AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTake 10: Top games of ‘07 (so far)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s almost Finals weekend. Heroes will be made. State football titles will be decided. Legends will be cemented. World peace will be declared.
OK, so maybe we went a little overboard, but we’re an excitable bunch at Take Ten. We can’t wait to see the sure-fire classics on Friday and Saturday to find out which ones we’ll all be talking about decades from now when we can’t remember much else.
But before we dive head-first into the finals, we thought we’d take a look back at the games that got us here. These are the games that didn’t have a state title on the line but might as well have. These are the 10 most memorable games of 2007.
10. Mays 23, Marist 17 OT (Week 10)
The game was memorable enough for its finish: going into overtime after a frantic first quarter turned into a stalemate for much of the game. Finally the Raiders secured the school’s first win over Marist.
When the game ended, Mays’ midfield celebration turned into a near-fight. It was tense for a few moments but didn’t amount to too much. The game did, though, giving Mays the No. 2 seed and a home playoff game.
9. Walton 13, Roswell 10 (Week 4)
The jury was still out on Walton at this point, and Roswell was the reigning champ, top ranked in the state, undefeated and expected to make a run at another title. Adam Shreiner’s 58-yard field goal in the first half was spectacle enough before Walton’s defense shut down the potent Hornets for much of the game. This game also set off the string of upsets No. 1 teams suffered in a crazy season for the top teams.
8. Wilcox County 34, Lincoln County 24 (Class A quarterfinals)
It looked like it might be over for Wilcox early. The team that appeared capable of delivering the school its first state title was behind 21-0 at home to Lincoln County and legendary coach Larry Campbell. But the Patriots came roaring back, closing the deficit to two at the half and pulling in front in the second half to move into the semis.
7. Walton 20, M.L. King 19 (Class AAAAA quarterfinals)
Shreiner strikes again. This time, he had actually missed two field goals before he lined up for a last-second shot to send the Raiders to the Dome. If he can hit one from 58, that last 36-yarder was nothing. It was the first loss for MLK, the highest classification’s last undefeated team. And it kept Walton’s dream alive to finally break Cobb County’s state title drought.
6. Our Lady of Mercy 63, Mt. Pisgah 62 (Week 8)
For any game, that’s an amazing score. For one that ended in regulation, it’s mind-boggling. Neither of these teams made the playoffs, so all eyes definitely weren’t on this one. But those who were there witnessed a shootout the likes of which this state has rarely seen. The big star of the game was Mt. Pisgah’s Fedale Hall, who rushed for 357 yards and four touchdowns, tossing in a 98-yard kickoff return for good measure.
5. Lovett 20, Thomasville 16 (Class AA quarterfinals)
It was a pretty good game even before the stupefying ending. Lovett falls behind 13-0 on the road and comes back despite struggling on offense most of the night before Thomasville quarterback Kendrick Dixon leads his team on an impressive 75-yard drive that ends with a 33-yard field goal and a 16-14 lead with 23.7 seconds left. Game over. Right? Lovett’s Andre Hicks had other ideas, taking the ensuing kickoff back 71 yards for a touchdown to stun the Bulldogs on their home field.
4. Chamblee 58, Stephens County 57 OT (Class AAA second round)
Chamblee didn’t get much attention most of the season, despite losing just one game. So when the Bulldogs entered their second-round game at Stephens County, most people figured this was the end of the road. But this turned into a pinball game, as the offenses combined for more than 1,100 yards. Chamblee’s Warren Norman ran for 291 yards and four touchdowns, and Chamblee eventually made it all the way to the Dome. The Dogs ended up scoring 170 points in their four playoff games.
3. Northside-Warner Robins 31, Tucker 28 (Class AAAA semifinals)
The Tigers were ready to slay the Northside dragon, which was riding a 28-game winning streak and had a second consecutive state title in its sights. Tucker used a suffocating defense and efficient offense to jump out to a 28-7 halftime lead and were 24 minutes away from the school’s first state finals appearance since 1963. But into the game walked Northside quarterback Marques Ivory, and everything changed. The Eagles charged back in the second half, and a late field goal did Tucker in.
2. Carver-Columbus 26, Chamblee 24 (Class AAA semifinals)
This one was over. Chamblee was dominating the game, up 24-6 with six minutes left. But Carver and its quarterback-receiver duo of DeRon Furr and Jarmon Fortson weren’t nearly done, scoring 20 points in the final 5:52. Fortson ended up with 222 receiving yards and two touchdowns, keying what was arguably the most stunning comeback in Dome semifinal history.
