Northside, Tucker headline 13 remaining undefeated teams
Five teams in the second-highest classification made it through the regular season last year at 10-0. Two of those (Statesboro and Lovejoy) have moved to different classifications this season, and one more (Northgate) already has two losses.
The 2012 regular season is now one-third of the way complete, and 13 Class AAAAA teams remain undefeated. Leading the way are Tucker and Northside of Warner Robins, the other two teams that went 10-0 last season. Also included among the 13 are M.L. King and Allatoona, which went 10-0 in other classifications last year.
Here’s a look at the 13 undefeated teams, the obstacles they still face and the chances of them making it through the year without a loss.
We’ll continue next week with our series looking at the playoff chances for the teams beginning region play, picking up with Regions 2-AAAAA and 3-AAAAA.
*Lee County (1-AAAAA): The Trojans (3-0) have won 10 games in a season just once in their history, a 10-2 season in 2005 that ended with a second-round playoff loss to Griffin. Lee County has a difficult non-region game remaining at Dodge County on Sept. 28, but the biggest hurdle comes on Oct. 19 against sixth-ranked Thomas County Central.
*Northside-Warner Robins (2-AAAAA): With victories in hand against Flowery Branch and Westside-Macon, the biggest obstacle remaining for the Eagles (3-0) is a Nov. 2 meeting with city rival Warner Robins, a game Northside will be favored to win. Chances are good that Northside will finish the regular season 10-0 for the sixth time in eight years.
*Richmond Hill (3-AAAAA): The Wildcats have posted state-best defensive numbers, allowing just six points in victories over Johnson of Savannah, Beach and Savannah. But Richmond Hill started 3-0 last year against Savannah schools before finishing 6-4. Things shouldn’t turn that bad this year, but region games against Glynn Academy and Ware County probably will end the Wildcats’ 10-0 dream.
*McIntosh, Union Grove (4-AAAAA): The magic should run out soon (possibly as early as Friday against Drew) for McIntosh, which is 3-0 for the first time in school history. The odds appear a little better for Union Grove (2-0), but a schedule that still includes Whitewater, Northgate, Drew and a possible region championship game makes a 10-0 season unlikely.
*Allatoona, East Paulding (5-AAAAA): One of these teams is almost certain to go undefeated. Both teams are 3-0 and appear destined to remain undefeated heading into their Nov. 9 showdown that will decide the 5-AAAAA championship. East Paulding had its only 10-0 regular season in 2007, when it reached the AAAA quarterfinals in John Reid’s second season as coach.
*M.L. King, Stephenson, Tucker (6-AAAAA): Region 6 is probably the deepest in Class AAAAA. Tucker (3-0), M.L. King (3-0) and Stephenson (2-0) are ranked in the top four, and there are strong teams at Southwest DeKalb, Mays, Miller Grove and Arabia Mountain. It’s conceivable that every team suffers at least one loss, but don’t be surprised if 2011 Class AAAA champion Tucker goes 10-0 for the sixth time in nine years.
*Creekview, Riverwood (7-AAAAA): Kell appears to be the best team in the region despite a 42-13 loss to Lassiter last week. Riverwood’s three victories have come against two teams with a combined 0-5 record and Class A Holy Innocents’, and it would take a big upset to knock off Kell for the subregion title. Creekview has a chance to win its subregion but would be the underdog in the region title game.
*Heritage-Conyers (8-AAAAA): The Patriots (3-0) were 9-1 last season and have a team good enough to go 10-0 in some other regions, but 8-AAAAA is deep and talented. Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals await them in the next five weeks. If Heritage is somehow able to survive that stretch, then it should coast to 10-0.
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
40 comments Add your comment
footballcounty1
September 18th, 2012
10:23 pm
I understand what people are saying Tucker success. But for the first time they are playing quality teams in the regular season. MLK and Stephenson who play above the region whom would sometimes made them better prepard for the playoffs.
BcS2010
September 19th, 2012
12:07 am
@footballcounty1…. Marist is a great football program and the tucker vs Marist rivalry was one of the best in the state! I can’t wait to see how tucker does against MLK and Stephenson but I expect another 15-0 season!!
