AAAAAA blog: Who has the best feature back in the state final? And other questions worth asking
Five questions to be answered in the Georgia Dome next week in the AAAAAA final –
How many points will they score? Norcross and Lovejoy have good defenses, but they put up record numbers of points in the semifinals Friday. Lovejoy beat North Cobb 63-42 in the highest-scoring semifinal game in state history. The second-highest scoring game is now West Rome’s 61-31 win over Lakeshore in 1984. Meanwhile, Norcross beat Colquitt County 41-27. Norcross’ 41 points rank as the third-most in a semifinal in the highest classification over the last 25 years – behind Lovejoy’s 63 and North Cobb’s 42. Valdosta scored 49 in the 1986 semifinals, and no team had scored more than 40 in a high-class semifinal since.
What school and coach will win their first state championship? Norcross and Lovejoy have never won state championships in football. Neither have their coaches, both in their 18th seasons as head coaches – Keith Maloof of Norcross and Al Hughes of Lovejoy. Maloof will be coaching in his first state championship game. Hughes took Lovejoy to the Class AAAA final last year when beaten by Tucker.
Who has the better feature back? Alvin Kamara of Norcross and Travis Custis of Lovejoy are blue-chip recruits who went over 2,000 yards rushing Friday in the semis. Kamara is uncommitted. Custis has committed to Georgia Tech. Both are candidates for state player of the year.
Who will make the big plays on defense? Both teams play aggressive defense and force big plays. Lovejoy returned two interceptions for touchdowns against North Cobb, and noseguard Nathaniel Norwood has over 30 tackles for losses. Norcross has more than 50 sacks, 18 by junior defensive end Lorenzo Carter.
Will county football pedigree matter? Gwinnett teams, of which Norcross is one, have won state titles in the highest classification the past two seasons (Grayson, Brookwood) and eight of the past 16. Lovejoy is trying to become Clayton County’s first football champion since Morrow in 1987.
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248 comments Add your comment
NORCROSSDAWG
December 9th, 2012
1:04 pm
NORCROSS WILL PREVAIL OVER THE LOVEJOY THUGS!!!! BETTER COACHED AND BETTER PLAYERS AT ALL POSITIONS OVER AT NORCROSS..THAT THUG THAT WAS FLIPPING A BIRD AT THE OPPOSING PLAYER CHASING A DUDE FROM LOVEJOY SHOULD OF BEEN SUSPENDED DURING THE QUARTERFINAL GAME !!! NHS 51 LOVELESSJOY 28
WILDHAWG2012
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
@sportsnut=Just saw the North Cobb game and saw u guys for the first time ever and it was impressive i must say.I will still never be a LJ fan but i am grown enough to give credit where its due and u guys have some outstanding looking kids.North Cobb had some good lookin kids too.They punched u guys in the mouth real good early on but it is a long game and u can see the tide start to turn.Turnovers do hurt and they found that out the hard way but your secondary seemed like there were 10 guys back there.The cross said earlier that this title game pits the teams with the best atheletes and that is so true.So after seeing u guys play for the first time cause i don’t live in Moultrie so i never saw the game u guys played so i couldn’t give u credit on somethin i have never seen but i will say congrats on making it to the finals again and this time on the big stage. No prediction but it will be worth watching. My first year blogging and i had a blast so u know i will back next year and i wont be so quiet this time.
Lovejoy#1
December 9th, 2012
2:50 pm
@colquitt supporter I do understand the rules. But usually holding is a call that is at the ref discretion . And if a player is not in the position to make the play typically he want get that call. Well Custis was on the rightside hash mark 20 yards down the field when the flag came out on the left side of the field 20 yards behind the play. But it’s ok a lose is a lose. You guys had a great season. Just a suggestion in the future just make your visitors feel a little welcome . Not saying suck up to anyone but let your team hard work speak for itself. I’ve grow up on an old saying ( the ragged wheel squeaks the loudest.) and every team that I’ve heard that played there felt that the coaches and they’re ref where on the same page. And I will still say in 2012 the separation of the races just don’t fly. You have a great city (Get It Together) believe me your kids already have.
