Prep Zone

By EastRaiders07

December 17, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

From this East Paulding Raider fan, Class AAAA looks just fine to me. The only change, and this is a maybe, is Tucker over Ware. 6 in one, half dozen in another. Thanks for slotting the Raiders in at 5. I definitely thought they should end ahead of Habersham Central, but worried they might not be. They’ve earned it. Thanks for the work during the season.

By Jeff

December 17, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

I agree with the rankings. Brookwood is appropriately ranked because it was either them or North going to Lowndes. How can you deny Kenny Miles as player of the year for 5-A? Also, I think Buford is the best team in the state. I think they would handle both Lowndes and Northside in tight games.

By Tim

December 17, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

I agree with the ramkings. How about Reuben Haynes for an award in A? He had over 1,000 rushing and 1,000 passing yards this season. What a player!

By Billy C

December 17, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

I hope this serves as a reminder that South Georgia (while not having as many AJC subscribers or inhabitants) still has the best athletes in the State.

By Leon

December 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

After making it to the Final Chapionship Title and playing like a true Champion they do deserve to be rank in second place. Some people want agree with that and that is ok. If it had not been for that great play calling by Northside coach with 6 minute left in the game after they intercepted Ware Co. pass with Ware Co up 14 to 13 and driving down field who knows Ware Co. may have won the game. With NS up 20 to 14 and Ware driving down field on first downs that second interception gave NS the ball and they were able to run out the clock. It was a great game and I am still proud of my “Gators” because they were the underdogs going into the game and no one gave them a chance to win and for almost four quarter they gave Ivory and his team a run for the Title and almost pulled off the upset of the year. Ware Co. showed great Championship Quality and will be a force to deal with next year what with almost the whole team returnig. I have to give credit where credit goes and I send a big “CONGRATULATION” to Northside on the victory.

By Lowndes Viking Fan

December 17, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

After watching all the teams Lowndes played, I would have to put Roswell in the number two or number three spot. A game between them and Camden would be a real shootout. Anyone that watched Greg Reid’s play in the entire playoff series would have to vote him as the AAAAA player of the year. What a great performance in the championship game.

Congratulations to Lowndes and all the other teams that make the championship games.

By yo

December 17, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Based solely on their games against Lowndes and what I saw of them, I would put Camden/Roswell tied for #2 and N. Gwinnett #4. Roswell definitely looked like the better team than NG. Much better offensively in my mind and defense about a toss up.

By RK

December 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

AAAAA - Camden should be ranked ahead of North Gwinnett. Played Lowndes much tougher than the Bulldogs.

AAAA - Tucker should be ranked #2 because they had Northside on the ropes on a ‘neutral’ field and should’ve won. Ware County got the Eagles at home and couldn’t win. I say the Tigers go in at #2.

AAA - A strong case can be made for Chamblee to finish #2. They pushed Carver in the Dome and should’ve won (Carver converted a number of 4th downs and an onsides kick). Cairo had them at home and couldn’t finish the deal. Certainly I don’t see how North Hall is ranked ahead of Chamblee given the score of the North Hall / Cairo game.

AA - Great call on Charlton, the only team that went toe-to-toe with Buford.

A - ECI was very good, but the best ever at A? I recall some recent Charlton County, Lincoln County, and Hawkinsville teams that would’ve given ECI all they wanted in Class A.

Would’ve been interesting to see Buford take on the big boys at AAAA and AAAAA. I think they could’ve beaten any of those teams.

By RidgeDaddy

December 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

No major complaints about your rankings, Todd. I’m a Peachtree Ridge fan, but this year’s team wasn’t as strong as last year’s, and was too inconsistent. I might move MLK up a couple of notches from #5, but they’re really hurt by the poor overall quality of their region. And I might have Tucker #2 in AAAA, but Ware impressed me w/ their showing on Friday. Regardless of the other rankings, I have to agree that Buford may be the best team in the state. They’re proably the best team in the history of Georgia AA football, and would have a shot at beating any team in the state. I think only Lowndes, Northside-WR, and maybe Tucker would be favored over them. Can you imagine Buford vs. Northside-WR???

By jawjadude

December 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

how in the world can you put North Gwinnett at No. 2???????? there is no logical explanation for it. Camden played Lowndes tougher and harder. heck North Gwinnett has proven they could not even make the playoffs out of Region 1-AAAAA. Tift County whipped em last year and Lowndes did this year. heck this year Warner Robins did not even make the playoffs but gave Lowndes a better game than Mikey did. and as far Mikey being state player of the year…I really appreciated the good laugh this morning. admit it you are biased, b/c North is an Atlanta school

By Panther Fan

December 17, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

You have got to be kidding!!! The New Schools at Carver are not in the final rankings when we finished the season 9-0, ranked #7, and went to the third round. So 11-1 is not good enough to be ranked. Really? It’s because of opinions like yours that the AJC will continue to have poor suscriptions. That is simply ridiculous when every other state poll has us ranked, and you don’t. We are the pride of APS. We’re the best coached and most talented of ALL APS schools! Don’t believe us, then play us. From my understanding, we’ve put out a challenge to everyone next year. I would love for someone to say that we are not on their level. But that’s a different issue. But for you Mr. Holcomb, this article has now become lining for the bottom of my bird cage, where it will collect as much poo as there is in your articles.

Good day!

By Tracey

December 17, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Ladies can make their arguement too, right? Some of us do know a thing or two about football.

Having watched both teams play Northside, I would have to rank Tucker above Ware. Both are good teams, but Northside had 4 turnovers Friday night against Ware. Without those, I don’t know if Ware would have scored. Just take a look at the overall stats for the game. Tucker, on the other hand, played a great game. They just hadn’t prepared for Ivory to come in the game in the second half and couldn’t adjust.

As for POY, call me biased, but Tijuan Green is one of the best I’ve ever seen. He deserves the nod.

By yo

December 17, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Obviously I am a Reid fan….but it would be hard to argue with Ealey.
For that matter, any of these guys who took their teams to the top.

By Brave Fan

December 17, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Walton, 4th, right spot for us. We had a one-of-a-kind season. We beat everybody except North Gwinnett.

By Johnny

December 17, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

How can you not include the Newnan Cougars in the Top 10? Although they didn’t defeat a ranked team all year, they outscored their opponents on average 35-9 and made the elite 8. Not to mention our only losses were to Carrollton, one of the top teams in AAA and North Gwinnett, who made it to the AAAAA title game. Coug fans shouldn’t be too concerned, however, because the high octane Cougs return 19 of 22 starters next year. Look out for Robert Herring’s boys next year. Go Cougs, Go Cougs.

By Cobb Fan

December 17, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

North Cobb has been left out of the rankings and it is not right. North Cobb went undefeated through the regular season in the toughest region and dominated every team they faced. To not be ranked after accomplishing that is unfair. Yes, they lost to the defending state champs in the first round, but they were two yards away from coming away with the win. This North Cobb team deserves more recognition. Line em up again and they run the table.

By NG faithful.

December 17, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Jawjadude,

NG has seen it sprinkle twice in 6 months. How can any team prepare for the monsoon, You coach a pass oriented team that throws the ball 35-45 times a game, and go play in game that saw 2 inches of rain in one hour and tell us how good you would look. Lowndes running attack is awesome without the rain. They are better than North on a rain soaked field, but in the dome, it would have been way different. On a dry field without the weather it would have been different. But lowndes would be tough on dry land too, no doubt. But Warner Robins looked like a deer in headlights at the dome and no one was impressed with that game. We know we looked bad at times, but no one would have good odds to win that game at all at Lowndes against them on a dry field, much less, a horrible field that did not hold up at all. Hats off to the better team this past Saturday. Lowndes earned it and deserves it, But Jawga, WB maybe won’t beat Lowndes for ten more years. Till the great flood anyway…..

By UGA 04

December 17, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

NSHS is #1 by a long shot in my opinion. Ware only gained 90 yards on NSHS after 4 turnovers. They shutout 3 playoff teams and won all of those games with a backup QB. Defense wins championships. The only team close is Lowndes and I could see how some people would put them ahead. If NSHS is not in you top two, you need to consider getting football for dummies. Oh yah their also ranked in the top 10 in the nation by SI.

By yo

December 17, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

To all of you Buford fanatics “congratulations on a great year and a AA state championship”.

But you might want to quit wading out any deeper than that as you might find your selves Knee Deep in Doo Doo.

You finally were good enough to go down and beat a one legged Charlton Co. (by 7 pts. no less) something Clinch county (a 1A school) almost pulled off when Charlton still had 2 legs. Based on that it appears to me you couldn’t stay on the field with ECI, much less the big boys. Congratulations on getting that monkey off your back but Please!!!!!! Give me a break!!!!!!! Going undefeated in AA, beating a sorry Ohio team, and “finally” barely beating your personal demon does not qualify you as the best team in Georgia any time, any year. Against NSWR or Lowndes you would be absolutely slaughtered. Please see previous results of other Gwinnett teams. In fact Roswell would also hand you your lunch, already eaten.

All that junk about some one commenting about you playing 9th graders in some games. Again, give me a break!!!!! So what!!!!! Nothing Lowndes hasn’t done in 2004 and 2005 against tougher and bigger schools!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay in AA where you belong.

By Bohgey

December 17, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

I guess North Gwinnett got one step further than any other AAAAA team but Lowndes. It makes common sense to rank them like that, regardless of how they showed up Saturday night.

I wish either GPB or another independent cable company would broadcast games of the week in a variety of classifications during the football year. This would give exposure to people like Tijuan Green, Washaun Ealy, Matt Roark, Kenny Miles (I think he plays for North Gwinnett, I didn’t hear his name on Saturday at the game.) Arguments for their performances would be so much easier for these kids if they were broadcast across the state. You can’t tell me it wouldn’t get ratings. Larger markets like metro-Atlanta already have it.

It would be blasphemous for me not to call Greg Reid Player of the Year, but that would be closed-minded and biased. I think that he was overshowed a little at the beginning of the year by sharing time with another great in Darriet Perry. His mention in contention should be enough for him, he seems to be a humble kid.

I think Tijuan Green or Washaun Ealy if I had to vote other than Reid. They made tons of impact throughout the year for their respective teams.

By powbeech

December 17, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with my fellow Viking fans, Camden #2. Ealey easily is the player of the year.

By GriffinMBABulldawg

December 17, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

In AAAAA, it’s unfortunate the game was played in a monsoon. That really affected North Gwinnett’s passing attack. If that game had been in the Georgia Dome, it would have been much closer and a more entertaining game to watch. NG may have been able to squeak it out, although Lowndes is a superior TEAM. Saturday night’s weather conditions validate the conservative run-oriented offenses that still pervade Georgia high school.

North Gwinnett deserves #2 over Camden County. Camden County could not even muster any offense in perfect Dome environment against Lowndes.

Ware County boasts a stout defense, but a meak offense. Three of the NWR turnovers were attributable to Ware County making great plays. Maybe we should let Tucker and Ware County square off in Warner Robins to see who gets the final #2 ranking. Tucker had the NWR game in the bag and let it slip away. It’s definitely subjective.

North Hall is a good football team, but lacks certain intangibles. It does not help that they play in a weak region. No wonder they were able to amass so many points and yards. They did not look like a #3 ranked team in the Dome against Cairo. To build that program, they need to play some tough AAA, AAAA or even AAAAA non-region opponents to truly assess how good they are. Good luck to the North Hall Trojans in the coming years. Not sure Chamblee or Shaw are better than North Hall, so let North Hall keep #3.

A and AA are not really controversial to me.

I would like to see an all-Class ranking of the top 15 to 20 teams. I really believe Buford could step up and beat most of the AAA, AAAA and AAAAA teams in the final rankings. They are big, strong and fast. They obviously lack depth by virtue of the school size.

By kreedham

December 17, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

I think Tucker should be ahead of Ware…but wish we could go another week.

Buford vs Northside would be fun.

By Bohgey

December 17, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry overshowed should have been overSHADOWED. I do not want to sound uneducated.

jawjadude Even if we would have had the turf field, nothing could have dried the field in that weather. If ever a religion were present in sports, it would have been a fine time for Moses to show up wouldn’t it. I really wish it could have been dry to give an even playing field. I don’t think that it is an excuse, but it didn’t help. Our one pass play didn’t work, go figure. Plus, it gives undue justification to playing the finals in the dome. The dome is great, and would have been dry, but winning at home makes it for a school. If it were at your home stadium, or anyone elses for that matter, it seems to mean more for the home crowd to watch you win. The dome, I don’t care which Atlanta team is playing in it, is not home to anyone.

Maybe we can meet again soon, I’d like to settle it sans hurricane.

By STIMEY04

December 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

LOWNDES IS NO DOUBT THE NUMBER ONE TEAM IN THE STATE. DARRIET PERRY SHOULD MAKE ALL STATE RB(4 YEAR STARTER, 3 STATE TITLES IN 4 YEARS, ALL TIME LEADING RUSHER AND TD LEADER IN LHS HISTORY),TAVARIS WILLIAMS SHOULD MAKE ALL STATE LB, AND HOW CAN YOU NOT VOTE FOR GREG REID FOR ALL STATE PLAYER OF THE YEAR. YOU SAW FOR TWO STRAIGHT GAMES ON GPTV HE NEVER COMES OFF THE FIELD. HE MAKES PLAYS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL. PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST ELUSIVE PLAYERS IN THE STATE. NOT TO LEAVE OUT THAT HE WAS THE ONLY SOPHOMORE LAST YEAR TO MAKE FIRST TEAM ALL STATE IN CLASS 5A. LAST BUT NOT LEAST HE ALREADY OWN THE SCHOOL RECORD OF INT’S AS A JUNIOR.

By Matt

December 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Buford is the best team in the state regardless of classification. They could challenge anyone in the country too. Regardless of classification, here is the top 10 1. Buford 2. Northside WR 3. Lowndes 4. Tucker 5. Carver-Columbus 6. North Gwinnett 7. Charlton Co. 8. ECI 9. Harrison 10. North Hall

By Buzz in Roswell

December 17, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Newnan should be ranked. Todd I’m sorry to say the rankings could be better. You said that the teams in the Dome would not automatically get into the top four. On that principle then Camden should be #2. They had a much better game against Lowndes than NG.

By SGT CHRIS

December 17, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah line up those Atlanta schools behind 4 out of 5 teams from south georgia (no, columbus does not qualify as a suburb of atlanta). If it weren’t for AA, South GA would have swept all 5 classes. Imagine that!!

By UGA 04

December 17, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

GriffinMBABulldawg

Maybe we should let Tucker and Ware County square off in Warner Robins to see who gets the final #2 ranking.

What? NSHS beat Tucker. How can they be ahead? Did you notice there was a playoff, and NSHS won? That’s what I mean about football for dummies. Head to head is the only way to measure teams.

Did anyone see who won the NSHS and Tucker game?

Tucker had the NWR game in the bag and let it slip away. It’s definitely subjective.

You’re right, football is subjective until they play. I think Tucker was lucky NSHS’ Defense and Ivory was not playing in the first half. It would have been embarrassing.

By Mike

December 17, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

What’s with the slight of Carver-Columbus? You listed them as C.Columbus and you left out Carver-Atlanta in your rankings. Do you have an issue with the word “CARVER” or where it is derived from? Both schools had great teams and great seasons. Get out of the stone ages, t. holcomb.

By DLA

December 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Buford Wolves ahhhhhooooooooo Semis & State Champ score 98-0, thats something to wooooof about.

By jawjadude

December 17, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

whaaaa, whaaaa quit your crying!! so it rained, so what????? you got ur butt whooped, admit it.

NG does not deserve to be No. 2. they don’t even deserve a top 5. they can’t play in the big leagues. they have proven that.

By Cobb Realist

December 17, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Cobb Fan - How in the world do you (and Todd for that matter, who earlier said the same thing - that region 5-AAAAA was the toughest) entertain the fantasy that the Cobb region is the toughest? Let’s review the playoff results of the “toughest region.” North Cobb - lost in the first round at home. Harrison - lost in the second round. Marietta lost in the first round 44-0. Etowah - lost in the first round. By what measure are we saying that this is the toughest region?????? Here are simple facts that make that claim absolutely outrageous. ONE Cobb County team has won a state championship since 1967 - that’s Marietta in 1967. For all you math majors, that was 40 years ago. One Cobb County team has played in a state final in those 40 years - that’s McEachern in 1998 (where they lost to Valdosta). I don’t know what can be more telling - a team from Cobb that went 10-0, only to lose at home in the first round to a number 4 seed, or the history that I just provided. Cobb County football is getting better, but Cobb County football should not even be a part of the discussion of state rankings until they can consistently get out of the first and second rounds of the play-offs. Congratulations to Walton for making it to the semis this year. But, they weren’t from North Cobb’s region.

By highschoolfan

December 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

YO, Give it up. Buford has won, and is the best in AA. Also by the things look they could play anyone in the state and hold there on with them. So you can quite making excuses for that team in the south now. And tell them to quit crying. We are tried of hearing what you think at this time. Buford has done all they need to do on the field. And all you have done is a big bunch of nothing TALK. GREAT work Hats off the The BUFORD WOLVES. Great Tradition in Gloryland.

By GriffinMBABulldawg

December 17, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

UGA 04 - to use your quote “Head to Head is the only way to measure teams”, that’s why I made the tongue-in-cheek suggestion to let Tucker and Ware County play for #2. Tucker and Ware County did not play so any ranking one over the other is subjective.

I picked Warner Robins as the location since it’s a neutral field and in the middle part of the state.

Maybe you should re-read what I wrote. I was not suggesting either team should be #1. NWR is clearly #1.