WarEagle
September 19th, 2012
8:14 am
@footballcounty1 — you’re joking, right? Tucker used to be in region 6AAAA, the original baby SEC! Tucker, Marist, SWD, Mays, and others fought it out tooth and nail annually. Tucker and Marist even met in the state championship. Far as I can tell, these teams were much better prepared for the playoffs each year than Stephenson, LOL.
Mr. Johnson
September 19th, 2012
8:55 am
MLK will reign supreme to win their 3rd region title and go on to win the state championship. Everyone thinks they don’t have a chance because they lost their head coach, but their staff is doing a great job.
JAGNATIONSUPPORTER
September 19th, 2012
9:48 am
First thing first, this is the best region in the state! Tucker, all this 15-0 mess is NON-SENSE! I would be very SURPRISE if any team come out of this region unscathed. With the likes of SWD,AR.M and MAYS along with the top three going head to head its not realistic! I don’t see Tucker being able to run on either the Jags or MLK, but both Jags and Mlk have to improve against the pass. Mlk likes to blitz. They are prone to giving up the big play if they don’t get to the quarterback. The Jags have playmakers on defense we just need to change some of our schemes. When it is said and done the JAGS will be reg6. CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!! U KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE "CANNON RULES"!!
September 19th, 2012
10:24 am
Enter your comments here
dekalbcounty1
September 19th, 2012
10:59 am
@BcS2010 and WarEagle made the statement about 6-AAAA being the ORIGINAL SEC! But that is not the case on SIGNING day! Look at MLK and Stephenson last 3 -5 years. Giving the players the opportunity to advance their EDUATION and football career. It is ok to be the neighborhood bully but come off your block and let’s see what your made of!!!!
.
.
..
.
.
dekalbcounty1
September 19th, 2012
11:07 am
Let me update people MLK opened 2001 and didn’t start playing a true Varisity schedule unil 2003-2004. Look at their record, they hold the STATE record for having the best record in the first 6 years of ANY high school in GA. We will win a state championship SOON! We are still being a new program from scratch. But we are not making any excuses!
BcS2010
September 19th, 2012
11:25 am
@JAGNATIONSUPPORTER…..Tucker can run on any team in the state! I don’t think you have seen tucker play. The way they run they ball is special. There on a 18 game win streak soooo they must be doing something right,.and yes 15-0 is realistic
@dekalbcounty1…. When we say baby sec we are talking about the competition for football games. Tucker played Marist for a state title! That never happens two teams from the same region play for state! I respect stephenson and MLK but!! Stephenson always finds a way to lose in the 1st or 2nd round..and MLK goes farther than Stephenson but gets upset(lassiter)
Reeze
September 19th, 2012
11:49 am
Looking forward to see how region 6 pans out this year….I really don’t care for this region Northside is in , other than Warner Robins..The games will be played and anything can happen , But you know the Augusta area schools, not known for football…I wish we were in Region 6 , imagine the games then……Most all of 5A will be watching region 6 weekly…….Good luck to you all
Dragstrip Road
September 19th, 2012
2:24 pm
Enter your comments here
dekalbcounty1
September 19th, 2012
2:53 pm
@BcS2010 again you are speaking on 1 subject and I am speaking on other! Your are speaking of state championships. I am speaking of COLLEGE players! If Tucker/Marist and rest of 6-AAAAA were the SEC then that would reflect on SIGNING DAY! Tucker and Marist players are great system players and that is what college scouts have notice…..
BcS2010
September 19th, 2012
3:33 pm
@dekalbcounty1….Stephenson and MLK coaches go out there way to get there players in college but lets be real.. Stephenson back up players get scholarships like… Wat is this proving? They get to college and ride the bench! At programs like tucker and Marist the players who stand out for there schools get offers like its suppose to be. And they produce At the college level. Tell me how ur team starts 22 people and 26 get full rides but only 2 actually get playing time in college. But at school like Marist or tucker 22 people start and 5 get full rides but all 5 actually have an impact.. That Stephenson non sense is sooo overatted and that’s y Stephenson gets no love!
Coach madden
September 19th, 2012
4:09 pm
Looking to get more attention from college coaches? Web Star Recruits offers a free college recruiting profile and much more! Sign up today and see how they can help you through the college recruiting process!
http://www.webstarrecruits.com
Tucker DAD
September 19th, 2012
4:22 pm
@dekalbcounty1 & @JAGNATIONSUPPORTER, I have watched this blog for years and heard the same excuse every year from you. “We put kids in college”. We put kids in college every year as well! It might not be all D1’s but they are getting a chance at higher learning just like your schools.
