Prep Zone

By NC-FAN

October 29, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING WHAT MATT ROARK-AND ALL THE WARRIORS-ARE ACCOMPLISHING THIS YEAR. MY VOTE IS FOR MATT. NC IS GIVING THE ENTIRE TOWN A BOOST. GO WARRIORS

By NC-FAN

October 29, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING WHAT MATT ROARK-AND ALL THE WARRIORS-ARE ACCOMPLISHING THIS YEAR. MY VOTE IS FOR MATT. NC IS GIVING THE ENTIRE TOWN A BOOST. GO WARRIORS

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Now Mr. Todd why would you hope that my internet is down? You are opening a can of worms so early on a Monday morning….

I’m a little green to what you are trying to say…please help me understand. If you are saying what I think your saying, I think you fell down and bumped your head over the weekend.

Thanks for the love finally!

GO COUGARS!!!!

By devil lover

October 29, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Todd, your threw me curve again. I thought that Brookwood earned to be in the top ten again by beating Grayson convincingly. Eventhough Roswell beat Milton 45-0, I think we all agree that Grayson is a far better team that Milton. You didn’t give in to the pressure from the Roswell fans from last week did you?

By KooGar

October 29, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Todd, glad to see you are ranking Chattahooche based on their results on the field rather than your “upset” stomach! Good job.

By jag count

October 29, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

what do you think about Stephenson chances in the possible second round playoff game with lowndes

By KSShake

October 29, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Sorry Jag Count, I’m a Stphenson fan aswell, but they’ll lose to Lowndes. Deep playoff football and good competition (especially with better coaching on the other sideline) are too much for Gartrell to overcome. Coach Godfrey got away with it (barely) 11 or 12 years ago ith Quincy (cuz he had Qunicy of course). But Stephenson, like every year, will have one of the most talented teams in the state. But because of the metro areas growth and talent being in more abundance and spread out more, teams that rely on being able to “out athlete” opponents, can’t do that in the playoffs. Don’t get me wrong I hope Stephenson can get that 1st state championship but it’s gonna take more from the coaching staff and Dekalb County athletic department to make it happen.

By undercover

October 29, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Todd, you really don’t know what’s going on in Region 6, do you? It may change everything.

By College Football Fan

October 29, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Yawn

By Observer

October 29, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

All Class Player of the Year will be Debrale Smiley from Thomas County Central. He has set the school record with the most tds, Joe Burns was the record holder with 69 Debarale has 71 with more to go. He has 1,179 rushing yards in 9 games. He is 6ft 240lbs and runs a 4.6. They call him the train, and TCC’s o-line lays the tracks for him. TCC will win the state championship this year because not only do they have Debrale, they have a very fast qb who runs the veer to perfection, and two other backs that run very solid. Defense they are quick and will get after you. And TCC’S coaching staff in one of the best in the state.

By Warrior Woman

October 29, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Either Matt Roark or Calvin Middleton would be a great choice for all-class player of the year. They continue to perform consistently - both when in the spotlight and when ignored.

This week’s Top 10 (IMHO):

1 North Cobb 2 ML King 3 North Gwinnett 4 East Coweta 5 Camden County 6 Harrison 7 Norcross 8 Lowndes 9 Newnan 10 Marietta

By BleedBlue

October 29, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with KSShake. There is an outside chance that Stephenson can beat Lowndes. We certainly have the talent and then some. Our bench has to be one of the deepest we have ever had. But it will take: 1. Gartrell not getting scared to compete. 2. The players deciding to win inspite of the coaching. 3. Replacing the DB’s with more talented second string players. 4. Running the offense like we did on Saturday. 5. Coach Gartrell not getting scared to compete.

By devil lover

October 29, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Todd, I think that defense will win the championship again. Teams currently holding their opponents under 10 pt avg is; Camden County 4.3,Lowndes 7.3, Norcross 7.6 and Harrison 8.1. Not far behind is North Cobb 10.1 and North Gwinnett 10.2.

By NTH Trojans

October 29, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Todd, I agree, Carver,Columbus is the team to beat in AAA, but the sleeper team in AAA is North Hall. I know, how can the #2 team in the state be a sleeper? Well, the reason is because they haven’t played anyone outside of 7AAA. I follow the Trojans and am a big fan of their team, work ethic, coaching staff, discipline, and dedication to winning it all this year. The reason that I think that they can win it all this year is simple - defense. They will get tested in the playoffs as early as the first round, when they will probably face McNair. Don’t let McNairs’ record fool you, their losses are to MLK, Stephenson, Rome, Redan, and the probable 5A-AAA champ, Carver, Atlanta, all quality losses. Then, if NH makes it past McNair, they will have to play the LaGrange - Stephens Co./ Hart Co. winner, and it doesn’t get any easier after that. But, if they do win the AAA championship, everyone will know that they earned it and that they are the best in AAA this year. Plain and simple, there is no easy road in AAA this year.

By johnny K

October 29, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Hey devil lover yes Brookwood beat Grayson. Good game, however yes Roswell did beat Milton, but you also failed to mention that Roswell also beat Brookwood, last year and this year.

By East Coweta No. 4?

October 29, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Warrior Woman, this is most certainly your opinion:

East Coweta No. 4, Newnan No. 9?

Come on.

By johnny K

October 29, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Hey devil lover.
Fact - Yes we do all agree that Grayson is a far better team than Milton. Roswell is also a far better team than Brookwood.

Fact - Roswell has beaten Brookwood last year and this year. Oh by the way both games were road games for Roswell.

Fact - Roswell has won a 5AAAAA state championship. Brookwood has not.

By mikefresh

October 29, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

well i have to say hands down that mr.king from habersham central is the best player in the state. just from what i’ve seen he can do so much and he ca hurt you with his punt returns,kickoffs,wide reciver and oh yeah lol he can punt the ball too not that habersham has to punt. i’m saying hands down habersham will beat tucker in the state playoffs and set up a match up with northside and the state game off the week is in toccoa with stephens county and hart playing for the region championship should be great.

By T.J.

October 29, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Quit talking about the backs at Brookwood. Lets give a large ovation to that line. Brookwood offensive line wore down Grayson’s defensive front. I am still shaking head that Grayson coaches did not rotate defensive front to stay fresh. That group of offensive linemen at Brookwood could make me a 200 yard back at Brookwood. They also pass blocked well. Brookwood has a little pass attack now because the QB can camp back there and find targets. Other notable offensive line I have seen this year is North Gwinnett. Great job guys.

By Fanman

October 29, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Todd, haven’t seen an all-class poll recently…could you give us one?

By devil lover

October 29, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Johnny K. Let me help you get your facts straight.

Fact-Brookwood won the 1996 state championship. Did not tie.

Fact-Roswell did not win the 2006 state championship but tied against one of the weakest team’s to play in the championship game ever who had lost three regular season games.

Fact-Brookwood has lost to two no.1 rated teams while Roswell lost to two teams in their own region who only moved up because they beat Roswell

Fact-Roswell is currently in third place in their region who most high school football fans consider average at best

Fact- Brookwood is no.1 in their region which has won 5 out of the last ten year championships and considered one of the strongest AAAAA regions in GA

Fact- Brookwood has the best running back in AAAAA

Fact-Todd Holcomb is picking Brookwood to win this years championship

Is it clear now Johnny K?

By Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

I was just glad to see that it was some OTHER cougar mom he was hoping to not hear from :) lol

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

cougar mom I noticed that there was another Cougar Mom blogging so I changed my name to The Original Cougar Mom. But I must say that it is very nice to see there is another mom out there representing Hooch!

GO COUGARS!!!

By johnny K

October 29, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Hey Devil lover,

First of all Let me appologize for missing your 96 state championship. Congratulations to all the kids who won it.

Second of all Roswell is the defending state champions until they are eliminated from the play offs or someone beats them for the championship.

Third I don’t understand your statement saying that you lost to two number 1 teams. (Roswell being one of them)and Roswell lost to teams in their own region who only moved up because they beat Roswell. Unfortunately Brookwood did not beat Roswell therefore they according to you they got beat by a 3rd place team in their division. Oh by the way I really don’t believe they will be third place in their division when the season ends.

With respect to wiining 5 division championships good for you. The question remains as to how good is the division. Your lucky Chatahoochee, Walton, and Roswell are not in your division.

Todd Holcomb (Mr Northern Gwinett) is picking Brookwood to win the state. No kidding. Jimmy Carter is voting for the democratic party this year. Bias as you can be.

Fact - When you play in a old, weak, worn out region you should be number 1. You should expect it.

Fact - Roswell 2 Brookwood 0

You lucky you beat Grayson so now you get Sprayberry. I think they will 6 and 4. That way you can be assured of a second round game before you go by by.

By To T.J.

October 29, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Dearest T.J. We all could run behind the Brookwood line if we could run a 4.3. We (Grayson) thought we had their running back(s) shut down pretty good until I saw the game stats. We’ll try again the last game of the season in December at Brookwood. Go Rams.

By Bozo Brackets

October 29, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

With region 6AAAAA split into two zones (which are like regions) they basically have two 1 seeds and two 2 seeds. Doesn’t seem fair to the other regions that have true 1-4 seeds.

By AAAAReg6Fan

October 29, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

To Todd: Tucker….Can’t pass, won’t win state. Observation: As the payoff brackets stand, at the time of this writing, TCC will need to get by reg 6 (Marist and/or st.puis), TCC must remember the 06 st.puis game, while Habersham, will have a very tough first round game from reg 6 #4 Mays. Each one of these teams Tucker beat without the need to pass. Region 6, has about 10 teams, that if located in the other regions, each would make the payoffs. The competition is just that strong, every Friday Night. Region strength should be considered a factor in payoff success.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

I noticed that there was another Cougar Mom blogging so I changed my name to The Original Cougar Mom.

When we get around to “Poll Talk: The Movie,” there’s going to be a lawsuit.

Now Mr. Todd why would you hope that my internet is down? You are opening a can of worms so early on a Monday morning.

Well, I thought someone on Taylor Road in Alpharetta might take offense to my implication that Roswell and Brookwood were better than The Hooch, despite my rankings.

Todd, glad to see you are ranking Chattahooche based on their results on the field rather than your “upset” stomach! Good job.

Always glad to get KooGar’s endorsement. I’d feel safer coming to the Centennial game now.

Todd, you really don’t know what’s going on in Region 6, do you? It may change everything.

Which Region 6? AAAAA or AAAA? You might need to fill me in.

Fact-Todd Holcomb is picking Brookwood to win this years championship

Actually, I just picked B’wood to make the final, not win it.

Todd, your threw me curve again. I thought that Brookwood earned to be in the top ten again by beating Grayson convincingly. Eventhough Roswell beat Milton 45-0, I think we all agree that Grayson is a far better team that Milton. You didn’t give in to the pressure from the Roswell fans from last week did you?

I think Brookwood is one of the 5-6 best teams in the state, but I couldn’t justify ranking BW ahead of Roswell since Roswell won the head-to-head meeting.

Todd, haven’t seen an all-class poll recently…could you give us one?

Might have to wait another week, as that would take some serious thought. I think I’d be more inclined to put Carver in there than before. Not sure that Northside would be No. 1 without Marques Ivory. Eager to see how the Westside game goes.

Quit talking about the backs at Brookwood. Lets give a large ovation to that line. Brookwood offensive line wore down Grayson’s defensive front.

If someone would send me the names Brookwood’s starting five offensive linemen, I’d post them in bold. Then throw in names like Mansfield Wrotto, Phillip Jones, Ian Knight, Brian Truelove, Curt McGill. There’s some tradition there.

what do you think about Stephenson chances in the possible second round playoff game with lowndes

Two disadvantages for Stephenson: Lowndes will be at home, and Lowndes will have faced a tougher schedule to get it ready for that game.

But really, it’s very difficult to figure MLK or Stephenson because neither has played any of the other contenders. We won’t get a fair read on either of them until the playoffs.

OK, back at 7 p.m. No girls softball practice tonight, so I’ll probably be on time. : )

By alumni

October 29, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Fact: You obviosuly haven’t seen all the RB’s in class AAAAA. MLK’s Cordellero Jones was an all-state players last year. The only thing that slowed him towards the end of the season was a broken hand (that he played with) the kids of the speed/power and vision to be the best. He’s leading Dekalb and is among tops ion AAAAA in yards. The kid is special…I’d take him over Miles

By Anything Can Happen

October 29, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

With all the true contenders this year in AAAAA its going to be a wide-open playoff season. Surprises last year: MLK get nailed by Houston County, PeachTree sneaking barely through the playoffs, Camden and North Gwinnett getting bounced by WR, Brookwood loses to a dominated Roswell team; and a final AAAAA game that neither wanted to win.

By Hornet Nation

October 29, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

devil lover Your comment “I think that defense will win the championship again.” You left Roswell out who currently is limiting their opponents to 5.9 points per game.

By devil lover

October 29, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

good point. I was working off of last week top ten thinking the best ten had already been captured. Howevr Roswell better not end up rated third in their region or they will have to play a lot of good teams to get to the big game.

By JBS

October 29, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

How does Calhoun keep dropping in your AJC AA poll when they keep blowing out every hint of “competition” week to week? You people are idiots. They AP poll had them at 4 last week and you nimrods had them at 8. What a load of crap the AJC is most of the time.

By johnny K

October 29, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Hey devil lover

You are WRONG

FACT - Todd Holcomb’s did not pick Brookwood to win the state championship.

His blog statement, word for word “Actually I picked Broodwood to make the final NOT TO WIN IT.”

HOPEFULLY WE ARE NOW CLEAR ABOUT THAT.

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Well, I thought someone on Taylor Road in Alpharetta might take offense to my implication that Roswell and Brookwood were better than The Hooch, despite my rankings.

Brookwood: 6-2 Roswell: 6-2

HOOCH: 7-1

Now can you please explain to me why they get your respect…the way you think is really whacked Todd….

By Warrior Woman

October 29, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

**Warrior Woman, this is most certainly your opinion:

East Coweta No. 4, Newnan No. 9?

Come on.**

Purely a statistical ranking. I ranked first by winning percentage. For teams with the same winning percentage, I then factored in wins and losses against ranked teams and average point differential.

By Hornet Nation

October 29, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

To “The Original Cougar Mom” Truth is if Brookwood or Roswell played The Hooch in say 5 straight games both Brookwood and Roswell would take at least 4 out of 5. That’s respect and!

By Hornet Nation

October 29, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

To “The Original Cougar Mom” Truth is if Brookwood or Roswell played The Hooch in say 5 straight games both Brookwood and Roswell would take at least 4 out of 5. That’s respect!

By To AAAA region 6 fan

October 29, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

TCC has not forgot about st.pius. They also have not forgot about 05 nsw game either. This years team is a whole different team than the 05 and 06 TCC team. They are a more well rounded team this year at all positions. TCC average rushing per game is 389 yards. Passing average is 101 yards. Their Defense is extremely quick.

By BwoodFan

October 29, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Brookwood lit Grayson up. FACT.

And Roswell got LUCKY both times that they played us. You can’t say that missing 4 fg and an extra point that would have tied the game the first time, is skill. We missed the fg to tie the roswell game the second time. We missed a FG to NG and they blocked one (thats skill). Its called luck, not skill. If anything we beat ourselves. And at that point, we didnt have Kenny doin what hes doin. Things will be way different the next time around.

Brookwood gets deep this year. If we can patch the holes in our secondary, we will be unstoppable. And even if we dont patch the secondary, we still get to the semi’s at least.

By EastRaiders07

October 29, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

I love how people, after two years now, are continuing to just completely ignore and overlook East Paulding when discussing the playoff scenarios. Personally, I’m okay with it because it keeps our surprise factor, but I do feel that this hurts the players in recognition, recruiting, etc. Eventually you people (fans throughout the state and the AJC) will understand that East Paulding is building one of the top programs in the metro area under Coach John Reid and his staff (best in the state). The Raiders went to the Dome last year and people didn’t fully appreciate the team. Maybe it will take us winning a state championship for people to acknowledge them. Right now the AJC does rank East Paulding in the Top Ten and to date Darryl Maxie has been the only one from this newspaper to give EPHS some well deserved credit, but it ends there. Just an example of how East Paulding is continually overlooked. Last week East Paulding, with a 7-0 record, played Cherokee, with a 6-1 record, essentially for the region championship and not a single mention of it anywhere on here. However, a 5-2 Douglas County team played a 4-3 Sequoyah team out of the same region and the AJC had a full story about it. East Paulding made ESPN’s Top Ten Plays Friday night, but nothing from the AJC. How can we rely on the coverage of the AJC for prep sports with blatant discrepancies like this? Good luck to all throughout the state. Hopefully our opponents, for their own sake, do not ignore East Paulding like everyone else does. GO RAIDERS!

By Hornet Nation

October 29, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

To - By BwoodFan - You forget we got into your heads both games and the game this year our O-line dominated your D-Line. You left out the dropped pass for a sure touchdown and a called back touchdown in this years game etc.. I believe TD’s count 6 points plus an extra point attempt vs. 3 points for a field goal. Hornet Domination of Brookwood —- Go Hornets!

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation still sounds bitter…..tsk…tsk!

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation still sounds bitter…..tsk…tsk!

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation still sounds bitter…..tsk…tsk!

By Who does East Paulding Play

October 29, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

I understand you think they do not get enough attention. Where I think the Differnece between TCC,NSW,and Tucker is Ep’s schedule.

By KSShake

October 29, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

It’s always been obvious that Todd has a bias for Gwinnett, North Fulton, and East & North Cobb. More specifically, Brookwoood, Parkview, Norcross, North Gwinnett, Grayson, Peachtree Ridge, Roswell, Harrison, Walton and now his new darling North Cobb. I TRY to be impartial when analyzing high school football, but when I see how the schools in Dekalb, South Fulton, Atlanta, South Cobb and Clayton get shortchanged on coverage and respect, I just can’t help but be an advocate for (even though I get on them from time to time) the Stephenson’s, ML King’s, Tucker (the only school they really give any respect to), Cedar Grove’s, Redan’s, Douglas’s, May’s, Carver’s, Grady’s of the world. I realize Westlake, Creekside, and North Clayton are down this year, but they field good teams with some great athletes every year. The only reason Creekside and North Clayton got the publicity they did last year was because of Eric Berry and Morgan Burdett. It’s no surprise Georgia doesn’t get them or James Davis from Douglass or the kid from Tri-Cities2 or 3 years ago. Did you honestly think Marcus Ball, Perry Riley or any of the guys from Stephenson’s recent teams were going to go UGA or Tech the way Tech and the local media did his brother and there are folks in the North Clayton area that feel Georgia held D.J. Shockley back, and now he’s playing catch up to become an NFL quarterback.

My point is, the media that covers high school sports shows TOO MUCH favortism to particular schools and areas (for whatever reason). They give the impression that one school playing in a region or against North Forsyth, Forsyth Central, Alpharetta, Lassiter, Duluth, or Meadowcreek is SOOO much tougher and prestigious than playing against Towers, McNair, Cedar Grove, Banneker, Washington, Miller Grove, Luella or Mundy’s Mill. I can’t help but see the connection between predominantly black schools and schools that predominantly white. Now I know people hate for someone to bring it up (especially when it could be true) But let’s be honest, the schools that come from the Gwinnett, North Fulton, North and East Cobb area get the majority of the love and respect. They get most of the publicity because were they are from.

By johnny K

October 29, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

To the Brookwood fan.

Has Brookwood beat anybody with a winning record?

By EastRaiders07

October 29, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

I understand you do not think East Paulding plays opponents on the same level as TCC, NWR, and Tucker. Honestly, our region is not as tough as other regions, but our top four teams are currently 30-6 which is one of the best records for any four top teams in a single region in 4A. However, with a ten team region with no sub-regions, that allows only one opportunity to schedule an eye-catching non-region opponent, but the fact that our big county rival, Paulding County (who’s in 5A), is not in the same region, this eliminates that opportunity all together. I know Tucker is in a similar situation with a region of 12 teams. I just checked out TCC and they have a 4 team region which allows them to schedule 3 games stepping up to 5A, but also 3 games against 3A and 2A opponents. Similarly, NWR has 3 non-region games with 5A opponents. If it were up to us at East Paulding, we would love to play the best of the best, but region alignments just don’t allow for it. People thought of us last year as a team that hadn’t played anybody, but when given the opportunity to play a team with a great history such as #3 ranked Rome in the playoffs, we beat them by 24 AT Rome, but Marist, from a stronger region, eventually put us out in the Dome. Another thing that hurts East Paulding is the lack of a winning tradition that a TCC, NWR, Marist, or Tucker also have. This is only our second season competing at a high level, but to come from such shambles of a program, some recognition and credit would be nice for East Paulding. The bottom line is I’m not asking for any more coverage than NWR, Tucker, TCC, or any other team. I’m just asking for SOME recognition and credit.

