AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFind balance, go far; Fantasy line-ups
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Balance. Mr. Miyagi wanted it for Daniel son, and I want it from my offense … unless I have Kenny Miles.
But even with Miles, teams without balance will struggle, come playoff time. A lack of balance is why as good as Brookwood and Grayson have been I believe neither will make it out of the second round of the playoffs.
In contrast, North Gwinnett, Norcross and Peachtree Ridge will be advancing at least to the quarterfinals on my bracket.
But is having balance more important than fitting your system to your personnel? Most coaches would disagree. Habersham Central coach Gene Cathcart scrapped his power running game for a wide-open, four-receiver spread offense this season.
“It’s really not that different,” said Cathcart. “We didn’t switch a lot of our terminology, but this just allowed us to get our best 11 players on the field at the same time.”
It’s certainly working. Habersham was extremely impressive in last week’s demolishing of Dacula.
In Gwinnett, coach Dennis Roland, a spread aficionado, installed his offense at Central Gwinnett, which, for years, had been a power running team. I’ve heard grumblings that the offense doesn’t fit the personnel and that it is one of the biggest reasons that Central is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time four seasons. I don’t necessarily agree, because as I pointed out, having some sort of balance is a must in the long run, in my eyes.
(Central side note: Former Black Knight Danny O’Rourke, a 1994 graduate, is now the linebackers coach at Navy.)
So my question to you guys and gals is: Which is more important — having a balanced offense or fitting your system to the personnel?
Fantasy Line-Ups
Last week ended in a thrilling tie. Thanks to everyone for helping w/ stats. You’re welcome to play again and try to beat my colleague Kurt Aschermann, 680 the Fan’s Play-by-Play Voice Karl Werl and yours truly. Post your team—1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1 Defense—on the blog anytime before Friday’s kickoffs, and I’ll do my best to track down stats.
Season Scoreboard
Gwinnett 4, State 2 w/ 1 tie
Kurt 4, Karl 2, DP 0, but still trying hard
Here are this week’s lineups (I’ll add yours as entries are received).
Karl’s Wrecking Crew
QB Matt Roark, N. Cobb
RB Tijuan Green, Northside-WR
RB Kenny Miles, Brookwood
WR Rico Mack, N. Cobb
WR Josh Jarboe, Cedar Grove
Def Tucker
The Kurt Dynasty
QB T.J. Smith, Berkmar
RB Cisco Berry, Dacula
RB Demetris Murray, Buford
WR Brice Butler, Norcross
WR Devonta Bolten, Norcross
Def Buford
DP’s Wilting Dandies
QB Brent Snell, South Gwinnett
RB Kenny Miles, Brookwood
RB Tyler Jarrey, North Gwinnett
WR Christian Robinson, GAC
WR Isaiah Jupiter, Berkmar
Def Dacula
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment | Categories: David Purdum
Comments
By Tim McDaniel
October 19, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
I think having your system fit the players matters more. No matter what Level you are, if you don’t have the players to fit the scheme, you need to change the scheme…..Right Coach Petrino???
By D. Gordo
October 19, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
DP you have deeper Gwinnett Football knowledge than I ever imagined. Danny O was one heck of a corner back!
By T.J.
October 19, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
What a epiphany you have had concerning the playoffs. Not sure on the rounds or if I agree on the balance. I beleive it is a mixture of a coaches scheme, personnel, and the desire of the team that can be made to carry a team deep into the playoffs. I am still on the Grayson bandwagon, they remind me of the 2000 Baltmore Ravens. All defense and running. And they are getting healthier with their starting running back and kicker returning. Then there is Norcross, who reminds me of the Indianapolis Colts. Who needs a running game when you can just pass. No balance with either team. To me the team to go the deepest if you are saying balanced is North Gwinnett. Solid on both sides of the ball with great coaching, like the New England Patriots. I think Peachtree Ridge is over rated and Brookwood can surprise everyone still. I do think all the above mentioned teams have a shot at the dome and to win or lose any given Friday night. Dream game for State to me is Norcross vs. Grayson in final. A good story because it would be emotional and may tilt Grayson’s way if healthy; they would be motivated to win. So go Grayson go…may Coach Conn pick the right schemes and motivate Grayson players to go all the way!
By David P.
October 20, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this
T.J. … Here’s the biggest factor: the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds from Region 7 and 8 will meet in the second round, so someone’s going home early.
By T.J.
October 20, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
The one going home early, in my book, is Peachtree Ridge. We will see. This up comming week will be a test for a few teams. Grayson is going to Brookwood to try to slow the current scoring fiesta Brookwood has been enjoying lately. This will be the true test of Grayson’s stingy defense. I dare anyone to take Kenny Miles this next week for fantasy.
By Brookwoodfan
October 21, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Speaking of daring, I’ll dare anyone to take Grayson’s defense over Brookwood’s offense. Even in the battle with North Gwinnett, some of the North Gwinnett fans who happen to be friends of mine kept talking about how strong Kenny Miles is. Don’t get me wrong T.J., no one in their right mind would say that Grayson is not a good team, they definitely are play-off bound and dangerous. But they haven’t faced a running back like him. What makes him spectacular is the offensive line is incredible (I give offensive lines more credit than running backs). Also remember he is not Brookwood’s only strong running back. Don’t think Grayson is the only team that will bring a defense to this game. I will agree with T.J. that winning is more a result of coaching schemes, personnel, and desire. I’ll take Brookwood over Grayson in what should be a fantastic game. I’m very proud of the strength of Gwinnett’s schools: Brookwood, N. Gwinnett, Grayson, Norcross and Peachtree Ridge. Even being a rival to Parkview, I hope that Parkview becomes the powerhouse that they used to be. I am looking forward to the Gwinnett County All Star game this year! I wish all the teams well.
By Feathers
October 22, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
Brookwood’s passing game? Where is it? Someone, somewhere down the road is going to make Brookwood pass to beat them. I’m not sure they can.
By T.J.
October 22, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this
Sound thoughts Brookwoodfan. I am with you in your summary. Gwinnett is the true football powerhouse of Georgia now. I think this game will be where fantasy players should probably take a break on picking anyone from either Brookwood or Grayson. The game will be won in the trenches in this battle for, essentially, the Region Championship. Grayson defensive line is very tough, best in Gwinnett. Brookwood has the best offensive line in Gwinnett. True football fans will love this game. Do not think the winner will be clearly seen until the 4th quarter. I think the score will be like 14 to 13——-either teams favor. I will go with Grayson but know it could easily go to Brookwood with its better coaching and home field advantage.