AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThree 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
Permalink | Comments (16) | Categories: J.C. Clemons
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By Toby Cash
October 18, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this
I really do not think past glory has anything to do with the Wildcats being ranked by the AJC. Perhaps it is the very tough schedule they go through before the region games begin. The two Florida teams were pretty good football teams and the Cats played them toe to toe. Anyway, the playoffs decide who will be champs, not the AJC rankings.
By Andrew
October 18, 2005 12:02 PM | Link to this
But wouldn’t it be really interesting that central and grayson both win friday. Because then there’s the chance of Parkview being on the outside looking in in November….something to ponder
By Tipp Smooth
October 18, 2005 12:45 PM | Link to this
Let’s not just Place Brookwood in the championship game just yet, let’s remember a couple of teams down south that won the title the last two years. Camden and Lowndes. That’s the state title game anyway. Even though the teams up state will be entertaining. We know those two teams will determine where the title will rest. I bleed Camden Blue. Bring it South, just bring it……
By Tipp Smooth
October 18, 2005 12:54 PM | Link to this
Save the press some time and money, Parkview is done, get over Stars Mills, Collins Mills, and the rest, oh it is wishful thinking for most of those schools. Santa won’t be arriving with gifts for the teams that has to play Camden, so don’t look for any hand outs, come to play for 4 QTRS. AJC Sport Writers I understand giving the people a place to boast about their beloved teams, but come on with the drama, it’s getting very close to crunch time. Let’s not give the pretenders or won’t to be contenders anymore air play or press. Shut’em down. Now let’s take playoffs for those who really have a shot at any title i.e. Camden, Brookwood, Lowndes. AJC Sport Writers I leave it up to you guys to choose one, and only one…Camden til I die…..
By Joe
October 18, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this
I guess they could save a great deal of space in the paper by asking about the Region 3-AAAAA football race. Camden is like the Harlem Globetrotters and the other 9 teams in the region are the Washington Generals, playing their part to entertain the fans every week.
By Brian Hathcock
October 18, 2005 05:42 PM | Link to this
Camden County is on the verge of tying the state record for consecutive regular season victories. They currently have 54 and at the end of the season will tie Macon Counties from 1991 -1997. This is what dedication and teamwork can do. It’s not individual Division 1 prospects. That’s why AJC does not cover CCHS. They are not flashy, just a bunch of kids who give it their all for four quarters. 60 minutes, no less.
By Jay
October 18, 2005 09:48 PM | Link to this
Don’t mean to burst your bubble, Hathcock, but it probably has a lot to do with the fact that Camden County is given their region title on a golden platter.
Let me try to put it this way: in Camden’s region, Meadowcreek would be the second or third seed.
By Joe
October 18, 2005 10:30 PM | Link to this
Playing those slugs that are in Region 3 every season should give you the national title for most regular season wins. Camden folks should take pride in their playoff success, but not say a word about their regular season schedule. Its not your fault your in Region 3, but please don’t take any pride in winning against varsity teams that most people’s 9th grade team could beat.
By Tipp Smooth
October 19, 2005 09:02 AM | Link to this
Joe, answer me this, what happened to the likes of Stephenson, Newnan, Cherokee, Star’s Mills, Parkview in the last two years facing Camden. Give props to those who deserve it, don’t hate. Meadowcreek wouldn’t cross mid-field against Camden’s “D”. With the exception of Parkview, Camden beat those teams in the playoffs. Talk facts if you have any. Don’t hate, you should be congratulating the Wildcats of Camden.
By Joe
October 19, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this
As I said, Camden should take pride in their playoff success. No question they get it done when it really counts. Just don’t take pride in beating teams in Region 3 that anyone could beat.
By Tipp Smooth
October 19, 2005 01:23 PM | Link to this
Joe, you have to beat the teams in your Region in order to make the playoffs. What do you suggest, re-organize the Regions. It’s a key element to beat those who you are suppose to beat. I can remember the first game of the season, Camden put the smack down on Walton. Hopefully Camden will meet your Alma Mata. Also during that two year run Camden beat Lowndes twice and Valdosta for the title. It’s time for teams to step up their game, if not they’ll watch Camden on GPTV. Holla back.
By Raiden
October 19, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen “Mellowcrick” play.
And they’d get piledriven by two or three Region 3 teams.
Region 8 isn’t exactly the “SEC of AAAAA” kids.
Shiloh and S. Gwinnett look really scary!! And it’s not even Halloween. Ha, ha.
Besides Brookwood and Parkview, Region 8 is soulless.
Get a clue.
By Jay
October 19, 2005 07:24 PM | Link to this
Besides Brookwood and Parkview? Heh.
You just laughed at South? I can assure you, while they might not always have the best years, they are usually a decent team. Grayson is turning into a very decent football program. Central Gwinnett, while usually not as succesful as they are this year (they have a good chance of beating Parkview this Friday), they’re never something to ignore. The only three teams that are perineially poor performers in R8 are Meadowcreek, Shiloh, and Berkmar.
Meadowcreek sucks, yea, no one will argue with you. Hell, Shiloh is even a pretty decent team. They just never seem to be able to finish. Berkmar has even had some decent runs in the past few years.
Compare this to Region-3. The only reason you even have .500 teams in that region (excluding Camden Co.) is because they have to play with each other so often.
Please don’t take this as an insult to Camden County. They have a great football program, and can certainly take the 5A title this year. All I’m saying is that bragging about Camden’s regular season wins are kind of silly. To say that 5A-8 is a soulless region besides two team is ridiculous. I can assure you that besodes Meadowcreek (and maybe Shiloh), every team in 5A-8 has to focus on the next game because there is always a chance that they will lose it. Camden County is basically assured their wins regardless.
By JP
October 20, 2005 08:45 AM | Link to this
Let’s face the facts. There are a few teams in the Atlanta area that are good football teams on a consistent basis; but from top to bottom the best football in the state is in the south. From the middle GA area to Valdosta and over to Lincoln county you’ve got numerous teams there every year and have programs that are powerhouses.
By Brian
October 20, 2005 06:44 PM | Link to this
It’s not about who Camden beats, but how. Camden is beating their region teams on a regular basis because they rotate their people all the time and get in a 100 players per game many times. That develops depth. Camden County does not keep starters in to jack up personal and team stats like some OTHER teams do to make them feel good about themselves. When scores start going up to, say, 28-0, second and third stringers are in against other team starters. Ask any coach in region 3AAAAA. That’s how hard Camden County works to get their victories. They play the same for everyone, a 60 minute assault of speed and strength. Parkview, during their string of titles, played teams in 8AAAAA that had a greater loosing percentage than 3AAAAA. Check your stats.
By Sandra Givens
October 20, 2005 08:59 PM | Link to this
Morrow Mustangs in Clayton County has some outstanding players and they too needs to be recognized for their hard work and play. The students play hard every week and they deserve to hear and see something positive about their football team in the paper. All they are missing is some offensive line coaches and a real offense coordinator. Coaches that have played the real game of football and not the playstation and game cubes.