Prep Zone

By Wes

October 15, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Todd,

I was wondering what the deal was with Evans. They beat Statesboro last Friday and are undefeated. Are they for real or just lucky?

By devil lover

October 15, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Hey Todd. I have supported most of your decisions this year. However your ranking of Peachtree Ridge ahead of Norcross doesn’t seem correct and here is why.

PR has loss two games while Norcross has only lost one. While PR has averaged 27.3 pts per game Norcross has averaged 31.8. While PR has only allowed 10.3 pts per game Norcoss has only allowed 8.5. And besides all of that We gave Grayson, one of the team that beat PR, a good old beating 24 to 3.

So Todd what in the world were you thinking?

By Jerry

October 15, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

I know you are the expert, but perhaps you could explain why a team that is averaging beating it’s opponents by 30 points, why they are not ranked in the top 10 of AAAA? I of course, mean the NorthWest Whitfield Bruins, the best team in the state of any classification????

By stan

October 15, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Just wondering how Coffee falls out of the top ten after losing to Lowndes who is a pretty good football team. I noticed every team except Lowndes is within 60 miles of the ATL> Imagine that

By Ken

October 15, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

I agree Stan. All the teams in the highest classification are from the Metro Atl area. But you have to remember that this is an Atlanta paper, even though they want to sell papers state wide. They are still bias. Coffee is a great team and gave Lowndes a hard fight. Lowndes only loss came on the FIRST game of the season on a VERY wet and stormy night. This paper has little or no respect for anyone outside of the “Metro” area. Does that suprise you?

By John Onimole

October 15, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Grayson Running The Things

By John Onimole

October 15, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Grayson Running Things

By yo

October 15, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

I feel the 4 best teams in AAAAA are: Brookwood Coffee Lowndes North Gwinnett (in alphabetical order)

Still not sold on N. Cobb. I know, they beat Harrison who beat Lowndes. Having seen that game it wasn’t that Harrison impressed as much as Lowndes didn’t. Also not sold on MLK until they beat somebody outside their region who matters.

By Windreader

October 15, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

Hey, Jerry…

While we appreciate your desire to lead the cheers for your hometown team, consider the same evidence that the rest of us do. Four of NW Whitfield’s victories have come against teams that have yet to win a single game. Pepperell is AA and mediocre at best. Your sixth was a three point squeaker against a very average Ridgeland team with a similarly inflated record. Come back and talk to us after you’ve beaten Dalton and Rome. Then maybe we’ll take you seriously.

By Bill

October 15, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

North Cobb is probably at #1 by attrition. That’s generally how rankings work though, isn’t it? In many respects, they are learning on-the-fly how to be the top team in the county and the state. How they handle that will dictate how far they go this season. They have nothing to draw from, and we’re talking about 15-18 year old kids. So it’s very possible that things could unravel in a hurry. But it’s also possible that they don’t know any better, and they could take it al the way.

By NSHS FAN

October 15, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Todd, Like some college conferences, about 7 or 8 of the best 5A rated teams have reached parity. There are no clear-cut superior teams. I doubt the state 5A champion will come from any of the top three rated teams, i.e. North Cobb, North Gwinnett or M.L. King. I will just about bet 1A through 4A classification final champions come from teams more in-line with AJC/AP rating. On the other hand, overall, 5A may just be weak. I saw Lowndes County play Houston County, and Valdosta play Warner Robins this Friday. None of those team will go far this year. It appears this is a down year for 5A because the same thing is happening with North Georgia teams. 3A and 4A are very strong this year. Of course like teams, these things go in cycles. Some years up and some down.

By K

October 15, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

They all are good enough to win the state title. But you guys at the ajc don’t watch enough games.You base most of your opinions on hearsay and reputation. Stephenson has no ability to throw the ball consistently, yet they were ranked #1. Last year Norcross was number one and everybody’s favorite…you forgot that they have never been good in the “Big Game”…they never will…the talent needs to coached…enough said.If PR can do it anybody can!!!

By Warrior

October 15, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Please keep thinking that North Cobb shouldn’t be number one … please keep thinking that we aren’t really that good. Please keep overlooking us and thinking that the real play-off threat is somewhere else. And by the way, whoever said we have a number one ranking out of attrition … thanks - look up what the word means. Because the meaning is exactly why we are number one, by wearing down our opponents, by beating them down - and that is exactly what we will continue to do, wear down our opponents. So, keep thinking that we have nothing to draw from (except a 7-0 record and beating a number 4 ranked team).

I look forward to seeing each of your teams in the playoffs - and you can come apologize at the dome.

By old timer

October 15, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Todd,

As a North Cobb old timer that has followed top flight GA high school football the last 30 years, I believe that all of the following teams are GOOD ENOUGH to win the AAAAA title. But know you have to be LUCKY AND GOOD to get to, and win a game on December 14th.

North Gwinnett MLK North Cobb Harrison Lowndes Co. Norcross Valdosta Stephenson Coffee Co. Walton HS Grayson Chattahoochee Roswell Etowah Marietta Camden Co. Brookwood Peachtree Ridge

My money is on Lowndes Co. but I sure hope NC gets bracketed and plays well enough to get to meet Harrison again (on a dry field).

By Eric

October 15, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

North Gwinnett can win state. They have a quick defense and they have a potent offense. Question is how Tamburo? Peachtree Ridge gave him something to think about and he may become gun shy. If he is tough enough they will take state, if not or well that leaves the door open.

By To Yo

October 15, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Yo, for all the outlandish things you have posted in the past, you finally got one right..almost. Re: “I feel the 4 best teams in AAAAA are: Brookwood Coffee Lowndes North Gwinnett (in alphabetical order”. Not certain about Coffee though.