By cj

October 29, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Todd, thanks for giving carver-columbus it just do. Even though lagrange lost, I can see carver, lagrange and shaw making it to the dome. Lagrange has a good qb and lb. Carver defense will really hit you hard. North Hall might be a sleeper, but what is their strenght of schedule like.

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Sorry that triple post wasn’t my fault…I am not trying to rub anything in anyone’s face.

By NTH Trojans

October 29, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

cj, North Hall’s strength is not what it needs to be, but a lot of that has to with the fact that they just split 7AAA into sub-regions and already had their schedule made before they split the region up. In all honesty, the only 2 decent teams that they will play during the regular season is Gainesville and Flowery Branch.

By Hornet Nation

October 29, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

To The Original Cougar Mom - Not bitter just a fact. Many outside our program have seen the game film and said that Roswell should have beaten the Hooch by at least two TD’s. It took uncharacteristic mistakes and bad luck on our part and trick plays on your part/ plus holding on for dear life in the 2nd half just to win - that a fact. Let’s see who goes the farthest in the playoffs. Remember you also have two very tough games remaining.

By KooGar

October 29, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation, it’s a shame your fantasy predictions don’t measure up to the results of your team on the field. Roswell has LOST twice, but according to you, that doesn’t matter if only Roswell could play the games they lost again. Why play the games when you can pontificate in a blog about imagined successes. Clearly, you have no respect for the game.

By Warrior Mom

October 29, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Yes, hats off to Matt Roark and his supporting cast on offense. They have done a fine job. However, if you ask anyone who has been watching North Cobb this year, they will tell you that the “DEFENSE” has been winning games for the Warriors. As with any good defense, they have stepped up to the plate all season long when it really mattered.

The defense has also afforded Coach Queen the comfort to call fourth down plays almost anywhere on the field; because he knows they will rise to the occasion if the offense does not convert. Everybody (teams) knows what to expect from NC offensively. The real surprise this year has been the defense – their speed has been one to reckon with. My vote is with devil lover: Great defense is the key to any championship team! GO Warrior Defense! You deserve some props, too!

By AAAAReg6Fan

October 29, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

To the author of: TCC has not forgot abut St. Pius. The TCC numbers that you quoted are impressive. The point you may have missed, is the strength of the region/schedule. I would wonder if TCC, numbers would be that impressive, playing 7-8 quality region football teams, each with defenses that are not only quick, but fast. Since you mention defense, another important stat is Points Allowed per Game; top 4 teams in Reg 6 (8 games), Tucker 3.5, Marist 7.9, St Pius 13.0 and Mays 7.9, that’s a lot of solid defense. O’ by the way TCC is 11.7 (9 games). Might get TCC third place in region 6.

By JC597

October 29, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Todd,

What happens in 8-AAAA if Habersham Central and Cedar Shoals both win the remainder of their games. Both would be undefeated in Sub-Region and Region play, but Habersham would be 9-1 and Cedar Shoals would be 10-0. Habersham has given up less points against both Subregion and Region opponents. I’m fairly certain Habersham has also scored more total points than Cedar Shoals. Their loss came to AAA #3 Stephens County.

What is the tie-breaker?

It does not seem fair to either team to be denied the #1 seed. Either draw is a tough road to the Dome, and I honestly don’t know which seed I’d prefer as a Habersham fan.

A #1 seed means a likely quarterfinals rematch with Northside-WR, pending a Northside win over Westside-Macon this Friday. We did not match up well against them last year (34-0: Ivory and Green had a field day on the ground). However, the Habersham defense is a lot tougher/more mature this year and Marques Ivory is injured.

A #2 seed means a likely 2nd-Round game against Dalton and a potential quarterfinals matchup with Griffin or Evans. This scenario also requires beating the 6-AAAA #3 seed in the first round (Marist, Mays, or St. Pius - all tough playoff opponents).

Tucker, in my opinion, will have the easiest road to the Dome if they win out. Thomas County Central (hereinafter referred to as “TCC”) will have a tough draw with a likely game against Baldwin County or Westside-Macon in the 2nd-Round and a possible quarterfinals matchup with either East Paulding or Marist.

That being said, I believe the two easier AAAA draws will be Tucker’s bracket and the Bracket with the Region 7 and Region 3 champs.

Dream scenario for Habersham: Northside loses to Westside coupled with Habersham getting the Region 8 #1 seed. Dome matchup with Tucker, home game against TCC/Northside (sans-Ivory) in the finals.

No matter what happens, AAAA is a toss-up this year without Ivory in the lineup for Northside.

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation Please tell me what trick plays you are referring to? You must not have read the article that was written in the AJC and what your coach said. He even said that your team played awful. Awful doesn’t win games…

Shoulda, woulda, coulda…..but you didn’t, did you?

You also predicted that we would have a hard time with Northview, but you were wrong there, now weren’t you?

Yes, let’s see who goes the furthest…like I said in a previous post to you, I will “suck it up” and admit defeat when it happens…until then see you at State, of course that is if you make it there.

GO COUGARS!!!!

By KooGar

October 29, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation, you’re too much. Roswell made mistakes, bad luck, trick plays - where do the excuses end? I was at the game and I saw Chattahoochee’s half back, Gary Grace, blast over the right side and run 56 yard for a touchdown (bad luck). I saw a well executed on-side kick because Roswell wasn’t fundamentally sound on special teams pretty tricky, eh?). I saw Chattahoochee stop Roswell on its own goal line (bad luck or trickery - your choice). I saw Chattahoochee intercept your quaterback and turn out the lights on Roswell’s homecoming. I hope Hooch gets to play Roswell again, and when we beat you on Chattahoochee’s field I can’t wait to hear your next round of excuses.

By kreedham

October 29, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

From what I understand the Northside backup QB, now the starter, has played quite a bit this year. If anyone out there has been to the Northside games please verify his playing time. He also came in when NHS was down by 14 to Upson Lee and took them to the win.

I still think Northside will beat Westside. They whipped Baldwin who just prior to that had edged Westside. Also Northside coach lost to WR enough during Nix’s first tenure when Westside coach Robert Davis was at WR. Even though Coach Davis is in Macon now, I bet Coach Nix still enjoys a little payback.

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 29, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Well said KooGar and with that I am calling it a night! Until tomorrow….

By Bwood Fan

October 29, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

To Johnny K.

Nope, we sure didnt dominate grayson 24-7 (the score was alot closer than the game was). We also didnt DESTROY a valdosta team 37-6. We also didnt beat then 5-0 Berkmar 28-13. O yeah, should I mention we were underdogs in all those games.

Lets see, in two losses weve lost by a COMBINED four points. (In our two losses to Roswell we’ve lost by a COMBINED 4 points)

In our 6 wins we’ve outscored opponents 226 - 58. On the season we’ve outscored opponents 240 - 90.

Great question though.

By AAAAReg6Fan

October 29, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

To EastRaiders07. What 4 top teams are you talking about? I see the following E.Paulding 8-0, Douglas Co. 6-2, Cherokee 6-2, and Pebblebrook 5-3, for a total of 25- 7 for AAAAReg5. Are you including Hillgrove, are they playoff qualified?

For AAAAReg6, Tucker 8-0, Marist 7-1, Mays 6-2, St. Pius 6-2, for a total of 27-5. Playing in arguable the toughest region in AAAA.

By EastRaiders07

October 29, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

To AAAAReg6Fan: that was an honest mistake. i was going off of obviously false information from another forum. http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=37#s=37&f=2685&t=1296847

I’m pretty sure Hillgrove and South Paulding won’t be playoff eligible until next season, it being their third.

By Reeze

October 29, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Stay strong couger mom! Protect you babies.Wet dish rag across the mouth of anyone disrespecting the Hooche’s.All AAAA teams take notice.If you don’t have a balanced attack,you won’t a chance against NSWR.Habersham?,double team your all-state wideout,then what?.You guys remember round 3 last year,34-0.You guys must have improved a lot since then.

By will

October 29, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

what about 2time ajc player of the week candiate 250 yards 5 tds waltons jj jackson

By devil lover

October 29, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Johnny K, everyone on this blog knows that Roswell is toast all ready. It looks like you might finish 4th in your region after tieing for the championship game last year. Then this year losing to Marist and the Hooch who both didn’t get pass the first round last year. If you do finsh 4th you will have to prove that you can beat Brookwood again because they will be ranked 1st in one of the strongest region in 5-AAAAA.

By Eagle Fan

October 29, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Northside’s backup quarterback, Joe Scott, has played a lot and played well including most of the UL comeback win. He is very capable of leading Northside to victory. Ivory was amazing, but Joe, Green, the team, and the fans will jack it up a notch to keep on truckin. Let’s go Joe, you da man Joe! Go Eagles

By JC597

October 29, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Reeze: I wouldn’t talk smack until I saw the outcome of the Northside-Westside game this weekend. To say Northside will still continue to dominate seems to tremendously undermine Ivory’s value. I saw him play against Habersham last year in the 34-0 whipping. He looked like JaMarcus Russell on the field. He is an integral part of that offense.

A Habersham-Northside game without Ivory is totally different. It’s a lower-powered Northside offense against a much-improved Habersham defense. I’ll still grant Northside 14-17 offensive points because of Green and the new QB. After that, it’s a question of whether Habersham can score 2-3 TD’s to keep the game close.

Despite being a Hab Central fan, I concede Northside is a better team than anyone in AAAA with Ivory at QB. Without him, the rest of the teams with solid defenses, decent running games, and strong passing attacks stack up very well against Northside.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

How does Calhoun keep dropping in your AJC AA poll when they keep blowing out every hint of “competition” week to week? You people are idiots. They AP poll had them at 4 last week and you nimrods had them at 8. What a load of crap the AJC is most of the time.

Glad you said ”most of the time” and not ”all the time” because that gives me hope! …

Yours is a fair question.

Calhoun has dropped in the rankings only once, which was this week. It happened because I felt that Thomasville needed a promotion for beating Fitzgerald, and I didn’t think that Fitz needed to drop since Fitz had two pretty nice wins.

As to why Calhoun is below all those teams after Charlton at No. 2, well, that’s a good question. The main reason is that all those one-loss teams (Fitz, Early, Dodge, SavChristian, etc..) have lost close to teams that I consider better than Villa Rica. Although it’s probably a tossup since Villa Rica is a AAA school. So I can see how Calhoun should be ranked as high as No. 3, but also as low as No. 8, depending on a nimrod might look at it on a given day.

**Brookwood: 6-2 Roswell: 6-2

HOOCH: 7-1

Now can you please explain to me why they get your respect…the way you think is really whacked Todd.**

I know, but Peachtree Ridge was 7-3 and won a state title.

what about 2time ajc player of the week candiate 250 yards 5 tds waltons jj jackson

Not bad, Will.

JJ’s stats (according to RaidersFB.com):

1,107 yards rushing, 15 TD 173 yards receiving, 2 TD

From what I understand the Northside backup QB, now the starter, has played quite a bit this year. If anyone out there has been to the Northside games please verify his playing time.

He’s thrown about 40 passes. Norhside trailed Upson-Lee by 14 when Ivory was hurt.

**Todd,

What happens in 8-AAAA if Habersham Central and Cedar Shoals both win the remainder of their games. Both would be undefeated in Sub-Region and Region play, but Habersham would be 9-1 and Cedar Shoals would be 10-0.**

Each region can make up its own tiebreaker, and I don’t know what it is for 8-AAAA. However, if the region decided to ‘default’ to GHSA rules, then it appears that the teams must draw for the No. 1 seed since both will be undefeated against Class AAAA competition (region + non-region). Habersham’s loss is against a AAA opponent.

But I would think that R-8 would have some plan other than a coin flip.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

I love how people, after two years now, are continuing to just completely ignore and overlook East Paulding when discussing the playoff scenarios.

EP was overlooked last season because it was a team that had tradionally been weak playing in a region of tradionally weak teams. I don’t think anyone could’ve seen that run to the SF last season outside of Paulding County. It was a storybook season.

This season, EP lost tons of seniors from the ‘06 and hadn’t looked particularly impressive against a weak schedule — until last week.

We still won’t know about the real EP until the playoffs because that region hasn’t peformed well in the limited number of games it has played outside the region.

By jaybo

October 29, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

TCC is clearly the front runner in AAAA. Though their region consists of only 4 teams, don’t ever underestimate the strength of south georgia football, plus the Jackets beat a tough Thomasville Bulldog team(ranked #3 in AA), a tough Cairo team(ranked #6 in AAA), and a tough Tift Co. team(a playoff team from region 1-AAAAA). We would dominate region 6-AAAA w/o a problem! Todd, DEBRALE SMILEY is the front runner for the all class player of the year, hands down! This kid is simply a man among boys. He runs with power and speed—unstoppable! Set all-time TCC school record for touchdowns held by Joe Burns. The record was 69, and Debrale “the D-TRAIN” has 71 with one more regular season game to go. Need I say more Todd? Need I say more state of Georgia? I don’t think so!!!!!!!

By hsref

October 29, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd, What about Lovett in 2A? I see they are not ranked in the top 10. Their only L was to a ranked #9 3A team in Westminster. I did their game last week and they look pretty good. I think they might be able to keep it close when they play Buford in a few weeks.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

It’s always been obvious that Todd has a bias for Gwinnett, North Fulton, and East & North Cobb. … I TRY to be impartial when analyzing high school football, but when I see how the schools in Dekalb, South Fulton, Atlanta, South Cobb and Clayton get shortchanged on coverage and respect, I just can’t help but be an advocate.

I think the word ‘bias’ should be replaced by the phrase ‘respect for history.’

It’s hard not to be a little biased toward Gwinnett when Gwinnett teams have won (or shared) the title in the highest class 6 of the last 11 seasons. Meanwhile, no DeKalb or South Cobb or Southside team has reached a championship game in AAAAA since 1995. So how could I not be biased?

Gwinnett has sent seven teams to the QF the past two seasons. That’s 7 out of 16.

Keep in mind that I was the one who put Stephenson at No. 1 (instead of North Gwinnett or North Cobb) a few weeks back.

Admittedly, I don’t have great confidence in Stephenson or MLK in the playoffs this season because I consider that region (2-AAAAA) to be weak, and there’s evidence of that (not bias) in the scores.

Region 2-AAAAA teams (outside of MLK & Stephenson) are losing to teams in lower classifications.

Now, Region 6-AAAA is another story.

I’ve said here many times that this is the toughest AAAA region in the state. Two teams from this region (Tucker, Marist) are ranked. Three others (St. Pius, Mays, Southwest DeKalb) have been ranked at some point.

I have ranked more teams from this region than any other in the state this season. And that’s due purely to bias because that region does not play outside of itself untl the playoffs.

By T.J.

October 29, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Lets not forget I am supporting Grayson this year. I just admired Brookwood and stated the obvious about how they won. Brookwood is better than they were in the begining of the season when they lost. The line took time to gel. QB is throwing now with the great blocking. Coaches are getting the team better as the year goes on. Can not say that about all the teams. Like Roswell and Peachtree Ridge. They are overated due to last season. Teams will change some more after the next 2 days. I anticipate Grayson will make some changes and be back in it.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd, What about Lovett in 2A? I see they are not ranked in the top 10. Their only L was to a ranked #9 3A team in Westminster. I did their game last week and they look pretty good. I think they might be able to keep it close when they play Buford in a few weeks.

Lovett is playing well, and I respect your opinion since you’ve seen them and I haven’t, but the Class AA rankings are airtight, just not any openings. All 10 teams are very solid.

For example, look at how well Calhoun has played (beat a good Dalton team from AAAA, but is ranked only #8.)

And if you worked the Lovett-Walker game, I know you realize that Walker is extremely weak.

And as for Buford, I don’t think Lovett will fare any better than other ‘pretty good’ teams have. Point spread = 25 1/2.

By AAAAReg6Fan

October 29, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

I agree with, BY JC597, defense can win championships, especially at the HS level. Your analysis speaks of many teams in Reg 6, and one in particular (TUCKER).

By slalom1

October 29, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

To: TODD HOLCOMB Hal-a-freakin-loolya!! AAA takes the #1 spot on this blog, FINALLY. (You must be suffering from low ratings in West Central Georgia.) But, giving you the benefit of the doubt, your “hands-up” for Carver-Columbus is well deserved. Todd, this Carver team is loaded with talent. LaGrange made the necessary adjustments from the Shaw game, to keep things close until the very end. Carver simply had too much. However, I still believe that AAA is there for the taking. North Hall, Gainesville, Hart County, Shaw, Peach County, and LaGrange are in the hunt. The big question is:”Will Carver beat themselves?” They are quite capable. Kicking game is very suspect, to say the least. Their RB’s are very talented, but have a tendency to turn the ball over. In a re-match against Shaw or LaGrange, I would bet the ranch AGAINST Carver.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

I’ve heard about the kicking concerns, although Carver folk tell me it’s better than in ‘06.

I think you can scratch Gainesville from that list of contenders. I’d say Peach County also, but no sense in writing off a two-time defending champ.

North Hall is certainly a threat.

I’m eager to see Carver and Furr. Would like them to make it to the Dome.

And you know, I’ve always been kind to West Georgia. Remember that I had LaGrange, Shaw, Carver ranked 2-3-4 last season.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Belated thanks to those giving opinions about the all-class player of the year. It’s an award that the AJC has given out since the early 1980s. Before that, we had just individual class players of the year.

I gets lots of e-mail about Smiley. Haven’t seen him, but he must be something. … But so is this Brookwood kid, Miles.

By drock7

October 29, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

To: TODD HOLCOMB I know championships have been won by gwinnett county teams in the past but every year is a different year. Ex. Boston College Kansas. So why no love for Newnan or East Coweta. Just wait and see what they do to your top 10 teams in the playoff starting with 2AAAAA teams from Dekalb. I can’t wait until Nov 16

By hoyadawg

October 29, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

a cobb team will win state this year! Don’t count out a cobb vrs cobb championship with harrison against north cobb. this would be a great rematch. I believe Todd sees this coming, he is just afraid to say it. n cobb over lowndes, and Harrison over brookwood in the semi finals. Where would the championship be played?

By drock7

October 29, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Why wasn’t Alan Bonner Newnan High School wasn’t mention for player of the week. Over 150 yards receiving 85 yards rushing and a 52 yard bomb touchdown pass.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

I know championships have been won by gwinnett county teams in the past but every year is a different year. Ex. Boston College Kansas. So why no love for Newnan or East Coweta.

I don’t believe in BC or Kansas either! …

But I hear what you’re saying, and you’re right that this is a new season. It’s just hard to put faith in teams until they play another top 10-20 team, and East Coweta nor Newnan has done that. Newnan did play Carrollton, and got blitzed.

But I’d love for East Coweta to make a move and for Danny Cronic to get another shot at a title.

By slalom1

October 29, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Just remember that I said this: Carver should win in AAA this year. But, should that not happen, it will be the result of the kicking game, or turnovers. And……In a rematch, take Shaw and LaGrange over Carver. As for North Hall and Hart County, they may have something to say about the AAA title as well. Did I forget about Carrollton? Rayvon Teague(sp?) is a brilliant high school coach. They may be THE sleeper.

By Curios

October 29, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Does Shane Queen of North Cobb call more fourth down plays because of confidence in his defense or is it because of lack of confidence in his kicking game? Just wondering.

By TCCjacketfan

October 29, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

To all of the TCC doubters….I can’t wait till the playoffs. For one thing it’s not our fault we have only 4 teams in our region. We don’t like it either. Most teams view winning their region a major accomplishment. To us, most years it’s a foregone conclusion. We want to play a tough region schedule, but that’s out of our control. Besides those teams that are already in 1-AAAA, the nearest AAAA teams to us are over 2 hrs. away. This is the problem that has occured with reclassification. If any of you can remember back to the glory days for region 1, ( the 90’s) the state champion would come out of our region. It was a mini-version of the SEC. Out of all those state championships, only once did we have an undefeated team. The tough region schedule is what made us better. W’ell now that we don’t have that, we have made it up by playing mostly AAAAA teams in our non-region schedule. Such as Lowndes, Tift, Colquitt. We also play Cairo every year. After that there will usually be 1 or 2 teams in the region that just happen to be having a good year. So any of you that wonder whether or not we are battle tested I hope your questions have been answered.

By Todd Holcomb

October 29, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Why wasn’t Alan Bonner Newnan High School wasn’t mention for player of the week. Over 150 yards receiving 85 yards rushing and a 52 yard bomb touchdown pass.

Not sure, as I don’t compile those candidates, but either we thought the Landmark Christian guy was a better choice, or we didn’t get wind of Bonner’s exploits until past our deadline. Some game he had, though.

n cobb over lowndes, and Harrison over brookwood in the semi finals. Where would the championship be played?

