Prep Zone

By Georgiaboy

September 5, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

They don’t play anymore, but it didn’t get no better than SWD and Douglass High

By roswellian

September 5, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

I guess Roswell High has no rival. Yay, hornets!

By Eat-a-Wad Grad

September 5, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Eat-a-wad and Cherokee used to be the big rivalry in that county.

By Mike

September 5, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Walton-Wheeler goes back 30+ years.

By EC Alum

September 5, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

East Coweta-Newnan. Oh I’m sorry- this should’ve been a poll of best rivalries in Metro and North Metro Atlanta. The paper’s bias against any school on the southside hasn’t stopped I see, considering none of the metro teams in Region 4-AAAAA even have a team page anymore.

By Still Defiant

September 5, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

What about Mays - Douglass?

By Chris

September 5, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Cass-Cartersville is a big rivalry that’s been going on since the mid-50s. The stands are always packed with 10,000+ every time these two get together.

By dougmo

September 5, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

10 Best Metro Rivalries So What Ever hear abut Valdosta-Lowdnes or Warner Robbins-Northside. Or how about Lincoln County-Washigton/Wilkes Show me any great rivalry games in the metro area and I will show you 10 better ones from around the state.

By Henry

September 5, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

I will place SWD-Stephenson in that group. Like Washington-Douglas games between these teams is always standing room only.

By A fan

September 5, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Lakeside vs Tucker - It is not that great anymore…but these are really old DeKalb County Schools and they have been playing for years…in the 70’s and 80’s Tucker was considered in the country and they were country boy players…Lakeside was suburban city kids…GATT (get after Tuckers Tails)

By Ty

September 5, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Milton/ Roswell Go back 70+ years. I guess there is no rivalry there.

By Tim McDaniel

September 5, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

One rivalry that I wish would resume is the North Gwinnett / Buford one. VERY LONG history of hatred between two schools. From the constant beatdown Buford normally gave North, to the $60,000 “decorating” some of the NG’s Senior class of ‘91 got convicted of to Buford’s new stadium. Even from my own standpoint, half of my family going to Buford, the other half going to North, we sit on opposite sidelines and talk trash to each other all week. High school rivalry burn along time, I hate the color green to this day.

By Jay-SCHS'87

September 5, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

South Cobb vs. Pebblebrook was a great rivalry. It was intense!

By Another Mike

September 5, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

In the 90s, you couldn’t get a much better rivalry than Wheeler-Marietta, including one game featuring Eric Zeier that packed 10,000 into and around Norhtcutt Stadium, including people sitting atop school buses and on the roof of the house next door to one end zone.

Sadly, the two schools don’t even play anymore.

By oldschooldog

September 5, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Clarkston-Avondale; Lakeside-Henderson; Walker-Cedar Grove; Druid Hills-Decatur; Shamrock-Clarkston; Briarcliff-Druid Hills; Redan-Stephenson; Chamblee-Sequoyah.

By Doc Hill

September 5, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Grady vs. Crim was pretty heavy.

Banneker vs. Westlake and Creekside vs. either one can get CRUNK.

Mays vs. Douglass has historically been all about BAD VIBES. Intense.

…but the grandaddy if ‘em all is WEST side vs. WEST side: Douglass (or Harper) vs. Washington High. Bad blood…period.

By da Man

September 5, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Brookwood vs Parkview…On regional TV across the southeast(not just Georgia) most years…Games have the feel of a college game with the live remote news trucks lining the streets prior to the game…overhyped? certainly…but very exciting…

By Brian

September 5, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

UMMMM..can we say Douglass vs. SWD..I know they dont play anymore but there is still no rivalry like it where east meets west…not to mention between 96-2000 set numerous of stadium attendance records in the state..and oh yeah Doug vs. Mays also!!!

By AR

September 5, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Clarke Central/Cedar Shoals – the Classic City Championship is this Friday!

By Jeff

September 5, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

I agree with Chris. It often seems like the ENTIRE population of Bartow County is at the Cass-Cartersville game.

And those that aren’t AT it are still TALKING about it the entire year until the next one!

But hey, they don’t call them the PURPLE (as in: a color denoting homosexual activity) Hurricanes for nothing….

(GLAAD, no offense meant, get off your high horse already!)

By shake

September 5, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

hey dougmo…maybe you can get the Americus Times Recorder or the Valdookie Daily Times to write an article about South Georgia rivalries. GROW UP and quit trying to act like everything in South Georgia is better than it is in the Metro. There’s a reason more folks don’t live in that cesspool…

By shake

September 5, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

hey dougmo…maybe you can get the Americus Times Recorder or the Valdookie Daily Times to write an article about South Georgia rivalries. GROW UP and quit trying to act like everything in South Georgia is better than it is in the Metro. There’s a reason more folks don’t live in that cesspool…

By Georgia Peach!!

September 5, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

Oh Pleez……gotta love that McNair High and SWD…. HighSchool Football will never be the same!

By Preston Prescott IV

September 5, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Is this blog for real? Buckhead IS Atlanta. Westminster and Lovett ARE Buckhead. It’s not the only the most important rivalry in Atlanta, it’s one of the most important rivalries in the country.