By John

December 17, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

I think Tucker belongs at #2 in AAAA because I think they were a better team than Ware County. Ware and TCC are #3 and #4. The only real issue I have is the low ranking you gave Rome. All four losing quarterfinalists were blown out in that round but Rome at least lost (again) to the state champion. That definitely puts them in the Top 8 and probably 5th or 6th.

By Bohgey

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

The post I sent earlier should have been attention to NG Faithful not jawjadude.

By Geo

December 17, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Yo,

You might want to go see a doctor about this anti-Buford mentality you have. There is help out there for you. Good luck.

By Todd Holcomb

December 17, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

From this East Paulding Raider fan, Class AAAA looks just fine to me. … I definitely thought they should end ahead of Habersham Central, but worried they might not be.

The comparative score w/ Cherokee is what put EP ahead of Habersham. Plus, EP got a quality win in beating Mays 21-3, even if Mays wound up unranked.

I think Buford is the best team in the state. I think they would handle both Lowndes and Northside.

Nobody in AA forced Buford to pass. Tucker looked unbeatable until facing Northside. Also, Buford has five players who start on offense & defense. Northside & Lowndes are basically two platoon. Buford can play with anybody, but I wouldn’t pick Buford over Northside or Lowndes.

I would have to put Roswell in the number two or number three spot.

Roswell is probably a better team that its final ranking, but I try to stay away from subjective judgments like that. Bottom line is that Roswell lost to Walton, and Walton lost only to North Gwinnett.

So based on results, is there any objective basis to put Roswell higher than Walton? Or higher than No. 6? I don’t think so.

Based solely on their games against Lowndes and what I saw of them, I would put Camden/Roswell tied for #2 and N. Gwinnett #4.

and

*AAAAA - Camden should be ranked ahead of North Gwinnett. Played Lowndes much tougher than the Bulldogs. *

and furthermore,

how in the world can you put North Gwinnett at No. 2???????? And on top of that, You said that the teams in the Dome would not automatically get into the top four. On that principle then Camden should be #2. They had a much better game against Lowndes than NG.

I can understand those sentiments, but it’s deceiving and unfair to judge a team mainly on its performance against the state champion or in the state final. That’s just one game.

Last year, for example, Hart County played Peach County tougher than any team in the playoffs by far, and I used that line of thinking to justify putting Hart at No. 1 in preseason this year given all the starters that returned. I learned my lesson.

North Gwinnett is better than what you saw last weekend. Not better than Lowndes, but better than the North Gwinnett that showed up. Otherwise, NG doesn’t twice beat Brookwood (which crushed Valdosta) or twice beat Walton (which beat Roswell).

NG played one of the toughest schedules in the state and never slipped up and lost to a so-so team, as Camden did vs. Chattahoochee. NG proved itself far more times than Camden did this season. I’m still not sure how good Camden is, frankly. Camden could’ve easily lost to Lowndes 24-0. The game wasn’t that close.

And in closing, North Gwinnett had SIX wins against teams that I would rank in the final top 15 – Brookwood, Walton, Peachtree Ridge, Grayson, Brookwood, Newnan, Walton.

Camden had ONE – Grayson.

So the only reason to put Camden No. 1 would be that Camden played Lowndes kind of close. That wasn’t enough to convince me.

Tucker should be ranked #2 because they had Northside on the ropes on a ‘neutral’ field and should’ve won. Ware County got the Eagles at home and couldn’t win. I say the Tigers go in at #2.

I had Tucker No. 2 on the final rankings that I submitted, then called a last-minute audible. That could go either way, but I picked Ware because Ware had some very impressive playoff wins, and the loss was valiant. Tucker’s loss was a meldown, although still nearly a victory. Plus, Tucker’s region schedule, while still tough, didn’t look so great after Mays and Marist were soundly defeated by teams that were soundly defeated soon after.

ECI was very good, but the best ever at A?

I just said ONE of the best, not THE best. The best Class A team ever might’ve been the Buford team before it moved up to AA, or 1989 Lincoln County, or even 1999 Charlton County, off the top of my head. I’d love to hear more if anybody has any ideas.

But ECI was never challenged except in the overtime game to Toombs, so you’d definitely have to include ECI in those kinds of arguments.

I have to agree that Buford may be the best team in the state. They’re proably the best team in the history of Georgia AA football.

My proudest Poll Talk moment of the season might’ve been predicting after Game 2 that no AA team except Charlton could stay within 15 of Buford. Maybe I should’ve said 20. Best AA teams ever – 07 Buford, 03 Buford, 94 WaCo, 82 or 85 West Rome, 77 East Rome. Any others?

You have got to be kidding!!! The New Schools at Carver are not in the final rankings when we finished the season 9-0, ranked #7, and went to the third round. So 11-1 is not good enough to be ranked. Really?

and

What’s with the slight of Carver-Columbus? You listed them as C.Columbus and you left out Carver-Atlanta in your rankings. Do you have an issue with the word “CARVER” or where it is derived from? Both schools had great teams and great seasons. Get out of the stone ages.

Carver-Columbus was abbreviated for space reasons, and I’m not the one who did it, so I can’t answer that.

Carver of Atlanta played only one team that I would put among the top 20 in AAA, and the result was 48-6. I admire what’s going on at Carver to put that program in the limelight, but Carver isn’t playing the top teams and is struggling to beat teams like White County. I feel very confident that Carver is not one of the 10 best teams in AAA. The Massey Ratings (one of the BCS rankers) has Carver at No. 17.

Ladies can make their arguement too, right? Some of us do know a thing or two about football.

I’m going to forward this to my superiors because you’re right! … Good points about Tucker, and I addressed that issue above. Tucker could definitely be the better choice at #2, depending on how he (or she) looks at it.

How can you not include the Newnan Cougars in the Top 10?

I’ve got to keep in mind what you say about 19 of 22 starters returning at Newnan. That ought to earn a preseason Top 10 ranking. As for 2007 final rankings, leaving out Newnan was tough, and the loss to Carrollton was the killer.

Newnan didn’t play a team that I even considered for the Top 10, whereas all the teams that made the Top 10 beat other teams in the Top 10, except Valdosta. But Valdosta didn’t lose to Carrollton. Valdosta also beat Coffee worse than Newnan did.

Another way to look at it: Every team in the Top 10 has a better win than Newnan, and none of the teams in the Top 10 has a worse loss. When those facts hold, it’s hard to be ranked higher.

North Cobb has been left out of the rankings and it is not right. …This North Cobb team deserves more recognition. Line em up again and they run the table.

Now you’ve got me feeling a little guilty.

This North Cobb team does deserve more recognition. It’s unfortunate, but when you analyze wins and losses after the playoffs, you see that North Cobb didn’t beat a Top 10 team (although Harrison is right up there with most Top 10 teams), and North Cobb’s loss was not against a Top 10 team (although PeaRidge is right up there).

Very tough call. I can certainly see how if I might’ve picked North Cobb over Valdosta at No. 10 on a given day, but the way my mind was working Sunday, it was Valdosta.

Cobb Fan - How in the world do you (and Todd for that matter, who earlier said the same thing - that region 5-AAAAA was the toughest) entertain the fantasy that the Cobb region is the toughest?

Region 5 was a disappointment in the playoffs, for sure. Part of the reason for believing this was the toughest region was its depth. Etowah played Norcross 21-19. Campbell beat Harrison. Harrison beat Lowndes. North Cobb would’ve made the QF and perhaps SF with Newnan’s draw. Marietta wasn’t one of the four best teams, IMO, but those blowout losses are hard to ignore.

So while Region 5 took its lumps, I still think it’s a pretty good region. And Walton is a Cobb team. So Cobb isn’t too terrible.

By george

December 17, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

I attended both games between Northside-Tucker and Northside-Ware County. I’m not sure how our coaches or players would vote, but based on what I saw, I think Ware County is slightly better overall. In coming to that conclusion, I have Tucker with a big edge in offense, and Ware County with the edge in defense. Ware County’s defense was at a big disadvantage because their offense gained less than 100 yards. Tucker was aided by the Northside defense not stepping up in the first half. Ware County was aided by the Northside offense not stepping up in the first half. But, even though Northside played pretty solid “on both sides of the ball” in the second half against Ware County, they still only out scored them 13-7. Playing solid in the second half against Tucker, they out scored them 24-0. I never had the feeling we were “out of it” against Tucker, even trailing 28-7 at the half. There were times I wasn’t so sure against Ware County. Both teams were tough, but I still would give the overall edge to Ware County.

By george

December 17, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

Todd, Your narrative has it right, but just for the record, the final rankings listing shows Northside at 14-0, INSTEAD OF THE CORRECT 15-0.

By george

December 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

P.S. Your feet should now be “toasty”.

By powbeech

December 17, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

GriffinMBABulldawg, the weather Saurday night hurt Lowndes more. The rain slowed Lowndes speed. I do not believe NG scores if it does not rain, and Lowndes puts up 50, darn rain. A complete mismatch… way too much speed. This is another example of the two best teams not meeting for the state title.

Lovett obviously is not the 2nd best team in Georgia, and Buford is #1, but only because Charlton had to play without Ralph Bolden or Charlton wins that game. Buford lucked out and their maniacal fans think they could stay on the field with Lowndes, Northside, or Carver. Delusions of grandeur!! Noone cares how big Buford is. They would get torched by a smaller, faster, quicker, and tougher Lowndes team. Most every team Lowndes faced was bigger and that was the problem. Lowndes speed and quickness runs through Buford, big and slow. Speed kills!

By Cobb Reality

December 17, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Todd - I very much respect the fact that you take the time to actually respond to other bloggers, so gigantic kudos for that.

My point about the Cobb region is that it’s silly to even entertain the notion that they’re on par with the best programs in the state when they’ve consistently proven, over 40 years, that they’re not. And I think your statement that, “it’s a pretty good region (5-AAAAA)” is a long way from the original statement, which was that region 5-AAAAA is the toughest. Until someone from Cobb County makes it to a state final, can we all agree to not be cruel and over-hype and over-rank their teams again? Every year, Cobb fans get all jazzed up to watch their best teams get crushed in the early rounds? Like I said, the quality of play is getting better in Cobb, but it’s still a long way from region 1-AAAAA and the Gwinnett region (which I confess that I don’t even know the number).

By lion_fan

December 17, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Cobb Fan writes: Yes, they lost to the defending state champs in the first round, but they were two yards away from coming away with the win.

Peachtree Ridge won their next game against Roswell, although the call on the field swung the other way. Does that mean that they should be credited for beating Roswell, and have a higher ranking accordingly? I mean, even if the officials were right, then Peachtree Ridge was only 6 inches away from the win. Additionally, North Cobb was 5 yards away from tying the game. North Cobb was a good team this year, I admit after watching them, but ranking them would seem undeserved after the playoff picture panned out.

By tracman

December 17, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

RK and other Buford fans, you do have a good team. But please don’t try to put them in the class of Lowndes or Northside. I am sure you could play tough for a while but not for four quarters. Both of these teams would beat you easily.

2008 should be great! Lowndes should be favored again, but don’t count out Northside. We’ll find other another great running back and our quarterback was forced to into action when Ivory went down. That experience will be very valuable next year. The defense will be outstanding. Region 1AAAAA will dominate in ‘08.

By FanMan

December 17, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Who cares, the season is over.

To all you fans of state championship teams I say well deserved congratulations are in order. When does spring practice start so we can do it again?

By A.B.

December 17, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

I know it’s a typo in your final rankings but please give Northside-WR its correct record of 15-0.

By Hagar

December 17, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Great discussion overall about HS football. One point I’d like to make about NS WR top 10 national ranking. I’m a military officer and have been stationed in CA and TX. I hate to burst your bubble, NSWR is not a top 10 nationally ranked team. I have watched GA football for nearly a decade and 4A teams in Georgia do not stack up or play the quality of teams in 5A in Georgia let alone 5A and 6A teams in Texas!

I watched the actual teams from the movie Friday Night Lights play in the 1990s in front of 10-40K fans every week. I also saw 4 of NS WR games this year. If NSWR made the 5A Texas playoffs, they would not make it more than 1 or 2 rounds deep.

NSWR is a great and maybe one of the best ever 4A teams, but get real. NSWR would have struggled to get to the championship game in 5A and would have looked like NG (very similar team strengths to NG) in Lowndes last Saturday. Welcome to Region 1 5A next year, good luck making the playoffs in a real region with 5 or 6 contenders every year.

By Sims

December 17, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

I’m just tickled pink to see Northside getting a little love in the AJC….

POTY? I’m biased, but i’d have to go with Tijuan Green. The kid had right at 2000 yds rushing for the year. Almost 30 td’s. He did that while basically playing only a half game the first 5-6 games of the year. He helped keep Northside in it the second half of the year with Ivory out.

My vote definitely goes to Green.

By Big Mike

December 17, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Lowndes looks to be the best in the State. Congrats to all the other champs. Please, Buford fans…Stick to your class level, it would be no contest against Lowndes. The next thing I’ll hear is that you can beat Miami Northwestern (#1 in the country). Enjoy your championship. Merry Christmas to all and get ready for next year’s fun.

By Georgiasparkplug

December 17, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Ealey has to be the POY. He broke the touchdown record of the player who broke Hershel’s record. He didn’t just break it, he shattered it, leading his team to its first ever state championship. And for those who say, “Yes, but that was in little class A ball”, remember that is where Hershel played. I well remember the comments about Hershel being good, but that he would not be able to compete when he got to the major college level, and that it would take a long time for him to make it. Remember his first game and first season at UGA? Ealey is for real and should be POY.

By Reeze

December 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Tucker should be #2 in AAAA,no disrespect to Ware . Tucker had a much better offense

By R

December 17, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Mays doesnt derserve to be anywhere on this list. Their behavior (and those of the coaches) during the Cedar Shoals game was unprofessional for educators and players. The coaches were using foul language towards the players and basically cheated their way to a win- Im glad East Paulding put them in their place.

I wish team rankings were also based on things like- oh I dont know- SPORTSMANSHIP!!!!!

By Big Mike

December 17, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Brother Mark, Thanks for my chance to see Lowndes in action. It was well worth the 13 hour drive to see a great football team and the best family ever. Merry CHRISTmas. The sad part for the rest of the state is that Greg Reid returns for another season of mayhem. Bring em all on. Please check the championship rings from Region 1.

By nhseagle1

December 17, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

I would have to put Tucker at the number 2 spot in AAAA. If not for the turnovers, which granted Ware Co. created 3 of 4, I feel the game would have been a 24-0 Or 28 - 3 contest. Ware Co. only had 25 net yds rushing less than 100 yds total offnse. Tucker’s speed was amazing. I believe I read they have 9 D-1 players, unbelievable. But they had a few players playing both ways and it got to them in the second half with the cramps. As for player of the year Tijuan Greens’ stats are as follows : Rushing 278 carries 2035yds 29 TD’s; Receiving: 23 recpt 331yds 3 TD’s; Passing: 2passes 1 comp 40yds 1 TD. Keep in mind that Tijuan rarely played the second half in 9 of 15 ballgames.

By EastBeast

December 17, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Tucker shouldn’t get bonus points for having NSWR down 21 at the half. Great teams (NSWR) comeback from 21 down, they don’t blow big leads like Tucker did! And Ware deserves credit for beating a tough Thomas County Central team. As for Cobb teams, we’ll get a better idea next year when those overrated North Cobb and Harrison teams start getting blown out by the Raiders. Load the cannon!

By Vikings Rule

December 17, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd in AAAAA I agree that my Lowndes Vikings should be ranked #1 but in my opinion Roswell should be ranked #2 with Camden at #3 and North Gwinnett coming in at #4. And as far as Buford hanging with Lowndes, you guys must be crazy. Come on people. Hey Yo i agree with you on Greg Reid. He is awesome!!

By nitrodust

December 17, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

don’t forget about that Northside defense led by Abry Jones. Abry has solid offers already from Florida and Florida State. And Miami of Florida and Georgia are waiting at the door. He is a solid pick for your Super 11 next season. Big #97 is just overpowering.

By CHS "Real Trojans"

December 17, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd, you gotta be kidding me! You’ve got Carrollton #6. #6!!! They are most definitely deserving of at least #3 or #4. We lost in the quarterfinals 14-7 to the state champs. What’s up with the love for North Hall, they gave up 35 points in one quarter and you think their the third best team in AAA? Carrollton is the only team to COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN Jarmon Fortson and the rest of the Carver offense with the exception of scrambling by Furr due to no ability to rush or pass on us. I would love to hear your logic on the decision to put us sixth, behind a Shaw team that lost in the SECOND round and were beaten handily by Carver 29-7. Please explain yourself.

By CHS "Real Trojans"

December 17, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I almost forgot. About Buford being the best AA team ever. Not even close. I played for Carrollton from ‘93 -‘96 and we played Washington County in the dome in 1994. We were ranked #2 and they beat us 35-7. We blew out everyone we played that year and when we played them it wasn’t close. That is the best team, period, I’ve ever seen. I have seen a lot of high school football and still haven’t seen a team that would beat them. I would love to hear some arguments for the greatest teams ever.

By kingsfinestalum

December 17, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

i think all the gwinnett huggers should stop trying to place the blame on the weather, because anybody who knew anything about football outside of the weather saw that Lowndes was the FAAAAARRR BY FAR the better team of the two. Gwinnett gets alot of empty praise, especially from the AJC which is nearly always one sided in the comparison of Gwinnett/Cobb vs. other counties…

Of course as an alum I wouldn’t have ranked MLK as low as 5, they had to suffer a hard-pill losee to an inferior team, but thats the way the ball bounces sometimes but Walton was not one of the 4 best teams in the state and it showed against Norht Gwinnett (as overrated as I feel they are)

And Tucker is easily number 2, they played Northside better than Ware in more equal conditions in the dome and unfortunately suffered a tough loss as well.

