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DEL.ICIO.USArtificial high school football field turf installation a growing trend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Preparing for the state championships that are now being played on the synthetic turf of the Georgia Dome, Lowndes High has put in an artificial field at Martin Stadium.
Actually, Lowndes had this in the plans before the GHSA voted to put the finals in the Dome. Plowboys have been heard to say that Lowndes just wanted to stop Valdosta’s cheerleaders from grazing on the sidelines. Or was it Valdosta that came up with that joke when Bazemore-Hyder went artificial in 2004? And what would Wright Bazemore think if he couldn’t find a blade of grass on any high school field in Lowndes County?
I’m surprised at myself for liking these new artificial surfaces. I hardly notice they’re there anymore, and economically, they make sense if a school can afford the investment.
When McEachern became Georgia’s first school to install artificial turf on its campus in 2003, the cost was $1.2 million, and that covered Cantrell Stadium and an adjacent practice field. McEachern’s Jimmy Dorsey estimated then that it would save the school $70,000 a year on field maintenance of fields for the lifespan or the artificial turf, which he put at 12 to 15 years.
Now the cost of installation is roughly half that. It makes you wonder if most big schools won’t have natural grass in 10 years.
In metro Atlanta, most Fulton County schools already do. They include Roswell, Chattahoochee, Milton, Banneker and Westlake. Tri-Cities is next. Harrison, St. Pius and Etowah have it. So does Camden County.
Atlanta’s Lakewood Stadium and DeKalb’s Hallford Stadium are artificial, and in their case, it’s virtually a no-brainer because a grass field can’t handle the traffic of the frequent double-headers that shared stadiums must tolerate.
Lakewood’s old faded-green, unforgiving carpet wasn’t what high school football is supposed to be, but the new turf, which I figured I’d never like, is beginning to grow on me.
I’m curious to see what you think of the trend. There’s nothing prettier than the green grass of a high school football field, but it’s becoming too much time and money to keep it that way.
Kick off the debate: Do you like the artificial turf, or prefer real grass? Is this a good use of school or booster club funds? Why do you think Gwinnett County hasn’t followed the trend?
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By Andre
April 21, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Actually, I kind of miss the old carpet at Lakewood, it was an actually an advantage to opposing teams from outside the city.
By Matt the Brave
April 21, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Having marched on both turf and grass, grass is much easier for bands. However, I can understand that the need to have a field that can hold up to double and triple headers and the financial savings it has makes sense.
By Shamrock Slinger
April 21, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
That stuff at Pius is good turf. Not sure that Cherokee has new turf though, just Etowah. Milton’s is good looking as well.
By Cougarmom
April 21, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Taking into consideration that our football field isn’t used strictly for football, it would be WELL worth the investment. Both girls and boys soccer use that field, as well as the band for competitions - we hold graduation services on that field and at times it is used as a warm up field for visiting baseball teams (much the chagrin of the soccer coaches who are maintaining it the grass during that time of year). Overall I think it would be well worth the investment.
By Todd Holcomb
April 21, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
That stuff at Pius is good turf. Not sure that Cherokee has new turf though, just Etowah. Milton’s is good looking as well.
You are correct. No artificial turf for Cherokee. I was confused because Cherokee is listed as a client for a Buford company that does synthetic turf construction, but that company, Precision Turf, apparently did some other kind of work for Cherokee.
By OMacG
April 21, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Todd-
I’m a bit biased, of course, but it makes great sense from an economic standpoint. Everyone wants to look at the bottom line…but bottom line is determined over a product’s life-cycle, not what it costs for installation. I hated the old Astro-turf but Sprinturf is a whole ‘nother animal; looks and feels much more like real grass turf.
The absolute only drawback to the synthetic blade turf is the rubber getting in cleats/shoes…and then the car and house. Extremely minor negative, IMO.
By Derrick
April 21, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
I still have battle scars from the late 80’s from the old turf at Lakewood stadium. What is the hold up on replacing the turf at Pantersville Stadium
Ole School Mays Alum!!!
By Andre
April 21, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Good question about Gwinnett? You would think they would have been the first to jump the gun on the new turf, but I guess they wanna keep it old school. Somebody has to have grass. I like the smell of fresh cut grass before a game.
By James
April 21, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Great idea economically. Gwinnett is trying to save money.
I prefer grass as a youth coach. As a player I played on the old Lakewood turf. We called it “The Wood”. Back then that stuff was 1/4” turf at least 2” of asphalt and gravel.
