after a couple of long passes by Nick Schuessler, a punt return by Ryan Carter and a defense that held the state’s leading rusher, Tyren Jones, to 78 yards on 16 carries. Jones had a 52-yard run in the final minutes when the outcome was not in doubt.
On Walton’s first possession, defensive back David Kamara forced a fumble after a short pass, and linebacker Jay Strickland recovered at the Walton 42. Grayson scored on 10 running plays – eight by 270-pound Robert Nkemdiche – and led 7-0.
“When we got that turnover, we got Robert going downhill, and that gave our kids a little confidence,’’ Grayson coach Mickey Conn said. “We were a little nervous coming into this thing for obvious reasons. The turnover kind of got everyone to feel at ease.’’
Better known as a patient running team, Grayson broke the game open on the arm of Schuessler, who threw two touchdown passes to Callen Hightower.
Facing a third-and-18 late in the first quarter, Schuessler (3-of-3 passing, 108 yards) hit Corey Schaeffer on a 42-yard post pattern to set up a field goal. Then with 9:28 left in the half, Schuessler hit Hightower on another post for a 45-yard touchdown that made it 17-0.
“We knew we could beat them with the run, but as soon as their safeties started creeping in, the coach made a good call and we beat them over the top,’’ Schuessler said.
At that point, Gayson led in total yards 163 to 1.
Then Grayson showed off its special teams when Carter went 67 yards on a punt return to the Walton 11. On the next play, Schuessler hit Hightower for a touchdown pass for a 24-0 lead.
Schuessler entered the game with efficient statistics – 93-of-154 passing for 1,506 yards and 17 touchdowns with three interceptions – but in a run-dominated offense that doesn’t allow the quarterback to shine that often.
‘’Nick is so underrated that these people don’t have a clue,’’ Conn said. “A quarterback is a leader. He’s someone who wins. He took us to the semifinals last year and the final this year. It’s unbelievable what he means to us.’’
The game featured Walton’s strong offense line and the running of Jones against Grayson’s top-rated defense. Jones had 2,299 yards entering the game, but Grayson held Walton to negative rushing yardage until Jones’ 52-yarder in the final minutes put Walton deep in Grayson territory for the only time in the game.
Jones had changed from jersey No. 1 to No. 20 on that possession because his original had been torn. His yardage initially was credited to Jacob Murphy, a sophomore defensive back.
Nkemdiche, the top-rated junior defensive tackle in the country according to most recruiting services, outgained Walton and Jones with his 85 yards on 19 carries. Walton finished with 58 yards on the ground.
Nkemdiche thought Grayson had held Jones to less than 50.
‘’We were waiting for him to play a defense like ours,’’ Nkemdiche said. “I’m pretty sure he didn’t get over 50 yards rushing. We average like 36 [allowed] a game. Our defense played great.’’
Grayson, which opened in 2000, became the eighth team from Gwinnett County to win the highest classification since 1996. Cobb County was denied its first state champion since 1967.
Grayson 10-14-0-0 – 24
Walton 0-0-0-0 – 0
G – Robert Nkemdiche 3 run (KallenRhodes kick)
G – Rhodes 34 FG
G – Callen Hightower 45 pass from Nick Schuessler (Rhodes kick)
G – Hightower 11 pass from Schuessler (Rhodes kick)
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
132 comments Add your comment
Wow
December 10th, 2011
10:51 pm
Incredible defense.
Beetzmee
December 10th, 2011
11:01 pm
Gwinnett teams win 8 of the last 15. Impressive. And I am not in Gwinnett. Should be interesting with the new classifications. Will Gwinnett have to play each other in the early rounds? Region 1 will not to their benefit. Will the Gwinnett dominance change? Well, Grayson has 9 defensive starters returning not to mention what will pop up. They could repeat but, in AAAAAA that will be very hard to do. You might do that in A or AA but after that?
The stage is set, Region wants it all, Regions 7 and 8 want to keep things North. Buford moves up to AAA. Let the shifting of players begin!
JAB
December 10th, 2011
11:02 pm
Congratulation to the Grayson Rams; I pick you to win it all several weeks ago…:)
JAB
December 10th, 2011
11:04 pm
Stephenson & MLK will be moving down next year inwhich you will see Dekalb County dominating AAAAA next year like tucker just did in the AAAA State championship! Tucker will move up to AAAAA next year which will make Dekalb County region a powerhouse. “CAN’T WAIT”, LET THE GAMES BEGIN…:)
Beetzmee
December 10th, 2011
11:05 pm
Congrats Grayson. In the words of cousin Eddie, “Clark, The last time I saw a beatin’ that bad someone stuck a banana in my pants and turned a monkey loose”.
Blake
December 10th, 2011
11:07 pm
You go Gwinnett County…Yes
Scott
December 10th, 2011
11:10 pm
Top 10 things heard on the Walton sidelines . . .
10. Has anyone seen my Superman outfit?
9. Where’s the offensive line?
8. I thought I was the only #1
7. Who’s covering #8?
6. Where’s my jock strap?
5. My ears are ringing.
4. We need to sell the big head before it’s worthless
3. OUCH!
2. Why didn’t we recruit Nkemdiche?
1. I should have moved to Grayson
BamaBornDukie
December 10th, 2011
11:17 pm
Wow……Props to Grayson and their defense. Outstanding performance.
I was at the game and I’ve NEVER seen an offensive line get WHIPPED in a State Championship Game between 2 “supposed” equal teams the way Walton’s was tonight. Tyren Jones was getting hit as soon as he got the handoff.
Cobb County……as a resident here since January 2007…..We are NOT ready. That was a mismatch of all mismatches at the line of scrimmage.
Walton….Keep your head up and build on this season….But you guys need to hit the weightroom and man-UP…..because they took your manhood tonight.
John
December 10th, 2011
11:29 pm
# 11. How about those SAT scores Grayson?
Bananas
December 10th, 2011
11:32 pm
Walton was an embarrasment to Cobb County football tonight.
Packer Backer
December 10th, 2011
11:37 pm
that was not a championship match up game….this level of game should have been between 2 teams that atleast were equally matched. I cheered for Walton just because they were underdogs and not favored to win other then that I don’t know anything about the team. But apparently something went wrong in the brackets this year …. All the tough games were played on the left side of the bracket. Championship games are games played and scored like Camden and Colquitt or Grayson and Colquitt this year! It’s no fun watching one team get walked all over especially when it’s for the championship!
Nike 11
December 10th, 2011
11:47 pm
Walton looked lost the first quarter and a half of the game. I was very surprised. I thought they would come out better than that. Relying on Jones so much and never having to face any real adversity this year until the last couple games hurt them. It didn’t seem like they were mentally tough and when they got down early, that was it.
Cobb is still a couple years away from having top to bottom programs like teams in South Ga and in Gwinnett. But they are getting closer.
HS Football Fan
December 10th, 2011
11:49 pm
Congratulations to Grayson, but still proud to be a Walton Raider.
The team played with class and heart from game 1 to game 15; the Raider Nation is still strong and proud!
Football FAn
December 10th, 2011
11:51 pm
You know what…there have been blowouts in Super Bowls, SEC title games and BCS National Championships..it Happens! Walton got whipped but don’t say they shouldn’t have been there…they played the bracket laid out in front of them. Congrats to Walton on a great season. All these other shoulda, woulda, coulda teams can cry until next season and then actually put up or shut up!
Congrats to Grayson…Job Well Done!
BamaBornDukie
December 10th, 2011
11:52 pm
I hate to agree….but Walton was an “embarrassment” tonight. I wonder if they started “smelling” themselves and “believing” that were that good…..
From the offensive line….to the stubborn offensive playcalling in terms of the repeated running plays when the Grayson defensive line was 4-5 yards in your backfield on every play….to allowing a receiver to get 15-20 yards behind your safety for a TD…..to allowing a long punt return.
I’ve attended 12 of Walton’s 15 games this season……and honestly, Cobb County is so far behind [based on Walton being 14-0 going into this game]………I simply don’t understand how a team can get dominated that badly in a Championship Game.
