Prep Zone

By Eagle Fan Forever

December 10, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

Northside is the best team in Georgia period!

By #1 NHS EAGLE FAN

December 10, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

WRNS is a totally different team with Ivory at the helm. You could see that the team had confidence in his throwing ability and knew he could win if for them. Ware Co. game could be very interesting this friday but I still believe the EAGLES will win it. So I will continue to cheer them on. GO BIG BLUE…#96………..

By cj

December 10, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Todd what did you think of the carver team after seeing them in person. does fortson get consideration for top wide out in georgia

By JT

December 10, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

Todd do you think the west coast offense of Wilcox will outscore the veer offense of ECI on Friday night? Washaun Ealy is a talented kid who has big things ahead of his career if he stays healthy. But I think the Dennard twins will prevail because that is just way too much speed on their side of the ball opposed to Ealy on their side of the ball. If you contain Ealy the game will definitely go Wilcox County way and if you don’t then this kid is 290 yards away from having 3000 yards for the season (RUSHING YARDS). Good Luck Wilcox County Patriots….

By HSballfan

December 10, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

The folks in Warner Robbins need to troop right back to church and take up a collection to build a monument to Marques Ivory right in front of the school. That was a Hall of Fame performance if ever there was one. Still, one hopes the Ware County coaching staff was paying attention. Sunday morning a neighbor of mine who is casual football fan spotted me walking the dog and came flying down the driveway with one question: “Were the Tucker coaches completely brain dead in the second half?” Knowing Ivory’s mobility was probably limited, the Tucker defense made no effort to force him to move choosing to sit back in that 3-4. If Ware County can get some pressure on him they have a chance; if they let him stand back there and throw darts they’re just as dead as Tucker. I won’t spend a lot of time talking about the Wing-T. Reese and others have their finger on it. Rookie Tucker coach Franklin Stephens will have several months to think about how Conrad Nix proved his championship calibre. Aside from the Tucker loss, I have only one other regret… about 15 hours of really boring football on Saturday, worth about what I paid for it… a dollar an hour. Enjoy the off season, and best of luck to the survivors this weekend.

By AlbGaBoy

December 10, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

The south of Ga is better and has better teams than the north. In the south there are more physical players and plays, the defenses are better and the coaches are better in the south and middle south areas. Not only did they dominate the Dome this year but this is something to see or many years to come. There is only one team from north Ga that I’ll consider a top team that’s Buford. Everyone else (includind those so call great ATL schools) are not that good. Hard to tell if NSWR is better that Lowndes guess we’ll know next year since they will be in the same region.

By HSballfan

December 10, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Seriously. Would some of you people just stop fighting the civil war and grow up? A school’s geography has no inherent effect on the success or failure of its football program. Would you like for me to list all the teams south of Atlanta that suck? Why don’t we argue about East versus West Georgia or team colors or something else equally ridiculous. Give it a rest.

By NO R-E-S-P-E-C-T

December 10, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Todd, it would have been nice if you would have made it to the game to see Carver’s game. Their team is not that good. Chamblee beat them soundly for 3 and a half quarters, then desperation set in for Carver. What kind of great team has to rely on on-side kicks, several long high rocket bombs (alley-op) to win a game. Down by 18 points with less than 6 minutes, is that a top team, maybe? But, nobody mentions the difficulty they had to overcome, everyone acts like it was an easy win for Carver. Their life passed before their eyes and they got lucky, real lucky. Come out and visit Chamblee, you’ll understand their determination to be competitive in football. Learn a little about the school, it is amazing. You might begin to respect what they have accomplished. Example: 1. It is one of the top academic schools in the Southeast, Magnet and many ballers avoid it like the plague. 2. 90% of the players are bussed/driven from 10-20 miles away, very few live in the school district. They pass by SWD, Columbia, Tucker and Lithonia. 3. There are only approximately 50 players on Varsity. 4. No practice field, use outfield of baseball field, no lights. 5. Very limited community support, shared with Marist, Dunwoody, St.PiusX and others. 6. First year Head Coach. BUT STILL, WE MADE IT TO THE DOME!!!

By NSHS FAN

December 10, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

NSWR has to be very mindful of Ware County. They don’t know much about them except having to play one of their region teams Evans. Ware lost to Lowndes Cty. and Glynn Academy (an upset). Their defense gives up few points. However, unlike Tucker, I believe Coach Nix won’t take a chance to fall behind much on a score. Ware Cty. will have to contend with NSWR pass and run attack. They do both equally as well. I am sure Tajuan Green wants to make a statement in his last game. He was shut down by a tough Tucker defense in the first half at the dome. I see NSWR winning 28-10.

By AVikingfan

December 10, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

We might have the “state’s best defense” but we’ve also got a pretty good “playmaker” in Greg Reed. Camden was really good, very fast, and played great defense. But I doubt they’ve ever seen as good of a defense as we have, unless they go way way back to , let’s see, maybe 2004 or 2005. Tamburo is a good passer, but Roswell had a great one also, as did Tift and Coffee. And you can’t pass laying on your back. This week’s game will be one of the best matchups ever. NG is big and strong, and of course has that passer and all those receivers. We know we will have to play realy good. Goooooo Vikings, move the chains!

By BrookeFan

December 10, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

HSballfan

Sorry for your disappointment on Saturday. I know Friday’s games were certainly as entertaining as HS football can get. But I think you got two days worth of football excitement out of Friday alone.

To the LHS whine conoisseurs

North Gwinnett brings an excellent offense and defense but I will have to give the overall edge to Lowndes. LHS may well be the best team in the state as much as I loathe their whining fan base. LHS has the most mobile, physical defense - and, unlike Todd, I believe that defense is key to championships.

By Lowndes Fan

December 10, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Is the reason there are no pictures of the Lowndes VS. Camden game on the AJC because there was not a ATL team in that game?

By Oogy Pie

December 10, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

You’re talking about the Dennard brothers, but don’t forget Willie Gibson - he’s a playmaker too.

By Rusty

December 10, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Who was the AJC writer that said that Metro Atlanta would dominate the state championships from now on. He said it at the first of the season. I guess he was looking at last year. Where is he now?

By AVikingfan

December 10, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Lowndesfan, you and I were there. We don’t need pictures. All of us can still see Greg Reed jumping up and catching that touchdown pass. And we can still see that Camden QB getting hit, over and over. Better watch out, Brookefan will be calling you a “whiner”, course he’s still sore about Brookwood getting beat. But he did pick us to win. Todd did too! Wonder who all noticed that the Lowndes “Whiners” also had the largest crowd of any team that played in the dome. And we did more than whine. We msde a LOT of noise! I also wonder where Camdenfan is today?

By Leon

December 10, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

TO NSHS FAN: You must have been talking with TCC ROCKS FAN, When he said that TCC would beat Ware County 42-7. Lets reflect back on the final score Ware 10 TCC 7. Now do you really think that WRNS 28 to 10

By Leon

December 10, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

TO NSHS FAN: You must have been talking with TCC ROCKS FAN, When he said that TCC would beat Ware County 42-7. Lets reflect back on the final score Ware 10 TCC 7. Now do you really think that WRNS 28 to 10

By gdg73

December 10, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Still no mention of the Cairo Syrupmakers in your article. Did you miss the 3rd quarter in the Dome Sat. afternoon, where we laid 35 points on North Hall? We came out in the second half and hit them square in the mouth. North Hall never responded. Did you see our two running backs run for 228 yards and 135 yards? I guess they’re not playmakers in your book. Like I’ve been saying from the beginning, “Sooner or later, you’ll have no other choice but to talk about the SYRUPMAKERS”!!Just ask North Hall about us.

By old coach

December 10, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Todd youmade amistake in you coum, on Coach Dorsey when you said they were the first team from Cobb to play in the finals in 31 years. You must have overlooked Wheeler coached by Corky Kell in 1973 vs. Thomasville. Also I think you should reevaluate you opinion on Newnan after their close game with NG in the quarters. It was a close game and they will have most of their team returning as they only started 4 seniors out of the first 22.

By Leon

December 10, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

NSHA FAN YOU MUST BE HANGING AROUND WITH TCC ROCK FAN. He said that they would run all over Ware County and end of winning 42 - 7. Must I remind you of the score Ware 10 TCC 7. Now TCC ROCKS FAH which team is in the Final no trash talking this week. But it is early in the week and you have plenty of time to get back on the band wagon if you have recovered from the shock. Never count you chicken before they hatch. Yes NSHA may beat Ware but it will be either a touchdown or field goal not 28 to 10. Both teams are great or they would not be where they are at now. But it takes more then one guy to win a game. Ivory is good yes but he is only good as the team makes him. Without the rest of the team he is no body. Lets all hope that it will be a safe and enjoyable game and by the end lets hope the best team came to play because rather you come in first or secord you have proven you are among the best in High School Football for 2007. As a Gator fan course I will be pulling for my Ware County Gators and I hope it will go down to the wire and the last tic of the clock with Ware winning 7 to 6 or Ware 10 to 7. “GO GATORS”

By CARVER-COLUMBUS

December 10, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

To NO R-E-S-P-E-C-T:

GET OVER IT!!! Your team got their a* kicked by the #1 team in the state. And to say that Carver is not that good…. That would mean that your Chamblee team got beat by a lesser team head up… Carver came back from a 24-6 deficit with 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter. NS-WR had to come from behind also. So, do they not have a good team? What more proof do you need? So, who has the better team? The team that won has the better team in each instance. That’s what CHAMPIONS do… They find ways to win. It doesn’t matter what the score reads with 3 minutes left in the fourth quarter, as your Chamblee team found out. What matters is the score when the clock reads 0:00. The last time that I checked, Carver-Columbus and NS-WR are undefeated this season. And, your Chamblee team has 2 losses on the season. And, you still think that you have a better team?

Hell, you guys had a lot of help from the ref’s to keep you in the game. But, you don’t hear us crying about those make-up calls that the ref’s were making, do you? I Tivo’ed the game and that make-up holding call on Derron Furr’s 93 yard touchdown that was called back was non-existant. That same Ref crew called the Carrollton game in Carrollton and they pulled the same crap up there that they did on Friday. Carver had 18 penalties to Chamblee’s 3. That ain’t right.

We proved it on the field, so go eat your sour grapes and try again next year.

By george

December 10, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Leon, I don’t expect a blowout, but I guarantee you Ware WILL NOT WIN if they score no more than 10 points.

By AVikingfan

December 10, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

I think Mcechern (sp?) from Cobb County played Valdosta in the finals in 1998. But what Todd said was no one from Cobb had won it in those years. I saw why Saturday night. Walton was big but really, really, slow in comparison to Lowndes, Camden, and NSWR. (Tucker was actually faster than NSWR but obviously out of shape. Apparently Tucker’s starters had not played a complete game this year. They had dozens of players cramping on the sideline in the 3rd and 4th quarters.) Bur Roswell and Walton, two good Cobb county teams, are too slow to go all the way. Walton had one fast cornerback and he saved what would have been a NG TD. I’m very surprised Walton beat MLK. But NG is good. They are big, strong, and quick. Great receivers and a really good QB. Great o-line. It will be a war in Lowndes’ Concrete Palace Saturday night at 7:30.

But ya’ll had better look out for next year. Lowndes only has 4 seniors on offense, and four on defense. Both the kicker and punter will be back, as well as the top 4 or 5 backups on offense and defense. Both offensive tackles and both tight ends are sophomores, as is the QB. And Greg Reed is a Junior. And, we have a freshman QB that is 6’1” and really dood. Look out next year for Lowndes. (Todd, let me be the first to tell you to rank Lowndes pre-season number one next year.)

By yo

December 10, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

HSballfan..they don’t divid the playoffs between East vs. West…they do it North vs. South.

Plus…growing up is no fun!

By Buzz In Roswell

December 10, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I like North Gwinnett’s chances against Lowndes. If they can stop the run, that is. The best passing attack Lowndes has faced all year (Roswell) scored more points on them than any other team they’ve faced, and it could have been more if you take away two blocked kicks and a bad snap fumble. I don’t know if NG is a better passing team than Roswell, but they certainly like to pass more than Roswell does. I’ll take Lowndes ultimately, but it could get very interesting.

As for North Cobb, I don’t think they deserve to be ranked. You need to be able to at least win one playoff game to be ranked. Sure, they faced a good team, but they needed to win that first game.

By jimmy

December 10, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

yep,,,defense wins championships,,no matter what ya say,,,now,,,does a good offense help? you bet,,,,guess if NG wins you can say it was a good “O”, if we win,,itll b bc of our great “D”,,,that you can bank on,,,tho our “O” isnt all that shabby

By HSballfan

December 10, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Dear Yo, Show me where they divide the playoffs in any way except by regional seeding. They dumped that North Ga-South Ga nonsense years ago. There is no doubt there are some schools in that part of the state that are perennially successful… same in all parts of the state. To make blanket statements based on latitude carries about as much weight as most other superstitions.

By yo

December 10, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

(Todd, let me be the first to tell you to rank Lowndes pre-season number one next year.) Let me second that and add that unlike the last 3 years, we will not relinquish it. Lowndes….going for 4 out of the last 5 state championships. Can somebody say Defense! Also, while giving Camden props for their defense, only Lowndes turnovers kept the game as close as it was. Otherwise more like 21-0. Lowndes offensively had the yardage.

Curious….how much has N. Gwinnett seen of a good, quick, fast Wing-T offense this year? Anyone know?

The other side of the coin, Lowndes has seen plenty of good spread offenses “or similar” such as Tift, Coffee, Roswell, Ware, Douglas, Valdosta.

Even though it is a spread offense, Lowndes defense always starts by taking away the run. See Roswell as an example.

By yo

December 10, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Too bad Charlton was missing their playmaker against Buford, huh!

By maker fan

December 10, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Cairo’s defense did get it done against Noth Hall. Special teams mistake and the back-up defense allowed two of North Halls 3 tds. Carver take note, Cairo has not been thrown on all year and we can stop the veer, wing-t, and I formation. Thats pretty good for some undersized and often looked over players. SPEED KILLS!!!!!!

By Leon

December 10, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Hey By George: That is all they needed to beat a good team like TCC and that team was undefeated. They proved that it does not take a lot of points to win a game just TEAM WORK. It doesn’t matter if it is one point or a dozen it’s who come out on top at the end of the game that counts. Course a lot more people cry more if it is one point lost them if it is a dozen. I’M STILL PULLING FOR WARE COUNTY AS YOU ARE PULLING FOR NSHA AND THAT IS OK. I LOVE THE THRILL OF A CLOSE GAME THEN A BLOW OUT. IT WILL BE A LOT OF FUN FOR EVERYONE. MY HAT GOES OFF TO BOTH TEAMS FOR GETTING WHERE THEY ARE. LET THE GAME BEGIN.

By yo

December 10, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

To make blanket statements based on latitude carries about as much weight as most other superstitions.

Based on that logic then to call the SEC the best conference in college football would be superstitios.

Their is truth to what you say, “but” the #1 of each region stays in the North and the #1 of each region stays in the South. While not always the case, generally the #1 seeds speaks for its region.

N. Gwinnett only had one loss and in my book qualifies as a #1 seed. In fact I definitely believe they have proven to be the best team from N. Ga. as has Lowndes proven to be the best from S. Ga..

By HSballfan

December 10, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

By AVikingfan:Tucker was actually faster than NSWR but obviously out of shape. Apparently Tucker’s starters had not played a complete game this year. They had dozens of players cramping on the sideline in the 3rd and 4th quarters Sorry to be picky, but that’s a fat load of crap. Perhaps you’ll want to stick to something you actually know something about. Many of Tucker’s starters play offense and defense. I counted exactly three cramping incidents, no doubt the result of trying to “outquick” larger opponents for 48 minutes in an indoor environment. Tough to stay hydrated. Has nothing to do with being “out of shape.” Try taking a science course before you finish school.

By CARVER-COLUMBUS

December 10, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

TO NO R-E-S-P-E-C-T:

What in the Hell are you babbling about? Your Chamblee team had a lot of help from the officiating crew. Carver had 18 penalties to Chamblee’s 3. I Tivo’ed the game and there was no holding on Derron Furr’s 93 yard touchdown that got called back. That was the same officiating crew that was in Carrollton and they pulled the same crap up there that they did Friday in the Dome. But, we already know that the ref’s are biased towards our predominantly black school, and we must always be prepared for shotty calls from the ref’s. I just hope that we get a good officiating crew down in Cairo.

Anyway, to say that Carver is not that good… Well, that would mean that your Chamblee team is below being not that good, because you lost the game. NS-WR was down too. So, does that make them not that good also? I see it this way… CHAMPIONS find ways to win. They do not worry if they are down 18 with 6 minutes left on the clock. Your guys found out the hard way that it doesn’t matter what the scoreboard reads with 3 minutes left to play in the game. All that matters is what the scoreboard reads when the clock reaches 0:00. The last time that I checked, Carver is still undefeated and Chamblee has 2 losses and your season was ended by Carver-Columbus, the #1 team in the state.

I just hope that the Cairo team thinks that same thing that you Chamblee fans think.

And, to say that Marques Ivory is the best QB in GA… I would beg to differ. Our Auburn committe, Derron Furr has a place in that argument. Ivory is a more poised pocket passer and is one dimensional, but Furr can beat you with his arm or his legs. At 6’3” and 215 lbs., 4.5 in the 40, Furr will play quarterback for a D-1 program next year at Auburn.

And, team-mate, Jarmon Fortson, is hands down the best receiver in GA. At 6’4” and 220 lbs., 4.4 in the 40, Fortson will be joining QB Furr next year at Auburn. I don’t know how Mark Richt keeps letting these guys get away.

To all Chamblee fans that keep slinging mud at Carver-Columbus, you guys lost to the #1 team in the state. GET OVER IT!!! Go and eat your sour grapes and try again next year!!!!

By Mark

December 10, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I promised myself I would stay out of the nonsensical north vs. south debate…but I just can’t.

1. The ATLANTA paper will never give top coverage to south Georgia schools just as the papers in Macon, Valdosta, St.Mary’s and Savannah will never give top coverage to Atlanta schools. THINK about it.

2. Doesn’t anyone remember that last year’s AAAAA finale was between two schools on Atlanta’s north side…only about ten miles apart??

3. Okay, so the north gets to dominate baseball, basketball, golf, swimming, softball, riflery, cross country, track, cheerleading, wrestling, tennis, volleyball and the SAT….I guess it’s okay to loan the south football once in a while.

By yo

December 10, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

maker fan…I’ve been with you from the start. When no one else was even noticing Makers I said every body had better look out, because the best team in AAA resides in Cairo. I still believe it. While playmakers are very important, Defense and overall depth of talent of the rest of the starters of the football team in my mind is most important. At this level, every one has playmakers in some way or another. Playmakeres are not just Qbacks and running backs. See 2005 and “the Bus” who resided on Lowndes defensive line and ask Brookwood was he a playmaker.

By MIke

December 10, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Yo, You have to decide who you are for at the beginning of the season I believe you wrote beware of the wolves. Do you know who you are for now.

By yo

December 10, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

hsballfan…regarding your last post I believe both you and Avikingfan have legitimate thoughts…and yours was not a “fat load of crap” either.

I believe Tucker will be a force to reckon with in the years to come. I do believe that having only 1 year in their new coaches discipline, weight and shape training had a lot to do with their loss. Give them another year or 2 and their will be less cramping, even when having to go both ways. 3 cramping incidents late in a ball game (especially if your better ball players) can be pretty significant. Usually it is the better ball players who are going both ways.

By yo

December 10, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Okay, so the north gets to dominate baseball, basketball, golf, swimming, softball, riflery, cross country, track, cheerleading, wrestling, tennis, volleyball and the SAT….I guess it’s okay to loan the south football once in a while.

Mark, you need to let some of your Atl buddies loan you some of that SAT sense while things are getting put on loan. Lowndes going for 4 out of the last 5…and from the South! Throw in Camden and that would be 5 out of the last 6. From the South!

By yo

December 10, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Okay, so the north gets to dominate baseball, basketball, golf, swimming, softball, riflery, cross country, track, cheerleading, wrestling, tennis, volleyball and the SAT….I guess it’s okay to loan the south football once in a while.

Mark, you need to let some of your Atl buddies loan you some of that SAT sense while things are getting put on loan. Lowndes going for 4 out of the last 5…and from the South! Throw in Camden and that would be 5 out of the last 6. From the South!

By South Jaw JA Football

December 10, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Smiles, no need to say anything the South Rules……and I don’t wanta grow up….

By nuff Said

December 10, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

To A viking fan

Roswell is located in North Fulton County, not Cobb. Asked Houston Cty and Tiff Cty if they thought Roswell was too slow last year to go all the way? Don’t count on having all those players back next year automatically will win the State in 2008. Roswell has 15 return and I believe they were better last year, a few players missing from graduation and injuries really makes a difference.I believe Lowndes is the best team with alot of speed, but North Gwinnett can throw the football and as shown by NSRH on friday, you can score with that offense.May the best TEAM win!!!

By yo

December 10, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Sorry Mike…different Yo. Who are the Wolves any way? The only Wolves I know reside in Minnessota and thats a different sport on a different level.

By A TIGER PARENT

December 10, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks Coach Stephens and the Tucker Tigers for an awesome year of football. We love you and support you. Good luck Seniors! GO TIGERS, WE ARE TUCKER!!!!!!

By AVikingfan

December 10, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

to “nuffsaid” My bad about linking Roswell with Walton and Cobb County. My mom lived near Roswell for several years. Roswell was the best team we have played this year, probably better than Camden. I hope the Roswell QB has some good college offers. His arm is a cannon. I also wish that receiver would change his mind about Oregon and go to UGA! We KNOW NG will be hard to handle. They seem to have it all!

By CARVER-COLUMBUS

December 10, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

TO MAKER FAN:

I’ll tell you like I told the Chamblee fans… We do our talking on the field. But, since you’ve cast the first stone…

I hope that you took note:

SIZE + SPEED KILLS!!!!

For your information, we have two guys that run a 4.3 40 yd. We have a plethora of guys that run a 4.4. You must not have paid any attention to Todd when he mentioned our team speed? It’s between Carver-Columbus and NS-WR as to who has the biggest team in the state. Buford is second in size average by defenseive set after Carver-Columbus. Carver’s D-Line avg. is 6’3” 285 lbs. Buford’s D-Line avg is 6’1” 280, and that includes Omar Hunter and that other 310 pounder. Buford’s O-Line avg. is 6’1” 265 lbs. Carver’s O-Line avg. is 6’3” 270 lbs. Carver’s LB’s avg. 6’1” 220 lbs. and all run a 4.5 or better 40. Carver has 5 6’3”+, 300+ lbs. kids that are all underclassmen that are already D - 1 prospects.

Cairo, you guys struggled to beat Shaw, 21-14, in Cairo. We beat Shaw 29-7 at Shaw. If you think that Shaw was big and fast, well, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. You guys ran over a big and slow North Hall team that couldn’t tackle. North Hall had only two players that were not afraid to tackle. The rest of the team was arm tackling. Trust me, that won’t happen this Saturday.

What you guys don’t realize about Chamblee is that they have some state champions in track on their squad. They do have the AAA state 200-meter champ and several others that placed at the 06’ AAA state meet on their team. Speed and size wise, this was the first team that Carver-faced this year that could match the size and speed of Carver.

So, come this Saturday at 3 p.m. in Cairo, GA,, we will see who has the best team in AAA.

By NHS 1985

December 10, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Good teams win consistently. Great teams find a way to win regardless. Northside did that on Friday and proved why they are one of the very teams teams in the nation. I am very very proud to be a Northside alum. GO BIG BLUE!!

By Mark

December 10, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Yo…. In the years since we started the AAAAA classification (2000), four of the champions have come from Gwinnett County, one from Fulton and three from all of South Georgia combined.

In the 1990’s, the largest classification was AAAA. Five of those years had a north school win it all and five years a school from the south won it.

OUCH!

By mike

December 10, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

well yo, Then you must be from the South, because you are preaching about the south. And if you don’t know anything about Buford DON’T TALK because so far no one from Buford has said anything they have let the score do all the talking.

By AVikingfan

December 10, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

MARK YOUR MATH IS TECHNICALLY CORRECT. Parkview won the class AAAAA champinship in 2000-01-02. Camden won in 03. Lowndes won in 2004-05. Peachtree Ridge and Roswell tied last year. And NG is a good enough team to win it this year. We are just so proud to have made it this far with our scrappy but little guys. Not but one really star athelete on the team and he’s a junior. But our little number 11 who plays LB and occasional Fullback is also very good.

By AVikingfan

December 10, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know how the location for the NSWR game vs Ware was decided? Also the Cairo and carver game. How was the location decided? I think all four were number one seeds from their regions, right?

By GC

December 10, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

My thoughts in bullets:

— Northside was a totally different team with Ivory, which makes me wonder why he didn’t start the game. He came in and played so well that I couldn’t remember why he was out in the first place.

— DeKalb County must be jinxed.