wolfbait67
December 9th, 2012
3:00 pm
Camden 74: Happy Holidays 2 U, ..great deduction on turnovers and penalties………..a good defense will cause turnovers and poor officiating(according to Colquitt County ) will be the reason they lost all games to Gwinnett County Schools, that guy really needs to go back to Alabama, anyway, I really thought U guys would win it all this year but Norcross came in under the radar and just whipped up on everyone………selah as F B would say
Camden74
December 9th, 2012
3:27 pm
When you look at the fact that Gwinnett County has the population to support 18-20 Class 6A schools, it’s difficult to understand why they aren’t represented in the finals every year!
Camden74
December 9th, 2012
3:33 pm
wolfie, wolfie, wolfie…….Thanks for the Holiday wishes, hope the same for you and yours. I thought the same for Camden, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way. But, I don’t feel so bad due to the fact that they lost to a pretty good team. The game could have gone either way…….
NGHS 09
December 9th, 2012
4:38 pm
@ Sportsnut… I am hoping Norcross wins, but if Lovejoy does then the program deserves all the respect in the state. Even though I don’t care for the classless play of the Wildcats at times, I can’t deny the fact that they are in the title game for consecutive years in two of the highest classifications. Norcross and Maloof are finally playing up to their potential. They could do this year in and year out when they play like this. Regardless of who wins, Norcross vs. Lovejoy will be a game people do not want to miss. It’s like two college teams going to war for the National Championship. I bet all of the BCS top 25 teams in the country will have coaches or scouts in attendance.
NGHS 09
December 9th, 2012
5:34 pm
I know some of yall think I’m obsessed with Bullet Bob and Mo Dixon LOL, but you can deny or ignore what they do year in and year out. Interesting to note…proof that Sphire and Mo Dixon are two of the best in high school football. NG held Lovejoy to 14 points on offense. Last year held Colquitt to 17 points on offense. Both were the lowest point totals scored by either team the last two seasons. NG was greatly outmatched athletically in both games. Just shows how good Lovejoy and Colquitt are/were and NG as well. Friday and Saturday will be a marathon of great football.
NGHS 09
December 9th, 2012
5:35 pm
*can’t deny
2fast4u
December 9th, 2012
7:38 pm
When you look at the paths to the dome Norcross BY FAR is more impressive.
(Based on AJC rankings before the playoffs)
Norcross has beaten:
#10 South Gwinnett
#5 Camden County (away)
#9 Colquitt County
(Not counting a win over #4 North Gwinnett in the regular season with a healthy QB)
Lovejoy has beaten:
#4 North Gwinnett with a QB at 60%
Clayco teams rep
December 9th, 2012
7:38 pm
Go love joy sandy creek and eagles landing southern crescent all day
Clayco teams rep
December 9th, 2012
7:41 pm
North Cobb was better than north Gwinnett 2fast 4 u but it doesn’t matter the two best teams will battle Saturday
GwinnettDad
December 9th, 2012
7:48 pm
In the interest of good sportsmanship going into the Lovejoy Norcross contest, here’s a record of the kind of trash talk that I hope is forever history, and not displayed here ever again. This was before Brookwood’s state championship in 2010. The words spoken below speak for themselves, and if they embarrass some, so be it. They never should have been so classless in the first place.
Proud Dacula Falcon December 6th, 2010 11:39 am . . . There once was a team from Gwinnett
That whipped all the cupcakes they met
But when the Packers arrived
The Broncs were so scared by their size
That they left with their underwear wet!
gman57
December 7th, 2010 8:29 am South Georgia rules Class AAAAA!
