Prep Zone

By jag count

September 24, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Don’t you think Stephenson should be higher you have three to four schools ahead of us the have already lost games and in previous years when we lost we were dropped completely off your list for example two years ago in the opening loss to brookwood.

By Lissa

September 24, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

It’s so great to see Northside get the recognition it so duly deserves.

By tiger fan

September 24, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Your assessments are interesting; however, I’m wondering if you have noted the fact that in ALL of Class 4A, only one team has not yet yielded a single point, Tucker. And this does include games with two opponents the AJC thought would beat Tucker, Marist and St. Pius…’Just wondering!

By Granger by marriage

September 24, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Mr Holcomb, not to be funny or anything, but have you not heard of Lagrange High School? Yes they are AAA but this is an all-class ranking, correct? Their defense has pitched four shutouts this season so far. Critics will say who have they played, but I think that is pretty impressive. How many other teams have done that this year? Lagrange has long been a class act, to include the town, the coaches and most importantly, the student-athletes. Go Grangers!!

By sam theriault

September 24, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

i agree that lagrange should be getting attention just as much as the 15 ranked teams do, the grangers are a powerhouse, they finish with great seasons pretty much every year and produce some major talent including trey blackmon who is currently a beast at auburn university i might add that he has some great footage on lagrange’s website. but they shutout there opponents because they are that good not just because they dont play anybody, i guaruntee that carrollton couldnt take 1 quarter of the pain that lagrange would inflict on them.

By Guru

September 24, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Not to take anything away from Tucker bc what they have done has been remarkable.(0 points) I went to the game on friday, Tucker vs St.Pius. St.Pius is not that good and Marist is not that good. With that being said, I don’t think the competition has challenge Tucker at all this year. The one thing that is for certain about Tucker is their team speed. If you can’t match their team speed, you are in trouble.

My Top 5 1.Northside 2.Coffee 3.TCC 4.Tucker 5a.Norcross 5b. Buford

By ClassAAAAReg6Fan

September 24, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

To Granger by marriage:

Q: How many other teams have done that this year?

A: TUCKER 170 – 0, with much stronger weekly competition that Lagrange.

Good luck with the rest of the season.

By aaron

September 24, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget that 5a came in around 2000.The 5a teams now was 4a teams then. The top 4a schools now were 4a then. 5a and 4a is overall =. Look at the 4a teams then and some had titles and playoff wins that are still in 4a now. 5a and 4a is overall = some teams are better some years then other ones

By lee champion

September 24, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Suggest you attend the LaGrange/Carver(Columbus) game on October 27 to see two teams you missed on. And do you really think anybody could have beat Peach County last year?

By devil lover

September 24, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd.

Doesn’t it matter how you finished last yr, what rating service you are using and how you are performing this yr?

In the southeast, Rival top 50 has northside at no 13, and norcross has just entered at No. 31. this week if norcross beat peachtree ridge ajc rated no. 15,they might move to say No. 25.

since northside performed so good last year without a lost and norcross had one lost in the playoffs, i guess their is almost no way to be rated above them unless they fall with a bad lost.

if you look at just this year’s performance, both teams look very similar in points scored 155 ns-150 norcross, points given up 13 ns-22 norcross, wins by their opponents 6 ns-6 norcorss and total wins 4 ns-4 norcross.

it doesn’t look like ns has played any rated teams yet however norcross beat no. 8 grayson conveniently and now has to play one of last year’s state championship teams peachtree ridge who you have rated no. 15.

so the answer is that unless ns play norcross no one will ever really know. however if norcross runs the table in 5 AAAAA this year, i would put my money on norcross beating northside.

By Hoya

September 24, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

How can you have Lowndes rates higher than Harrison when they both have one loss and Harrison went into their building and shut them out?

By fanman

September 24, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Few comments:

I believe Buford is ranked too low… I think they should be in at least the top 8, if not better.

I, too, think Lagrange should be somewhere on this list of 15.

I don’t think there is that much of a difference between the best teams of separate classes…there is a definite difference between the next to best level of each class though.

By James

September 24, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Todd

What are you thinking? ML King is 4-0 and not even ranked! However, its not where you begin its where you end. State Champs (M. L. KING)

By mikefresh

September 24, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

todd what are your predictions about this week’s game for winder when they play habersham? winder only beat jackson county 10-7

By Brian

September 24, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

For your sake, Buford needs to beat Charlton County. How are they that much better this year than last? Who’s the 3-time defending AA champion?

By BC TIGER

September 24, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I agree with everyteam on there, but, Grayson. The team, in my opinion, is very overrated and does not have enough size, speed or depth to compete with the Powers that be in Class AAAAA. They are at best, a second round playoff team.. Other teams to consider… Stockbridge (4-0) high powered offenseive attack, speed and athleticism. MLK (4-0)has a good balance on offense and defense.. Will challenge Stephenson this year.. I do believe that Stephenson and Buford should be a little higher up in the rankings.

By Get Real

September 24, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

No AA team should be ranked as one of the top 15 all classification schools. A strong AA school could probably hold-its-own with the weak AAAA and AAAAA schools but no way can they compete with the upper tier of AAAAA schools. Get real.

By Buford27Fan

September 24, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

I think the one thing that caught my eye on this list was Buford ranked so low. And, yes I am a fan (by family friend). But, after watching these boys over the past couple years, they are impressive. And, everything this year points towards being even more impressive.
Now, yes, they do still have to beat Charlton Co (as pointed out by Brian). But, why isn’t Charlton Co listed on this, Brian? My guess is that even though they are 3x defending champs, they are not that good this year.