If it’s Harrison & North Cobb, then the title game will be played at the home field of the Region 5-AAAAA champion. Assuming North Cobb can beat Etowah or Marietta, I guess that’s at Albert Matthews Field at Emory Sewell Stadium. Or do I have that backward?

By Player of the Year, and Team of the Year, and Coach of the Year in 2007

October 29, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Debrale the Train Smiley is hands down the best running back in the state of GA. I have seen Miles from Brookwood play he is a very good back. He does not have the size like Smiley. Debrale not only will out run you, he will flat run over you. To be 6ft 240lbs and run as fast as he does and make moves to make defenders miss tackles is amazing. Todd you need see if you can get some game film on him and you will see what I mean. He is on a level of his own. TCC’s team as a whole is very talented this year. Their running game is the best in the state. Their Defense does have a average of 11.7 points per game scored on them, but they have a average of 38.8 points scored per game on offense. AAAA region 6 Fan you left off the stat of how much TCC’s offense is scoring. No team in region 6 would be able to stop TCC’s running game. TCC’s defense is getting better every week, so you can expect that average of points scored on them will go down. TCC not only has the best team in AAAA, they have the best coaching staff also. TCC’s Head Coach Ed Pilcher is one of the best,if not the best coach in the state of GA. He will take his team and beat yours, and turn around and take your team and beat his. A lot of Good Coaches can take a great player and coach him to make great plays, but it takes a great coach to take an average player and coach him to make great plays. That is what he does year in and year out at Thomas County Central. Look for Debrale Smiley Player of the Year, TCC Team of the Year, and Coach Ed Pilcher Coach of the Year in 2007.

By Bunko

October 29, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Todd, It is obvious to everyone that you hate Brookwood. Why don’t you just come out and say it. I saw you at the game Friday night after Brookwood handily beat Grayson and YOU DID NOT LOOK HAPPY! I am sorry if some Bronco once put you on your back, but I wish that it would happen again! GO BRONCOS!

By steven maxwell

October 29, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

plain and simple tauren poole should be a nominee for player of the year his stats speak for them self with over 1,442yrds rushing and 23tds and he could have moore if his coach did’nt pull him in the second qt of the blow out games after he’s got about 150yrd and about 2tds.Come friday when heart comes to the reservation you’ll see and i’am tired of hearing about north hall they have’nt played anybody and how come they jumped in front of stephens for the #2 spot in the state.

By game watcher

October 29, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

While N. Cobb may have a solid team, look for a hard fought battle between the Marietta Blue Devils and the North Cobb Warriors next friday night. It will be probably that the Warriors will enter 9-0 while the Blue Devils will enter 8-1, and be a completely changed team from the Harrison loss Marietta encountered just a few weeks ago. Look for Marietta to pull out of this one with a 21-16 victory

By Raider from the start

October 29, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Hi Todd, The lack of AJC coverage is a sore spot with many here @ East Paulding, I haven’t read any real explaination for the lack of coverage except your perception that we have a weak region. Is this a valid reason? We are undefeated and a very young team. We will continue to win a high percentage of games in the future. Winning traditions always have a starting point. Ours has started. Check us out, you will see.

By TCCjacketfan

October 29, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Another comment for TCC doubters:

The reasons you beleive we won’t win this year, as I understand it, are as follows.

1) We are are a one- dimentional team.

2) We have given up more points than Northside and Tucker.

3) We are just overrated and from a weak region.

Response to 1) Yes, are stats show that we run 95% of the time. But if you average between 8-10 yards per carry, wouldn’t you. O, and that stat is not just for Smiley. All of our starting running backs and quarterback, have rushing stats that good. In addition, those of you who don’t know our offense, we run the split back veer. In that, you operate the triple option. Well to give you an indication of how dominate our offense has been, several games we haven’t even had to pitch the ball at all. Against Colquitt, we pitched the ball 1 time. We scored 28 pts in the 1qtr. We pulled our starters out in the 2nd. qtr. We one 42-7. Actually’ we usually score in the 40’s by the middle of third quarter. When we do pass,such as last week against Americus,our quarterback went 4-5 for just under 200 yards. Majority of our games our 2nd and 3rd stringers have been put in as early as the end of the 2nd quarter. That happens when an offense is capable of scoring 48 points in just 29 plays.

2)Such as suggested above, most of the points scored wered on our 2nd and 3rd string defenses.

3)As was suggested in a previous post, our non region schedule is as tough as anybody’s region schedule in the state,and we are 9-0.

By cj

October 29, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

To slalom, I understand you are a die hard lagrange fan. Why is it that you say to bet the ranch against carver. Did they not put the smack down against lagrange. As far as their kicking game, they are making 30 yard feild goals. Have you been to any of their games? They make extra points as well. Their defense is just as good as their offense. They have a great coach and talent. Columbus has 9 high schools and 4 of them are ranked in the top 10 of their classification. Just imagine if we only had two schools. We would have killed lagrange by 30 points.

By cj

October 29, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

To slalom, I understand you are a die hard lagrange fan. Why is it that you say to bet the ranch against carver. Did they not put the smack down against lagrange. As far as their kicking game, they are making 30 yard feild goals. Have you been to any of their games? They make extra points as well. Their defense is just as good as their offense. They have a great coach and talent. Columbus has 9 high schools and 4 of them are ranked in the top 10 of their classification. Just imagine if we only had two schools. We would have killed lagrange by 30 points.

By EastRaiders07

October 29, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

That’s what i’m saying Raider. How can the weak region be the excuse when they run an entire story friday night about Sequoyah(4-3) vs. Douglas County(5-2), but no mention about East(7-0) vs. Cherokee(6-1) essentially for the region championship. The more I think about it, the more it’s starting to make me a little mad.

By Randy

October 29, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Habersham Central is a very much improved and matured team. They are capable of defeating any team including North Side WR on a given night. All Play Off bound teams should remember that penalties and turnovers will get them beat. By the way, Tauren Poole of Stephens Co. would my choice for best player.

By Raider4Life

October 29, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Now what of East Paulding? We are very under-rated and will be biting at anyone in our way, especially N’Side Warner-Robbins. We are THE team to beat that no one pays attention to until we take you out.

By JC597

October 29, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I’ll have to agree that Stephens County (or Hart County) should be included in any AAA state championship discussion. It’s hard to argue with Stephens County’s undefeated record and wins over AA #9 Dublin and AAAA #6 Habersham. Overall, I think there are better teams out there, but the Hart Co. - Stephens Co. winner this weekend takes the #1 seed in Region 8-AAA and a first-round game against a weak Region 6-AAA opponent, followed by Flowery Branch or (at best) Chamblee in the second-round game.

The second-round game will determine who goes to the Dome because the quarterfinal game in that bracket will likely be against either Henry County, Harris County, or Troup County.

That being said, the Region 8-AAA champion stands a good chance of marching straight to the Dome this year.

By AAAAReg6Fan

October 29, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

To TCCjaketfan: Thanks for updating us on the past with region 1-AAAA, but this is 2007 and that’s what needs to be communicated. At this time, reg 1-AAAA could possibly match up to reg 6-AAAA (probably) marist. Should be a good game. Remember, reg 6 contains a number of teams that play solid defense and can ware teams down with their running game and underneath passing, (west coarse O), each with great special teams, a part of the game many forget. Reg 1-AAAA must be ready to play 4 qts. The mini SEC is in region 6 this year.

By hoyadawg

October 29, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

east paulding you dont get respect you earn it. go on and beat some good teams (not cherokee who lost to chapel hill) and you will earn some respect .I want you to go all the way and win state, but quit begging, and earn it.

By Prediction

October 29, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

N. Cobb will win their first round game then will go home until next year after the second game. They don’t have the experience to go deep in the playoffs; not able to handle the playoff pressure. Because of the lack of success in previous years they will cave during a close game in the second round.

By AAAAReg6Fan

October 29, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

To Player of the Year, and Team of the Year, and Coach of the Year in 2007: TCC average of 38.8 scoring per game is impressive, but I still must stated, the level of the playing field. When you play a regional schedule, like AAAA-6 with 7-8 good defensive teams, scoring average will be down. TUCKER scoring avg 32.8 and Marist 34.0 appears very competitive to TCC with both teams having played 8 games to TCC 9 games. Not much to argue here. Provide the other 3 teams in TCC region scoring average. Coaching staff, I would probably agree with you, but there are some fine up in coming coaches in region 6 and don’t forget, region 6 has one of the most successful coaches, in marist’s Chadwick, which could be a quarter final match for TCC. I would like to see that game…

By EastRaiders07

October 29, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

what the hell are you talking about you cobb county snob? hoyadawg, we’re undefeated. we went to the Dome last year. Cherokee didn’t lose to Chapel Hill, they lost to a 6-2 Douglas County team. Harrison over the past two years is 13-5, East Paulding is 20-2. I understand the competition, in your eyes and many’s is weak, but it’s not our fault that’s the region we play in. We would love to step up and play a Harrison or Marietta or McEachern, our schedule just doesn’t allow for it though. I’m not asking for any spectacular coverage, but can you explain how two teams IN OUR SAME REGION, Sequoyah(4-3) vs. Douglas County(5-2), gets coverage, but East Paulding with a 8-0 record does not. If this is not a blatant coverage discrepancy in your eyes, i don’t know what is. We are certainly not begging for coverage. We have earned it.

By EastRaiders07

October 29, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

what the hell are you talking about you cobb county snob? hoyadawg, we’re undefeated. we went to the Dome last year. Cherokee didn’t lose to Chapel Hill, they lost to a 6-2 Douglas County team. Oh, and just last week, Cherokee was ranked 5th or 6th in the state by the coaches poll. Harrison over the past two years is 13-5, East Paulding is 20-2. I understand the competition, in your eyes and many’s is weak, but it’s not our fault that’s the region we play in. We would love to step up and play a Harrison or Marietta or McEachern, our schedule just doesn’t allow for it though. I’m not asking for any spectacular coverage, but can you explain how two teams IN OUR SAME REGION, Sequoyah(4-3) vs. Douglas County(5-2), gets coverage, but East Paulding with a 8-0 record does not. If this is not a blatant coverage discrepancy in your eyes, i don’t know what is. We are certainly not begging for coverage. We have earned it.

By HS football fan

October 29, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

I saw alot of teams play this year, tucker, TCC, Brookwood, MLk, NSWR i can keep going. People talk about the best running back in the state, i have seen them all and hands down NSWR Tijuan Green is the best ask Marist.

By roswell alien

October 29, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

As someone who witnessed the last 2 Brookwood-Roswell games and the recent Chattahoochee-Roswell game, those trying to make excuses for the losing teams need to get a grip.

Kicking is part of football, and if your kicker keeps missing in close games, maybe Brookwood needs to find another kicker. Roswell beat Brookwood at Brookwood last year in the playoffs with its star tailback watching from the sidelines with an injury. If Brookwood could not beat a team which lacked any semblance of a running game, it did not deserve to win, missed kicks or no missed kicks.

As for the Dome opener this season, Roswell was clearly the better team. Brookwood needed (and got) plenty of help from the zebras to keep the game as close at it was.

Chattahoochee beating Roswell was not a fluke and it wasn’t luck. The Hornets did not play very well, but the Cougars had a lot to with that, the defense in particular. Like Brookwood in last year’s playoff game, the Hornets had several chances to pull out a win in the second half and were unable to do so. Props to the Cougars, who have beaten two state championship contenders this year on the road, something very few teams can claim.

Fortunately for Brookwood, Roswell will likely wind up with the No. 3 seed from Region 6-AAAAA, otherwise the Broncos would be looking at a third straight loss. When mighty 8-AAAAA goes 1-3 in the first round of the playoffs against inferior opponents from north Fulton and east Cobb, don’t pretend they’re upsets.

By TigerMom

October 29, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Player of the year? No doubt, it’s gotta be junior QB from Douglas County ANTHONY CALDWELL. With a 60% completion rate (80/135) and over 1330 passing yards, he can also run the ball when its necessary (3 rushing TD’s this year). On top of all of that he has a 3.75 GPA and is taking all AP/Honors classes. That should count for something but UNFORTUNATELY the AJC doesn’t recognize the student athletes at DC so their accomplishments go unnoticed… AND (just one more thing…) for those who say that EP doesn’t play any “quality” teams, I beg to differ. In 2006 Douglas County was severely crippled by a coach that had his own agenda - he was on his way out the door and for some reason he decided to play 2 QB’s the entire season so the Team never got into a good groove. It was the head coach’s decisions that caused the Tigers to have a bad year - we had quality players and could have been in the playoffs last year. This year it did take a game or two for the Team to gain momentum but we are very strong right now. In fact, we can beat EP, Carrolton, and any other team that comes our way today - trust me when I say you don’t want any of this…

By Randy

October 29, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can see a Raider vs Raider match up Habersham Central and East Paulding in AAAA. That would be interesting.

By NTH Trojans

October 29, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

slalom, I really don’t think that Hart Co. is as strong as every thought that they were at the beginning of the season because the teams that they should defeat handily, they’re not. We will soon find out because they play Stephens Co. this weekend. Now, that’s a team that everyone in AAA needs to watch out for. They beat Habersham Central (AAAA) in a shootout earlier this year, and Hab Central is a contender to win the AAAA title. You may want to add them to your list of contenders. I agree with everyone of them except Hart Co. The loser of the SC/HC game this Friday will most likely play LaGrange in the first round, and if they get past them, will most likely face North Hall in the second round. How’s that for emphasis on winning THIS ONE GAME?

By Observer

October 29, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

TCC will play 4 quarters of football. I watched them play Tift Co this year. Before the game if you were to compare the two teams by over all size, Tift was much bigger. When the forth quarter came TCC was still running on all cylinders,and Tift was doing their best to keep up with them. Tift tried all night to stop Debrale Smiley by over loading the line on his side. What people do not understand is that if a team was able to stop Debrale, they have the qb which is very fast and runs very hard that can keep the ball and run. If that is not available the other back Shawn Bryant is just as dangerous. He took one in fridays game 80 yards to the house in the first quarter, and he is a back up that filled A.J Rauls position after the first game of the year because of a shoulder injury. In which remindes me AJ’s first game back was last friday and he ran the ball 3 times for 105 yards. So TCC has 4 players that makes a helluva back feild, and a o-line that will get after you all night long. 4 Quarters is not a problem buddy.

By sam

October 29, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Todd, for once, I completely agree with you.

By NTH Trojans

October 29, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

One more thing , when it comes to player of the year, it’s gotta be Tauren Poole, not only a good football player but also has about a 3.5 gpa if I’m not mistaken.

By chs fan

October 29, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

watch chamblee will make noise in the playoffs this year even if we are a #3 seed because of the subreigon

By chs fan

October 29, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

watch chamblee will make noise in the playoffs this year even if we are a #3 seed because of the subreigon

By slalom1

October 29, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

To: “cj” Now wait just a minute Bub…. First of all, I said that Carver is THE team to beat, unless they beat themselves. I stand by that. However, I also stand by the fact that their kicking game is VERY suspect. So is their tendency to drop the ball, and play down to their opponent. Athletically, they may be as good as I have ever seen in GHS football. But, they are VERY capable of beating themselves. Carver was lucky to have played Shaw early in the year when Shaw’s offense was still in the works. And, look, do not start up this “all-star roster” of Columbus, Ga. Any school in the state is capable of making the same argument. By the way, you failed to mention that 2 of your 4 “Top 10 ” schools” are private, and playing in lower classifications.(Brookstone-1A, and Pacelli- 1A) Speaking of which, did Deron Furr began his high school career at Carver? Rather than giving the answer myself, why don’t you tell everyone where Deron Furr started, and where he transferred to? How about all of the other Carver transfers? Come to think of it, you suggested the idea of an “all-star” Columbus team. With Carver, and all of their transfers, you ALREADY have it. But, I would still bet “the ranch” against Carver in a re-match against Shaw or LaGrange.

By NSHS FAN

October 29, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

I was very quiet until I saw a comment from, “By Raider4Life”. To think East Paulding hasn’t gotten over their lost to NSWR in 2006. Dud, I doubt if you will get another chance to get beaten by NSWR. Please take a look at the possible teams EP are scheduled to play in the playoff: TCC, Weatside-Macon, Baldwin CTY, Marist,Dalton etc. My guess is it would be better to partition for a game with NSWR in the Corky Bell game at the dome. EP is going down early.

By Marist Fan

October 29, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

To AAAA region 6 fan to tell you the truth we rather not have to face TCC this year. TCC has one of the best teams in all the years we have played them this year. To HS football fan Tijuan Green is a very good running back, but TCC’s running back they call him the train Smiley is just as good if not better. Unless we get better which we are every week, we would have our hands full beating TCC this year.

By Randy

October 29, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

I thought East Paulding lost to Marist in 2006 playoffs. Is that not correct?

By slalom1

October 29, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

To: “cj” I failed to mention one other “Top 10” club that Carver-Columbus is a member of. That would be the “Top 10” lowest SAT scores in the entire state of Georgia.(all classifications included) Regardless, as I have said before , Carver-Columbus is somewhat of a “feel-good” story. Before Dell McGee entered the picture, Carver was no more than a foot stool in GHS football. Coach McGee has brought pride and respect to a program and a school that was in dire need of help. Now, if they can just get their SAT scores up, I will say, “job well done”.

By cwhitfield@ajc.com

October 29, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

It is valid that East Paulding should have been covered last week, but neither Todd nor I make the assignments. If there was no mention of the game in Saturday’s paper, that is because no one cared enough to call it into the paper. Despite covering Dixie like the Dew, we can’t be everywhere and have to rely on others to help us out every now and then. One big thing hurting the Raiders is the region. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t look that great once you get past the top four in the region. The win over Cherokee looks even less impressive when you factor in that the Warriors lost big to a Douglas County team that you had already beaten. I can’t remember, but wasn’t East Paulding the only team out of that region to advance past the first round? One other note on East Paulding — now that you are in the process of building a pretty good program, how big of a hit will the football team take when North Paulding opens its doors?

By slalom1

October 29, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

To: NTH Trojans, I have not even given a look at this year’s play-off brackets. But, if you are right, tough bracket.(For everybody). Wish I could say that I have seen North Hall this year. Schedule has simply not permitted. However, from all I have heard, they seem to be the real deal. As for 2AAA, I have followed with great intensity, having missed very few of the “big” games. Here is the way I see 2AAA: Carver is by far the most talented, senior driven team, on both sides of the ball. Everyone by now knows about Deron Furr, and Fortson. They are a lethal combo. However, their defense is just as impressive. Their weakness is in their kicking game, and special teams in general. As for Shaw, they are a team led by QB Cam Greathouse, who I believe may be the most under-rated player in the state. This kid is like a young Joe Montana. Not a great arm. Not very big. But….NEVER makes a mistake. This kid is something to watch. The Shaw defense is not as phsyical as Carver, but better coached. They do not make many mistakes. As for LaGrange: Still a VERY young team, but extremely talented. They are getting better each week, with lots of young talent on both sides of the ball.(Probably no less than 7 D-1 players in the class of 2008)

By steven maxwell

October 30, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

Hey todd can i get a response out of you it seems everyone can but me i just want to know why poole can’t get a nominee for the player of the year and his team can’t get a little respect from the ajc and you.Give me a little bit of convo on this issue man and i’am not the only one that feels this way about poole and the indians.

By HATORADER

October 30, 2007 6:42 AM | Link to this

Slalom1, carroolton1, I dont believe what I just read. true colors are showing now Bruh. low sat scores, what do you really want to say about G.W. Carver? But here’s the true story you only gained 45 yards total offense at your house in round three of the playoffs. You’re attacking Kids man. The epitome of uncool.

By Reeze

October 30, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this

Finally!The playoffs are in a couple of weeks.We’ll be able to see who’s the real team in AAAA and put all this talk to rest, and settle it on the field.TCC you just might have the second coming of night train Lane in Smiley,but you’ll need a good defense and a passing game to get to the top.And please ,if you’ve defeated any team other than the Vikings in region 1-AAAAA,not impressed with a victory over Tift,ive seen the majority of them first hand,nothing to bragg about.I still feel TCC hasn’t faced a good defensive team yet,We will see.Player of the year?,Tijuan Green hands down,23 TD’s,8.3 yds per rush ,17.9 yds per rec.The kid is awesome.And whats so amazing,He’s a better reciever than and runner .

By hoyadawg

October 30, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this

eastraider07, (cobb county snob) see what I mean about respect. you dont even know me but i’ve earned your respect as a snob. my bad about the chapel hill thing. Iwould love to see ypo beat a good team, but if you really think you are ready to play harrison, and have a chance at winning you are not being very realistic. snob or not, thats the truth. good luck in the playoffs.