By Trojansouth

October 15, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

This year in 5a the number 1 team will be at the end of the year and it won’t be any current top 5 team. That’s what kind of year it is for 5a. And all u folks outside the Metro Atl area don’t get cault up in the AJC Rankings because it is in North Ga. And they will always have there teams up there ranked high every year and that should not bother non metro teams. That is there paper and they can do that all they want but at the end of the year we will see who’s in the dome. From 1a-5a and that’s what matters

By RY

October 15, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

FYI MLK MADE THE TRIP TO THE GEORIGA DOME ALREADY, Despite the fact that it was in 3A which contains very tough teams OUTSIDE the metro area. Someone mention MLK not beating people that mattered.

Well, considering the fact that the school is only SIX years old, been to the DOME, came within two games of going to DOME last year in its first season in 5A, not to mention the fact they have already won their REGION this seaon, I’ll say they matter pretty much.

By David

October 15, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

AAAA Rankings??? Todd, come-on man. You must have had a bad weekend. Baldwin get blown out by NW Warner Robbins and Tucker sqeeks by Mays. YOU KEEP THEM AT THEIR SAME PLACES. Maybe you should think about replacing a few of these. 1)NW Warner Robbins 2)Tucker 3)Cedar Shoals 4)TCC 5)Evans 6)Mays 7)Fayette County 8)Westside macon 9)Habersham 10)NW Whitfield

By to trojansouth

October 15, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Uhhhhh, dude I know you’re from south georgia - but check your grammar and spelling. When you are using the word “there” talking about a group of people with possession as in “there paper” - it is T-H-E-I-R !

their teams … their paper …

if you would like some lessons in football as well, then bring your south Georgia teams up to play some Metro Atlanta teams.

By NORTHSIDE EAGLE

October 15, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

IT DOESNT MATTER WHERE AJC RANKS TEAMS WHEN IT ALL BOILS DOWN THE BEST TEAM WOULD HAVE WON.WHEN YOU LOOK AT YOUR RANKINGS THEY ARE MOSTLY ATL AREA SCHOLS.5A ISNT STRONGER THAN 4A TRUST ME .MOST OF THE SCORES I SEE THOMAS COUNTY CENTRAL,NORTHSIDE-WARNER ROBINS BEAT UP ON THESE 5A TEAMS.I AM A NORTHSIDE-WARNER ROBINS SUPPORTER AND TO ME IT DOESNT MATTER WHO WE PLAY 5A OR 4A.WE HAVE BEEN WINNING A WHILE NOW SURE WE THOUGH WE SHOULD HAVE BEAT STATESBORO IN THE FINALS BUT A CHEAP CALL GOT US,BUT LOOK AT US NOW.

By prattvillenolzfan

October 15, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Why do ya’ll keep saying North Gwinnett is undeafeated…..Oh I forgot it was an EXHIBITION GAME….Yeah right……After spending the majority of my life in the south ga area, I got 2 words for ya…..Thomas Central……..

By No AAAAA Dominant Team

October 15, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

With parity in AAAAA this year it will come down to the team that gets hot during the playoffs; barring a home field advantage disadvantage. This year, more than any, is a perfect reason for teams matched during the playoffs to play neutral field each round. (the two teams involved determine the neutral site each round) Some day Georgia high school sports will wise-up and crown a true champion.

By Prattvillenolzfan

October 15, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

All joking aside, the North Gwinnett’s qb is one of the best high school qb’s I’ve ever seen, although not as good as Prattville’s Larry Smith (last year’s Mr. Alabama) or TCC’s Charlie Ward….(Remember him…..)

Every one in Prattville wishes North Gwinnett nothing but success….Good Luck…….

By trojan 93

October 15, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Todd, where is Coffee? I agree with anyone else that thinks Lowndes will be a player in the end. So don’t discredit the loss to Lowndes although it was a bad one. Coffee has a good football team that will likely be a player in the end also. If our coaching allows us to play and stop being so conservative on offense, they can be explosive.The receiver group is very talented and as a whole that size on offense is at least D1-AA size. The Lowndes game could have been different once we realized that they could not stop the pass.Unfortunately, for us we didn’t throw the ball until the 2nd half late. p.s we just ended Tift’s 15 home game winning streak. How is a team out of your top 10 after 1 loss to a team that can possibly be the best in the state in this classification?

By Prattvillenolzfan

October 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Last post & I leave ya’ll alone….

When TCC won all those championships in row, you might’ve had 8-10,000 people at the games…Great for the community, but not much else….

When Prattville played Hoover for the title last year, it was at Legion field in Birmingham…..

Almost 35,000 showed up for the game….No way we would’ve had that many at Hoover/Prattville…….

Just like Atlanta, Birmingham is within a several hour drive of the entire state, Prattville had almost 20,000 fans drive to the game….Hoover, although in the metro Birmingham area, didn’t have a decidedly “home field” advantage. So many S. Ga’s think the Metro Atlanta area would have a “home field advantage” if it were in the dome, (I know I used to think that)…I just don’t see it…..

By NG17

October 15, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

NORTH GWINNETT CAN GO ALL THE WAY. AFTER THE LAST DRIVE AGAINST A GREAT PEACHTREE RIDGE D AND WITH A BACK UP QB NORTH PUT THE GAME AWAY. THIS YEAR AND NEXT YEAR THIS TEAM CAN DO IT.NORTH HAS 3 WEEKS TO GET READY FOR THE NORCROSS TEAM AND I THINK MICKEY (JR QB )WILL BE RECOVERED BY THEN AND HE WONT BE GUN SHY.THIS TEAM HAS ALOT OF HEART AND HAVE PLAYED EXCELLENT D IN THE LAST 5 MIN OF EVERY GAME.