And, as a side bar, mikefresh, Winder Barrow is not the center of the football universe. They barely got by a terrible Jackson County team at HOME. I love the enthusiasm you have for your team. But, they are not that good (from what I have seen so far).

By Buford27Fan

September 24, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Get Real….

Have you seen Buford play yet? They have beaten the top tier teams of AAAAA and continue to be dominant. So, what was that about beating weak teams???? And, by the way…

GET REAL

By cool cell

September 24, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Carver-Columbus……Hands down this team has the best QB in the state, Durun Furr. I think he will lead his team back to the dome.

By David P.

September 24, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen Buford plenty. In a one-game situation, I’m not sure they couldn’t play with anyone in the state regardless of classification. I’d definitely put them ahead of North Gwinnett.

By ParkviewFan

September 24, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I can understand not putting parkview on that list, considering the woes of last years season. However, they are looking good this year and could go deep in the playoffs. Look out for them, it could be a very good season.

By Sam

September 24, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Really Guru? Not to take anything away from Tucker? “Marist/St. Pius aren’t that good”? Yeah you are probably right, two teams that went to the Dome last year, aren’t that good. And a program that has gone to the playoffs for around 20 years straight? Not that good? Tucker is the real deal. It’s just too bad that Northside will meet Tucker before the Championship in the playoffs.

By mikefresh

September 24, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

buford 27 fan how could you make a comment about winder barrow when i know for a fact you havent seen them play? i mean i wouldnt make a comment about buford unless i saw them play and i could back up my reason for talking about them but yes they did struggle against jackson county but they handled oconnee county beat apalachee and alcovy and will beat habersham

By Champions are Born

September 24, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Where’s Walton!? We beat the number 1 overall team in the state and don’t even squeak into the top 15? We almost beat N. Gwinnett too. 21-16. Had the ball on the 30 with 20 secs left and had some home town officiating for N. Gwinnett. He held the ball till 8 secs on the clock. So walton plays two in the top 10 in the state and we get this respect.

By LG can play with Anybody

September 24, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

LaGrange is AAA because they are 1100 kids in the High School and they can’t compete in AAAAA in anything other than Football. LaGrange was in the largest classification in the state until 2000 and had won 8 state championships in the largest classification, the second most behind Valdosta. They also were named National Champions in 1991. They are third in the state in wins and have absolutely dominated in AAA since dropping down winning the state 3 of the 7 years they’ve been in AAA and losing to the eventual state champ the other 4 years.

The 2004 LaGrange Team was the best team in the state. And it’s not that close.

By Are You Crazy!!

September 24, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Sorry LG can play with anybody. You would not have stayed on the same field (except in your continual dreams) with Lowndes in 2004. Your comparisons with Valdosta actually prove you wrong. Yes you are behind Valdosta in every category mentioned in the past and in the present you see what has happened to Valdosta who is now playing up. For Lagrange to have played up in any year would have been lights out for Lagrange much worse than it has been for Valdosta.

By John Onimole

September 24, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Grayson Is Da Best This Year State Champs

By Eaglefan

September 24, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

to Sam: I’m not saying that Tucker doesn’t deserve the hype.But most folks here in Eagle land are just wondering what type of team it really takes to shut out. Tucker has played so far A 2-2 team,1-4 team,Marist,that by the way had to go into OT to defeat the 1-4 team and St Pius,St. Pius previous 3 opponents have a combined record of 3-9.Folks need more proof,and it looks as if we won’t get that proof til playoff time looking at you guys schedule.I feel before there are comparisons to Northside and TCC.you gotta play somebody.They should split 6-AAAA So you guys can start playing some meaningful Non region games.

By Davey

September 24, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

So I thought this was a live blog?

I also want to know why Walton didn’t make the top 15?

By Todd Holcomb

September 24, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Sorry folks, runnin’ late! …

I also want to know why Walton didn’t make the top 15?

I’ve got Walton No. 7 in the AAAAA rankings, which is where I think they deserve to be based on beating Roswell and coming close vs. N.Gwinnett. But I got to admit: I’m not convinced Walton is an outstanding team. I think the Raiders had a great night — won on a big punt return and kick.

Regarding Stephenson & Tucker Stephenson just hasn’t played anyone to give me confidence that it’s a top, top team. Again, keep in mind that I’ve got Stephenson very highly ranked in AAAAA, but the all-class rankings are more about my gut feeling.

I haven’t seen Tucker play, but those who have on our staff and otherwise and very highly impressed. I asked one of our DeKalb guys who’d win between Tucker & Stephenson, and he said Tucker, 21-7.

By Todd Holcomb

September 24, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Just to clarify, here are my Class AAAAA rankings:

Class AAAAA

1. Norcross (4-0)

2. Coffee (4-0)

3. Stephenson (3-0)

4. North Cobb (4-0)

5. North Gwinnett (4-0)

6. Harrison (3-1)

7. Walton (3-1)

8. Roswell (3-1)

9. M.L. King (4-0)

10. Lowndes (3-1)

Our official AJC rankings by classification are based on head-to-head results. If Walton beats Roswell, or if Chattahoochee beats Camden, I respect those final scores. Even if I think that the better team might’ve lost, I believe the team that won deserves the higher ranking.

For the all-class rankings, I decided to shake it up a bit and base it on my gut feeling about how good the teams will be in the end.