By nhs eagle fan

October 30, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Northside quarterback Scott has been playing a lot this year. The Eagles would have put up a high score and they would put in the reserve quarterback Scott. They did this some last year also. He has the experience and is waiting to get his hands on Westside. A team is not just the quarterback but all of the players. Eagles will also have Greene back to play. The Eagles have a strong offense and a young and good denfense. The weekend will show the state that Eagles are still winning without Ivory. Eagles thoughts are with Ivory but they must look forward to winning the state title again. Winning the title two years in a row is something that has not been done in WR.

By vw

October 30, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

North Gwinnett all the way! Go Dogs!

By Jaybird229

October 30, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

My vote for player of the year is Tijuan Green from NSWR. The kid’s a nightmare for any team trying to stop him. They know he’s getting the ball and they still can’t stop him. Smiley from TCC is good, but he ain’t close to this kid cause he does it against good defenses.

By nhs eagle fan

October 30, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

He also plays hurt and still they can not stop him. Durning the Upson-Lee game he got hurt and still came back in the the fourth quarter to score even though he was hurt. He will be back to play against Westside and he ready to play. I also agree that Greene of WR is the player of the year as is the NHS Eagles will be state champs again.

By cj

October 30, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

To slalom, sounds like sour grapes to me. Thats pretty low to try to attack kids. I bet the kids try to get into lagrange for academic reasons. Yes carver beat lagrange and shaw. but these two teams are really good, not just as good as carver. Our kicker might not be as good as lagrange kicker but he gets the job done.

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 30, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Good morning Cougar fans….roswell alien thanks for the props…finally someone sees it from my point of view…

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

To: “cj” ans “HADORADO”, Come guys, I am not attacking kids. Just stating a well documented fact that you can read in the Columbus Ledger. It is PUBLIC information. The only reason I brought up the SAT scores is because of the discussions regarding “transfers”. Several writers claimed that “transfers” may be for academic reasons. In Carver’s case, because of low SAT scores, I doubt their transfers have been for academic reasons. As for “sour grapes”, I have praised Carver and Coach McGee several times on this blog, and wish the best for them.

By Warrior Woman

October 30, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

It’s always been obvious that Todd has a bias for Gwinnett, North Fulton, and East & North Cobb. More specifically, Brookwoood, Parkview, Norcross, North Gwinnett, Grayson, Peachtree Ridge, Roswell, Harrison, Walton and now his new darling North Cobb.

It’s hard to see how Todd could be biased for so many teams, especially given the harassment he took for being slow to move North Cobb ahead of Stephenson.

However, if you ask anyone who has been watching North Cobb this year, they will tell you that the “DEFENSE” has been winning games for the Warriors. As with any good defense, they have stepped up to the plate all season long when it really mattered.

I agree. Warrior defense has been outstanding.

One of the really great things about North Cobb this year has been how they win as a team. They don’t rely on 1 or 2 standouts, but everyone does there job and pulls together.

By cj

October 30, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

To slalom1 you are attacking kids. On one hand ou say that carver is the team to beat,and in the next sentence they can be beat in a rematch. I have waited a long time to say this but we are number 1.

By Todd Holcomb

October 30, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

OK, now this is getting ridiculous.

I need to get Cougar Mom, The Original Cougar Mom and KooGar to meet me at the Dixie Diner and discuss something very serious. If we can get Coach Crowder, all the better.

I also want Hornet Nation to come. (He’ll have to put aside his differences w/ the Cougar Moms because this is an issue that transcends Region 6 hostilities.)

The AP poll is out.

What’s is wrong with sportswriters today?

Did I miss the memo calling for the donation of sportswriters’ brains for science?

Class AAAAA

1: North Cobb (4) 83 (8-0)

2: North Gwinnett (4) 76 (9-0)

3: M.L. King (1) 70 (8-0)

4: Harrison 55 (7-1)

5: Lowndes 54 (8-1)

(The first five look unbelievably smart. I couldn’t have called it better myself. But read on).

6: Norcross 49 (7-1)

7: Walton 35 (7-1)

8: Stephenson 24 (7-1)

(Not quite a match of the AJC, but fair enough. Now get a load of this:)

9: Camden County 21 (8-1)

10: Marietta 9 (7-1)

No Chattahoochee?? No Roswell?? (No Brookwood, for that matter. A blatant discrimination of twice-beaten teams.)

What is Camden doing in there? And Marietta? Ahead of The Hooch and Rozzle?

I just want to tell everyone in North Fulton County, even those who have questioned my sanity in recent weeks, that there is love and warmth for all Cougars and Hornets at the AJC.

I’m starting to see things as you guys do. What more does Hooch have to do? Didnt the KooGars beat Camden? And Roswell?

The humanity. And the bias.

You guys stick with me and I’ll take care of you from here on out.

By Observer

October 30, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

The teams that TCC plays have good defenses. TCC just runs all over them. Say what you want. We will see what team is still standing holding the state championship trophey, and if you are guessing who that will be it will be THOMAS COUNTY CENTRAL YELLOW JACKETS BABY.

By Todd Holcomb

October 30, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

NOTE: Not sure how the ranking numbers got messed up on the AP poll, but let me spell it out one more time —

1: North Cobb (4) 83 (8-0)

2: North Gwinnett (4) 76 (9-0)

3: M.L. King (1) 70 (8-0)

4: Harrison 55 (7-1)

5: Lowndes 54 (8-1)

6: Norcross 49 (7-1)

7: Walton 35 (7-1)

8: Stephenson 24 (7-1)

9: Camden County 21 (8-1)

10: Marietta 9 (7-1)

By Hornet Nation

October 30, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

To KooGar - It’s too bad you can’t face the reality. The Hornets have accepted the loses and know with out a doubt that they should have beat both teams by two plus touchdowns. You KooGar are the one with no respect for the game as you cannot accept the fact that the better team lost that night. Only time will tell.

By Trying To Learn

October 30, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

In reference to the Rankings, what is the meaning of the numbers located to the right of the school’s name? Take MLK for instance:

M.L. King (1) 70 (8-0)

By Homet

October 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

*”By cwhitfield@ajc.com

October 29, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

It is valid that East Paulding should have been covered last week, but neither Todd nor I make the assignments. If there was no mention of the game in Saturday’s paper, that is because no one cared enough to call it into the paper. Despite covering Dixie like the Dew, we can’t be everywhere and have to rely on others to help us out every now and then. One big thing hurting the Raiders is the region. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t look that great once you get past the top four in the region. The win over Cherokee looks even less impressive when you factor in that the Warriors lost big to a Douglas County team that you had already beaten. I can’t remember, but wasn’t East Paulding the only team out of that region to advance past the first round? One other note on East Paulding — now that you are in the process of building a pretty good program, how big of a hit will the football team take when North Paulding opens its doors?”*

The North Paulding High will pull a small amount of students from East Paulding (depending on if the county again realigns districts) but with the growth the North end of Paulding has and is experiencing student population should stay at a level that allows East Paulding to compete. The problem may be the current talk about creating a AAAAAA classification or if East Paulding was to get bumped into AAAAA under the current classification. With the CURRENT student population East Paulding could compete nicely with other AAAAA teams in the area but if they get bumped into AAAAA and THEN lose a large student population base to the new North Paulding High therein would lie the problem. Currently East Paulding is probably between 1,850 & 1,950 daily student enrollment and I think 1,850 is the low point for moving into AAAAA.

By NTH Trojans

October 30, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

slalom, I just took a look at the playoff bracket again, and I must have misread it. The way it looks to me, the Hart/Stephens loser this weekend will most likely play Haralson Co. in the first round, while it looks like North Hall will play McNair. Then a possible matchup of NH/HC or SC. Then the winner gets (probably) the Thomaston/LaGrange winner in the Quarterfinals. How’s that for a tough bracket?

By Todd Holcomb

October 30, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

**In reference to the Rankings, what is the meaning of the numbers located to the right of the school’s name? Take MLK for instance:

M.L. King (1) 70 (8-0)*8

The (1) is the number of first-place votes. The 70 is the total points (you get 10 for a first-place vote, 9 for a second-place vote, etc..) The 8-0 is MLK’s record.

This is the Associated Press poll, which is voted on by some 12-13 sportswriters around the state.

The AJC poll is a dictatorship. Benevolent, but dictatorial.

By NTH Trojans

October 30, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Todd, It looks to me like McNair is the most overlooked & underrated team in AAA right now. Their record leads people to believe that they are just average at best, but if you look at the teams that they have lost to, 4 of the 5 are ranked in their classification and 4 of the 5 are in either AAAA or AAAAA. As for as I’m concerned, that makes them one of the toughest possible #4 seeds, along with Peach Co., in the AAA playoffs. What do you think?

By jaybo

October 30, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Reeze and Jaybird, have you seen DEBRALE “THE D-TRAIN” SMILEY play at all this year? It’s obvious you havn’t because anybody who has seen Smiley play knows that there is not one player in Georgia of his caliber. This type of athlete comes along every now and then! It is clear that you’ve been at the NSWR games all year and have not seen this kid play. I live in the metro Atlanta area but I’m from TCC and I’ve seen Northside play and have been home to see TCC play. I’ll give Green his props-great player, but he’s not close to being as good as Smiley. Can’t do what Smiley does. Green is fast and can catch. Smiley is fast, can catch and run with power between the tackles. Come on now this kid is 6’1” weighing 240lbs-Green is about 5’9” what 175-180. That’s why he runs primarily on the outside.(I know, been to three NS games) Sorry, Green is just not “the work-horse type back” that the D-TRAIN is!!!!! And its not even close!!!!!

By AAAAReg6Fan

October 30, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

To Randy: you are correct EP lost to marist 2006 (27-7). To Marist Fan, TCC and marist would be in the same section of the payoff bracket, unless marist loses to st.pius, in the last game of regular season. I would think that coach Chadwick and the war eagles will play that game to win. The TCC/marist match up would be for the quarterfinal round and when teams reach this game, you would want to play the best.

Prediction, 4A-r6; 3 teams in the quarterfinals, 2 to the dome…no other region will be close to this accomplishment. Once again region strenght.

By will

October 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

how does walton move a down spot

By Firebrand

October 30, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

IF TCC stays healthy, they can win it all. They weren’t healthy against Cairo and they weren’t the team they are today. But until they are BEATEN on the FIELD, Northside is still the odds on favorite to win AAAA. I follow many teams, TCC included, and yes Smiley is the best player in the state - IF he is healthy. To BE the man, you have to BEAT the man.

Oh, and unless TCC and Northside slip up here at the end of the regular season, the way the bracket is situated they could not play until the title game. Of course, this year we’ve learned anyhing that can happen dang well might!!

By johnny K

October 30, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Devil Lover,

Good for you in supporting your school. Just remember this when it comes to the playoffs. You will be opening with Sprayberry a 500 team at best. Not your fault.

However whenever your playing a region 6AAAAA team and someone asks you the question Who’s your Daddy? tell them ROSWELL

Hope to see you down the road.

By RM

October 30, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

This is a strange year. 3 teams from Region 5-AAAAA in the AP top 10 but NO teams from Region 8-AAAAA and there is still 1 team from 5-AAAAA still in Rivals.com top 50 schools in the country.

By KSShake

October 30, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

I hope this blog isn’t so far down that it doesn’t get read by Todd or whomever. I’ve taken the time to really look this up and put this together concerning these rankings that favor Gwinnett, North Fulton. and North and East Cobb. I’ve done some checking about this “history” of schools. What real “history” (recent I might add) do these teams that your “favor” have.

North Gwinnett- Yes, they would probably have my close vote for #1 next to ML King, but other than Mill Creek, Peachtree Ridge, and overrated Walton (talk about hadn’t played anybody, but I’ll get back to that region 6AAAAA in a second), and Brookwood, they hadn’t played anybody either. But I give you North Gwinnett & their schedule so the Bulldogs being #1 holds up for now but I sure would like to see them play a Douglass, ML King, or Stephenson in the regular season. And as far as history, they haven’t done anything spectacular (11-2 last season, but 7-4, 9-3, and 2-8 isn’t history to be saying they’re SO much better).

North Cobb- PULLEEZZ!!! Never before has a #1 team had such a light schedule, reputation or “HISTORY”, 3 4-4 teams from their region Kell, South Cobb, and Woodstock are weak as water (Gresham Park, Adamsville, and Tucker Youth are better competition) and Murray County is just as much garbage as Lithonia is in 2AAAAA. Just like if you wanna talk about Newton County and I’ll see you Duluth, Pope, Kell, North Forsyth, Alpharetta, or Forsyth Central. My point is there are weak teams on everyone schedule. Stop using that as an excuse to dis Stephenson & ML King in the rankings. Redan is a good team, as is Douglass. These schools play “DIFFERENT” schools. Come on Walton hasn’t played anybody to talk about other than North Gwinnett. And I’ve went back to check these teams records since 03 and I don’t come across anyone whose “HISTORY” is significantly more impressive than Stephenson’s, ML King’s, or Douglas’s, (especially D1 and college scholarship athletes, and yes that’s an indictment on the coaching at those 3 schools because that’s the one thing I’ll accept as being “ranked” low. I’d give you that.

By KooGar

October 30, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Todd, the Cougars appreciate the support from the AJC. Once you were blind, but now you see; once we were lost, but now we are found.

The AP poll is a different story. I can’t decide if the “AP” stands for Amazingly Pathetic or Always Political. Clearly, some of the AP sportswriters must be Camden graduates and somehow related to Hornet Nation because they still can’t accept the reality of being defeated. The Dixie Diner is closed but the Cougars show up at Jeffrey’s Sports Grill before and after games. Cougar Moms know the location.

By RM

October 30, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

HISTORY???? I thought the rankings were for the best teams this year not the best teams for the last 5 years. Unless we are going to send teams from the past to this year’s playoffs, History has nothing to do with this year’s rankings.

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

To: “cj”, Lighten up a little. Yes, Carver is #1 right now. Enjoy it. Carver is my bet to win the AAA title this year. The SAT thing, while accurate, was just intended as a playful jab.(When you are on top, people are GOING to take jabs at you). Just don’t take it so personally. As for the rematch scenario, it may never happen. My point is that Shaw has improved tremendously since the early season loss to Carver. In a rematch, on a neutral field, between 2 evenly matched teams, the loser of the first game, usually wins the rematch. (i.e 2006 season at the Dome) For the same reasons, I like LaGrange’s chances against Shaw and Carver in a rematch, on a neutral field. YES! CARVER is #1!!!……right now. Enjoy this, my friend and take the abuse with a grain of salt.

By viking lover

October 30, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Dear Todd, I see everyone has Lowndes at 8-1, in reality they still have 2 more regular season games left with Tift and Warner Robbins. They are 7-1.

By Todd Holcomb

October 30, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

how does walton move a down spot

That’s the AP poll. Walton stayed put in the AJC.

The Dixie Diner is closed.

Worst news I’ve heard all day. Maybe I knew that and was in denial. So where does a country boy get a good meal north of Roswell now?

re: Tauren Poole/Stephens County

Poole is definitely a Player of the Year candidate. Thanks for those posting his stats. Curious to see how Stephens & Hart match up this week. I had Hart the preseason No. 1 in a bold move that not made me look very smart so far, but we’ll see how it goes.

looks to me like McNair is the .. underrated team in AAA right now. Their record leads people to believe that they are just average at best, but if you look at the teams that they have lost to, 4 of the 5 are ranked …As for as I’m concerned, that makes them one of the toughest possible #4 seeds.

Dangerous and underrated, maybe. A contender, no. McNair did play those bigger schools but came no closer than 15 to any of them. McNair plays in one of AAA’s weakest regions. I don’t see McNair getting out of the second round.

By mikefresh

October 30, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

tood do u see the winner of the stephens county and hart county game having the best shot at reaching the dome??? and how bout darrien robision from clarke central as a possible player of the year?

By guy

October 30, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

KSShake, you should realize that north cobb’s schedule is tougher than it seems. Campbell is legit its just their record doesnt show it. Etowah is another tought test which they will face this weekend. And Harrison? How can you not call them a legit team to play? And North Cobb finishes out the season with Marietta which will be the game of the week most likely. Kell is not even in the same region as any of those teams. True, some teams bring the region down, but there are teams like that in ALL the regions. I’m not supporting North Cobb here, I’m just supporting region 5 as a whole.

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

To: “NTH Trojans”, Wow, you have really done your home work! Wish I could say the same. Is AAA not the most exciting classification in the state of Georgia this year? Cannot wait for the play-offs. Speaking of which, the “play-off scenario” you just described is indeed VERY tough. I hate the fact that I have not seen North Hall, nor Hart County this year. But, my gut feeling is that both of these 2 teams may surprise everyone in the AAA nation. Since you have done the research, who will the #4 seed from 2AAA most likely go up against in the first round of the state play-offs? I ask this because the #4 seed from 2AAA is NO PUSHOVER. First of all, LaGrange COULD be the #4 seed should they lose to Troup. Do not believe that will happen, but Troup is no pushover. Then there is Harris County, who will most likely be the #4 seed. Harris County is very good on both sides of the ball. Their QB, Chad Klar is an A Plus player. (Most likely will be playing college ball somewhere.) As for North Hall, how about some additional info for those of us in west central Georgia? Those NH kids seem to believe in what they are doing. Am I wrong?

By NTH Trojans

October 30, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

slalom 1,

It looks like they will go up against Henry County as of now, and I really don’t know that much about them. I do know that they beat Mary Persons and Perry. I wish someone from that area would fill us in on some more details. It also looks like Carver, Columbus will face Peach Co. in the first round. As for North Hall, yes these guys are focused on the State Title. Anything less they will consider a failure. They had certain goals at the start of the season, and have achieved every one of them. I have some inside knowledge of them, to a certain point. We’ve talked before about the offense that they operate (the winged-t), and I know how you feel about it. I feel the same way with the exception of this team. You see, they don’t have just one weapon, but four. They can all score from anywhere on the field. Their fullback (Epps) runs a 4.6/40, their running back and wingback both run in the 4.4 - 4.5 range (twin brothers), and their quarterback runs a 4.3 - 4.4. The book on them is that they can’t throw the ball, but let me dispel that rumor now. They run the ball to set up the pass, and they pass when you least expect it. This team has sold out to the concept of what’s best for the team. There are no showboaters or superstars on this team, and all players are treated exactly the same. Earlier in the year, the coached benched one of our best skill players to make a point to the rest of the team, the point being that if he will do this to one the best players that he will do it to anyone. Also, I think it was a statement to all the players that nobody is better than anyone else and that every player on that team matters. One of the things that I like about Coach Christmas is that his and the teams’ motto is: God, Family, Education, Football. This a senior laden team that should not be taken lightly.

By Region 5

October 30, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

KSShake

come on now region 5 is the toughest region in the state there are no definite wins expect for murry. There aren’t many blowouts in region 5 like there are in region 2. I’ll put a team like South Cobb and woodstock on a Douglass team with no athletes on friday night anyday day and thats for real.

By cool cell

October 30, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Todd, I think D.Furr should be the player of the year in class AAA. But in my mind Jamon Fortson is better! If you ckeck last week blog ,I called the score Carver 19 LG 10. To Slalom …..Carver was a great team before now. In the late 90’s with players like Jasper Sanks, Rod Hood, Justin Coleman, Marcel Hughley, Ryan Davis, and even later with Marlon Davis, Travis Day……all these guys played at UGA,AUB,Bama, KY….and the NFL. So lets stop all this Carver came out off the sky talk. Also Slalom, Was Carlos Heard very bright? He was a great WR at LG but schools where scared of his SAT #’s ………my point don’t take shots at Carver, Lg is not Duke High.

By HSballfan

October 30, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Can someone explain how the seeding works in AAAA regions 4 and 8 which are subdivided. Each team plays nine regular season games and then a "region playoff" on Nov 9th. What does that mean and how does it work? Does anyone know?

By HSballfan

October 30, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Website keeps truncating my post. Specifically 4 and 8 AAAA which are subdivided and have a "region playoff" following the nine regular season games on Nov 9th. Does anyone know how that works?

By Marist fan

October 30, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

To EastRaiders07 Whatever you smoke up there must be really good! Marist beat you like a drum and will again this year. You would not make the playoffs in our region.

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

To: “cool cell”, I am impressed. You are right on every name dropped. “Carlos Heard”…..what a great talent. I thought I may be the only living Georgian to know his name. But, you are again right. SAT scores. He could have played for ANY team in D-1, and been a super star. Rod Hood is simply one of the most amazing human beings to come from anywhere, and…he came from Carver-Columbus. Cool Cell, you and I are not as far apart as you may think. I have ALWAYS respected the athletes who have come from Carver-Columbus. But, on the other hand, they have not had much to show in terms of wins and losses until 2006 and 2007. Thanks to Dell McGee, I believe that Carver has possibly shifted the balance of power in Columbus from Shaw to Carver. Of course, we are talking about GHS football. Carver has had a rich tradition in basketball and track. 1971. ….Do you remember? Jesse Willis? Moose? What a basketball team!!! In my mind, the 2007 football team led by Deron Furr and Fortson may quite well be the best in the entire state, regardless of classification. As long as…..they DO NOT BEAT THEMSELVES with 1-kicking game, 2-turnovers.