Walton was NOT prepared for this game………Not even close to it.
I also agree that Tyren Jones basically carried Walton this year…..but no matter how good a RB is…….he can NOT beat a great team Defensive Team like Grayson alone….especially with absolutely pathetic blocking by his offensive line.
That 1st half was bad…..REALLY BAD!
Rampage
December 10th, 2011
11:58 pm
@John- before you go and make accusations or assumptions about SAT scores do your homework on how many past players are on scholarship in college from Grayson. Is that the best you can do? Gwinnett was given the National Award for Excellence last year based on students performance in classrooms. This blog is about football… Walton got schooled tonight.
MomInCobb
December 11th, 2011
12:04 am
Anyone notice that they changed Tyren Jones’s jersey? He wore #20 for the second half of the game. That was NOT the guy they said it was. I saw him change on the sidelines. What was up with that? Guess Grayson had his number.
Scott
December 11th, 2011
12:05 am
@Football FAn: You are a mean spirited person. I can tell from the tone of your posts. But I digress. The poster was right, all the tough teams were all on one side of the bracket. To me the championship game this year for AAAAA was the semi-final game between Grayson and Colquitt. Those were two of the best teams in the state and it was a championship quality game. Grayson became the champions the night they beat Colquitt County. It just became official tonight against Walton, a game that was not even a challenge for Grayson. It was very, very clear that Walton was out of their league tonight.
Congrats to Grayson, you all have one heck of a team and deserve to be the State Champions!!
Grayson Scott
December 11th, 2011
12:06 am
Started the season with a shutout of a Cobb county team at the Dome, and bookended it with another shotout of a Cobb county team at the Dome! What a game and season for the best defense in the state of GA! Congrats, Grayson Rams! And just think 9 returning starters from the defense next year! Look for a repeat!
PS – No disrespect Walton, but I think it’s evident Colquitt County is #2 team in AAAAA this year,
MomInCobb
December 11th, 2011
12:08 am
oh…nix that…saw the reference in the article
GwinnettDad
December 11th, 2011
12:11 am
Hadn’t occurred to me until this moment that Walton joined a rather substantial list of teams shut out by Grayson this year. Didn’t expect it though. It’s true that there were much better games on the left side of the bracket in previous weeks by teams that I think could have defeated Walton.
BullDawg Rick
December 11th, 2011
12:15 am
Congrats to the Rams of Grayson…
Keeping the State Championship in the best sports county in the state of Georgia – Gwinnett County
Congrats to Walton for making the trip to the Dome…
Grayson is going to be as good (better, maybe??) next season with the #1 player in the nation lining up on either side of the ball!
blowfish
December 11th, 2011
12:21 am
There is one thing that all Gwinnett Teams have in common….an unbelievable competitive youth feeder program called the Gwinnett Football League. Each school has a park nearby where kids wear the team colors, are called the Rams or Broncos or Bulldogs or Panthers, etc, etc…..and play against each other in travel ball fashion from the 1st through the 8th grades. The boys you saw playing tonight have been running the Grayson Hybrid Wing T since they were in the 5th grade – same nomenclature, same formations, same everything….and they been sharpening their swords against county rivals since the age of six……and Coach Conn “gets” it. He is fully vested in the kids and the youth coaches, opening up the filed house to run coaching clinics to teach volunteer coaches the Ram way. From what u gear about other counties and other programs, no one does it quite like Gwinnett.
Afghan Killer
December 11th, 2011
12:44 am
Congrats To Grayson and Coach Conn . We streamed the game here in Afghanistan. I agree with Packer Backer its a shame that a team in the championship game couldn’t even score. Walton great season on your behalf be proud of your accomplishments.Grayson unbelieveable season prouder than hell to say I live in Grayson.
Burb-Hop: Grayson vs. Brookwood--Metro ATL represent! (2011, public schools, title) - City-Data Forum
December 11th, 2011
1:02 am
[...] Originally Posted by aries4118 More from Grayson–now that they are in the title game against Walton: Grayson has new rap video for state championship vs. Walton | Prep Zone: High School Sports This Is Our Year – YouTube Enjoy! Grayson 24, Walton 0 | Prep Zone: High School Sports [...]
SMDH&LOL
December 11th, 2011
1:15 am
John, You don’t bring SAT scores to a championship football game. That’s all you got; I’m guessing
Proud to be a Raider
December 11th, 2011
1:21 am
Congrats to Grayson, but congrats to Walton on a great season. 14-1. Not so bad. #36 on Grayson should have gotten the player of the game award. He was the size of a linebacker, was lightning FAST and played defensive tackle. He singlehandedly blew up 40% of Walton’s plays in the first half. There was simply no way to stop him (other than illegally chop block him like Tech did to Georgia on the second play of the game this year). Grayson – Fairly won and your’s to treasure. We salute you. Raiders, well done.
grayram
December 11th, 2011
1:27 am
Walton deserves a little more respect. They had a bad night for sure but Walton is certainly not the only team to have trouble moving the ball against the Rams. Really only Coquitt has had alot of success against Graysons defense running their spread very effectively two years in a row.
I don’t think you can say beacuse of what happened tonight that other teams would beat Walton.
East Cobb Dad
December 11th, 2011
1:27 am
I thinks there was a real paradox of having the easiest bracket, (especially with Valdosta getting upset in round 1). It may have allowed Walton to have an easier path to Dome, but it also meant not having progressively more difficult teams to play/develop against in anticipation of this game against Grayson. Congratulations to Grayson, they were dominating.
Proud to be a Raider
December 11th, 2011
1:28 am
Oh yeah. When you win Two State Championships in the Fall Sports and are the semifinalist in the other AND you have the highest number of National Merit Scholars in the State AND more of your kids on the State Championship teams get academic scholarships than sports scholarships, I guess you are bringing your SATs to the championship games.
Football FAn
December 11th, 2011
1:37 am
@ Scott…I am far from mean spirited…I just don’t want everyone too Poo Poo Walton’s season and what they accomplished this year by saying they shouldn’t have been in the game….I only pointed out that they didn’t set the bracket…they played the hand they were dealt and made it to the championship game…and like I said, blowouts have happened in the championship game at every level (High School, College and Professional). So just because the game was lopsided doesn’t mean Walton didn’t belong. Grayon dominated this matchup but they dominated a whole lot of good teams this year.
Congrats to Walton and Grayson on outstanding seasons!
HSFBFAN
December 11th, 2011
1:41 am
Grayson was destined to WIN. Kudos to both teams and their stellar records getting to the championship game. Remember the things that matter most and the support provided from the fans and families from both sides, without them, all is lost, with them, so much hope is guaranteed, win or lose. Both of these teams are champions in their own way.
Now, I pray that the Holiday season will inspire all involved and propel you to new heights, Most especially those whom honor God and HIS precious Son, Jesus Christ.
Let’s celebrate something BIG. The Birth of Christ.
Ram Proud
December 11th, 2011
1:57 am
Dear Proud to be a Raider, you can bring those SAT scores to the Dome tonight, but the only score that mattered was 24-0.
ACC12-SEC12 Booster
December 11th, 2011
2:07 am
Come on, everybody lay off of Walton. The Raiders had a very, very good year as a team does not go 14-0 enroute to the title game without being very good on the field, so congratulations to the Walton Raiders on having a great season as what they accomplished this season should by no means be discounted.
It’s just that on Saturday Night, the Raiders ran into a team that was much, much, MUCH more PHYSICAL than any other team in the state of Georgia in the Grayson Rams.
The Walton Raiders proved with their play through the season that they more than belonged in the AAAAA State Championship Game, it’s just that the Grayson Rams also more than belonged in the game and wanted it more than anything else in the world and knew how to use their bigger, more imposing size, greater strength, more impressive athleticism and better coaching to get what they wanted.
It’s been a long time coming for Coach Mickey Conn who started from scratch building the Grayson Rams football program from the ground up 12 years ago.