By Greg

September 5, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

It took Brookwood getting their own field in the mid 90s to actually always be home at our own place. (Parkview) Now 2 powerhouses playing draws the crowd, bt we all know its P’view playing P.O.’d for all the years of being at home and seeing themselves on the scoreboard as “away” and seeing horse-shoes spray painted on the paw-prints down Cole Dr. A great game always, Go Panthers!

By Jeff

September 5, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

shake:

There are two cesspools in this Great State of mine.

One is in the northern part of the state, about halfway between Alabama and South Carolina on I-20.

The other is in the Southwestern corner, 60 miles west of Albany and 60 miles South of Columbus.

If you guessed that the two cesspools in this state are Atlanta and Randolph County, you guessed right!

And I’m one of the FEW here that has room to talk - I’ve lived in ALL of GA’s North/South zones. I’ve lived in ATL’s suburbs, exurbs, AND intown. I’ve also lived in Warner Robins, Albany, and now Leesburg.

By R

September 5, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Cedar Shoals-Clarke Central has been, from what Ive found out (being new to the area and working here) a very intense rivalry. Even more so seeing as CC beat CS twice (once in regular season and another time to get into the state playoffs) last year and a lot of the games recently have been decided by 7 points or less. We’re ready for some revenge!!! Sad to say, though, sometimes the rivalry spills off the field and into the stands, but it’s not the students, it’s adults who should know better!

Go Jags!!!

By Observer

September 5, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

I would move Marist - St. Pius higher than #4. Granted, Marist has owned the rivalry in recent years but St. Pius owned it for twenty years prior to that.

You mentioned that if Tucker wins on Saturday it would be the first team in 32 years to beat Marist four years in a row - the last team to do that was St. Pius and it was a LOT more than four in a row.

This rivalry has become MUCH more competitive in recent years.

By Brenda G

September 5, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

OLD SCHOOL— How much better than the old school match up of Chamblee vs. Marist? Public school against private school in it’s own school district! Go BULLDOGS!

By NorthlakeNeighbor

September 5, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Henderson-Lakeside. Now that was a big one in the 70’s (from what I can remember)

By David

September 5, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Not in the metro, but Athens Academy-Commerce and Cedar Shoals/Clarke Central

By stevethehawk

September 5, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

North Springs and Riverwood used to be a great rivalry back when they were in the same class and played every year. We shared the same stadium at NS. When I was in High School as NS there was a brawl and on the field during a football game and students rushed the field to join the fight. There a shooting later that night (nobody hurt) and the winter basketball games were then closed to students. Only parents and cheerleades were allowed in the game. Now thats a rivalry!

By Pine Tree Jim

September 5, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Preston, You must have gone to Lovett or Westminster, because only a private school educated tool would put IV behind his name. Nobody cares how many egotistical paternal figures are in your family.

By BCTiger39

September 5, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Jeff, interesting topic… All of them, especially the top five hit the nail on top of the head. What is missing is Stephenson/SWD, I believe the teams are going to play again next year after a two year hiatus. Always 10,000 plus at those games. Back in the day, its seemed like anyone who played Marist, SWD or Douglass was a rivalry game. Those teams brought big crowds.. Creekside/Banneker also worthy of mention… And you can’t forgot the annual DeKalb Dust Bowls Cross Keys/Avondale; Avondale/Druid Hill..

Look forward to the next topic.. top stadiums, top mascotts, best bands.. My non-metro rivalry would be Lowndes County, Valdosta State

By donnie

September 5, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Hey all the crying about where that guy lived, we all know when S.W.D and Stephenson play, you have one of the best rivalries, and the best college or high school band in the state at S.W.D

By Mo

September 5, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I am agreeing WHOLEHEARTEDLY with the Douglass vs SWD games and with the McNair vs SWD games!! Talk about crowds!!! The games were great, halftimes great!!!

By JD

September 5, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Too bad Stephenson and SWD won’t play again this year either. Boy, the battle of the bands was just as good as the game itself.

By michael

September 5, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

where’s the love for winder barrow and aplachee at????? that is always a great game and they even play for the battle of barrow cup which winder won this year 12-8

By FPSH 70'S

September 5, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Probally the best southside game from the 1950’s thru the 90’s was always the Forest Park vs Jonesboro matchup. Also one of the longest one sided winners of any matchup in the whole state were the Panthers always finding a way to win and disappointing the Jonesboro crowd one more time. From the 7th grade until I graduated in 1971 we never lost a game in any sport to Jonesboro, can any other school match that versus another!

By Old Bulldog

September 5, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

For small sized schools going back many years it was always….Trion vs. Armuchee or Trion vs. Gordon Lee.

By Willie Davis

September 5, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

OK…lets go back to the 80’s when Southwest Atlanta vs Therrell was good old fashioned hate!

