Prep Zone

By Greg

December 20, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

You guys are right, absolutely no argument here.

If you average scoring almost 4 touchdowns a game, that pretty much speaks for itself. Congratulations to Washaun and ECI on a great season!

By Reeze

December 20, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

His numbers season long ,along with his semi and finals performaces sealed the deal,no dispute with this pick

By Ernst

December 20, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Ealey this and Ealey that. King, Green, they were great too. But what about Horace McKinley?

By Single A....Really?

December 20, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

No comment.

By vikesr2007champs

December 20, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

58 td’s ? impressive but i would still rather have greg reid bc reid is a triple threat,,offense,defense and special teams

By ecier

December 20, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

WHAT IS THE GHSA SINGLE SEASON RUSHING RECORD AND HOW FAR OFF WAS EALEY FROM BREAKING IT?

By Cro25

December 20, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

vikesr2007champs,

Ealey could also be considered a triple threat. Of his 58 TD’s, 3 were on kickoff returns. He is also a great DB, but the coaches choose wisely to use him very sparingly on D, opting to keep his legs fresh. He was an absolute beast for opposing D’s in the 3rd and 4th quarters because of this fact. This pick was a no-brainer in my opinion.

By MightyViking

December 20, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

As much as I would have liked to see Greg Reid as POY I think AJC got it right.Ealey deserved the honor b/c without him his team would have not made it as far. Lowndes benefited having Reid but would have been successful anyways.ECI would have been lucky to make it out the first round without Ealey.Besides we will just give Reid the honor after we win state next year. Congrats Ealey on a cinderalla season

By STRIKE TIGER STRIKE

December 20, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

AAA ALL STATE QB, FURR VS. LITTLE , A COMPLETE DISCRACE, BLACK QB’S WILL ALWAYS BE ATHLETES, FURR TOOK HIS TEAM TO THE DOME TWICE, AND WON THE SHIP, THIS GUY HASN’T MADE IT AND HASN’T PLAYED ANYBODY, STAT GAMES THAT’S ALL. I GUESS YOU’RE FEELING THE SPOILS OF VICK.

GOOD LUCK AT AUBURN WITH THIS MIND SET I WOULDN’T PLAY AT GEORGIA EITHER.

By T

December 20, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Good job STRIKE TIGER STRIKE. You managed to not only go off topic, but to turn whatever you are talking about with high school young men and lump them with Mike Vick. Way to perpetuate racism even in the high school ranks. I’m sure that an apology is in order…God help you.

By John

December 20, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

All State Team. What games were you guys watching? A couple of years from now, 50% of your team will be forgotten.

By heeldawg

December 20, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Ealey’s the best player in the state, bar none. He’s a Dawg who’ll be a Dawg again at the next level.

By Chaud

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

Washaun Ealey might better list him as a Senior. Even though he is a Junior in School he is 19 and GHSA is not letting him play next year. Great player though, congrats on a great season.

By Viking Man

December 20, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Chaud = wrong. I have been told by credible sources Ealey is 18 and will turn 19 shortly after the May deadline. Therefore, he will play next year and may break all of Ga’s records if he has a similar offensive line. What does have he have returning in front of him?

Greg reid was amazing down the stretch and is truly a gifted athlete. He could have easily been player of the year but AJC got it right. Ealey deserved POY. Greg will give him a run for it next year though. Lowndes may do it again!!!

By This for STRIKE TIGER

December 20, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

YOU ARE A IDIOT STRIKE TIGER. FURR IS BETTER THAN LITTLE ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. HE DID NOT HAVE TO PLAY, BUT A HALF IN ABOUT SIX GAMES. HE IS A BIG TIME QB AND STEPPED UP WHEN IT COUNTED. HE HAS A CHAMPIONSHIP. YOU ARE FOOL FOR TALKING ABOUT BLACK QBS. IF IT WAS DO NOT FOR BLACKS ON TEAMS,THE GAME WOULD BE BORING. FURR IS A GREAT QB THAT WILL ONLY IMPROVE IN COLLEGE. FREE VICK!!!!!!!

By ReggieATL

December 20, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Washaun is so nasty. I think it will be an easy transition for him to go from being an ECI Bulldog to a UGA bulldog. You’ve just gotta change that E to a G.