Things have change. The old Cheney Stadium was pretty cool, Grady use to be nice now it’s garbage. My son played a youth game there last fall. APS should be ashamed calling that stadium. Now that needs turf!!!
By Will
April 21, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Todd, what do you think the grass fields will look like if the drought we’re in continues thru the summer. Any schools that have stadiums would be better off with the artificial stuff. It looks good, feels good and is low maintenance. It would save thousands of gallons of water and would not have to be painted with the schools logo before each home game.
By Shamrock Slinger
April 21, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I think Carrollton is getting turf too by the fall. Good thing too as their field was pretty much sand in the playoffs because of the drought.
By Derrick Mahone
April 21, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
When I was in high school, playing at Lakewood Stadium was something we looked forward to when we saw it on the schedule. We played one or two games there (usually Price High and our homecoming). It is funny how things have changed with so many schools getting the artificial surface now. Playing on the fake stuff was special, in a few years, playing on grass will be rare and considered special.
By sgt chris
April 21, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE SPRINT TURF. LAGRANGE HAS IT, AND THEY STILL WEAR CLEATS ON IT
By Independent Thinker
April 21, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
I can remember playing on the Lakewood turf in JFK middle school and BTW high school, I never could get use to the turf burns that has some many of us taped up, not to mention the twisted ankles and knees if you planted wrong on that stuff. Turf as I remembered it ended a lot of young players football careers before it even got started.
By phil
April 21, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Tift County Blue Devil Fan here: One team in our SUPERB region (1-AAAAA, of course), Valdosta, has the artificial turf, and when we play there,there is a really bad shiney glare coming off the field. Other than that, it doesn’t matter if we play on grass or in the parking lot when the North Georgia teams come calling. Ask North Gwinnett. And ask Roswell after they visit Tift County to open the upcoming high school football season! Go Big Blue!
By glw
April 21, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Yeah like many of the other posters, I have the battle scars from Lakewood too. IT was fun playing on it though, and it was one of the few advantages us city schools had, with drought concerns and the maintenance which goes with it, you cant blame schools for doing it.
By State Fan
April 21, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
I was told that centennial high school was getting sprint turf installed right after school is over and that would add them to the list of fulton county schools with turf. Look forward too centennial having a great season this year.
By Gwinnett citizens concerns
April 21, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Gwinnett County should be ashamed, they could have taken the money that it will take to build Lanier High School alone. (This is based on growth in the area that has come to a screeching halt, way to go school board, wooosh, did you hear that, millions of dollars down the toilet because of you and the commission once again are overbuilding in Gwinnett.) and taken the land locked NGHS and built a two to three story building on the existing practice field, to handle the increased numbers of students, and then artificially turfed the game field at NGHS and the entire county and all of its fields could be turfed and the county would have saved millions and millions of dollars compared to what they sucked outto build schools for overcrowding reasons. Wow, their educated huh?
By slalom1
April 21, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
The artificial turf which was installed in 2005 at Callaway stadium in LaGrange, is state of the art. I believe the cost was in the neighborhood of 500,000. It was a necessity, given that Callaway Stadium is the home of LaGrange, Troup, Callaway, and LaGrange College.(Do not believe that LaGrange College does much damage to the turf). Regardless, it has made the games playable, even on rainy nights.
By Andre
April 21, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Wow, Derrick I didn’t know you’re an APS alum! I barely remember Cheney stadium as a kid, it’s a blur but I remember Douglass’ homecomings at Grady , I never really liked going over there and watching games, I’ve always looked forward to going to Lakewood. I never played a down, but I marched and marching at Lakewood was always fun on that old turf. I used to brag to my friends outside the city that we had turf and they didn’t!
By hsfootballfan
April 21, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
The schools in Gwinnett will not install the artificial turf because the soccer programs will not stand for it. Glad to hear Lowndes is installing it. The championship game this year (Lowndes vs N Gwinnett) as well the Lowndes - Douglass were played on a terrible field. These fields can be impacted by wet weather (they are slippery) but they are playable. The spin-turf field is a lot easier to run on than the old turf at Lakewood and even easier than the original turf at the dome. Always felt like I was running on the beach when I was at Lakewood because of all the sand under it.
By T.J.
April 22, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
Gwinnett athletic programs are so dependant on sponsors and touchdown clubs to support any improvements like digital scoreboards, club houses, turf, etc….Not much money comes from the county. Most places with the new artificial turf was paid by county? Most of Gwinnett is relatively trying to keep up or catch up to the newer schools that were built. I am sure turf is in the plans but it will take awhile to save up to buy.
