AAAAAA blog: Archer (6-2) vs. South Gwinnett (5-2) might be must-win situation
Five things to watch in Class AAAAAA this week …
- Is it a must-win game for Archer and South Gwinnett? – The deepest AAAAAA region north of Region 1 is Region 8. There’s probably not enough room for Archer (6-2, 4-2) and South Gwinnett (5-2, 4-1) in the playoffs. They play each other Friday at Archer.
According to the Maxwell Ratings, both are top-20 teams, better than at last a dozen teams that are going to make the playoffs. But Archer needs to beat South Gwinnett this week or seventh-ranked Grayson next week to make it. The Tigers have lost heartbreakers to Brookwood (20-19) and Parkview (20-18).
South Gwinnett’s only losses are to No. 3 Norcross and No. 7 Grayson. They’ll need to beat Archer, Brookwood or Parkview to make the playoffs.
- Milton-Walton gets national (ESPNU) attention – The Milton-Walton game will be televised by ESPNU at 9 p.m. Friday. Some would argue that these teams have the best running backs in Class AAAAAA (although Alvin Kamara at Norcross and Travis Custis of Lovejoy might object). Tyren Jones has rushed for 1,547 of Walton’s 1,572 rushing yards this season. Milton’s Peyton Barber has 1,148 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns.
- Region 1 wars resume with Colquitt County vs. Valdosta – Consistent Colquitt County, ranked No. 9, are 1-2 in games against other members of the Top 10, all games decided by seven points or less. They’ve beaten everybody else. Valdosta has lost to Class AA Brooks County and been embarrassed by Camden County 43-6, but played No. 4 Lowndes to the final play. A year ago, Valdosta beat Colquitt 27-24 in overtime in the final game of the regular season to win the region title. Which Valdosta will we see Friday?
- Lovejoy can lock down Region 2 – Lovejoy (7-1, 4-0) is looking for its third straight region title and fifth in 10 seasons. Newton (3-4, 3-0) is the only other unbeaten team in the region, but figures to be no match for Lovejoy, which has outscored its region opponents 151-0. But Newton could steal the region with a victory because the Rams’ remaining opponents are Morrow (1-6) and Luella (1-7). Lovejoy probably could not clinch until facing Alcovy (3-4, 2-1) in the final game.
- Hughes can march closer to its first region title – Region 3 also has a game between the remaining unbeaten teams in region play. Hughes (6-1, 2-0) beat Newnan (5-2, 1-1) last week. No other team in the region has a winning record overall, but East Coweta (3-4, 2-0) has played well lately in wins over Westlakee (24-7) and Tri-Cities (44-15). Hughes is playing its fourth season and seeking its first region title.
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95 comments Add your comment
the truth
October 26th, 2012
12:05 am
Correction on Dacula talent. They did have an all state running back named Irons that went to Auburn I believe at one point. They have also been to the semi finals a couple of times.
Camden74
October 26th, 2012
12:52 am
The Cross……So, it’s a cake walk into the playoffs huh, might not be the best thing!
The Truth…..I’ve seen them play a few times this year, just don’t believe they have what it takes to win 5 games in the playoffs………
the truth
October 26th, 2012
2:29 am
Camden..Up late so I will respond.
Norcross has always had skill players they were just never utilized. The coach seemed intent on playing old style Gwinnett football of defense and power running. He never had the players to be really successful with that style. Including his star running back, he seems to be using his skill players more. He also went out of character and traveled to Colquitt to play a scrimmage instead of one of the local Atlanta teams. I was surprised to read about this. I think this gave him and his team a lot of confidence because they had success at Colquitt. I believe they have now beaten Parkview two straight years and they won a game against N. Gwinnett that in the past they probably would have lost. A possible game against Grayson would be interesting. Their speed against Grayson power.