— Buford would beat all the bigger schools if they played for a half. Nobody gets credit for leading at halftime though. The Wolves’ tongues would drag in the second half.

— 7-on-7 between Carver and Northside would be fun to watch.

— From now on, we get only HALF of the fun and excitement. Way to go GHSA.

By Mark

December 10, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Avikingfan….Lowndes impresses me. I have great respect for South Georgia football. Our community school rarely visits south Georgia. I guess we are 1-0 against Camden and Westside Macon, 0-1 against NWR and 1-1 against TCC over the past 8 years or so.

I just get tired of hearing from a couple of people that south Georgia football is so dominant when the records show otherwise. I think communities and coaches have more to do with it than latitude. Gwinnett County and I assume Lowndes County and Houston County have great farm systems. THAT more than anything, I think, makes a difference.

By NSHS FAN

December 10, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

To: By Rusty: I remember that article. It made me really angry because it suggested that maybe the time had come to establish a (6)AAAAAA for Atlanta Metro Schools. The rationale was that starting this year and beyond they would so dominate AAAAA that South Georgia teams would be totally left out. I want that writer to show his face.

By Panola Rd

December 10, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

A FEW OBSERVATIONS TO THIS BLOG

First, I agree about Dekalb County being Jinxed.

Second, Marques Ivory IS the BEST QB in the state of Georgia. That wide reciever from Carver is hands down the BEST in the state. Order the tape and see for yourself.

Third, Lowndes better not speak too soon. If Camden County had a PASSING Game, the game would have been different. NGWinnett does have a passing game and they are strong and fast too.

And FINALLY, CHAMBLEE needs to shut up!!!! Did you pay attention. With a few exceptions, most EVERY team lost by a field goal or in the second half.

By LC_Northside

December 10, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

GC, Marques Ivory was knocked out of the Oct 19th Upson-Lee game with a broken leg and had not played since. It was just announced a few days before the Tucker game that he was cleared to suit up. Nobody knew how his leg would respond in a game situation. Joe Scott had played well and led the team to an undefeated record in his starts. Hence, Joe Scott deserved to start. When the first half outcome was really bad for us Coach Nix decided to make a change to give the team a spark and that sure enough did the trick. The rest is history.

By LC_Northside

December 10, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

The Northside - Ware Co game will be in Ware County. I guess they won the coin toss.

By george

December 10, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Carver-Columbus If you think Marques Ivory is a “one dimensional” quarterback, then you need to rethink your position. At 6’2”, 240 lbs, he can, and often does, run over people. He is fully capable of being a 100 yard per game rusher, IF that is what his team needed to win. Ask some of the people he has hit for the last year and a half how good a runner he is. More than likely, the tackler takes the brunt of the hit. I hope you’re not basing your evaluation on what you saw at the Dome Friday night. I seriously doubt having him be an integral part of the running game was part of the Northside game plan. The man is still recovering from major surgery on a broken leg, and by some miracle was able to play several weeks earlier than anticipated. Besides being an outstanding quarterback, he is an outstanding student and young man. I will take him over yours or anyone else’s quarterback anytime.

Leon I don’t think anyone in Warner Robins is taking the Ware County Gators lightly, but I think Conrad Nix, and all of us, would be glad to give you no more than 10 points and take our chances. I realize you held Thomas County Central to 7 points, but I still think it will take more than 10 points to win this game for either team. I don’t think TCC has the passing threat that Northside has either. Tucker stacked their defense to stop Tijuan Green from beating them. To their credit, they did that. But, when the Northside defense finally stepped up to their normal level of play in the second half, and Marques Ivory came in to provide a long passing threat, that defense was exposed. I think you can stop one or the other, but I will be shocked if you can shut both down at them same time.

By the way, all of the Gator fans I encountered at the Dome were very nice and polite. The Northside fans are looking forward to coming to Waycross Friday night. Hopefully the game will be clean and decided by the players, not a bum call from an official for one side of the other. Obviously I hope we win. Either way, I hope the fans from both teams will show the other the respect they deserve.

By maker fan

December 10, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

To Carver fan

Chamblee shut down you’re high and mighty offense EARLY on. They also ran it down you’re butts EARLY on. OUR offense is better. OUR defense is better, and oh yeah we can FINISH the game.

By HSballfan

December 10, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

I won’t belabor the point, but the notion that after 13 games, Tucker players were “out of shape”, if it weren’t so completely ignorant, would be insulting. Anyone who has been around the Tucker program for thirty seconds knows how ridiculous that is. How do you suppose those little guys acquired the strength and quickness to push around bigger teams all year? “Dozens” of Tucker players never even got on the field; vikingfan’s own wording betrays the lie. There was more cramping in the Thomas County cheering section than occurred on the Tucker sideline. Conditioning had nothing to do with Tucker’s loss. The coaching staff, as I have pointed out, made serious miscalculations going into the second half. The players deserve nothing but praise. Yes, Tucker will be a force in the years ahead; they have been already. You’ll see them in the playoffs next season; maybe not the dream team we have now, but possibly a little smarter.

By gwinnettfan

December 10, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Just read the AJC web sports page. I had no idea Lowndes played Coffee. Thought it was Camden County.

By maker fan

December 10, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Cairo takes players from a small town and turns them into great players. They don’t get to draft their players from the entire town of Columbus. The small Cairo boys will show all on Saturday.

By yo

December 10, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Oh Mike…Buford is the Wolves! My apologies for not caring. I call them Buford. Yes you are right I did pick Buford to win AA. I clarify AA, “not” AAA or AAAA or AAAAA.

By yo

December 10, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

HSballfan…common sense..a player who has been on a good strength and conditioning program for 4 seasons is in stronger and in better condition than one who has been on a good program for only 1 year. Tucker will be stronger and in better condition in the future, mark my words. That doesn’t take from this years Tucker team and players, they only had the privilege of being under their present coach for the 1 year so far.

By yo

December 10, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Curious….how much has N. Gwinnett seen of a good, quick, fast Wing-T offense this year? Anyone know?

Still waiting for an answer. Does no answer mean not at all?

By dakota

December 10, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Carver-Columbus? What is the size of Columbus vs Cairo in population. Admit it, A Columbus team should have a good team, look at the recuiting area. It’s just a shame they have’nt got enough courage to play in a larger region where they should be. NO, they rather play in a smoller region and brag about how bad they are. Get real, nobody knows anything more than it’s going to be a football game. Quit wining.

By TCC ROCKS

December 10, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hey leon, hey ill give your team props even though our wide receiver should have hold on to the ball!!! however no excuse yall won!! To bad Marques Ivory is for real and Northside is going to beat yall!! I am a TCC fan, but come on if we won we would lose to Northside!!! Northside and Tucker was for the title and Northside won!!! Northside won’t be stopped by yall! I cant believe i am saying this go Eagles!!!!

By Northside_Owns_GA

December 10, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

HSballfan, the truth is that when Northside’s team is healthy they are simply that much better than Tucker. Hats off to Tucker for a great effort. However, their defense was not very good as Ivory was throwing to wide open receivers. Northside, with Ivory starting hangs 50+ points on Tucker. I know it and you know it too.

I agree with you that Tucker’s players were not out of shape (that is stupid and disrespectful to a pretty good football team). My belief it Tucker’s players simply gave up when they saw Northside easily moving down the field. They showed very little fight (on offense) when the game got tight and Northside fans got loud.

Tucker came in with a great gameplan (especially with Joe Scott starting). They placed everything into stopping Northside’s super talented Tijuan Green (and succeeded), which they did. Tucker would have killed NHS with Scott at QB because Scott was unable to sustain drives and NHS’s defense was always on the field. That gameplan was useless with Ivory, who cut up Tucker’s defense (which often had NO one except a safety in the secondary) like a middle school team.

Contrary to posters on this site, it is very hard to make adjustments during a half in the middle of the game. Tucker was in bad shape. You almost had to assume that Ivory was not playing. Who would spot you 28-7 as Scott play was horrid in the 1st half and he remained in the game. High school kids can only prepare for so much. Northside receivers were wide open and all alone on most plays. Tucker did what they could.

By GC

December 10, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

More bullets: — Ivory is the best QB I’ve seen this year, broken leg or not. Better than Furr and Tamburo.

— Cairo’s backup RB (#21) would start at any other AAA school in Georgia.

— Buford’s Alex Hunt is a fine example of transferring gone bad.

By CARVER-COLUMBUS

December 10, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

To AVIKINGFAN:

The Carver-Columbus vs. Cairo was decided by a coin toss. Carver-Columbus has never won a coin toss since Dell McGee has been the coach and we will play in Cairo at 3 p.m., but that is okay. We will play anybody, anywhere at anytime. The AAA state final game will be televised on CSS on Saturday.

To PANOLA RD:

Marques Ivory is an extremely good pocket passer, but he is not the best QB in GA. Ivory is the beneficiary of great talent around him, just like Tim Tebow. He is fat and immobile. Ivory has 5 D-1 prospects as CONSISTENT weapons to pad his numbers. Furr only has himself and Fortson as far as offensive playmakers are concerned. Everyone else is is young and inconsistent in their play for Carver.

So, if you were to exclude the supporting cast and look at the fact that if you were to put Ivory on a different team where he didn’t have such a good O-Line the truth would soon be told as to whose the best. Do you think that NS-WR would lose a game if Furr were their QB? I doubt it very seriously.

You can take Derron Furr and put him in any offensive system on any team and he will do well. You can’t say the same for Ivory. He wouldn’t do too well with the wishbone or any other spread formation due to his lack of height and agility. And, by the way… What D-1 programs are recruiting Ivory?

Furr is going to Auburn. And, his team-mate, Jarmon Fortson, is the best receiver in GA and will be heading to Auburn with him next fall.

By GC

December 10, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

yo, North beat Brookwood twice this year. Brookwood keeps huge offensive linemen and a pretty good halfback. I think North should do well against the wing-T because their best defenders are the outside linebackers and defensive ends.

By ocho cinco

December 10, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Leon, 5 does not equal 0. Your little wang is going to wore out friday.

By jerry-chs06

December 10, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

lets be real when chamblee was driving the ball in the 4th quarter with like 3 min left it was 3rd and about 9 chamblee threw the ball but the reff knock down the player come on now if the reff wasnt in the way chamblee would of ran the clock down…other then that chamblee shouldnt have gave up that 1st down on 4th and 16 so that was their fault but like i said carver never was suppose 2 get another drive if it wasnt for that reff!

By SW

December 10, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

The difference between Carver and Cairo is very small. As with every other program that makes it this far, they both have good coaching & smart athletes. However, Carver will win due to two reasons:

Carver is battle tested on the road and the conditions do not matter to them. This is pretty much the same team from last year that defeated solid teams (Jackson, Carrollton) on the road and it carried over into this year (Carrollton, Chamblee). They don’t buy into the hype, hoopla, and/or bells and whistles that other programs do. They line up and play ball regardless of the location.

Carver has better coaching. There is no other way to explain their win over Chamblee other than Chamblee was outcoached the last 6 minutes of the game. Regardless of how you want to slice and dice it, Cairo’s game against North Hall was never in doubt. You knew it was only a matter of time before Cairo exploded against an inferior non-battle tested North Hall team. A comeback? No. Impressive? Yes. Conversely, Carver was done yet they rallied behind their coach for the victory after being down by 18 with 6 minutes to go. I must admit that I was rooting for Chamblee but that Carver team is serious. I really wish I could make this game (or the Lowndes/North Gwinnett game)…

By HSballfan

December 10, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

NS Owns Ga: do you manufacture your own fertilizer or have it delivered from East Paulding? Game’s over, Northside won and deservedly so, whatever you or I think happened. Props to Ivory and to Nick Bass. I wish you well in Waycross; I’ll be watching.

By Northside_Owns_GA

December 10, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Yo & HSballfan: At some point Tucker is going to have to actually learn how to win in big games. I have no doubts that they will be around. There coach, in my view, came in with a fantastic gameplan against NHS. Tucker is very good in basketball and in football, which suggest the obvious — they have good athletes at their school. However, in Atlanta you may have a new school built or who knows. Tucker needs to win now.

The reality is they lost a great opportunity to do so, and this is not the first time. You guys can cut it how you wish. However, Tucker players did not show any fight on Friday night.

They are what I call in sports, frontrunners. They were high when they were winning. When the thought of the potential of losing came, what did they do.

I hate to use the word choking with high school kids. You can use whatever word you wish. I just believe that there were no changes, in means of Tucker’s offense dominating the first half, in personnel for Tucker’s offense or Northside’s defense. Why couldn’t Tucker run the ball in the 2nd half…because Northside player stepped it up. They looked at one another in the lockerroom at the half and said no. Yes, Ivory was brilliant but so was the fact that Tucker’s offense could do nothing after controlling everything in the 1st half.

Northside players simply have MUCH, MUCH more pride. I do not wish to rehash the North South argument. However, I am certain that Northside players carried a torch of community into that second half. Tucker players just rolled over as almost every Atlanta school does and has done forever.

Tucker had many opportunities. Everyone acts like it was NHS rolling down the field on every possession. NHS’s RB fumbled the ball on the 1st play of the 2nd half and gave the Tigers the ball on a short field down 28-7…Tucker did nothing. NHS’s best receiver dropped a TD pass on 4th down in teh 3rd down 28-14…Tucker did nothing.

The fact that Tucker showed no life and no fight in the 2nd half suggests that their growth is beyond the weight room and in the areas of discipline. You guys can say what you want. We all saw it on Friday night. Great programs fight (even when talent is done). Tucker had no fight when things turned. This Tucker team was much like many Tucker teams before it: obvious frontrunners. Had Tucker players run hard (like the 1st half) and blocked physically (like the 1st half), Tucker would have at least scored and made NHS think this was a fight. By the 4th quarter, everyone in the Dome know that NHS was going to win because Tucker had no fight (on offense or on defense).

This is what most of you Atlanta guys fail to understand. It is more than weight rooms. It is bringing in a sense of I will not lose this game for my community. Towns outside of Atlanta have that sense of community. Tucker is Tucker — just another DeKalb County program. Some kids come in (like the kid from St. Pius X) and some kids leave. It is not like that when you sit in a locker room for a program like Northside, Lowndes County, Ware County, or ECI, or many others, and see a 25 guys that you played middle school football with. It creates a different environment…one that will not change whether in the Georgia Dome or in Middle/South GA community stadiums. It is pride.

By GC

December 10, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

SW, your analysis is flat terrible. Don’t give credit to Carver’s coaching when the players won the game. Chamblee outplayed Carver for the first 3.5 quarters and then the lightbulb came on. Carver was bigger, faster and stronger and it came through in the end. Nothing to do with coaches. Their head coach was as shellshocked as all the other folks watching it.

By gdg73

December 10, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Mr. CARVER-COLUMBUS,
Cairo has been outsized by just about every team in the playoffs so far. From what I understand, Carver is a darn good team, but I don’t think they’ve seen anything comparable to this. And I was out the Shaw-Cairo game a couple of weeks before. Shaw should have never even scored in that game. We fumbled twice in the last 4 minutes of the game and set them up for both scores on a short field. I know that Cairo is fast and is one of the most physical teams in the State regardless of classification. Carver better bring it, cause Cairo will.

By Northside_Owns_GA

December 10, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

To suggest that Ivory is a pocket passer is ridiculous. Ivory runs at will. You Atlanta guys see one game and believe you know something. Ivory did not run in the Dome because he is coming off of a broken leg injury and why run against Tucker (this supposedly great Atlanta program) when your wide receivers are WIDE open.

Northside does not have a single player outside of Ivory and RB Tijuan Green (who was stuffed by Tuckers) that is a lock at the D1 level. Bass is a great receiver but stands only 5’11”, according to recruiting publications. That is not lock at the next level.

Ivory wins at any school he plays at. Northside 29-0 since he was named the starting QB. If that is not the best, I don’t know what else is. Since he has been a varsity player, NHS is 43-1 and playing in their 3rd straight STATE Championship. There is not a player close to Ivory in the state of GA at QB or any other position.

By CARVER-COLUMBUS

December 10, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

TO MAKERFAN:

You shouldn’t make accusations if you don’t know the facts…

Let me school you on a few things…

There is no drafting or recruiting here in Columbus now that coach Charles Flowers (Shaw) is coaching in Albany. EVERYONE is at their respective school. We have a Magnet program in play here and Carver is over 95% black due to the way that the Muscogee County School Board drew up the district lines. You are more than welcome to research this for yourself.

Anyway, I see that your team has a good number of African-American football players and 0 (ZERO) African-American cheerleaders. What’s up with that? Are you guys still having segregated proms down there also?

And, here again I am just stating the facts of what I SAW. Not what I DON’T KNOW!!!

By Northside_Owns_GA

December 10, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

HSballfan: You are sitting at your computer and bashing the Tucker coaching staff. A staff that went 13-1. Do you know how few coaches ever go 13-1? My guess is you are some know it all sports transplant from somewhere up north. Now, you are the authority on HS football in GA.

My loyalties are clear. I know that my HS alma mater is one of the finest programs in this state. It was before this season, and Northside will be strong after this season.

Any real GA knows that you don’t have to go to East Paulding for fertilizer. I guess that is what Atlanta residents associate with rural. Funny considering that GA is one of the largest agricultural states in America.

You are the authority HS ballfan. You tell all we GA folks where to go. Who is your team? There is always room on the Eagle’s bandwagon for people like you and TCC Grad.

By maker fan

December 10, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Better coaching sould be having your team ready to play, Carver was not. Anybody can tell their players to throw hail marys and hope for a win.

By maker fan

December 10, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

To Carver fan

Cheerleaders don’t win football state championships.

Keep race out of it.

By SW

December 10, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

GC

Chamblee was just as “big, fast, and strong” as Carver. Did my eyes forsake me on Chamblee’s first touchdown when the guy outsprinted Carver’s entire defense to the tune of about 60 yards? I mean, you’re totally discounting both Chamblee’s and Carver’s hard work by saying that Carver was “bigger, faster, and stronger”. If they were “bigger, faster, and stronger” would the game have ever been in doubt??? If they were “bigger, faster, and stronger”, why was Chamblee able to consistently blow them off of the ball for 3 1/2 quarters? Does Chamblee not have a conditioning program? Are Chamblee’s players of lesser quality? From what I recall of Chamblee they’d lost only one game and their resume consisted of a very solid win at Stephens County…at the Reservation. They were a big, fast, strong, and well-conditioned team. For you to attempt to take anything away from Carver’s coach is a joke. Indeed, he had his team prepared but Chamblee’s was better prepared by their coach…that is until the last 6 minutes when Carver’s coach took over the chess match. For the record, I’m giving credit to both Chamblee and Carver’s players and coaches. They all did an excellent job. It is just that Carver’s coach led his team toward a stronger finish. Again, I’m not even a Carver fan and I was definitely rooting against them but they more than earned my respect. Whatever vendetta you have against Carver and attempting to discredit their hard work and preparation, you need to leave at the door. To think you can simply explain their victory by saying that they had better athletes is flat terrible. It leads me, and everyone else taking notes, to think that you merely glanced at Carver’s team from afar and made that assumption…thats flat terrible.

By The Truth

December 10, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

maker fan…congrats from Gaines Vegas for pummelling those North Hall reds. You should have stuck that last one in for 49, because those 4-H club flunkies have been running it up on people as long as Napolean has been coaching there. There is speed and then there is lighting fast. There is grit and determination and then there is size, strength and bad attitudes. The syrup heads brought the wood and unleashed a beating reminiscent of the a* whippen North Hall took last year at Washington Co. Just like a bug on a windshield, those a* clowns didn’t know what hit them. I guarantee you they were talking state championship at half time. Oh well, its like I said Friday, money can’t buy everything. However, place your school on DEFCON 4…there will be a Turbo, err Trogan, err Trojan recruiter in your area in the very near future trying to get your QB and RB. Tell your boosters to get ready to mortgage the cane fields, because the “new money” in Hall county has deep pockets. War Damn Syrup Makers!

By ALAN

December 10, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Hey Carver-Columbus: You all will probably come down to Cairo and just wreak havoc on our little inferior school…. and that’s just what we want you to think you’ll do. However you had better tell your BIG STRAPPING boys to maybe be prepared for a good “Ole Country A* Whuppin’. It may just be what you get. And I hope you are there to witness it!! Idiot!

By SW

December 10, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

maker fan

You’re right. Anybody can tell their players to do an onside kick, fake a punt, or run any given offensive play, defensive set, etc. However, that “anybody” is the coach. So wait a minute…are you saying that coaches aren’t necessarily needed??? You could be onto something….

By It's Always About RACE

December 10, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

HS football is all about RACE and my boy better out-RACE your boy.

By NGrollin'south

December 10, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

The wing T is the Wing T. Wonder why you don’t see too much of it after high school….it’s predictable. Guards take you to the play. Set the edge, and flow to the ball. I like NG’s front 8 v/s LHS. Doesn’t matter how fast you are if you’re running sideways. NGHS 24 LHS 14

By cj

December 10, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

To maker fan.

Carver is the real deal. We are not hear by accident. Big time players make big time plays and thats what our team did. If not for the phantom holding call on the 93 yard touch down this game would have been over at halftime. To all the Chamblee fans you lost, why cant yall just be gracious in defeat? and to say recruiting thats crazy. In A SMALL town like cairo and many south ga teams they teach the High school team offense at pop warner and middle school. So who really has the advantage. I grew up in south ga but graduated from chs. So dont overlook Carver, they didnt play a weak nth team.

By lee champion

December 10, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

once again I must straighten ya’ll out. the Ivory performance in the second half was remarkable, period. Playing on a surgically repaired broken leg and a high ankle sprain and no contact since October. Give him his due, and give NS the respect they deserve for not quitting. As to Carver, 2 of the best players in the state put on quite a show in the 4th qtr. to pull a game that was LOST out of the fire. Give Carver and Chamblee the respect they BOTH deserve. Cairo, why ya’ll whining so much? Inferiority complex or what? Columbus has Ten(10) high schools and you expect the learned folks on this board to believe Carver has recruited all its players? Thats pure disingenuous BS. and btw the referee crew that called the Carver/Carrollton and Carver/Chamblee games should turn in their stripes cause they stink. Now, one last time, LOOK AT THE SCOREBOARD, SEE WHOSE BEHIND? Game over, Chamblee and it was a Great game. Cairo, you are NEXT!

By GC

December 10, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

SW, you made my point for me with this: “Indeed, he had his team prepared but Chamblee’s was better prepared by their coach…that is until the last 6 minutes when Carver’s coach took over the chess match.” They were not coached up as they should have been and you admit it. My point is this: give Carver’s players to Chamblee’s coach and the combo wins by 20 or more. Also, not for a second have I suggested that Chamblee had a bad team. You don’t get to the Dome with a bad team. That goes for Dublin, North Hall and both of the Class A schools that lost. They all had good teams that were beaten by better teams.

All the other Carver comments have referred to the team having superior size and Division I talent and you want to chime in and act like it’s all the coaches’ doing. Big fat WHATEVER. Carver resorted to the sandlot to win and for you to act like some tactical master was behind it is ludicrous. You must be the coach’s girlfriend or something…

By Northside_Owns_A_Used_Car-Lot

December 10, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

NSWR was fortunate last Friday. I believe the still quiet on the NS side of the field during the first half was evidence that no one owns GA football.

They just lease it for a year.

By Derrick

December 10, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Chamblee was alot faster than I thought they would be. It would be foolish to take anything away from them, they earned my respect. Cairo has not been tested in the playoffs expect for the game with the second best team from u know where. I expect carver to win the game by 2 touchdowns, u can put the house on it, Im all in

By yo

December 10, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

NGrollin’south…you are right in that the Wing T can be predictable. As usual I predict about 250 plus rushing yards predictable. Giving NG their due and starting at 250. If they haven’t seen the Wing T that could spell big trouble.

Stopping one back like Brookwood (no matter how good he is), is not the same as keying on 4 different backs coming at you and all capable of taking it the distance.

It is not something they can simulate in practice at the speed Lowndes will be hitting them with it.

Camden had the athletes and is used to the Wing T. Oh well, we still got our yards up and down the field.

I was impressed with your defense, but I don’t know if you are ready for what is about to hit you if you haven’t been there and done that.

