AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 20
Monday, August 20, 2007
Off to Peachtree Ridge, North Gwinnett, Collins Hill; News on Dacula, Buford and South Forsyth
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Headed out to another week’s worth of sweltering football practices. I’m thinking of going topless. Talk about one hairy sunburn …
A couple thoughts on the three teams I’m hoping to see this week:
Tuesday — North Gwinnett: Has junior QB Mikey Tamburo improved? He was great for the majority of last season, but struggled down the stretch. Does he have anyone to throw the ball to?
Wednesday — Peachtree Ridge: How much of the buzz surrounding the defending champs comes from last year’s accomplishments? Do they have an offense to compliment a star-studded defense? How good is linebacker Kevin Minter? Before transferring to Peachtree Ridge, Minter was seemingly credited with every tackle at Berkmar. Is he the real deal?
Thursday — Collins Hill: QB Brent McDonald needs to build off of last season’s solid finish to help the Eagles become more balanced on offense. Does he have the weapons around him to accomplish that?
As usual, let me know if you need me to check out any team in or out of Gwinnett.
Dacula QB hurt
Dacula’s quarterback situation took a blow Friday night, when junior Hunter Watts broke his collarbone in a scrimmage against Grayson.
Watts, who is one of three players likely to see time under center this season, will be out for 4-8 weeks.
That leaves senior Taylor Smith as the starter.
Smith played the first series of the controlled scrimmage against Grayson.
“[Smith] did OK,” said coach Kevin Maloof. “We can’t fumble snaps, can’t call the wrong plays, which are both things we struggled with Friday.”
Senior Ryan Meyer, who is recovering from knee surgery, is also in the mix. Meyer returned to practice in a non-contact capacity on Monday. He is expected to be able to fully participate in practice next week.
Dacula opens the season at Central Gwinnett on Aug. 31.
Buford’s Hunt continues to sit out of practice
Running back Alex Hunt has not been practicing at Buford.
A transfer from Duluth, Hunt has been battling a strained quad, according to Buford coach Jess Simpson.
Simpson says when Hunt returns he will have to work his way into a backfield that includes starter Demetris Murray and talented sophomore Cody Getz.
Hunt has verbally committed to Indiana.
South Forsyth update
South Forsyth coach Greg Slattery saw some positives from his team’s scrimmage with defending co-state champion Roswell on Friday.
Roswell led 28-15 when both teams removed their starters.
Slattery, who is heading into his fourth season at South, was pleased with his defense.
“Our defense gave up some big plays, but that’s all they gave up,” said Slattery. “We gave up a big pass play early, then they tried it again and we came up with an interception. So it showed that we’re learning under fire.”
Senior defensive back Rob Patton (5-10, 180), a three-year starter, came up with the interception. Patton, along with senior Tyler Grant (6-3, 180) and defensive end Evan Downton (6-2, 232) will anchor what is expected to be an improved 3-3-5 defense.
Patton and Grant also will be the featured backs in the War Eagles’ wing-T attack.
Slattery said junior quarterback Brian Adams has completely recovered from a torn ACL suffered in the fourth game of last season and will be the starter.
South likely doesn’t have the size to compete with the heavyweights of Region 7-AAAAA—Peachtree Ridge, Norcross and North Gwinnett—but the War Eagles should contend with Collins Hill for the fourth playoff spot out of the region.
Collins Hill handled South 28-3 last season.
Stay cool … shirtless Dave P.
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