By Senior NHS

October 30, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

if you guys are forgetting, in the playoffs last year we played TCC and stomped them 34-0 and they have everyone back to get beat down again.

By Senior NHS

October 30, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

if you guys are forgetting, in the playoffs last year we played TCC and stomped them 34-0 and they have everyone back to get beat down again.

By Senior NHS

October 30, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

if you guys are forgetting, in the playoffs last year we played TCC and stomped them 34-0 and they have everyone back to get beat down again.

By cj

October 30, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Todd, i believe the fortson kid from carver should be considered for AAA player of the year. I saw him beat carollton last year. he torched their all state db last year. Deron is a great athlete, but fortson is a beast a 6’3 225lbs.

By Senior NHS

October 30, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

we beat TCC 34-0 last year in playoffs and it will be a repeat this year.

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

To:”NTH Trojans”, I appreciate the info. Do not know much about Coach Christmas, but sounds like this guy was born to be a football coach. Does North Hall have a web site with video highlights of their games? This team really intrigues me. I cannot imagine a team in any clasification with more talent than Carver-Columbus. But, I have not seen North Hall. This is about to get fun.

By will

October 30, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

what about jj jackson for player of the year

By will

October 30, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

what you think todd jj jackson get a nod

By Firebrand

October 30, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Uh, SeniorNHS, which TCC are you referring to? It can’t be Thomas County Central since no one beat them 34-0 last year.

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Just Curious….. When was the last time a Cobb County team won a football championship in ANY clasification? My bet….NO RESPONSES TO THIS.

I am waiting.

By NTH Trojans

October 30, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

slalom 1,

Yes there is. The website is www.angelfire.com/ga4/trojanfootball/.I hope that it helps. These guys believe that it is a team effort, which is rare these days. They have grasped the caoncept that it takes everyone working together towards a single goal. I don’t believe that there is a single D-1 signee on this roster, but to give you a little info their leading rusher and biggest threat is #3 Hunter Wolf, he also playes LB/DB. He has great agility, better than average speed, and his two greatest assets are his field vision and the way that he uses his blockers. He rarely gets to top speed, but he averages about 9.5 ypc. I’ve been watching him for two years now, and I have never seen anyone get a direct hit on him. His twin brother, Dylon, is one of the leaders on defense at LB. He doesn’t just hit the opposing players, he annihilates them. Along with him you have Jackson Griffith, also at LB, who led the team in tackles last year, and is leading in that category again this year, I think. They have a big and agile o-line and d-line, and they average giving up about 7 points per game, most of which the second and third string have surrendered. If they have a weakness, it’s in the kicking dept. Their kicker has a tendency to pull his head up at the point of contact, causing him to pull the ball left. He has a D-1 leg as a junior, he just has to stay focused and keep his head down. Oh yeah, also watch out for the FB Bobby Epps and QB Fabian Jackson, because either one can take it to the house at any time. Let me know what you think about the team and their website.

By Orange&BlackinTenn

October 30, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Let me start by congratulating your team on a great season thus far NTH Trojans. It looks as though North Hall is putting up some big numbers on Friday night. You stated in an earlier post, “I really don’t think that Hart Co. is as strong as every thought that they were at the beginning of the season because the teams that they should defeat handily, they’re not.” Let’s see, we tied Clarke Central(6-2-1 in AAAA) and in the the other 7 games we’ve won, we have scored 258 pts while giving up only 44. Now, that’s not as impressive as the scores the Trojans are putting up but, hardly the “just getting by” you speak of. Since 1997(I could go back to 1987 if I chose to), Hart County is 105-26-1 and we have come to know that gaudy, regular season scores mean nothing when it comes to the post season. As for Stephens County, let me say this. Michigan has Ohio State, Auburn has Alabama, UGA has Tech and Hart County has Stephens. It is as wonderfully ugly, nasty, heated and exciting as any metro match up the AJC boys force down our throats weekly. I’m sure anyone in the northeast Ga area would concur. This weeks game should be the big story but, we shall see if they find it worth mentioning. It will certainly put someone in the driver’s seat to the dome. Once again, congrats on the season thus far and we hope to see you in a few weeks.

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

To: “TCC Fans”, I am just curious about this. Here goes: What is Smiley’s mother’s first name? Could it possibly be “Debra”? Anyway, GOOD name.

By NTH Trojans

October 30, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

* Orange & Black,*

You are correct about the numbers that Hart Co. is putting up, but the game that really bothers me about HC is the game against Wesleyan, which they won 8-6. It could have been just an off day but I’m still not sold yet. I guess if HC loses Friday night, we will probably find out in the second round at “The Brickyard”. I mean no disrespect to Hart Co., for they have a long history of winning, but if they beat Stephens Co. this Friday night (which I agree is THE GAME of the week), then my perspective on Hart Co. may change. No matter what, it’s a long road to the finals.

By Orange&BlackinTenn

October 30, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

NTH Trojans Yes, the Wesleyan game sticks out like a sore thumb but, if you look, the CC tie was week 1 and the Wesleyan game was week 2. Eveyone has to manage through those “flat” games and I hope that was one of them. With a future Tennessee Vol starter in the backfield, it will be interesting to see if Hart can compete with the Indians. My hope is that with the nature of this rivalry, all bets are off. No one gave us any chance whatsoever against Peach County last year but, we made it close..

By guy

October 30, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

1967 marietta

By gamewatcher

October 30, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

yeah, marietta won the state championship in 1967. chop on you.

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

To: “By Guy and Gamewatcher”, I am impressed!! It was Marietta vs. Columbus. Marietta won, 14-7. Rainy night in Georgia. Wet field. My bad, muddy field. Coach Alvin “Pig” Davis of Columbus had a great wrap up of the game. His quote was,”it was just a matter of which team could out-slop the other.”. As a side note, those were 2 great high school football teams.

By gamewatcher

October 30, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

and marietta shoulda/coulda/woulda won it in both 2004 and maybe even 2005, but definetely 2004. Also, the glory days of eric zeier and labron mitchell should have won them a state championship back in 1989-91 and 1996 respectively. Well, you can’t reflect on the past.

By slalom1

October 30, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

To: “All AAA fans”, Just checked out the web site and video highlights of North Hall. This team is wicked. Their QB is very quick, as are their RB’s. Defense swarms to the ball. This team is for real.

By steven maxwell

October 31, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

I’ll just start off saying that Orange&Black is correct about the winning tradition in hart but stephens has a wining tradition also we have greats like Al Burton who played at GT and Kendrick Maxwell who played at GSouthern but that whole team from 1994 was awosome with Rodney Walker as head coach.But come friday we will know who the best in 8AAA ball is may the best team win.

By steven maxwell

October 31, 2007 2:54 AM | Link to this

well i tried to check out some of nth highlights but it would’nt let me in to see any i guess they know i’am a indian,but any way i’ll see them later but they look big.Well they better be ready weither it’s stephens or hart.Todd hart vs stephens should be the game of the week cause that game could shake up the playoffs a lot both teams better be ready cause it’s going to be a real dog fight but i can tell you 1 player who’ll be ready and if the rest play on his level the indians will be hard to bet and thats poole cause his motor don’nt stop running he’s like a well oiled machine so when you come you better come hard or don’t come at all he can run by you or thru you check out his hi lights on rivals.com tennessee bound baby go vols.

By yo

October 31, 2007 6:30 AM | Link to this

and marietta shoulda/coulda/woulda won it in both 2004 and maybe even 2005, but definetely 2004. Also, the glory days of eric zeier and labron mitchell should have won them a state championship back in 1989-91 and 1996 respectively. Well, you can’t reflect on the past The only shoulda/coulda/woulda team of 2004/2005 that I can remember is the team that shoulda/woulda/”dida”..and the shoulda/woulda/”dida” in both years.

By BJ

October 31, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this

Can you tell me where I should go to place my nomination for All-Class Player of the Year.

Thanks

By MLK COACH

October 31, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

My vote goes for Furr,we had him for a short time at MLk. He would’ve started both ways for us at AAAAA, SS and QB! If he wouldn’t have missed his friends in Columbus. I dont know what to say his stock would be now. A pure athlete.

By Hornet Nation

October 31, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

KooGar - You are quite the comic - HA! HA! HA!

By Carver Mom

October 31, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

I agree that DeRon Furr should be nominated for All-Class Player of the Year. That young man has played hard and has given his all in each of the team’s victories. He is not selfish and maintains that as long as the team wins he doesn’t care what his stats say. Now, tell me, how many young men think that way in this day! Carver has many good quality players this year. I predict they will go all the way this year!

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 31, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

I know I am a day late and a dollar short in my reply but HORNET NATION in your response to KooGar, “You KooGar are the one with no respect for the game as you cannot accept the fact that the better team lost that night. Only time will tell.”

That is an oxymoron if I have ever read one. The better team won my friend and yes only time will tell.

GO COUGARS!!!

By Todd Holcomb

October 31, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Can you tell me where I should go to place my nomination for All-Class Player of the Year.

Right here, my friend. It’s not an official nomination. Just let us know your best candidates.

When was the last time a Cobb County team won a football championship in ANY clasification?

1967 Marietta 1966 Lemon Street (GIA) Harrison made the 2000 final, and McEachern made the 1998 final.

Can someone explain how the seeding works in AAAA

Don’t quite understand your question. Each region is responsible for seeding its four playoff teams. Not all regions have the same rules.

By HSballfan

October 31, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

I was trying to get a clarification on the AAAA “region playoff” in 4 and 8 but my posts kept getting truncated by your website architecture. Each team plays nine regular season games and a region playoff game on November 9th. Just wondering how that is set up.

By cj

October 31, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

To slalom, I just watched the video as well. Maybe we did not see the same video. As far as being wicked, i dont know about that. Could their offense do that agianst the lagrange defense. Lagrange linebackers would kill their qb and rb. The teams they played did not wrap up when making contact. Flowery Branch or gainsville was not that impressive. maybe i’m baised but there is no football like south ga football. I grew up watching Robert Toomer, Shawn Jones, Mike Jones, Mike Bobo, Charlie Ward. I see a Lagrange and Carver Final. See you at Memorial Stadium.

By DOC

October 31, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Like all levels of competition, there will be years when you have no idea who will walk away with the hardware, last year was one of those. Also keep in mind the more schools crop up the more it splits the talent pool, ask Valdosta about this phenomenon. Some groupings as strong and some have also rans in them, but remember anybody can beat anybody on any given friday or saturday. We have reached the time where we begin to separate the strongest from the strong. Running up the score on also rans does not mean or should guarnatee you a top spot. The well coached teams will start to surface, leadership on the field will start to surface. North, South, East, or West is of no consequence when the shistle blows to start and the horn sounds to stop. The bottom line is that the state of Georgia has become a haven for colleges to come looking for talent.

By DOC

October 31, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Like all levels of competition, there will be years when you have no idea who will walk away with the hardware, last year was one of those. Also keep in mind the more schools crop up the more it splits the talent pool, ask Valdosta about this phenomenon. Some groupings as strong and some have also rans in them, but remember anybody can beat anybody on any given friday or saturday. We have reached the time where we begin to separate the strongest from the strong. Running up the score on also rans does not mean or should guarnatee you a top spot. The well coached teams will start to surface, leadership on the field will start to surface. North, South, East, or West is of no consequence when the whistle blows to start and the horn sounds to stop. The bottom line is that the state of Georgia has become a haven for colleges to come looking for talent.

By GwinnettFan

October 31, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

[The only fact that matters is the score of the championship game.] (http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/prepsports/entries/2007/10/29/ramblin_thought.html#comment-1712212)

By NTH Trojans

October 31, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

cj,

I respect your opinion, it’s yours and you are entitled to it. From the looks of things, we may get to find out in the Quarterfinals. Then LaGrange can come to The Brickyard, and we can make them miss tackles like Gainesville and Flowery Branch. You see, it’s not as easy when there are 4 guys in the backfield and 2 very good receivers to defend, that makes it harder to key on one player. One more thing, I know that for North Hall to win the State Title, they will have to go 2AAA to do it.

By steven maxwell

October 31, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

well i guess this cj guy seen the video and summed it up for us nth trogans is over rated. when the indians come to hit you they come hard and wrap up and they swarm the ball with all eleven player’s and a team like that is hard to bet although there secondary is a little shakey at times but when they put poole back there he makes a big difference.Poole for ajc player of the year.

By Cougar Mom

October 31, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

WOW! I didn’t red anything yesterday and got WAY behind on some issues here :)

Ok, 1st off - let me correct some MAJOR confusion here. Props to the Orginal Cougar Mom - it is GREAT when I see another MOTHER that is well versed in game of football and not afraid to stand toe to toe for her guys!! We are kindred souls in that we are both yelling GO COUGARS under the friday night lights - but MY cougars are from the “weak” region that Todd and everyone else is giving EP a hard time about being on top of! That would be the Alexander Cougars. We are in our second year under a new coach regime that is turning our program around. We have been rather proud of our personal success in hanging all but one other team in our region thus far this season but apparently no one told us we were simply in a “weak” region. Perhaps our “region” woudldn’t be so weak if the GHSA would figure out a better way to divide the regions. There are people on here talking about being the best in their FOUR TEAM REGION? PLEASE! Give me a BREAK. We have won THREE region games and are 7th in our region and at 7th we are no where near the BOTTOM of the list. No - I don’t know the answer but I do know that there are VERY talented teams that are left out of the playoffs while teams that they could clean their field with are going to state. It is all subjective. AS FOR THE AJC and their “biased” coverage? They cover 120 teams and that isn’t even ALL of the METRO ATLANTA TEAMS so everyone PLEASE stop whinning :) I stated in a blog somewhere on here that no coverage doesn’t belittle a great season! Hey Todd…please stop saying our region is “weak”. Traditionally not strong I can accept - but WEAK? NO way man. These boys are TOUGH. Watch for teams that rep us at state - they will show up to play.

GO COUGARS! AHS & HOOCH!! :)

By Cougar Mom

October 31, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

WHEN did the Dixie Diner close?????? That is disappointing :(

By drock7

October 31, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

To:Todd Holcomb I want to invite you to Newnan on Nov 9. Newnan was playing with only 2 senior starters against Carrollton and was killed homecooking officials. Injuries really hurt our chances that night. The Trojans want no part of us now. And you will see when we blow your East Coweta team out on Nov 9 that NHS is for real. We was w/o 5 starters against Mundy Mills and was up 35-0 in the 2nd quarter. Also a reminder we return 18 starters next year. 12 juniors and 6 sophmores. See you Nov 9 Todd

By will

October 31, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

why doesnt jj jackson get any hype todd 9 tds in 2weeks

By will

October 31, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

come on todd ajc player of week caniadate twice why do you HATE WALTON RAYDUZ TODD WHY WHY NOT JJ

By Todd Holcomb

October 31, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

WHEN did the Dixie Diner close?????? That is disappointing :(

The OCM (Original Cougar Mom) and I think alike after all. That’s very disappointing. Where is a country boy to eat in Alpharetta these days?

Hey Todd…please stop saying our region is “weak”. Traditionally not strong I can accept.

Well, that’s a bit PC, but we can try that. While I do believe that 5-AAAA is perhaps the wea, er, most ‘not tradionally strong’ regions in AAAA, I will quickly admit that I also thought that last year and discounted East Paulding and was proven wrong. However, I have not learned my lesson and continue to discount EP. Just stubborn, I guess. But EP did show me something last week.

I was trying to get a clarification on the AAAA “region playoff” in 4 and 8 but my posts kept getting truncated by your website architecture. Each team plays nine regular season games and a region playoff game on November 9th. Just wondering how that is set up.

The top 4 teams from each subregion play the top 4 from the other, and the 4 winners advance to the state playoffs. The #1 subregion teams play the #4’s, and the #2’s play the #3’s. So you’ve got 4 games.

It’s possible for a #1 team such as Northside to go 9-0, then lose that 10th game and be eliminated. It occasionally happens that all 4 teams from one subregion will win, sweeping the other subregion.

Does that help? As for seeding those 4 winning teams, each region has its own way of doing that. For example, if both subregion #1’s win, then I can’t speculate on which one will be seeded No. 1 for the state playoffs. What R4 does might be different from R8.

By DirtDobber

October 31, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

So where does a country boy get a good meal north of Roswell now ?

Only a country boy from Roswell, Alpharetta, or Cumming would know . If you start eating right , your articles might improve , and then who would we have to pick on ?

By Cougar Mom

October 31, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

:) Thank you Todd

East Paulding is very impressive when you look at where they came from to where they are standing today. I don’t care what region your in….it is worthy of a nod and some respect. I haven’t kept up with the last three weeks of this season but they had a rather lengthy run of being undefeated in the bone yard :) They would respresent our region well in the playoffs….as would Douglas County - a very tradition rich football program that goes back a long way. I have already made my feelings known on here about Cherokee and Sequoyah - hate it for them but they are the red-headed step children (I know - NOT PC terminology) of our region and I think I can speak for most in our region when I say they weren’t a welcome addition, they never belonged and we are glad to see them go away next year. IF…big if there….IF the regions are to be as I recently heard rumored for next year - you won’t be calling our region wea…er, um…traditionally not strong any longer!

By Hornet Nation

October 31, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

To The Original Cougar Mom - Yes your team and their season will be an oxymoron in the end - just wait and see!

By will

October 31, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

im close friends with jj why hasnt he got any college looks is he too small 5,9 187 or is he overshadowed by super11 star chase thomas

By hoyadawg

October 31, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

east paulding is like the little kid at the neighborhood pool yelling ” mom look at me’ and then jumps off the side of the pool, while the guy is doing a triple gainer off the high dive.a few weeks ago there was a blog about the toughfest home fields in the state, and ep had the nerve to mention the boneyard.” look at me mom” WE beat cherokee “look at me” Ajc want say it , but I will , we will look at you , when you jump off the high dive. it’s o.k. for you to get excited, when you jump off the side, but don’t exspect us to.

By The Original Cougar Mom

October 31, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation all the word play will go on and on but when it is all said and done we still beat you at YOUR home field at YOUR homecoming. I will continue to gloat. Happy Halloween!

Cougar Mom thanks for the props and right back at ‘cha!

GO COUGARS!

By warrior dad

October 31, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

not taking any thing away from jj, but look who walton has played the last couple of weeks. I mean who cant run againt pope and sprayberry, my man middleton would have about 700 yards in those two games. You have to take into consideration the first two games, i mean less than 40 against k mt theres a reason for that. play against a defense like us and you will see

By hoyanation

October 31, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

wil, thats not a real question is it? why would your your outstnding end be over shadowing your terrific back? Is that what you want to here? It’s easy to get big headed when you are in the easy part of your schedule. Try to stay humble, cause when you play somebody tough, you will be humbled anyway . as stated b-4 walton is over rated, and barely beat the #6 team in our region. Harrison or n.cobb would beat u by 30.

By warrior dad

October 31, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Hoya nation glad to see we agree on somthing. That rigion is weak bro.

By warrior dad

October 31, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Hoya nation glad to see we agree on somthing. That region is weak bro.

By HSballfan

October 31, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Todd, for the explanation on the "region playoff." I won't open a can of worms by challenging the genius who came up that system. But there's a very good chance poor Griffin could get bounced right out of the post season before it even starts.

By KooGar

October 31, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Hornet Nation, you’re doing an excellent job of drawing attention to Roswell’s losses and emphasizing that some people at Roswell have no class. Now their is a true oxymoron for a high school - no class. You keep up the good work on this blog.

By cj

October 31, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

To NTH, good luck in the playoff. I just saw alot of missed tackels. Your qb is ok. didn’t see the breakaway speed from your rb. You guys might be alright just want to see you play a real powerhouse

By slalom1

October 31, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

To: “cj” Looks like we are brothers again. I do concur that we do not know how North Hall will handle the 2AAA assault. But, I was impressed with their overall team quickness. “cj”, have you given this any thought?…..suppose LaGrange loses to Troup. Carver and Shaw are obviously #1 and #2. But as for #3 and #4, in the above scenario, LaGrange, Harris County, and Troup would be 7-3 in 2AAA. I am not certain who would be left out. TODD HOLCOMB: Help us out on this . It is a possibility, be it ever so slim. Regardless “cj”, 2AAA, led by Carver, seems to be almost unbeatable in 2007. However, before all is said and done, I believe that North Hall may have something to say this year. “cj”….here is a question for you…”In a head to head competion between Carver-Columbus vs. lowndes, who wins, why, and how?” You are writing some good stuff. Now, give it your best shot.

By slalom1

October 31, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

To: “Yo” Are you still awake, my brother? Just thought you ought to know that in my mind, “cj” is about to dump a bucket load on Lowndes. Heads up.