If any Gwinnett coaches read this blog I want to issue a challenge to you to compete against more South Metro teams, and I mean top tier programs like Stephenson, MLK, Tucker or Chamblee. As a player from the South Metro area we feel slighted by many coaches refusal to play against S.Metro (and majority black) schools and the AJCs refusal to acknowledge the ability of these teams.

By 89viking

December 17, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

while i also believe that the losing team in a championship game should be always #2, i would have to put roswell there, based on performance from the game. roswell had a lil more of a running game and didnt seem so 1 dimensional. the game might have been a lil different if not for the rain but,,,we’ll never know will we? coulve been closer,,,couldve been a wider margin.

By nitrodust

December 17, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Northside was one of the preimier teams in AAAAA before we were put in AAAA * if you remember Northside was the only team to give those Super Parkview teams a run for the money. As for Lowndes history says we are 5 and 1 against lowndes. And further more in the last two years *we are 4 and 0 against region 1- AAAAA. *with victorys against two of the teams from the region that made the playoffs the year we beat them. So we will be alright. *Greg Reid meet BIG #97 Abry Jones. Northside is every bit as well coached as Lowndes and we bring about 110 to 130 Eagle players every year. Lowndes High is close twice our size but the football team is not.

By Rob

December 17, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

The only reason the AJC ranks Tucker ahead of Thomas County Central is because Tucker is an “ATLANTA” school. Sell those papers boys!

Central’s dome appearance was mediocre at best, and Ware played a great game. AJC staff needs to look at the totallity of the season at team has had, instead of how they played in the dome.

Oh, by the way. TCC versus Northside WR would have been one h311 of a game!

By Bohgey

December 17, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Out of all of the candidates for POY, only a few of them seem to be verbally committed to any school (Omar Hunter, Notre Dame/DeRon Furr & Jarmon Fortson, Auburn.) Does anyone know of scouts being at any of the games? I did look up Greg Reid’s profile @ scout.com and he now has UGA/AU/FSU & Marshall all showing medium interest with no offers.

I am just curious. They are all great players, and I know Auburn is across the line from Columbus, but I do wish we could have kept Furr and Fortson in state.

If I am wrong, I am sure I will be notified, and I tried to do my research, but that is all I could find.

By devil lover

December 17, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Todd you know what I am going to say so here it is. Norcross was the only team who beat North Gwinnett other than the no.1 teams Lowndes Vikings and we beat them by 10 pts while winning region 7 championship which is becoming one of the toughest region in north Atlanta if not the state(North Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge and Norcross). Also, Norcross beat Walton in a preseason game. I guess it come down to the Grayson games. We beat Grayson by 21 pts and the law of averages caught up with us (after beating Grayson three times in a row) and they beat us by 18 pts.

In total pts Grayson scored 305 while Norcross had 338 with one less game and they both gave up only 149. And by the way Grayson didn’t even win their region.

So why isn’t Norcross who went 10-2 ranked highest than Grayson who went 10-3?

By Dale

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

Tell ya what, Todd, no need to rank Newnan next year—just based on returning players. To do so would be as meaningless as these final rankings. They have no validity and they won’t as long as the ajc suckles at the breast of mighty Gwinnett and Cobb counties at the expense of the rest of the state. The ajc becomes more meaningless to the southside every day.

By Dan

December 17, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Chase Thomas (DE), J.J. Jackson (RB), Adam Shreiner (K), and Billy Burns (ATH)should ALL be on the All-Class AAAAA Team!

By Millicent C.

December 17, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

I’m a Lowndes graduate and I live in Gwinnett Co. I rode around for 2 weeks with “Go Lowndes Vikings” on the back of my vehicle. I knew we would win! South Georgia football ain’t no joke!! The fact is clear…Lowndes is #1, not only in its class, but overall in this state!! Go Vikings!! I’m so proud LHS!!

By Jaybo

December 17, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Eastbeast, I see you are still alive! I thought something had happened to you after the East Paulding-TCC game. Has anybody told you I’ve been looking for you? I’m sure you know it though. Excuse me, but now you want to slide your weak azz back onto the blog after you have been strangely absent for a couple of weeks. Let me tell you, if it sounds like I’ve got it out for you—I do! I waited on you to man up like EP senior ‘08 did, but you never showed any gutts!! I was done blogging until next season, but as I read the blog today, low and behold look who surfaces from hiding—none other than mr. eastbeast! You weren’t man enough to eat crow after your team got crushed by TCC, so who gives a da.. about what you got to say now—carry your weak azz back into hiding!!!! Did you think you would be able to come back onto the blog and JAYBO not call you out? I don’t think so buddy!!!!

By yo

December 17, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

You might want to go see a doctor about this anti-Buford mentality you have. There is help out there for you. Good luck Geo…I am not anti Buford. Speaking the truth to some one doesn’t mean they are anti anything no matter how bad the persons hearing the truth don’t desire to hear it.

Nor am I Little Red Riding Hood (like you guys) trying to play as the Big Bad Wolf and proclaim I am more than I am.

Congratulations on your well deserved AA state championship.

Now do something worth while for a change and keep it in perspective.

The word I get is Buford gives a good education, enlist some common sense to go along with it.

By Todd Holcomb

December 17, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Devil:

I can’t betray the results of a playoff game that was as decisive as that one.

Also consider that both teams were 10-2 after 12 games, and at that point, Grayson would’ve been the higher-ranked team based on having won the more important of the two Norcross games. Why should Grayson’s standing then drop because of the privilege of playing another game at Camden?

Not sure what happened to Norcross. Still not convinced that Norcross and Roswell weren’t metro’s best two teams.

What will Norcross have back next season? I know the WR’s are gone.

By Jaybo

December 17, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Hey bloggers, I know my previous comments have nothing to do with the current topic being discussed, but I had a issue to settle with the aforementioned blogger(EastBeast). I’m sorry, but I had to get him when he showed his face finally! Hey, my top five in AAAA is as follows: 1.NSWR 2.Ware CO. 3.Tucker 4.TCC 5.Bainbridge. Looking forward to a great ‘08 season.

By black&gold

December 17, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Valdosta Wildcats have won more titles than Lowndes High. The Vikings will never win as many titles as VHS Wildcats. Don’t forget that Vikings fans.

By Camden#2

December 17, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

CAMDEN SHOULD BE NUMBER 2. THEY WOULD HAVE KILLED NORTH GWINNETT.

By Chess

December 17, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Carver High School…everywhere we gooooo….people want to know..Who we arrrre. So we tell the them. We are the Tigers. - Smiley Jo - Class of ‘83

By Getz27Wolf

December 17, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Merry CHRISTmas !! Congrats to all champs (especially Lowndes). I have to admit I was pulling for NG but only because of being closer to Gwinnett (Jackson County Buford Fan).

Now, for the talk of Buford beating any team in Ga….hmmm…dont know. NSWR and Lowndes looked good when I saw them. But, have to admit, would be a fun and interesting game (either one).

Buford change classification? Dont think so. Not because they could not handle or compete. More because of what Todd keeps mentioning…too many kids going both ways on the football field.

As for changing region… would love to see it. Wolves in 8AA and play in jackson county. But, that was denied. Guess 8AA teams are scared to have competition. Dont know.

Merry Christmas to everyone! Congrats to all champs.

Watch for # 27 in Buford next year. Road Runner “beep beep”

By Jaybo

December 17, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

My all-class player of year rankings: 1.Damon Furr 2.Greg Reid 3.Washun Ealy 4.Tijuan Green 5.Debrale Smiley

By yo

December 17, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Valdosta Wildcats have won more titles than Lowndes High. The Vikings will never win as many titles as VHS Wildcats. Don’t forget that Vikings fans Black&Gold..at least not in our lifetimes. I can’t help but notice however, you have been looking over your shoulder a lot lately. Do you get the feeling some body is catching up?

The unfortunate thing is not Valdosta’s past but their future as long as they are in AAAAA and the Vikings are around. I’m hearing 5 in a row come next year and the tune sounds fine.

ps-their once was a time when the Mighty Wildcats would not have included the lowly plowboys in the same sentence. My how times have changed. Now you are including the mildcats in the same sentence as the Mighty Vikings.

Kind of puts it all in perspective, doesn’t it?

By Tedz

December 17, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

NGHS - Please do not cry over the rain and blame the rain game. LHS was up 20-6 at the half and that was before it began to pour. In fact, Lowndes was up before a sweat drop hit the field and NG was going 3 and out every series. As far as the field conditions, there isn’t a field in the state that can handle that much rain. Martin Stadium is one of the best fields and stadiums in the state if not the best. As far as the dome, imagine the speed of Lowndes on the rug. Congrats on NG for making it that far though but please don’t be sour.

Now for you Buford fans - you talk about beating any 5A team?!?! If you really believe that then I have to ask just where are you getting your players? And how much tuition is paid for them by boosters? Nonetheless, Lowndes would run all over Buford. I lived to see LHS play (and beat) Parkview, Brookwood and now NG. Oh how nice it would be to play Buford but that won’t happen, so…..let the titles stay in Region 1-AAAAA.

By Tedz

December 17, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

You Valdosta fans; dime short and a day late. I believe he said ‘outside of Lowndes’ which is inclusive of VHS. Duh. Yes, you have more titles but that is changing almost every year now (the gap is closing). You’ve peaked and you won’t get anymore. There’s been a new sheriff in town for awhile, I thought you got the memo.

Like the tootsie pop commerical….How many years in a row will it take for Lowndes to continue to dominate you and shut you out for you to GO AWAY!?!?! You are an after-thought. Kinda like Bama still talking about the Bear. And you last won it when?!?!? Now go bang on your tin roof.

By camdenation

December 17, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Camden will Be Back!

By Reeze

December 17, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Buford on winning the AA class championship,……Ive seen a couple posts on whether they could play with Lowndes,NSWR or Carver……I really don’t get this Buford program at all……It’s obvious a move up to a higher classification is long overdue,year in and out they dominate AA,along with Charlton ,and year in and out not a decent non-region opponent….year in and year out Buford’s season is whether they win or lose against Charlton Co,getting old….. I think Marist is eligible for AA play, but they choose to play up, why not Buford? …….The trip to Ohio this year ,id guess was for National exposure……..How about State exposure first?…..If Buford folks feel they’re just as good or better than Lowndes or NSWR ,or wants to mentioned in the same breath as Lowndes or NSWR,in 2008 ,schedule Lowndes or NSWR or any top 10 school in either of the top 3 classes……Buford is Buford,…….only in Buford

By Hambone

December 17, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Matt I know that the point in your blog was to put Buford at #1 with little thought what came there after. Dude North Hall got smashed in the dome by Cairo. Chamblee would have beaten North Hall as well as Carrollton all with easy. You didnt mention any of them. As for Cairo we got beat by the state champs in the sate championship game yeah it was in Cairo but if I am not mistaken there was a blooger that felt chamblee played Carver on a neutral site. How far in the dome from chamblee? My guess is less than 50 miles Columbus is about half way to either. Cairo is number 2 in AAA I am proud of the players coaches and fans. Thanks Todd for the votes and recognizing us this year. Alot happens during the off season but keep in mind Cairo is only losing 4 starters from a team that finished second. Just something to think about for next year.

By Reeze

December 17, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

I agree with the notion that weather played a big part in the AAAAA championship………..If not for the bad weather, it would have been Lowndes 68 NG 6…………..get real folks…..total blowout,this contest was over with 11:45 remaining in the 1st quarter.

By Cro25

December 17, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Ealey is your man for POY. Close to 3000 yards and 58 TD’s. Not even close. He went up against 9-10 in the box many nights and still got the numbers. He has the unique ability to fake you out, run past you, or run over you. I have never seen anyone better in the open field. And just think, he will be back next year!!!

By STRIKE TIGER STRIKE

December 17, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

The question is how could Furr or Fortson were not recruited by GEORGIA, this is a reason why we wont win a national championship.

By Homet

December 17, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Well Jaybo…You are still around also…LOL!…How bout that Ware County / NSWR game…that was pretty good football!!!

Merry Christmas to you and here’s hoping Santa brings you guys a quarterback to TCC who can pass for next year.

You made reference to a TCC / NSWR game being a game this year however one little thing got in the way…that ole Christmas Grinch called Ware County!!!

Let’s all look to next year and see how we all do then…TCC should be fine and East Paulding moves up to AAAAA so that should be “interesting”…LOL!…That means all the “trash talkin’” goes out the windows as you gotta “bring it” every game at that level!!!!

Go Raiders!!!…We can’t wait!!!…LOAD THE CANNON!!!

By Columbus

December 17, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Well, I don’t know if Georgia or Tech recruited Furr and Fortson heavily, or at all, but the Carver head coach is a former Auburn player, so I am thinking that AU had a pretty easy “in” with the athletes there. Plus, it’s only a 45 minute ride from Columbus.

By thogwummpy

December 17, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

As per usual, to win the state title, you gotta go thru one of the Valdosta schools; and in the 90+ years they’ve been playing high school football down there—-the history says it’s a tough thing to do. Valdosta IS “Winnersville”, and no forum whining is gonna change that. Likewise, the university down there (VSU) has become a titan in NCAA Division II…winning another National Championship the same day Lowndes won State.
In Valdosta, football is religion, son!

By Vince

December 17, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

You rank Brookwood and don’t even put North Cobb in the top 10????? Another reason you and the AJC are just a JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m glad to see you guys are still in bed with the Gwinnett County schools! Your paper deserves what’s coming.

By Tim McDaniel

December 17, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

As a North Gwinnett Alum, I must say I am very proud of the job you guys did this year. Second….Third…..Fourth whatever you guys and girls want to rate it. We were in the finals, and those other teams weren’t and you can’t take that away from us.

As for Lowndes, I’m not impressed with your running backs. NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL. Hell I could have run through those holes. However, I am very impressed with the execution of your offensive line. Those boys could block! You should average over 5 yards per carry when you have a lead blocker in front of you 4 yards across the line of scrimmage.

As far as Buford goes, and I say this with a sour taste in my mouth due to my dislike of that High School, I believe thay could compete against any AAAA school and would give AAAAA schools all they wanted as well. Lowndes don’t crow too much, from what I saw,even ya’ll can’t hold water against Adairsville.

Anyway, Congrats on your state championship, with any luck we will see ya’ll next year in the finals.

By Eric

December 17, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Todd, I understand that yall aren’t going to release your player of the year untill Sunday, tell me pound for pound who is a better player than Tavarres King of Habersham Central. Gatorade has already picked him as player of the year for the state of GA so if you don’t I just won’t believe it. I know that there are other players to compare who may have won a state championship but did any of them break two state records? He’s the Floyd Mayweather of high school football in Georgia, pound for pound the best, and everyone else is Ricky Hatton. Add that he is humble, speaks and acts very educated and is excelling in school. Nobody this year has made the catches like he has made, NOBODY.

By Tim Shaw

December 17, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

If you go back to my comments at the beginning of the season, I told you GAC would be in the running for the Dome - my prediction for 2008 - “GAC wins AA championship”

By yo

December 17, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

All the Buford lovers keep using the words they could “compete” against AAAA and AAAAA. No kidding. Then they turn around and say they are the best in the state regardless of class. Alright which are you proclaiming guys? No doubt they can compete. NG just “competed” for the state championship. Buford might be a top 20 team in AAAAA and that would be “competing” but not exactly the best. “Compete” I buy, win it all in any class, give me a break!!

Regarding Lowndes offensive line. * Those boys could block! You should average over 5 yards per carry when you have a lead blocker in front of you 4 yards across the line of scrimmage.* Tim you are somewhat right. This was the weak link to our team at the beginning of the year and all of last year due to youth. Returning 3 sophomores and a junior from this group next year.
However, it was not the offensive line that cut it back right and an additional 86 yards past the blocking down the side line on that first play of the game. Nor was it the O-line that kept breaking tackles past that 4 yards down field. Having said that, there was no group we at Lowndes became more proud of than our O-line this year. As the year went along they earned the nickname as the Mayflower Moving Co. With most of this group coming back next year Mr. Reid and company are going to be stacking up the yards against all comers. It took that O-line most of the year to get tuned up, but once they did they were hitting on all cylinders for the rest of the year. Good running backs make an offensive line look good and a good offensive line makes good running back look good. It’s called team. Its a good concept.

By TCCjacketfan

December 17, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Todd, I really enjoy the blog and hope you continue it in the offseason. The final rankings are fine with me. To be truthfull to most successful programs, if you don’t win a championship, it really doesn’t matter whether you are #2, #3, or #4.

As like all other TCC fans, we are very disappointed on the outcome of the season. When we all would say that the only team that could beat TCC is TCC, well I didn’t realize how prophetic a statement that would be. We played very poorly on offense at the dome, so we didn’t deserve to win. I know if we played that game 10 times we would probably win the other 9. In retrospect, we had been talking amongst ourselves trying to figure out what happened. Why did we come out so flat? I don’t beleive we chocked, because on defense we played pretty well. To most people it may not have been that impressive, but if you knew how injured we have been, and all of the defensive starters that were out, you would have to acknowledge our defense was gutting it out. But on offense we were just off. We never got into a good rythem and seemed to be fighting ourselves. Plus, to be plagued by penalties, and 4 turnovers at crucial times have the main ingredients for an upset. But you have to give Ware Co. credit. They had a good gameplan and performed it to perfection. Also congratulations to NSWR, and Tucker. It is a very impressive feat to go 30-0, and NSWR deserves the credit for fighting through all of the adversity and just getting it done.

I would like to thank our players, and coaches for a very exciting season. I know the final result is not what they expected, but soon after the frustration subsides, they will be able to reflect and be proud of their accomplishments.