By Citi slicker

September 5, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

YALL KNOW I HAD TO PUT MY LIST 1.SWD VS STEPHESON HAS THE FEEL OF A BLACK COLLEGE CLASSIC WITH THE BANDS.2.DOUG WASHINGTON BATTLE OF THE WESTSIDE.3.MCNAIR VS MLK THE BEST TEAM RARELY WINS AND SHOULD BE PLAYED AT PANTHERSVILLE THE STADIUM IS AROUND THE CORNER FROM BOTH SCHOOL NOT ACROSS TOWM AT HALLFORD.4.MAYS WASHINGTON.5.WEN ANY OF THE 4 SOUTH FULTON SCHOOLS PLAY CREEKSIDE,BANEKER,WESTLAKE,TRI CITY,5.REDAN LITHONIA WHERE A BLUET PROOF VEST.6.DOUG MAYS.7.TUCKER MARRIST.8.MARIST ST.P.9.CHAMBLEE DUNNNWOODY.10.WESTMINISTER LOVETT.SUM MORE.MCNAIR SWD. COLUMBIA MCNAIR, MCNAIR CEDARGROV,E REDAN STEPHESON, MLK STEPHESON ,AND 1 DAY SWD MLK

By gc

September 5, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Two points of contention: 1) If one team is dominating the series, then is it really a rivalry? I guess people in this part of the world (re: UGA) would take issue with that. And 2) I hope these are in no particular order, because McEachern/Harrison is definitely NOT the third biggest rivalry in metro Atlanta!

Here are three not mentioned so far: Washington/Westlake Buford/Gainesville Harrison/Walton

And three across the state: Ware/Statesboro Clinch/Charlton Peach/Perry

And something for your next blog… A game GHSA should mandate Stephenson/Parkview

By drp1212

September 5, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

The rivalry schools were Douglass and Mays. Standing room only at Lakewood Stadium. You had to get there at least 2 hours early to get a seat

By gasunshine411

September 5, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

There was nothing like Douglass vs. Mays AND Douglass vs. SWD.

Now since someone was whining about south Ga…Let’s also shout out Early County vs. Mitchell-Baker AND Early County vs. Americus.

By MHSAlum

September 5, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Um… Roswell/Milton anybody?? That’s probably the biggest rivalry in all of Fulton County/the Metro Atlanta area. Seeing both sides come out dressed in camo, with their war faces painted… It’s always a blast seeing who gets bragging rights (although I admit it’s always Roswell)

By old school

September 5, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

North Gwinnett and Buford had a great rivalry until North got tired of losing and backed out.

By Titan

September 5, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Hard to believe now but Towers High was the first school to ever defeat then perennial powerhouse Avondale High School 2 years in a row. Avondale didn’t think it was a rivalry until that took place.

By BroncoAllumi

September 5, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Shake, are you still in high school? with a comment like …maybe you can get the Americus Times Recorder or the Valdookie Daily Times to write an article about South Georgia rivalries. GROW UP and quit trying to act like everything in South Georgia is better than it is in the Metro. There’s a reason more folks don’t live in that cesspool… you must be….lol… grow up

By Alex

September 5, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Brookwood and Parkview are top of the list in all sports in Georgia and will be for a long time to come…GO BRONCOS

By Alex

September 5, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Brookwood and Parkview are top of the list in all sports in Georgia and will be for a long time to come…GO BRONCOS.

By david

September 5, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Can’t believe Carrollton vs. Central of Carrollton was left off the list. An ancient and heated rivalry, and the schools are barely a mile apart. Many of the competing students live next door to each other.

By DaddyO

September 5, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Mays - Doug always the biggest rival.

By Seminole with bag over head!

September 5, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

I would have to say any rivalry game that is forced into suspension due to it’s intensity should be on this list. MILTON/ROSWELL. Also a little further north would be South Forsyth/Forsyth Central. THese games had major implications in the late 90’s with standing room only games where the entire city closed down and picked sides.

By Tucker90

September 5, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Tucker vs. Marist is not at Lakewood. It is at Hallford(DeKalb Memorial). GO TIGERS!

By M

September 5, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Please, its all about Stephenson vs. Southwest. That game easily brings 10,000 fans. They even had to move that game to the Georgia Dome

By Daniel

September 5, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Sandy Creek v. Creekside was a big rivalry about 4 years ago (When SCHS still had Calvin Johnson)

Also Sandy Creek v. Whitewater

By A

September 5, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

CAN WE SAY STEPHENSON VS. SOUTHWEST. The bands as well as the footfall teams battle it out. All the other schools have sucky bands

By Stephen Holmes

September 5, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

I think people forget about Woodward - Marist..

By Peachy

September 5, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

@ Ty

I’m soooo glad someone’s trumpeting our neck of the woods, but talk about good old-fashioned hate!…although it’s ROSWELL/milton! GO Hornets!

Another good one is Gainesville/North Hall. When Big Red plays at home, the entire city is there, and people park as far as a half a mile away from the stadium. GO BIG RED!

By NoD

September 5, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Milton Vs Roswell have been going at iway before Parkview and Brookwood were even schools. Best rival in metro by far.

Since its inception, Roswell’s traditional rival has been Milton, the oldest high school in northern Fulton County. The two have competed since 1950 in every sport the schools offered. In 1964 a fight broke out between the fans of the schools at a football game and the series was banned for several years. The football series then went uninterrupted from 1970-1997 but was temporarily ended when the GHSA moved Milton to a different Region, which made scheduling difficult. The series was reinstated in 2000 when Milton and Roswell were again in Region 6-AAAAA. The Roswell-Milton rivalry is one of the oldest football rivalries in the Atlanta Metro area. Since 1952 Roswell holds a 29-18-1 advantage over their archrival in football.

By Matt

September 5, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

How about the Jackson High School and Mary Persons High school Rivalry. Thats one of the States oldest and more Bitter Rivalries

By Eric

September 5, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

AFan, I doubt Tucker would even play Lakeside anymore if it weren’t for the necessities of a region schedule. Any excitement of a longstanding neighborhood rivalry was beaten into the ground long ago as Lakeside rolled out one grade school squad after another.

