Prep Zone

By Michael

October 9, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

Mr. Holcomb:

This weeks top ten teams look about right. I hope that you learned from chosing the paper tiger Roswell as the number one team in AAAAA in the past.

By NorthsideWRGrad

October 9, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd,

I felt sorry for you this week. I almost got in the last two blogs. I almost bit a few times before but other Northside grads have done such a great job talking that I didn’t have to. But you do make an interesting point this week: if 4-A’s best were to play 5-A’s best, 4-A might win the split decision. Not to bring up the Metro Atlanta vs. rest of GA debate but is it any wonder why most of the teams ranked in or near the top ten are not from the Metro? The question you should really be asking is should we go back to just 4 classifications like for years it used to be? The only twist needs to be more of a split between public and silver spoon private schools since privates can recruit and don’t have to follow all the criteria that public schools do. Just look at GAC, they got Caleb.

Here’s your question for the week for you to fact check: Between public and private schools, which group has consistently over the last 20 years had the better won/lost records and repeat state champs in any classification?

By NorthsideWRGrad

October 9, 2006 07:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd,

I felt sorry for you this week. I almost got in the last two blogs. I almost bit a few times before but other Northside grads have done such a great job talking that I didn’t have to. But you do make an interesting point this week: if 4-A’s best were to play 5-A’s best, 4-A might win the split decision. Not to bring up the Metro Atlanta vs. rest of GA debate but is it any wonder why most of the teams ranked in or near the top ten are not from the Metro? The question you should really be asking is should we go back to just 4 classifications like for years it used to be? The only twist needs to be more of a split between public and silver spoon private schools since privates can recruit and don’t have to follow all the criteria that public schools do. Just look at GAC, they got Caleb.

Here’s your question for the week for you to fact check: Between public and private schools, which group has consistently over the last 20 years had the better won/lost records and repeat state champs in any classification?

By Todd Holcomb

October 9, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m sure not everyone will agree with you that I’m on target, but it’s great to start the week with an affirmation!

However, I do remain defiant about Roswell. I never said Roswell was the best team, just the most deserving at the time. Remember that Roswell was the No. 1 choice of the coaches poll and the sportswriters poll as well. I’m just the one that booted Roswell from the rankings after losing. :)

By Bear Fan

October 9, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Bear roll again, where’s the love? If Bobby Rainey does not win the High School Heisman they ought to do away with the trophy! Please call Grffin High and compile his total numbers for the world to see.

Passing, rushing, receiving and returns.

It is mind boggling.

TM

By Todd Holcomb

October 9, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Here’s your question for the week for you to fact check: Between public and private schools, which group has consistently over the last 20 years had the better won/lost records and repeat state champs in any classification?

I don’t know about state titles, but on average, most private schools are winning programs. Maybe not dominant programs, but usually better than average. It’s hard to find a private school above AA that’s not pretty good.

I don’t like to argue about advantages and disadvantages, though. It’s futile. But I do think this: If there is going to be a multiplier at all, it should be larger than 1.5. Because if you look at the all-sports trophy standings, the private schools dominate their classifications. So if you concede that there is an advantage (which you do if there’s a multiplier), then you should make the multiplier put private schools in the classifications where they no longer dominate. That would put Woodward, St. Pius, Westminster and Marist in AAAAA.

By Chris in sports

October 9, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this

Excuse me for blurting in — I know this is Todd’s blog — but I wanted to add a few things. As someone who has voted on polls and covered South Georgia and been in this business for the better part of two decades, I can’t ever remember the state’s highest classification being this wide open. There have been several teams in the past that I can remember thinking they could give any team in any classification a run for their money (think Washington County with Takeo Spikes, Thomas County Central during their run when they were in AAA). This year could be the same deal with some of those teams in AAAA. But before we get back into the whole Metro vs. the rest of the state argument, let’s just be thankful that we don’t have that dominating team this year. While some real diehard fans of their teams may not like it, the fans of high school football in general are loving it. How else do you explain some of the things that we have seen this year that have been sometimes shocking and sometimes pitiful? Makes for a fun season if you ask me.

P.S. Griffin, we love ya. Great job Todd.