1. Roswell 23, Peachtree Ridge 20 OT (Class AAAAA second round)
The rematch of last year’s tied state final lived up to the advance billing. Roswell fell behind early and came back to force overtime, but the play that had everyone buzzing was the final one of the game. That was when the CSS telecast appeared to many viewers to show Roswell running back Alex Daniel fumbling the ball before he broke the plane of the end zone. But officials ruled it a score, one that gave the Hornets the victory and ended Peachtree Ridge’s season.
Go on. Take Ten. Were you at any of these games? Were they as memorable as we’re making them out to be? What else would you put on this list? Tell us all about it.
Permalink | Comments (54) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By MAGJR
December 12, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
How can the Buford-Charlton game not be one of the biggest?
By Brad in KY
December 12, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
I was watching the Roswell game, and there’s no doubt it was a fumble. It wasn’t even close to being a score.
I read that the Roswell running back is going to Northwestern - I’d recommend that the coaches there give him a long talk about how to protect the football given the way he was putting the ball on the ground every other drive in that game.
By Mark
December 12, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
The Northside Warner Robins and Tucker game was like something from a movie. I think it should be number one.
By Dejkalbfan
December 12, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
i like chamblee vs stephenson county but u forgot dougless and stepehson game and tucker vs swd that was a big game what u think jeff
By Observer
December 12, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
I watched the Tucker/NWR game on TV last week and it was definitely an instant classic. I’m glad to see it made the list.
By GAFTBL
December 12, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
How about East Paulding vs Sequoyah. Ep trailed the chiefs with 40 secs left in the game at the Boneyard. The raiders were able to get good field position off the punt return. EP’s offense then drove down the field to about the Sequoyah 38 yard line, and with 14 seconds left Cole Paris throws a complete pass to Ed Cazenae to win the game and to give East Paulding their first ever Undefeated season in school history and their first region championship in school history.
By Metro Coach
December 12, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
I know y’all don’t think any football takes place between Lithonia and Warner Robins, but Carver-Atlanta played a pretty good game against White County in the first round at Grady Stadium. They won it with a fourth down TD pass 20-13 after trailing 13-0 at the half. Anyone remember the last time Carver won a playoff game? I thought so…
By Bobcat Mom
December 12, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
I am so glad to see Our Lady of Mercy on the list. My son plays football for the Bobcats. Finally the Bobcats are recognized for their efforts.
I was in the Dome for the Northside-Warner Robins vs. Tucker game. I must admit, it was the best high school football game I ever attended.
By Ol' Ball Coach
December 12, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Norcross v. North Gwinnett????? It isn’t necessarily how the game is played but what’s at stake. After this weekend each of the Championship games should be #1-5.
By jb
December 12, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Lord, why did you have to put my beloved Bulldogs on this list. All we wanted to do was make it to the dome since we never have. Plus considering our crosstown rival Thomas Co. Central (who seem to make it every year) and our close neighbors Lowndes and Cairo made it, truly makes that game against Lovett a heartbreaker. I talked to my mom last Friday and the Bulldog Nation is still reeling. But, we’ll get there one day.
Good Luck to the Syrupmakers! Sowega Pride! (Southwest GA)
By BullDawg Rick
December 12, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
I am a Buford fan…
But it’s hard to have ANY of their games this season, sans the Charleton game, a CLASSIC…
The Wolves are tearing thru the playoffs and DESTROYING all in their path…
I have to say they are the third best (if not the BEST) team in the state, regardless of classification.. Behind only NS Warner Robbins & Lowndes… AND Buford might surprise those two!!
By Dawgsig
December 12, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
North Gwinnett-38 Newnan-35 Quarterfinals one great game! GO COUGARS
By BC TIGER
December 12, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
JH,
I was at three of those games mentioned MLK/Walton, Tucker/Northside and Chamblee/Carver-Columbus. I had thought about checking myself into rehab, because I felt I was the black cat. I’m sure you know who I am now good buddy, but I aggree with all of games on the list because it had a major impact on each respective teams season, win or loss.
By ....
December 12, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
what about the stephenson redan game?? it came down to the last second of the game when redan ran out of time at the 6 yard line and the refs ran off the field?? that was a good game
By Jeff Haws
December 12, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Dejkalbfan-
Well, Stephenson-Douglass was certainly a close game. My impression from talking to a couple of people was that it wasn’t a particularly well-played game, though. I wasn’t there, so that could be incorrect. But I’ve been told that Stephenson didn’t play very well, and Douglass did a great job taking advantage of that.