By SW

December 10, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

GC

That was a very low blow, my friend. It seems as if you’re mad? I mean, I was merely stating that all coaches prepare their teams but some team’s preparations lead them to a surge at the very least. Chamblee couldn’t hold their surge. That said, I do not believe that Chamblee’s coaches would do any better with Carver’s players. That is a joke. Do you think Chamblee’s coaches are smarter?? Impossible. If they are, why didn’t they win the game? He should have faked another punt and THAT would have been impressive!! I mean, the first fake was predictable. He saw momentum leaving so why did he not do anything? That is inexcusable for a coach. You do not lose a 18 point lead with 6 minutes left in the game. THAT IS ON THE COACH! It is also on the coach that is the victor. The athleticsm you speak of can be narrowed to ONE PLAY (e.g., a jump ball) and not a series of plays over six minutes. You can’t see the forest from the trees can you? Or is it all subjective since you point out what everyone else has written…if so, my analysis is just as valid as yours. It’s all an opinion. You have yours and I have mine. My opinion is that Carver’s coach led his athletes over the last six minutes from a 18 point deficit to a victory over Chamblee’s coach and his athletes. I know its hard for you to concede that but whatever. On another note, Carver’s coach has turned around a program (a la Greg Schiano at Rutgers), while Chamblee’s coach inherited a good team (a la Larry Coker @ Miami). But again, you wouldn’t see or know that because you don’t really keep up. You merely glance a team and their facilities over and make assumptions…shame on you…

By Todd Holcomb

December 10, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

* Who was the AJC writer that said that Metro Atlanta would dominate the state championships from now on. He said it at the first of the season. I guess he was looking at last year. Where is he now?*

He died his hair crimson, shaved the letter ‘L’ on one side, ‘V’ on the other, and moved to Hahira.

I vaguely recall writing an article myself that was similar to the subject to which you are referring. In it, I bravely and doggedly asked whether Metro Atlanta would dominate the highest classification in the future due to the fact that there are only 8 ‘real’ AAAAA schools outside Metro Atlanta. A numbers game, if you will.

Four points to keep in mind – (1) Just because someone writes a story asking a question doesn’t mean the writer agrees with the answers he gets; (2) the discussion had to do with AAAAA only; (3) the same writer before the playoffs picked Lowndes to win AAAAA; (4) the future isn’t here yet.

It’s still a valid question. Metro Atlanta has South Georgia out-numbered 6-to-1 in the highest class, and the Atlanta schools are the bigger ones except Lowndes & Camden (not coincidentally the Dome teams). How many titles will 1-AAAAA plus Camden win over the next 20 years?

Todd what did you think of the carver team after seeing them in person. does fortson get consideration for top wide out in georgia.

Fortson was great, but Furr was even more impressive as far as what he does for a high school team. He threw the third-and-long pass right on the money that Fortson couldn’t quite haul in because he was well-defended, and I thought Carver would be lucky if Furr put another one on the money like that, but he did. … Cairo will be tough to beat, thought. But I do think Carver has a few more players who can make the kinds of big plays needed to win it.

It would have been nice if you would have made it to the game to see Carver’s game. Their team is not that good. … Down by 18 points with less than 6 minutes, is that a top team, maybe?

Sometimes it’s how teams play in crunch time that matters most. It’s a fair question, but I didn’t think less of Carver after last week. Winning semifinals isn’t supposed to be easy.

* We might have the “state’s best defense” but we’ve also got a pretty good “playmaker” in Greg Reed.*

True, although I don’t see him taking over a game. He can certainly be a difference-maker, though.

* Is the reason there are no pictures of the Lowndes VS. Camden game on the AJC because there was not a ATL team in that game?*

I don’t have the answer to that. It might’ve been the Atlanta thing, but it’s just as likely that it was because it was the 9 p.m. game and it wasn’t practical to get those photos in the paper, as we have deadlines.

Todd you made a mistake in you coum, on Coach Dorsey when you said they were the first team from Cobb to play in the finals in 31 years. You must have overlooked Wheeler coached by Corky Kell in 1973 vs. Thomasville. Also I think you should reevaluate you opinion on Newnan after their close game with NG in the quarters. It was a close game and they will have most of their team returning as they only started 4 seniors out of the first 22.

You’re correct about Dorsey. Wheeler did play in the 1973 final, and I did forget. … The Newnan call will be a tough one. Newnan never beat a team that was ranked in the Top 10 or one that will be considered for the Top 10, but Newnan did make the QF and played a state finalist pretty close. I’m making no promises.

What does the gallery think about Newnan in the Top 10?

like North Gwinnett’s chances against Lowndes. If they can stop the run, that is. The best passing attack Lowndes has faced all year (Roswell) scored more points on them than any other team they’ve faced …. I don’t know if NG is a better passing team than Roswell, but they certainly like to pass more than Roswell does. I’ll take Lowndes ultimately, but it could get very interesting.

Good analysis. And NG can pass better than Roswell from what I’ve seen. And NG can stop the run (see Brookwood). Interesting game.

Does anyone know how the location for the NSWR game vs Ware was decided? Also the Cairo and carver game. How was the location decided? I think all four were number one seeds from their regions, right?

Coin tosses decided all those. The most interesting thing about site determination was that if Walton had beaten NG, Lowndes would’ve automatically hosted just because Walton doesn’t have a facility big enough. NG was a #2 seed, so it was irrelevant in the NG-Lowndes scenario. I think that if Walton had won a coin toss, then Walton should’ve been able to find a suitable neutral site in metro Atlanta.

This is what most of you Atlanta guys fail to understand. It is more than weight rooms. It is bringing in a sense of I will not lose this game for my community. Towns outside of Atlanta have that sense of community.

There is merit to that argument no doubt, Northside. But don’t forget this: About one-third of Georgia football teams are from metro Atlanta, and about one-third made the finals. The two Atlanta teams that lost in the Dome were beaten by No. 1-ranked teams at the buzzer. The three Atlanta teams that won were dominant. So I don’t think you can say that Atlanta football is below the mean in the state of Georgia when it comes to football. Some metro teams have the kind of pride and school spirit that takes them the extra mile, and others don’t.

To suggest that Ivory is a pocket passer is ridiculous. Ivory runs at will. You Atlanta guys see one game and believe you know something.

You’re right; Ivory’s a running threat. However, it was a Carver fan, not an Atlanta guy, who called Ivory a pocket passer.

By maker fan

December 10, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, Cairo just want some respect too, nobody has talked about us all year. It will be a good game and I wish Carver fans safe travels. Cairo has alot to look forward to, we will return alot of starters including the QB, and both RBs. But a state title will be great this year. See ya Saturday

By PrepFootballFan

December 10, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

NorthsideOwnsGA, May I remind you until Northside Warner Robins won its first state football title LAST YEAR after many trips to the Dome and to the finals. Moreover, many of the things you write about Tucker, most of the state said about Northside Warner Robins for years. Although NWR has fielded good teams, they own ONE State football championship until now. So, with your grand expertise about heart, quitting, choking, etc. perhaps you should keep your pie-hole shut until you have won 3 or 4 state championships.

By Hambone

December 10, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

To Carver Columbus somebody reads alot about there squad or is a coach very knowledgeable. However Cairo is built around tradition that tradition has always included the fact that we are undersized EVERY year. And has meant what? Absolutely nothing. I played in the nineties who had the best record in the big bend area(North Florida and So. GA for those not familiar with the term) during that time thats right the Makers. I have all the respect in the world for athletes that fit the D-1 “Mold” however there are hundreds of programs that beat teams loaded with that type of talent because they play together. Dont expect one player to attempt to tackle your star athletes. The gang tackle concept has been taught here before I played while I played and since I left. A quick physics lesson those with the lower center of gravity will most often win the individual battles on the line of scrimmage. So tell all those 6 foot plus guys they had better keep there pads down and there chins tucked or there will be a major need for chin straps. Point is dont count out the “little guys” just yet remember Rudy haha heart can take an average athlete to the next level. Oh BTW Cairo has a few D-1 prospects BUT they are all juniors and sophmores be on the look out for #72 williams he is a sophmore but from what I have seen I think he has the potential to be the best defensive player to play in Cairo. To say he is the best now would be unjust to past greatest Montavious Williams “Mustafa” email your superstars they should remember because to forget about him will be coatly mistake.

By GC

December 10, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Not mad at all, just shocked someone is lobbying that some great coaching scheme got Carver past Chamblee the other day. Maybe Carver has succeeded from superior coaching in other situations, but that definitely WAS NOT the case in the semifinal game I saw at the Georgia Dome. The playmakers saw it through, and that’s the reason there’s a blog for you to leave a comment in the first place. I’ll leave this discussion knowing that, and you can leave thinking whatever it is you think.

Tucker lost a 21-point lead in the very next game. Is their coach an idiot too? Lastly, you have NO IDEA how closely I watch Georgia high school athletics. No idea…

By LC_Northside

December 10, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

I read the blog from Oct. 8th and found this…

By Mike October 8, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this I hate to ruin everyone’s day but Tucker could on first down the entire game and would still beat NSWR with a defensive score. Tucker is three TDs better than NSWR.

I’m still laughing.

By jaybo

December 10, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Hey softy from NS. You know who you are—ns….GA. Shut your punk a.. up. Boy you make me want to throw up with all of your bs comments!!! You know i’m a proud TCC fan, and yes we got beat by a better team. But the way you keep lowrating Tucker’s kids is absurd!!! I had to say something!They are a good football team—you cannot say they had no fight in them. I was at the game, it was not Tuckers players, it was their coaches not making any adjustments. What do you know about players having any fight in them? Did you play football at NS? I already know—would bet my house you didn’t. Hey NS won(I was cheering for you on Tucker’s side) the game and has a great football team, but give your opponent some props too. You go way over the top dude, acting like the soft, weak azz that I know you are!!!! Tucker had a great season and gave NS a great fight—aint like NS dominated Tucker!!! Come on now be for real. You guys won, now move on to Ware Co.

By NTH Trojans

December 10, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

The Truth,

Just like a Gainesville fan, after getting hammered by Westminster in the first round, jumping on everybodys bandwagon hoping that they can stop North Hall. I’ll hand it to Cairo, they have got an excellent team. The funny thing is, NOBODY from Gainesville can talk about recruiting, because you have been doing it for the last 20 years. How many players did Gainesville take from North Hall before Coach Christmas came aboard? Let’s put it this way, we could recruit for the next 20 years and still wouldn’t be able to equal the number of players that Gainesville has recruited from the Hall County area alone. Now just quit the whining and crying just because NH kicked your a* 41-22 earlier this year. We have to reload next year and we will still kick Gainesvilles butt. You might want to concentrate on baseball, because NH has surpassed you in football, and East Hall will kill you EVERY year in basketball. Or maybe you should just concentrate on cheerleading, because all the Gainesville fans at the dome looked fairly adept at it when they were cheering on Cairo. I guess if you can’t get the job done yourself, then that’s what you’re reduced to.

By Reeze

December 10, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Great games this past weekend……Ivory’s 2nd half shredding of Tuckers secondary,ECI’s Ealey 280/4td’s freight train of Clinch,The Furr and Fortson airshow over Chamblee,Lowndes defense stone walling Camdens offense….I don’t know about you guys ,but these were the best semi’s ive seen in a while……These kids and Lowndes defense put on a show this weekend……… But the unit award has to go hands down to the Cairo Syrupmakers……Reggie Bryant 218 rush yards,Ronnie Wooten 135……On defense, 5 staight 3 and outs! on an offense which averages 40-50 points per game,held them to 14(7 actually)….. Now i’m not the biggest fan of the Wing-T or any other run orientated offense ,but my hats off to the Syrupmakers the way in which they run theirs,mixing in the power I and even the gun a few times was impressive and didn’t miss a beat……The heart of the offense has to be Qb Angelo Pease, a kid that’s fast,quick,smart,has a accurate rifle arm,cool headed under pressure,decisive….. this kid is a coach’s dream…..Carver will have their hands full saturday,should be a great game,ill be in waycross Friday to see my Eagles,I might stay over in Valdosta with the In-laws and head out to Cairo saturday.

By SW

December 10, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

GC

Agreed. That is your opinion. However, to answer your final question yes, Tucker’s coach is to blame for their loss (i did not call Chamblee’s coach an idiot). Yet, Northside’s win was more a result of Ivory than Nix. He was the only variable for either team between the first half and second half (no player variables in the Carver-Chamblee game). Even still, Tucker had PLENTY of opportunities to seal the deal. That one also falls squarely on the shoulders of Tucker’s coach. Northside’s victory, more or less falls squarely on the shoulders of Ivory moreso than Nix. Yeah, Nix decided to put him in but he did not have a choice. It was even stated that Ivory might play but there seemed to be no preparation for him on Tucker’s part and there was also no sense of urgency to rush the qb when he’d entered the game. Also, covering a 21 point deficit over 24 minutes is totally different from an 18 point deficit in 6 minutes. Yet, in both of them, the losses fall moreso on the coaches and not the players.

Now, you came in on the tail end of it but it is interesting to watch who people attribute victories to when evidence suggests otherwise. I commend playmakers and coaches alike. Also, I don’t have an idea of how closely you pay attention Georgia high school athletics. You’re right, I agree with that statement.

By Reeze

December 10, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

NSownsGa………Not fair to the Tucker kids,they didn’t give up…..Tuckers game plan was to take out T Green, which was expected of them ,which they did.Tucker’s has many athletic kids on their team,more than we had seen all year and it showed in the 1st half….Tuckers coaches didn’t have a plan for Ivory, Bass and Coupe and they paid for it……. It had nothing to do with their kids giving up……….I’m an Eagle fan right along with you,but show a little respect, remember these kids are 15,16 and 17 year olds

By CARVER-COLUMBUS

December 10, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

To GDG73 AND ALL CAIRO FANS:

Again, I’ll say this just in case you may have missed it the first time. On Saturday December 15, 2007 at 3 p.m. in your backyard (Cairo, GA) we will settle this debate on your field.

We have never been afraid to go on the road and do our thing. These kids have been inspired by what me and my team-mates from that 1987 Carver-Columbus team did. We went to Valdosta and beat the #1 team in the nation in the Semi-final playoff game in their backyard when the AJC writer’s predicted that Valdosta would beat us 66-0. We snapped, what was then the nation’s longest winning steak in Valdosta (when the legendary Nick Hyder was coach). Well, we won that game 21-7, and they scored their only touchdown on our third string freshman team in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. That following week we were ranked #25 in the nation by USA Today.

From the 87-88 team we had 3 D-I signees, RB Robert Williams (5’7” 175 lbs. 4.36 -40, U of Wisconsin), LB Dennis Tillman (5’10” 205 lbs. 4.40 - 40, U of Wisconsin), WR Eric Faniel (6-1 195 lbs. 4.38 - 40, U of Michigan) and 3 D-II signees.

From the 88-89 team we had RB-KR Kevin Tisdale (5’11” 195 lbs. 4.40, played on the national co-championship team at Georgia Tech in 91’), DT Brentson Buckner (6’4” 315 lbs. 4.8, started on the 93’ national championship team at Clemson (where he still holds the weight lifting record… And, that is saying a lot considering that both of the Perry brother’s, remember William ‘The Refrigerator’ Perry and Michael Dean Perry played there along with Gaines Adams) and played 14 yrs in NFL), QB-DB Tim Walton (6’0” 185 lbs. 4.4, The Ohio State U, is now the Defensive Coordinator for the U of Miami, FL), WR Anthony McHenry (6’3” 200 lbs. 4.5, U of Wisconson), (Ask Todd Holcolmb about the beast) LB Nicky Pitts (6’4” 235 lbs. 4.4, U of GA), LB Darrel Day (6’0” 220 lbs. 4.5, U of Wisconsin), DE Xavier Lee (6’3” 250 4.5, San Diego State U), CB Henry Searcy (6’1” 195 lbs. 4.4, U of Wisconsin) and there were four D-II signee’s.

And we have had at least one D-I singee every year since that time. We have even produced All-American RB Jasper Sanks (6-2 230 lbs. 4.5, U of GA). Even though Jasper’s time at UGA is nothing to brag about, you have to admit that he fell victim to Jim Donnan’s lack of success as a coach. Jasper screwed himself by not giving Mark Richt a chance, because he thought that Musa Smith was going to cut into his touches cause he was Richt’s recruit. NFL agents told Jasper that if he gained 1,000 yds. rushing that he would have been drafted in the first round. Jasper lacked discpline and that is the reason why he stayed injured. Most of us had to work our tails off to get the size and speed that we had. Jasper never really worked out, but you couldn’t tell by looking at him. He was just a freak of nature.

Glenn Forde, another CARVER-COLUMBUS graduate, played with Jasper and Ryan Davis at UGA.

So, what does any of this have to do with the 07’ CARVER-COLUMBUS team? PRIDE AND TRADITION!!! Brentson Buckner and the rest of us CARVER D-I singees and graduates are the support system for these kids and we let them know our secrets to success. These kids are bigger, almost as fast and just as strong as we were then. We have challenged them to finish what we started back in 1985 when we started our three year domination of region 2-AAAA. (We only had 406 students enrolled at CARVER-COLUMBUS in 1987-88, which would have put us in Class A if the enrollment standards had been enforced by the GHSA.)

We were short changed by the GHSA 20 years ago for the chance of a fair opportunity to compete for a state championship. All season long, we have been telling the kids about the adversity that we had to face and that the challenge for them was going to be even greater due to the fact that a bulls eye is on their backs from being the #1 ranked team in the state in both polls.

They understand what it feels like to lose. Just two years ago on coach McGee’s first year on the job, they were 3-7 and competing in the same region as the AAAA state champion. Coach McGee had to weed out his true ball players during his first year. There were a couple of D-1 signee’s the year before he took over when coach Davis was there. We moved to AAA in 06’ and we were 12-2 last year when the kids started to buy into what Dell was selling.

We will seal the deal this year. Derron and Jarmon know that there is no next year for them to solidify their position amongst the CARVER-COLUMBUS greats. Coach Wallace Davis has coached over 400 student-athletes in his 37 years of coaching that have signed D-I scholarships. Coach Davis played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Falcons back in the 60’s and he to is a CARVER-COLUMBUS graduate. Coach Davis’ son, Ryan, is a CARVER-COLUMBUS graduate that played and graduated from UGA.

We have even had two of our alumn’s that played at UGA with the great Herschel Walker. One of the guys, Darrell “D.J.” Jones, was an announcer for the Lowndes vs. Camden Co. game on GPB and he played with the Green Bay Packers. The other, Herman Archie, went on to play with the Green Bay Packers for 5 years. Nate Odums is a 4 - time pro bowler that started at CB on that Buffalo Bills team that went to the Superbowl 4 years in a row. He is our only Probowler to date. He played with the Falcons and retired from the Miami Dolphins.

So, you can see that we have a long and strong tradition of producing D-I and NFL caliber talent. Rod Hood is the most notable starter that we have in the NFL that starts at CB with the Arizona Cardinals. He had an interception returned for a touchdown over the weekend. Chris Jamison is a 4-year stater at OT for Troy State and he should be a late second to early third round NFL pick.

These kids know what they have to do and they believe that a state championship title is their destiny.

So, Cairo…

THIS AIN’T WHAT’CHA WANT!!!!!

By CARVER-COLUMBUS

December 10, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

TO HAMBONE:

HERE IS A PHYSICS LESSON FOR YOR:

COME 3 P.M. ON DECEMBER 15, 2007 WE WILL SEE!!!

WE WILL NOT BE DENIED!!!

And for your information, one of my degrees just so happens to be a BA in History….

By wayx boi

December 10, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

One more 2 go!!! GO WARE COUNTY GATORS!! Do your thang!!

By wayx boi

December 10, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

One more 2 go!!! GO WARE COUNTY GATORS!! Do your thang!!

By yo

December 10, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Hey Carver Columbus…not a lot of championships considering all of that talent over the years. Whaz up wid dat? Be careful how you brag, it doesn’t always come out showing your good side. Is it going to be more of the same again this year? Same old history, lots of talent and no titles.

By North Gwinnett Fan

December 10, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

In reading all of these comments, I felt moved to respond.

As a person who grew up in Savannah, which I consider South Georgia and one that moved to Atlanta years after completing college and working in Savannah Public Schools, I have noticed a varied difference between North and South Georgia.

In reference to moving the Championship to the Georgia Dome, I believe that ANY school, regardless of where you are, north or south, would find this a great achievement and would enjoy the prestige the Dome gives to a high school athletic program. I am well aware of how far Lowndes County is from Atlanta, and how far Camden is as well. But to draw a comparison, THIS IS THE STATE CAPITAL. Like it or not, Atlanta is the capital, and the “state” meets here to conduct business, commerce, athletics, government, etc. To be perfectly blunt, if it weren’t for the city of Atlanta and the great places to live here, and all the people who WORK in the metro area, south Georgia would have little source of income. Like it or not, Atlanta makes this state keep going. Atlanta brings income to the state, and the hardworking people in metro must work in order to fund all of the under performing academic schools in south Georgia, and provide assistance to those areas of south Georgia that refuse to progress into the modern era.

I am from South Georgia and I love living in Atlanta. It is very disturbing every time I see an article in the newspaper calling Georgia “50th or 49th in Education.” If it weren’t for our lovely friends in South Georgia bringing Georgia down in education, and failing minimum competency exams, the metro area schools rank comparable to most other “modern” and “civilized” academic areas.

It appears to me that each time I see these articles and blogs here, someone from South Georgia has to bring up a “north vs. south” issue, complaining about the “rich schools vs. the poor schools,” and how Atlanta gets everything. I have yet to read a North Georgia fan write something negative here unless provoked by the ignorance of the South Georgia area.

I for one would be completely happy to allow every county north of Bibb to secede and become the great state of North Georgia. Then our schools could be ranked with other nationally acclaimed schools and the state of South Georgia would go into financial ruins with it’s poor performing schools, little industrial base, and it’s lovely capital, “Savannah” that refuses to move into the 17th century.

I say, shut up and play ball. This is the capital and if you want to play for the STATE championship then you come to the STATE capital and play for it. And stop dogging Gwinnett County. Remember South Georgia, if it weren’t for the great counties of Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and other metro counties, you would be financially more backward than you already are. Come ride through Gwinnett on I-85, South Georgia. We have a message for you on two water towers. From all Gwinnett citizens, poor, rich, white, black, and otherwise…”Gwinnett is Great” and “Success Lives Here!”

By slalom1

December 10, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

To All: I have said this before, but regarding Carver vs. Chamblee… Great teams do not play great ALL of the time. But…They are ALWAYS great, when they have to be. “Bill Walsh, San Francisco forty niners.”

By Hambone

December 10, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Carver Columbus in no way was I making an attempt to say that Carver isnt a proud school with tradition or talent. My point was Cairo with the exception of maybe the 90 state champion team has never had the size to be considered a team loaded with D-1 talent. As your “History Lesson” shows your school does and thats great for your program and even better for the athletes that get the inside knowledge that gets passed down from there experiences. My point is you have declared a 2 touchdown victory based simple on size and speed of your athletes. As your personal example of how your class was able to beat the once considered unbeatable Valdosta team. Think of the position our guys sit in right now. With the exception of reese yo and maybe a few other bloggers (that dont reside or went to school here) no one across the state gives the Cairo team a chance. Carver may come in a dominate Cairo as you have predicted its possible unlikely but possible. But remember where you sat in 87-88. I can tell you that from the first whistle to the final buzzer Carver better come expecting a battle if we are down 14 pts we will still be hitting Carver in the mouth every chance we get if we are down 50 it would be wise to keep that chin tucked cause we will still hit you in the mouth. Thats how we play the game here. You may run a 4.4 and be 6’3” but if you get that bell rung a few time and even the great ones get there bells rung you are now at best a 5.0 and slouching to a 5’10”. Now we can look you in the eye. Dont discredit our program we are a bunch of fiesty “lil guys” that play with alot of heart. And that got us into the state championship not alot of D-1 talent. Kudos on the BA in History I was on that track once myself but elected a BA in Communication. It will be a great game win or lose I hope that your able to make the trip and I ask for traveling graces for you if you can make the trip. On a side note the was talk of a GHSA fine for the Cairo High School for praying on the field. I am not one to pressure others into my beliefs but I found that to be obsurd. The fine never happened but for it to even be an issue in my humble opinion is a poor move by the GHSA. When I played it was a voluntary and unspoken thing between our region foes but a common practice for us to pray together at mid-field after the game. Every person has there rights and no one could have possibly had there rights infringed upon. The band was playing (I was 5 rows up and couldnt hear anything) and players have the choice if they would like to participate or not. I think the GHSA lost a lil bit of class with the mention of a fine.

By Emanuel Co Wins 34-24

December 10, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

It baffles me to look at every website and all they talk about is Washaun Ealey but they fail to state the fact that ECI is a single school that has the biggest offensive line in GHSA. They also have the number 20th ranked junior in the country (J.C. Lanier) who is 6-4, 335 lbs. as well as LSU signee Chad Turner who is 6-3, 295 lbs. who open up the hole very well for Washaun. With that being said. I have heard alot of comments stating that they are just going to put a man on Ealey and stop him. First of all, Wilcox is going to have to penetrate an O-Line that Averages 6-2.35 inches and 286.5 lbs. Then by the time that they get this accomplished, they have to stop a 5-11, 208 lb running back with 4.3 speed. Every team uses this strategy but Washaun has 55 touchdowns this season (GA State Record) 2875 yards (GA state record by a Junior) Rushed for 280 yards in the GA dome (GA state record) along w/ 4 touchdowns. We are talking about an offense that averages 296 yards rushing per game with 3 division 1 signees and 3 Juniors to include 2 in the Rivals top 100 Junior class. All of this from a 1a school. So I ask the question again. How easy it will be to stop Washaun Ealey. He has 55 touchdowns, but The dome was the only time this season besides week 4 that Washaun played after halftime. They beat Dooly co. 35-0 and Washaun never stepped on the field after Halftime. I think Dooly put up 16 on Wilcox.

