AAAAAA blog: Only three region champions remain after Grayson, West Forsyth exits
The quarters:
#2 North Gwinnett at #1 Lovejoy
#3 Mill Creek at #2 North Cobb
#1 Norcross vs. #1 Camden County (Saturday coin toss to decide home field)
#4 Colquitt County at #3 Parkview
Five noteworthy happenings from the second round:
- North Gwinnett upsets Grayson: North Gwinnett scored on its first five possessions – four times on field goals by Michael D’Angola – and knocked off 2011 state champion and preseason favorite Grayson 28-10. Grayson committed four turnovers and was charged with a safety after a bad snap to its punter. Grayson’s season, which ends at 10-2, can only be termed a major disappointment. The Rams returned virtually every starter on defense from a 15-0 team, and most of those were major college prospects.
- Parkview wins in overtime, again: Parkview is the first team ever to win overtime games in the first two rounds of the state playoffs, according to Georgia High School Football Historians Association records. Parkview defeated West Forsyth 26-23 to keep the roller-coaster season going. Parkview is the team that stunned Grayson in the first month of the season, then blew its chance to win a region title with losses to Central Gwinnett and South Gwinnett. Now, Parkview is the only Region 8 team left after winning its first two playoff games since 2005.
- North Cobb makes first quarterfinal since 1979: All eight teams that made the quarters have been there before, but North Cobb broke the longest drought – 33 years – in the 42-14 victory over Langston Hughes. It’s vindication for the Warriors and coach Shane Queen, who had a 10-0 season and No. 1 ranking ruined five years ago with a first-round loss. Parkview made the quarters for the first time since 2005. Norcross hadn’t been in the quarters since 2006. Lovejoy (2011) and Mill Creek (2010) are making their second-ever trip to the quarters. North Gwinnett has made the final eight in five of the past seven seasons. Camden County and Colquitt County made it in 2011 and will be making their 12th appearances in the elite eight.
- Only three No. 1 seeds remain: Lovejoy, Norcross and Camden County made the quarterfinals as No. 1 seeds and region champions. This is the fourth time since 2000 that fewer than half of the eight No. 1 seeds have failed to make the quarters in the highest classification. It also happened in 2010 (Brookwood, Lowndes), 2006 (Norcross, Stephenson, Tift County) and 2000 (Parkview, Harrison, East Coweta).
- Colquitt County thrives as No. 4 seed: Colquitt County improved to 10-2 in road playoff games under fifth-year head coach Rush Propst in a 26-23 victory over Newnan. No Georgia team has won that many times on the road in so short a span. Colquitt hopes to become the second No. 4 seed in history, and first since Peachtree Ridge in 2006, to win a state title.
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197 comments Add your comment
The Cross
November 24th, 2012
3:03 pm
Camden 74-Don’t be dense, I know you to be fairly intelligent…I have already explained what Norcross has done. Much more impressive in the recent past than your Wildcats. Norcross is 12-0….7-0 vs playoff teams 3-0 vs. the elite 8 qualifiers. We are Norcross and it is good to be a Blue Devil today.
On another topic our boys were thrilled to lose the coin toss this morning they were begging to play down south. They all seem to want a “Road Trip”.
The Cross
The Cross
November 24th, 2012
3:14 pm
D-Nice-I usually get to the games by 5:45 or so because I liked to watch both teams warm up. I will check with you on Wednesday to see what I can bring to the party because i never come to a party empty handed!
I look forward to a GREAT Game as well.
The Cross
ATLienx
November 24th, 2012
3:17 pm
Camden plays the weakest schedule year after year…
Just shut up, Region 1 found out how very very overrated they are
ATLienx
November 24th, 2012
3:19 pm
Norcross over Camden 34-31, and that’s me being generous and giving Camden a TD late when half the Norcross team is already on the bus.
This is coming from a Collins Hill fan. I’ve seen Norcross in person twice, and that running back is the BEST in the state
ATLienx
November 24th, 2012
3:21 pm
Colquitt almost lost to WEAK Newnann and McEachern teams,
not weak teams per se. but weak for those schools standards
ATLienx
November 24th, 2012
3:23 pm
I remember traveling to Lowndes a few years back and watching their faces as Collins Hill beat them on a last second field goal, man it feels good to watch those hicks cry
D-Nice
November 24th, 2012
3:28 pm
@The Cross, cool. We usually get to the field around 3:30 and the grill is hot by 4:00.
COUGARpride
November 24th, 2012
3:34 pm
NEWNAN has beaten all the GWINNETT TEAMS. COLLINS HILL OR NORCROSS wouldve been beaten last night by newnan. JUST LOOK AT THE RECORD BOOKS.
