AAAAAA blog: It’s a strong – but odd – final four in the highest class
Each of the Georgia’s survivors to the ‘final four’ in Class AAAAAA beat sine odds to make it this far.
Here is a look at how each defied one odd or another:
Colquitt County – The Packers were ranked No. 2 in preseason, so it’s no surprise they are here. But history is still being made. Colquitt is in the semifinals for the fourth straight season. The last school to do that in the highest classification was Valdosta (1968-71). What’s more surprising is that Colquitt is a No. 4 seed and won three playoff games on the road. A fourth seed makes the semis in the highest class more than in any other class, but Colquitt is still just the fifth to do it. The others were 1997 Colquitt County, 2002 East Coweta, 2006 Peachtree Ridge and 2011 Lassiter. Only Peachtree Ridge among those advanced to the final. Peachtree Ridge tied Roswell to share the title.
Lovejoy – Ranked seventh in preseason, Lovejoy also is no surprise to win its region or make the semifinals. The Wildcats were the Class AAAA runner-up in 2011. It’s rare for a team to move up and into the highest class and reach the semis, although Northside-Warner Robins did it in 2008. Where Lovejoy is making history is in its county. Lovejoy is the first Clayton team to make the semis in the highest class since Forest Park in 1995. No Clayton team has won the title since Morrow in 1987.
North Cobb – The Warriors are in the semifinals for the first time since 1959, when they beat Dade to reach the championship game of Class C. They had a losing season last year at 5-6. Going from a losing year to the semifinals is not so rare recently, as Lassiter did it in 2011 and Colquitt did it in 2009. What’s more unusual is a west Cobb team in the semis (using I-75 as the divider). There are 10 of them. The last west Cobb school in the final four was Harrison in 2000. No Cobb County Schools team has won a state title. Marietta, a city school, won in 1967.
Norcross – Opened in the 1950s, Norcross is playing in its first semifinal. That’s remarkable given the age of the school and the consistency of the football program under coach Keith Maloof, whose 15-year record at Norcorss is 106-48. He’s never had a losing season. Norcross (13-0) played its first game south of metro Atlanta on Friday and beat Camden County to remain the only unbeaten team in AAAAAA.
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121 comments Add your comment
MHS74
December 1st, 2012
11:42 pm
I’m already sorry. RELEASE THE HAWGS!!!!
Camden74
December 2nd, 2012
12:35 am
sportsnut……Maybe you’re right, but I’m not the only to see what I see………..Anywho, good luck!
Colquitt Fan
December 2nd, 2012
12:50 am
Um, how exactly did Colquitt cheat Norcross? And are you guys really holding on to, what was it, a 31-30 3 quarter victory? We were also without our top 5 or 6 players. Both teams have come a mom since that scrimmage, but y’all sayin y’all have already beaten us this year is comical. We rotated every position on the field every series and like I said, were without most of our top players. Gonna be a great game though
Colquitt Fan
December 2nd, 2012
12:51 am
Come a long way since the scrimmage. Dang iPhone autocorrect
Norcross Blue
December 2nd, 2012
1:09 am
There is a great pic on twitter ( i don’t know if you guys have seen it) but while watching the replay on GPB one of the NG fans took a pic of #40 of lovejoy running down the field flicking the north gwinnett players off. Lovejoy fans can you please tell me if that’s ok??????????
Packers Love the Playoffs
December 2nd, 2012
9:09 am
The Packers keep rolling through the playoffs again. Oh well, sorry you have to play us Norcross. Would’ve loved to beat you guys in the State Championship. We’ll settle for another matchup with Lovejoy though.
Colquitt Co. – 42 Norcross – 35
Pack Love
December 2nd, 2012
10:27 am
It’s really sad and immature if you think you have to cheat and do us dirty just to win. But the Pack will show you what football is really all about….especially since we have an extra quarter and all of our starters this time. GO PACK GO!
sportsnut
December 2nd, 2012
10:28 am
I know nothing, said Schultz.
RobFromNorcross
December 2nd, 2012
12:31 pm
I have a feeling that “DevilDan” is a Colquitt County player or coach looking for bogus crap to put on their team bulletin board as a momentum builder… No Norcross Blue Devil fan would ever condone playing dirty in any way, and that is not the way that they are coached. Nice try, Coach!
