AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOMG, 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
Comments
By Puddin
September 10, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
After watching Buford dismantle that team from Ohio. I would put them up against any team in the State/Country. They are big, fast and deep! And I’m a NG fan. As far as Norcross and Grayson match-up, it’s a wash. Too hard to pick. I’ll go with Norcross, speed kills! GO DAWGS!
By Curious
September 10, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Todd, do you see Chattahoochee challenging Roswell for Region 6? Who else could give the Hornets trouble in the regular season?
By 28 Sweep Pass
September 10, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
1-I don’t think there will be a repeat of last year with a now unranked team winning AAAAA. The contenders are are in the top ten as we type.
2-Yes, Buford can do this and be measured against ‘94 WACO as top AA team of all time, with ‘77 W.Rome a close second.
3-A nod to Norcross but only because Grayson had program signature win last week and it will be tough to keep that emotion all week long, but expect a great game nonetheless.
By T.J.
September 10, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Not sure what to say about anything less than AAAAA. I will keep those personal opinions to myself.
Since I am driving the Grayson bandwagon, I will tell you what I know and saw Friday. Grayson has some unfinished business with Norcross. Losing 2 close ones with them last year might give Grayson enough emotion to get it done. But will they have enough people? Anyone know if Grayson will be 100%—RB hurt, kicker hurt, corner hurt. Friday night was a warzone, bodies from both teams littered the playing field. Grayson was also short Sr. defensive lineman too. Had some Sr’s & Jr’s that can fill o.k.. I noticed they Jr’s struggling and Sr’s were doing some iron man playing. They had them subbing like crazy. Another Friday like the last one, Grayson will not have enough players left to compete in Region play. But I hear their J.V. could probably win against most Regional rivals. Years to come will be fun to watch.
By Devil Lover
September 10, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
This week game between Norcross and Grayson should be the game of the week so don’t miss it.
This will be Norcross’ first home game which by itself is reason enough for Norcross to play their best game of the year so far. The Norcross stands will be filled and noisey.
After scoring 78 points against only giving up 19 in their first two games(against Duluth and Northview), Norcross has demonstrated that they can score especially from the air. I think they have scored 9 touchdowns from the air.
I guest the big question is whether their defense can stop a top ten team like Grayson.
Last week Norcross had three receivers who scored tounchdowns while they totaled 200 yards on the ground. Adams had 130 yds of those yds on the ground.
With two quality quarterbacks, Norcross is just beginning to learn how to use them both to their advantage. This means if one goes down there will be a quality quarterback to step in. Not to many teams has this option.
Since Norcross beat Grayson twice last year, eventhough they were close game, Norcross should feel that they have the upper hand.
However, this week’s game should be low scoring and I think the game will be determined by the fews mistakes and on the success of field goals.
I am picking Norcross 17 to 10.
By rk taratoot
September 10, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
I am a long time AJC subscriber and a big high school football fan.
YOUR ONLINE ACCESS S T I N K S!!!
You make it hard to get to a particular school’s ajc information.
Why don’t you have all articles about a particular school linked together? Or all on one page?
Why must the path to my school be so full of curves?
Why do I only see standings, stats and scores when I finally get to my school? Why not include any articles you have written?
WHERE ARE THE DAMN ARTICLES?
By Paul
September 10, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Um, well maybe if they can finally beat Charlton County.
By michael
September 10, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
hey todd im back again after winder knocked off oconee county im just wondering if anyone or you could tell me how winder is going to do against alcovy?? and can this winder team win region 8-AAAA or even make the playoffs???
By Todd Holcomb
September 10, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Todd, do you see Chattahoochee challenging Roswell for Region 6? Who else could give the Hornets trouble in the regular season?
If you can win at Camden, you can give anybody trouble, but I think Roswell wins, especially since it will be a Roswell home game. Some Roswell folk did express some concern to me at the game last week that two key players are hurt, so that could be an issue.
I don’t see anybody else giving Roswell any serious trouble in 6-AAAAA.
hey todd im back again after winder knocked off oconee county im just wondering if anyone or you could tell me how winder is going to do against alcovy?? and can this winder team win region 8-AAAA or even make the playoffs???
You’ll beat Alcovy but won’t make the playoffs. I see Cedar, Clarke, Habersham, Dacula, maybe Madison County.
Nice win over Oconee because OC was supposed to be improved this season.