By slalom1

December 10, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

To: “Hambone”, What were you praying for? For God to intervene in a high school football game? Pick HIS favorite? Hoping to sway God over to your side? I have no problem with prayers. But, it seems to me that GOD has more important items on the agenda, than to divy out his time in picking out his favorite high school football team.

By Camdenfan

December 10, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Lowndes. Camden knew they were a good team. Rankings for the next season for 5A 1. Lowndes 2. N. Gwinnett 3. Camden 4. N-Side Warner Robbins 5. MLK 6. Roswell 7. Valdosta 8. P-Ridge

That is who I think will to the top 8 going into the season (Northside will probably move up during the season. The only reason they are not on top is because we do not know how they will face 5A football)

By Randy

December 10, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Hab Central Fan, Congrats to NSWR Eagles and Ware County Gators making it to State Final.Good Luck to both teams. Warning to NSWR, Don’t let Ware score because if you do, they will drive you crazy with that blasting train horn. Hope it’s a good clean game and no injuries. P.S., I’m glad NSWR is moving to 5-A, I don’t know, maybe their bigger and better than anybody in that class as well.

By Hambone

December 10, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

North Gwinnett Fan thats a bit harsh to attempt to make this an issue of education. I have no idea how long you lived here in the past of which era the sixties or seventies that you finally left. If you really want to know the reason why the southern school suffer academically look at the industry that is here and what type of workers work in that industry. Thats right agriclture. Which by the way provides you a means of food. But the point is this your state and federal government have lobbist today that are attempting to pass laws that allow illegal immigrants to live work and enjoy all the luxuries that tax paying citizens bust there butts for. As a person that is familiar with the school system and government you would know that educators have an oath to educate every person that registers for school. There are students that cant speak any english sitting in our classrooms right now. Not having a sufficent supply of educators that speak fluent spanish never the less the dialect in which each of those children speak fluently it makes it virtually impossible to properly educate these children. However, they are subjected to the same testing standards that every other student across the state are subjected to and in many case they cant read the question to a point that they can comphrehend. Why are they still here then you might ask? Simple economics farmers today still sell produce for price they where sold for in the 60’s and 70’s you might remember that time you where here!!! So they depend on illegal immigrants who work for a much lower wage than you or myself would dare to even consider. The point that southern football fan (what this blog is really for) is that if we drive 4 hours to a game and you drive 1 then you have a home field advantage simple as that. I personally would like to see the games played in macon if there must be a nuetral site why not there. Yes I agree that the games being played in the Georgia Dome provides lots of excitement for our high school athletes. But look at the games just this weekend. And please Chamblee dont think I am dogging your program because you had a tremendous season. But on paper that game was a blow out (ON PAPER) maybe Carver much like my syrupmakers got caught up in all that excitement of playing where the pro’s play and lost focus. And as you have pointed out our lack of industry our state championship game will be sold out thousands of fans from columbus will make the drive down maybe eat here purchase hotel rooms buy gas ALL these are taxed items both state and locally that might just might get us a new shiney computer like you rich folks up there in that big ol city have. You never know it could happen. But if nothing else for one day we can have some positve revenue for our poor lil ol ignorant idustry stricten town.

By lowndes viking

December 10, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

N Gwinnett Fan has really lost it. Hopefully he can find a good doctor in his area before the game Saturday night. His work experience in the school system in Savannah suggest they were not very competent in hiring capable employees, I hope he was not a teacher.

To suggest the small population in South Georgia is bringing our national ranking down to 49th in the country is amazing. I think you need to look at a school by school ranking and you will find the State is failing across the board in education.

But this week is about football and I was very impressed by NG. I hope Lowndes wins but it will take another great team effort to defeat NG. May the best team win.

By yo

December 10, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Wow! North Gwinnett Fan…did somebody hurt your feelings?

I always love it when the subject is football and somebody has to talk about all of their great deeds in other areas of life except the one topic at hand. That is called trying to purposefully avoid the issue. Am I sensing a Gwinnett inferiority complex? Lowndes 17 Parkview 14 (2004) Lowndes 49 Brookwood 7 (2005) Now personally I like your idea of greatness. It kind of warms a S. Ga. body real good. Keep sending the money and the football titles this way…we’ll take them and thanks for your kind hospitality in doing so. I can’t think of anybody I would rather see us play than the GREAT GWINNETT for the 2007 state title. Like the great liar Bill Clinton I would like to say “I feel your pain” but honestly, I don’t. Soooo………. I won’t.

S.Ga…..the welfare half of the state gladly receiving money and football titles from the Great Gwinnett.

Lets see…you’re sending us money and football titles and you’re calling us the ignorant bunch!

Hmmmmmmm!!!
Kind of makes a fella think.

By slalom1

December 10, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

To “Yo”, Your Lowndes team looked extremely impressive. In particular on defense and special teams. The offense was sharp as well. But, with the exception of 2 or 3 plays, the Wing-T NEVER fooled Camden. Never mind that. The best team won. However, I am curious to know why the Lowndes head coach went out of his way to re-affirm his committment to the “Wing-T” on GPTV, when no one even asked him the question. Are there rumblings in “winnersville” about the offense?

By Todd Holcomb

December 10, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

(Ask Todd Holcolmb about the beast) LB Nicky Pitts

The 1987 Columbus-Valdosta game was the first time I ever stepped foot into Cleveland Field, and Nicky Pitts dominated that game on offense and defense. I’m pretty sure he blocked a kick, as well. Valdosta dressed out 100 players, and Carver had what appeared to be about 30.

I recall seeing a player named Pitts playing this year either for Carver or Shaw and wondered if he was related to Nicky.

That was a memorable game and season, and it also included the radio/helmet scandal at Evans and ended with Morrow (with Andre Hastings) winning the first state title for a metro Atlanta team in the highest class in 15 years.

By Hambone

December 10, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Slalom 1 from my experience the players generally intruded thanking or asking for safe travel for us or the opposing team safe over the players competing. Whether an idividual participated or not was up to that person. Personally it put things in the right frame of mind there is more than high school football and the safety of all those that participate in the game or traveling to support there school is much more important than a win or lose.

By yo

December 10, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

For God to intervene in a high school football game? Pick HIS favorite? Hoping to sway God over to your side? I have no problem with prayers. But, it seems to me that GOD has more important items on the agenda, than to divy out his time in picking out his favorite high school football team. Now Slalom…we all know God’s favorite team for AAAAA in 2007 is the Lowndes High Vikings. Us people in the pre modern era 220 miles from Gwinnett down here in S. Ga. stil pray you know. Hey! I hear He is favoring Lowndes in 2008 also!!! At least that’s what Todd tells me.

By Brentson Buckner

December 10, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

I,Brentson Buckner, Carver High School Class of 1989, will be in Cairo for the game. Say what you want about Carver, but we are coming for one thing, ” THE RING”. We are finally going to get a chance to play on our level. For years we were AAAA with A student body. Now the playing field is even!! TIGERS EVERY WHERE DESEND ON Cairo! Show the whole world why,”WE ARE SO GLAD THAT WE ARE FROM CARVER HIGH!”

By yo

December 10, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Are there rumblings in “winnersville” about the offense? Lets see…2004 and 2005 state champs. Playing for 2007 State champs. I used to be a passing fanatic too (see past Lowndes teams) but quite frankly I and “1/2 of Winnersville” has come to appreciate the Wing T and great Defense. As for the interview I didn’t get to hear it, but you can be sure McPherson isn’t in any hurry to change. What I have come to like about the Wing T is you don’t have to have a Washaun Ealy or Ivory to take it all. Its a system that doesn’t focus on the talents of a few, but depends more on the talents of the whole. Camden plays great Defense also. Always has and I am quite confidant in the future will continue to do so. Camden runs the Wing T and so fooling Camden is more difficult since they see it every day of practice. The good news is, we still had our yards against a very good defense who some what knows us. That in turn may speak to the fact our offense has begun to hit on all cylinders and to the fact we just “might” have a little bit of offensive talent ourselves. 200 yards of offense at half time against Camden is not bad, for any team and any style of offense.

By slalom1

December 10, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

To: “Yo” How about the Lowndes “Wing-T”? What about the coaches’s remarks? How about the paltry “10” points Lowndes put on the board?

By GRAYSONFAN

December 10, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

hey man, graysons QB will be back next year, thats forsure! take it as you like

this text will be bolded Good analysis. And NG can pass better than Roswell from what I’ve seen. And NG can stop the run (see Brookwood). Interesting game.

could not have said it better myself!

NG, is a better team then roswell. again, roswell was overrated!

By GRAYSONFAN

December 10, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

it was hard to tell, how really good camden was. our offence gave them 13 of their 22 points. so they only earned 9 from our defence. as we earned 7 from them. their defence took advantage of every mistake our offence made. weve made alot this year, but our defence and special teams was always (until camden) able to make big plays to make up for it. well, not in this game, finialy, a defence came along that showed graysons offence for what it was. kudo’s to graysons o-line though, they made the good happen when it did.

so, i would like to say, grayson will be back in the top 10 again next year but, if they dont change the offence, and get some SIZE, it want get any further then it did this year, and thats sad to say!

By jaybo

December 10, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

North Gwinnett fan, have you lost your mind? I had to respond to what I consider one of the craziest entries on the blog! First of all, Savannah aint really south Ga. in my book. I’m from Thomasville and a graduate of TCC! I too live in the metro Atlanta area, but to suggest that the southern areas of our state pull our state down is just crazy. Your post is one of the most arrogant rants I’ve read. You make it sound like people from Gwinnett and the ATL area are better than those from south Ga. Come on man, get over youself and Gwinnett Co.!!! You remind me of people I went to college with from northern cities—-they thought they were smarter, wiser, and better than those of us from the south—what a joke! The truth is there are good and bad people from everwhere, including Gwinnett Co. Gwinnett is not the only place in our great state with successful citizens. You said in your post “shut up and play ball”. I say to you shut up and get rid of your arrogant and lofty attitude before you fall on your face!!!

By RODAWG

December 10, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

WHAT IS THE SINGLE SEASON RUSHING RECORD FOR GHSA FOOTBALL? WHO HOLDS THE RECORD? WHAT SCHOOL DID HE PLAY FOR AND WHAT BRACKET DID THE SCHOOL PLAY IN [A,AA,AAA,ETC]. WHAT IS THE RECORD FOR THE A BRACKET AND DOES WASHAUN EALEY [ECI] HAVE A SHOT AT THE RECORD? ANYBODY GOT SOME ANSWERS OR KNOW OF A WEBSITE WITH THIS INFO?

By GRAYSONFAN

December 10, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

i now for a fact, some of the people in gwinnett county, do not take advantage of our know if all that is true about the scores being that much lower in the south. we have just as many immigrants, if not more, living around here building like a zillion houses a day.

By GRAYSONFAN

December 10, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

finishing…. i dont see were any of that has to do with football but, i am sick of the north south thing. i fell like we are in another (verbal) stupid civil war or something

By Hambone

December 10, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Rodawg not 100% sure but gasports.com keeps some stats I am not sure how accurate or who is in charge of the site but I believe there are some stastical data that may help you there.

By Flatstick

December 10, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

TO SLALOM1:

Lowndes County my man - home of Champions - Lowndes Vikings, Valdosta Wildcats and don’t forget the Valdosta State University Blazers, playing for the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP this weekend!!! NUFF SAID!!!!

By slalom1

December 10, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

To: “Yo”…. The question is, “How long will the Wing-T last?” Yes, Lowndes runs this “beaten to death” offense as well as any team I have seen. But, bottem line is ONLY 10 points to show. As you, I believe that defense wins championships. And, this Lowndes team seems to have THE defense, as well as special teams. Having said that, can you not see that well coached teams are finding ways to stop, or at least contain the Wing-T? GHS is no different from the college game or the NFL, in that the game is always in a state of evolution. This Lowndes team is good. VERY good on defense. But, at some point, the Wing-T will bite them on the Dupa.( I learned that word in up-state New york.)

By slalom1

December 10, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

To: “Hambone”, Your posting was so full of BS. You were praying for a WIN. And, you, and everyone else knows it. You were not praying for a safe trip home, with the game on the line. Give God a break! You were praying for a WIN.

By To Grayson Fan

December 10, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

It’s for sure Grayson wasn’t overrated, because no one thought they were any good to begin with. MAKE IT PASS THE FIRST ROUND IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR THAN YOU CAN START TALKING or stating who is overrated!!

By Camdenfan

December 10, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

To: GraysonFan. Why are you still running your mouth? (Its hard to say how good Camden was) WE KILLED YOU. WE HAD FOUR PICKS ON YOU GUYS. ONE IS LUCKY TWO IS CHANCE, BUT FOUR IS SKILL. ALSO WE HAD TWO OTHERS THAT WERE OUT OF BOUNDS. YOU WOULD HAVE GOTTEN YOUR A## KICK BY LOWNDES. WE BEAT YOU ALL, STOP UNDERPLAYING WHAT WE DID TO YOU GUYS.

By yo

December 10, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Slalom…let every body else change to the nearest fad of offense and we’ll just keep blocking, tackling, and running our way to championships. The good news for Lowndes then would be no one would have ever played the Wing T until they got to Lowndes. I kind of like that thought. The Wing T is not what kept Lowndes score down to 10 points in the Dome. Turnovers did. Turnovers hold any offense down no matter what kind you are running.

I didn’t get to see the game as I was tracking up I75 to the Dome but the last I heard Cairo runs the Wing T and put up 42 on what was your last favorite AAA team with their out dated offense.

As I have been telling you all along this year, the only thing to beat Lowndes will be themselves with turnovers.

I thought you were going to tell me you learned that Dupa word from N. Gwinnett Fan. But then based on his/her post about the same as upstate New York.

By AVikingfan

December 10, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Lowndes has faced three teams with good passing attacks, and that doesn’t include Douglass. We will be ready for NG. Too bad the GHSA will bring their own announcer and Ng won’t be able to hear our battle cry on the PA system: “First Down Vikings, Move the Chains.” But Ng will be able to see it first hand. Ask the Rosweel coach of Tift, or Coffee, if we can defend against the pass. No 6, No. 17, 99, 57, 42, 11 and 50 will be on the NG QB like syrup on pancakes. And Mr. Reid, Soloman, and No 15 can cover as good as anyone. Don’t worry about our lil ole boys. We may not be as big as NG, but we will be there Saturday night swarming on’em and hitting in the mouths. Thanks Todd for picking us to win.

By jimmy

December 10, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

By slalom1

December 10, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

To: “Yo”…. The question is, “How long will the Wing-T last?” Yes, Lowndes runs this “beaten to death” offense as well as any team I have seen. But, bottem line is ONLY 10 points to show. As you, I believe that defense wins championships. And, this Lowndes team seems to have THE defense, as well as special teams. Having said that, can you not see that well coached teams are finding ways to stop, or at least contain the Wing-T? GHS is no different from the college game or the NFL, in that the game is always in a state of evolution. This Lowndes team is good. VERY good on defense. But, at some point, the Wing-T will bite them on the Dupa.( I learned that word in up-state New york.) ………………………………. yes,,,the wing t at lowndes will last until someone (10 opponents to be named later) stops it successfully every single week (least i do believe that would be what our coach would tell ya). you say 10 points,,,,so what if it was 20? did camden play better in the second half or did our coach “lay on the ball”? you or me cant prove either,,only he knows. you say ” can you not see that well coached teams are finding ways to stop, or at least contain the Wing-T?”….no one has really stopped us 3 out of the last 4 years,,,not too shabby,,,,maybe by the year 3000 the rest of the state wil have caught on?

oh,,,,” But, at some point, the Wing-T will bite them on the Dupa.( I learned that word in up-state New york.) “…..man,,,stay outta NY,,,nothing good comes outta there. ;)

by the way,,in 2005 we only beat stephenson by 14-0,,,,remember what happened the next week with the very same wang t? the numbers are 497,,ill let you decide where the (-) goes :}

By slalom1

December 10, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

“Yo”, You are among the most stubborn human beings I have ever known. Having said that, “Do you have a spare ticket for the state title game?”

By yo

December 10, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Besides Slalom…God likes the Wing T. It reminds Him of His angels.

See 1 Kings 6:24

God even had wings on His angels overseeing The Ark of The Covenant.

So “if God be for us, who can be against us”!

Okay, time for me to go back to praying for important things, like Lowndes winning a state championship. :-)

Gotta stay prayed up!!

By yo

December 10, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Slalom…first you flatter me and then you want a ticket. Quite frankly my man that will depend on how well NG turns out. Lowndes side is history. I’ll ask some questions for you tomorrow and see what I can do.

By AVikingfan

December 10, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Only 10 points? I’ll tell you why, costly turnovers and Camden, probably the 2nd best team in the state! I bet Camden could put 50 on Walton, as slow as they were. (H-mmm, I guess that means Lowndes could have put 60 on’em.) Oh well. guess we’ll know for sure by midnight Saturday if NG is as good as they are all saying they are. I’m saying it here we will get three picks, and 5 sacks! Maybe a fumble too! Lowndes 28, NG 14.

By NSHS FAN

December 10, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

TO: North Gwinnwtt Fan: I lived in Savannah most of my young years (7-16). I moved around alot but never confronted a situation that made me question the education I received or blamed the educators in Savannah. Apparently you drank too much swamp water, ate gnats, and sand fleas common to the low country of Georgia (not south ga.) Therefore, when you went to North Gwinnett you were a real nut case. I am glad they straightened you out and you were able to return to Savannah to contribute to the system. You should have stayed because with your intellect you would have made a brilliant system superintendent. Now, in the meantime you can’t escape your pass. I am sure you lived in Garden City, Duffy, Walberg, or Henry Street area. Don’t be ashame to admit you have an inferiority complex. It shows! Now go jump in the Ogeechee River.

By ATLFAN

December 10, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Lowndes is goind down! It want even be close . I really think walton would have beat Lowndes. I’m gonna say N.G. by 17.Harrison of the slow cobb showed that Lowndes, can be shut down.Lowdes will make mistakes, and they will fumble, heck when you run the ball 60 times a game, your bound to fumble, but they want beat themselves, it will be all NORTH GWINNETT

By sports report

December 10, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

1AAAAA COFFEE HIGH SCHOOL Football Coach resigned today Dec. 10th. Last 4 years in State Play-offs and Loaded next year. Looking for new Coach. Contact AD Bud Drew.

By Viking in North GA

December 10, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

North Gwinnett Fan: For you to be so completely arrogant about the “educational pursuits” of Gwinnett County, and for that matter metro Atlanta, I would think you would have your facts straight. I would think you would also be more well read and informed. Have you seen the most recent edition of U.S. News and World Report? Have you even heard of it? Yes - it is the publication that ranks colleges & universities. They also rank high schools. Here are the facts for Georgia High Schools:

Gold Award: Davidson Magnet School Richmond County, Augusta, GA #84 of 100

Silver Award: Savannah Arts Academy Chatham County, Savannah, GA Columbus High School Muscogee County, Columbus, GA Dalton High School Whitfield County, Dalton, GA Dekalb School Of The Arts Dekalb County, Atlanta, GA

Bronze Award: Jenkins County High School Jenkins County, Millen, GA Johnson High School Hall County, Gainesville, GA Johnson Magnet Richmond County, Augusta, GA North Hall High School Hall County, Gainesville, GA Screven County High School Screven County, Sylvania, GA Telfair County High School Telfair County, McRae, GA Tift County High School Tift County, Tifton, GA Toombs County High School Toombs County, Lyons, GA Ware Magnet School Ware County, Manor, GA Washington County High School Washington County, Sandersville, GA Washington-Wilkes High School Wilkes County, Washington, GA West Hall High School Hall County, Oakwood, GA Bleckley County High School Bleckley County, Cochran, GA Burke County High School Burke County, Waynesboro, GA

Being as well informed as you say you are I’m sure I don’t have to post the link to the article here. I’m sure you can find it. Just google U.S. News and World Report, High School, etc.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I am not familiar with every city on this list but I am very familiar with metro Atlanta since I lived there for 12 years and I only see one school from metro Atlanta (Dekalb County) and exactly ZERO from Gwinnett. There are 19 schools on the list and my best estimate shows only 6 from North GA including 1 from metro Atlanta. What’s up with Hall County? They represent half of the North GA schools. Oh, they must have moved north from the great county of Gwinnett.

Regarding the metro Atlanta area feeding the rest of the state with all of its greatness? More welfare recipients per capita, more bums on the street, much more crime in the street per capita. Who is paying for who? I see everyone living outside of metro Atlanta paying taxes too. My wife is a school psychologist and worked in Dekalb County and other metro counties for many years. I remember one year her “crisis intervention teams” were called out for over 40 crises in one year. What is a crisis? School stabbings and shootings, death of a principal, drive bys, hit and runs…

Don’t mistake South Georgia’s simple way of life as ignorance. There are a lot of good, well-educated folks living south of the rat race of Atlanta, Georgia. They are hardworkers and good honest folks with pride in their communities. The community I grew up in has an excellent University and one of the best Air Force bases in the country. These are folks who protect you so that you have the freedom to make ridiculous statements on a blog.

Thankfully, we moved out of metro Atlanta to a city further north when we had kids. Thankfully, that city has a school on this list and my kids are zoned to go there. I certainly hope they value that education so that they become good, productive citizens. I will certainly teach them to get the facts straight before making idiotic remarks on a blog. I wouldn’t want them to appear uneducated or idiotic and reflect poorly on their community.

Regarding the game this weekend, very worried about the North Gwinnett football team. Their offense was wide open and efficient. Lowndes will have to play a complete game on defense, get rid of the turnovers, cause some turnovers, and MOVE THE CHAINS!!

By Ed NSHS Fan

December 10, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

TO: By Camden Fan: Thanks for your projected initial AAAAA ranking for 2008 where NSWR is ranked 4th. I like the idea but I must tell you this—-NSWR will loose nearly their entire offense team (QB Scott will be back). They will be solid on defense because most of that unit stays intact. Our abatross will be the offense. Also, we beg of you bloggers not to be so hard on NSWR, TCC, Tucker, Ware Cty, etc. because I think all will be re-building. Right now it appears Lowndes in AAAAA will be the odds on favorite due their current team being made up of mostly Soph. and Juniors.

By Hambone

December 10, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Slalom 1 good try but the pray in question was after the game. When I played yes we prayed before but as yo mentioned God truely does have alot on his plate and I wouldnt dare waste his time with asking for such silliness. However, what ever your beliefs I think it is a great thing to watch those who believe the same gather together at the end of a competition and share those beliefs. As I believe in the bible it tells us to gather as like believers. So we choose to do so. But if your path in life takes you in a different way I dont have a problem with that you make your own decisions and with every action there is a reaction. Your or any others beliefs dont offend me my beef is why do folks that believe the way I do catch all the grief. If you want to face east toward mecca 7 times a day be my guest I will respect you and your choice you havent ask me to take part and nor have I asked you. Reguardless saturday win or lose our guys will gather and pray before the game and after. If Carver athletes fans or band members wish to join there welcome to do so. If not they have to option not too. Whats the big deal with that?

By ATLFAN

December 10, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

to viking for life, chill out man and get over it. It’s ok if you like the country life, just get that big chip off your shoulder man.Maybe go down to the local diner and order yourself a lemon sour, and relax, quit throwing out all those big words and statistics. Nobody wants to read all that stuff. bottom line, Lowndes will lose big.

By N GWINNETT4LIFE

December 11, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

You Lowndes folks are some strange people. I almost feel bad that we are gonna put a beat down on you this weekend. You really seem to be a little over board about all this football stuff. It’s just a fun game for the kids, you make it sound like this is your life, It really makes me and my husband feel bad that our team is sooooo much better than yours.

By N GWINNETT4LIFE

December 11, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

excuse me my message was to viking in n, ga.

By nhs87

December 11, 2007 5:37 AM | Link to this

I disagree-Carver is that good they just got out coached most of the ballgame. Chamblee first yr coach did fine job but just coundn’t hold on when Carver finally started making plays. Hope some scouts took notice of Ivory and hope he has grades b/c he showed what he is made of. Too big to be QB but I’d make him a mean lb.

By STRIKE TIGER STRIKE

December 11, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this

FIRST OF ALL IVORY IS NOT 6’2 NO WAY, NO HOW , NOT TODAY. 5’10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FURR IS 6’3 220LB ALL DAY , AND IS THE BEST QB IN THE STATE, WHEN HE’S TURNED LOOSE NO ONE CAN STOP HIM.

CARVER COLUMBUS FAN YOU DROPPED MAD SCIENCE, AND HE COULDN’T HANG AND TRIED TO HUMBLE HISSELF, BRENTSON WE LOVE YOU BOY, AND SEEING YOU AND NATE ODOMS ON THE SIDELINE WILL SET STANDARDS FOR OTHER GRADS TO COME AND SHOW THEM, WHY I’M SO GLAD I CHOSE CARVER HIGH.