Norcross devils
November 24th, 2012
3:35 pm
Camden 74 . How many teams are left in this playoff that norcross has beaten. Riddle me that. Norcross doesn’t get any respect. Myles Autry being recruited by Oregon kamara recruited by bama. We are a dangerous team and defense region 1 has not seen yet. Go ahead predict a blowout. We know good you guys are. You Also know how good region 7. And for those who think we just run wildcat. We are probably the most balanced team in ga. We pass as much as we run and we have stand out qb who can throw. This will be your hardest test. You guys need show some respect. I expect better from such a prestigious team
Camden74
November 24th, 2012
3:38 pm
The Cross…….Since you’ve taken your meds today, I’ll cut you a bit of slack. Hope your guys see this “Road Trip” as the beginning of a Winter Vacation. Looking forward to a great game! Release the CATS!
sportsnut
November 24th, 2012
3:44 pm
@ GraysonCat == Thanks. If I am in the area, I will take you up on that. I knew all along. What I do is listen, watch and observe all that is put before me. I have two ears and one mouth which means listen twice as much as you talk.
@ No quit in Colquit == You must have a problem because I don’t. Oh yeah, I am not like 74, I am Sportsnut.
@ D-Nice == I know how hard East plays. Lovejoy has faced them many times over the years. I was just noting that you played your starters later than we did and there was a difference in your offensive output in this game and other opponents Not forgotten was the amount of points surrendered and the fact that you were at home. Just goes to show that when playoff time comes, you must respect everyone. No bad intent towards Camden, just making observations.
@Heisenberg == I would sit with anyone as long as Lovejoy is playing.
@ 74 == You are still not able to say what you mean. Why not tell me what I said ? Was it that Lovejoy would try to make it back to the Dome as they did in 11′ ? Was it that I said Lovejoy was coming to play ball ? Was it what I said about Region 1 not being so strong. Was it me saying that Camden was not the best team in 6A or Goergia ? Was it me saying Lovejoy would beat Camden ? Was it me talking about the D 1 prospects on Lovejoy’s team ? Did I down Brice or JJ ? This has been going on all year and you are not clear enough to articulate exactlyt what it is that bothers you concerning me. I think you must have forgotten about me telling you that as long as you are here, I too will be. I admit to all the above area’s where I might have said something related to football concerning Camden, Lovejoy, Grayson, Colquit, Lowndes Valdosta, Coffee, Tift, Brunswick, North Gwinnett, South Gwinnett, Parkview, Brookwood, should I go on ? Perk up ! Didn’t you guy’s win ?
NGHS 09
November 24th, 2012
3:52 pm
@LoveJoyDad…
“Great job last night NGHS, but you guys did to Grayson what Marietta did to Lowndes. You saved them from getting drug up and down the field by dem Cats.”
Oh man! I bet Grayson is sighing with relief LOL NG will surely get destroyed by the all powerful Lovejoy!!
Camden74
November 24th, 2012
3:53 pm
Norcross Devils…….I’ve never said Norcross wasn’t good. Any team with as many athletic players as Norcross has, how could you not be a good team. You’ll understand before the season is over, it takes more than good athletes to win it all. If you’ve noticed, I don’t take shots at kids on their respective teams, but coaches and fans, now that’s a different story! I only post my opinion, and unlike many, I try to post a true reflection of what I think and believe. I don’t do talking points! Release the CATS!
Camden74
November 24th, 2012
3:58 pm
sportsnut…….I’m not going to get dragged into this with you again. If you can’t remember what you said, that’s fine. I’m moving on! Release the CATS!
The Cross
November 24th, 2012
3:59 pm
Cougar-Be serious…when you type post like that you remove all possible doubt that you are a moron.
Are you telling me that Newnan is going to do what no other team has done this year by beating Norcross? Most of the Newnan supporters were on here last night saying that this is a down year for Newnan football and you guys played poorly but still almost won last night!???
On second thought I don’t want to spoil this fantasy that will probably get you through to next August. So carry on.
The Cross
The Cross
November 24th, 2012
4:01 pm
Camden fans-which hotel would you recommend for Thursday and Friday night? Any great hotels that are on the beach but still close to the stadium?
The Cross
camdenfan2013
November 24th, 2012
4:02 pm
To all my Norcross peeps, it’s all in good fun here. You can brag about your team and their recent history. I just want to see you in the stands cheering for your team. Its sad when you blog about how good they are and when I get to the stadium, there are only 50 opposing fans there. I know we will be providing more tickets to you than that.
OAN: The PACK keeps up their ROAD WARRIOR image this week and CAMDEN COUNTY rolls. Its all about a REGION 1.
The Cross
November 24th, 2012
4:05 pm
NG09- Congratulations last night! That is a huge win for the program.