By DecaturTechFan

October 9, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

There cant be a high school football blog without mentioning my Alma Mater, the Vladosta Wildcats. BOY HAVE TIMES CHANGED!!!! I can say without hesitiation that we suck!!!! Why we hired Tomberlin after he was run out of town years ago by the Lowndes program is beyond me. This is the idiot who voted for neutral sites for state football games because the hole he plyed in couldnt afford a bigger stadium. The sad part about it is, 5 or even ten years ago, this was the most envied job in high school sports( head footbal coach @ Valdosta), Now all we can get is scrap coaches. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to rrot for Lowndes since all the good kids form decent families go there now anyway. :-(

By Michael

October 9, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd:

Watch out for the makers of Cairo syrup…they are steaming hot now. Have heard anything about them this season regarding their performance….like how they smothered the yellow jackets of TCC this past weekend??

By Todd Holcomb

October 9, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

It’s definitely more fun for fans when there’s no team you can peg with any confidence in AAAAA that will make it to the Dome. I suspect the team that wins it will be one that’s playing a lot better in six weeks that it is now.

By DecaturTechFan

October 9, 2006 08:32 PM | Link to this

BTW, my spell checking is worse than Tomberlin’s coaching :-)

By Todd Holcomb

October 9, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

I’ve definitely heard of Kay-ro. That’s why I’ve got the ‘Makers No. 8 this week. Gave some thought to letting them leap Cartersville and Peach County, but didn’t pull the trigger.

As for Valdosta, I don’t think the ‘Cats or Tomberlin are nearly as bad as you think. They’ve played three ranked teams and lost by 2, 3 and 2.

Tomberlin built a power at Washington County. If you say that was just AA or AAA, consider that Nick Hyder also was hired from a small school program (West Rome), and Hyder was 3-7 his first season in 1974. And what Hyder inherited was a program that had lost four games total in the previous six seasons. Tomerlin took over a program that had lost five games just in 2005 alone.

I can’t say whether Tomberlin will work out, but it’s too early to judge him.

By Michael

October 9, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

Todd: I agree with you that Valdosta is not as bad as one may think. The game that I saw against Brookwood..coach Tomberlin made some bad play calls at the end of the game which yielded a loss. I think Valdosta’s 5 losses (all close losses too) aren’t reflective that they are a bad team just a good team playing in a region and in a schedule of very good teams. If Valdosta can make the playoffs, I think that thier performance will show this.

By Marist Grad

October 9, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

I can honestly say we do not recruit. The fact that you have hundreds of qulified students be it chorus, debate team or athletics is a plus. Each and every admission is basically required to do something besides show up to class. The high school newspaper wins national awards, not just athletic teams. There are probably over 3000 applicants for about 200 spots.

You do not have to recruit with those kind of numbers.

By Maddog-1

October 9, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this

It’s really nice to read your top ten picks every week. Being over here in the desert, we don’t get many things that make us laugh so much. You need to pay more attention to the coaches poll.

By Terry

October 9, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Whoa Todd. There are private school athletic programs and then there are private school athletic programs. Some private schools, like the one my kids attend, start enrollment in kindergarten with minimal increases in enrollment through the 12th grade. Then there are private schools who don’t start taking kids until middle or high school. These schools typically have the better “big” sports like football, basketball and baseball where “superstars” abound. The others, like Westminster, Woodward, Athens Academy tend to produce better “other” sports like volleyball, tennis and soccer. With the exception of Marist which starts in grade 7 (and who we all know recruits),only 6 “other” private schools have won a state championship in the 90 boys big sports championships of baseball, football and basketball since 2000. (Marist alone had 3 state championships, accounting for a third of all private school state championships. Parkview was the BIG winner with 5 championships with Lagrange, Buford and Wheeler each with 3.)

By jcwfalcon

October 9, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Northside vs. Griffin…if it happens in the Playoffs, and if neither team chokes in the reg season, could be the game of the year. And Congrats to HoCo on the thrashing of Lowndes.

By Todd Holcomb

October 9, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

Hope no one took my comments to suggest that private schools recruit. I have no knowledge that they do, and I avoid that argument, especially on a rankings blog.

And I’m not sure that I favor a multiplier. I’m just saying that if there’s going to be a multiplier, then the GHSA must believe there is some advantage in athletics to being a private school that must be ironed out. But why the arbitrary 1.5? How do you come up with a fair number, if you’re going to have a multiplier? Why not find the number that would make private schools and public schools, on average, perform about the same?