Congratulations to Coach Conn and the Rams Nation for finally achieving their longtime goal and bringing the AAAAA State Title back to Gwinnett where it belongs once again.
To reiterate what blowfish stated on December 11th, 2011 at 12:21 am, the existence of the Gwinnett Football League continues to pay dividends with the past two and 8 of the last 15 state titles in the state’s largest classification being won by Gwinnett teams.
Jim B
December 11th, 2011
2:09 am
proud to be a Raider , oh yeah i guess you all should have won then. you make me sick.
Walton Girls' Tennis
December 11th, 2011
2:11 am
Congratulations to Grayson on your first State Championship. It’s a great feeling. We’ve got eight of them. In a row.
Proud to be a Raider
December 11th, 2011
2:16 am
Jim B: Inscrutable. As always. Hope you get well real soon.
Proud to be a Raider
December 11th, 2011
2:22 am
Ram Proud: Congratulations on your first State Championship in any sport.
ACC12-SEC12 Booster
December 11th, 2011
2:27 am
Ram Proud
December 11th, 2011
1:57 am
“Dear Proud to be a Raider, you can bring those SAT scores to the Dome tonight, but the only score that mattered was 24-0.”
I agree that in this game, the only score that mattered was the final score, but in the greater scheme of things, academic performance matters even more as the players on the field are student-athletes, meaning that they are STUDENTS FIRST and athletes second.
Grayson may have been the better team on the field on Saturday Night and Walton may be the better school academically, being one of the very best public high schools in the state of Georgia and in the entire Southeast, but Grayson ain’t exactly no slouch either when it comes to academic performance:
http://www.greatschools.org/modperl/achievement/ga/2511#from..HeaderLink
Those kids that were out there on the field for Grayson aren’t just a bunch of meatheads or dumb jocks, but were out there because they are some very smart kids out there playing for the love of the sport of football and because they’re trying to play and earn their way to full-ride scholarships to pay their college tuition.
Grayson may be excellent on the gridiron, but just like Walton, Grayson is also excellent in the classroom as well.
Valdosta Alum
December 11th, 2011
3:01 am
Grats to the Backwater High, I mean Grayson High, Rams. Only 22 more state titles to go till u catch us…..Keep ur heads up!
Grayson Player
December 11th, 2011
3:19 am
TO ALL HATERS!!!!! GRAYSON IS STATE CHAMPIONS AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT. GET OVER IT!! YOU’LL HAVE YOUR SHOT NEXT YEAR. BUT KEEP ON HATING CAUSE IT MAKE THE WIN FEEL THAT MUCH MORE SPECIAL.
packer4life
December 11th, 2011
3:51 am
@Gryason Player congradulations on your tainted state championship the whole state seen how ya’ll beat us walton aint nobody 24 points that the best ya’ll can do im no hater but i wouldnt have nun to say if we wouldnt have been cheated out of a game thats a big pill to swallow but big up to the cheater of grayson an there tainted glory lol
ALAN DUCK
December 11th, 2011
4:01 am
Hey raider nation fans….See I told you that Lassiter would have represented COBB better. Shoulda, coulda, wounda. You were just lucky that Lassiter did not beat you anyways.
Grayson Student
December 11th, 2011
4:09 am
@packer4life …..lol
MADDBALL
December 11th, 2011
6:44 am
THE 5AAAAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ……WHAT A JOKE…THE WORST GAME OF ALL THE CLASSIFICATINS,,,,& WAS SUSPOSE 2 BE THE BIGGEST GAME OF THEM ALL…CONGRAT 2 GRAYSON WINNING THE TITLE…IT WAS PROBABLY THE MOST EASIEST WIN ALL SEASON 4 GRAYSON……..CONGRAT 2 WALTON 4 MAKING IT THERE ,,BUT COULDNT PULL IT OFF…WALTON WAS OVERPOWERSD,MANHANDLED,& COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN…WALTON WAS 14-0,,,& DIDNT SCORE A SINGLE POINT,,,,,WHEW,,,I KNOW THATS HARD 2 SWALLOW..WELL I GUESS FINISH THE MISSION ,,HAS BEEN GREATLY ACCOMPLISHED BY GRAYSON,,,CONGRAT 2 GWINNETTDAD,, GRAYRAM,,& ALL THE GWINNETT FANS,,YALL ARE TOP DOG,,,CATCH YALL NEXT YEAR,,HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2 YOU ALL,,,,,M@DDB@LL********* COLQUITT CO.PACKER 4 LIFE…
jacketfan
December 11th, 2011
6:50 am
I told you walton had not played a top 10 def. all year! you see what happened when they did. and you got to have a backup plan when the running game is shut down. walton if your going to stick to the ground game go out and get you a big fullback that can help carry the load and catch out of the backfield for nxt. year
possumtrot
December 11th, 2011
7:03 am
packer4life gets my vote for the most irrelevant and uneducated comment on this site. Typical, though, of those meatheads in South GA who can’t accept that there frequently are better teams in the North. Hang in there, Cooter, the South might rise again and give you something more to live for.
Patriot
December 11th, 2011
7:50 am
Valdosta Alum: Had to smile at your post, as you validated the stereotypes most people have about South Ga. athletics. Still waiting on your academic performance comments for your beloved Valdosta. I’m a Parkview alum from way back, and I applaud Coach Conn and his team. They are winners in many ways, some more important than football and academics. He’s teaching these kids character and integrity, and it doesn’t go unnoticed around Gwinnett County. Even if I am a Panther at heart.
Vanessa
December 11th, 2011
7:58 am
Congratulations to Grayson on wining and becoming the state champs!!!! Proud of my alma mater.
C/O 2002
Vanessa
December 11th, 2011
8:00 am
*winning*
Carew Rowell
December 11th, 2011
8:19 am
State Championship was last week against Colquitt Co…refs gave Grayson the game. Everyone knows Grayson fumbled the ball to Colquitt on the last drive. It wasn’t even a close call. Enjoy your tainted Championship…we will see you next year! Best Championship money can buy!
DEFEATED OR ROBBED
December 11th, 2011
8:22 am
SEEMS GRAYSON WAS ABLE TO GET SAME REFEREES THEY WHIPPED COLQUITT COUNTY WITH LAST WEEK. THEY ARE SLICK ABOUT SNEAKEN AND STEALEN.,
AMAZES HOW CROOOKEDNESS AND GREED HURTS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS. HOPE GRAYSON ENJOYS THEIR TITLE. NEXT YEAR THEY WON’T HAVE DADDY WITH A WHISTLE.
PACKERS WHIPPED THEIR BUTTS AND THE ENTIRE GRAYSON FOOTBALL TEAM KNOWS IT. NOW THEY WILL LLIVE THEIR LIVES KNOWING CHEATING WORKS! WAY TO GO BLUE!
Class Act
December 11th, 2011
9:09 am
Congratulations to the kids at Grayson on a state championship. You don’t pick to the refs , the brackets or anything . All you do is show up to play and you did that. YOUR COACH is another story, to have kept the staters in and not play any of the kids that have practiced all year is a total lack of Class. Those kids would have remembered this game and the two or three plays they were in the game for life and your greed to save a shutout will be well remembered. Thanks Coach
SOUTH GA TEAMS MAD AT NORTH GA TEAMS
December 11th, 2011
9:25 am
DEKALB CO AND GWINETT CO ARE POWER HOUSES LIKE THOSE SOUTH GA TEAMS,BIG UP TO THE TEAM THAT BEAT BUFORD!
NORTH GEORGIA RUN THIS STATE!
blowfish
December 11th, 2011
9:43 am
@ClassAct…..goes both ways. Walton could have give some kids reps as well – especially when they knew the game was over.Conn is THE class act coach in the State. As someone who has spent time with him designing the youth program, I can tell you this – I know of no other coach as dedicated to the youth of our community that Conn and staff. He makes EVERY kid fell special be consistently letting them know who he values their unique contribution to the team and the community. My kids is a Soph and made the squad. He got all his reps and glory on Thursday nights (JV) and practiced (scout team) and dressed with the varsity during the rest of the week. Believe me, he was honored just to dress on Fridays and contribute during the week – his day will come. As to all the CC Packer fans commenting….seriously, the kids forward progress was 9 yards beyond the fumble (the line judge who blew the whistle was holding the spot while the rest of the refs were untangling the kids).
