Jeff Haws’ Top 10 List
As we anticipate the twists and turns of the season ahead, us obsessives at The List always have a tendency to come back to talking about our favorite high school football rivalries.
We can never decide which one’s the greatest, but that’s sort of half the fun. Some of these have been going on for many decades. Others are a lot newer, but are already giving us all sorts of memories.
So we figured it’s a good time to look at the best the state has to offer, and hopefully we’ll leave the bad blood on the field in the process.
10. Lassiter-Walton
These East Cobb rivals have played 30 times, with Walton winning twice as many after taking seven of the past nine. But there’s a lot of intensity here among the Cobb kids, many of whom grew up playing together before heading to high schools fewer than 6 miles apart. The rivalry culminated in last year’s thrilling 30-24 Raider win in the state semis.
2012 game: at Lassiter, Oct. 5
9. Marist-St. Pius
This one would get a much higher spot if it wasn’t, ya know, over (at least temporarily). Even with the teams not playing this year, there’s still a good deal of passion in this rivalry between Catholic schools on the same side of town. Marist dominated the series for a couple of decades, but the Lions are happily holding onto a two-game winning streak in the series for the first time since the mid 1970s.
2012 game: Do not play
8. Thomas County Central-Thomasville
This rivalry has fallen on a bit of hard times lately, as TCC has grown into a Class AAAAA school, while Thomasville is left at the AA level, making this typically a bit of a mismatch. TCC has won 14 of the past 16 meetings, including a finals victory in 1993, but the Bulldogs still hold a 24-23-1 edge. And the little guys aren’t giving in. They still play every year.
2012 game: TCC 41, Thomasville 7
7. Savannah-Benedictine
No, they’re not playing this year, but just dare us to leave these two off the list. They’ve played 97 times since 1908, and they’ve nearly split them all (Benedictine leads 46-45-6) despite the Cadets winning 13 of 15 since 1993. If for longevity alone, this one deserves a spot.
2012 game: Do not play
6. MLK-Stephenson
This one is enhanced by the schools being in the same region, county and pretty much always among the better teams in the state. It’s a pretty new rivalry, and they’ve split the six meetings. It may have hit its apex last year, when the Lions won an amazing 50-49 region-clinching game that had people hanging off trees outside Hallford Stadium to try to catch a glimpse of what was happening.
2012 game: at Hallford Stadium, Oct. 26
5. Parkview-Brookwood
Ten years ago, it would have been tempting to make this one No. 1, though Parkview had just finished winning five in a row in the series. Of course, they were also beating basically everyone they played then, so you couldn’t really blame the Broncos too much. Now, it’s slid a bit, along with the two programs. But both are still respectable, and they remember their glory years well.
2012 game: at Parkview, Friday
4. Charlton County-Clinch County
These two have played at least once (occasionally twice) almost every year since 1962, with Charlton winning 14 of 17 to move ahead in the series 26-23-1. An intense, small region rivalry, they really do want to beat each other up. You know Clinch wants to start getting this one turn around this year.
2012 game: at Charlton County, Oct. 26
3. Lincoln County-Washington Wilkes
This rivalry dates back to the days of Lincoln County being Lincolnton High, with their first matchup being in 1958. Lincoln County has won 34 of the 56 games, but this has certainly been one of the most intense annual small-school games in the state. And they play every year, so make the trip sometime. Trust us.
2012 game: Washington-Wilkes 21, Lincoln County 6
2. Northside (WR)-Warner Robins
This one has been streaky, but you’ll find few rivals who want to beat each other more than these two. Warner Robins basically dominated the series for more than 30 years, winning 30 of 40 matchups. But Northside has turned the tide, taking 11 of 14 since 1998. Oh, and they share a home field. And it’s one of the state’s best too.
2012 game: at McConnell-Talbert Stadium, Nov. 2
1. Valdosta-Lowndes
Yeah, there was little doubt what was going in this spot. Since this series started in 1968, the teams have combined to win 16 state titles, and Valdosta gave its neighbor a nice program to emulate for many of those years. The Vikings have taken kindly to the lessons, winning 11 of the 15 matchups since 1997, though Valdosta still leads the series 34-16. Perhaps student hath become teacher in this one.