Outside of Camden, I think the top teams in AAAAAA are pretty equal. What Norcross lacks is coaching experience in the playoffs. They have never made a deep run and the preparation for playoff football is just different. It is not the 5 game run with Norcross, it is just winning the second game then the third game. I think the closest Norcross has come was in the early 90’s and they lost to McEachern in the semis. That team was similar to this one and utilized good skill players. They had receiver named Juan Daniels and a running back that went to UGA. An interesting note about that game is that Norcross was the home team but the stadium at the old school was not big enough for attendance requirements so it was moved to DeKalb Memorial stadium. They have no worries about that now their stadium is big enough.
bksmith14
October 26th, 2012
2:48 am
norcross will NOT win the title this year…
WILDHAWG2012
October 26th, 2012
5:30 am
@BK=u are right our defense did give up some big yardage against Brunswick and we do need to tighten up,but the Brunswick QB was better than expected and he was 100% healthy for us.I think he has been the most dangerous QB we’ve faced this year he just doesn’t have any help on defense. Man i know u guys knocked him out of the game didn’t you. If he would have been 100% for the coffee game it would have been very interesting cause the kid is good.I have no excuses bro, he is pretty good Thats not a good look for Valdosta cause he plays like the kid from Brooks Co only Brooks Co has a little more defense but Brunswick will beat Tifton. Hey hope your star player can bounce back in time for playoffs but either way he needs to get healthy fiirst reguardless. good luck and safe travels
The Cross
October 26th, 2012
6:24 am
Norcross made it to the Quarterfinals in 2006, but I believe this team position for position is better. I do agree that the bracket as it lays out today is an absolute meat grinder. I said it before if we are fortunate enough to beat Grayson and then pull off a miracle and beat Camden AND then win the State Championship we should be crowned National champions because I don’t believe anyone in the country would have had such a difficult road.
The Cross
gman57
October 26th, 2012
7:42 am
Lowndes will not stay with Camden, Coffee will beat Colquitt and Valdosta. Some of you folks better pay close attention…. If Coffee starts putting 4 qtrs together like they did in the 2nd half against Camden and Lowndes…. watach out!!! Pruitt will turn the corner on this next Friday night.
Bob's Pinto
October 26th, 2012
8:37 am
Can VFW Drive handle “The Eastville Wrecking Crew?”
Eastville Wrecking Crew Hall of Fame
October 26th, 2012
8:59 am
@Bob’s Pinto
There was never any doubt who would win those glory day battles. VFW was class A trying to play with the best of 5A. EWC was probably equivalent to The Fabulous Freebirds or Road Warriors in terms of athleticisms.
topper
October 26th, 2012
9:00 am
gman57 – I agree that if Coffee can put 4 solid quarters together they will be a tough team to beat.
Colquitt Fan
October 26th, 2012
9:05 am
Y’all need to get off Coffees jock. They played two good halves against Lowndes and Camden bc the game was basically over after the first half. Nothin against coffee, they are a good team and will get better. But if you don’t think Lowndes or Camden didn’t let off the gas and let younger guys play then you are kiddin yourselves
Bob's Pinto
October 26th, 2012
9:16 am
@ Eastville Wrecking Crew HOF. Have you lost your mind? In the Glory days VFW had size with Big BR and speed with DS. (and his Maverick) What could Eastville do against that deadly combination?
Best of the Best
October 26th, 2012
9:28 am
Did Camden have a football team before the Navy dropped the sub base down there? What class were they in? Our tax dollars at work.
Eastville Wrecking Crew Hall of Fame
October 26th, 2012
9:32 am
@Bob’s Pinto
You must be driving that Pinto on cheap gas! VFW may have had size and speed, but EWC had criminal element and played by no rules – Remember, EWC was the re-birth of the Minnesota Wrecking Crew (the TRUE Horsemen).
Bob's Pinto
October 26th, 2012
9:42 am
@ EWC hall of fame. You are right about the criminal element! Your problem is that you cant cover 2 mens with one safety! I only have one question for you, Who scored the most points on the famed field/courts @ Kilarney?
