AAAAAA blog: Grayson is the team, and Tyren Jones is the man
If you didn’t hear it, Tyren Jones of Walton rushed for 333 yards in a 37-35 victory over McEachern that ended around 1 a.m. Saturday.
First, Grayson.
Grayson was already a darling of the national rankings with top-10 recognition in all eight national polls entering its game Friday night against Central Miami. Only two other teams – Manatee of Bradenton, Fla., and Santa Margarita of California – could say that.
The question on Saturday now becomes: What do you think of us now? Grayson defeated USA Today’s No. 1 team, Miami Central, 35-3.
Grayson amassed 355 total offense to Miami Central’s 22. Miami had two running backs committed to FBS (formerly called Division I-A) schools but was held to 17 yards rushing and 3-of-12 passing. It was 21-3 at halftime.
‘’It was hard for Grayson to look more dominant than it did tonight,’’ said Stephen Spiewak, who does national rankings for MaxPreps. “The defense met all expectations and the offense showed big-play potential. Beating Central 35-3 is very, very impressive. [Grayson] has a strong argument for No. 1.’’
Grayson is No. 2 in MaxPreps’ poll, No. 1 in ESPN and No. 3 in CNN/SI and Scout.com.
Here are five things we learned Friday in Class AAAAAA –
- Grayson remains the team to beat, and new quarterback David McTier is no weakness. McTier threw a 38-yard pass to Wayne Gallman to set up one touchdown. He threw another long pass to Jordan Germany that might’ve scored, but was turned over on a fumble. He threw a 54-yard TD pass to Gallman. McTier, who grew up in the Grayson program but played two seasons at Greater Atlanta Christian, replaced Nick Schuessler, one of the more underrated aspects of Grayson’s 15-0 season in 2011. It appears that Grayson has more big-play ability at receiver and running back than last season.
- Walton’s Tyren Jones is ridiculous. The running back who ran for 303 yards and five touchdowns in the opener against Brookwood topped it Friday. He rushed for 333 yards on 46 carries and scored four touchdowns in a 37-35 victory over McEachern. Anthony Price kicked a 43-yard field goal with 25 seconds left. Jones’ two-game totals are 636 yards, 76 carries, nine touchdowns. He’s on pace to break the state record for yards in a season – in the regular season alone.
- Lassiter is better than in 2011. The Trojans made the semifinals last year, but the year was uneven. This Trojans team is going to be a force throughout. Lassiter led Hillgrove 37-0 in a 37-29 victory. Eddie Printz unofficially was 19-for-25 passing for 249 yards and two touchdowns (226 yards in the first half. Printz is going to put up huge yardage because he’s good, and he’s got some really good receivers who get open and make yards after the catch.
- Milton’s college prospects aren’t just for show. Milton had a hard time explaining how it could have five seniors committed to FBS schools, but only a 4-7 record in 2011. The Mustangs beat 2011 region champion and state-ranked Alpharetta 35-28 Friday. Three of those committed players are offensive linemen — Eason Fromayan (TCU), Josh Harris (Wake Forest) and Cory Helms (Wake Forest). RB Peyton Barber (Ole Miss) and Trayvon Paulk (offer from Georgia Tech) form one of AAAAAA’s best backfields. Barber led Milton with 225 yards Friday. Paulk added 109. Then there is Carl Lawson, an AJC Super 11 defensive lineman. He has committed to Auburn.
- Colquitt County, ranked No. 2 in preseason, still has work to do. Slow starts mean little to the Packers, who have made the semifinals or better each of the past three seasons despite erratic regular seasons. After losing to North Gwinnett 16-14 last week, they beat a ranked AAAAA team, Thomas County Central, 35-33 on Friday. It’s a good win, but not a statement. Central got within two on a 78-yard TD pass, but Colquitt ran out the clock with a couple of first downs.
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75 comments Add your comment
Fred
September 3rd, 2012
9:08 pm
@GwinnettDad – I was talking to the Miami Central trainer prior to the game. She said this was the first time out of the city for some of the kids, first time out of the state for others and first time flying for many. I told her it was cool that they had this kind of opportunity to show these kids a little more than their slice of the world.
