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.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
99 comments Add your comment
Dudeburger
December 8th, 2012
9:29 am
Good luck to Ridgeland. They only beat Marist by a “foot.”
Tom
December 8th, 2012
1:31 pm
Too bad the ajc won’t report on the real issue here… the recruiting by Sandy Creek. But, just like with Milton, eventually they will get caught. And no, I am not a rival fan. And yes, I have FIRSTHAND knowledge that this has happened multiply times and continues to go on.
Patriots
December 8th, 2012
1:32 pm
Let’s go Creek!! We need to bring home State Title #3!!!
First Down "Creeeekkk"
December 8th, 2012
2:18 pm
@Tom: Creek won the title in 2009 and 2010 and was ranked #1 most of 2011. If we were cheating (or recruiting), other coaches in Fayette County (Creek is the only school in Fayette to win a state football title and go undefeated in a season to the envy of the bigger schools in the county) and elsewhere would have blown the whsitle. If you have proof, turn us in! Otherwise, go find some cheese to go with that “whine”!!
Dade County
December 8th, 2012
2:19 pm
Just because Ridgeland isn’t in the Atlanta area, doesn’t mean they aren’t good. They’re only loss was to Calhoun and they could have won that game.
Patriot Power
December 8th, 2012
2:45 pm
Recruiting . . . sigh . . . seriously, that old canard? If you have FIRSTHAND knowledge, why are you merely posting it in an AJC blog? Because it will add some gravitas to your post? Why are you not reporting it to the GHSA? Oh, don’t tantalize us with the generic charge of recruiting, please be specific and name names.
That being said, I look forward to a great game with Ridgeland (who ironically is also accused of recruiting). They will bring a big crowd to the Dome, and we will bring the jugs. Together we should rock that place out!
First Down "Creeeekkk"
December 8th, 2012
3:56 pm
@Patirot Power: You and I agree completely on the recruiting accusation – if there is proof, formal complaints need to be filed with the GHSA and they will investigate. Otherwise, the accusations and speculation without proof is unfair to the efforts and preparation by Creeks players and coaches. And that’s too bad for those who have an issue with SC’s success!
Catch you after the game at the Dome Saturday night Patriot Power! Should be a good one. Check out Ridgeland on line. They have a very good offense and they run that GT spread option. Creek will have to be disciplined on D.
David Purdum
December 8th, 2012
4:24 pm
Tom: I’m a high school writer for the AJC, who reported on the Milton investigations. Please email me at your convenience. dpurdum@ajc.com
YELLERJACKETZ1
December 8th, 2012
5:32 pm
GO RIDGELAND FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT CALHOUN I PLAN ON BEING ON YOUR SIDELINES AFTER THE CALHOUN GAME.HEY TOM YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE LIKE YOU NEED TO TAKE ALL OF THAT TRASH-TALK SOMEWHERE ELSE,THESE BLOGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT H.S. SPORTS NOT A BUNCH OF WANNA -BE WHISTE-BLOWERS ! GET A LIFE !!!GOOD LUCK TO THE CREEK ALSO AND ALL OF THE TEAMS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Patriot Power
December 8th, 2012
5:51 pm
Ridgeland fans! We want you to empty out Rossville next Saturday. We will empty out Tyrone and part of Fayetteville and Peachtree City. Let’s pack the Dome and have the most raucous crowd ever.
Stinger63
December 8th, 2012
6:10 pm
Just because a kid transfers into a different school district doesn’t automatically mean he was recruited. Kids all over the state transfer for one reason or another.
I read an article early in the season that listed how many kids (that are atheletes) had transfered into new school districts, may have been here on the AJC, but can’t remember. It happens everywhere, and not just at Calhoun, Ridgeland, Sandy Creek, Buford, etc.
I agree with the others; if you have proof of wrong-doing, report it to GHSA. Then we can all read about it when it’s reported as FACTS, and not just hear-say.
Woodpecker
December 8th, 2012
9:59 pm
Stop hating on the Creek. Ridgeland you’re up next.
Woodpecker
December 8th, 2012
10:10 pm
Sandy Creek will win by a least 3 touchdowns.
