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
ATLien23x
December 13th, 2012
2:31 pm
Lovejoy had the easiest path to the final and EVERYONE knows it…
Lovejoy plays cupcakes week in & week out and EVERYONE knows it…
Lovejoy has played 2 good teams this year, that’s it.. They went 2-1
Norcross just ran all over the team Lovejoy couldn’t beat. I’m very confident in saying that both Colquitt County & Camden County would have easily handed Lovejoy a loss. Be grateful you get to be second best again
ATLien23x
December 13th, 2012
2:34 pm
Lovejoy has played 3 good teams : North Gwinnett ( with an injured QB, and by the score and how tight of a game is was, that definitely was a difference ) North Cobb ( a good win but gave up 42 points to a team with half the size and talent you supposedly have) and Colquitt County, a team you lost to.
Lovejoy is very good and i’ve watched a lot of their games on film now, they are definitely big and fast. But then again, everyone looks big and fast against small & slow teams like North Druid Hills & Rockdale County
ATLien23x
December 13th, 2012
2:42 pm
“Norcross has Kamara. He is very good. They have Autry. He also is very good. That in itself is enough for some teams to win. With what they do, it has been. Now they must face a team that has 6,7,8 of that type player. That is just offensively. They, Norcross, have a very good linebacker. #51, I believe. They count on him and he does not disappoint. Here again, they must now deal with the front 7 of Lovejoy. This is a job.”
Norcross has MANY D1 recruits and ESPN has many players on their list, google it sometime
Lovejoy has Custiss and he was SO FAR down that list i almost gave up and quit looking. So, if Lovejoy has all this talent, how come no ones knows about them?
sportsnut
December 13th, 2012
2:48 pm
Keep laughing. Believe it or not, that was my first thought . Let me let you in on a little secret. Don’t bet on this. Especially if you like Norcross. You’ll lose the house. You know why ? Lovejoy is loaded. All kidding aside. It’s nice to have 2 or 3 standout players but when you have a team full, it is sometimes hard to see any other outcome. This is the case right now. These seniors, who are 38-3 since their sophomore year, will have it no other way. That is 38 wins of a possible 45 with a chance at # 39. Do a little work and look at their body of work and you will see what I do. Once you allow yourself the chance to objectively check things out, you will know what I know. If this had been any other school and I know what I know about them, they would be my choice to win it all.
sportsnut
December 13th, 2012
3:01 pm
First of all Mr. Alien == Because you don’t know does not mean no one else doesn’t know. Our kids are D-1. Many know them. These 33 seniors have a record of 38-3 since their sophomore year. To answer your question for learning purposes, we are a step child to ATL. We suffer just as region 1 does with coverage although we are right here below the airport. Our kid’s don’t get the publicity the others do. that is why not many know. Why do you think it is a surprise to many locals that Lovejoy is here. Now back to the hostilities. You belong in that group. You know nothing about Lovejoy. Who’s your team and do you think they would beat Lovejoy, honestly ? By the way, I don’t think you know what you are talking about anyway. Just running it. It is Druid Hills, not North Druid Hills, like the street that you have heard of but never been on.
ATLien23x
December 13th, 2012
3:03 pm
Sportsnut- Have you ever took the time to think maybe YOU’RE the one not thinking objectively?
You’re from Lovejoy and that’s YOUR team!
I’m not from Norcross and i have no ties to that program whatsoever. Neither do Colquitt fans or Camden fans and a lot of them have posted they believe Norcross will win state. ESPN and the rest of the country obviously feels that way as well, with Norcross being ranked in the country and Lovejoy barely cracking the state’s top ten.
Take a moment and think it through rationally. Winning 38 games against CUPCAKES isn’t impressive. The 3 losses you have are against the good teams. Think about it, my brother
ATLien23x
December 13th, 2012
3:08 pm
Could my team beat Lovejoy? No, they would not beat Lovejoy. But i’m also not sitting here saying that my team is the best in state and has the best defense… That would be you…
Who are the D1 recruits for Lovejoy? I come up with only 2, with the RB and WR going to Tech…
ATLien23x
December 13th, 2012
3:11 pm
Lovejoy sang the same praises last year when they reached the final and i bought it, i really did. I was telling my dad to watch this “awesome’ Lovejoy defense…
I won’t make that same mistake twice
sportsnut
December 13th, 2012
4:14 pm
All those fans you mentioned talked about being where Lovejoy is. They are not. ESPN and the rest of the country thought highly of Grayson too, didn’t they ? Lowndes, Colquit, Lassiter, West Forsyth, should I go on ? On the subject of the 3 losses, one was because of the “Big Head”. They were young and learned a lesson from that. Loss #2, was in the Championship game. Loss # 3 was to a team that was nationally ranked and a co-favorite to win it all this season. They are not around.