Now, this political spin thing that you do is getting old. When you get on here beating your chest about how good your team is and what you would do to Tucker if we were in your region, then when we say that we have won championships, you immediately change the subject to how many kids you put in college. No excuses this year because we play you both and when the smoke clears you will know how good we really are.
Let’s get it straight this year before we go any further…. We are on this blog talking about FOOTBALL as it is played on the field! We are talking about the success of our TEAMS and not individual players! When we speak of rivalries we are talking about the teams and not the players. So do me a favor and wait until the season is over, and recruiting season is in play, then talk about your scholarships! Until then remember this one thing for me….. Great players win games, Great teams win championships!!!
Now hopefully y’all won’t bore us with this “how many scholarships” crap until the season is over. I can’t take it any longer!!!! Just win man!!!
Gamer
September 19th, 2012
4:38 pm
Northside definitely needs a tougher schedule. It would be nice to play one of the top region six teams. Right now we are feeling like Camden Cty in their old region. Tough team-play prepares you for the play-offs.
realist
September 19th, 2012
4:44 pm
BcS2010, you are mistaken my friend. Perry Riley starts for the Redskins, Kelvin Sheppard starts for the Bills, Jermaine Cunningham starts for the Patriots, Byron Parker starts for BC in Canada, Sean Lucas retired from Canadian ball this year, Marcus Ball starts for Toronto in Canada, Athony Cannon, Demario Minter, Michael Grant, Isreal Route, Roderick Rodgers, Tony Tilller, Reggie Ball, Andre Anderson all played in the NFL, and Kregg Lumpkin plays for the Seahawk. Raymond Sanders starts at Kentucky, Mike Davis plays at South Carolina, second leading rusher behind Lattimore, and many other players that have started and played ball at major universities, including myself. Most of our players dont ride the bench in college. I came out over 10 yrs ago from Stephenson, there are many more I can name but I wont. Our players get to school and play, and most also graduate. I respect Tucker and otherrs, but we are not overrated when it comes to producing talent.
realist
September 19th, 2012
4:48 pm
But I will be the first to admit that we should be winning at least a couple of Championships, I wont and cant defend that argument. We are well overdue
5AReg6Fan
September 19th, 2012
5:33 pm
@Tucker DAD – well said points…you beat me to posting these remarks (LOL).
To the Stephenson Fans – Just Win football games (period)
“WE ARE TUCKER” – 18 Consecutive Wins
REGION 6, the best in GA 2012 5A Football……
rwdekalb
September 19th, 2012
7:36 pm
There is sort of an arrogance with MLK and Stephensen both very good programs. I suspect since they are no longer playing in the largest classification they feel like they will dominate. We will see what happens when the dust clears.
BcS2010
September 19th, 2012
9:09 pm
@tuckerDaD….. Great post
@realist look who you named people from before Stephenson started getting 20+ people in college…from when this started in 2010 who all starts for colleges?? Raymond sanders doesnt even start anymore…probably 1% of the people who play
dekalbfootball1
September 19th, 2012
9:47 pm
@BcS2010 anTucker DADd once your son have played his last HS football. You wouldn’t want him to go to college for FREE! Every D1 colleges he has the best of the best coming in each year. I would love for my son to start every game in college. But I will accept the FREE education everday and twice on Sunday! Education will last forever! I understand every parent is different. Good luck to the parents who wants their son to start some football games.
overmatched1
September 19th, 2012
11:04 pm
did i see it right someone said tucker wont be able to run against stephenson or mlk wow cant wait till the 12 of october
BcS2010
September 19th, 2012
11:30 pm
@overmatched1… Lol yea these Mlk and Stephenson bloggers clearly don’t no anything about tucker
Oh man.........
