AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAristotle Throttle vs. Atom Smashums
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today, dear reader, we take the wild and wacky journey from Atom Smashers to Aristotle, which in the entire history of journalism probably hasn’t been attempted and after today may be outlawed forever because of this.
But that has never stopped us before.
It was Aristotle, the ancient philosopher, who taught us,”You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence is not an event — it is a habit.”
It was the Atom Smashers, the team from Savannah’s Johnson High, who taught us, “Sometimes you have to get by on what you do once — and we don’t need no stinking habit.”
They have won once this season — better than 20-some-odd teams who were forced into a Winless Protection sequestering. They are our examples, if for no other reason than all the other “A” teams who might’ve been dragged kicking and screaming into this example had the decency to win more than once.
For some today, it will be enough to be the Atom Smasher. One win will do. For others, nothing less than Aristotle — doing again what they’ve done repeatedly — will suffice.
Take Marist. It is what it repeatedly does. It is a St. Pius-beater. Twenty-four of the last 25 times. But today, St. Pius must beat the Aristotle out of Marist and become the Atom Smasher.
St. Pius is the team that just went on the road two weeks ago to beat the same team Marist couldn’t handle at home a week ago. St. Pius is the team that woke up after losing to Cedar Grove and hasn’t lost since. St. Pius is the team that would seem to have the superior momentum today, which is when it counts. With a win today, St. Pius will claim second place in Region 6-AAAA and the home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs that comes with it.
North Gwinnett needs to be Aristotle. The Bulldogs were what they repeatedly did last season, right up until the time Norcross stuffed their mugs and spoiled the unbeaten regular season.
Now, on the verge of another unbeaten regular season, they must avenge themselves. The Region 7-AAAAA championship hangs in the balance and for one day the Bulldogs must prove themselves heads and shoulders better than the Blue Devils to snag it — better in the running game, the passing game and on defense. In any case, it’s the Gwinnett County game that has supplanted Brookwood-Parkview for pure impact. No region titles are at stake in the Battle of Five Forks Trickum. Just bragging rights. But Brookwood is trying to do something it has done only once before — beat the Panthers for a third consecutive time —and it says here that the Broncos can, led by Kenny Miles and his 1,947 yards. Yes, even in the Big Orange Jungle.
Coaches will tell anybody who’ll listen how hard it is to beat the same team twice in the same season. But that’s the task that faces Hawkinsville, Upson-Lee and Washington-Wilkes, to name three. If they aspire to something better than Atom Smasher status, they’ll have to beat their opponents for the second time this season.
But both of these rematches come in region-playoff settings. There is no time to dawdle. Nothing less will do than the Aristotle Throttle.
LISTMANIA: And now, without further delay, The Weekend Predix. Check the list, then return to scream, rant, holler, praise, genuflect at the shrine of, give shoutouts to or mount a protest against Maxie right here.
Video: Lights! Camera! MAXIE! See Darryl prognosticate.
Mad about Maxie? Our fearless prognosticator awaits YOUR comments. Are his patented Predix right on or way off? Throw down with D-Max now!
Permalink | Comments (56) | Post your comment | Categories: Darryl Maxie
Comments
By Cougar Mom
November 8, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
:) Trite, expected, safe.
Again I see why you chose Douglas County over Alexander….but we have proven you wrong before this season…and we will do it again one more time just for fun!
By Lions Den
November 8, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Where is your prediction for the Lithonia vs MLK game???
I amazes me how much MLK (9-0) is slighted and repeatedly not referenced in the AJC. Regardless of when or who they play the score is rarely mentioned in the weekend coverage. I’ve noticed this pattern over the last (4) years…
What’s up with that? Maybe the citizens in SW Dekalb should boycott and stop supporting the AJC since we don’t seem to exist!
By MLK Band Mom
November 8, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
I agree with ‘Lions Den’, what’s up with the ‘MLK is not worth mentioning’ attitude? Our guys play just a hard as the other teams, and as the record bears witness have been the better opponent.