As far as Tucker-SWD … not sure about that one. Tucker won 21-0. Sounds pretty pedestrian to me, but perhaps there’s something I’m forgetting. Did something memorable happen in that game that I’m not remembering? I could easily be having amnesia.
By Karl
December 12, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
I called the Northside Warner Robins/Tucker game for GASports.com and let me say that that was one of if not the most exciting games I have ever called as well as the biggest comeback I have ever seen. I was at the Dome most of the weekend and all the other contest were exciting as well. The Carver-Columbus and Chamblee game was one for the ages as well. I also was there for the Roswell/Peachtree ridge game and that one lived up to its billing and more. N. Gwinnett and Walton’s first game was a good one as well as N. Gwinnett was held to -1 yards in the second half by Walton and the game came down to an interception in the end zone to secure the victory for N. Gwinnett.
By mharp
December 12, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
The Roswell running back, Daniel, will always have problems with fumbles if he continues to only hold the ball in his right hand. You have to switch to your left when you are running left and use two hands in traffic. When he faces the stronger, faster college players, they will punch it out every chance they get.
By deanh
December 12, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Peachtree Ridge get screwed. Big time. Roswell knows it shouldn’t have won because on the blown call. I hope the officials can learn from there mistake. I wonder if the roswell coaches look at the film and call P’tree’s coaches and let them know that the ref’s made a mistake. Man up Roswell, PRidge won the game.
By Homet
December 12, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
To: GAFTBL
As your post goes you are correct…The East Paulding / Sequoyah game was exciting as any football game gets.
But forget the AJC giving any mention of the game as they sure never gave East Paulding ANY print during the season!
With East Paulding moving to AAAAA for the 2008 season let’s see what they say about that!
GO RAIDERS!!!
By Derrick Mahone
December 12, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Jeff & Dejkalbfan:
I covered both the SWD vs. Tucker and Douglass vs. Stephenson game. The SWD/Tucker was pretty pedestrian. SWD had no offense. The Douglass/Stephenson was sloppy, but had a good finish with the DB from Douglass intercepting a pass at the end. Two plays prior to that, he dropped an interception.
The Douglass vs. M.L. King game had a great second half with Richard Freeman kicking the game-winning field goal from about 38 yards with 1.8 seconds remaining. I guess the clock operator forgot to start the clock on the field goal attempt and 1.8 seconds showed on the clock. King and the officials were leaving the field as Douglass players and coaches were waiting for the ensuing kickoff. Finally the ref came out to midfield and held the ball up to signsl the end of the game.
By Hornet Nation
December 12, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
To: deanh
Get over it! We could talk about several calls in that game like the blown call on Dustin T’s scramble for a TD that was called back as a block in the back and on film it was clearly not. Or the fact that the Peachtree Ridge coach lost his mind in the final min. of that game.
It’s history - get a life!
By junkyarddawg81
December 12, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
1 game - you mean the one where RHS DID NOT score therefore DID NOT win. It is truely amazing the calls that the hornets get in that stadium!By GG
December 12, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Way to go Northside-Warner Robbins!!! Great game, I am proud of you guys….
By Wuz there
December 12, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Without a doubt, the Nside-Warner Robins/Tucker game is incomparable to any other. The Chamblee/Carver game was explosive, as well. However, one cannot take away the fashionable display of excellence in that epic comback!
By neesie
December 12, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
i agree with mark. the tucker warner robins game was amazing, we the underdogs almost beat them…hah, they almost lost to us. i say its number one. dont get ur hopes up eagles, u wont get states next year.
this was just the beginning
By MM
December 12, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Baldwin 29-Westside Macon 21 3 OT’s
Words dont do it justice, so I’ll just put up the link. text to be linked
Best game I’ve ever seen in person.
By Brave Fan
December 12, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Walton-MLK by far was the most exciting game I’ve ever seen in football, right there with the 1998 NFC Championship Game when Morten Andersen slayed the Vikings.
By roswelldidntwindummies
December 12, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
The #1 game is a game featuring a disputed TD to win it?? LAME!!
By Hambone
December 12, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
Todd I know that all the good ones cant be listed but Cairo -vs- Thomasville and the Cairo -vs- Bainbridge games this year were decided in the final minute. Both were amazing games. I would stack them up with any mentioned above. But as noted before I realize they all cant make the list.
By 96Maker
December 12, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
How is 62-63 a good game? That is just bad defense. Those two DC should be fired.
