AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > September > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.US0-2 is far from hopeless
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here are a few random questions and answers to ponder as we approach Week 3 of the young football season.
1. Which 0-2 metro-area teams are most likely to make the playoffs?
•Dacula: Both of the Falcons’ losses came to Class AAAAA teams, so the slow start could be a bit misleading. We’ll learn more about whether they’re a playoff team when they dive into Region 8-AAAA play this week against Rockdale County. The competition is less than fierce in their region, so their chances look pretty good to play in the postseason.
•McNair: The Mustangs did it last year, and they’ll probably do it again in 2007. McNair isn’t afraid to play up and, like Dacula, both of the Stangs’ losses have come to higher-classification teams. In fact, it’s likely McNair will move to 0-3 this week after playing Stephenson, but the Mustangs still might be the best team in Region 5-AAA.
•Collins Hill: It’s certainly possible for the 0-2 Eagles to work their way in. They might not even need an upset over the top tier of Region 7-AAAAA — Norcross, North Gwinnett and Peachtree Ridge — to do so. The No. 4 seed in the region looks like it’s there for the taking.
•Others of note: Fans aren’t accustomed to seeing Brookwood and Warner Robins at 0-2 — but this is a case where appearances may be deceiving.
The Broncos haven’t missed the playoffs since 2001 and are off to only their fourth 0-2 start in 26 seasons. But they haven’t played a region game, which means even if they fall to 0-3 Friday against Valdosta, they still haven’t endangered their chances of reaching the postseason.
Warner Robins has looked worse, losing by a combined score of 54-10. But the Demons haven’t played a 1-AAAAA game. What may be more in jeopardy is its streak of 39 consecutive winning seasons, second only to Dalton (47). Central Gwinnett could push the Demons’ record to 0-3 this week. Can they right the ship in time to make the playoffs and preserve their streak?
2. Which coaches in the state look poised to reach win milestones this season?
•Conrad Nix, Northside-Warner Robins: After finally winning his first state title last year, Nix should get his 275th career win within a few weeks. His record stands at 271-98.
•Robby Pruitt, Fitzgerald: With a big year, Pruitt could get to his 250th victory. Right now, he’s 11 wins shy of the mark after a 16-0 victory against Irwin County last week.
•Bob Christmas, North Hall: At some point this season, Christmas should win his 200th game, probably sometime in late October or early November. His overall record is 194-95.
•Ron Gartrell, Stephenson: If his Jaguars beat McNair on Friday, it will be Gartrell’s 125th victory. He is the only coach Stephenson has had since its football program started in 1996.
•James “Friday” Richards, Marietta: If the Blue Devils reach the eight-win mark this season, it will be Richards’ 100th victory as Marietta coach. He has coached there since 1995.
Comments
By Citi slicker
September 13, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
mcnair`s though schdeule should have them ready to win the region and make at least to the quarterfinals their 1st 4 game mlk,rome,stepheson,and redan are all in a4 or 3a and are alll playoff teams in their class so mcnair should be ready 4 3a schools
By michael
September 14, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this
and jeff you wanna say that region 8-AAAA is weak have you seen the teams that dacula has to go against? winder is off to a 2-0 start and going to make it three tonite, habersham central is soild even though they lost last week to stephens county, clarke central is a very good team they tied number one ranked hart county to start the season and the ajc is the one that ranked hart county at number 1, madison county is rolling and is looking really good after last weeks win against elbert county,so i just think that you should check out a little deeper in 8-AAAA before you make any predictions about dacula going to the playoffs
By Jim Smith
September 14, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Hey AJC,
When will you start to show some props to Danny Cronic and East Coweta High School. Coach Cronic has been successful in the high school football coaching business for years. Have you checked out his coaching record?
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My Two Cents, So. FLA Jim