By Dan
April 22, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
I played football in dekalb county in the late 90’s. I hate the idea of community stadiums, but if you are going to have them, then they at least need to look nice. I saw the improvements to Dekalb Memorial stadium( I refuse to call it Halford) with the new turf and scoreboard and it looks really nice. I wish they would improve all the stadiums in Dekalb like that, especially Adams. It’s in one of the nicest areas in town, and Dekalb county schools get the majority of their money from north dekalb. Yet the stadiums and schools are atrocious while the south dekalb schools and stadiums are all bright and shiny. HMMM…. sounds like there is just a WEEE Bit of corruption going on.
By Turf Facts
April 22, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Beg your pardon T.J. - Roswell had to pay for their own turf (mostly from the TD Booster Club). When they built the new Milton High (looks like a small college campus - can we say political influence in that neck of the woods?) Fulton County starting putting it in the schools then.
By Cougarmom
April 22, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Calm down Phil. We are just talking turf here. There will be plenty of time to puff our chests up and tout our teams when spring scrimmages come around.
By T.J.
April 22, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Thats what Gwinnett needs. One school to put it in. Then the rest will want to keep in step. There are some older schools that need some other work before they can worry about artificial turf. Parkview and Brookwood need to be updated significantly. Grayson is newer school but they have pieced together their program and nothing matches. And has anybody seen Lawrenceville and that castle thing they have? Whacky! Need to pay to have that tore down. Region 7 Gwinnett is in better shape and probably will have the turf first.
By msbssy
April 22, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
dan, stop sniffing the glue. most SDekalb schools are not bright and & shiny, neither are the stadiums and since when is Stone Mountain/Clarkston S DeKalb? Memorial has turf because that’s the largest stadium in DeKalb. Panthersville does not have turf nor is it a 2 sided stadium. Other than Tucker, what other school in N DeKalb pulls in a crowd of 16,000. It would be nice if all the stadiums had turf and the schools too—we here in s dekalb would love to get more $$$ for fields etc.. but if the booster clubs don’t raise the funds, its not going to happen.
By Todd Holcomb
April 22, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Beg your pardon T.J. - Roswell had to pay for their own turf (mostly from the TD Booster Club). When they built the new Milton High (looks like a small college campus - can we say political influence in that neck of the woods?) Fulton County starting putting it in the schools then.
Sounds like Milton and everybody else in Fulton benefited from Roswell’s investment. …
By the way, I hear that there’s a push in Cobb County to put artificial turf on all the county football fields. It’s already in place at McEachern, Harrison and Lassiter. In Gwinnett, the school board must be convinced that it’s not a luxury, but a money-saving device over the long run.
And finally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission had been looking into health hazards of the lead in artificial turf, but the CEO of Sprinturf and local high schools that have the stuff don’t seem too worried about that. I don’t think there’s much to it.
By dan
April 22, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
to msbssy..
We can get technical about the boundaries if you want, but basically anything south of Lawrenceville HWY on 2-85 going towards Stone Mountain is considered South Dekalb. There are some parts that are on the border( i.e. Clarkston and Decatur), but I would consider Stone Mountain to be south dekalb. And yes there are schools in south dekalb that need help, but Stephenson is relatively new, Miller Grove is new, MLK is new, Lithonia has a new high school, Columbia is getting a new high school, McNair has a new high school. And don’t give me this crap that boosters clubs are the only organizations that are helping out b/c that’s BS. As for the stadiums, I think the very least they could do is put in some portable bleachers on the visting side like they do at Roswell high school. And no team in dekalb county is pulling in 16,000 fans, north or south. If dekalb doesn’t want to spend money on individual stadiums( which it never will), then they need to make ALL of the stadiums nice so that they can be used more. I mean if they can put turf in ghetto a* Lakewood Stadium, then they can re-turf Panthersville, Avondale, Adams and North Dekalb.