By STRIKE TIGER STRIKE

December 11, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

FURR AND FORTSON NOT RECRUITED BY UGA,WHO’S BETTER IN THE STATE?

By STRIKE TIGER STRIKE

December 11, 2007 7:49 AM | Link to this

FURR AND FORTSON NOT RECRUITED BY UGA,WHO’S BETTER IN THE STATE?

AUBURN STOLED THEM

By Jaybird229

December 11, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this

Where are all the TCC fans on here? I’m so glad Ware shut them up, even though they did luck up a few times. Too bad I think the Gators great season ends on a down note Friday Night cause there’s no way they beat Northside. Cairo played a great second half on Saturday, but we’ll need two great halves to pull the upset this week. We’ll see what happens. I think Lowndes, Buford, and ECI all win on Saturday. I love South GA football, but Buford can play with anybody in the state. They’re as close as you can get to a South GA team in the metro Atlanta area. By the way, Deron Furr is not a better QB than Marques Ivory. Furr is a better overall athlete, but not a better QB. He throws into coverage way too much and needs to work on reading defenses. He benefits a lot from having Fortson outjump defenders to catch jump balls. I also think they need to come up with a better way to decide who gets to host playoff games. It’s easy if you have a #1 seed vs. a #2 or lower seed, but in the #1 vs. #1 coin flips suck. I’m glad Cairo is hosting the title game, but I’d be p** if I’m Carver-Columbus. We’re #1 for almost the entire year and have to travel on the road for our title game. Kind of sucks to me.

By Ed NSHS Fan

December 11, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Hey To: Strike Tiger Strike: You made a big mistake! NSWR QB Joe Scott is about 5’10”. QB Marquez Ivory is 6’2”. I am that size and he looks me square in the face without cleats. He is big! At least 235-240 pounds. Please don’t mislead Ware Cty.

By Northside_Owns_GA

December 11, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Buford would get hammered by larger class schools. For example, there is no way Buford beats a team like North Gwinnett. It wouldn’t even be close. It is not due to some type of inferiority of small schools. Some of the best high school players in Georgia history have come from small class schools (A, AA, or AAA)…Hershel Walker immediately comes to mind and this kid Easley is going to be special if he remains healthy. It is simply a matter of numbers and depth.

Many Buford players go both ways. When you have players playing both sides of the ball, you are not going to win against the largest schools. Programs like Northside, Lowndes, Parkview, Brookwood, Tucker, TCC, Camden, and practically any AAAA or AAAAA program have 100+ players. A school like Buford can not win (regularly) against those kinds of numbers (see traditional state powers like Clarke-Central and Peach County, who regularly lose to large schools)

Recent example: Peach County rolled threw the season and won a State Championship in AAA a couple of years ago. They were, in the process, crushed by Northside (AAAA), Warner Robins (AAAAA), and Houston County (AAAAA), starting the season 1-3. They then cruised threw all AAA competition in route to a State Championship.

By the way, that Peach County team produced about 6 or 7 D1 players including 2 top 50 players in the nation in a WR (went to LSU) and a QB (went to Ohio State). These guys were easily beat by larger class schools with so much depth. They only moved the ball past the 50 yard line twice (on special teams with the big time WR). It was one of the easiest games of the season for Northside.

Again, not a talent issue with Buford. It is a depth issue.

By Northside_Owns_GA

December 11, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Strike Tiger Strike: Marquez Ivory is definitely 6’2” and weighs approximately 235 pounds. If you are a Tiger as in Tucker Tiger, he probably looked 6’8” Friday night. All a Tucker Tiger could have seen is Ivory throwing almost 300 yards in a half. That kind of a Tiger simple saw him taking the ball out of the shotgun and then seeing the ball leave his hand towards an Eagle receiver down the field.

He is also the best QB in GA, by far. This is no disrespect to Furr, who is a fine player. However, a QB is judged by is production on the field. Ivory has produced as much or more than any QB in the rich history of football in GA.

Ivory has NEVER lost as a high school starter. NEVER! Ivory is 29-0 as a starter. Since he became a varsity player at Northside, the Eagles are 43-1. In the process, Northside has played some of the best competition and certainly the best competition of anyone who has played at such a high level.

To debate that any QB in GA has produced more than Ivory is insane. He is clearly the best. I also read someone questioning his grades. There is no question. Ivory’s is a fine student.

Before you scream, Ivory has so much talent around him, I ask you to name one player that Ivory has played with who is playing at amajor university. Just name one. Northside is a great team. Northside is not the most talented team in the state. Northside has the best QB and one of the best coaching staffs. Bass is very good, but not great (he drops a number of passes including a game winning TD in the 2005 State Championship game and a TD versus Tucker). I would rate Green as a very good RB. There are a couple a good underclass defenders, but Northside is not loaded with any more talent than a number of programs in GA. NHS is a great team.

By DeKalb County Faithful!

December 11, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

**To Panola Rd: about your comment, “December 10, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

A FEW OBSERVATIONS TO THIS BLOG

First, I agree about Dekalb County being Jinxed.** Get a life, with a fan like you who need Doubters and Nay Sayers!

You are such a PUNK!!!

By Reeze

December 11, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Jaybird229……… Hadn’t heard a peep out of Our lovable TCC alliance since last friday….jaybo posted a few times,surprisingly humbled…I wish they we’re still around,they were quite entertaining.

By Matt

December 11, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Isnt Ealey like 20 years old?

By Jaybird229

December 11, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

To Northside Own GA: Buford would definitely be challenged by larger schools, but I think they would beat North Gwinnett and maybe even Lowndes. Your point is valid but has been proven wrong on many occasions. Madison County (FL)is a AA school but only lost to Coffee (AAAAA school) 20-19. The Peach County team you referenced played without Antonio Henton in those first three games who is the QB who went to Ohio State. The WR you’re refering to didn’t go to LSU, he signed with Auburn but had to go to prep school at Hargrave in VA, now he’s at Auburn. His name is Chris Slaughter. I remember Swainsboro won the AAA title back in 2000 and they beat Stateboro, a AAAA school who played for the AAAA title against Shaw that year. So traditionally smaller schools may have depth issues, but it isn’t always the case, which I don’t think it would be for this Bufort team. They are as good as any team in the state in my opinion. Too bad we don’t have matchups like that to see if the smaller schools could prove the theories wrong.

By ECI beats Wilcox 34-24

December 11, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

No. Ealey is only 18. He only was retained in the 7th grade b/c they moved to ECI in the middle of the school year. He had to get used to the school system. He is now an Honor roll student since the 9th grade. He already made over 1000 on the SAT. All of ECI’s prospects are smart including Lacollie Gordon who lost his mother during the season but still is going to get Valadictorian and smashed a 1600 SAT score. This team has the complete package. Brains and athleticism.

By Matt

December 11, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

why isnt ealey even being recrutited hard. he isnt on scout. com or anything.

By ECI beats Wilcox 34-24

December 11, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Just to rephrase:Talk about Washaun Ealey but dont fail to state the fact that ECI is a single A school that has the biggest offensive line in GHSA 1A through 5A. The Offensive Line Averages 6-2.35 inches and 286.5 lbs. They also have the number 20th ranked junior in the country (J.C. Lanier) who is 6-4, 335 lbs. as well as LSU signee Chad Turner who is 6-3, 295 lbs. who open up the hole very well for Washaun. With that being said. I have heard alot of comments stating that they are just going to put a man on Ealey and stop him. First of all, Wilcox is going to have to penetrate an O-Line that Averages 6-2.35 inches and 286.5 lbs. Then by the time that they get this accomplished, they have to stop a 5-11, 208 lb running back with 4.3 speed. Every team uses this strategy but Washaun has 55 touchdowns this season (GA State Record) 2875 yards (GA state record by a Junior) Rushed for 280 yards in the GA dome (GA state record) along w/ 4 touchdowns. We are talking about an offense that averages 296 yards rushing per game with 3 division 1 signees and 3 Juniors to include 2 in the Rivals top 100 Junior class. All of this from a 1a school. So I ask the question again. How easy it will be to stop Washaun Ealey. He has 55 touchdowns, but The dome was the only time this season besides week 4 that Washaun played after halftime. They beat Dooly co. 35-0 and Washaun never stepped on the field after Halftime. I think Dooly put up 16 on Wilcox. Also, when I was at the school, I personally watched Ealey Max out on the bench press at 345 lbs. He can run around you or over you and I personally think that he can even have this kind of year in AAAAA football. Name another running back in Georgia that has the size, strength, speed, and knowledge of the game as this kid?

By Wolf27Fan

December 11, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

This honestly is the first year I have paid attention after the quarter finals (since Charlton Co has taken out my Wolves for the past few years). But, NSWR, I have one word for y’all… WOW!! I was watching that game just for fun. And, almost turned it off. Glad I did not.

Congrats to all teams in the finals. Y’all have played a great season.

Go North Gw, NSWR and BUFORD !! (sorry, these are the only games I have paid attention to the teams playing in them).

Wolves !!!!!!!!

And, by the way Todd. If you are looking for a playmaker at Tom Riden this Saturday, pay attention to #27 in Green (not to disrespect the other players on the field that night). Cody Getz. Junior. Look out. The Buford Road Runner is gonna make you miss if you dont pay attention.

By Cougarfan

December 11, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

I’m not a fan of either Lowndes or N.Gwinnett. N. Gwinnett knocked Newnan out in the quarterfinal but we gave them all they wanted. We scored more on them than anyone else by far. The problem for us is that they scored more on us as well.

Having only seen the dome games and watching N.G. in person, I must say that N.G. should be the favorite. They riddled our strong defense. We had played well right through the playoffs.

I believe they will have success against Lowndes. They are not just a passing team. They are quick, fast and very well coached. Their o-line moves as a unit and does a great job. They are disciplined yet creative. Their defense is strong despite giving up 35 to Newnan. Newnan’s offense is very talented and, like N.G., multi-faceted. You can not defend one person from N.G. They have great receivers, a good set of backs and a terrific quarterback.

Granted, Camden was superior to Walton — but based on the game Saturday,Lowndes quarterback is not the passer that will probably be needed against N.G. If you can’t spread N.G. out, their defense can control the game. I know Lowndes has a strong defense, and I know they have seen passing teams, however those teams in no way resemble the attack N.G brings. Coffee County could pass but they were not in the same ballpark as N.G.
Lowndes will be at home and that will be worth a lot. However, I think N. G. will be able to put that aside. Both teams are outstanding and the game should be close. Based on the fact that they both have great defenses, I think N. G.’s offense will tilt the scales in their favor.
Best of luck to both teams. We look forward to watching what will likely be a great game.

By Panola Rd

December 11, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

To Dekalb County Faithful! WHAT?!!!!!! :) HOW HILARIOUS

You must be a CHAMBLEE faithful!! Instead of calling someone a coward why don’t you FIRST identify who you really cheer for. IF you paid attention you will know that I CHEER for MLK!!!! As a result I can say anything about any other team that I wish.

Second, if you PAID attention, you will realize that ALL Dekalb playoffs teams with the exception of REDAN lost by a field goal or touchdown in the final minute. WHAT’S WRONG WITH SAYING THE COUNTY HAD BAD LUCK IN THE PLAYFOFFS. AGAIN YOU MUST REPRESENT CHAMBLEE. TUCKER HAD THE WORST LOST AND THEY HAVE HELD THEMSELVES WITH DIGNITY CRY BABY.

By AVikingfan

December 11, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Changing the subject, if ya’ll don’t mind. Does anyone know if Josh Jarboe from Cedar Grove, has decided to commit to a college yet? Last I heard he was still undecided.

Not getting a lot of press is the game this coming Saturday for the Division II Nat’l Championship. Valdosta State University plays a team from Missouri in Florence,Ala. If you like to watch good football don’t miss it.

Lowndes will be tailgating all day Saturday. It’s not quite like the GA/FL game (no alcohol) but NG fans are welcome to eat at any of the tents set up behind the stadium next to I-75 (home side). Our stadium is on I-75 between exits 16 and 18, and you should enter the parking lot from Norman Drive, which runs parallel to I-75 and connects to the roads at both exits 16 and 18. Plenty of motels and restaurants nearby, but you will need to make reservations. If there is any interest I will post a list of motels and phone numbers. The Valdosta Mall is located on Exit 18 and Norman Drive is on the east side of the mall. Get here safely and bring some money, we need it. According to some of the posts above ya’ll been supporting us anyway. Oh, PS, leave your QB in Gwinnett County! And tell your coach a good place for his tream to eat their pregame meal is “Ole Times Country Buffet” at exit 18 by the Valdosta Mall, 1/4 mile from the stadium. Room for buses in the parking lot also.

By Whatcha know 'bout dat TUCK

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

I have to tip my hat to NSWR. Tucker was worn down by having several of their best players going both ways. FYI,, Chris Simpson can throw the ball,,,, if the coach would let him, that is. Personally, i think too many penalties is the reason for Tucker’s loss. Usually, Tucker doesn’t have soooooooo many nental breakdowns. Coaching great football is what got Tucker to the dome. Coach Stephens is awesome !!! Admit it NsownsGa,, you were nervous weren’t cha’? I want to give props to #34 Feilds, #97, and #3 of NSWR,, I was very impressed with their play. #11 Ivory is very accurate,,,but also very fat,,, Joe Cox of UGA also never lost a highschool game. I doubt that Ivory will start in college ,, unless he loses tons of weight. What offers does he have thus far ? Any SEC, ACC, or Big 10. I’d love to know.

As for Tucker’s strength/conditioning,,,well check out Thomas Brown of UGA (never redshirted). The strongest (pound-4-pound) in the history of UGA.

Great season ,, a blast to watch,, to Tucker Tigers 2007. I guess it’s time to defend that STATE CHAMPIONSHIP B-BALL TITLE>

By WaltonFan

December 11, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

TO all that want to bash Walton - fine - do your thing - NG was just plain better than us and deserved to win. That being said….. CONGRATULATIONS RAIDER’S COACHES & PLAYERS ON A FANTASTIC 2007 SEASON!!!

• 12 Straight Wins!
• Region Champs!
• 7th Straight Years in the Playoffs!
• Huge wins over Kennesaw Mountain, Roswell, Sprayberry, Parkview, Harrison & M.L.King!

By Todd Holcomb

December 11, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

A few clarifications regarding some posts …

Buford has five players who start on both offense and defense. Lowndes has one, Greg Reid. So I do think it’s fair to argue that depth and stamina would be a factor if Buford played the top AAAAA and AAAA teams.

ECI’s offensive line: It’s big, but I’m not sure where we’re getting an average of 280 pounds. The starting lineup we published last week indicates that ECI’s OL averages 244 pounds. If this isn’t correct, please clarify because I’m curious.

Josh Jarboe is uncommitted, as far as we know.

The WR who had the best numbers this year is Tavarres King, Habersham.

WHAT IS THE SINGLE SEASON RUSHING RECORD FOR GHSA FOOTBALL? WHO HOLDS THE RECORD? WHAT SCHOOL DID HE PLAY FOR AND WHAT BRACKET DID THE SCHOOL PLAY IN [A,AA,AAA,ETC]. WHAT IS THE RECORD FOR THE A BRACKET AND DOES WASHAUN EALEY [ECI] HAVE A SHOT AT THE RECORD? ANYBODY GOT SOME ANSWERS OR KNOW OF A WEBSITE WITH THIS INFO?

Daccus Turman of Washington-Wilkes was playing in Class AA when he set the state record w/ 3,172 yards. Herschel Walker of Johnson County is No. 2 at 3,167. That is the Class A record. The record for the highest classification is Caleb King’s 2,768 for Parkview in 2005. King’s total also is the highest for a junior. Ealey has 2,710 yards rushing, 58 short of King’s junior season record.

I should get a tip for looking that up.

By LC_Northside

December 11, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Rumor has it that Marques Ivory might be a Miss St. Bulldog. Don’t hold me to it. Can’t believe everything you read on the Internet.

By mark

December 11, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

#11 Marques Ivory 6-2 235lb. Runs 40 in 4.70 max bench 380lbs benched 225 32 times thrown 40 tds and 3000 yds last two seasons 29-0 as a starter rushed for 700yds and 11 tds also in those same 2 years. he is the real deal doubters need to read the stat book facts tell it all

By Marty J

December 11, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

I MUST SAY I’M GLAD TO SEE MY HOMETOWN CAIRO HOSTING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. TO ALL YOU CARVER FANS WHO HAVE ALL THAT MOUTH LET THAT TALKING DO THE BUSINESS ON THE FIELD CAIRO HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNDERATED BECAUSE OF OUR SIZE BUT IT’S OUR SPEED THAT KILLS TEAMS AND IT IS WHAT WILL KILL YOU CARVER. I PLAYED FOR CHS AND THE THING ABOUT PLAYING FOOTBALL IN OUR AREA IS THAT WE PLAY WITH THE SAME GUYS WE PLAYED WITH IN POP WARNER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THAT CARVER. ALL I CAN SAY BECAUS EI DON’T PLAY FOR CHS ANYMORE BUT I AM AN ALUMNI THOUGH IS WELCOME TO CAIRO HOPE YOU CAN FIN YOUR WAY OUT OF THE SMALL TOWN BECAUS EIT SURE WILL BE HARD AFTER WE TAP THAT A**. GO SYRUPMAKERS

By Marty J

December 11, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

I MUST SAY I’M GLAD TO SEE MY HOMETOWN CAIRO HOSTING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. TO ALL YOU CARVER FANS WHO HAVE ALL THAT MOUTH LET THAT TALKING DO THE BUSINESS ON THE FIELD CAIRO HAS ALWAYS BEEN UNDERATED BECAUSE OF OUR SIZE BUT IT’S OUR SPEED THAT KILLS TEAMS AND IT IS WHAT WILL KILL YOU CARVER. I PLAYED FOR CHS AND THE THING ABOUT PLAYING FOOTBALL IN OUR AREA IS THAT WE PLAY WITH THE SAME GUYS WE PLAYED WITH IN POP WARNER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THAT CARVER. ALL I CAN SAY BECAUS EI DON’T PLAY FOR CHS ANYMORE BUT I AM AN ALUMNI THOUGH IS WELCOME TO CAIRO HOPE YOU CAN FIN YOUR WAY OUT OF THE SMALL TOWN BECAUS EIT SURE WILL BE HARD AFTER WE TAP THAT A**. GO SYRUPMAKERS

By yo

December 11, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Buford has five players who start on both offense and defense. Lowndes has one, Greg Reid. So I do think it’s fair to argue that depth and stamina would be a factor if Buford played the top AAAAA and AAAA teams. Quite a difference in 1 and 5 don’t you think? For what its worth Reid did cramp up a little in the Roswell game in the 4 quarter. Lowndes didn’t miss a beat (depth!). Now how deep would Buford be against good AAAAA competition if a few of their players started cramping?

By george

December 11, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know where Tucker and Thomas County Central will be playing this weekend? Just wondering since that was supposed to be the game for the state championship.

By michael

December 11, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

to: northsideownsga…. PLEASE stop acting like an idiot. I am a huge NHS fan as well as played football there. I am very proud to see the kids doing so well and all we should want as fans is for a little bit of respect from Atlanta area schools. The ATLANTA Journal-Constitution has done a good job this year covering our games given the fact that we AREN’T in Atlanta. I appreciate that and I see that as the respect we want and deserve. The LAST thing we need is somebody like you with your terribly ignorant blog name bashing an awesome team such as Tucker. Tucker should have beat us with the lead they had, which was the largest deficit nhs had faced in over a decade! I feel as though Ivory defied all odds to lead them back in that game. So please northsideownsga, stop with your stupid ignorant comments.

You spit out facts like you know everything but Northside has won ONLY 2 state championships in sport competition (I don’t consider the 11 or so One-Act championships a sport). The first, was girls basketball I believe, and it for sure was not recent. Obviously Northside is a GREAT team NOW. However, they do NOT “own” GA. If ANY team “owns” GA it would be Valdosta High School with a NATIONAL record 27 state championships in football ALONE!! So get your s**t straight and stop making us look bad. How do you expect to get anyone to like us or respect us if we have fans like you. I would like everyone in the state to know that not all Northside fans are like you, you are an idiot, and to be completely honest, we might be better without you. Sorry dude.

By michael

December 11, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

oh yea…. Northside’s Ivory isn’t fat. He’s just big boned. Haha, no seriously, you line up and let him hit you in the mouth and see how fat you think he is then.

By BrookeFan

December 11, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

What will the typical Lowndes fan do when the football season ends?

a) finally get around to buying that can of wintergreen Skoal for his wife’s Christmas gift,

b) brush his tooth, turn off the TV and go to sleep in his jail cell,

c) go to Toys R Us and try to pick up chicks,

d) go back to his job cropping tobacco,

e) All of the above.

Have a great game Saturday night !!

By Coolcell

December 11, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Todd ,Why hasn’t UGA & Mark Richt try steal Jarmon Fortson from Auburn? He’s hands down the best WR in the State, Forget about T.King & the Butler kid, Fortson is the best. Matt Stafford to Jarmon Fortson sounds good to me.

By abm

December 11, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

For those who are calling Marques Ivory fat, let’s look at some facts. He broke his left fibula about four weeks ago. He recently had the cast removed. During the time where the cast was on he obviously could not work out like he normally would so there maybe some extra pounds that are not normally there. But after his Friday performance how and why would you call him fat?

By VA Indian Fan

December 11, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

If Buford can handle AAAAA teams then so can Charlton. Let’s remember that Buford, with its multiple D-1 prospects, won this year’s game by 7. Also, Charlton was without Ralph Bolden, who by far was its #1 player. Charlton at one time had a rivalry with Camden. It boils down the team depth period. Starters vs starters are almost even. In 2001 Charlton beat AAAAA Brunswick but lost to Cartersville in the playoffs. Camden beat Charlton 34-7 in 2003 in week 1. Buford beat Charlton 31-3 in the finals that same year. I believe that was Darius Walker’s senior season and Buford’s 3rd consecutive state title. I would be inclined to think that teams, such as Buford’s 2001-2003 squads and Charlton’s 2004-2006 state champs squads, could challenge AAAA and AAAAA.

By Eagle Fan Forever

December 11, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Someone asked where all the TCC fans are?
I believe they all got off at the depot in Atlanta when the D-TRAIN stopped.
TODD
Your broken train whistle is in the mail.
GO EAGLES

By george

December 11, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Actually Marques broke his leg on the 19th of October, but he had been out of the cast/boot about a week before last Friday’s game in the Dome. Obviously, he was not 100%. Otherwise he would have turned the corner on the one run he was forced to make. Even in his current physical condition, I will take him over any high school quarterback in the state. For those with short memories, he was selected by the AJC as the Offensive Player of the Year last year as a junior. That should speak volumes about his ability when he is at full strength. I certainly don’t think Tucker has any doubt about his ability at this point.

By the honest truth

December 11, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

chamblee comes form a city where our program has been overlooked for years. we get no respect from anyone. and to tell you the truth, we deserve some respect. we made it to the state semi finals for the first time in our schools history with out roddy jones. we got this far, using a fast undersized line and a amazing group of skill players. we had carve pinned agianst the rope. they had kids on the sideline crying their eyes out in the last minutes of the game. they knew that their “dream season” was about to end. some simple mistakes that gave them the game. im not denying that the won, kudos. but, carver should not get that much respect. chamblee was the first team to score more than 12 points on carvers defense. if that onside kick had no gone in carvers favor, there season would have ended right then and there. and carver cant complain about the officals, cause we been cheated worser than you have. when we played stephens county, the refs threw tons of stupid ridculuos flags on us. you got lucky and thats the end of it. if you watch the game agian, you will see that that catch by farson was an obvious push on the corner, it should’ve been pass inerference on the offense. and if thats not all, look at the film when our running back got hit by a ref on a wide open pass, causing him to fall. the ref smiled and walked away after that. so ebjoy the moment while you can, because if chamblees run game had you looking stupid, what do you think cairo is gonna do to you? best of luck at the ship and go syrupmakers. they are what south georgia football is all about.

By Eagle Fan Forever

December 11, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

NOTICE TO WARE CO GATORS:
Just wanted to let you know that we Eagles are mad as hell and will be taking it out on you Friday night
We are mad cause Tucker scored on us and broke our shutout streak
We are mad cause we were hoping to play TCC and shut them up
We are mad cause you won the coin toss and will host the game
We are mad cause we have to drive three hours to get there
We are mad cause you dont have enough seats
We are mad cause we are 0-2 against Waycross
We are mad cause you are the Gators and Georgia folks hate Gators
But we will be happy again about 10 PM Friday night!
GO EAGLES

By STRIKE TIGER STRIKE

December 11, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

IVORY IS NOT 6’2 I’VE SEEN HIM STANDING NEXT FURR, TYLER BASS, AND,FORTSON TALKING AT THE SCOUT COMBINE THIS YEAR. YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE HE IS NOT I REPEAT IS NOT 6’2. BUT HE CAN PLAY IN A QB SYSTEM, HE HAS THE BEST TEACHING HIM, BUT FURR DOES MORE PERIOD.