The Cross
The Cross
November 24th, 2012
4:12 pm
camdenfan2013-I hope we bring a lot of fans, but I wouldn’t count on a tremendous turnout on Friday unless you want to play here and then we will pack the house. There are different dynamics that drive a fairly low turnout for road games that are more than 100 miles away. I’ll be there and we are arranging a coach bus for fans. Just not sure that we will bring a ton of people like you guys do.
The Cross
Stooge
November 24th, 2012
4:20 pm
That’s a shame Cross ’cause you guys are kicking it right now. If we(Colquitt)make it past Parkview I hope we get to knock heads with you guys.
Camden Alum
November 24th, 2012
4:43 pm
Are there any norcross fans on here that would like to put money on the game?
The Cross
November 24th, 2012
4:58 pm
No I’m The Cross
sportsnut
November 24th, 2012
5:01 pm
I didn’t think there was much to say. On to friday night. Good games coming up this week. Got to give props to Gwinnett right now. Doing their thing.This year somehow does not have that old boy club feel. Feels kinda fresh. Another week, another win. I hope Lovejoy is now able to take the next step to achieve their goal. The longer it goes, the harder it gets. Down to eight, there is no room for error. All these teams got here because they earned it. If I wasn’t going to be at 12 Oaks, I would love to see the Camden vs Norcross game. Norcross is the team I had put at #1 when asked by a blogger, with Camden 2 and Lovejoy 3. That should be a good one to sit and watch closely. I think Ramsey will need more involvement, passing, than usual for them to get past Norcross. Everyone talks about the running backs at Norcross and totally forgets about the Qb. He has good numbers. Before last night they were 114-163 1952 yards and 23 Td’s with only 3 int’s. This is going to be one to see. His name is Joseph Wilbur and apparently is truely what makes Norcross go and just have not gotten the recognition.
K-man
November 24th, 2012
6:11 pm
Norcross and Camden C. have a coin toss……are you serious? It would not matter if they played in the Toys-R-us store…….Camden will beat them convincingly! ( 35-13 )
D-Nice
November 24th, 2012
6:54 pm
@The Cross, most of the good hotels are right off of Exit 3 and interstate 95. Alot of nice places to eat on that exit also. If you get a room there you will be about 4 miles from the school.
D-Nice
November 24th, 2012
7:00 pm
@The Cross, if you want a room on the beach you might want to drive to Fernadina Beach Fl, which is another 25 min southeast of Camden and 30 minutes from the school.
Columbia Blue
November 24th, 2012
7:50 pm
Ok someone has my name Columbia Blue. I did not post the current information on this blog.
Norcross '97
November 24th, 2012
7:52 pm
I love how the Newnan fan, COUGARPride, keeps trying to get included in the conversation. It’s kind of like my 5 year old son trying to sit with the older kids at Thanksgiving dinner. He wants to be a part of it, but he still has to sit at the kiddie table Same thing for you Newnan…stay at the kiddie table and let the big boys play.
Fo real
November 24th, 2012
7:53 pm
K-man ihope your really not sugessting that outcome. Basically you are saying norcross-camden score is just going to be like the east coweta score. Lol you must be terrible at pool play. Norcross ranks in the top 5 in defense and offense in all classifications. If your saying that camden is a juggernaut and is going to blow a team like norcross. your very much mistaken. Obviosuly camden fans have not seen norcross play. Yes this is the farthest they have been but possibly the best they have been yet. I hear camden lowndes and colquitt are tough. I agree they are. Colquitt coming off close wins. Ok so they are not blowing ppl out. Lowndes, well they left us awhile ago. If all of camden county fans feels like this well there going to be disappointed because most likely it will be nailbiter. Norcross is ranked number one not just because they are undefeated but becuz the teams they have beaten and the schedule they have played. I advise you to go look at their schedule and decide what teams are left still playing on friday. Norcross won’t be suprised by playing a tough team. They are used to it . Nuff said
topper
November 24th, 2012
8:05 pm
I promise no matter what any other Camden fan says I know Norcross is for real and this it’s going to be one tough game!
Fo real
November 24th, 2012
8:08 pm
There are 4 teams left in the playoffs that norcross has beaten. Yes colquitt counts You play to win the game, even in scrimmages.
Gwinnett Fan
November 24th, 2012
8:28 pm
Camden and Brice Ramsey / AJ Green are still the team to beat.
Norcross gets to play at one of the great stadiums in GA. Camden has the best fans in GA. Stadium will be full by 7PM. Norcross is going to bring their A game. It should be an exciting game between the top two teams in GA.
Go Norcross.
ole ram
November 24th, 2012
9:29 pm
camden will win it all
rams largest number of college prospects still need basic coaching CC sorry, no more dream team
next powerhouse Mill Creek just sayin
tigonian02
November 24th, 2012
9:54 pm
It’s funny that Gwinnett schools are all jawing about the playoffs. If you don’t have 3 to 4 teams still in the playoffs right now then you have a big problem…..you start off with 8 for goodness sakes.