PackerPower December 8th, 2010 9:33 am Them Brookwood boys sound just like the boys from Lasseter last year. The AJC was writing every day about how Lasseter could not be beat . . . While your Broncos are out at the strip mall Starbucks drinking lahtees and having their hair styled and whatever else you city boys do, there’s some country boys down here gettin ready to play some FOOTBALL. Coach Rush and our boys are gonna give you a good oldfashioned whuppin!
maddball December 5th, 2010 12:42 pm @FRED….ME WORRIED ABOUT BROOKWOOD….LOL..IF WE WAS PLAYING EITHER LOWNDES OR VALDOSTA…I WOULD PROBABLY BE WORRIED…..BROOKWOOD?????…LOL……NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ray Goff December 4th, 2010 11:16 pm Who are you kidding, Brookwood? You can’t expect to compete against the power that is 1-AAAAA. Our coach even had his own show on Empty-V! Who is Dave Hunter? Is he the guy that rassles the crocodiles? Crikey! Anyways, just lay down quietly and the Packers will be merciful.
maddball December 4th, 2010 10:32 pm . . . you’ll be on suicidal watch at gwinnett medical center in disbelief of what my packers did 2 your broncos
maddball December 4th, 2010 6:37 pm . . . good luck brookwood,,bc you gon need more than luck 2 beat cc.packers..if colquitt dont have any to like they usually do..cc.will blow yall out the dome..
maddball December 4th, 2010 9:03 am WE WILL BEAT BROOKWOOD 4 THE CHAMPIONSHIP WHETHER YOU & BISHOP HALE LIKE IT OR NOT…YOU 2 ARE PACKER HATERS IN DISGUISE..WE DONT WONT YOU ON OUR BANDWAGON..WE’VE CONQURED ALL OPPOSITION BY WINNING & WE HAVE 1 MORE GAME 2 WIN…WE WONT BE DENIED NEITHER!!!!!!!!
Ray Goff December 4th, 2010 1:06 am Brookwood 2010 = Lassiter 2009. Run up a big record against suburban Atlanta cupcakes, then fold like a cheap paper bag.
Cat Man
December 9th, 2012
7:52 pm
@norcrossdawg dude the actions of one player doesn’t define the whole team. Emotions run a little high at this level. It was a little over the top but this team is NOT a bunch of thugs. You’re stereotyping us because we’re from Clayton Co. That’s too bad! This is a group of fine young men who just happen to play football very well! @sportsnut you’re right about the AJC’s lack of respect this year. I blogged earlier about Todd Holcomb not giving us the coverage we deserve this year. Now he’s forced to do it. I love it! By Friday we’ll get to see how fair and balanced this guy is. One thing is for sure, these are the 2 best teams in the state. We’re all passionate about our team so a class person won’t throw insults at the other side. Just state the facts and enjoy this moment!
The Cross
December 9th, 2012
8:41 pm
Sportsnut-I look forward to great game vs. Lovejoy. I have watched 4 games today and I am impressed by the quality and speed of the defense. The offense has some playmakers as well. I believe that Lovejoy matches up well with Norcross. Outside of Camdens defense, we really haven’t seen your type of speed on defense all year.
I believe this will be a phenomenal game that the winner scores 31-35 points. I believe we have an edge on the O-line, QB and RB positions. I do believe if our O-line controlls the line of scrimmage we win.
The Cross
moto
December 9th, 2012
10:41 pm
Haven’t see Lovejoy play; obviously they are super good. I did see Norcross Friday night and was really impressed. If they have a weakness, it might be against a power running game; their d-line is a little undersized it looked like but lightning fast, and their corners can really tackle as well as cover.
Alvin Kamara is as fun to watch as any back I have ever seen in person; fluid, shifty, and almighty fast. He runs too straight up on the goal line, but they’ll teach him better at the college level. If you ever let up on him or give him a crack, he is gone to the house. Period. I hope his running mate, Autry, is back for the championship game. He may be as fast as Kamara but I didn’t get to see much of him in the semi-final game.
There are some great matchups, but I can’t imagine a better championship game than this one.
Lovejoy#1
December 9th, 2012
11:59 pm
@norcrossdawg I want call your young men (that I don’t know) thugs are anything. Because i have a great group of friends at Norcross. But I will remaind you of what happen to the last team who had to play Lovejoy after a teams fans went on a unnecessary name calling rant. I think it was 63-42 and 2 yards from 70 we could have scored again but we like North Cobb. The last three weeks according to the papers we was suppose to lose to a Gwinnett are a North Ga. Teams. I know you probably haven’t seen the Ga. Tech. Bound grown man Travis Custis run the ball. Because Lovejoy is only on T.V when they play a North Atlanta team. But please know it will be grown man BCS football come Saturday Night.
