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DEL.ICIO.USDouglass 6-3, 230-pound QB being watched; Alpharetta on pace to contend?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Douglass coach Gary Cantrell didn’t hesitate when asked what he plans on focusing on during Friday’s scrimmage with Washington.
“Our quarterback play,” the seventh-year coach of the Astros immediately answered.
He’s not the only one.
At 6-3, 230 pounds, senior quarterback Ronald Holiday has caught the attention of several BCS schools, including Georgia Tech, but hasn’t received any offers yet. According to Cantrell, Holiday needs to buckle down in the classroom to help the recruiting process along.
The Astros went 7-3 last season, but missed the playoffs for only the second time in Cantrell’s tenure. Such is life in an improving Region 2-AAAAA. “We lost the wrong three games,” said Cantrell. “Hopefully, that was a learning experience for our kids that will teach them to make sure they play hard every game.”
You folks surely know more about the Astros than I (nothing new there). So fill me in: Will Douglass be back in the playoffs this season?
Alpharetta on pace to become contender?
Heading into Alpharetta’s fourth season, coach Bill Waters believes his team is not only bigger, but it’s also deeper.
He’s hoping those two attributes help the Raiders avoid the late-season slide they suffered last year.
After opening last season with four straight wins—highlighted by a 23-16 victory over a Wheeler team that beat eventual AAAAA champion Roswell the following week—Alpharetta stumbled down the stretch, losing three of its last four to miss the playoffs.
“We were in some of those games,” said Waters, “but in others we were a little overmatched.”
Quarterback Matt Robinson, a three-year starter, and wide receiver Evan Gray form a nice combination in the Raiders’ spread offense.
The defense will be led by senior linebacker Joe Hamrock and senior defensive lineman Kevin Steuterman.
For you guys close to the Alpharetta program, do you feel Waters has the Raiders headed in the right direction? For only their fourth season, have they improved in the areas they need to in order to compete?
Anyone have a sweater?
The brutal heat pushed back Peachtree Ridge practice on Wednesday. I still haven’t seen the defending champs practice yet. But the more I hear about the Lions, the more I begin to question their chances of repeating.
Clearly, there’s enough talent, but there are also some gigantic losses. I will hold my judgment until I see them live.
Sticking in Region 7-AAAAA, I also didn’t make it out to Collins Hill as planned.
This time the heat defeated me.
I did, however, speak with coach Larry Sherrill and know how impressed he is about the talent in Gwinnett.
“It’s like we got the All-SEC preseason freshman team out here [in the region],” said Sherrill, who has been known to downplay his team’s chances.
Remember: Collins Hill beat Peachtree Ridge last season, took Norcross to triple-overtime and returns a starting quarterback in senior Brent McDonald, who I believe may have been the most improved player in Gwinnett last season.
Fans can get a good luck at Collins Hill Friday night when the Eagles scrimmage Parkview.
Speaking of Parkview, did Panther fans run away and hide after one losing season? I haven’t heard much from Parkview or Brookwood. Maybe that’s because Grayson’s the team to beat in Region 8.
Apalachee, Winder-Barrow in the works …
Later … DP
Permalink | Comments (33) | Post your comment | Categories: David Purdum
Comments
By Kimberly A Evans
August 23, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Purdum,
The first thing that you need to learn about the DOUGLASS High School Astros is the correct spelling of the school name.
By D.Carter
August 23, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
How in the world do you dare mention 2-AAAAA football without mentioning Stephenson ? Remember us…. defending region champs ? Keep it that way we will earn our ink this year!!!!!
By David P.
August 23, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Whoops … told you I don’t know much about the Astros. My mistake.
By David P.
August 23, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
D. Carter … I’m not sure I can mention every team in a region each time I talk about one of them. That said, the Jags, as usual, are the favorites in Region 2. I saw them last year against Peachtree Ridge and was very impressed, even in the loss. Good luck to you guys this year.
By Classof87
August 24, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this
GO ASTROS!!!!!! They will definitely be back! Good looking out Kim!!
By D. Gordo
August 24, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
I think the Collins Hill/PV game is at PV not Collins Hill.