Gwinnett Is Great
December 2nd, 2012
3:53 pm
Rob – interesting theory, but too many assumptions (internet access, computer skills, literacy, etc.). Remember, they’re south of the gnat line. No Gwinnett team should be shaking in their shoes over Colquitt. Brookwood handled them two years ago, my Rams eliminated them last year, and the ‘Cross has already beaten them this year (if you think they were playing that scrimmage with no intent to win, I’ve got some beachfront land in Jersey to sell you). When faced with a quality opponent, they’ll fold once again. No disrespect to Cobb, but Lassiter? McEachern??? Come on!
COLQUITT SUPPORTER
December 2nd, 2012
4:41 pm
cheated? What didn’t get enough cheese on those nachos down in Moultrie. I hope Norcross gets the breaks beat off of them and all you WHINY Norcross fans can crawl back in the whole yall came out of.
ATLien23x
December 2nd, 2012
7:23 pm
Norcross handles Colquitt easily
LTrojan Fan
December 2nd, 2012
9:15 pm
Guys…scrimmage games mean squat!!! Although I would like to see Norcross beat Colquitt…you can not take that into consideration. Every team is better at the end of the season. And, Colquitt has proven in the past 4 years that they can overcome early season loses.
LTrojan Fan
December 2nd, 2012
9:22 pm
@Gwinnett is Great…I will take that beach front land in Jersey…Scrimmages do NOT mean anything!!! Coaches purposefully don’t show everything and play all of the players to see what they have in way of talent. That so called “win” in the scrimmage is crap. And…by the way…you say no disrespect to Cobb teams…but that’s exactly what you did. What about the fact that Cobb teams won 3 of 4 games at the Corky Kell against Gwinnett teams 2 years ago do you not remember???
squirrell
December 2nd, 2012
9:51 pm
Camden only put 12 on Colquitt!
Colquitt can be pretty tough against the run!
Kamara may have a long night!
But, if it ends up being a shoot-out, I’ll take the Packers run and gun with Seagraves, Pack OL, multiple receivers and our scat-backs. Plus, Pack defense will stop Norcross O more often that Norcross D stops Pack.
Norcross Blue
December 2nd, 2012
10:09 pm
Squirrell- Camden may of put only 12 on colquitt but norcross put 34 on camden. Something that no teams has done yet this season. I like how colquitt thinks that the only way we play are game is on the ground. we are probably the most balanced team in ga. with wide recievers like myles autry, shon akins and trey smith and with autry and kamara running and wilber 2,000 passing its going to be hard for colquitt to decide wether to defend the pass or the run.
Good luck colquitt.
Norcross Blue
December 2nd, 2012
10:10 pm
Oh yea not to mention myles autry leads the state in kick/punt returns yards in AAAAAA
House of Blue
December 2nd, 2012
10:16 pm
Norcross has the number 2 defense in the state. In their region they are used to seeing passing teams
Camden74
December 2nd, 2012
11:28 pm
Camden did not challenge Norcross’ DBs, Colquitt will. Propst will not play call the way Herron did. This game could very well be a shoot out. If the game is a blow out, Norcross will win. If the game is close, it’s a toss up……..
packer backer
December 3rd, 2012
3:41 am
@DevilDan you an your team is a joke friday is guna be fun
sportsnut
December 3rd, 2012
7:00 am
Scrimmages don’t mean anything just as 7 on 7 doesn’t. Don’t believe for 1 minute that this is true. If you win a scrimmage, you won. You beat the other team. ” 7 on 7 is not football”.The remaining teams in 6A all went to 7 on 7 tournaments this past summer, I believe. Someone correct me if I am wrong.
NoDistrictLinesInDekalb
December 3rd, 2012
8:34 am
@The Dr. Speaks,Sportsnut,TrueBlue, and all the rest Lets hope for some good weather,well behaved crowds, no injuries and safe travels to all. Yesterday on a talk show on Ch 5 in Atlanta I heard that under the new federal guidelines Ga High scholl graduation rate is knocked down to somewhere around 62%. We are only ahead of 2 western states that have alot of spainish speakers. Geez we are behind Alabama. Yes I know this is a sports blog and when we talk “PASS” lets make sure these young folks do that after the season is over. Good Luck to everyone playing and coaching. Please read when you are done cheering.http://www.all4ed.org/files/Georgia_wc.pdf
Tommy Trojan
December 3rd, 2012
9:29 am
I was hoping LHS would get some payback against Colquitt this year, but since we’re out of it, maybe the Packers can take care of business on Friday and silence all these Gwinnett pointyheads.
