AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2006 > December
December 2006
6 Stories that Shook Gwinnett in ‘06: No. 2 — Caleb King leaves Parkview
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s amazing how much controversy a quiet 5-11, 196-pound teenager can cause. Well, maybe not that amazing if they can run a 4.46 and own the greatest rushing season in Georgia High School history. Caleb King accomplished that feat as a junior at Parkview. Controversy soon followed.
After his breakout junior season, which, along with strong performances at several high profile camps, shot him up to the top of several recruiting rankings, King said adios to mighty Parkview and signed on at AA Greater Atlanta Christian. Gasp.
King would put up big numbers to start the season, but would break his leg midway through, dropping him considerably in the recruiting rankings. He has since verbally committed to play for Georgia next season.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: David Purdum
6 Stories that Shook Gwinnett in ‘06: No. 3 — North’s dream season turns into a nightmare
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“We win and lose as a team.” It’s one of the cheesier coach sayings, but it’s so true. Whether on the practice field or in the championship game, each player, coach and trainer has an impact. Just ask North Gwinnett. A reserve offensive lineman almost cost the Bulldogs the most successful season in school history.
Out of nowhere, under a new head coach, North surprised the state by racing out to a 6-0 start. In mid-October, the Bulldogs were ranked No. 1 in the state for the first time ever. Not everyone was thrilled about North’s success. An overzealous rival mentioned to the GHSA that the Bulldogs might be using an ineligible player.
The player in question was a reserve offensive lineman who transferred to North during the summer. The GHSA first ruled that the player hadn’t completed his transfer in a timely matter. Basically, a transferring player has to enroll in his new school during the same semester his guardians move into a new school district in order to be eligible to compete on the varsity level. North could have been forced to forfeit each of the games the player had appeared in, no matter how sparingly he had played.
But North appealed and won. The Bulldogs would reach the quarterfinals and finish the season at 11-2.
Never has a reserve offensive lineman ever had such an impact on an entire season.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: David Purdum
6 stories that shook Gwinnett in ‘06: No. 4 — Cecil Flowe goes to the prom
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It was a tough year for one of the most successful Georgia high school coaches of all time. In January, the Parkview coach told the AJC that he has explored leaving the Panthers for other opportunities. He ultimately decided to stay.
Then, things really got sticky for Flowe when he received a letter of reprimand from Gwinnett school Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks for “uncharacteristic” behavior at the school’s prom. A Gwinnett school system investigation supported Flowe’s claim that his behavior at the prom was caused by prescription medication.
After that storm settled, Flowe’s top returning player, running back Caleb King, decided to transfer from Parkview to Greater Atlanta Christian less than a month before the season was to begin.
The Panthers would finish the season at 5-6, the first losing season in Flowe’s 14-year career at Parkview.
Will Parkview win another state title under Cecil Flowe?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: David Purdum
6 stories that shook Gwinnett in 06’: No. 5 — No scholarships for Brookwood’s best
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After leading the 2005 Brookwood Broncos to the 5A title game, quarterback David Pittman was expected to be playing major college football this fall. But on last February’s signing day, Pittman didn’t have anything to sign. Neither did his backfield mate, running back Cameron Smith. A blue chip recruit, Smith wound up at Butler Community College and eventually left the team, citing personal reasons. Pittman landed at Pasadena Community College and had a record-breaking freshman season. He said in November that he expects to be playing at a Division I program next year.
It’s hard to understand why blatantly talented athletes like Smith and Pittman don’t receive the opportunity to play on the next level. Parents and fans immediately point the finger of blame at the high school coach. Often, though, it’s the individual player’s performance in the classroom or at scouting camps that cost them their opportunity.
Still, some coaches do more than others. North Gwinnett’s Bob Sphire sent out rosters and game tapes of the Bulldogs first two games this season to every Division I school. Meadowcreeks’s Reggie Perry loaded up his possible recruits in his car and drove them all the way down through the Gulf Coast.
How big of a priority do you believe recruiting should be for high school coaches? Do you want them to spend more time making their players better or helping them get recruited?
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: David Purdum
Six stories that shook Gwinnett in ‘06: No. 6 - Brookwood suspensions.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Less than a week before Brookwood was to open the season, seven Broncos, including four starters, were suspended for two games for violating undisclosed team rules. Brookwood would get off to an 0-2 start.
None of the names of the suspended players were published, but it wasn’t hard to pick out the culprits standing on the sidelines.
I sometimes feel sorry for prep athletes that get front-page service for having a beer or getting in a fight. Does every grown adult that is arrested for driving drunk even get mentioned? Definitely not to the extent that athletes do. But it comes with the territory. Normal adults don’t get overly glowing stories written about their everyday accomplishments either.
While visiting my parents for the holidays, the front-page headline of the Christmas day edition of the Enid (Okla.) News & Eagle read, “Teens busted.” The story told of 17 teenagers, several being high school football players, who were caught drinking in a warehouse. I’m just not sure teens drinking is front-page news or news at all.
If you’re kid was caught drinking, do you think it is necessary or a good use of time for the newspaper to report it?
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: David Purdum
Take your pick: Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks or Georgia’s Mike Mercer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Take your pick: Georgia’s Mike Mercer or Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks
Who will be a better pro?
Both Mercer (6-4) and Meeks (6-5) have the size and the handles to play at the next level.
Mercer has reaped the benefits of rebuilding his formerly awkward looking jumper. The sophomore out of South Gwinnett is fourth in the SEC scoring at better than 17 a night. But it’s his ability to elevate at the rim that makes him look like a future pro.
Meeks has looked every bit the freshman at times. Other times, he’s looked like an All-Conference performer. He oozed confidence during his career-high 18-point performance in a win against Louisville. This week’s SEC Freshman of the Week, Meeks has a ways to go but the future is plenty bright.
They both possess NBA potential, but they’ve still got a lot to prove at the college level. I’ll take Mercer as the better pro because of his slashing ability. That’s something that I haven’t seen yet out of Meeks at Kentucky.
Will either Meeks or Mercer be a better pro than Philadelphia second-year guard Louis Williams (South Gwinnett)?
It’s hard to figure out Williams as a pro. He drops down into the developmental league and goes crazy. He was also among the leading scorers in summer league. But he’s done very little when he gets time with the Sixers. His prolific performances against lesser talent makes me believe it’s just a matter of time before he gains the experience needed to be effective in the NBA. His lack of playmaking skills—only three assists in his last six games—is a concern if he’s going to be a point guard, though. You just don’t see many 6-1 shooting guards.
Still, Williams is a better athlete than Meeks or Mercer. So his ceiling is higher. I’ll take Williams to have the best NBA career out of the three.
Permalink | Comments (17) | Categories: David Purdum
Final rankings got you rankled?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’d like to say ‘’I told you so’’ about Roswell, but I can’t.
Even though I was the first to rank Roswell No. 1 in September, I was also the first to boot the Hornets completely out of the rankings when they lost to Wheeler (a decision I still believe was merited under the circumstances at the time).
But I never thought the Hornets were a legitimate state championship contender until the semifinals.
Same goes for Peachtree Ridge, although no need to apologize for that one. I saw the Lions as a dangerous fourth seed and a real sleeper. Just didn’t figure a state title was coming from it.
What I really expected was that a Gwinnett team or a Region 1-AAAAA team – no matter whether it was the usual suspects or new ones – would emerge in the end.
Other teams that I never believed in were Carver of Columbus, East Paulding and Athens Academy. Wrong on all counts.
Teams that I overrated in preseason: Valdosta at No. 5, Parkview at No. 7 in AAAAA; Griffin at No. 1 in AAAA; Chamblee at No. 4 in AAA.
For the final rankings, I veered from tradition and declined to give courtesy No. 2 rankings to the state runners-up.
As best I can tell, LaGrange is the first No. 2 team that failed to make the state quarterfinals since 1976, at least. LaGrange was 11-1 and lost to the eventual two-time Class AAA champion Peach County in the second round after defeating two other semifinalists – Shaw and Carver – in the regular season.
The Georgia Dome semifinals teams aren’t automatically ranked No. 3 or No. 4. Lovett, Early County, Washington County and East Paulding aren’t. Not all quarterfinalists made the top eight, either. Houston County, North Hall, Bleckley County and Pacelli are unranked. It’s tough leaving HoCo out.
My rule was that there are no upsets in the state playoffs. If you beat somebody in the post-season, you finished ranked ahead of that team. But simply advancing more rounds than another team doesn’t necessarily mean you’re better. It depends on who you played and who you beat.
Permalink | Comments (60) | Categories: Poll talk
Overtime: Who would have won?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If Roswell and Peachtree Ridge were allowed to go into overtime, who do you think would have won?
Peachtree Ridge clearly had the momentum at the end of the game. And with Roswell running back Alex Daniel hampered by an injured ankle, the Hornets’ offense had been held in check since the first half.
But it wasn’t like the Lions’ offense was clicking on all cylinders, either. Quarterback Zach Graham was on target through the air, but the Lions’ running game was nonexistent. Leading rusher Brandon Davis was held to 14 yards.
In an overtime situation, where each team takes over on the 25 yard line, throwing the ball becomes more difficult, especially near the goal line. So, without a running game, the Lions might have had trouble finding the end zone. And, with both kickers having missed short attempts earlier in the game, settling for a field goal might not have been the best option.
So who would have won?
Peachtree Ridge 21, Roswell 14
Permalink | Comments (20) | Categories: David Purdum
With ties, no one wins
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The beauty of parity revealed itself in Class AAAAA’s ultimate game Saturday night at McEachern and resounds all across Georgia today. Unfortunately, the ridiculousness of a mindless GHSA rule ruined an occasion that had the markings of something quite memorable.
The GHSA folks will tell you the coaches around the state would rather a title game conclude in a tie than lose in overtime. Ask Tim McFarlin and Blair Armstrong if they feel that way this morning.
A gem of a game that had a little bit of everything ended with the emptiest feeling. It was deadlocked at 14-14, a fact that left the players, coaches and fans not knowing exactly how to feel.
You go into competition, you expect to win or lose. You do not expect a tie, particularly with the state title in the balance.
And particularly when all season there are no ties. Teams play overtime periods until someone comes away with more points than the other. That’s how sports usually are executed.
Sure, the players can look back over the years and say they had a share of the state championship back in 2006. But it has far less impact to add: “We shared it with …”
Worse for the GHSA, Dublin and Charlton County’s Class AA championship game also ended deadlocked at 13-13. Maybe now, after four schools’ communities go away shaking their heads in dismay, change can occur.
McFarlin could not mask his ambivalence about the outcome. “I feel good — I think,” he said.