By Will
August 24, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
What’s up Dave? Douglass has 3 Senior QB’s and 1 Super Sophmore.The Astros are 10 deep at the RB position, of those only 1 Senior. Defense has been swarming and getting to the ball with a vengence. We should get back to the playoffs after last years abscence.Loaded with young talent for the future.
By David P.
August 24, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
D. Gordo … Looks like you’re right. The scrimmage is at Parkview, according to Collins Hill’s web site. I got bad info and am fixing it in the blog. Thanks for the heads up.
Will … 10 RBs? Sounds like that’s too many. Who’s this Super soph, and how good is Mr. Holiday?
By D.Carter
August 24, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
David P,
By D.Carter
August 24, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Football is back!!!! Sick of debating the Vick situation!!! GO Jags
By Farsider
August 24, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
David,
I just don’t know what you’ve got against Brookwood. This team should have one of the best o-lines in the county, if not the state and some talented backs to tote the pigskin. No question that Gwinnett has a wealth of quality teams, but schools ignore Brookwood at their peril. Unless their defense flat-out falls on it’s face, Broncos should win region 8 again. Grayson? Wait ‘till next year.
By D. Gordo
August 24, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
DP -
Why ask the fans about PV and BW go check out a practice and give a report.
Seems all you hear about are the up amd comers and not the perennial producers.
By BBFan
August 24, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
If you actually go out to Brookwood or Parkview the fans might comment. It’s amazing that you can crown Grayson as Region 8 Champs when you haven’t even been to see them…or any other Region 8 school for that matter.
By Will
August 24, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
You will see those 10 RBs at other positions;kick and punt return, LB,CB and receiver. They are the future. As for the Sophmore, Braylon Williams is the future at the QB spot. Starter on JV last year and has been with the Varsity since.The kids also a 3 sport athlete. Region 2AAAAA HJ Champ in Track and Field and lead the JV B-Ball team to the City Championship as the starting PG. Now Mr. Holiday. He has the body, size and the big boy arm.The sky’s the limit for this kid. He is the key to his future success. Reminds everyone of Darrel Hackney. Can make all the throws and has good speed. Also has practiced at TE and DE.
By D.Carter
August 24, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
David P,
Stephenson returns most of its starters from the 2-AAAAA champs led by the most underated player in the Southeast in Clarence (BIG C) Young a 6-2 340 defensive tackle who combines NFL size with uncanny quickness for a player his size.. Secondary is made of Destin Route 5-8 175 4.3 speed and Ahmeed Shakoor 5-11 195 4.5 speed and very physical at the corner spot.. Max Regis and Kerry Hattley provide ball hawking play making safeties both possesing 4.5 speed. Linebackers Xavier Lewis 6-2 235 Josh Elder 5-10 225 and last but not least Nigel Mitchell Thornton 6-2 215 who finished with 16 sacks last season fill out the defense.. The offense will be led By Sr. Rashaad Carter QB 6-2 185 who started every game last year 58.8% completion rating with 8 passing td’s and 7 rushing td’s. Jerome Rudolph RB simply has a knack for the end zone and is a very deceptive runner despite 175 lbs frame. Speed is the order of the day for the offense as Corey McCutheon 6-4 190 lbs WR 4.5 forty Jonathan Blakely 4.3 speed has had a stellar off season in drills and 7 on 7 workouts.. In other words my prediction for 2-AAAAA
Stephenson
ML King
Douglass
Redan
By David P.
August 24, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Farside, BBfan … First of all, I have nothing against Brookwood’s program. Coach Crews has always been a class act to me. He deserves praise for how well he handled a very difficult offseason.
As for this season, I just don’t see the Broncos having the type of success they’ve become accustomed to. I’m basing this on seeing them last year, knowing the players returning and the ones lost and news that they didn’t look very good in a scrimmage against Marietta.
I honestly try to make it to as many practices as possible and plan on visiting Region 8 this week. But, even if I don’t see a team, am I not allowed to form an opinion based on the information I have available?