Titletown USA
December 3rd, 2012
10:05 am
Bluedevilnation and devil dan make it sound like Norcross might try some funny business. Quick! Someone check the whereabouts of Buzz Payne!
WaitaMinute
December 3rd, 2012
10:42 am
Just wanted to point out that Lovejoy was 4A only from 2007-20011 prior to that they were in 5A which is the highest classification. I only bring that point because I keep seeing “Lovejoy is new to the states biggest classification” which isn’t necessarily true. (2 cents)
Eve Jordan
December 3rd, 2012
11:28 am
Hear Ye, hear ye Native Atlantan; I no longer subscribe, nor purchase the AJC….it is worst than Fox 5.
I do believe that the accomplishments of ALL TEAMS should be highlighted; these are our children, our future and you have no idea where your lives may intersect; your respect for others is indicative of YOUR OWN self-respect, if you don’t respect yourself you cannot respect others……. Get a Grip!
Amen, True Blue . Newnan parents wake up
December 3rd, 2012
11:55 am
True Blue is so correct. Black kids get put down so much. I hope Lovejoy can win the Championship. If not they still are a heck of a team. Their parents and fans should be proud. My Newnan Cougars are still in the 60’s. The black players that leave Newnan realize that the coaching staff has used them and could care less if you further your education. McDonald and his mini me overseer coaching staff have told many a black player that helping them to go to college is not his job. Wake up Newnan parents. Again congrats Lovejoy, a lot of African Americans are pulling for you. Newnan for life. Colquitt is a dangerous team. Good luck to all left.
Unreal
December 3rd, 2012
11:58 am
@Dr. P – Go ask your coach to sit down with him and watch some film of your “fine young scholar ” athlete’s. Ask him why after everyplay do they stand over the player like they own him, ask him why did 40 run down the field throwing up the finger in the face of a NG player and the kid never sat a play for it. @Sportsnut AND Dr. P, I hope to the man above that youre not condoning what Lovejoy does on the field, if so, You should be ashamed .What I witnessed at the game Friday night with #40 and some things that happened in the Marietta game on film, it has no place in sports.#32 should have been ejected in the Marietta game and not been allowed to play in the NG game for throwing a punch at the Marietta RB. Its all on film if anybody wants to go to their respective school and ask to see it.
Here is the situation my young whippersnappers, I had a chane to see NC several times this summer at 7 on 7’s, NC is not NG, NC is not Marietta and NC is not Tri-cities. If your players think they will get away with that type of crud against NC, they are in for a long night. Have 40 stand over a NC player and taunt him, he’ll get blindsided like he’s never been hit before. Im not saying its the right thing to do, but Im telling you, NC is not your typical nice warm and fuzzy “Cobb County” team and I’ll just leave it at that.
Really?
December 3rd, 2012
12:58 pm
@unreal==” Have 40 stand over a NC player and taunt him, he’ll get blindsided like he’s never been hit before” and “NC is not your typical nice warm and fuzzy “Cobb County” team and I’ll just leave it at that.”, be careful, your sounding like the alleged “thug’s” your preaching against.
WILDHAWG2012
December 3rd, 2012
1:22 pm
Norcross is a good ream but we don’t care about numbers at this point or what u guys did in your region or how many points u scored on Camden!! We are not in your region and we are not Camden, if we get behind it does not faze us cause we are never out of any game if u don’t have a double digit lead.We’ve got 4 come from behind victories in a row.Just think if we don’t get behind how close do u really think the games would have been.Trust me u will know the difference between Seagraves and Ramsey.No knock on Ramsey but u guys knew he had to throw the ball late so your defense was prepared but Seagraves will have the option to throw or run all game long that’s the difference
DawgFan
December 3rd, 2012
1:28 pm
A few points on the NG / Lovejoy game:
1) As I’ve been saying all year long, Lovejoy is very talented, well coached, and could win state.
2) 95% of the Lovejoy fans, players, coaches and people we met before, during, and after the game were respectful, humble, and hospitable. We felt welcome and we saw the pride of the Lovejoy community. Please do not to refer to these players or this community as “thugs”. None of the NG people I know would say that.