By Todd Holcomb

September 24, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

I’m wondering if you have noted the fact that in ALL of Class 4A, only one team has not yet yielded a single point, Tucker. And this does include games with two opponents the AJC thought would beat Tucker, Marist and St. Pius…’Just wondering!**

I’m not sure what the AJC thought, but I had Tucker ranked higher than both Marist and St. Pius before those games. By the way, there are four teams in AAA that haven’t allowed a point, and only LaGrange and North Hall among them are ranked. Blessed Trinity, Cass and Chamblee are not.

Mr Holcomb, not to be funny or anything, but have you not heard of Lagrange High School? Yes they are AAA but this is an all-class ranking, correct?

Funny thing is that I got grief last year when I ranked LaGrange No. 2 in the final poll, ahead of state runner-up Shaw. So I’m pretty high on LaGrange. But I guess I just like those big schoools day in and day out — unless LaGrange starts routing teams like Shaw and Carver. Then, that will be something to talk about.

Don’t forget that 5a came in around 2000.The 5a teams now was 4a teams then. The top 4a schools now were 4a then.

Not necessarily. Northside and Westside were AAAA. Tucker and Thomas Central were not. But I think you’re point is a good one when you consider how well Northside and Westside did while in the higher class.

the answer is that unless ns (northside) plays norcross no one will ever really know. however if norcross runs the table in 5 AAAAA this year, i would put my money on norcross beating northside.

You’re right, but if I were doing regular all-class rankings, I would have no trouble dropping Northside even if Northside went undefeated — provided that Norcross was pretty dominant. Last season, I think Northside was the clear No. 1 because of the ease with which it won AAAA, plus the rout of Warner Robins, which last season was a AAAAA semifinalist.

What are you thinking? ML King is 4-0 and not even ranked! However, its not where you begin its where you end. State Champs (M. L. KING)

MLK is ranked in my AAAAA poll, but not in the all-class poll. I’m just hesitant to give my full endorsement to a team that’s not played the kind of schedule that would allow me to make a confident judgment. I keep waffling on MLK. We had MLK ranked from the start in AAAAA, unlike the AP or coaches’ polls. But they just make me nervous. Can’t say why. Just gut.

what are your predictions about this week’s game for winder when they play habersham?

Habersham. Blowout.

By Todd Holcomb

September 24, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

How can you have Lowndes rates higher than Harrison when they both have one loss and Harrison went into their building and shut them out?

Again, I don’t have Lowndes higher in our AAAAA rankings, just the all-class, which I did using a different criteria — mainly my gut feel. It’s not a slight on Harrison, a team I’ve always respected. I just have a feeling about Lowndes. I’ve talked w/ Coach McPherson; I’ve talked w/ folks in 1-AAAAA. I just think the Vikes will be a big factor in the end.

No AA team should be ranked as one of the top 15 all classification schools. A strong AA school could probably hold-its-own with the weak AAAA and AAAAA schools but no way can they compete with the upper tier of AAAAA schools. Get real.

Guess that’s why we’re debating. Unless they play, we don’t know. My feeling is that very few AA schools can compete w/ the Top 10 of AAAAA, but I think this Buford team is special. I think Charlton and Dublin were pretty special last season. And Buford in 2003, and WaCo in 1994. Every now and then, I think there’s a AA team that can do it. Maybe 2-3 AA teams a decade can do it. I wish that Charlton had continued to play Camden County the past few years. That would’ve helped settle this debate.

By Why the List?

September 24, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

your list appeared valid until it got to buford. i no longer have kids in school so the last few years i go to what i think will be the best game in the area and when available attend sat night games also. i attend no less than 20 to 25 high school games a year counting playoffs. i’ve watched buford a number of times along with brookwood, stephenson, parkview, norcross, ml king, north gwinnett, roswell, to aiken, sc and watched them play camden last year and even drove out to texas and watched south lake carroll win the aaaaa championship last december. let me tell you, there is no way buford can complete with these larger ga schools. buford would likely score on these guys but not enough to make the game interesting. they have enough talent to keep it close for a half but these schools depth would wear buford down. don’t get me wrong, i played at a small school and always pull for the small school but this debate is not realistic.

By trojanboy

September 24, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

hey whats up nobody really has comented on coffee i agree coffee needs to be ranked 3rd in the all class rankings and 2nd in the aaaaa standings but i think if we come out with a victory in the concrete palace (lowndes)that we should maybe #1 in the state aaaaa standings but thats just one persons opinion im not downing any team but who do u seein playin for the state chapionships i see in aaaaa norcross and coffee but stephenson will have a say so and in aaaa i see northside warner robins and tcc or tucker others i dont know what ur give on it well holla

By Todd Holcomb

September 24, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

hey whats up nobody really has comented on coffee i agree coffee needs to be ranked 3rd in the all class rankings and 2nd in the aaaaa standings but i think if we come out with a victory in the concrete palace (lowndes)that we should maybe #1 in the state aaaaa standings

Coffee would most definitely cement its place at #2 in AAAAA with a victory, but as far as No. 1, consider that Coffee would merely be the second team to win at the concrete palace this season. (Coffee seeks to cement its place at the concrete palace. Now that sings!)