Fred
September 3rd, 2012
9:13 pm
@GHS#22 – I think the reason the WingT doesn’t look exciting is too much of the time you can’t see enough to really appreciate what is going on. I *love* it when the plays are right in front of me and I can see all the misdirections and split second timing required to pull it off successfully. When the play is away from me, I can appreciate the the result but not the nuances.
sportsnut
September 4th, 2012
4:23 pm
@ GwinnettDad == The only boast from me is that Lovejoy deserves more consideration than is being given. Not once have I said Lovejoy will beat anyone. You do have some good teams in Gwinnett but there are good teams across Georgia. I just happen to think Lovejoy’s D is better than Graysons. We do return 8 starters from the best D in Georgia from a year ago. Not jusy AAAA but all of Georgia. I am a devoted fan and you will never see me run. I will be here win or lose. If you take into account the national polls. Lovejoy sits behind Grayson as the # 2 team in AAAAAA and overall in Georgia. I do not make this stuff up or make excuses. We have already given a short 1/2 game lesson to one of your best in PTR in the final scrimmage game 20-7 and that 7 came on a hail mary on the last play for our varsity. Boasting is what is done by the AJC and their thoughts of who is better than whom. We just play ball. The Cats let their play speak for them. I give Grayson their props as they are the defending champions and understand that they are champs until someone else wins it. By no means will this make me doubt my Cats.
Fred
September 4th, 2012
6:03 pm
@sportsnut said ” If you take into account the national polls. Lovejoy sits behind Grayson as the # 2 team in AAAAAA and overall in Georgia.” Would you point me in the right direction for those polls because I haven’t seen them? Just curious where they are.
sportsnut
September 4th, 2012
8:52 pm
@ Fred == MaxPreps and CalPreps
sportsnut
September 4th, 2012
9:11 pm
Quote from the Moultrie newspaper, “Lovejoy, whom many believe has the best skill players in the state”
Fred
September 4th, 2012
9:14 pm
@sportsnut – I’m not a member so I didn’t see the MaxPreps other than the national top 25 that has Grayson at #2. I did look at CalPreps and as I understand, those are computer rankings that get more accurate as the season goes on. I’ll keep an eye on them to see how Lovejoy progresses. Good luck this week!
GHS#22
September 4th, 2012
9:18 pm
@Fred……..The point I was making is that it’s not exciting enough for College and Pro teams, which relies on the excitment of seeing as many TD’s as possible. I believe fans would not turn out as much if thier team couldn’t be proficient scorers, or have the ability to come back from large deficient.
I have to admit, there were many times I felt coach Conn needed to implement a passing game, but his choice of personal kept him from doing that. I was very excited to see the new offense last year. The Wing T with a passing threat is unstoppable. Don’t get me wrong if it’s working all night then don’t change it.
Now, I had two boys come up through Grayson and Coach football, and both are now playing at the next level, so yes I worried how the Wing T would continue to work for years watching my boys play without a passing game. I’m happy we evolved.
@Sportnut………….Lovejoy behind Grayson?! Not seing that on any poll…………
sportsnut
September 4th, 2012
9:21 pm
Fred == when you go to Maxpreps , go to Maxpreps Georgia and they will give you the National, State and Class rankings. Thanks for the good wish’s. I wish you and yours the same for this week and the entire season.
GHS#22
September 4th, 2012
9:26 pm
@Sportnut……….I will keep an eye out for Lovejoy!
GwinnettDad
September 4th, 2012
9:37 pm
@Fred – here’s how Maxwell sees things. Lovejoy below is rated 16th. I can’t look up any of the ratings that Sportsnut claims either. Will be interesting how Lovejoy does against Colquitt. After all, what counts is not the boasts the Sportsnut makes here, after denying just how much he prances and brags. We’ll see what happens on the field.