3) There were a few bad apples who are spoiling Lovejoy’s image for the rest of the community. Some of the Lovejoy players flashed gang signs at our players before, during and after the game. Several of NG’s defensive players were cut and bleeding during the game. We have pictures. We don’t know whether it was intentional or incidental, just saying it happened and it’s never happened before. Not only did #40 shoot the bird while running downfield on the TD, but near the end of the game he was cussing and running down our players. The refs heard it and did NOTHING.
4) Lovejoy was playing with great passion and energy. They crossed the line a few times which can happen in football games, but the officials did NOTHING. This only encouraged bad behavior until things got out of control. Two times late, our QB was hit VERY late, once in the backfield, and once out of bounds. The officials did NOTHING. Several times, Lovejoy D players smothered and hovered over our players, and again, the refs did NOTHING. This does not make the Lovejoy players thugs. It does make the officials utterly INEPT, INCOMPETENT, and UNDESERVING of ever officiating in another playoff game in the state of Georgia.
5) One example of how bad the Line Judge was on the North side – he refused to throw a flag when a Lovejoy linebacker was a yard offsides following one of our players in motion. Late in the game, there was an obvious holding call right in front of him, and refused to throw the flag. The back judge from 20 yards away had to throw the flag because the foul was so blatent. This went on all game.
6) Haynes was playing with a broken leg. If he was healthy, it would have been a better contest. Not saying we win, but we would have been better for sure. He was sacked more times in the Lovejoy game than in the rest of the season combined. That is mostly due to Lovejoy’s exceptional pass rush and outstanding coverage downfield, and partiallly due to Haynes’ injury and inability to escape like he has all season. Great job by Lovejoy for keeping our offense under control.
7) Even though Lovejoy’s offense did not put up a bunch of points in this game, they moved the ball on nearly every drive, running clock and flipping the field. Our offense had bad field position most of the game. This further helped the LJ defense as it kept them off the field and enabled them to play more aggressively.
9) Kudos to North Gwinnett, you acheived so much this year that few thought you would. Lovejoy is a very, very good football team. If Lovejoy and Norcross make it to the finals, those are the only two teams that beat you, and you could have beaten either of them with a little more of old lady luck.
10) Lovejoy, you have much to be proud of. You have great players, great coaches, great fans, and a strong community. However, you are in the spotlight now. You are on TV. People are watching and paying attention. The shadow tactics of the few will be brought to the limelight and will reflect badly on your entire team and community. AND YOU DON”T DESERVE THAT. You can beat anybody without that nonsense. Get it under control and you will have the respect around the state that you deserve. Good luck, we hope to see you and Norcross in the finals.
WILDHAWG2012
December 3rd, 2012
1:34 pm
@norcross blue=Thats good u named 2 rec 2backs and a QB as your weapons of choice!! Ok heres a little food for thought,we have 2QBs,4 rec,4RBs.So looks like your defense and defensive cord will have their hands full too and don’t forget Seagraves can run too.Oh and i will have to check but i think we only gave up 30 points only once this year to Valdosta and still almost won And i really don’t think we will throw 5 interception in one half again this year or our season will come to an end.Will be a good game for sure
Camden74
December 3rd, 2012
1:36 pm
Eve Jordan……The AJC is only interested in $$$$$$, it’s strictly business. They only support the people whom they believe will support them!
wolfbait67
December 3rd, 2012
1:43 pm
Camden74—The proper way to say AJC up our way is “The URINAL CONSTIPATION “
Packerland
December 3rd, 2012
1:46 pm
Reading the comments from all the metro area fans has been a real eye opener. We may not win the championship, but you can bet that ALL of Colquitt County, black, white, latino, everyone, is proud of our Packers and will support them to the end. And our coach is following the example of Vince Lombardi, whose players said “he treats us all the same, regardless of race. He treats us all like dogs.”
Camden74
December 3rd, 2012
1:52 pm
wolfie, wolfie, wolfie…..What’s up? I was told that you left the planet with the Mars Rover, guess you’re back……
Forealtho..
December 3rd, 2012
2:33 pm
@unreal… What are you all gonna do about the Daddy ball situation at NORTH COBB? No one wants to discuss that. This would be an awful time for the Daddy ball problem to show its face again like in the South Cobb game! Also I must say, North Cobb is a very physical team.. Lovejoy might be about to meet their match! Even though I dont care for North Cobb (only because of Queen). I still want to see a good game.
Laughing@Camden
December 3rd, 2012
4:20 pm
Hey Camden – I am laughing at you. You think you were so hot, but like all you fell and now I am laughing at you.