By Raider from the start
November 8, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
The problem is the ajc sports writers make up their mind at the beginning of the season who they think is worthy of coverage. They decide who is in a weak region or who has a weak team and they virtually ignore those teams. Maxie has picked East Paulding to win each week but they have gotten absolutely no coverage at all. They went to the semi-finals last year before the ajc grudgingly wrote something about them. Now they are region champs, 9-0 and going to the playoffs but the ajc will ignore them until they absolutely have to write something about them or until they lose and they can write something unflattering about them. So MLK just get used to it, there is nothing else you can do to combat preconceived ideas in closed minds.
By BwoodFan
November 8, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Park-who??
Its almost dissappointing being a senior and knowing that were going to smash parkview so easily. I wish that they were better this year so that the game would mean more. Too bad. At least Kenny will get to bounce well over 2000 yards on the year. Hopefully we’ll beat them worst than theyve ever beat us.
KENNY FOR HEISMAN.
By Biff
November 8, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Please revert back to picking Westminster to lose.
By Mike
November 8, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
East Paulding folks need to keep quite. You guys have played NOBODY! When you did face a reel team finally in last season’s playoffs you got spanked by 3 touchdowns!
By kreedham
November 8, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Hey Maxie….Northside WR plays tonight. Can you get a score about 9:30? I’m guessing you thought it was Friday, as I did.
By Raider from the start
November 8, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
Mike, Last year we defeated top ten ranked Sequoyah in their house, top ten ranked Cherokee in our house, Rome in their house, Starrs Mill in our house before we lost to Marist in the semi-finals. Looks like we beat everybody but Marist, the team that played in the finals. That’s better than all but 2 teams in AAAA. This year we are undefeated in 9 games, ranked 6 by ajc and 8 by gasports. Believe me buddy that is something to shout about no matter what happens in the playoffs. I might even do some shouting in the playoffs cause it looks like we are peaking right about now. But as I always have said, the proof is in the playing. Experience has told me that people want you quiet when they fear you. What are you afraid of Mike?
By EP SENIOR '08
November 8, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
past is past, mike, are you one of those guys reliving old glory days on the HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD? this is our time and Marist is GARBAGE as is many other teams this year, granted we haven’t played anyone “tough” yet, ‘cept Cherokee, but we’ve dominated this region and are looking for more competition. I think our head cheerleader has 5 TD passes this year, we will own anyone that comes against us. Including Northside WR. Later bros.
By Mike
November 9, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
If East Paulding played in region 6AAAA, they would not even make the playoffs, much less be undefeated. The AJC ranks region 5 next to last to region 1 in AAAA and thats only because there are just 4 teams in region 1. Coincidentally, you guys couldn’t beat all four of those teams either. TCC would kill you. Congrats on being ranked. But riddle me this, why are teams with a loss ranked ahead of you?
By Drago
November 9, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this
Newnan v east coweta? I know the AJC policy is Cobb and Gwinnett coverage only, but sheesh, Maxie.
BTW, the new pictures sure do make you look odd.
By HOWARD
November 9, 2007 3:20 AM | Link to this
GRIFFIN,GRIFFIN,GRIFFIN—-MAXIE NO WAY A KNIGHT WILL BEAT A BEAR THIS TIME. GO BEARS!
By dawgsig
November 9, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this
Well, again you have confirmed what we know on the Southside: the AJC is a Gwinnett/Cobb rag. Newnan and East Coweta are playing for the region championship tonight and the game didn’t get even a mention. Way to go AJC, that’s why your circulation numbers in Coweta County will continue to be low. Terrible!
By ECAlum
November 9, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
I have to agree with dawgsig. You have 9-0 EC vs 8-1 Newnan for the region championship. An intense Cross County rivalry (If you don’t believe it, drive by Drake Stadium tonight) and no mention. That’s TERRIBLE!!!
By Just Fair
November 9, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
So Maxie,
When you put together your weekend predictions, I guess you forgot about Lithonia and MLK. Nevertheless, MLK will win!
By ecsupporter
November 9, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
It’s been asked but I’ll ask again—how on this planet could the EC-Newnan game NOT EVEN BE MENTIONED in the AJC today? Instead, you list as “key games” 4-5 McEachern against 6-3 Etowah and 6-3 Centennial against 7-2 Roswell?