By Jeff Haws

September 5, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Good stuff, guys.

The person who brought up Roswell/Milton … I seriously considered that one. I liked your little history lesson on it. Very interesting. Thanks for that.

I actually haven’t seen a Stephenson-SWD game, but it certainly seems like it should be a big-time rivalry. I’d love to see these teams start playing again. Maybe with next year’s reclassification.

Some of you bring up some great points with the old rivalries that I wasn’t down here to witness. It’d be great if the teams and/or the GHSA could find a way to keep some of these alive. Sounds like they were amazing back in the day.

By dallas

September 5, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

east paulding and paulding county in the late 90’s was not really a clash of the titans , but for several years these were the only two high schools in the county. and this was just clean old fashion hate. fighting in between plays , fighting all week leading up to the game, students and FANS fighting during the game. they were something else.not just football but also in basketball, baseball soccer everything.

By Nice pick with SPX and Marist

September 5, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

NICE PICK with SPX and Marist glad to get some dap for Pius

By sandi

September 5, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Etowah and Woodstock!! Always a BIG rivalry, they are only a couple of miles from each other!

By DSGB

September 5, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

This was a better rivalry back in the days, but SWD and McNair has to be up there.

By Dave

September 5, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Since Etowah and Woodstock are just about a mile from each other in Towne Lake (great planning there), you’d think they would have a strong rivalry. But, I think the close distance actually prohibits a good rivalry since everyone and everything is so intertwined between the two in Towne Lake. Good old-fashioned suburban indifference. But maybe that will change soon since both football programs are looking stronger.

By Big Daddy GT

September 5, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve been out of high school since 1998, and I know of some rivalries that make the college rivalry of Georgia Tech vs. UGA be a distant memory. Let’s see: SWD vs Cedar Grove, McNair vs MLK, McNair vs Cedar Grove, Lithonia vs Redan, Redan vs Stephenson, Therrell vs Tri-Cities, Redan vs SWD. Now those are some rivalries from back in the day.

By MrEastside

September 5, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

I have to say SWD and Douglass were classic rivalries. There were many times these two schools were nationally ranked when they would play.

By Pat Donovan

September 5, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

There has never been any love lost between Centennial HS & Chattahoochee HS since the very first game. Although this is a relatively new rivalry - it is a heated rivalry for respect and bragging rights. Many of these players are friends that have grown up together. They attend Church together. They have even played pee wee football in grammer and middle school, some on the same teams growing up. This game has tons of emotion and action. It deserves to be on the State rivalry List as a must see game each year.

By Andre

September 5, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Mays and Douglass is always a good gathering, but Douglass and Washington is the Grandfather, but I have to agree with most people here. How could I forget about the Doug vs. SWD games. I was there for each and everyone. Who was there in 2000 the game at Morris Brown. The announced attendance was 30,000. Never before in the state was there a high school game that drew that many people. I miss those days when Jamal Lewis and Quincy Carter would go head to head in the mid 90’s. Can’t bring those memories back.

By Tana

September 5, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Eastside and Newton County share a big rivalry. Being the only two high school teams in Newton County for almost over 10 years has spurred this intense rivalry. Eastside snapped there 24 game losing streak against Newton last year 21-20. And Eastide defeated Newton County High School 31-0 to start their 2007 campaign.

By Mike

September 5, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

I went to Marist and I think the Pius Rivalry doesn’t beat our Thomas County Central rivalry from the late 1990’s when we met 4 times, twice in the state semifinals. Pius just isn’t good enough. However, I think the Sprayberry — Lassiter rivalry takes the cake. The schools are not more than 3 miles from each other and the kids have all known each other since kindergarten. I would also argue for the Walton - Wheeler matchup to make the list. Brookwood and Parkview is clearly tops in the state though.

By FIUpantherMOM

September 5, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

It never has been or will it ever be any better than Northside vs. Warner Robins in the International City….home of the Little League World Champions…..That is the very best high school game in the state every year.

By Charlie

September 5, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

Jonesboro and Forest Park were fighting before most of these schools were named. Later when we all got to know each other it just turned to be a game you wanted to win. Go Cardinals

By go to the game

September 5, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Parkview Brookwoood is bigger than any state championship you will see. Nothing else (in this STATE) compares.

By Michael

September 5, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Norcross v. Duluth. This game started 50 years before Parkview and Brookwood were schools.

By King Donko of Punchstania

September 5, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

North Georgia football sucks. Come on down to South Georgia where we play some real football. Lowndes-Valdosta; Warner Robins-Northside-WR, etc. Nothing compares!

By B Ro

September 5, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

I played ball at South Cobb and we always were jacked up for Pebblebrook …”across the train tracks rival”…and North Cobb….classic county “civil war”…great atmosphere at both games

By HS FOOTBALL FAN

September 5, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

The Therrell vs Southwest Atlanta games were great back in the 70’s and 80’s. Brawls, brawls and more brawls and the bands were good too.

I would have to say SWD and Doug was great, but SWD and Stephenson was is and will be probably the ultimate battle of BANDS and TEAMS hands down unless there is a MLK vs SWD game. Wow!!! That would be the supreme battle of neighbor vs neighbor, Team vs Team, Band vs Band the making of a true Classic. Stephenson vs Parkview would be great too. Lets make it happen GHSA.

