Questions to mull about the AAAA final
Ridgeland defensive back Vonn Bell is one of two Super 11 players still playing — Dooly County’s Montravius Adams is the other — and he and his teammates get the task of defending the state’s most balanced offense. Bell defending against Sandy Creek’s Demarre Kitt could be one of the best individual matchups of the state finals.
Here are a handful of questions to consider leading up to the Class AAAA state championship between 13-1 Ridgeland and 14-0 Sandy Creek:
Which poison will Ridgeland pick? Stopping the Sandy Creek running game or stopping Sandy Creek passing game. The Patriots sport a 2,000-yard passer in quarterback Cole Garvin, who completed 12 of 16 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown Friday night against Monroe Area. They also have a 1,000-yard receiver (Demarre Kitt) and two 1,000-yard running backs (Eric Swinney and Delvin Weems). All that has translated to a team that averages 43.9 points per game.
How will Sandy Creek’s defense fare against Darrell Bridges and Vonn Bell? Ridgeland runs the ball. And then they run it some more. Bridges, the fullback in the Panthers’ wing-T scheme, has nearly 2,300 rushing yards and has scored 39 touchdowns. Bell, who lines up as a halfback, has over 1,000 rushing. Bridges also brings an x-factor – a former quarterback, he can throw. Friday night against Marist, he had more than 100 yards passing on halfback passes. Ridgeland averages 42.1 points per game. On the other hand, Sandy Creek held Monroe Area to 117 total yards Friday night, and the best wing-T team they’ve faced — Carrollton — managed just over 100 yards.
Will it be a shootout or a defensive struggle? The offensive numbers for both teams point toward shootout. Ridgeland had scored 35 points or more in every game until Friday night. A similar scenario was in play for the 2010 AAA final, when high-octane Sandy Creek faced high-octane Carrollton, but it turned into a defensive slugfest, which Sandy Creek won 14-7.
How will Ridgeland respond to the spotlight? Sandy Creek has been here before. The Patriots are going for their third state title in four years and have won 55 of 57 games in that time. While this year marked the seventh straight playoff appearance for Ridgeland, the Panthers will be in a completely new environment in the Georgia Dome.
How will the kickers do? Both Sandy Creek’s Mitchell McMillin and Ridgeland’s Evan Courtney are solid, but the only pressure kick either has attempted this season was Courtney’s last extra point Friday night that provided the margin in a 28-27 win over Marist.
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99 comments Add your comment
Stone
December 10th, 2012
6:04 pm
@Simpleton…who cares? Can you comment on Woodpecker’s comment about football? And we really dont want to have a conversation about education…Fayette County is one of the top in georgia…see link below…Lets keep talking football and keep the classroom out of it because SC is winning in that category…Im just saying.
http://www.schooldigger.com/go/GA/schoolrank.aspx?level=3&pagetype=top10
Stone
December 10th, 2012
6:10 pm
Hey SC should play Calhoun…They beat Carrollton, Burke and Ridgeland…I guess we will follow the footsteps and put one more foot where Calhoun left it…Go Creeeeeeeeeek!!
Simpleton
December 10th, 2012
6:11 pm
Sandy Crik is Clayton County west…..Don’t try and take credit for Peachtree City and Fayetteville educational performance. Maybe you will win the football game but I will take the under on Sandy Crik in the spelling bowl.
Stone
December 10th, 2012
6:13 pm
oops..sorry they didnt play Burke….but there is still a path…
Eddie Jones
December 10th, 2012
6:18 pm
Sounds like Sandy Creek is worried,Thats why you all are talking so much.Ridgeland will show up,Notice the Panthers are not trash talking.Their actions will speak for them.This team swarms to the ball on defense,The offense ,They strike quick and often.God Bless both of these talented teams
Panthers are beast,’Left Side Strong Side’ all ways Remember the Panthers.