2012 game: at Valdosta, Oct. 12
So yes, those are the best. Well, at least according to our addled minds. Who did we forget? Which rivalry is your favorite? Which game do you make it a point to get to every year no matter what? Have you ever had a hot dog thrown at you at your rival’s stadium? Tell us all about it in the comments here or on Twitter at @ajcprepsports. And no flying hot dogs, please.
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85 comments Add your comment
blu eagle
September 25th, 2012
10:30 pm
You probably will not see more people at a game than NSWR w. robins, as they line all sides with past estimates at 15 to 20 thousand people, more like a small colllege crowd!
Country boy
September 25th, 2012
10:54 pm
Very fair probably accurate list Mr.Haws. Although there are some recent intense rivalries in the atlanta area the south Georgia schools and the Sav. mention have been going on for generations.
57Cat
September 26th, 2012
12:57 am
I like the list, but I think – if Region 1-AAAAAA stays as it is for a few years, we’ll see Camden and a couple of old-time Region 1 teams develop some good rivalries, especially Lowndes, Colquitt and Valdosta – there already being some history between them.
I'm all in
September 26th, 2012
9:54 am
I like it!
skeetwill
September 26th, 2012
9:56 am
Great list of rivalries. The Washington-Wilkes/Lincoln Co. rivalry actually goes back to 1922 with old Washington and Lincolnton High Schools. The teams have played 75 times with Lincoln holding the edge with 36 wins to Washington-Wilkes’ 33 and 6 ties.
LTrojan Fan
September 26th, 2012
10:05 am
Well…I have to say that we are “Raider haters”
TJ Morris
September 26th, 2012
10:13 am
Northside and lowndes had a little rivalry when northside was in their region they need to get back those games started.
doug mahan
September 26th, 2012
10:45 am
the oldest rivalry in the state is Gordon lee vs Trion in north georgia ,but the most bitter rivalry in north ga. has to be in the same county Trion vs Chattooga high
Jack Black
September 26th, 2012
10:47 am
Commerce-Jefferson is one of the oldest rivalries in the state. The cities don’t have large schools, but the game is very meaningful in Jackson Co. It should be on the list.
Dekalb County Guy
September 26th, 2012
10:49 am
So whats the story behind Marist-St Pius not playing? I understand the last few years because of region obligations, Marist couldnt schedule them, but seems both had more than enough non region games that they could have scheduled one another.
John
September 26th, 2012
10:51 am
Trion and Chattooga haven’t played sincve 1971 so you can hardly call that a rivalry. Gordon Lee and Trion on the other hand have plaed continuous except for a couple of years during World War II since 1933. That truly is a rivalry. Nothing, however, compares to Valdosta-Lowndes or Warner Robins-Northside.
formerviking
September 26th, 2012
10:52 am
There’s nothing like the Winnersville Classic. It might be the closest thing to the Iron Bowl.
Tiftblue
September 26th, 2012
10:54 am
Tift County Vs Colquitt County series is 16-21 in Colquitt’s favor… a pretty good one…
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
September 26th, 2012
11:01 am
Jeff,
As usual, the “ATLANTA” Journal and Constitution forgets to even consider the ATLANTA city schools, and the intense rivalries that have existed over time. I’m beginning to think that this is coded…know what I’m saying?
Let me school you, since it seems as if your “research” is surface level:
Southwest (ATL) vs. Fulton (ATL) – Intense always. Southwest as you probably DONT know won a state title. Any respect for that?
Douglass (ATL) vs. Mays (ATL) – Just go ask anyone from the city about the intensity of this one. The “new” Westside Classic. Douglass played in a state title game…at Lakewood Stadium. Ever been over there? Yes, there are police officers there. How could you miss this one????
Turner (ATL) vs. Price (ATL) – the “old” Westside Classic. Again, if you have any historical acumen, you would realize this one was intense!
AJC, please think about the high schools and colleges that play football right in Atlanta…this is your primary area of coverage, right? You have no problem reporting crime that happens right under your noses…why not sports too?