And that about sums it up.
The game was too good and the athletes competed too hard to dedicate all this space to a bad rule, however. Peachtree Ridge and Roswell both showed why they were playing on the final night of the season and not the usual suspects.
They carried the night with flair. If Roswell and Peachtree Ridge can reign atop the highest classification, then you can bet coaches from here to all the border states are primed to push the agenda to their teams that it is possible for them, too.
It had been 36 years since Roswell was of championship fiber. In 2006, the Hornets showed a lot, including Saturday, when they built a 14-3 lead that had its massive collection of fans in a frenzy.
Outstanding play, especially early, by quarterback Dustin Taliaferro and running back Alex Daniel helped Roswell gain confidence. Taliaferro had a big 29-yard run and Daniel followed it with a 26-yard score during which he hurdled the pile at the line of scrimmage, juked the safety left and dove in for the touchdown.
Taliaferro added an 83-yard touchdown pass to receiver Garrett Embry, putting Roswell up by 11 at halftime.
It was then that the Lions became resolute about defending their goal.
Led by Cameron Heyward, Aaron Blue and Phillip Davis, Peachtree Ridge did not relinquish another point. Meanwhile, the Lions’ 6-foot-5 quarterback, Zach Graham, was brilliant.
He was unflappable in the pocket, displayed an accurate slingshot arm and an ability to run in times of duress. He highlighted a 12-play drive with a 6-yard run and subsequent two-point conversion run that evened the score. The Peachtree Ridge supporters roared.
Graham’s heroics seemed to precipitate a dramatic finish. What we got, instead, was a letdown.
Still, all hail Roswell and Peachtree Ridge — two championship-worthy teams. The thing is, no one anticipated at the end of Saturday night that they’d both be “champions.”
Permalink | Comments (45) | Categories: Curtis Bunn, State Finals
Time to break state title ties?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Two state championships ended with teams being declared co-champions - the first time in Georgia high school football history that such an event has happened in a season. Peachtree Ridge and Roswell shared the Class AAAAA title when their game ended in a 14-14 tie, as did Charlton County and Dublin in Class AA; that game ended in a 13-13 tie. GHSA rules do not provide for overtime in state championship games. Is it time for the GHSA to amend the rulebook, providing for overtime so that state title games do not end in ties? Or is there no real problem when two teams share a state title? Tell us what you think.
Permalink | Comments (308) | Categories: State Finals
A worthy champion
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Warner Robins — Whether watching from the slammed press box or from the jam-packed stands or between the funnel cake and hot boiled peanut stations, we all viewed the same thing here Friday night: the crowning of a worthy champion.
The folks who support Northside-Warner Robins, playing for the AAAA title game in its grand old venue, just might still be celebrating up and down Watson Boulevard this morning. The school’s first state title means so much to this town 100 miles south of Atlanta down I-75.
That they were able to achieve it at McConnell-Talbert Stadium Friday night, in front of a crowd estimated near 12,000, added to the occasion.
If there is any place that provides more of a home-field advantage than the cozy, yet boisterous, old edifice, I’d like to see it. Marist never had a chance.
Tradition matters in this hotbed of a high school football community, so there was nary a hat on head or a mouth closed as the fans recited the pledge of allegiance before the national anthem. You don’t see that often.
Making it all the more distinct was the battle waged between Marist and Northside-Warner Robins. It was a physical matchup of teams with contrasting styles — remember, styles make fights — and an equal confrontation. For a half.
After the break, coach Conrad Nix and his staff had a notion: Put the ball in the hands of his speedy playmakers, in general, and quarterback Marques Ivory and running back Tijaun Green in particular.
The two juniors flourished, and a 9-6 Northside lead became a 24-point bulge before the large Marist contingent could shake three times those yellow milk cartons they tote.
In getting to the title game, the War Eagles had been able to beat teams with will and unflinching execution. This time, Northside had equal will and executed much better.
This effort was a microcosm of what the Eagles have done all season. They did not lose in 15 games, and it appeared their crowd would not even entertain thoughts of anything less than the apex Friday night.
From across the field, the view of the Northside-Warner Robins side of the stadium looked as if some artist got overzealous in filling every space in a watercolor painting with Eagles blue, orange and white. There was not a place to stand over there, much less sit.
And with so much to cheer after the second quarter, there was no time to take a seat. In rapid-fire succession, Northside got a 43-yard run for a touchdown by the outstanding Green for a 16-6 lead. Not much later, Ivory hit Green with a 29-yard scoring pass for a 23-6 advantage with 6:21 left in the third quarter.
When that period ended, the Eagles players turned to their fans and raised four fingers, indicating the final quarter. The crowd responded in unison by clicking on flashlights.
It was like an R&B concert, and only Northside danced to the music.
The fourth quarter was pretty much a coronation. Green continued to dazzle on offense and senior Deonta Jordan on defense, all the while keeping a watchful eye on the clock.
The title came just in time for Nix, who just might retire with a championship fresh in his pocket. Then again, his team is laden with underclassmen, so stop right here when looking for next year’s preseason No. 1.
But this is no time to look ahead. Not yet. Northside should bask in its dominance as long as it desires. The Eagles and Nix are finally champions now — Nix after 21 tries — which merits savoring for a time.
Permalink | Comments (70) | Categories: Curtis Bunn, State Finals
I’m never wrong, sometimes — take Roswell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My published preseason prediction: Peachtree will struggle to live up to the hype and will finish 7-3. I also drafted LaDainian Tomlinson with my first pick (No. 3 overall) in a fantasy football draft.
Clearly, I’m never wrong.
The hype that surrounded the Ridge stemmed from a team filled with D-I talent. The struggle would come from a team that had has its fair share of infighting. From players getting in fights and yelling at coaches to passionate parents griping about playing time, Ridge coach Blair Armstrong has dealt with it all. Even if he loses in Saturday’s 5A final, he’s coach of the year hands down. Yet, on Nov. 21, I failed to even list him in the candidates for Gwinnett coach of the year.
Clearly, I’m wrong a lot.
I’ll let you decide which I am this week — Roswell, 24-13
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: David Purdum
Dunno how I do it, but…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Podcast
- audio: Podcast Behind The Picks
How do you do it?
How do you pick against Lincoln County, where year after year, Larry Campbell seems to have a team that played in the Georgia Dome the week before, where somebody named Norman or Barden or Hearst seems to emerge and lead the team to victory and make it look easy?
How do you pick against Clinch County, one of the few teams that seems to have Campbell’s and Lincoln County’s numbers, a team that is no stranger to deep postseason runs itself, a team that confidently takes to the road for this week’s Class A final with a freshman quarterback getting a last-second tap on the shoulder?
How do you pick against Charlton County after two consecutive Class AA championships, after three years of standing toe to toe with mighty Buford and consistently getting the better of the Wolves, after three years of hearing Rich McWhorter magnify every Indians fault only to have the team minimize them when it counts the most?
How do you pick against Dublin, which compiles an impressive résumé season after season, visiting some of the most memorable beatdowns upon teams that made the playoffs, where guys two-platoon to perfection because at the smaller schools it’s not only a way of life it’s a necessity?
How do you pick against Shaw, which now beats the team it couldn’t beat two months ago, where the Arsenio Hall show must’ve made such an impact that not one but two players bear his first name, where Craig Fitts steps right into Charles Flowers’ shoes and finds them comfy, cozy and tap-dances them back to the same stomping grounds his predecessor did?
How do you pick against Peach County, which fulfilled the Class AAA championship requirement by beating LaGrange, which spotted Washington County two touchdowns then beat the Golden Hawks by said margin and which knows the way to the post-game celebration because it trod that path only last season?
How do you pick against Northside-Warner Robins, which has knocked on the championship door four times and not seen the door open, which solidly thrashed everybody in its path until St. Pius gave it a scare, which will have perhaps the most vocal and energetic fans this side of Dublin in its corner, packed into McConnell-Talbert Stadium?
How do you pick against Marist, which lost in the second week to Tucker, then spent the rest of the season proving that loss to be one punter-accidentally-takes-a-knee fluke by marching into a Region 6-AAAA championship, a team that marches to the beat of a White Buffalo?
How do you pick against Roswell, where Tim McFarlin has steadfastly stuck up for a team that got caught up in the Class AAAAA No. 1 merry-go-round, flickering in for a moment before being temporarily extinguished, then somehow clawed back for an improbable chance to earn permanent residence in the top spot when the annals of 2006 are revealed to present and future generations?
How do you pick against Peachtree Ridge, which, according to the Georgia High School Association brackets, was supposed to lose in round one, round two, round three and the semifinals, which is not supposed to be in sniffing distance of anything remotely championship-esque in varsity season No. 4 and yet thumbs its nose at convention and finds itself 48 minutes from a place in history?
I did some of that.
Had to. Loved to. Cringed when I got it wrong and fans got cute. Crowed when I did it right and fans went mute. More than 1,800 predictions from Brasstown Bald to Bainbridge, from Camden County to Chattooga. Yes, I did some of that.
I just don’t know how. But let’s do it again next year.
Permalink | Comments (36) | Categories: 2006, Darryl Maxie
Finally, Hornets the favorites
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Roswell has flourished in the underdog role, especially in the playoffs. Many viewed the Hornets as underdogs in each of the four previous rounds.
But it appears to no longer be the case for Saturday’s Class AAAAA championship: Roswell is considered the favorite against Peachtree Ridge, which is only in its fourth year of existence and has earned a spot in the playoffs as a No. 4 seed out of its region.
How does Roswell coach Tim McFarlin feel about his team being in the role of favorites? “I don’t know about that,” he said. “My approach is going to be like always: We’re going to tell our kids how good Peachtree Ridge is. We think it’s a dead-even matchup.”
Who do you think is the favored team? The new kids on the block from Peachtree Ridge? Or a Roswell team which hasn’t appeared in the finals since 1970?
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: State Finals
Take Ten: Why N’side-WR will beat Marist
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s note: There are plenty of reasons to think Marist will win Friday. There are plenty more reasons to side with Northside-Warner Robins. Staff writer Jeff Haws knows them all and a few more. If he can stop arguing with himself for a moment or two, he might just hitch a ride down I-75 Friday to see this solo debate settled on the field. Here’s why Jeff says it’s a safe bet to pick Northside. (Then again, his other blog says… well… just the opposite. It’s OK. We’re confused, too.)
10: Home Cookin’ — Just because several away teams have won state championship games in the past doesn’t mean it can be done. Well, maybe it does. But this is the first time Northside has tried it. And they haven’t lost at home since 2004.