Stone
December 10th, 2012
6:19 pm
You sound very ignorant…but that’s ok….you can drive to Clayton County and look for Sandy Creek…I guess that explains your county…
BTW…they only thing Clayton County and SC will have this year that you dont is a 2012 Champion…..Go Creeeek
Stone
December 10th, 2012
6:22 pm
@Eddie Jones..Not sure who you think is worried but if that pumps you up..go for it..I agree that both teams be Bless because both teams, coaches and community worked hard to get there and any team that made it to the playoff gets hats off from me…
Eddie Jones
December 10th, 2012
6:24 pm
you all want have anything to say after the game,Except We underestimated this team.Be nice or Ridgeland want sign your football for you.Creak or is it Creek whatever it dont matter.
Eddie Jones
December 10th, 2012
6:27 pm
Yall get way to serious,Good luck to both teams.All you guys deserve to be where your at.
Stone
December 10th, 2012
6:33 pm
@Eddie Jones…Trust me we will have plenty to say one way or the other after the game….I look forward to hearing from Ridgeland and we will see who signs footballs…
Eddie Jones
December 10th, 2012
6:39 pm
I think it will be a great football game with two class act teams loaded with talent,Playing their
hearts out.No offence intended,I pray for the safety of each player,and their families.
Eddie Jones
December 10th, 2012
6:42 pm
Stone,You have a great Christmas.Like I said I meant no disrespect to no one.Sorry If I came
off like that.
DPANTHERS
December 10th, 2012
10:31 pm
Just sounds so Great to Hear all the Creek Fans dis on Ridgeland’s Offense. But keep adding fuel to Ridgeland’s fire. You act like Ridgeland doesn’t have a chance in this game to win. But Ridgeland is thriving on the role of David verus Golitah. LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patriot Power
December 10th, 2012
10:52 pm
Sandy Creek’s EOCT pass rates are as high as or higher than any other school in the county. We have made AYP every year since that standard has been in existence, just every other school in Fayette County. Our SAT scores are lower than McIntosh or Starr’s Mill, but that has more to do with demographics than the academic quality of the school.
First Down Creek!!!!
December 10th, 2012
11:14 pm
Ironic that Monroe Area said they had five stones for Sandy Creek last week.
YELLERJACKETZ1
December 10th, 2012
11:18 pm
SIMPLE THIS RIDGELAND TEAM IS NOT LIKE CARROLTONS THEY WILL NOT GET TIRED THEY HIT HARD AND THEY HAVE STRENGTH AND SPEED AT EVERY POSITION GET READY FOR A WAR CREEK! SIK- EM- PANTHERS!
YELLERJACKETZ1
December 10th, 2012
11:20 pm
GO CALHOUN BACK-2-BACK
First Down Creek!!!!
December 10th, 2012
11:33 pm
Its not about getting tired as much as it will be about getting discouraged. When they see their wing t doesn’t work they will lose confidence.
Jay Stone
December 10th, 2012
11:54 pm
FWIW, Stone is no relation to me.
Also FWIW, while Carrollton runs a similar scheme, Ridgeland has four backs that could probably start at most schools. I mentioned Vonn Bell defending Sandy Creek’s Demarre Kitt. Here’s another potentially fun matchup: Sandy Creek’s Shaq Wiggins against Bell, who is averaging nearly 35 yards per catch. Ridgeland doesn’t throw much, but they hit big plays with it.
Simpleton
December 11th, 2012
8:31 am
How are those test scores for the Crik, Stoned? Guess they are a drag on the rest of the counties scores, aren’t they? Hence the Clayco comparison but of course you would not understand that now would ya?
ATLANTA SPORTS FAN
December 11th, 2012
11:30 am
TOM IS A FOOL THIS IS HIGH SCHOOL NOT THE SEC COMON MAN
bear fan
December 11th, 2012
11:52 am
correct me if i am wrong but i believe burke co only team to lead sc in 4th quarter but we got careless in last few minutes of game can not do that with a team good as sc. you can believe me on this ridgeland will not be leading in the 4th quarter . creek takes it by at least 21 points.
Just Another Opinion
December 11th, 2012
3:33 pm
@Jay Stone: But Carrollton’s QBs also run, while Ridgeland’s does not. And I do not agree that Ridgeland’s 4th back would start for most good high school teams. Ridgeland’s QB is their weakness — he cannot really run or pass very well. If the game turns on him making some plays, Ridgeland is done. If Ridgeland can keep it close with their normal wing-T attack, they have a chance.