The great thing is that football season will be here again before you know it, and I can’t wait. It’s still up in the air how good we are going to be the next couple of years. I think in 2008, we will probably squeak into the playoffs. But in 2009, I think it’s possible to be a contender again, but this time with a great defense. But those of us that really follow the program are waiting for some of the middle school groups to make up to the high school. At this point they will be the most talented since the 90’s.

Congratulations again to all of the state champions.

And to all in TCC nation, the future looks bright. We still have what we all feel is the best coach in the state, ED Pilcher. And the talent that will be up in about 3 yrs., well let’s just say we might have a nice title run in the near future.

     GO  JACKETS!!!!!!

By Wildcat Fan/SMC

December 17, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

There is little doubt that the State Championship Game in AAAAA was played in the dome. Look at the facts, Lowndes AVERAGED 30 POINTS ON ALL PLAY-OFF TEAMS OTHER THAN CAMDEN. I certainly tipp my hat to the Vikings. They earned another state championship and proved that South Ga Football is as good as it gets. Rankings mean absolutly nothing———-what happens on the field means everything——-I have never seen AJC rankings determine a State Championship. I would certainly like to see two AAAAA South Ga Football Teams in the State Championship game. Congratulations Lowndes.

By To By Wildcat Fan/SMC

December 17, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

The Dome is a neutral field. It’s not that Camden is that strong. It’s Lowndes is a normal team when off their home field. Another reason to play neutral fields throughout the playoffs. No true championship is won on a team’s home field. You think Buford is 50 points better than Lovett…no. You think Buford is ONLY 7 points better than Charlton County…no. You think NS Warner Robbins is only 6 points better than Ware County….no. You think Lowndes is 28 points better than North Gwinnett…no. It’s called HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE! Put all the rounds on neutral fields and Georgia HS football will have a balanced play-off which will crown true champions. We’re the only state I know of to have a play-off format so slanted it’s a joke.

By Camden in the Wrong Ranking

December 17, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Camden County is ranked in the wrong classification. You have them in class AAAAA and they should be ranked in class AAAA.

By cheated by reffs

December 17, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

I think MLK should come back ranked at atleast number 3 4 or 5 because by now the reffs should have realized how badd they cheated a young group of individuals who deserved to play in the state championship for division AAAAA

(Don’t Be Angry Coach for Posting This It’s The Truth)

By Brookwood in Top Ten

December 17, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Brookwood deserves a top 10 ranking (somewhere between 6 and 10 is fair). From a pre-season prediction of a 6-4 record would be the best to expect to an actual 9-3. They had to replace all 11 starters on defense and their entire backfield on offense. Their three loses were to a state finalist twice (North Gwinnett)and a narrow lose to Roswell. No other AAAAA team played as strong of a schedule as they did. Their ranking is supported.

By mark

December 17, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd, I told you way back in week two that Lowndes was the team to beat in AAAAA. You ATL media guys kept ranking all these metro teams ahead of them. I played football in Lowndes county and have watched it for many years. I have been a resident of Atlanta for many years now and follow the local programs around here. There is no comparison when you talk about tradition, preparation, facilities, conditioning. dediction to winning etc etc etc. Mark it down now…LHS wins it all again in 2008.

By Michael

December 17, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Buford isn’t even one of the top 10 teams in Gwinnett. If they think otherwise they wouldn’t be playing at AA.

By mark

December 17, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Hey wildcat fan/smc….you’re an idiot. How will making any team from south Ga drive 4 or 5 hours two weeks in a row semis and finals to your dome be fair. It is not a neutral field. Your Atl schools are home, just minutes away. Yooou just cant take being a loser year after year to much superior south Ga teams. Anyway, you get your wish next year because the GHSA is just like you and will do anything to try and take away South Ga’s dominance. You will still lose!!!

By powbeech

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

Wildcat Fan/SMC, I agree with Mark, you are an idiot, and have no clue about football as is obvious from your post. In ‘04 on a neutral field off of their home field a normal team like Lowndes was 30 points better than Camden? Hell no, more like 50 points. Now that was an embarrassing beatdown. Will Camden ever win again in the dome? NO! Lowndes wins this year in your front yard, backyard, your bedroom, or wherever they lineup to play, and there was absolutely NOTHING you could do about it. Your post has made this board more ignorant for having to read your insane rant. By the way no Lowndes was not 28 points better than NG. If you watched the game you would know it could have been much worse, probably 40 points better. Whining crybaby loser. Take your beating like a man!

By devil lover

December 17, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark. Check your facts on South Ga “dominance”. Since 1995 Atl Metro schools have won 7 out of the 13 yrs for the 5A state championship. That surprises me since Atl schools have other things and sports to do beside football.

Would you like to talk about your “dominance” in basketball too.

By yo

December 17, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

powbeech…I think you jumped on the wrong “Wildcat Fan/SMC” and meant your comments towards “to by Wildcat Fan/SMC”. The afore mentioned seemed to be in agreement with you.

To “to by Wildcat Fan/SMC” I dont think shutting out your last 3 opponents in the Dome qualifies as a normal team or a normal outing. Even if it was Camden on 2 of those occassions. Nobody else shuts them out in those 2 years. I personally think other than the unfair travel involved by the south teams, the Dome favors us over the Atlanta area because the south teams seem to be generally more about speed throught out the whole team. The Dome turf only highlights that speed. Except for the travel involved I think Lowndes would just as soon play in the Dome any time over a grass field.

By davil

December 17, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

To all of the Ware County Band and supporters, thank you for being kind. The goody bag you gave the Northside Band was very nice.

To the individuals who commented that Northside, concerning Chris Johnson #96 that lost his battle to cancer, “should just move on because he’s dead” should know that we will be moving on with the ideals that made Chris a great kid AND the 2007 GHSA AAAA Football State Championship Trophy and our national ranking! Those pitiful remarks were said at the Dome by several ‘people’ waiting for the late game wearing green and again in Waycross Friday night. That’s why Northside did the banner we wouldn’t break and the #96 signs to start the 4th quarter.

By yo

December 17, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Devil Lover lets just go back the last 5 years regarding AAAAA football dominance. How many out of 5 would that be? Plus there are more than 1 classification in football in S. Ga. There would be 4 more. How have you guys done in the other 4 over the last…oh…you grab the number of years. It doesn’t really matter.

By devil lover

December 17, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Hey powbeech If Gwinnett had one county school and team do you think Lowndes would beat them? In other words if the best players from Brookwood, NG, Norcross, The Ridge,Parkview and Grayson were on one team like in south Ga. who do you think would win?

By powbeech

December 17, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Yo, you are correct sir.

My apologies to Wildcat Fan/SMC.

My comments were directed towards To By Wildcat Fan/SMC

By AVikingfan

December 17, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

To wildcatfan/smc: I believe you or someone wrote that NSWR waa the home team in AAAA Championship game. It was played in Ware County. To those who think the AAAAA game would have been closer if played in the dome you’re crazy. In the last three semi finals In the dome Lowndes has not been scored on. This year our speed was a tremendous advantage over HG. In the dome we would have won 50-0. The rain TOOK AWAY our speed advantge. We were up 20 points before it started raining. Rain is an ADVANTAGE to a passing team. I’ve heard college coaches say it all my life. The receivers know the route they are running. Defensive backs have to give more room on a wet field. And we intercepted two of NG’s passes. How many times was the QB flushed out of the pocket, hurried, or sacked? I wrote last week that he could not pass laying on his back.

Where are all those people who wrote all that stuff last week about our anchient Wing Tee offense. Dozens of people said we could NOT BEAT NG without a passing game.

I seriously don’t think NG could have beaten Roswell at the end of the season. And I don’t know how any of the teams up there beat Harrison.

Camden was maybe the no. 2 team in AAAAA, but their QB was over rated and Lowndes would have beaten them 4 or 5 touchdowns had it not been for the turnovers.

Tift, Valdosta, Roswell, and Camden all played us better than NG did. NG and Walton were too slow. No speed at any position.

All of our titles have not been won at home. In 2004 we beat a good Parkview team at their orange jungle aka rinkly dink stadium.

Against NG we all saw Greg Reid go 91 yds on the game’s first play. He scored another td in our tebow/mcfadden offense, blocked an extra point, and intercepted a pass. He recovered from slipping down in time to bat away another pass. He wound up with something like 190 yards rushing in the game. Overall, Lowndes had 401 rushing yards against NG. We ended the game by playing a freshmen QB.

To Wildcatfan: Valdosta has never won a AAAAA title, has not won ANY title in A CENTURY (at least not this century), and it is getting so easy to beat ya’ll that even a CAVE MAN CAN DO IT.

To ngdad: Hope you had a safe trip to and from Martin Stadium. Did our place live up to your expectations?

And to that jerk last week that kept complaining about our band playing when Roswell’s QB was under center: the NG band did it the entire game against us, and we NEVER COMPLAINED TO THE OFFICIALS!

Last but not least, Greg Reid is the best player in AAAAA. And our linebacker/part time fullback Tavares Williams is one of the best Linebackers in the state. Look out for us next year. We are losing 4 seniors on offense and 4 on defense. Both punter and kicker will be back.

FIRST DOWN VIKINGS, MOVE THE CHAINS!

By Jaybo

December 17, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Homet(you’re probably eastbeast), You must love your boy JAYBO, because you can’t leave me or my quarterback alone!!(LOL) For real though, you must be still hurting from that trip way south to the Jackets Nest where TCC handed E. Paulding their behind. The funny part about that was you guys actually thought you were gonna go down there and win—-that was the tripped out part about it!! I guess you had to holla at me because I jumped in your fellow EP fan eastbeast’s shyt! You guys don’t need punk azz fans like him!!! Anyway, yes the NSWR-Ware Co. game was great, I enjoyed it. Hey, thanks for the Christmas wish-“a quarterback who can pass”(LOL) You just got to throw in something negative about our football team don’t you. Let me tell you homet, don’t believe the hype—aint that much difference in AAAA and AAAAA!! Hope you guys make the playoffs next year. Anyway, Merry Christmas to you and yours. Take care until next season.

By AVikingfan

December 17, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

To devil lover: All the schools you mentioned have more students than Lowndes, so what’s your point?

By Jaybo

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

Hey TCC Jacketfan, you’ve probably heard me say that I’m A TCC grad and if you been reading the blog, you know I’m a diehard Jacket fan!! Anyway, I read your post and found it very encouraging. I live in the Atlanta area and I follow the program the best I can from afar. Can you tell me more about the talent thats on the way to the High School? What was the Middle school’s record? Where the stars on offense or defense? What about the 9th grade and the JV team? Thanks in advance for your insight.

GO JACKETS

By coolcell

December 17, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Todd , I think Durron Furr QB Carver-Col should win Mr. Football for the State of GA. Who’s your pick?…P.S …By the way maxpreps made Carver-col #1 in any- Class A,AA,AAA,AAAA,AAAAAA

By powbeech

December 17, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

devil lover, thanks for the question and a very clever question at that, but one that has several fundamental flaws. It is a matter of simple math and a little common sense, both of which you may find it difficult to comprehend. There are 2 AAAAA schools in Lowndes County, and I know that you did not mean to imply that all of those schools you mentioned were county schools and that you could logistically form a high school with 18,000-20,000 students. To answer your question though, I would put money on Lowndes best 11 against Gwinnett’s best 11 any day, and if Lowndes had 18,000-20,000 students to choose from, well, we would just kick your a* every year much like we do now with only 2600 students.

Oh yea, go back 5 years as Yo suggests or even the last 10 years back to 1998 in the largest class(5A formed in 2000):

The South 6 state titles The North 4 state titles

By To powbeech

December 17, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

powbeech, comments like yours explains why the south lost the war.

By powbeech

December 17, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

coolcell, just because maxpreps jumped off the cliff, I certainly do not think everyone else should nor will anyone else. That would be just plain lunacy!

By powbeech

December 17, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

by to powbeech, devil lover is that you? Well everyone knows why the south lost the war, it was because of all of the gayfers in north GA which explains why they suck… in football.

By CHS "Real Trojans"

December 17, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd, thanks for punking out on my question about AAA rankings. You suck!!! I guess you didn’t respond because you realized the rankings really don’t make any sense. I hope you don’t get paid for this.

By What Was North Gwinnett Doing??

December 18, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

North Gwinnett put 8 sometimes 9 men on the line to stop Brookwood’s running game. Against Lowndes, another running team, North Gwinnett only put 3 sometimes 4 down linemen and 3-4 linebackers two-three yards down the field. Would someone explain why they did this? This allowed Lowndes’ running backs four to five yards before they were even touched. This game was lost on the drawing board long before NG got on the field.

By Reeze

December 18, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Coolcell…….Nothing against Furr great athlete…..my pick would be either T Green or Furrs teammate Fortson,leaning more towards Fortson,…this kid is incredible ,hadn’t seen a wideout like him since Peach Co.’s Chris Slaughter.

By Mark

December 18, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Stephenson is back next year forget about all of you haters mark it down now the jaguars will take the title next year

By Mark

December 18, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Stephenson is back next year forget about all of you haters mark it down now the jaguars will take the title next year

By Mark

December 18, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Stephenson is back next year forget about all of you haters mark it down now the jaguars will take the title next year

By STRIKE TIGER STRIKE

December 18, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

I DONT THINK YOU’VE SEEN FURR ALL YEAR LIKE WE HAVE DOWN HERE

By lhsbanddad

December 18, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

To Mark, Don’t start counting your jaguar kittens just yet…Lowndes returns nearly everyone. Including that O line and D line almost completely intact. The plowboys from South GA will have a lot to say about next years State Championship.

By NGHS Fan

December 18, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

What Was North Gwinnett Doing?? We never put 8 or 9 on the line against Brookwood, that would be dumb. If they break the line no one is there to make the stop. We may have put 8 or 9 in the box in a 4-4 or 5-4, but not 8-9 on the line just as we did against Lowndes. What game were you watching. Lowndes pulled, trapped, and misdirected our d-line and backers all night opening huge holes. Our defense did the best they could and our coaches prepared them well. Lowndes was quicker and faster Sat. nite.

By Lowndes Class1980/81

December 18, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

coolcell you need to hit the refresh button on you computer and re check Maxx prep…I just checked and Carver-C IS NOT ranked # 1 ;-)

By camdenation

December 18, 2007 6:15 AM | Link to this

Camden will Dominate next year “IF”“”” They get in the Weight Room with INTENSITY this off-season otherwise we will lose to lowndes again in the playoffs they beat us by default in the weight room

By GRAYSONFAN

December 18, 2007 7:12 AM | Link to this

well you know after the defence changes on grayson, the game between brookwood and grayson would not have been the same. im not sure if you make these rankings based on how the teams ended or begain. we tore the hooch and norcross up after the change, so i guess you did not think about that. grayson is a stronger team then brookwood, if we played tehm again right now, grayson would win. i think they know they got the last game of our old defence. christian strong, want be back next year, but we have a junior thats just a STRONG if not more, plus two others as line backers. greg zellner is one, he played back up QB for grayson the first 6 games, then went to defence as a starting linebacker for the last 4 games. did anyone see him play? yes, hes the one who put major on his back the first play of the camden game, and also put the starting QB out of the game in his first defencive game ever,against shiloh. we also have two others on the 1100 lb club, 4.4-4.6 range moving up, as seniors next year. the only thing we need to change, and im sure you cant forget, is the 5 interceptions from put returning junior QB. im sure they will have something up their sleeves for that.

By smitty

December 18, 2007 7:12 AM | Link to this

Any player with his size and talen playing against the LITTLE AA TEAMS BUFORD PLAYS SHOULD BE FREAKIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR. Buford recruits players (legally) but the other teams they play in their region cannot. I know their team and players are good but its ridiculous they play AA ball. If you watched anhy of the playoff games, it looked like men playing with a bunch of eleme ntary school kids. That sounds like a lot of fun. Beating up on these little teams week in and week out! I dont think there is much of an accomplishment myself.I think almost all of the 9th grade teams in Gwinnett County could beat most of those teams that Buford plays!

By MHM

December 18, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

AA Charlton Cy. should not be number 2, Lovett should be. Lovett played in the championship game, Charlton Cy. did not, nuff said!

By ladyluck

December 18, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Michael,

You are a dumbhead. Name the ten teams in Gwinnett that are better than Buford so I can get my bellylaugh this morning.

AVikingFan,

You are a dumbhead. Name 1 college coach that has ever said that rain is an advantage to a passing team. Everything you’ve said in every comment above lost it’s credibility by you actually believing that. How many points were scored in the Steelers/Dolphins mudbath a couple of weeks ago. Please.

By SouthGA Rules

December 18, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

Stephenson will win the AAAAA about like Brookwood. Every year, they show up & flame out in the playoffs. NSWR will make Region 1-AAAAA the TOUGHEST region in the state. Don’t sell NSWR short, they very well could be a playoff team. Warner Robins moved up in 2006 & went to the semifinals. Adding NSWR means one more quality team will be denied the playoffs, where some weaker regions will qualify teams that would go winless in Region 1-AAAAA. Remember, in 2006, Lowndes & Valdosta did not make the playoffs which has NEVER happened since you qualified 4 teams for the playoffs.

By Bohgey

December 18, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

How does Northside’s team look next year? I mean, they are always good, and I enjoyed the rivalry they shared with Lowndes some years back.

I hope that Northside’s fans will view the move up as a blessing to make region 1-AAAAA the best in the state. We view you as a great opponent and hope you feel the same for us.

By AnotherVikingfan

December 18, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Camden face it, your weak competition during the regular season does not help the team improve as the season progresses. That’s something you can’t help or change.

Graysonfan, quit whining. OR WE’LL SEND CAMDSEN UP THERE TO FINSH THE JOB.