GraysonFAN
December 11th, 2011
9:43 am
@classact, You were wanting the 2nd stringers in because that was the only way you were going to scor e Walton had nothing offensively.
Now before you start spouting off about keeping the starters in you need to know the team. Defensively we don’t have a lot of guys that are seniors. Coach Conn put in seniors that are not starters after we stopped Walton on 4th down. Even Korey Jones #11, who tore is ACL earlier in the season, had surgery, got in for a play to get him on the field in the championship game. So take your BUTT WHOOPIN and run back to Cobb County and stay there. Good thing you are playing in the Corky Kell again next year because you won’t be there in the end.
Dismayed Raider Fan
December 11th, 2011
10:11 am
Wow. A hard game to sit through for this Walton fan. Not because of the kids — they played their hearts out and never gave up against a bigger, faster, and stronger team. The coaching, though, was another story. “Tyren runs three, then out” was predictable even before the game started. Grayson running two then throwing long was too. Where were the other running backs in the 1st Q? Where were the screens, draws, stunts, etc.? Why was there no apparent strategy to mix things up when, after two possessions, it becames obvious that “Plan A” was a dismal failure? Why wasn’t the team allowed to put at least 3 points on the board instead of a doughnut?
There is no shame in losing like champions. However, the lack of coaching leadership was an insult to the players and fans, the underlying cause of the dismal shutout, and the only the true embarassment of the evening.
Top Recruit
December 11th, 2011
10:18 am
All championship games should be played in the craddle of Georgia High School football. Play them in Valdosta. Rotate between the stadiums. More champsionships reside there than any place in Georgia.
And before you Gwinnett County people get your panies in a wad, I am not an alum of either school. But I sure know what top caliber football programs look like and they are it.
Stand by to see a preseason game from this site to rival the Corky Kell Metro Atlanta games.
But last nights game was shear boredom. The state of Georgia knows which region is better. 1-6AAAAAA. Colquitt County put 31 points on Grayson on their home turf after being on the road for 3 weeks. Only late second refs call gave them the game. Plus a very young but talented Lowndes Viking squad also put 14 points on this alleged top rated defense.
Pause and think on those facts!
A.B. Normal
December 11th, 2011
10:24 am
PackerBacker is right on the money. The REAL championship game in AAAAA this year was between Grayson and Colquitt County. What a game and what a matchup! Two quality programs without question. Here’s hoping we get to see that matchup again sometime!
ole ram
December 11th, 2011
10:25 am
Walton did have a 14-0 record regardless of teams played on any given games there is a chance of defeat.This is our year in football.I am so glad Walton has mentioned tennis and SAT congrats on those, you team on the field showed more class than you writers of trash talk. thank you Walton for opportunity to play on the turf as it should be. We will see Walton and Grayson playing football again well in 2012 season.
Raider Pride
December 11th, 2011
10:28 am
I totally disagree, Walton was not an embarrassment, i congratulate Grayson, one hell of a team, good game game, speed and aggressiveness——-Point blank,Walton got out coached, if you come with a game that truly isnt working, dont let the kids keep looking bad, change up, go to a wild cat formation, when #5 and #6 arein the game, Ray Charles can see that its a run play, on the kick offs, they werent gonna kick deep, why not put 2 men in the middle that could make a play returning the ball, #27 #19 in the middle, C’mon Man,,,,,then you have Jones, Richardson and the Blaylocks deep, depressing, very depressing how the coaches made the kids look bad, but ive heard that the Walton Way and it got them killed, wasi the only one tha saw Dj Smith run that kid down after he turned him that way, C’mon Man,,You could have put him at reciever and on the kick off return team, you cant just put kids on the field in crucial games just to get them out there, Grayson played there starters from start to finish, up 24-0 with 2:00 left and Nkemdiche still running the ball, Way to make a statement,,,,Take notes Walton, sometimes you have to make a statement and Grayson did,,,,,,,
Raider Pride
December 11th, 2011
10:30 am
Dismayed Raider Fan–seems like yo and i have the same brain working
Teach
December 11th, 2011
10:32 am
In high school sports you will always have a champion and a runner-up but you NEVER have a loser! Grayson and Walton both fought hard. Job Well Done to both teams. I’ll be sporting my Walton colors today.
Todd Holcomb
December 11th, 2011
10:37 am
Congrats to Grayson. Best team in Georgia.
That said, it’s pretty harsh and unrealistic to dismiss Walton and Cobb County on the basis of one game. Gwinnett football is still the best, but let’s not forget …
- North Gwinnett (Gwinnett’s other region champion) lost to McEachern of Cobb
- Dacula (Gwinnett’s other QF team) lost to Walton of Cobb
- Brookwood (Gwinnett’s other sweet 16 team) lost to Lassiter of Cobb
- The four other Gwinnett teams in the AAAAA playoffs lost in the first round.
- The Walton-Grayson game was ONE game. Grayson played tremendously. But Grayson barely beat Brookwood, and Brookwood lost to Lassiter, whom Walton beat twice, once in a blowout, and another time that was looking like a blowout before Walton’s best defender was injured.
Walton-Grayson was ONE game. It doesn’t nullify everything else that has happened this season.
grayram
December 11th, 2011
10:40 am
Region 8 has won the state the last two years and had other teams like Grayson last year and Brookwood and Dacula this year do well in the playoffs.
The last two seasons R8 has won 17 playoff games.
R1 has won 8 playoff games and 3 of those were against Savannah sacrificial lambs.
Mike Silbey
December 11th, 2011
10:50 am
Greyson exposed Walton’s lack of passing game. The Raiders don’t have a QB who can make plays with his feet or arm. They have a good line and an amzing RB. Stack the box and pound Jones. Result is a Shut out!
ghs class of 2012
December 11th, 2011
10:56 am
DEFEATED OR ROBBED- Who is blue? This isn’t baseball so I would presume a fan as knowledgeable as yourself would understand that no one calls football referees what we call a baseball umpire.
Oh and quit whining, y’all shouldn’t have even made it to Grayson! Remember when Camden intercepted that pass near the end of the game and Colquitt’s “Daddy with a whistle” called it incomplete? Thought so. Get over yourself and quit whining about the results of a high school football playoff game played by teenagers that has no real impact on your life unless you are a coach. And I will go out on a limb based upon your post that is not the case.
GwinnettDad
December 11th, 2011
11:01 am
What a bunch of losers there are from Colquitt County on this blog. Now, mind you, the Colquitt team aren’t the losers, nor the coaches. No, only the cry babies and whiners that claim that somebody cheated on this blog. Such remarks are as arrogant as they are entirely ignorant. Bad calls do happen, and if one influenced the outcome of a game, its a shame. But why was the game so close that one call made that big a difference? The whiners make that call into a conspiracy, which only shows them to be prejudiced, angry, foolish and childish. Ugly things to encounter. Thank God I have to read them only on this blog, they must be huge losers to know personally. A walk through the ocean of their souls would barely get one’s feet wet.
Grayson cheerleading Dad
December 11th, 2011
11:06 am
1st Im sat go RAMS!!! we did it and i don’t have a son playin on the squad but i have a daughter thats been working hard 4 the past 3 years tryin 2 get to the dome. I been watchin all these kids 4 the past 6 years grow from the boys on the field to the cheerleaders on the field and 2day im proud to be apart of the RAM Nation!!
Billy Bob Joe
December 11th, 2011
11:26 am
WALTON IS THE GREATEST SCHOOL IN GEORGIA. The Rams played great last night, but we officially number two in the state of Georgia, we have the highest SAT scores, the best looking kids, we won six state championships last year, two already this year, and won region champs. GO WALTON!!!!!!!!