By Todd Holcomb

October 9, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Maddog:

It’s my job to be entertaining, but the coaches’ poll isn’t that far off from mine. Theirs isn’t out this week, but last week, the only real difference was the choice at No. 1, Tift for them, North Gwinnett for me.

I’ll critique the coaches poll mid-week, and I’m sure there will be something funny to report. Although it’s the writers’ poll that’s usually the easier target. I’ll get them tomorrow.

Night all.

By jcwfalcon

October 9, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

IMHO, all upper tier teams do SOME recruiting.

As I mentioned before, I grew up in small town Warner Robins, and I know of several people who were recruited by local coaches who were from opposite zones fromt he school which they were set to go.

I wont go so far as to say any substansial ‘offers’ were made (although I did overhear some rumblings, but certain people were sworn to secrecy) but I do know it wasnt that odd to have a coach from the other side of town say “if you “say” you live with your cousin on this side of town, then I will make sure you get a lot more touches than if you went “there.” I will make you a star here!”

This was especially prevalent (from what I heard) back in the Robert Davis-Warner Robins High School Era. I know of a couple of older friends he actually talked to who were on the Northside side, but from what I gather he had some success with it. Back in the 70’s and 80’s Warner Robins was the school in the area that a player went to if they wanted to be in the spotlight, have the best chance to be recruited on the college level, and have a shot at winning a big prize (state/national championship). Northside paled in comparison. I’m sure it didnt take much cohersion to convince a guy to claim residency elsewhere and go play for WRHS instead of NHS.

Anyway, the point of all this is just to say I think its out there. With the exception of ‘gifts’ being involved, I dont think its really THAT bad. Claiming residency elsewhere, legit or not, doesnt seem like that big of a crime to me…especially if you actually have family you can live with on the other side of town. Whats to stop you? Is there some rule about having to live in a certain area for a given period of time before being able to claim residency? I dont know of any…

Its just a part of the sport. The NFL courts Free Agents. Colleges recruit out the wazoo…and much of the time illegal things are involved. If a high school coach wants to convince a kid he would be better served playing football at a different local school if he “moves in with his cousin” then so be it.

By Steve

October 10, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this

you always give sports writers and coaches grief about their polls, but you did not even bother to read your own sports section as you had Wilcox ranked NO. 4 in the state even though they had been defeated by Irwin County Friday night. the score was in Sunday’s AJC because it talked about the great game that Irwin’s Terry Ashley had.

By jim

October 10, 2006 06:29 AM | Link to this

i know that region 5-aa is a few miles away from the metro area, but the kids down here play some good football. on friday night two AJC top (10) teams from region 5-aa(manchester versus heard county) face off, for what may be a region championship. heard county doesn’t have carlos brown (2005 ajc super 11), but it does have dontaviuos jackson and the same huge offensive line from last season. neither team has the the numbers that the bigger schools have but both will bring it, on friday night. oh, by the way two recent teams (breman & bowdon) from the ajc 1-a top (10) havn’t been the same since their encounters with those heard county braves… GO BRAVES…

By Hoopcoachd

October 10, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

If we need to use a “multiplier” to determine what classification a private school should be in, the multiplier should go in favor of the private school - public schools are filled with athletes that scrape by, never go to class and never graduate. Private schools have a much tougher curriculum, demand more discipline and teach better values. Isn’t it interesting that the values and character taught at private schools - many overtly religious in nature - almost always produce winners in sports and life. Give up on the “multiplier” idea, instead stress the values of the private school in the public domain and the rest will follow.

By Todd Holcomb

October 10, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

You always give sports writers and coaches grief about their polls, but you did not even bother to read your own sports section as you had Wilcox ranked NO. 4 in the state even though they had been defeated by Irwin County Friday night.

Steve: You’ve got me there. We were given the wrong score of the Wilcox-Irwin game, and I did my rankings on Saturday, holding out only for the MLK-Douglass game. Thinking that Wilcox won, I kept Wilcox in the rankings. On Monday, I revised the Class A rankings to reflect Wilcox’s defeat. In the writers’ and coaches’ polls, an error like that goes unnoticed unless all the voters have bad information. For example, in the preseason AP poll, there were a couple of examples of writers ranking teams in the wrong classification. By with my rankings, one bad ballot makes a fool of the ranker.

No excuses, however. Your criticism is fair and accurate.

By Todd Holcomb

October 10, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

Now to the AP poll, just released.