YOUR ONLINE ACCESS S T I N K S!!!
Can’t really comment on that, as I’m merely the pollmeister. But I do believe your concerns are being addressed.
I am picking Norcross 17 to 10
I am liking Devil Lover’s analysis.
2-Yes, Buford can do this and be measured against ‘94 WACO as top AA team of all time, with ‘77 W.Rome a close second.
You mean ‘77 E.Rome or ‘82 W.Rome? Actually, the best AA team ever might’ve been ‘75 Americus (shut out 13 of 14 opponents), although AA was the No. 2 class back then. But if you’re talking comparable school sizes, I’d take Americus No. 1. I haven’t seen Buford yet, I respect Cartersville, and that was some whoopin’.
By George
September 10, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Buford is solid on defense as usual, but they will have to be better throwing the football in order to win it all this year. As far as being the best ever, I doubt it.
I’ve also seen past Buford teams with more speed on the edges.
By Steven V.
September 10, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
First…we all know that Buford should not be in AA. At the least AAA. But the best team in Georgia resides BELOW the gnat line, in Warner Robins. Northside. The ONLY undefeated state champ in the GHSA last year, and 2-0 and rolling this year. Of course, being considered to be in south Georgia means no coverage from the AJC….
By Steven V.
September 10, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
First…we all know that Buford should not be in AA. At the least AAA. But the best team in Georgia resides BELOW the gnat line, in Warner Robins. Northside. The ONLY undefeated state champ in the GHSA last year, and 2-0 and rolling this year. Of course, being considered to be in south Georgia means no coverage from the AJC….
By Jimmy Payne
September 10, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
I think if you were to ask an expert on the Buford is the best ever question you would probably go to Dexter Wood. His words to me were “this is our best team since the 2003 team”. That team could do it all. This team has a few holes. No passing game being the biggest. Possibly suspect in the secondary being next. 2003 was the best Buford team.
By Todd Holcomb
September 10, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
2003 was the best Buford team.
I think I forgot how dominant that team was. The scores:
http://ghsfha.com/showgamesgy.php?GSEASONID=2003&gTeamID=Buford
By D Stod
September 10, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
What do you think about the Carrollton - Westminster game?
By Jimmy Payne
September 10, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
I might add that I am not completely convinced that last years Charlton team would not give this Buford team some trouble. The QB, Dasner, was impossible to keep in check and the scheme Charlton had with the last two teams gave Buford trouble.
Now having said all of that, I don’t believe there is a team in AA that is within two touchdowns of this Buford team and I don’t think there is a team in Gwinnett County this year who is better.
By Todd Holcomb
September 10, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
What do you think about the Carrollton - Westminster game?
That’s one of the top five games this week. I came very close to ranking Westminster ahead of Gainesville, as W’minster has been more impressive, while G’ville has had better teams lately.
But as far as Carrollton, I don’t expect Westminster to win, but it should be a great game, unlike last year. I overlooked Westminster this season. Didn’t realize so many starters returned.
By footballfan1
September 10, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
62-14, the combined score that Westminster has beaten Lovett and Washington County (away in the “House of Pain”), both were preseason top 10 ranked football teams.
By MARIST SUCKS
September 10, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Marist is out of the top 10?
PIUS is in?
FINALLY.
Just want to let everyone know that a head writer for the AJC is a marist alum. Just thought all ya’ll might want to know. Get THIS… Marist beats columbia(rugby offense) and lets them score TWICE!!!! and gets a FULL PIC and article in the AJC. Then they lose to tucker by 30!!!! and get a paragraph and no picture. Wasn’t that suppose to be one of the best games of the season.
MARIST is OVERATED!!! and will lose to PIUS this year!!!!!!!!
By Devil Lover
September 10, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
The guy says he wants some chatter about big league football-Norcross and Grayson not AA smallball.
There is no way that Buford could beat Norcross, North Gwinnett, Grayson or Peachtree Ridge.
With the injuries that Grayson had last Friday night I can’t image the issues they will have putting together a team and a game plan to beat the devils. Hiwever I do want to hear from Grayson’s fans about their chances of winning.
By Steve
September 10, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
Uhhh, Devil Lover….
Buford is a Class AA school. The question wasn’t whether Buford could compete with AAAAA powers, but whether this year’s edition is the best AA team ever.