By NC-FAN

October 15, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

TODD I THINK SEVERAL TEAMS ARE CAPABLE OF WINNING IT ALL IN 5A-NC HARRISON N.GWINNETT NORCROSS MLK TO NAME A FEW.BUT I SURE HOPE ITS NORTH COBB! IT SHOULD BE AN EXCITING PLAYOFFS. GO WARRIORS

By Lion's Den

October 15, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

The MLK Lions are the best 5A team in GA period; as eloquently stated after Friday’s Game vs Stephenson “We Want To Be #1”.

They’ve just defeated the #1 ranked team last week and only moved up to #3 (why not #1). Previously ranked #10 with 6 teams ranked above them that had already lost games and they’re undefeated??? This ranking crap is too biased and is not worthy of the paper it’s printed on. Why in the heck is N. Cobb now ranked #1.? We would kick their tails all over the gridiron.

This progam has done nothing but excel over the last (5) years, and the school has only been in existence (6) years. The team has really grown up before our eyes with most of the guys starting on the varsity squad as freshmen and now, knows what it takes to WIN IT ALL. To heck with just making it to the GA Dome; been there, done that.

When it’s all said and done, we will see the last team standing and I very confident that it will be the MLK Lions standing tall.

Go Lions!

By Kyle Campbell

October 15, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

GO HOYAS!!!

By Baz

October 15, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Brookwood had some gelling to do at the first of the season, and some squeaker losses to state contenders…after watching kenny miles run over and past everybody…I think they will compete now for the championship…only their pass coverage may be suspect.

By SanMan

October 15, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I’m very curious to know how you can leave Cherokee completely out of your AAAA poll? They’re ranked in the top ten in evey poll except yours, including #5 in the Coaches poll.

By BAMMAR

October 15, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Devil lover, What was the score of the Peachtree Ridge v. Norcross game?

By Fan

October 15, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Hey people, typing in all upper case indicates you are shouting. It also makes it hard to read. Try typing like everyone else.

By Todd Holcomb

October 15, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

First off, congrats to MLK. I held off ranking MLK higher because I noted that MLK had never beaten a Top 10 team in AAAAA. Now that the deed is done, MLK has earned its spot in the top three.

OK, let’s get to the callers …

I was wondering what the deal was with Evans. They beat Statesboro last Friday and are undefeated. Are they for real or just lucky?

I’m wondering the same. Statesboro dropped out of the Top 10 in AAAA, and I chose between Evans and Fayette County to enter. Frankly, I’m having some misgivings about not dropping out Marist now that Tucker’s close game w/ Mays suggests that Marist should’ve been punished more for not being competitive w/ Tucker. In fact, Baldwin also got no penalty for being blown out by Northside, but I think Northside is a whole ‘nother beast.

*Your ranking of Peachtree Ridge ahead of Norcross doesn’t seem correct. … PR has loss two games while Norcross has only lost one. *

If you look at the head-to-head games among Peachtree Ridge, Norcross and Grayson, all are 1-1, but only P’Ridge was close to sweeping. Only Grayson was closed to being swept. So that’s why I have it ordered P’Ridge, Norcross, Grayson. Yes, Peachtree Ridge lost to North Gwinnett, but that’s the No. 2 team in the state. Norcross will have its chance vs. NG soon.

I know you are the expert, but perhaps you could explain why a team that is averaging beating it’s opponents by 30 points, why they are not ranked in the top 10 of AAAA? I of course, mean the NorthWest Whitfield Bruins.

Weak schedule. NW was 6-0 last season, too, but was not a Top 10 team. Beat Dalton, and I’ll be forced to rethink things.

Just wondering how Coffee falls out of the top ten after losing to Lowndes who is a pretty good football team. I noticed every team except Lowndes is within 60 miles of the ATL> Imagine that

There are only four teams outside metro Atlanta that could be considered for a ranking in AAAAA. Let’s take them one by one.

Jenkins — Has not played an opponent that’s among the 25 or 30 best in the state. Has not beaten a Top 10 team in ages.

Coffee — I’m not writing off Coffee, but to be a Top 10 team in this age of parity in AAAAA, I expect you come closer to beating another Top 10 team than 29 points. To me, that’s the measure: How do you compete against Top 10 teams? Coffee didn’t. If this were AA or AAAA, where teams such as Northside and Buford are 28 points better than some other Top 10 teams, it would be different, but in AAAAA, to be a Top 10 team, you should be competitive w/ all the Top 10 teams. I can only go by what Coffee showed me when it had its chance.

Valdosta — Same as Coffee. Crushed by Brookwood, an unranked team. Also needed overtime vs. Tift County, a team that’s not even among the top 20. Based on those results, Valdosta is an 11-20 team.

Camden — Camden is borderline. But Camden would have to be behind Chattahoochee, and I don’t even have Chattahoochee ranked, perhaps a mistake in itself. The only reason to rank Camden would be reputation and history. Most know that Camden is an excellent team, but when given the chance to affirm it, Camden lost at home to an unranked team.

And all u folks outside the Metro Atl area don’t get cault up in the AJC Rankings because it is in North Ga. And they will always have there teams up there ranked high every year and that should not bother non metro teams.

If I have time, I’ll do the math, but I doubt there are more metro teams in the AJC rankings than in the AP or coaches’ polls. Maybe I’ll come back to this one, but it’s a myth worth busting.