Gwinnett Fan
November 24th, 2012
10:05 pm
tigonian02 you really need to review your math.
Gwinnett started with 8 of 32 teams.
Region 7 and region 8 had 7/8 teams advance to round 2.
In round two there were three region 7 vs 8 match ups. Maximum of 4 teams could advance to round 3 and all did. Gwinnett has 4/8 quarterfinal teams.
How many will be in the semi? Could be 1-4 but would not be surprised to end up with 3.
Camden is still the favorite to win it all but Norcross will challenge them next week.
I'mjustsayingwhati'msaying
November 24th, 2012
10:24 pm
All of the hub hub. Where were some of these folks last year on these sites, talking their teams up? The Cross, Camden travels well no matter where they play. They are always n the stands supporting their team. They never make excuses why they can’t travel to support their team.
Camden74
November 24th, 2012
10:28 pm
I wonder how many times will Norcross attempt to pass from the WILDCAT? I know it’s coming! Release the CATS!
The Cross
November 24th, 2012
11:55 pm
I’mjustsaying-No excuses just facts…I do not believe we will travel well. But I will be there and I count as 1000 fans, so we will at least have 1000 there.
The Cross
Columbia Blue
November 25th, 2012
12:09 am
Cross
Norcross has a very good team. Camden will be ready to play but I can tell you that our Wildcats know they are in for a dog fight. Good luck to Norcross and have safe travel.
NGHS 09
November 25th, 2012
12:48 am
@ The Cross..Same to you sir, but it would be a discredit to Norcross if I did no give them credit for waking NG up! The week features 4 unbelievable matchups.
packer backer
November 25th, 2012
5:33 am
im glad we lost the games we did this year they were conditioning tools for our program with all the players we rotate in the game everybody got good playoff type reps in those games that should help us out major as we enter the teeth of the playoff this is the spot during the playoff where we just need to get our players back at ease an make sure that there head is in sink with game film man an team tendencies on 1st 2ncd an 3rd downs an we should be good to go its tough going to the atlanta area week in an week out trying get the state i feel like we have a solid chance though at state an good luck to all teams playing in the playoffs its anybodies game this year the state of georgia is etting back to those glory days on the gridiron teams are tough to beat all over the state its a dog fight on this red clay every friday now seems like
mistermak
November 25th, 2012
7:15 am
I went to the camden game friday night and I was not impressed with the cats play! They looked very flat and played with little intensity. I left by half time because it was not worth watching. Yes, we won the game but if they play like that this weekend it will be over for them. That is just my opinion!
TItletown USA
November 25th, 2012
7:36 am
I wish this blog would require photos to be posted, would love to see the actual faces behind some of the wackiness on here. Good Luck to all remaining teams.
Devillover
November 25th, 2012
8:11 am
GHSA is stupid for using a coin flip for selecting the home field between two same seeded teams. Norcross is the only undefeated AAAAAA team remaining and has already defeated 4 of the remaining 8 teams but is denied their home field which they have earned by beating all comers including North Gwinnett, Parkview, Mill Creek and Colquitt.
r31768
November 25th, 2012
8:50 am
I hope GPB will televise the Camden vs. Norcross game. Would love to watch my Packers on TV but I don’t see that happening.
Go HAWGS, Parkview is carrying a lot of momentum right now. I hope we play smoother than we did with Newnan. When Newnan took the wind out of our sails, we lost our mojo until the final 3 minutes but we are famous for that.
Colquitt Fan
November 25th, 2012
10:12 am
Norcross is a fine team but are you really holding on to a scrimmage win? It’s a scrimmage, sure you would like to win but we were working on all kinds of things that night. Even half our starters were out injured that game. I had never seen a team so banged up before the season even started. The game was three quarters long too, if I remember correctly, there wasn’t much defense played in that game, whoever had it last was the winner. Norcross has a really good team though, should be a good game
Camden74
November 25th, 2012
2:36 pm
mistermak……I feel your pain and agree with your point! Maybe some type of statement was being made, who knows?
how 'bout
November 25th, 2012
3:02 pm
Enter your comments here
D-Nice
November 25th, 2012
3:26 pm
I watched three Norcross games online last night,WOW, they are a tough team and it will be a great challenge for my Wildcats. However, the strenght of their team are the two running backs which plays into what our Defense is best at, Stopping The Run. I like our chances on Friday, it will be a great game.
Wildcat Fan
November 25th, 2012
3:39 pm
Wow all these one year wonder Norcross Fans comparing thier team to Camdens Team. Do this year after year,,,,first of all win something first. The last time you guys were the favorite in the game against us you saw the outcome…Remember the game in the Dome when you guys was suppose to be so great that year.