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September 2007
Gwinnett Mid-Season Awards, Predictions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gwinnett Mid-Season Awards
Coach of the Half-Year — Berkmar’s Wendell Early Pretty good too: Mill Creek’s Shannon Jarvis, Buford’s Jess Simpson, North Gwinnett’s Bob Sphire.
Offensive Player of the Half-Year — Brookwood RB Kenny Miles. Pretty good too: Norcross WR Brice Butler. North Gwinnett QB Mikey Tamburo, Berkmar QB T.J. Smith
Defensive Player of the Half-Year — North Gwinnett DB Marquese Quiles Pretty good too: Grayson LB Triston Strong, Peachtree Ridge DB Derrick Bryant
Biggest Upset So Far— South Gwinnett over Parkview
Biggest Disappointment So Far — Collins Hill
Gwinnett Mid-Season Predictions
Who’d I take in a Gwinnett-only Playoff — Norcross
The region champs will be …
7-AAAAA — Norcross
8-AAAAA — Grayson
8-AAAA — Habersham Central
6-AA — Buford
Who am I missing? What did I screw up? Give me your thoughts
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The next No. 1 is…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
… well? It’s up for grabs in Class AAAAA. YOU make the call.
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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.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: David Purdum
Changing of the guard at hand?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Norcross playing Peachtree Ridge must be a little bit what it’s like when the president-elect and the lame-duck sitting president pass each other somewhere in the corridors of the White House.
You’ve got the guy picked to become the rising chief executive and the guy who usually isn’t ready to let go of the power. And here we have Norcross, the newly anointed No. 1 in Class AAAAA, taking the same field as Peachtree Ridge, a defending co-champion. One on the rise, one on the way out.
Theoretically, yes, there’s time to reverse the election. Theoretically, Peachtree Ridge isn’t necessarily on the way out. Theoretically, there’s still time for the Lions to mount a grass-roots campaign and earn another term.
But the purpose here is much like it is on election night. On the map of high school football games, certain teams are red and certain ones are blue. And after tonight, with none of the precincts in yet, our exit polls are declaring that Peachtree Ridge will be blue.
The Lions likely will match up better with Norcross than Grayson did. Once run-oriented Grayson fell behind Norcross, in a 24-3 loss two weeks ago, it was readily apparent the Rams didn’t have the quick-strike ability to mount a serious comeback. The Lions are better equipped for that.
But, still, coming back is likely the problem they will face against a team that’s playing solid defense and has the lightning quick-strike ability to put its opponents in a hole. Norcross will hold on to the top spot and take another step toward transitioning from Peachtree Ridge’s reign.
• Harrison at Marietta: The meat portion of Marietta’s schedule commences tonight when the Blue Devils play host to Harrison. It could well be one of the best games anywhere in the state, and certainly in Cobb County.
North Cobb might be the best team in the county right now, but a penalty-prone Harrison came up only one point shy of the Warriors two weeks ago. When Bruce Cobleigh’s Hoyas are playing their game, they can go into hostile territory — like they did to open the season at Lowndes — and come away with a victory. Northcutt Stadium will be hostile territory again tonight, but the Hoyas should be able to hold on against a team that has yet to play anybody as good as Harrison.
• Roswell at Wheeler: Last year, all it took to get Roswell focused and on its way to a share of the Class AAAAA championship was an upset loss and a timeout from the No. 1 ranking. The Hornets find themselves in that position again, with a twist.
They play Wheeler, the team that knocked them down last season and one which is trying to prove they can knock them down again. Roswell hasn’t lost consecutive games in three seasons and with all the motivation they need, the Hornets won’t start now.
THE WEEKEND PREDICTIONS
FRIDAY
Winner / Loser
Adairsville / Trion
Alpharetta / Pope
Americus-Sumter / Crisp Co.
Appling Co. / Long Co.
Athens Christian / Glascock Co.
Bacon Co. / Pelham
Baldwin / Stockbridge
Benedictine / Butler
Bowdon / Heard Co.
Bradwell Institute / Beach
Brantley Co. / Jeff Davis
Bremen / Landmark Chr.
Brooks Co. / Albany
Brookwood / Shiloh
Brunswick / Wayne Co.
Buford / GAC
Callaway / Rutland
Camden Co. / Groves
Carrollton / Haralson Co.
Cartersville / Cass
Carver-Atlanta / South Atlanta
Cedar Grove / Lakeside-DeKalb
Cedar Shoals / Heritage
Cedartown / Central-Carroll
Centennial / Kell
Central Gwinnett / Berkmar
Central-Macon / Jackson
Chamblee / Blessed Trinity
Charlton Co. / Pierce Co.
Chattahoochee / Sprayberry
Cherokee / Alexander
Clarke Central / Madison Co.
Claxton / Calvary Day
Clinch Co. / Lanier Co.
Coffee / Lowndes
Cook / Randolph-Clay
Crawford Co. / Pike Co.
Creekside / Woodward Acad.
Creekview / North Oconee
Dacula / Jackson Co.
Dalton / S.E. Whitfield
Darlington / Temple
Decatur / Cross Keys
Dooly Co. / Montgomery Co.
Douglas Co. / Osborne
Dublin / East Laurens
Early Co. / Mitchell Co.
East Coweta / Paulding Co.
East Paulding / Pebblebrook
ECI / Jenkins Co.
ELCA / Social Circle
Etowah / Campbell
Evans / Effingham Co.
Fannin Co. / Oglethorpe Co.
Fayette Co. / Northgate
Fitzgerald / Dodge Co.
Flowery Branch / Chestatee
Forsyth Central / Duluth
Glenn Hills / Burke Co.
Grady / Dunwoody
Grayson / Meadowcreek
Greenbrier / Richmond Acad.
Greene Co. / Rabun Co.
Greenville / Stewart-Quitman
Griffin / North Clayton
Habersham Cent. / Winder-Barrow
Hancock Central / Monticello
Harrison / Marietta
Hart Co. / Elbert Co.
Hawkinsville / Johnson Co.
Hillgrove / East Jackson
Hiram / Morrow
Holy Innocents’ / Walker
Irwin Co. / Telfair Co.
Jefferson / Mt. Pisgah Chr.
Josey / Metter
Kendrick / Spencer
LaGrange / Hardaway
Laney / Swainsboro
Lassiter / Milton
Liberty Co. / Harlem
Lincoln Co. / Aquinas
Lovejoy / Jonesboro
Macon Co. / Lamar Co.
Manchester / Marion Co.
Marist / North Springs
Mary Persons / Southwest-Mac.
Mays / Columbia
Mill Creek / South Forsyth
M.L. King / Union Grove
Morgan Co. / Union Co.
Norcross / Peachtree Ridge
North Cobb / Kennesaw Mtn.
North Gwinnett / Collins Hill
Northeast-Macon / Ola
North Hall / Gainesville
Northwest Whitfield / Lakeview-Ft. Ogle.
Oconee Co. / Franklin Co.
Our Lady of Mercy / Mt. Zion-Carroll
Pacelli Catholic / Chattahoochee Co.
Parkview / South Gwinnett
Peach Co. / Spalding
Pepperell / Model
Perry / Henry Co.
Pickens / East Hall
Prince Ave. Chr. / Towns Co.
Putnam Co. / Dawson Co.
Ridgeland / LaFayette
Ringgold / Gordon Lee
Riverwood / Druid Hills
Rockdale Co. / Alcovy
Rome / Gordon Central
Roswell / Wheeler
Salem / Eastside
Savannah Christian / McIntosh Co. Ac.
Sav, Cntry Day / Bryan Co.
Schley Co. / Central-Talbotton
Seminole Co. / Miller Co.
Sequoyah / Chapel Hill
South Cobb / Murray Co.
South Effingham / Cross Creek
South Paulding / Woodland-Stock.
Southside / Therrell
Starr’s Mill / Banneker
Statesboro / Lakeside-Evans
St. Pius / Washington
Stephens Co. / Apalachee
Stone Mountain / Miller Grove
Terrell Co. / Calhoun Co.
Thomas Co. Cent. / Monroe
Thomasville / Berrien
Thomson / Hephzibah
Toombs Co. / Tattnall Co.
Towers / Clarkston
Tucker / S.W. DeKalb
Turner Co. / Treutlen
Upson-Lee / Jones Co.
Valdosta / Colquitt Co.
Vidalia / Bleckley Co.
Villa Rica / Sandy Creek
Walton / Northview
Ware Co. / Glynn Academy
Warner Robins / Houston Co.
Warren Co. / Twiggs Co.
Washington Co. / Richmond Hill
Washington-Wilkes / Banks Co.
West Hall / Gilmer
West Laurens / Eagle’s Landing
Wesleyan / Lovett
Westminster / North Atlanta
Westover / Taylor Co.
Westside-Augusta / S.E. Bulloch
White Co. / Johnson-Gaines.
Whitewater / Westlake
Wilcox Co. / Wheeler Co.
Wilkinson Co. / Ga. Military Coll.
Windsor Forest / Johnson-Sav.
Woodland-Cart. / Lithia Springs
Woodstock / McEachern
SATURDAY
Athens Academy / Fellowship Chr.
Calhoun / Commerce
Carver-Columbus / Columbus
Douglass / Lithonia
Jenkins / Savannah
Mundy’s Mill / Tri-Cities
Redan / Newton
Riverdale / Mt. Zion-Jones.
Shaw / Jordan
Stephenson / Luella
* — Games against out-of-state teams have been omitted
Permalink | Comments (39) | Post your comment | Categories: Darryl Maxie
Mercy math: Two could equal five
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When you’re a struggling program, you take your hope wherever you can find it. So it is with Our Lady of Mercy. Before the season, Bryan Pinabell sat down with his players and talked about setting goals. “We want to win five games,” they told him.
Of course, everyone wants to win at least five. Win five, and you’re not a loser any more, unless you make the playoffs and lose your first game. The Bobcats had not won more than two in any of their five full varsity seasons, and before they can get to five, clearly they have to get to two. Friday’s home game against Mt. Zion-Carrollton, then, presents a golden opportunity.
The Eagles have been outscored 166-30 in four games, while Mercy is coming off the best offensive performance in school history, a 35-24 victory against Towns County in which they set school marks for points, total yards and individual rushing yards (Christian Willis broke free for 294). Says here: Bobcats experience a streak.
Moving on …
While we’re on the subject of facing struggling teams, I give you Fayette County, which come Friday night will likely be 5-0 for the first time since 1981. The Tigers take on a Northgate team that won its opener against Central-Carrollton and has not scored since; Fayette has allowed just 7.3 points per game. I’m thinking Northgate will not have an answer for Brandon Boykin and Matt Daniels, who combined for 316 rushing yards and three touchdowns last week in their win over Woodward Academy …
AT THE NET
Whitewater’s volleyball team got nine kills from Brittany Woods and five digs each from Charmaine Kehoe and Casey Howett in a pair of sweeps against Fayette County and Lovejoy, improving to 18-6 overall and 6-2 in area play …
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
Whitewater at Westlake — 7:30 p.m. Friday
RECORDS: Whitewater (2-2, 1-1 Region 2-AAAA); Westlake (3-1, 1-1)
COACHES: Whitewater, Amos McCreary (98-47); Westlake, Dallas Allen (108-62).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Whitewater — FB Collin Wooddy (Sr., 6-1.210), CB Chris Asbury (Sr., 5-9, 175), DE Thomas Richard (Jr., 6-1, 200).
LAST YEAR: Whitewater won, 17-14.
LAST WEEK: Whitewater beat Creekside 10-7; Westlake lost to Starr’s Mill 16-7.
THE SKINNY: In a game that figures to play a pivotal role in the Region 2-AAAA race, the Wildcats look to capitalize on the momentum gained from beating defending region champ Creekside. The Wildcats have struggled on offense to this point, but they have been within a touchdown every week. Last week they scored their first offensive touchdown, and a little improvement might be worth a lot with a defense that is allowing just 12 points per game. Westlake, meanwhile, opened 3-0 before losing to Starr’s Mill last week. The loser will have two early region losses and sit behind the playoff eight ball.
PREDICTION: Whitewater, 15-14.
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Sorry, Raiders, but you’re IT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jamie Reed called last Friday night and expressed frustration. The Riverdale football coach, it seems, felt that on some level I had either jinxed his club or just provided extra motivation for North Clayton, which took a 47-28 win over the Raiders.
All this because I’d had the temerity to pick the Raiders over the Eagles. I guess he had a point. Anyhow, Reed asked that I not pick them again, which brings us to this week’s game against Mt. Zion Saturday night at Tara Stadium.
As much as I would love to oblige him — as far as I can tell, he’s a stand-up guy — I look at Mt. Zion (coached by another stand-up guy in Jarrett Laws, and I’m not talking about comedy) and see a team that has floundered on offense despite having one of the state’s top running backs — Martin Ward. Ward’s gonna get his yards, but he won’t get enough to offset the Raiders’ multiple offensive weapons.
Moving on …
Upset special, just because the loser will be highly upset: A coin flip tells me Lovejoy will top Jonesboro. The Wildcats, who have found the sledding more bumpy than expected — let’s just say 0-4 was seriously unforeseen — will have enough weapons to finally break through …
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
Griffin at North Clayton — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Twelve Oaks Stadium
RECORDS: Griffin 3-1 (1-0 Region 4-AAAA Division A); North Clayton 3-1 (2-0).
COACHES: Griffin, Steve Devoursney (56-22) North Clayton, Don Shockley (80-62-1).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Griffin — DE Toby Jackson (Sr., 6-4, 245); North Clayton — DB Edward Ndem (Sr., 6-1, 190), DT Albert Carlisle (Jr., 6-0, 245), WR Daamon Cooper (Sr., 5-10, 160).
LAST YEAR: Griffin won, 36-6.
LAST WEEK: North Clayton beat Riverdale 47-28; Griffin beat Forest Park 42-17.
THE SKINNY: Both of these teams got well last week after losing two weeks ago, and the winner of this game will have the inside track to the top spot in 4-AAAA Division A. The Eagles showed some advancing maturity in their win over Riverdale, jumping to a big lead, withstanding the Raiders’ comeback attempt and pulling away late. Griffin, though, is one of the state’s elite programs, and after tripping up at Upson-Lee, the Bears appear to be back on track.
PREDICTION: Griffin, 24-14.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Clayton
Dog days hound Dutchtown
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One really has to feel for the Dutchtown Bulldogs. They’ve scored 98 points in three games (compared with 87 all of last year), but they’re 1-2 because they’ve allowed 95 in losing their last two.
Which doesn’t bode well with the rest of their schedule: No. 1-ranked Northside-Warner Robins this week, followed by Upson-Lee, No. 2 Thomas County Central and No. 5 Westside-Macon. They close their season with No. 6 Baldwin.
All of those games except Westside are on the road. Everyone else in Region 4-AAAA Division B also has that murderer’s row of a region schedule, but when you add Thomas Central — owner of five state championships since 1992 — that takes Dutchtown to the so-called next level.
Moving on …
Eagle’s Landing Christian may have snuck up on Social Circle and Bremen (its next two opponents) last year, but the Chargers, who have twice scored 50 points in their first three games, aren’t likely to do so again. The Social Circle game Friday is ELCA’s first game at home, where it will play five of its last seven contests.
Check your defenses at the gate, boys: Henry County enters Friday’s game at Perry having scored 12 points in three games. Perry has scored 91. Says here that this’un will be a shootout. If the Warhawks can shore up their special teams, they have an excellent chance …
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
Stockbridge at No. 6 Baldwin — 7:30 p.m. Friday, Milledgeville
RECORDS: Stockbridge 4-0 (1-0 Region 4-AAAA Division B), Baldwin 2-0 (0-0).
COACHES: Stockbridge, Steve Collins (11-13); Baldwin, Jesse Hicks (43-18).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Stockbridge — QB Tyler Bass (Sr., 6-3, 205), OL Randy Salmon (Sr., 6-3, 290), WR/LB Vance King (Sr., 6-1, 195); Baldwin — RB Jerrico Ford; QB Wayne Williams, OL Jason Peacock, OL Jerome Saulsbury.