AAAA Rankings??? Todd, come-on man. You must have had a bad weekend. Baldwin get blown out by NW Warner Robbins and Tucker sqeeks by Mays. YOU KEEP THEM AT THEIR SAME PLACES. Maybe you should think about replacing a few of these. 1)NW Warner Robbins 2)Tucker 3)Cedar Shoals 4)TCC 5)Evans 6)Mays 7)Fayette County 8)Westside macon 9)Habersham 10)NW Whitfield

That’s fair second-guessing, David. AAAA is hard to sort after Northside, TCC and Tucker. But should I rank Westside over Baldwin, since Baldwin beat Westside? Both have one loss, and Baldwin’s was to Northside. And Cedar Shoals, that’s the team that’s always beating mediocre opponents by 3 points, right? I’ve thought about Cedar, but the Jags are not convincing me. Evans has a very good argument to be in there. Almost wish I’d found ‘em a spot.

I’m very curious to know how you can leave Cherokee completely out of your AAAA poll? They’re ranked in the top ten in evey poll except yours, including #5 in the Coaches poll.

If you’re a team that wasn’t top 10-15 last season, then play a weak schedule, I’m probably not going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Cherokee’s opponents are something like 8-22. Sequoyah is pretty good, but the rest are below average, and a couple are downright awful. Maybe Cherokee will be this year’s East Paulding because I have to admit that I did not respect that region last season until the playoffs, and I might be on the verge of doing it again.

I’ll be back for more tonight.

By AAAAReg6Fan

October 15, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

To SanMan, ask your question to Todd, once Cherokee has played someone. No impressive wins against top state talent. There’s only one true contender on your schedule, East Paulding. Check back after that game.

By Fan

October 15, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

I too would like to see Harrison and North Cobb play on a dry field. The wet conditions at North Cobb might have hurt Harrison’s speed more than North Cobb’s. Whatever it might be, it would be one heck of a game if it happens.

By Shante Cunningham

October 15, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

What’s a good stragedy for our football team. They need some HELP!!!! Please write me back. Thnkx ~1~

By The Truth

October 15, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Are the teams that the top 10 are playing taken into consideration. Fayette County is playing in a cupcake region. There is no competition for them. All the teams in their region lost all their powerhouse players last year and everyone has young teams and are rebuilding. Whitewater graduated over 75% of their team. Creekside lost Eric Berry and their key linebackers and d-line. Westlake lost Cameron Newton, the running back and their d-line and o-line. McIntosh and Woodard Academy, well it is what it is, still trying to develop a programs. Jonesboro and Mt Zion programs are struggling. Mt. Zion has the lone running back, but no supporting cast. Northgate lost the players that made them competitors last year. Banneker and Starr’s Mill.

Tucker deserves to be in the mix. Let’s consider who these teams are playing.

By DanM

October 15, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

At the beginning of the season you rated Hart County No. 1 in AAA. Hart County tied their first game against a AAAA opponent and fell out of the top 10 all together. Since then they are undefeated but have not been reconsidered for the top 10 ratings. Why?

By old timer

October 15, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Fan,

I agree. And if it doesn’t work out officially due to the brackets, the weekend between the championship game and Christmas should be open, right? Your place or ours? lol.

Old timer

By M

October 15, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

A NORTH COBB-HARRISON REMATCH WOULD BE NICE.IF YOU SAW THE FIRST MEETING YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.NORTH COBB HAD ALOT OF THINGS GO THEIR WAY THAT NIGHT,MAINLY LUCK.

By Lion2

October 15, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Alright.. Alright.. PR lost to N.G. gotta give the credit to the Dogs but we did dominate Norcross, and the score doesn’t give it justice 2 missed field goals and 2 turnovers in the Red Zone would have really put the kick to the head.. While on the scoreboard we lost to Grayson, 17-14 Grayson’s 2 touchdown drives were 16 and 8 yards respectively… some offense…Back to NG…down 24-0 ask them what it felt like to blink and 4 minutes later PR has the ball again with the score 24-19.. Don’t count them Lion’s out yet…

By Carl

October 15, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Northside Warner Robins is the best team in the state. I have never seen that many athletes assembled together on one football team! They will beat any team in the state of GA regardless of classification.

By old timer

October 15, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Ms. M,

Now you know how we felt at your place last year.

Old timer

By BullDawg Rick

October 15, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

The beauty of it all is the true #1 team in each classification will be decided on the playing field! Peachtree Ridge was a #4 seed going into last year’s playoffs & won co-state (with Roswell)..

IMO.. The BEST team in the state is AA - Buford Wolves…

By Warrior Mom

October 15, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

North Cobb has the talent to make a run to go deep into the playoffs and even a shot at the title – but so do another half dozen or so teams. I have watched enough football to know that on any given day a top ranked team can be knocked off. Just ask USC or LSU???? Unless you have seen every team play each other and have the ability to look into the future, no one can predict today who will play in the big game in December. When you are number one, every team is going to bring their “A” game, because they have beating the #1 team in their sights. With that said, I know that my son and his friends on the team are not getting big headed about what the polls say. They are staying focused on this Friday’s game, with the attitude to win that game and keep marching towards the playoffs- one game at a time.

By 28 Sweep Pass

October 15, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Last year I thought the cream would rise to the top and we’d get a “traditional” AAAAA champion. We know how the story ended and Roswell and Peachtree Ridge shared the title and tradition lept out the window.

This year appears to be more of the same. As it stands now, one of last year’s 1-AAAAA final four participants won’t even make the playoffs in 2007. My guess is that the WR-Tift loser is out. Roswell is now also an upset away from sitting out the postseason. Don’t you think their archrival Milton would love to be the spoiler that keeps them at home?