By toro man
April 22, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
If the booster clubs were smart they would meet with the county districts to outline a plan which factors in the districts costs towards field maintenance and have them simply appy that amount towards the new sprint turf. The district is already spending money for watering the field, painting it, fertilizing, cutting the grass, etc. Does a district spend $25,000 per year on field maintenance? Get the booster clubs to kick in the rest and you could be paid off in 10 years…
By Reeze
April 22, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
I think it’s about time to consider an upgrade to turf for Mac-Talbert stadium in Warner Robins Ga. With NSWR ,Warner Robins and Hoco playing full schedules there ,along with a few middle school games , youth Rec ball and a host of other events , and the fact that there has been 3 Football state Champions from this city since the 2004 season , the upgrade is long overdue. You would think after the 2006 State Championship game NSWR played against Marist ,where thousands around the state witnessed a dust bowl in mid December, the powers that be would consider going to turf…..What am I thinking ?,…. The city of Warner Robins putting up thousands of dollars on this side of town!…..Maybe when Hoco wins a state championship the Mac will get turf. :)
By slalom1
April 22, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Reeze, Your comments are always well taken. In LaGrange, Ga. we are fortunate to have the CALLAWAY FOUNDATION to help pick up the tab. Without their help, the artificial turf at CALLAWAY would have NEVER happened. 500,000 is a bunch of money for taxpayers. (I say 500,000, because I do not remember the actual number. It may have been much larger.) But, having said all that, the artificial turf has been a tremendous asset to Friday nights. LHS, or LG, as some like to refer to us, is only a AAA team. But, our attendance at game time rivals any school in any classification. Callaway Stadium is simply a GREAT venue for a GHS football game. As for 2008 NSWR entering region 1AAAAA, I believe that the 2007 team would have still been “the team to beat”. (no disrespect to Lowndes). But, what a great match-up it would have been! Who knows who would have won? But, getting back to 2008….Looks to me like NSWR is about to experience a “re-building” year in the state’s toughest region. Good luck in 2008.
By Reeze
April 22, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Slalom 1…Good to see you back ruffling feathers again… The Texans have packed up and moved on, before sun down even …”Rebuilding Year”…No such animal at NSWR ,But YOU are Slalom 1, we’ll let you get away with this one ,LOL . Yes it will be tough to replace the likes of Ivory ,Bass ,Coupe and Green ,but we all know Nix will have his team ready to roll this fall ,especially knowing he’ll face the likes of Lowndes ,Tift ,Coffee and others in 1-AAAAA….Remember our worst season in the last 10 was a 10-3 season in 2002. Even then we ended the season with a Qtr finals lost to Parkview , remember that was the year Parkview destroyed every team in their path ,except NSWR , they won 21-19 . We have some good kids coming off the bench. I shouldn;t have to tell you this..Slalom 1 .When hasn’t NSWR put up a good team?
By Northview parent
April 23, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Actually in Fulton, Northview was the first to install Sprinturf in the second year of existance. With lacrosse and soccer both fielding 4 teams each, Jr. football and soccer and three high school football teams, grass just cannot hold up. The Booster Club borrowed the money but now Fulton County BOE is putting it in all high schools and will pay to replace it in the future when it wears out. It has been a real improvement in safety, plus has allowed for some rentals for special events that has raised extra money.
By GA Buckeye
April 23, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
In Dekalb, I would agree that since these are Community stadiums and get lots of play from football and soccer, they should have the SprintTurf, to ensure great playing conditions, all year around. We play our home games at Adams and it we be nice to have great conditions for football throughout the entire season. I bet it is a breakeven proposition over 5 to 7 years, when you consider all of the maintenance and upkeep. Is the Adams and Sembler project dead?
By coldhardtruth
April 23, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Thoughts on Turf: Roswell High’s TD Club funded the Turf through a Local Bank in Roswell. There is one year remaining on the Turf payment. The cost of the Turf was shared by the Football, Soccer, Lacrosse Booster Clubs and the School on a pro rata basis. The dirt removed from the Football field was used to build Lacrosse an earmarked facility for their use. Initially, some Lacrosse parents were miffed that they wouldn’t be playing on the Turf but are satisfied now that they have their own facility earmarked for Lacrosse and do not have to share fields nor Stadium facilities as they do at Northview etc. Additionally, 4 sets of lines i.e. Football, Soccer, Boys Lacrosse,Girls Lacrosse make the Turf unsightly and significantly contributes to wear and tear due to Lacrosse goals being placed on @ 20 yard line with play occurring both in front and behind the goals. FCBE has since chosen to make Turf part of Ed Specs and they have a schedule to replace all Stadium Grass Fields with Turf. Gwinnett is resistant to Turf on several fronts i.e. financial etc but they also have been resistant to adding Lacrosse at the High Schools. My guess is if they add Turf at the County High Schools their arguement that Lacrosse places too great a strain on existing Athletic facilities would become moot thereby adding to the pressure to start Lacrosse programs.
By Brian
April 23, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
As an official, I prefer the artificial turf over grass. I recently worked a scrimmage on a spin-turf field after a rainstorm. The field was in excellent condition even after some downpours occurred.