By Yo

September 24, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

After what I saw last week at the Concrete Palace, nobody but Lowndes going to be winning there the rest of this football season (no disrespect meant to Coffee). Lowndes is a team that has been “drastically” improving each week and is starting to look like one of those scary Lowndes teams of a few years ago. In fact, last Friday night they so much resembled the 2004-2005 State championship teams I had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. The defense has actually been very good all year. Now the offense (no putting the ball on the ground last Friday) is also jelling. The only thing still missing is the long pass connection. Continually close on the long pass but no cigar so far. Eventually they will start connecting to those wide open receivers (and they always are wide open) and then, uh oh to every body who shows up to play Lowndes. And ps-Lowndes is still a young team this year and returning a lot of starters next year. Gotta feel good about my boys. Who knows-may be headed for another back to back. Coffee…sorry to tell you this but this Lowndes team is light years better than the one that beat you last year. Of course we know Lowndes winning another back to back can’t be a possibility since the North is so far ahead of the South these days and that would make the South champs in AAAAA 5 of the last 6 years.

By Todd Holcomb

September 25, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Two final thoughts before I slip off to sleep —

Walton isn’t ranked in the AP poll that was just released. North Gwinnett is No. 4, and Roswell is No. 6.

Here’s my logic: If Walton beats the No. 6 team, and loses close to the No. 4, and is undefeated otherwise, shouldn’t Walton be ranked around No. 5? Or at least ranked SOMEWHERE? Walton is not ranked in AP. …

OK, fine. On to Camden County, ranked No. 10 in AP but unranked by the AJC.

This will explain how I think when ranking teams (the logical way) vs. how other polls operate (illogically). Not saying logical is better, but it’s what I try to be.

Try follwoing this —

Camden has lost once — to Chattahoochee.

Chattahoochee has lost once — to Wheeler.

Wheeler has lost once — to Campbell.

Campbell has lost once — to Marietta.

Marietta has not lost.

Shouldn’t Marietta, therefore, be ranked ahead of Camden County?

Marietta > Campbell > Wheeler > Chattahoochee > Camden

Right?

There are no results in 2007 that dispute this food chain. It’s straightforward.

So are rankings about what happened on the field? Or how good we think the teams are, regardless of what happens on the field?

Something to think about.

My all-class rankings were how good I think they are, off the top of my head.

My AAAAA rankings (and the rest) are about what happen on the field, regardless of how good I think the teams are. (And fwiw, I think Camden is better than Marietta.)

AP Rankings:

1. Norcross (12) 129 (4-0)

2. Coffee 95 (3-0)

3. Stephenson 88 (3-0)

4. North Gwinnett 84 (4-0)

5. North Cobb 65 (4-0)

6. Roswell 60 (3-1)

7. Tift County 39 (3-1)

8. M.L King 34 (4-0)

9. Peachtree Ridge 27 (3-1)

10. Camden County 20 (2-1)

By luvmehateme

September 25, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

Please put M.L. King in your rankings just to make your rankings legit. I’ve seen Tucker, Stephenson, and King. And King is probably better than both.

By ESPN

September 25, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

How can the AJC rank teams that have lost games! Its about time that other teams get ranked! Some of the teams that are ranked are really not that good. Come on now, I’ve never heard of these teams before. Really I think Stephenson, MLK, Tucker, Chamblee should be ranked high. Lets be serious Roswell had that one lucky year and peachtree hit that lucky field goal in the playoffs. Roswell and peachtree ridge are not that good! They should not even be mentioned at the top.

By jags

September 25, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Stephenson should be ranked #1,we beat Coffee in the playoffs and we got the fast team in GA.We have about 16 D1 plaers come out of stephenson 08.Norcross is just ranked before us because of that D1 WR.

By Todd Holcomb

September 25, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Stephenson should be ranked #1,we beat Coffee in the playoffs and we got the fast team in GA.We have about 16 D1 plaers come out of stephenson 08.Norcross is just ranked before us because of that D1 WR.

Norcross has two D-1 WR’s, actually. One to Southern Cal, the other to Alabama. Also beat Grayson 24-3. …

But I’m eager to see Stephenson play some tougher teams, like MLK on Oct. 12. I know the defense is fast. Just a question of what the offense can do.

By Claude Lewis

September 25, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

At this point the teams should be using the rankings as motivation instead of complaining about them.

But Im wondering if these rankings consider what would happen in head to head matchups?

I follow Stephenson, but I would be hard pressed to believe they could take Camden right now…though I would love to see it play out.

By LG can play with anybody

September 25, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Are you crazy: You are crazy bro. “LG wouldn’t have stayed on the same field as Lowndes”? As evidence by what? The fact that every reasonable sportswriter in the state that had watched both play said LG was better? Or was it because the 2004 LaGrange team has 7 guys that are currently STARTING on SEC rosters, more than from Lowndes? Or that there are another 6-7 guys that are playing D1AA football, more than from Lowndes? We were competive with Valdosta when they were killing Lowndes every year. Valdosta lost enrollment to Lowndes and hence their competitive edge, LG is the same size it’s always been. You can hold onto this preminition that a AAAAA team is always better, but you’d be wrong. The best team to come out of Georgia in the last 20 years was the 1994 Washington County team, and they were a AA school.

By Guru

September 25, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Sam, Are we talking about this year or last year or even the last 20 years. Marist and St.Pius have 2 of the better programs in the state but like I said before they are not that good THIS YEAR! Look at the WR Demons. We all know the history and what they did last year but are you going to tell me at 1-3 they are a good football team. Don’t think so. Tuker shut out Marist & St.Pius and then took them to the Wood-shed. I don’t think that a sign of having a good football team, do you?

By Yohan

September 25, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Roswell Lost.

By Fan Man

September 25, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Anyone at the North Cobb/Harrison game saw the Harrison team as clearly the better team. Tough to beat a team of eleven players and a ref that called holding and illegal block penalties on just about every big Harrison play. Amazing how he didn’t call penalties when harrison lost yardage or had small gains; only on big, key plays inclduing calling back two touchdowns.