LAST YEAR: Baldwin won, 42-21.
LAST WEEK: Stockbridge beat Dutchtown 49-27; Baldwin’s game at Laney was suspended due to weather and will not be completed.
THE SKINNY: The Tigers have been driving bumper cars on a veritable closed course so far, now merge onto I-285 at rush hour. The Braves have won 10 games in back-to-back seasons and have made four playoff appearances in the past five years. They lost dynamic RB Darius Marshall from last year, but they still have Ford running behind Saulsbury and Peacock, both of whom top 300 pounds. Stockbridge has scored 150 points over the first four games, but Baldwin has allowed 17 in two games plus less than a half in the suspended game. The key will be the Stockbridge defense, which has two shutouts but allowed 55 points in its other two games.
PREDICTION: Baldwin, 31-28.
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Games on kickers’ shoulders… er, legs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The specialists
Adam Schreiner of Walton proved last week that kickers can win big games. His 58-yarder was the difference in a 13-10 upset of then-No. 1 Roswell. Schreiner has made four of six field goals and kicked five touchbacks on eight kickoffs. Here are five more kickers who can make a difference:
— Jim Broadway, Roswell: Broadway has made 16 of 22 field goals in his career, the longest 45 yards, which he has made three times. He has put 17 of 22 kickoffs in the end zone this season. South Florida and Middle Tennessee State are recruiting him.
— Bryan Gates, East Coweta: Gates has made field goals of 46, 47 and 48 yards, two of them on the final play of a half. He has made 51 of his last 53 extra-point attempts. Also a split end, Gates has sub-4.6 speed in the 40.
— Jack Hall, Lovett: Hall has played only two games due to hand surgery, and his team has yet to attempt a field goal, but he’s being recruited by Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Alabama. He has put eight of nine kickoffs in the end zone and made all six of his extra points.
— Sam Martin, Starr’s Mill: Coach Mike Earwood got Martin from the soccer team and calls him “a great surprise.” He’s 4-of-7 on field goals and “can hit from 50 easily,” Earwood said. All of his kickoffs from the 40 have been touchbacks except two, one a squib, the other that landed at the 1.
— Chris Philpott, St. Pius: Philpott’s kickoffs are almost automatic touchbacks — 21 out of 23. He has attempted one field goal, good from 51 yards against Columbia. He’s 17-of-17 on extra points. Georgia Tech, Louisville and Wake Forest are interested.
Unbeaten, untied, untested
Several metro teams are undefeated and highly regarded, yet unproved due to a weak schedule. Here’s a look at five with something to prove:
Blessed Trinity (3-0)
Opponents’ combined record: 1-11
The Titans haven’t allowed a point, but they’ve faced winless Clarkston and Therrell, which have scored 14 total points in eight losses. Perhaps they’ll show they are a serious contender when they play …
Chamblee (3-0)
Opponents’ combined record: 2-10
Friday night’s game at Blessed Trinity should give a clear answer on how much the Bulldogs are going to miss Roddy Jones, the all-state running back who went to Georgia Tech.
East Paulding (3-0)
Opponents’ combined record: 2-10
East Paulding graduated the core of its Class AAAA final four team and wasn’t ranked until this week, at No. 8. A one-point victory against Paulding County, which has lost 10 straight, is ominous. Friday’s game at 5-AAAA champion Pebblebrook will tell us something.
Greater Atlanta Christian (4-0)
Opponents’ combined record: 3-12
GAC’s most recent opponents — Walker and Cross Keys — are 0-4, so it’s tough to gauge the Spartans despite their average of 10 victories per season this decade. GAC plays Friday at Buford, No. 1 in AA.
M.L. King (4-0)
Opponents’ combined record: 2-13
Three of MLK’s opponents are winless, and the Lions struggled against Redan, which is only 2-2. Impressive victories against Union Grove and Douglass the next two weeks could justify MLK’s top-10 ranking.
Did you know?
Worth County honored Milt Miller last week by the naming its field after the former coach who won a state title at the Sylvester school in 1987. Miller also won a title at Lowndes in 1999. Twelve other coaches have won championships at two schools. They are Charlie Brake, Gene Brodie, Buzz Busby, Wayman Creel, Jeff Herron, Dwight Hochstetler, Mike Hodges, Jim Hughes, Ralph Jones, Ray Lamb, Jerry Sharp and Charlie Winslette.
By the numbers
5 - The Tucker school record for consecutive shutouts, set in 1989. Tucker has shut out its first four opponents in 2007.
19 - Georgia teams with losing steaks of more than 10 games. Meadowcreek’s is the longest at 35.
28 - Years since North Cobb had been ranked in the top five. The Warriors are No. 4 this week in Class AAAAA.
E-mail football information to Todd Holcomb
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Football Report
Gwinnett Power Rankings; Fantasy FB Results: The Kurt Dynasty falls
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Norcross — Offense, offense, offense … that’s all you hear about the Blue Devils. But they’re allowing less than six points a game to boot.
Grayson — Next serious test comes on Oct. 12 at Parkview.
North Gwinnett — QB Tamburo proving to be more than just a system guy.
Buford — Duluth-transfer Hunt starting to earn carries.
Parkview — Panthers starting to look more like contenders than pretenders.
Brookwood — Don’t expect the Broncos to stumble again before closing three-game stretch against Grayson, Central Gwinnett and Parkview.
Peachtree Ridge — Lions’ D-I DBs vs. Norcross’ D-I WRs … what’s not to like?
Central Gwinnett — Beat Berkmar and the Black Knights are headed to the playoffs.
Berkmar — Beat Central and Patriots are headed to the playoffs.
Mill Creek — Can’t afford to slip up against Forsyth schools.
Collins Hill — What’s going on in Eagle Land?
Dacula — Need some sort of passing game to develop quickly.
South Gwinnett — Don’t be surprised if Comets hang with Parkview.
Greater Atlanta Christian — With Lovett and Wesleyan looming, Spartans can’t afford to get too banged-up against Buford.
Shiloh — Generals defense has been respectable.
Wesleyan — Actually gained respect in 49-6 loss to Buford.
Duluth — Have lost four of five to Forsyth Central.
Meadowcreek — Mustangs need to ignore the scoreboard from here on out; concentrate on improving in each game.
Fantasy Football Results
The Kurt Dynasty has crumbled at the hands of 680 the Fan’s Karl Werl.
Karl couldn’t be here with us today, so I’m going to accept this award on his behalf.
Karl would like everyone to know that he, much like Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy, is a man and invites you to come after him.
If you want to take on AJC dorks Kurt Aschermann and David Purdum in a rousing game of high school fantasy football, simply post your team— 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WR, 1 Defense—on the blog before 2 p.m., Thursday. Feel free to email your team to dpurdum@ajc.com or kaschermann@@ajc.com as well.
You can use any combination of players from across the state, while Kurt and DP will use only Gwinnett County players.
One reader-submitted team will be selected each week based on the creativity of their team’s name. That selected team will be posted on Friday’s blog (and in the Gwinnett News), along with Kurt and DP’s.
If that reader’s team outscores both Kurt and DP, they will receive a special prize from the closet of Kurt or DP.
Week 4 Fantasy Football Dork-Off Results
Karl Werl’s Wrecking Crew — 87
The Kurt Dynasty — 84
DP’s Dandies — 58
Season Scoreboard
Gwinnett 3, State 1
Kurt 3, Readers 1, DP 0
Karl Werl’s Wrecking Crew — 87
QB Dustin Taliaferro, Roswell — 6 (92 yards, 1 TD)
RB - Brandon Davis, Peachtree Ridge — 0 (-1 yards, 0 TDs)
RB - Reuben Haynes, Commerce — 39 (234 yards, 4 TDs)
WR - Brice Butler, Norcross — 18 (75 yards, 2 TDs)
WR - Tavarres King, Habersham Central — 24 (182 yards, 2 TDs)
Def - Tucker — 0 (points allowed to St. Pius)
The Kurt Dynasty — 84
QB - Mikey Tamburo, North Gwinnett — 27 (209 yards, 3 TDs)
RB - Demetris Murray, Buford — 12 (58 yards, 1 TD
RB - Cisco Barry, Dacula — 12 (82 yards, 1 TD)
WR - Devonta Bolton, Norcross — 12 (18 yards, 2 TDs)
WR - Christian Robinson, Greater Atlanta Christian — 24 (74 yards, 3 TDs)
Def - Peachtree Ridge — 3 (points allowed against South Forsyth)
DP’s Dandies — 58
QB Nick Sorel, Norcross — 18 (98, 3 TDs)
RB D.J. Adams, Norcross — 12 (80 yards, 1 TD)
RB Brandon Jacobs, Parkview — 15 (152, 1 TD)
WR Brice Butler, Norcross — 18 (75 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Cordero Dixon, North Gwinnett — 0 (23 yards, 0TD
Def Greater Atlanta Christian — -8 (points allowed to Cross Keys)
Scoring System
(Note: Due to limited stats, QBs/WRs do not receive points for rushing yards; RBs no points for receiving yards)
Passing
100-200 yards - 6
200-300 yards - 9
More than 300 - 15
Rushing/Receiving
50-99 yards - 6
100-150 - 9
151-199 - 12
More than 200 - 15
Rushing/Receiving/Passing TDs - 6
Defense: Every point the opposing team scores is subtracted from your total.
Results will be posted on Tuesday’s blog and in Friday’s edition of the Gwinnett News.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: David Purdum
Take 10: Best-EVER historic team names
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the nicknames that our schools have been giving themselves are getting so lame that’s it’s become a state embarrassment.
Among the 32 public high schools that opened in this decade, only two were clever enough to conjure up a nickname that wasn’t already taken. Hats off to the Sonoraville Phoenix and the Creekview Grizzlies. Three new schools - Union Grove, Miller Grove and West Forsyth - are Wolverines. Do we have wolverines in Georgia? * I don’t get it.
Three more new schools are the Lions - MLK, Peachtree Ridge and Luella. We can’t all be Lions. They should have a playoff for it. Mundy’s Mill and Alcovy decided to be Tigers - like 19 other teams in Georgia. Are we still teaching imagination in the 21st Century? In my day, we didn’t borrow nicknames. We chose something you’d never heard about and were left very scared or just shaking your head. And we liked it.
Here are the best 11 nicknames in Georgia history, all belonging to schools that have closed but should be held up as models. Why 11? If you have to ask, your team’s nickname is probably the Eagles.
11: Ocilla Orphans — There was a time when children were so mean in Ocilla that their parents abandoned them out of fear, thus the name Orphans. You didn’t risk bringing up the subject when you played them. They were not ashamed of it, but they played with a chip on their shoulders, and you didn’t provoke them. The name Orphans had to be given up because it was offensive and politically incorrect. So now, Ocilla’s predecessor school, Irwin County, is called the Indians.
10: Commercial Typists — This Atlanta school that closed in 1947 had the greatest sand-bagging nickname in history. Typists? Yep, and you better believe they could type. They’d kick butt and take names on a typewriter at 82 words per minute. But let’s not kid anybody. Commercial had terrible football teams. But the Typists were proud of what they could do. If you’ve seen how these kids act when they score touchdowns, you know the lack of pretension is a lost art in high school football today.
9: Sparta Saints — Sparta, a school for whites in Hancock County before desegregation, was in Sanderville’s region for many years, and it was Sparta’s only recourse to have a nickname that could contend with the dreaded Satans. Those Satans-vs.-Saints matchups were battles for eternity in those days. Today, Cedar Grove is called the Saints, but they got it from the New Orleans Saints. The Sparta Saints thought of it first, and the NFL should be paying royalties.
8: Lanier Poets — This was Macon’s most famous school through 1969, when consolidation turned it into Central High and the Chargers. The Chargers are OK, but the great thing about being a Poet was that when Lanier (as in Sidney, author of “Song of the Chattahoochee,” the storied ode to Georgia’s most hallowed river) won those state titles in the ’30s and ’40s in both football and basketball, they could beat their chests and say, ”We’re better athletes, and we’re poets, too!” It’s hard to argue with that.
7: Corry Roosters — It’s pretty sorry for any high school to name itself the Gamecocks. First, that’s a college team’s name. Second, well, if you have to be given more obvious reasons why that’s a terrible high school nickname, then your school is probably named the Longhorns or the Hoyas. But a rooster? Now that’s a mascot, and Corry, the Greene County school for African-Americans before integration, was right on with this. Roosters are brimming with pride and confidence, even if they are chickens. Not sure if Corry called its girls teams the Roosters. You wouldn’t want to call them the Hens. The Lady Roosters? That was the one drawback to this nickname.
6: Doerun Deer — The Deer of Colquitt County never played football or this name would be higher on the list. Imagine the helmets: Not Rams horns, but deer antlers! I like it. And the girls teams were called the Does. It’s just fun to say: The Doerun Deer and the Doerun Does. You could read it backward to find hidden meaning way before the Beatles.
5: Montezuma Aztecs — Football coaches are always talking about sacrifice. It’s that BIG TEAM/little me thing that makes the difference in winning and losing so many times. So what better mascot to extol the virtues of sacrifice than the Aztecs? The real Aztecs practiced human sacrifice. Now that’s commitment, and this Macon County school had it. Now, Macon County High is just called the Bulldogs. There are 15 other Bulldogs and one Bulldogg among Georgia mascots. It needs to stop.
4: Arlington Travelers — The school’s mascot was named for Robert E. Lee’s horse, Traveller. Arlington, a school in Calhoun County, misspelled it, but, hey, this was football, and if you didn’t dare make an issue of it. This was a school of war horses, not spellers. Calhoun County is now the Cougars, like five other Georgia schools. And I’ll guarantee you this: Traveller, er, Traveler, was much more loyal and brave than any Cougar was.
3: Dasher Bible Ducks — Not sure if they were the Bible Ducks, or the Ducks of Dasher Bible. But the goal of education is to get you thinking, and this Valdosta school was committed to that. Names like Wildcats and Vikings nip fresh thinking in the bud.
2: Cornelia Appleknockers — When you played this Habersham County school, you had to secure your chin strap and gird your loins because you just knew by the nickname Appleknockers that Cornelia was a team that could knock more than apples off your tree. Habersham Central is now the Raiders, like 13 other schools in Georgia. There are a lot of hardened Appleknockers rolling in their graves about that.
1: Sandersville Satans — There are 18 teams in Georgia that are Red Devils, Blue Devils or Screaming Devils. There are so many Devils that nobody is scared of a devil any more. Oooh, the Blue Devils, I’m afraid! Not. If you really want to scare somebody, tell ‘em Satan is coming to town. And he’s bringing Beelzebub. Now that’s a mascot.
Eleven most common and therefore worst Georgia nicknames:
Tigers (21), Panthers (18), Eagles (17), Bulldogs (15), Indians (15), Wildcats (15), Raiders (14), Trojans (13), Patriots (11), Blue Devils (10), Warriors (10)
Eleven best Georgia nicknames, all unique:
Atom Smashers (Johnson of Savannah), Battle Creek Warriors (Tattnall County), Black Knights (Central Gwinnett), Blue Jackets (Savannah), Catamounts (Dalton), Comets (South Gwinnett), Gladiators (Clarke Central), Grangers (LaGrange), Red Elephants (Gainesville), Syrupmakers (Cairo), Warhawks (Henry County)
Go on. Take Ten. Throw down for your fave classic Georgia team nickname, all you old schoolers. Or dare to say “Um, so you ask if Georgia has wolverines but you don’t question if we have GRIZZLIES, dude?!!!” (Psych! We don’t.) Give us your take on lame names and suggest some new nicks for YOUR team.
* Nope, sorry.
MORE PREPS: Video | Rival Smasher | Send photos!
Permalink | Comments (38) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Adams’ final eve approaching?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of the biggest games in the metro area last Friday night was St. Pius vs. Tucker at Adams Stadium. But it wasn’t just fans who came to see the game at the 45-year-old stadium; there were several people there looking to make a statement.
Many of you have heard about the Sembler Co.’s proposal to buy a large portion of land in that area to build a mixed-use shopping/residential/office complex people have compared to downtown’s Atlantic Station.
