AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBrackets, schmackets! It’s PCS time!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As we watched the BCS madness unfold last weekend, using computers, polls and tea leaves to sort out who gets to play for the national title, we at Take Ten gave thanks for the high school playoffs that settle things on the field. But we couldn’t help but think: “How different would Georgia high school football look if we scrapped the brackets and used a BCS-style formula to set up the matchups?”
So through the magic of alternate-reality technology, we have used an unnecessarily complex computer model (not really) to determine who would be playing in the 10 Dome games this weekend if the PCS (Preps Championship Series) and its incomprehensible ranking system ran the Georgia high school postseason, combining the AJC and Associated Press polls to determine the PCS rankings and matchups.
10: Class A — No. 1 Emanuel Co. Institute vs. No. 4 Clinch Co.
This one works out perfectly. ECI running back Washaun Ealey has set the single-season state touchdown record at 50, and Clinch puts up 30 points a game. Largely because of Ealey, the Bulldogs haven’t scored fewer than 28 points in a game this season, and he should be the difference in this one. Winner: ECI.
9: Class A — No. 2 Lincoln Co. vs. No. 3 Wilcox Co.
Again, not too bad. This game actually happened last week, as Wilcox eliminated Lincoln County 34-24. The Red Devils are a good team, but they’ve proven they can give up some points to good teams (32 to Wilkinson County, 34 to Wilcox County). Wilcox already has proven it can beat the Devils in reality; there’s little reason to think the Pats couldn’t get it done in the imaginary world as well. Winner: Wilcox County.
8: Class AA — No. 1 Buford vs. No. 4 Calhoun
Here, we’ve got a Calhoun team that couldn’t get much going against Greater Atlanta Christian in a 26-7 second-round loss, against seemingly unbeatable Buford. Calhoun piled up plenty of points this year, but much of it was against inferior competition. Since GAC wouldn’t have gotten the chance, Buford would have exposed Calhoun in this one. Winner: Buford.
7: Class AA — No. 2 Charlton Co. vs. No. 3 Thomasville
With this system, it looks like the Bulldogs and their fans would have been spared the heartbreak of losing on a miraculous kickoff return with less than 20 seconds left, as they did last week against Lovett. They would have gotten an automatic bye to the semifinals. That’s the good news. The bad news is they’d have to play the three-time defending champs, and Charlton wasn’t going to lose to anybody but Buford. Winner: Charlton County.
6: Class AAA — No. 1 Carver (Col.) vs. No. 4 Shaw
The Tigers have been pretty dominant this year but struggled last week to get rid of Carrollton, 14-7. Shaw couldn’t get by Cairo in the second round, falling 21-14. Shaw’s only loss of the season would have been to Carver in Week 2, 29-7. The Raiders may be better now than they were then, but it’s doubtful they’re that much better. Winner: Carver.
5: Class AAA — No. 2 North Hall vs. No. 3 Stephens Co.
This would have been a matchup of undefeated teams. North Hall will be at the Dome, but Chamblee took out Stephens 58-57 in the second round. Stephens is a talented team, but the Indians can give up points (28 to Habersham Central, 27 to Dublin, 28 to Oconee and, of course, 58 to Chamblee). Meanwhile, North Hall averages almost 45 points per game. Winner: North Hall.
4: Class AAAA — No. 1 Northside-Warner Robins vs. No. 4 Baldwin
Baldwin may have been the No. 4 seed out of Region 4 and may have lost in the first round, but the Braves make it to the Dome in this scenario. Of course, they’ve got to play Northside, who beat them 31-0 earlier in the year and hasn’t lost since the 2005 state final. Tough to bet against the Eagles. Winner: Northside.
3: Class AAAA — No. 2 Thomas Co. Central vs. No. 3 Tucker
This one would have been interesting and would have given the winner a shot at Northside. Tucker doesn’t have an especially explosive offense, but the Tigers’ defense is as dynamic as it is disciplined. And if you can’t score against them, you can’t beat them. But with the backfield duo of quarterback P.J. Williams and running back Debrale Smiley, the Yellow Jackets might just be potent enough to get into the end zone. Winner: Thomas County Central.