By Class A Fan

December 20, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Ealey is a good back and I give him his do but a lot of credit should go to a monster offensive line especially for Class A. Averged 270 lbs. Two juniors over 6’3” and 320 lbs. I saw lines surges that seem like 5 yards a snap. I belive they were the largest offensive line of any classification in the finals. 3rd and 4th quarters were dominated by them because defensive lines were beat to death by then.

By Punter

December 20, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

The only team choice I question is the Punter. I’ve watched the young man punt 60-yarders one time and 20-yarders the next time. A coach would rather have a 40-yarder if you know it’s always going to be a 40-yarder. The consistency is just not there. Get consistent and we’ll watch him play on Sundays; stay inconsistent and he will be watching on Sundays with the rest of us.

By Class A Fan

December 20, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

I failed to mentions ECI’s senior lineman that was included on the all-state team. He was 6’ 4” - 270 lbs. That is alot of power on one high school “O” line.

By Houston

December 21, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Hey Strike Tiger Strike….So let me get this straight, you would rather have Mr. Furr as the AAA All-State QB, than the OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!!!??????? You must not have read the whole thing, and just looked for the QB…

By BullDawg Rick

December 21, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Congrats to you Washaun… You struck early & often.. Have a great & healthy Senior HS season, enjoy yourself.. HS is the greatest time of your life.. Welcome to UGA…

By Metro Coach

December 21, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

Ealey showed his talent this year, but recognize that he played class A football and ran behind two 315-pound tackles. Deron Furr single-handedly willed his team to three consecutive victories on the road in the playoffs including the title game in AAA. No one deserved overall player of the year more. Ask Carrolton, Chamblee, and Cairo about him. Watch for yourself when he brings Auburn to Athens and dominates the Bulldogs.

By Devildawg

December 21, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Congrats to Washaun and to the ECI team. Incredible player with gaudy stats and you certainly cant call him a “system running back”.

By Noneya

December 21, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

People kill me with this “He played Single A football mess.” This has nothing to do with with it. Do your research. Some of the greatest high school players, many of which went on to play major college football and a few who are in the professional ranks now. Champ, Boss, Charles Grant, T. Spikes, O. Thurman(probably not a good choice..lol) and several more did not even play AAA football. If you can play, you can play.

By Dawgtime

December 21, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

As you see the names like Charles Gordon, Mike Powers, Cameo Holloway, and the other kids on the all-state team from Dodge County, one has to wonder why their coach was fired after a 9 and 3 season. Coach Greg Robinson carried the team to three straight state playoffs. He is a well-respected coach and has done nothing unethical. Why was he fired? The football club boosters needed to feed their egos. Big scandal in Eastman.

By bulldogfan

December 21, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Ealy is the only choice.State record, DOME record.Great athlete-great future.Will enjoy watching you play at the next level.

By 82DAWG

December 21, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

I don’t follow HS football that much outside of what Marist does, but it seems like giving the all classification state player of the year to a Class ‘A’ player is like giving the Heisman Trophy to someone from the Central Montana State College of Mining and Engineering.

By BullDawg Rick

December 21, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

THe Greatest College Football Player of All Time went to an A school…

Herschel Walker

One of the Best Hoops players in the history of HS played A ball & was the first player taken in the NBA draft

Dwight Howard

It’s NOT the size of the school… It’s the size of the KIDS Heart!!!

By Metro Coach

December 21, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Because I have a little extra time I will explain for those who seem not to understand… Playing Class A ball means fewer numbers on the roster and smaller, slower players. A handful of A programs like Lincoln County and ECI, for example, will have enough people to practice on separate sides of the ball. Most teams practice and play the same 15 kids on both sides of the ball with very little depth. One or two of them might be some great athletes, but overall depth cannot compare to larger classifications with bigger enrollments. Ealey played behind a line that was bigger, stronger, and (in most games at least) significantly fresher than his opponents. That is a significant competitive advantage. The kid is definitely a great player, but Deron Furr accomplished just as much without any equivalent competitive advantage. Like 82Dawg said, there is a reason no D-2 or even 1AA player will ever win the Heisman.

By dawg1212

December 21, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I watched Ealey play all year. Over half of the games he did not have over 15 carries a game and the coach pulled him out of the game. If they had left him in what all records would he have broken? He did have some big blockers in front of him, but he had the speed to make you miss and the power to make yards after contact. Class A players are no different than AAAAA players. Quit with the Class A hate. He would excel at any classification. Ealey would be the first to tell you it is a team effort. He is a good kid and he deserves the respect of all high school football. Congrats Ealey

By dawg1212

December 21, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Metro coach , do your research, remimber Hershel Walker, Johnson Co. Trojans. Single A. WHATS UP?