Part of this project would include buying and demolishing Adams Stadium. In addition to their objections to the new traffic the complex would bring to what they say is an already congested area, the protesters at the St. Pius-Tucker game were there to bring attention to the situation in an attempt to save Adams Stadium.
It is tied with Hallford Stadium as being DeKalb County’s second-oldest stadium — Avondale Stadium is the oldest, built in 1958 — and many people in the community don’t want to see it go. It may be difficult to get in and out of the parking lot for big games, but it has become a major part of the community over the past four decades.
However, DeKalb County athletics director Ron Sebree says part of the deal would require Sembler to identify and acquire a site and pay to build a new stadium for the county. With no new stadiums built since 1968, and after seeing the benefits of the new turf and JumboTron at Hallford, Sebree said he would love the opportunity for the county to get a new stadium with current amenities.
You tell us: What do you think about DeKalb possibly trading Adams Stadium for a new one? Does the stadium’s history make it worth saving? Or do you think having a new one would be the better option?
Permalink | Comments (37) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Haws
Todd’s Top 15 all-class teams
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Class AAAA teams are 29-16 this season against Class AAAAA opponents, and Northside of Warner Robins, the No. 1 team in AAAA, is the Georgia school that’s ranked highest by USA Today and other national polls.
Does this suggest that the top teams in AAAA — Northside, Thomas County Central (which crushed AAAAA Tift County last week) and Tucker are among the best five or six teams in Georgia — in any classification?
I don’t know if I’d go that far, but I do think it shows that if a team is dominant in AAAA, then it would also contend in AAAAA.
But there aren’t many dominant teams in AAAA.
There’s Northside, of course. Throw in Thomas County Cental and Tucker for the time being, and maybe Westside-Macon has that potential. We’ll find out soon about Statesboro and Baldwin.
After that, I don’t think any AAAA teams are among the 10-15 best in AAAAA.
Here’s my Top 15 all-class rankings, and they’re based partly on how good I think they can be, and partly on how well they’ve played, which might explain why they contradict our classification rankings.
1: Northside (AAAA)
2: Norcross
3: Coffee
4: Roswell
5: North Cobb
6: Lowndes
7: Tucker (AAAA)
8: Stephenson
9: Harrison
10: North Gwinnett
11: Camden County
12: Thomas County Central (AAAA)
13: Buford (AA)
14: Grayson
15: Peachtree Ridge
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 (97) | Post your comment | Categories: Poll talk
Cool football story; Fantasy line-ups
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Central Gwinnett coach Dennis Roland told me a cool football story the other day.
In 1985, he was an assistant at UTEP. The Miners were playing defending national champion BYU, led by quarterback Robbie Bosco (great QB name).
Roland and the UTEP coaching staff had discovered a strong tendency in BYU’s offense and used it to their advantage. Whenever the Cougars would come out in a certain formation around the goal line, they would run a naked bootleg. Sure enough, the exact situation would come up during the game.
“We put our prevent defense in,” remembered Roland. “They ran the boot. We had it covered, and our guy picked off the pass and returned it for a touchdown. We won 23-16.
“A couple days later, one of their coaches was quoted in one of the Denver papers, saying that we had tapped their headsets. Our coach, Bill Young, said, ‘Yah, we tapped them all right, tapped their butts.’”
Lou Holtz just gave me a pep talk during halftime of the Texas A&M-Miami massacre, so I’m off to bed.
Before I crash, here’s this week’s Fantasy Line Ups. I went with 680 the Fan play-by-play voice Karl Werl’s team because the rest of you picked a couple players that had bye weeks. (You probably still would have beaten me, but again I blame my players).
Through three weeks, my esteemed colleague Kurt Aschermann is undefeated. And obnoxious. Beat him, Karl, beat him bad.
Karl Werl’s Wrecking Crew
QB - Dustin Taliaferro, Roswell
RB - Brandon Davis, Peachtree Ridge
RB - Reuben Haynes, Commerce
WR - Brice Butler, Norcross
WR - Tavarres King, Habersham Central
Def - Tucker
DP’s Dandies
QB - Nick Sorel, Norcross
RB - D.J. Adams, Norcross
RB - Brandon Jacobs, Parkview
WR - Brice Butler, Norcross
WR - Cordero Dixon, North Gwinnett
Def - Greater Atlanta Christian
The Kurt Dynasty
QB - Mikey Tamburo, North Gwinnett
RB - Demetris Murray, Buford
RB - Cisco Barry, Dacula
WR - Devonta Bolton, Norcross
WR - Christian Robinson, Greater Atlanta Christian
Def - Peachtree Ridge
Remember you can challenge Kurt and DP by posting your team—1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WR, 1 Defense-on the blog before 2 p.m., Thursday. Feel free to email 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.
One reader-submitted team will be selected each week based on the creativity of their team name. That selected team will be posted on Friday’s blog and in the Gwinnett News, along with Kurt’s and my teams.
If that reader’s team outscores both of the writers’ teams, they will receive a special prize from the wardrobe of Kurt or DP. We’ve got dope threads, so this is worth the 45 minutes it takes AJC.com to load up.
Results will be posted on Tuesday’s blog.
Scoring System
(Note: Due to limited stats, QBs/WRs do not receive points for rushing yards; RBs no points for receiving yards)
Passing
100-200 yards - 6
200-300 yards - 9
More than 300 - 15
Rushing/Receiving
50-99 yards - 6
100-150 - 9
151-199 - 12
More than 200 - 15
Rushing/Receiving/Passing TDs - 6
Defense: Every point the opposing team scores is subtracted from your total.
Permalink | | Categories: David Purdum
Time’s running out for Memorex teams
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There used to be a popular television commercial in which a glass would be placed on a table and the great Ella Fitzgerald would be heard — but not seen — hitting a high note.
The glass would shatter and the voiceover would ask: “Is it live or is it Memorex?”
Week four of the high school football season is upon us, and it’s one last Memorex moment on which several teams better capitalize fully. Because after this week, it’s going to be live.
Stockbridge is going to be 4-0 after tonight. Berkmar is going to be 3-0. Underdogs of the world, unite!
When Stockbridge is finished beating Dutchtown, the Tigers will be 4-0 for the first time since 1967. Once-in-40-years-occasions deserve their due, and Stockbridge fans should enjoy the Memorex while it lasts.
What follows for the Tigers: Baldwin, Northside-Warner Robins, Upson-Lee and Westside-Macon. According to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, Stockbridge is a combined 0-15 against those teams.
Berkmar will be 3-0 for two reasons.
A) It is 3-0 already.
B) It does not play tonight.
Every now and then, I have to slip an absolute certainty into a column in which sometimes there is no such thing.
The Patriots have been 3-0 in three of the last four seasons. From Games 4 through the end of those four seasons, they are a combined 8-15. They’ve lost 20 of their last 24 to Central Gwinnett — their next opponent — and 19 of the last 22 to Brookwood, the team they play the week after.
For some teams who have arrived at this moment unscathed, the challenge is to prove that what we’re seeing is, in fact, live.
Take Tucker, for instance. The Tigers go into a big game against St. Pius tonight, not only unbeaten at 3-0, but unscored upon at 135-0. Whether they’ll keep the Golden Lions — who are averaging 45 points a game — off the scoreboard is dicey, but the bet here is that what we’re seeing is as live as it gets. Tucker is going from team of question marks to team of exclamation points, and one that can win tough Region 6-AAAA.
North Cobb is 3-0 and has passed its first live-or-Memorex test. Shane Queen’s Warriors squeaked by Harrison 13-12 last week. Assisted by eight penalties, yes, but there have been years where the Warriors would leave such gifts unopened. This year, they capitalized.
Now, the Warriors have another chance to prove they’re for real — against McEachern. It wasn’t that long ago that North Cobb ended an 11-game losing streak in the series against the Indians. But they’ve won three of the last five meetings and this season’s momentum should carry them to four out of the last six.
For some of the underdogs out there, live or Memorex isn’t the question. It’s when will the suffering end? Week four should provide at least a brief respite for them.
Our Lady of Mercy, roughed up on the field and in this space (though not maliciously), will beat Towns County. Morrow will beat Newton. Like Stockbridge, they should enjoy it.
•Last week: 128-34 (.790) •Season: 381-113 (.771)
Friday’s games
Winner/Loser
Adairsville/Temple
Americus-Sumter/Westover
Apalachee/Alcovy
Appling County/Portal
Armuchee/Sonoraville
Athens Christian/Ga.Military Coll.
Bleckley County/Twiggs County
Blessed Trinity/South Atlanta
Brooks County/Randolph-Clay
Brookstone/Taylor County
Brunswick/Glynn Academy
Bowdon/Greenville
Buford/Wesleyan
Calhoun/Model
Callaway/Manchester
Campbell/Murray County
Carver-Columbus/Northside-Col.
Cedar Shoals/Elbert County
Centennial/Sprayberry
Central-Talbotton/Webster County
Chamblee/Therrell
Chattahoochee/Lassiter
Chattooga/Rockmart
Cherokee/Chapel Hill
Chestatee/Johnson-Gaines.
Clarke Central/Loganville
Coffee/Johnson-Sav.
Collins Hill/Mill Creek
Colquitt County/Bainbridge
Commerce/Trion
Coosa/Dade County
Crawford County/Lamar County
Creekside/Whitewater
Dacula /Madison County
Dalton/Ringgold
Darlington/Bremen
Decatur/Walker
Dodge County/Crisp County
Dooly County/Johnson County
Douglass/Tri-Cities
Early County/Berrien
East Laurens/Claxton
East Paulding/Alexander
Eastside/Lovejoy
ECI/Toombs County
Etowah/Kennesaw Mtn.
Evans/Greenbrier
Fannin County/Putnam County
Fayette County/Woodward Acad.
Fellowship Christ./Mt. Zion-Carroll
Fitzgerald/Mitchell County
Flowery Branch/East Hall
Franklin County/Morgan County
Gainesville/Lumpkin County
Gordon Central/S.E. Whitfield
Gordon Lee/Creekview
Greater Atl. Christ./Cross Keys
Habersham Central/Rockdale County
Hardaway/Harris County
Harrison/Woodstock
Hart County/Josey
Hawkinsville/Telfair County
Hephzibah/Butler
Heritage/Paulding County
Hiram/Savannah
Holy Innocents’/Hillgrove
Irwin County/Wheeler County
Lakeside-Evans/Richmond Acad.
Laney/Metter
Lanier County/Pelham
Lee County/Dougherty
Liberty County/Calvary Day
Lithia Springs/Osborne
Lovett/Avondale
Lowndes/Central Gwinnett
Macon County/Heard County
Marietta/South Cobb
Marion County/Pike County
Marist/Cedar Grove
McIntosh/Banneker
McIntosh Co. Acad./Sav. Cntry Day
Miller County/Calhoun County
Miller Grove/North Springs
Milton/Pope
M.L. King/North Atlanta
Monroe Area/Clarkston
Morrow/Newton
Newnan/Lithonia
Norcross/North Forsyth
North Cobb/McEachern
North Gwinnett/Forsyth Central
North Hall/West Hall
Northeast-Macon/Mary Persons
North Oconee/Rabun County
Northview/Kell
N.W. Whitfield/Ridgeland
Oglethorpe County/Union County
Our Lady of Mercy/Towns County
Parkview/Houston County
Peachtree Ridge/South Forsyth
Pebblebrook/Douglas County
Pepperell/LaFayette
Perry/Jackson
Pickens/White County
Prince Ave. Christ./Glascock County
Riverdale/North Clayton
Rome/Lakeview-Ft. Ogle.
Roswell/Walton
Salem/Oconee County
Schley County/Jenkins County
Screven County/Westside-Aug.
Seminole County/Atkinson County
Sequoyah/Woodland-Cart.
Shaw/Columbus
Social Circle/Whitefield Acad.
Southwest DeKalb/Columbia
Statesboro/Wayne County
Stephens County/Dublin
Stephenson/Towers
Stockbridge/Dutchtown
Swainsboro/S.E. Bulloch
Tattnall County/Pierce County
Terrell County/Bacon County
Thomas Co. Central/Tift County
Thomasville/Albany
Troup/Spencer
Tucker/St. Pius
Turner County/Montgomery Co.
Vidalia/Worth County
Villa Rica/Northgate
Ware County/Effingham Co.
Warren County/Jefferson
Washington/Lakeside-DeKalb
Washington-Wilkes/Dawson County
Westlake/Starr’s Mill
West Laurens/Spalding
Westside-Macon/Upson-Lee
Wheeler/Alpharetta
Wilcox County/Treutlen
Winder-Barrow/Jackson County
Saturday’s games
Winner/Loser
Griffin/Forest Park
Mays/Stone Mountain
Monroe/Hancock Cent.
Redan/McNair
Southside/Druid Hills
Warner Robins/Beach
- — Games vs. out of state omitted
Permalink | Comments (24) | Categories: Darryl Maxie
Lovejoy could use confidence boost
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Perhaps the most confounding team in the county at this point is Lovejoy, which has talent but is 0-3 for the first time since 1995. The Wildcats get a visit from a 3-0 Eastside club that has outscored its opponents 75-9. It’s the last non-region game on the schedule for Lovejoy, which could use a confidence boost.
And moving on …
Finding the end zone has proved to be a difficult proposition for Morrow in its first two games. The Mustangs are 0-2 and have scored six points, those in a 12-6 loss last week to Jonesboro. In Newton, though, they face a team that has struggled to a greater extent than they have. The Rams have been outscored 54-0 in their first two games, including an embarrassing 23-0 setback against second-year program Alcovy two weeks ago. So the Mustangs have to be feeling their chances of shaking the doldrums are decent. I agree, so I’m going with the Mustangs, even though they’re on the road …
The county’s only other game this week is a Saturday tilt at Tara between Forest Park and Griffin. Two weeks ago I would have equated this one to a visit to the proverbial woodshed, but then Griffin was held without a touchdown last week against Upson-Lee. Still, the Panthers are going to be hard-pressed to keep up with the Bears, who are led by UGA commitment Toby Jackson …
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
GAME OF THE WEEK
North Clayton at Riverdale
7:30 p.m. Friday, Tara Stadium
RECORDS: North Clayton 2-1; Riverdale 1-1.
COACHES: North Clayton, Don Shockley (79-62-1); Riverdale, Jamie Reed (1-1).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: North Clayton - DB Edward Ndem (Sr., 6-1, 190), DT Albert Carlisle (Jr., 6-0, 245), WR Daamon Cooper (Sr., 5-10, 160). Riverdale - WR/DB Fletcher Redd (Jr., 6-0, 190), OL/DL Lawrence Perry (Sr., 6-3, 240), RB Demario Askew (Sr., 5-8, 170).
LAST YEAR: Riverdale won, 21-20.
LAST WEEK: North Clayton lost to Northside-Warner Robins, 42-6; Riverdale was off.
THE SKINNY: North Clayton started the season with two straight shutouts, then was victimized by its own special teams miscues in the loss to defending state champion Northside on a night when wet weather and a lightning delay didn’t help. Northside likely would have won anyway, but had the Eagles been more stable from punt formation, the score might have been more respectable. Now, they get their annual grudge match against county rival Riverdale, which has had two weeks to lick its wounds from a 25-0 loss at Creekside, which was largely a function of turnovers. The Raiders have coughed it up nine times in their first two games, and if they can find the handle on the ball, they’ll have enough firepower to hold off North Clayton.
PREDICTION: Riverdale, 16-13.
Permalink | | Categories: Clayton
Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy looking good
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In the television industry, there’s this theory called the line of thirds. At least, that’s what it was called when I was in the television classes in college. If you see someone’s face on the screen, their eyes will most of the time fall about one third of the way from the top of the screen.
This, I suppose, has little to do with high school sports, except we’re a third of the way through the football regular season, give or take, and we can see some things now that perhaps we couldn’t see before the season. Like Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy being pretty good.
With a new coach and a new offense, the Chargers took their off week looking to fine-tune an offense that has already scored 106 points, though they do have a loss to Brookstone.