LhsAlum33
December 10th, 2012
7:36 am
Lovejoy#1: That’s EXACTLY what it will be on Saturday night GROWN MAN BCS FOOTBALL! This is probably the best match up, because the teams on our side of the bracket didn’t have strong defenses, and the teams on that side of the bracket didn’t have too strong of offenses, but you have two teams with defenses that make big time plays in big time moments, RB that look like late 90s college RBs, big boys in the trenches, and speed speed speed everywhere! Definitely making this trip to Atlanta! SN: Congrats to ECI (A-public) the school I work at is in their region. Excited for them as well
NHS84
December 10th, 2012
7:59 am
Norcross wins it first Saturday Night !
coACHJ
December 10th, 2012
8:48 am
lovejoy!!!!!! been saying it all year and we do not need anyone affirmation that we are good or going to win. Wildcat nation gone stand up and rock that dome with Gata Gata Gata all night, all night, Yeah!!!!! we do not and i repeat do not care what people have to say about us, we let the wins pile up and do the talking. Lovejoy High School 2012 State Champions 6A
Fred
December 10th, 2012
10:12 am
@Camden74 – Not so difficult if you lived here and understood what was going on. The Gwinnett School System more than doubled in size in the past 10-15 years. With that growth came new schools and programs and constant redistricting changing where the kids play. Using Grayson as an example, when we opened in 2000, there was no football program. There was no stadium – just a field with some lights. No weight room, no field house, no concession stand, no ticket booth. It takes a while to get these things up and running. We were formed by redistricting South, Central and Brookwood. Since that time, Archer opened and the redistricting took over 1,000 students out of Grayson. Again, this is just an example that has been repeated for Mill Creek, Mountain View, Lanier, Archer, Peachtree Ridge.
Since the advent of the mega-school class in 2000, Gwinnett teams have won the championship 6 times and played in 11 of the 13 championships including this year. I would say that we have been represented well over that period of time!
grayram
December 10th, 2012
10:32 am
Leave Brookwood high school and drive 9 miles to the east and you will be at Grayson high school.
Or drive about 14 miles to the northwest and you are at Norcross high school. If Norcross finishes their perfect season Saturday that will be the last three champions in the highest classification.
I think the Gwinnett schools are representing themselves just fine.
sportsnut
December 10th, 2012
10:37 am
Norcross is not ready for this. Unlike the NC game, this will be on display early. NC punched Lovejoy in the mouth and kept swinging. This saturday, Lovejoy will punch first and never look back as they win their first Title. My compliments go out to Norcross on a fine season but it has to end.
sportsnut
December 10th, 2012
10:50 am
I recently introduced some of you to Brandon Davis (#3) , Lovejoy’s version of the Honey Badger. How do you like him ? 10 touchdowns, 7 int’s, 5 returned for td’s, 4 for 100 yards or more, Failed field goal attempt 80 yard return for td, 75 yard kickoff return for td, 2 td’s receiving and 1 fumble return for a td. Could these numbers be true ?
The Cross
December 10th, 2012
11:21 am
Sportsnut-I guess your past of not predicting a Lovejoy victory has come to an end. There are a few issues with your post above. First of all, any stat comparisons that you or any Lovejoy fan makes need to have an asterisk put by them given your strength of schedule. I’ve post in the past that I believe Lovejoy to be a solid team with tremendous team speed. The problem is your region schedule was so soft. Anyone can pile up numbers playing against cupcakes. We renamed your region “the Bakery” given the cupcakes and doughnuts in there. Secondly, Norcross will be ready and focused on winning in the big stage. Like I said before, leaning on history doesn’t help any team. Lastly, if you allow Norcross the type of start that you allowed North Cobb you will get embarrassed. There will be no coming back against our D. We have only trailed twice all year and when we get up we go for the jugular.