In AAAAA, ML King is undefeated, untied but unranked?

Meanwhile, Stephenson is ranked No. 9 despite losing to a team that’s 3-3 — McNair. And one of the teams that beat McNair was ML King. So how does an undefeated team that just rolled previously undefeated Douglass 34-7 find itself behind a one-beaten team that has lost to a team that the undefeated team has beaten?

ML King plays Stephenson on Friday. I’m not predicting ML King will win, but I’m predicting there’s no excuse for Stephenson to be ranked and ML King not.

In AAAA, Marist remains ranked despite losing to twice-beaten Tucker. Marist might well be among the best 10 teams, but St. Pius remains undefeated, has beaten Tucker and is unranked. St. Pius should be ahead of Marist.

In AAA, Stephens County (5-1) is No. 5. Ranking Stephens somewhere, which I didn’t do, isn’t so bad, but No. 5 is a bit high. Stephens lost to a good AA team, Dublin, by 10. Shouldn’t Cartersville, which lost to an even better AA team, Buford, by 2 points be a better choice? Cartersville beat a Top 10 team from AAAA, Rome. Or perhaps Peach County, the defending AAA champion that lost to a AAAA team, Westside, be ranked higher? Stephens was lucky to beat Apalachee, a team that Hart County just smoked 35-6. I’d rank Hart ahead of Stephens.

No complaints really with AA or A.

By Puddin

October 10, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Todd I’m on board with your comment “It’s definitely more fun for fans when there’s no team you can peg with any confidence in AAAAA that will make it to the Dome. I suspect the team that wins it will be one that’s playing a lot better in six weeks that it is now.” I have never had this much fun in a football season since Hershel and Company won the National Championship in 1980. Well maybe some fun since. However, It’s no secret that I am a NG Bulldog fan. NG has never had a sniff at anything, ever! I just love it when the underdog gets some love. Especially after the Tucker pre-season game. I was thinking here we go again. LONG SEASON AHEAD - BEWARE!. Coach Spires is truly a master of his domain. With mostly sophmores and juniors making up the team and to be where we are today is amazing. To everyone else, never count out AAAAA football. Look at ALL of the polls. How many are in Gwinnett alone vs. the rest of the state? in all classes. Not bragging here but to be a ranked team just in Gwinnett is saying something. Especially with over 14 high schools in the county. The talent gets spread around. Good luck to everyone’s team. If NG never wins another game, my season was definetly fun. 6 - 0 and NUMBER 1.

By J

October 10, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

“ML King plays Stephenson on Friday. I’m not predicting ML King will win, but I’m predicting there’s no excuse for Stephenson to be ranked and ML King not.”

Todd, that last sentence alone says you are predicting MLK to beat my alma mater, Stephenson. People seem to forget that we have won 4 of the last 5 region championships. Until someone knocks us off, we will remain the champs. I think Stephenson will win this matchup on friday.

Just an opinion and observation…

PS: I enjoy all of your articles.

By Griffin Bear

October 10, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Griffin has return to the elite status they were back in the late 70’s & 80’s. The Jessie Tuggles, Willie Gualts, and Ricky Williams have all gone. Now there is Bobby Rainey, Toby Jackson, and a host of others to carry on the great tradition of football in Griffin, Georgia “Go Bears” 2006 State Champs!

By Big Fan

October 10, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

You can’t be serious. AAAA better than AAAAA. Well, there may be more AAAA with undefeated seasons but they are playing much weaker opponents. Graduated from Lowndes over a decade ago. Live in Dalton, GA now and follow the team avidly. Love both dearly. Dalton may be undefeated and ranked in the state but, no offense, the caliber of football in 7-AAAA is nothing compared to the competition in 1-AAAAA. I would say the same is true in the rest of the state.

By CarverofColumbus

October 10, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd, where is the love man? I see that you have caught on to what I was saying about Carver of Columbus and Shaw. But, ranking Carver at #9 behind some teams that have lost to AA oppents? What I have been preaching to you all season long is about to come to the light. Shaw plays Lagrange on 10/20/2006, and if they beat them are you going to drop Lagrange completely out of the rankings like you did Shaw after Carver of Columbus beat them? I sure hope not, because Carver plays Lagrange on 10/26/2006 and when Carver shows you and the rest of the state that they are back, are you going to move Carver into the top 3?

