Semifinal previews: Class AAAAAA
North Cobb at Lovejoy
When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Twelve Oaks Stadium, Hampton
Records, rankings: North Cobb is 11-2, the No. 2 seed from Region 4-AAAAAA and unranked; Lovejoy is 12-1, the No. 1 seed from 2-AAAAAA and ranked No. 7.
Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.
Three things to know: 1. North Cobb QB Tyler Queen is close to a couple of season milestones with his 2,421 yards passing and 918 yards rushing. WR Xavier Borishade went over 1,000 yards receiving in the quarterfinals, when he had eight catches for 151 yards. He has 51 catches for 1,009 yards on the season. North Cobb has scored 42 points in each of its three playoff games. 2. Lovejoy’s defense didn’t allow a significant drive in the 21-6 victory over North Gwinnett in the quarterfinals. The defensive leader is undersized NG Nathaniel Norwood (6 feet, 190 pounds), who had 33 tackles for losses and 13.5 sacks before last week’s defensive stats were confirmed. RB Travis Custis has rushed for 1,866 yards and scored 32 touchdowns, and QB Alejandro Bennifield has thrown for 2,172 yards and 26 touchdowns. 3. Both head coaches are working in their native counties. North Cobb’s Shane Queen was head coach at his alma mater, South Cobb, before coming to North Cobb in 2006. He’s 82-58 in 14 seasons overall. Al Hughes was head coach at his alma mater, Jonesboro, before coming to Lovejoy in 2001. He’s 108-80 in 18 seasons overall.
Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Lovejoy by 12
Colquitt County at Norcross
When, where: 8 p.m. Friday, Norcross Community Stadium, Norcross
Records, rankings: Colquitt County is 10-3, the No. 4 seed from Region 1-AAAAAA and ranked No. 9; Norcross is 13-0, the No. 1 seed from 7-AAAAAA and ranked No. 3.
Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.
Three things to know: 1. RB Alvin Kamara, a blue-chip recruit, has averaged 174 yards rushing in Norcross’ three playoff victories. He has 1,959 yards rushing and 27 touchdowns on the season. Norcross’ defense, which has held eight of 13 opponents to seven points or less, is led by LB Tommy Tate (33 solo tackles in three playoff games), three-year-starting CB Shon Akins and DE Lorenzo Carter (18 sacks). 2. Colquitt County QB Cole Segraves surpassed 2,000 yards passing (2,099) and WR Bobby Hill went over 1,000 yards in receiving (1,046) in a quarterfinal victory over Parkview. OL Octavius Jackson has allowed only one sack (it came last week), and junior DL Jamiyius Pittman has 15 tackles for losses. 3. Norcross can reach the state finals for the first time with a victory. Colquitt has been there in 1991, 1994 and 2010. Colquitt can become the first team in the highest classification to win four road games (no neutral sites) in the state playoffs.
Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Norcross by 18
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124 comments Add your comment
stooge
December 6th, 2012
3:05 pm
Damn, you guys play rough
Propst’s Road Show arriving shortly.
OMacG
December 6th, 2012
3:08 pm
Careful throwing those stones, GoPackGo…plenty of strange stuff everywhere, even in Colquitt County:
http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=524977#.UMD6sqzNl8E
stooge
December 6th, 2012
3:10 pm
ewwww
Abu Dhabi
December 6th, 2012
3:12 pm
My darling Sportsnut. All 4 teams have a plan. All four team have worked every day the last 7 months for Friday night. They all have the same goal. I don’t talk much about other teams, becasue I know that at the end of the day any one team still in this competition can defeat the other. They are all good. It’s a matter of how smart and capable they play. I just can’t wait until Saturday…ya’ll come back now, you hear? When your team looses, just get on the blog and say, Abu Dhabi told us so.
sportsnut
December 6th, 2012
3:12 pm
Thanks OMacG. Your thoughts are highly appreciated. If a man’s name is no good, what good is he ?
sportsnut
December 6th, 2012
3:17 pm
@ Abu Dhabi == I can’t wait until Saturday. I will be there on friday to see it, as usual. Nothing like watching it live.