Not only that, you didn’t even include the EC-Newnan game in your weekly “prognostications.” Heck, even the Woodland-Chapel Hill game, for example, got that much coverage.
In other words, you’ve got a huge rivalry game for a region championship in the state’s highest classification between teams that are a combined 17-1. This game should have been the headline, but it was given less attention than single-A games with no play-off implications.
Wow.
By dawgsig
November 9, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
GO NEWNAN COUGARS! GO TO H* AJC AND DARRYL MAXIE. WHAT A JOKE!
By scott
November 9, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
No prediction on the Newnan East Coweta game!!!!!!
Big game region championship!!!!
By Southsider
November 9, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
I find it unbelievable that this cheesey paper gives no mention to the Newnan/East Coweta game. Coverage like this is definitely one of the reason I do not suscribe to the AJC and instead receive the Newnan Times Herald. Newnan at 8-1 versus East Coweta at 9-0 with a region championship on the line. They are expecting ~9,000 people at the game and no coverage or prediction? Since the AJC and Maxie are afraid, I will step up!!!
Newnan wins 27-20
By Aaron C.
November 9, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
No offense Southsider, but the times-herald is not worth reading. When the leading story is man finds giant leaf in front yard, I cant take it serious. I do agree with you that the AJC is North side biased. Anyways, watch that big back for EC McGill. 6ft and change, and weighs close to 250. Man some people are taking some hits tonight. Go EC!
By Newnan Alum of 2003
November 9, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Yes, Newnan will sweep East Coweta! My lil bro is the newnan quarterback Russell Powell! He is going to take care of business tonight!
By NSHS FAN
November 9, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
TO: BY EP SENIOR 08, Don’t sweat playing NSWR this year because you will never get past Westside Macon or TCC whichever you face in round 2. However, if you were to play NSWR, the EP score would be in the lost column. EP is good playing in NW Georgia but when you come south of Atlanta for bragging rights; you are going down. Get back with me after round 2 two see which one of us is correct. You really know the answer now, i.e. EP elimination.
By ECAlum97
November 9, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
EC 35 Newnan 28. Time for EC to take the streak back like the days of old.
By NHS Cougar
November 9, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
The old days are over! It’s a new era! Go Newnan Courgars!
By devon
November 9, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
THANKS FOR HAVING FAITH IN US TROJANS AT BANNEKER HIGH SCHOOL
By Drago
November 9, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
I think we can stipulate that the Times-Herald is lacking in several aspects. But, it is better than nothing. Which is what the ajc offers us.
The real rub is that this elf Maxie has had 12 hours to correct the situation, and has not. Vote with your feet, folks. If the ajc has nothing you want to read—don’t read it.
By AAAAReg6Fan
November 9, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
To EP SENIOR 08, I would have to agree with NSHS FAN, don’t worry about playing teams on the other side of the bracket, first you must get by teams within your bracket. If EP wins their first game of the playoffs, more than likely you will face the #2 team in region 6, Mays. The region rankings are something to consider, if only, preparing a teams for the playoff season. Region 4 and 6, in AAAA, are by far the strongest top to bottom. Each has 4 teams that will not make the playoffs, but if played in ANY OTHER region will be one of the top teams. Example: Reg4 Griffin, North Clayton, Lovejoy, and Stockbridge (my prediction before their regional playoffs tonight and Reg6 Cedar Grove, Columbia, Miller Grove and Washington, along with SWD and its legendary Coach Godfrey.
NSHS FAN, I think Todd has it wrong on the regional rankings, 6 is stronger top to bottom. Predictions, 3 reg 6 teams in quarterfinals, 2 in the dome. I don’t see these numbers for reg 4. And before you ask, I have seen a few of the reg 4 games, including NSWR, before Ivory was injured. The # 3 and 4 teams (reg 4) would not make the playoffs, if they played in reg 6.
By azcat225
November 9, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Regarding MLK, since Lithonia is winless and will be so after this upcoming game, they are part of Maxie’s Winless Protection Program. Therefore, no prediction. Might help to pay attention in class, folks…
By EC MOM
November 9, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
It is ashame that you have an 9-0 team and no mention on the AJC. I always look at Maxie’s picks. Now I’m not sure if I will continue to look at the AJC. Shame on you Maxie… GOOOOOOOO INDIANSSSSSS….