Killarney Man
October 26th, 2012
9:48 am
EWC and VFW were good… but neither could hang with that crew out of Killarney. Back in the day that place was filled with athletes. On a crisp clear afternoon on that court, I bet you could have picked a team to beat C Dyers best.
The Cross
October 26th, 2012
9:52 am
Battleaxe-Kamara is good, but we also have Autry who will be highly recruited next year. Offensive line is good, very good. Defense has played lights out in spurts. Kamara is healthy, but if we list him it would not be devestating. Don’t get me wrong, it would hurt but ge is not the only weapon we have. We will see how this plays out, but if the brackets hold like they are today we will have a brutal path to the Dome.
The Cross
Bob's Pinto
October 26th, 2012
9:55 am
@ Killarney man, The only good player Killarney ever had transfered to VFW. Im pretty sure even the EWC JV could have beaten yall. Killarney was just a good neutral playing site. (and the only place TS was allowed to play)
Pecan
October 26th, 2012
10:08 am
The Truth, that running back that went to Georgia from Norcross was Marsay (sp?) Simpson. From a NG supporter, I will tell you that Norcross will beat P Ridge like a drum. We will have our hands full with Collins Hill tonight, very high scoring game. I think Grayson will beat Norcross @ Grayson. We still have a tough game againt P Ridge on TV the last game of the season. I just hope crazy things don’t happen.
yo
October 26th, 2012
10:14 am
What makes Valdosta and Colquit better than Coffee is better defenses.
Camden74
October 26th, 2012
10:51 am
The Cross…….If Norcross beats Grayson and Camden in the playoffs, they deserve to be Champions!
Camden74
October 26th, 2012
10:58 am
The Truth…….Maybe I’m wrong, but every time I’ve watched Norcross they’ve seemed not to be in the game mentally for 4 quarters. That’s one of the reasons I don’t believe they will make it through the playoffs…..
fridaynights
October 26th, 2012
11:13 am
@Just Rammin
the point is,grayson was beat that 1 out of 10 times!
Eastville Wrecking Crew Hall of Fame
October 26th, 2012
11:28 am
@Bob’s Butter Bean & Killarney East,
You both must be suffering from Mr. Postmans stress syndrom! The fact of the matter is that EWC dominated that geographial area in all sports during the late 70’s up until their championship run of 1980.
Colquitt Fan
October 26th, 2012
11:29 am
Military bases at Camden, Valdosta and Lowndes, Northside Warner Robins, Columbus. They’ll say it don’t matter though
Titletown USA
October 26th, 2012
11:53 am
The Cross…..now it is “if they beat Grayson and Camden” ..when just last week it was Norcross will be the undisputed champs….reality setting in a little, huh?
Titletown USA
October 26th, 2012
11:58 am
Colquitt fan….you are spot on…the military bases do matter a lot. They provide kids from stable, economic situations with mostly 2 parent homes and that goes a long way in reducing the burden on coaches. A lot of these posters are completely detached from the reality that these youth face.
If Valdosta HS could get the talent in the hallways on the field, they would be a different team, but the life issues are too great to overcome without intervention. Lowndes does not have this problem, nor do the other schools you mentioned.
The Cross
October 26th, 2012
12:11 pm
Titletown-my act over the last few days was a spoof of some of the moronic ultra-bloggers on here. Although I am confident that Norcross has what it takes to make it to the Fone and win, we have a very tough path as it sits now and it will take both talent, great coaching and some breaks for anyone to win the Title.
Norcross is a very good team with a ton of talent. We are looking forward to the challenges over the next few weeks.
The Cross
Heisenberg
October 26th, 2012
12:42 pm
Military bases at Camden, Valdosta and Lowndes, Northside Warner Robins, Columbus. They’ll say it don’t matter though
Seems that could work both ways. Although these days they may try to keep it to a minimum, military people can get transferred around taking and bringing good football players from or to a school.