Woodpecker
December 8th, 2012
10:31 pm
Just finished watching the Marist-Ridgeland game. Ridgeland have a very good offense, but it will never work against Sandy Creek’s defense. Sandy Creek defensive line is to strong for the run and their linebackers and defensive backs are very fast against the run. A halfback pass will never have a chance to develop against this defense.
DPANTHERS
December 8th, 2012
11:03 pm
LET’S GO RIDGELAND PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Show Sandy Creek and the rest of the State that your not a push over team. GO PANTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patriot Power
December 8th, 2012
11:07 pm
Ridgeland is no pushover. The have a big OL and couple of awesome running backs. You don’t get to the finals without being good. Their only loss was to Calhoun, the best team in AA. Defense will definitely need to be on point.
PantherMom
December 9th, 2012
5:22 am
One would think that a lot of you guys were not real Fans of Football. This is the Post Season, The Playoffs, The Championship where all stats, history and the predictions go out the window! This is like a new season in the same season! You guys know what Im trying to say! Good Luck to Ridgeland and Sandy Creek. May the Best Team Win in the Ga Dome, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012! If thats Ridgeland I will probably Faint, but if not I will hope that the Panther Nation will walk out of there as Proud of our team as I will be! Anywho, see you all in the Dome! Go Panthers!!!!!
Trojan94
December 9th, 2012
6:48 am
People need to stop all this recruiting talk, the only talk these teams and there fans need to be talking about is winning a state championship all that other talk is coming from people who follow crappy teams or who teams are out the playoffs and they are still sour about it. Good luck to both teams and i’ll see yall at the dome.
Clarence Voyant
December 9th, 2012
7:51 am
At least we don’t have to worry about the lack of seating at this game!
That Dude Says...
December 9th, 2012
8:46 am
People who say Sandy Creek recruit are flat out IGNORANT. Sandy Creek has always had talent ever since the doors opened. The first graduating class at SCHS was in 1994. The 1997 class had AJC Super 11 pick Jabari Holloway. Holloway went on to play at Notre Dame and eventually for a little bit with the Patriots and Texans. The big difference between now and then is Sandy Creek has built a program and has GREAT coaching.
First Down Creek!!!!
December 9th, 2012
10:10 am
I’m so happy to see that Ridgeland is a run oriented team. They will have very little success trying to run against Sandy Creek. Vonn Bell checking Kitt may be fun to see, but we have several very good wideouts. We are also the fastest team on both sides of the ball that Ridgeland will ever face.
44-7 Sandy Creek.
Patriot Power
December 9th, 2012
12:08 pm
No predictions from me. Anything can happen in one game. We have to bring our A-game.
Jacketaxe
December 9th, 2012
4:32 pm
I agree Ridgeland could have beat Calhoun, but as it turned out Calhoun had out scored them when the game ended,but they could have won…I guess Dade as something there.
Good luck Ridgeland shock the world.
Monroe's First Redcoat
December 9th, 2012
8:35 pm
Belated congratulations to Sandy Creek in downing my Hurricanes. lot of underclassmen at Monroe, so keep ‘em buckled tight, boys. We’ll be back….
good luck at the Dome…
FCFB
December 10th, 2012
9:01 am
LOOKING FOWARD TO A VERY WELL PLAYED GAME FROM BOTH TEAMS…SHOULD BE FUN…GOOD LUCK TO BOTH TEAMS. CANT WAIT.
buzz
December 10th, 2012
10:12 am
@Tom….your post reeks of jealousy. You sound like you are 5 years old. This is is the problem with our society. Everyone always has an excuse. No one ever wants to step up, admit they were beat and figure out a way to win themselves. Look at Calhoun. They had to figure out a way to beat one of the best programs in Georgia in Buford. It took four tries, but had they made excuses after the first try when they got waxed, they never would have beat Buford last year.
As someone else said, it is not surprising that Ridgeland, Carrollton, Buford, Gainesville, Calhoun, Sandy Creek and others are accused of recruiting. They have one thing in common: they win and win alot. Tom, whatever school you are at doesn’t and you want to make excuses.
I will eat my words if you cough up some details, names, etc. Until then, be sure to keep the tissues handy for all of your crying.