Mark, Stevenson has had the talent several times to go all the way, but attitude and no team discipline has stopped you each time.

Ladyluck you don’t know jack! Besides, why couldn’t NG pass before it started raining? I’ll tell you why, Lowndes’ DEFENSIVE speed!

To NGHS fan: The game I watched last Saturday had NGHS with 10 players within 2 yards of the line of scrimmage every play, 8 of’em in “the box”. How did that alignment cause you to lose? NO TEAM SPEED!

To Roswell High School. Great team, very good QB, great receivers, good luck next year. Same to Harrison!

To Brookwood: Wait till next year (again!)

By TCCjacketfan

December 18, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

To jaybo: I’ll try to get some of the statistics and info you requested. Give me a day or two.

By Todd Holcomb

December 18, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

How does Northside’s team look next year?

Northside loses 14 of 22 starters, but I believe that most of Northside’s top college prospects were underclassmen.

AA Charlton Cy. should not be number 2, Lovett should be. Lovett played in the championship game.

Charlton beat Lovett 21-14 to 50-0.

I think Durron Furr QB Carver-Col should win Mr. Football for the State of GA. Who’s your pick?…

I’m not going to reveal my pick because I don’t want it to slip which way we’re leaning. I’ll note that the final choice isn’t mine.

Hey Todd, you gotta be kidding me! You’ve got Carrollton #6. #6!!! They are most definitely deserving of at least #3 or #4. We lost in the quarterfinals 14-7 to the state champs. What’s up with the love for North Hall, they gave up 35 points in one quarter and you think their the third best team in AAA?

Good arguments for Carrollton. If I had been in a different frame of mind Sunday, I might’ve put Carrollton higher, but North Hall entered the playoffs ranked higher than Carrollton, then advanced farther while beating a team (Sandy Creek) that beat Carrollton.

So it’s not a question of thinking North Hall is better, but of thinking that North Hall is more deserving. But I can see the argument for Carrollton. I notice today that the Massey Ratings have Carrollton at No. 3 and North Hall at No. 5.

Hey Todd, I told you way back in week two that Lowndes was the team to beat in AAAAA. You ATL media guys kept ranking all these metro teams ahead of them.

I picked Lowndes to win AAAAA in October, but the rankings were based on what had happened, not what I thought was going to happen. Next time, tell the Plowboys not to sand-bag so they can go wire-to-wire at No. 1. Five titles, but no wire-to-wires. They need to work on that.

Todd, I really enjoy the blog and hope you continue it in the offseason.

We’ve been giving some thought to that. Check back next Monday.

Todd, I understand that yall aren’t going to release your player of the year untill Sunday, tell me pound for pound who is a better player than Tavarres King of Habersham Central. Gatorade has already picked him as player of the year for the state of GA.

The Gatorade folks asked me my opinion a few weeks ago, and I certainly gave King a nice recommendation. But I didn’t recommend just one. No doubt King is right up there. He would be in my top three, but as I mentioned earlier, I don’t pick the POY. It’s more of a consensus.

You rank Brookwood and don’t even put North Cobb in the top 10????? Another reason you and the AJC are just a JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m glad to see you guys are still in bed with the Gwinnett County schools! Your paper deserves what’s coming. North Cobb didn’t play a team this season that was as good as the two that beat Brookwood – North Gwinnett and Roswell. So I don’t see any evidence that North Cobb would’ve performed better had it played Brookwood’s schedule. And Brookwood routed Grayson, a team that beat Peachtree Ridge, so there is evidence that Brookwood would’ve been in the second round had Brookwood played North Cobb’s schedule.

I don’t have a problem w/ anybody who thinks North Cobb should be higher, but there’s an argument to be made that North Cobb shouldn’t.

By FanMan

December 18, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

I seriously don’t think NG could have beaten Roswell at the end of the season. And I don’t know how any of the teams up there beat Harrison.

The three losses Harrison had can be explained this way. Against North Cobb there were two missed extra points and a missed field goal not to mention numerous questionable penalties and HHS lost by 1. Against campbell there were five turnovers and two missed extra points and HHS lost by 2. Against Walton there were missed kicks again as well as, yep, five turnovers. You simply cannot win against good teams with all that.

Hope that asnwers your question.

By ladyluck

December 18, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

anothervikingfan,

NG is not very good, that’s why. I simply said that rain is not an advantage to a passing team. My two yr old could tell you that.

By GRAYSONFAN

December 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

another viking fan

whinning? a bebate about 7th and 8th rankings, should not even involve such royalty as yourself! thats all it is, is a debate. there are changes on the grayson team that should be told. you know, youve got # 1, shouldnt you be out of this debate?

By Soup

December 18, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

North Hall at 3 is ridiculous as Chamblee would have dominated them. Or they just played their worst game of the year on state-wide TV. Hard to see them at 3 after seeing them on the tube.

By Jaybo

December 18, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

TCCJacket Fan, thanks for the info, I’ll be waiting.

By BullDawg Rick

December 18, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Todd…

I gotta agree with your take:

[b]Nobody in AA forced Buford to pass. Tucker looked unbeatable until facing Northside. Also, Buford has five players who start on offense & defense. Northside & Lowndes are basically two platoon. Buford can play with anybody, but I wouldn’t pick Buford over Northside or Lowndes.[/b]

That the only 2 teams in the state that might beat Buford is Lowndes & NSWR..

As for the passing game. the Wolves have a great WR in 6’7” Melvin Harris

He had 30 catches for over 600 yards…

With the absolute POUNDING Buford put on teams, he was not passed to after the first quarter…

Buford will reload & will put together another run like 2001 - 2003… They are that good a TEAM

Don’t Hate..

Appreciate!!!

By Curious Fan

December 18, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

I think the southern schools will continue to get better as the northern schools continue to open new schools. With new schools opening and talent spreading from one school to another, coaches also must leave. Todd - How many head coaching changes are happening down south in comparison with the metro area?

By Cro25

December 18, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Another thought on Ealey: He had 2 of his best games in the semis and the championship. 300 yards and 4 TD’s in the semis vs. Clinch and 280 yards and 3 TD’s in the championship vs. Wilcox. Nobody can touch the numbers he put up this year. Give that Dawg a bone!!!!!

By Buford Dream Buster

December 18, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

BullDawg Rick hate to bust your Buford bubble but they could not hang with anyone of the top 10 AAAAA teams in the state - it’s not even close. Wake up from your dream everyone!

By Jeff's in La La Land

December 18, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Jeff what are you smoking? That is absolutly insane, Buford would and could not hold their own with the top 10 to 15 AAAAA teams in the state. Sober up to reality!

By Earth to Matt

December 18, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Matt Your statement: “Buford is the best team in the state regardless of classification. They could challenge anyone in the country too. Regardless of classification, here is the top 10 1. Buford 2. Northside WR 3. Lowndes 4. Tucker 5. Carver-Columbus 6. North Gwinnett 7. Charlton Co. 8. ECI 9. Harrison 10. North Hall”

What planet are you from? Buford would be very hard pressed to beat any of the AAAAA top 15 teams. And your over all top 10 is in the twilight zone. Earth to Matt come back to earth soon :)

By ladyluck

December 18, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

I’m not even from Gwinnett County but I did see Buford play 4 times this year.

I’d like to hear some sort of sensible logic from any of you big boys that says why Buford could not compete with schools that have more students. You obviously have more teachers, bigger cafeteria, longer lunch line, more administrators, etc… Use your football logic here fellas. Not we have more students. None of your arguments make any sense.

If your about to type that Buford would wear down in the 4th Qtr that is BS. They only have a few players play both ways as do most of the big schools. I went to the 2nd largest school in the state and even we put our best athletes on the field if that meant going both ways.

Are you saying that your lines are bigger? Please. Omar Hunter is about to take down every award a lineman can win in the state. He has offers from USC to ND to UF. Don’t tell me that he wouldn’t be that good if he played against better teams. I don’t think Pete Carrol would be fooled by that.

Are you going to say that your big schools are faster? Please. Put your 11 on the field and I guarantee Buford’s 11 are every bit as big and fast as your 11.

Is there a receiver from Lowndes that is 6’7” with jets? I didn’t think so.

Does your kicker kick it farther because you have more students? You get the point.

Give me some logic. Don’t act like a redneck and just say we’re better because we have more A’s in our region.

You all say Buford can’t play with the big schools yet you give no facts to back up your argument. It makes for a pretty boring read.

By VIKING DAD

December 18, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

HEY VALDOSTA BLACK & GOLD, The only reason the Cats have more championships, is because VHS has been around since the pre-historic days. Live life in the present and the future. My crystal ball predicts many more titles for LHS.

By VIKING DAD

December 18, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

HEY VALDOSTA BLACK & GOLD, The only reason the Cats have more championships, is because VHS has been around since the pre-historic days. Live life in the present and the future. My crystal ball predicts many more titles for LHS.

By Leon

December 18, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

OK. Enough is Enough. Football is now over. Lets go on to something else. The teams that needed to win there division Champsionship won. Why get so upset where your team is finally ranked. Maybe they will play harder next year and win the whole thing and they can be placed in first place at the end of the year. If you want them to be placed higher then write to whomever does the final selection and base your opinion. Have you forgot it is now Basketball season so go out and support your favorite Basketball Team and hope they bring home a Champsionship.

By ladyluck relax

December 18, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

ladyluck - I saw them play as well and I saw several of the top AAAAA teams play and there is no comparison top to bottom as overall depth is a numbers game and that is were it ends for Buford.

Not even close to a redneck here - advanced degree and professional career. In fact Ladyluck you sound like the redneck here as your read is boring me. It sounds like you have a major chip on your shoulder- relax it’s just a blog!

By come on Leon

December 18, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Leon - come on now this is a football blog if you what to talk hoops go to a hoops blog otherwise you are a fish out of water here. Take your roundball talk and move to another url.

By DeKalb County Faithful!

December 18, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

By cheated by reffs I don’t agree with the reason that MLK didn’t progress pass Walton; however, I do agree with the tons of phony calls made by the refs BUT it was the MLK coaching that caused them that particular game. MLK would have won that game easily,even with all the terrible calls made by the refs, had the coach not called the ‘On Side Kick’ with approx. 5 mins before the half. MLK was leading 13-0 when the ‘on side kick’ gave Walton excellent field position on our 30+ yard line. MLK should have kicked the ball long and deep which would have placed Walton deep into it’s own territory and prevented them from making the Touch Down and extra point. MLK would have won that game 19-13 instead of losing it 19-20.

Walton didn’t win on it’s own merit; they won on MLK’s coaching blooper!

That’s my take on the MLK vs Walton game.

By DeKalb County Faithful!

December 18, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

By cheated by reffs I don’t agree with the reason that MLK didn’t progress pass Walton; however, I do agree with the tons of phony calls made by the refs BUT it was the MLK coaching that caused them that particular game. MLK would have won that game easily,even with all the terrible calls made by the refs, had the coach not called the ‘On Side Kick’ with approx. 5 mins before the half. MLK was leading 13-0 when the ‘on side kick’ gave Walton excellent field position on our 30+ yard line. MLK should have kicked the ball long and deep which would have placed Walton deep into it’s own territory and prevented them from making the Touch Down and extra point. MLK would have won that game 19-13 instead of losing it 19-20.

Walton didn’t win on it’s own merit; they won on MLK’s coaching blooper!

That’s my take on the MLK vs Walton game.

By Reeze

December 18, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Ladyluck…….Proof that Buford can’t play with the “big boys”…why? Buford can’t…Ladyluck if Buford claims to be able to run with Lowndes or NSWR, or anyone else,… or before you claim to be best in the state…..you’ll have to prove it…I don’t see Camden,Tucker,Ware,TCC,NSWR,Lowndes,Carver, type competetion on your schdule,any of these teams have a good claim to be called the best in state.You demolished Lovett,a rebuilding Dublin and squeaked by Charlton with their star player out,need to talk about the regular season?

By ladyluck

December 18, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Again, that makes no sense.

To dispute your argument, Lowndes, for example, has 44 11th and 12 graders on their team. Buford has 50 11th and 12 graders on their team.

Does that validate your argument that it is a numbers game?

Congrats on your degree and successful business career, but blogs are for making a point, otherwise you wouldn’t read it or write in it. I think you need to relax. For somebody that says it’s just a blog, it is hilarious that you find it necessary to post your advanced degree to make your point.

By AnotherVikingfan

December 18, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Graysonfan, let’s have a truce (lol). I honestly did not see your team play. Good luck in 08!

To ladyluck, no Lowndes does not have a grad 6’7” playing receiver for the Jets. If my memory is correct we only have three grads starting in the NFL at this time. A Nose Guard at Dallas, a DE at Cincinatti, and linebacker Randal Godfrey at San Diego. I believe that is all currently.

To curiousfan: We have two head coaching vacancies in 1-AAAAA

To Todd: Lowndes went “wire to wire” (15-0) in 2004. We might have done it this year but 10 fumbles in the rain against a good Harrison team and a sophomore QB starting his first game.

To all in reference to Buford. Wright Bazemore at Valdosta high won a lot of games in the 50’s and 60’s by two platooning and playing 22 starters, when no one else did that. Depth is still important today. Look at Tucker in the 2nd half against NSWR. Buford is a great AA team, could beat most if not all AAA teams (maybe not Carver or Cairo, and could not beat Ware, NSWR, Tucker, NG, Roswell, Walton, Camden, Grayson (how ‘bout that Graysonfan?) Tift, Valdosta, and probably not Brookwood, Parkview, Peachtree Ridge, or Harrison. Be satisfied being the best AA team in the state!

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

December 18, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Once again Chamblee gets no RESPECT. They deserve at least #2 ranking in Class AAA. Here’s why: North Hall and Chamblee played one common opponent, Flowery Branch. N. Hall played them Week 6 at home in a Sub-region game and we played them week 12 at their home in the Playoffs on a very cold Friday nite. Following that, we won against Stephens County, ranked 2 or 3 depending on the poll, at their home field, in front of one of the largest crowds I’ve ever seen. On another very cold Friday nite. In the Semis, played C-C to a point of desperation (down 18 point). Who has ever had an 18 point lead over C-C (keep the FAT refs out of the middle) and eventually lost by 2 points. North Hall’s last two games, looked weak, but they deserve a higher ranking than Chamblee (right). Cairo played the finals at home, where the whole town shut-down and only mustered 13 points and lost by 3 points. They had the advantage over all other C-C opponents on how to possibly stop them and they couldn’t. Why was Chamblee so successful against C-C? Think about it? Were they the better team? On any given Sunday.

By ladyluck relax

December 18, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

ladyluck - advanced degree was only brought up (if you were insightful) as a result of your redneck reference that’s the point. And again if you were insightful you would understand that the numbers game is a reference to quality player numbers based on school size not the quantity reference you elude to. Validation my friend - you are the one making no sense.

By Team Depth

December 18, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

ladyluck - Omar Hunter is one good lineman but a line is only as good as it’s weakest link. There were many lines on other teams this year that were better as they were stronger from top to bottom. The true measure of a great team is overall team depth not a few standouts.

By ladyluck

December 18, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Tell me where Buford is thin and I’ll tell you they are not.

I believe I am insightful and that is why I don’t understand your point. Buford’s back ups got more PT than any other team in the state, therefore you got to see what kind of depth they really had.

Anyway, we’ll never know because we don’t live in Indiana where they have one state title.

Fun to argue though…

P.S. Plenty of rednecks have degrees, just look at UGA.

By yo

December 18, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Team Depth….if she doesn’t understand that very simple thought of common sense….oh well.

Lets think about it in what I hope will help many to understand…probably not though.

I have 5 Golden Delicious apple trees.

You have 10 Golden Delicious apple trees.

All other things being equal, same quality of land, same grower to take care of them, etc.

Who has the better chance of having an award winning apple?

Who has the better chance of finding 20 award winning apples?

Who has the better chance of finding 40 award winning apples?

Lets add to the fact that each tree produced exactly 300 apples.

I can’t believe I am trying to bring this down to a 4th or 5th grade math level and people still don’t get it.

I’ve got it! Her name is Lady luck so she must be a gambler.

Lady luck…if you roll the dice 3 times and I roll the dice 10 times, who is more likely to roll lucky 7?

Who is more likely to roll lucky 7 twice?

Are you starting to get it?

Get it? the more you roll the dice the better your chances of hitting a 7 and more often.

Now lets call the number 7 football player depth. The more rolls of the dice a school has (kids) the chances of their getting more rolls of 7.

And if not 7s then a lot more depth with 6’s instead of 3s and 4s.

Obviously this is not the only factor of good football programs, but it is an extremely large contributor.

By Panther Fan

December 18, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Ok Mr. Holcomb,

So because we played what you would call a weak schedule, and the lopsided loss at Cairo, a town where all there is to do is play football and pick sugarcane, The New Schools at Carver doesn’t deserve to be ranked? You said yourself, don’t judge a team based on their last game earlier in this blog and then you go do exactly that. 11-0 is an outstanding accomplishment. Is it really a struggle when your opponent doesn’t score an offensive touchdown (White Hall)? We won all the games that were on our schedule, plus 2. Forget if you think our schedule is soft. Look at North Hall’s? We won region 5, over Chamblee and Westminster! You’re telling me a region champion is not worthy to be ranked? Well ok. Look at our region next year. With Grady, Washington, St. Pius, and North Atlanta on our side, and when we go undefeated in a 15 team region, and come out with the region championship again, I dare you to say we aren’t worthy.

I can’t blame you. Spewing this garbage to sell papers. Controversy sells huh. Way to go my friend! Maybe there’s a bonus in there for you. For me, I must change the lining of my birdcage. This time I’ll use a picture of you with your mouth open so my birds can replenish the droppings that you spit everytime you open your mouth!