Tbrown
December 11th, 2011
11:27 am
It never fails. When an East Cobb team gets their ass handed to them, they have to bring up SAT scores. It’s funny how that happens! John should be ashamed of himself and I pray he’s not from Walton. A leader is not a leader until they have lost. Grow up…they got out coached!
JD
December 11th, 2011
11:27 am
I’ve had respect for Colquitt since last season and didn’t see the game against Grayson. Maybe you guys feel cheated and maybe you were, but good lord enough already. Hopefully, your not feeding off your coach, who I could see acting like this from what I’ve heard about him from friends at Hoover HS.
Scott
December 11th, 2011
11:32 am
Walton put the “I” in team. It was embarrassing long before last night’s game. The Superman suit, the large photo head on a stick, the bowing to the head on the stick . . .it’s was all embarrassing.
Ask all the great runningbacks how many Championships they have won on their own.
Jones could have went just as far and possibly have helped win a Championship if he had stayed at Lassiter. Instead he put indivudial goals ahead of his team. Walton, without Jones, would have lost to Lassiter in a big way. Lassiter, with Jones, would have been a very balanced team. Much harder to defend than Walton.
No, Jones went to Walton to get more carries . . .not to be a team player. In the end, it’s the better TEAM that wins . . .not the team with a better athlete.
Anyway, Walton’s showcasing of Jones was embarrassing . . .the only thing better than the loss in the Championship would have been a Lassiter win to knock Walton out and that should have happened. It wasn’t because Walton had the better team, they just got lucky.
My hats off to the Lassiter coaches for keeping the team concept.
WDRAM
December 11th, 2011
11:42 am
Yea, I’m sure the refs were out to get Colquitt last week. Same way they were against Camden huh?
Are you kidding me! In case you forget, the Rams had 17 penalties called against them on many questionable calls all night long for over 100 yards. Yea, it really sounds like we had the refs in our back pocket. GIve me a break! Some fans are just plain sore losers. These are kids just playing their hearts out and the refs, while not perfect, are just trying to do the best job possible with a bunch of crazy fans in the stands..
Football FAn
December 11th, 2011
11:46 am
@ Scott…now you show your true colors….YOU ARE JUST A DISGRUNTLED LASSITER FAN….YOU KNOW WHAT GET OVER IT! Jones left Lassiter over a year and half ago and Lassiter’s coaches & players seemed to be just fine and so were Walton and Jones on the other side. Who looks smarter here: you suggesting that Jones stay and play in a system where he had not even 1 Scholarship Offer or serious D1 college look or 2) the Jones family for moving their son to a system that fully utilized his talents making him the Top RB prospect in GA in 2013 and Top 10 in the country with several D1 scholarship offers in hand…..I hope you are a kid and not a parent because I would hope that any parent would look out for the best interests of their child!
You need to get a life and let it go. AND THE WORD IS OUT VERY RAMPANT AROUND EAST COBB THAT COACH IRWIN IS LOOKING FOR A “TRANSFER” OR “MOVE-IN” BECAUSE HE HAS NO QB TO RUN HIS SYSTEM AFTER PRINTZ LEAVES….REMEMBER IN GAME PRINTZ GOT HURT THEY HAD TO RESORT TO THE WILDCAT…so hope you are on here when that magical transfer shows up playing QB over at Lassiter in 2013.
Katie from Grayson
December 11th, 2011
11:53 am
I would like to congratulate our Grayson Rams, State 5A Champs. You played your entire season with heart and class and you made the entire Grayson community proud. You “Finished The Mission” with style and grace and no one can take that away from you. See you next year!!
the truth
December 11th, 2011
12:00 pm
Listen to the S Ga people come in here and whine and complain. Never lost a game only had the refs cheat and cost their glorious teams victory. Then say Walton does not deserve to be there because they had an easy bracket. S. Ga sent 4 teams with a chance to the playoffs. Camden, Valdosta, Lowndes, and Colquitt. Valdosta could not make it of their own back yard, Lowndes lost to the state champion, Camden lost to Colquitt, and Colquitt lost to the state champion. You had your chance and could not get it done. Get over it, get your QB clubs to pay larger dues so they have more in the fund to get refs you like better.
waltongotthereasseskicked
December 11th, 2011
12:02 pm
hahahaha how does it feel walton?
Jeepster 2011
December 11th, 2011
12:03 pm
I agree with Katie from Grayson – way to go Grayson Rams!! The community is proud that you’re bringing home the championship. It has been long hard road to get to this point and you guys stayed focused with your eyes on the prize. Let the sore losers rant – it’s what went down last night that counts.
Proud to be a Raider
December 11th, 2011
12:19 pm
Uh, the Superman (and Supergirl) outfits have been a Walton staple for at least ten years now. The “big head” is new and the kids had fun with it. Some super crazy smart kid in science class created it just for fun. But you Grayson posters are a very strange lot. I’ve seen nothing but compliments to you from Raider fans and you attack those compliments with a non-sequitor of venom and hatred. Now, you and Colquitt County. That appears to make sense. Hate on each other all you want. But I’ve seen nothing from the Raider fans except for “Respect for the Victor as the buses roll by” from the Nebraska Cornhusker prayer. Som let’s try this again (and one last time), Congratulations to Grayson for your first State Championship in any sport (boys and girls) in the history of your school. And kudo’s to all of your students for besting the state average in academics testing.
BamaBornDukie
December 11th, 2011
12:21 pm
@Scott….
I will agree that 2011 Lassiter WITH Tyren Jones, Eddie Printz & those 2 WRs-Hegudus and Dickey would have been LETHAL to defend and would have given Grayson a much better game than Walton did last night. I’ve been saying this all season even as their record built to 14-0….that Walton was TOO predictable and easy to defend IF they ever played a very good defense as every 1st and 2nd down is a run with Tyren Jones and then a pass if it’s 3rd down & 4 or more. The QB was never allowed to develop in terms of the passing game. You can’t be 1 dimensional against an elite defense. That’s on Walton’s coaching staff for failing to realize this all season.
With that said…..Tyren Jones’ parents did EXACTLY WHAT I WOULD DO WITH MY SON if he’d been at Lassiter and the coach refused to modify his offense to get his best player the ball more. Lassiter should have implemented a St. Louis Rams type offense when they were the “Greatest Show on Turf” with Tyren Jones playing the role of Marshall Faulk where he ran the ball ~18-20 times a game, caught 5-6 passes a game and hence the WRs and QB thrived in the passing game because the defense was keying on stopping Jones. However, Lassiter’s coach was too stubborn and continued his pass happy offense with Jones getting limited touches.
So you think Tyren Jones, who is on the precipice of having scholarship offers from Big Time Programs around the nation….he should have “sacrificed” his football future to allow very good but not quite as good of players as himself to thrive and get the accolades and scholarship offers? Eddie Printz had several scholarship offers from major schools such as Arkansas before the 2011 season even begin….yet Jones had 0 before the 2011 Season began…….even though Eddie and Tyren are both 2013 prospects and Tyren is the “better” college prospect. So Tyren and his parents should have stayed in that situation? Would you stay at a job where someone less educated and/or experienced as yourself had a better job title and received better pay than you? Tyren’s parents would have been doing their son a disservice by forcing him to remain at Lassiter as a role player while Eddie Printz received all the limelight.
Proud to be a Raider
December 11th, 2011
12:28 pm
WGTAK: It feels, well, how can I say it, PROUD to be a Raider. Losing one football game isn’t like having cancer or a child in a car crash or not enough food on the table to eat or a parent with Alzheimer’s. It’s just one football game. Congrats to the Winners. They played “lights out.” Now, let’s see if they can build on that and make winning a State Championship in football the minimum successful thing that they do in their entire lives. Take the lessons learned from football and have successful careers, with respect for their parents, happy marriages, and raise kids who play football (or any sport) for the pure love of the game. Unlike people (who probably didn’t play a down of football maybe since peewee ball) who have to spend their Saturdays and Sundays telling other anonymous people on the internet that they suck. Again, congrats to Grayson for their first State Championship in school history.
