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Monday, September 10, 2007
Brookwood, Dacula, Collins Hill 0-2-and done?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Three of Gwinnett’s perennial playoff contenders—Brookwood, Dacula and Collins Hill—sit at 0-2. Which one will respond to the adversity and finish with the best record?
Dacula: Out of the three teams, I’m most surprised that the Falcons are winless. I knew there were issues at quarterback, but I figured the defense, offensive line and a solid group of running backs would be enough to at least avoid an 0-2 start.
That hasn’t been the case. In fact, first-year starting quarterback Taylor Smith, at least statistically, has been the least of coach Kevin Maloof’s worries. Smith is completing 58 percent of his passes and is averaging 23.6 yards per completion. He has thrown two interceptions, though.
Turnovers have been the biggest culprit in the Falcons’ tough start. They’ve lost five fumbles.
But even when they do hold onto the ball, the running game has struggled. The Falcons are averaging just over two yards a carry.
Still, the Falcons play in a relatively weak region (8-AAAA) and should be able to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.
Final Record Prediction: 6-5
Brookwood: Defense was supposed to be the biggest issue about the Broncos. But it’s been special teams that have killed Brookwood in getting off to its second consecutive 0-2 start.
Against No. 1 Roswell, it was a missed field goal. Against North Gwinnett, the Broncos allowed an amazing four kicks to be blocked.
If Brookwood can get past an improved Valdosta squad , the Broncos should find themselves at 5-2 heading into a difficult closing stretch against Grayson, Central Gwinnett and Parkview.
Final Record Prediction: 5-6
Collins Hill: The Eagles’ offense must get going quickly or they could miss the playoffs for the first time in four years.
In a 37-0 loss to Valdosta, Collins Hill had negative yards rushing and only 51 yards of total offense. Quarterback Brent McDonald led the Eagles in rushing with only 10 yards.
It was only the second shutout loss of coach Larry Sherrill’s six-year tenure.
With all three of Region 7’s juggernauts—Peachtree Ridge, North Gwinnett and Norcross—left on the schedule, Sept. 21’s home game against improving Mill Creek could prove large, if Collins Hill wants to reach the postseason.
Final Record Prediction: 6-5
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: David Purdum
OMG, is Buford AA’s best-ever?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In 2006, Roswell and Peachtree Ridge each spent at least one week unranked before winning their shares of the Class AAAAA championship.
As I did the AAAAA rankings this week, splitting hairs over those borderline Top 10 teams, I wondered if there was an unranked team among us now that could win it this year.
There might be a half-dozen: Camden County, which I dropped after losing to Chattahoochee, is the best candidate. Also throw in Chattahoochee, North Cobb, Valdosta, Lowndes, Brookwood and Parkview. Maybe Etowah.
Should any of them be written off as state championship contenders? Not after Roswell came back to win last year despite losing to Wheeler, and not after Peachtree Ridge won despite a 4-3 start.
Who is this year’s Roswell or P-Ridge?
Now, on to Buford. 40-0? Against Cartersville? Oh my God, as my daughter would say.
Can Buford go down as the best Class AA team ever? Way too early to decide, but never to early to discuss. Teams that should be in that discussion: 1977 East Rome; 1982, ‘85 West Rome; 1994 Washington County; maybe Charlton or Dublin last season. By AA, I really mean second-from-the-bottom, as East Rome was Class A.
And finally, who will win this week — Grayson or Norcross? Would love to hear some chatter on that. Sounds like our Gwinnett writers favor Norcross, and that’s why I’ve put my faith in the Devils at No. 2 in the rankings from the start, but Grayson could become Georgia’s newest big-school power over the next few years.
Talk back to Todd: Holcomb chats live with YOU every Monday, starting at 7 p.m. Leave comments, questions, etc., here and return to talk about the rankings.
YOU rank the best: Who are metro Atlanta’s top 10 teams regardless of class? Submit your rankings here and compare your choices with other fans.
Permalink | Comments (52) | Post your comment | Categories: Poll talk
