AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 17
Monday, October 17, 2005
Three questions with J.C.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1. Do the AJC rankings always have to include Valdosta?
I surmise you are a ticked off Central Gwinnett fan.
Unfortunately, I cannot reveal the AJC’s super-secret, hacker-proof formula for ranking high school football teams, the key to which is sealed in a bomb-proof vault deep in the bowels of 72 Marietta Street.
Yet, the outcome of all that ciphering can make one wonder.
For instance, the 6-2 Black Knights — who spent one week at No. 10 — have lost to Brookwood (No. 2 in AAAAA) and Buford (No. 3 in AA).
But even with magnificent running back Beau Johnson leading their charge, the resurging Black Knights — the only team to cause Brookwood to work up a sweat — are not to be found in the current AJC rankings.
Meanwhile, Valdosta (5-3) reaps gain from past glory.
The Wildcats have lost to a pair of Florida teams, along with defending AAAAA state champion and No. 3-ranked Lowndes. Still, there they are ranked No. 7 in the state by the AJC.
Like I said, I wish I could explain, but … as a reader service, I can tell you what Central can do to earn the AJC brain trust’s respect: Beat Parkview.
2. How will the Region 7-AAAAA football race play out?
For informational purposes only, of course, we see it this way:
• Dacula: The Falcons are simply too strong on both sides of the ball to stumble down the stretch, including when North Gwinnett visits Friday, and we see them marching into the Georgia Dome.
• Collins Hill: Just as the Eagles play their best, the schedule graces them. First comes a visit by humbled Peachtree Ridge, then a trip to reeling South Forsyth — teams falling by a combined 94-10 last week.
• North Gwinnett: Psssssst! Don’t look now, but the Bulldogs say they are not just another pretty offensive face, fated to fall flat come playoff time. Friday will tell if North’s defense is legit.
*• Norcross: Losses to Collins Hill and North Gwinnett haunt the Blue Devils, which will make the season-ending “Battle of Maloofs” meaningless for seeding purposes. Not so, however, for the Thanksgiving dinner table debate.
3. What about the Region 8-AAAAA football race?
For informational purposes only, of course, we see 8-AAAAA this way:
• Brookwood: The Broncos have it all, as their No. 2 ranking — and average winning margin of about 87.5 points a game — attests. But we will know Brookwood is unbeatable when, and if, the Broncos face the challenge of executing a long, late-game scoring drive to survive.
• Central Gwinnett: See answer No. 1.
• Parkview: Sometimes, a rankled former king of the hill can suck up enough chagrin to make another charge up the mountain. Other times, a rankled former king of the hill will wallow in the valley
• Berkmar: Not often does anyone view playing Meadowcreek as a must win. But that is how slippery the playoff footing remains for the Patriots, who are still trying to cement their contender status.
THEY SAID IT
“We will get back on the field and get ready. Everybody knows what they have to do.”
— Parkview coach Cecil Flowe, on Friday’s match against Central Gwinnett
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All about the atmosphere
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blogging about football in the Big G.
Friday was my first time covering a game at Grayson, and the atmosphere impressed me.
Most of the 8,000 seats were filled. Even though Brookwood ran away with it, the home fans were loud and supportive, erupting whenever the Rams made a big play (Yes, they made a few).
The field was manicured beautifully. I also was struck by how many different things you could buy that said “Grayson” on them: clothes, accessories, mini-footballs, etc.
It was one of the best football environments I’ve seen.
Which Gwinnett stadium do you think has the best Friday night atmosphere?
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