Part 2 == I am sitting here saying those things because they are true. Recruits. Fuller, Beasley, Johmson, Robinson, Ramos, Norwood, Bennifield, Fields, Jackson, Custis, Davis, Brown, Roberson, El, Brown, J. Walker, and the list could grow.
Part 3 == You jumped ship before you were sure it was just a leak or a massive hole. It was just a small leak. Tell your dad he can watch now. You see, you don’t know anything abvout Lovejoy. You talk about the schedule. Let me show you the playopff run the last 2 years. Upson-Lee
Ware Co.
Kell,
Warner Robins
Tri-Cities
Marietta
North Gwinnett
North Cobb,
were those teams creampuffs ? Lost to Glynn Academy7-6
Lost to Tucker 22-7
Lost to Colquit 14-7.
topper
December 13th, 2012
4:57 pm
sportsnut – The one thing I can say with confidence is that if your boys fall behind this Norcross team 21-7 you will not win! I believe Lovejoy can win but having seen Norcross in person this will be no easy task. Good luck to all teams playing in the dome this weekend you can color this Camden fan as jealous of you.
sportsnut
December 13th, 2012
5:10 pm
Thanks topper. I don’t think we have to worry about falling behind like that again. If it does happen, Lovejoy knows how to play from behind. It was not a regular thing , playing from behind but it can be done by this team. Everyone in the state knows that now.
LHSAlum33
December 13th, 2012
7:06 pm
Alien: And the other big tall 6”6″ 245 4.60 40 running wide out is going to Auburn, and Alien, you made a good point, why hasn’t anyone heard of Custis? Georgia Tech STOLE Custis honestly! If he wouldn’t have committed his Junior season, there’s no telling where he would end up at. Just like Kamara, UGA is trying to get him, Alabama, Wisconsin, Miami, and a HOST of other schools, but that’s because they’ve gotten that exposure after last year. Think about it, Norcross has ALWAYS been in the spotlight, they have a GREAT athletic program all-around. They are familiar to the national spotlight especially due to basketball, but this Lovejoy team has that chip, NORCROSS does not, That’s honestly the difference, I’m not saying that Norcross won’t show up I’m just saying I think Lovejoy may want it a little bit more. Also, stop talking about who played who because at the end of the day NG beat Colquitt and we beat NG. You’ve NEVER mentioned that but hey it’s the first 3 weeks of the season, they don’t matter anymore. I can say how Peachtree Ridge put up 41 and held them to 14 last season since our 3 losses are brought up but hey, that doesn’t matter, what matters is Lovejoy will be recognized after this weekend. We gave up 42 last week, I PROMISE YOU that won’t happen. All the post will consist of “I didn’t think they were that good” “That’s a good Lovejoy team!” “No reason to hang your heads Norcross, you had a good season!” And last year was last year, and you talk about the defense. yeah, we took a L, from a team that avg 42 points and over 400 yards of offense and held them to 22 and less than 300 yards. We lost because of Offense last year, point blank period. That won’t happen this year, our offense is MUCH better and that Norcross defense is no where near as good as Tucker’s Defense was!
ATLien23x
December 13th, 2012
8:36 pm
If Lovejoy loses will you guys do the same? that’s what i wanna know
Will you eat your words and admit you were wrong? Because i know i’ll do the same if the 6A title goes back to Clayton County. I will admit i was wrong and sleep damn good that night. I have no ties to the school and it really doesn’t affect my life in anyway
ATLien23x
December 13th, 2012
8:39 pm
Sportsnut- Only 3 of the people you’ve mentioned are D1 recruits… Your point wasn’t made at all, all you did was name a bunch of the kids on the team lol
The Cross
December 13th, 2012
10:29 pm
LHS-Lovejoy wants it more. How did you come up with that theory. However you came up with it is flawed. This is the State Championship…want will not come into play I can assure you, there will be no lack of WANT on either side. The game comes down to execution and if Nocross can take advantage of your vulnerability and vice versa. I have been at practice all week and Norcross has a great game plan and if executed will seal the fate of your Cats. There are a quite of few spots on your defense that are weak and your schemes are big risk big reward type defenses. I believe that is fine against weaker opponents but a team like Norcross will take advantage. Norcross wins 42-24.