9: They’re Due — After a state final loss last year, the Eagles have lost two semifinals, two quarterfinals and a final in the past nine years, in which they’ve won 10 or more games each time. Somebody, somewhere once said the 10th time’s the charm. And everybody deserves to be right from time to time.
8: Youth Will Be Served — Forget about the elders. Seniors are old and decrepid. Marist has 40 of them. Northside only has three seniors on its offense, which has scored 27 or more points 12 times this season.
7: The North Can’t Hang — Everybody knows the football is better in south and middle Georgia than in the north. Well, everybody in south and middle Georgia knows it, anyway. Atlantans are trying to stake a claim to making a comeback with 3 out of 10 playoff teams hailing from the metro area, but Maconites know the score.
6: Ivory is Liquid — Northside quarterback Marques Ivory is among the smoothest signal-callers around, both throwing and running the ball, working mostly out of the shotgun. Marist hasn’t faced a healthy quarterback with his skill set this season, and War Eagles haven’t seen a heck of a lot of shotgun either.
5: They are Undefeated, Ya Know — Nobody’s beaten them yet. There’s got to be a reason for that, other than their snazzy unis. It’s probably because they’re pretty good.
4: Nothing Else to Do — Have you ever been to Warner Robins? Or Macon, even? They’re nice little places, but the options on what to do for high school kids is pretty much limited to going to the movie theatre and watching planes circle overhead. Might as well play a little football or channel your competitive energies into the Debate Team.
3: Daisy Chain Never Fails — Marist lost 27-24 to Tucker, who lost 14-7 to Mays, who lost 35-7 to Habersham Central, whom Northside defeated 34-0 in the quarterfinals. Through the power of indisputable advanced mathematics, this means Northside will win 110-38. Don’t even try to counter that argument.
2: Envy of Green — Tijuan Green put up 183 yards on the ground for Northside in the semifinal win over St. Pius, and he may be the biggest thing Marist is missing: a fast, game-breaking running back. At 6-0, 190 pounds, his size doesn’t hurt either.
1: What’s a “War Eagle,” Anyway? — Wiki it. Go ahead. It apparently comes from some made-up story about an Eagle circling Auburn’s first-ever football game, against Georgia, and then dying on the field after the Tigers won. It doesn’t say anything about a hobbled bulldog wandering onto the field to cheer on UGA. Frankly, the whole thing sounds sketchy. At least we know normal Eagles exist. “War Eagles” fraternize with unicorns and BigFoot.
Go on. Take Ten. Tell us why Northside-WR is going to bring the pain against Marist. Or not.
Permalink | Comments (23) | Categories: Take Ten
Take Ten: Why Marist will beat N’side-WR
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s note: There are plenty of reasons to think Marist will win Friday. There are plenty more reasons to side with Northside-Warner Robins. Staff writer Jeff Haws knows them all and a few more. If he can stop arguing with himself for a moment or two, he might just hitch a ride down I-75 Friday to see this solo debate settled on the field. Here’s why Jeff says it’s a safe bet to pick the War Eagles. (Then again, his other blog says… well… just the opposite. It’s OK. We’re confused, too.)
10: Travel Helps — Follow me here. The Marist players will have missed almost all if not an entire day of school to make the hour-plus drive to Warner Robins. That will refresh their brains, and they can draw inspiration from the obligatory trip to the Georgia Coaches Hall of Fame.
9: The Pius Factor — It’s always good to look at a common opponent in close matchups like these. The only one in this case is St. Pius. Marist beat the Lions going away, 31-14. Northside, on the other hand, barely hung on to edge Pius 20-17. So this leaves no doubt. Of course, by that Daisy Chain rationale, you can make a case for 4-6 Tri-Cities to be the state champion, but so be it.
8: Gallagher (No Watermelons) — Is that hack comedian who used a sledge hammer to crush watermelons with impunity even still around? Anyway, this is actually Colin Gallagher, Marist’s kicker. He has one of the strongest legs of any kicker in the state, while Northside’s kicking game has been pretty inconsistent. If it comes down to a field goal, Gallagher will surely crush the competition.
7: Marist Doesn’t Lose to Anyone — There are only two teams (Tucker and Thomas County Central) who have played Marist more than twice since 1965 who have a winning record in those games. These two teams have never played, but history says Marist dominates pretty much all its opponents.
6: City Pedigree — The City of Warner Robins didn’t even exist until 1941, 40 years after Marist was founded in Atlanta. The City of Atlanta, of course, has been around since the beginning of human existence, when cave dwellers first penned the term “ATL.” Give Northside four more decades to catch up.
5: Respect Your Elders — Marist has 40 seniors on its roster, even if at least one of them is hurt and won’t play. Northside has just 25. ‘Nuff said.
4: The White Buffalo’s Last Ride — Marist fullback Preston Lyons is “The White Buffalo,” and this is his last shot at a state title before he rides off to college somewhere. Buffaloes may not be scary, but they’re certainly tough to bring down without a gaggle of tranquilizers.
3: Getting Defensive — Nobody but Tucker on Sept. 8 has scored more than 15 on Marist. The War Eagles haven’t given up more than 7 yet in the playoffs. They shut down Creekside’s Eric Berry, widely considered the top quarterback in the state. In fact, it’s rumored they’re just going to play Sudden Death from the outset since both defenses are so good.
2: Marshall Law— Marist quarterback Gary Marshall has outplayed pretty much every quarterback the War Eagles have played so far. One more time doesn’t seem too much to ask.
1: A Better Kind of Eagle — It’s debatable how scary an Eagle is. The beak, the talons, sure. There’s something there. But a War Eagle? That’s truly frightening. It sounds like it might wear some sort of bird armor. Your everyday, pedestrian Eagle stands no chance against the warring kind.
Go on. Take Ten. Tell us why Marist is going to bring the pain against Northside-WR. Or not.
Permalink | Comments (13) | Categories: Take Ten
Fantasy football: Ridge’s Graham or Roswell’s Taliaferro
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Which quarterback will have the best game in Saturday’s 5A final: Peachtree Ridge’s Zach Graham or Roswell’s Dustin Taliaferro?
Graham (6-5, 225 pounds), who has committed to play basketball for Ole Miss, isn’t going to sit in the pocket and pick you. But outside of the pocket, look out. For a 6-foot-5, 225-pounder, he can move and is tough to bring down, mainly because he’s bigger than most linebackers and defensive backs.
Coach Blair Armstrong’s decision to implement the spread formation into the Lions’ offense midway through the season has accentuated Graham’s strengths. The senior’s improvement is one of the biggest reasons the Lions’ find themselves playing on Saturday. He’ll need to be wary of Roswell’s interception machine Dominique Wheeler.
Graham’s predicted numbers in Saturday’s AAAAA championship: 10-17, 105 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 INT, 4 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD
Taliaferro (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) is no longer just a game manager. In his second-year as a starter, the junior has developed into a true playmaker, which has allowed the Hornet offense to blossom into a balanced, potent attack.
That’s a good thing, because balance will be key for the Hornets. Running straight at the Ridge defense, led by blue-chipper Cameron Heyward, isn’t always the best plan. To make things even tougher on Taliaferro, the Lions’ secondary is loaded with opportunistic athletes.
But that’s probably just added motivation to one of the top junior quarterbacks in the state, who has developed a reputation for having the vaunted “it” factor.
Taliaferro’s predicted numbers in Saturday’s AAAAA championship game: 14-21, 175 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 INT
Permalink | | Categories: David Purdum
Discipline key for Marist win
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For a Marist defense that has given up an average of just 9 points per game this season, the biggest challenge in Friday’s state title game at Northside-Warner Robins may be figuring out the shotgun. Northside is going to run it on most of its offensive plays, and quarterback Marques Ivory runs it skillfully. The problems this presents for a defense is that it immediately puts the quarterback in a position where he can either throw quickly or scramble up the middle as the ends rush upfield. Adding to the dynamics of the offense, running back Tijuan Green will almost always line up next to Ivory, creating almost a triple-option situation for the offense.
The bad news for Marist is this requires them to play strictly disciplined, assignment football. The good news is this is exactly what they’re good at. They’ll need to be if they want to slow down one of the most balanced offenses in the state, one that has scored 26 or more points in 13 of 14 games. Of course, what was the one game in which the Eagles didn’t score 26? Last week in a 20-17 win over St. Pius. Here’s guessing 20 points isn’t going to win this game for Northside.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Categories: State Finals
Take Ten: Why we’ll beat Ridge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s note: When Take Ten asked the Roswell Sting student newspaper staff for its top ten reasons why they’re sure they’ll beat Peachtree Ridge to bring home the Class AAAAA state title Saturday it took them a while to get it to us. That’s what we get for sending out the Take Ten carrier pigeon to pick up our email messages. Anyway, once Sting staffer Will Brown, a senior varsity tennis player, got the paper’s “Not So Fast, Ridge” responsorial to us, we stopped the presses and printed an Extra edition. OK, not really since this is online but we still made haste to blog this baby. Many thanks to Sting advisor Charles J. Harbin III for getting us the goods. Better late than never, here’s why Roswell says they WILL bring the Sting and slam the door on the Roar:
10: Cameron Heyward may be big, but how’s he going to catch Dustin Taliaffero or Alex Daniel if he can’t walk?
9: How’d Peachtree Ridge do against Collins Hill?
8: Peachtree Ridge’s magic number is 27 years? Roswell’s is 36. Take that, Destiny.
7: Ridge may have the defense that wins championships, but how are they going to win without an offense?
6: You call that school spirit? I introduce to you… the Roswell Rowdies!
5: Ever try finding a needle in a haystack? It’s like trying to guard Will Naclerio on a post. Impossible.
4: Have you ever met Ebele Okakpu? You will (and it won’t be pretty).
3: Sidney Haynes? Did you see what Dominique Wheeler and Quentin Franklin did to Israel Troupe in the Dome?
2: It’s always nice to dream, but reality is a harsh slap in the face. Just ask Tift, Houston, Brookwood and Collins Hill.
1: Our roster looks like a list of future NFL players.
Go on. Take Ten. Tell us why the Sting staff is on target about the Roswell buzz . Or why, if you’re a Ridge fan, you think they’re just droning on and on.
Permalink | Comments (26) | Categories: Take Ten
‘Home’ not sweet to Hornets
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Because it is the higher seed, Roswell will be the home team in Saturday’s Class AAAAA championship game. However, because Roswell does not have a stadium with the GHSA-required 6,000 seats, Roswell will not be playing at home.
Roswell will be playing Peachtree Ridge at McEachern High School. Roswell coach Tim McFarlin is not happy about it.
