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Monday, May 5, 2008
Georgia football coaches must choose wisely in job sweepstakes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Randolph-Clay’s Richard Lawson resigned last week, making a total of 96 schools that have (or will have) searched for new coaches this offseason.
With the number so high, I began to wonder which programs offer the best hope of a turnaround and which programs are the career-killers. Using some figures provided by the GHSFHA, I have a list of schools that improved the most and the least from the 1990s to the current decade.
The only established programs in metro Atlanta that rank among the top 20 “most improved” are Chamblee and Cherokee. Fayette Co. and Carver-Atlanta might be headed in that direction, but they need to sustain it.
That’s why I’d say the best career path in Atlanta is to win the sweepstakes to take over a new program.
Just choose wisely. Not everybody can be M.L. King, Stephenson, Grayson or Peachtree Ridge. Several new schools have struggled. The toughest jobs are those at schools with a lot of community and student turnover.
Outside metro Atlanta, I think it’s more about getting the right coach in the right spot. I don’t how else to explain why Fitzgerald, Calhoun, Laney and Hawkinsville have re-emerged as state powers after long slumps.
Shaw has become a force for the first time. Perhaps Carver-Columbus is poised to become a lasting force. In the 1990s, Charlton Co. and Washington Co. did the same.
Which school will be the next Charlton Co. or Peachtree Ridge or Calhoun over the next decade? If you were a football coach, where would you want to be?
Programs that have improved the most this decade:
1. Laney
2. Salem
3. Fitzgerald
4. Calhoun
5. Cherokee
6. Madison Co.
7. Shaw
8. Cook
9. Pike Co.
10. McIntosh Co. Academy
Honorable mention: Chamblee, Vidalia, Pacelli, Gainesville, Coosa, Hawkinsville, Rome
Schools that have declined the most this decade:
1. Josey
2. Armuchee
3. Wheeler
4. Forest Park
5. Lakeside-DeKalb
6. Alexander
7. Banks Co.
8. Central Talbotton
9. Jeff Davis
10. Morrow
Dishonorable mention: Cedar Grove, Dunwoody, Tattnall Co., Worth Co., Fayette Co. (until last year), Monticello, Savannah
Note: Numbers based on winning percentage changes from 1990-99 to 2000-06. The 2007 season was not added to the totals.
Kick off the debate: Which programs do you think have shown the most improvement in the past decade? Which have fallen the farthest? What’s the key to turning a program around? Who’s ripe for an upswing? Tell us.
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Spring Football Fling: Chamblee set to succeed at next level in AAAA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE SPRING FOOTBALL FLING
In upcoming weeks, teams throughout the state will spend 10 days on the practice field preparing for the 2008 football season. In a series of stories, ajc.com will provide an offseason outlook for 25 of the top teams in the metro and state.
This Week’s Lineup
• 5/5: Chamblee • 5/6: Grayson • 5/7: N. Gwinnett • 5/8: Douglass
Photos: A look at Chamblee
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Chamblee in ‘08? Is it title time for the ‘Dogs? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
After experiencing three consecutive winning seasons and a long playoff run last fall, Chamblee is facing a bigger challenge for the upcoming season.
The Bulldogs will move from Class AAA to Class AAAA and has been placed in traditionally tough Region 6-AAAA.
Jim Showfety, the AJC Class AAA coach of the year, also moved on. After leading the Bulldogs to the AAA semifinals, he took over at Northview.
Mike Collins was hired to continue the success at the North DeKalb County school, after three years at Pebblebrook.
“They have had some success in the program the last few years,” Collins said. “It is definitely a program on the rise. We were fortunate to get things back rolling at Pebblebrook; hopefully we can go to a new level of success here.”
Collins will have six starters returing on offense, six on defense. Although three offensive linemen graduated, the Bulldogs return a backfield that averaged 308 yards rushing per game. Running backs Norman Warren and Darrius Jones and quarterback Garrett Williams return.
“We are really excited about what we have seen of Garrett on film,” Collins said.
Chamblee Bulldogs
Region 6-AAAA
Spring practice dates: May 5-16.
Last season: 12-2, lost 26-24 to Carver-Columbus in Class AAA semifinals.
Reclassification: Moves up in class and will play in Region 6-AAAA with Marist, Tucker and Southwest DeKalb.
Working on: After weeks of watching the players on film and during conditioning drills, Collins finally will get a chance to evaluate his talent on the field.
Key starters lost: OL Omoregie Uzzi (Georgia Tech); Taylor Loftley (Vanderbilt); Malcolm Beyah (Middle Tennessee State); Ryan Smith (Valdosta State).
Key starters returning: RB Norman Warren; RB Darrius Jones; QB Garrett Williams; OL John Napier; CB Dakaral Penn.
2008 strengths: The Bulldogs will have a strong backfield with Norman, who rushed for 1,558 yards and 27 touchdowns. Jones is also back after rushing for 788 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams has experience running the offense.
2008 weakness: The Bulldogs graduated both offensive guards and all-state tackle Uzzi. Speedster Beyah also graduated. Finding some help in the secondary and at linebacker will be key. Collins is looking to add some depth.
This season’s projection: Chamblee has made steady improvement the last two seasons, but the team will be under its third coach in as many seasons. Moving up to tough Region 6-AAAA will be a challenge, but the team has enough skill players to compete. If the team can find some linemen and depth, it should again be a playoff contender.
Comment: “I’m very excited about getting started,” Collins said. “I think the region is a good fit for us, but it will be tough with Tucker, Marist, Southwest DeKalb and Miller Grove. You just got to come out each week and bring your best game.”
Photos: A look at Chamblee
Week Three Lineup
• 4/28: Lowndes • 4/29: Parkview • 4/30: Mays • 5/1: Marist • 5/2: Northside-WR • 5/3: Lovett • 5/4: St. Pius
Week Two Lineup
• 4/21: ML King • 4/22: Valdosta • 4/23: Buford • 4/24: P-Ridge • 4/25: Tucker • 4/26: Fayette • 4/27: Brookwood
Week One Lineup
• 4/14: Roswell • 4/15: Norcross • 4/16: Walton • 4/17: Harrison • 4/18: Camden • 4/19: Newnan • 4/20: Stephenson
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Chamblee in ‘08? Is it title time for the ‘Dogs? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
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