By george

December 11, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd, Are your feet getting a little warmer now regarding the Northside Eagles?

By northside champ

December 11, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Strike…not quite sure which Marques you stood by, but Marques Ivory is 6’2”, although I really don’t give a damn how tall he is…I care that he is an outstanding QB

By Bobby Petrino

December 11, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

NEWS FLASH:
This just in: Coach Bobby Petrino has resigned from the Atlanta Falcons and will be coaching Ware Co Friday night. One reporter asked Petrino why he was moving from one team losing this week to another team losing this week.

By Camdenation

December 11, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks for a great season Jeff Herron Hope you stay 20 more years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By NSHS FAN

December 11, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

To add to what L_C Northside said about where Ivory will play football. Ivory hasn’t been talking. True, there is a rumor about Miss. State and Southern Miss. However, for those of you who do not know, Marquez mother is from Louisana and he is the cousin of Priest Holmes who played college ball at Uni. of Texas before a long career with Balt and KC. They are very close! Don’t be surprise if he heads west. To: Strike-Tiger-Strike, I guarantee when Furr, Ivory, Tamburo, or any the others great QB’s are at a camp they are not bragging on who is the best, tallest, fastest, strongest arm, etc. They help one another to improve their game. Please leave it at that and wish each a great career.

By Emanuel Co Wins 34-24

December 11, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

The post about ECI’s 286.5 lb average on the offensive line is correct being that I work with these guys everyday. The 244 pounds plays factor when you add the TE Pat Branch of which you very seldom use as a blocking TE. You add J.C Lanier who is 335, Turner who is 290 now, Cody Todd who is 270, Big Ben Brown who is 274, and the 258 pounder Matt Bates. Do the math and see if its 244 or 286. Even with Branch’s weight, its more than that. The weight thats on profile is early season weight. Washaun is 208 now and runs a 4.32. He was 197 first part of season with 4.41 speed.

By Emanuel Co Wins 34-24

December 11, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that ECI beat the AAAA Statesboro in the first game of their season in which Ealey had 183 Yards on the number 1 DT in the state, DeAngelo Tyson. You can click on the link below to go to their page if you dont believe me. Classification does not matter.

http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/default.asp?u=ECIBULLDOGS&t=c&s=football&p=schedule

By GRAYSONFAN

December 11, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

to who ever posted this:

To: GraysonFan. Why are you still running your mouth? (Its hard to say how good Camden was) WE KILLED YOU. WE HAD FOUR PICKS ON YOU GUYS. ONE IS LUCKY TWO IS CHANCE, BUT FOUR IS SKILL. ALSO WE HAD TWO OTHERS THAT WERE OUT OF BOUNDS. YOU WOULD HAVE GOTTEN YOUR A## KICK BY LOWNDES. WE BEAT YOU ALL, STOP UNDERPLAYING WHAT WE DID TO YOU GUYS.

my opinion is just that. i never said your camden wilcats were bad! what i said was, our own offence killed us! yes you did win by pick, i said that too.what do you mean four is skill? we threw the darn ball right into your defencive players hands, what skill was that? i can name 11 players on our defence, that could have done the same thing. yes, lowndes might have beat us, how can you be so sure? let me tell you something, any team can loose on any given day. explain how heck the hooch beat you? we killed them! so get off your high hourse, and read correctly. fact: your offence scored 1 touchdown on our defence! get it! your other two well, one was thrown right into the handds of your DEFENCE, and you scored on it, the other was again thrown right into your defence players hands on the 5 or so yard line, so how hard was that to score on? you really have alot of ba!!s. yes, if we played the same QB against your precious wildcats, we would prob lose the same way.

By camdenation

December 11, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Grayson looked good just remember you guys have to play four quarters and coach four quarters and at home camden has a 12th man the “camdenation”

By Todd Holcomb

December 11, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Are your feet getting a little warmer now regarding the Northside Eagles?

I got a hot foot the moment that Marques Ivory threw his first TD pass in about 6 weeks.

*The post about ECI’s 286.5 lb average on the offensive line is correct being that I work with these guys everyday. … You add J.C Lanier who is 335, Turner who is 290 now, Cody Todd who is 270, Big Ben Brown who is 274, and the 258 pounder Matt Bates. Do the math and see if its 244 or 286. *

According to the starting lineups we were given last week, Bates, Brown and Lanier don’t start on the offensive line. Don’t Walden and Newkirt start?

I’m not arguing, just trying to figure it out.

TODD Your broken train whistle is in the mail.

Guess someone found it lying on the floor of the press box, crushed to bits. TCC’s offensive was disappointing last weekend. Still a great season, though.

Todd ,Why hasn’t UGA & Mark Richt try steal Jarmon Fortson from Auburn? He’s hands down the best WR in the State, Forget about T.King & the Butler kid, Fortson is the best. Matt Stafford to Jarmon Fortson sounds good to me.

I don’t know what UGA or Richt is thinking, but they do have two pretty good WR lined up in King and Green. King caught 100 balls this year. He must be pretty good, too.

To Yo

Just making sure you understood that I was agreeing that Buford’s depth would be an issue in a game vs. Lowndes or Northside.

By slalom1

December 11, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

To: TODD HOLCOMB, Why was my last post not posted? A previous blogger brought up the subject of prayer before the games. I responded. But, my response was not posted. Is this PRAVDA? TASS? Are you afraid to touch on sensitive subjects? Or, are you simply complying to the wishes of your superiors, who wish to keep this blog free from controversy? Come on TODD. This is the USA, where everyone can speak their mind on ANY subject.(or maybe not) That depends upon you.

By GRAYSONFAN

December 11, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

camdenfan

our offence never played done quarter. the only reason the game didnt get out of had was our defence holding them to one touchdown. hey, we did earn one too, didnt we. no, grayson did not look good at that game, you have to have a better then good offence at the third round level.

By AVikingfan

December 11, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Todd, since Randy McPherson became Lowndes head coach in 2002, we have won two state AAAAA titles and of course are playing for our 3rd this week. Since he has been our coach we have played in the dome in 3 semi finals and have not been scored on. And we will go down in history as winning the last semi final game ever to be held in the Ga Dome! When we won it all in 1999, Milt Miller was our head coach.

To George: Tucker and TCC will be playing basketball this weekend.

By jaybo

December 11, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Reeze, get your facts straight, I’ve posted several times this week, not just a few. I havn’t gone any where. I’ve manned up just like a stud like me should. I posted on Friday night immediately after I got home from the game. I said it then and I’ll say it again, we(TCC) got beat-we got shut down—no excuses. But I’ll take my team anyday, and am very proud of them. 13-1 aint bad!!! Yes i’m dissapoined we lost, but I have every reason to hold my head up because TCC is one of top four AAAA football teams in GA. So your boy JAYBO is right posting as usual. However, when you think about it, why should I have a lot to say this week, TCC lost and we’re not playing for the championship Friday night.

By slalom1

December 11, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

To: “Yo”, Buford’s “depth” would be no issue in a game against Lowndes. Conditioning might play a factor, but not depth. Buford has proven on the field that they can wrestle with the best. It would simply come down to talent and coaching.

By Emanuel Co Wins 34-24

December 11, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

According to the starting lineups we were given last week, Bates, Brown and Lanier don’t start on the offensive line. Don’t Walden and Newkirt start?

Newkirk and Walden are listed as the starters for statistical reasons. They get playing time depending on the offense that we run. We always run Ealey behind Lanier, and Turner. Newkirk stars for a couple of plays because Big Ben is a freshman and we give that respect to keep a good atmosphere. But Big Ben and Bates get most of the plays when Ealey is at his best. the others listed are listed as starters but dont practice with the 1st string everyday as Big Ben and Matt does. Teams take you light when you list one hundred and something pound starters on an O line. Then you can play the big guys and they wont have a game plan for it

By Eagle Fan Forever

December 11, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

To Tucker and TCC Fans:
all joking aside, I saw both of your teams in person this weekend and was impressed by both teams. Just a little more offense in the second half and you could still be playing this weekend.
Tucker, your defense held NS to under 100 yards rushing and your offense scored 3 touchdowns on NS in one half. A great accomplishment.
TCC, amazing offense and defense but just one long pass play and some turnovers hurt.
Its tough to lose this late in the season when you have a great team. Believe me, NS has been there too in 1975, 1999, 2001, 2005. To me, any team that makes it to the semis is damm good and should be proud. Best of luck next year.

By Illegitimate Champions

December 11, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

No legitimate state championship is won on a home field. Put an asterisk by each home field winner. Wake-up GHSA and be the driving force in GA high school football like you’re supposed to be. Make the play-offs fair.

By wareagle

December 11, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

If conditioning or lack thereof is a factor, then depth or lack thereof plays a factor. I believe you are splitting hairs KIA

By Camden Over-hyped

December 11, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Was Camden a true semi-finalist. Don’t think so. GHSA has jerked the other 7 regions around by allowing all the other schools in 3AAAAA to play-up. You can’t expect to play in a AAAA (yes, AAAA) region, get an automatic 1 seed and not hardly play a legitimate team until you reach the third round of the play-offs and then boast how good you are. You guys played 3 ‘normal’ teams this year and got beat by 2 of them. Play schools you’re own size or get out all together. PS, I was not impressed by Camden or Lowndes last Saturday….boring.

By wareagle

December 11, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Camden Over-hyped Camden beat Grayson, who smashed Norcross, who beat North Gwinnett you ignorant blowhard.

By hsfootballfan

December 11, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Todd, why doesn’t the AJC do a story on how the referees are selected for the play-offs, especially the semis and championships? It seems a shame to me that a crew that mis-applied a penalty enforcement (an unsportmanlike foul for diving into the end zone should have been enforced on the PAT not the kick-off) in the semis get a championship game. This group will be doing the AA game but that should be a blow out. How can a crew put the ball on the 2 yard line for extra point attempts in the semis? Everyone knows HS ball is from the 3 yard line. And the umpire in the first game presented an awful image for an official. How was he selected? I’m not sure the Carver folks have a valid gripe about officiating. The ‘hold’ that is being discussed was a good call but due to limited TV cameras it was not seen on TV.

By NSHS FAN

December 11, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

To: Emanual County Win 34-24. Point blank! ECI has never beaten Statesboro in a regular season game. I believe you must be referring to a pre-season game where coaches are accessing their players, plays to run, etc. Statesboro season started on the same day as your season started, 31 August 07. Stateboro beat Screven Cty. 34-13 and you beat Metter 45-0. Prehaps you have a problem distingushing between a pre-season game and a regular season game and thus count all of them equally. They are not! Go to: gasports.com to see what your true record is. In fact, ECI played 3-teams in a higher classification then themselves all AA, Toombs, Metter, and Dooly Cty. You have a superb 1A team and an outstanding running back in Ealy. Coach, you don’t have to pad your wins. PS: Teams classification does matter. Rating individuals is different.

By STRIKE TIGER STRIKE

December 11, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

THEY ALL WERE HAVING A GOOD TIME, I’M NOT TAKING ANYTHING AWAY FROM HIM OR HIS PLAY OR ANY KID HE’S JUST NOT 6’2.

By yo

December 12, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

You can’t expect to play in a AAAA (yes, AAAA) region, get an automatic 1 seed and not hardly play a legitimate team until you reach the third round of the play-offs

I’m curious…what did they do to that legitimate team? In fact, Tifts game against Camden was much more legitimate than your so called “legitimate team” against Camden. If you don’t believe me check the scores and also how the outcome of the 2 games came out.

PS, I was not impressed by Camden or Lowndes last Saturday….boring

The goal is not to impress you, it is to win a 5th championship. Plus any “true” football fan was impressed with the Lowndes Defense. Only wimpy football fans think it is all about the offense. Also, your impressive teams don’t win championships. So, I hope you remain unimpressed with Lowndes Saturday after we take home #5 in another unimpressive fashion with Defense and “move the chains…1st down Vikings!”.

By Leon

December 12, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

THIS IS TO EAGLE FAN FOR EVER: NOTICE TO EAGLE: Just Wanted to let you know that we “GATORS”, are HAPPY and will be waiting on you Friday Night to arrive drive safe:

We are HAPPY that Tucker scored on you several times; We are HAPPY that we will be playing you and not Tucker; We are HAPPY that we won the coin toss and will host the game; W

By Leon

December 12, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

THIS IS TO EAGLE FAN FOR EVER: NOTICE TO EAGLE: Just Wanted to let you know that we “GATORS”, are HAPPY and will be waiting on you Friday Night to arrive drive safe:

We are HAPPY that Tucker scored on you several times; We are HAPPY that we will be playing you and not Tucker; We are HAPPY that we won the coin toss and will host the game; W

By ngdogdad

December 12, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

Vikingfan, thanks for the invite! We just might stop by but we will travel very well and will be tailgating also but probably forn the hotel. NG should bring 4-5 thousand people to this game so it won’t be a toatl Viking crowd.

I give your team the upmost respect! We have seen a fast wing t but in last years playoff against Etowah. They were quick and got off the ball very well. Granted that was last year but all of North’s defense was at that game AND PLAYED IN IT! Tis defense is compiles of 10 senoirs and 1 junior. VERY GAME EXPERIENCED!

Coach Sphire will have the offense ready and Mo Dixon (the best d coordinator in the state) will have the defense fired up as much as he will be. This defense is not going to give up much, trust me. Everyone talks about the offense but the defense has put the offense in position all year to make plays. If you rely on just the wing t in this game, that might hurt your chances.

It will be a game that we will tell our grandchildren about, that’s one thing for sure. GOOD LUCK ON SATURDAY, IT WILL BE FUN!

By Leon

December 12, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

THIS IS TO EAGLE FAN FOR EVER: NOTICE TO THE “EAGLE”

Just wanted to let you know we are HAPPY and will be sharing our happyness with you after the game at 10pm Friday night;

We are HAPPY because Tucker scored on you several times; We are HAPPY because we are playing you instead of Tucker not that we couldn’t beat them; We are HAPPY because we won the coin toss (which wouldn’t have made a difference anyway to us)and get to host the game for our loyal fans around the Waycross area; We are HAPPY that we want have to make the three hour drive what with gas being so high; We are HAPPY that we can provide seats for the small amount of fans that will be coming with you; We are HAPPY that you are 0-2 in Waycross and will go home 0-3; We are very HAPPY to be the “GATORS” from Georgia not Florida,

AGAIN WE WILL BE VERY HAPPY COME 10PM FRIDAY NIGHT IN WAYCROSS “GATORS” LAND AND YOU DRIVE SAFE GOING HOME AND WE WILL SEE YOU IN 2008, “YOU’LL COME BACK NOW YOU HEAR”

GO WARE COUNTY GATORS

By Reeze

December 12, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Leon………very funny,Whats even more halarious is the 2000 seat visitor side seating capacity at your stadium…….Break out the foldouts,lawn chairs and milk crates,beacause here we come……….Help me out Eaglefans who’s been to Ware…Any similarity to Jones County”s visitor side?

By HSballfan

December 12, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Just to throw a little gasoline on the fire, here are Ken Massey’s projections for the finals: ECI 29 Wilcox 24, Buford 32 Lovett 10, Cairo 21 Carver 19, Northside 19 Ware 10, Lowndes 19 N Gwinnett 17. Ready… Aim….

By Reeze

December 12, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Slalom……………”Keep this Blog free from controversy”…..I think it’s a little late for that.LOL…You know the road AJC will take religious discussions.

By NYC now, LHS then

December 12, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Where is Brookfan?

He/she/it is my slave b*tch!

Like I said a couple weeks ago, then decided to move on for a while….AJC gives no props to the deep south, where football is king. I’m surprised the reporters acknowledge the game at all with it being played in the Palace….you know, Valdosta does have a regional airport….you don’t have to drive the distance. Just go to Delta.com I see nothing on the sports page about Lowndes……not to mention VSU is playing for the D-2 Championship on ESPN2 saturday at noon. Riddle me this?…. Where is football KING? What gives?

By Todd Holcomb

December 12, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

TODD HOLCOMB, Why was my last post not posted? A previous blogger brought up the subject of prayer before the games. I responded. But, my response was not posted. Is this PRAVDA? TASS? Are you afraid to touch on sensitive subjects?

Slalom: I never saw your post, so I can’t comment on that. I don’t know why it was deleted.

Todd, why doesn’t the AJC do a story on how the referees are selected for the play-offs, especially the semis and championships? It seems a shame to me that a crew that mis-applied a penalty enforcement (an unsportmanlike foul for diving into the end zone should have been enforced on the PAT not the kick-off) in the semis get a championship game.

In college, the penalty you’re discussing can be applied on the kickoff. Is it different in high school? Maybe someone can answer that, but I would assume the high school and college rules are the same.

That probably would be an interesting story. Not sure we’ll have time to do it this year, but I’ll keep it in mind because I do get frequent e-mails about officials and how all that works.

By 1#EAGLE FAN

December 12, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Reeze, Ware co. has only 2000 seats for vistors but they will have to give us at least 3000 seats more on the home side. All I can say is, that will still not be enough for all of us NHS EAGLE fans. There is a rumor that they have something like a swamp. The NHS EAGLES fans carry their spirit everywhere they go. GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #96…….

By Coach Mideau

December 12, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Ware County is a gritty team. No one really sticks out on their team but that 5’7 165 pound defensive tackle. Some how they keep winning ball games We’ll see if they can keep the majic going against Northside.

By gaprepfootballfan

December 12, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Congratulations Carver-Col! I wrote on the Stephens County-vs-Chamblee last week. Stephens County outplayed Chamblee for virtually 4 quarters minus about 6 seconds. Chamblee fans know they were outplayed but acted very cocky. I told them to be humble because the exact same thing might happen to them. People have a hard time viewing things from an unbiased eye alot of times. Okay, here is the skinny. Chamblee outplayed Carver-Col for 3 1/2 quaters. I feel bad for Chamblee because they couldn’t finish it off. Carver picked it up when they had to just like Chamblee did to Stephens County. A wins a win no matter how bad it looks. Carver please try to be humble. I will be passing along some of these comments to some of the coaches to use as inspiration for next year. Because of reclassification Chamblee will be moving on to AAAA next year so alot of the teams won’t get another chance to play them.

By yo

December 12, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Slalom 1

Your ticket for the Lowndes/NG game awaits you.

By yo

December 12, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

We have seen a fast wing t but in last years playoff against Etowah. They were quick and got off the ball very well.

With all due respect to Etowah, I don’t think it is quite going to be the same. If any one was ready for the Wing T it would have been Camden last week, but our speed in that game they could not match. I also have to give serious props to our Offensive Line, very young at the beginning of the season and not yet performing as a group, they have jelled and become 1 unit. Lead the way O-Line!!

By ECI beats Wilcox 34-24

December 12, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

TO NSHS Fan. I am very glad that you put the Screven Co. Statesboro game up there. We consistantly scrimmaged Swainsboro high school this year and alway beat theam and stopped them from moving the ball. If I can recall Swainsboro beat Screven County worse than statesboro did at the score of 31-7 with the starters out of the game before the 4th qtr. So for you to say that individuals matter, you are sounding crazy right now. It is all about who execute the best, play with great size difference and strength. in our strength offense we average 286.5 lbs. on the O-Line. thats almost the heaviest in GHSA. 2 of these guys on the O-line are going D1. (Google J.C. Lanier) Chad Turner already commited to LSU. I am not saying that we will beat Northside or any of that because you are playing the best football in Georgia right now, but I am saying that we can play with just about anybody in any classification. Indeed, I think Ealey will still be a great running back in AAAAA. No running back in AAAAA runs a 4.32, bench presses 345, and squats 485, and watch 3 hours of game film everyday. We dont ask him to do these things. He does them b/c he loves them. dedication wins games, Classification doesn’t.

By RY

December 12, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

HEY BROOKEFAN AND ALL THOSE IN NORTH GEORGIA THAT MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE IN SOUTH GEORGIA!!!

GUESS WHAT, PEOPLE UP NORTH AND ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY HAVE THE SAME IMAGE ABOUT THE ENTIRE STATE OF GEORIGA.

By george

December 12, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Leon, you might want to be more careful with comments regarding Eagle fans. There will probably be at least 7,000 of them in your backyard Friday night. I will guarantee you that our football team will know they have the full support of our community when they take the field.

By NG17

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

Looks like rain for the Saturday Lowndes/NG game. I hope Lowndes can hold on to the ball when it is wet cause they had alot of turn-overs in a dry Dome.NG has a kicker who can hit from 53 Yards.We block alot of punts so I hope the rain slow down of the run game does not effect moving the chains.That TD catch against Camden would never happen on a wet turf. The NG QB is the real deal and throws great on the run.Lowndes QB #2 is scary fast but a wet turf will take away some of his cuts. His passing game is just average and will be picked off.If North shuts down the great running game look for long night for Lowndes Fans.

By AVikingfan

December 12, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

TO ngdogdad

I hear Lowndes is switching to a wishbone offense this week with two wide outs. They are trying several new plays in hopes to sneak an extra player of two on the field. One new pass play the QB throws to his right and the SE catches it and throws back to the QB who throws it downfield to Greg Reid. We hope to have two extra guys on the field to help block. Sure hope the Refs don’t count the players. From reading what all you guys are saying that’s our only hope of winning - playing 13 or 14 guys at the time. Or maybe we’ll just keep on moving the chains with our Wing T, and try to intercept a few of Tamburo’s tosses. If he takes more than 4 seconds to get rid of it, he’ll have to pass laying on the ground with some Vikings on top. Randy Hill, our defensive Coord since 1992 is pretty good too. Last three trips to the semifinals in the dome and no one has scored a point on us!

By NSHS FAN

December 12, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

To ECI Beats Wilcox 34-24: No Thanks to all the evasiveness. Primarily, I wanted you to retract your statement that ECI beat Statesboro in their first game of the season. Also, to acknowledge the highest classication you played was AA. I am not knocking Ealey, he could play on any AAAA/AAAAA team. Otherwise, just because have a line full of big lard a## boys doesn’t prove anything. Your attention better be on Wilcox and the Dennard twins since you claim to be a coach.

By BrookeFan

December 12, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

What Brookwood fans will be doing during Saturday night’s AAAAA championship football game

a) planting electronic “bugs” in Parkview’s coaching office,

b) bailing out “junior” from the county jail after his third DUI,

c) holding “recruiting seminars” for potential transfer atheletes from DeKalb County,

d) listening to the wife b itch about the wonderful lakefront property you purchased last year on Lake Lanier

e) snoring - ‘cause you got nothing else to do since your team got knocked out of the playoffs !

Now, we’re even.

By IHateWingTFootball

December 12, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

North Gwinett fans - Block off all the seats on your side of the field. If you let any Viking fans sit there, they will call their local law enforcement to make you sit down and be quiet. Police threatened to removed Roswell students because they wanted to stand up!!!!! Fat A* Viking fans couldn’g see so they called the police. Keep them out of your seats! “Home field advantage” my a*.

By yo

December 12, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

If North shuts down the great running game look for long night for Lowndes Fans. “If” can be a mighty big word. How come your vaunted defense gave up so many points against Newnan? 35 points! That is the kind of great defense we look forward to. It appears your defense was hitting on all cylinders that night. Norcross put up 24 on you. More great defense. Don’t get to excited about holding down a slow Walton in the Dome. Against Coffee Newnan was only good for 28 points. Against Reday Newnan was only good for 17 points. Against E. Coweta Newnan was only good for 19 points. Then N. Gwinnett comes along and suddenly they throw up 35.

By NG DAD**

December 12, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Hey Cougar fan, thanks for the nod. If you guys were going to the big dance we would be behind you 100% like we were for Brookwood two years ago and the Lions last year. We’re asking the same from you and the rest of you guys in the county 7. We have a powerful team and we’ve gone further than we have in any of our 50 years. Wish us luck against the South Mouth and the people who like to sit on the visitors side and heckle. We want to represent you well.

By WingTHidesBadPlayers

December 12, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Fly to Valdosta???? Here’s the deal from delta.com:

Departs Arrives Stops Travel Time Flights & Cabin (Class) Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Valdosta, GA (VLD) on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 9:50am ATL 10:55am VLD Nonstop 1 hr 5 min Delta 4706 CRJ 100 operated by Atlantic Southeast Airlines In-Flight ServicesCoach (K) View Seats From $662.01 (USD) round trip

$662!!!!! NYC now/LHS then: do you make this flight often to the Valdosta “regional” airport????

By NG17

December 12, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

All the points were Passing and the Camden and Lowndes teams are just average passers.Camden QB missed alot of wide open receivers all night.The NG QB is a JR and will be back next year too.Camden would have won if they had this QB.Lowndes has no combination like the Norcross or Newnan Team.A close D battle will end in a Harrison like Defeat with NG scoring on FG advantage.

By NYC now, LHS then

December 12, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Cost is relative and if it were your business to know, no…….I don’t go home that often, why would I?

I spend that much going out on a weekend.

But I give you a lot of credit for actually looking it up. Imagine my surprise your ability to copy and paste.