We can also see that a summer of going through 7-on-7 passing league competition has had great effect on Henry County quarterback Drew Miller, who has thrown 10 touchdowns and attempted more than 80 passes without an interception. The Warhawks’ bugaboo, though, has been special teams. Last week, Central Macon returned three kicks for touchdowns in a game that otherwise wouldn’t have been close.
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
Dutchtown at Stockbridge
7:30 p.m. Friday
Records: Dutchtown 1-1, Stockbridge 3-0.
COACHES: Dutchtown, Jason Galt (1-1); Stockbridge, Steve Collins (10-13).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Dutchtown: RB Onari Douglas (Sr., 5-10, 195), SS Sam Cooper (Sr., 5-9, 195), TE/DE Jeremy Brown (Sr., 6-7, 245). Stockbridge - QB Tyler Bass (Sr., 6-3, 205), OL Randy Salmon (Sr., 6-3, 290), WR/LB Vance King (Sr., 6-1, 195).
LAST YEAR: Stockbridge won, 42-21.
LAST WEEK: Dutchtown was open; Stockbridge beat Luella 26-0.
THE SKINNY: The Bulldogs and Tigers get the county spotlight all to themselves, with every other county team taking its open week. Dutchtown gets its first taste of region play and comes in having scored 69 points in its first two games. By comparison, the Bulldogs didn’t surpass that point total until the 10th game in 2006. In Stockbridge, they face a serious challenge, though. The Tigers have two shutouts on their resume’ and have outscored their opponents 101-28. Stockbridge looks to be a solid favorite, but history has not been kind to the Tigers, who last started 4-0 in 1968 and are sitting at 3-0 for just the third time since. Their bid for 4-0 in 1982 crashed in a 14-0 loss to Feldwood, and they started 3-0 in 1991 only to fall to Westlake 13-7 in game 4. Ultimately, the Tigers’ defense would appear the difference in this one; they shut out Luella, which scored 48 against Dutchtown.
PREDICTION: Stockbridge 27-17.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Henry
Our Lady of Mercy has hope against Towns
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Our Lady of Mercy is still finding wins hard to come by, but the Bobcats head for the mountains to face Towns County, the only school to which they’ve never lost.
Granted, the only time they’ve played was last year, when Mercy collected a 12-8 victory in Fairburn, their only win of the season. But after being overmatched in their first two games, this one offers hope that a turnaround is about to commence.
And moving on …
I suppose the reason they’re called upsets is that they’re not likely to happen. Yeah, I predicted McIntosh would beat Westlake last week, even invited readers to call me crazy in doing so. And the Chiefs were all ready to shock the world, or at least those in Westlake blue, before a late interception turned back their bid to win and make me look like a genius (or at least not crazy, which I’m told is not a clinical term …)
So now the Chiefs return home, where, it should be noted, they are unbeaten this season (1-0, with a win over Sandy Creek). Because I’m convinced Dwight Jones has the Chiefs on the right path, I’m going to again go out on a limb and say they’ll beat Banneker.
Sure, if I keep doing it long enough, they’ll make me right eventually, but it’s a pretty short, thick limb; this game went to overtime last year before the Trojans claimed a 23-16 triumph …
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
Fayette County at Woodward Academy
7:30 p.m. Friday
RECORDS: Fayette County (3-0, 1-0 Region 2-AAAA); Woodward (2-1, 1-0)
COACHES: Fayette County, Tommy Webb (34-50); Mark Miller (13-10).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Fayette County - QB/DB Brandon Boykin (Sr., 5-10, 175); FB/DB Matt Daniels (Sr., 6-1, 195); HB Cuincy Carruthers (Sr., 6-11, 175). Woodward - QB Greg Patton (Jr.)
LAST YEAR: Woodward won, 29-22.
LAST WEEK: Fayette County beat Whitewater 14-10; Woodward beat Northgate 24-0.
THE SKINNY: By now, Fayette is believing it will win. The Tigers have been good on offense, but the biggest improvement has been on the other side of the ball. Through three games last year they’d allowed 104 points; they’ve given up 22 thus far in 2007. And, they’re getting timely breaks. Last week they capitalized on a late turnover to come back for a win over county rival Whitewater. This game is an early-season swing game in 2-AAAA, where no team appears head and shoulders above the rest.
PREDICTION: Fayette County, 19-12.
Permalink | | Categories: Fayette
State FB Report: Who’s hot, who’s not
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Westside-Macon coach Robert Davis, who appears to have a pretty strong team this season in Class AAAA, offered up a cliché during a conversation this week that applies to this week’s theme of who’s hot and who’s not:
”You can coach all you want, but if you don’t have athletes, you’re not going to win,” he said.
Davis must’ve had some good athletes through the years because he’s not had a losing season since he became a head coach at Warner Robins in 1972. That’s the state record.
But perhaps Davis’s analysis explains why five traditional state contenders are struggling to make ends meet this season, and why five mediocre programs are sitting at 3-0, at least two wins better than in 2006.
Here’s a look at those 10 teams whose fortunes so far have been quite different from what they were in 2006:
WHO’S HOT:
Haralson County: Haralson has avenged losses to Rockmart and Bowdon from 2006 and stand 3-0 for the first time since going 9-1 against a non-region schedule in 1991. Coach Frank Vohun is now 12-12 at a school that had won only 19 games in the previous 12 seasons. If he wins Friday, you’ll know he’s a West Georgia genius. Haralson is 0-23 all-time against Carrollton.
Jenkins: The Warriors of Savannah were leading 21-7 last week against Calvary Day in their quest to start 3-0 for the first time since 1982. But a rain and lightning storm stopped the game in the first half, and it was ruled a no contest. With Florida signees Chaz Sutton and Franklin Green, Jenkins has a good shot at making the playoffs for the first time since 1984 — when Rick Tomberlin was Jenkins’ coach.
Long County: The Blue Tide is 3-0 for the first time in history. This is a program that was 0-49 when Kyle Wilson took the head coaching job in 2005, according to GHSFHA.com. The 3-0 start marks the school’s first three-game winning streak in history. The 2-0 start marked the school’s first two-game winning streak.
South Effingham: At 3-0, South Effingham has avenged two of its three regular-season losses from 2006. The other was against Washington County, which is coming up in two weeks. A 9-1 regular season for the Mustangs is realistic. Winning in the playoffs, which has not happened in this school’s 12 seasons, would be the next step.
Winder-Barrow: The Bulldoggs (don’t forget that second G) have avenged losses to Apalachee and Oconee County and should beat Jackson county to go 4-0, which also happened in 2004. Most don’t believe the playoffs are within reach for Winder-Barrow, but it’s assured there will be no repeat of last season’s 1-9 disaster.
WHO’S NOT:
Colquitt County: Region 1-AAAAA isn’t kind to rebuilding teams, and Colquitt hasn’t even started its region schedule. The double-overtime victory over Lee County kept Colquitt from becoming the only team in the state to go from 3-0 to 0-3 since last season.
Hawkinsville: The Red Devils are 0-3 for the first time since 1992. Lee Campbell has never failed to have a winning season in his eight years at Hawkinsville. What’s been most shocking are the scores. The 27-6 defeat at home to Bleckley County last week has been the closest.
Warner Robins: The Demons are 0-3 for the first time since 1966. They’ve not failed to have a winning season since 1968, the second-longest streak in Georgia to Dalton’s, which started in 1960.
Washington County: The Golden Hawks are 0-3 for the first time since 1983, when the team started 0-8 and finished 2-8. WaCo was only 1-2 last season and still made it to the Class AAA semifinals, but the closest loss this time has been 42-21 against Dublin, a team that’s not quite the Class AA co-champion it was a year ago.
Washington-Wilkes: With only five or six seniors, Washington-Wilkes is 0-3 for the first time since 1998. That was also the school’s only losing season since 1992.
Permalink | Comments (19) | Categories: Football, State Report
Take 10: Why HSFB tops CFB & NFL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now that we’ve had a few weekends to lounge around watching football, it got us thinking: Friday nights are so much better than Saturdays and Sundays. Don’t get us wrong. Take Ten loves our college and NFL, but high school punts them both out of the back of the end zone. We know the NFL is the most popular sport in the country, and college football is a religion in the South. But let us at least state our case before you gang up on us.
10: Cheerleader banners
Every game, every team. The cheerleaders (and whoever else can find a marker) put together a huge paper banner every week for their team to run through. They have clever declarations like “Punish the Panthers” or “Bury the Morticians.” Either way, seeing the team bust through the banner always makes us want to suit up.
9: Walk-up tickets
It’s pretty rare at most schools to not be able to get a seat at the game. There’s no nosebleed section, and the tickets all cost the same. If you can’t sit exactly where you want, you only have yourself to blame.
8: No recruiting
I know what you’re thinking. Sure there’s recruiting. But it’s not nearly as widespread as cynical fans think it is. For the most part, coaches still take the players who walk onto the field at the start of practice and try to mold them into a team.
7: Love of the game
At most schools, players actually pay to play football. In high school, the vast majority of players will never play in college. They play because they love the game, and because they think it’ll help them get girls. Not necessarily in that order.
6: Smaller crowds
It’s not nearly so crazy and hot at high school games. Ever been to Sanford Stadium on a 90-degree day? With more than 90,000 of your closest friends? It’s like you’re in a broiler. At high school games, you probably won’t have more than a couple of thousand fans. What you will have is plenty of leg room.
5: Lack of commercialization
No lengthy “TV timeouts” as players linger on the field waiting for the sign that ESPN is back from that irritating iPod commercial again.
4: Saying “I saw him play when …”
How many people in Georgia still talk about “that time I saw Herschel Walker run through that guy at Johnson County?” Everybody has seen him at UGA. The replays have been shown thousands of times. But only a select few saw him at age 17. The same story can be told about countless future stars.
3: Combines the best of NFL playoffs with college rankings
Like the NFL, the state playoffs have the excitement of one-and-done pressure, while we also have rankings throughout the season like in college so we can all have knock-down, drag-out fights with each other. High school is the only one of the three that has both.
2: Dozens of games within a 30-minute drive each Friday
If you want to see an NFL game on Sunday and you’re in Atlanta, the Falcons are your only choice that’s close. And that’s only if they’re home. For college, you’ve got UGA, Georgia Tech, maybe Morehouse or Georgia Southern, again if they’re at home. For high school, you can always get your football fix every Friday. There will be dozens of games around the metro area every week. The only problem is choosing which one to go to.
1: State championship games
Give us a high school title game over the BCS or Super Bowl any day. The BCS title game is about as legitimate as a foosball game, and the Super Bowl has turned itself into little more than a concert for old, has-been musical acts and an excuse for gambling. The state title games are pure. You have real fans at the game, not just corporate suits. You have students there, who were in class with the players that morning. It’s a real championship.
Go on. Take Ten. So do you believe us now? Are you going to start leaving football to Friday nights and saving the rest of the weekend for lawn maintenance? Or are we just biased toward our local guys? Give us your take.
MORE PREPS: Video | Rival Smasher | Send photos!
Permalink | Comments (50) | Categories: Take Ten
Gwinnett Power Rankings; Fantasy FB: The Kurt Dynasty Reigns
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DP’s Gwinnett Power Rankings — Week 4
Norcross - Who out there does not believe the Blue Devils would be the favorite against No. 1 Roswell?
Grayson — The resounding loss to Norcross could be the Rams’ last of the season.
North Gwinnett — QB Tamburo accounted for four touchdowns in win over Mill Creek.
Buford — A case could be made that the Wolves are the best team in Gwinnett.
Parkview — They’re back.
Brookwood — Can anyone tackle RB Kenny Miles? No one from Valdosta that’s for sure.
Peachtree Ridge — Defense is dominant, but offense needs spark.
Central Gwinnett — Another tester with Lowndes this week.
Berkmar — Are the Patriots for real?
Collins Hill — Thoughts go out to the Eagles, who had a freshman player die in his sleep this week.
Mill Creek — No shame in losing to North Gwinnett.
Dacula — Finally found their running game.
Greater Atlanta Christian — The Spartans have one last tune-up against Cross Keys, before facing Buford and Lovett.
South Gwinnett — Where did the Comets’ offense go?
Shiloh — Have bye week to prepare for Brookwood. It won’t matter.
Wesleyan — Have their hands full with Buford. Staying within four touchdowns would be a moral victory for an improved program.
Duluth — QB Box needs help.
Meadowcreek — What can you say?
Fantasy Football
So Kurt Aschermann is the greatest high school fantasy football player ever. The rest of us, including Gordo’s Golliaths, stink.
I blame my players. The coaching has been fine.
However, there is some good news for those who are suffering through the modern-day dark ages known as the Kurt Dynasty.
The Fantasy Football Dork-Off is getting ready to receive some ink in Friday’s Gwinnett News section of the AJC. That’s right your name could be in the paper right next to Kurt and mine.
Are you stoked?
To have a chance to crush the Kurt Dynasty and possibly get your name in the paper, simply post your team— 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WR, 1 Defense—on the blog before 2 p.m., Thursday. Feel free to email your team to dpurdum@ajc.com or kaschermann@@ajc.com as well.
You can use any combination of players from across the state, while Kurt and DP will use only Gwinnett County players.
One reader-submitted team will be selected each week based on the creativity of their username. That selected team will be posted on Friday’s blog (and in the paper), along with Kurt and DP’s.
If that reader’s team outscores both Kurt and DP, they will receive a special prize from the closet of Kurt or DP.
Week 3 Fantasy Football Dork-Off Results
The Kurt Dynasty — 81
Gordo’s Gridiron Goliaths — 76
DP’s Dandies — 48
Season Scoreboard
Gwinnett 3, State 0
Kurt 3, DP 0, Readers 0
The Kurt Dynasty — 81
QB T.J. Smith, Berkmar — 33 points (337 passing yards, 3 TD
RB D.J. Adams, Norcross — 0 (28 yards)
RB Kenneth Miles, Brookwood — 27 (257 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Isaiah Jupiter, Berkmar — 27 ·(204 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Danny Sekerak, Central Gwinnett — 0 (9 yards)
DEF Buford — -6 (points surrendered)
Reader’s Team: Gordo’s Gridiron Goliaths — 76
QB Mikey Tamburo, North Gwinnett — 30 (105 yards, 4 TDs)
RB Brandon Jacobs, Parkview — 15 (126 yards, 1 TD)
RB Tyler Jarry, North Gwinnett — 6 (48 yards, 1 TD)
WR Isaiah Jupiter, Berkmar — 27 ·(204 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Cordero Dixon, North Gwinnett — 6 (35 yards, 1 TD)
DEF Parkview — -8 (point allowed)
DP’s Dandies — 48
QB Devon Strickland, Central Gwinnett — 24 (198 passing yards, 3 TDs)
RB Brandon Davis, Peachtree Ridge — 0 (40 rushing yards)
RB Diante Drake, Central Gwinnett — 6 (61 yards)
WR Brice Butler, Norcross — 6 (94 yards)
WR Devonta Bolton — 12 (97 yards, 1 TD)
DEF Wesleyan — 0 (points allowed)
Scoring System
(Note: Due to limited stats, QBs/WRs do not receive points for rushing yards; RBs no points for receiving yards)
Passing
100-200 yards - 6
200-300 yards - 9
More than 300 - 15
Rushing/Receiving
50-99 yards - 6
100-150 - 9
151-199 - 12
More than 200 - 15
Rushing/Receiving/Passing TDs - 6
Defense: Every point the opposing team scores is subtracted from your total.
Results will be posted on Tuesday’s blog and in Friday’s edition of the Gwinnett News.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: David Purdum
One game doesn’t make a season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They appeared to be “statement games” on Friday.
Brookwood, 0-2 for the second consecutive season, dominated Valdosta, 37-6.
Norcross had to play until the final horn to beat Grayson twice last season, and both teams came into the game undefeated. Norcross won easily, 24-3.
Having lost nine straight and 13 of 14 against county rival Harrison, North Cobb needed to make a solid showing to solidify its top-10 status. It wasn’t easy, but the 13-12 victory was huge.