2: Class AAAAA — No. 1 North Cobb vs. No. 4 Lowndes
North Cobb was No. 1 and undefeated headed into the playoffs but couldn’t get past Peachtree Ridge in the first round. Lowndes has made its way to the Dome with some impressive postseason play so far. While the Warriors’ offense is nice, Lowndes’ is almost as good, and the Vikings’ defense is better. Winner: Lowndes.
1: Class AAAAA — No. 2 M.L. King vs. No. 3 Norcross Neither of these teams will be in the Dome this weekend. MLK went down last week 20-19 on a last-second Walton field goal, while Norcross had little success against Grayson in the second round, losing 34-16. Both of these teams can throw the ball, and both play solid defense. The difference might be MLK running back Cordellaro Jones, who gives the Lions a big-time playmaker out of the backfield. Given Norcross’ struggles with Etowah and Grayson in the playoffs, it doesn’t look like the Blue Devils would have gotten through this one. Winner: MLK.
Taking this one step further, the projected PCS champions would have been as follows:
Class A: ECI
Class AA: Buford
Class AAA: North Hall
Class AAAA: Northside-Warner Robins
Class AAAAA: Lowndes
Go on. Take Ten. How does the PCS look to you? If it’s good enough for the NCAA, could it be good enough for high school ball? Should we scrap the brackets? Are we way off on these projections? Let us know.
Permalink | Comments (22) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
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Comments
By Camden Fan
December 5, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
I like Camden County vs. Lowndes better but of course that’s a bias opinion. lol!!
By ballstr1
December 5, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
I agree Norcross v. MLK would have been a great matchup. King would win,but an early season matchup would have been more interesting. Since Norcross went downhill after beating NG. Norcross Bracket Busters. Now Lowndes/MLK is a toss-up. Valdosta’s coach said MLK is the most talented team in the state.
By Norcross Devil '97
December 5, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Interesting topic. If anything, the topic shows the lunacy of the BCS and the need for college ploffs.
I’m a fan of big schools so I’ll just talk about AAAAA. If high school ball were decided BCS style, #1 North Cobb & #2 MLK would be playing for the title. With North Cobb’s loss in the 1st round to a #4 seed, it should prove that some regions are tougher than others (or that NC just played a really bad game).
If you take the argument that many people use against UGA, North Gwinnett does not even deserve a chance at the title. I mean, they did not even win their region, so why would they deserve a shot at the championship? Even as a Norcross fan, I can tell you that NG deserves a shot and I hope they do well.
In fact, none of the final four would have a chance at the title if this were a BCS system. I’m just glad that the champions are decided on the field…unless there is a tie!
By yo
December 5, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Just further shows the STUPIDITY!!! of the BCS.
By yo
December 5, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Valdosta’s coach said MLK is the most talented team in the state Considering you are not still playing not always a compliment when one says this about you. Of course we know MLK wouldn’t have a chance against Lowndes because “the refs would make a bunch of bogus holding calls against mlk”. Right? Football is a team sport not a talent sport.
By Grayson man
December 5, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
i think a few of the are right,the buford won is going to be right,lowndes is good,and NSWR are amazing,but i think you have to stick with the playoffs,there great,the intensity,the heart and me as a fan and a player i love the playoffs.plus you have to win a few games to get to the dome.playoffs
By 28 Sweep Pass
December 5, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
If it had turned out the PCS way we would be hearing from Athens Academy, Dublin, Cairo, Ware & Camden/Walton/North Gwinnett in Class A - AAAAA respectively.
Thank goodness it is played on the field and we don’t have to hear about:
“We (insert team name here) never get any respect;” “I can’t believe how biased the AJC is against non-metro teams;” and “South Georgia vs North Georgia” quotes and diatribes!
By BS
December 5, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Since football is a team sport and Walton is on everybody’s “least likely to be still be in the playoffs” list, then it only stands to reason that they are the best “team” in AAAAA (and have the best coach).
By Old School Jacket
December 5, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
It’s great to imagine “what if.” I’m sure there are a few young men playing basketball this week that would have loved to see your “PCS” thing happen. But thank goodness for the playoffs. Alot of noise has been talked by fans from all teams, but it all will become crystal clear Sunday morning. When the smoke clears and all the dust settle’s, there will be just 10. God bless and good luck to all the young men playing!!!
By Russell
December 5, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
I have an even crazier/better idea. Why not have an open tournament at the end? The top two teams from each division draw out numbers and play it off for a single state championship. Similar to the way Indiana basketball used to be. Would be some great story lines for sure. Imagine Buford thumping one of the big boys from AAAAA, I believe they may be best team in the state?!?