The Cross
sportsnut
December 13th, 2012
10:59 pm
@ Alien == As I said before, you know very little about Lovejoy. A bunch of the kid’s on the team are D-1 recruits. This may be a little hard for you to understand but that is simply the truth. You need to ask around. This is the most athletic, physically gifted team in Georgia and possibly in the nation, position by position. Stop taking the word of the homers and ask the people who do this for a living. Get an honest opinion from someone that has no dog in the fight.
@ The Cross == You know the truth. Norcross just does not have enough. Aside from the fact that the Cat’s will want it more, you don’t have enough ! It will become clear very early as to who want’s it and who is trying to save face.
The Cross
December 13th, 2012
11:59 pm
Sportsnut-I do know the truth and the truth is that Norcross has the best football team in this state and arguably the nation.
Lovejoy will meet their match athletically and will be beaten by a better coached, more disciplined offense and defense. You might love that defense but it has a ton of weaknesses and holes. Remember I said it. Norcross hangs a minimum of 42 on that high risk D you play.
Norcross will score on at least two big plays and methodically drive for four more.
Norcross 42 Lovejoy 24
The Cross
lovejoy#1
December 14th, 2012
12:06 am
@The Cross: North Cobb came scoring and average of 42 points a game ask them how that average worked out for them.
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
12:54 am
They scored 42…. So they met their average? dumb people i swear lo
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
12:56 am
Lovejoy defense has MAJOR holes in their game and will be exploited this Saturday. And their offense has put up points a really good defense all year… Once again, played two good defenses and didn’t put up a combined 30 points against them
Best team in the nation? hahahahahahaha
lovejoy#1
December 14th, 2012
2:38 am
Atlien23x I didn’t say that they didn’t get they’re average.My question to you was WHERE ARE THEY. Sometimes your average may just not be enough. Also i don”t know if you travel. But best team in the Nation Is A real Stretch. I know several teams in Alabama, Fla, Texas, Cali, Lovejoy That Norcross wouldn’t stand a chance with. Love your team But don’t be Crazy…. Best Team In The Nation (That’s Funny).
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
2:49 am
When did i say Norcross was the best team in the nation? That would be sportsnut saying that about Lovejoy… Funny as hell, i know hahahaha
Love_Crossed
December 14th, 2012
5:32 am
The Cross said it: (”…..Norcross has the best football team in this state and arguably the nation…”)
Don’t know if I believe all that, but they are smoking good that’s for sure. I look forward to seeing this quality matchup.
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
6:51 am
Lovejoy#2-You are not very bright are you? North Cobb hit their avg bit couldn’t ply enough D to win. NC had 6 turnovers and still scored 42.
As far as my statement about” the best team in state and arguably the nation” …Norcross is currently ranked #3 Nationally in the iBN poll and is mentioned as the possible National Champion if DeSota out of Texas were to get beat this weekend and Norcross beats Lovejoy. Norcross is also ranked top ten in MaxPreps. I guess you know more about High School Football in Clayton County than these experts? Do us all a favor and quit being a moron. Remember it is better to remain silent and appear ignorant than to open your mouth and remove all possible doubt.
The Cross
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
7:20 am
Lovejoy#2- Here is the link to the National poll on iBN. click on the December 11 show “iBN Primetime iBN 50 week 17″ and go to the 2:30 mark for the top ten. I guess you guys know more than there national pollsters. I hear Norcross being mentioned as possible National Champions but it’s funny that they don’t mention Lovejoy not even in the top 50. I wish you were it would help our strength of schedule. Here you go:
http://www.ibnsports.com/
The Cross
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
7:31 am
For all of you that don’t know, Georgia is a top ranked high school football state…the best team in Georgia usually gets mentioned in the national picture. I am sorry if that message does not get down to Clayton County but it is a fact nonetheless.
WAKE UP Lovejoy fans…this is the Big Time. At least act like you know where you are.
The Cross
LHSAlum33
December 14th, 2012
7:40 am
The Cross: The experts don’t know much, they can’t keep up with EVERY school in the nation. Norcross has had the national attention in the past already. I honestly think that the “experts” are wrong about Lovejoy. Regardless of the schedule, LJ’s numbers get put up in the FIRST half PERIOD. I don’t care who you are playing, that show’s superiority. Norcross D is not good enough to stop LJ and if you think they are going to hold them to 24, you will be in for a shock.
Alien: Yes, I’ll be on this post saying I was wrong, the championship post, and whatever other post because I did the same last year. The difference this year is I’ll be saying, FINALLY!
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
7:43 am
When has Norcross EVER had national attention in the past??
Talking out of your ass again….