Fo Real
December 3rd, 2012
4:34 pm
Norcross Has to many weapons for colquitt. I know it hard concept for some but norcross is quick on defense and their db’s are excellent. we defend the pass better than we defend the run. colquitt is a great team but norcross is so dynamic with their play calling. It’s like possiblilties are endless in their offensive scheme.
Camden74
December 3rd, 2012
5:18 pm
Laughing@Camden……..I don’t mind, FOOLS always need someTHING or someONE to laugh at! Release the CATS!
stooge
December 3rd, 2012
5:26 pm
For Real, you might be correct but we’ll try to give ‘em a good game. I wouldn’t count on a repeat of the scrimmage, though.
Norcross Blue
December 3rd, 2012
5:43 pm
Go Devils and Go packers. Should be a fantastic game!!!
Longhorn nation
December 3rd, 2012
6:57 pm
BLA BLA BLA the same thing happened last year when KELL played Lovejoy it is a morel issue and the coaches can’t handle there players. No respect for the game my advice to any one playing Lovejoy is play till the whistle blows and don’t let up and when you get that free shot better take it
wolfbait67
December 3rd, 2012
7:08 pm
circling the eye of the hurricane in Cartersville, then landing the following week at our HOME away from HOME (hopefully)….it has been a trying year for the Wolves but they are still on the prowl…tuff game last week but our neighbor down the tracks are for real……but so are them guys from Moultrie….been keeping track w/you guys just time has been tight…
@really?
December 3rd, 2012
8:10 pm
All Im saying is LJ is probably better off lining up and and trying to beat them while shutting their mouths, otherwise, you may wake a hornets nest. I watched them this summer not get intimidated by some of the best schools in the country
@forealtho… Dont know the daddy ball reference other than the QB is the head coaches son. NG will have that same scenerio next year. But I cant imagine a daddyball scenerio over there when they are 1 game away from playing for a state championship with a coaches son 10th grader running the show. One would think if somebody is crying daddyball, they may need to look in the mirror.
Wheat Straw
December 3rd, 2012
8:11 pm
w
@Wildhawg2012. Seagraves will cop a plea BY THE THIRD QTR. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR HOGS IN (BLUE DEVIL NATION). YOU’LL WILL FINALLY SEE PROST CRINGE A LOOSE CONTROL! WE BELIEVE AND WE WILL ACHIEVE. GO BLUE DEVILS !
Lovejoy#1
December 3rd, 2012
8:39 pm
@unreal o.k I read all your faults on LJ now read mine. It was a lot of late hits by N.G that haven’t been mention. But that’s find our kids are us to it. And to all the bloggers with the racial quotes. We laugh at you because there isn’t anything you can call our kids that your Parents haven’t called us already. Ignorants begotten ignorants remember god fearing people he not only see you at your church on Sunday. He also see drinking beer behind Lovejoy stadium. Really at a high school game. He also see your 3 white 2004, 2007, and 2005 F150 pickup truck riding threw the school parking lot screaming your obscenities. Oh I’m sorry this was the stuff that wasn’t worthy of the GBP cameras. Just teens having fun. But that finger though. Wow!!! . I have the video that’s how I know the makes and models.
Norcoss blue
December 3rd, 2012
8:58 pm
what???
Forealtho..
December 3rd, 2012
9:31 pm
@really? Im not a fan of either team. Im just saying, its a daddy ball situation going on over there, and you know it! The best QB is not starting at you guys school. Queen ran the Griffins away. Thats the mceachern QB. Cameron Albright has been turnt to a receiver and oh yea did you know Elijah Staley the 6′7 QB at wheeler was over there also.. He left for the same reason. Queen is not being fair to the kids that are coming thru that program. GOD DONT LIKE UGLY! Its gonna turn out bad.. just watch.
Really?
December 3rd, 2012
9:33 pm
The hornets was shaken when both teams moved to the next level last week. Trash talking, fingers, name calling has been part of football since the beginning of time. It happens on EVERY TEAM EVERY YEAR. Anyone who says otherwise is delusional. At times, the fans join in on it. Just check out some the Twitter and Facebook comments (much worse than whats on this page). But if you’re going to condemn that, then don’t participate. Both teams are trying to get to the dome, so intimidation is not an issue for either team. I don’t expect Norcross to come quietly, so you shouldn’t expect that of Lovejoy. I am a Lovejoy fan and watched them for 8 years, and they will not back down.