FBD
Maybe you all should change your name to the Georgia Journal and Constitution (GJC).
Packdaddy
September 26th, 2012
11:03 am
Valdosta and Moultrie/Colquitt County is the longest rivalry that Valdosta has. Valdosta is up 64-24-4, I believe. I think it ranks up there with historic rivalry.
bhdawg
September 26th, 2012
11:07 am
Wow U left out Irwin co vs Fitzgerald. Big big rivals there.
Fletcher
September 26th, 2012
11:18 am
Dunwoody v. Chamblee
John
September 26th, 2012
11:23 am
You should have done Top 20 rivals. Then you wouldn’t have left out so many. Vidalia and Toombs County has to be one of the best rivalries in Class AA. It used to be the Vidalia-Lyons game; but that was before Lyons and Toombs Central merged to form Toombs County High School.
Robert Poole
September 26th, 2012
11:27 am
Statesboro vs Thomson in1960’s and 70’s was once a very heated rivalry. I still remember the 1967 game played @Thomson. Though Thomson won 34-20, Statesboro came back from a twenty point deficit to tie the game @one point. With Thomson leading 27-20 late in the fourth quarter Statesboro was driving,but threw an interception which Thomson returned to about the Statesboro 20 yard line and pushed in for their final score. Statesboro won the 1970 game 27-14 @ Statesboro and in the process broke Thomson’s 47 game regular season winning streak. Statesboro went on to win the 1966 state championship after defeating Thomson in a close game ,7-6,I believe. Thomson won state in 1967 and again in 1968 ,I think. Statesboro lost in state semifinals ,6-7, in 1970. All of these games were played while both schools were in the same region in class A. As a side note it would be interesting to know how many state football championships were won by Thomson in class A and AA , Washingtonin class B and A and Lincolnton in class C and A, schools within about 25 miles of one another.
Cat09
September 26th, 2012
11:28 am
Westminster-Lovett.
WarEagle
September 26th, 2012
11:41 am
@Dekalb County Guy — You’ll have to ask the SPX athletics director, as SPX turned down Marist’s offer to play a non-region game this year and next. I guess SPX is happy being 4-25-1 over the last 30 games in the series.
mike
September 26th, 2012
11:52 am
I agree with the list for the most part. Now, let’s go back to some nevermore’s: Lakeside-Henderson (the 60’s and 70’s version of Brookwood-Parkview), Clarke Central-Cedar Shoals, Cross Keys-Briarcliff (kidding).
WarEagle
September 26th, 2012
12:11 pm
@mike — there was a time when Marist v. Westminster was the biggest rivalry game on Marist’s schedule. The teams played from 1957-97.
YellowJacket
September 26th, 2012
12:22 pm
Thomson vs Burke Co. is a young but heated rivalry.
5-Time
September 26th, 2012
12:24 pm
I like everbody’s input but nothing comes close to the “WINNERSVILLE CLASSIC” No other School has the history and tradition!! 34 Titles between Lowndes and Valdosta….Nuff Said!!….
BLUE THUNDER
September 26th, 2012
12:42 pm
Down here in Buggytown USA the biggest rival game is the annual Battle Of Potato Creek between Lamar County and Pike County. The Trojans own the series (that dates back to 1976) 22-7 and won this year’s game 41-7 but it’s a heated rivalry between the two communities as the schools are a mere 12 miles apart as the crow flies.
Keenan
September 26th, 2012
12:54 pm
Although Valdosta-Lowndes is my favorite blu eagle is correct. The crowd at the WR/Northside game is insane!
Trion Dawg
September 26th, 2012
12:56 pm
@John, Trion and Chattooga resumed preseason play four years ago. And it’s been as bitter as it ever was.
ole dawg
September 26th, 2012
1:06 pm
Elbert County vs. Hart County is absolutely one of the best rivalries in the history of this state. And that is about all that you will get these 2 schools to agree on. Ask T. McFerrin over at Jefferson about this one!