First off, I believe that Buford can run with anyone, anywhere. There are some arenas in which school size does’;t matter. The Wolves know how to win in any situation. I think that Buford-Norcross, Buford - Grayson or buford P-Ridge would be a hell of a contest.
I have to agree with the assessment above that Bford’s 2003 team was the best ever to wear the green & gold. The best AA team ever? Man, there is some competition there that would put the fear of God into anyone on the other side of the field. I remember the ‘75 Americus team, and was glad that we region 8-AA wouldn’t have to face the Panthers. West Rome in ‘82, East Rome in ‘77….wow.
Tis year’s Buford squad might top those, but it’s a little early to make comparisons just yet. I got to see the ‘03 team four times as a correspondent for the AJC, and never failed to be awed by the fact that 40-point blowouts could easily have been double the margins if Dexter Wood hadn’t called off the dogs.
or Wolves, if you prefer.
And Devil Lover, since you want to talk “real” football, Grayson 24, Norcross 14. Rams take the cheese.
By Jimmy Payne
September 10, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Devil Lover, why do you think Buford could not beat the teams you mention? Buford is AA but they are diffently not small ball. Buford is bigger, faster and plays just as many people, if not more, than any team in Georgia. Buford has beat the doors off of Norcross for years in the GFL and I see no reason they would not now. The AA to AAAAA has no meaning. It comes down to coaching, talent, size and speed.
By T.J.
September 11, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
Devil Lover, Grayson has some depth with mad skillz, but not sure of the experience level. Like I said, years to come they have talent and freaks of nature. Someone check the water in Grayson. I believe they have numerous Sophmores starting as is. I think if Grayson wins it will be because they have their Defensive line back and some backups will show well. Just like against Peachtree Ridge, they were down 3 or 4 key players. I am driving the wagon for Grayson but the most I can say they win by is 3—making up for missing kick in last years playoff game. Grayson has the offensive line to “RAM” the ball down the field. Eating up the clock and keeping Norcross Offense off the field. Grayson wins 17 to 14.
By ME
September 11, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
Grayson is a very dangerous team. They were at the end of last year and more so now. Norcross escaped last year in the second round and they will surely tell you so. Those two near misses against Norcross last year let this team know that they can compete with the best in Gwinnett and the state. Ask Peachtree Ridge. This should be a very physical low scoring game in the 20’s. Whoever wants this more will win. The Peachtree Ridge validated Grayson but I think this is the game Grayson really wants. They know they can beat Norcross. Norcross knows this too. This game will have a playoff feel from the beginning. I know Norcross is super talented but it’s proven that Grayson matches up well with them for some reason. Grayson by 3.
By Alex
September 11, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
This week will easily be the Norcross’ toughest game of the season. Grayson has had to play a full four quarter ball for the last two weeks and is therefore prepared to do it again. However, after having to play so physically the last couple of games, are they going to be in condition to do it a third time is the real question. Also it is very difficult to base predictions off of the previous year. Grayson has a lot of new talent playing as does Norcross. Norcross right now has arguably, one of the most complete offenses they have seen in years. In their first two games they have gained over 300 total yards on offense, split pretty evenly between the ground and the air, not to mention the Norcross defense which is still going strong. In the end it will still be a low scoring game and the team with the most careless mistakes, like penalties and giving up precious special teams yardage is going to come up short. Final decision Norcross 14-10
By Todd Holcomb
September 11, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
The AP rankings are out. It’s not too far off what I’ve got, but here are a few second-guesses:
Should Marist still be ranked after being thumped 30-0? Tucker went to No. 2 in the AP poll, and Marist is still hanging around at No. 9. I just figure any Top 10 team should be able to stay within 15-20 points of another Top 10 team — unless it’s Northside or Buford, of course.
Should Peach County still be ranked in AAA?
I know this is the two-time defending champion, but this year’s loss to Westside was worse (32-0 vs. 35-21), and the opening-night victory over Macon County, a AA team, wasn’t inspiring either. I booted Peach.
Should East Paulding be ranked?
This is an undefeated semifinalist from 2006, but EP’s one game is a one-point victory over a team (Paulding County) that has lost 14 of its last 15. I did not consider EP.
Should Carver or LaGrange be ranked No. 1 in AAA? I picked LaGrange.
Half-dozen one way, six the other.