Good day.

By ladyluck

December 18, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Yo love it!!

How many stones did it take David to kill Goliath?

How many Icebergs did it take to sink the Titanic?

Hilarious…

Buford’s got a good program and probably the best young coach in the state. I’ll leave it at that.

By yo

December 18, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

I believe I am insightful and that is why I don’t understand your point. Buford’s back ups got more PT than any other team in the state

Correct, but they got that playing time against a lot of other AA competition. They did not get that playing time against AAAAA competition like the back ups of many AAAAA schools.

That is why many Atlanta schools choose to come south to play a team or 2. It is a different brand of football and they want their kids to get a taste of it before play off time.

Playing time in the little leagues is not the same as playing time in high school. Playing time in high school is not the same as playing time in College. Playing time in college is not the same as playing time in the pros. That is why college kids don’t generally start when they get to the pros even though they may have started every game in college. It is a different level at a different speed.

That is why Division 2 colleges generally don’t beat Division 1 colleges even though they may have a pro prospect or 2 on their team. Same scenario.

By yo

December 18, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

How many stones did it take David to kill Goliath? Thats a different equation..when God is on your side, all things change.

I believe David did take more than one stone though.

As for the Titanic, how many Icebergs did they miss before they finally hit one?

Buford has a very good program. Agree!!

By ladyluck

December 18, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

i knew that was coming. i believe it was 3 stones.

yo take care…

By Nancy

December 18, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

For all of you out there who are crying about Buford not moving up in classification, are you suggesting that Buford sacrifice all of its other sports that could not compete so that the football organization can prove that they are the best in state regardless of classification? The invite AAAAA schools to play in out of conference games and are turned down. Ask East Coweta and Central Gwinnett who the beat the last two years in regular season how well they compete in AAAAA.

By T.J.

December 18, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

First off, it has been very entertaining writing on here. I have appreciated some of the philosophical debates we have had. I picked the final games correct but the last one. I really thought Gwinnett would pull it out. It was a fine run Gwinnett. The South still rules. I must say that Camden, Valdosta, and Lowndes still show their programs dominance in the State. Very impressive! Great tradition and pride. Pat yourselves on the back, I have a feeling that Gwinnett will be in the running again next year. I was behind Grayson, but knew the inexperience of being that deep in the playoffs and long road trip would probably be too much for them. I feel the team was talented enough but not experienced enough, coaches too. Hey devil lover—-Grayson had numerous injuries during the regular season meeting, playoffs showed true power of the Rams. Think Todd has AAAAA picked right. I look forward to kicking this off again next year. I will be watching spring ball in Gwinnett to find the bandwagon I will ride next year. I think Grayson is losing too many Senior starters to be as competative. Their Defensive Line will be gone. They have Juniors stepping up?? Thinking Parkview may come back next year. Feel free to chime in on who has the best returning class to be in the hunt. I mentioned Parkview because last year they started like 12 Sophmores, they should be Seniors next season. Tell me who to watch this spring and this summer. Happy Holidays All!!!

By yo

December 18, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Next time, tell the Plowboys not to sand-bag so they can go wire-to-wire at No. 1. Five titles, but no wire-to-wires. They need to work on that. Todd, that wire to wire thing is not always in our hands. See 2004. I agree, it should have happened in 2005 though. Tell you what, you do your part preseason 2008 and we will take it the rest of the way from there. In other words don’t be sand-bagging us in 2008.

By Mo

December 18, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Lets just say that Lowndes did what was suppose to be done. Please for the Love of God stop talking about how the weather kept N.G. Bulldogs from playing a good game. I was at the game on the 50 yr line and seen it all. N.G. did not and could not keep up with Lowndes at all. Even when it was DRY they didnt play good. I am already sick how of how if the game was in the DOME. That Dome is a joke, it is a way for the NORTH Ga teams from having to take the 4 hour trip to the South to get your SPANKINGS!!!

Now you only have to drive 30 to 45 minutes home after the spanking you get from the SOUTHERN TEAMS

By The Champion Now Speaks

December 18, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Camden is better than NG. Lowndes vs Camden was the real state championship. NG got a good deal that no number one team from south GA was in the picture on there side.

By The Champion Now Speaks

December 18, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

You Buford Fans need to realize that when you have to have your stars go both ways (which Bufords opponants do) you are not the same as playing a team like any 5A team or Northside. Buford cannot and shall not be able to compete with 4A or 5A. They would be a good team in 3A but could not dominate like they did in 2A. It is out of the question. They just dont have the full roster to do it.

While your team is on the feild the whole game. NHS, Lowndes, Brookwood, Parkview, Westside-Macon, Camden County, Griffin and any other average to great 4A and 5A team is calculating based on what happened in the last drive. 2A football where you just come to the sideline for a quick break in between plays and never get to take a productive break cannot be compared and would get destroyed until you had 20 superstars not 9.

You were killing these teams because they are not teams, they are 6 players carrying the load. It is easy to beat 6-8 players. It’s hard to beat an offensive line that does nothing but plays offensive line and thinks about what the next block will be. Its hard to beat a defensive line that just plays D-line and thinks about more efficient ways to kill your QB and RB. Its different to play against a WR who only play WR and don’t have to play DB also, because you get to specialize for 4 years. AA teams don’t get to specialize. So please stop the yapping. Congrats on a dominating performance but keep playing against the schools that only have 30 seniors in the whole entire senior class and leave the big boys out of your thought process. It is impossible. You lost to Central Gwinnett last year didn’t you and they suck in 5A.

By The Champion Now Speaks

December 18, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Lady Luck, Name a good 5A team in this state that Buford has beat the last years. If they are so good, wouldn’t some of your none region games be up an A. Peach County plays 4A teams and wins. Northside plays 5A teams and wins. I guess my arguement is…as the famous Janet Jackson once song - “What have you done for me lately?” I don’t want to hear it. Put the best teams in your area code in the schedule and I might listen. Why is Buford afraid to play in GAC’s region if they are so strong. It’s closer to home, is it not. Don’t talk South Ga until they can beat Parkview(wont happen) or Shiloh(wont happen) or Central Gwinnet(didn’t happen) or Brookwood (stop dreaming) or North Gwinnett (again stop dreaming) or Meadowcreek, South Gwinnett, or Berkmar, or Pope. (the worst team in 5A.)

By The Champion Now Speaks

December 18, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

I have to edit myself because I did some research. Buford did beat Central Gwinnett and East Coweta. Central Gwinnett is garbage and East Coweta plays nobody. Play the real Gwinnett power houses…Play the middle Ga 3, 4, and 5A powerhouses. Not the jokes that you like to schedule and I might listen.

By Reeze

December 18, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Nancy………E Coweta and Cent Gwinnette?…..Wow!… I guess if Buford defeated these caliber of teams last year ,then you’re truly out right the best team in state ,any class for 2007…LOL

By Vikings Rule

December 18, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Hey black and gold, Valdosta may have more titles than Lowndes, but I bet Valdosta doesn’t have any AAAAA State Titles. Last time I checked Lowndes has beaten Valdosta like the last 4 years or something like that in the Winnersville Classic. So, why are you even talking about the Wildcats when Lowndes won the title? And to Nitrodust what makes big #97 Arbry Jones any different from any other players that Lowndes has played against. He is only one player and that’s not going to make any difference against #24 Greg Reid. The guy is a great player on both sides of the ball. I nicknamed him the Play- Maker on offense, and the Show-Stopper on defense. So i’ll be so glad that Northside Warner Robins can either put up or shut- up next year. Sure you guys won back to back, but that’s nothing Lowndes hasn’t already done regardless of the record. It’s a great accomplishment, but don’t think you’re special. We respect you guys but dont think for one minute that will mean anything when you step up to AAAAA.

By Reeze

December 18, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Nancy………It’s really insulting to other programs such as Lowndes,NSWR and Carver who fight and claw with the top competetion in their respective classes to win a state title,….You finally get past Charlton and now you can compete with any class or now the best in State…lady get real…It’s time for Buford to get out of fantasy land and start playing real competetion…..nobody’s buying into your BS hype unless you prove it

By NTH Trojans

December 18, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Todd,

As a North Hall fan, I would agree that they should have been ranked no higher than #4. The fact that Chamblee played Carver,Col. as close as they did speaks volumes as to how good they are. By the way, North Hall did play their worst game of the season in the Dome. The coach needs to have a game plan to INCLUDE the times when they are trailing by a lot, or late in the game. He’s a good coach, but that’s his weakness (along with playing too many players both ways), and every coach has one.

CHS Trojans, North Hall and Carrollton have one common opponent, Sandy Creek, and Carrollton lost by 14. North Hall won by 14. So your point is irrelevant.

To all Chamblee fans:

*North Hall and Chamblee played one common opponent, Flowery Branch. N. Hall played them Week 6 at home in a Sub-region game and we played them week 12 at their home in the Playoffs on a very cold Friday *

The difference is Chamblee won 47-34 and North Hall won 41-14. Nuff said.

By CHS "Real Trojans"

December 18, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Uh, excuse me NTH, but my argument is relevant. Don’t worry about what happened in game six. That is when we played Sandy Creek, without our best defensive lineman and on the road, I might add. It only matters what you do in the playoffs. Yes, you made it one round further, but you got embarrased, giving up 35 points in ONE quarter. That is unacceptable if you won’t to be considered among the elite teams.

By slalom1

December 18, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

To: Todd Holcomb, Todd, throughout this season there has been an underlying arrogance coming from AAAAA fans regarding the accomplishments of schools in lower classifications. Lowndes fans may the the most arrogant. So, I pose this question to you and the Lowndes elite: Should the enrollment of Lowndes(2,740) be slashed down to less than 1,000, do you or anyone else believe that Lowndes could have whipped this year’s Buford team?

By slalom1

December 18, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

To: Northside WR, Carver-Col, and Buford fans…. Congrats on winning the big one. It has been a thrill to follow your outstanding seasons.

By slalom1

December 18, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

In the final analysis, NSWR, with a healthy Marquis Ivory would have taken this VERY small Lowndes team to the woodshed. ALso, the Lowndes defense would have had no answer for the Furr-Fortson combo of Carver-Col. Comparing Buford to Lowndes, Buford simply had the better athletes, and were better coached. In a play-off among Georgia’s best, Lowndes would quite likely not finish among the state’s best 6.

By yo

December 18, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Should the enrollment of Lowndes(2,740) be slashed down to less than 1,000, do you or anyone else believe that Lowndes could have whipped this year’s Buford team? Probably not Slalom now thanks for making our point. Lowndes enrollment is not 1000 and it is 2700. ps-should I say any thing about that ticket you asked for and I am still holding for you?

By Dale

December 18, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Todd, Here are the AP Rankings: Class AAAAA

1. Lowndes (6) 60 (14-1)
2. North Gwinnett 50 (13-2)
3. Camden County 49 (12-2)
4. Walton 36 (12-2)
5. Roswell 32 (10-3)
6. M.L. King 26 (12-1)
7. Newnan 24 (11-2)
8. Grayson 15 (10-3)
9. Peachtree Ridge 14 (8-4)
10. Valdosta 6 (9-3) Others receiving votes: Coffee, Norcross, North Cobb, Brookwood, Douglass, Tift County.

As far as I know, Toddster, the folks that do these rankings have no agenda, they have no favorites, and they have no axes to grind. Pay attention. They represent news outlets that will be around when the last ajc issue hits the pit.

By yo

December 18, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

In the final analysis, NSWR, with a healthy Marquis Ivory would have taken this VERY small Lowndes team to the woodshed. ALso, the Lowndes defense would have had no answer for the Furr-Fortson combo of Carver-Col. Comparing Buford to Lowndes, Buford simply had the better athletes, and were better coached. In a play-off among Georgia’s best, Lowndes would quite likely not finish among the state’s best 6.

Lets put these comments into perspective. The rantings of a man who earlier in the year was calling Lagrange the best team all classifications in the state of Georgia. Enough said.

By Reeze

December 19, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

Slalom:…….You had to stir it up one last time,your season finale!…………LOL

By Iceism

December 19, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

It’s been very entertaining reading the above blogs about Buford. True fooball connoisseur and coaches in the industry understand that Buford has figured out the formula for success.

Schedules a put in place two years in advance/ ex. now that reclassifications are completed coaches are working on schedules for the next two years - specially the nonconference games / Buford has offered the oppotunity to play 5A schools in Gwinnett County and was rejected several times / we as spectators would love to see Buford go up against the great 4A or 5A teams but the coaches of these institutions they know what the out come could possibly be and don’t want that embarrassment

Depth is a contributing factor at times to winning a highly competitive game / but do not be fooled, Buford is deep - 3 to 4 deep at many positions / the key is that it is not a tremendous drop off in productivity and execution when its time to sub or replace players / a tumbs up for the coaching staff for readiness and preparation of the athletes - (depth vs. quailty of depth is the question on hand)- Buford has quality depth

When you have a group of coaches like at Buford where more then half the staff could be and was Head Coaches at other schools - that is quality depth / that is what has transcend to the football team - there are many players on the team that would easily start at many of the 4A & 5A schools / Buford has quality depth

Do not know what the out come would be against (Lowdens, North Side, Tucker, Parkview, Brookwood, etc.) but it would be a very good game - no blowout for either side / for those who follows Buford knows that Buford scrimmaged (Parkview, Tucker, etc.) in the past and it was a very close game, a good game - a 3 point victory margin for Tucker & Parkview over Buford / Buford did not stink up the place - they held there own for a 2A school / in closing you can believe it or not but Buford is really and truly that good / balanced, strength, speed, fundamentally sound, and quality coaches

By Leon

December 19, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this

How can Tucker and TCC fans think that they should be rank higher than Ware Co. You did not play for the Championship Title did you. It does not matter how well you played during the year or in the playoff it is based on how you finished in the playoff. Do you think that the two teams playing for the National Championship or the Super Bowl are going to place the second team playing for the title down to third or fourth place. Lets get real, I don’t think so. If Ware Co. had beat Northside then they would have been ranked first and Northside would have been ranked second and I guess then you Tucker fans and TCC fans would be complaining over why Northside was rank second over your teams. If you wanted your teams to be placed in second place then they should have won their games. Ware Co. did what the other team had a chance to do but they did it a little better. I no you are not going to do it but Tucker and TCC fans need to give credit where credit deserve to be and Ware Co. deserve to be rank second they came into the tournment just like all the other teams like starting a new season 0 to 0. They played, they won, they went on to play for the Championship now get over it and move on. Instead of crying over Ware Co. being ranked second you should be complaining over why your team is rank higher then the other team since you both lost your games on the same night. See you next year if your team makes it to the playoff.

By vlbutler

December 19, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

AAA SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK AT CAIRO WITH THE # OF STARTERS RETURNING

By AAA Coach

December 19, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

I am looking at Cairo, and no one returning for that team is taller than 5’7… In fact do any souwfth joawjah teams have college sized players? Do they even graduate with college prep degrees? Or do they get stuck in vocational tracks at their schools so they can spend all day in the weightroom lifting and watching film without worrying about eligibility? Wait til signing day if you think I’m throwing salt… Metro area will stock the SEC with talent while Highway 84 would do well to send kids anywhere but some mechanic’s garage.

By Greg reid#24

December 19, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

As being one of the blessed, talented, and gifted athletes in the state I would like to thank you all for your support and kind words… LOWNDES ARE THE UNDISPUTED CHAMPS!!! Im coming harder next year…

      Greg reid#24

By maker fan

December 19, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Cairo killed every metro atlanta team that they played, so what if we’re undersized. Watch out how you boast about your big players, highway 84 boys will win against just about anybody from up north.

Osborne lost 40-0 Carver-ATL lost 48-6 North hall lost 42-21

By Reeze

December 19, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

To:Todd Holcolm…..I don’t know if you read the post by AAA Coach,totally out of line….If this guy is actually a Coach, more than likely he’s also a educator,if so he has no business around these young kids with an attitude like his….My suggestion to you,get this individuals profile info and turn it over to the GHSA,along with his comment.

By yo

December 19, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

I doubt AAA coach is a coach. If he is however, how come he is such a sorry coach coaching all that Div 1 talent and never beating the runts of Hwy. 84? Maybe his school needs some of our runts to come and coach his kids on how to play a little football.

By Camden Injuries for Dome

December 19, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Hey I do not know if everyone knows this. While injuries can not be a total blame. For those who wondered why our offense couldnt move the ball. We had: Offensive line: 4 people out almost all season with acl and Mcl issues Deffense: Akeem Fain with an acl issue. So Camden did the best against Lowndes without 5 of its starters. Keegan McClain- C Akeem Fain- MLB Justin Renew- TE Fred Voight (got injured after the game of his life against E. Coweta)RG

These players were our starters. Also Jusin Orr and Gavin Oliver played the dome game injured.

By devil lover

December 19, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

You guys are so knowledgeable I thought I would ask you this question. Who was Lanier High School who won 16 boys basketball championships back in the 20’s thru the 51 and why were they so dominant? There must be a good story.

By AAA Coach

December 19, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

maker fan and yo- Cairo has an incredible program. They play hard, and those kids have earned the respect of everyone around the state. If ANY (and I do mean ANY) south metro area team had the facilities, support, and resources that South Georgia programs take for granted they would play a college game at the high school level. All conversation and discussion of Highway 84 in regard to football would cease if the rest of the south metro area followed suit.