“I am disappointed, very disappointed we can’t play at Roswell,” he said. “You don’t get a chance to play for a state championship very often. The GHSA has chosen to go this route as far as seating capacity and we don’t have any other options.
“We’re not trying to think about it. We’d rather lock in on the football game. If we spend too much time complaining, then it’s not good for the kids.”
Whose side do you take on this issue? Is the GHSA rule a good one?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: State Finals
Tradition will bring Marist title
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Over the years, under Alan Chadwick, the Marist program’s strength has been its ability to run the ball and stop the run. It’s a basic football winning formula.
But the underappreciated tradition built by Chadwick’s War Eagles is one at quarterback, where all things start on offense.
Quick history lesson: There was Dan Perez, who was good enough to go from Marist to play at Georgia Tech.
Rob Perez starred at Marist and went on to become a sensational player at the Air Force Academy.
There also was Matt Harpring — the former Georgia Tech basketball start and current NBA starter with the Utah Jazz — who led the War Eagles with aplomb.
Remember the steady Michael Trapani? He went on to play baseball with the Yellow Jackets.
Sean McVay did his thing in a big way for Marist and now plays at Miami of Ohio.
Now, Gary Marshall has the throne. He’s been stellar in helping the War Eagles to a Friday night championship opportunity at Northside-Warner Robins. Marshall’s control of the offense and ability to make plays and put his team in the right plays make him the key player on the field for Marist.
Winning in Warner Robins will be difficult. But because of Marshall’s experience and savvy — not to mention toughness — it should come as little surprise to see him and his teammates celebrating by the end of Friday night.
Permalink | Comments (103) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Take Ten: Why we’ll beat Roswell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Editor’s note: We asked the Peachtree Ridge Roar student newspaper staff to give us the top ten reasons they think the Lions are going to beat metro rival Roswell for the Class AAAAA state title Saturday and they were more than happy to oblige. In fact, when we saw the fine work that Roar Co-Editors-in-Chief Andrew Barnhart and Alexa Sherman, along with Entertainment Editor Dayne Turner, sent in, we here at Take Ten began to fear for our jobs. Thanks also to The Roar’s advisor, Tom Myers, for making it all happen. And so, without further ado, here’s why The Roar staff says the Hornets’ supposed sting can’t match the Lions’ big bite:
10: In the words of White Goodman, “Prepare to be humiliated on public television.”
9: EA Sports was going to make a high school football video game, but every time Peachtree Ridge ran a play, it was an automatic touchdown. When asked about this glitch, the football team responded, “What glitch?”
8: We’re the youngest state finalist in 27 years. Destiny is on our side.
7: When we go to the game, we won’t meet Roswell there, we’ll beat Roswell there.
6: Our mascot can eat theirs.
5: Our defense has had five shutouts to Roswell’s two. Everybody knows defense wins championships.
4: Roswell thinks they are a Cinderella story, but we are the real one.
3: Phillip Davis will intercept Dustin Taliaferro even with his cast on.
2: Have you seen how big Cameron Heyward is? Seriously, have you seen Cameron Heyward? He is impossible to miss.
1: Our roster looks like a list of former NFL players’ sons.
Go on. Take Ten. Tell us why you think the Roar staff is right on about Da Ridge. Or why, if you’re a Roswell fan, you think they’re right off their rockers.
Permalink | Comments (48) | Categories: Take Ten
Talkin’ trash with Ridge receiver Sidney Haynes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wide receivers say the darndest things. Peachtree Ridge’s Sidney Haynes agrees. The flamboyantly funky senior wide out says Terrell Owens is his favorite. At 6-4, 205 pounds with 4.5 speed, Haynes, like Owens, is a big target and wants the ball even when he’s double-covered. He’s also not short on confidence, much like T.O.
Q: How many defensive backs does it take to cover you?
A: More than two.
Q: I’ve heard you described as flamboyant and funky. What one word would you use to best describe your personality?
A: Exciting. You never know what you’re going to get.
Q: Who has the most style on the team?
A: [Senior receiver] Shaun Foley, followed by me.
Q: Does your trash talking really help your game?
A: Yeah, you get inside their heads, and it’s all over.
Q: What would happen if someone switched out your pregame pineapple cups for peaches?
A: It almost happened last week. I forgot my pineapples. My dad was going to bring me some later, but one of the trainer’s moms had some and brought me some down.”
Q: Piercings and tattoos: How many do you have of each, and which do you prefer?
A: I have one tattoo and no piercings. The tattoo is Philippians 4:13 with a cross on my right bicep.
Q: What was the low point of the season?
A: Probably the loss to Collins Hill or North Gwinnett.
Q: Pinpoint the one change in phil-osophy or personnel that you believe helped turn the season around.
A: Probably putting in our spread offense. We went to it right after the Norcross game. We’ve been able to move the ball better when we spread people out, both running and throwing.
Q: Explain your decision to commit to Central Florida
A: I was looking at a lot of big schools. I had some interest from Louisville, Georgia Tech, Ohio State … but I wanted to play immediately. My goal is to go to the league. Coach [George] O’Leary has a lot of NFL connections, and they’re a program on the rise.
Q: Prediction for this weekend’s game?
A: 21-7, Peachtree Ridge.
Permalink | Comments (13) | Categories: David Purdum
No mistaking metro’s might
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So, as it turns out, the balance of power - recently controlled in the south - firmly is entrenched in metro Atlanta.
If the largest classification is the barometer, the AAAAA championship game pitting Roswell and Peachtree Ridge makes the case.
In a year when even an intimation that area ball was superior would spark outrage from middle and south Georgia, there can be no mistaking it now. This is not cheerleading; it’s a point of fact.
When Lowndes and Camden County reigned as champions, there was no hesitation in acknowledging that Atlanta-area teams were lacking. Through these playoffs, it has shown itself superior.
Think about it: Valdosta won but a single game. Neither Lowndes nor Camden County made it to the semifinals at the Georgia Dome. Tift County and Warner Robins were eliminated by the title game participants, respectively.
Because there was no clear cut dominant team this year, it is hard to determine if this balance shift will last beyond this season. But for metro Atlanta, retaking the throne as best in state - even before the championship game is played - is a point of pride - and angst for other parts of the state.
Permalink | Comments (58) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Down year will produce sub-par champion
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The writing is on the board: 2006 was a down year for 5A football in Georgia.
With a win Saturday night, Peachtree Ridge (11-3) could become only the second team with at least three losses to win a championship in the state’s largest classification since 1960. Lowndes is the only team to accomplish the feat. In 1999, the Vikings won their last nine games, including a 17-0 victory over Brunswick in the 4A final, to finish at 12-3.
A 12-3 season is nothing to scowl at, but compared to previous champions, it’s not going to spark any “greatest of all time” talk either. The last six 5A state champions have a combined record of 89-1.
Peachtree Ridge plays Roswell (13-1) for the 5A state title. Neither team was given much championship consideration before or during the season. Roswell began and finished the year ranked eighth. In between, the Hornets climbed all the way to No. 1 for one week, before a loss to eventual Region 6 champ Wheeler knocked them completely out of the rankings. Peachtree Ridge has never cracked the AJC top 10 in its four-year history. And, although the Lions do possess a bunch of big-name talent, at one point in the season, they were 4-3 and considered out of the picture for any kind of significant playoff run.
No matter the winner of Saturday night’s showdown, neither Roswell nor Peachtree Ridge will ever be mentioned in any conversation about Georgia’s all-time great teams. They might, however, be among the least respected champions in the state’s history.
Does anyone actually think Roswell or Peachtree Ridge would stand much of chance against any of the recent champions: Parkview, Camden County or Lowndes?
Still, a state championship is a state championship. And 20 years from now, when the winners sit down to tell their kids of their gridiron glory, there’s no need to mention that they won it all in a down year in Georgia 5A football.
Permalink | Comments (20) | Categories: David Purdum
Why risk losing when you can tie?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Why do we expect high school athletes to act like adults, yet we treat them like little kids at the biggest moments of their early lives?
In life, you win and lose everyday. Rarely, do you tie. Sometimes you get the promotion; sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you win the big game; sometimes you lose. But in this weekend’s state championship games, teams will be allowed to tie. There are no overtimes. Just four quarters of football. If the score’s tied, too bad — Let’s hear it for the co-state champions. Ten years down the road, I wonder how many co-state champions become state champions.
Would you rather risk losing to have the opportunity to win a state title outright or be a co-state championship?
Then, there is the overabundance of all-county awards. The Gwinnett Touchdown Club will hold its awards banquet Monday night. There will be a quarterback of the year, running back of the year, wide receiver of the year, tight end of the year, offensive lineman of the year, linebacker of the year, defensive back of the year, defensive lineman of the year, specialist of the year and athlete of the year. In addition, there will be a 14-man first-team offense and first-team defense, and two 14-man second teams. Not to mention 18 scholar athletes, 16 “Team First” award winners, 16 assistant coaches and 17 volunteers and a multitude of honorable mentions. They’ll even hand out awards to players that would have made All-County had they not been injured.
How big of an honor is it if everyone wins?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: David Purdum
Resilient Roswell finds redemption
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maybe now, after Saturday night at the Georgia Dome, you will suppress your laughter about Roswell, and instead stand up and applaud. The Hornets have earned it.
The team that has been so-called underwhelming all season is but another winning effort from the Class AAAAA football championship. No one outside of the Roswell community dared to predict such a fate for a program that had not reached the final four since 1971.
In convincingly conquering Tift County 24-10, the Hornets dramatically distanced themselves from their season’s low point. The last week of September they rose to No. 1 in the state — for all of five days. Wheeler beat them at home in their first game atop the rankings, and — to show you how lowly regarded Roswell was — the Hornets dropped all the way out of the top 10. It was a significant letdown.
So, imagine the redemption they feel now. Not even the most loyal of Roswell supporters would claim to have foreseen this ascension. As it turns out, the Hornets just might be the toughest team in the state, no matter what happens next weekend in the title game.
Toughness not only is measured in physicality, which, by the way, Roswell has displayed plenty. Toughness also shows in how a team responds to turmoil.
When they were most vulnerable after the Wheeler loss, Roswell’s vitality was in question. But coach Tim McFarlin and his staff galvanized the players, and instead of collapsing, they bonded. The Hornets ran off five consecutive victories to close the regular season, convincing themselves, if no one else, that they had the goods.
Few outside of northern Fulton County had faith. Undaunted, the Hornets used the playoffs to fortify their standing. They jumped to a 24-0 halftime lead against Collins Hill before winning 31-28. Next, against playoff nemesis Brookwood, cynics focused on the Broncos’ three missed field goals and extra point and not Roswell’s resiliency in the Hornets’ 10-9 victory.