My prediction will be that we will have at least two Gwinnett teams in the Dome. It could be any combination of Region 7’s North Gwinnett, Norcross or Peachtree Ridge or Region 8’s Brookwood or Grayson. I’ll also predict the other two Dome slots go to Region 5, Harrison or North Cobb and the other to Region 1, probably Lowndes. The bracket alignments and any further upsets between now and November 9 will narrow the field.

It’s deja-vu all over again!

By Michael

October 15, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

If Dalton beats NW Whitfield friday will that get them in the top 10?

By Jerry

October 15, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Carl:

That will hold true until NWR comes up against NWW (NorthWest Whitfield) . Coach Mike Faluer has these guys hitting on all cylinders with the Appy State spread offense and a defense that is AWESOME! They will put a halt to Northsides streak!!

By NSHS FAN

October 15, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

As I said earlier, Lowndes is not— nor Valdosta nearly as good as you think they are. Both of their QB’s are short and have trouble seeing down field. They are not fast and their lines average—-so outside Coffee, who has an outstanding QB, 1A is very weak this year. 5A Championship will be decided in the north. I am a middle GA guys saying this and would love to see a 5A championship down here but the truth is—it won’t happen this year.

By Reeze

October 15, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd,How would you feel about the AAAA champ going up against the AAAAA champ after the championship week is sorted out.I understand it’ll never happen.Just for discussion,What do you think?

By Clark

October 15, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

why is it in class 5a if a qoute unquote triditional team is not in the top five its no a good year. I am so tired of hearing about the Valdosta’s of the world. There are other schools in the state that have talented athletes. For instance Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Lithonia has a very talented Football team, and has had talented kids since the school opened six years ago. They have routinely sent kids to college and will again this year. Coach Jarvis and his staff are great with the kids. The players have really bought into what they are doing over there. They have taught the kids that hard work pays off. When you ask yourself are they a ligitament top three team maybe you should give Coach Gartrell over at Stephenson High School are they good enough to go deep in the playoffs and possibly win the whole thing.

possibbly

By Reeze

October 15, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

NSHS FAN ,i agree with you 100%.I was also out there saturday when Valdosta came to town.How in the world Valdosta is 6-1 is anybody’s guess.Warner Robins offense was pathetic,both of their QB’s seemed confused the entire game.If either of these teams were in the 4B-AAAA region it would be ugly for them,and coach Bryan Way,i thought Peachtree Ridge hinted to you in the dome last year that it was time to give the Wing-T offense up.It won’t get by a good defense

By Toby cash

October 15, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Todd, keep up the good work, it keeps the high school fans wondering why their favorite team is not ranked. Thanks for the commentaries.

By Trojansouth

October 15, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Wow! I’ll be smarter now. their there their there WOW!!!!!!

By TR

October 15, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Todd

I believe before next year starts, you should go the West Ga SE Defensive Camp, during the second week of July. You will see 15-20 of the top teams in the state from 4A and 5A. Maybe, this will give you a CLUE on the top teams in at least the top two classes. After viewing this camp, maybe you will be more inline with the other two polls (AP and GaSports.com the Coaches Poll).

By devon

October 15, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Northwest whitfield is overrated they got alot of officiating help during their win over Ridgeland. Two big touchdowns called back and one 30 yards behind the play as Ridgeland’s Terryl Freeman, which is quietly one of the elite junior backs in Ga, was 10 yards away from entering the endzone. They got dominated statistically in every category. If you were at the game……. yea thank you, NW whitfield got alot of help. They will get beat by Dalton and Rome .

By Keith Helms

October 15, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Northside of Warner Robins looks to be the best in the state, but they are just 4-A. They are without doubt playing in the strongest sub region with Baldwin County and Westside of Macon with all 3 in the top 10 all year. Norhside beat Baldwin and plays Westside Nov. 9 while Baldwin got by Westside in 3 O.T.

By slalom1

October 15, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

To: Trojansouth Good for you. You took the criticism , and turned it into humor. Someone actually got more than a little upset with me last night, for pointing out some problems with THEIR use of the English language.

By Todd, Not Holcomb

October 15, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Northwest Whitfield will end Northside-WR’s streak? I’m not saying Northside is unbeatable but let’s not be delusional. Northside will be favored against any team they play this season, but TCC and Tucker have the talent and speed to beat them; however, NWW has four wins against winless teams—I really don’t see them ending the streak—or even making it far enough to try. If they do make the number one seed, which I highly doubt happens, they’ll still have to make it through TCC in order to play Northside for the state title.

By To slalom1

October 15, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

While we’re having fun with grammar, “someone” is singular and “their” is plural. Your sentence should say “someone actually got more than a little upset with me last night for pointing out some problems with HIS use of the English language.” Not intending to be a smart@$$—just thought you’d like to know.

By slalom1

October 15, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

To: Todd Holcomb Things were headed into the gutter last night with “TCC.” Regarding my criticism of his grammer, I must admit that I probably came down on him just a little too hard.(No pun intended.)

By slalom1

October 15, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

To “By” COLD busted!! You are right. Just making an effort to work in the “their”, “there” thing. But, overlooked the obvious. My bad.

By NTH Trojan

October 15, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

To Don M: You asked why Hart Co was not ranked? Well, kick back and I’ll explain it to you. First of all, they tied Clarke Central (5-1), and barely beat a weak Wesleyan (3-3) team. Plus, they play in a weak region, and to top it all off, they haven’t beaten a quality team. You better hope that they don’t have to play North Hall in the playoffs. Just ask Flowery Branch & Gainesville what happens when you face them.