By Wildcat

September 25, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Okay i think its funny how wheeler never gets recognized on ajc ever. last year even with the wins and beating roswell and making the playoffs and region champs ajc never recognized them. ONCE again ajc doesn’t recognize the wheeler wildcats. you guys are biased and only give favor and talk about the big name schools, but its funny when those big names schools are not even as good as they were before and the talent level has grown and there’s better football being played elsewhere.

By ML King Lions

September 25, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Where is the LOVE for MLK? These kids play their hearts out year after year and NEVER get the respect they deserve.

You know what, that’s alright. Thanks very much for keeping the team motivated. The Lions will continue kicking butt and taking names on the way to becoming 5A State Champions!

By TCC Grad

September 25, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Todd…It’s good to know that you can recognize the talent at Thomas County Central when they’re not even in the metro area. Here’s a little added information for you regarding TCC. They beat Lowndes and Valdosta in preseason scrimmages. Not to mention, Tift County and Colquit County this season. So, in all actually, TCC has defeated 4 AAAAA teams this season. Do the research and give TCC its props.

By to ESPN

September 25, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Let Stephenson,Mlk Et all get to the finals and then you can talk how good they are, didn’t Houston County take MLK to the woodshed last year 28-0 and then was smashed by Roswell 42-14?Any good team can beat another during the regular season,it’s how you perform in the play-offs that separate the very good team from the pretender!!!!

By slalom1

September 25, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

It is pretty obvious that the authors of some of these posts have never seen the talent among the upper tier teams in A,AA, and AAA. The success or failure of a high school program has less to do with the size of the student body than community support. Strong community support means a full house on Friday night. A full house gives the players a reason to make the sacrifice to play high school football, and the budget to hire a great head coach, along with a good staff. A strong program such as Buford, LaGrange, Carrollton, Shaw will have as many players on their roster as any AAAAA school, even though they may be pulling them from a smaller student body. Evidence of their talent pool is in not only their wins against higher classification teams, but also in the number of players that these schools have in major college programs as well as in the pros.i.e, SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Wesley Woodyard of LaGrange. LHS also had 2 All SEC LBS. last season:Woodyard and Sam Olajabutu. No less than 5 Grangers start in the SEC this year. And oh, by the way, the 2004 Granger team finished the season ranked 9th nationally by Rivals. Lowndes finished 12th that same year.

By Yo

September 25, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

“TCC Grad” just what season are you referring to that TCC beat Lowndes and Valdosta in preseason? The rest of us are talking about 2007 and you need to recheck the score on the butt whooping Lowndes gave TCC in the 2007 preseason.

By Yo

September 25, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Dear “LG can play with anybody” and “slalom 1”…. by your “the best talent makes the best team syndrome reasoning” the whole state of Ga. would have to agree that Stephenson should have won the state championship every year for a number of years now. At least they are always claiming to have the best talent and I can’t deny it. I am sure most would agree that Brookwood had more division 1 talent on its team than Lowndes had in 2005 but last I checked the final score was somewhere around 49-7 (Lowndes). I am sure you may have watched it on TV. At least the first half anyway. Congratulations Lagrange on having some poll pick you ahead of Lowndes in 2004. Fortunately for you Lagrange did not have to play Lowndes that year or you would not have made any poll. Lagrange would not have even made it through region 1AAAAA unscathed in 2004 if they would have had to play Lowndes schedule that year. And that goes for any year. Seems some pollsters picked Notre Dame for the top 25 this year…tells you a lot about polls…huh! Probably the same pollsters that picked Lagrange 9th in 2004. I was at the dome sitting with a few Grangers in 2004 when Lowndes awed you by taking apart a very good undefeated AAAAA (not AAA)team by the name of Camden Cty. Yes you guys had a very good team in 2004…but get real!

By blue devil #28

September 25, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

im mad how yall arent even considering MARIETTA come on now there undefeted in proably one of the toughfest region in metro atlanta

By Dan

September 25, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Todd, You said, “I’m not convinced Walton is an outstanding team. I think the Raiders had a great night — won on a big punt return and kick.” Well Todd, what won Walton that game?? DEFENSE!! Do not forget how outstanding Walton’s Defense was. Have you forgotten? Walton basically shut down Roswell’s offense, and then Walton’s Offense did just enough by converting on 2 0r 3 1st downs per drive, making there be enough time for the D to rest on the sideline. In my opinion Walton is a Good Team! You do not have to have a Good offense to be a good team. Am I Right?

By slalom1

September 25, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Dear “By Yo”, Have you ever played football? My guess is “no”. If you have, My guess is that you probably sat on the bench most of the time. Did you comprehend the essence of what I was saying? The point was not to downgrade Lowndes, nor region 1AAAAA. I have to admit that region 1AAAAA is indeed the SEC of high school football. Toughest region in the state…hands down. Maybe in the nation. My only point is that there is very good high school football played in AAAA,AAA,AA, and A. A good team is a good team, period. When LHS dropped from the state’s top classification to AAA, I was bummed out……Until, I saw some of the competition in AAA. During the Grangers last 4 seasons in the state’s top classification(1996-1999) They had 3 region titles and a 28-2 regular season record for 3 years in a row. Not much difference since joining AAA. Again, the student body does NOT play the game. The players on the roster do. Size only counts if they participtate. By the way, did you ever see the 2004 Grangers? I did. And furthermore, I saw Lowndes, Valdosta, Camden County, and Parkview the same year. It was a no contest.Grangers were hands down the best in the state, maybe the nation,(as they were in 1991-USA TODAY,SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, and ESPN).