By noneya

December 21, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

No you don’t seem to understand. This award is who the AJC feels in their OPINION is the best football player in the state. No one is trying to say that the quality of ball being played in Single A is comparable to the other classifications. What we are saying is that the numbers he put up in high school warrant his consideration. If you are a solid player you will shine no matter what classification you are in. This has been pointed out by some of the names listed as playing smaller classification ball who went on to do great things at other levels.

By dawg1212

December 21, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

ECI scrimmaged a AAAA school, Stateboro before the season and beat them 14-0. As for classifications, AA Buford could probably beat the AAAA or AAAAA champs. They are that good. It is all high school ball. Enjoy it and give respect where it is due. Ealey is deserving of the award. GO DAWGS 08.

By Dawg 1980

December 21, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

W. Ealey was the best back in this state hands down ! Anybody that thinks different is just wrong. He would of been a star on any team in the state of Georgia. 6’0” , 205 and a 4.45 40.

By Dawg 1980

December 21, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

To: metro coach, tiger strike and anybody else who is just wrong. Class A football talent is the same as 4A or 5A when it is about the heart of those players on a team. It is not and should not be an automatic award giving to a “metro player”. The list of Class A Talent is to long to list but yall should look it up sometime. Ealey was the best player in the state in 2007.

By Harvey

December 21, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Hats off to Ealey from ECI. Stay focus, earn good grades and the future is your for the asking.

By george

December 21, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Would someone please explain to me what is so outstanding about Tavarres King (Offensive Player of the Year). I’ve seen him play several times, and either he had an “off night” on those particular occasions, or he is highly overrated. Northside shut him down completely last year.

By Karen

December 21, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Congrats Ealey! It’s nice to know that dynamite still comes in small packages. We are proud of you.

By Derrick Mahone

December 21, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

When we sat out to name the AJC All-Class Player of the Year, we are looking for who we feel had the best season regardless of classification. Like I said in the opening sentence, there was some debate (there always is with Todd Holcomb involved), but we came to the conclusion that Ealey had the best season.

I had the pleasure of covering Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair for two years when he was at Alcorn State in Mississippi. People laughed when the school started a push him for the Heisman during the 1994 season. I still have SI edition and a copy of the USA Today that had people from around the country saying that he couldn’t play. A few writers said that if he played in Div. I-A, he would be a third string quarterback. Steve finished third in the voting that year with Rashaan Salaam of Colorado winning it and Ki-Jana Carter of Penn State finishing second.

This is not to open the debate about the Heisman, but to say if a football player can play, then he can play. And I think Ealey can play and deserved the recognition as Player of the Year.

By Richard

December 21, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Derrick, I couldn’t agree more. It has nothing to do with the division you are playing in, it has to do with effort, heart, determination, and talent. He has what it takes in all areas. I have watched him play and he uses every advantage he has. When the blocks were there, he used them. When there was no open hole to run through, he made one. When he got into open field, he turned on the afterburners. That is what it takes to be an outstanding football player. He could play in A, AA, AAA, AAAA, AAAAA, and still excell. My only regret is I have to wait until next fall to go to Twin City and watch Coach Turner’s MIGHTY, MIGHTY BULLDOGS make a run for another state championship. With kids like he has, it promises to be another exciting year of football.

By NSHS FAN

December 21, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

For all who are questioning ECI’s Ealey talent in being recognized as all classification Player of The Year (POY) in Georgia. To help prove whether he would really be that good playing at the AAAA/AAAAA level—I have a solution. Please, Please, Mr. Ealey transfer to Northside-WR. We would love to have you. you/Your parents can pick your neighborhood, Eagle Springs, Royal Oak, Quail. Run, etc. Now What! Ealey, would shut them all up.

By vikesr2007champs

December 21, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

dont worry about what class he plays in,,,before long he will be at a school close to a very big mall with the other D-1 prospects, winning another ring.

By luv 2 hate me

December 21, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

STRIKE TIGER STRIKE is an ignorant azz that gets pleasure out of criticizing high school players. He can only talk about what he can’t do! Or maybe his kid sucks at playing sports. These high schoolers have promising careers in football. Just don’t listen to dumb azzes like STS.