In the quarterfinals, the expectation was that Houston County would finally do away with the Hornets. Yet, Roswell whipped the team from Warner Robins 42-21.
Which led to Saturday night. There was no stage fright for Roswell playing at the Dome; they basked in the bright lights. Early in the game, quarterback Dustin Taliaferro made a beautiful 15-yard touchdown toss to Daniel Niedzwiecki for a 7-0 lead, and before Tift County could get over that, Alex Daniel burst 76 yards untouched for a two-touchdown advantage.
Tift managed 10 straight points, but that amounted to a hiccup for Roswell. The Blue Devils had a devil of a time scoring the rest of the night against a Hornets defense that was simply outstanding.
Led by junior linebacker Ebelle Okakpu and sophomore defensive back Tyler Watson, the Hornets’ defense eliminated the big plays that Tift County relied on all season. Roswell forced three turnovers, and the defensive front controlled the Blue Devils’ explosive backs, especially in the shutout of quarters three and four.
When Will Naclerio hauled in Taliaferro’s 33-yard pass for another touchdown late in the third quarter, it signaled the end for Tift County and the start of a well-earned celebration for Roswell.
And in a week, do not be surprised if the entire state does not feel compelled to stand and applaud Roswell as No. 1. With only nine seniors graduating, the Hornets’ top billing certainly will last much longer than five days.
Permalink | Comments (32) | Categories: Curtis Bunn, State Semifinals
Charlton improves to 14-0
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Adam Davis stripped the ball from Early County quarterback Emmanuel Taylor and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter and Lemuel Walker added a 19-yard scoring run and 2-point conversion with 2:31 remaining to lead Charlton County to a 15-6 win in the Class AA quarterfinal at the Georgia Dome.The victory kept the two-time defending champion Indians undefeated (14-0) and set up a date this weekend against Dublin, a 65-7 semifinal winner over Lovett.
Charlton defensive back D.J. Donley, a Georgia Tech signee, added career highs of two interceptions and 10 tackles to improve the Indians to 3-0 against the Bobcats, whom they beat in the first round in 2000 and 2005.
“They’re mad because I stole one,” Davis said of opportunistically returning the ball as Early’s defense slackened, thinking he was down upon taking it. “I always wanted to run one back, but I never thought it’d be in the Dome.”
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: State Semifinals
Lincoln Co. pulls away from Commerce
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As is the case in most years, the road to the Class A championship this season will once again go through Lincoln County.
The Red Devils (13-1) used a stellar effort by its defense, and two fourth quarter touchdowns to hold off a game Commerce squad (11-3), 21-3, in the second state semi-final of the day at the Georgia Dome.
Lincoln County held Commerce to just 120 yards of total offense, with 75 of that coming in the first half. Meanwhile, though they wasted several scoring opportunities, the Red Devils rolled up 400 yards of total offense, with 342 coming on the ground.
The rushing attack was spearheaded by quarterback Brandon Barden, who rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns, and Darell Norman, who ran for 105 yards and a score.
Lincoln County will face Clinch County in the Class A final.
Permalink | | Categories: State Semifinals
Clinch Co. 16, Athens Academy 13
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Class A semifinal
Clinch County 16, Athens Academy 13
First quarter: Clinch County’s defense was the story in the first quarter. The Panthers hurried Athens quarterback Carter Gunn for much of the Spartans’ three first quarter drives and held the Spartans to 4 total yards in the quarter. On Gunn’s second pass attempt of the game, he was intercepted by Carlos Likely and Clinch wasted little time taking an early lead. Justin Gainey capped a six-play drive with a 7-yard touchdown run.
Second quarter:Athens Academy opened the quarter with its second turnover, a fumble by fullback Nick Stiles. Clinch couldn’t capitalize, coming up 2 yards short on a fake punt on fourth-and-7. Late in the quarter, Clinch running back Dexter Reeves lost a fumble and Athens Academy tied the score thanks to a spark from backup quarterback Scott Dalton. Dalton came in for an in-effective Carter Gunn (1 for 5, 26 yards, INT). Dalton was 2-for-2 on a 26-yard scoring drive, including a 9-yard touchdown toss to Turner that made it 7-7. Thanks to a 15-yard late hit penalty, Clinch was able to take a 10-7 halftime lead. With :03 left in the quarter, Joel Varnedoe connected on a 39-yard field goal.
Third quarter: Jeff Turner picked up right where he left off in the second quarter, recovering a short punt at the Clinch County 16-yard line to set up an Athens scoring drive. Nick Stiles took it in from 1-yard out to make it 13-10 after Turner set up the score with two 6-yard runs. Clinch’s turnover problems continued as Dexter Reeves coughed up a punt return. Reeves’ second fumble didn’t cost the Panthers, unlike his first that let Athens Academy tie the score at 7-7.
Fourth quarter: Clinch finally got a big play out of its passing game. Quarterback Shane Burns, 4 for 10 for only 22 yards coming into the drive, found Lafiyama Lacey for a 71-yard touchdown to give Clinch the lead back at 16-13. The Panthers defense took over the rest of the quarter, forcing two Athens Academy punts to hang on for a 16-13 victory and a spot in the Class A final next Friday, the school’s fifth championship appearance.
Permalink | | Categories: State Semifinals
Semifinals not enough for Northside
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Few programs in recent years have put as much mileage on the team bus as Northside-Warner Robins has in trekking the 100 miles north to the Georgia Dome. That’s not the hard part. Getting to the ultimate destination has been a chore.
None of the four visits to Atlanta for the state semifinals has resulted in a championship, a sticking point not lost on anyone in Warner Robins.
“It’s about winning the state,” said Tijuan Green, the Eagles’ sensational junior running back. “It’s about more than getting to the Dome. One more win.”
Friday night, the Eagles’ enjoyed a celebratory journey home from the Dome after a 20-17 victory over gutty St. Pius that tested their fortitude. They started fast, stalled, recovered and then hung on. Not exactly a scintillating performance, but a winning one. And all the Eagles wanted was a chance to play next week for the AAAA championship.
“We didn’t close the game out like we’d like to,” coach Conrad Nix said afterward. “But I was proud of the character the kids showed.”
Unquestionably, the victory required some gumption on the Eagles’ part, as the Golden Lions bounced back from early stage fright with admirable will. Their history at the Dome is different than Northside’s: St. Pius previously had not advanced far enough in the postseason to earn a spot in the coveted game. And the enormity of the game was evident at the onset.
A snap to the punter in the first quarter was high and gave the Eagles a first down on the St. Pius 2. A few seconds later, Green, a back of immense skill, scored to get things started for Northside.
That touchdown was significant. “It took a lot of the nervousness away,” Green said. Not too much later, Green tacked on a dynamic 62-yard touchdown run up the right sideline. Northside led 13-0 and was dominant.
As much as the Eagles felt in control, the Golden Lions felt desperate, which was just the emotion they needed.
Quarterback Dylan Knight led a lengthy drive for a field goal by Chris Philpott. The defense, which seemed overwhelmed at the outset, settled in nicely and held the bigger and faster Eagles.
Finally, in the third quarter, sophomore running back sensation Jonathan Tinsley broke loose on a 40-yard scoring run that pulled St. Pius to within 13-10. Suddenly, the vestiges of past failures seemed to overtake Northside. Its offense was bogged down by a Golden Lions defense that was solid.
The D got the O the ball back, and St. Pius’ disciplined blocking schemes confounded Northside. Senior Will Asip, Tinsley and Knight ground out yardage, and a Tinsley-to-Joey Flint pass connection moved the ball deep into Northside terrain.
St. Pius had an edge in its strut, Northside a posture of concern. Then the moment of the game occurred: Asip was stripped of the ball on a left end run. Northside recovered and breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.
A few minutes later, on fourth-and-1, Green crossed the goal line for the third time, making it 20-10 with 8:27 to play. Flint’s touchdown reception at 1:17 pulled the Golden Lions to within three, but it was too late.
When Northside recovered the ensuing onside kick, the driver could crank up the bus in anticipation of a jubilant ride home. But the Eagles hope for the ultimate celebration next weekend.
Permalink | Comments (38) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Marist vs. East Paulding gametracker
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Class AAAA
Marist 27, East Paulding 7. Final.
Updates written by AJC staff writer Derrick Mahone.
Third quarter: It was much of the same for the War Eagles as they had 128 yards rushing to take a 27-0 lead. Lyons had 188 yards rushing at the end of the quarter, including a 13 yard run. Marshall had 112 yards rushing including a 29 yard touchdown run.
Second quarter: Second quarter: The War Eagles continued to dominate as they racked up 255 yards and 11 first down in the first half to take a 13-0 halftime lead. Colin Gallagher booted a pair of second quarter field goals to increase the lead. He had field goals of 28 and 32 yards. Marist was was led by senior fullback Preston Lyons, who had 113 yards rushing in the first half. East Paulding was held to 57 yards of offense, 31 coming on the ground.
First quarter: Marist dominated the opening quarter by amassing 105 yards of offense for a 7-0 lead. The War Eagles opened the game with an 80-yard, 11 play drive that eat up five minutes, 39 seconds on the clock to take a 7-0 lead on a 3-yard run by quarterback Gary Marshall. The War Eagles had 93 yards rushing in the first quarter while holding East Paulding to only 13 yards, all through the air.
Permalink | | Categories: State Semifinals
Northside-WR vs. St. Pius gametracker
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Class AAAA
Northside-Warner Robins 20, St. Pius 17. Final
Game summary by AJC staff writer Jeff Haws.
Third quarter: St. Pius’ offense picked up right where it left off in the first half, putting together another dominating drive to open the third quarter. The Lions again ran right at the Northside defense, going 83 yards in 11 plays, taking 6:02 off the clock. Running back Jonathan Tinsley capped the march with a 40-yard touchdown run to make the score 13-10 Northside. The Eagles got a couple of first down on their next possession but had to punt after a Greg Foster sack put them in a third-and-18 situation. Again, Northside’s defense seemed to have no answer for the St. Pius rushing attack until a Will Asip fumbled turned the ball over to the Eagles on their side of the 50. St. Pius’ Tinsley made a touchdown-saving tackle on the fumble return.
Second quarter: After a Northside punt, St. Pius began its best drive of the day. The Lions used a steady diet of option runs to complete a drive that would take up almost the entire quarter, covering 52 yards and ending with a 28-yard Chris Philpott field goal to close the score to 13-3 with 1:50 left in the first half. Northside got the ball back but went three and out to basically end first half with a 10-point lead. Northside’s Tijuan Green leads all rushers with 89 first-half yards, highlighted by his 62-yard touchdown run. Tyler Fish leads the Lions with 39 yards on 9 carries, while Will Asip has 24 yards on just two carries.