As we saw last year, life in the state’s highest classification can be an up-and-down one, and these teams went a long way last weekend toward positioning themselves.
But, as we also saw last year, one game can be a poor indicator.
It would have been easy to write Roswell off as a pretender to the throne last year when the Hornets were knocked out of the No. 1 spot by Wheeler.
And remember when Peachtree Ridge was beaten handily by North Gwinnett, 38-20, last October. It was the Lions’ third loss in their first seven games.
Both later shared the Class AAAAA state championship.
So how big were these games last weekend? Can too much be made of these victories? Are Brookwood, Norcross and North Cobb going to be there in the end? Are Camden, Lowndes and Valdosta out of the state title picture?
Or is it too early to predict?
Permalink | Comments (24) | Categories: Football
Future looks bleak for South Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is it time to write off South Georgia in the highest classification this season?
I’m the one who has Coffee ranked No. 3 and Tift County No. 4, but I’m still looking for a sign. Coffee and Tift haven’t played a team that could validate that they’re a threat to win state.
As for the others …
Camden County? Beaten at home by Chattahoochee, which lost to an unranked team the next week.
Lowndes? Shut out at home by Harrison, not even Cobb County’s best team after losing to North Cobb.
Valdosta? Blown out by a team that was 0-2 against ranked metro Atlanta teams.
Warner Robins? Colquitt County? Houston County? Nothing there.
I’m not sure that winning 1-AAAAA this season will mean nearly as much as it did in 2006, when the region sent two teams to the semifinals.
I’m not down on South or Middle Georgia football, as teams there are still the best in the state - per capita.
But in the highest class, the south is just out-numbered in more ways than one. Brookwood has 3,000 students. Valdosta has 2,000.
Are metro teams going to win the big class 75-80 percent of the time from here on out?
Class AAAAA
- Roswell (3-0)
- Norcross (3-0)
- Coffee (3-0)
- Tift County (3-0)
- Stephenson (2-0)
- North Gwinnett (3-0)
- North Cobb (3-0)
- M.L. King (3-0)
- Harrison (2-1)
- Grayson (2-1)
Class AAAA
- Northside-W.R. (3-0)
- Thomas County Central (3-0)
- Tucker (3-0)
- Statesboro (2-0)
- Baldwin (2-0)
- St. Pius (3-0)
- Westside-Macon (3-0)
- Creekside (3-0)
- Ware County (1-1)
- Upson-Lee (3-0)
Class AAA
- LaGrange (3-0)
- Carver-Columbus (2-0)
- Carrollton (3-0)
- Stephens County (2-0)
- North Hall (2-0)
- Cairo (3-0)
- Flowery Branch (3-0)
- Monroe (3-0)
- Gainesville (3-0)
- Peach County (2-1)
Class AA
- Buford (3-0)
- Charlton County (2-0)
- Fitzgerald (2-0)
- Early County (3-0)
- Dodge County (2-0)
- Cook (2-1)
- Savannah Christian (3-0)
- GAC (3-0)
- Calhoun (2-1)
- Swainsboro (2-0)
Class A
- Wilcox County (3-0)
- Seminole County (2-0)
- ECI (3-0)
- Lincoln County (3-0)
- Athens Academy (3-0)
- Pacelli (3-0)
- Clinch County (1-2)
- Dooly County (3-0)
- Warren County (1-1)
- Bremen (3-0)
Permalink | Comments (74) | Categories: Poll talk
Stealing signs, scaling back and Fantasy FB lineups
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1.Do you want your coach to attempt to steal signs from the opposing team?
First of all, I believe stealing signs at the high school level is a part of the game. In my opinion, what you can see on the field with your own two eyes is fair game at any level.
Luckily in high school, I don’t think we have to worry about anyone pulling a Bill Belicheat. Most programs don’t have the manpower or equipment to try and capture opposing teams’ signals on tape.
Besides, the vast majority of high school coaches that I know have way too much class to ever even think about compromising the integrity of the game.
That said, do I want my coach sneaking a glance across the field to try to pick up a signal? Absolutely. In fact, I think it’s worth at least having one assistant keep tabs on the opposing coaches.
What do you guys think? How much time and energy do you want your team’s coaching staff to spend studying the opposing team’s signals?
2. With pre-region games mostly meaningless, do you want your coach to scale back the playbook, essentially saving his best plays for later games with more playoff implications?
I’m confident Steve Spurrier does it all the time. The South Carolina defense that showed up in Athens last weekend wasn’t the same unit that surrendered 252 rushing yards to Louisiana-Lafayette the previous week.
Holding back is the smartest thing to do, but you know pride gets in the way during some of these big games. And I’m glad it does.
How much do you want your coach to hold back before getting into region play?
Fantasy Football Week 3
Season Scoreboard
Kurt Aschermann 2, DP 0
Gwinnett 2, State 0
This Week’s Line-ups
DP’s Dandies
QB Devon Strickland, Central Gwinnett
RB Brandon Davis, Peachtree Ridge
RB Diante Drake, Central Gwinnett
WR Brice Butler, Norcross
DEF Wesleyan
The Kurt Dynasty
QB T.J. Smith, Berkmar
RB D.J. Adams, Norcross
RB Kenneth Miles, Brookwood
WR Isaiah Jupiter, Berkmar
WR Danny Sekerak, Central Gwinnett
DEF Buford
Reader’s Team: Gordo’s Gridiron Goliaths
QB Mikey Tamburo, North Gwinnett
RB Brandon Jacobs, Parkview
RB Tyler Jarry, North Gwinnett
WR Isaiah Jupiter, Berkmar
WR Cordero Dixon, North Gwinnett
DEF Parkview
Want to take on Kurt and DP?
Post your team— 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WR, 1 Defense—on the blog before noon Friday. Feel free to email your team to dpurdum@ajc.com or kaschermann@@ajc.com as well.
You can use any combination of players from across the state, while Kurt and DP will use only Gwinnett County players.
One reader-submitted team will be selected each week based on the creativity of their username. That selected team will be posted on Friday’s blog, along with Kurt and DP’s.
If that reader’s team outscores both Kurt and DP, they will receive a special prize from the closet of Kurt or DP.
Scoring System (Note: Due to limited stats, QBs/WRs do not receive points for rushing yards; RBs no points for receiving yards)
Passing
100-200 yards - 6
200-300 yards - 9
More than 300 - 15
Rushing/Receiving
50-99 yards - 6
100-150 - 9
151-199 - 12
More than 200 - 15
Rushing/Receiving/Passing TDs - 6
Defense: Every point the opposing team scores is subtracted from your total.
Results will be posted on Tuesday’s blog.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: David Purdum
Lots of lists, lots of winners
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today’s “journalism” is about lists. You don’t have to be able to write, to structure a sentence or to craft anything that will hold somebody’s tiny attention span more than two minutes.
If you build a list, the clicks will come. So say the online experts, and they have lists of stats to back them up. So instead of lamenting the loss of prose, this week will be about naked capitulation. As in three lists that will be relevant today.
•Three teams that will be 3-0 after this week: 1. Tucker. 2. Carrollton. 3. Chattahoochee.
Tucker, it said here last week, had no chance to beat Marist four in a row, since nobody else had done it in 33 years. The Tigers then beat Marist worse than ever. That’s how you spell rebuttal. If you’re going to miss a prediction, miss spectacularly enough to ridicule yourself about it publicly.
Carrollton has to go 3-0 if for no other reason than to spare me from being spectacularly wrong about Westminster for three consecutive weeks. If Westminster wins, I may never pick against the Wildcats again — which may not be good news to their faithful, given that they only seem to win when some fool says they won’t.
Chattahoochee shocked Camden County, and not because Camden’s former defensive coordinator and current ‘Hooch coach Terry Crowder remembered the secret handshake. Wheeler is good for a shocker — remember Roswell last season? — but surely the Wildcats are not gauche enough to ruin the ‘Hooch’s flow. Are they?
•Three W teams that won’t have any W’s after this week: 1. Warner Robins. 2. Washington. 3. Washington-Wilkes.
Warner Robins lost to Central Gwinnett last year before going to the Dome. Now, having been outscored 54-10, the Demons look anything but Dome-bound as Dennis Roland’s Black Knights Central Gwinnett visit Saturday.
Washington encounters a Marist team that was embarrassed by Tucker. Uh-oh.
Washington-Wilkes resumes its U.S. 378 series with Lincoln County, looking nothing like the team that clipped the Red Devils 3-0 last year. Meanwhile, Lincoln County still looks like Lincoln County.
•Four groves and their fortunes: Cedar Grove wins, which means Miller Grove does not. Hillgrove wins, which has nothing to do with why Groves does not.
Cedar Grove hung with both Southwest DeKalb and Mays before losing. Miller Grove surprised Washington last week, but came nowhere close to surprising Tucker the week before. If Cedar Grove is really about to be something, Miller Grove is a team it has to beat.
Hillgrove is a relatively new school with a friendly schedule, and Southeast Whitfield, which last had a winning season in 1986, is nothing if not friendly. Groves, from Savannah, got whacked last week by Brunswick in a game that had that pattern-forming scent rather than an aberrational one.
•Last week: 127-34 (.789) •Season: 253-79 (.762)
Friday’s games
Winner/Loser
Adairsville/Model
Alpharetta/Lassiter
Armuchee/LaFayette
Athens Academy/Monticello
Athens Christian/Our Lady of Mercy
Atkinson County/Calhoun County
Bacon County/Miller County
Baldwin/Laney
Benedictine/Groves
Blessed Trinity/Therrell
Brantley County/Liberty County
Bremen/Whitefield Acad.
Brookstone/Dooly County
Brookwood/Valdosta
Buford/Avondale
Burke County/Butler
Cairo/Bainbridge
Calhoun/Temple
Carrollton/Westminster
Carver-Atlanta/Decatur
Cass/Gordon Central
Cedar Grove/Miller Grove
Cedar Shoals/Loganville
Cedartown/Rockmart
Central-Carroll/Bowdon
Central-Macon/Henry Co.
Chamblee/Southside
Chapel Hill/Alexander
Charlton County/Beach
Chattahoochee/Wheeler
Chattahoochee Co./Glascock Co.
Chattooga/Coosa
Cherokee/Woodland-Cart.
Chestatee/Dawson County
Clarke Central/Heritage
Clinch County/Pelham
Coffee/Bradwell Institute
Columbus/Spencer
Commerce/Banks County
Cook/Early County
Crawford County/Manchester
Creekside/Starr’s Mill
Creekview/Union County
Crisp County/Turner County
Cross Creek/Westside-Aug.
Dacula/Rockdale Co.
Dalton/Hiram
Darlington/Dade County
Dublin/Washington Co.
Dunwoody/Apalachee
East Coweta/Jackson
East Laurens/Twiggs County
East Paulding/Douglas County
Eastside/Madison County
ECI/Johnson County
ELCA/Ga. Military Coll.
Etowah/Woodstock
Evans/Lakeside-Evans
Fannin County/Pickens
Fitzgerald/Randolph-Clay
Flowery Branch/Lumpkin Co.
GAC/Walker
Gainesville/Gilmer
Glenn Hills/Josey
Gordon Lee/South Paulding
Grady/Towers
Grayson/Norcross
Greenbrier/Effingham Co.
Greene County/Elbert County
Greenville/Woodland-Stock.
Griffin/Upson-Lee
Hancock Central/Putnam County
Haralson County/Trion
Harlem/Aquinas
Harrison/North Cobb
Hawkinsville/Bleckley County
Heard County/Marion County
Hillgrove/S.E. Whitfield
Holy Innocents’/North Oconee
Houston County/Berkmar
Irwin County/Stewart-Quitman
Jeff Davis/Treutlen
Jenkins/Calvary Day
Jones County/Wilkinson Co.
Jonesboro/Morrow
LaGrange/Jordan
Lanier County/Terrell County
Lee County/Colquitt County
Lincoln County/Wash.-Wilkes
Long County/Wheeler County
Lovejoy/Mt. Zion-Jones.
Lowndes/Ware County
Macon County/Rutland
Marietta/Campbell
Marist/Washington
Mays/North Springs
M.L. King/Tri-Cities
Monroe/Northeast-Macon
Mt. Pisgah Christ./Oglethorpe Co.
Newnan/South Gwinnett
North Gwinnett/Mill Creek
North Hall/Johnson-Gaines.
Northside-W.R./North Clayton
Northview/Pope
N.W. Whitfield/Paulding Co.
Oconee County/Clarkston
Ola/Southwest-Macon
Pacelli Catholic/Landmark Christ.
Parkview/Union Grove
Peach County/Eagle’s Landing
Peachtree Ridge/Collins Hill
Pebblebrook/Lithia Springs
Pepperell/Sonoraville
Pike County/Lamar County
Prince Ave. Christ./Mt. Zion-Carroll
Redan/North Atlanta
Ridgeland/Ringgold
Rome/Cartersville
Roswell/Kell
Salem/Jackson County
Sandy Creek/Franklin County
Sav. Christian/Richmond Hill
Sav. Country Day/Johnson-Sav.
Screven County/Portal
Seminole County/Westover
Sequoyah/Osborne
Shaw/Harris County
Shiloh/Duluth
Social Circle/Fellowship Christian
South Effingham/Bryan County
South Forsyth/North Forsyth
Sprayberry/Milton
St. Pius/Columbia
Statesboro/Glynn Academy
Stephens County/Lakeview-Ft. Og.
Stephenson/McNair
Stockbridge/Luella
Swainsboro/Warren County
Tattnall County/Metter
Telfair County/Jenkins County
Thomas Co. Cent./Meadowcreek
Thomasville/Brooks County
Thomson/Jefferson Co.
Tift County/Americus-Sumter
Toombs County/Appling County
Tucker/Lakeside-DeKalb
Vidalia/S.E. Bulloch
Walton/Centennial
Wayne County/Richmond Acad.
Wesleyan/Cross Keys
Westlake/McIntosh
Westside-Macon/Savannah
White County/West Hall
Whitewater/Fayette County
Wilcox County/Montgomery Co.
Winder-Barrow/Alcovy
Windsor Forest/Claxton
Woodward Acad./Northgate
Worth County/Spalding
Saturday’s games
Winner/Loser
Central Gwinnett/Warner Robins
Hardaway/Kendrick
Mundy’s Mill/Forest Park
Riverwood/South Atlanta
SW DeKalb/Stone Mtn.
Troup/Northside-Col.
- — Games vs. out of state omitted
Permalink | Comments (62) | Categories: Darryl Maxie
0-2 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.
Starr’s Mill goes from ‘wing-nut’ to ‘fling-nut’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This week is an anniversary of sorts at Starr’s Mill, the week in 2006 during which the Panthers underwent an offensive shift. Partly because of injuries to leading runners Brandon Witta and Greg Davis, and partly because Creekside sprinted to a 21-0 first-half lead, coach Mike Earwood was forced out of his time-tested wing-T into his two-minute offense, and although they lost 28-13, the Panthers rolled up nearly 200 yards in the second half and had a touchdown called back.
“I went in on Sunday and the coaches were all sitting there looking at me,” Earwood said. “I said, ‘I know what you’re thinking, and we’re going to do it.’”
So the Panthers started throwing the ball. Now, they haven’t totally shifted from “wing-nut” to “fling-nut” — last week in a victory against Rockdale Starr’s Mill still ran 63 percent of the time — but Earwood apparently no longer views the perfect game as one in which his team doesn’t throw a pass.
The Panthers figure to have a better chance this time against Creekside, which no longer has Eric Berry and has not been as dominant in its first two games as it was last year …
UPSET SPECIAL: Call me crazy (You wouldn’t be the first, and probably not the last, either) but I’m getting a strange feeling about McIntosh’s visit to Westlake. The Chiefs were within a touchdown late against East Coweta last week, and if they can control the ball in the same fashion against Westlake, they can get it done.