Killarney Man
October 26th, 2012
12:49 pm
Just cause Eastville had Cauldwell and VFW had Savage… DOn’t forget about the Killarney brothers and R. Bone. He was ‘one bad dude. By the way… THat guy that transferred to VFW did so because he wasn’t getting any PT. Disgruntled player!
Golden Isles Fan
October 26th, 2012
3:01 pm
Is the colquitt valdosta game going to be streamed??????
sosSOS!!!!!!!
the truth
October 26th, 2012
3:39 pm
Pecan..you are right, that was his name. Just a note, a Norcross-Grayson playoff game will be at Norcross because they will be the higher seed in the playoffs.
Camden..You are exactly right about Norcross mentally being in games and that comes from coaching. These are 16-18 year old kids and the coach needs to teach them to stay focused. They stayed strong against N. Gwinnett, but it almost cost them against Mill Creek. They should handle Peachtree Ridge but there is always that doubt in the back of my mind.
Some may disagree but I think Colquitt is having a focus problem this year. They have not really shown the same push they did the last couple of years. If they can get it together they could get a good bracket as a 3 seed. I will not be surprised if they make it the championship game, but if they don’t start playing better, I also will not be surprised if the miss the playoffs.
Jim Mora
October 26th, 2012
3:41 pm
Walton is going down to Milton!!! and don’t cry injuries or other excuses – all teams including us are banged up this time of year. The Raders can’t keep up with our offense. There defense is swiss cheese.
topper
October 26th, 2012
5:03 pm
Colquitt Fan – I think Coffee is good but I know for a fact Camden took their foot off the gas and I am pretty sure Lowndes did too.
Camden74
October 26th, 2012
6:06 pm
Colquitt fan……What happened to the military base in Moltrie?
Camden74
October 26th, 2012
6:16 pm
The Truth…….I think Colquitt’s biggest problem is their coach! They might be a bit lacking in talent this year, but I don’t believe that’s their real issue. I can’t think of anyone outside of Colquitt supporters who like the guy. Everybody wants to kick his butt!
Norcross '97
October 26th, 2012
6:17 pm
The Truth…his name is spelled Marisa (pronounced Mar-SAY) Simpson. Juan Daniels was a star receiver for the Devils prior to going to UGA. Norcross lost in the quarter finals that year to McEachern. Though, I remember because I knew them. I’m impressed with your memory.
Camden74
October 26th, 2012
6:18 pm
From what I’ve seen, most of the talent on Camden’s team is home grown…..
Camden74
October 26th, 2012
6:23 pm
Speaking of former Norcross players. Where did Brice Butler transfer to when he left USC?
Camden1902
October 26th, 2012
6:51 pm
Camden74 – San Diego State I think
Camden1902
October 26th, 2012
6:55 pm
Looking forward to seeing the QB from Brunswick tonight. I hope he is 100%. He deserves to be. These seasons are not that long. BK, I know your star is hurt also. I hope he is getting better every day. Don’t rush it though. Come playoff time, everybody is 0-0! That is when his health is most important.
WILDHAWG2012
October 26th, 2012
6:55 pm
@Camden74=Well i like what Rush brings to the table (football knowledge).He was brought in to win games and i am cool with that.Anything outside of that i don’t really care about his other antics as long as he don’t put his hands on any of the kids then he is ok by me.@Gman57=Coffee is ok but beating us would really surprise the heck out of me,but i will be getting at u after we beat down Valdosta.The cats will put up a good fight and this game will be closer than the Coffee game i asure u that
Camden1902
October 26th, 2012
6:56 pm
Good luck traveling tonight everyone. Drive safe!!!!!!
GoRaiders
October 27th, 2012
1:07 am
Jim Mora, does Milton have any excuses for tonight’s loss to Walton? Do you like your Swiss cheese sliced thick or thin?
waltonfan
October 28th, 2012
2:06 am
Haha…that’s a good one GoRaiders! You don’t really expect anyone to come on here and eat their words do you? A lot of guys really stepped up and had great games….a total team effort.