By TCC Grad

September 25, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Hello Mr/Mrs “Yo”…I’m talking about the 2007 season. The facts are the facts buddy. Admittance is the first step to recovery. The Vikings are a long way from that state championship year. TCC is the best team in the South…regardless of classification.

By ROSWELLHORNETS

September 26, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Someone needs to take into account that Roswell just had a bad game, not to mention the seemingly biased officials that were refereeing the game. Maybe that went hand in hand with the money Walton was throwing in the air after the game… Despite that,I will admit Roswell was off, but their past effort should stand for something.

By slalom1

September 26, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Dear “Yo” I mean no disrespect to you, nor to your opinions, but in my mind, you have never really taken a look at what some of the elite AAA teams in the state have done. i.e. SHAW AAAA state champs in 2000.(Have not repeated since joining AAA, but still kicked the daylights out of Central of Phenix City, Al. in 2003 43-13, and again in 2004 10-7.) Central of Phenix City was and still is a perienal powerhouse in Alabama’s top classification. Top 10 almost every year. Back when the Grangers were in the state’s top classification, I shared some of your same opinions. “Small schools, small time”. But, I have come to learn that this is not the case. It is all about the size of the roster and the community support. Having watched not only LHS,but other schools in AAA, I am of the opinion that the TOP tier schools, who have a roster of 20-25 players per class, along with a great coaching staff, can win at any level.

By ROSWELLHORNETS

September 26, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

And it was not a lucky year, Roswell is a great team and anyone who has been to every game in the last 3 years would see that.

By slalom1

September 26, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Oh, by the way……for those who care, here is some GHS trivia: Who were the first 2 Top 10(USA TODAY, ESPN) nationally ranked teams to play head to head? Answer:Valdosta #1 vs. LaGrange #8 1991. Winner: Grangers 6-0. Aside from the game, my most vivid memory is the class that coach Nick Hyder and all of the Valdosta fans displayed during the following week. They were a class act. Coach Hyder was quoted after the game , ” Those kids earned it.” The following week, the Valdosta Touchdown Club sent a letter of congrats to the Grangers. Make no mistake, Valdosta has earned their legacy for championships and class. Try to imagine how difficult it would be to send a letter of congrats to the team that not only knocked you out of a state title, but most likely a national title as well. I am somewhat of a son born of 2 fathers: #1 a Granger who bleeds blue and silver and #2 a Valdosta Wildcat who kicked my butt more times than I can count.

By cj

September 26, 2007 2:45 AM | Link to this

have you forgotten about carver-columbus who beat carrolton last year

By BigPerm

September 26, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

cj—-no we haven’t forgotten, we just don’t care!

By Hey slalom1

September 26, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

I’m a Georgian and have lived a number of places in the last 30 years and top-to-bottom, the toughest high school football district (region to us Georgians)I’ve seen in the US is the AAAAA district in East Texas. Contains schools like Longview, Lufkin, Tyler to name a few. Similar to south Georgia in those towns mostly have only one high school. I would never admit it to my Texas friends but their level of high school football is significantly above what we play in all of Georgia. They have those boys out there are playing football when GA mothers are still changing our kid’s diapers. You want to see high caliber high school football just go west about 800 miles. They make south Georgia tradition look elementary.

By DSGB

September 26, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

TCC Grad I must admit that admittance is the first step to recovery. So you know Cairo is waiting to give you a wake up call and Todd I will wait until Cairo beats TCC TO RESERVE MY COMMENTS ON THE LIST!!!!!

By tracman

September 26, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

I am glad to see that Northside is getting recognized as the best team in Georgia. Sports Illustrated, PrepNation, USA Today, Rivals, MaxPreps all have them in the top 15 nationally and two of the polls have them in the top 7. I’d like to see them against some of the top 5A schools, including Norcross, Roswell, and Lowndes. I have no doubt they would win against any of those schools. TCC, be careful what you wish for, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

By Retort

September 26, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

I had a different experience. When I was in Texas I saw a lot of fan involvement and some really nice facilities. But the bottom line is the product on the field was much better in GA than I saw in Texas. I saw a South Carroll team that was ranked #1 in the state in the highest classification, and they had 5 kids that would have started for somebody along the lines of Brookwood, Peach County, LaGrange, or Lowndes.

By Yo

September 26, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Hey Slalom 1…just having a little fun getting ya’ll riled up. Yes i was at the dome and watched a very good lagrange team win 2 games prior to our shallacking of Camden Cty. I disagree with your assessment of Lagrange doing as Lowndes did that year and going 15-0 against the schedule Lowndes played. Especially since every one of those games (except Parkview) was over by halftime. Yes a AAA school as Lagrange can play with the big boys but a lagrange does not have the depth in quality to compete with the top big boys on a weekly level. I also don’t believe Lagrange was any better than Camden, Northside, (AAAA) Statesboro (AAAA that year) and especially Parkview. As for Texas teams playing a brand of football better than Ga., I am not buying that either. That is what Florida always claimed (with more athletes) but I think Ga. has held its on there in that head to head matchup. I

By Hornet Nation

September 26, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Champions are Born - You are crazy, talk about officiating. Roswell had two second half TD’s called back and we played as flat as flat can be and you guys still only won by 3. The best team lost last Friday. I will give you guy’s credit in that you played a very inspired game.