By cj

October 31, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

To slalom1. I would hope that caRVER WOULD WIN. i havent seen Lowndes play. But they have a rich tradition. My family in valdosta would say Lowndes. Lowndes doesn’t produce many D-1 athletes, but they play great team ball, and our disciplined. But sometimes the pure talent of deron furr, jarmon fortson and the hard hitting of the linebackers will overpower a discipline team. Just because a team has tradition does not mean a sure win.

By cj

October 31, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

To Slalom1, Lagrange would not lose to Troup even if they played their JV team agianst troups varsity team. So rest easy. But if they did they would go by margin of victory if I’m not mistaken. Thats how much respect I have for lagrange. Lagrange’s QB is really smart. He does not have a rocket arm but he is way above average.

By yo

October 31, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

As you know Slalom 1, teams that dont have to play Lowndes find it easy to dump a bucket load on them. Not so easy when they have to play them, however. Here is a fun fact for you. Straight from the Valdosta Daily Times. Against Valdosta, Lowndes “started” 8 sophomores, 7 juniors, and 7 seniors (all classes pretty equally divided offense and defense). Punter a senior and the place kicker/field goal kicker a sophomore (capable of 40 plus yard field goals). Against Valdosta, Lowndes used 8 different running backs. The present looks pretty good and the future even brighter.

By Hornet Nation

October 31, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

KooGar - Is that all you got? Quite pathetic you are in your KooGar world of lost reality. :)

By Hornet Nation

October 31, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

To The Original Cougar Mom - enjoy your Happy Halloween now because once the payoffs start it will turn into a Horror Show on the field for the Hooch.

By hoyanation

October 31, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

yo, wait on the future , and pause on the present. lets dwell on the recent past for a moment how bout that 9-0 in your house thumping you took by the hoyas. I know, it was wet and rainy and u had better players etc. whatever! if we get u on a dry field we win by 21! I hope we see u again, but doubt u get past n. cobb . sorry maybe next year

By slalom1

October 31, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

To: “drock7”, Newnan High School. wow. Had some of the most talented teams in GHS football history, but could NEVER close the deal. What about the 1992 team? Derrick Stegall, Cory Bridges, and a roster that could intimidate most any high school team. But, what did they do? Lost in the first round to Colquit County 28-13. (I believe.) That Newnan team was in my mind among the most talented and deepest to ever play the game. But, that was then, this is now. You bring up Carrollton 2007, and the officiating. Bro, let’s be honest. AAA Carrollton has taken AAAAA Newnan to the wood shed EVERY year beginning in 2004.(Maybe even farther back than that. Those are just the years I can verify.). I understand that Coach Herring has a tremendous resume. But, since taking over the Newnan job, I find myself asking the question, “How”? Good luck to the Cougars. Last time they made it to the dome, they were rewarded with a 35-7 spanking on national television by LaGrange in 2004. (For what ever it may be worth, the LG vs. NHS game that year had national significance. The Cougars and the Grangers were both nationally ranked by Rivals.com.) Not only that, but Newnan was ranked #2 in AAAAA and the Grangers were ranked #1 in AAA. The rest was history.

By hoyanation

October 31, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

yo, i might add thats a bucket load coming from a team that did play you! and from a dad thats sick and tired about hearing how lowndes had an off night and the rain, and how much better lowndes athlets were than ours . do u know that only one player on our defense runs less than a 4.7 40. thats why u could’nt score on those run plays. it’s obvious why u could’nt pass.

By hoyanation

October 31, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

slalom1, are u a computer are a human? hHow do u remember so much about every region? heck I have to scroll up three times just to get your name right.

By slalom1

October 31, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

To: “cj” and “Yo” “cj”, nice job. Next to LG, I am pulling for Carver.(Still worried about their kicking game, even though I know that it P——-you off when I bring up the subject.) “Yo”….Glad to have you back. You have been mighty quiet lately. I believe that Todd would prefer that you and I lock horns over something.(He needs the ratings, and of course we need TODD). So, here goes: In a head to head match up, Carver-Columbus lays an A—whupping on Lowndes like they have not seen in 20 years. Deron Furr and J. Fortson are too much for ANY defense. Speaking of defense, have you seen the Carver defense? “Yo”, I respect Lowndes, but on a field with Carver-Columbus. Lowndes will look like a JV playing against the varsity.

By Raider from the start

October 31, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

This team has come a long way. We were traditionally about the worst team in anybody’s region. Now we are on the verge of something great. We can type these words until hell freezes over and the only thing that will matter is what the coaches and players accomplish on the field. They have only just begun to prove themselves. This team is a very young one. They finally started to gel last week. That was the first game which resembled last years team. We will go some in the playoffs this year, we will go a long way next year and the year after that. Many of you will be surprised at what this team will accomplish.

By will

October 31, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

hoyanation maybee they will put 30 on us but look at our offense we got jj jackson stud billy burns 4.35 guy 57 wr teoabald its not just a running offence its running wit a west coast flair wit play actions if they manage to get 30 off our stud denfence im not worried becaues of the improved westcoast offence we have around jj hes stoped were not done 56 and 42 points in our last two game so bring on the hoyas

By Raider from the start

October 31, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

This East Paulding Raider team has come a long way. We were traditionally about the worst team in anybody’s region. Now we are on the verge of something great. We can type these words until hell freezes over and the only thing that will matter is what the coaches and players accomplish on the field. They have only just begun to prove themselves. This team is a very young one. They finally started to gel last week. That was the first game which resembled last years team. We will go some in the playoffs this year, we will go a long way next year and the year after that. Many of you will be surprised at what this team will accomplish

By hoyanation

October 31, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

raider from the start, finally agood coment from a raider fan. thats all true. good luck, as ihave stated b-4 I want u to win it all.

By hoyanation

October 31, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

wil that was pope and sprayberry if I’m not mistaken. Thats real scary come on man, give me a break. you want score 10 on a good team!

By NTH Trojans

October 31, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

cj and slalom 1, I agree with you about their strength of schedule. I’d love to see them (North Hall) play a tougher non-region schedule, maybe keep Gainesville and Flowery Branch (rivalries). They divided 7AAA into subregions, and both of them are in the other sub-region. But when the GHSA split the region up, the schedule was already made for this year and last. If I’m not mistaken, NH is trying to schedule teams like Habersham Central, Stephens Co., and Hart Co. But I’d also like to see them play maybe Dacula, travel a little and maybe play Cartersville or Carrollton, maybe have a Home and Home series with a good AAAAA team. I’ve never been that impressed with an undefeated season, or the rankings for that matter. I’d much rather see them lose to a strong AAAA or AAAAA team by a touchdown or less, than to beat an average to mediocre AAA team. I went to school at Palmetto High School in the early to mid ’80s and we won 2 state championships during my tenure there, and made it to the Championship Game 3 of the 4 years, and we never had an undefeated season because we only played in A when we played region games or playoffs. As we all know, the more that you are in the fire, the better you react to it. They have been tested a little this year, by Flowery Branch. For those people that think that FB is a pushover, think again. Their QB, Jaybo Shaw, is a threat with both his arm and legs. His brother, Conner, is his favorite target. Their defense is suspect, but they can, and probably will, give teams problems in the playoffs. I expect them to win in round 1, and give the winner of Hart Co./Stephens Co. game a tough game. Do not think that they are a cakewalk are you will be going home for good. Guys, North Hall is the real deal. The reason I say that is becaus of their defense and their variety of weapons on offense. Their receivers LOVE to block, as do their TE and their backs (even their QB). Of the four teams coming out of 7AAA, only one is average with flashes of brilliance, and thats White Co. Man, I can’t wait for the playoffs!!!!!!!!

By will

October 31, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

hoyanation is awfully silent i glad u took your own advice there buddy humble pie tastes good where was north cobband harrison ranked before all the parity dat walton start wit the roswell upset buddy plus we play a great north gwenett team hoya are not the best team in cobb sry buddy

By hoyanation

October 31, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

wil, maybe it was kell thata even worse. remember not to confident in the weak part of your sch.

By slalom1

October 31, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

To: “hoyanation”, I must assume that you are a Harrison fan. To be honest, I do not know much about Harrison, but I have become interested. How about a little history, and a web site? Congrats for the win against Lowndes.

By hoyanation

October 31, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

wi;, how bot #1 and #4 buddy. where is walton? o thats the same ? that will be asked after the first playoff game. the next ? will be where’s wil?

By NCHS5409

October 31, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

if it was NC vs. Harrison in the championship the game would most likely be played at Mceachern. NC’s stadium does not meet capacity.

By will

October 31, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

i dont think well have to worry nchs5409 north gwenntt spetphson walton maybee harrison at the dome

By slalom1

October 31, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

To: “By Will” Todd warned you about sentence fragments in his intro to this blog. My Brother…..PLEASE learn English grammar. Otherwise NO ONE can understand what you are trying to say. There is a place for periods. A place for commas, caps, etc. I believe that you have something of importance to say. But, when you ramble, while using no sense of the English language, NO ONE can understand ANYTHING you are trying to talk about. You are wasting your time, Bro. Go play a video game. Or, learn to use English writing skills so that people can understand what you are trying to say. Hint: Start by understanding the meaning of a period.(not referring to females)

By slalom1

October 31, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

To:”NTH Trojans” Palmetto, Ga.? What high school and what years? Really enjoyed watching the North Hall highlights last night. Very talented team. Defense in particular. However, like “cj” I agree North Hall will have to step it up when it comes down to the 2AAA schools. Having said that, I believe, from what I have seen that North hall IS capable of “stepping it up”. Impressive team. This is gonna be fun.

By slalom1

November 1, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

To: “cj” Carver vs. LaGrange at Memorial Stadium…..What a game!What a great stadium! Memorial Stadium in Columbus is one of the great venues in football, period. “cj”, there are lots of folks who do not know that for years the Georgia -Auburn game was played at Memorial Stadium. Lots of history there. But, here is the way I see it: Carver has already taken LaGrange to the wood shed once. Also put a big one on Shaw. I believe that the only team capable of beating Carver in any classification is CARVER. As long as they do the litle things right, no one touches them. But, should anyone else have a shot it will be 1- Shaw 2- LaGrange3-North Hall4-Carrollton5-Hart County Good year for AAA!

By Reeze

November 1, 2007 6:34 AM | Link to this

You AAA guys might wanna take a peek at the Perry Panthers.That offense of theirs,putting up some decent points of late.I smell a couple upsets in the AAA pool.

By Jaybird229

November 1, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

To Jaybo: Actually I’ve seen Smiley play more during his career than I’ve seen Tijuan Green, but after watching both of them, I think Green is better. Green is a runner and well as a great receiver. NSWR utilizes him a lot in the passing game. They run a more pro style offense than TCC does and that also influences my opinion. If you put Smiley in NSWR system, he wouldn’t be the same type of player that Green is, because he’s a fullback not a running back. If Smiley goes to school somewhere, mark my words he will play FB, not RB. That’s why he is successful in TCC’s offense. The backs in their offense have to play the roles of FB’s basically because they run the split back veer and have to crash the line of scrimmage. That’s where he makes most of his yardage. I live in Thomasville, so I watch all of the South Georgia teams and also the teams from around the state. Saying that, Smiley is not the best player to me in the state, Green is. I have an unbiased opinion where as most people would feel that their favorite team’s best player should get the nod over anyone else. That’s not what I call a fair judgement, that’s just being a fan. I went to Cairo High School, but you will never hear me say that Cairo is better than a team just because that’s who I’m a fan of. It’ll never happen. TCC is a great team this year and Cairo is a pretty good team. TCC is better and believe me I hate saying that, but it’s true. I think Cairo can make a play for the title, but they have to make it past the second round first which they haven’t done since 2000. But Jaybo, Smiley is a great player, but let me ask you something. Many TCC fans claim he is a once in a lifetime player, but in my opinion he isn’t the best RB TCC has had. That belongs to Joe Burns IMO. Do you TCC fans agree with me or not?

By NTH Trojans

November 1, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

slalom 1,

Palmetto High, from ‘80-‘84. 2 State Titles in my junior & senior years.

By Jacketfan417

November 1, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

Jaybird229…I would say its a toss up between Joe Burns and Debrale Smiley at this point. Joe still holds the rushing record with over 5000 career yards and has 3 rings to go with it. Smiley of course now holds the career td mark with 71 and counting. Im not gonna complain though! Its a good problem to have thats for sure. As for the NHS Senior who claims to have beaten TCC 34-0 last year…NHS BEAT HAB. CENTRAL NOT THOMAS COUNTY CENTRAL…Im sure the similarity in the bright orange uniforms of Hab-Cent. and the dark blue uni’s of TCC got you confused…happens to everyone (WOW)…

By yo

November 1, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

hoyanation..since you are tired of hearing how much better Lowndes athletes are than Harrison, I won’t bring the “true fact” up any more. For what its worth, congratulations on winning a game you should not have. I have watched all of Lowndes games this year and Harrison will not beat Valdosta, much less Lowndes in a rematch. In fact I would take 4AAAA Ware Co. over Harrison. Harrison is the most over rated team in the top 5 of AAAAA (the playoffs will prove that fact). If you want to brag on beating Lowndes only 9-0 when Lowndes played their worst game they have played in 20 years, you have the right. You won. The “Sisters of the Poor” would have beaten Lowndes 10-0 on that night. Regarding a rematch, be careful what you dream about because dreams very easily become nightmares. Trust me, when it comes to the playoffs, Harrison would be the least of my worries. I could only hope life would be so easy for us. Plus, I wouldnt want to see your boy get so embarrassed. Slalom 1…sorry…no rebuff on the Carver thing…just not feeling your passion on that one.

By Nhs Eagle Fan

November 1, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Jacketfan417 it may be so that NHS did not play TCC last year but they did play them in 2005. They beat them in the second round by the score of 14-7. So you can not say that the Eagles have not beaten TCC They will beat them again if they meet on the way to the state title. For the AAAA state title awaits the NHS Eagles.

By Test

November 1, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

* testing* * testing * [Testing]

By Test

November 1, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Bold: testing Italic: test Link: [test]

By Test

November 1, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

test

test

test

By Warrior Alum

November 1, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

As a North Cobb alum. I just have to say it is nice to see our football team having a great year.

In my years there I don’t even recall smelling the football playoffs.

Also I think it is a plus having a national championship QB as our QB coach.

Go Warriors!

By Jaybird229

November 1, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I would like to see Carver Columbus play Lowndes. That would be a good one and despite how good I think Carver is, I don’t think they would beat Lowndes. Carver has great athletes, but their scheme isn’t that great on offense. A well coached team could shut them down. You can out-athlete a lot of teams, but when it comes to the best of the best, you have to have a solid scheme. I think Lowndes could stop them, but Carver’s D is very impressive also. It would be a low scoring game IMO. I’d say 9-7 Lowndes.

By Observer

November 1, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

nsw is a good team this year. I’ve seen them play. All year they have played against defenses and offenses with no speed and quickness. If and when they play TCC they will see more team speed than they have all year. Not to mention the best running game in the state. 2005 is done and over with nsw fans. 2007 is now, and TCC is a whole different team this year. TCC has a qb that will flat make you miss or out run you. A helluva Rb named Debrale the train Smiley who is 6ft 240lbs who can not only run straight over you, can also out run you. TCC’s two other backs Shawn Bryant and AJ Rauls rotate in together are very quick and run tough. AJ ran 3 times last week for 105 yards, which one of those carries was a 90 yard run to the house. TCC is the real deal this year. They are hungry for another state title. I can see it when they play.

By One who was there

November 1, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Hey YO: No matter how you want to spin it the Hoyas beat Lowndes whether it was their worst game of the year or not. Both played in the rain and the Hoyas did not put the ball on the ground. That is the story, plain and simple. If Lowndes does not put it on the ground so much maybe the outcome would have been different but we will not know as that game is over. Would a, could a, should a. Both teams are very talented so why don’t you just put the sour grapes aside, accept that the better team “that night” won and move on. If they play in the playoffs it should be a great game and maybe the outcome will be different, maybe it won’t.

By The Original Cougar Mom

November 1, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Hornet Nation who will you paying off to win? According to your post “as soon as the payoffs start”….The only Horror Show that will be going on is the one The Hooch is going to create for Roswell…

GO COUGARS!!!

By Jaybird229

November 1, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

To By Observor, no offense but I would have to turn your statement the other way around. TCC hasn’t played anyone with the team speed that NSWR has. It’s not even close. I also think that Baldwin, Upson-Lee, and Westside Macon fans would also take offense to that since all of them have several very good athletes and overall team speed. The best team TCC has played this year is Cairo and they beat them by a touchdown and Cairo was winning 7-3 at the half. Cairo doesn’t have half of the team speed that Northside has and I’m sure there are many Cairo fans that would agree, including myself. Time will surely tell but TCC needs to be careful cause they won’t have a close game the rest of the year with their schedule, and we all know that the playoffs are a whole different story. I’m interested to see how they handle having a bullseye on their heads, since this class has never had to deal with that before. But if that game unfolds, I will be the first person in line for my tickets.

By Jaybird229

November 1, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

To By Observor, no offense but I would have to turn your statement the other way around. TCC hasn’t played anyone with the team speed that NSWR has. It’s not even close. I also think that Baldwin, Upson-Lee, and Westside Macon fans would also take offense to that since all of them have several very good athletes and overall team speed. The best team TCC has played this year is Cairo and they beat them by a touchdown and Cairo was winning 7-3 at the half. Cairo doesn’t have half of the team speed that Northside has and I’m sure there are many Cairo fans that would agree, including myself. Time will surely tell but TCC needs to be careful cause they won’t have a close game the rest of the year with their schedule, and we all know that the playoffs are a whole different story. I’m interested to see how they handle having a bullseye on their heads, since this class has never had to deal with that before. But if that game unfolds, I will be the first person in line for my tickets.

By Jacket fan

November 1, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

jaybird229 Baldwin, upson-lee, and westside macon are good teams, but they do not have as much team speed as Tcc. When TCC played Cairo they played 2 quarters with out the train Debrale. After half time when he went in still hurt, if you were there you saw how TCC fans stood to there feet and cheered. And what happen he still scored two td’s hurt. Everbody even Cario fans said after the game if Debrale would have been healthy and played the whole game, the out come would have been a lot worst. TCC was up 17-7 with 3 seconds left in the game and Cairo kicked a fg. For what reason we still don’t know. TCC has played teams with team speed, Monroe, Cario, Tift, and Thomasville. As long as TCC stays healthy and plays to their potential they will win state. Not only do they have the athletes this year, they have the best coaching staff in the state.

By yo

November 1, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

To One Who Was There….glad you were there and know the truth. I think if you reread my blogs you will not find any sour grapes. As I stated you were ahead and get the win. As I have said, you did not put the ball on the ground and we did. As I have said, well lets just say I have already said it. Congratulations on the win and I truly hope we can meet up again before the year is out.

By Nns Eagle fan

November 1, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

You want to talk about hungry. The NHS Eagles are hungry for their second straight title. If it was not for a few bumps in the road this could of been their third title. In 2005 they lost in the finals. They are out to prove to everyone that the quarterback is just a player. They can win with their back up quarterback. Who do you think won the Upson-Lee game when the starting quarterback went out hurt? Does Tcc forget that the Eagles have more than one running back that can score. Their defense will have a fun time running after Green and any other of our running backs. The future will tell who is the best. All I know is the NHS Eagles are ready to roll on to state. Go NHS EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Hornet Nation

November 1, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

To The Original Cougar Mom - did not realize you would take an obvious typo so literally. Is someone on edge concerning the payoff performance for the Hooch? Your comment “The only Horror Show that will be going on is the one The Hooch is going to create for Roswell…” - Tell me just how that will that be, I am interesting in hearing those details!

By Jaybird229

November 1, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Jacket Fan, I was going to give you the benefit of the doubt, but since you want to dissect the Cairo game, we can do that. Smiley scored two TD’s in the Cairo game, yes, but he did not affect the outcome of the game the way you are portraying it. Smiley scored from 6 yards or closer on both of those and he was not a major factor in that game. Cairo lost that game because of horrendous play calling (ex. going for it on 4th and 8 from your own 20, instead of kicking the field goal), at least six dropped passes, and a defense that couldn’t get off the field in the 2nd half. Cairo’s QB over threw a touchdown in the 2nd quarter and a TD in the 4th. Cairo didn’t capitalize on opportunities. It was a simple case of a team killing itself, just like any team is capable of doing. But I know several coaches from state title winners to fresh outta college JV coaches, and I use their input and my own eyes to make my statements. Saying that, Baldwin, Upson Lee, and Westside Macon have as much or more team speed as TCC. Let’s face it, TCC is not a gamebreaking force of nature that you’re making them out to be. They’re a solid team with a simple rushing attack, that forces your defense to stay disciplined and read your keys. Do they have some playmakers, yes. Are they the most impressive team to me, no. That’s my opinion, just like it’s your opinion that they have the best coaching staff in the state. Just wondering what you’re basis for that was? Is it the 5 championships a decade ago. I’m sure that 3/4 of those coaches are gone and you haven’t won a title since then. I mean every fan on hear could make a claim that they’re team has the best coaching staff in the state, but can you back that up with something. I’d like to hear your basis for that.