Reeze- I am a coach and an educator, a completely unfamiliar combination in souwfth joawjah. I don’t teach weightlifting, pe, or drivers’ ed. I teach college prep courses with end of course tests unlike the coaches we compete against. My players are also held to a higher standard. Our district won’t even allow them time for weight training during the school day (the only system in the state with such a restriction). They will be expected to perform on standardized tests, and ultimately this will pay off for them. The handfull of kids with college size and talent in some programs never get a chance to compete at that level because they lack the academic preparation. No one is concerned with their careers or their lives after football. They are simply exploited for the contribution they can make to some small town’s economy by drawing a crowd to the local stadium. White people profiting from black labor is nothing new around here, anyway.

By Ed NSHS Fan

December 19, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

To: By AAA Coach: I had said earlier I was not going to place another more blogs this year. However, when I read you comments concerning young boys who give it their all on the foot field and in classroom day after day, studying late into the night—so proud of their school, family, and friends. Then you, as a AAA coach could dare use this blog to belittle 16-18 year old kids. You should be ashamed of yourself. You could have easily stuck to what we all have been doing all year-a little bragging about our teams, challenging one another to prove a point, and even laughing at times. You had to come along and stoop low. Shame on you!

By KenT

December 19, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

To: AAA Coach: I do hope that you are not really a teacher. With comments like that, what are you teaching children? It looks like to me you are teaching hate. SHAME ON YOU!

By Demon Fan

December 19, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

The rankings look fine to me. The only reason Tucker was up by 21 at the half against NS-WR is because Ivory was on the bench. He pulled out one of the best comebacks I’ve seen on his level. Ware County played Northside tough. Two of Northside’s turnovers were interceptions by a tough Ware Co. secondary.

I’ve said it all year, Northside and Lowndes were shoe ins for the championships in their divisions. I think Nick Bass turned in the best performance of all levels. He’s not the biggest, strongest, or the fastest…but he is the toughest. He took hit after hit and still came up with big plays.

Let’s face it weather was a big factor in the AAAAA championship, but both teams played in it. Did North Gwinnett not have another game plan option? That’s poor preparation from one the best coaches in the state.

The best team in the state is Northside-WR. The only reason I put them in front of Lowndes is coaching. Coach Conrad Nix is one of the best play callers I’ve seen. We’ll have a chance to see who comes out on top next year when Northside moves into 1AAAAA. 1AAAAA will be the toughest region in the state.

By Todd Holcomb

December 19, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

* Who was Lanier High School who won 16 boys basketball championships back in the 20’s thru the 51 and why were they so dominant? There must be a good story.*

That was Sidney Lanier High of Macon, which became Central Macon with integration. Lanier was the Poets. In the ‘30s and ‘40s, there were only about a dozen big schools in the state, and Lanier along with Boys’ and Tech high schools of Atlanta were pretty dominant. Lanier’s coach was Selby Buck. He might’ve coached football and basketball. Billy Henderson, the long-time Clarke Central coach, was a star athlete at Lanier. Theron Sapp also played at Lanier.

* As far as I know, Toddster, the folks that do these rankings [the AP poll] have no agenda, they have no favorites, and they have no axes to grind. Pay attention. They represent news outlets that will be around when the last ajc issue hits the pit.*

I respect the AP’s take on the rankings. The sportswriters (of course, I’m a sportswriter, too, but don’t vote in that poll) apparently agree that a team’s finish in the state playoffs is paramount. If you make the QF, you’re in the top 8. If you make the final (Lovett), you’re in the top two. I just don’t think that’s the best way to do it, and unless you would rank Lovett ahead of Charlton, you probably don’t either. …

It’s tough arguing against schools such as Newnan or North Cobb or Carver because all had fine seasons, and for me to justify why I didn’t put them in the Top 10, it sounds like I’m insulting them. But all I can do is go back to my original argument – If you rank teams based on their best win, Newnan (w/ wins over Coffee, East Coweta) wouldn’t be in the Top 10, and if you ranked teams based on their worst losses (Carrollton 27-7), Newnan wouldn’t be in the Top 10. So why should Newan be in the Top 10?

For winning a region that I believe any of my Top 10 teams would’ve won? For winning a quarter of the state playoff draw that I believe any of my Top 10 teams would’ve won? For playing North Gwinnett close? If Newnan had gone 10-0 in the regular season (as I would expect every Top 10 team to do), then I would’ve ranked Newnan, and probably pretty highly, like No. 5 or No. 6.

* Think Todd has AAAAA picked right.*

Thanks, T.J. And tell Coach Crews I haven’t forgotten about his car. It’s just with the water restrictions, I can’t get to it every week like I was doing last spring.

* Todd, throughout this season there has been an underlying arrogance coming from AAAAA fans regarding the accomplishments of schools in lower classifications. Lowndes fans may the the most arrogant. So, I pose this question to you and the Lowndes elite: Should the enrollment of Lowndes(2,740) be slashed down to less than 1,000, do you or anyone else believe that Lowndes could have whipped this year’s Buford team?*

Per capita, Buford is the best team in Georgia. But it’s also easier to win these per-capita arguments the smaller you are. Look at Kuwait.

* As a North Hall fan, I would agree that they should have been ranked no higher than #4.*

My ranking of North Hall at No. 3 is philosophical than anything else. Based on semifinal performance, Chamblee was better. But I still think North Hall performed better throughout the season than Chamblee.

* Lady Luck, Name a good 5A team in this state that Buford has beat the last years.*

Not saying this is significant, but interesting: Buford won the Gwinnett County JV championship this year. Beat Brookwood 39-6 in the final.

* Lets just say that Lowndes did what was suppose to be done. Please for the Love of God stop talking about how the weather kept N.G. Bulldogs from playing a good game.*

I agree w/ you, Mo.

* Lowndes went “wire to wire” (15-0) in 2004. We might have done it this year but 10 fumbles in the rain.*

Mo?

Reminds me of that Joni Mitchell song, ‘’So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way.’’ … Not disputing the point about weather or just having a bad night. ..

Actually, Camden County started No. 1 in 2004, and Newnan started No. 2. (We haven’t always hated Newnan.) That’s what I mean by wire-to-wire – being No. 1 from start to finish.

Todd - How many head coaching changes are happening down south in comparison with the metro area?

Pretty evenly split, as far as I can tell. One of the GHSFHA members keeps a running list here:

http://ghsfha.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=2325&hl=

* , that wire to wire thing is not always in our hands. See 2004. I agree, it should have happened in 2005 though. Tell you what, you do your part preseason 2008 and we will take it the rest of the way from there.*

I think I can make that deal.

* So because we played what you would call a weak schedule, and the lopsided loss at Cairo, a town where all there is to do is play football and pick sugarcane, The New Schools at Carver doesn’t deserve to be ranked? You said yourself, don’t judge a team based on their last game earlier in this blog and then you go do exactly that. 11-0 is an outstanding accomplishment.*

What I meant to say was that a team shouldn’t be judged COMPLETELY on its last game. I’m also judging Carver on its schedule.

You brought up North Hall, so let’s compare:

Carver 20, White County 13 (overtime)

North Hall xx, White County xx

Carver 20, McNair 19 (overtime)

North Hall 41, McNair 20

The Associated Press ranked Carver, so there’s room for honest disagreement here.

By Panther Fan

December 19, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Mr Holcolmb,

Did you see our games versus Mcnair and North Hall. We had 4 and 3 turnovers respectively in the first half of both games. If not for those, it would have been another BLOWOUT victory for us. Also, North Hall runs a Wing-T offense, an offense that can put up points if a team is prepared to handle misdirection (Mcnair) or is too small to do anything about it (White County). What about the rest of North Hall’s Schedule? Who besides Flowery Branch is in your AAA top 20?

Again, we’re region 5 champions, not Chamblee (#4) or Westminster (#10), finshed 11-1, and feature the leader in interceptions and the #5 leading rusher in Georgia, both of whom are coming back next year. It’s a shame that people still think of us as the ‘old’ Carver. That’s why they changed the name.

By Panther Fan

December 19, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I forgot, we are ranked #8 by the AP!!! What’s your bias against The New Schools at Carver?

By JC597

December 19, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

The comparative score w/ Cherokee is what put EP ahead of Habersham. Plus, EP got a quality win in beating Mays 21-3, even if Mays wound up unranked.

I would argue Habersham played Cherokee in the playoffs, so a closer score is in that game is somewhat excusable. Habersham beat Marist 24-7; E. Paulding beat Mays 21-3; Mays narrowly defeated Marist in overtime - obviously there is no definitive quantifiable argument there.

Habersham’s only regular-season loss (and really the only close game played during the regular season) was to Stephens County, a strong AAA team narrowly upset in the playoffs by eventual semifinalist Chamblee. On the contrary, East Paulding struggled in three games with 3-8 Paulding County (17-16), 1-9 Woodland (21-13), and 4-6 Sequoyah (17-14). Hardly convincing.

Further, if you want to attempt “margin of victory” logic to this scenario: TCC beat East Paulding 48-21 (27 point margin). Ware County beat Habersham Central 30-0 (30 point margin). Ware County beat TCC 10-7 (3 point margin). Using the logic of some folks on this board, that would equal a 30 point differential between both Habersham-Ware and E. Paulding-Ware. Not to mention, E. Paulding scored most of its points against TCC at the end of that game.

My point is: There is no way to quantify whether Habersham or East Paulding deserves the #5 spot. You can’t win that argument simply because Cherokee played way above its head in the second round of the playoffs.

I’d probably give Habersham the nod for #5 (bias aside) because Habersham dominated its regular season schedule, beating Dacula, Clarke Central, and the rest of the region - all by considerable margins - and losing to a highly ranked opponent by only 3 points in a heated rivalry game (away) with a freshman QB filling in.

By powbeech

December 19, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

slalom1 is obviously hurting. Whether it is dealing with his own inadequacies, or the irrelevance of his own football team, or just his maniacal hatred for Lowndes that totally consumes him, he really should seek medical attention. It is understandable though, haters and losers always seek out #1 to degrade and denigrate. However, slalom1 is capable of keeping us laughing which is good for everyone.

By AnotherVikingfan

December 19, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Demonfan: I know the NSWR coach is a great coach, but don’t overlook Lowndes’ Randy Mcpherson. He came to Lowndes after Milt Miller retired following the 2001 season. In 6 years at Lowndes he has led us to 3 state championships, and we have not been scored on in 3 semi finals in the dome. Before coming to Lowndes he coached a little AA school, ala Buford, in Madison, Florida and built a powerhouse there, with one state title and another title game appearance. Along with our long time defensive coordinator Randy Hill, we have at the very least “one of the best coaching staffs” in the state. Our staff also includes a former grad assistant at Virginia Tech and college coach in Mississippi, James Brown. Mcpherson is indeed a great head coach. As his rival and friend Jeff Heron at Camden. And to you Buford fans, Randy has been quoted as saying Buford is one school he would not want to play!

To Todd: We will hold you to that deal about giving us a chance at “wire to wire” in 2008. Randy Mc will kill us though for saying it.

Everyone at Lowndes appreciates the recognition you have given our program and team.

That Lanier High School in Macon was also very good in football. Wright Bazemore led Valdosta teams went up against them several times. There was another team really good in Macon, I believe it was Willingham, that Billy Henderson coached at before going to Clark Central.

By vikes 1

December 19, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

It would appear that just because you make the title game you should be #2. So why is it that Camden and Lowndes both number one in their regions are in same playoff bracket? Only to allow an Atlanta team in the title game! Two regions in S.GA - total of 8 teams. Camden has a weak region so really only 5 teams from S. Ga in playoffs. S. Ga takes on 24 Atlanta teams and either Camden or Lowndes takes a loss since they are in same bracket. Face it Atlanta teams are way overrated and scared to face Camden and Lowndes on opposite sides of bracket. YA’LL COME BACK NOW- HERE!

By Dale

December 19, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

If Newnan had gone 10-0 in the regular season (as I would expect every Top 10 team to do), then I would’ve ranked Newnan, and probably pretty highly, like No. 5 or No. 6.

Ok Todd, explain 9-3 Valdosta at number 10 then.

By Hambone

December 19, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that alot of people want to compare scores from similar opponents to decide there “real” rank throughout the state. Any person with an ounce of sports knowledge would know that is a very inaccurate way to measure a teams ability. Every game has a certain level of individual match-ups that control the outcome of the game. These match-ups vary from game to game its called strengths and weaknesses of each team. And as for Cairo only having football and sugarcane well take notes cause we walked the dog on your Carver Atlanta team. If you want recognition try playing a schedule that has a combined winning record. If you do that and go 11-0 then your recognition will come. 10 teams with a total of 37 wins give me a break our JV program would have given you all you wanted. Be glad your team had a good season and stayed in the top 20 there was maybe 1 team in region 1 that would have lost to Carver Atlanta.

By Panther Fan

December 19, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Yeah, you’re right. The other teams in our region did not have a great combined record, just like the graduates of Cairo H.S. won’t have many options after they graduate. You didn’t deny the fact that it’s either football or the sugarcane fields, or the mills. That’s fine, you all make the paper that I use to pick up the mess my dog make. We all know the reason Southern GA teams are bigger and stronger is because it’s either football or bust. There are more options for the kids up here. I can’t say that. You all have a great band. So there are 3 options in Cairo. Think about it. Kids down there have football and weight training as a class. That’s one quality education. Maybe they can come up north and become bouncers and security guards. That’s why you all run such simnple offenses. You all beat us up front. You weren’t faster, or better coached. Forget what the record says, if you all hadn’t watered the field down, then it definetly would have been a different story.

Now run along and sing that song you all like to play at the end of games.

By wareagle

December 20, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

pantherfan, what elementary school do you attend? I must speak with your principal because you are failing English, and your writing skills are atrocious. Please write in complete sentences, and for goodness sake use some punctuation along with correct subject verb agreement. When you grow up, you might qualify to be a bouncer or mall cop. Good luck in 4th grade!

By yo

December 20, 2007 4:56 AM | Link to this

Carver Atlanta…..is that a Carver Columbus wanna be?

Picking in the sugarcane fields sure does beat robbing banks and selling dope for a living like they learn in the Carver Atlanta area.

I hear the room and board for Carver is quite often free in the careers they learn there. Not a bad benefit I suppose.

By DirtDobber

December 20, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Disputing rankings among the top 10 is moot at this point. No one [with a brain] should dispute Lowndes as 1 and that is all that truly counts. Lowndes deserves it - congrats Vikings.

Inserting Brookwood over Newnan is very naive. Brookwood lost in round 2 by a substantial margin while Newnan lost by a narrow margin to NG in the next round (quarterfinals). And what about Harrison who actually beat Lowndes in the first game of the season ? They also lost in the second round but by a lesser margin than Brookwood.

Why dont you just list Brookwood as 1st in every ranking you publish regardless of their record, scores, stats ? The readers can then look below Brookwood and see your objective picks .

Dont bother to explain.

By Leon

December 20, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I miss Highball School Football already and it has only been a little over a week. Just 9 more month and 11 days to go till skickoff. Someone could almost have a baby by then and some may well do that.

“GO WARE COUNTY GATORS IN 2008”

By Ep-Hoe!

December 20, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Well congrats to all the champs out there! and TCC fans I was rootin for yall the hole way after yall put a woopin to us in your place witch by the way was a crazy atmosphere. Yall had every chance in the world to win in the dome and couldnt pull it off!! witched sucked cause I would have loved to see yall play the Champs!

So how is EP lookin next year?? well I mean are JV has gone 14-0 the last 2 years! freshman 11-3! and we have alot of starters returning, so it looks like we got a bright future ahead! But can EP compeat with Marietta, Harrison, N. Cobb, McEachern, S.Cobb, Etowah, Woodstock, all those teams in region 5AAAAA! I believe so, but wat yall think?

All I know is cant wait for the season to be back! should be a fun, and wild ride again!

GO RAIDERS!

By Ugly Truth

December 20, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Ep-Ho: I’ll tell you how East Paulding is lookin next year… Slow and white! Good luck gettin run off the field by an athletic team in the playoffs after you beat up on the other sorry northern teams next year.

By BBFan

December 20, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Who cares about the final top 10 poll? Winning the State Title is the only thing that matters.

By slalom1

December 20, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

“Reeze”, NOT done yet! “Yo”, if you are REALLY holding that ticket, I owe you BIG TIME, and will gladly pay. My PC was down for a few days, so I do not know if you are serious or not. But, on a serious note, like “Yo”, “Reeze”, and others, yes I do enjoy getting people “riled” up. To me, it is all in good fun. And, “YO”…I NEVER made claims this entire season that LG had a great team. I DID compare the roster size and depth against Lowndes, which I stand by. But as Lowndes proved, roster size is a factor, but talent and coaching wins. You have preached all season about the quickness of this Lowndes team. Furthermore, I believe that you and I predicted the same class champions. A wet field generally hurts the quicker team the most. In spite of the horrible playing conditions, N. Gwinnett could not match the quickness of Lowndes.(ON A SLOPPY FIELD). AMAZING. The comparisons between Lowndes, NSWR, Carver-Col, and Buford were just meant to be in fun. No one will ever know. However, even with my team bowing out in the first round of this year’s play-offs, I can honestly say that this 2007 season has been one of the most exciting in recent memory. In addition, I have met some characters on this blog that I will never forget. To all of you, thanks for listening to me vent and rant. This has been ONE fun ride. Slalom1

By slalom1

December 20, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

To: “powbeach” Thanks for the help. As we speak, I am seeking help from the GHS “Helpline” for fanatics. “powbeach”, had you followed this blog from the season’s start, you would know that I am a Valdosta-Lowndes fan. Have been for years. I simply enjoy trading jabs with some of my Lowndes County bloggers. NOTHING gives me more of a thrill than to see a south Georgia team whip a Gwinnett County team. My regret is that my team is no longer in AAAAA.(As for this season, probably for the best.)