Lovejoy had another great season and back to back runner up finishes is something to be proud of. Lovejoy will be matched with athletes that are as good as or in a lot of cases better. Your team speed which is usually your advantage will be neutralized by a team that is faster on the whole.
Congrats again on winning the Bakery region and a softer path to the Dome. But like they say “all good things must come to an end”.
The Cross
stooge
December 10th, 2012
12:03 pm
Putting my chips on Norcross. Our game with them sucked but I’m being biased
This is not a team to play if you’ve been winning in last ditch efforts like we have. LJ better take control fast and hang on to it.
GMom
December 10th, 2012
12:36 pm
Good Luck Norcorss! Represent GWINNETT! #RamsFan
sportsnut
December 10th, 2012
12:47 pm
@ The Cross == Norcross is a good team and I would never say otherwise. What does the region have to do with this ? We won them all and not by a touchdown. Same as last season. We are back where we were last season at this time. Let me make one thing perfectly clear, WE ARE NOT CAMDEN ! You will find much more football here than you did with them. Seeing is believing. What happens when Kamara is stopped ? Can Wilbur carry you ?You are hoping Autry, and so am I, will be ready to roll. I hope you are at full strength, It is going to take that and more. You had better watch some games of Lovejoy before you order that meal. They tell me the crow looks like chicken.
alliwantforxmas
December 10th, 2012
1:15 pm
What will be funny is if Norcross beats Lovejoy by more than they beat Colquitt. This will equal what happens last year when Lovejoy was ranked below NSWR, only this time it will make even more since because Colquitt has already beaten Lovejoy.
sportsnut
December 10th, 2012
1:52 pm
@ FNLF == How are you ? NC would not have won that game. You know that ! You just don’t want to believe it. Life happens.
Camden74
December 10th, 2012
2:27 pm
Fred…..My post was in response to a post by a Gwinnett Fan. If Camden had as many schools as Gwinnett, I would expect them to be represented in the finals too……..
Camden74
December 10th, 2012
2:28 pm
sportsnut…….You’re right about one thing, Lovejoy is DEFINITELY not Camden!
R31768 Pack
December 10th, 2012
2:39 pm
My opinion of the game between Norcross and LJ.
I think it is going to be a good game. Lovejoy has probably improved a lot since they came to Moultrie. Their D was able to stop us but they gave up some big plays that cost them the game. The QB was off on his passing that night because we were able to keep pressure on him, it seemed. Custis moved the ball well against us in the first half but we were able to contain him in the second. They are good though.
Norcross is as good as advertised. The Offense is very strong. Unfortunately, for number 5, we did not get to see him in action but Kamara run through our Defense. I’m not sure if it was poor tackling on our part or he was just strong and very fast but defenders just slipped right off of him like he was greased up. LJ will definitely need to shut down Kamara for a chance.
Norcross has a good defense. The defenders are tall and can shut down the passing lanes but they can be scored on. The better teams have proven that this year against them.
My prediction is that Norcross will win this game. If LJ’s defense plays very well, they will win this game.
Before I get any haters, I have already congratulated Norcross for a clean game and the Pack was beat. Looking forward to watching the finals.
Have Not
December 10th, 2012
3:51 pm
When did they get internet service in Clayton County? Was that incldued with a vote for Sgt. Small Victor Hill? Bet you will not see any more responses from Clayco after Saturday’s game.
The Cross
December 10th, 2012
4:04 pm
Sportsnut-You definitely have different make up than Camden and your defense is certainly not as disciplined as Camden’s as evidenced in the North Cobb game. To answer your question about Kamara being stopped, well I do not believe that we have to worry about that at all because from what I watched on film there is a really low probability. Our O-line will control the line of scrimmage. But, let’s say you took Kamara out of the game would I trust Wilber? ABSOLUTELY. He has been the most consistent/quality QB that I have watched this year and I have watched some good ones. He will definitely outplay your QB this Saturady…no question. Autry will be back. He was a little banged up but could have gone back in last week but we had the game in hand. As will Jones who didn’t see a snap because we did not need him. I hope Lovejoy is prepared for the buzzsaw they are walking in to because like I said if we jump on you like North Cobb did then it will be over by halftime. Norcross is a much, much better team than North Cobb and have better personell in ALL 22 spots.