Jessica Class of 03
December 11th, 2011
12:33 pm
“Tainted Championship?” Seriously, that’s the best the whiners from
Colquitt County can come up with? How about the fact that Grayson had more penalties for lost yardage than your team. I guess that didn’t matter at all. Even while shooting ourselves in both feet, we still won. Colquitt had as much chance to win that game as Grayson did. If you really feel that the ref’s were “paid off” then you’re just grasping for any thread of an excuse. Perhaps they were just out played, out coached, and maybe they just wanted to win that game more than you did.
Ken
December 11th, 2011
12:33 pm
No complaining or whining from this South Georgia football fan. That was a dominant performance by Grayson last night and they deserve their trophy.
Carew Rowell
December 11th, 2011
12:34 pm
I need to stop. I’m just having some fun stirring the pot. Congratulation Grayson…you are the state champs! Great team and great coaching, look forward to playing you guys again next year…hopefully on our turf.
Oh Just SHUT UP!!
December 11th, 2011
12:36 pm
WAY TO GO GRAYSON RAMS!!!! 5A STATE CHAMPS!!
BamaBornDukie
December 11th, 2011
12:37 pm
@Scott….
Also, Walton beat Lassiter 34-10 in Game 1 and 30-24 in Game 2 after leading at one point in Game 2 by a score of 21-3 in the 2nd quarter but Walton “Got LUCKY” to beat Lassiter. Seriously?
I put the onus of Jones’ transfer on Lassiter’s coach for failing to be adaptable. I went to college at Duke in the mid 1990s (1993-1997) and one of the great things about Coach K and his 4 National Championships (1991, 1992, 2002, 2010) and multiple great seasons as Duke’s Coach is that he adapted to the strength of his teams during a given season…From Guard dominated teams in the mid 1980s with Johnny Dawkins and Tommy Amaker, to the inside-outside team in the early 1990s with Christian Laettner and Bobby Hurley to the Grant Hill led 1994 team…..to the Inside Dominated 1999 team with Elton Brand. To the perimeter oriented 2001 National Championship Team led by Shane Battier and Jay Williams with the Carlos Boozer inside presence…to the JJ Redick “overachieving teams” of the mid 2000s to the 2010 National Championship Jon Scheyer, Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler team .
Great coaches adapt their system to the strengths/skills of their current players. You get your best player the ball…..and Lassiter’s Coach was obviously NOT willing to change his offense to get his best player, Tyren Jones, the ball. Again, I’d do the very same thing that Jones’ parents did if my son was capable of in 1 season [2011] rushing for ~2,400 yards, putting up over 3,000 All-Purpose Yards, and scoring 38 TDs….That is NOT a role player…..but that is what Jones would have been at Lassiter in 2011.
Tell your coach to study Coach K’s philosophy of “adapting your system to the strength of your team” for that given season.
Oh Just SHUT UP!!
December 11th, 2011
12:38 pm
For you bitter, sore-loser Colquitt County folks — OH JUST SHUT UP!!
Frocky
December 11th, 2011
12:41 pm
@BamaBorn Dukie The 3 schools Tyren has offers from run the same offense as Lassiter. Did you hear Tyren’s father at halftime? He didn’t know anything about Tyren. Walton fans are Homers all day long. I was told Lassieter was glad to see Jones leave because his father was a distraction. Isn’t he the same guy who whistles at his son like a dog?
RAMS85
December 11th, 2011
12:43 pm
What away for Coach Conn and the Grayson Community to complete the season….MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!!!!
East Cobb Dad
December 11th, 2011
12:43 pm
RE: REAL Title Game was Colquitt County vs. Grayson. Colquitt did have a much more difficult draw than Walton, having to face Camden County, North Gwinnett and Grayson. However, the irony is that if CC would have beaten Valdosta during the regular season, (a #1 seed that was eliminated the first round), then they would have been in the lower right portion of the bracket and would have faced Walton in the quarter finals, possibly at home. Walton went undefeated and played the hand they were dealt. Congratulations to Grayson…they’re awesome, and all of those starters they have coming back could take them back to The Dome next year.
Ram Tough
December 11th, 2011
12:43 pm
So Tyren moved because he wanted the “limelight”
GraysonFAN
December 11th, 2011
12:43 pm
@Todd — the only reason 4 Gwinnett teams lost in the first round is that they were playing other Gwinnett teams.
Trojan Fan
December 11th, 2011
12:51 pm
Tyren got thirty-plus touches a game at Lassiter. Although he fumbled or drop most of them. He was always injured at Lassiter. His dad overworked him. Don’t make this about Eddie prinz and Tyren Jones because Eddie’s father was the only person who wanted them to stay because they were friends from Wheeler. The rest of us were glad he left. I am glad my son played his senior year without him on the team rather than with him. I don’t care how good a player is. It is a team game no a me game.
Grayson cheerleading Dad
December 11th, 2011
12:54 pm
Too all my Ram Fans on here lits be honest last year Colquitt out coach us. This year they was out coach AND GRAYSON RAMS ARE THE 5A CHAMPS GO RAMS!!!!!
Football FAn
December 11th, 2011
1:01 pm
@ Frocky….how many halftime GPB shows have you seen….I have seen most of them and most of the parents (MOTHER AND FATHER) get those questions WRONG about their kids…so go back in the closet with that JUNK….and as for the whistle, that goes way back to when Tyren was a little kid and actually many coaches and parents have a way of communicating with their athletes that is very distinctive from any other sounds so that it can be noticed in a loud/noisy situation. I am a Track Coach myself and when I have athletes all the way on the other side of the track or stadium at a meet and I need to communicate with them, I have a call that is very noticeable. Your comment is just simply about HATE towards and individual kid and family.
@Ram Tough…it was about moving for a better chance to fulfill his dreams of playing major college football…zero scholarship offers and serious looks at Lassiter…..major college offers in and coming at Walton because of different systems to showcase his talents….I HONESTLY WANT TO KNOW WHY IS THAT SO WRONG? Don’t people all the time choose one school over another because it has a better medical program or law program. The Jones family moved by the letter of the law according to GHSA so why does everyone else have a problem with them wanting to look out for the best interests of their child….AGAIN, WHY IS THAT WRONG?
Football FAn
December 11th, 2011
1:05 pm
@ Trojan Fan…you are lying and you know it….All those kids will tell you that Tyren was a great teammate….As for injuries or fumbles, again, you are a liar. He started and played every game as a FRESHMAN…Hutson Mason said himself that even as a Freshman, Tyren’s play was a big reason for his sucess….He got hurt in dome in 1st game his sophomore year and missed 2 games…didn’t miss another game all season…so again, you are a liar. Tyren to this day still does personal workouts with a lot of the kids from Lassiter and they are very close friends and each one will tell you he is one of the most humble and nice kids around. As an adult, you should be ashamed for getting on here disparaging a young man who is a very good character kid.
Trojan Fan
December 11th, 2011
1:20 pm
I speak the truth! He missed the sprayberry game. You don’t have a clue. Glad he is gone. Glad his Dad is gone. Glad his brother is gone too. You heard the students- SLOPPY SECONDS.
Trojans Dad
December 11th, 2011
1:26 pm
It is amazing to me that people make comments about things that they know absolutely nothing about. First and foremost Tyren and his family did was was best for Tyren. No one can or should blame them for that. That’s what every parent should do. Would Lassiter have been a better team with him…maybe. But, we had a very good running back with Isaiah Willis. So, I can assure you that the Trojan Nation is NOT complaining.
As for Coach Irwin and the fact that he “should have adapted the offense to fit Tyren”. Lassiter is committed to the spread offense and yes, we ran the ball a lot more this year than we did last, but…we are going to throw the ball. That’s what we do! Just like Grayson is committed to the run. I can assure you that the spread offense is fun to watch. Especially when you have good athletes like Eddie, Isaiah, Juwan and Charlie.
