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Friday, September 28, 2007
The games that really matter
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So I was in this dive bar in Marietta Tuesday, when I came across the most profound bathroom scribble.
“All that matters is Fleetwood Mac.”
Actually, the Doors, Stones, Zeppelin and Hendrix matter more, but that’s a whole other blog.
All that seems to matter tonight in Gwinnett is No. 1 Norcross’ visit to Peachtree Ridge.
When, in actuality, Central Gwinnett at Berkmar and South Forsyth at Mill Creek matter more and will be closer games.
No matter who wins or loses the Norcross-Ridge game (I like the Devils by two touchdowns), both teams are headed to the playoffs. But the losers of the other aforementioned games are in big trouble.
Basically, Central-Berkmar and South-Mill Creek are de facto playoff games. So instead of indulging you with more stuff about Norcross’ receivers verse Peachtree Ridge’s secondary, I’m going to break down the two games in Gwinnett that matter almost as much as Fleetwood Mac.
Central Gwinnett at Berkmar
What it means: Figuring Grayson, Brookwood and Parkview are locks to make the playoffs, the winner of this one will grab a hold of the fourth seed out of Region 8.
Key Stat: Central is 20-4 all-time against Berkmar and has won 14 of the last 15. Opponents are rushing for just 2.4 yards per attempt against the Patriots.
Star Power: Berkmar — QB T.J. Smith (666 passing yards, 6 TDs), WR Isaiah Jupiter (323 yards, 4 TDs, 29.4 yards per catch) Central — QB Devan Strickland (348 passing yards, 2 TDS), RB Diante Drake (7.63 yards per carry, 2 TDs)
Prediction: Berkmar appears to have more firepower, but the Patriots are always a little light up front. That’s not a good thing, when facing Central’s 375-pound nose tackle Dewayne Cherrington. Plus, Berkmar’s kicking game is suspect. Coach Wendell Early has gone for two seven times this year, converting three times. Central 28, Berkmar 26
South Forsyth at Mill Creek
What it means: The winner is not quite guaranteed the fourth spot out of Region 7, but they’ll definitely be in the driver’s seat.
Key Stat: South’s top two running backs are expected to be out; Mill Creek has equaled its win total from last year and could be headed for the first playoff appearance in the school’s four-year playing history. South won last year’s meeting 24-12.
Star Power: Mill Creek — WR Ed Russ (143 yards, 4 TDs), QB Zach Landis (485 yards, 5 TDs) South Forsyth — QB Brian Adams (no stats available)
Prediction: Tough call here. Haven’t seen either team live, but do know that South QB Adams is 6-5 and can beat you with his arm or legs. I’m not sure I’m ready to jump on the Mill Creek bandwagon just yet. South 14, Mill Creek 10.
FANTASY FOOTBALL DORK-OFF WEEK 5
Last week, Karl Werl of 680 The Fan fame took down the Kurt Dynasty in thrilling fashion. Werl returns to defend his title this week.
Season Scoreboard
Gwinnett 3, State 1
Kurt 3, Readers 1, DP 0
WEEK 5 CONTESTANTS
DP’s Dandies
QB —- Twoey Hosch, Buford
RB —- Diante Drake, Central Gwinnett
RB —- Tyler Jarry, North Gwinnett
WR —- Brice Butler, Norcross
WR —- Ed Russ, Mill Creek
Defense —- Brookwood
The Former Kurt Dynasty (Aschermann)
QB —- T.J. Smith, Berkmar
RBs —- Brandon Jacobs, Parkview
RB —- Demetris Murray, Buford
WR —- Devonta Bolton, Norcross
WR —- Isaiah Jupiter, Berkmar
Defense —- Grayson
Karl Werl’s Wrecking Crew
QB - Mikey Tamburo, North Gwinnett
RB - Kenny Miles, Brookwood
RB - Tauren Poole, Stephens Co.
WR - Alfonzo Dennard, Wilcox Co.
WR - Jarmon Fortson, Caver-Columbus
Defense - LaGrange
Want to prove yourself worthy of taking on staff writers David Purdum and Kurt Aschermann in a game of high school fantasy football?
Post your team —- 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WR, 1 defensive team —- on Purdum’s blog on ajc.com/sports/content/sports/highschool before 2 p.m. Thursday. (Look for the cool-looking bald guy on the left side of the page to find the blog.)
Feel free to e-mail your team to dpurdum@ajc.com or kaschermann@ajc.com as well.
You can use any combination of players from across the state, while Aschermann and Purdum will use only Gwinnett County players. Because, as everyone knows, Gwinnett plays the best brand of football.
One reader-submitted team will be selected each week based on the creativity of the team name. That selected team will be posted on Friday’s blog and in the Gwinnett News, along with Aschermann’s and Purdum’s teams.
If that reader’s team outscores both of the writers’ teams, they will receive a special prize from the wardrobe of Aschermann and Purdum.
Results will be posted on Tuesday’s blog.
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