By Old School Ga Boy

September 5, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

You have to keep it old school and real. When rivalries were the best. Columbia-SW Dekalb, SW Dekalb-McNair, Columbia-Douglass, Columbia-McNair, SW Dekalb-Redan, Redan-Stone Mtn, Douglass-Redan, Columbia-Washington.

Those were some real rivalries.

By SecretNinja

September 5, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

What about Blessed Trinity and Westminster? BT has 12 state titles in the last seven or so years since its inception, and so often it has been against or through Westminster. Although this one doesn’t have a longstanding history, it is one that has been percolating over the past several years.

By Buzz In Roswell

September 5, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Roswell - Milton may not be as competitive as some of the others anymore but it’s still Fulton’s best. The stands are always packed to standing room only and it’s a game that still defines the season (at least on Roswell’s side). It should be included because it’s the oldest and is The Battle of North Fulton for a reason.

By Dejay

September 5, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Back in the day, Fulton and George would pack Lakewood every year. They even moved the game away from Halloween because of the fighting that always went down. They’ve now merged into the atrocity known as South Atlanta :(

By 5-A FAN

September 5, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

King Donko of Punchstania, THIS IS ABOUT METRO RIVALRIES. EVERYBODY KNOWS SOUTH GEORGIA TEAMS HAVE SOME GREAT RIVALRIES BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO DO BUT GO TO LOCAL HIGHSCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME. ONCE THE SEASONS OVER YOU GUYS HAVE NOTHING TO DO. NORTH GEORGIA LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING SOUTH GEORGIA IN THE PLAYOFFS AGAIN THIS YEAR.

By Suwanee Guy

September 5, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Too bad the North Gwinnett-Buford rivalry is no longer. Most kids in the GFL youth league don’t even know about it. The North kids think of Collins Hill or Peachtree Ridge as their real rivals these days especially since Buford is only AA. 7AAAAA and 8AAAAA are loaded each year and poor Buford loses out on its closest neighbors as rivals.

By Ben

September 5, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

A lot of good rivalries posted here. Hey Dougmo, as you promise to provide 10 examples from around the state for every 1 metro example brought up here, then I estimate you owe us at least 400 examples!

By ATL boy

September 5, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Stephenson vs SWD hands down. They’ve played at the Dome, Morris Brown, and all over the eastside and it’s always a sellout. The bands, the game, the trash talk on the radio - aint a thing like it.

By bulldogturnedhawk

September 5, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

North Gwinnett-Buford. That was a good rivalry for over 30 years. Who remembers 1991-North Gwinnett 37, Buford 0? One of North’s few wins, but it sure was fun!

By Swatguy

September 5, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Southwest vs Therrell was crucial. Every bad intentons mentioned was true…..and more.

The westside have been cheated the last two years with Douglas not being able to TAKE Their Whoopin from Mays and Washington. So today it is Mays vs Washington vs Douglas. Westlake vs Creekside is big too.

By Boots

September 5, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Part of what makes Parkview & Brookwood a great rivalry is that Brookwood came from Parkview in the early 80s. The two schools competed against one another before either one had a sports program to brag about. They are stacked against each other in academic competitions, too - something that has been true for 30 years. These two schools have a rich tradition that is not equaled in the state. Go Big Orange!

By Robin

September 5, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

Tucker vs Marist game is at Hallford Stadium at 8:00

NOT

Lakewood at 8:00

By SWD '81

September 5, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

SWD has been a rival of all the schools that have played them going back to the early ‘70’s. A powerhouse year after year ! And oh, the bands, never been a bad one since the drum corps of the early ‘70’s.SWD, Class of ‘81

By 91Eagle

September 6, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Jeff, this is not a bad list but I question some of the rivalries and where you’ve placed them. Sequoyah/Cherokee? Nice rivalry but TOP 10? No way. Sequoyah has never been a real powerhouse in football and it’s a fairly new school. Marist/Tucker? That has only become a rivalry recently. Tucker has only become a state power in the last five or so years. And St. Pius/Marist might be a good rivalry in the stands but it isn’t a great rivalry on the field, where Marist dominates.

Shockingly, you left off one of the top 2 or 3 rivalries in the city — MILTON/ROSWELL. This rivalry is so intense both communities show up for the game hours before kickoff. Both schools wear camo and get dressed up for the game. There is easily 10,000 fans for every game and police usually have to separate the two sides and not let them mingle.

This has to be a top rivalry Jeff. Recheck your history.

By Jason

September 6, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Where is Milton/Roswell??? Come on….. possibly the oldest and best rivalry in the entire city of Atlanta…

By Vegabronco

September 6, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

I’m a Brookwood guy, so I have to say I have never seen anything in HS football that compares to our annual game. The one game I would travel to see is the Warner Robins/ Northside game…it has to be just as big as BW/PV just outside metro Atlanta. In my playing days nothing was bigger than Newton County vs. Rockdale County before all the other expansion schools were added…Go Rams!

