AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2006 > December > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTradition alone isn’t enough
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It does not take a long history of success to have a chance to win the state championship. If you’ve been around long enough and can draw on tradition, that’s great. But it is not a prerequisite for a title. Peachtree Ridge, a mere babe in the GHSA, reinforces that notion this year.
Four years after putting on the pads for the first time, Peachtree Ridge has emerged as a force not only in Gwinnett County, but also in the state. Want confirmation: the Lions’ presence in the state semifinals at the Georgia Dome Saturday night against Warner Robins.
When it comes down to it, history matters most when reading, well, history. What turns a school in a frenzy and puts a program in a position to win the state championship is the kind of solid play coach Blair Armstrong’s team has shown in the last six games, all victories.
In the process, Peachtree Ridge is building a tradition at an advanced rate. To get this far in a region of so much depth — and tradition — speaks to all the elements that make a program viable: sound administration, good coaching, outstanding community support, tough, talented players.
And this too comes from the Lions’ dramatic, exciting ascent: Gwinnett County is reaffirmed as perhaps the top area for football talent, as Peachtree Ridge has become a new addition to the list of annual threats with Brookwood, Parkview, Central Gwinnett, North Gwinnett and Grayson in AAAAA.
In the end, Peachtree Ridge stands as the only team among them with an earned trip downtown. The Lions have tradition now — and a pretty good football team that no one should be surprised if it is playing next weekend, too.
Permalink | Comments (19) | Post your comment | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Comments
By bobthebuilder
December 5, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Come on Curtis!!! #1, Roswell is not in Gwinnett County and #2, if you are going to put them on the list then realize that they ARE playing at the dome this weekend along with your heroes, Peachtree Ridge. You guys need to put down the Madden 2006 controller and get out of the newroom to actually watch a high school football game.
By Geokie
December 5, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Hey bobthebuilder, he is only saying that in a very short period of time P’tree Ridge has built a football program that is headed for the playoffs. Lighten up feller!
By thomas
December 5, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this
if curtis had his way his beloved stephenson would just get an invitation but they don’t so live with it bunn
By DecaturTechFan
December 5, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
Once again, we see the ugly Gwinnett bias rear it’s ugly head. Yes, I know a large amount of the AJC readers habitate in the ATL’s largest suburbia. But if the carpetbaggers and left-over hicks really think that this after-thought of a region representated by an afterthought of a team can really compete with 1-AAAAA, they need to see the DR about uping their reality medication. An all 1-AAAAA championship is in the works after this weekend…..accept it. Embrace it, live it, and love it.
By bobthebuilder
December 5, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this
You are right Geokie, he did indeed say that. But additionally, it appears he needed 300 words to make deadline and didn’t research his facts and put Roswell in Gwinnett county. I would have to smoke some of your stuff to lighten up enough to tolerate the AJC sportswriters high school football coverage. Some “editor” let that goof through also; if it’s not region 1 or Gwinnician, it doesn’ matter to these hacks. The Dome is only a short bike ride from the AJC office so maybe they will get out and actually see a game.
By bobthebuilder
December 5, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
You will also notice paragraph 5 has been revised to remove Roswell from the list of teams. Love that online journalism where the readers can edit for you.
By coach
December 6, 2006 06:43 AM | Link to this
Peachtree Ridge has a good team, but keep in mind they split 4 years ago 1/2 from Duluth and 1/2 from Collins Hill. Another Gwinnett team to watch next year, Mill Creek, 1/2 from North Gwinnett and 1/2 from Dacula. Lots of talent to go around in Gwinnett. 7AAAAA this year was like a playoff game every week. Also incorporated into 7AAAAA was talent from Forsyth County. North (S.F.2yrs. ago) and South Forsyth. Just food for thought.
By george
December 6, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
Peachtree’s run ends Friday night in the dome against the 2006 AAAAA State Champion Warner Robins Demons.
By Da Ridge Parent
December 6, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Sorry George, you did not get the message, Da Ridge Lions will be where they set the goal at the beginning of the season, winning state next week. I know a lot about goal setting and let me explain. First you set the goal and then you find a way or make a way to achieve it, and that is where the Lions will be next week, receiving the state prize possession. In a shortfall from last year’s near miss of going to the playoffs, the energy and winning attitude started to build during the off season. The team goal was not to sneak into the playoffs, their goal was to win the coveted prize of state champions. I give them credit for making it this far and would be thrilled once they win it all, but if they do happen to fall short, they had a great ride and can say they lead Gwinnett teams this year in the playoffs, so bragging rights still remain. Now, as far as Roswell is concerned, I’m pulling for them to win on Saturday so maybe we can call it the “Unlikely Bowl” or the “Cinderella Bowl.”
By Loyd
December 6, 2006 07:04 PM | Link to this
Da Ranged Parent We got it. Perhaps you ain’t getting it. Let me explain to you about goal setting, something you apprently are missing. First and foremost goals ahould realistic. Da Ranged Lions goal of winning a 5A title is not pragmatic. You, however are a realist as evidenced by your words that should read… I will be thrilled once they win it all, not would be thrilled. Then you excuse them from winning it all. Da Ranged. Tift vs WR in Tifton Dec. 16th
By Hornet Nation
December 6, 2006 07:20 PM | Link to this
Loyd you’re such a dreamer and another one of those that does not believe quality football is played outside of 1AAAAA. Let me show you Metro Area hospitality and recommend one item for you to stock up on before the game and your ride home Sat. night —- tissues and lots of them!
By loyd
December 6, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
Horney Nation OK, I’m a dreamer, but I am not delusional as yourself. As for the tissues, I’m sure you have large surpluses on hand available for all those disappointing Friday nights and endless substandard seasons your team has given you. By the way, I do believe quality 5A football is played outside of 1-AAAAA; however, it is not this year and it is far from Atlanta. Tift vs WR in Tifton Dec. 16th.
By To Loyd
December 6, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this
This year or any other year, football in Georgia is competitive regardless if its in Gwinnett,1aaaaa, fulton or any other counties throughout georgia.1aaaaa football is over-rated and I praying that Roswell and Peachtree Ridge win so the blogs can get some rest from you south ga. nay slayers.
By powbeech
December 6, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
by to loyd
1-AAAAA is overrated. What are you doing sitting at your computer smoking again. This years members of 1-AAAAA have produced the state champion in the largest classification 16 times in the last 28 years, and 4 times out of the last 8 years. This year will make it 5 out of last 9. That is tradition. Everybody hates winners.
By Mike
December 6, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
GO DEMONS!!!!!!!!!!!
By devilfan
December 7, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
LOYD you are so right, i think he is smoking something. We will see you in Tifton on the 16th.
By Hornet Nation
December 7, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
Loyd and devilfan - I would not just count your chickens yet nor mark your calendars for the 16th as I believe a game is to be played on the field this Sat at the Dome. I do have one question though is it true that Tift goes dormant in the winter????
By powbeech
December 7, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Tift does go dormant in the winter. First official day of winter I believe is Dec. 21st.
By Hornet Nation
December 7, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
powbeech - just thought you would like to know that winter and the dormant season comes early this year for Tift Co. December 9th to be exact.