MariettaMike
September 26th, 2012
1:10 pm
The rivalry 20 years ago was Marietta vs McEachern. When you have 15,000 fans at McEachern stadium to watch the battle of West Cobb on a Friday night, it is something to see. Now with the addition of new schools like Hillgrove High and Harrison High, the attendance has been watered down a bit.
north fulton truthsayer
September 26th, 2012
1:15 pm
Johns Creek VS. Chattahoochee > Although Johns Creek has never won – and won’t win this year either
Big Fan
September 26th, 2012
1:53 pm
War Eagle, do we have to do this again? This gets old. I assume you have been in all meetings regarding SPX vs Marist scheduling?
ALL TUCKERRED UP
September 26th, 2012
2:05 pm
TUCKER – MARIST IS MUCH BIGGER THAN MLK & STEPHENSON.THEY ONLY PLAYED SIX TIMES.
OH WELL.
marktwain
September 26th, 2012
2:12 pm
I may hate St. Pius but Paul Standard ain’t afraid of nobody least of all Marist. Marist tells folks all along they’re going AAA. Reclassification comes out and they have chosen AAAA. No private schools competition for Director’s cup and no Tucker to catch a beatdown in football.
TUCKER FAN
September 26th, 2012
2:15 pm
I’M A HUGE TUCKER FAN BUT TUCKER/MARIST CAN’T EVEN COMPARE TO SHS/MLK..JUST SAYING…..
WarEagle
September 26th, 2012
2:26 pm
@All Tuckered Up — Marist v. Tucker was a great rivarly. Most times that was a competitive game (very few wins by more than 14 points in the series), and loved playing twice in ‘08. Sure hope it comes back soon. Great respect for the strong program Tucker has built.
james crow
September 26th, 2012
2:30 pm
FBD…You mad? Yeah, you mad.
Robert Poole
September 26th, 2012
2:36 pm
I just remembered that Thomson and Statesboro were in AA in 1970 ; the schools had just been reclassified from A to AA.
WarEagle
September 26th, 2012
2:38 pm
@marktwain — I have great respect for SPX and for Coach Standard, and I do not mean to suggest in any way, shape, or form that anyone is scared to schedule the SPX v. Marist game. It just did not work out this cycle. I suspect in part it is because SPX wants it to be the 1st game of the season and Marist wants it to come later. As for classification choice, the private school competition for sports like football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, and track — all sports where Marist earned lots of Directors Cup points last year — is hardly more challenging than the public school competition in those sports at the higher classifications.
dougmo2
September 26th, 2012
2:40 pm
FBD@ 11:01
When Atlanta City School Football is relevant please call us. Until then get that chip off of your shoulder.
Regards,
Everybody
D-man
September 26th, 2012
2:40 pm
Gainesville vs flowery branch is a good one but clarke central vs cedar shoals is one of the states best
I'm all in
September 26th, 2012
2:43 pm
War Eagle
. “SPX turned down Marist’s offer to play a non-region game this year and next. I guess SPX is happy being 4-25-1 over the last 30 games in the series.”
Just what are you suggesting then?
FridayNightLightsFan
September 26th, 2012
2:53 pm
Great story.
Thanks
THE REAL WAR EAGLE
September 26th, 2012
3:27 pm
THE WOODWARD- MARIST was one of the biggest around from the 70’s thru 90’s . Tell SPX that you have to win more than four times for it to be a rivalary . Sounds more like a one sided deal
Warner Robins Demons
September 26th, 2012
3:36 pm
Warner Robins vs Northside is the best!!!!
Matt
September 26th, 2012
4:01 pm
Hillgrove McEachern
Tiger Fan
September 26th, 2012
4:37 pm
Stockbridge vs Henry County
Wheeler Parent!
September 26th, 2012
5:19 pm
Mceachern & Hillgrove should have been on that list…..
blu eagle
September 26th, 2012
5:22 pm
One rivalry back in the day was Willingham vs. Lanier in Macon. Willlingham in their lime green and Lanier in their bright orange uniforms! Those teams were good too!
Wheeler Parent!
September 26th, 2012
5:29 pm
I also remember the Maze & Doug rivalry! It was so intense that they had to stop them from playing in the 90’s! Also do you all remember Lakeshore & M.D. Collins or College Park & Russell games? Well you have to be a true Grady baby to know about those games…