I’m proud of my High School for making the final and the local D-2 college team for doing the same. Hmmmm…..sounds like 2004 all over again.

I think the high and mighty at the Atlanta Constitution should acknowledge their accomplishment!

Happy Holidays

By AVikingfan

December 12, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

The visitors side of Lowndes’ martin Stadium has clearly marked sections. Lowndes sold section “P” to its fans Monday and Tuesday. This section is on the South end of the visiter’s stands. The seats themselves are not reserved, but the section is. There will be no NG fans in this secion. Word is NG may send back section “0” also, so we can sell them to Lowndes fans on Thursday. NG fans will be asked to sit in the section marked on their tickets. Their seats are not reserved. Lowndes on the other hand sells nothing but reservced seats on the home side. We sell almost 5000 reserved seats each year.

By AVikingfan

December 12, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

The visitors side of Lowndes’ martin Stadium has clearly marked sections. Lowndes sold section “P” to its fans Monday and Tuesday. This section is on the South end of the visiter’s stands. The seats themselves are not reserved, but the section is. There will be no NG fans in this secion. Word is NG may send back section “0” also, so we can sell them to Lowndes fans on Thursday. NG fans will be asked to sit in the section marked on their tickets. Their seats are not reserved. Lowndes on the other hand sells nothing but reserved seats on the home side. We sell almost 5000 reserved seats each year.

By ECI beats Wilcox 34-24

December 12, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

To NSHS fan. I was not trying to be evasive first of all. Second of all, 3 of These Lard a* Lineman are going to places further than those lineman of Northside. Turner, signed with LSU, J.C. number 20 in the country. rivals c/o 09. and dumb a* I said we work with these guys everyday, I did not say I was a coach. First of all I may be a player, hell I may be a (scout) in which I am. Scout vs. coach. Get it right. Yes Northside have been winning but Ealey is also 24-0 as a starting Running back and the only reason they lost last year is b/c they hurt ealey by yanking his facemask to death and he could not play in the first round game. You need to focus on Ware County and how they are going to rush the hell out of the now immobil Ivory. We have not looked at anyone besides Bass or abry to even play for us in the near future. We looked at 6 players from this 1A team with the whole package. Grades. Of all 6, the lowest SAT score was a 1010. the highest was 1600 in L. Gordon. I can not help that ECI played only as high as AA. Not just our University, but any other University in the SEC could see that this team could play with teams as high as AAAAA. I have actually become a fan of this team and attend their practices and games regularly to the point where this is the team that I am following in GHSA. We looked at Green but he is 5-11, 195 and runs a 4.5 and benches in the low 200s. Why have that when we can get Ealey who is better on every stat. 5-11, 208, 4.32 speed, benching 345 now. Do the math first fan!

By tj

December 12, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

What is NG record against 1-AAAAA school’s 0 - 1 I remember last year when there offence was supposed to be unstoppable they came to Tifton and racked up 90 total yards and 0 points.

By NG DAD**

December 12, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

AVikingfan-No doubt the game is up for grabs. You’re right, Lowndes has faced passing teams before. However, 12th man influence aside, they haven’t faced Tamburo or Jarrey or Yoshimura or Dovel or Dixon or a host of other Al-County athletes. We have the utmost respect for your defense but look at the stats…we’re deeper than the Grand Canyon. Bring your game.

By viking dad

December 12, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Why pass the ball when you have the best rb’s in the state. Perry, Reid, Hargett, Williams, Postell, etc……., have not been stopped all year. Lowndes has won three state championships since 1999 with the run. Saturday night will make #4. VIKINGS RULE:BULLDOGS DROOL

By Home Cooking

December 12, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

To: By AVikingfan - That is all nice about the tickets sold etc. But how about changing the following as crowd advantage should be enough and the only advantage needed or allowed (we know you will not as it is all about giving your team more of a home field advantage as to manipulate and influence the outcome of the game): 1) Improving the visitor’s locker room for starters as it is currently only 20’ x 20’ in size. 2) Not allowing your fans on the visitor’s side to spit and throw things on the opposing team - happen during the playoffs. 3) Allowing visitors in the front to stand if they want – that is crazy and again this is a concerted effort to manipulate the outcome of the game. 3) Having your band adhere to the rules of not playing while the opposing team is over center. 4) It’s curious that a golf cart just outside the back corner of the end zone in the Roswell game suddenly turned on a yellow flashing light on top of the cart when Roswell was trying to score in that direction in the closing moments of that game. Very curious!

Shall we say home cooking? The GSHA I understand has been made aware of these facts and it is yet to be seen if they will act on any of these obvious infractions and disadvantages of fair treatment and adequate facilities.

Good luck this weekend :)

By Hornet Nation

December 12, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

By NG17 you are right about turnovers. Lowndes for the first time this year had zero turnovers in the Roswell game. Had Roswell had two of the 3 that Lowndes gave up Sat night they (Roswell would have won) the week before. If they put it on the carpet 2 to 3 times this Sat. night you guys will take the championship. Good Luck and watch out for all the additional homecooking they have going on down there.

By NG Fan813

December 12, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Viking fans,

The bottom line is this game is up for grabs, and I am pretty sure we all realize that. We have out tickets and we’ll be headed down to enjoy a great game with some great fans on both sides of the stadium. Best of luck to both teams. As far as the run…….ask Brookwood’s Kenny Miles (South Carolina commitment) how he did the last game he played us. :-) The Vikings will run for sure, with some success, but not like they are used to.

This should be a close one. Neither team is perfect (see Norcross and Harrison fans), both beat a regular season opponent in the semis for a second time……..all in all the makings of a great game. Final score, 21-17……flip a coin for the winner.

Again, good luck and see you all at the tailgates.

By MartinStadiumMan

December 12, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

The only thing Lowndes has been “cooking” the last few years are state championships. Going for 3 out of the last 4 this Saturday. Props to NG as well. I was at the dome to see the NG vs. Walton game and I realize Lowndes will most likely have their hands full with a good passing team. Hope it’s a great game. GO VIKINGS!!!

By Camden83

December 12, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

I had the privilege of talking with Greg Reid, one of Lowndes County’s key playmakers, in the elevator of the hotel in which we were staying. He is an outstanding football player, as well as an outstanding, polite and humble young man. Good luck to Mr. Reid and to Lowndes County.

By big daddy pump from the ng nation

December 12, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

yeah tj and we dont remember being in tift looking at the segregated stands and wondering why the referees were so awful, nope, dont remember at all seeing the kitty walk.

By NG DAD**

December 12, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

AVikingfan: Does the stadium hold the same number on each side and do they put up any temporary seats? Thanks

By NG DAD**

December 12, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

We, the Bulldogs, went to Montgomery, AL, to play Prattville the No. 2 USA Today team in the Nation and got our hats handed to us in the 2nd half. Even when they were kicking our butts they had their band play as loud as it could every time we were over center. It sucked and so does Lowndes yellow light and the their fans on our side of the field. Play football and cut the crap.

By Reeze

December 12, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Maybe the powers that be in Ware Co. should consider moving the final to Martin stadium, If Lowndes agrees, Lowndes plays saturday.Sounds like the most logical thing to consider.

By NSHS FAN

December 12, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

TO: By ECI Beats Wilcox 34-24. I never criticized Ealey. In fact, I gave him a lot of credit. I don’t know why you brought him up to use leverage to what our initial conversation was about. I said “nothing’ about who ECI lost to last year. All that is being injected by you. Please re-read my blog. I only question why you so proudly told a LIE. That is, that ECI beat Statesboro in your first game of the season. It must really hurt your feeling(s). Just tell the truth! If you lied about that you will lie about other things. That is, to players, REAL coaches, REAL scouts, etc. Personally, I think you are a phoney! From what I read into your blog, only a small school like Edwards Waters would remotely listen to you—That is, until they find out what a liar you are. Again, my original question since you placed the blog.—When did ECI beat AAAA Statesboro in their season opening game? According to the Georgia Athletic Association both of you played your first game on 31 August 07 against other opponents. You thought it was safe to tell a lie on AJC’s blog because no one from the Statesboro area would see it. Wrong! You don’t have to use profanity should you reply.

By viking lover

December 12, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

I see the myriad of excuses are coming in already from North GA. Let’s see we have the rain issue, the band issue, the nasty Viking fan issue and a golf cart. Be advised, the band lets loose a pair of doves at the half time show. Talk about unfair. I hear these doves, actually white pigeons, are equipped with with an internal bombing sytem. Come prepared. Anyway, it seems to me if you are all making excuses already you’ve pretty much given up on your teams chances. In 2004 the Vikings went into the Jungle at Parkview, pretty intimidating, and came away with a State Championship. Please don’t make excuses three days before the game. Support your boys and stand by them. Every home field team has their own little thing and don’t tell me that it’s not so… I’ve been to too many games. Play good clean football and may the better team win. Drive safe and welcome to Valhalla.

By Emanuel Co Wins 34-24

December 12, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

To NSHS fan: Enough said Idiot: Click on the link below: It clearly stated that Statesboro all played their starters. It can be that much changed in 2 weeks.

http://www.bullochheadlinenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=428&Itemid=30

By AVikingfan

December 12, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

To ngdad

Actually the visitors side holds a few more people at Lowndes’ martin stadium. The home side pressbox takes some of the home side seats. Other than than they are about the same. Approx 6000 on each side. We are setting up end zone seats (Aluminum) in the south end zoner and will be sold as general admission. The Lowndes Band has over 400 members and together with chaperones (band parents and band directors) and their instruments, they take up about 550 seats of our 1/2 of the tickets. NG asked for 4000 tickets and were given that amount. In 1980 we got approx 15000 in the stadium for our first state championship, but that had seats in both end zones and folding chairs 4 deep along the side. We expect about 13,000 this week. All NG people will be treated with respect and southern hospitality, before during and after the game. Ya’ll be careful driving down. Bring money, our mall needs it!

By Guru

December 12, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

I’ll say this. With Ivory at the helm, they are the best. With out him, they still the best but closer. Bufurd is a team that I would say has to be considered one of the best teams in the state. I think they have about 9 D-1 players. I would love to see how they would fare in the 4th against bigger schools. I would give Northside the edge over Bufurd becasuse of that reason alone. (Depth)

By AVikingfan

December 12, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Home cooking, home fireld advantage. It’s been around forever. You think Parkview didn’t have Home Cooking, and Home Field Advantage when we went up there in 2004, or when Tift went there in 1997? They didn’t even have permanent restrooms on the visitors side of the field, and brought in about 300 portapots. How about Clark Central in their heyday, You think going to their place was easy for South Georgia teams? We played SW Dekalb in the playoffs in 1999 at their stadium, and won! It just happens to be in South Geogia this year. Quit whining! Its football!

By NSHS FAN

December 12, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

TO: ECI Beats Wilcox 34-24: A S#@# head cohort of your that identifies himself as “Emanual Co Wins 34-24”, came to your rescue to say it was a scrimmage game that you played against Statesboro. All teams do this to see where they stand on personnel, plays, staff effectiveness, etc. It is strictly for evaluation. Not a real season game that counts against season wins or loses. That was all I was asking for you to confirm. lol

By viking lover

December 12, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

To all those who are questioning the seating and standing issue at Martin Stadium, here’s the skinny. No one is allowed to stand by the railing home side or visitors side… it’s not an evil ploy to stop anyones fun. It’s just policy. It keeps people from falling over the rail and allows those behind to see without standing. As far as home folks sitting on the visitors side… well if you’ve ever been on the visitors side looking over to the home side, it’s pretty self explanitory. There’ no room. I’m sure there are some individuals who don’t always act as they should. Football is pretty emotional. Come on down and have a great time.

By Emanuel Co Wins 34-24

December 12, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Actually, I named myself that after I saw ECI beat wilcox’s earlier blogs. He is right so I jump on the band wagon! I think we will win. The wrong thing that ECI beats wilcox said is that Ealey did not play in the first round last year. He did play as I watched them lose to Hawkinsville. They are tough though. They did a Jamboree against Statesboro though and they scrimmaged Swainsboro in a fundraiser in mid season and also beat Swainsboro 21-6. Swainsboro played AAAAA talent this season.

By NG DAD**

December 12, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

To: AVikingfan Thanks for the input on the stadium. Also, I was gilty of knee-jerk reaction based on emotion and rumors flying around instead of waiting until the game. You have class and I APOLOGIZE TO YOU AND THE VIKING FANS. I am hoping for a good game with no injuries. GA high school football is the best.

By NC_Eagle

December 12, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Traveled to the dome from NC to see Eagles last weekend(first time I have seen ‘em play this season) definitely one of top 5 high school games I have ever seen !! Tucker was a formidable opponent and I congratulate them on their season. Ware County will also be up for the task also, I presume. As I told the gentleman from Ware that sat next to me at the end of ‘our’ game …. Good Luck ! !!! GO EAGLES !!! p.s. We’ll Be Back in AAAAA next year !!! (where we belong!}

By NG DAD**

December 12, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

NC Eagle My guess is that the game to see would be Northside WR / Buford if it could be arranged. Too bad we can’t have a Governor’s Bowl or something where we could see the fantasy game………the one we’d all like to see but won’t happen.

By NSHS FAN

December 12, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

TO; BY Emanual Win 34-24: Everything sais here is in fun> don’t take it seriously. We all want our teams to win. NSWR is hoping like crazy to beat Ware Cty. as you guys with Wilcox. I guess ECI grows some big boys from Twin City, Modoc and Canoochee. Now if you lose, everyone will have hide out in George L. Smith State Park. Good Luck in your game Friday.

By AVikingfan

December 12, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Thanks NG dad. We are letting NG use our baseball field house for dressing before the game. It is large and has adequate bath room facilities. The “old visitors drssing room” beneath the stadium is used by schools in our area for a rally room before the game and half time. Someone referred to this as a 20 x 20 room. Actually it’s a little bigger than than, but is an adequate “rally room.” The baseball field is adjacent to our stadium. Our facilities are better than most high schools. We know NG is good, no, probably great. And we know we have our work cut out for us. But we believe in our defense. I just wish they’ed let our announcer work the game like Parkview’s did, or SW Dekalb’s did. Then we could hear him say those famous words “First down Vikings, move the chains!” Why did they choose this year when it’s our turn to host it to make changes?

By AVikingfan

December 12, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Thanks NG dad. We are letting NG use our baseball field house for dressing before the game. It is large and has adequate bath room facilities. The “old visitors drssing room” beneath the stadium is used by schools in our area for a rally room before the game and half time. Someone referred to this as a 20 x 20 room. Actually it’s a little bigger than than, but is an adequate “rally room.” The baseball field is adjacent to our stadium. Our facilities are better than most high schools. We know NG is good, no, probably great. And we know we have our work is cut out for us. But we believe in our defense. I just wish they’ed let our announcer work the game like Parkview’s did, or SW Dekalb’s did. Then we could hear him say those famous words “First down Vikings, move the chains!” Why did they choose this year when it’s our turn to host it to make changes?

By Hambone

December 12, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

The GHSA only alotted 4000 tickets per team for Cairo/Carver. Our tickets sold out within an hour of delievery. We had fans willing to drive to Columbus to buy there tickets they have sold less than 1000. There principle said they would check drivers licenses to determine wether or not they would accept the transaction. Question has been brought up as to wether or not Carver’s principle is acting within his rights. Anyone have any answers?

By Emanuel Co Wins 34-24

December 12, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

TO NSHS fan. You are right. I guess the soul food gets them like that. I am from Warner Robins. I lived in Centerville in Eagle Springs. I love that area. Football central in Middle GA. I hope yall win it for Chris. I actually got to meet Chris b4 he passed. I donated at the NSHS and WRHS game. The way that society is today, I just hope these guys get scholarships and become great men in the community. I want that more than a State Championship. those SAT scores from these guys are enough for me

By NG DAD**

December 12, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Hambone:

I understand the principal’s thought. They want as many of their fans as possible. We had to give back a few sections to the Lowndes fans. It’s possible they have a time limit to get them sold. After that, I don’t believe he/she can discriminate. It’s first come first served.

By NG DAD**

December 12, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

AVikingfan: Excellent question. If you guys were comming to North I would want our announcer also. However, it’s no longer a local event. When you’ve come this far, everyone in the state of GA is watching on TV and they want to keep the announcing as impartial as possible…but just a guess.

By Lightning

December 13, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

WARNING:Carver-Columbus The Syrup Makers will stick you on their field.Stay focused and score early.G0 get’em MAKERS!!!!!!

By NHS Class of 80

December 13, 2007 3:53 AM | Link to this

Talk is cheap, Leon here’s a clue Ware County won’t even score on the EAGLES but wait there is an upside for you guys just think you won’t have that long ride home after losing the state championship which by all rights should be played at the defending STATE CHAMPIONS HOME, and who might that be? If you don’t know then you shall see when they repeat it again friday night!!

YES INDEED IT IS GREAT TO BE A NORTHSIDE EAGLE!!!!!!

By GRAYSONFAN

December 13, 2007 6:21 AM | Link to this

im glad all the seating questions, want be an issue next year, because these games will be played in the dome, were they should be! i do wish the dome were located in the middle of the state, to make traveling equal for the southern tams, but its not. great job on that decision ghsa!

By Leon

December 13, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

THIS IS TO NHS CLASS OF 80: “WHAT EVER” Did you not read any of the posting last week when TCC was trash talking about what they were going to do to Ware Co especially when they said that Ware Co. would not score on them either and now who is playing Friday night (10 TO 7) for the State Title. As for not being able to play the State Championship at your Home that is not Ware County fault so don’t blame them. It was the flip of a coin and it could have gone either way. Got a problem with it write the official that tossed the coin. Next year you want have to cry about where your team is playing if they make it to the Championship Title playoff because it has already been decided and that will be in the Dome. Only the semifinial will be played somewhere else and not in the Dome. So you won the Championship last year, well this is a new year and last year is gone and will never come back again so get over it and move on it is a game not the end of the world. Champion come and Champion go. If your team win that is find if they don’t the sun will still come up over NSHS. Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose. By the way Ware Co. will score on you and it could be the winning score.

BACK AT YOU YES INDEED IT IS GREAT TO BE A “GATORS” FAN

By rw\SWDfan

December 13, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Tucker gave Northside all they could handle in the Dome. It took a heroic effort by Ivory to pull it out.Props go to Northside.Tucker players did not give up as someone on here stated in the second half. They were playing the defending state champions who had the AJC player of the year come from the bench and change the whole complexion of the game. Because he is a great passer, Northside was able to make quick scores without eating up much time off clock which also fired up their defense. Difficult for Tucker to prepare for the impact that Ivory brought. Great season for Tucker. Tucker is one of the best teams I have ever seen. They represented Dekalb well.

By Home Cooking

December 13, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

To:viking lover and NG Dad No excuses just facts, the band was playing while Roswell was over center and I never saw those killer doves, the Viking fans were throwing things at our players, the golf cart issue was real and a very sad attemp to distract. The dressing room is approx 20’ x 20’ and Roswell was never offered the use of the baseball fieldhouse. I suspect the GHSA steped in on this one as an equal facility issue. Good luck NG

By Lowndes Fan

December 13, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

By the fact that the GHSA is making us cover up everything on our field that has to do with LHS will only make the beating worse for those Bullpupies. Everyone talks about NG’s QB, let’s see how many yards he throws for when he’s crapping his pants and running for his life.

By LHS

December 13, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

To:Home cooking

Roswell did use the field house. Someone is telling you a story. The old dressing room is just a ralling room.

By AVikingfan

December 13, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Home cooking, have you ever been to a playoff game at Valdosta High School? Or Colquit County High School? Or Parkview? Or Clark central? Or SW Dekalb? Or Warner Robbins? Do you know what “home field advantage” means? My gosh, the Warner Robbins preacher who said a pregame prayer before one of our previous playoff games closed it by saying “may the losers have a safe trip on their long, long journey home.” The same is true in basketball and baseball, high school or college. Grow up and be like the rest of the Roswell fans. Have some class. Their players, coaches, and fans were some of the best who have ever visited Martin Stadium, our CONCRETE PALACE. Our regular fans seat on the home side of the field where we sell almost 5000 season reserved seat tickets. If anyone on the visitors side was throwing things they were not our regular fans. I didn’t know about the golf car incident so I can’t comment. We never complain when another team’s band plays when we have the ball. Never! Douglass’s band did it as did Camdens and Windsor Forrest. My gosh it’s football, not Tennis or Golf for God’s sake. College bands do it all the time, every game. Get a life and get over it! You had a good team. Hopefully we’ll meet again.

By Fact not Fiction

December 13, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

To LHS - get you facts straight!

I have a player on the team and thus very close to the program as well. All we (the team) were provided at Lowndes was the 20’ x 20’ stadium locker room that you call the “rallying room”. Cover name for “Home Cooking”.

We were not offered the baseball field house, in fact at half time most of the team had to sit outside the south end zone. We were warned of this prior and our team was offered and dressed out at Valdosta State’s facilities as they were quite helpful unlike you coaching staff.

Good luck you will need it this Sat. vs. NG.

By COLUMBUS FAN

December 13, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

CAIRO, THIS MESS IS CRAZY,YOU KNOW THAT YOUR STADIUM IS NOT BIG ENOUGH TO HOLD THIS TYPE OF CROWD,YOU SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND MOVE THE GAME TO A NEUTRAL SIGHT (LIKE 1A DID).SOMEWHERE THAT CAN ACCOMADATE THIS KIND OF CROWD, LINDSEY, YOU NEED TO STEP UP, AND SPEAK UP FOR YOUR TEAM……

UPSET IN C-TOWN

By ngdogdad

December 13, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

The North-Lowndes game will be determined by the defenses. North has played in the circumstances that everyone is describing, band playing (Prattville), noise (Prattville and Norcross), and bad facilities (North Forsyth). Regardless, GHSA does not permit bands to be playing while under center but Alabama does. It is a great distraction but if it happens, just more the reason I like our chances, we’ve seen it before! North has been practicing all week at the high school stadium with speakers wide open with the most awefull racket you could hear. No excuses, the BULLDOGS WILL HANDLE WHATEVER HOME COOKIN YOU THROW AT US. I spoke to a couple of the players last night and believe me, they are ready! GOOD LUCK TO BOTH TEAMS!!!!

By ngdogdad

December 13, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

By the way, speaking of Prattville. You know your defensive line is special when the NUMBER 2 RANKED TEAM IN THE NATION finds your d-linemen after the game and tells them they are for real. They heard about our guys and blew them off prior to the game, they had a different opinion afterwards. That should tell you something…. and I really don’t think the Lowndes o-line is anything close to the number 2 ranked team’s in the nation! Granted, we got it handed to us in the 2nd half, but have you guys played a team like Prattville this year, I don’t think so. As for our loss to Norcross, we don’t match up with the big receivers they have and not many teams in the state do. The only teams we have lost to or gave up big points to this year are teams that can throw consistantly and I have not seen that from Lowndes.

To Prattville, a sincere congrats to your back to back state titles!

To Lowndes, again, good luck and let’s play ball!!!!

GO NORTH!

By vike alum

December 13, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

What I think NG fans need to realize is that they have not faced a team all year with the speed Lowndes has on both sides of the ball. Their head coach said the same thing. Speed kills and you will see on Saturday night!

By Football Fan

December 13, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Folks, it is just a high school football game. Some of you act like you life will stop because one of you will loose and one will win. If you/your kid are any good, they will still get into the school that they are looking at. This game will not make a difference in what that child does in the futrue. There is no need for inmature “name calling” or degrading a facility. I hve watched it all year and can not believe that some adults act the way they do. I’m refering to both south Ga and North Ga. There have been a few on here that have made their team look bad by this behaivour.

It is just a GAME.

By NSHS FAN

December 13, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

To: By AVikingfan: I remember well the minister comment. I had just arrived in Warner Robins> so I was completely shocked hearing that coming from a minister. If I can re-call the score ended something like Lowndes 39-16 or close to that.

By yo

December 13, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

3) Allowing visitors in the front to stand if they want – that is crazy and again this is a concerted effort to manipulate the outcome of the game A little confused as to how this would be affecting the vision of your football players on the field. Are you saying their minds were on the fans in the stands and not the game and the opponent at hand? I doubt it.

Homecooking….I feel your pain…Boo Hoo!!!!!!!! Peachtree Ridge is the team we should have been playing in that game any way. So quit your crying, you went one game further than you should have to begin with.

By yo

December 13, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Slalom Calling Slalom You are a lucky man, I have you a seat around the 50 yard line on the Lowndes side. If you want it you better respond quickly.

By AlbanyViking

December 13, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Article from AL.com

December 08, 2007

“PRATTVILLE 14, SPAIN PARK 0: Same old Prattville - Wildcats run, play defense, shut out Spain Park in 6A title game.”

hhhmmm no wonder NG fans sound a little nervous. This sounds like another team they are facing this Saturday. I’m not looking much into a 36-3 beating NG took to a mythical #2 team in the nation, lol, since it was the first game of the season in August, like Lowndes’ 9-0 defeat to Harrison. Much to long ago to make a difference Saturday. Just be ready to see a defense that may bring back some bad Montgomery nightmares.