Region 1-AAA has 3 teams in the top 10 with the best team at #9. Carver beat Shaw when they were ranked #2 in AAA. I just wish that Carver would’ve played Lagrange before Shaw, so that a Shaw win would not deminish the power or poll position of Carver. I just hope that you remember this, which I don’t think that you’ll have any problems doing because I’ll remind you each week.

Some people might be wondering what is this guy talking about. But, Carver of Columbus has produced 3 Parade All-Americans, the last being Jasper Sanks in 96’. He got caught up in the coaching changes during his senior season at UGA. Yeah, he edged out Jamal Lewis and he screwed himself out of an NFL contract by not buying into what Coach Richt had to sell.

There are 3 underclassmen at Carver that the nation will be talking about before too long. Even though the #1 division-1A athlete producing coach in Columbus, Wallace Davis, has retired, he has handed the reigns to a coach from Columbus that started on an undefeated Auburn team that got screwed out of a national championship in Dell McGhee. If you have been sleeping on the Columbus schools, well we are about to wake you all up!

By dj

October 10, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

i think that coffeee is going all the way since coming off that lowndes lost because i think they have a good game plain on day to day basics

By anthony landers

October 10, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

the trojans coming back from a win in colquitt i think that they have a better chance of beating the number 1 team cause coffee really has some speed , and i also think they will be going to the dome because of the up coming sophmores AND COACH ODOM

By Demetrius Waters

October 10, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

First I wanna ask a question for clarity. If two teams has gone into overtime, and one team fumbles, can the defensive team recover that fumble and run it in? Todd do you care to answer this one?

This one is out to you DecaturTechFan. I wish you will stop pretending to be a Wildcat Fan. You are one of those Viking Fans whose always looking for the opportunity to say something negative about Valdosta and the neighborhoods most of us live in. There are a lot of decent families living in our neighborhoods. I wish you will reveal yourself, so we can deal with you when ya’ll come across town.

By Coffee Trojan Fan

October 10, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

How bout them Coffee Trojans beating the Big Pack in the Hawg Pen, it was awesome and we r ready for BIG Blue to come to town for their whipping and get knocked off from their #1 ranking(in some polls),Lets go all the way Trojans,Good luck

By lowndes plowboy

October 10, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

you people from north georgia are a real hoot when it comes your high school football. if you live in a certain county, you can change teams every year if you or someone else wants you too. take the rb at brookwood last year, lowndes had held him in check the previous year, and he comes down(with a new team)again running his mouth and the do it even better this time. i am not saying that south georgia is the only place they play good football, but the north seems to play by a different set of rules. i respect what bookwood, parkview, buford, etc. have accomplished over the last ten or so years. they are certainly a class act, some of these others are real imposters.before everyone starts getting on north gwinnett’s bandwagon, let’s actually see them accomplish something bigger than what they have. if other areas of the state could shuffle players they would probably be just as successful.thanks for listening. again i am not saying that there are no good north georgia teams.thanks

By tiftdawg

October 10, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

Region 1-AAAAA is the best region in the state and Tift County is the best team in the region. therefore, Tift Co. is the best team in the state. Get ready Coffee County.

By Joseph

October 11, 2006 02:20 AM | Link to this

OK Having read this blog for multiple weeks, I feel the need to say my peace. As a Lowndes High graduate and avid follower of GA high school football, one can’t argue with how open 5-A is nor how open Region 1 is(arguably the best region is the state). When you have a two time defending champion with two losses, the winningest high school program in the nation on the verge of a loosing season, and teams that have not been strong in the past(Coffee, Tift Co) vying for the region crown, you cant say Regioon 1 isn’t the toughest region in 5-A football today. Yes there are tough teams through out the state, but honestly how many reagions are beating up on each other like Region 1?

The field throughout the state is just as wide open. Camden Co with a loss on their record(who cares if its an out of state team). Brookwood and Parkview nowhere near a threat as of now. Roswell having a number one ranking in 30 years. My feeling is that the state is in a reorganizing phase. Gwinnett County is shifting power to other schools and counties in the metro area. South GA is in a rebuilding time for Lowndes and Valdosta. Plus other programs are stepping up with coaching hires and program improvements. GA high school football is about to get really interesting, but as a true Lowndes Viking fan I must say watch out for this very young team we have. We may not make it all the way this year, but watch out in the years to come. Two more back to back championships are not out of the question.