By Jeff Haws
December 5, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Russell-
That’s an interesting idea, and it’s one I’ve heard before. I think the biggest problem with that ends up being that teams start getting into an NFL-esque 18-game season.
Also, there isn’t a good way to set up that tournament. It would have to be some sort of Round Robin because 5 first-round winners can’t be paired up.
By True Viking
December 5, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Jeff,
Since we don’t have a PCS what about next years playoff in AAAAA. Lowndes, Northside Warner Robins, Valdosta, Tift all from region 1 in separate brackets. Spells trouble for someone wouldn’t you agree?
Especially with Lowndes only graduating 8 seniors-4 offense and 4 defense. Just a thought!!
By Eagle Fan
December 5, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Where is Hawaii? They should be in the PCS instead of the BCS?
GO EAGLES, GO DAWGS
By Jeff Haws
December 5, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
True Viking-
That’s going to be on helluva region. I’m not going to be predicting an All-Region 1 Final Four quite yet, but their 4 seed is certain to be better than some of the region champs.
Eagle Fan-
Good thinking. Do the Buford fans think their Wolves would beat Hawaii?
By Randall
December 5, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
It seems maybe the best thing would have been to go back to the pre BS system to when the AP poll decided who would play, after all can you remember a time when anyone felt slighted. I f you do write it in so so I would know, I don’t remember.
By Fred
December 5, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
Dear Randal,
Alzheimer is tough on you man. The AP used tea leaves to just name a champion, No’s 1 and 2 rarely played each other in a bowl game before the BCS. Just damn dude, wish I knew you before your brain started deteriorating………..
By Jeff Haws
December 5, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
No, I’m somewhat with ya, Randall.
I’ve been telling anyone who would listen for a few years now that I prefer the old system to the BCS.
That’s because with the old system, the NCAA didn’t even attempt to determine a national champion. They just let teams play their games, sent them to bowl games, and that was it. If the media and coaches wanted to independently name a “national champion,” so be it. The NCAA just didn’t stand in their way.
Now that the NCAA has been pressured into trying to name its own national champ, they’ve struggled with what to do with the bowls. Bowls bring in money through sponsorships and such, and coaches worried about their jobs like to be able to say they “ended their season with a win.” The real crime with the BCS is that it’s not even an attempt to do what’s best for the sport; it’s an attempt to preserve the bowl system and generate the most money for those involved in the process.
From what I understand, Massachusetts has a similar system to the old NCAA one. Their teams play in bowl games, and the only state champions are named by outside entities like the Boston Globe.
If we can’t have a playoff, I’d rather have that. This middle-ground BCS system is the worst of all worlds, from a competition standpoint.
By 28 Sweep Pass
December 5, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Well I spoke too soon. The AJC writes a North vs South article of their own and give voice to reason.
May the best teams win!
By Eagle Fan
December 5, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
The North vs South article in AJC today references the dome issue. The players love it but from a Fans perspective, its love/hate. Love the shopping trip to Atlanta and indoor weather. Hate the expense, the non-high school atmosphere, and the Atlanta schools home field advantage. The state championship last year at Northside’s home field was a beautiful, emotional event and something special that the dome could never match. Home field advantage in the final is a huge advantage. In years past, it varied fron North to South but starting next year the Atlanta schools will have it every year. Is that fair? Is the dome truly a neutral site? With GHSA, its all about commercialism and show me the money rather than preserve the history and tradition of Georgia High School Football. Bah Humbug GHSA!
By Jeff Haws
December 6, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this
Excellent points, Eagle Fan. I think everything you said is a legitimate gripe.
One I’ve always found that bothers me is, like you said, how the Dome has a “non-high school atmosphere.” It’s the same issue I have with the DeKalb County stadiums, which are all neutral sites.
The Dome is just so cavernous that we can’t get enough people in there to give it a good high school feel. It doesn’t help that it’s indoors. I’d always prefer to see a game at a school’s true stadium, especially when we start getting into the semifinals and finals.
By AlbGaBoy
December 6, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
What the hell was that crap please don’t ever do that again.
By KING
December 6, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
I like the idea of King and Norcross. I would really like to see say a Tucker and King