By j-rock

September 6, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

Mays vs. Douglass was not good my freshman and sophmore year because Mays sucked.When they finally beat douglass my junior year you would have thought they won the super bowl…Lol.Thats why Douglass vs. Washington is bigger because that first meeting they had in some years at Lakewood was stupid packed.I’ll never forget Demoyne Boyd vs Nick Turner!Douglass vs SWD was big as well.Until batman dropped the opening kickoff in Morris Brown stadium…Lol.I must say that not puting SWD vs Stephenson is a bit disrespectful.I didn’t like either of them but everyone in the city knew when the game was going to be played.Me and my friends even had a viewing party one year it came on channel 33.Honorable mention Creekside vs Westlake, they don’t like each other!

By What About

September 6, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

The most intense rivalry in the metro area is no doubt the annual slugfest between Our Sisters of Mercy and Wilma’s Corner. This game has been sold out for 26 straight years. The crowds are so large the fire marshall restricts admittance to the stadium. Why no AJC coverage? Go Sisters-fight-fight-fight.

By For real though

September 6, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Hey BulldogturnedHawk, I was there when North beat Buford 37-0. My son played on that squad as a DB. He was the one that kept disrupting what looked to be a completion to a wide open receiver, at least they appeared to be open for a moment. He even got an interception in that game. Man, that was a major upset back then of unearthly proportions. I guess you can say I am a BulldogturnedEagleonlytoturnLion. I have not moved an inch and my oldest son graduated from North, while my middle son from Collins Hill and now my youngest son will be graduating from Peachtree Ridge. That said, bump tradition, what about the ever present rivalries? How can you not look at the most publicized team in Georgia (Norcross) going against one of the touted defensive backfields in the state (Peachtree Ridge). Not to mention they are the reigning state champs. No respect man, what’s up?

By THEHILLISREAL

September 6, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

1.MAYS V/S DOUGLASS 2.MAYS V/S WESTLAKE 3.MAYS V/S WASHINGTON RECENTLY,WHEN EVER MAYS&PIUS IS IN THE SAME REGION.

By HS

September 6, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this

Washington vs. Douglass was mentioned, but tow big rivalries not mentioned are Mays vs. Douglass and Westlake vs. Mays.

By HS

September 6, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

Washington vs. Douglass was mentioned, but two big rivalries not mentioned are Mays vs. Douglass and Westlake vs. Mays.

By davil

September 6, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this

I graduated from ‘Cherkee’ in 1985. There is NOTHING that compares to the NORTHSIDE vs. warner robins rivalry. Ask the Governor.

By davil

September 6, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

What about the great Catholic slugfest between Our Lady of Hidden Persperation vs. Touchdown Moses?

By RedandBlackAttack

September 6, 2007 5:37 AM | Link to this

The Roswell vs Milton football games have to be the best AND oldest rivalry in this fine state. Dewberry, was a Milton QB who went on to play at Ga Tech, was once dressed down at GT by his coach, Bill Curry, saying one time that Dewberry’s focus needed to be better than preparing for a Roswell/Milton game.

Look at the final point differences over the years between Roswell and Milton. Pretty intense tight games or high scores within seven points. Roswell has been running a good string of late, but it is only a matter of time… any given day.

However, for now, and for as long as they will, Go Hornets!! Da Hornets are a tough team when they are live at The Hornet’s Nest!!!

By Mark Kelly

September 6, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this

A bit off the beaten path is Lincpln County vs. Washington-Wilkes. They simply hate each other. The crowds are electric, the play exciting and the off field action after the games is brutal!

In Savannah, the private school rivalry between Calvary and Savannah Christian has always been very intense. BC and Savannah High used to be a great series, but sadly it is no longer played.

By BigPerm

September 6, 2007 6:52 AM | Link to this

The NG win over Buford in ‘91 was way over due. NG hadn’t beat Buford in close to 30 years. Anyone remember the NG-Buford game in ‘89 @ NG? NG almost had Buford, but a late field goal ended it in the rain.

By blue devil

September 6, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this

Everyone who played high school football in GA grew up with a rival —a rivalry that was prominent not only at the high school level but could be traced back to youth league as well.

For us Norcross Blue Devil alum the rivalry will always be Norcross vs Duluth —even though we still hate the (Parkview) Possums with a passion.

MGW NHS Class of ‘83

By You Know Who It Is

September 6, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

Archer High vs. Fulton High (classic) Creekside vs. anybody we play.

By Chris Stephens

September 6, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

I have to agree wiht TIm below on the BUFORD/NORTH GWINNETT Rival. That was huge, I mean HUGE!! My senior year we won 32-2, of course I feel like Tim but I hate the NG Red/Black to this day, everytime I see an NG sticker on a car, I want to pass that car some how, some way. Been a long time since BUFORD/North have played and I know why…..it’s simple….NORTH IS SCARED!!!

By T-Bone

September 6, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

Up here in Hall County, Flowery Branch - Gainesville has become quite a game.

By TJ

September 6, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

TALKING ABOUT CRUNK….WHAT ABOUT SOUTHSIDE vs CRIM…NOW THAT WAS REAL BAD BLOOD….BEST GAME IN THE “A”

TJ SOUTHSIDE “00”

By TJ

September 6, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

TALKING ABOUT CRUNK….WHAT ABOUT SOUTHSIDE vs CRIM…NOW THAT WAS REAL BAD BLOOD….BEST GAME IN THE “A”

TJ SOUTHSIDE “00”

By Tiger

September 6, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

In middle Georgia I would say Perry/Peach County, Warner Robins/Northside Warner Robins and Mary Persons/Washington County.