By Big C

December 21, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Class A & AA is being bashed b/c of numbers. The best player in the state is Ealey (Class A) and the only team that would beat every team in the state is Buford (Class AA). Class A and AA have produced with so little. This selection is obviously subjective; however, someone had to get it…I am surprised the AJC selected someone south of Morrow for this award.

By dawg1212

December 21, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Big C, I am glad to see that there is someone else that recognizes the talent of Buford which is AA. As far as Ealey, only time will tell. All of those that are saying he is not deserving of the award, lets see if they are pulling for him on Saturday’s at which ever school he decides to attend. There have been many major schools already coming to Twin City to see the talent he has. He will get to take his pick if he plays his cards right and keeps up his grades.I hope he stays a bulldog.

By Dawg 1980

December 21, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

To, metro coach and tiger strike ? You are both entitled to you own opinion… about a nickle’s worth ! It shows how much you know about high school football…about a nickle’s worth. 1A or 5A ball, it is the heart of the players and the team that play. It is not nor should it be an automatic award given to a metro team. Ealey is the best player in the state in 2007 ! CLASS A

By BestWhatever

December 21, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

It’s dumb to try to identify the “best player in the state” in a team sport.

By Chaud

December 21, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Well got it from the horses mouth GHSA Official Ealey will not be playing. Also, you talk about he has good grades? Why is he going to be 19 and a senior in HIGH school?? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen him play and he’s awesome. Good Luck in ‘08.

By DeRon Furr

December 21, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

We are more than thankful for the success of DeRon Furr II, he as achieved his goal of winning a State Championship, and God willing he can continue on the next level. Strike please dont take anything away from our sons hard work.

By Brother

December 21, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Because of good sportmanship, Carver-Columbus coach pulled his starting offence out of many games this year. He did not want to run the score up on the opposing team. In retrospect it might have caused Fortson his chance to be GA High School Player of the year. Such is life. Auburn will be glad to have him and Furr on there team next year and they should fit in just perfect with the new offence Auburn will be running.

By A. Jones

December 21, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Good choice. If you ever watch him in person when he runs in the open field, you will better understand how good your choice was. Not only did he seriously break the state TD record, he can make open filed defenders look plain comical chasing him all over the place…like no other I ever ever seen. He rarely made an appearance in the fourth quarter. He only played the third quarter in maybe half the games and then not the whole quarter. Had he played more in the second half, he would hve broken the record by 20 TD’s rather than 10.

By Cro25

December 21, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Chaud, Do us all a favor and don’t come on here talking about a high school kid without having your facts straight. Washaun will be playing football again next year. People like you kill me. VERIFY YOUR INFORMATION BEFORE STICKING YOUR FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH!!!!!!

By 59bulldawg

December 21, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

To the guy questioning Ealey because he played Class A ball … you’ve got to be kidding or either new to the state. Several of the great Lincoln County and Buford (before Gwinnett County began to grow)teams were Class A teams. Hershel Walker was part of Johnson County’s Class A champion team and if I’m not mistaken I think George Rogers may have attended Duluth when it was in Class A. If I’m correct that’s two Heisman Trophy winners right there from Georgia Class A football. Garrison Hearst was on a Class A state championship team from Lincoln County in 1989. Larry Kinnebrew who played in the NFL played on a state championship Class A team from East Rome. And for those of us old timers who remember that great Commerce team coached by Ray Lamb which finished as state runner-up in Class A in 1973 there was Runt Moon and Raymond Harris. Both were tough as nails and so fast they could turn out the light and be in bed before it got dark. Neither made much of a splash after high school but either of these kids could have played on any team in the state. The point here is that classification doesn’t necessarily mean crap! If a kid can play … a kid can play … no matter what the size of his school. I think the kid from ECI can play and I think he’s a fine choice for player of the year. Congratulations Waushaun!

By TigerMom

December 21, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

For Derrick: Not to change the subject but… How are the Individual ALL-State players selected? Surely it’s not based on stats… Firstly, thank you (and AJC Staff) very much for giving my son Honorable Mention on the AJC All-State team - I truly appreciate it. Now, in the AAAA region the chosen QB seemed to be a no-brainer. After all, M. Ivory and his TEAM won the State Championship, so I was satisfied with the honorable mention nod. Until… I researched his stats. Thus my question; what OTHER criteria outside of PLAYER STATS do you consider? It seems like the TEAM STATS should not be the major factor for an individual award - but are they?