Should Charlton still be No. 1, despite Buford’s 40-0 victory over a ranked team in a higher class?
Not if it’s based on 2007.
The AP —
Class AAAAA
Roswell (12) 129
Norcross (1) 118
Tift County 97
Stephenson 72
Coffee 67
North Gwinnett 50
Harrison 48
Grayson 41
Valdosta 27
Peachtree Ridge 16
Others receiving votes: Camden County, North Cobb, Brookwood, Chattahoochee, Parkview, M.L. King, Marietta, Warner Robins, Etowah.
Class AAAA
Northside-Warner Robins (13) 130
Tucker 108
Thomas County Central 106
Griffin 79
St. Pius X 63
Statesboro 60
Rome 48
Baldwin 37
Marist 30
Ware County 14
tie East Paulding 14
Others receiving votes: Southwest-DeKalb, Northwest Whitfield, Cherokee, Westside-Macon, Creekside, Habersham Central.
Class AAA
Carver-Columbus (11) 126
LaGrange (3) 112
Carrollton 97
Hart County 73
Cairo 63
S tephens County 62
Peach County 39
Shaw 38
Monroe 36
Flowery Branch 15
Others receiving votes: Cartersville, Grady, North Hall, West Laurens, Gainesville, Thomson, Cass, Cedar Shoals, Westminster, Villa Rica.
Class AA
Charlton County (7) 124
Buford (6) 123
Early County 94
Greater Atlanta Christian 88
Cook 74
Fitzgerald 59
Dodge County 58
Dublin 30
Calhoun 26
Jefferson County 9
tie McIntosh County 9
Others receiving votes: Laney, Darlington, Lovett, Randolph-Clay, Screven County, Thomasville.
Class A
Lincoln County (12) 128
Athens Academy 105
Wilcox County (1) 102
Pacelli Catholic 77
Seminole County 73
Warren County 69
Emmanuel County Institute 59
Brookstone 23
Bremen 21
tie Clinch County 21
tie Commerce 21< BR> Others receiving votes: Gordon-Lee, Hancock County, Eagles Landing Christian, Dooly County, Social Circle, Fellowship Christian.
By Football King
September 11, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Okay Grayson Lovers. Lets tell the truth. The Peachtree Ridge team you played Friday night is not the same team that won the state championship last year. Furthermore the lost 44 senior from their team last year. So I don’t know what all of this talk is about Grayson beating s superior team.
Now if you want to talk about last year’s wins, Norcross beat PR and Grayson twice. So tell me again what advantage Grayson might have over Norcross? It is not last year record It is not home field advantage It is not the health of the team It is not the passing game It is not the overall offense
So what is it?
By Football King
September 11, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Okay Grayson Lovers. Lets tell the truth. The Peachtree Ridge team you played Friday night is not the same team that won the state championship last year. Furthermore PR lost 44 senior from their team last year. So I don’t know what all of this talk is about Grayson beating s superior team. Maybe the talk should be about PR being rated to high.
Now if you want to talk about last year’s wins, Norcross beat PR and Grayson twice. So tell me again what advantage Grayson might have over Norcross? It is not last year record It is not home field advantage It is not the health of the team It is not the passing game It is not the overall offense
So what is it?
By Andrew
September 11, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
It is silly to compare any team at this point in the season… There are too many “what ifs” and “what could have been’s” that exist. Sure a team could have a great stretch, but what if they lose 1,2, or even 3 games? Injuries, suspensions, lathargy, and coaching all take part in a season. It’s way to early to even speculate such a team until the season in complete, or at the very minimum, close to complete.
By ng bulldog heartbeat
September 11, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Buford is absolutely one of the best teams in AA. best ever? i dont know,the 2003 team was loaded too. i will say that this Buford team has a lot of NG youth players that were awesome when they played youth ball at North. Case, Pridemore, Vinings, Anderson, Ours, and maybe a few others. All of them will punch you in the mouth and earhole you in a heartbeat. very good team and we wished they played in a higher division so we could see them compete against more gwinnett county teams. Then we could see if they could withstand the week to week grind of facing a top ranked opponent. Would they stay so healthy then. Dont know. But they are damn good and we pull for them every chance we get. But we still bleed red and black, aint no green in this blood. Good luck to all of our friends and neighbors at Buford.
Boy Todd, what if all those transfers to Buford chasing a state championship would have stayed at North instead of paying the out of city fees to go there, that would be a real good team too on top of the one we already have.