ON THE COURT: Beth Hays racked up six kills and three aces for Fayette County in a pair of volleyball matches against Starr’s Mill and Banneker, which the Lady Tigers split, beating Banneker and losing to Starr’s Mill. Christine Rape collected three digs against Starr’s Mill …
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
Whitewater at Fayette County
7:30 p.m. Friday
COACHES: Whitewater, Amos McCreary (97-46); Fayette County, Tommy Webb (33-50).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Whitewater - FB Collin Wooddy (Sr., 6-1.210), CB Chris Asbury (Sr., 5-9, 175), DE Thomas Richard (Jr., 6-1, 200). Fayette County - QB/DB Brandon Boykin (Sr., 5-10, 175); FB/DB Matt Daniels (Sr., 6-1, 195); HB Cuincy Carruthers (Sr., 6-11, 175).
LAST YEAR: Whitewater won, 41-7.
LAST WEEK: Whitewater beat Sandy Creek, 10-7; Fayette County beat Jonesboro, 21-0.
THE SKINNY: Fayette County has already flipped the score on one opponent from last year, beating Mt. Zion in Week 1 to avenge a 2006 loss, and this might be shaping up to be a special year on Tiger Trail. Fayette, which will try to reverse a blowout loss to the Wildcats last years, hasn’t started 3-0 since 1997, and they are riding the talents of fullback Matt Daniels (255 rushing yards, 59 receiving yards, five touchdowns) and quarterback Brandon Boykin. Last year, Whitewater had 44 seniors in their first playoff-eligible season. This time, it’s the Tigers who have the senior-laden club. Whitewater has yet to score an offensive touchdown. Coach Amos McCreary is three wins shy of 100.
PREDICTION: Fayette County, 19-12.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Fayette
Self-Respect Bowl next for Morrow, Jonesboro
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Something’s got to give. More to the point, someone’s got to score.
Morrow and Jonesboro enter Friday’s game at Tara Stadium having scored no points between them, though in fairness, Morrow was off last week and has played only one game.
Still, this might be dubbed the Self-Respect Bowl. The winner, who will have to score at some point, will have reason for optimism. The loser? Only more questions.
This is a week for cross-county games. Lovejoy and Mt. Zion are both 0-2 and looking for answers like their brethren in the county’s northern precincts, but this game probably will be worth the price of admission because it features several Division I-A signees to be, led by Mt. Zion’s Martin Ward, who blitzed Fayette County for 176 yards two weeks ago, but hasn’t been enough by himself to push the Bulldogs into the win column …
Riverdale is 1-1 and coming off a 25-0 loss to Creekside, and the Raiders’ open week probably couldn’t have come at a better time, given their nine turnovers, including five against the Seminoles. “I know they weren’t 25 points better than us,” said Riverdale coach Jamie Reed. “It was self-inflicted.”
IN OTHER NEWS …
Mundy’s Mill basketball player Dennis Harris has committed to LSU …
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
GAME OF THE WEEK
North Clayton at Northside-Warner Robins
7:30 p.m. Friday, International City Stadium, Warner Robins
COACHES: North Clayton, Don Shockley (79-61-1); Northside, Conrad Nix (224-61).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: North Clayton - DB Edward Ndem (Sr., 6-1, 190), DT Albert Carlisle (Jr., 6-0, 245), WR Daamon Cooper (Sr., 5-10, 160). Northside - RB Tijuan Green (Sr.), DL DL Abry Jones (Jr.), QB Marques Ivory (Sr.).
LAST YEAR: Northside won, 28-21.
LAST WEEK: North Clayton beat Forest Park 13-0; Northside beat Warner Robins 34-7.
THE SKINNY: North Clayton (both teams have the Eagles as their mascots) has posted back-to-back shutouts to start the season for the first time since 1975, according to ghsfha.com. That team in 1975 also shut out its third opponent. That team, though, did not have to play Northside. The defending state champions have won 10 or more games nine straight years, and in Green (232 rushing yards according to the team website) and Ivory they have perhaps the state’s most potent backfield tandem. Shockley may not know more about his team after Friday night than he does now, but everybody else will. The shutout streak will fall, though it’s worth noting that North Clayton scored the most points against Northside of any opponent in 2006.
PREDICTION: Northside, 28-14.
Permalink | | Categories: Clayton
Henry making history with 87 points in two games
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Henry County has scored 87 points in its first two games. Not completely surprising, considering the cadre of skilled players sporting Warhawks uniforms for Mike Rozier’s club.
Still, it prompted me to do some research — what, you thought it was all smoke and mirrors here at the Southside Blog Lounge? — to put that number into perspective. Never mind that the Warhawks are 1-1 despite the gaudy offensive numbers. According to numbers culled from one of my favorite websites, ghsfha.com, Henry County has played 13 entire seasons since 1970 in which it did not score 87 points. In 1982 and 1983, the Warhawks scored only 82 in two seasons. Maybe those numbers aren’t relevant to now, and in fairness to the program, only one of those 13 seasons has come in the lifetime of any of Henry’s current players. Still, if they wanted to make history, they haven’t had to wait long.
They scored 51 last week in a win over Jones County. The last time the Warhawks scored 50 was a 54-8 win over Pike County in 1977, and you have to go back to 1992 to find consecutive games where they topped 30 points. None of which helps this week’s opponent, Central Macon, against whom the Warhawks scored 39 last year.
Deep breath … OK, the not backing away from a challenge award goes to Eagle’s Landing for scheduling Lowndes and Peach County in back-to-back weeks. In defending Class AAA champion Peach, though, the sledding doesn’t figure to be as tough as it was last year, though the Golden Eagles are still looking to score their first points …
FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK
Stockbridge at Luella
7:30 p.m. Friday
COACHES: Stockbridge, Steve Collins (9-13); Luella, Paul Burgdorf (13-24).
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Stockbridge - QB Tyler Bass (Sr., 6-3, 205), OL Randy Salmon (Sr., 6-3, 290), WR/LB Vance King (Sr., 6-1, 195). Luella - WR Chance Masters (Sr., 5-11, 170), TE Jake Burgdorf (Sr, 6-0, 230), QB/DB Roderick Sweeting (Jr., 5-11, 175)
LAST YEAR: Stockbridge won, 42-27
LAST WEEK: Stockbridge beat Union Grove 38-28; Luella beat Dutchtown, 48-28.
THE SKINNY: This one has the feel of something more than just another game between county schools. The Tigers haven’t started 3-0 since 1991, and after scoring 75 points over their first two games, Bass and his mates are looking to keep the momentum going. Luella, meanwhile, will face a team more similar to their first opponent (Berkmar) than to their second (Dutchtown), and going into their open week the Lions are looking to push themselves into the county’s elite. This game was something of a shootout last year, and it may look very similar this time.
PREDICTION: Stockbridge 27-23.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Henry
Why doesn’t Buford play up?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Buford has won 40 consecutive region games by an average margin of 35.9 points. So why don’t they move up into a larger classification in order to play a little stiffer competition?
I asked former head coach and current A.D. Dexter Wood that question. Here is his response.
DP: Why don’t you play up in a higher classification?
Wood: I think you play where your numbers are. For our major sports here, winning state championships is the goal. And I think you have a better chance to win state championships when you play against similar enrollments.
Another major factor is because our older community loves and supports our sports programs and they love to travel and be there. But they don’t like getting on 85 and they don’t like going down in the perimeter. They’d much rather be going to Hall County.
DP: If you were to move up, in what region would you prefer to play in?
Wood: Geographically it makes a whole lot of sense with Hall County Schools[in Region 7-AAA], because you’ve got Flowery Branch, although they may go up, but you have West Hall, Gainesville, Johnson … all those schools are within 20 miles of us. So we’d have a perfect little sub-region of rivalries and attendance, and no travel issues heading north.
It makes sense for a lot of people to think that way. However, I’m wise enough to know that, with the Georgia High School [Association], things enter into their decision-making.
And it could be that there is an imbalance of teams. They might say, ‘Region 8-AAA doesn’t have enough teams. So let’s just put Buford up the 85 corridor.’ So now we’re playing Stephens County, Hart County … tell our people to try go 85 North on a Friday afternoon, now we’ve got some of the same issues.
I think if we were assured that we would be put in that sub-region with those schools that are 20 miles from us, I think the sentiment of the geographical concerns might override everything. But I don’t know that that’s going to happen, and with Georgia High School [Association] how do you know?
There’s a lot of talk about this year’s Buford team possibly being the best AA squad ever. It would be hard for me to argue after seeing the Wolves dismantle a talented AAA Cartersville team 40-0 last week.
DP: I wonder how high up Buford could play and still be competitive. Clearly, they can compete and maybe even win a AAA state title. But what about AAAA? Could they hang with the Tuckers and Marists of the world?
Any thoughts?
Fantasy Football Dork-Off Week 3
This is the part where I shamelessly talk trash about my fantasy football skills in an effort to draw out the top high school minds around. You guys stink, and I rule … expect for the first two weeks were my good buddy Kurt Aschermann spanked me.
If you’d like a chance to spank me, here’s the deal.
Post your team— 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WR, 1 Defense—on the blog before noon Friday.
You can use any combination of high school players from across the state, while Kurt and DP will use only Gwinnett County players.
One reader-submitted team will be selected each week based on the creativity of their username. That selected team will be posted on Friday’s blog, along with Kurt and DP’s. (Right now, Gordo’s Gridiron Goliaths are poised to make their debut.)
If that reader’s team outscores both Kurt and DP, they will receive a special prize from the closet of Kurt or DP.
Talk to you Friday … DP
P.S. My NFL fantasy team, featuring Reggie Bush, Cedric Benson, Roy Williams and the Bears defense, was outscored by more than 100 points in Week 1. Any suggestions?
Fantasy Football Dork-Off Scoring System (Note: Due to limited stats, QBs/WRs do not receive points for rushing yards; RBs no points for receiving yards). All touchdowns count.
Passing
100-200 yards - 6
200-300 yards - 9
More than 300 - 15
Rushing/Receiving
50-99 yards - 6
100-150 - 9
151-199 - 12
More than 200 - 15
Rushing/Receiving/Passing TDs - 6
Defense: Every point the opposing team scores is subtracted from your total.
Results will be posted on Tuesday’s blog.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Categories: David Purdum
Take 10: Coolest-looking helmets
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Helmets. Every team has got one, but which schools actually went out of their way to design one that makes opponents tremble in awe?
We at Take Ten favor originality, though you can debate whether we’re original at all. Hey, we admire that for which we can only strive. So if your helmet is nothing more than a knockoff of some college or NFL team, you won’t see your school listed here. SEE the top 10 helmets! (Note: Hit the “back” button, arrow or whatever on your browser to get back to this column.)
10: Brunswick Pirates — Actually using a scowling, eye patch-wearing pirate on the helmet is a nice touch. It’s much better than the crooked flag or the simple letter that so many teams stick on there.
9: Blessed Trinity Titans — This one is just cool-looking. The lightning bolt through the golden T is well-done, and that shade of green somehow reminds me of candy. I can’t explain that completely. But it doesn’t hurt.
8: Northeast-Macon Raiders — Much like Brunswick before them, Northeast goes with a disembodied head on their helmet. The Raiders use a Viking, complete with beard and horned hat. Having the guts to wear yellow adds to the look.
7: Rome Wolves — This one’s old school. It reminds of a helmet you might have seen in the 1940s. Just a simple “ROME” with a small wolf head. Maybe they should petition the GHSA to wear leather helmets and complete the illusion.
6: Fellowship Christian Paladins — Very nice, clean look. A jousting guy on a horse in a patch of maroon, surrounded by blue. Football would be much more interesting if running backs could carry jousting swords.
5: Long County Blue Tide — This helmet makes me want to go to the beach. Aqua with a wave coming over the “LC.” I’m not sure how intimidating it is, but it sure looks cool.
4: Johnson-Savannah Atom Smashers* — Yeah, they’re going to be in just about any list like this for their name only. But that nuclear orange is something to behold, while they also have the form of an atom on the helmet. Might as well take your nickname all the way.
3: South Paulding Spartans — Fire. Red. A flaming spear. These are things I like.
2: Twiggs County Cobras — They’ve got an actual cobra on the helmet, flanked by all black around him. If they could make the thing 3-D, it might be enough to freak opponents out from time to time. Maybe hand out 3-D glasses to the other teams before the game.
1: Savannah Christian Raiders — I think maybe it was the idea of a Christian school using a black Jolly Roger on a blood-red helmet that brought me around on this one. Whatever the reason, the skull is great. Intimidating, original, black-on-red. Perfection, helmetified.
Go on. Take Ten. OK, so what did I miss? Does your favorite team belong on here? Am I delusional to be as enamored with the Jolly Roger as I clearly am? Let us know what YOU think.
* Take Ten History Lesson — In 1960, William Jackson designed the Atom Smasher, noted as one of the five most unique mascots in the nation.
MORE PREPS: Video | Rival Smasher | Send photos!
Permalink | Comments (81) | Categories: Take Ten
Gwinnett Power Rankings; Fantasy Football Results
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gwinnett Power Rankings Week 3
Norcross — How many guys does it take to cover Brice Butler? No one knows.
Grayson — Offense will have to produce more against Norcross.
Peachtree Ridge — Defending champs were 4-3 last season, before going on a run.
Buford — Best defense in the county.
North Gwinnett — Sphire coaching ‘em up again.
Parkview — The Panthers remain a mystery, but could be 5-0 heading into Oct. 12 showdown with Grayson.
Brookwood — Continue to play tough, but can’t do the little things to win.
Central Gwinnett — Don’t sleep on Roland, Diante “Shake-n-” Drake and the Black Knights.
9. Berkmar — Quarterback T.J. Smith could raise eyebrows with upset of Houston County.
10.Collins Hill — The search party is out for the Eagles’ offense.
11.Mill Creek — A rising program could challenge for playoffs.
12.Dacula — Falcons averaging less than 3 yards per rush.
13.Greater Atlanta Christian — Won’t find out much about Jimmy Chupp’s Spartans until Sept. 28 meeting with Buford.
14.South Gwinnett — Lots of offense, not much defense.
15.Shiloh — Good showing against Campbell.
16.Wesleyan — This could be the best pack of Wolves in some time.
17.Duluth — 7-0 win over Meadowcreek wasn’t pretty.
18.Meadowcreek — Mustangs continue to be their own worst enemy.
FANTASY FOOTBALL DORK-OFF WEEK 2 RESULTS
Kurt’s Kids — 53
DP’s Dandies — 44
Sole’s Shock and Awe — 43
Season Scoreboard
Gwinnett 2, State 0
Kurt 2, DP 0
Winner’s Take: So, the newcomer takes a 2-0 lead. Unbelievable.
Having to wait for Devonta Bolton’s receiving stats (110 yards, touchdown), which clinched the week two victory for Kurt’s Kids, was like waiting to see if Santa Claus brought me RBI Baseball for my Nintendo back in 1987.
I didn’t think I was going to get it, but when I did, it felt so good. With another win this week, I’ll have a 3-0 stranglehold on the first-ever Gwinnett vs. State Fantasy Football League.— KA
Loser’s Take: Clearly, I had the superior team this week, until South Gwinnett’s defense gave up 37 points to Heritage.
RECAP
Kurt’s Kids — 53
QB Michael Box, Duluth — 6 points (87 yards, 1 TD)
RB Kenneth Miles, Brookwood — 27 points (218 yards, 2 TD)
RB Ben Donald, Greater Atlanta Christian — 12 (59 yards, 1 TD)
WR Devonta Bolton, Norcross — 18 (110 yards, 1 TD)
WR Victor Cephus, Berkmar — 0 points (No catches)
Defense: Dacula — -10 points (allowed vs. Mill Creek)
DP’s Dandies — 44
QB T.J. Smith, Berkmar — 21 points (215 yards, 2 TD)
RB D.J. Adams, Norcross — 9 (127 yards)
RB Demetris Murray, Buford —12 (46 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Isaiah Jupiter, Berkmar — 21 (97 yards, 2 TDs)
WR Brice Butler, Norcross — 18 points (53, 2 TDs)
Defense: South Gwinnett — -37 (allowed vs. Heritage)
Swole’s Shock and Awe — 43
QB Asher Clark, Peachtree Ridge — 12 points (1 TD, 68 yards passing)
RB Jonathan Davis, Tucker — 12 (88 yards, 1 TD)
RB Brandon Davis, Peachtree Ridge — 0 points (12 yards rushing)
WR Brice Butler, Norcross — 18 points (53, 2 TDs)
WR Devonta Bolton, Norcross — 18 (110, 1 TD)
Defense: Peachtree Ridge — -17 (allowed vs. Grayson)
Want to take on Kurt and DP?