My opinion is bolstered more by an experience I had during the last game of the 2007 regular season. Since we were (and still are) in a drought and watering was banned; the field was extremely dry. I was the referee that night. After each play, my umpire and I were consumed by clouds of dirt and dust. there was no grass to speak of between the hash marks. It was hard for me, my umpire and the interior players to breathe after each play. We managed to get through the game, but the dust made it distracting for all.
I fully understand the economics of to install artificial turf, but, as one poster pointed out, it would save a tremendous amount of water as well as other maintenance costs.
Spring scrimmages over the next few weeks; rules and mechanics camp in June; meetings begin in July; then the games begin at the end of August. Life is good! (Sorry, I know this is off topic, but the season for some officials begins during springtime.)
By slalom1
April 23, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
To: Reeze, I am probably as anxious as anyone to see NSWR in 1AAAAA. But, you must admit, the road is gonna be mighty tough. And, you are right. Coach Nix will most definitely have his players ready to play. Here is my question: “What are your expections of NSWR for 2008, in terms of wins and losses?” Furthermore, just exactly how steep is the re-building process for 2008? The 2007 team won my heart with all the national recognition, compared to Georgia’s AAAAA teams. Even when Ivory was out, NSWR found a way to win. This demonstrated both great depth on the team, as well as great motivational coaching. I do believe that 2007 NSWR was among the best to have ever played the game. 2007 NSWR vs. Lowndes…. What a match-up that would have been!
By coolcell
April 23, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Todd, I wish you could call Parks & Rec of Columbus, Ga ….Mem.stad needs that sprint truf LG has! With Carver, Spencer, Jordan, Col, Shaw, Hardaway, Kendrick, & N-side all plays on the grass….plus you add the college games Fort Valley/ Albany st……Morehouse/Tusgee by the time the playoffs start the grass is dirt. COLUMBUS, GA NEEDS THE TURF!
By yo
April 23, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Here you go Slalom and Reeze. Lets take a early shot at picking the top 4 teams in order of finish next year from 1AAAAA. How do you see it shaking out? Your choices are Houston Co., Warner Robins, NSWR, Tift Co., Lowndes Co., Coffee Co., Colquit Co., and Valdosta. Good luck!
By davil
April 23, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Charkey Cownty Weryers does indeed have artificial turf………they have a throw rug and a bathroom mat they bawt through Amway to play on! I graduated from there in ‘85 so I know.
By ngdogdad
April 24, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
Congrtats to Lowndes! We at North Gwinnett have pushed since Coach Sphire has been her to get this too. We approched the county with a proposal that if we raise the money to put in field turf on our own (thru community and sponsors and without any county dollars involved), Gwinnett co. said NO! If one school gets it, all schools will get it and that is not going to happen. Gwinnett Co. needs to get off their high and mighty and let us proceed with field turf! Then the youth program could benefit also by using the high school field also for playoffs and championship games. I guess it the county thinks it will take jobs away from them if this happens!
By Todd Holcomb
April 24, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
I just got an e-mail from Stanley Greene, CEO of Sprinturf, letting me know which schools have installed his artificial turf. Here’s the list.
2003 McEachern
2004 Northview
2004 Roswell
2004 St. Pius
2004 Valdosta
2006 Calloway Stadium
2006 Hallford Stadium
2006 Harrison
2006 Milton
2006 Riverwood
2006 Westlake
2007 Banneker
2007 Chattahoochee
2007 Creekside
2008 Tri-Cities
Not sure what company has done Etowah, Lowndes and Lakewood.
By Andre
April 24, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
DAN is not the MAN, but a Dummy Man. How dare you call Lakewood Ghettoa** Do NOT drag Atlanta into that Dekalb conversation. You and everybody else know Memorial (Hallford) is the showcase stadium for the county. It’s two-sided and by far the biggest. So why not renovate it. Heck Tucker even played their playoff games there. So why spend money on N. Dekalb, Adams, Panthersville, and Avondale??? When everybody knows Hallford is where the biggest games are held. Do not blame the school system or any type of race card on the south part of the county getting new schools. YOU BLAME POPULATION GROWTH!!!! From the looks of Tucker’s website, it looks like their getting a BRAND NEW SCHOOL. In Two Phases! HECK, THEY’RE GETTING A PARKING DECK. What HIGH SCHOOL HAS A PARKING DECK!!! So Don’t play that race card Mister Dan, because both sides of the county benefiting from taxes on both sides. No one side is carrying the other. Oh yea, once again do not call Lakewood Ghetto. Or we will come on your side of town and show you some GHETTO Thank You. I love my stadium and appreciate it for being there facilitate APS activities!!