And a last note for the season…those of you that make these negative comments or trash talk another team need to understand that these are high school kids. Most of them will NEVER play after they graduate. Are state titles great…yes. Would it have been great for us to have won against Walton and played for a state title…yes. However, schools and coaches are more interested in the whole person and developing good citizens and young great men. They just happen to use football as a tool to do it. So…lay off and be a good fan for your team and a good sport when they lose. You might learn something as well.
GHS#22
December 11th, 2011
1:30 pm
That was a defensive show last night!!!!!
Football FAn
December 11th, 2011
1:32 pm
@ Trojan Dad….Very good post…100% agree….I struggle with the fact that people want to disparage these young men who are out working hard to better themselves as student athletes, represent their schools and their families with their athletic talents. And I know that Ike and Tyren are very close friends (as well as their families) and Tyren couldn’t be more happy for the success Ike had this season and vice versa. Same with Eddie and others.
Great season of football for all these teams and young men.
GHS#22
December 11th, 2011
1:34 pm
There are alot of new name on here today………..the valdosta fans, Camden fans, lowndes fans all missing.
Nike 11
December 11th, 2011
1:51 pm
PLEASE stop the Tyren/Lassiter stuff. The family did what was best for him, period. What “could have” been doesn’t matter. Both teams showed they are both moving in the right direction this year.
And NO ONE ANYWHERE should complain about transfers and move0ins if they are done within GHSA rules. I imagine Walton is looking/hoping for the next big things at RB and the o-line and Lassiter is probably doing the same for a QB and WR. As long as those kids and their families move in to those districts, all is fine. Just like teams in Gwinnett will have people move in that are great defenders or RBs, that is the reality of HS sports. If a given school has a sport or other activity that your child excels at, they are going to want to be at that school.
You can look at Lassiter for lacrosse/swimming/baseball/etc and Walton for volleyball/cross country/tennis/etc.You can do the same thing for many, many schools in the state. Unless it is blatant recruiting with huge gifts to necessitate a transfer, there won’t be anything done, nor can anything be done.
What I took away most from last night is that Walton was too 1 dimensional this season and were never tested/faced much adversity until last week against Lassiter. That really hurt them imo, since once they got down by 10 the kids seemed shell shocked. I also think a spread team like a Lassiter or Colquitt (which they showed) would have given Grayson much bigger problems. Not necessarily beat them, but force Grayson out of their comfort zone on D.
Grayson was the best team this year, now it is time to look towards next year. Should be some very, very good teams across the state which will make for an exciting year.
GwinnettDad
December 11th, 2011
2:37 pm
@GHS#22 – Camden74 & MADDBALL were around on the blog that took place during the game. They congratulation Grayson begrudginly, but did it.
GwinnettDad
December 11th, 2011
2:37 pm
duh – “congratulation” should be “congratulated”
cchswildcat86
December 11th, 2011
2:59 pm
GHS#22 …It’s your day…..
cchswildcat86
December 10th, 2011
10:37 pm
Fred,grayram and all Grayson fans CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP….
posted on several blogs on here
86Vike
December 11th, 2011
3:07 pm
Congrats to Grayson “2011 State Champs”.
Fred
December 11th, 2011
3:07 pm
Congratulations to Walton on making it to the Dome! Last night was a bummer for you but consider this – there are 450+ teams playing high school football in GA. For over 400 of them, their season ended and they cleaned out their lockers well over a month ago. There were 10 teams playing this weekend and you were one of them! Hold your head high!
Folks, give it a rest about Jones! He made the transfer and played hard for his new team. You can’t lay the “featured player all about me” at his feet as the coaches and rest of the team had to buy into that as well. Walton did well this year with that system.
As for the Rams, it is still a hard to wrap my head around all of this! Major props for sticking to the plan. I don’t know that I have ever seen a team so focused and determined. The coaches got you prepared and you executed all year long. You ignored hype and controversy and just got it done. Enjoy it!
Fred
December 11th, 2011
4:08 pm
As I read through these blogs, I think of the admonition to “Win with class and loose with dignity.” I have enjoyed, for the most part
, the back and forth with everyone and very much appreciate the kudos from the blogs participants as we sparred during the year. For those that can’t let it go, look at what you are doing to your team, its players and coaches. You cheapen your team’s accomplishments and give your community a bad name. It is a game for goodness sake! Enjoy the game and the community spirit and pride that comes with it but when the game is over move on.
G-town-ramfan
December 11th, 2011
4:33 pm
The Grayson community is so proud. Both my kids graduated from Grayson (’04 &’08). Those were tough years for Ram fans but now they’ve finally earned the ultimate prize and I do mean earned. Congratulations to all the players and coaches, job well done!
Walton deserves a lot of credit for making it to the big game regardless of the final score. If you go 14-0 you deserve to be there.
grayram
December 11th, 2011
4:57 pm
cchswildcat86
Thanks..I see you guys are coming back to the Corky Kell!
GHS#22
December 11th, 2011
5:08 pm
Thanks cchwildcat…….
I see you guys are coming back to the dome. All is right in the world of GHSA now. I love all this stuff!!
just finshed watching the game again on GPB.org and still can’t believe the show the those boys put on.
cchswildcat86
December 11th, 2011
6:04 pm
I said after the Colquitt game Grayson earned everything they got, I think last nite proved it!!! Walton was a good team, but they hadn’t seen a physical team like Grayson…and all but 2on D come back next yr..right
Yes, I’m glad Camden’s back in the dome…See ya’ll there
TJ
December 11th, 2011
6:07 pm
I knew when Grayson finally found a field goal kicker they would win all phases of the game. What a game it was and was about time a class coach like Coach Conn got what he deserved. Congrats Grayson and congrats to Walton for making it to the game. It is all about matchups……..Grayson’s team defense against one back was not the answer. Teams that always challenge Grayson are balanced run and pass like Colquit and Brookwood.
Go Raiders
December 11th, 2011
6:50 pm
Trojan Fan, you proved your ignorance about Tyren when you said his father was a distraction and ‘good riddance’ to his brother, too. Tyren’s father is a dream to be around and is the furthest thing from a distraction. He works with kids from schools all over the community and that includes Lassiter, Walton and Wheeler athletes. And guess what? Tyren has 2 younger sisters so you must have him confused with another Tyren Jones.
Here’s a newsflash for the Lassiter fans who think Walton recruited Tyren. He came to the school in January and ran track with his Walton teammates. Not sure what stat you saw where he got the ball 30 times at Lassiter as it was always 10 times or less. And guess who was at Walton in June trying to shop around his son? Big Eddie Printz. He then left Walton and headed to Woodstock to talk to their staff about his son. This isn’t make believe. It happened. I feel so sorry for young Eddie Printz as he seems like a great kid but has a very strange dad. I’ve got a feeling he’ll change his mind about SMU. Jep Irwin was aware Big Eddie was trying to make a move. That must’ve been awkward for all involved.
BamaBornDukie, I’ve encouraged others to read your posts this season as I thought you were a smart, level headed person who gave a fair and accurate assessment of the situation at Walton. You blew that out the water with your posts on the game last night and I learned that you really don’t get it afterall. Walton was passing on 2nd and 3rd down but had no open receivers. That resulted in 5 sacks for big losses. The QB had a hard time getting in a rhythm with little or no protection and no open targets. The tight end delay was a gift with a potential for a big gain and the tight end dropped it. #26 ‘tackled’ Tyren as he was breaking loose by grabbing his shoelace. Mistakes were made by the offense, defense and then the special teams. You can’t make errors against a great team like Grayson and expect to win. If you’ve seen as many games as you say you do you know what they’re capable of and how they looked out of sync the entire night. You can’t blame the coaches or the 15, 16 and 17 years olds. It just wasn’t their night. From now on I’ll probably blow past your posts, which is too bad.
Congratulations to Grayson on your state championship. We’ll try again next year. We’re very proud of our 14-1 season and 2nd place in the state!!