Good Luck…Lovejoy will definitely need it to just stay in the game with Norcross.
The Cross
The Cross
December 10th, 2012
4:14 pm
Sportsnut-Just to clarify my Camden comment. I do not beliueve your defense is as good as Camden’s, but your offense is certainly more dynamic and could pose some challenges. Your D is as quick as Camden’s but not as disciplined. I would much rather play Lovejoy’s D and Camden’s O if given the chance.
And as it relates to your region and what does it have to do with it??? A lot actually, as you guys are begging for respect, your strength of schedule is laughable. I realize that you cannot help this but saying that you aren’t getting the respect after looking at ytour schedule should answer your question. There is not a team in your region besides Lovejoy that would win it all in AA. You played 1 decent team in the regular season and they beat you. Your path to the dome was fairly easy compared to ours. That is wht it is relevant. If you came in on a 100 game win streak but were playing an equivalent JV schedule, what would it mean??? NOTHING. You will see a REAL TEAM with REAL ATHLETES on Saturday. Have your boys tighten the chin straps an inch or two because they just might lose their helmet and what’s inside of them if they don’t.
The Cross
Fred
December 10th, 2012
4:37 pm
@Camden74 – You said “When you look at the fact that Gwinnett County has the population to support 18-20 Class 6A schools, it’s difficult to understand why they aren’t represented in the finals every year!” (your statement in full) and after explaining some of the issues we face I also said, “Since the advent of the mega-school class in 2000, Gwinnett teams have won the championship 6 times and played in 11 of the 13 championships including this year. I would say that we have been represented well over that period of time!”
Since there are 2 regions of almost exclusively Gwinnett teams (R7 has Habersham Central – a situation I can’t imagine them being happy with), I can understand how some might think R7 or R8 haven’t but should have been in the finals every year. But when you speak of Gwinnett as a whole inclusive of the 2 regions, Gwinnett *has* been very well represented in finals especially considering the issues faced by the newer schools and those that keep having their districts redrawn.
Alex
December 10th, 2012
4:55 pm
@sportsnut @The Cross is right when discussing strength of schedule. The only team in your region that will end the season above .500 is LoveJoy.
FridayNightLightsFan
December 10th, 2012
5:11 pm
@The Cross – I agree with you about strength of schedule and it’s almost been a perfect storm for Lovejoy on their side of the brackets. All wins over unranked teams but NG (with an injured QB), while Norcross has won against 3 ranked teams on its way to the dome. The most impressive IMO is the win over Camden away.
Norcrossboss
December 10th, 2012
5:22 pm
Norcross all the way
Norcrossboss
December 10th, 2012
5:28 pm
We believe we win win NORCROSS
sportsnut
December 10th, 2012
5:47 pm
The fact is that Lovejoy is here. Talk about all the different things you want but they are here. Earlier, the soft region was the reason we would not make it far in the playoff’s because everyone else was “battle tested”. How did that work out for the rest ?
@ 74 == Yeah, Camden is at home !
@ The Cross == Every week during the playoff’s, we have heard about the best Qb we have faced. He seems to play for all our opponents.Tyler Queen, Anthony Jennings, Michael Haynes and now Joseph Wilbur. He will have his lunch eaten.
Lovejoy stopped begging and decided to take what they want. Winning get’s that for you.
Did anyone ever think that those teams that were favorites and have fallen were not that good to start with ? Makes sense to me ! If they were that good, they would still be around. Who beat Grayson ?North Gwinnett. Who beat North Gwinnett ? Lovejoy. Who beat Lowndes ? Marietta. Who beat Marietta. Lovejoy. I do believe that accounts for some of the best the state HAD to offer, right ?
RobFromNorcross
December 10th, 2012
5:51 pm
Hey sportsnut-
who beat Lovejoy? Colquitt
who beat Colquitt? lots of people
who beat Norcross? no one
sportsnut
December 10th, 2012
6:17 pm
Lovejoy lost to Colquit. Colquit did not beat Lovejoy. There is a difference.