By Andre
April 24, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Hey Todd, Sports Turf Company, Inc over in Whitesburg in Carroll County installed the turf at Lakewood back in October of 2006. Don’t you think it’s funny the CEO of Sprinturf last name is Greene, lol.
By slalom1
April 24, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
To: YO, Now, “YO” in the words of your hero, Ronald Reagan,”There you go again.” You know quite well that I did not make that prediction regarding the finishing order for 2008 Region 1AAAAA. The only reason you posted such nonsense was to hear me state that your beloved Lowndes would be my #1 pick, not only in 1AAAAA, but also in the state.(once again.) So, there…I said it.Furthermore, this may be the year for Lowndes to finish with a #1 national ranking. Why are you so devious? Are you related to the “Clintons”? And, “YO”…Remember 2005 Lowndes vs. Ware County? I know. In your own words, “Sometimes I believe that an early season loss actually helps a team.” Point is, they have got to watch their backs, because every opponent will bring their “A” game. Now, having said all that, what is your prediction for 1AAAAA in 2008? Seriously.
By slalom1
April 24, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
To: YO, Me thinks me misunderstood what you were asking. Upon first reading, it appeared that you were quoting a prediction by either REEZE or myself. Upon further review, I believe you were asking for our predictions. Once again, my bad. So here goes:1- Lowndes 2-WR 3-NSWR 4-Tift County (Colquit could be a break through.) At least I got the opportunity to “rant”. Don’t you ever get tired of being right?
By Reeze
April 24, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Yo…..I see you’re starting early. Even though I’m a true blue Eagle Fan, I call it as I see it. I know you won’t agree with me on this ,2006 no team in the state would have beaten NSWR ,2007 Lowndes vs NSWR would have been intresting.2008 ,without another Ware or Harrison hiccup, and if the same team shows up in 2008 that we all saw against Camden and NG , Lowndes should go undefeated and win Region and State titles. Lowndes will get decent games against WR and NSWR….You’ll finish #1 in region 1 2 ,3, and 4 spots up for grabs.
By slalom1
April 24, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
To: YO and REEZE, Let’s not forget about Valdosta. Tomberlin is a great coach, who finds a way to get the most out of an under-rated team. Valdosta, on paper, appears to be in a re-building mode. However, if you look at his past, Tomberlin has been among the best when it comes down to bringing out the best in his players. Region 1AAAAA IS THE best in the state, if not in the nation. But, it is somewhat like the SEC. Nearly ALL of the teams are capable, on a given night, to put the “whammy” on anyone in the region.
By chrsharvick29
April 24, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Todd, the company doing Lowndes’ turf is RieldTurf, the one who put in the GA dome stuff.
http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=135227
It’s gonna be nice to see the field always in prestine condition all the way through the year now.
By chrsharvick29
April 24, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Whoops, FieldTurf. Other than that, there are more renovations going on. I’m still trying to figure out how there going to complete all this by the time of graduation. Here’s some pics and details.
http://lowndesfootball.com/stadium.htm
By yo
April 24, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
I know you won’t agree with me on this ,2006 no team in the state would have beaten NSWR ,2007 Lowndes vs NSWR would have been intresting. * Reeze, believe it or not, I really can’t argue with any of that…2006 or 2007. *You’ll finish #1 in region 1 2 ,3, and 4 spots up for grabs. “”Thankfully”” I think you are dead on here also. I really don’t have a clue other than Lowndes should be head and shoulders above the rest at least this year. Lowndes only has one patsy on the schedule this year and that is the first game. After that it is Peachtree Ridge, Ware Co. and then 1AAAAA schedule. At this point I think I would have to give a nod to NSWR as #2 finish. Valdosta though rebuilding is getting their program revitalized. Warner will be much better. Tift should be good as usual. Colquit was very young last year and improved as the year went along and now has a hero for a coach. :-) Coffee I see being down from last year (coaching change) and Houston is also going through a coaching change. So since I asked the question I feel obligated to name a top 4. 1.Lowndes, 2.NSWR, 3.Warner, 4.Valdosta (It would not surprise me to see Warner slip into #2 however). Slalom..you are right in that we have to watch out for those Ware Co. upsets. Harrison beating us last year wasn’t really an upset in my mind. I was confidant we would end up the year the better of the 2 teams but at the time we played Harrison (1st game) we were no where near the team we were by year end. In fact we were no where near the team through about the first 10 games of the season as we were by year end. The biggest difference by year end was the jelling of the offensive line which very young began to really put it together and realize its potential going into the playoffs.