Stone
December 11th, 2012
3:38 pm
@SimpleSon….SC Scores are still bettter than Ridgeland….You can compare all you want the students at SC are going to do well past High School…Great name you are Simple….Lets get back to talking about the great game of Football….I respect Ridgeland and how they find a way to win football games that deserves a hats off…However, I see SC pulling away in the thrid quarter…SC 24..Ridgeland 10….Go Creek!
Stone
December 11th, 2012
3:41 pm
@Eddie Jones…Merry Christmas to you and yours as well…I mean no disrepect to you or any other reader as well…May the best team win and the other team hold their heads up as these are worthy and deserving opponents…
GTVET
December 11th, 2012
3:53 pm
@woodpecker…uhmmm sorry if it comes off like I am a Ridgeland fan…I’m from the Calhoun area,and graduated from there a long time ago.I am however pulling for Ridgeland to beat Sandy Creek.I have seen both teams play recently and I’m my opinion (which is all we have here)I really believe it will be a very close game.I know Sandy Creek has a very good football team.They are very fast ,well coached and they do HIT!!Having said that ,don’t think for a minute that Ridgeland is going to be a cakewalk.They also are very fast,well coached and HIT,not to mention BIG.I just really think this ball game will be a slobber knocker from start to finish…Close game…either way,I wish the best of luck to both teams with GREAT sportsmanship on both sides……GO CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!
Patriot Power
December 11th, 2012
4:04 pm
Dang. If we only had played some big, fast teams with good running backs this year, we might have been prepared for this game.
GTVET
December 11th, 2012
4:06 pm
have a question for anyone that may know….The ajc had a recent blog about the schools that have had back to back 15-0 Seasons…They said ..I believe…that East Rome was the first to do it,then showed the others.I am not positive but didn’t West Rome also have back to back 15-0 seasons? Like 82,83 ?let me know if you know…Thanks…
DownByTheCreek
December 11th, 2012
4:23 pm
@GTVET you meant West Rome they had back to back undefeated seasons in 82-83
http://ghsfha.org/showgamesry.php?gTeamID=West+Rome
DownByTheCreek
December 11th, 2012
4:25 pm
GTVET you also right about East Rome 1977 -78.
http://ghsfha.org/showgamesry.php?gTeamID=East+Rome
GTVET
December 11th, 2012
4:39 pm
@Down By the Creek….I knew East Rome did,just wasn’t sure about West Rome…but I thought they did…Thank you very much for the info……
GTVET
December 11th, 2012
4:43 pm
The ajc didnt list West Rome as ever having gone back to back 15-0……I think the 82 WR team was only scored on by a couple teams.Anyway thank you again down by the creek…
YELLERJACKETZ1
December 11th, 2012
9:10 pm
@SIMPLE: BACK TO THE MULES . IS THAT A PONYTAIL YOUR WEARING OR DID YOU JUST PULL YOUR FACE OUT OF THE BACKSIDE OF ONE OF THEM MULES? HAHA
Patriots
December 12th, 2012
9:24 am
@Simpleton- Get a grip! I’m from Fayette and work in Clayton. Being rude about schools and their test scores is extremely uncalled for on this blog about FOOTBALL! Sandy Creek takes pride in their academics first and foremost. Give it a rest.
quick 6
December 12th, 2012
9:47 am
ughh bad memories we [mary persons ] lost to west rome in state championship games in 82 and 84 7-6 and 14-7 respectively just a lil fyi
quick 6
December 12th, 2012
9:53 am
84 west rome team coached by rodney walker who played for mp and later coached at mp and the father of chip who is sandy creeks great coach
Just a Fan
December 12th, 2012
10:12 am
Lots of predictions here-but just looking at the records of both teams SC should be considered the heavy favorite.The way the brackets worked out this year the top 2 teams in the state played in the third round. The right side of the bracket was loaded with a number of teams that evidently were very close in ability(Carrollton,Marist&Ridgeland proved that) while no team other than Burke Co could play with SC. Anything can happen but it would be a big upset for SC to lose.
Jefferson
December 12th, 2012
1:01 pm
SC had more trouble with Dalton than they planned, Ridgeland owned Dalton. Still a big hill for Ridgeland, best bet is to stay close. 1st trip to the dome is tough when the other team has been there before.