The strength of schedule has improved since the playoff’s started. That is what happens when you beat those that beat the best. The point is that Lovejoy is 13-1 and playing for the title. That soift schedule prepared us for this.Thanks Region 2. We also thank Region 3, East Coweta and Tri-Cities, Region 6 Alpharetta, Region 7 North Gwinnett. Also Region 1, for being so strong that your #4 was really your # 1. I stated much, much earlier that if Colquit was supposed to be one of the best that AAAAAA had to offer, Lovejoy would win AAAAAA. Looks as if I was pretty close. There is only one team on Lovejoy’s schedule now and it is Norcross. Win this one and no more comparisons. Might as well stop talking.
Cat Man
December 10th, 2012
6:28 pm
It’s pretty obvious we’re all passionate about our teams. Who beat who doesn’t amount to a hill of beans right now. You Norcross people remind me of the Braves fans back in ‘92 (and I was one of them). So excited about getting there that nothing anybody says is going to make you see any different. You’ve got a good team all right. But so does Lovejoy. We came from a lower classification and are still kicking butt in 6A. Cross, you seem to be hung up on the softer schedule thing. Tell me something, what the heck is that going to matter come Sat. night? Not a thing! We earned our way here same as you, by winning in the playoffs over good teams. So chill with the soft schedule thing will you. It’s giving me a headache!
Norcrossboss
December 10th, 2012
6:43 pm
I agree with @robfromnorcross
The Cross
December 10th, 2012
6:43 pm
Cat Man-Didn’t mean to make your head ache. I was just stating to all Lovejoy fans that the tossing out of stats are meaningless given who you have played.
Lovejoy is a very good team. We have watched film on you since Friday night and we definitely respect your team. I believe that Lovejoy has earned their way to the Dome and so have we. I also believe that if Lovejoy plays their best game and Norcross plays their best game we will win. Lovejoy will have to play close to perfect to beat us. We are the best team in the State and Lovejoy will need some breaks and luck to win the championship. I don’t see Norcross letting down here.
Prediction Norcross 42 Lovejoy 24.
The Cross.
Norcrossboss
December 10th, 2012
6:46 pm
Good prediction catman I agree
RobFromNorcross
December 10th, 2012
7:02 pm
Lovejoy has a great team, and they could win Saturday if they play better.
The game will come down to who is ready to play-
who controls the lines of scrimmage,
who makes the big plays when they have the chance,
who finishes tackles better,
who doesn’t turn the ball over,
who gets the extra yard when it is needed,
who takes the ball away,
who doesn’t get stupid drive-killing or drive-extending penalties called against them and
sometimes, who gets a good bounce at the right time…
Should be a great game between two teams who have done everything they needed to do to get to this game.
RobFromNorcross
December 10th, 2012
7:05 pm
Re: the relative schedules… they don’t mean anything except that one of the teams has been tested more than the other. But when it comes to the game between them it won’t matter. Just don’t figure that anyone that you have seen all year Lovejoy is our equal– because you haven’t played a team of our caliber yet– close, but not quite…
Norcross has played more Top15 teams and this should help them, they are 7-0 against Top 12 teams #3 North Gwinnett, #4 Camden, #6 Colquitt #7, South Gwinnett (twice), #11 Parkview and #12 Mill Creek.
Lovejoy has faced three Top 15 teams and gone 2-1: #3 North Gwinnett (win), #6 Colquitt (loss) and #8 North Cobb (win).
If you extend out to Top30 then Norcross adds 3 more wins against Collins Hill, Chattahoochee, and Peachtree Ridge to get to 10-0 against Top 30 teams…
Lovejoy would add Marietta and Alpharetta, to get to 4-1 against Top 30 teams.
But you don’t get to pick your region or your schedule, so all you can do is win your games and Lovejoy and Norcross have both won every single game they played (since we have now been informed that Colquitt did NOT beat Lovejoy but instead it was Lovejoy that beat Lovejoy. So I am not sure if that means they are 1-1 in that game, or 1-0. If anyone knows, please fill us in)