By Allen
September 11, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
i agree with your rankings for the most part, but how could you rank gainesville at all after the game against white county friday night? they have changed their offensive and defensive schemes this year, and their talent level is down. i guess they found out that it is harder to win games when you don’t have 6’6”, 325+ lineman to blow people off of the ball. GO TROJANS!!!
By Todd Holcomb
September 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
i agree with your rankings for the most part, but how could you rank gainesville at all after the game against white county friday night? they have changed their offensive and defensive schemes this year, and their talent level is down.
I was wondering the same by Monday. It happened this way: When looking for a 10th team in AAA, I did a search on undefeated teams that were good last year, and Gainesville was the only thing that popped up. Might should’ve rewarded a team that wasn’t as good last season but has played well — Westminster, for example.
By michael
September 11, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
hey todd just wondering since you guys dont cover region 8-AAAA how dacula would make the playoff’s over madison county or winder i mean madison county killed elbert county 49-7 last friday and winder did beat oconee and in are pre season game against mill creek we beat them so just wondering if you could answer that for me
By Steve
September 11, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
Hey, Michael:
I’ve seen a lot of Dacula over the past three years covering games for the AJC.
Let’s break down the reasons that I believe your choices aren’t too hot.
Madison Cuunty beat an Elbert COunty team that was o-for-2006 and looked UGLY doing it. The Blue Devils were outscored by more than 450 points over the course of last season, if my memory serves. This team is definitely NOT part of the Elbert dynasty of old. Hell, Monroe Area hammered Elbert last year, and the Hurricanes (0-2 and going nowhere fast) have given up almost 500 yards rushing in two games!!
Likewise, Oconee is a middle-of-the-pack team and has been for three or four years. Winder-Barrow beating up on the Warriors just isn’t really big news.
Dacula, on the other hand, despite it’s 0-2 start, has been a region title contender for three or four years. The Falcons have a lot of holes to fill from last year’s team, but just as they have just started the season, W-B also has a long way to go. Cedar Shoals is in the driver’s seat in 8-AAAA as far as I can see at this point. Madison has also improved greatly, but it’s too early to see if they’re for real or are a flash in the pan.
Let’s have this discussion again in late October and see who’s where in the standings!
By james
September 11, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
how come mcintosh county academy ranked n the ap poll but not ranked n ajc i smell some north ga bias
By michael
September 11, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
well put steve i understand that madison county isnt that great but they do play a multiple offense and dacula always being a title contender is true but if im not correct that did go up to mount airy a.k.a habersham central and got it handed to them last year before they lost everybody so to put dacula in the playoff talk is a bit premature and dont count on cedar to walk with the title i dont think they can handle salem and roll over madison county so just saying but either way whoever comes out of 8-AAAA doesnt matter cuz northside warner robins would cream them and mcintosh county just doesnt play anybody from the power house better known as gwinnett county lol hell north ga gets a bias except for gwinnett county
By Ben
September 11, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
Hello Steve V & everyone in Middle & South GA,
As I frequently see complaints about perceived lack of coverage or respect in the AJC concerning your regions, let me point out a few things:
1) It’s called the ATLANTA Journal Constitution, and it’s primary focus is the metro Atlanta region. So it’s unrealistic to expect equal & balanced press for Middle & South GA. I expect that NE or NW GA may feel neglected too. Yes, the AJC is the most prominent GA newspaper and comes the closest to statewide coverage, but the AJC has even stopped delivering to many GA towns as its total copy sales have shrunk, like most newspapers. Do you see us complaining about the lack of coverage on our metro Atlanta teams in your local paper? Wouldn’t it be silly for us to expect it? Wouldn’t you agree there’s more to find in the AJC about your regions than what we would find in your newspapers about our metro Atlanta schools?
2) In my observation of AJC state rankings over the past 25 years, I believe that South & Middle GA are fairly well represented and certainly highly respected. You have to admit that HS football has become more competitive and balanced statewide in the last 15 years. Even if you disagree, can you honestly say that your local paper is impartial (if it even has statewide rankings)?
I understand that many people prefer to feel put upon and nurse a grievance of some kind by some “outside” power, but this is one area where you can stop.
3) See you in the playoffs as you win your fair share of titles again.