By yo

October 15, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I think it is real easy for a team to declare itself to be the best in the state when they don’t have to play the schedule of others. What is more impressive a NSWR victory over a AAAA Baldwin (who would be average in AAAAA and who could barely get by Westside) or a Brookwood victory over Valdosta, a Lowndes victory over Coffee. All comparable scores. Sorry guys, until you are up here with the rest of us doing it every week it is all conjecture and history tells us NSWR has “never” finished the deal when playing up here. Beating a few AAAAA schools is not the same as beating AAAAA every week. 6 out of 10 of the teams on Valdosta’s schedule is harder than any one team Northside has had to play (excluding Warner and Houston). I am not saying that Valdosta is better than Northside this year, but again history says Northside can’t finish when playing with the big boys. In a one on one head to head competition at the end of the year they might win but until they play the schedules and go through the AAAAA playoffs successfully (and they never have) it is all talk on their part. They couldn’t even get through AAAA successfully until all of these teams they always proclaim themselves to be better than left AAAA to go up to AAAAA. Even then it took them 7 years to accomplish the feat. Of course with out having to beat any AAAAA teams on a weekly basis. NSWR always claiming to be the best in state but history keeps repeating the same story about their claims.

By SC EAGLE

October 15, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

I am tired of reading about how NORTH COBB isn’t as good as people think. Also tired of how the Harrison game was a lucky game when there is no such thing as luck both teams came to play and the better team came away with the victory. Both teams had too many penalites so that was not the case. If the field was dry I believe the score would of favored NC better because they have more team speed and play makers then Harrison. Being an opposing players for both schools I say that game will probably be a rematch of the state title.

By Todd Holcomb

October 15, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

How would you feel about the AAAA champ going up against the AAAAA champ after the championship week is sorted out. I understand it’ll never happen.Just for discussion,What do you think?

As a fan, I’d love it. In basketball for a couple of seasons in the 1970s, the champions from all four classes came together for a special Final Four and championship. The only problem w/ this concept is that the AAAA champion will face an easier road to its title. Meanwhile, the AAAAA champ in a season like this one will probably be the ‘hot’ team, not necessarily the best. As a result, a team like Northside would stand a much better chance of winning this type playoff than it would if there were a Super 32 playoff of all the best teams in Georgia.

If Dalton beats NW Whitfield friday will that get them in the top 10?

I think Dalton would have to win decisively, and even then, maybe not. The problem is that Dalton lost to a AA team that lost to an unranked AAA team. The victory over Rome was a pretty good one, though. But AAAA has lots of teams knocking on the Top 10 door, including undefeated Evans, which has beaten Statesboro. I’d probably still have Evans ahead of Dalton.

**you should go the West Ga SE Defensive Camp, during the second week of July. You will see 15-20 of the top teams in the state from 4A and 5A. Maybe, this will give you a CLUE on the top teams in at least the top two classes. After viewing this camp, maybe you will be more inline with the other two polls (AP and GaSports.com the Coaches Poll).

Not sure my goal is to be inline w/ the AP and the coaches. But unless you state which teams that you believe I’m overlooking, or have overrated, I can’t really comment. Except about Cherokee, which I did earlier. I feel pretty good about not ranking Cherokee, unlike the coaches and AP, which have Cherokee around No. 5.

At the beginning of the season you rated Hart County No. 1 in AAA. Hart County tied their first game against a AAAA opponent and fell out of the top 10 all together. Since then they are undefeated but have not been reconsidered for the top 10 ratings. Why?

NTH answered that question pretty well. The tie vs. Clarke isn’t that terrible since Clarke is a AAAA team, but the struggle vs. Wesleyan is not impressive. Another factor is that AAA is much deeper in quality this season, in my opinion. Rarely does a Top 10 team lose and give somebody else a chance in AAA. When last year’s finalists, Shaw and Peach County, each have one loss and are ranked 9-10, that says a lot for the depth of the class.

By slalom1

October 15, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

To “Yo” Take a look at what you have just said. To quote you: “when they don’t play the schedule of others”. On the one hand you are right. NSWR does not play the schedule of Lowndes and Valdosta. But, neither Lowndes nor Valdosta plays the schedule of NSWR. To assume that the NSWR schedule is inately weaker is a moot point. Like you said, “it is all conjecture”. “Yo”, yes NSWR wins the prize for being the bridesmaid in AAAAA and in AAAA, until 2006. I am still a believer that region 1AAAAA is year in and year out is the best in the state. But, take a look at region 4AAAA,(I believe that is it, but can’t find my notes.) Any how, it is the region in which NSWR competes. Looks pretty tough to me.

By Patrick

October 15, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Todd, How far do you see Walton going this year? They look pretty doggone impressive.

By Todd Holcomb

October 15, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

* am tired of reading about how NORTH COBB isn’t as good as people think. Also tired of how the Harrison game was a lucky game when there is no such thing as luck both teams came to play and the better team came away with the victory.*

I know you weren’t directing this at the original blog, but I do want to clarify that, in asking my question about who is really good in AAAAA, I wasn’t suggesting that North Cobb wasn’t really good. I watched NC last week, and I’ve convinced NC is really good. My question came from the fact that there seems to be 12 to 15 teams that are good, and I’m curious as to which ones that everyone has a gut feel will be in the mix in the end. Lowndes seems to be one of those teams.

Also, regarding wet fields, according to what I’ve read here, Harrison would’ve beaten NC on a dry field, but Lowndes would’ve beaten Harrison on a dry field. So I guess Harrison is even.

By yo

October 15, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Not just 1AAAAA but other AAAAA are tougher than 4AAAA. 4AAAA is “very tough” for AAAA. History! Don’t doubt it. Looks to me that Baldwin a top team in AAAA and region 4AAAA is comparable in team to Houston Co. and Warner in AAAAA this year. Based on scores against NSWR. We all know Warner and Houston are not in the upper echelon of AAAAA this particular year.