PANTHERMOM56
December 10th, 2012
11:08 am
We are so excited as a Ridgeland family and community to be making our first appearance at the Dome. The Calhoun game was a nailbiter all the way to the end! The team with the ball last won! However, we’ll be there supporting the Yellow Jackets, hope ya’ll will stick around to support the Panthers. It’s going to be a great game!
Sappdog
December 10th, 2012
11:52 am
Let me first say that I don’t have a dog in the fight. Creek will win and you can bet on it. Everyone is bragging about their offense and deservidly so. Defense wins championships and they have a great one. They will stop the Wing T with no problem. Ridgeland will have a have a great passing game to keep it close. And about the recruiting thing, if a program is successful like Creek, Ridgland or Carrollton then naturally good football players want to go there along with their parents. If I had a kid that has a promising College carrier and there was a chance to be on a good team that would get him noticed more, I would relocate for him. It is a no brainer.
hornblowermg
December 10th, 2012
12:33 pm
football is simply blocking, tackling, and the disciplined execution of both. the teams from this part of the state used to handle the atlanta bunch regularly, and the team that executes the best friday night will be state champions. i promise you folks that Ridgeland will be well-rehearsed, and the team will perform in the great traditions of Chattanooga Valley and Rossville. see you there.
Stinger63
December 10th, 2012
12:57 pm
@ Panther Fan and PantherMom56; Thanks for the support, and you can bet there will be plenty of Calhoun Fans stay and support Ridgeland. I’m looking forward to seeing that high-octane Ridgeland Offense again. As others have mentioned, the Ridgeland/Calhoun game was a knock-down, drag-out slugfest. Either team could have won that game. I was most impressed how neither team quit, and kept coming back at each other till the end. Looking back at that game, we can see how much each team benefited from being in that type of game so early in the season.
UGA
December 10th, 2012
1:05 pm
Trust me ridgeland hasnt seen anything close to sandycreek. Sandycreeks advantage outside of bieng well coached and talented. Is that they played carrollton who runs the same offense probably with more talent. Marist had to beat carrollton in 5 overtimes at home. Sandycreek is familiar with the wing -t. Ridgeland need to worry bout stopping Sandycreek. P.S CREEK U BETTER WIN IT THIS YEAR. CAUSE YALL GOTTA TO COME TO GRISHAM STADIUM IN CARROLLTON GA. NEXT YEAR. AND THEM TROJANS BRINGING EVERYBODY BACK!!!
UGA
December 10th, 2012
1:07 pm
OH YEAH. CALHOUN GOT LUCKY AND BEAT CARROLLTON ON A MUFFED KICKOFF WITH 2MINS LEFT. SANDY CREEK 31 RIDGELAND 7
1bighammer
December 10th, 2012
1:38 pm
Congrats to my Patriots and to the Panthers from Ridgeland! You’re the last two standing and may the best team win! Of course I think it will be my Sandy Creek Patriots, your opinion may differ. Lets not let the comments of this week fall below the belt and into the realm of some weeks past. Both Sandy Creek and Ridgeland have accomplished great things and both DESERVE to be where we are now. The fans needn’t cheapen the experience by downgrading each other. Lets keep it civil and praise our young men and coaches for what they have accomplished.
Good Luck to all and GO CREEEEEEEEEEEK!
PANTHERMOM56
December 10th, 2012
1:42 pm
Sounds like UGA is a gilted Carrollton fan? Maybe next year? Talk is cheap, it’s what happens on the field that counts! The Panthers have been the underdogs throughout the playoffs, but guess what? We’re going to the DOME!!
GTVET
December 10th, 2012
2:02 pm
Well…I guess Ridgeland should just stay home.Seems all these football wizards know exactly what’s going to happen.Bet the farm.NO WAY Panthers win.Geeze……..Ridgeland ,I wouldn’t worry to much with all this CREEK stuff.I know Sandy Creek is a very good football team,but so is Ridgeland and it will be a very good and in my opinion a pretty close game.I don’t care who Ridgeland plays,No one is going to shut there offense down.Ain’t gonna happen….BUT while were just guessing outcomes of games that we don’t really know…Ridgeland 28……….Sandy Creek 24………………….Calhoun 38………Jefferson 17……….GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!………….Sic um Panthers,Calhoun area has your back…..