Ben
By Steve
September 11, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
Michael:
Yeah, you’re right - Habersham Central got them big ol’ homegrown, corn-fed boys out and ran it down the Falcons’ throats last year (I think it was something like 20-16) and was, I think, Dacula’s only loss in the regular season. I don’t see Salem as going too high up in the food chain. The Seminoles peaked a couple of years ago and haven’t really shown much since. Heritage looked impressive against S. Gwinnett last week, and from what I can see, it’s going to be a long season in Death Valley for 0-1-1 Clarke Central.
Madison County could break through this year. Eastside is another middle-of-the-pack team, and I haven’t seen enough of Hab Central to make a judgement. They lost hard to Stephens County last week, but getting pounded by the Indians is hardly unusual. Loganville isn’t going to be a real threat, and the Purple Hurricane in me just won’t allow me to cheer for Winder-Barrow, even after 30 years. I still think that the region is Cedar’s to lose.
But damn, you WOULD have to bring up Northside. You’re right. Everything prior to week 15 will be moot when the Eagles wrap up a second straight state title. Northside looks to me like the team to beat in ANY classification.
By Todd Holcomb
September 11, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
how come mcintosh county academy ranked n the ap poll but not ranked n ajc i smell some north ga bias
I don’t think so, James. Notice that the AP and the AJC polls have the same teams ranked in Class AA with one exception — The AP has McIntosh Academy and Jefferson County tied for 10th, while the AJC has Swainsboro (another South Georgia team) at No. 10.
McIntosh is not a returning playoff team, while Swainsboro is, so that was the tiebreaker for me. But in any event, both are South Georgia.
Also, last week I reported in this blog that the AJC rankings actually had fewer Metro Atlanta teams than the AP or coaches polls. This week, all three polls have exactly 13 metro teams ranked. They are not the same 13.
The AJC’s 13 metro teams are ranked slightly lower on average than the 13 of the AP and coaches. Most notably, I don’t have Tucker or St. Pius ranked as highly as the AP or the coaches’ polls. I also have not ranked Marist, East Paulding, Chattahoochee, Grady, Cherokee and Creekside — all metro teams that are ranked either by AP or the coaches.
*In other words, the AJC’s metro bias when it comes to rankings is a myth. : ) *
By Stu
September 12, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
“To be the man, you got to beat the man!!” (Rick Flair) Buford might be good, but keep in mind, they have been beaten soundly by Charlton the last 3 years. Not in Folkston, but in Buford, where nodody wins. You can give Buford all the props you want to, but until they can get over the hump in Charlton County, I don’t want to hear anything more about being the best ever. I just hope this year, they Wolves come down to the SWAMP for a little southern hospitality.. Charlton County Indians 2004, 2005, 2006 AA State Champions
By michael
September 12, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
well steve i belive me and you are on the same page but i dont belive hertiage is really that good i say this because south gwinnett isn’t that great but it was a 4-AAAA school beating a 5-AAAAA school and they were from gwinnett lol but habersham is decent they do have one hell of a wide reciver and a decent quaterback but the loss to stephens was kinda usual like you said, clarke central is decent they did tie hart county which was ranked as high as number 1 in the state this year by the ajc and cedar shoals does have a defense there ofense is to question they have no down the field threat’s, i fill the same way you do when it comes to monroe i loved it when loganville went in to monroe and beat them however i think you should take notice and see what winder is doing i understand oconne wasn;t the same team that they used to be 1999 but they do have a quaterback who has signed with flordia state and he’s only a junior and winder forced 4 interceptions agianst him so im just saying they should start to get noticed but northside will and is the state champions this year do they even need to play anymore this year???
By Glad
September 12, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
As a member of the ‘77 (and ‘78 State Champs) East Rome team as a freshman, that squad was unbeatable, as was the ‘78 team. Commerce was the only team to really challenge either year. Both title games were decided by the middle of the 1st quarter. I saw a lot of the first Champ West Rome team in ‘82…and I unbiasedle believe East Rome 77/78 would have taken them.
If you post East Rome’s score for those 2 years, it would show the dominance..and throw in they were in the toughest region of the state for the class..impressive.
By green machine
September 12, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Man charlton bused up a bunch of convicts and beat us. they were all 22 years old. Bufordwins all there games in the 1st qtr anyway. Fear tha wolf!!