By Take Ten@ajc.com

September 6, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

Take Ten HQ has fixed the Marist/Tucker stadium snafu. Moving right along…

By Stan

September 6, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

I would also like to put Columbia vs. McNair and Columbia vs. SWD on this lists because these are two sets games that people always come to see.

By Stan

September 6, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

I would also like to put Columbia vs. McNair and Columbia vs. SWD on this lists because these are two sets games that people always come to see.

By rdp592000

September 6, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

from da early to mid 90’s there was no rivalry like da Westlake vs Tri-cities. Thats when Georgia football was the best in da country hands down. Thats when the players were alot bigger and faster.

By Bill

September 6, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

back in the 70’s and 80’s, Dunwoody and Peachtree had quite the rivalry. The schools were less than 5 minutes apart and it was quite the game. I remember Dunwoody players crying after losing a game to Peachtree. Too bad the game is long gone.

By andrea

September 6, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

you’ve forgotten the east side as well… what happened to rockdale county? why has the ajc booted it from the metro area?

By mom3boys

September 6, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

VESTAVIA HILLS AND BERRY!! I know someone reading this knows what I’m talking about! Vestavia who?? CARDIAC CREW!!!!

By Box T

September 6, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

How could a true Metro Atlanta football fan not mention the old Woodward Academy v. Marist rivalry? It was consistently the state game of the week throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. I guess since they don’t play anymore it’s fair to leave them off a recent list but this rivalry is in the top 10 all time (Metro Area).

I also agree leaving off Mays v. Douglass, SWD v. McNair, or even Lakeshore v. Feldwood (old school South Fulton County) is a crime. Don’t sleep on Westlake v. Tri Cities either….

By GRANGER 22

September 6, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

In the 80’s…….LaGrange-vs-Griffin, and LaGrange-vs-Newnan.

By B

September 6, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I went to both Lovett and Wheeler. And, if the Lovett/Westminster game is on this list, there is NO WAY that Wheeler/Walton shouldn’t be. Wheeler/Walton was far more intense than an high school rivalry that I have ever seen. It’s comparable to Auburn/Alabama, Florida/Georgia, USC/Clemson, etc. in the college ranks.

By REPEAT

September 6, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

10 Best Metro Rivalries So What Ever hear abut Valdosta-Lowdnes or Warner Robbins-Northside. Or how about Lincoln County-Washigton/Wilkes Show me any great rivalry games in the metro area and I will show you 10 better ones from around the state.

By Astro Fan

September 6, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

No other rivalry on this list can compare to Douglass vs. Southwest Dekalb. This rivalry broke several attendance records in the state of Georgia. One year they had over 30,000 people packed into Lakewood Stadium and that didn’t include the people standing up. You also can’t forget about Douglass vs. Mays. This was a very heated rivalry by two schools on the same side of town.

By Marietta Dawg

September 6, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

I’m a Wheeler grad, so I’m biased:

Wheeler vs. Walton Wheeler vs. Marietta (this was huge in the 80’s and early 90’s)

By Scott Hornibrook

September 6, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Decatur - Avondale….back in the old days.

By Phog

September 6, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

All non-metro, of course:

Fitzgerald/Irwin County - These may not be the best games, but they hate each other perhaps more than anyone else in the state.

Berrien/Cook - If you learn nothing else in your childhood, it’s that the other county is evil and pays off referees.

Valdosta/Lowndes - Could be a good one this year. VHS is rising from the ashes and Lowndes lost a whole lot from last year.

Warner Robins/Northside

Clinch County/Charlton County - always good for a classic.

Colquitt County/Thomasville - used to be one for the ages, but they’re not in the same classification these days.

Benedictine/Savannah - Played each other every year from 1918-2001. Game day was filled with parades and usually some kind of disagreement.

Josey/Laney - A fight broke out after the very first time they played each other.

By rhsgrad

September 6, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Even though it generally isn’t a real compeition, I think that the Roswell - Milton game is worthy of being in this list of rivalries. This game brings out everbody in the two communities and has since the early 1950’s. And as for rivalries, how many other match-ups can you say had to be cancelled for a period of about 15 years because of fights and too much turn-out? I think this rivalry deserved to be put on this list.

By Pack7671

September 6, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I miss Marist v Westminster (Slime)

By panicdawg420

September 6, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

GO HORNETS!!!!SCREW MILTON!!!!

By Peachy

September 6, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Back when I was in high school, the biggest rivalries were:

Douglass-Mays, Douglass-Washington, SWD-Douglass, SWD-McNair, SWD-Redan, Grady-Northside (North Atlanta), when any S. Fulton high schools play each other. I didn’t go to none of the above schools but either my friends or family members attended and I rolled with them and every game I attended of the games mentioned were always packed. I remember one of the games were so packed that a fight ensued and APD darn near shut everything down…

man those were the days sigh

By 54

September 6, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

The Woodstock- etowah Is great battle it took 3 overtimes last year to decide the game and woodstock came out on the top for the past4 years we from that wood hoe

By tcdawg

September 6, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Toombs-Vidalia…..week six in the PIT! 11th toughest place to play in the state.