My Comments
December 11th, 2011
8:53 pm
I got to enjoy the game from the sidelines last night and was very impressed with Grayson. There is no doubt that their big DE and RB is the best player in the state and possibly the country. I’ve seen Grayson play before on GPB and this is by far the best game I believe they played all year as their defense dominated. I know Walton is a good team and they showed that in the second half by keeping Grayson scoreless but I do have to question some of their offensive play calling. It didn’t seem like they tried to utilize any screen or short passes in the early downs as they were dominated up front all night long and couldn’t get their run game going. They only thing I have to say I didn’t like seeing from Grayson was their QB taunting one of the Walton players and then waving to the Walton sideline after two of his TD throws. I’ve seen him do interviews after games and he seems like a good kid but that type of behavior at the next level will get his clock cleaned. I’m sure if his coaches saw that they would address it. Congrats to Grayson and Walton on outstanding seasons. If you’re a fan of either of these teams you have a lot to be proud of!
Brick
December 11th, 2011
9:46 pm
Congrats to Grayson as they deserve to be champs,but their coach showed no class in not even mentioning Walton while he accepted the state trophy. It was very obvious he made it a point not to credit that Walton team. No other coach at the Dome was that class less.
Evan W
December 12th, 2011
6:34 am
Todd, you are the junior writer that will never get a lead gig on college and professional sports because your writing really sucks. The game, as with any game, is not won before the half. The game was won throughout by solid defensive play by Grayson, and suggesting it was won before the half discredits the defensive play against a desperate Walton team in the second half.
GraysonFAN
December 12th, 2011
7:33 am
@ Evan W and My Comments — Grayson just ran the ball and played very conservatively on offense wanted to milk the clock the second half. If they would have stayed with the same offensive game plan they had in the 1st half they would have doubled up Walton. So even though Walton’s D did play better in second half it wasn’t the full reason Grayson didn’t score.
BH268
December 12th, 2011
8:38 am
@GraysonFan, I wasn’t aware that Grayson changed their offense in the 2nd half since they only threw the ball 3 times Dumb A**……
Scott
December 12th, 2011
8:40 am
You do NOT have to win a championship to go to the D-1 school of your choice. You do NOT have to move your kids around in order to GIVE them a better opportunity nor will it help get them get to the D-1 school of their choice. You do NOT have to lead the nation in scoring, yardage, # of takles or any other stat in order to get into the D-1 school of your choice.
I’m totally against moving a kid from school to school in the name of GIVING them a better opportunity. That’s a cop-out answer anyway . . .the real reason is to feed the parents ego.
There are boat loads of examples of athletes that go to the D-1 school of their choice that did NOT move from High School to High School. They did not win a championship. They did work hard, they did develop their skills, they learned the game, and they made their teammates better players.
College coaches recognize talent and desire. A good college coach doesn’t need hype to recognize raw talent.
A lot of kids get to college before your kid gets there. In several of the sports, the kids that are there have a LOT of say about who gets recruited and who does NOT. IF the kid is a “pain in the arse” or one of the parents is a pain, then it WILL hurt the kid’s chances of entering that college . . .REGARDLESS of how many TD’s are on his resume. The GOOD and the BAD will get to the college before YOU do.
So, for all your High School players reading this . . .treat your opponents with respect, be good sports and keep working hard. Remember, a lot of them will make it to your college of choice before you do and may one day be your teammate.
For the “over the top parents” reading this . . .you are most likely HURTING your child’s chances of getting into the “D-1 school of your choice”.
east cobber
December 12th, 2011
9:07 am
I am applauded at all the people who could say Walton was a disgrace or does not desire to be #2 in the state. These boy played their heart out all season. They have carried themselves with dignity, humility and respect. They started the season as the under dogs and have proven to be an awesome team. They are all around students both on the field and in the class rooms. Not to mention the Senior Class average SAT score. Even in the face of multiple injuries they took the field with pride. broken collar bones, collar bone fracture, 2 acl injuries, 1 mcl injury, broken finger, #18 dislocated elbow did not stop them. Their record was broken, their bodies injuried but not their spirit. Grayson is an awesome team and they were the better team that day. However, one game does not take away from the season the Walton Raiders had. “14-1″
Grayson job well done! Raiders remember who you are!
Brick
December 12th, 2011
12:44 pm
Even though the Grayson coach was class less in not even mentioning Walton at the trophy ceremonies, Walton did not give up in the 2nd half and fought hard til the end. Walton went 14-1 and accomplished more than most 5A schools
TJ
December 12th, 2011
1:44 pm
@Brick-Think Grayson coach was overwhelmed by the moment. I saw on TV where he tipped his hat to Walton on their great season. Walton accomplished more than most schools in the highest classification…dont cut them short, they made it to where 62 other football teams wish they could make it…to the dome. Good season Walton.
Bloated gut
December 13th, 2011
12:06 am
Lassiter def would have done better
Go Raiders Daddy
December 13th, 2011
12:30 am
MR Jones eighteen year old ninth grade son flunked out of Lassiter. His name is Tyrone. I don’t believe Mr Printz would go to Walton. Maybe Woodstock. Too bad you didn’t get another QB. You wouldn’t have been embarrased by Greyson. Don’t get mad at BamabornDukie for telling it like it is.
Football FAn
December 13th, 2011
9:20 am
@Go Raiders Daddy….ARE YOU SERIOUS? Calling out a kid about his/her grades by name? I don’t even know if what you say is true, but are you serious? You must be a KID because no responsible adult would act in such a way….at least I hope not! If you are an adult, and want to get that personal, why don’t you come from behind the keyboard and go talk to Mr. Jones face to face about his family….you can always find him out at Walton or over at Sports o Rama working with kids from all around the East Cobb community.
Football FAn
December 13th, 2011
9:28 am
Oh by the way, it is no secret at all that Mr. Printz was over at Walton & Woodstock last summer talking to the staffs about a possible transfer for Eddie (which is his prerogative if he felt like a change of venue might be in order for his child). The jury was out on Coach Irwin and his staff after the first season but I think all parties are glad that Eddie stayed put. And Walton did just fine with their own QB this season….one loss (to a Top Ranked team in the Country) does not define their season…if that was the case, how would you define the Lassiter losses to Walton in Game 1 (total domination), Marietta and Etowah.
Raider 4 Life
December 13th, 2011
9:58 am
Mr Football Fan,
You are doing the same thing by calling out the Lassiter young man. Let it go. You have no idea who is instigating your responses. Let’s be proud of the Walton accomplishments by our players and not validate the postings of an idiot with a response.
Go Raiders
December 13th, 2011
6:25 pm
Hey Scott, guess what? The University of Georgia Bulldogs offered Tyren Jones a scholarship today!! So far that’s Vanderbilt and UGA. Not too shabby, huh? He wouldn’t have even been on the radar of either of those schools had he stayed at Lassiter and shared the 10 running plays with the talented Isiah Willis.
Scott
December 13th, 2011
11:08 pm
That’s where you and I disagree . . .Tyren worked hard and has earned whatever offers he gets. He would have gotten them regardless of the High School he attended. When a young athlete develops his or her skills to a higher level, the college coaches will recognize that skill level.
If he makes it to the Pro level, then it will have little to do with the college he attends. The inner drive found in professional athletes is not made in High School nor learned in college.
Hopefully, he will go to a college and actually play. Unlike Mason that broke all kinds of High School records and will most likely sit the bench at UGA.
A lot of what makes a player is the player . . .not the High School. Remember Philip Lutzenkirchen? Most certainly going Pro and you can expect more great things from that Lassiter High grad. Was it the QB that make that young man good? Was it the High School coach? Or did God bless him with that inner drive and a 6′5″, 250# frame? I’m betting on the latter and the college coaches and the professional scouts will see that coming from a distance.
Take care and God Bless.
gaming
December 16th, 2011
6:37 am
In these days of austerity plus relative anxiousness about incurring debt, a lot of people balk resistant to the idea of using a credit card to make acquisition of merchandise as well as pay for any gift giving occasion, preferring, instead just to rely on this tried along with trusted method of making transaction – hard cash. However, if you’ve got the cash on hand to make the purchase 100 %, then, paradoxically, that’s the best time to be able to use the card for several reasons.