Look forward to the feedback, if any.

By Toby Cash

October 11, 2006 06:20 AM | Link to this

I was a fan viewing the Tift-Valdosta game and the Cats definitely outplayed the Blue Devils. One very highly questional referee call on the Valdosta qb sneak gave the ball to the Blue Devils and a dropped touch down pass by a Wildcat receiver led to defeat. The Cats outplayed Coulquitt and Tift County, two teams with high rankings.

By KSShake

October 11, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

J, ML King IS playing better football than Stephenson up to now. Your not being objective. Your loyalties to your school and being a “fan” and alum to Stephenson are not allowing you to see that. It’ll be a good game (hopefully). I like BOTH strong, proud Dekalb programs and I hope both of them do well and go far in the playoffs. They, along with Tucker, SWD Chamblee, as well as private Marist and St.Pius are the only Dekalb teams playing competitive football at the moment. That being said, these teams are as good as anybody. PEACE!!!

By Etowah parent

October 11, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

I find it hard to believe that Etowah would not be considered in the 11 to 15 range based on their last 2 games. Their only loses are by 7 to undefeated Sequoyah (who has only given up 10 points all year) and the rivalry game against Woodstock by 7. They have defeated 2 unbeaten teams in the past 2 weeks including South Cobb (when ranked #10). When the regular season is done, EHS should be 8-2 or 7-3 and make their first ever trip to the playoffs. Way to go boys and keep up the good work.

By Jahmel

October 11, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

I’m a huge Valdosta Wildcat fan and I have been to every game. No team has outplayed our Cats we have had some bad call against us, bad turnovers, and some questionable play calling which has led to our 5 losses! With out a question we are the best team in the state. Everyone will see when we make the playoffs and win the championship after losing 5 games!

By Jahmel

October 11, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

I’m a huge Valdosta Wildcat fan and I have been to every game. No team has outplayed our Cats we have had some bad call against us, bad turnovers, and some questionable play calling which has led to our 5 losses! With out a question we are the best team in the state. Everyone will see when we make the playoffs and win the championship after losing 5 games!

By Todd Holcomb

October 11, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Drive-by comments …

Joseph: I agree with all you said, except the part about Brookwood. Parkview is not a real contender this year, but Brookwood’s chances this season are as good as last season’s, when the Broncos made the final.

Jahmel: It’s happened before that a team with 5 losses won the title. Just never in the highest classification, but Valdosta would be no more than a 7-point underdog to any team in the state, so your views aren’t as ridiculous as some people will write them off as.

Etowah parent: I spoke with South Cobb’s coach after last week’s Etowah comeback, and he didn’t lament his own team’s shortcomings, as most coaches do when they lose, but instead talked about how strong he felt Etowah was. But when you’re talking about falling into the 11-15 group, you have to remember that Etowah still has two losses, both to unranked teams. Woodstock is an average team at best. Etowah might’ve played like a Top 10 team the past two weeks, but the team still must be judged on the season as a whole.

Demetrius: As I understand it, fumbles and interceptions cannot be advanced in overtime of Georgia high school football games. They constitute an immediate dead ball and change of possession.

Big Fan: I didn’t say AAAA was better than AAAAA. Just the opposite. But I’ve heard it conjectured many times this season that AAAA was the better class this season.

Carver plays Lagrange on 10/26/2006 and when Carver shows you and the rest of the state that they are back, are you going to move Carver into the top 3?

No, unless it’s 64-0. But Carver would be higher than LaGrange, I’ll promise that much.

By Todd Holcomb

October 11, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

One other thing in the news today: The coaches’ poll is out.

In AAA, Flowery Branch lost, so who do the coaches pick to replace Flowery Branch in the Top 10? Carver?

No, but a team that undefeated Carver beat — Shaw! That’s just mind-boggling to me.

Brookwood is No. 10 in the coaches’ AAAAA. Guess that gets me off the hook. If the coaches rank a two-loss team, then I don’t feel so lonely.

But what I can’t believe is the omission of ML King from both the AP and the coaches’ polls. Especially when there are only four undfeated teams in AAAAA, and MLK just corked Douglass 34-7.

In Class A, the coaches have Lincoln County No. 4. No real tragedy, but it’s odd that two other once-beaten teams — Hawkinsville and Turner County — come before the defending champs.