By AAAAReg6Fan
November 9, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Azcat225 you are right on. Last week the Tucker/N. Springs was a game not mention. Why, N. Springs also a part of Maxie’s Winless Protection Program and he was correct (Tucker 63, N. Springs 0). To the MLK fans, this weeks game is a no-brainer, you’ll win BIG, get prepared for the first round of playoffs…
By Raider from the start
November 9, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Mike, the answer to your riddle is that we haven’t played those teams with 1 loss yet, that’s why they don’t have 2 losses. If you look as NSWR, their first 4 wins are against teams with a combined 28 losses. It is not uncommon for the “strong” teams to pad their record against weaker teams. Every game EPHS plays is against a region opponent. We put it on the line week after week.
By kreedham
November 9, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Had to go to the Macon paper to get the score. Come on AJC.
Mt. Zion-Jonesboro ran the opening kick off back to take a 7-0 lead. Must have made Northside mad. Final Score Northside 62-7.
By Curtis J
November 9, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
hey, was the East Coweta-Newnan game mentioned in the picks or the paper?
By EP Fan
November 9, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Wow, guys, I’m a big EP Raider fan, and what they are building is definitely something. Take nothing away from this team this year, they started slow and have grown in a pretty good team, that is probably overachieving due to having quite possibly the best High School coaching staff anywhere. That being said, they are building a tradition and year by year, win by win, the the respect that is due will come. Right now I agree with others that we have won nicely in our division, but south of Atlanta is a ‘whole’ new ball game. We are inching closer, and maybe not this year, or next but probably the following ‘RESPECT’ will be earned by the Raiders through continued improvement and a hungar for tion. You lose as much as this school has for this long, and suddenly two years of success,,,,it is catching on…..we WILL get there. It should be a scary thought to all other teams, including the current te state leaders,,,,we are coming and won’t be satisfied.
By Southsidesam
November 9, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Well, I am glad the Newnan and EC fans covered this comment. Man, 30 miles south of Atlanta and not a mention. I thought AJC covered Georgia like the “Dew”. Man, I had dew on my yard the last two mornings but no mention of this game.
By NSHS FAN
November 9, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
TO; By AAAAReg6 Fan, I heard you clear concerning how # 3 and #4 teams in Region 4 would not make the play off if they played in Region 6. Something is wrong here! AJC rank Westside-Macon, our #3 team eighth. Griffin and Upson-Lee (they play for #4 tonight) have made the top 10 at one time. But fear not, EP will be able to prove herself in round 2——She will play Westside-Macon if both are successful in round one.
By braves fan
November 9, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
north clayton gets ripped by baldwin high 45-6 so watch out everyone we are here to play
By dawgsig
November 9, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Well, ECAlum97 & Aaron C., read it and weep … 5 in a row! Newnan - 19 EC - 11!
Domination!
By Raider from the start
November 10, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Well East Paulding raiders are 10-0 with a 21-0 victory over Lithia Springs. They played every “string” they had during this game. This is the 1st perfect regular season for this school. Congratulations East Paulding! Now the playoffs- we shall see what we shall see. I firmly believe that many of you will be wondering what happened when your vaunted regions visit EPHS and go home with shattered dreams. We will see you in the dome and beyond.
By Kevin
November 10, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
Maxie also got the Fannin County/Morgan County pick wrong. The Fannin County Rebels showed Morgan County what they are about. Who is this Maxie guy anyway? Fannin is now Region Champs for the 2nd year in a row!
By Starr
November 10, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this
You cannot count out those GRIFFIN HIGH BEARS so easily. You need to call the school and personally apologize to the team and coaching staff for being so wrong.
By Irish Fan
November 10, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this
Maxie, Dublin beat Dodge 21-7. You cannot count out the Irish who graduated the whole starting line-up from a year ago. They might not be the favorite in AA but they have heart.
By devil lover
November 10, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Hey Maxie. I think there is an excellent case for Norcross to take over the No. 2 ranked position in the state since we defeated North Gwinnett last night who as you know was unfeated.