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
7:46 am
The experts don’t know much? you’re right… it’s not like they get paid to do that for a living or anything…
I seriously wouldn’t be surprised if Sportsnut is writing every comment for Lovejoy under different names
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
7:55 am
It’s hard to reason with idiots. Well at least they saved tax money on the busses down there at Lovejoy because they didn’t have to by the big bus only the short ones.
The Cross
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
8:04 am
It should say but… Typing from my iPhone.
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
8:05 am
“Buy”…..damn iPhone!
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
8:07 am
Lovejoy=”special”
FridayNightLightsFan
December 14th, 2012
8:12 am
Norcross 42 Lovejoy 17 and they are still not a top 5 team in the state.
LhsAlum33
December 14th, 2012
9:09 am
Alien: I didn’t say Norcross Football, I said Norcross! They were in the top 25 of basketball ball schools for three years in a row! That’s NATIONAL EXPOSURE.
The Cross: No, they are “experts” because they give there opinion. They don’t go out to schools and evaluate talent unless it’s mentioned! Norcross wasn’t even in the top 10 in the STATE at the beginning of the year so the experts didn’t see that come. If they are experts how come they didn’t know much about Kamara?! How come they couldn’t predict LJ to be back in the finals? these are experts now right? Experts are just people paid to give opinions.
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
9:16 am
Norcross 35-21
The game won’t be as close as the score indicates
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
9:29 am
EVERYONE and their mama knew about Kamara before this year even started…
Once again, talk talk talk with no facts or valid points
Nobody knows who Custis is unless you live in Georgia and follow high school football closely
But EVERYBODY knows Kamara… Come on man, even Autry, Kamara’s back up, is way more sought after than Custis
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
9:33 am
You can argue it’s the exposure all you want, but it really just comes down to the fact that Lovejoy doesn’t have the players big colleges want. They want REAL TALENT, and sadly, LJ doesn’t have anything but a bunch of great high school football players who will bag groceries at Kroger after their senior year in high school.
Sorry man, it’s true
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
9:39 am
LHS-You are right they are just opinions. Just like your uninformed, uneducated opinion. The fact remains that Norcross is in all of the national polls for one reason…they are very very good. You guys will see tomorrow that Luella didn’t prepare you for the buzz saw that you are getting ready to walk into.
The Cross
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
10:39 am
Sportsnut- If I were you I would mandate that you are the only one that can post for Lovejoy. The rest of your fan base on here have the intellectual horsepower of a rock. What a bunch of dimwits.
The Cross
lhsalum33
December 14th, 2012
12:03 pm
No one knew about Custis but he committed as a Junior. Ramos played two years of High School ball and is going to play D-1! How is my opinion uneducated? What have I said that was not true? Before I post, I check what I say, so how is it uninformed? Everything I type can be checked. Kamara had a 1,300 yard 17 TD season which was good, but EVERYONE didn’t know about Kamara unless you were in North Atlanta. While LJ was playing in the Dome, Norcross was home because they had a mediocre season and lost to mediocre Dacula team! Anything is said was wrong so far? NO? You only state opinions, you THINK Kamara is better than Custis, you THINK Norcross QB is better than Bennifield, you THINK your defense can contain Lovejoy’s offense. I’m telling you how it is Norcross is good but LJ is underrated but we have 32 hours left and you’ll see for yourself.
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
1:20 pm
lhsalum-Don’t they limit your computer use at the looney bin? Be a good little boy and take your meds…this will all be over soon enough and your Cats will be known as the Buffalo Bills of the GHSA.
The Cross
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
1:22 pm
As it relates to Kamara he was ranked as the top ranked running back for the state after his junior year. Everyone who is someone knew him. That would preclude you lhsalum.
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
1:26 pm
Clayton County public school system… Come on, Cross! you know they lost their accreditation. Don’t blame them for their mistakes. it’s how they are raised down there
ATLien23x
December 14th, 2012
1:28 pm
Custis committed as a junior because it was Georgia Tech… haha
Beggers can’t be choosers
The Cross
December 14th, 2012
5:33 pm
lhsalum-Peachtree Ridge??? Kamara had 180 total yards from scrimmage and 2 TD’s in 2.5 quarters. Also Peachtree Ridge would give Lovejoy all they want. Ridge definitely comes second in your region if not first. Two bets for tomorrow…Kamara out plays Custis and Wilber outplays whoever your QB is…gotta admit he wasn’t even impressive enough for me to look up his name. One more bet…Lovejoy gets a minimum of 3 personal fouls and 1 unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Cross
Norcrossboss
December 14th, 2012
10:07 pm
Enter your comments here
Norcrossboss
December 14th, 2012
10:08 pm
One more day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!