Overall, my rankings are more similar to the coaches’ than the sportswriters’. I think the coaches read my rankings on Monday before they vote. :)

Peace.

By josh

October 11, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

The problem that i see with this argument is that the top programs in AAAA are schools that also operate a magnet school meaning that they are actually big enough to be AAAAA but like their chances better in the lower classiffication. on the other hand you have a ranked Coffee CO. in AAAAA that is barely big enough to be AAAAA big enough by about 110 kids. And i would love to see the damage they ould do in AAAA ball.

By tift fan

October 11, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

About the Valdosta / Tift Game, that was the whole point that Valdosta did not execute plays well when they needed to and that is why Valdosta is 1-5. Yes Valdosta is a better team then shown on their record but when your receivers’ drop passes in the endzone how do you expect to win football games especially in region 1-AAAAA. Buy the way on that bad call by the referees the only reason they where down that far on Tift County D was because of a fake punt.

By J

October 11, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

KSShake,

I feel like I am being objective. It is my opinion that Stephenson will win this friday and we are playing just as good than MLK is. You feel MLK is playing better. It’s an opinion so u can’t say I am not being objective for going with how I feel. The stats all line up to say Stephenson is playing just as good.

I agree that it will be a good game. As I said before, until someone knocks off the champs, we are still the champs. Since this game is so big, I believe we will win to continue our reign as champs.

I am not gauranteeing will win by no means. But I think we will.

By Demetrius Waters

October 11, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

Remember Tift Fan, Valdosta got in the red-zone more than once that night. A fake punt is not the only reason.

By todd

October 11, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

josh,

None of the following schools are magnet schools: Northside, Griffin, Baldwin, Statesboro, Dacula. How does that make the top teams in AAAA magnet schools?

By Josh

October 11, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Booting Roswell from the rankings… what a ridiculous move. That is by far the worst move i have seen. How can a number one team lose and drop that far. Why is colquitt still there, or even brookwood? like i said, Todd Holcomb only listens to the comments from people who dont know anything. You will be in for a treat!

By fishbone

October 11, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

coffee will take care of tift co.this friday,tift co. is really over rated.valdosta run all over them.

By Todd Holcomb

October 11, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

Josh:

Coach McFarlin was asking the same thing this week, and I don’t blame him, or you, but here’s the logic:

Roswell lost by 11 points to a team with two losses that, while obviously improved, has not had a winning season since 1997.

Colquitt, on the other hand, lost in double overtime to a ranked team.

Brookwood has lost to teams that are ranked No. 1 or No. 2, all by no more than a touchdown.

Harrison, another one-loss team, lost 14-13 (missed a 35-yard extra point after a dubious celebration penalty) to the two-time defending champs.

No team in the Top 10 has a defeat as dubious as Roswell’s, and everyone that Roswell has beaten has also been beaten by somebody else, and usually more decisively.

Every team in the Top 10 would be favored to beat every team that Roswell has played so far.

Now, what’s ridiculous to me is the group-think among sportswriters and coaches in college and high school polls who think inside a box that says that if a team loses, it must drop only a certain number of places. That’s why Shaw, which started high but lost to Carver, is still ranked in the coaches poll — despite the fact that Carver is undefeated and BEAT Shaw. Group think.

Teams should be evaluated for their body of work after each game. After four games, Roswell had Top 10 credentials. After five games, it did not.

To me, it was like a NASCAR race where you had 12 or 13 cars drafting in a line in front, all going 180 mph, hardly anything separating them as far as engine power and driving ability. Roswell was in the lead but made one slip up and got hung out try dry, as the good ole boys call it. From first to 14th in a a matter of seconds.

That’s racin’.

By Jr Blue

October 12, 2006 01:51 AM | Link to this

O.K. guys I see Coffee still haven’t convince the media nor the coaches but how many teams do you know of who have faced 3 previous #1 teams in a row. I don’t know what the outcome will be friday against Tift but if Coffee beats Tift which I think they will there is no doubt who #1 should be. Now wonder about that “AJC”.

By PackerBacker

October 12, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Just a correction Todd, Colquitt lost to Coffee in Three overtimes. After having seen Coffee come to the Hog Pen and defeat the Packers, I see them knocking off Tift also. Coffee is a very good team, but so is every other team in Region 1-AAAAA. Sure hoping for the Packers to rebound tonight against tough Houston County. Man, I tell you, this region is some kind of tough. The teams that advance out of this region will and should be feared by everybody come playoff time, for they will have been battle tested and primed to play some kind of serious football. Onward, Colquitt County Packers!

