AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 17 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNorcross the team to beat in Gwinnett
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I went to watch Norcross practice Wednesday, expecting to see the second best team in Gwinnett. With all due respect to the defending state champions at Peachtree Ridge, I left Norcross certain that I had just seen the county’s best team.
Norcross has received a lot of preseason hype, thanks mainly to wide receivers Devonta Bolton and Brice Butler, who have committed to Alabama and Southern Cal respectively. But how valuable are star receivers if you don’t have anyone to throw them ball?
That was my biggest question about Keith Maloof’s squad. Senior Nick Sorel and junior Charles King, the quarterbacks that will play this season, provided the answer.
Both looked solid in practice and have earned the confidence of their coach. Sorel is more polished in the passing game, but does not possess the mobility of the King. Both quarterbacks showed the ability to make all the throws with accuracy. I expect Sorel to start the season opener, but Maloof will find ways to utilize King’s athleticism.
The quarterbacks will benefit from an offensive line that returns all five starters and junior tailback D.J. Adams, who looks like an emerging star, not to mention the best receiving tandem in the state and maybe the nation.
Bolton and Butler looked as good as advertised, if not better. More importantly, Maloof will find ways to get them the ball, whether it’s on a reverse, screen or even having them take a few snaps out of the shotgun, much like he did with Darius Hanks last year. Hanks is now trying to earn playing time as a freshman for Nick Saban at Alabama.
I’m headed to Peachtree Ridge next week to see if the defending champs have an offense to compliment a loaded defense, as well as, to see if my I’m right about Norcross being the team to beat in Gwinnett.
Shoot me a line, if you need me to check in to another school in or out of Gwinnett.
Stay cool … DP
Permalink | Comments (26) | Post your comment | Categories: David Purdum
Comments
By baloney
August 17, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
South Forsyth? Even though they are in Forsyth county they still play in Region 7AAAAA. We need credit, we have guts.
By David P.
August 17, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Baloney … I’ve reached out to South, but haven’t heard much back as of yet. I haven’t forgot about you and will keep trying.
By G-Town
August 17, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
I have to take your crowning of Norcross as the best in Gwinnett, with a grain of salt, considering you haven’t been to many of the AAAAA schools.
You said in an earlier article that Buford had the biggest line in the county, do you still believe that now that you begin to go to some of the AAAAA schools? I watched Buford practice the other day and they didn’t look very big at all.
I’m personally not sold on the Ridge defense. They have some talented DB’s, but it all starts up front. It’s amazing how a guy like Cam Heyward rushing the passer can make the secondary’s job a whole lot easier. I think they are going to miss him a TON!
By Mary
August 17, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
I believe North Gwinnett High is the team to beat this year…..last year we had our best year in the history of the school. This year will be even better. We have the top quarterback in high school…..
Go BULLDOGS!!!!!
By baloney
August 17, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Dave, would you like for me to give you some insight? I have a good feel for who is doing what over there. Of course I wouldn’t want to step on anyones toes either.If you want me to email you I will need you email address.
By David P.
August 17, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
G-Town … Buford’s lines—both defense and offense—looked pretty big to me. I know the Dline in particular averages close to 300 pounds. But you’re right I haven’t seen all the AAAAA s in Gwinnett, but do have a pretty good idea who has the most talent.
Mary … As far as North Gwinnett, I’m a big Bob Sphire fan, but I’m sure the have as much talent as they had last season. I’ll try to check them out next week, too.
By David P.
August 17, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Baloney … That sounds great. Anyone and everyone can always shoot me a line at dpurdum@ajc.com.
By robert
August 17, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
Davidp If you want to come watch the region 7 5a champs for 2008 you are welcome to come and watch the Collins Hill eagles practice. Yes I know I am biased my son plays on the team but I still stand by my statement. Davidp keep up the good work I enjoy what you have to say whether I agree with you or not.
By robert
August 17, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Davidp If you want to come watch the region 7 5a champs for 2008 you are welcome to come and watch the Collins Hill eagles practice. Yes I know I am biased my son plays on the team but I still stand by my statement. Davidp keep up the good work I enjoy what you have to say whether I agree with you or not.
By David P.
August 18, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Robert … I fully expect Collins Hill to have another solid season. But winning Region 7 … well, that seems like lofty expectations. QB McDonald may have improved more than any other player from the start of last year to end. Has he continued to progress? I also understand that Coach Sherrill has a new stud running back, sophomore Perkins. How good is he?