57Cat
December 6th, 2012
3:32 pm
Man, I envy you fans of the four teams still standing. It stinks sitting down here in TitleTown and not have a dog in the fight. Still, there’s nothing like high school football in Georgia – from AAAAAA down to AA. (I don’t like class A, ’cause it’s messed up.)
I’ll be pulling for Colquitt because they are Region 1 and for North Cobb ’cause they beat us and I like their team. No offense, Norcross and Lovejoy; I hope you both play well and nobody gets hurt.
DirtyDawg77
December 6th, 2012
4:57 pm
I am a Warrior alum and I have to tell you I am not as confident as some of these other posters… mainly b/c a defense that can shut down NG they way they did scares me.
Go Warriors!
sportsnut
December 6th, 2012
5:19 pm
Can anyone tell me where those Wing T teams are ?
Marietta fan
December 6th, 2012
5:24 pm
After seeing both North Cobb and Lovejoy in person this year, I can actually see this game as an offensive shootout. North Cobb’s offense is the real deal and they beat us early by returning 2 turnovers for touchdowns in the first quarter. They’re defense was speedy, but we did score 32 on them in a loss. Thats why I think it could be a shootout because of North Cobb’s D and Lovejoy’s balanced offense with tall receivers and Custis running the ball. Lovejoy has a great defense, but at least when we played them, our line was undersized and they were immediately on the quarterback. This should be a great game, but I’ve got to go for our Cobb and region neighbors.
Marietta fan
December 6th, 2012
5:25 pm
@sportsnut Marietta took care of Lowndes for y’all in round 1, then y’all really took care of us. haha
Norcross Blue
December 6th, 2012
5:32 pm
It’s at Blue devil stadium. Never heard of norcross community stadium???
Camden74
December 6th, 2012
6:18 pm
sportsnut…….Have Lovejoy’s HC schedule a Wing-T Team for 2013, then you’ll know exactly where they are…. Didn’t you guys lose to a Wing-T Team last year in the Finals? Oh yeah, Saturday in Abu Dhabi……..Release the CATS!
packerchick
December 6th, 2012
7:52 pm
Hey OMacG…..that’s disgusting! Poor dog.
Ron Mexico
December 6th, 2012
7:55 pm
Lock up the women, too! Them Colquitt boys are headed north.
http://tiftongazette.com/x543534316/Colquitt-County-High-band-director-charged-with-having-sex-with-a-student
Brookwood Dad
December 6th, 2012
7:57 pm
Makes you wonder what they’re putting in the water down in Region 1….
Colquitt County Packers Love the Playoffs
December 6th, 2012
8:02 pm
The computer predictions have been wrong alot this year, right TODD? We are underdogs every week. Who cares?
Pack by 10 over the Devils
Tommy Trojan
December 6th, 2012
8:09 pm
Let me see if I’ve got this straight. North Cobb=daddyball, Lovejoy=undisciplined, Colquiit=dawg’s best friend, Norcross= whole season based on a scrimmage win, Camden=? Wait, what’s Camden still doing here??? Releasing the CATS, I guess. Lassiter rules!
Camden74
December 6th, 2012
8:35 pm
Who’s Lassiter?
Cat Man
December 6th, 2012
9:40 pm
Here’s the deal: Lovejoy is no stranger to the state playoffs. NC is the new kid on the block. How long has it been for them, 50 plus yrs? Not that it matters this deep in the game. The pressure is on NC to prove they belong here. Lovejoy simply has the experience and talent to take it back to the Dome by doing what they’ve done week in and week out all season. By the end of the 1st quarter, it will be evident that NC can’t handle the Wildcat defense and Custis will have already scored at least one time. Sorry Ab Dab, but Sat. morning is going to be rough for you my friend!
packfan
December 6th, 2012
9:44 pm
any norcross fan what radio channel provides play by play for the game some packer fans enjoy listening to broadcast thanks may the best team win fri nite!