By slalom1

December 20, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

To: “powbeach” Thanks for the help. As we speak, I am seeking help from the GHS “Helpline” for fanatics. “powbeach”, had you followed this blog from the season’s start, you would know that I am a Valdosta-Lowndes fan. Have been for years. I simply enjoy trading jabs with some of my Lowndes County bloggers. NOTHING gives me more of a thrill than to see a south Georgia team whip a Gwinnett County team. My regret is that my team is no longer in AAAAA.(As for this season, probably for the best.)

By slalom1

December 20, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

To: “YO” That Carver-Atl vs. Carver-Col. comparison was just a little bit cold. From what I understand, the Carver-Atl. kids are fighting against much more than a Friday night football game. May we see a “kinder and gentler” side of “YO”?

By Hambone

December 20, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Panther Fan why would we result to watering the feild down to beat that bunch you brought down here. We had our varsity squad on the bench in the second quarter. As for a simple offense it seemed very effective to me if I remember correctly we played in the championship game. Educational value I would love to engage in a debate anytime you would like wether it be football knowledge or basically any other subject. FYI there are many technical prep graduates from our school I personally had both. Look at the satistics Tech school graduates earn higher salaries than most college graduates. Simple economics but your the smart one here with all the options I am sure you already knew that. Enjoy your region title thats the only title you will ever win.

By Remove Camden from AAAAA Rankings

December 21, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

Camden County should not be ranked in AAAAA. 7 of their 12 wins were against AAAA schools. Of the 3 ‘normal’ AAAAA schools they played, they were 1-2. Rank them if you want but in class AAAA not AAAAA. Give that spot to a team that plays a true AAAAA schedule.

By Hambone

December 21, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Yo good looking out!!! Fact is some here have gotten a little offended by the fact there team real does suck but all the other teams in there region suck worst than they do. Carver of atlanta went 11-0 and would have had a great showing in Cairo if our coaches had played the 8th graders. Cause our JV squad scored on the twice. They held us in check the second half I give them credit for that. Our 9th graders could move the ball but not score.

By BrookeFan

December 21, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to the Vikings in 1-AAAAA. LHS had the complete-enough, tho’ not total, package. I wished your fine team ill. Now I must take some of my own “medicine.”

Time to go buy that wintergreen Skoal, bubbas and sistahs?

By BrookeFan

December 21, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Brookwood at #1 next year? I can dig it.

To the Ugly Truth - stick to what you can intelligently talk about - dealing crack.

By ppaddy123

December 21, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

How would you like to play on this region? Lowndes Valdosta Northside Warner Robbins Coffee Co. Colquit Co. Warner Robbins Tift Co. Houston Co. The sad thing is only four of those teams will make the playoffs.

By yo

December 21, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

Slalom…yes I had your ticket at the 50 yard line Lowndes side right next to me. You can pay me back at the Dome next year when Lowndes plays for the state championship against another Gwinnett team?
(? is for Gwinnett and not Lowndes). Just kidding about pay back.

Regarding Carver comment I felt the need to point out that stereo typing isn’t any good when it is pointed in your direction. So we need to be careful about how we stereo type others or it could come back at us a little harder.

Yep! Lowndes is fast. A little stereo typing on a positive note.

What do you think of that outdated Wing T now? Good enough to take state in 3 out of the last 4 years in AAAAA? Going for 4 out of 5 next year.

Question for you? Given Lowndes amazingly difficult 1AAAAA schedule and whoever else they add (maybe Ware?) can they go undefeated next year? What does every body think?

If they do that would be 29 straight wins.

By slalom1

December 22, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

To “Yo”… Words fail me. As for the ticket, I MUST repay. As for the game, like you, I just enjoy getting people “riled up”. Yes, Lowndes was every bit the team you said they were. VERY quick. Well disciplined, well coached, and VERY talented. As for the “Wing-T”, this Lowndes team could have won with a full house backfield. They are THAT good. My brother, did not know that you had actually gotten a ticket for me for the BIG one. I WOULD have been there. Will try to repay. Been a fun season. Don’t you think? “Yo”, you are a character that I will never forget. Thanks for being who you are.

By slalom1

December 22, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

To “Yo” As for next season, Lowndes would be my pre-season #1 pick. But, look out for Valdosta. I believe that Rick Tomberlin will bring the Wildcats back. Should be another legendary season for “Winnersville”. Just wish that GHS football lasted at least 9 months. Now, all I have to look forward to is the beginning of the NASCAR season.(Which ain’t bad), but I am aleady in full scale withdrawal over the end of this GHS football season.

By Reeze

December 22, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Yo And Slalom:1-AAAAA won’t be such a cake walk next year .Other than my Eagles and others ,don’t overlook The WR Demons ,they had a bunch of young kids this year and Way will have W.J Mac calling the shots at qb solely this upcoming year, and they’re returning their entire back field…..Yo we’ll be slugging it out in the same region ,keep an eye on the Demons,don’t expect a repeat of 2007 for them ,to good of a program.

By yo

December 22, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Reeze…agreed on WR. They improved considerably during the year and were very young. Also expect NSHS to be tough as usual. Expect a much improved Colquit and Houston Co. WR, Colquit and Houston will be back. Valdosta played a lot of seniors so who knows about them next year? Valdosta program seems to be back on the up swing. I believe Tift is back to stay on a pretty regular basis. Coffee coaching change. May be down a little next year. It will be the usual challenge no matter who takes it. I’m curious to see who else is on our schedule besides 1AAAAA. Except for the long ride to Kennesaw Mountain (yuch!)and not the best visitors side to watch a football game (to put it nicely), I’m hoping Harrison will still be scheduled for a couple of more years at least. We need to get that little monkey off of our back and settle that score.

By Dekalbfan

December 23, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

man i can’t belive u forgto abt chamblee in the top 3 they almost beat carver in the dome the secondary jus coudn’t play little more hard. chamblee number two on my list after carver

By Not Northside WR

December 23, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Response to NSWR the best team in the state. No they are not. They may have won the AAAA championship but they were only not the best team in the state at season end, they were not the best team in AAAA. They looked like #$%^&*( their last few games. But they still won…guess that proves a AAAAA sized school playing AAAA competition will win.

By Valdosta Back?

December 23, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Valdosta may be back next year….as long as they stop scheduling Brookwood. Brookwood has been down the last two years and was still 2-0 against the Valdosta from Boostfville.

By A Final Texas vs Georgia Comparison

December 23, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

A final comment for this season on why Texas high school football is number 1 in the country. There’s no comparison on the number of quality teams in that Texas versus Georgia, that’s not even open for debate since it’s a given. The playoff format crowns a true high school football state champion in Texas instead of a home field advantaged Georgia state champion. The final comparison for the season (there’s actually no comparison but to humor the GA high school fans). The stadiums where the finals were played. Texas AAAAA played in the Alamodome; capacity 65,000. Georgia AAAAA played in an old rundown stadium with a drainage ditch down the middle that may hold 12,000. Texas AAAA played in Floyd Casey stadium on Baylor University campus; capacity 50,000. Georgia AAAA played in Ware County Georgia, with the cows removed maybe seats 6,000. Texas AAA played in Texas stadium; capacity 65,675. Georgia AAA played in Cario, GA, maybe seats 3,000 on a good day. Texas AA played in Gordon Brown Stadium Brownwood, TX; capacity (est) 12,000. Georgia AA played in Buford, GA, maybe holds 3,000 if they’re packed tight. Texas A played at Tarleton State University; capacity 7,000. Georgia A played in Wilcox County, GA maybe holds 2,000 if folks lose about 20 pounds each. No Georgia you’re still a long ways from being mentioned in the same breath with Texas high school football.

By devil lover

December 23, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Hey By A Final Texas vs Georgia Comparison, every Texan I have ever met are just a like, big talkers and can’t back it up.

In Georgia we don’t really care were we play as long as we are the best damn football players in the country and we continually produce the best.

Hey big mouth where does your teams plays the semifinals because in Ga we play in the Georgia Dome that seats 65,000. Starting next year all finals will be played in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta not so cow roping town like Austin or northern border town to Mexico like San Antonia. So if you had any brains you would not have even opened your mouth.

Outside of maybe two cities there is nothing but rednecks and cow towns in Texas. Go back to Texas because we don’t want you here.

Now to show you how inept Texas is in basketball also, out of the top 150 high school recruiting prospects, Texas has only has 8 while Ga has 15. So tell me why with all of those people why TX only has 5% of the top 150 while Ga has 15%?

By Jawja Boy

December 24, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

To: AAA Coach: First of all, quit making excuses by blaming how smart you are on why you can’t win. If your so smart you would know you don’t “pick” sugarcane you cut it. Secondaly, Cairo High School’s coaches also teach college prep classes with EOCTs, our kids graduate, and many attend Div 1 schools. We have a player at Clemson who starts who is on scholarship in basketball and football, and is majoring in drafting, and on the Dean’s list. We have players at Valdosta STate, FSU, and Georgia Southern, and the list goes on. Learn to compete, quit whining and maybe ONE DAY you’ll be good enough to get a job in souwth jeorga!

By VIKING DAD

December 24, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Hey North Ga fans, To all of you who keeps saying you have the best team,why don’t you get GHSA to go back to the old playoff format. Regions 1-4 play to determine the S GA Champion, and Regions 5-8 for the N GA Champion. Then south plays north for the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. If you look back when it was played like this, you’ll see the south dominated..

By GRAYSONFAN

December 24, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

get over yourself, thats all you have to do down there!

By To Brainless Devil Lover

December 24, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

“Outside of maybe two cities there is nothing but rednecks and cow towns in Texas.” Your sentence stopped short. It should have ended with, “that produce more college football players across the nation than any other state.” Check the NCAA stats if you like. Why do you think all the major college conferences raid the Texas high schools for quality players. They’re the best in the nation and can pass the entrance exams. Example. UGA went west to find a QB because their wasn’t one in GA. PS. Even though the state of Texas doesn’t recognize basketball as a true sport but the last time I looked The University of Texas at Austin was ranked either 3 or 4 in Division 1 basketball. PSS. don’t post on topics you know nothing about in the future.

By yo

December 24, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

To A Final Texas vs Georgia Football Comparison….Texas football must really be good for you to spend your time here on Ga. sites posting and trying to measure up. I suppose in Texas they don’t have good enough football to hold your attention. I understand.
Go back to 6 persons patty cake football and try not to get tackled by any cow patties. I here the one thing that is real big in Texas besides the mouths and egos is the size of their bull poop. Texas….where the spectators come with 4 legs and go moo!

By yo

December 24, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

UGA went west to find a QB and he came south so he could learn to become one. A football player and a qback that is. Must be why all your talent is leaving the state besides the fact that Texas is just a sorry place to be from.

By Best State for H.S. Football

December 25, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

If all of you look at Newsweeks Super 25 High School Football Teams in the Nation, Florida and California have 4 teams a piece. You will notice Texas (Katy) and Georgia (Northside W.R.)are the only teams listed. I am from Texas and have kids playing in Georgia Highschools. I can face the facts if you can too. Can’t we all just get along! Happy Holidays, peace on Earth, and goodwill towards men….

By spideman

December 25, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

You asked who Norcross would have next year: Kent Prince (WR/CB), Matt Autry (WR/DE) who will be better than Bolton & Butler, Charles King (QB), DJ Adams (RB)and Steve Smith (LB). This will be hard to believe, but this group will be far better than last years group of Seniors. Look for the Devils to challenge for a State Title.

By Steven Conner

December 25, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

By Remove Camden from AAAAA Rankings We can only play in the region that the GHSA assigns us too. However, we still ALWAYS go deep in the Play-Offs. Four dome appearences in the last 5 years would certainly be considered as a school that should be ranked in the top 10 in AAAAA. Remove us from the standings, who cares, we will see you in the play-offs again. Congrats Lowndes on another State Championship. It is evident that South Georgia Teams will never get credit regardless of how many State Championships or games won in the play-offs. Our South GA TEAMS will be ready for another run next year.

By devil lover

December 26, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

Hey A Final Texas vs Georgia Comparison. There is really no debate who has the most quality players and teams per capita. And there is no question who has had the most impressive program in the country. To refresh your memory Valdosta High School from Valdosta, Ga has produced probably the most impressive program in the country todate. They have been national champs six times and state champs 23 times. With 829 All-Time Wins, they hold the National High School Federation Record(829-183-34, 80.8% Winning Percentage). They hold the All-Time USA Today Super 25 Rankings and the All-Time National Prep Poll Rankings.

So, I hope I have refreshed your memory so that you don’t make the same mistake again.

Happy New Year losser.

By devil lover

December 26, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Texas Brainless. This will be the last breath I will waist on you to prove my point that Ga has more outstanding players than Cowtown USA, Texas.

In this year’s top 100 football player prospects, as per Risemag.com, Ga has 1 per 1.4M people while Cowtown USA-Texas has 1 per 2.2M people. Bottom line is GA has more good players per capita that Cowtown USA, Texas.

End of augument and go milk yours cows cowboy.

By Best State for H.S. Football

December 26, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Devil lover. First off, I am not A Final Texas vs Georgia Comparison. But I am from Texas and would hope you refrain from derogatory comments about Texans or Texas as a whole. We have a few individuals like the above mentioned that put their proverbial foot in the mouth but Texas is a melting pot just like a majority of the States in the Nation these days. I truly appriciated the historic and statistical data provided to show the rich history and dominance by one school in South Georgia. But I believe the initial argument revolved around current quality of schools in each State in the Nation. And the current final National Prep Football Poll of 2007, Texas has 2 schools in the top 10 ranked 3rd and 9th and GA has 1 school ranked 18th. California has the most schools listed the final National Prep Football Poll of 2007 with 4 schools. The top school in the Nation this year is from Ohio. Additionally, Sports Illustrated listed Long Beach Poly in CA the Best High School Athletic Program. Since 1996 Poly football has gone undefeated three times and won five championships. In the school’s 110-year history four-dozen grads have gone on to the NFL. So I put this out there as a olive branch. Anybody can make a argument about who has the best program or team using stats or quotes from different sources. As mature adults we can agree to disagree. The reason I moved to Georgia was for work. The reason I moved to Gwinnett is because of the direction the football programs are going so my 6ft 5in 220 pound teens can be competative and have a chance at going to play for a nice college. Gwinnett is starting to match the historic records and competition of the schools from South Georgia. They have nice athletic facilities like Texas. In the end a majority of the kids are all moving in from somewhere else and going to go to college with kids from everywhere else. How many kids at Norcross are actually born in Georgia? And the winner of the up comming Superbowl, New England, probably will have no one on the team from New England. So whats the point of the name calling and this argument? None. Can’t we all just get along?

By wareagle

December 26, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Best State for H.S. Football

Your entire post was mindless, meaningless, blather noticeably lacking relevance.

Your son should do just fine and be competitive in drama or on the debate team up in Gwinnett.

Good luck …

Stuck and Disgruntled in Gwinnett

By slalom1

December 26, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

To: Reeze and Yo… I agree, 1AAAAA will not be a “gimme” for anyone. It never is. It may quite possibly be THE toughest high school region in the nation. But, looking at the players Lowndes has coming back, they appear to once again, be THE team to beat. As for me, as I have stated many times that I am and always have been a big fan of Region 1. As for the Texas debate, some of their schools make dwarfs of Georgia’s largest schools. But, you guys know how I stand on that…..”You can only put so many players on the field.” At some point, the principle of diminishing returns kicks in.(I do not claim to know where that point is.) Even though “Yo” will argue this point as he gasps for his last dying breath, the vast majority of high school players are simply that. They are just high school players. With a great coaching staff, the average high school player can be coached-up, regarding the fundamentals of blocking and tackling.If you get 75-85 kids who are well disciplined, well coached, you will also have some super-stars to appear.Once this happens, enrollment is no longer an advantage. Having said that, the TEXAS vs. GEORGIA subject is moot. Do not care if South Carroll has 6,000 students, and Lowndes has 2,700. The bulk of both teams will consist of “high school” athletes.Kids that will NEVER play college ball. That is where coaching comes in. Same can be said for NSWR. This season has been bitter sweet for me. My team lost out in the first round. (and, probably should not have even been there.) But, have had a great time in the post season learning more about other programs, and along the way becoming a fan of schools other than mine. Already looking forward to 2008. Thanks, guys. slalom1

By NTH Trojans

December 26, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Carver Atlanta, you’re still crying about the final rankings? For the record, North Hall and Carver, Atlanta have two common opponents, McNair and White County. The scores in those games were:

Carver 20 - McNair 19 North Hall 41- McNair 20

Carver 20 - White Co 13 OT North Hall 49 - White Co 7

One of the major differences between NH and Carver playing White Co is that NH never trailed and Carver had to come from behind at the end of the game just to force OT. So, you tell me, without bias, who deserves the higher ranking? I have already said that Chamblee deserves to be ranked higher than NH in the final poll.

By Best State for H.S. Football

December 27, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Wareagle, my apologies on not writing in a more simplistic manner so that you can understand my point. Did anyone else get confused?

My oldest son did well this season, went deep into to the playoffs. Debate is not bad if your intentions are to become a lawyer. If that was meant to be a slam, you obviously lack the aptitude to understand that being on the debate team is a good thing for those seeking to be in politics or law.

Slalom1, great post. I have more appreciation as well for other teams in Georgia now. I am really intrigued on how South Georgia teams have maintained such quality programs over the years such as Camden, Lowndes, and Valdosta. Then there is Metro Atlanta is trying to catch up to be competative. Teams like Norcross, Roswell, Brookwood, and North Gwinnett always seem to be in the running. Brand new schools like Grayson and Peachtree Ridge breaking into a already competative districts, and then going deep into the playoffs. What a great year for Georgia Highschool football. I have not been on here much but I intend to be glued to these posts next year.