First quarter: Neither team did much on its first possession, but the first mistake led to points. A snap over the St. Pius punter’s head led to a 2-yard touchdown run by Northside’s Tijuan Green to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead. The Lions moved the ball into Northside territory on their next possession but stalled at the 47 after quarterback Dylan Knight’s pass fell just out of the reach of an open Tyler Fish in the flat. The Eagles responded four plays later when Tijuan Green shed tackles and sprinted down the right sideline for a 62-yard touchdown run. A missed extra point left the score 13-0 Northside, which is how the quarter ended.
Permalink | | Categories: State Semifinals
Lovett-Dublin gametracker
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Class AA semifinal
Dublin 65, Lovett 7, final
Report filed by Chris Whitfield, AJC staff
Lovett failed to score on its opening possession of the second half after putting together a pretty decent drive. Dublin took over and continued to ram the ball down the Lions’ throat with a little help from Lovett when Dublin’s first punt hit off a Lovett player to give the ball back to the Irish. Cochran connected with Edmond for a 20-yard pass to go up 48-7. Dublin corner Rashard Smith picked off a Chris Meyer pass and returned it 25 yards for another Dublin score and the Irish have 55 (55!) points on the board. Mercifully, Dublin puts in the second string. Nevermind, second-string tailback breaks six tackles and scores from 39 out. Another Lovett turnover. Dublin could bust the clock. Nah, nah, na-na. Nah, nah, na-na. We still have another quarter to play. Clock will finally run.
Lovett finally gets on the board with a 2-yard touchdown run from West Barnwell, but the Lions imploded from there.
Dublin scores on a 45-yard run from Morris to go up 28-7, and Lovett muffs the ensuing kickoff to give the Irish the ball back at the Lion 21. Five plays later it was Wilcher from the 1 to make it 35-7. Lovett’s best chance to get back in the game ended with a failed fourth-down conversion late in the second. Dublin put another first-half score on the board when Cochran hit Brandon Taylor with a 23-yard pass wih less than a minute in the half. The biggest cheer for the Lions came when the defensive line blocked the extra point as Dublin leads 41-7 at the half.
I smell a running clock in the second half with the mercy rule.
No. 3 Dublin wasted little time, taking the opening kickoff 56 yards in eight plays with quarterback Ben Cochran connecting with Jamon Morris for a 24-yard scoring strike that saw Morris run over a Lovett defender at the goal line for a 7-0 lead. Lovett went three-an-out on its opening possession, and Dublin capitalized on a the short field going 53 yards in four plays. Cochran hit Thomas Barnes for a 23-yard gain and Brian Wilcher had a 34-yard run as Barnes capped the drive with a 1-yard plunge and a 14-0 lead with 6:18 left in the quarter.Lovett managed a first down on its next possession, but Dublin forced a punt and drove 68 yards as Brian Wilcher scored on a 6-yard run to make it 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.
Click here for full coverage from the Dome
Permalink | | Categories: State Semifinals
Washington Co.-Peach Co. gametracker
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Class AAA semifinal
Peach County 43, Washington Co. 29, final
Reports filed by Jay Stone, AJC staff
Bryan Ellis went over 200 passing yards and Duranzo Brown surpassed 100 rushing yards on Peach County’s opening drive of the secon half, an 82-yard drive. Key play: Ellis’ 49-yard completion to Keith Searcy. Brown’s 1-yard run gave the Trojans their first lead. But Ellis had his 12-of-13 stretch broken when WACO’s Deon Harden picked him off midway through the period, the Hawks’ second interception of the game. Ellis had thrown three interceptions in 287 pass attempts before Friday.
The big news is Dykel Johnson’s pair of 43-yard field goals for Washington County, which had kicked just two field goals all year. This one is a defensive struggle in that both defenses are struggling, and neither team appears concerned about field position. Both are kicking off short to negate the return game, but after Peach’s second touchdown, Juan Rodriguez’ pooch kick almost backfired. Cardenal Coleman was a step away from breaking free and taking it the distance. And the Golden Hawks went for it on fourth down at the Peach 45 to set up their third touchdown, an 11-yard run by Rosco Walls. Ethan Jackson missed the extra point, his second miss in as many tries, which could prove to be big later on.
Meanwhile, Bryan Ellis has gotten on track for Peach. His 11-yard touchdown pass to Udom Umoh with 58 seconds to play in the half was his 10th completion in 11 attempts.
The shootout is on: Neither team punted in the first quarter and both threw an interception. But Peach looks to be in trouble after two turnovers resulted in a 14-point turnaround. Cordell Gladdin intercepted Bryan Ellis’ first pass attempt and returned it 41 yards for Washington County’s score, and Duranzo Brown’s fumble on Washington County’s 4-yard line erased a Peach scoring threat. Washington County’s Rosco Walls looked healthy enough to be effective, running for 26 yards on his first carry.
Click here for full playoff coverage
Permalink | | Categories: State Semifinals
Shaw-Carver Columbus gametracker
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Class AAA semifinal
Shaw 16, Carver-Columbus 14, final
Reports filed by Rob Morton, AJC staff
Shaw maintained its 16-14 lead over Carver at the end of the third quarter. Shaw opened the second half by marching to Carver’s 45 but quarterback Cam Greathouse threw his third interception. Carver lineman Victor Williams provided that after linebacker Tywan Jones deflected the short pass. Carver then pieced together a 14-play, 44-yard drive but Carver turned the ball over on downs at Shaw’s 18 when Shaw cornerback Bryan Willis batted down Carver quarterback Deron Furr’s pass into the end zone.
Shaw carried a 16-14 lead into the second half of the Class AAA semifinal at the Georgia Dome thanks to a questionable coaching decision by Carver. The Tigers grabbed momentum early in the second quarter on a halfback pass from Jarmon Fortson to sophomore wideout Jarvis Jones for a 57-yard touchdown pass. That gave Carver its first lead of the game at 14-10.
That seemed to be where the score would stand heading into the half but Carver opted to go for it on fourth-and-one at its own 25-yard line with just over 30 seconds remaining. Shaw linebacker Ben Silvera tackled Carver quarterback Deron Furr for a loss on a bootleg keeper and Shaw quickly jumped on the miscue when quarterback Art Greathouse hit running back Arsenio Williams for a 28-yard touchdown.
Shaw held a 10-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Three Carver-Columbus special team miscues basically handed Shaw a 10-0 lead but Carver took advantage of a Shaw interception to get back in the game. Carver bobbled the game’s opening kick off that stuck itself at the two yard line. Carver followed by with a shanked punt led to a 26-yard field goal by Shaw’s Chandler Anderson for a 3-0 lead.
Carver then fumbled the resulting kick off and Shaw cashed in again with quarterback Cam Greathouse hitting running back Kyle Griswould for a 11-yard touchdown. But a Greathouse pass was intercepted by Carver’s Corby Eason at midfield that led to a Deron Furr-to-Jarmon Fortson touchdown from nine yards out. Sophomore Malcolm Chinn then ran in the two-pointer to complete the opening quarter.
Click here for full playoff coverage
Permalink | | Categories: State Semifinals
Big-time showcase for metro area
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Through the far-reaching satellite dishes of ESPN2, the rest of the nation — at minimum — got a peek Thursday night into what you should have known for some time now: Georgia high school basketball ranks among the best in the nation.
It can be measured by the presence of the powerful “worldwide leader in sports” at Georgia Tech. With three of the four teams showcased from metro Atlanta, it speaks significantly to where Georgia is viewed in Bristol, Conn., where athletic images are shaped.
Under such scrutiny, neither Wheeler nor Columbia played its best in the opening game at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, but the size, athleticism and sheer talent shone through as Columbia won 69-53.
In the nightcap, AAAAA champion Norcross and the nation’s No. 1 team, Oak Hill Academy from Virginia, put on a display of talent and athleticism that was worth staying up approaching midnight to witness. Oak Hill won 65-57.
There was an astonishing number of players on the court who have signed to play big-time college basketball next year: Columbia’s Lance Storrs (Georgia Tech) and Jeremy Price (Georgia), Wheeler’s J.J. Hickson (North Carolina State), Norcross’ Gani Lawal (Georgia Tech), Tony Neysmith (Oklahoma) and Jordan DeMercy (Florida State). Oak Hill’s Nolan Smith (Duke) and Brandon Jennings (Southern Cal) are among a roster of major college talents.
As further evidence of the depth of talent here, consider the vast number of major college coaches at Tech Thursday that included Georgia’s Dennis Felton, Florida’s Billy Donovan, Tech’s Paul Hewitt, North Carolina’s Roy Williams and Oklahoma’s Jeff Capel, among others.
And they come for one reason — the talent. Consider this: In the past several years, Georgia has twice produced the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft (Kwame Brown of Glynn Academy and Dwight Howard of Southwest Atlanta Christian). Louis Williams was a second-round pick of the Philadelphia 76ers out of South Gwinnett.
Jermareo Davidson, formerly of Wheeler, stars at Alabama. Davidson’s former point guard at Wheeler, Sharaud Curry, plays at Providence. Toney Douglas from Jonesboro runs things at Florida State. Ex-Norcross star Jodie Meeks plays at Kentucky. Brenton Butler from Norcross is flourishing at Fordham in the Atlantic 10. Tucker’s Cameron Tatum will play at Tennessee next year.
Want more? Mike Mercer from South Gwinnett and Billy Humphrey from Dacula are at Georgia. Their former prep teammate, Avery Dukes, is at Alabama. Javaris Crittenton of SACA starts for the Yellow Jackets.
Further, this year’s crop is equally dynamic. Chris Allen of Meadowcreek is probably the best around. He’s going to Michigan State. Zac Swansey of Dunwoody will be a Georgia Bulldog, to name two. And there are sensational underclassmen like Noel Johnson at Fayetteville, Columbia’s Travis Leslie and Al-Farouq Aminu of Norcross who will continue to stretch the pipeline.
“There is not a state with better talent than Georgia,” Bulldogs coach Dennis Felton said. “And it’s a confluence of reasons why.”
Felton noted the “great high school coaching” in the state, including Wheeler’s Doug Lipscomb, Columbia’s Phil McCrary and Norcross’ Eddie Martin, who were on display Thursday. “Kids are well-schooled here,” Felton said.
Also, he added that the competitive AAU programs also force players to train and play all year round.
“That combination of talent, coaching and AAU makes Georgia great,” Felton said. “It’s a place everyone wants to recruit because of all the players produced here.”