Post your team— 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WR, 1 Defense—on the blog before noon Friday.
You can use any combination of players from across the state, while Kurt and DP will use only Gwinnett County players.
One reader-submitted team will be selected each week based on the creativity of their username. That selected team will be posted on Friday’s blog, along with Kurt and DP’s.
If that reader’s team outscores both Kurt and DP, they will receive a special prize from the closet of Kurt or DP.
Scoring System (Note: Due to limited stats, QBs/WRs do not receive points for rushing yards; RBs no points for receiving yards)
Passing
100-200 yards - 6
200-300 yards - 9
More than 300 - 15
Rushing/Receiving
50-99 yards - 6
100-150 - 9
151-199 - 12
More than 200 - 15
Rushing/Receiving/Passing TDs - 6
Defense: Every point the opposing team scores is subtracted from your total.
Results will be posted on Tuesday’s blog.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: David Purdum
Saturday night lights less bright?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday nights are special during the fall. They’re what players practice for, coaches prepare for and fans look forward to all week.
But what happens when teams and fans have to trade Friday Night Lights for … Saturday?
It’s a necessity for DeKalb County Public School teams to play Saturday games each week because there are only so many stadiums for them to share, but that doesn’t make it easy for the teams to adjust.
“We lost a lot of our [junior varsity] players on Thursday, which is some of our scout team, so it made practice more challenging,” said first-year Tucker coach Franklin Stephens, whose team beat Marist 30-0 Saturday at Hallford Stadium. “It also gives you a short turnaround. We’re having to work all day today [Sunday] instead of working Saturday and Sunday on a normal week.”
The Tucker-Marist game started about the time South Carolina and Georgia went into the fourth quarter. With so many other events in town, the competition for attention was fierce.
“We’re never going to have as large a crowd on Saturday night as we do on Friday night. That’s just a fact,” Marist coach Alan Chadwick said. “We’ve got softball tournaments and volleyball tournaments. Families are going to the lake. Our student body is tuned into Friday nights more.”
And from a media standpoint, a Marist-Tucker game on Saturday night has to compete with much stiffer competition — Georgia, Georgia Tech, Falcons, Braves, etc. — for newsprint space in the Sunday newspaper.
What do you think? Are you as likely to attend one of your favorite team’s Saturday games as you are their Friday ones? Do you have a problem with high school football being played on Saturdays?
Permalink | Comments (25) | Categories: Football, State Report
Brookwood, Dacula, Collins Hill 0-2-and done?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Three of Gwinnett’s perennial playoff contenders—Brookwood, Dacula and Collins Hill—sit at 0-2. Which one will respond to the adversity and finish with the best record?
Dacula: Out of the three teams, I’m most surprised that the Falcons are winless. I knew there were issues at quarterback, but I figured the defense, offensive line and a solid group of running backs would be enough to at least avoid an 0-2 start.
That hasn’t been the case. In fact, first-year starting quarterback Taylor Smith, at least statistically, has been the least of coach Kevin Maloof’s worries. Smith is completing 58 percent of his passes and is averaging 23.6 yards per completion. He has thrown two interceptions, though.
Turnovers have been the biggest culprit in the Falcons’ tough start. They’ve lost five fumbles.
But even when they do hold onto the ball, the running game has struggled. The Falcons are averaging just over two yards a carry.
Still, the Falcons play in a relatively weak region (8-AAAA) and should be able to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.
Final Record Prediction: 6-5
Brookwood: Defense was supposed to be the biggest issue about the Broncos. But it’s been special teams that have killed Brookwood in getting off to its second consecutive 0-2 start.
Against No. 1 Roswell, it was a missed field goal. Against North Gwinnett, the Broncos allowed an amazing four kicks to be blocked.
If Brookwood can get past an improved Valdosta squad , the Broncos should find themselves at 5-2 heading into a difficult closing stretch against Grayson, Central Gwinnett and Parkview.
Final Record Prediction: 5-6
Collins Hill: The Eagles’ offense must get going quickly or they could miss the playoffs for the first time in four years.
In a 37-0 loss to Valdosta, Collins Hill had negative yards rushing and only 51 yards of total offense. Quarterback Brent McDonald led the Eagles in rushing with only 10 yards.
It was only the second shutout loss of coach Larry Sherrill’s six-year tenure.
With all three of Region 7’s juggernauts—Peachtree Ridge, North Gwinnett and Norcross—left on the schedule, Sept. 21’s home game against improving Mill Creek could prove large, if Collins Hill wants to reach the postseason.
Final Record Prediction: 6-5
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: David Purdum
OMG, is Buford AA’s best-ever?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In 2006, Roswell and Peachtree Ridge each spent at least one week unranked before winning their shares of the Class AAAAA championship.
As I did the AAAAA rankings this week, splitting hairs over those borderline Top 10 teams, I wondered if there was an unranked team among us now that could win it this year.
There might be a half-dozen: Camden County, which I dropped after losing to Chattahoochee, is the best candidate. Also throw in Chattahoochee, North Cobb, Valdosta, Lowndes, Brookwood and Parkview. Maybe Etowah.
Should any of them be written off as state championship contenders? Not after Roswell came back to win last year despite losing to Wheeler, and not after Peachtree Ridge won despite a 4-3 start.
Who is this year’s Roswell or P-Ridge?
Now, on to Buford. 40-0? Against Cartersville? Oh my God, as my daughter would say.
Can Buford go down as the best Class AA team ever? Way too early to decide, but never to early to discuss. Teams that should be in that discussion: 1977 East Rome; 1982, ‘85 West Rome; 1994 Washington County; maybe Charlton or Dublin last season. By AA, I really mean second-from-the-bottom, as East Rome was Class A.
And finally, who will win this week — Grayson or Norcross? Would love to hear some chatter on that. Sounds like our Gwinnett writers favor Norcross, and that’s why I’ve put my faith in the Devils at No. 2 in the rankings from the start, but Grayson could become Georgia’s newest big-school power over the next few years.
Talk back to Todd: Holcomb chats live with YOU every Monday, starting at 7 p.m. Leave comments, questions, etc., here and return to talk about the rankings.
YOU rank the best: Who are metro Atlanta’s top 10 teams regardless of class? Submit your rankings here and compare your choices with other fans.
Permalink | Comments (52) | Categories: Poll talk
Big game breakdowns, Heisman candidates, fantasy fotoball: This blog has it all
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Big Game Breakdowns
No. 9 Brookwood at North Gwinnett
Notable: After surrendering 310 yards and 10 points in the first half against No. 1 Roswell, Brookwood’s defense held the Hornets to just one first down, 70 yards and 0 points in the second half.
North Gwinnett’s offense was on the field for only 15 plays in the second half of the Bulldogs’ win over Walton.
Prediction: This one should be very close. North Gwinnett’s strength is the defensive front. Brookwood lives and dies with the power running game. I’ll take the more balanced offense.
North Gwinnett 17, Brookwood 13
No. 4 Peachtree Ridge at Grayson
Notable: Grayson is 1-7 against ranked AAAAA teams since 2004.
Prediction: The Rams may be the team to beat in Region 8, but in Region 7, Mickey Conn’s improved club would have to battle for third place.
This game should be much higher scoring than last year’s 9-0 Peachtree Ridge victory, but the winning team will still be the same.
Peachtree Ridge 31, Grayson 21
theThe He-is^-man trophy
(Gwinnett’s Most Outstanding Player)
Norcross WR Brice Butler — 3 touchdowns in opening win over Duluth
Buford DT Omar Hunter — 3 forced fumbles against Grove City (OH)
Central Gwinnett RB Diante Drake — 173 yards, 2 touchdowns against Dacula
Other receiving votes: Brookwood RB Kenneth Miles, Wesleyan RB Derren Evans, Berkmar WR/DB Isaiah Jupiter, Parkview RB Brandon Jacobs.
Fantasy Football Dork Off Week 2
Season Scoreboard
Gwinnett 1, State 0
Kurt 1, DP 0
So, yes, my colleague and softball enthusiast Kurt Aschermann beat me in Week 1 of the fantasy football dork off. But the most important thing is we both beat the stuffing out of Citi Slicker’s All-City Team, proving my point that Gwinnett County has the most talent.
In fact, Citi Slicker’s team really didn’t even put up much of a fight. And, now, he comes back with the same team, loaded with players off of a Cedar Grove team that scored just six points last week. Please.
The smart thing for me to do would be to select the All-City team again. But I’m afraid my team would have to start kneeling down around the third quarter to keep it close. That’s no fun. Plus, rarely do I choose the smart thing to do.
So, in a show of competitive spirit—and because only two people entered—this week’s reader team is Swole’s Shock and Awe. Even though, he cheated and used players from Gwinnett.
If he’s able to shock and awe both Kurt’s Kids and DP’s Dandies, Shole will not only win one item out of Kurt or DP’s closet, but he’ll also get to take over the title of the Greatest High School Fantasy Football Player Ever. Until the next week.
Good Luck, Swole …… everybody root for no lightening delays tonight … and have fun … DP
Swole’s Shock and Awe
QB Asher Clark, Peachtree Ridge
RB Jonathan Davis, Tucker
RB Brandon Davis, Peachtree Ridge
WR Brice Butler, Norcross
WR Devonta Bolton, Norcross
Defense: Peachtree Ridge
Kurt’s Kids
QB Michael Box, Duluth
RB Kenneth Miles, Brookwood
RB Ben Donald, Greater Atlanta Christian
WR Devonta Bolton, Norcross
WR Victor Cephus, Berkmar
Defense: Dacula
DP’s Dandies
QB T.J. Smith, Berkmar
RB D.J. Adams, Norcross
RB Demetris Murray, Buford
WR Isaiah Jupiter, Berkmar
WR Brice Butler, Norcross
Defense: South Gwinnett
Permalink | Comments (8) | Categories: David Purdum
Opening the dough to let yeast back in
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
None other than C.J. Cregg, then the press secretary under President Bartlet, was heard to say while aboard Air Force One, “Our numbers are less than yeasty.”
The same holds true away from the fictional world of “The West Wing,” looking back over last week’s predictions. I expected a little more rise than almost 74 percent correctness for the first week, but I guess that’s what this week and the rest of the season is for.
I picked against Grayson last week and once it was published, before the kickoff, I knew it was a prediction that would suck the yeast out of last week’s dough. Before we applied the warp speed to our posting things online, I would’ve changed the pick before it got published and no one would have been the wiser. This week, there are no pregame pangs of regret about it. In fact, dare I say it, this one has the yeasty feel about it. (“Yeast is such a fun word to say,” C.J. said. She’s right.) Peachtree Ridge might be a defending Class AAAAA co-champion and the Lions might be undefeated and unscored upon after waxing Shiloh last week.
Grayson can take ‘em.
Even when it wasn’t a high-faluting state champ, Peachtree Ridge hardly found Grayson a light touch. The Lions won last year’s meeting 9-0, and that at home in their own familiar confines. Now, they take to the road to meet the Rams, who are bent on proving they’re a team with which to reckon.
And there are other big games to monitor.
Warner Robins looks like this year’s Parkview, the team you could tell from one opening-game loss didn’t have the juice it would take to go all the way.
Parkview found that out in 2006 by losing to none other than Warner Robins. Warner Robins found that out in 2007 by losing to Camden County for the first time ever. It’s a lesson that will be reinforced tonight by archrival Northside-Warner Robins.
Marist has its hands full tomorrow night with Tucker, one of the few teams that has had the War Eagles’ number.The Tigers have beaten Alan Chadwick’s team three in a row, and stand just four quarters from being the first team in 33 years to make it four in a row against the War Eagles.
Won’t happen. Two weeks after beating Marist, the Tigers suffered a fatal three-game losing streak, missed the playoffs, changed coaches and lost some of the aura that helped them temporarily own the War Eagles.
Certain losses make Marist stronger. The rare boo-boo against St. Pius in 2003 led to the Class AAAA crown. Last year’s loss to Tucker woke the War Eagles up and they reached the final.
How does Duluth at Meadowcreek fit into such lofty talk? Meadowcreek hasn’t won since a week before Marist lost to St. Pius. But after 33 downers in a row, the Mustangs win tonight.
- FRIDAY
- Winner / Loser
- Alcovy / Newton
- Alpharetta / Sprayberry
- Apalachee / Jackson Co.
- Athens Academy / Mt. Pisgah Christ.
- Athens Christian / Fellowship Christ.
- Baldwin / Jefferson Co.
- Banks Co. / North Oconee
- Banneker / Tri-Cities
- Beach / Brantley Co.
- Berkmar / North Forsyth
- Berrien / Atkinson Co.
- Bleckley Co. / Jenkins Co.
- Bremen / Central-Carroll
- Brooks Co. / Americus-Sumter
- Brookstone / ELCA
- Brookwood / North Gwinnett
- Brunswick / Groves
- Buford / Cartersville
- Burke Co. / Screven Co.
- Cairo / Thomasville
- Calhoun / Villa Rica
- Calhoun Co. / Stewart-Quitman
- Camden Co. / Chattahoochee
- Campbell / Shiloh
- Carrollton / Newnan
- Carver-Atlanta / Druid Hills
- Cass / Adairsville
- Cedartown / Darlington
- Central-Mac. / Rutland
- Chapel Hill / Lithia Springs
- Chattahoochee Co. / Temple
- Chattooga / Lakeview-Ft. Ogle.
- Clarke Central / Cedar Shoals
- Coffee / Clinch Co.
- Columbia / Lakeside-DeKalb
- Commerce / Franklin Co.
- Cook / Worth Co.
- Coosa / Trion
- Crawford Co. / Pelham
- Creekside / Riverdale
- Crisp Co. / Southwest-Macon
- Cross Creek / Aquinas
- Dacula / Mill Creek
- Dalton / Murray Co.
- Dodge Co. / Hawkinsville
- Dublin / Twiggs Co.
- Dutchtown / Luella
- Early Co. / Miller Co.
- East Coweta / McIntosh
- East Jackson / West Forsyth
- Eastside / Loganville
- ECI / Treutlen
- Effingham Co. / South Effingham
- Etowah / Milton
- Fayette Co. / Jonesboro
- Flowery Branch / Gilmer
- Forsyth Central / Dawson Co.
- Ga. Military Coll. / Glascock Co.
- GAC / Greene Co.
- Gainesville / White Co.
- Glenn Hills / Hephzibah
- Glynn Academy / Wayne Co.
- Grady / Therrell
- Grayson / Peachtree Ridge
- Greenbrier / Lakeside-Evans
- Griffin / Bradwell Institute
- Haralson Co. / Bowdon
- Harris Co. / Jordan
- Hart Co. / Wesleyan
- Hillgrove / South Paulding
- Holy Innocents’ / Decatur
- Irwin Co. / Lanier Co.
- Jefferson / Oglethorpe Co.
- Jenkins / Benedictine
- Johnson Co. / Claxton
- Johnson-Gaines. / East Hall
- Jones Co. / Henry Co.
- Josey / Butler
- LaGrange / Columbus
- Landmark Christ. / Ola
- Lincoln Co. / Harlem
- Long Co. / Bryan Co.
- Lovett / Clarkston
- Lowndes / Eagle’s Landing
- Lumpkin Co. / West Hall
- Macon Co. / Turner Co.
- Madison Co. / Elbert Co.
- Marietta / Kell
- Marion Co. / Central-Talbotton
- Mary Persons / Lamar Co.
- McIntosh Co. Ac. / Calvary Day
- Meadowcreek / Duluth
- Mitchell Co. / Montgomery Co.
- Model / Sonoraville
- Monroe / Lee Co.