September 20th, 2012
7:11 am
I will say this. East Paulding has only played one decent team this year and that was the first game against North. The previous two games have been down right boring and doesn’t help our team at all. After half time the the JV plays which is good to get some of those younger players experience but what about the varsity playing a MUCH NEEDED FULL GAME. And unfortunatly we will be playing New Manchester this week. I hope they are much improved but by looking as their previous games they have talent but NO COACHING!!! A blind monkey could do better. Who hires these coaches anyway? I feel bad for their team. When these coaches are hired is there not any type of way to see if they understand the type of defense or offense they are trying to coach. Yes, I am on a rant but week in and week out I see teams that have talent but no coaching. They ALL should be made to pass a football IQ test before they are hired as a head coach.
MIGHTY LION KING
September 20th, 2012
8:09 am
Aaahhh yesss…and so it begins..the clashing of the big cats..TUCKER u guys look guud as always but even a team that looks guud fumbles around sumtymes ask GRAYSON or BUFORD.. with that said dont expect for this to be a easy season like last yr.. Take notice of the schedule from last yr and this yr b4 claimin another 15-0 yr.. Even myself would b LUCKY to see MLK finish 15-0..
MLK LIONS/STEPHENSON JAGS we been down this road b4.do not let the path of talkkn trash catch u p with u because usually it does.. I must said I look forward to seein TUCKER play us because I never seen them play so I want to see all the hype that everybody give them… Cant wait til the first clash of TUCKER against Stephenson thTs gonna be,a great game..and then the finale the TIGERS against the MIGHTY LIONS!!
LION NATION/ THE DOMKNATION!!
Tucker DAD
September 20th, 2012
9:15 am
@dekalbfootball1, again you seem to have selective hearing just like you have selective subject matter. Let me tell you what I said, “It might not be all D1’s but they are getting a chance at higher learning just like your schools”. Now let me break that down to you… It simply means that we are sending kids to schools on scholarships just like Stephenson and MLK, but not to D1 at the same rate you are. From my view a free ride is a “FREE” ride no matter where you get it at.
Now when you are ready to talk about the game of FOOTBALL as it is played on the field, and don’t bring up your coach as an excuse, then I will be waiting right here.
Now that I have laid the ground rules out I’m sure you will have very little to say. See you on the field!!!!
Tiger4Life
September 20th, 2012
10:14 am
@Tucker DAD
Your post from Sep. 19 @4:22 you get a standing ovation ! ! !
@ all the Stephenson posters
You guys barely got past Arabia Mtn. which was better than what I expected..
But barely getting by Dunwoody, the worst Team in Region6 !!! No excuses for that, Tucker is going to beat you guys like a drum…
@ All the ML King posters
I believe this will be our toughest game, only because of your size and athleticism, but Tucker’s coaching staff will have a game plan devised to counteract…
And one more point if you want to call yoursevles “SEC” anything you must Win Championships, cause thats what the real “SEC” does ! ! ! An d sometimes both teams are from the “SEC” Alabama/LSU 2012 = Tucker/Marist 2008
3-0 with 13 more to go
WE ARE TUCKER
Run With Us or Run From Us
rwdekalb
September 20th, 2012
12:27 pm
@Mighty Lion King. When you finally get to see Tucker what you will see is the fastest team off the ball maybe in the entire state. And a defense that punishes when they hit.
Mays Maniac
September 20th, 2012
2:26 pm
@Mighty Lion King Tucker is the fastest team I have seen on the high school level. They hit you hard,fast, and quick. The sad thing is that you see it coming and you can’t even stop it, I’m Serious. For real real Tucker should be playing up If you ask me with the BIG BOY schools like Grayson, Walton, and Northside(without the Warner Robbins they get mad about that WHY?) or South Ga. schools.I will only then say they are the best!! But the are dam close to the best, I believe they can hang with the AAAAAA teams right now at the level they play at. Just keeping it real, and to be totally honest I like seeing them play becuase they have that winners mentality to beat anybody. The Hill Is Real………..
Tucker DAD
September 20th, 2012
2:55 pm
@Mays Maniac, Finally a voice of reason! I’m glad that you said it and not me. I would have to spend a whole blog page explaining that to these cats.
Well done, well done indeed Mr. Mays Maniac.
MIGHTY LION KING
September 20th, 2012
3:39 pm
Oh thats sounds nice..i hurd the same with VALDOSTA,BROOKWOOD,ETC..Dont mean nuthin until u play on the field..Now I can sit up here and say how we have one hell of a QB,and Rbs lookin nice, and defense EXPLICIT at tymes etc but then again what point would I b makin if we cant show u for ourselves?? BUT at the same tyme ,theres nuthin wrong with gettin into a deep convo bout some of the best highschool football teams in ga.. Gotta love it..