If it was unknown before Thursday night, it is not now — thanks to ESPN.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Tugging Superman’s cape still a bad move
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Podcast
- audio: Podcast Behind The Picks
Last year, just like in 2002, your favorite Journal-Constitution high school football forecaster was perfect as the action moved indoors.
Ten games. Ten correct predictions. As one of my former colleagues would say with a sigh of mock weariness, “I get so tired of being right.”
Obviously, ascribing such rock-solid work to personal brilliance has been debunked about 410 times this season alone. So there must be something else at work.
Years where I have been perfect, I have followed the advice of an old singer, whose work warrants a refresher course in the hip hop era. Basically, it comes down to four things we should not do.
One: Don’t tug on Superman’s cape.
Two: Don’t spit into the wind.
Three: Don’t pull the mask off that ol’ Lone Ranger.
Four: Don’t mess around with Jim.
Frankly, I think Jim Croce threw that last one in because he was on a roll. But the first three have validity when you’re trying to figure out indoor football before it happens.
Picking against Charlton County now joins the ranks of picking against Lincoln County on the Superman’s cape-tugging scale. Don’t do it.
I did last week. I consulted my handy-dandy law of averages and the sting marks left by an earlier errant prediction against Buford. I said to myself, “Self, it’s time for Buford to return to the top of the Class AA heap. “
Let me tell you something about the law of averages, handy-dandy or otherwise: It’s overrated. Only the average fall in line with it.
When it comes to the law of averages, Charlton County’s Indians are scofflaws. That’s why they beat Buford 26-7 last week. There is no average team that can do that, and leave fans wondering — just like they did in the ol’ Lone Ranger serials, “Who was that masked man?”
Don’t look here if you want his mask pulled off. Predicting them to lose this week against Early County is like tugging on Superman’s cape and spitting into the wind.
The same thing would happen were I to pick against Lincoln County in its game against Commerce. Larry Campbell can sing some sad songs, too, like the one a few years back when he said his team shouldn’t have been ranked because of its three regular-season losses.
That was 1999, the first time I learned to take pooh-poohing with a grain of salt. Lincoln County made it to the final. And the only reason the Red Devils didn’t win the championship was because they came up 20 points short of the team that did.
That was Charlton County.
• In one of my non-prognosticational duties last week, I detailed three regions that could possibly monopolize championship games — 1-AAAAA, 6-AAAA and 8-A. A reader took me to task for failing to mention Region 2-AAA. That region cannot monopolize the final. Shaw is playing Carver-Columbus for the second time this season. Teams playing a second game against the same opponent have a good record this season — see Clarke Central, Northeast-Macon. Hence, Carver is the pick to do it again.
Maxie’s predictions
• Last week: 12-8 (.600)
• Season: 1,427-410 (.777)
FRIDAY
Class Winner Loser
AAA Carver Shaw
AAA Peach County Washington County
AA Dublin Lovett
AAAA Northside-W.R. St. Pius
AAAA Marist East Paulding
SATURDAY
Class Winner Loser
A Clinch County Athens Academy
A Lincoln County Commerce
AA Charlton County Early County
AAAAA Roswell Tift County
AAAAA Warner Robins Peachtree Ridge
Permalink | Comments (60) | Categories: 2006, Darryl Maxie
DeKalb schools getting it done
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One has a troubled history at the Georgia Dome. The other has no history there. And yet, Marist and St. Pius — who create one of the state’s most passionate rivals — are one Friday in the state semi-finals from facing each other.
Still, the passionate rivals have made a case for DeKalb County as a big-time area for football.
In recent years, the county has built a pretty legitimate reputation as championship viable, with Dome representation by M.L. King, Stephenson, Tucker and S.W. DeKalb.
Marist, under coach Alan Chadwick, has six Dome visits, with a championship coming in 2003. The War Eagles seek their first victory in downtown Atlanta since that title team.
St. Pius, which looked ready to come up short again when it trailed Thomas County Central by 20 points in the second half on the road. They’ll face Northside-Warner Robins, the AAAA’s No. 1 team, but coach Paul Standard’s team is playing so well that it likely will not be awed by the bright lights.
Sure, Gwinnett County has much about which to boast based on its school’s recent run. And so does Houston County down in Warner Robins, which has two schools (Northside-Warner Robins and Warner Robins) still playing. And there are other counties with great reputations.
But DeKalb County needs to be counted among them. Consistently, its teams are top flight. Now, DeKalb has a chance to really make a case for itself over a span of about five hours on Friday night at the Georgia Dome.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
No BCS: Tift Co. vs. Northside (WR) for the real state championship
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In a rash decision, the GHSA has decided to implement the BCS philosophy to determine the state championship game. With a series of polls and computer programs, two teams will advance to the GHSA Championship Game. The remaining teams will be thrown into a multitude of meaningless bowl games.
OK … that’s not true, but what if it were? Out of the remaining teams which two should advance to the championship game? Should there be a provision to allow a team from a smaller classification a shot? All year long, we heard how Buford could beat most 5A teams. Does that make Charlton County deserving of a berth? And what about Northside (WR)?
If you believe the BCS worked correctly in pairing Florida and Ohio State, then you’d have to advance Tift County. The Blue Devils are the only remaining 5A team that won its region. That forces us to look into 4A, where we find two region champions in Marist and Northside. With one loss, Marist is out, leaving us with a Tift County-Northside championship game.
Early line: Northside – 10
I will be blogging live from the Peachtree Ridge-Warner Robins game Saturday night. Hope to hear from you then. **
Happy Holidays … David P.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Categories: David Purdum
We’ve got Jumbotrons, so who needs play clocks?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is there a more frustrating penalty than the dreaded delay of game? And it happens way too frequently, seemingly more than once a game per team. But it’s hard to blame the players at the high school level, since there is no play clock and no warning signal given by the official.
“As a head coach, there’s nothing that infuriates me more than a delay of game penalty,” said Collins Hill’s Larry Sherrill. “But that’s our responsibility.”
The Georgia High School Association does not allow schools to use play clocks. The rule exists because some schools cannot afford the equipment or the extra personnel required to operate it. The play clocks at the Georgia Dome will not be used at this week’s semifinal playoff games.
The back judge keeps the play clock on the field. Contrary to popular belief, he does not give any indication when the clock is running down.
Both Sherrill and Dacula coach Kevin Maloof, a pair of veteran coaches, keep track of the play clock in their heads. But that’s far from fail-proof.
“Once or twice a year, we’ll get called for [delay of game],” said Maloof, “and I’ll question how did that time go so fast?”
Well, we may not have play clocks, but at least we have Jumbotrons so we can see the replay of your team getting called for delay of game.
What rules would you like to see changed in high school football? I’d also like to see the elimination of the rule that prevents kick-off returns if the ball is kicked into the end zone. But let’s start with adding play clocks.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: David Purdum
Roswell may yet make it back to No. 1
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nine weeks ago, Roswell was No. 1 in the state — for about five days. The Hornets lost to Wheeler in their first Friday night atop the AAAAA rankings, which turned out to be a not-so-bad thing.
Their record blemished, they were able to go about their business with little fanfare. And minus the pressure that comes with top billing, the Hornets did not lose again, including knocking off Collins Hill and mighty Brookwood in narrow escapes and handling Houston County last Friday in the playoffs.
Now, with the program’s first-ever berth to the Georgia Dome, the school and community are back in a frenzy — even more so now than in September.
It’s one thing to be No. 1 during the regular season. It’s quite another to be in the state semifinals at the Dome with a chance to win it all. You can’t earn that in September.
Unlike college football, where Roswell perhaps would not have a shot at the title after the defeat to Wheeler, the Hornets held it together and find themselves in the semifinals.
And now that they are there — and considering how they remained solid when they could have been devastated in losing to Wheeler — there is no reason to believe they cannot overcome Tift County.
Of course, Tift will be a very tough out. But this is a case where Roswell gladly accepts losing at No. 1 in late September for a chance at No. 1 in mid-December.
Mastermind behind the Peachtree Ridge defense
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Peachtree Ridge Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Carl Cole is in his 2nd year at the school. The Gloster, Miss., native moved to Georgia five years ago, after head coaching stints at Crystal Springs and Bogue Chitta high schools in Mississippi. On Wednesday, he visited with David P. about his team’s stifling defense.
Q: Tell me about your defensive scheme.
A: We’re a 4-3 and play cover-2 behind it.
Q: When is your defense at its best?
A: When we play well, our front four have a bunch of tackles. Our guys behind them are athletic. And, obviously, Cameron is a big playmaker on the front end for us. We’re able to get a lot of pressure on quarterbacks at times and get them to make a lot of mistakes.
Q: What gives your defense problems? A: Sometimes teams that run the ball straight at us have given us some problems. We’ve got a lot of team speed, and it’s a concern always of ours if someone’s going to run straight at us. You kind of play into our game if you start going sideways and try to spread things out. We tend to handle that pretty well because of our team speed.
Q: What concerns you about Warner Robins?
A: Warner Robins isn’t going to throw it a lot. They haven’t all year. They do a great job of getting off the football and running a good, old fashion wing-T offense. It’ll be a challenge for our guys this week to get ready. We haven’t really seen that this year. Last year, we probably saw it from a couple of times. But some of those teams have drifted away from that a little. South Forsyth still runs a version of it, but not really in its pure form like Warner Robins does. That will make us do some things a little different than we normally do.
Q: Did you get nervous toward the end of last week’s quarterfinal game when Stephenson was at your 10 yard line, poised to take the lead with less than a minute to play?
A: We were getting mighty nervous there at the end, but our kids were just as calm as could be about it. Even after the game, they were like, ‘Coach, we knew we had it. Somebody’s going to make a play.’ They have that belief in each other and I think that’s what makes it work.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: David Purdum
Tradition 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) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Best Dome performances
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Plenty of thrills and memories have been since the state high school football playoffs began play at the Georgia Dome in 1994. But some stand out more than others. Recall your favorite all-time Georgia Dome performance? Here are ours:
1. 2005: Running back Adam Urbano made up for what he considered a sub-par quarterfinal by scoring four touchdowns in Calhoun’s 42-20 Class AA semifinal victory over Grady. His runs of 72, 4 and 37 yards, in addition to a 24-yard TD reception, led the eventual runner-up Yellow Jackets to their first final since winning the Class C title in 1952.
2. 2002: In a 35-34 thriller that Thomas County Central coach Ed Pilcher afterward described as a heavyweight fight, Moses Cochran’s third touchdown run and second 2-point conversion lifted the Yellow Jackets to a 35-34 victory in double overtime.