Devillover
December 6th, 2012
9:57 pm
Radio? What’s a radio. The game will be televised on GPB.
packfan
December 6th, 2012
10:01 pm
i mean listening to the broadcast while at the game
Grayram
December 6th, 2012
10:08 pm
Camden74
Norcross has some weapons other than kamara. Autry is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. There are several threats on that offense.
Camden74
December 6th, 2012
10:42 pm
Grayram….I’ve watched Norcross play three times this season and listen to them once. When their offense is really clicking, Kamara is on point. Stop Kamara and Norcross’ offense becomes just another good offense. If not for Kamara, Colquitt would be playing Camden tomorrow night instead of Norcross.
sportsnut
December 6th, 2012
10:45 pm
I told you before that the Wing T is old. Lovejoy dealt with that long ago. Ran it and played against it. Lovejoy already knows where they are. It is up to you to accept where they are. This is real. You of all people must be the most shocked detractor of Lovejoy’s success. I know you said congrats and all but we know you are still ,a doubter. If Lovejoy win’s the title, you will fall on the side that thinks they are what you and many others have already said and spread. You can’t put it back in the bottle now. Like you said, “True or Not “
GHSA Police
December 6th, 2012
10:48 pm
Hawg Fans-You are not going to stop Kamara, in fact you won’t even slow him down. When he needs a breather Autry won’t be any easier to contain. If you load the box not only will Wilber kill you with his accuracy but the best O-line in the state will create a impenetrable pocket which has only allowed 2 sacks all year. Yeah that’s right a 2,000+ yard passing offense with only 2 sacks. You guys will have to score 40+ to win and I think we both realize that will not happen against this Blue Devil D because no one has been able to do it.
Sorry Pack, great season. Probst got you to the semis again.
Norcross is the best team in the State and there is not a close second.
The Cross
Camden74
December 6th, 2012
10:50 pm
sportsnut…….You still didn’t answer my question. What happened the last time Lovejoy played a Wing-T Team?
sportsnut
December 7th, 2012
12:18 am
@ 74 == And you still don’t get it. Look, your boy’s are no longer in the hunt. You can try to criticize, degrade, downplay, minimize, put down or any other word that you want to use to voice your displeasure that Lovejoy is where they are, it still won’t change the fact that they are and your team is not. You should be satisfied and happy with the season Camden had. It was something many teams would be happy with. We have gone at it all season and at this point, my argument is more persuasive. You can chalk this one up to ignorance. It is not your fault, yes it is, for not knowing enough about the subject which you choose to indulge in debate.
sportsnut
December 7th, 2012
12:29 am
P.S. == I think Lovejoy is a factor. Have been all year. Some knew, some didn’t. In Lovejoy’s eye’s, nothing is done yet. They are trying to add NC to a list. They will play Lovejoy football and see what happens.
Camden74
December 7th, 2012
12:43 am
sportsnut…….Camden was eliminated by a pretty good Norcross team, I can live with that. But you continue to rag on Wing-T Teams as if Lovejoy had a good record against the Wing-T. Since you won’t answer the question, I will. The last Wing-T Team Lovejoy played, they left the field with a loss! If I were you, I’d be focused on trying to make it to the DOME instead of acting like a NUT. You haven’t won a Title yet!
pviewfan
December 7th, 2012
2:00 am
Norcross by 18? Too bad we are not in Vegas baby! That would be like someone giving me the winning lottery numbers. Colquitt will win a close one.
Abu Dhabi
December 7th, 2012
2:14 am
My fellow bloggers, tonight the unstoppable North Cobb Offense will join the equally dynamic Warrior Defense, and together will be launching the largest football battle in the history of the Warrior Nation. Warrior Nation, these words should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by which teams were championed in the past, what other teams have done, what happened in a different era… a different time. Our focus is Friday Night. We WILL be united in our common interest. Perhaps it’s fate that it is the season of Thanksgiving and gratitude…of blessings and cheer. Of renewal and blessed assurance. At 7:30 Friday night, we are fighting for something that has never been done before. It’s a freedom. The freedom to sit in the Dome. Eat in the Dome. PLAY football in the Dome. A freedom to play with the best of the best. Freedom, not just from tyranny, oppression, or persecution from haters, but from annihilation of mediocrity. We are champions. We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist�and should we win the day, the 7th of December will no longer be known as any ordinary day, but as the day when the Warrior Nation declared in one voice, ‘We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on, we’re going to survive.’ Friday night WE WILL WIN!”