By CHS "Real Trojans"
April 24, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Carrollton should be added to that list. We are in the process right now. We are actually in a complete renovation. Grisham Stadium was already considered on of the best around now it will be the best around. Carrollton is spending close to 9 million on the stadium plus the 2 million we just spent on the new fieldhouse, which is state of the art. This also doesn’t include the new gym and performing arts buildings that are under construction. I think SprintTurf is doing ours but I’m not 100% certain. By the way, if you are wondering why I continue to say “we”, it’s because I am a current booster club memeber and alumnus. I also played for the Trojans and have lived here my entire life (30 years). I only say that because some people say “we” and they have no connection whatsoever.
By miles
April 24, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
I am at a private school, and we have been discussing it for the past year or so. From a maintenance standpoint, it makes perfect sense. Our field host varsity, b-team, c-team, and our youth leage games, so you are looking at games on the field everyday. With Sunday and Wednesday being the only days with no game. But I would miss seeing the green grass in the fall, I guess I am a traditionalist.
By slalom1
April 25, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
To: CHS “Real Trojans”, Like you, when I say “we” It has the same definition. Although I am a life long Granger. But, you are right. Grisham Stadium is indeed a fine state of the art venue. If you have read any of my previous posts, you are aware of my admiration for CHS. Great example of a “non-AAAAA” school with programs and facilities that rival the very best in the state, regardless of classification. Good luck to the Trojans in 2008. Should be an interesting year.
By Matt
April 26, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
I’m surprised a group of Gwinnett orthopedic surgeons have not stepped in and helped pay for turf at the Gwinnett schools. The payback on ACL’s. LCL’s and MCL’s would be cost effective.
By Carrollton81
April 26, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Carrollton is getting Mondo turf that is the latest and greatest version on Field turf. This is what they are using over in Europe in many venues, It is valued at 2 million I am told but is dicounted and will be the southest example to show to schools looking to buy a field turf. Sports turf is the name of the company installing it. it is going down in the next few weeks.
By goldenherd
April 26, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
yo, “hero” is an understatement. rush propst is a legend and might be THE best high school football coach in the nation. it wont happen overnight but Colquitt County is a sleeping giant. He promised to take us back to the glory days in the 90s. “beat the p** outta ‘em” - Rush Propst
By yo
April 27, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
okay…”legend”..welcome to the reality “hero” that is called 1AAAAA football where the greatest coaches in the nation become second, third, and fourth best, etc.
By goldenherd
April 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
what other coach in 1AAAAA has 5 state titles (not sure about nix since he is just coming into the region)? i know none of them have a national championship like rush propst. the man has one at every coaching stop. give him 2 or 3 years and CCHS will be making a lotta noise
By slalom1
April 27, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
To: goldenherd, I do believe that your hero RP, left Hoover with some baggage. CCHS does indeed need a make-over. Propst may be the man. But, do not forget about the baggage. It takes a lot to turn Alabama fans against their head coach. Coach Hughes was among the best ever. What happened to CCHS after his departure?
By goldenherd
April 28, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
After Hughes retired, his defensive coordinator Mike Singletary was named head coach. He did ok for the first two years of his run but everything was downhill after that. He switched to a very conservative wing T offense and players lost interest. Singletary did not command the same type of respect that Hughes did. Players got in trouble and many quit the team. Tim Cokely came in after Singletary and had the same problem, which is why we had a 2 win season last year. We were young last season because half the team either quit or was dismissed.
Rush Propst brings enthusiasm to the program that I have not seen since Hughes. As far as his “baggage”, their was an internal investigation of the alleged rule breaking (ineligible players, etc) at Hoover and he was cleared of any wrongdoing. He did admit to having an affair that resulted in an illegitmate child but I believe that is between him and his family. Maybe MTV or some other network will make a reality show in Moultrie. Who knows? haha
By Todd Holcomb
April 28, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Hoover fans turned against Propst. Propst left because he was not on good terms with the school board that governed Hoover and Hoover’s arch-rival, Spain Park.