By SeminoleWarrior

October 12, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

There is a serious lack of “seeing the forest for the trees” unfolding here. The ACTION this season is in the south, Region 1AAAA. And it is not where everyone thought it would be. The teams to beat are Houston County and Coffee County…trust me! Both of these squads were young last year and the experience gained will be rewarded with deep playoff run this season. Colquitt and Lowndes will round out the deal; Valdosta will be a force next year for sure and Tift will be on the outside looking in as the stretch will be too much to overcome. I’m telling you, watch out for the Bears and the Trojans!

By SeminoleWarrior

October 12, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

Oops…I meant Region 1-AAAAA.

By antchay

October 12, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

My feeling on the whole classification argument is, you have better teams in class AAA than you do in than the mega scools of the Atlanta area, I’ll take schools like Shaw of Columbus, LaGrange, and Carrolton and I bet they would beat the majority of those so called top teams. Let us not forget Lagrange had argubably the best team pound for pound in the state couple of years back, so do not discount the lower classifications as better programs period.

By CarverofColumbus

October 13, 2006 02:25 AM | Link to this

Hey Todd, #9 Carver (6-0) won again tonight with their third straight shutout, 21-0. What is so mind boggling about Shaw being ranked again after beginning the season at the #2 spot in AAA? I have been trying to tell you from the beginning of the season that Carver is no joke and they are proving that. Shaw plays Lagrange next week so just keep in mind what I said about a Shaw win over Lagrange deminishing the poll position of Carver when they play them…And, 64-0? Come on man… Lagrange won’t allow a pro team to beat’em that bad. They have to play in Lagrange for goodness sake. How about a 21-0 win and a #2 ranking? After all, they did beat Shaw when they were ranked #2…

By Todd Holcomb

October 13, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this

CoC:

I wasn’t complaining about Shaw being ranked. I was complaining about Shaw being ranked AHEAD of Carver. But my wording was poor. What I was trying to say was that it’s wrong to rank Shaw and NOT Carver when Carver is undefeated and defeated Shaw.

By tift fan

October 13, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

one comment to the Packers fan 133 total offence aginst valdosta to Tifts 240 total offence. You know a Tift County fan Can’t let a Packer fan say that about the better team. I thank we’ll prove that tonight. GO BIG BLUE !!

By jamie

October 13, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Well, TiftFan…

First, inbreds need to learn how to spell! OffenSe is spelled with an S. I THINK you should know that…Not I Thank you should. Intellegence and smart play wins football games and obviously Colquitt Co is more intellegent so have fun watching the rest of the region play in the post season this year. My predictions:

Coffee over Tift Colquitt over Houston

By jamie

October 13, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Well, TiftFan…

First, inbreds need to learn how to spell! OffenSe is spelled with an S. I THINK you should know that…Not I Thank you should. Intellegence and smart play wins football games and obviously Colquitt Co is more intellegent so have fun watching the rest of the region play in the post season this year. My predictions:

Coffee over Tift Colquitt over Houston

By jamie

October 13, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Well, TiftFan…

First, inbreds need to learn how to spell! OffenSe is spelled with an S. I THINK you should know that…Not I Thank you should. Intellegence and smart play wins football games and obviously Colquitt Co is more intellegent so have fun watching the rest of the region play in the post season this year. My predictions:

Coffee over Tift Colquitt over Houston

By CarverofColumbus

October 13, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

I was not aware of that Shaw was ranked ahead of Carver in the coaches poll. Now that is crazy. I’m with you on that! How would I be able to access a copy of the coaches poll?

By Jr Blue

October 14, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

Well i know the outcome of the Coffee vs. Tift was 23-20 for Coffee but don’t be fooled the game wasn’t even close. If Tift had over 100 yards total offense i will like your you know what. They (Tift) only crossed the 50 yard line once. When and If Coffee stop having stupid turnovers i promise you who ever they are playing the game want be close. The defense as usual continue to lead by example and the offense has started to come around thanks in part to their senior qb (D. Anderson). I like it when no one gives us (Coffee) any respect but in the end we will take it(respect). Hold on tight because this train has just got started and it will be hard to stop know matter who we are playing.