Alex
December 7th, 2012
6:24 am
@Packfan: The game is being carried on TV and streamed online by GPB. PlayOn sports will also be providing a webstream via ghsa.tv, additionally, you can catch the game on the radio down in Moultrie on Cruizin 94.
By the way, I am looking forward to a great game tonight.
Colquitt Supporter
December 7th, 2012
8:09 am
@GHSA police, yeah between your comments and this article in the Moultrie Observer, we should probably hang it up but I guess since 1/2 our team is in Norcross, we will go ahead and play you guys. At least you will have some practice. Now whether that practice is for the dome or your 2013 scrimmage is to be determined:)
http://moultrieobserver.com/sports/x1951916144/Propst-having-nightmares-about-Kamara
@Alex, I think Packfan was looking for a Norcross radio station where he could listen while watching the game in person.
Safe travels to all fans and safe play for all players.
sportsnut
December 7th, 2012
9:15 am
@ 74 == Not ragging. Just noting that as part of an earlier conversation, it was said repeatedly the strength of the Wing T. There were comparisons as to runs it best. All the favorites did and when a passing team or more balanced team was mentioned, it caught flack. Now that your team is out, you are trying to tell me what needs to be done. Lovejoy has done what it needs to this point. If they are fortunate enough to win tonight, they will have done what they wanted. A question you know the answer to, and asking me if I know. You know I know but at this time, that is irrelevant. I know Lovejoy is shocking someones world. You act as if you are in that group and from all the banter to this point, I know you are one. Surprise ! Keep searching and maybe you will find something on which to hang your hater hat . I told you early, very early about Lovejoy but you gave them no chance. So, is all the talk or the things I said now valid ? There is still work to be done and Lovejoy knows this. I know it is killing you to have Lovejoy where they are. The Wing T is not the rag story for me. It is Region 1. The almighty “SEC of High School Football”. The region did good to get what they did. Colquit turned out to be the bell cow. I am happy for Colquit. They did what shall be a topic of conversation with the road trips and their wins. It would be nice to play them for the crown since they are the only team to beat us. One at a time though. I assume this is the LAST team Lovejoy played that ran a Wing T. We lost. Just to show how moch you know, it has been stated that Colquit gets 63% of it’s offense from it’s passing game. That is a stat that would indicate a team is not an actual Wing T team. Anything else you care to ask or comment on ? I told you, as long as you are here, I too ,will be. As far as winning the Title, I never said Lovejoy would. Only that they were coming to try. By the way, How do you take your CROW ? I’m going to give you an extra helping for being the one to help them win to this point. Your negativity has been an inspiration and we thank you. Share this with your fellow doubters because all of you share the responsibility for helping us get this far.
sportsnut
December 7th, 2012
9:21 am
P.S. == Why the name calling ? I could call you many things following all your trash talking but I am not that. I hope you find some constructive way to harness to energy that you feel that right now is in another form. Don’t Hate, Appreciate.
grayram
December 7th, 2012
9:33 am
Good luck to all 4 teams tonight. I hope we have some good games. Still waiting for another as fun as that Colquitt- Mceachern game. UGA-Alabama wasn’t bad either.
Loren Maxwell
December 7th, 2012
9:42 am
@Colquitt County Packers Love the Playoffs: “The computer predictions have been wrong alot this year, right TODD? We are underdogs every week.”
They are currently 123-41 for the playoffs, or about 75% correct. I haven’t checked for the regular season, but the regular season normally runs higher than the playoffs.
Also, Colquitt County was projected by 5 over McEachern and by 18 over Newnan, plus the system has consistently rated them as a favorite to reach the semifinals since prior to the playoffs.