Stone
December 12th, 2012
1:57 pm
@Jefferson….SC trouble with Dalton…Look at the problems Ridgeland had with LaGrange and what SC did to Lagrange…if you did the numbers still show that SC is better than Ridgeland…It wont be close….
quick 6
December 12th, 2012
2:30 pm
agree with just a fan but ridgeland is loaded with seniors so we will see sandy creek is just so deep with talent unreal
Donald Callahan
December 12th, 2012
2:36 pm
I guess the game should be cancelled, sandy creek(mud puddles) is the best high school football team ever. Do not worry RIDGELAND will SHOW UP?
Just a Thought
December 12th, 2012
3:01 pm
Simpleton. You are a idiot. SC test scores have been third in the county for a couple years now. In that same time frame, the school with the lowest test scores in the county would still blast most of the clayton county schools. Go to your local board of education and complain to them. If they would create a system that allows kids to be successful in the classroom and on the field, clayton would not lose kids to surrounding counties. But, they do lose kids to other counties and those counties have to fight a uphill battle with the kids because they are so far behind in school. Thank you Clayton County!!
Just a Fan
December 12th, 2012
4:36 pm
Sure they will show up and they should be proud to have achieved the honor to play in the big game. What fans are talking about are simply their take on the game. Both sides wont be right. Lets wait and see what the spread is Thursday. I based my opinion partly on Ridgeland giving up 4 tds or more in the Lagrange and Marist games-offense wins games-defense wins championships.
Jay Stone
December 12th, 2012
7:48 pm
I may be stealing Todd Holcomb’s thunder here, but a couple of notes about those West Rome teams. I’m sure it’s widely known that they won four straight state titles, going 59-1 from 1982 to 1985. Shutouts by year: 1982 — 3; 1983 — 7; 1984 — 5; 1985 — 11. They started that 1985 season with 11 straight shutouts. If memory serves me correctly, the shutout streak was broken by a fumble return for a touchdown by Central-Carrollton in the 7-AA championship game, which West Rome won 24-19.
Interesting making the connection between Chip Walker and the West Rome teams.
Donald Callahan
December 13th, 2012
5:13 pm
Has anyone seen any predictions on the sandy creek vs ridgeland game. Thanks
Donald Callahan
December 13th, 2012
5:13 pm
Has anyone seen any predictions on the sandy creek vs ridgeland game. Thanks
DownByTheCreek
December 13th, 2012
6:35 pm
Sandy Creek by 10
Jay Stone
December 13th, 2012
6:46 pm
GHSF Daily used the Maxwell prediction, which was Sandy Creek by 10. My preview stuff will post tomorrow morning. Still chewing on the prediction part of it.
DownByTheCreek
December 13th, 2012
6:48 pm
AAAA
Sandy Creek vs. Ridgeland
When, where: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Georgia Dome, Atlanta
Records, rankings: Sandy Creek is 14-0, the No. 1 seed from Region 5-AAAA and ranked No. 1; Ridgeland is 13-1, the No. 1 seed from 7-AAAA and ranked No. 9.
Last meeting: This is the teams’ first meeting.
Three things to know: 1. Ridgeland WB/DB Vonn Bell has 1,666 yards rushing and receiving and scored 21 touchdowns. RB Darrell Bridges has rushed for 2,301 yards and scored 39 touchdowns. A former quarterback, Bridges has thrown four TD passes, including two in the semifinals against Marist. OL/DL Gannon Hampton has graded out at 94 percent for the season as a blocker and made 26 tackles for losses on defense. 2. Sandy Creek has a 2,000-yard passer (Cole Garvin), two 1,000-yard rushers (sophomores Eric Swinney and Delvin Weems), a 1,000-yard receiver (Demarre Kitt), an SEC-bound lineman (Alan Knott to South Carolina) and an SEC-bound defensive back (Shaquille Wiggins to Georgia). 3. Ridgeland, which opened in 1989, is seeking its first state title, although its hometown of Rossville was a state power decades ago and won championships in 1954, 1955 and 1962. Sandy Creek, opened in 1992, is seeking its third state title in four seasons, an accomplishment achieved by only 13 schools.
Maxwell Ratings’ projection: Sandy Creek by 10