Like I said, put Bwood, Pview, Grayson and Central Gwinnett in a hat and pick a winner. They all seem pretty equal to me, but, for now, I’m going with Grayson.
Good to hear from the Brookwood folks and good luck to the Broncos this season ..
By Andrew
August 24, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Great story David, got some hot water boiling in Region 2-5A. Doug vs. MLK will be the game of the season this year. We gotta regain the crown.
By black
August 24, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Dear David P. Please slap the stupidity out of Terrance Moore. Do it for all the brotha’s please.
By Andrew
August 25, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
After awhile I left the scrimmage over at Lakewood. There was a large crowd, but the weather just wouldn’t budge for us. I’m not sure what happen? If somebody knows what happen, let me know!
By D. Gordo
August 25, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
PV 24 Collins Hill 0 = Grayson may have to wait a couple more years
By David P.
August 25, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
D. Gordo … WOW, 24-0 Parkview over Collins Hill … Sounds like Cecil’s coaching them up over there.
By David P.
August 25, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Anyone have any more scrimmage scores?
Not official, but i heard Peachtree Ridge blasted Northview; Central Gwinnett crushed Druid Hills.
What else?
By DRDAGREEN
August 26, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
Douglass WILL win the state 5A championship, count on it!
By Dekalb
August 26, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
To DRDAGREEN, the 5A championship will once again come from a Dekalb County Team. Now thats what you can count on. Douglass WILL BE the third seed behind two DEKALB COUNTY TEAMS, count on it!
By Astro Fan
August 26, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
To Dekalb, a 5-A Dekalb County school has never won a state championship. Even when 4-A was the highest classification, the last Dekalb County school to win a state title was Southwest Dekalb in 1995. So dont act like Dekalb been doing something great.
By Dekalb
August 26, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
Astro Fan, you are correct what I meant was that your Astro’s will not win 2-AAAAA region. But I do hope you serve the region well if you make the playoffs.
By Astro Fan
August 27, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this
Ok, well I hope somebody from Region 2-AAAAA wins a state championship this year. I get tired of hearing about some school from Gwinnett County or south Georgia. Region 2-AAAAA has too much talent to not make it to the state title game year in and year out.
By Dekalb
August 27, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Astro Fan, I agree this region should be in the thick of things every year and once again I wish your team well and the Dekalb teams well if they make the playoffs. Peace!!
By PPFan
August 28, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this
What happened to the daily features you did on a different Gwinnett County team in the month leading up to the start of the season. I didn’t notice it this year?
By Jenn
August 28, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
DP: Well, you’re right about one thing at least…Coach Crews is a class act. He has held his team together through tragedy but nobody should count Brookwood out by a long shot. I don’t know where you get your “information” that you’re basing your opinions on, but you said that you would hold your judgments about Peachtree Ridge until you actually see them play, so why not give that same courtesy for Brookwood and I hate to say this, but Parkview as well???
Look for an “upset” at the Dome on Saturday as the Broncos get revenge on the playoff game they should have had last year against the Hornets if not for the missed extra point.
By mike
August 28, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
mill creek beat winder last week 17-7 not a great game but a easy win over a sub par oppent
By mike
August 28, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
mill creek beat winder last week 17-7 not a great game but a easy win over a sub par team
By David P.
August 28, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
PPFan … The features have been running in the Gwinnett News. The best way to find them online is to go to the print edition tab at the top right corner of the page. If you still have trouble, I can send you the links. Email me the teams you are interested in … dpurdum@ajc.com.
Jenn … Valid point about my judgment on your Broncos and not on Peachtree Ridge. My reasoning—which I’ll admit is somewhat suspect—is that the Ridge has a lot more returning starters, including a handful of Division I recruits. But they have a new coach. So I need to see what Coach Ballard can do with his abundance of talent before I can judge the Ridge. Brookwood, on the other hand, has a very limited amount of returning starters, especially on defense. I also understand that they struggled in a scrimmage against Marietta. Based on those things and having seen the returning players perform last year, I’ll take Roswell on Saturday. Bottom line: I need to go see Brookwood practice ASAP.