Actually, for the entire year Colquitt County was projected as an underdog only against North Gwinnett, Camden County, and Parkview.
grayram
December 7th, 2012
9:55 am
Sportsnut. Grayson runs that offense and it seems to work pretty well for them. Over the last 5 years the Rams are 60-8 and have been to a couple of semi-finals a couple of quarter finals and a final. During that stretch they have played some of the top teams in Georgia as well as some out of state teams. Camden can claim even greater success also running a similar offense. Lovejoy is having a great run right now as is North Cobb and Norcross and Colquitt all with a different offense. I don’t think there is 1 right offense and all others are old or outdated. Whatever system the coach chooses if his players believe in it and work at it then it can succeed.
Good luck tonight!
Camden74
December 7th, 2012
9:59 am
sportsnut……..Please spare me the FALSE humility! You began the preseason talking smack. It seems that you have a selective memory when it comes to name calling, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You seem to be suffering from delusions of grandeur when it comes to Lovejoy. Maybe you should wait until you guys actually WIN something before flapping your gums! I’ll say it again, Lovejoy’s on field antics will cost them, be it tonight or next week. As far as eating crow is concerned, not a problem. I don’t mind putting myself out there for my opinions and beliefs. That’s how we grow, never been one for stagnation and the status quo! Let’s see if Lovejoy can take the heat and bring home a State Title.The pressure is on YOU!
Ray Goff's Ghost
December 7th, 2012
10:04 am
@ Loren Maxwell: Colquitt an underdog to Parkview but favorite to reach the semifinals? Maybe it’s time to hire Nate Silver.
57Cat
December 7th, 2012
10:07 am
Abu Dhabi – Your comment at 2:14am is reprehensible. December 7th is already NOT known as an ordinary day. Chech you US history books a learn what happened on December 7, 1942.
Camden74
December 7th, 2012
10:09 am
57Cat…….A fact check is in order……
Cat Man
December 7th, 2012
10:20 am
It’s pretty obvious we’re all passionate about our teams. Tonight’s the night! All the jaw jacking and insults and predictions will come to fruition. You can throw out all the stats, all the records, all the this and that. It’s time to play ball gentlemen! May the best team win!
Suwanee 0wns
December 7th, 2012
10:22 am
@RayGoff’sGhost. Mr. Maxwell runs exactly the same kind of Monte Carlo simulation that Nate Silver uses. Pay attention. No wonder you are dead.
R31768 Pack
December 7th, 2012
10:26 am
lol!! Guys, Get your facts straight. It’s not hard for Loren to pull those numbers. Take this from an IT guy.
sportsnut
December 7th, 2012
10:53 am
@ Grayram == I’m not saying it won’t work at all. What I am talking about is as the passing game becomes more of a staple, and it will, running teams are going to find themselves where Grayson is right now. If you do run, try a split backfield or the I. Maybe run from a Pistol.
@ 74 == And in my own way, I still am. I have spoken my mind on these blogs and never bit my tongue. I have not stuttered. I have spoken the truth and all that I have said has come to fruition. Lovejoy is sitting one (1) win away from playing for the championship and this bothers you most because you have been one of their harshest critic’s. Being this close for Lovejoy and you having to deal with me may be a bit much but you are the one who said they were not a factor. Would never get close. Would not make it past the 3rd round. You did not get it right and that is O.K. We all fail at times. The important thing is that we get back up and try again. Do you remember me saying that co ncerning Lovejoy and their previous playoff experience ?Lovejoy has gotten back up each time they have stumbled. I understand how difficult this is for you.You were told though, RIGHT ?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++ December 7th, 1941 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
57Cat
December 7th, 2012
11:04 am
Sorry, guys, I just looked at my post. Big TYPO – should have been 1941, not 1942. Still December 7th is Pearl Harbor Day.
George H.W. Bush
December 7th, 2012
11:34 am
I thought it was September 7.
http://articles.latimes.com/1988-09-07/news/mn-1658_1_pearl-harbor