By Logwat

November 1, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

To JC597 - The No. 1 seed from 8-AAAA will be the winner of the Cedar Shoals/Salem game tomorrow night, unless that team loses during the seeding game in Week 10. The region decided that if both sub-region champions are undefeated in sub-region play, the No. 1 seed for the state playoffs would be alternated each year. Last year, Habersham would have been the No.1 seed even if Cedar hadn’t been upset in the seeding game. This year, the South side of the sub-region gets the No. 1 seed unless thier No. 1 team loses next week. Habersham is far and away the best team in the region but going in as a No. 2 seed this year will be OK. Hab will have a tough first round game against Marist, St. Pius or Mays, but I think they can survive. Hab blasted Mays last year in the second round and this year’s team may be better, especially on offense.

By cj

November 1, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

to Jaybird. I think that carver has a good scheme on offense and defense. the difference is that we have a coach that played at the next level and knows how to get his team prepared and the kids believe in this system. The kids also get to study film and their weight program is much better than in recent years. Our linebackers are tough at 6’4 and 225lbs apeice. jarvis Jones will be one of the best in the country next year and leron furr(younger brother of deron) will be a beast as well. So maybe the score would be 17-3 carver over lowndes.

By Jaybird229

November 1, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

To CJ, maybe so. That’s why they play the game. But from what I’ve seen of Carver from actually live games and film, they run basic routes in the passing game and Furr gets away with throwing into coverage a lot. I don’t know if it misreads or actual playcalling, but he will definitely throw into coverage, but he also gets away with it a lot also. Just my observation. But hey the athletes are there, so if the coaching as good as you say it is, then they’ll be fine.

By hoyanation

November 1, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

yo, Why did you assume “one who was there” was a hoya fan? I thought they sounded neutral. Last year lowndes beat harrison by 4, I believe. We returned 17 starters, and beat you by 9. it was an ugly night, I was there. It was tough for both teams. we are 7-1, and you are 7-1 the teams are really close, but you nor other Lowndes bloggers ever admit it. That was the reason for my original coments. plus, that’s the second time you have used the nightmare illustration. eventhough, this time it was holloween, i’m still not really all that scared. Unless yall have added about 22 players in the past few weeks, remember we have seen you play when you try to be so scary and demonstative.

By viking lover

November 1, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

To Hoyanation, anyone who has followed Lowndes in the past few years knows that the Vikings have an unfortunate tradition of starting out slowly and getting up to full strength by seasons end. I’m not making excuses for that first game, but I agree with Yo and all others in Lowndes County, this is not the same team that played Harrison that rainy night. If we meet again the results will most certainly be different.

By cool cell

November 1, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

To Slalom…we do see eye to eye on this issue. I will give a history of Carver football. Wallace Davis did a great job for over 30+ years. His win over Valdosta in 1987, put Carver-columbus on the map. The win was so big USA Today put him on the front page. It was called one the biggest upset in ga high school history.Tim Walton was the starting QB on that team. Now he his the Def. Cord. at the university of Miami….the U. Many great players have come and gone to carver. The problem with wins & loss came in 1992. Thats when Baker high closed and merged with carver, sending carver to a tough 4-AAAA region. Carver had some rough first 2 years in the region, but by 1995 we hit our stride. With the # 1 RB in the Nation, Jasper Sanks, Carver went on to win the Region 4-AAAA. After Sanks Left, Carver football went to hell! The very next season the only game Carver won was vs TroopCo. After Rod Hood left in 1999, Carver was move to a Region with the likes of Valdasta, Lowndes, Warner Rob…….that crazy! to travel 4 hours to play a football game.That when Wallace Davis had enough and retired. So When Dell Mcgee got to Carver, the school finlly went back to playing all Columbus Schools………….IF CARVER NEVER WENT TO AAAA, SHAW WOULD NEVER BEEN GOOD! Now its back 70’,80’, and early 90’s…..Carver runs the city of Columbus! P.S who will Carver see in the first RD Perry, Cen.Macon, Peach co, Mary Persons?

By yo

November 1, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

hoyanation..yes we did beat you last year by 4 when we were “not” a very good team and as you say you have returned the same team…pretty much states it. Lowndes is playing as a team “right now” somewhere between the 2003 team (which was the 2nd - 3rd best team in the state that year) to the 2004 team which destroyed all in its path except Parkview. I repeat “right now” and not in game one at the beginning of the year. In other words the 2007 edition of Lowndes is “currently” better than the 2003 team ever was but not yet on the level of 2004. If they were on the level of 2004 I would go ahead and declare them champs and unbeatable the rest of the year. Since they probably aren’t then the final jury is still out. Now I must admit I haven’t seen Harrison since the first game of the year and I am sure you have improved also. Even though you won that game I still felt the better team lost. So all I am saying is I feel pretty confidant about our chances should we meet again. Unfortunately we probably never will. I do agree with you about the 21 point differential I believe you stated in a earlier blog, but I think you have the wrong team on top. Listen, I don’t have a bit of problem admitting when a team is a better team and beats us. Camden Cty. beat us twice in 2003 by 7 pts both times. After the first game I had no problem admitting Camden was the better team and definitely again after the rematch in the playoffs. I don’t see any similarities in that Camden team and your present Hoya team. I also don’t have any problem recognizing when we have showed up and played and when we haven’t. Against you we did not show up. So “that night” that made you the better team. I would love to give your defense credit for the 6 dropped center/qback exchanges in that game but I really don’t think you want me to sugar coat the reality that your defense had nothing to do with that. I will give your defense credit for helping to cause 2 of the other fumbles we had in the game as they were the result of good hits.
We even had a walk in interception from our all state defensive back who had 8 picks last year and it just went right through his hands. Just one of those nights for Lowndes and if you desire to think Harrison was the sole reason for it being one of those nights, well go ahead and think it. Now I’ll state it again, to your credit, unlike Lowndes you did not beat yourselves. I’ll state it again, to your credit, unlike Lowndes you did not beat yourselves. I’ll state it again, to your credit, unlike Lowndes you did not beat yourselves. I’ll also state again that it was pretty obvious to me that at the end of the year the better team of the 2 would be Lowndes. ps-glad you are reading my blogs so well. Stay tuned and I may use that dream/nighmare scenario again. Maybe even before next halloween.

By will

November 1, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

DOME BOUND WALTON RAIDERS.

By NTH Trojans

November 1, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

cool cell, From the way it looks right now, Carver will open up with the defending State Champs, Peach Co.

By NTH Trojans

November 1, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

I read a post on here a few nights ago by warrior woman, posting her top ten in AAAAA, and it had East Coweta at #4. What a joke, I saw East Coweta play Hiram this past Friday, and had it not been for the two punt returns for TD, EC might have lost. I know that special teams are an integral part of the game, but what I am trying to say is this, EC is a slightly above average team, that is probably gonna get their butts handed to them on Nov.9 by Newnan. Hiram is a team with a lot of talent, but no discipline. Therefore they may play for a half as a team, but you know that sometime during the game they will implode. My son plays on the 9th grade team, and their team went undefeated this year, but they have the same problem with discipline and showboating. If they can overcome those two issues, then in two yearsthey could have a good run at the title.

By hoyanation

November 1, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

yo, I Can agree with most of your coments. I know the best team does’nt always win. I also Know we did’nt see the real Lowndes. Good luck, I hope to see you later, because if we do it will most likly be in the championship.

By One who was there

November 1, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Yo and hoyanation, Lowndes won 14 -13 last year, not by 4. Harrison was up 7 -6 when they returned a kick for a TD but got an excessive celebration penalty moving the PAT back 15 yards and it came up short. Lowndes then scored a TD and 2 point conversion and held on to win. The Hoyas might have returned many starters but it is a drastically different team from last year’s.

By slalom1

November 1, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

To: “Yo” Okay, I gave it my best shot for Todd. But like you said,I have” no passion” behind what I wrote. Just tried to start up some poop. (Looks like it may have worked)

By steven maxwell

November 1, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

well it’s almost time for friday and the bulldogs to make that trip to the resrevation and see how well they can do against the indians and my nephew poole and here’s another reason why poole should get player of the year. When his high school career is over he will have ran for over more than 5,350yrds and found the end zone 75 times if someone has done it better please let me know.

By slalom1

November 1, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

To: NTH Trojans” I agree with your prediction of Newnan over East Coweta. That brings us back to just how good AAA is this year, and EVERY year. Take a look at the way AAA Carrollton has manhandled AAAAA Newnan every year from 2004 to the present.

By slalom1

November 1, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

To:”cool cell”, I hope everyone who reads the postings on this blog just read yours. It sheds lots of light on the history of Carver football. Here is what should give a good feeling to all Carver fans as well as all AAA fans. Who is EVERYONE talking about? Answer: Carver-Columbus. Well deserved. This team is one of the best in any classification. Maybe THE best. I watched Deron Furr pick apart a very good LaGrange defense late in the 4th quarter when the score was 12-10. LaGrange is NO pushover. As I have said before, the only team that beats Carver-Columbus in 2007 is Carver-Columbus. Do not believe that will happen.(By the way, I do remember the 21-7 upset of Valdosta in 1987. Valdosta began their season with a 40-7 booty kicking of LaGrange with a QB whose name was B.J. “something or other”. I remember he was about 5’8 160., but a gutsy player.) Back to the present: Being a Carver fan, how great does it feel for the entire state and possibly(before all is said and done) the entire NATION to be talking about Carver-Columbus?! You guys have earned the respect.

By slalom1

November 2, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

To: Jaybird 229” Lowndes 9 Carver 7 ? No way this is a defensive stand-off. Close probably. My guess would be more like Carver 16 Lowndes 14.(Have to assume that Carver will miss at least 1 extra point.) Or, maybe: Carver 19 Lowndes 14. That is more like it. Carver misses 2 extra points. But, Deron Furr leads his team to at least 3 TD’s, and the Carver defense holds Lowndes to 2 Td’s. No Matter what, Carver wins.

By TCCjacketfan

November 2, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

To Jaybird229: Reading your assesments of TCC I gather that you are not that impressed. Well, hopefully we will get the opportunity to “impress you” as the season goes forward. In response to the Cairo game you neglected to mention the dropped passes by our players that would have resulted in at least 2 touchdowns. Also we were riddled with injuries that week. We had 3 starting OL out, not to mention those injuries to Smiley and PJ Williams. In that game we moved the ball just fine, we just kept turning it over and made several mental mistakes. So, by your assesment of the game I see you got your information from a Cairo fan. But, you can ask any coach or player and they will tell you that in any season no matter how good you are, your going to have a “gotcha” game where no matter how you play or match-up with the other team, things don’t go the way you expect them. But, it is very apparent that no matter what I say your mind is already made up about TCC and their chances. I can get into the X’s and O’s and can prove why we have a good shot to win AAAA this year. But I think the best answer to that question is that it just feels right. You see, around here we know what a championship football team looks like. This team is starting to take those characteristics. Were not quite there yet, but things are now taking shape. Offensively, nobody can stop us, we can only stop ourselves. This is our best offense since 2002, and soon could match up to our 1997 team. Defensively, in most areas we are really good, but we have some room for improvement, which we are doing. Special teams and kicking game is very solid.

As far as coaching, I don’t know if this is the best staff, but it’s at least in the top 2 or 3. But I, without a doubt feel we have the best head coach, Ed Pilcher. Where is my proof? Well, take a little time and research his success before he came to TCC, and all the success he’s had since he’s been here. Then, take the rosters of the teams he plays vs. his own teams. You will soon realize where his dominance takes over. You see he doesn’t run the most complicated offense or defense, but his teams will be ready to play. Not only will they play to the best of there ability, they will play above it. Recently, I was talking with a booster that had a conversation with one of the assistant coaches. He was saying that he had coached against Ed Pilcher for years, and these coaches that go up against him can’t stand him. Not because he’s a bad guy, anyone will tell you he a very good man, and treats everyone well. But it’s the fact that even when opposing coaches know they have the better team, Ed Pilcher still beats them. That assistant coach came back and said I now know why. He prepares his staff, players, and himself as good or better than anyone he had ever seen. He has one of the best strength and conditioning programs you will find anywhere, he believes in tough discipline, and loves his players as if they were his own kids. He has a distinct advantage on the field too. They say his vision of the action is so good that after each snap he can tell what every player did on that play, and why that play was a success or failure. But, you know I could go on and about this but I’ll stop for now. Just remember the only team that will stop TCC is TCC. If we stay focused and healthy, we will win the title.

By graysonfan

November 2, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

roswellfan-really roswell is a very lucky team, and a very overrated one at that. last year was a huge surprise, i dont think you can repeat such luck again. you also need to give brookwood some credit, they have beat two very good teams this year Grayson and Berkmar. their team has changed alot from the first two games. have you watched them lately?

brookwood, i think you have a great team, i only wish, the coaches at grayson, could put together what you guys have. they kind of live in their own world, over there, so be glad!

i predict NORTH GWINNETT to go to the final. this group of boys have been awsome from the time they were 6 and 7 years old! they have a great juior lineup too.

reg 8AAAAA, is not a region full off no good teams, there are some very respectful multiple state champs there. dont forget about parkview, how many times have they won it all. every quality team, has a year or two, were they have to rebuild!

By slalom1

November 2, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

To: “Jaybird 229” You are pretty much on the money when describing Deron Furr’s performance on the field. He DOES throw into double and triple coverage. His passing stats are not even among the top 5 in his area.(Muscogee County,Ga Lee County Al,Russell County, Al, Harris County , Ga.) But, the kid gets the job done. He is amazing athlete. You should see him.

By slalom1

November 2, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Can someone from TCC please tell me if “Smiley’s” mom’s name is “Debra?”

By HATORADER

November 2, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

http://www.wrbl.com/index.php/video

click sports tab, and click carver vs lagrange

By HoochDad

November 2, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Hornet Nation - you need a healthy dose of reality.

The reality is you lost, at home, on homecoming. Your coach knows it - he also knows his team was totally outplayed that night. All your excuses and shoulda/coulda/woulda mean nothing. There weren’t any major ref errors that you can blame it on. What matters is the points on the scoreboard. You lost - get over it.

The reality is we also beat Camden in Camden. Their coach knows it as well. His team was also totally outplayed that night. I haven’t seen any of their bloggers whining (not that they post here much since Atlanta is a foreign country to them). How they rank ahead of Hooch in some polls is a mystery to me.

And the reality is, at best, Roswell finishes number 3 in the region. That assumes they actually make the playoffs, because the reality is that if they lose one of the last two games, they’re out of the picture anyway.

Facts are your friend.

By HoochDad

November 2, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this

Hornet Nation - you need a healthy dose of reality.

The reality is you lost, at home, on homecoming. Your coach knows it - he also knows his team was totally outplayed that night. All your excuses and shoulda/coulda/woulda mean nothing. There weren’t any major ref errors that you can blame it on. What matters is the points on the scoreboard. You lost - get over it.

The reality is we also beat Camden in Camden. Their coach knows it as well. His team was also totally outplayed that night. I haven’t seen any of their bloggers whining (not that they post here much since Atlanta is a foreign country to them). How they rank ahead of Hooch in some polls is a mystery to me.

And the reality is, at best, Roswell finishes number 3 in the region. That assumes they actually make the playoffs, because the reality is that if they lose one of the last two games, they’re out of the picture anyway.

Facts are your friend.

By Jaybird229

November 2, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

To TCC Jacket fan: Like I’ve said before I’ve never been a TCC fan and don’t like TCC because I’m a Cairo High Grad and that’s one of our biggest rivals. But anyone that knows me will tell you that when it comes to football, I’m an unbias guy. I could easily get on here and rant and rave about how good my team is and what they will do in the playoffs like most of the fans on here do. But I keep it real. If I feel a team is good, I say it regardless of who they are. TCC is better than Cairo, plain and simple, a lot of things go into that. TCC does have better coaching and they have some good athletes. But if you match them up with Cairo, it’s even across the board and that’s when coaching takes over. But that doesn’t mean that TCC has one of the top 3 coaching staffs in the state. TCC use to have one of the best staffs in the state a decade ago, but that’s exactly that-a decade ago. Today is today, just like a lof of TCC fans keep stating. Even if this TCC team wins a state title and goes 15-0, can you honestly compare them in the same league as your 97 team. IMO, it ain’t even close. That senior class won 3 titles in 4 years and even went 29-1 over their junior and senior years. To even prove my unbias toward TCC even more, I would even state that having played against that 97 team and having watched boat loads of film and games over the years-that the 97 TCC team is one of the top 3 or 4 teams that I and the state of GA has ever seen. So don’t fault me for going haywire over this year’s TCC team. Today’s AAAA is not comparable to 97’s AAA in my mind. You think about who was in your region back then: Cairo, Dougherty, Crisp County, Worth County, Monroe; who all were solid and pretty dominant teams in their own rights from the mid 90’s to early 2000’s. Those titles were a lot more impressive back then. But it’s totally opposite of what you said. Just like you know TCC football very well, I do also and have studied their film and analyzed their teams from the early 90’s until now. All and all, AAAA will be a five team race with TCC, NSWR, Habersham, Tucker and one sleeper team that will emerge in the playoffs like it always does. IMO, the worst draw that TCC can get is Habersham, because of the weakness of your pass defense. If you can survive that shootout, I think you can coast into the title game with Northside, but I think that’s where the dream season will end similar to 2002 except it will be at the Jackets Nest. I may be wrong, but like you also said, my prediction just “feels right”.

By Hornet Nation

November 2, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

To HoochDad - You guys sound tense in your current position. My statements are based on game tape, statements from others outside of our program and some from inside your program who have said the same. Yes the fact is you beat us that night and as I said time will only tell. Also remember that you have two games to play as well and two on the L side in the sub-region could leave an 8 and 2 team out of the mix. Good Luck tonight!

By Jaybird229

November 2, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

To slalom1, You’re right about Furr, he does get the job done and that’s all that counts. I’m sure Carver will take the wins even if he does throw into coverage at times. He is a great athlete, also evident by his possible switch to DB or WR at Auburn.

By Hmmm!

November 2, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Slalom 1…we all know that any one who beats Lagrange has to be the best team in the state. At least we all know that is the way you think. How is that for a little poop!

By Reeze

November 2, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

To TCC Jacketfan:I read Jaybird’s post and yours.I don’t think anyone doubts how good of a team TCC is this year or how talented Smiley is.I think you and other TCC fans must remember,there are also good AAAA teams in the mix a well.For two years running I have watched NSWR(23-0 since Dec 2005) Stomp to the ground nearly every team in its path.Only N.Clayton,St Pius(2006) and Upson-Lee(2007) put up any kind of a decent fight.Now impressive as it sounds ,i would never tell any other fan “See you in the Championship”.NSWR’s 1999,2001 and 2003 teams i personally thought were unbeatable,you know the story.The 2006 team,with a whole new backfield and QB,i thought maybe .700,if lucky,You also know this story.Also in 2006 i was licking my lips waiting for the NSWR/TCC matchup at the dome,Now i’m pretty sure you know this one.Jackett Fan,no disrespect to AA Thomasville,AAA Cairo and Monroe, but you guys have played a cup cake schedule.You guys haven’t face a ranked AAAAA or AAAA team on your schedule. And I am not the guru on Highschool football schuduling.You guys with only 3 region games to play,basically you play an independents schedule.With TCC’s glorious history,Whats the purpose of playing 2-6 Dutchtown and 0-8 Meadowcreek?.You guys got a tough draw this year in the playoffs ,depending on tonights games and next weeks region playoff games,i see a good round 2 matchup with either Baldwin or Westside(depending on seeding).To beat either of these teams your offense will have to mix it up.I think even with Smiley there neither team will let you run up and down the field on them.Especially not Baldwins terrible 3 LB’s or Westside’s LB Julian Burnett,who is just as big and fast as Smiley.Your draw possible has 3 or 4 top 10 AAAA teams you’ll have to defeat to make it to the championsip game.If you make it i’ll be the first to give it up to you,until then Good Luck!

By GwinnettFan

November 2, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Dear graysonfan,

Be patient. You are getting there. I expect Grayson-Brookwood to surpass the Parkview-Brookwood rivalry in the next few years.

You have good players, good coaches, and great parents. We’ve enjoyed watching the progress over the past 5 or 6 years.

By GwinnettFan

November 2, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Dear HoochDad,

The only facts that matter are the scores from the final game.

By observer

November 2, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

TCC will host the first three playoff games go to the dome, and play home for the championship. Them having home feild advantage comes in to factor more than you think. It is hard to get a win at TCC stadium in the playoffs. They have a 27-1 record in the playoffs at home. Last year was the first lost in the third round. They will have to play their best game week in and week out, and if they do they will win state this year.