By Hornet Nation

September 26, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Champions are Born - You are crazy, talk about officiating. Roswell had two second half TD’s called back and we played as flat as flat can be and you guys still only won by 3. The best team lost last Friday. I will give you guy’s credit in that you played a very inspired game.

By Hornet Nation

September 26, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

To: By Yohan Your Comment:Roswell Lost

That is correct - but your point is?

By Hornet Degradation

September 26, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation - face it - Roswell lost. The officials made calls both ways - period - don’t cry on that one - as Walton had several 2nd half drives snuffed by questionable calls. Just look at the stats - ball possesion in the 2nd half - Walton had the ball 18++ minutes out of 24 - that is domination of the Hornet Nation - ‘nuff said.

By Fit To Be Tied

September 26, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

To Guru: “St Pius X and Marist not that good”, I would say Tucker is superior. At the end of the year both of the “not that good” teams will have good records in a tough region.

By slalom1

September 26, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Hey “YO” One thing we agree on is the Texas vs. Georgia comparison. You make some good points. However, consider this: Throughout the 1990’s, LaGrange was playing in the state’s largest classification, with a AA size student body. The result…4 region titles and one state and national title. I go back to roster size. Your position is that teams in A,AA,AAA, do not have the depth to compete on a weekly basis with the AAAAA schools. Just how many players do you need to have depth? 200? No. Take a look at the rosters of Shaw, Carrollton, Carver of Columbus, and LaGrange. Then compare their depth to any AAAAA school. Then take a look at their talent. I agree that talent alone does not make a championship team. But,having talent, depth, and great coaching does. Again, region 1 AAAAA is THE best in the state. Always has been. But, do not believe that the schools I named could not compete with the state’s best region. During the 1990’s the Grangers competed against schools whose student bodies were 2 to 3 times their size. It made no difference. Reason why? All of the above.

By yo

September 26, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Slalom 1…we agree…compete…yes…go undefeated…no.

By ITS ME

September 27, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

I JUST WANNA SAY WATCH FOR THE SCORE OF THAT ST. PIUS WASHINGTON GAME THIS WEEK

By LB48

September 27, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

I keep reading all this talk about classifications and who would dominate who, and frankly I am sensing a little North Ga. bias, however, the LaGrange AAA domination has got to stop! Has anyone forgot who is the AAA back-to-back champions? Let’s give Peach Co. some respect here please because PC dominated AAA and Shaw could have just shown up and put their jersey’s on the field and left. State championship game not even close. LG got the same treatment over the last 3 years. Top to bottom Middle Ga. football needs to get the respect it deserves.

By For Real though

September 27, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

I know both of last year’s co-champions have one loss so far, but the Ridge is not even on the radar. It’s okay though, I guess that would make them the surprise team in the state playoffs again this year. The weekly ranking is okay but it is purely for amusement purposes as was proven last year.

By Response

September 27, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

LB48:

Peach County was clearly the best team in GA in 2005 & 2006. LaGrange was the best team in GA in 2001, 2003, 2004. The difference is that LaGrange had won the state in the largest classification 8 TIMES prior to 2000 while never having more than 1200 kids in the high school.

Since moving to AAA in 2000, they have done the following:

2000: Lost one game, 6-0 in the playoffs to the Swainsboro, the state champs

2001: Undefeated State Champs

2002: Got absolutly hosed at Screven county losing 15-14, their only loss of the season in the playoffs. Screven wins state championship.

2003: State Champs, won on Peach County’s field

2004: Undefeated State Champs

2005: Lost in playoffs to Peach, who won the state championship

2006: Lost one game, to Peach in the playoffs, who won the state championship.

2007: Ranked #1, 4-0 and haven’t allowed a point this season

LaGrange is one of the 20 Best teams in this state ALMOST EVERY YEAR. They never take a break. They’re #3 in GA in all time wins and they’re in the top 30 Nationally.

By LB48

September 27, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Response: Point taken. I give LaGrange credit where credit is due b/c they have definitely been a thorn in PC’s side over the years. I can’t understand though, how teams like M.L King, Tucker, Coffee, Harrison, Grayson, Peachtree Ridge, etc. keep getting mentioned as the best when the only thing they have going is that they play in the AJC area and have a larger student body. Fact of the matter is….What have they won? If you want to be listed as the best, you gotta win. Point blank.

By No Arguments Here

September 27, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

You won’t get any disagreement here. That Peach team last year was LOADED with talent and beat the crap out of what I thought was a good LaGrange team. I also agree that it’s hard for me to take anybody in AAA seriously other than Washington County, Peach, Carrolton, Shaw, etc until they win something. Cartersville, Gainesville, Cedartown, & Hart Co. look good every year but never seem to fair well in the playoffs. Tucker has some studs, there is no doubt, but I can’t remember them winning the big prize. I’m also not taking anybody in 8 AAAAA seriously (other than Brookwood & Parkview) until they win the state.

This co-champ crap with Roswell and Ptre Ridge was a joke.

By slalom1

September 27, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Dear LB 48, Apologize for leaving out Peach County in the AAA powerhouses. Just an oversight. Furthermore you are right about 2005 and 2006. They were by far the best in AAA. I would even go as far as saying that the 2005 team with Antonio Henton and Chris Slaughter could have probably taken anybody in the state, in any classfication at season’s end. As Rodney Dangerfield would say,”We don’t get no respect from nobody”. I am also impressed with AAA Carrollton going up against AAAAA Newnan every year, and delivering a butt kicking. From 2004-2007 Carrollton is 4-0 against the Newnan Cougars. Also last season AA Buford made the trip to AAAAA East Coweta and brought home a 35-7 win. NOBODY can convince me that the top tier teams from AA and AAA cannot win championships against the best in AAAA, and AAAAA. The “lack of depth” referred to by “Yo” when referring to teams of a lesser classification, is a matter of simply being misinformed regarding the depth that these teams have.(Maybe a little “Big Guy” arrogance too.) I watched the Grangers tear apart the “Big Guys” for 2 decades, and no doubt, the top teams in AAA today are capable of doing the same.