Individual Stats: Ivory (15-0) - played 10 games, Passing: 76/125 (61%), 1404 yds, 11 passing TD’s; Rushing: 45 runs for 117 yds (2.6 avg), 1 rush TD Caldwell (8-3) - played 10 and a half games (1st game called at half), Passing: 113/189 (60%), 1841 yds, 21 passing TD’s; Rushing: 79 runs for 328 yds (4.15 avg), 5 rushing TD’s

Again, I’m just curious (only slightly bitter) - is the individual title based on the team record? Thanks!

By dawy42

December 21, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

To those of you who bash class A football, please tell me what that has to do with being a great player. I watched every game ECI played this year and Ealey is simply the best running back I have watched since Hershel Walker. He could have scored many more TD’s if he had played the whole game. What I don’t understand is why his coach, Milan Turner, didn’t get “coach of the year.” He has been at ECI for only three years and he has turned a stagnant program into a state champion. Go Dawgs!!!

By Chaud

December 21, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Croc25 I have my facts straight. I told you GHSA Official told me hiself. NOT playing in 08. I’m not bashing anyone I think the he one of the greatest running backs ever in Ga. But the fact is he can’t play next year. According to GHSA, I wouldn’t care one way or the other.

By Cro25

December 22, 2007 5:58 AM | Link to this

No Chaud- you do not have your facts straight. Ealey will be playing HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL in ‘08, trust me, I know. So you and your GHSA official need to re-group.

By Former Student

December 22, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

All that I can say is “Hats Off to Washaun!” I am very proud of you.

As for E.C.I., I would like to pose a question out there for everyone….Why is it that E.C.I. can play championship football together, but yet, there is still a segregated prom? There is something wrong with that picture. If all of those kids can go to school together, some date each other, and play football together, why can’t they have a prom together? Comments???

By James Newsome

December 22, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Class A fan’s comments are dead on. Warren County swapped the lead several times with ECI in the quarter final and actually led in the second half of the game. When the 4th quarter came, ECI’s massive offensive line had taken their toll on our smaller but respectable defensive line. I think I read somewhere that ECI’s offensive line was larger than Georgia Tech’s. Bottom line is that it was ECI’s year, and they did not choke. All the rest of us can do is congratulate them and hope the whole crowd graduates soon!

By Parent of Class A Students

December 22, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Sounds like the AJC needs to have a Mero ATL POY. That way, the whiners will quit complaining about Ealey winning (deservedly) POY. Metro ATL schools cannot stand it when ANY award goes south of Macon. 5A Metro schools had better be thankful that Ealey didn’t attend Lowndes Co. If he had, that 34-6 SLAUGHTER would have been MUCH worse.

By Big Time

December 22, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

There have been several class A teams in recent years that could play with any team of any classification. I am a scout for a division 1 college in the SEC with 15 years experience in judging talent. For example the Hawkinsville State champ team of 2003 & 2004 - I guarantee you that the AAAAA state champ team those years didn’t want any part of them. All four of the defensive starting line made all-state before they graduated and all 4 of them got division 1 scolarships and one is now playing in the NFL with the remainder still playing in college. Another 15 players off of those teams have college scholarships currently.

By Big Time

December 22, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

There have been several class A teams in recent years that could play with any team of any classification. I am a scout for a division 1 college in the SEC with 15 years experience in judging talent. For example the Hawkinsville State champ team of 2003 & 2004 - I guarantee you that the AAAAA state champ team those years didn’t want any part of them. All four of the defensive starting line made all-state before they graduated and all 4 of them got division 1 scolarships and one is now playing in the NFL with the remainder still playing in college. Another 15 players off of those teams have college scholarships currently.

By Texas vs Georgia High School Football

December 23, 2007 9:24 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 To Bif Time

December 23, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Re: “I am a scout for a division 1 college in the SEC with 15 years experience in judging talent.” Don’t believe you are a “scout”. Division 1 is no longer called Division 1.

By Small School vs Large School

December 23, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

I watched all of this year’s semis in the Dome and finals on TV (some replays) and the one thing that stands out is the punting and kicking for A thru AAAA. To put it bluntly; it sucked. I would expect it if comparing between A and AAAAA but even between AAAA and AAAAA it was a very large gap. Why the significant difference between the ‘big boys’ and the lower classifications?