By slalom1

November 2, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

To:”Hmmm!” Ooh, ouch. GOOD jab! So “Hmmm”, who is your team?

By JC597

November 2, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Does anyone have much info on St. Pius this year? It looks like there’s a good chance they will play Habersham in the first round.

How is their running game? How is their passing defense?

By NTH Trojans

November 2, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

slalom 1, It seems that North Hall and LaGrange will meet in the Quarterfinals if they keep winning. My question is this: if that happens, do you plan on coming to The Brickyard for the game?

By NSHS FAN

November 2, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

The final score between NSWR and Westside-Macon was 22-12. What a game it was! Westside, against A NSWR team without Marguez Ivory, beat NSWR all over the field in the first half. They truly had NSWR on the ropes when the score was Westside 12 NSRW 7. However, with Westside leading with that score late in the third quarter their QB fumbled on the 13 yard line. A NSWR lineman picked up the ball and ran it to NSWR 35 yardline. Soon after NSWR scored, went for two, made it to up the score to 15-12. Everything wentNSWR way thereafter. Another score came on a pass into the end zone. Westside boys just fell apart aferwards with several personal fouls, arguing with the referee, etc. Westside is tough! NSWR QB has a lot to learn> but he gave a valiant effort. The win was a boast for his confidence and it will help as NSWR go deeper in the play-off. Personally, I think NSWR is about the fifth or sixth best team in AAAA without Ivory. Yet, the team will survive and proudly defend it’s championship.

By justinfh88

November 2, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

to The Original Cougar Mom and hoochdad..Paper tigers..to a 3rd place team at best…where should we shove the crow in? your mouth or….

By graysonfan

November 2, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Todd, if you get a chance, watch the grayson shiloh game on comcast digital on demand ch.1. ummm, i think their defence, just got explosive. their new defensive player #16(ex back up QB), had 12 tackles, 3 QB sacks, and put one of shilohs QB’s out of the game. i told you they had some hidden talent!

smart move for grayson!, now!

By Fan

November 3, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

NSHS who is your top three teams in AAAA. My vote is 1.TCC 2.NSWR 3.Tucker. I have seen all three play. TCC has the best shot at winning state this year. They have the best running game that I have seen in the state. Their over all team speed is very fast.

By TCCjacketfan

November 3, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this

To Jaybird and Reeze: I have read both of your entries and can really appreciate your opinions. I too consider myself a fair and objective person. But, in my pevious entry I was responding to the things that were said that I just didn’t totally agree with, and spent most of my time trying to prove a point, not standing back looking at the big picture. That being said, I would like to respond to your assessments.

1) I never said that this team is as good as the 1997 team, which I will agree with you that it was definitely in the top 5 all time teams in GA. What I said was that this offense, if it continues to get better each week, could be close to the 1997 team by year’s end.

2) You say that we don’t have as good of a coaching staff as in the 90’s. It’s tough to say which one was better, but what I can say is that between 1997 and now we haven’t been as talented as we were in the 90’s. Truthfully, the job our coaches have done the past two years has been exceptional. I know you would respond and say that we lost last year to St. Pius, and that is a legitament point. But if you look at that game, and all of last year, you will see the underlying problems that we faced, and all of the hurdles we had to overcome as a team. For those of you who don’t know, last year we turned the ball over almost 5 times a game. You can say that was due to poor coaching, but it really wasn’t. We had several players on offense that just made mistake after mistake and the problem we had was that the players that were backing them up just weren’t ready to play. Well, it took most of the year, but by playoff time they finally started to hit their stride. Well, we played pretty good and beat Westside-Macon, and Westlake in the first two rounds. In the quarterfinals, we were up on St. Pius 28-7 at the beginning of the 3rd Qtr. when we just let it get away fom us. We had come from so far back, to being on the verge of a title. To be honest with you, the ground we covered, to get to where we are now has just been phenominal. So, I really can’t say which staff was better, especially since the major parts of the staff are still intact.

3) You can say that we haven’t played a tough schedule, and that AAAA isn’t as tough this year. There’s some truth to that. But, until two weeks ago we had played a much tougher schedule than both Northside and Tucker. Like I’ve said before, 1AAAA is not what it used to be, so when you schedule a Lowndes, Tift, Colquitt Co., Cairo, Monroe, and etc., you do so to make up for the lack of a tough region schedule. As for Meadowcreek, and Dutchtown, both of those games were scheduled in to give us extra home games, to give us some playoff tiebreakers, and to fill up some openings on our schedule we couln’t get filled.

4) Unlike some, I and most of the rest of our fans realize that there will be no cakewalk to the finals. When we say that no one can stop TCC but TCC, that is not a feeling of invinceability. I definitely agree that there are several teams out there that can all win the title. Some we know about, and some we are soon to find out about come playoffs. We just know if we play our game, we have a really good shot.

5) As far as our weaknesses on our pass defense go, they’re not as glaring as it may seem. We have had some players hurt, and some of our best defensive backs start on offense. We traditionally don’t play them on defense if it’s not necessary. We usually do just fine without it, and only in 3 games have the stats indicated any weakness. Well, in those games we put in our better DB’s and shut it down in a hurry. Truthfully, most of the success teams have had on us passing, is when the game is well in hand and we put the 2nd and 3rd teams in against other teams starters. But we defintely have room for improvement and will work hard to do so.

Sorry to be so long winded. I rarely have time to comment more than once a week, so most of my entries are very long.I just really love this format and the ability to debate against other fans. Talk to you guys later.

By Yo

November 3, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Tift Cty. most likely the #4 seed out of 1AAAAA this year barring an upset of them next week from Colquit Cty. Look out Camden Cty. Don’t let the record fool you. When this team is healthy (and they are now) you will know you have been in a ball game. Tift is a very tough seed for someone to have to start the playoffs with as a #1 seed from their region. Very good spread offense and BIG offensive line.

By johnny K

November 3, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

To Hooch Dad, How about this for reality. My understanding is that if Roswell beats Centenial by 5 Chatahoochee stays home.

By Raider from the start

November 3, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

I read comments here about the 5AAAA region. Most of you seem to feel this is an easy region. Not much tough competition. Frankly, I haven’t put on the pads for quite a few years and I imagine many of you haven’t either, if ever. I do understand the game and how it is played. I also understand what it takes for all these guys to go into battle week after week and to win. East Paulding went into battle last night and won for the 9th time in a row. They won with a last second effort against a determined adversary. They proved once again that they don’t understand the meaning of the word quit and that the game really isn’t over till it’s over. The playoff’s are looming. The competition is out there waiting and the East Paulding Raiders will be ready and willing to fight. Many of you may be right. They may run into much tougher competition, but beware the competition will run into a much tougher Raider team ready to play. The East Paulding Raiders, winners of region 5AAAA, will play every play, every second,until the final whistle blows. They may win or they may lose but they will never quit. Go Raiders!

By different view

November 3, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

east paulding, the region is weak. you almost lost to a very weak team. the best thing to do is keep quite this week. Try not to embarrass your team and coaches with comments like i just read. Save those kind of speaches until you get knocked out of the playoffs early.

By HS Football Fan

November 3, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

The NSWR and Westside game was a good one. NSWR prove that they can win without ivory, the backup QB play big. NSWR D really showed me something, they held a good WS team to 172 total yards, 24 yards rushing and 148 passing.WS D keyed on T.Green all nite, he still had 155 yards rushing 1 TD.The backup QB was 8 of 17 108 yards passing and 1 TD.NSWR is a good football team without Ivory and the best in GA with him.

By justinfh88

November 3, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Courger mom..no more bloging? Hooch dad..how is the crow tasting? You must be full!!

By Raider from the start

November 3, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Different view. Maybe you should learn to spell before you lecture others with the written word.

By jaybo

November 4, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

Jaybird we are talking about who the best player is now—Smiley or Green. You bring up this stuff about running back/fullback, that’s not what the argument is about-has nothing to do with who the best player in the state is. Futhermore, you bring up the style of offense and playing at the next level(college). You might be right, but what does that have to do with now. We are not talking about who we think will be a better college player, but who do we think the best high school player is—not future but present. Consequently, the best player in Georgia is still DEBRALE”the D-TRAIN”SMILEY!!!!!!!!!!

By jaybo

November 4, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this

Oh Jaybird, I do agree that Joe Burns is the best TCC running back ever!

By slalom1

November 4, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

To:NTH Trojans”,I will watch LaGrange as long as they are still playing.(Hope they will still be there in the quarter finals.) I am actually concermed about the possibility of an upset loss to Troup. Should that happen. LHS will not make the play-offs period. Troup is probably the most improved team in 2AAA from start of the season. It is a heated rivalry that could produce an upset. However as long as LaGrange takes care of business,(as they should), I like their chances of making it to the quarter finals. The “Brickyard” would be a fun road trip, although the drive back could be a “long one”.

By different view

November 4, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Raider from the start , Thank you so much for finding my spelling error. That really was embarrasing to me. I’m sorry if I hurt yuor fealings aboute your speach. It’s obviose that you spente alot of time on it . It relly tugged at my hart. please feel free to speal check this comment for me. You must be a teacher at east paulding

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

slalom 1,

Well, if it happens that both teams make it that for, look me up when you get here. By the way, what did you think about the Stephens Co/ Hart Co game? I listened to it on the radio, it was a good game wiht a lot of momentum swings and good hitting. The machine known as North Hall kept rolling along, winning 73-20, all the points being scored on our JV, and the first string coming out after about 5 minutes in the second quarter. Our JV outscored East Hall in the second half 30-20. Well, it looks like WACO will make the playoffs this year after all. I know that they are not as strong as in past years, but a team that has that postseason experience is always dangerous. Plus, they are flying under the radar concerning the teams that are expected to make a strong run deep into the playoffs. Good luck to the Grangers, I really would like to see North Hall meet them in the quarterfinals. If NH were to win the State Championship, and they went through the best teams in 2AAA, then nobody could say that they didn’t face the toughest competition in AAA.

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

slalom 1, Can you tell me the websites of the Grangers, Shaw, and Carver, Columbus? I’d like to see some highlights on the three of them. Also, I was wrong about WACO, they have to beat Thomson this Friday, or Cross Creek has to lose to Harlem, for them to be in the playoffs- Cross Creek owns the Head to Head tiebreaker.

By slalom1

November 4, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

To:”NTH Trojans”, What a weekend. And ….73 points?! Geez. Looking forward to seeing the highlights film of that game. Yeah, Hart County vs. Stephens County. My bet would have been Hart County. But, Stephens County must be for real. Like you, nothing would be more exciting than a LaGrange vs. North Hall quarter final. I just hope the Grangers are there. This LaGrange team is still somewhat of a mystery this late in the season. On the one hand, lots of talent on both sides of the ball. On the other, LOTS of sophs and juniors. And…it shows. Against Shaw, the youth of the Granger defense was apparent in the first half. But, the coaching staff showed their ability to “coach up” in the second half. The Grangers dominated Shaw in the second half. Just played like “hotdogs” in the first, and did not have the time to make up the difference. However, in a re-match, I would bet on LHS. The loss to Shaw, and the second half adjustments made the Carver game VERY close right up until the end. (This was a road game.) Carver was held to 19 points, and zero BIG plays. It was a defensive battle, eventually won by Deron Furr,(almost single-handedly.) He is one FINE athlete. I should not leave out perks to the Carver defense. They are mighty good. So, here is the question: North Hall is in the quarter final bracket with LaGrange(assuming that LHS beats Troup.) Should North Hall prevail against LHS, they will most likely face Shaw in the semi’s. Then Carver in the final. Now, talk about TOUGH. No disrespect to Stephens County, nor to any other AAA schools. This is just the way I see things shaping up. North Hall, in this scenario, would face LaGrange, then Shaw, and FINALLY Carver.(assuming that they win out.) Have you taken a look at Shaw? Carver? Very good teams. As is North Hall. How do you see this hypothetical scenario playing out? North Hall will most likely have to play the BEST 3 teams they have seen all season, back to back. Should LHS make it to the “Brickyard” I will be there with an entourage, and a serious tail gate party. Just hope we make it that far. North Hall will.

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Slalom 1, As i said earlier, North Hall is unproven ( as far as most people are concerned), but I would like to see them play the Big 3 in 2AAA in this playoff run. For those people who don’t think that NH is legit, all I have to say is let your team play Flowery Branch, and see if: 1)you can hold their offense to just 7 points, and 2) you can score 41 pionts against them. Slalom, I know that you are sold on NH, because you have already stated that you are. Again, if you could get me the team websites for LaGrange, Shaw, Carver, Columbus, I would greatly appreciate it. As for Stephens Co., I have said all year long that they are for real. I was sold on them after their win vs. Habersham Central. As for NH, I’ll be their supporting them throughout the playoffs. Good luck to the Grangers, Raiders, and Tigers in 2AAA. Idon’t think that they will need it. Once the playoff brackets are set, how do you feel about discussing possible upsets in AAA?

By slalom1

November 4, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

To:NTH “Trojans” The Grangers’ web site is www.lagrangefootball.com As for Carver and Shaw, I have not saved their sites, but usually just “google” Carver-Columbus or Shaw-Columbus, and navigate my way there. On the LHS web site you can check out the highlights from Shaw and Carver, but it will be the best of LHS, and not include the best of Carver and Shaw. BIG difference.

By CJ

November 4, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

TO SLALOM1, THE CARVER GAME WAS PRETTY GOOD. GAVE UP 12 POINTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, THEN THE DEFENSE STEPPED UP. kIND OF IMPRESSSED WITH NORTH HALL. THE ABILITY TO SCORE 73 POINTS IS IMPRESSIVE. LIKE YOU I WANT TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS. I DONT SEE LAGRANGE LOSING TO TROUP. IF YOU CONTINUE TO SEE THAT I WOULD SAY PUT DOWN THE FLASK, AND JUST SAY NO. LAGRANGE IS YOUNG BUT THEY SHOULD NOT BE TESTED UNTIL THEY MEET NORTH HALL.

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

slalom,

Others things to discuss once the playoff brackets are released: Toughest bracket, weakest bracket, best matchups in the first round, and matchups we’d like to see in AAA, we can also discuss the other classifications if you would like.

By slalom1

November 4, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

To: “cj”, Wish I shared your confidence in LHS. I do not doubt their talent, just their youth. (Okay, “cj”, I will now put down the flask.) A little paranoid. You are right. LHS should not be challenged by Troup. But, Troup has improved significantly since their games against Shaw and Carver. By the way, so has Harris County. 2AAA is in my mind is ONE TOUGH football region in 2007. Should Carver lose Deron Furr to an injury, or Shaw lose Cam Greathouse for any reason, I see the final being played between Carver and either, North Hall, Shaw, or LaGrange. What do you think?

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

* CJ,*

Of those 73 pionts, 42 were scored by either the reserves or JV. I’m actually more impressed with the 41 that they scored on Flowery Branch. By the way, Flowery branch is 9-1, and they will be a team to be reckoned with in the playoffs. They should give Stephens Co a good game. No disrespect intended to SC, but FB has improved a lot sice they played NH.

By cj

November 4, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

If Furr is lost to an injury. Fortson could be put in the rotation. Deron is a great athlete, as well is fortson. As far as the final goes i would like to see lagrange, shaw, carver, and harris county in the dome, with an all columbus final

By CHS Dawgs

November 4, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Todd, I know sitting down and ranking teams week after week must be a tough job. but theres just something odd about it. Im a proud parent and i have a child who plays at chamblee high school. the dawgs currently have one the greatest records in school history. why when chamblee lost to westminster, a very well coached team like chamblee, did they go being ranked 4th to nothing??? that doesnt seem right. but, then the next week you rank westminster 10th. but westminster lost to dunwoody this week and i can understand why they are no longer rank. usually when i read the papers and a top 5 team loses, they drop a few places and remain in the top 10. so, why is chamblee no longer ranked??

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

CJ,

No offense, but where i might be inclined with three of them, Harris Co is not one of them. First and foremost, you doubt the capability of NE Ga. teams, such as North Hall, Stephens Co, Hart Co, and Flowery Branch. If there is a game between NH and LG, I fully expect it to be a hard fought, close battle. It will probably be won by the team with the fewest turnovers, or by special teams. I don’t know that much about Harris Co, but I do know that Stephens Co. beat the #4 ranked team in AAAA earlier this year, so they will be know pushover. Flowery Branch runs the Spread offense to perfection and have a QB that can beat you with his legs or his arm. So as you can hopefully see, Harris Co will have a long and hard road ahead of them. Also, I don’t know that much about Henry Co, but on paper they look pretty good. That will most likely be the first rd opponent for Harris Co.

By Raider from the start

November 4, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Different view, You’re welcome. Very intuitive of you to realize my true feelings. Laughing on the outside but crying on the inside. How are you so sure 5AAAA is such a weak region? Many thought that last year but we were right there in the dome with the best in the state. EPHS is younger but in many ways we are a better team. Our coaching staff is among the best in the state. John Reid was awarded that honor, and now has players that have played under his scheme for 2 years. I think EPHS will surprise you. Of course, only time will tell.

By slalom1

November 4, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

To:”cj” The “ALL 2AAA”” final four is a possibility. I believe that both Harris County and Troup are capable of going deep in the play-offs. Both of these 2 schools are in the unfortunate position of being in region 2AAA. In any other region, they are 9-1, or 8-2 teams, and a lock for the play-offs. One final question….RE-MATCH possibilities against Shaw or LaGrange. What say you?

By cj

November 4, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

To Nth you might be right about harris county. Hopefully no offense to you. My problem is I am a south Georgia boy who grew up in albany and went to high school in columbus. I just believe in that south georgia type of football, not the suburb of atlanta football. Flowery Branch I think would take a smack down against our big three. i think we could get 22 members from the bands of lagrange shaw and carver to beat them. what is their strenght of schedule like besides NH.

By cj

November 4, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

To slalom1 very strong possibility of a rematch. Last year carver and shaw went on the road and won their way to the dome. Carver played at jackson county, and carrollton (beautiful stadium for visitors). The road might be easier this year for us. Lagrange and shaw are good road teams so i think they will do well. For all of the 2AAA teams it was defense that got them to where they are at now.

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

CJ, FB schedule is the same as NH. They also have similar results as for as the score goes. The only difference between NH and the others in 7AAA is defense. That’s where NH is on another level from the rest of 7AAA. FB is a formidable foe, make no mistake about that. NH can, and most likely will make the final four in the dome this year, no disrespect intended to anyone in our bracket, but the only team that I see NH having any trouble with is LaGrange.

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

CJ, I wasn’t talking about your big three facing Flowery Branch, I was talking about Harris Co. slalom 1 you said that if LG loses to Troup, that LG would miss the playoffs. How can you be so sure when there would be a three way tie for two spots in 2AAA?

By cj

November 4, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

To NTH, defense is what wins championships. if fb is going to be a threat to anyone outside of the suburbs they better step it up on defense. Who are their playmakers on offense.

By NTH Trojans

November 4, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

cj, Jaybo and Connor Shaw. Also, they have a good RB, butI can’t remember his name. Jaybo is the QB and Connor is a WR. Connor will take over at QB next year after his brother graduates.

By homet

November 5, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

*By Marist fan

“October 30, 2007 8:50 PM To EastRaiders07 Whatever you smoke up there must be really good! Marist beat you like a drum and will again this year. You would not make the playoffs in our region.”*

**LOL!!!…Where’s the BIG talk now…the May’s boys whipped Marist on the field during the game and THEN you let them celebrate / disrespect you on YOUR field AFTER the game!!!…

All the while East Paulding was playing what was one of the MOST exciting games of the year against a VERY tough (record not withstanding) Sequoyah team! Down 14 to 10 East Pauldings guys could have quit but instead they showed the heart this team has and moved down the field to score with 8 SECONDS left on the clock!!!

They are and deserve to be the 5AAAA Region Champs!**

By Brookwoodfan

November 5, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

First, I want to say that I will try not to bore or tick off the many non-Brookwood fans by going on and on about Brookwood. It even bores me at times and I prefer for Brookwood to stay out of the spotlight until the end. I do want to agree with Gwinnettfan and say that if Grayson keeps coming along, that they may replace Parkview as a rival. Parkview’s history will always be impressive with three straight championships. We play them this week and I assume we will win, but you know what they say about assuming. I do wish I could see other games such as N. Gwinnett vs. Norcross and E.Paulding vs. Newnan. It is great to see young schools doing very well such as M.L. King and Mill Creek. Even though we are in metro ATL, I would love to see teams more in Central and South GA, such as Lowdnes, Tift Co., and NSWR. It impresses me that NSWR is still rolling without their star qb. I’m getting excited about the playoffs, because I love seeing other great teams whom I have never seen before.