By adam
December 12, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
what about the Kennesaw Mountain- Mceachern game
By FAN
December 12, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
MLK VS. Douglass was HUGE for those in attendance…
YOU KNOW WHAT? THIS ENTIRE SEASON WAS EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!! FOR ALL OF GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL!!!! HOW MANY NUMBER ONE TEAMS DID WE HAVE IN AAAAA? THE THRILLERS AT THE DOME ON FRIDAY NIGHT!!!! THE BABY ( AAAA) SEC. THE INTENSE RIVALRIES.
THIS YEAR WAS A GREAT YEAR TO BE A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FAN IN GEORGIA. FOR THOSE WHO SUPPORTED LOSING TEAMS KEEP THE FAITH…
By prhs is the best
December 12, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
yea prhs # 1 on the list
By go prhs
December 12, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
the peachtree ridge roswell game is # 1 that game was so intense
By jai'vhionn denson
December 12, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Alex daniels did get score on that last play of the game.if u watched the game on tv u couldn’t tell if the ball cross the plane or not because the refs body was in the way. but the ball crossed the plane, thats why the ref called it a touchdown. he fumbled after he scored
By roswell dad
December 12, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
We have to admit it, the refs gave us that one vs. Peachtree Ridge. It was a great game still, although we did’t really win, but, on second thought, I guess we did because we went to Valdosta the next Friday night. The ball was clearly out before he went across the goal line. I was surprised to see that officials association calling a big AAAAA game like Roswell and Peachtree Ridge after someone remarked that this entire official’s association did not get a playoff game last year (2006), and to be put in a pressure cooker like that probably wasn’t fair to this officiating crew. They were assigned by GHSA. To make the mistake was bad enough, but to not correct it was just terrible. bring on replay…just kidding
By HoochDad
December 12, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
No mention of Chattahoochee beating Camden County in Week 2? Hooch ended Camden’s 66 game winning streak at home and pulled off the biggest early season upset in the state.
Maybe since Roswell is now the former state co-champion the AJC won’t be falling over themselves next year to cover them at every turn. Two of the top 10 games are from Roswell? C’mon Jeff, gimme a break. They lost one of those games outright, and won one of them only due to an egregious officiating error. At least you’re giving some props to Walton which they well deserve.
And only three of your top ten were games played prior to the playoffs, and only one of ten in the first half of the season. There were hundreds of great games around the state on the way to the playoffs, not just three.
By jimmy
December 12, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
The Dalton vs Cherokee the warriors drove 85 yards in 48 sec to win the game or the next week that was double ot game with Hab central Go Warriors
By NSWR Truck Dad
December 12, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Roswell’s priciple, teachers and parents somehow always referee their games. There needs to be an investigation by GHSA on who influences the refs from Roswell now. Dirty refereeing is even worse at their stadium. How do I know? I graduated from Cherokee. I saw it first hand and now see it every year.
NS/WR vs Tucker is the game for the ages. The Eagles now need to cement that by going to Waycross and winning AAAA!
NORTHSIDE PRIDE!!!
By Alan Darley
December 12, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
We were at the Lincoln vs Wilcox game. This was a tale of two games and was very exciting. It is amazing and a tribute to coach Larry Campbell that his young team made it to the quarterfinals. The Lincoln tradition and fan support is just incredible.
By GRAYSONFAN
December 13, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this
yes, close games are good, but i like upsets!
By Dostahawk
December 13, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this
Valdosta-Lowndes. Once again.
By george
December 13, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
GO YOU NORTH GWINNETT BULLDOGS!!
By thomas
December 13, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
fu brad hes the man
By Jeff Haws
December 13, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
HoochDad-
The headline on this list is slightly misleading, actually. Naming the “best” games of the year is really difficult and would be almost impossible to nail down to 10 when I’ve only seen one game a week all year (most of which wouldn’t exactly be deemed “classics”). That’s why I was going with the 10 “most memorable” games, as my little intro talks about.
It’s a slightly different standard. Playoff games are going to have a longer shelf life than some game between mediocre teams in Week 3 because of the stakes involved. Games with some consequences for the loser tend to be more memorable than games that don’t matter in the grand scheme.
I’m sure there were hundreds of great games this year, but these are the 10 most memorable games, not necessarily the 10 “best,” per se.
By Todd Holcomb
December 13, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
First of all, great list, Jeff.
I just wanted to add to the Roswell-Peachtree Ridge debate that Roswell coaches say they have an end-zone camera view that confirms that Alex Daniel scored on the play. I can assume they have watched it over and over and from more angles than anyone else.