By Todd Holcomb

October 15, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Todd, How far do you see Walton going this year? They look pretty doggone impressive.

Sorry I just now saw your question, Patrick.

A key for Walton is getting the #1 seed in Region 6 because seeds 2-4 get Peachtree Ridge, Norcross, North Gwinnett. . So that means beating Wheeler. Assuming that Chattahoochee is #1 in the Fulton division of R6, then I don’t know which would get the #1 seed. Probably Walton since Walton’s loss was non-region.

Frankly, I don’t think Walton is one of the 10 most talented teams. Walton needed a couple of huge plays to beat Roswell and even Kennesaw Mountain. But it’s a well-coached team that could win a couple of rounds w/ a good draw.

By nick

October 15, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

harrison was cheated out of the north cobb game, the refs called back every thing over 20 yards, and the same one called it every time. refs are supposed to enforce rules not try to change the outcome of games.

By NC Alumni

October 15, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

I have never seen a North Cobb team that is just this good, so we finally have some and no one can say anything but about how lucky we were? I am glad that you watched us last night Mr. Holcomb. Did you come away thinking that this was a team that could go to the dome? I’m interested in more what you think then anyone else, because Im a homer and have only seen what we have done, where you have been able to see what others have. So in short- What is your prediction for the dome? Do you think NC has the firepower? What other teams?

By NC Alumni

October 15, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Nick…stop complaining. Harrison had NC’s number for the past 10 years. That game could have gone either way, but it went North Cobbs, the best teams find a way to win no matter what they have to overcome… Harrison was not able to do so, and the game wasn’t that badly reffed. So, I guess Im tired of people living in the past, move on and I will see you in the playoffs…

By Todd Holcomb

October 15, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

North Cobb didn’t play an outstanding team Friday, so it’s hard to draw too many conclusions about where the team is headed in postseason. I wish I had seen the Harrison game.

But I did see North Cobb play 2-3 times last season, and I don’t think there’s any question that NC can play with anybody in the state. McEachern coach Jim Dorsey told me he thought North Cobb was the most talented team he’d seen in Cobb in years, and I assume that meant since the 2002 Harrison team w/ five D-1 guys.

Matt Roark is a big-time difference maker and very difficult to defend at the high school level because he handles the ball so well on the option and he’s almost Jonathan Dwyer-like at sprinting through a hole. (I know he’s not as fast as Dwyer, but that’s what I think of when he’s got a step on somebody.)

Also, Roark is a much better passer this season, which opens up another dimension to an offense that’s very difficult to defend. One key will be how the O-line holds up in protection against the kinds of defenses NC will see in the playoffs.

My only concerns about North Cobb are lack of much playoff experience and a propensity to make mistakes that let teams back into games. I saw a little of that vs. Woodstock, and a lot of that in 2006.

By grayson fan

October 15, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

i think grayson is underrated, did anyone say 84/0. thats how many points scored vs. points allowed in their last three games. yes they beat peachtree ridge, and yes then lost to norcross because of a weakness in the corner spot vs. 2 D-1 players. i do believe, grayson should be ranked higher, and i do think thier respectful defence, and strong offensive line will take them to the dome this year.

By Matthew

October 15, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

I’m a Harrison grad so I’m obviously pulling for the Hoyas to win 5A this year. No doubt however, that Northside WR and Buford are two of the best teams in the nation. Northside is ranked #6 in SI and Buford is only unranked nationally because of their classification.

I’ve always had a facination with Valdosta and I hope they can find their way back to the state finals this season.

By Chris Whitfield

October 15, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Besides the Warrior fans, I have probably seen North Cobb more than anyone here on this blog. I covered the Harrison game and the South Cobb games for the paper and have had several long conversations with coach Queen, Middleton and Roark, and I will emphasis like Todd did that North Cobb is a good team. They aren’t world beaters, but they aren’t going to be a gimme game for anyone either. That being said, with the parity in the classification this year, North Cobb could very well be playing on the second Saturday in December for the title. It’s all about who is hot. I would like to see a little more diversity from North Cobb on offense, but the defense was highly impressive. Roark and Middleton are two high quality football players, but I would like to see a couple of other consistent threats emerge. I am sure that I will be covering the Warriors in their games later this season with Marietta and Etowah, so maybe this team has gotten a lot better.

By Dan

October 15, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Todd, earlier this year I asked you about Walton, and you were skeptical about them. What is your opinion of them now?

By Warhawk

October 15, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

How can you not have North Gwinnett #1…??? They have beat three quality opponents Walton, Brookwood and Peachtree Ridge.

By Tank

October 15, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of hearing Harrison whine.

By Wildcat

October 15, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

While Coffee has done fairly well against their opponents this year, you have to realize one thing. They haven’t played hardly anyone until they got into region play. I mean come on, a AAAAA school playing Clinch County??? Valdosta may not win state but atleast they have played a pretty tough schedule, and look how far they have come from a year ago. GO CATS! However, I would bet Lowndes will make it to the final. Friday night should be interesting.

By btown big boy

October 15, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

yea what has been bufords closest game. o yea thts right, 64 to 7 against grove city, ohio

By slalom1

October 15, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

To “Yo” Are you as bored by all of the “Greater Atlanta” hype as I am? Even though I am at odds with you on this year’s NSWR team, Most of the so called “Super Schools” of Gwinnett County would quite simply be buried on a week to week basis by teams from 1AAAAA, 4AAAA, and ,(Okay, here goes….region 2AAA.) Oh!……I feel SO much better!!! Now, just to put things in perspective….Region 2AAA has 3 powerhouses: Shaw, Carver, and LaGrange. (Do not leave out Troup and Harris Co.) You have already seen the roster of LHS. Should you decide to check out the rosters of Carver and Shaw, you will see much of the same. Now “Yo”. One thing that some of the uninformed bloggers will undoubtedly refer to is Carver’s record, prior to moving into region 2 AAA. Trust me on this . The difference is NOT the drop down in classification, it is all about Coach Dell McGee. This guy has absolutely turned the program around in 3 years. In my mind, the 3 stongest regions in the state are: 1-1AAAAA 2-4AAAA 3-2AAA Once again, your honor, I rest my case.