Todd Holcomb
September 4th, 2012
5:41 pm
Maxwell Ratings also like Coffee in AAAAAA
http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia-high-school-sports/2012/09/04/maxwell-ratings-lopsided-win-boosts-northside-wr-to-2-in-all-class-poll/
1 Grayson (97.34)
2 North Gwinnett (93.4)
3 Camden County (91.5)
4 Walton (90.4)
5 Lowndes (88.89)
6 Colquitt County (87.38)
7 Norcross (83.63)
8 Lassiter (82.28)
9 McEachern (82.05)
10 Valdosta (81.48)
11 Brookwood (81.31)
12 Mill Creek (79.83)
13 Coffee (79.02)
14 West Forsyth (78.44)
15 Newnan (77.61)
16 Lovejoy (77.32)
17 Hillgrove (75.93)
18 East Coweta (75.48)
19 Peachtree Ridge (75.28)
20 Parkview (74.83)
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sportsnut
September 4th, 2012
10:25 pm
@ GwinnettDad == You must be related to TH or LM. I only speak facts. Concerning Grayson’s D, here is a comparison. Over the past 2 seasons, Grayson has played 29 games, Lovejoy 26. Grayson has given up 294 points, Lovejoy 178. Grayson has 9 shut-outs, Lovejoy has 11. Grayson gave up 131points in 11′, Lovejoy 73. In 10′, Grayson gave up163 points, Lovejoy 105. I know the competiton was different but they still had to play the game. They both have played in one (1) championship game with Grayson winning theirs and Lovejoy losing theirs. Grayson lost some good talent and so did L:ovejoy, namely the AAAA defensive player of the year. Do you actually believe there are 15 teams better ? If you do, then you do have the same blood running thru your viens as those who doubt the Cats are worthy of a higher ranking. Time will tell though. I am looking foward to the playoff pairings if we both get there. Querry some of your football friends and see what they think. You say I brag, tell me when.@ Fred == are those rankings in the above post (Sept. 4th, 9:37 p.m.) not computer rankings ?(your post at 9:14) points out that those are computer rankings that get more accurate as the season goes on, the same as what TH says about the Maxwell ?
sportsnut
September 4th, 2012
10:36 pm
Last post for the day == GHSA/ Score Atlanta has the Wildcats of Lovejoy at # 5 for those of you that can’t find the National Polls. Maybe this local poll will do for you.
GwinnettDad
September 4th, 2012
11:05 pm
@Lovejoy, honestly. “You only speak facts.” Now THAT is not only preposterous, it is hysterically funny. Keep up the chatter. Somebody out there might someday agree with you.
Fred
September 5th, 2012
12:21 am
@sportnut – So far as I know, both Maxwell and CalPreps are computer polls, at least I think they are. I’ve heard complaints about both for several years as neither takes into account anything other that w/l/score and strength of schedule. Each has its own algorithm. The first of the season is when they are the most suspect as they are only really looking at the past with varying degrees of weighting. They do not take into account any player/coaching changes or things like redistricting. The longer the season goes on, the more accurate they tend to get as they have more data on this year’s team. It becomes an actuarial exercise based solely on the performance up to that date. Don’t feel bad, the year we beat N Forsyth, N Gwinnett and Valdosta in the playoffs we were picked by the computers to lose each game because we had lost some regular season games that year.
sportsnut
September 5th, 2012
3:10 pm
@ GwinnettDad == So we should feel the same about Graysons ranking? @ Fred == Same question ? According to your reasoning, we should be higher because we have not lost a regular season game in two(2) years. That is the immediate past. Well, the AP ranked us at # 9 this week, one spot ahead of Colquit, who is # 10. This is not a computer poll, is it ? Does the above ranking weigh more than other computer polls ? If so, why? Just to clarify, I refered to MaxPreps and not Maxwell. Why is it so hard for any of you to think Lovejoy is not comparable to any of the so-called “powers” ? I will be in Moultrie on friday to see for myself.
cchswildcat86
September 5th, 2012
8:23 pm
Other than Grayson being #1…. I don’t know where anyone else should be ranked and does it really matter??
All Lovejoy has to do is win and they’ll get there rankings, props and respect….imo
Graydog
September 5th, 2012
9:13 pm
I was very impressed with Grayson’s whipping of Miami Central…. Right up to the part about MC not having a quarterback. Could there be less to brag about? Uh , yeah , I just raced the 100 meter record holder and beat him. One footnote- He was on crutches. Watch out Atlanta , It’s gonna be a long season.