GTVET
December 10th, 2012
2:06 pm
@ uga…….Yea Calhoun football is all about luck…..Good Lord.
Walker
December 10th, 2012
2:18 pm
Hope these guys are all Bulldogs so we can continue toread about them in the future. When they go out of State we don’t get to follow their play and growth as players. Go Dawgs
buzz
December 10th, 2012
2:45 pm
@UGA….you are right, Carrollton does have a ton coming back but so does the Creek. Check our roster. Blame losing the Calhoun game all you want on a kick or whatever but being as good as you guys thought you were, a AA school shoudl not have been able to hang with you, period. Not offense to Calhoun because I cheer for those guys EVERY week!
@GTVET….you might want to rethink your bit about no one being able to shut down the Ridgeland offense. SC defense has heard this story all season long. Yet every offense has struggled, even Burke Co. Come Saturday at 8:30 pm, don’t say I didn’t warn you when Ridgeland squeaks out 7-10 points.
GTVET
December 10th, 2012
2:45 pm
LOL well I wouldnt go that far Walker..BUT if they aren’t Jackets at the next level I would rather they play ball somewhere in Georgia ,even uga,than go out of state.Georgia loses wayyyyy too many kids in all sports to out of state schools.HUGE problem for GT,UGA and others……Speaking of the others,Ga.Southern did a heck of a job getting back into and then beating Old Diminion last. Sat.Go GSU
GTVET
December 10th, 2012
2:50 pm
I hear ya buzz,and I’ve also heard throughout the playoffs of how Ridgeland would be shut down.Hasn’t happened yet,but as they say..You never know….either way,GO Calhoun!!!!!!!!!!!
buzz
December 10th, 2012
3:27 pm
@GTVET….at least we can agree on wanting Calhount to win!
GTVET
December 10th, 2012
3:35 pm
Enter your comments here
GTVET
December 10th, 2012
3:36 pm
@ buzz…Roger that….got my learning there many years ago…….
Simple
December 10th, 2012
3:36 pm
Let me put it in terms that you carpet making fans can understand…….Sandy Creek will beat Ridgeland like a rented mule!!!
SGT CHRIS
December 10th, 2012
3:52 pm
One reason I THINK Sandy Creek will win, is because I’m sure Bell isnt the only TWO WAY player for Ridgeland. I think the Creek will simply wear down Ridgeland.
Simple
December 10th, 2012
3:53 pm
Speaking of mule’s……..was Calhoun able to acquire a new mule or were both the Driver’s Ed and Sex Ed classes cancelled until said mule is replaced?
First Down Creek!!!!
December 10th, 2012
4:03 pm
I have no bad feelings about Ridgeland. I believe they have had a great season and exceeded all expectations, but I don’t see where they have played a team as good as Sandy Creek. While it’s true that anything can possibly go wrong during the course of a game, it would be a stretch for me to factor in all that would have to happen to have Ridgeland come out of this game as the champs. The Panthers aren’t just facing the #1 offense, they are also facing the #1 defense and I hate to beat a dead horse, but the wing t won’t work against Sandy Creek. Halfback pass will be well defended. Anyway, congrats to Ridgeland…Very good school with great fans and I’m glad to see that they have reached the top level of Georgia High school football….But let the milk jug idea go. That’s a Sandy Creek thing and it will show on Saturday
Woodpecker
December 10th, 2012
4:14 pm
@GTVET…. I watch the Ridgeland/Marist game and that game could have went either way. One thing that you don’t do is run Sandy Creek. I admire the fact that you are supporting your team, but let’s be realistic Ridgeland over Sandy Creek not going to happen. Sandy Creek is going to shut that Wing-T down so fast your head is going to spend. Sandy Creek has a while discipline defense in which the d-line will live in the backfield. Sandy Creek DB’s and LB’s give the best run support in the state.
Go Creeeeeeeeeeek!!!!!!!!!!
Simpleton
December 10th, 2012
5:41 pm
Apparently English grammar is foreign to Sandy Crik (sp.) fans such as Woody Woodpecker.
DownByTheCreek
December 10th, 2012
5:50 pm
@Simpleton… What’s your problem?
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