CSS play-by-play man Matt Stewart told me that, while he believed the call was incorrect on the field, he didn’t believe that CSS replays were conclusive enough to overturn the call.
I’m not taking sides, but in my mind, the best description of the final play would be to call it highly controversial, not an obvious blown call, nor an obvious touchdown.
And perhaps that’s what made this game such a classic.
I also feel lucky that I saw the top three and four of the Top 10.
By GA Buckeye
December 13, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Jeff, great article and discussion. As a fan having watched players from Chamblee and Tucker play youth football in Tucker, that Friday night in the State semi’s was not a good night for me. Having had those teams from Columbus Carver and Northside Warner Robins down and have them come back like they did was truly ‘heartbreaking’. These 2 games were truly Classics and I am disappointed for the players, coaches, and fans from Tucker and Chamblee that came up on the short end. NSWR and Columbus Carver played well enough to win when it counted.
By fredntucker
December 13, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Every official on the field is over 50 yrs old with 15+ years experience and no connection to either high schools playing. The Association has had playoff games every year and attend the GHSA officials camps. There is no bean bag thrown to indicate there is a fumble. Both side line officials signed for a TD. After that the head coach from PRHS ran across the field to address the LJ. Then it was the teams and fans on the field therefore no conference was available. From sideline to harsh mark is 17.33 yards and the play was run to the short side of field towards the LJ. The covering LJ ran in from the sideline to make the call. They do not have the opportunity to see replay and this is a split second JUDGEMENT call that the football broke the plane of the goal line. So Roswell fumbled a dead ball. A GREAT GAME.
Call what you see …. See what you call.
By ColdHardTruth
December 13, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
Poor Hooch Dad!!!…you need some serious therapy to get over your Roswell Phobia….props to the Hooch for beating Camden in Week # 2, maybe you should have saved that win for Centennial in Week # 9 or Grayson in Week # 11…astute observation about Roswell as “former co-champions” you sure can’t use that descriptive term in referring to the Hooch program…using your criteria of “Top Ten games played in the 1st half of the season” my favorites are Wheeler 21 Hooch 17 in Week # 3 and then Roswell 31 Wheeler 0 in Week # 5…oh yes, and props to Walton too…their Head Coach and Principal voted against your HC and Principal’s creative opinion on the use of the Point Differential as a Region tiebreaker…here’s what I’d do if I were you…thank Santa for sending Hooch to Gwinnett County next season…I hear they haven’t moved thier Goalposts either…
By d21
December 13, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
hey COLH HARD TRUTH. hey you speek the truth. the game between grayson and hooch was a great one. i mean we couldnt pull the win in week three of the playoffs against camden like hooch did. Hey on the subject of camden and grayson, i believe grayson can beat camden. there is no excuse really as to why we lost but hey we all just have those nights. we started the playoffs with a big hit, u can admit, i mean people do kinda get tired after beating the snot out of a team who gets ranked in the nation and so called have the best receivers in their state. but hey all i can say is you * WILL * see grayson in the dome next year. sorry if i took yall off track but i had to get that out. congrats to all the teams playing for THE title… CONGRAATS, GOOD LUCK AND MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN… DONT PULL A ROSWELL AND P.TREE RIDGE GAME…
By CCHS1996
December 13, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
The title of this article should have been “The top 10 games in Metro Atlanta” One team from south Georgia (Thomasville) was named in the list. The AJC continues to ignore teams from south Georgia for no good reason. I’m really supprised the Buford-Charlton game wasn’t listed. That was one of the best games I saw this year, even though my team came up on the short end of the scoreboard.
By shawn t
December 13, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
i think the cook high hornets played an good one. even though they called an touchdown back.lovett just got lucky.
By Jeff Haws
December 13, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
CCHS1996 wrote: “The title of this article should have been “The top 10 games in Metro Atlanta””
Um, when was the term “Metro Atlanta” expanded to include Wilcox County, Lincoln County, Stephens County, Northside and Carver-Columbus?
By Camdenfan
December 13, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
d21, Grayson can not beat Camden. You guys sucked. In no point at that game was I never nervous about you guys. You couldnt do anything on offense until you got a lucky call when a pass was thrown in the ground and bounced up into your players hands.We came out phyically stronger than you. Your QB sucked he could not throw a accurate pass to save his life. FACE IT WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS YOUR DREAM SEASON ENDED BECAUSE AS SUPPERIOR MORE EXPERINCE TEAM BEAT YOU. IF WE MEET AGAIN NEXT YEAR YOU WILL LOSE AGAIN. SO STOP TALKING SHT WHEN YOU LOST.