Fred
September 5th, 2012
10:31 pm
@sportsnut – I was responding to your post – sportsnut September 4th, 2012 10:25 pm where you asked about the computer rankings. Some many things go into those algorithms that we don’t know about. Loren Maxwell responded on the other thread explaining some of methodology including history, strength of schedule, etc. I can understand that you don’t want to accept it but you are working yourself up over nothing. Heck, before last week and even at the end of last year’s season, Grayson was all over the place in the various rankings. My best advice is to pick the poll you like and stay with it. Until the end of the year, and not really even then, they won’t all agree. The best thing you can do is support your team (which you do) and drive on. If Lovejoy is as good as you say, you will begin to rack up some quality wins which will help you in the standings.
Good luck Friday and safe travels!
Fred
September 5th, 2012
10:33 pm
Make that “so many things go into.” Dad gum typos!
sportsnut
September 6th, 2012
12:30 pm
@ Fred == I’m not really worried about which poll says what. I like the spirited debate. I do not really care what anyone thinks because I know what I am talking about. When the pollsters make their choices, I just want them to be fair and balanced. Example, they thought Dublin was a power because of their past. What happened to them was down right ugly. 60+ points in a loss they were favored in ? Sometimes, people follow their instincts and make good choices, other times not. This is not just about Lovejoy, it is also about the other fans here that know more about the team they follow than those prognosticators entrusted with making the decisions on who belongs where. Remember that what they say matters a great deal in terms of scouts, colleges and universities choosing whom to recruit as well as who falls in what position come playoff time. This is fun for me. I am retired and a total high school sports fan. By the way, thanks for the well wishs on friday and I will hopefully have a safe trip as I will be on the 50 focused on the game. Good luck this week and stay safe.
shimshawne
September 6th, 2012
4:46 pm
Young McEachern team will win the rest of their regular season games,,,
Flo - Ri - Duh
September 11th, 2012
1:05 pm
It looks like you could give a little credit to the OL that has been dominant for Tyrene Jones. No one ever touches him until he is at least 5 yards past the line of scrimmage. Kublanow and the OL made Tyrene Jones. He’s good. The OL is great.
Valdosta Fan
September 11th, 2012
8:51 pm
People have you know from years of experience; Colquitt County
has always started off this way and kicked ass at the end; it is
the way they do things down that way; they don’t give a rats ass
about RanKings and sure do not give a dam what people say about
Them; from dealing with them; Colquitt is very very low key type
Of people that loves when they are underdogs and it keeps the
opponents eyes closed thinking they are week; remember when
they went to the state finals with a 5/5 record; should that tell you
something; if they cared about rankings, they will address that to
the team but I see how Rush do things and Rankings are far from
Their Agenda; I am a diehard Valdosta Wildcat fan and think that
Bull#%€¥ about our South Georgia Brother again and see them
play for the State Champion title; Rush as I seen has a lot of
Tricks and people that can play that he is not showcasing and why?
Do not know; Colquitt County do things a lot different from other teams
And that is why they go to the Title games prepared better at the
end! Like them or not; they don’t “GIVE A Dam” but I promise you
They will be in the title game and win it all; YOU WILL SEE; YOU WILL
SEE MARK MY WORDS!!!!!
Lowndes County Plowboy
September 11th, 2012
9:01 pm
Valdosta fan, I would have called you a trader, but I kind of agree with you about
Colquitt, and YES they do things a lot different and comes out a lot better prepare
making most think they have a very weak team and then they showcase that talent
on you and that have made a living on just that; Colquitt has a lot of injuries that most
Do not know and it is not being reported, I just last year Colquitt got us good, 35 points
they demolish us, so I am hoping that for our sake (lowndes) Colquitt do not catch fire
because most teams and coaches drill about State Rankings and they sure do not care
about that stuff at All; I agree they will be there at the end and I only hope that we can
contain them until they lose to us and catch fire after we play then!