3. 2002: Parkview overcame two fumbles, had three penalties on the offensive line and an interception in the game’s first 15 minutes to blank East Coweta 24-0 and tie Lincoln County’s then-record 44 consecutive victories. The Panthers’ record 45th the next week against Brookwood secured their third straight Class AAAAA championship.
4. 1998: En route to running their state record of championships to 23, Valdosta used three touchdowns of 40 or more yards to upend powerful Brookwood 37-7. The Wildcats also limited the Broncos to minus-13 yards rushing.
5. 2004: Buford’s 82-yard drive in the 11th hour beat Dublin 28-24 and made it the first team to win five Georgia Dome semifinals. The win also made Buford the first team in the 60-year history of GHSA playoffs to qualify for five straight championship games. Charlton County, however, squelched the Wolves’ bid for a fourth consecutive championship the following weekend.
6. 2005: Ronnye Nelson rushed for 95 yards and a season-high three touchdowns, while completing eight passes for 143 yards, as Dougherty beat Shaw 30-14. Dougherty coach Carror Wright, who had vowed never to set foot in the Georgia Dome until he was coaching a team there, was so stirred by the win that he immediately made plans to return two weeks later for the Falcons’ game against New Orleans.
7. 2003: Lincoln County quarterback Travis Clark was sure he’d lost the game for Lincoln County when he barely stepped out of the back of the end zone while rolling out to pass and gave Trion a safety and 24-22 lead in the fourth quarter. He bounced back to throw a 17-yard touchdown to Steven Brown with 25 seconds left in the game, redeeming himself as the darling of Lincoln’s 28-24 win against Trion.
8. 2001: Twins Matt and Drew Robinson provided the 1-2 punch in Cedartown’s 41-16 Class AAA win over Fitzgerald. Not only did Drew score on two touchdown runs and a 77-yard fumble return, but Matt ran back an interception 33 yards for another score.
9. 1995: Tory Bell’s 28-yard field goal in overtime gave Cedar Shoals a 27-24 Class AAA victory over Crisp County, capping a comeback from a 14-point deficit.
10. 1999: Oconee County’s Tyson Browning ran 83 yards for the winning TD against Cairo, but did not - repeat, did not - watch himself on the Dome’s replay screen. The tiny 5-foot-9, 160-pound back had been told by his coach to play as though at home, where no replay screen would have been. What marvelous restraint for Browning, whose 199 yards helped Oconee complete its only undefeated season and state championship?
Permalink | Comments (35) | Categories: Take Ten
1966: A victory for Carver, community
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Even in their own community, the players and coaches at Carver High heard the doubts — from friends, colleagues and neighbors. They were disappointed, even hurt, but ultimately driven more resolute.
Their matchup Friday against Brown was about more than history as one of the best high school football games pitting an all-black school against and all-white school. This one would prove they could compete. This one was for pride.
Black pride.
The Panthers carried the burden of their race into Cheney Stadium. With the eyes of Georgia watching, Carver’s performance would validate black schools “belonging” in the GHSA. Schools from the all-black Georgia Interscholastic Association had nine wins against GHSA all-white programs leading up to Friday night. But these GIA victories were against Dykes, Grady and Therrell — not exactly pillars of the GHSA.
This confrontation of two top-flight programs would give a barometer on just where, exactly, all-black schools could rank against all-white schools. Not the other way around. The white schools were confirmed talented and tough and disciplined and viable.
Each team was 3-0. But to show how differently Carver considered the occasion, the Panthers spent the week of preparation for the socially significant game working as much on being gentlemanly as they did on football.
“It was important for us to make sure our young men handled themselves well on the field,” assistant coach Willie Hunter said. “Our players are always disciplined, but this was a very high-pressure game. This was a game for the black race, and as coaches we understood that it was just as important that we handled everything as gentlemen.”
That meant the players had to withhold their anger and quietly return to the huddle after two late hits early in the game (that were not called by the referees, by the way). They were told to ignore any racial epithets hurled their way. (Brown’s players, coaches and fans did not offer any.)
Rather, Carver almost immediately earned Brown’s respect, jumping to a 20-0 lead at halftime en route to a rather anti-climactic 20-6 victory. Anti-climactic in the way it played out, not the historical significance.
If there was a moment all-black schools could feel as if they belonged, this was it.
“Black folks are proud,” Hunter said. “This game meant everything to us.”
They felt affirmed with the results and prideful with the manner in which it was achieved. The heavy security to monitor the sold-out stadium had little work; there were no disturbances. When it was over, the players from both teams lined up and shook hands.
“It was just a hard-fought football game, and the better team won,” Hunter said. “We respected them, and if they didn’t respect us from the start, they did by the end. Everyone is shocked but us. Even my buddies were telling me, ‘Oh, y’all have to coach now. You know those white schools are technically sound.’ That kind of got to me. … I think some people, even people who saw us play, got brainwashed into thinking the white coaches and players were better.”
Friday night, at least, Carver made a case for its race. But what now? Does this victory against a quality program dismiss the ugly notions that have existed for too long? After all, segregation has ended, but that does not mean attitudes have changed.
This much is certain: High school sports will not be the same in Georgia. It’ll be better. All-inclusive participation only advances the games, the coaching, the athletes, society. And for that, there should be a feeling of pride for everyone.
ABOUT THIS RE-CREATION In the fall of 1966, the Georgia High School Association ended segregation by allowing all-black high schools from the Georgia Interscholastic Association to join the organization. Several football games between all-black and all-white schools were played during the first weeks of the season, but the biggest was scheduled on Sept. 23 between two of the strongest teams in metro Atlanta. On that day, Brown, a predominantly white school, played Carver, an historically black school. Through quotes obtained in recent interviews, the AJC re-created this coverage as if the game were played last night.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
Don’t let final loss spoil tremendous seasons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gwinnett high school football fans are more passionate than some college fans (especially if you root for Georgia Tech). And with Greater Atlanta Christian, Buford, North Gwinnett and Norcross all seeing their seasons end on Friday, there are a lot of fans, parents, players and coaches hurting this weekend.
Losing is painful and depressing. Don’t let it be. Fight it. Every time a bad memory from Friday night’s game creeps into you head, do some thing positive; do something that benefits your program, your family, your friends and the world. Moping, feeling sorry for yourself and dwelling on the loss doesn’t make anything better.
Easier said than done for sure. If my Sooners lose in Saturday night’s Big 12 Championship, it will hurt, and inside I’ll be depressed. (Don’t even mention Oregon to me). But I’ll put on a happy face and pretend to deal with the loss, even though it will be killing me on the inside. I’ll call my best friend, a lifelong Nebraska fan, and congratulate him. I’ll try to lose with class. Emphasis on try. I’m sure that’s what all Spartans, Wolves, Bulldogs and Blue Devils have been doing since their season came to an end.
With all that said, it’s often beneficial to vent your frustrations about a big loss. Here’s your chance. I was at the Peachtree Ridge-Stephenson game. The Ridge is the only Gwinnett team still alive in the playoffs. But why? I want to know why your team lost. Maybe it was a bad call? Maybe it was a flaw in the game plan or lack of adjustments? Maybe the other team was simply better?
Tell me what you think was the reason your team lost.
— Why can’t Buford slow down Charlton County’s spread offense?
— What happened to North Gwinnett’s spread offense that had been so explosive all season but was kept without a first down in the second half in a 13-0 loss Tift County? Eight sacks couldn’t have helped.
— It sounded like sacks also doomed Norcross in the Blue Devils’ 14-3 loss to Warner Robins. What else stymied Norcross’ potent offense? Why couldn’t the Devils’ defense get Warner Robins’ offense off the field?
— If GAC quarterback Lee Chapple was healthy—not to mention star running back Caleb King—would the Spartans be headed for the Dome?
Let me know what happened.
Congratulations to every team on what was another thrilling season of Gwinnett County football, and good luck to Peachtree Ridge the rest of the way.
Permalink | Comments (60) | Categories: David Purdum
Power running, defense end Norcross’ dream
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This was unfamiliar ground for Norcross, hosting a playoff game that led to the destination of everyone’s choice: the Georgia Dome.
That the Blue Devils will not make it to downtown Atlanta for next weekend’s semifinal games is more a product of their opponent Friday night than being fazed by the magnitude of the occasion.
For sure, Norcross performed with the same purpose as it has all season in ascending to No. 1 in the state. The problem was Warner Robins.
Although the Demons made the leap from AAAA to AAAAA, they retained the poise and know-how that makes champions. In other words, their experience mattered.
They had no turnovers. They had minimal penalties. They had control. Never did they seem threatened, even when Norcross had its moments of success.
With a dozen wins and no losses before Friday, the Blue Devils many times overcame obstacles. This time, the obstacles at times were themselves, and Warner Robins, on the strength of its 14-3 victory, gets another 2 1/2-hour trip north next weekend.
And the Demons deserved it. Coach Bryan Way and his staff are among the best around. They shifted in hard-running backs virtually every other play, keeping them all fresh. This was significant, as Warner Robins blemished Norcross’ season with an 82-yard drive that devoured 6:12 off the fourth-quarter clock.
Jeremy Grant’s touchdown put the crown on an admirable performance. Considering how their fast and tough defense had played all night, an 11-point cushion was insurmountable.
It was, of course, a devastating defeat for Norcross. The Blue Devils, especially after dismantling North Gwinnett in the regular season, had championship aspirations, and rightfully so.
They happened to face a team that historically performs at a high level. This was new ground for Norcross, but it will not be anymore. Clearly, coach Keith Maloof has constructed a program that should contend yearly. That might not be of much comfort now, with defeat still so fresh, but it will resonate in time.
Right now, the Blue Devils will ponder for a while what might have been. Quarterback Bryce Dykes amounted to the sole Norcross offensive threat. The senior made all the big runs for the Blue Devils, but it ended up as if he was running on a treadmill. Twice in the second half the Blue Devils traveled inside the Warner Robins 10-yard line.
They only came away with three points. It was a Roderick Rose interception in the end zone in the third quarter that turned out to be the decisive blow. The ebb and flow of the game had shifted to Norcross on the strength of Dykes’ running.
There was a feeling the Blue Devils would tie the score, but Dykes’ fade pass was deflected and picked off, deflating Norcross in a way that was not overcome.
Warner Robins led 7-0 at halftime when it dominated in every phase, but the game was still in the balance. But Norcross was undone by penalites — a holding call and chop-block infraction nullified big gains — and the Demons’ might.
All that and they still were in need of one more stop to have a chance. They could not get it. Warner Robins’ power running chewed up the clock, and time ran out on a dream season for Norcross.
Permalink | Comments (26) | Categories: Curtis Bunn
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