By Reeze
November 10, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
I guess NSWR gets Creekside in the 1st round.Hadn’t heard anything all year about this years Creekside team.Anyone knows how they are looking this year?
By NSHS FAN
November 10, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
TO: BY Reeze, We shall see on Creekside! They announced that NSWR would play Creekside at the ball game. However, the assumption was that Banneker would easily beat Westlake. Banneker lost, so it could be Bannker vs NSWR (?). Speaking of a surprise is how Lovejoy beat Westside-Macon 41-16. It seems Westside placed everything on the table against NSWR last week in a game they should had won and had nothing left. They had a wonderful defense that must have fallen apart.
By Reeze
November 10, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
To:NSHS Fan,The brackets are up and posted ,except for Region 6.Its shows Creekside round 1.Just looking for a little info on them.Typical for Westside,they never show up when needed.
By NSHS FAN
November 10, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
To By Reeze, The only team Creekside beat with a winning record was Redan (6-4). Three teams she played finished 5-5. The rest had losing records. As far as region 6 not being post, I don’t know why not. Tucker won the region, Mays was 3rd regardless of Marist-St. Pius outcome last night. Marist beat St. Pius giving them 2nd place. Pius is 4th seed.
By Raider from the start
November 10, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
To NSHS FAN. I thought Mays beat Marist a couple weeks ago. Wouldn’t that give Mays the advantage. If Mays wins today, and they probable will, they will get #2 and Marist #3.
To MAXIE, congratulations, the ajc managed to go 10 weeks without 1 single article about East Paulding High School. This is the team you predicted to win each week and the ajc ranks #6 in AAAA. Is the sports department really that bad? Have you forgotten where Paulding County is? Did we beat your favorite team? Maybe you don’t sell enough newspapers out here. Whatever it is, don’t take it out on the players. They are worthy of a good word every now and then.
By Alex
November 10, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Maxie, do me one favor, pick against Norcross the throughout the playoffs, we do better when you don’t give us a chance.
By griffin bear fan
November 10, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
MAXIE, I THINK YOU NEED TO GO TO WRITING COMIC STRIPS. YOU PREDICTED UPSON-LEE WOULD BEAT GRIFFIN BUT AS USUAL YOU WERE WRONG. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE BEARS WHEN THEYRE IN A DO OR DIE SITUATION. IM SUPRISED AJC EVEN MENTIONS US SINCE THEY HAVENT ALL SEASON LONG. AJC SUCKS AND GRIFFIN BEARS RULE.
By Ed NSHS Fan
November 10, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
TO: By Raider From The Start, You are absolutely correct! My mistake on Marist finishing 2nd in Region 6. I thought May was done playing. With a win by Mays tonight she gets 2nd place because they did beat Marist.
By Raider from the start
November 10, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
To ED NSHS Fan - Glad I could help.
By blue devil fan '09
November 10, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Dear Maxie, On November 9th, 2007, the region 7AAAAA championship took place at Norcross vs. North Gwinnett. According to your prediction the Devils were going to lose to the Bulldogs, but guess what THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN, and for one good reason as well, WE BELIEVED THAT WE WIN WIN. So next time, double check your little process you use to make predictions.
By HSballfan
November 11, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
By what twisted logic is Lovejoy (5-5, 4-2 subregion) a three seed and Baldwin (8-1, 5-1 subregion) a four seed in 4AAAA? On what planet does this make sense? No wonder Georgia comes in last in test scores. If I’m a Fayette County fan I am not happy with that first round pairing.
By highschoolfan
November 14, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Regarding East Paulding, they are developing a good program, but Douglas County is the best team in Region 5-AAAA right now. They lost to EP 30-21 in the 2nd game of the season but haven’t lost since. They have been steadily improving every week. They thumped Cherokee 48-21 in a game that wasn’t that close (played JV all of the 4th Quarter on both sides of the ball). They have speed and a strong-armed quarterback and a stout defense. As for AJC’s region rankings, anyone who puts stock in those has no clue about how a newspaper is run. The guy making the rankings probably hasn’t left the metro Atlanta area all year, and watching the clips on Channel 5 and comparing scores doesn’t give much information.