LION NATION/ THE DOMINATION!!
ALL TUCKERRED UP
September 21st, 2012
11:51 am
Stephenson= ME,ME,ME
Tucker = TEAM, TEAM, TEAM
Blue Blood 83'
September 21st, 2012
2:40 pm
I can not wait to meet Tucker again in the title game. I am not over looking anyone in our Classifcation but I do not see anyone that is going to stop the Eagles of Northside of Warner Robins. After we beat Tucker in the Dome a few years ago because they were not conditioned, I expected them to come back a beat us. No, they did not beat us we fumbled the ball and gave them the game last year. No, just kiddin a fumble is caused by the defense and not the person carrying the ball. See Ya in the Championship Tucker. This year and next.
5AReg6Fan
September 21st, 2012
5:14 pm
Let me response to a few previous posters….
@ JAGNATIONSUPPORTER – The likely hood of ANY team going undefeated (10-0) in the regular season in region 6, would be a surprise to this long time Tucker fan. The region is the BEST in 5A (period) and probably one of the BEST in ALL of GA HS football. But if anyone does this amazing feat the money is on the Tigers of TUCKER. As far as your comment about MLK blitzing, well that plan will not work well against a team (TUCKER) that is extremely fast at the point of attach – the RB’s will be pass the blitzing LB’S and then it’s a foot race for the DB’s, I’M SURE THE Lions don’t want to be in this position playing Tucker. Your comment about the Jags needing to change some schemes on defense, well Stephenson has 3 weeks to make the adjustments; Oct 12th 7:30 @ Halliford is fast approaching.
@dekalbcounty1 – Your comments are the same OLD song that is sung by Stephenson supports yearly, when they underachieve the on field goal…State Championships. Just like Tucker Dad mention, chest beat when the signing day season arrives…the current season is ALL about the play on the field.
@Reeze – If NSWR was in 5A region 6, along with this current region line up, I would bet BIG money on what region the 5A State Champion will come from. (LOL) Good luck to your Eagles and maybe down the road a rematch of the Titians loom (Tucker/NSWR). Man, it’s getting to be a rivalry between US. One thing is for sure, if you want to be crown 5A champs, you MUST go thru our elite PROGRAMS and this is a yearly thang.
@MIGHTY LION KING – Since you haven’t seen Tucker play and I don’t understand why, ALL DeKalb HS football fans should have seen the Tigers, you are in for a treat. Certainly, you’ll be there Nov 12th? There are many, who have seen Tucker, will say that they can compete with those PROGRMS you mention earlier. Tucker will be ONE of the best PROGRAMS that your Lions have faced in their short football history…you can take that to the bank and deposit it. (LOL)
@Blue Blood 83 – Thanks for correcting the fumble comment. (LOL) If the rivalry between Tucker and NSWR plays again this year, we Tucker fans wish that game in the DOME. But for us, there is MUCH unfinished business left…our regular season is murderous enough…got to concentrate on getting in the playoffs first. I don’t see ANY problem with your Eagles sitting in the #1 spot in Nov.
“WE ARE TUCKER” – 18 Consecutive Wins
REGION 6, the best in GA 2012 5A Football……
Northside Dawg
September 21st, 2012
5:42 pm
I haven’t seen a single Northside shirt in Matthews Cafeteria.
Dragstrip Road
September 21st, 2012
7:45 pm
East needs some competition.
graphite
September 24th, 2012
4:57 pm
Why would anyone want to eat in dump called Matthew’s?What is there,a bunch of self serve microwaves to heat up vending machine junk?If you want decent food,come South….
JAG4LIFE
September 25th, 2012
8:12 am
What is it about Stephenson, that always has people talking? Stephenson has great football players PERIOD!!! I I think all of the teams in this region are good. I know football players from all of these teams Tucker, MLK and they have all played together when they were younger, so they know how each other play, so it will be interesting to see how they (the football palyers) handle one another on the field. May the best team win, but my money is on the JAGS.
Northside Dawg
September 26th, 2012
1:46 pm
Except for a bit of Tucker Tiger paraphernalia, I think Matthews does a pretty decent job with the southern cooking.