By Devil

December 13, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

How can u compare Ealey to Garrison Hearst when Garrison has a nephew who plays for LC and has rushed 4 1,350yds and 17 tds u have 2 realize that Ealey has a offensive line LC had enexperience on the team if anything AG Middlebrooks should be just like Garrison Hearst get a tape and look at Garrison and his NEPHEW run look at exactly like the same person Ealey didn’t do what AG and Garrison did their Sophmore year both over 1,000 yards and more than 10 tds and also don’t forget AG has 2 more years in front of him watch out.

By Devil

December 13, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

How can u compare Ealey to Garrison Hearst when Garrison has a nephew who plays for LC and has rushed 4 1,350yds and 17 tds u have 2 realize that Ealey has a offensive line LC had enexperience on the team if anything AG Middlebrooks should be just like Garrison Hearst get a tape and look at Garrison and his NEPHEW run look at exactly like the same person Ealey didn’t do what AG and Garrison did their Sophmore year both over 1,000 yards and more than 10 tds and also don’t forget AG has 2 more years in front of him watch out.

By NG Fan813

December 13, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

To AlbanyViking:

No worries…….we hope you overlook us :-)

Again, it will be a great game, and we are all looking forward to coming down.

AVikingFan, Tell me the best place in Valdosta for Ribs and Greens and we’ll all get along just fine :-)

GO DAWGS !

By NG Fan813

December 13, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Oh Yeah……for those who doubt Prattville……they outscored their opponents 607-120 in a 16-0 season if you include the NG game. Say what you want, that team is simply damn good. They had an OL roster that weighted in at 260, 280, 278, 310, 322 and 350. Lowndes has 240, 240, 250, 250, 250 and 275…..not quite the same beef. Not discounting their skill, but you can’t compare those 2 OL lines.

The size of the 2 teams match up pretty well…..should be a great one.

[http://www.ngfootball.org/varsity.htm]

By c/o 98 Carver Tigers (Columbus)

December 13, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

My Tigers are going to win tomorrow and bring home the first state championship win.

Goooooo Tigers!

By lee champion

December 13, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Hey HAMBONE Its princiPAL. And you are gonna get beat Saturday. thats B E A T beat. Got it? Like, you lose ie get defeated by the mighty Carver Tigers!

By ALAN

December 13, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

TO COLUMBUS FAN: WE ARE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE SIZE OF OUR STADIUM AND YOU SHOULD NOT, EITHER IF YOU HAVE ONLY SOLD 1000 TICKETS. IF YOU ARE COMING TO THE GAME YOU SHOULD HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM. BETTER YET, WHY DON’T YOU STAY HOME, WE CAN FILL THAT SIDE,TOO!

By COLUMBUS FAN

December 13, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

ALAN, DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU GET YOUR INFO FROM BUT THERE HAS BEEN MORE THAN A 1000 TICKETS SOLD..THANK YOU, I’LL LOOK FOR YOUR COUNTRY A?? IN CAIRO,TO SAY HELLO OR WILL YOU BE STAYING HOME?

By COLUMBUS FAN

December 13, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

ALAN, DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU GET YOUR INFO FROM BUT THERE HAS BEEN MORE THAN A 1000 TICKETS SOLD..THANK YOU, I’LL LOOK FOR YOUR COUNTRY A?? IN CAIRO,TO SAY HELLO OR WILL YOU BE STAYING HOME?

By COLUMBUS FAN

December 13, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

ALAN, DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU GET YOUR INFO FROM BUT THERE HAS BEEN MORE THAN A 1000 TICKETS SOLD..THANK YOU, I’LL LOOK FOR YOUR COUNTRY A?? IN CAIRO,TO SAY HELLO OR WILL YOU BE STAYING HOME?

By VIKING DAD

December 13, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Hey NG. Do the bullpups play the Valdota Wildcats[the HS with the most career wins in America] each year. I don’t think so. Take a look back and see who has won the most games recently. On second thought, I’ll tell you. LHS has won the last four in a row. You all brag about your potent offense, but should I remind you of the Tift/NG Score last year 21-0.VIKINGS RULE;BULLPUPS DROOL

By NorthDude

December 13, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

I think it’s hilarious that all the Lowndes fans have to reassure themselves that their football team is so good in order for themselves to sleep at night. I hope no one tells them that football is not the end of the world and that no one really cares about it outside of the south. lol….. I guess in Lowndes, football > intelligence. Average SAT score at Lowndes High based on Valdosta listings 940. North Gwinnett 1120 (AJC). I love living in the #10 city in the nation where intelligence takes precedence over brawn… However, with that being said, Michael Tamburo is an intelligent quarterback, and will most definitely insert his intellectual superiority over South Georgia teams by massacring Lowndes with his huge man brain.

By NG DAD**

December 13, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

OK Lowndes Fan and VIKING DAD….. Fortunately we’v had a lot of creative, intelligent blog from Viking fans before hearing from you. 1. Prattville would kick your butts. 2. Newnan would kick your butts and what was the score in the Brookwood game? Quit calling names and talk football.

By NTH Trojans

December 13, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

My predictions for this weekend:

ECI 41 Wilcox Co 14. Sorry Wilcox, you just won’t be able to stop Ealey.

Buford 42 Lovett 7. They have already played once this year and Buford hammered them. Why should this game be any different?

Carver 36 Cairo 31. This was the hardest game for me to pick because it really is a tossup. The difference in this game will be Furr and Fortson.

Northside 35 Ware Co. 14. I just don’t think that Ware will have an answer for Ivory.

Last but not least:

Peachtree Ridge 24 Lowndes 14. The difference in this game WILL be offense, and I’m a defensive guy. yo, I hate to say it, but it doesn’t matter how good or fast your players are if the other team is just as fast and as good and sticks 9-10 men in the box. The best scenario for Lowndes is to have a 10-7 game. It’s their only chance to win.

Don’t worry if I miss my picks, then I’ll be back next week to eat some crow. I just hope that I don’t miss on Lowndes, because yo will be giving it to me by the shovelful. One more thing, it’s hard to say wether or not home field advantage will make a difference in the Lowndes game, but I know that it won’t be a factor in the Carver/Cairo game. Carver has just played too many road playoff games in the last 2 or 3 years to be affected by it.

I’d just like to congratulate North Hall on a tremendous season, and to tell them that they will be back there soon. I can’t wait til next fall.

By NTH Trojans

December 13, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

My bad on the Lowndes game, I had a brain cramp. Been reading to many whining blogs about the PR/Roswell game that I guess that I just brain farted on that one. However Lowndes will LOSE to North Gwinnett. yo and slalom, I expect to get quite a lot of crap from you two about that, especially yo. He will probably say something like “How can you predict a game if you can’t eve get the participants correct?” But I would expect him to ride me about it. Doesn’t matter, It won’t change the outcome, NG 24 Lowndes 14.

By yo

December 13, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

it doesn’t matter how good or fast your players are if the other team is just as fast and as good and sticks 9-10 men in the box. One can only hope if you are a Lowndes fan.

By yo

December 13, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

1. Prattville would kick your butts. maybe? but not like they did yours. Newnan? Only on a rainy nine turnover night by Lowndes.

By babyluv's trojans

December 13, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

I am so proud of the NTH Trojans of how far they made it. They are the best of all the rest. They may have lost the semi-finals but they are still the best! Gainesville stinks! BOO!!!!!!!

By babyluv's trojans

December 13, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

I am so proud of the NTH Trojans of how far they made it. They are the best of all the rest. They may have lost the semi-finals but they are still the best! Gainesville stinks! BOO!!!!!!!

By jerry

December 13, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

the ajc should be ashamed of the puny coverage given to ware county.

By GriffinMBABulldawg

December 13, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

I had the opportunity to watch almost all the 10 semi-final games last weekend on GPB. I was impressed by several teams and will be looking forward to the championships this weekend.

Todd provided his predictions. Here are mine:

A - ECI beats Wilcox County - Washaun Ealey will be too much for Wilcox County. I’m looking forward to seeing Washaun scoring TDs tween the Hedges for the Georgia Bulldogs.

AA - Buford beats Lovett - Buford looked like men on Saturday morning beating up on little boys from Dublin. Lovett played a smart game against Cook County. Buford has too many weapons for Lovett to overcome. Apparently South Georgia doesn’t dominate Class AA.

AAA - Cairo beats Carver-Columbus - Cairo demonstrated its explosiveness in the 3rd Quarter against North Hall. Carver had to rally to beat an inferior Chamblee team. The Carver coach has done a good job to instill discipline in a bunch of punks, thugs and hoodlums. With the game in Cairo, the Syrupmakers will win.

AAAA - Northside of Warner Robins beats Ware County - I’ll be pulling really hard for Ware County. I’m tired of the NWR hype. Thomas County Central should have beaten Ware County. A real sloppy game. I do not think Ware County has the firepower to compete against Northside. My wife asked who the fossil on the Northside sideline was - I told her that he was the head coach, Conrad Nix. She wondered if he would be returning to the nursing home after the game. He may be old, but he can coach. Maybe he will retire if Northside wins. It would be a great story if Ware County won given the forest fires that occurred down there earlier this year.

AAAAA - North Gwinnett beats Lowndes - First, why in the heck are they playing the game at that dump, Martin Stadium? I was very impressed by Lowndes ability to totally stymie the Camden County offense all night. I was equally impressed by North Gwinnett’s ability to move the ball at will against Walton. This week, NG will not have the luxury of playing against a soft defense comprised of East Cobb sissies. At Lowndes, they have tradition. They aren’t called ploughboys for nothing. That notwithstanding, Coach Sphire has experience in championship games. He will have his boys ready.

By Eagle Fan Forever

December 13, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Leon, WAKE UP! WAKE UP!
Your happy dream is over and your nightmare is about to begin at 7:30 on Friday.
I had always heard that swamp gas affects the brain and now we know its true. Maybe after the game the swamp will swallow up Waycross and you can move to Florida with the rest of the loser GATORS.
GO EAGLES

By cj

December 14, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

To griffinbulldawg are you some type of a**hole or what why would you call these kids hoodlums and thugs? I am from south georgia and thats not how I was raised. ARe they hoodlums because they are black or because they are from a bigger city. Get to know someone before you label them. Once again you are an idiot.

By cj

December 14, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

To griffinbulldawg to call some kids thugs, do you beat your wife and molest kids. Is your wife your sister?

By Enough

December 14, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this

After watching Buford a school of that size, no way can they have that many kids with the size and speed I saw Saturday morning. Hate to be negative, but all teams reaching the playoffs should be subject to random drug testing by the GHSA. It would stop a trend that is more than evident when watching that program and a few others. The announcers on PBS were at a lost for words to explain the obvious without wanting to incriminate without evidence. It was to a point where you knew the other teams kids where in danger facing that hyped up seemingly drugged up team. I hope I am wrong but that Buford team is scary and hard to explain how a team could be made up that way without some serious help. If they are legit, they should open gyms across the US and share their secret to building a team where every kid goes 225+ and runs a sub 4.7 40 from the WR to the OL.

By GriffinMBABulldawg

December 14, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

cj - It’s unfortunate that you are unable to handle the truth. Carver is a school characterized by disciplinary problems and academic failure. Griffin played Carver in the mid-80s and numerous times in the past 12 years. The school was full of thugs in the mid-80s and not much has changed. This is not a racial issue, so don’t make it one. Nor is it a bias against an urban area. It is an objective assessment.

Georgia had a Carver product on its team - Jasper Sanks. He proved the label to be true - although very talented, he was undisciplined and spent too much time imitating Cheech and Chong, if you know what I mean. He was definitely a punk. Regardless of what label I or anyone else puts on the current Carver team, the Cairo Syrupmakers are going to stomp a big ole mud hole in their rear end on Saturday afternoon.

By Good luck Champs of all 10 schools.

December 14, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

It’s not about where a school is located! It’s about who come to play with the most heart. When I was in 9th grade, I played at statesboro High School where we had the smallest team in AAAA and we still brought home a state championship. Let me just say that I am glad that the Northside team today isnt the one that we played. They are indeed the greatest team in Georgia this year. Washaun Ealey is the best running back in GA right now. ECI still have to watch out for the Dennard twins who are playing great football right now. Buford will win. they dont have just size, they have the heart that I was talking about. they will have to watch for Dublin in the near future. Dublin shared a championship ans lost 18 starters last year and landed in the dome this year with 17 new starters that are not seniors. Carver, I think will play a close game with Cairo who looks real good also. This game can go anyway. I state this as a discipline game. I dont think this will be a close game. I think it will be a blow out either way because these are both momentum teams. Carver may win 31-7 or Cairo might win 31-7. Just have to say two names: Furr and Fortson. This can go the way that momentum is going. The AAAAA game is going into overtime and whoever has the best game plan is going to win this.

By Hambone

December 14, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Columbus Fan The seating capacity should be of little concern for you at this point as of wednesday afternoon reports show that your team had sold less than 1000 tickets trust me there is sufficent seating on the visitors side to hold your fans.

By GA Buckeye

December 14, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

For those of us that were at both the Carver Columbus/Chamblee game and the NSWR/Tucker game, we truly witnessed 2 instant classics. As a Tucker fan, I actually punished myself and watched the NSWR/Tucker game again on Saturday on DVR. It was heartbreaking again, but a couple of observations…Ivory secured his spot as GA High School football legend with that 2nd half. Here are the numbers…38, 69, 82, 31. Those were the distance in yardage of NSWR’s 4 TD’s. I’ll give them their propos for making these big plays, but too imply NSWR dominated Tucker up and down the field in the 2nd half would be inaccurate. Tucker’s inability to score in the 2nd half was not because NSWR shut them down (Tucker still moved the ball), but big plays at the right time from NSWR’s defense, combined with costly penalties and a couple of busted plays kept Tucker off the scoreboard in the 2nd half. All in all, as a Tucker fan, I am still sick because we let one get one away, but 2 great teams created an instant classic that anyone at the game will remember for a long time. Thanks to both teams, the respective players, and coaches, and I hope to see players from both teams, at the next level.

By ET

December 14, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Tucker obviously had a very good football team, but their offense was way too one-dimensional (ground versus air) and their defense made inadequate adjustments for overloads of receivers on one side of the field. For a first-year head coach to get them that far was remarkable even with a ton of carryover talent. For a second-year coach to make the improvements noted above will be a sign of many good things to come, including that elusive state ring. I for one think they will get it done.

By FanMan

December 14, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Re the visitors locker room at Lowndes, when Harrison played there they had to use the little room under the stands at about the 50 yard line. Only the starters and key back-ups could fit in it and the room leaked like crazy. Some players came out in the rain just to get some fresh air. The rest of the team was under the bleachers with no benches or chairs.

One more thing, Harrison 9 - Lowndes 0 and before you bring up the rain rememebr Harrison had no turnovers on the same field.

By trademe

December 14, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

n-o-r-e-s-p-e-c-t……….sounds like you got a case of hateroids!!! If Bullfrogs had wings the would not bump their butts when they jump. Chamblee lost. I don’t care if it was by 1/10 of a point. Game over!!!

By yo

December 14, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

One more thing, Harrison 9 - Lowndes 0 and before you bring up the rain rememebr Harrison had no turnovers on the same field.

Too bad your senior laden team did not get any better during the rest of the season unlike Lowndes Sophomores and Juniors. See where it got ya?

By yo

December 14, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

One more thing, Harrison 9 - Lowndes 0 and before you bring up the rain rememebr Harrison had no turnovers on the same field.

Too bad your senior laden team did not get any better during the rest of the season unlike Lowndes Sophomores and Juniors. See where it got ya?

By NHS Forever

December 14, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS NORTHSIDE EAGLES—BACK TO BACK STATE CHAMPS!!!!

By Jaybo

December 14, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

To my friend NSHS fan, congrats on your victory. I watched the game on GPB and it was a very good game. Ware Co. proved to be a formidable opponent. 30-0, I have to give NS props, that is phenomal!! However, I do want to play devil’s advocate for a minute. Someone said this past week on the that Ivory was fat. I’ve seen him play quite a few times since he has been your starting quarterback, but tonight I got a chance to see him up close on TV-he is fat! Great leader, great poise, great pocket presence, great arm-has all the quarterback bells and whistles-can’t take that away from him!! But if he is going to play quarterback on the next level he has got to lose some weight. I know he had an ankle injury that immobilized him for some weeks, but kid is fat. I am a personal trainer and if his family needs someone to help get the pounds off the young man tell them about your boy Jaybo(LOL)! Seriously, Ivory has too bright of a future in football to let it slip through his hands by being overweight—he needs a diet plan that he will committ to inorder to lose weight, get leaner and gain more muscle mass. If not, he needs to prepare for a position change. Anyway, going undefeated as a starter is a heck of an accomplishment! Listen man, your defense is “lights out”, with studs everywhere. We need to check the birth certificates of your defensive lineman-they are huge!(LOL) For real, what are yawl feeding those big ole boys in Houston Co? Man!!! Finally, do you think Nix will retire or what? Seems like a great man and we all know he is a great coach. Its been great chatting with you on the blog this year. Again, congrats NS, enjoy your trophy, see you next season!

By LC_Northside

December 15, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

The great thing about our defense is that most of them will be back next year. We will however be losing 9 of 11 starters on offense. Only the TE and left tackle are JRs.

By NSHS FAN

December 15, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hey Jaybo, Sometimes I get in trouble over Ivory when I question his size. His first cousin Priest Holmes (KC Chief) is to help him over the year. You are right, He is very poised for a kid his age. He has great grades, his dad was an outstanding QB at NSWR in 1986-1988 period. It is in his blood. I once made a comment that if he has continued weigh issues he may have go to LB/OL in college. You should know I got beat up on that one. The Ware Cty-NSWR game had me on the edge of my seat. From the sidelines nearest me I could see Ivory was hurting, he was limping as he walked and ran on the field. A few of his throws came of the wrong foot because he was hurting. The warrior he is, he didn’t complain. I wished TCC and NSWR had played each other—what a game! I know you guys lose a lot of key personnel for next year but somehow great programs find a way to win. Take NSWR, except for two people, we return our entire defense. On the other hand, on offense it is just the opposite. An improved QB Scott, our Kicker, and one lineman. The point is, if we can hold a team to ten points or less maybe our offense could at least score a couple of touchdowns. It won’t be easy in 1AAAAA. Lowndes County will be the favorite off the bat because they lose only 4 off defense and 3 offense. That will be hard to get around. We shall see. Take care and see you next year on the blog.

By Reeze

December 15, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Jaybo………Ivory put on a little extra weight being imobile due to broken leg,not exactly fat……you’re a personal trainer and i have been around the weight room myself for 20 plus years and i have never seen a “FAT” boy bench around 400 as Ivory does….And most of that bulge you see on the T.V is his extra padded flak jacket and thick t-shirts………NSHS FAN…..Don’t concern yourself with NSWR 2008 squad,our defense will be solid as any previous defense we’ve seen here over the years,probably will the the best….Offensively we’ve got X Hawkins returning #25….He’s had the misfortune of playing behind T Green for two years,you know he could start for any other school……The rest of the younger guys are solid kids ,they’ll be fine,….If you remember ,the beginning of the 2006 season,who knew about T Green? or the beginning of this season,our defense was supposed to be the achilles heel of the team…..Even though our offense will mostly be 10th and 11th graders ,the coaching staff will prepare them, they’ll be ready,you know how it goes here,I think you do………Congrats to NSWR players ,coaches and staff on a great year………..Good luck to Lowndes and Cairo today,i’ll be pulling for both you guys………..til next year

By Jaybo

December 15, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Hey NSHS fan, your comments are so on point you make it hard not to respond my friend(LOL). I hope Priest Holmes will motivate Ivory because I would really like to see him play quarterback in college—you’re right, he is a warrior-saw him limping on tv. Boy, do I wish we could have played yawl too! But to be honest, I don’t know if we could have moved the ball on your defense. Had our chances to hit a couple of big plays against Ware Co., but overall, they held us in check. Hey, I think Ware Co is a good football team, especially defensively. But your NS defense——WOW!!! and they’re coming back next year—-scary!!! I know you lose your offense, and you’re moving to 1-5a, but teams wont be able to score on yawl. That’s the best High school defense I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen a lot. Yes, we(TCC) lose our two best players-Williams and Smiley. We have most of our offensive lineman coming back and a runningback(Bryant) returning. About 5 or 6 players who made significant contributions on defense return, but we wont be near as good next year. I look for us to make the playoffs, but thats about it. I am hoping that our head coach adds some versatility to the offense. Its hard to move the ball on a good defense that has 8 or 9 men in the box, unless you can pass consistently. Anyway, I’m rambling, take care.

By yo

December 15, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Valdosta State 25 - NW Missoure 20 One National Championship down and one State Championship to go.

By NSHS FAN

December 15, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Got it Jaybo—take care! I will be pulling for you next year.

By FanMan

December 15, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

RE: Too bad your senior laden team did not get any better during the rest of the season unlike Lowndes Sophomores and Juniors. See where it got ya?

Yo, you don’t quite have the right information. The top running back, the quarterback, all but one offensive lineman, half the defensive lineman and half the linebackers were juniors and as the season went on other juniors and sophomores got good playing time and thus valuable experience.

If you are going to take a position have the right information on which to base it.

By FanMan

December 15, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

RE: Too bad your senior laden team did not get any better during the rest of the season unlike Lowndes Sophomores and Juniors. See where it got ya?

Hey Yo, one more thing I forgot to mention. While turnovers no doubt contributed to your loss to Harrison the fact remains that after tonight the Hoyas might be the only blemish on your schedule. That cannot be changed so why don’t you accept it and let it go? S* happens, you know. If the Hoyas had held onto the ball against Walton (sound familiar) and had gotten to the title game tonight you might have clobbered them, we might have clobbered you or it might have been a very close game like last year and this year. I guess we will never know. All I know is Harrison wanted another shot at you guys to validate the first game of the season and I am sure you guys wanted another shot at Harrison to wipe out that same game. No matter how you cut it, that game is over, the Hoyas came down and waited out a two hour delay in a crummy locker room and won the game. The fact the unpredictable happens now and then is what is fun about sports.

Have a great night and good luck tonight.

By yo

December 16, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Yo, you don’t quite have the right information. The top running back, the quarterback, all but one offensive lineman, half the defensive lineman and half the linebackers were juniors and as the season went on other juniors and sophomores got good playing time and thus valuable experience My info came from your bloggers all year on these sites. Nothing we would like better than to see you guys next year. I don’t know our schedule but adding NSWR to the region gives us 1 less to play outside the region. Get ready for another state championship I am claiming right here right now. Lowndes again in 2008 for 4 out of the last 5 years. 3 sophomores and 1 junior returning from an offensive line that became quite good by year end the Mayflower Moving Co.. Both defensive ends returning (lose only one off of the D-line). Reid returning. Qback a sophomore returning. All but one in secondary returning. Kicker returning.

By AAAAA Talk

December 16, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

All the talk all season long about NSWR abilty to beat any team in class AAAAA is a laugh, watched their last two playoff games and I am not impressed. Reality anyone of the top eight to ten teams in class AAAAA would have had a field day with them this year. Good luck on your move up to AAAAA - you will need it.

By AAAAA Talk

December 16, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

All the talk all season long about NSWR abilty to beat any team in class AAAAA is a laugh, watched their last two playoff games and I am not impressed. Reality anyone of the top eight to ten teams in class AAAAA would have had a field day with them this year. Good luck on your move up to AAAAA - you will need it.

By devil lover

December 16, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Is it time to talk about basketball yet? Georgia has some outstanding teams this year with three or four ranked nationally.

By NSHS FAN

December 16, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Thanks Devil Lover, I left a blog on Maxie Blog pointing out that the season is over. For everyone to get over it! The season is finished. that Lowndes is not going to play NSWR this year, Carver against Buford or ECI anyone. Let bring this to a close. It was fun but hey, let play some basketball. I am out of here!

By devil lover

December 16, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Norcross is ranked 8th and Wheeler is ranked 20th nationally while Tucker is ranked 6th in the southeast. Obviously Columbia and Dunwoody will also be there.

Georgia has 10% of the top 150 basketball recruits this yr. No other state, not NY not CA not FL or TX has more top recruits this yr. In other words GA is becoming one of the real powerhouses in boys HS basketball nationally. Last yr besides a lost to the Ridge, Norcross only lost to the No 1 and no 2 teams in the country. If Norcross is able to win the state championship this yr for the third yr in a row, it will be the first time in 50 yrs at 5A.

By NHS Forever

December 17, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

All the talk all season long about NSWR abilty to beat any team in class AAAAA is a laugh, watched their last two playoff games and I am not impressed. AAAAA talk, You saw a team doing what it had to do on the road to win Back to Back State Championships against very good teams. I’m not going to play the “what if” game, but a healthy Ivory all year long (and in the Playoffs) would have made a big difference. Better than Lowndes and Buford? No one knows, and yes next year will be much tougher, but we’re looking forward to the challenge! Meanwhile 30-0 speaks volumes.