By azcat225

September 6, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Jeff, I guess quite a few posters missed one of the key words in your title….Metro. I’m sure you will be following up with a ranking for non-Metro rivalries. From my perspective, though they don’t meet now, Wheeler/Marietta was intense from day one, at least according to the “old-timers” around here. Wheeler/Walton, most definitely. And Parkview/Brookwood—-my co-workers who live in that neck of the woods are already talking smack to each other about that annual slugfest. Gotta love high school sports!!

By TIm McDaniel

September 6, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I was there too for the North/ Buford game of 91, it was my senior year at North. 37 to 7 and it could have been worse than that. North’s fullback Allen Diehl could have outrun that DB for Buford late in the game but he wanted to run over him instead, and got tackled at the 20 or so. I still think the Buford kicker missed that field goal in ‘89. The North stands went crazy until the ref’s raised their arms. BAD CALL!!

By Jeff Haws

September 6, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

azcat-

Ya know, part of my thinking with doing this was that commenters would add some of the non-metro ones. I’ll have to consider doing a non-metro list of my own, though I’ll have to see how things go. All these lists through the year definitely won’t have to focus only on the metro area, but I wanted to do it “metro only” mostly as a list of games to watch for people in the Atlanta area.

Thanks for the suggestion, though. I’m making out a list of potential future Take Tens, so that’s one I’ll keep in the back of my mind. It isn’t easy coming up with these things every week, and I’m probably not nearly smart enough to do it.

By Steve Shelton

September 6, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

You don’t have to be from South Georgia to remember Savannah High VS BC. This rivalry dates back to the middle of the last century. It used to be played on Thanksgiving Day. As part of the largest play class, it was one of the most exciting games each year for many years. I enjoyed many many years of this one. Old Blue Jacket

By azcat225

September 6, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

None of us are smart enough to satisfy all of the bloggers, but you certainly have the gift of a thick skin. I enjoy reading all the entries, even the ones from the posters that just have to have some foam in the corner of their mouth. At least we have a level of sports that (for the most part) is still unspoiled and played by the vast majority of kids because they love it.

By Simon

September 6, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

The guy who mentioned Fulton and George wasn’t kidding. Those were some serious bloodbaths between two schools within inches of each other. You had to go to the earlier game to have a chance of getting in Lakewood to see them try to kill one another back in the day.

By bigfan

September 6, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

COLUMBIA vs SWD in the 80’s was the biggest game around

By Ugadawg57

September 6, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

While the Marietta-McEachern game is a huge rivalry it is one in which both teams have some amount of respect for the other…however as of lately the Marietta-Harrison game has been twice as intense at least for the players involved just because of the almost pure hatred for one another on both ends…the game in the fall of 2004 which was broadcast on css was one of the best/most intense that I have ever been a part of or seen…

By Chrisw0417

September 6, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Games that I would miss my wedding to see….

Thomas Co. Central v. Cairo Thomas Co. Central v. Thomasville Thomas Co. Central v. Marist Thomas Co. Central v. Northside Thomas Co. Central v. St. Pius X

Go Jackets!!

By John

September 6, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Bremen-Bowdon for the Warren Sewell Trophy

By jeffrey

September 6, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Growing up in the mid to late 70’s in the Tucker area and as a former player for Tucker the Tucker/Lakeside and Tucker/Henderson games were huge and great rivalries back in the day.I would have to put those rivalries at the top of the list because of the close proximity of the schools from each other and usually these games always had playoff implications, Region 8AAAA was awesome football back then.

By NC #53 class 04

September 7, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

What about North Clayton Vs Riverdale or North Clayton vs any Dekalb or Atlanta Public School( You can’t beat us).

By Wizzade

September 7, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Parkview vs. Brookwood? Yeah, right. Northside vs. Warner Robins? Lukewarm. Valdosta vs. Lowndes? Too one-sided. Top 5 rivalries. #5. Southwest vs. Columbia - backyard brawl. #4. Douglass vs. Washington - battle of Atlanta. #3. Lakeside vs. Tucker - country against the suburbs. #2. Lithonia vs. Redan - PURE UNADULTERATED HATE!!!! #1. Southwest Dekalb vs. Douglass. Eastside against the westside. Dekalb vs. Fulton. Atlanta vs. DECATUR. Your mama vs. your grandmama. CLASSIC!!!

By tj

September 7, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

grady and north atlanta the battle of the spoiled brats

By ehs

September 8, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

what about ETOWAH vs. WOODSTOCK etowah dominated then woodstock got lucky a few years in a row….but this year we are both coming in 2-0. this is the best rivalry. it will be standing room only. Sept. 14 etowah will win this backyard brawl this year.

Go EAGLES!!

By H

September 10, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

You all keep mentioning. McNair. It was Walker before it was McNair. Walker vs Gordon, Walker vs Columbia and Walker vs SWD were rivalries. Walker, Columbia and SWD had great bands.

By bluelion

September 12, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

THE BEST METRO RIVALRY NOW IS WESTLAKE VS. EVERY TEAM THE LIONS PLAY. DON’T NO ONE LIKE THEM. THEY UNDERSTAND, DA BOYS ARE GOOD. PAWS DOWN… BUT IF I HAD TO PICK ONE,TWO OR THREE IT WOULD BE WESTLAKE VS. CREEKSIDE, WESTLAKE VS. BANNEKER AND WESTLAKE VS. DOUGLASS.