By Buzz In Roswell
April 28, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
As a Roswell fan I love the artificial turf. First of all, the drainage helps for being able to play games after large rain showers. Several of Roswell’s away soccer games this year had to be moved or canceled due to field conditions, a problem Roswell did not have. Second, with the lacrosse facility we can schedule soccer, lacrosse, and track events at the same time, which helps with scheduling and if one gets done early you can go and catch the end of another event. Finally our turf looks better than some of the other fields, thanks to the lax field. We just have the lines for soccer and football, other schools also have them for lacrosse. Like someone said before it’s bulky and just looks tacky. I haven’t played on turf before but from a fan stand point I love it.
By Jay
April 28, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Well I think region 1-AAAAA is going to be a dog fight all year. Many people are overlooking Valdosta this year and that’s fine but don’t be suprised if we win region this year. We lost some key players this year on defense but we have some very good players to replace them. Offensively we should be better with more speed at RB and a QB with a cannon for an arm. Our WR’s are young, tall and good. The biggest difference I think will be our OL where we’re returning 4 out of 5 starters and 3 other guys who got playing time last year.
By Big J
April 29, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Field turf is fine but it cannot beat natural grass if is properly taken care of.As a Tift Co Blue Devil we had one of the best grass fields in the state.It is the best that I have seen and I have been all over the state watching high school football.
By Raiderfan
May 2, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Does anyone have any comments on how they think region 2-AAA will end up this year. I think it’s going to be a 3team race again this year with Carver, Shaw and LaGrange. Carver lost a few guys on offense, but the defense should be pretty good.Shaw returns a lot of speedy athletic guys on offense and defense as well. LaGrange returns most of it’s team also. It’s going to be fun to see who comes out on top this year.
By slalom1
May 9, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
To: Raiderfan, Good to hear from a Region 2AAA fan. Undoubtedly, one of THE toughest regions in the state. Put 2AAA in AAAAA, and they would still rival the best in AAAAA. And, I believe your picks are probably on the money. However, I would not rule out Troup. Here is the way I see 2AAA in 2008: 1- Carver: Great defense. Sloppy offense. Horrible kicking game. But, VERY talented on both sides of the ball. Even in 2007, without Deron Furr and Jarmon Fortson, they would have been an 8-2 team at best. I wonder who they have recruited for 2008. 2-Shaw: With the loss of Cam Greathouse, and most likely some players whom have transferred to Carver, I see a somewhat down year for Shaw. 3- LaGrange: On paper, 2008 LG looks like THE team to beat. Loaded with college talent on defense, along with Joe Mansour, who has the most amazing leg I have ever seen in HS football. On offense, the line will be small but quick. At QB, 3 year starter Rodney Tolbert should have a great season. Also, junior Jamius Gunsby, (QB-Athlete) could make a world of difference. As a soph, he was 6’4 198, and was somewhat of a Deron Furr clone. 4-Troup Troup has been hanging around the top for this entire decade, but has never been able to close the deal. Coach Bubba Jeter has done a greaat job. They should have THE biggest OL in the region, and plenty of skill players. They could have a “break-out” season. So, my picks are: 1-LaGrange 2-Carver 3-Troup 4-Shaw
By Brendan
May 21, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
All of the Forsyth County schools are getting this new sprint turf stuff.
Looking forward to playing on it this year!
By A
June 1, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
I’ve been going by Tri-cities on the MARTA train from the airport, and have been wondering what the deal is with Ti-Cities getting an artificial turf. Last year they went 1 and 9 and were outscored in the most pathetic of all regions by an average of 30 to 5, while their attendance #s barely got above double digits. So what would posses anyone to give this school an artificial field (other than severe brain damage)?
By Debbie Strickland
June 16, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Has anyone ever seen the ForeverLawn Turf? It is spectacular. There is only one pound of infill compared to 10 pounds of infill per square foot of the other artificial grass. It looks so real and is soft. What a difference!! Instead of buying infill, you get grass that doesn’t get in your shoes, hair and clothes.
By Debbie Strickland
June 16, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Has anyone ever seen the ForeverLawn Turf? It is spectacular. There is only one pound of infill compared to 10 pounds of infill per square foot of the other artificial grass. It looks so real and is soft. What a difference!! Instead of buying infill, you get grass that doesn’t get in your shoes, hair and clothes.
By NTH Trojans
June 25, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
All of Hall County is getting turf, also. Either this year or next.slalom, it’s a rebuilding year at North Hall, but they should still make the playoffs. My sons’ school, Hiram Hornets, moved down to AAAA, have matured and could make a playoff run.
By Artificial Football Turf
August 4, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Artificial turf saves money on maintenance, helps conserve water, and stays fresh all year long.
It is even being used at the Olympics in Beijing this year.