By Jim
September 12, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Hey Stu, Did Charlton and Dublin NOT SHARE that last State title togther. Buford does have three State title (1) A,(2) AA there self. And may be in Charlton’s schedule you can play some team that are in a higher class than A like Clinch Co. and beat them to stay on top or some teams that in the top 10 state ranking according to the AJC. But for Buford to WIN State CHAMPIONSHIP first we will have to rent the boat and go to a swap and play. Buford is the MAN.
By Stu
September 12, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Jim, Sure Charlton and Dublin shared the title last year, but who beat Buford, again? I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you, Dd you say Charlton COunty? That’s what I thought. Shared or not, that tie meant another championship ring for the boys from the swamp. That would also be four (4) titles for Charlton. Sorry, I didn’t count the 1999 Class A title in my previous post. Charlton student enrollment is 558 students, which is one of the smallest in AA. Please tell me when was the last time the AJC top 10 meant anything, since they have a bias for metro Atlanta teams? AJC’s own Mr. Maxie picked against us in every playoff game in 2005, but guess who won the championship that year? Did I hear you say Charlton County, not Buford! This might be the first time in years that Buford has played a game outside the metro Atlanta area. Don’t talk to me about who we play and how big the school is. Bottom line is, Buford is 0-3 at home against Charlton the last 3 years. Go right ahead and crown Buford if you want to, but 0-3 at home vs Charlton that last 3 years is just that,0-3!
By jay
September 13, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this
“STU” Well im not a big buford fan either but u cant denounce what there going this season . also if you want to count buford went to the dome in 2000, won 2001 in single A and 02, 03 in AA. Also so u can say buford whipped up on charlton too. further more were talking about this season not past season. this years TEAM . and i think they might be the best ive seen and im old. i come froma good program. washington co to be exact. this buford team is really really good
By Jim
September 13, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
“Stu” Okay, we can talk about the pasted years if you would like because I believe we have won two STATE Titles against Charlton one maybe in 1978 and one in 2003. And if you want to talk stats BUFORD does have the longest winning strike in the STATE of Georgia. And we at BUFORD also hold 4 rings and a BACK to BACK to BACK. Come on Stu don’t worry about a small school of 558 remember you beat BUFORD. Get out from under that porch and play with the big dogs. Back up that talk. But as I recall we are talking about this year like Jay said and we will be glad to get the boats out and come see all those 558 Indians, don’t be scared.
By Stu
September 14, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
Jim, it has been nice going back and forth with you Buford fans. I am pretty sure they have a great team this year just like years in the past. But don’t crown them as the greatest ever like the USC team that lost to Texas in the national championship game.
Charlton doesn’t shy away from playing anyone. How many upper class schools care to get drilled by a small AA school year in and year out. Ask the folks from Brunskwick, Camden and Valdosta about the bunch from Folkston. We play a AAAAA Savannah Beach this week and just spanked a very good AAA school from Florida last week. After this year, I’m sure Beach will be glad to see that they don’t have to play Charlton again. The last time I checked, Buford was not the measuring stick for AA football. I saw they whipped up on a good Cartersville team last week, which tells everyone something about how good they are. But I don’t see Buford year in and year out playing the powerhouse teams in metro Atlanta. When was the last time they played Parkview, or Brookwood, or Stephenson, or Roswell? There is nothing wrong with playing schools within your classification. For many years, Clinch County has been one of the more dominant teams in class A football. That’s a rivalry game just like our rivalry with Camden County. Numbers go out the windown when we play those teams. They just line up and play hard nose football. If Buford and Charlton keep up their winning ways this season, they’ll see each other in the playoff’s again, and what a great game it will be to witness. See you under the Friday Night Lights.
By devil lover
September 15, 2007 7:03 AM | Link to this
Hey Todd, we were right about Norcross dominanting Grayson. Except it was worst than we could have imaged 24-3.
They might get another chance in the playoffs but they need to learn how to play to good games bak to back against two good teams.
Todd what is the chance is Norcross being rated number one this week? Three wins no losses and scorced 102 pts against giving up only 22 pts.
By baha.
September 15, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
gac SUCKS. the end.
By baha.
September 15, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
gac SUCKS. the end.
By Tiger Mom
September 24, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this
After looking at the “new” rankings for this week, I just have one question: Why, when Tucker is the ONLY team in Class 4AAAA that has yet to yield a point, do you still show Tucker ranked #3?