By SC EAGLE

October 15, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

todd holcomb i was just addressing everyones as a whole on NORTH COBB PERIOD.

By Todd Holcomb

October 15, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

* think grayson is underrated, did anyone say 84/0. thats how many points scored vs. points allowed in their last three games.*

Glad to hear you say that because I felt a little guilt for not ranking Chattahoochee No. 10 instead of Grayson. I would’ve bet anything that I’d hear a Hooch protest quicker than a Grayson protest today.

Todd, earlier this year I asked you about Walton, and you were skeptical about them. What is your opinion of them now?

I talked a little about Walton up higher. … Walton has played better than I expected this season, but I remain veru skeptical that this is a Final Four-type team. As I mentioned earlier, it took big plays at the right time to defeat Roswell and Kennesaw Mountain. I think Walton can beat anybody on a given night, but I don’t see Walton stringing together 2-3 wins like that in the playoffs. That’s why being seeded #1 in R6 will be critical.

How can you not have North Gwinnett #1…??? They have beat three quality opponents Walton, Brookwood and Peachtree Ridge.

Best question of the night, and not sure why it took so long! …

I’ll start by saying that I could just as easily defend North Gwinnett at #1. Having three quality wins, plus a better finish in 2006, is mighty hard to argue against.

But here are some reasons for North Cobb to be #1:

— North Cobb was ranked #2 and North Gwinnett #3 the week prior, and I’m hesitant to have one team jump another after #2 wins decisively (score was 36-8 late). It would’ve been a slap in the face almost.

— North Cobb has the best win (Harrison, I believe, is better than Walton, P’Ridge or Brookwood, although that’s debatable. too.)

— North Cobb crushed Kennesaw Mountain 42-0, leading 35-0 at half. KM had Walton beaten until a last-second pass. North Gwinnett beat Walton 21-16.

— Having North Cobb #1 in one poll and North Gwinnett #1 in the others is the best representation of the uncertainty that exists in AAAAA. (Not sure if that’s a good reason, but I do feel that it’s appropriate that the honor of No. 1 be shared at this point.)

Here’s another tough question: What if NC and NG both go 10-0, but NG beats Norcross 35-0. Should NG be #1 then? Probably. I hope I didn’t just set myself up.

By slalom1

October 15, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

To: All of Cobb County Good luck to N. Cobb this year. However, I must say that Cobb County has historically not been much of a threat to the rest of the state when it counted, regarding high school football. But aside from that, the cheerleaders from Cobb county have ALWAYS been among, not only the state’s best, but quite possibly the best anywhere. Go!!!!!Cobb Cheerleaders!!!!!

By NC Alumni

October 15, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Here’s another tough question: What if NC and NG both go 10-0, but NG beats Norcross 35-0. Should NG be #1 then? Probably. I hope I didn’t just set myself up.

I don’t think so…and I will express my opinion and hope for a rebuttal. IF North Cobb wins out and North Gwinnett wins out, I don’t think you can take NC outta the ranking (well of course you CAN, but I dont think it would be fair…) because:

-North Cobb will then have wins over Marietta (whose only loss thus far is Harrison), Etowah (whose only loss thus far is to Campbell), Campbell (whose only other loss thus far is to Marietta) and Harrison (whose only loss is to North Cobb)……

I understand that North Gwinnett has a tough schedule to, but can you really move a team out of the #1 ranking if they beat all of the above team?

Thanks again Mr.Holcomb, always a pleasure.

By Fan

October 15, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Todd, If you are referring to my previous comment, you did not read that Harrison would have beaten North Cobb if the field were dry. What was written was that the wet field might, might Todd, have hurt Harrison more than North Cobb. That does not mean the same as saying Harrison would have one the game.

Now if someone else wrote arrison would have won the game then I stand corrected yet if it is my comment then you should stand corrected.

By yo

October 15, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Wildcat..as Slalom 1 would say..be careful dissing the smaller class schools. Especially Clinch Co. that Coffee pretty much took it to, while Charlton Cty. (remember them) had a hard time. Also, except for the Lowndes game Coffee has beat some pretty good teams. Madison Cty. who has often been a thorn in Valdosta’s side as of late. Pretty convincing win for Coffee over Tift. Seems Valdosta needed a blocked extra point to best Tift. Lowndes played, with out a doubt, its best game of the year against Coffee. However Lowndes was hesitant to pull its first string until the very end of the game because it was obvious Coffee still meant business. They came at us hard the second half. I may end up being wrong but Coffee will be a team others don’t wish to face come playoff time. Speaking of Slalom 1 :-) … Slalom…actually I have come to very much respect many of the regions in AAAAA around metro Atlanta. More and more we are playing these guys and the level of competition from Atlanta (especially Gwinnett and Cobb) has really come up. A region with N. Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge, and Norcross coming out of it in the playoffs looks pretty formidable even for 1AAAAA.

By slalom1

October 15, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

To “Yo” You are probably right. It just hits me right in the gut to believe it, especially Cobb County. (But, I will ALWAYS believe that Cobb County cheerleaders are the best, year in and year out.)