By NorcrossMom
August 18, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Thanks David! I have to admit we Blue Devils have been cautiously optimistic, but after last nights win over Walton (in a scrimmage) there is no doubt Norcross has what it takes for the next couple of years, at least! I felt you did NOT give us the respect we deserved last football season; better late than never!
By chill
August 18, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
David, McDonald has improved but mainly he has improved his recievers. Drew Swick, Rashad Head, and Larry Egolum are going to give a lot of db’s trouble. Perkins is a good back and amazing for a sophmore, but i would wait to pass judgement on him tell after the season starts.
By chill
August 18, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
and are you stopping by collins hill to check them out anytime soon?
By David P.
August 18, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
NorcrossMom … Just so I have this straight: A parent of a high school football player doesn’t think his team is getting enough respect? That’s a first. I’m just kidding and promise that Norcross will receive plenty of coverage this year. Good luck to you and the Devils.
Chill … I’ll be out a Collins Hill next week and can’t wait to see those receivers.
By thomas
August 19, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
i guess since all the cheating is about over with parkview and brookwood things will get normal in the county and yes parkview you cheated so good too bad the dekald kids are staying in county
By Getitright
August 20, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
TO NorcrossMom,
You must have attented a different scrimmage than the one held @ Walton on 8/17. Walton won the scrimmage - mostly via Norcross Special Teams miscues.
By fairplay
August 20, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
North will find out a lot as they take on Alabama’s number 1 team (Prattville)August 25th in Montgomery. Agreed as the QBs go at Norcross so will the Blue Devils, Peachtree Ridge has some ballplayers but can a new coach pull it all together in a season. The Ridge started slow last season but peaked at the right time. Sorry Collins Hill, that unimaginative offense with no standout playmakers keeps you in the top tier but not at the top. Region 7 is tough, how is 8 looking? The Ridge, North and Norcross matchups decide this reason, the 2-0 team in those should handle the rest. What say you David?
By Doug boi
August 20, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
What do you think about the Norcross QB’s performance in the Scrimmage?
By Robert Wood
August 20, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Fairplay, I love the way you are disrespecting the hill. North is no way near the team you think they are. Saw north at a passing camp and tamburo looked confused without his normal stud receivers. The Norcross /Collins Hill game will decide who wins the region.
By Casey
August 20, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Don’t be surprise to see a very strong team out of Grayson High
By BigPerm
August 20, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
It’s pretty obvious…..Buford is the #1 team in Gwinnett….no question!!!
By David P.
August 20, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
Fairplay … I think you’re right on in Region 7, but I’m not sure North Gwinnett has enough to compete with the Ridge and Norcross. I’m going to North’s practice tomorrow. So I’ll see. There sure doesn’t seem to be much support from the Region 8 folks. Casey … I agree that Grayson is the favorite in Region 8, but do the Rams have enough offense?
By fairplay
August 21, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Robert, No dis, Facts are facts. Collins Hill is always solid on both sides of the ball. But y’all know that 3 yards and a cloud of dust offense is likely not going to put up enough point to beat those top 3 teams. ‘Course that’s why they play ‘em, you never know.
By fairplay
August 21, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
David, Yoshimura and Barnes must step up in the receiving corps, no doubt. Losing Demps as a transfer to PRidge and 2 other defensive losses of Knox and Williams do hurt but otherwise a strong defense returns. PRidge and Norcross have some blue chippers. Any of these teams have to rally to replace last year’s seniors. Still sorry Robert-the Hill looks like a good spoiler. More athletes in better systems at Norcross, North and Peachtree Ridge. Are y’all ready for some football????
By NORCROSSdevil08
August 21, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
To Getitright~ i was at that norcross scrimmage…we won 14-11!!!
To NorcrossMom~ im with you on the not getting enough respect last season…everyone just expects good basketball from NHS…but now its our football team they have to look out for too! but i started to notice last season, towards the end, we were on the gwinnett news front page every saturday.
and as a norcross student, ive NEVER missed a game my whole career and im a senior…and this year will be our best, no doubt. I know all the guys you named in this article personally and i know they’re ready…they practice 2:30-6:30 (or later) everyday and work they’re butts off. And to all the 7AAAAA teams we’ll play this year..good luck to you guys…im especially looking foward to another killer collins hill game (last yr’s was 3OT) and of course, region champs again…and then us going on to state!!
GO BLUE DEVILS!!!!
By Jenn
August 28, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Thomas: What alleged “cheating” are you referring to regarding Brookwood and Parkview? Kids transferring from inferior programs to winning programs in hopes of being recruited by a D-1 school? I don’t call that cheating I call that planning for the future.