By Cro25

December 23, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Who cares where Texas played their games? Means squat. BTW, the A game was played in Cordele, capacity 5800, not Wilcox County.

By ECI forever

December 24, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Chaud, I am so happy that you sat there and told a lie that Ealey won’t be playing next year. Being that I coach the guy, I know for a fact that he is going to be able to play next year. It is good that we have people not wanting to see him play. You forgot, even if he was 19, he would be able to attend a prep school and play. Prep schools follow their own guidelines.

By ECI forever

December 24, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

To: Small School vs Large School ECI had a bigger offensive and defensive line than both AAAAA schools that played in the championship. Ealey could have played at any of those schools and still had (maybe not 58) a D-1 prospect caliber year. Dont look at the rivals.com. This guy is 5-11 1/2, 208 pounds, 5.1% body fat, runs a 4.32 by the end of the season, bench presses 325 pounds, and knows how to make anybody miss. Name 1 RB in AAAAA that can do that with these credentials and I will be quiet.

By To ECI forever

December 24, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

the answer to your question is Kenny Miles Brookwood High School. Accepted offer from The University of South Carolina. And Miles did it against the toughest schedule in AAAAA. And I don’t think you want to compare percentage body fat between the two AAAAA finalist and ECI’s line. Big and overweight doesn’t compare to big, strong and mobile. Oh yes, now you can be quite.

By Yes it Does Cro25

December 24, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

It does mean squat as you say. The better the product, the bigger the stage. And thank you for not mentioning Texas and GA high school in the same sentence since they’re light years apart. You need to go west about 1,000 miles to realize what fair competitive top quality high school football is all about.

By GoBigC

December 25, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Ealey deserves the honor. Just a few years ago, in 2000, another Class A RB won it after setting the all time rushing record. Unless Ealey has a freakish year, he won’t break that one (8844 yards) but he coiuld break the all time TD record (108, I tihnk) and the sigles season mark of 3174, Daccus Turman, Washington-Wilkes). Best of luck to the young man!

By Cro25

December 25, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Be quite or be quiet? Just wondering.

By GA Football Is Better

December 25, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

who gives a damn about Texas small town red neck high school football. Their players aren’t as talented or as athletic as players from the great state of Georgia. And as far as classifications in this state; it has everything to do with the total student population and not the number of players on a football team or their perceived lack of athletic ability.

By lee champion

December 26, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

to Texass Move on back out there and shut up. we don’t give a fat rat what you think about our football. If TX high school football is so great how come your colleges don’t dominate?

By AVikingfan

December 26, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

To: “Texas vs Georgia High School Football” - Have you ever been to Lowndes High’s Martin Stadium? It may be old but is a very very good football stadium. Better than almost all in Georgia for high school fotball. But we have already started an extensive renovation. The bath rooms on both sides will be renovated, the home side press box will be replaced, new permanent seats will be built in the south end zone, the visiting team’s dressing room and bath rooms will be completely re-done and explanded, and 2007 will be added to the list of State Championships. That makes five in total. Add those to the number that Valdosta has won. No county in the state has won as many as our county has won. In fact no team outside of Lowndes County has won 5 of the state’s largest classification championships. What do you think about that Gwinnett?

By daddydog

December 26, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS to W.Ealey for this year of fun and exciting championship overall. For those who missed out in 07’ prepare yourselves to have a ringsize seat in 08’. So let’s travel with the Bulldogs in 08’!!!!

By To AVikingfan

January 2, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

home field championships are meaningless.

By To AVikingfan

January 2, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Response to, “What do you think about that Gwinnett?” I’m certain the renovation of your football stadium will be impressive on the Lowndes County student’s resumes. While you’re renovating the stadium please save some money for your academic needs and to replace those band uniforms. They look like a gender-challenged cross-dresser mutation. PS. I’m not from Gwinnett.

By Hey lee champion from Dec 26

January 2, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

“our colleges”? Texas high school players are spread across the country’s college teams. Just in the quarterback area, are you talking about Kansas, or Georgia, or Missouri, or Michigan, and their are more that don’t come to mind. Note all these are bowl teams with Texas high school quarterbacks. If you would like I can provide you a complete list and toss in Texas high school running backs on the top national teams as a bonus. And speaking of UGA, their quarterback is from Texas and their top running back is from NEW JERSEY; how embarassing.