By slalom1

September 27, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Hey “YO” One final thing, and I may just shut up for a while. Regarding you “student body” philosophy, when uou were sitting in the dome in 2004, and saw the Grangers tear apart M.L. King, 38-0, are you aware that M.L. King had a AAAAA student body, and a team that was competing in AAA? Hence the reason for M.L. King being forced to “move up” in classification the following year to AAAAA. And, oh by the way, looks to me like they have done somewhat better since moving up. I will now try to “shut up” for a while.

By lee champion

September 27, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

LB48 is dead on. Peach County killed Lagrange and destroyed a very good Shaw team. This year, winner of Lagrange Carver game could be best in AAA.

By coffeeman05

September 27, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

LB48 you have your geography a little mixed up because Coffee is about as far out of the AJC area as you can get.

By granger pride

September 28, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

A little perspective: Funny to me that little old LaGrange is taking up so much time on this blog. We’re usually content to do it on the field and don’t care much what ya’ll big farm boy schools or big city schools think.

Now, seriously, I think it’s fair to say that LaGrange would have a mighty tough time competing on a weekly basis with a 5A schedule. They certainly wouldn’t be as dominant as they have been in 3A.

But it’s presumptuous, small minded, and frankly, UNAMERICAN to suggest that it’s impossible for the little guy to do it. Especially when they HAVE done it.

I was there in 1990 when Valdosta came to town in the state semifinals and they had more guys dressed out than we had in our graduating senior class. Their D-line was a good 75 pounds heavier (and faster) than our O-line. But better coaching, a tradition of winning, and a few (literally 2) better skill players on the LG sideline resulted in a 6-0 shutout of Valdosta.

It ain’t impossible. Its been done. Get over yourself. We really don’t care (though we’ll sure argue with ya, won’t we. OK maybe we do care.)

By LB48

September 28, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Coffeeman05: Your right, I know this but Coffee is just collateral damage in this discussion b/c they’re mentioned at the top but haven’t shown significant power in their own classification yet. A good year or two but not a power yet. Appreciate the comment though.

By Kevius

September 28, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

I Think that Peachridge should not be on there. They are ovr hyped and they got very luck last year cause they should have got passed Campbell the only reason they was do to tragdy to some of Campbell’s star players Relatives (QB, and RB)days before the game.

By Jaybird229

September 28, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a big HS Football guy for years and that NS Warner Robins team will run through just about every team in the state and most of the nation. They’re just that good. I think the only two teams that would be them in the nation are Miami Nortwestern or St. Xavier out of Cincinnati, Ohio. The funny thing about them is that they’ve actually had more talented teams in my mind, but they never finished the drill. The ‘99 team was loaded, but choked away the lead to Lowndes in the GA Dome. They 28-3 lead at halftime!

By Jaybird229

September 28, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a big HS Football guy for years and that NS Warner Robins team will run through just about every team in the state and most of the nation. They’re just that good. I think the only two teams that would be them in the nation are Miami Nortwestern or St. Xavier out of Cincinnati, Ohio. The funny thing about them is that they’ve actually had more talented teams in my mind, but they never finished the drill. The ‘99 team was loaded, but choked away the lead to Lowndes in the GA Dome. They 28-3 lead at halftime!

By slalom1

September 28, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

To:”Granger Pride”. The LHS student body is actually teetering around 1300 this year, making LHS a very large AAA school, and as large as some AAAA schools. Most people are not aware that every member of region 2AAA , except LHS was competing in either AAAA, or AAAAA until 2004. Shaw had a 4 year regular season run from 2000-2003, posting a 40-0 regular season record, and a state AAAA title in 2000. Along the way the Raiders knocked of Alabama’s Central of Phenix City twice. Central is a perennial powerhouse in Alabama’s top classification. Blah, Blah, Blah….But here is where I am going: You are right about the differences between AAAAA and AAA, for the most part. If LHS were playing in 1AAAAA, BIG difference. Tough region. Probably would have fewer wins, and championships. But, still competitive, and would win their fair share of games and titles. But, LHS would not be playing in 1AAAAA. They would be playing in 5AAAAA,(I think), which would include Newnan, East Coweta, Morrow, Hiram, etc.) In my mind this region is not nearly as competitive as region 2AAA, and at least the region wins and championships should be about the same. State titles would be more difficult to come by. As for the other major sports at LHS, the baseball program is solid, and could compete with any AAAAA region. Actually region 2AAA may be the toughest baseball region in all of the state. I say this because of the presence of Columbus, who has won state titles at every level in the past 15 years, and has been nationally ranked more than any other school in Georgia. As for the Granger basketball program, they would lose BIG time. Just as they do now. BIG problems with the “hoop” program at LHS. I am so thoroughly fed up with the “non-AAAAA” bashers, that I would like to see LHS once again return to the state’s top classification, and let the chips fall where they may. The rest of the state may be unpleasantly suprised.

By justinfh88

September 29, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Hi Wildcat! as said by you..

Okay i think its funny how wheeler never gets reco