- Norcross / Northview
- North Clayton / Forest Park
- North Cobb / South Cobb
- North Hall / Pickens
- Northside-W.R. / Warner Robins
- NW Whitfield / Pepperell
- Oconee Co. / Winder-Barrow
- Pacelli Catholic / Manchester
- Perry / Dougherty
- Pierce Co. / Bacon Co.
- Pike Co. / Woodland-Stock.
- Pope / Centennial
- Portal / SE Bulloch
- Prince Ave. Christ. / Cross Keys
- Putnam Co. / Monticello
- Ridgeland / Gordon Lee
- Ringgold / LaFayette
- Riverwood / Southside
- Rockmart / Callaway
- Rome / McNair
- Roswell / Lassiter
- Salem / Morgan Co.
- Sav. Christian / Sav. Country Day
- Schley Co. / Mt. Zion-Carroll
- Shaw / Carver-Columbus
- Social Circle / Monroe Area
- South Gwinnett / Heritage
- St. Pius / Stone Mountain
- Starr’s Mill / Rockdale Co.
- Stephens Co. / Habersham Cent.
- SW DeKalb / North Springs
- Tattnall Co. / Richmond Hill
- Telfair Co. / Jeff Davis
- Terrell Co. / Taylor Co.
- Thomas Co. Cent. / Colquitt Co.
- Thomson / Wash.-Wilkes
- Tift Co. / South Forsyth
- Toombs Co. / Metter
- Towers / Avondale
- Troup / Hardaway
- Union Co. / Towns Co.
- Union Grove / Stockbridge
- Upson-Lee / Mt. Zion-Jonesboro
- Valdosta / Collins Hill
- Walton / Kennesaw Mtn.
- Washington / Miller Grove
- Washington Co. / Westminster
- Westlake / Douglass
- West Laurens / East Laurens
- Westover / Albany
- Westside-Augusta / Richmond Acad.
- Westside-Macon / Peach Co.
- Wheeler / Lithonia
- Whitefield Acad. / Walker
- Whitewater / Sandy Creek
- Wilcox Co. / Wilkinson Co.
- Woodstock / Gordon Central
- Woodward Acad. / Dunwoody
- SATURDAY
- Winner / Loser
- Dooly Co. / South Atlanta
- Harrison / Hiram
- Houston Co. / Windsor Forest
- Marist / Tucker
- Mays / Cedar Grove
- M.L. King / Redan
- McEachern / Paulding Co.
- Northside-Col. / Spencer
Permalink | Comments (23) | Categories: Darryl Maxie
State FB Report: Watch out, WR
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They call it the streak
It’s too early to write off a team, but Warner Robins’ streak of 39 winning seasons is in danger. That’s the second-longest streak of its kind in Georgia history, trailing Dalton’s 47 seasons (1960-present).
Warner Robins lost 20-3 last week to Camden County and faces crosstown rival Northside on Friday and Central Gwinnett next week. Those are teams that defeated Warner Robins easily last season. Then comes the Region 1-AAAAA schedule, which ended Valdosta’s streak of 31 winning seasons last season. Here are the 11 teams with the longest active streaks of winning seasons:
47 — Dalton
39 — Warner Robins
24 — Marist
23 — McEachern
20 — Peach County
17 — Cedar Shoals, Charlton County, Clinch County, Washington County
15 — Northside-Warner Robins, Tucker
Order the combo
The best offenses are usually those with outstanding players at quarterback and running back. Roswell and Northside-Warner Robins, the No. 1-ranked teams in Class AAAAA and AAAA, are evidence of that. Here are the best five RB/QB combos in the state:
1: Dustin Taliaferro/Alex Daniels, Roswell — Taliaferro was the Class AAAAA first-team all-state quarterback as a junior after he threw for 2,054 yards. Daniels rushed for 1,855. No pair was more productive in 2006.
2: Marques Ivory/Tijuan Green, Northside-Warner Robins — Ivory was the Class AAAA offensive player of the year as a junior. Green rushed for 183 yards and three touchdowns in the state championship game.
3: Jarad Dorsey/Cordellaro Jones, M.L. King — Dorsey passed for 198 yards last week in the 41-26 victory against McNair. Jones, super quick and hard to tackle, was honorable mention all-state last season after rushing for 1,360 yards.
4: Matt Roark/Calvin Middleton, North Cobb — Both rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season, but the 6-foot-5 Roark, who is being recruited as a wide receiver, is more than adequate as a high school passer (9-for-13 last week for 104 yards). This could be North Cobb’s best team since 1979.
5: Tre Lamb/Adam Urbano, Calhoun — These two had more than 300 total yards in the victory against Dalton last week. Urbano rushed for 1,883 yards and 37 touchdowns as a sophomore, but missed six games last season with an ankle injury. Lamb had 15 touchdown passes last season.
Or if you want to make a substitution, consider these:
— Hart County’s Kevin Curry and Reg Teasley
— Flowery Branch’s Jaybo Shaw and Christian Earls
— Seminole County’s Bacarri Rambo and Jakenzie Jones
— Stephens County’s Tauren Poole and Ethan Martin
— Pacelli’s Stuart Wilkerson and Jacquise Terry
Milestones
Bob Herndon of Benedictine got his 200th coaching victory last week in a 21-7 victory against Windsor Forest. Herndon is in his second season at the Savannah military school after leading South Effingham to four consecutive playoff appearances. … Ed Pilcher of Thomas County Central seeks his 200th victory Friday at Colquitt County. Pilcher, who won five state titles at the Thomasville school in the 1990s, is 199-70-1.
Numerically speaking…
47 — Years since Calhoun had beaten Dalton. Calhoun was 0-24-1 against the Catamounts since 1960 until Friday’s 27-21 victory.
17 — Years since Lowndes had been shut out at home. Harrison beat Lowndes 9-0 Friday night at Martin Stadium. Valdosta had been the last to do it in 1989.
State the facts: Talk state football right here with Todd Holcomb and e-mail football information to him here: tholcomb@ajc.com.
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Football, State Report
Take 10: Best Metro Rivalries
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
They’ve got 18-point comebacks, history-making winning streaks, major upsets, dramatic finishes, rampant trash-talking, allegations of punching an official and the suspension of a head coach.
And that’s just last year.
With the annual Marist-Tucker showdown coming up this week — as usual, with both teams ranked in the top 10 — we thought we’d look at the metro area’s top rivalries. Here they are, Take 10 style:
10: Washington-Mays — It’s always big when these two rivals meet at Lakewood, and they’ve played a good game of back and forth recently, splitting the past six meetings. When: Mays beat Washington 28-14 on Friday at Lakewood.
9: McEachern-Marietta — This rivalry really got hot in the 1990s when both teams were winning tons of games, and it continues today. Between 1993 and 2002, seven of their eight meetings were decided by 7 points or fewer. When: Oct. 5 at McEachern.
8: Westminster-Lovett — Being in a different classification hurts this rivalry from a prominence standpoint, but the fans and players love playing their down-the-road rival. When: Westminster beat Lovett 27-7 on Friday at Westminster.
7: Buford-Greater Atlanta Christian — GAC hasn’t been able to beat Buford much lately, but neither has anyone else in Class AA. These teams are in the same subregion, and the people at GAC know who they have to go through if they want to make the playoffs. When: Sept. 28 at Buford.
6. Sequoyah-Cherokee — The Chiefs dominated this rivalry for much of the 1990s before Cherokee won three in a row earlier this decade. Regardless of the records, this is definitely one of those “If you beat them, you had a good year” types of rivalries. When: Oct. 5 at Sequoyah.
5. Washington-Douglass — In terms of pure fan support, few in the area match it. They haven’t played in the regular season since 2005, but they’ve been known to draw standing room-only crowds to scrimmages at Lakewood. When: Hopefully, soon.
4. Marist-St. Pius — This would be higher if the Eagles didn’t dominate this series as much as any long-time rivalry you’ll find. Even after Pius finally broke a 21-game losing streak in 2002, Marist has now extended it to 24 of 25. But if you go to the game and see the stands completely packed two hours before gametime, you’ll know why this is a big one. When: Nov. 9 at Marist.
3. McEachern-Harrison — McEachern owned this rivalry during the 1990s, and Harrison took it over during this decade before the Indians broke through with a 35-13 win last year. That added new ignition to an intracounty rivalry between the two best Cobb County programs of the past 15 years. When: Nov. 2 at Harrison.
2. Marist-Tucker — Marist is one of the proudest programs in the state, and nobody does this to the Eagles. Tucker is one of just two teams to have played Marist more than five times with a winning record (Marist is 3-4 against Avondale, but they haven’t played in more than 20 years). If Tucker wins Saturday, the Tigers would be the first team in 32 years to beat Marist four straight times. And there seems to be a good bit of true animosity between the fanbases. When: Saturday at Hallford, 8 p.m.
1. Parkview-Brookwood — It’s a neighborhood rivalry, where the players have often known each other all their lives. But it’s also one of the biggest games in the state most years. They even met in the 2002 state final. These are no “just for bragging rights” games. These are often to decide state supremacy. If you love high school football, you have to check this one out at least once. When: Nov. 9 at Parkview.
Go on. Take Ten. Which matchups can stand with these in terms of intensity, competitiveness and stature through the state? What are the games any self-respecting high school football fan in Atlanta schedules a babysitter for months ahead of time? What rivalries would you gladly skip your own wedding to see — or better yet, just have your wedding in the stands at halftime? Tell us ALL about it. Then find that babysitter (fast).
MORE PREPS: Video | Rival Smasher | Send photos!
Permalink | Comments (154) | Categories: Take Ten
Gwinnett vs. the State Fantasy Results; Gwinnett Power Rankings
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good opening week … I was surprised that Central was able to run all over Dacula, but not necessarily shocked about the Black Knights’ convincing victory.
Dacula-Mill Creek should be a lot more interesting than it was last season, when the Falcons pasted the Hawks 34-0.
Nice to see South Gwinnett beat South Forsyth. There’s a little more buzz around South Gwinnett this season and talk of some young talent getting ready to come through coach John Small’s program.
North Gwinnett bounced back, and Brookwood showed more promise than I expected. Even with Brookwood’s loss to No. 1 Roswell and North’s win over Walton, I moved the Broncos above the Bulldogs in this week’s power rankings. Brookwood is at North Gwinnett Friday.
DP’s Gwinnett Power Rankings — Week 2
- Norcross
- Peachtree Ridge
- Grayson
- Parkview
- Buford
- Brookwood
- North Gwinnett
- Central Gwinnett
- Collins Hill
- Berkmar
- South Gwinnett
- Dacula
- Mill Creek
- Greater Atlanta Christian
- Duluth
- Shiloh
- Wesleyan
- Meadowcreek
Fantasy Football Dork Off Week 1 Results — Gwinnett 1, State 0
Final Score
Kurt’s Lesson Teachers — 57
DP’s Sensitive Men — 56
CitiSlicker’s All-City Team — 24
Kurt’s Lesson Teachers
QB T.J. Smith, Berkmar — 12 points (125 passing yards, TD)
RB Brandon Davis, Peachtree Ridge — 15 points (100 yards, 1 TD)
RB Diante Drake, Central Gwinnett — 24 points (173 yards, 1 TD)
WR Devonta Bolton, Norcross — 6 points (22 yards, 1 TD)
WR Isiah Jupiter, Berkmar — 0 points (1 rec., 24 yards)
Defense: Peachtree Ridge — 0 points allowed against Shiloh
DP’s Sensitive Men
QB Mikey Tamburo, North Gwinnett — 12 points (170 passing yards, 1 TD)
RB Ben Donald, Greater Atlanta Christian — 15 points (114 yards, 1 TD)
RB D.J. Adams, Norcross — 15 points (154 yards, 1 TD)
WR Brice Butler, Norcross — 27 (102 yards, 3 TDs)
WR Zac Johnston, Wesleyan — 0 points (2 catches, 15 yards)
Defense: Grayson — 13 points allowed against Collins Hill.
CitiSlicker’s All-City Team
QB Trence Harvey, Cedar Grove — 0 points (98 yards)
RB Xavier Avery, Cedar Grove — 0 points (-5 yards)
RB Arnold Walker, McNair — 24 points (68 yards, 3 TDs)
WR Charles Reeves, Stone Mountain — 0 (42 yards)
WR Josh Jarboe, Cedar Grove — 0 points (1 catch, 45 yards)
Def — Stephenson - 0 points allowed
Want to take on Kurt and DP? Post your team— 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WR, 1 Defense—on the blog before noon Friday.
You can use any combination of players from across the state, while Kurt and DP will use only Gwinnett County players.
One reader-submitted team will be selected each week based on the creativity of their username. That selected team will be posted on Friday’s blog, along with Kurt and DP’s.
If that reader’s team outscores both Kurt and DP, they will receive a special prize from the closet of Kurt or DP.
Scoring System (Note: Due to limited stats, QBs/WRs do not receive points for rushing yards; RBs no points for receiving yards)
Passing
100-200 yards - 6
200-300 yards - 9
More than 300 - 15
Rushing/Receiving
50-99 yards - 6
100-150 - 9
151-199 - 12
More than 200 - 15
Rushing/Receiving/Passing TDs - 6
Defense: Every point the opposing team scores is subtracted from your total.
Results will be posted on Tuesday’s blog.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Categories: David Purdum
Excitement spurring Etowah success
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nobody saw Etowah coming last year, as new coach Bill Stewart came over from Parkview and led the Eagles to an 8-4 record and the first playoff win in school history.
On Friday, the climb up the state’s ladder continued for the Eagles, as they snapped a six-game losing streak to intracounty rival Sequoyah with a 31-7 rout.
There’s still a long way to go for Stewart to get Etowah’s program near Parkview’s, but it looks like he has pulled a remarkable immediate turnaround in the attitude surrounding Etowah football.
“For whatever reason, there’s a lot of excitement around,” Stewart said. “I think it’s definitely a mindset. Here, I want our kids to come in striving for the best. Some day, maybe that happens.”
Here are a few great program turnarounds we looked at:
— Jimmy Dorsey, McEachern: The Indians had never won more than 8 games before he became coach. They won 9 his second year and for each of the next 14 seasons.
— Dave Hunter, Brookwood: The Broncos went from 1-9 to 10-2 in Hunter’s first year. They had double-digit wins in 9 of his 15 seasons there.
— Cecil Flowe, Parkview: Flowe got the Panthers’ first 10-win season in his third year, starting a string of 11 consecutive seasons with 9 wins or more.
Your turn: What do you think was the greatest turnaround a new coach started in the state? Talk about it here.
Permalink | Comments (11) | Categories: Football, State Report
Opening week an eye-opener
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Quick hitters on this week’s poll:
Why am I getting so much e-mail second-guessing Coffee at No. 3? And much of it is coming from South Georgia, as if Region 1-AAAAA is turning on itself.
All I heard in preseason was that Coffee was the best team in 1-AAAAA. So is it a stretch to put the preseason favorite in the state’s best region at No. 3? Or should I drop Coffee for not dominating the first game?
Speaking of tough regions, has 5-AAAAA caught up with 1-AAAAA in terms of depth?
The 5-AAAAA region has more teams, so this isn’t a fair comparison, but 1-through-7, I’m not sure 5-AAAAA wouldn’t win four times.
Before the Lowndes game, Harrison wasn’t considered the team to beat in Region 5. That would be North Cobb.
Then there’s Etowah, Campbell, McEachern, Marietta and South Cobb. Pretty good gantlet.
Even quicker comments:
*Class AA is down this season. Except for Charlton County, I don’t see any team that would be better than a 15-point underdog to No. 1 Buford. But I do think Cartersville of AAA can beat the Wolves this week.
*My apologies for jumping on the Hart County bandwagon. Guess that was not a wise choice for No. 1 in AAA.
*Don’t be surprised if Grayson beats Peachtree Ridge. Grayson is the most underrated team in AAAAA because the Rams aren’t a team known outside of Gwinnett County. That won’t be for long.
(Todd Holcomb will be online live tonight from 7-9 p.m. to respond to your comments.)
Permalink | Comments (85) | Categories: Poll talk
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