AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 12
Monday, May 12, 2008
Georgia’s greatest gridiron stars grace all-state football teams
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In 1987, AJC high school editor Steve Figueroa (now with the GHSA) selected an all-Georgia team from the era of integration, which he defined as beginning in 1967. It was a 20-year team. It has been about 20 years since then, so who would be on the all-Georgia team since 1987? Let’s take a stab at it.
Here is Figueroa’s 1967-86 team. (The years note when the player graduated, not his final season).
Offense - Team Fig
QB Buck Belue, Valdosta, 1978: Accounted for 6,700 yards and 87 TDs.
RB Herschel Walker, Johnson County, 1980: Rushed for 3,167 yards as senior.
RB William Andrews, Thomasville, 1975: Led team to two AAAA state titles.
RB George Rogers, Duluth, 1977: Back of year as junior with 2,300 yards.
WR Danny Buggs, Avondale, 1970: All-American in high school and college.
TE Stan Rome, Valdosta, 1974: Holds national receiving mark with 4,477 yards.
OL Joel Parrish, Coffee, 1973: “Cowboy” later led Georgia to SEC title.
OL Lee North, Shamrock, 1978: Two-time all-SEC at Tennessee.
OL Bill Mayo, Dalton, 1981: Two-time all-state and AAA lineman of year
OL John Davis, Gilmer, 1983: Later became “the refrigerator mover.”
OL Winford Hood, Therrell, 1980: Two-time AAAA all-state selection.
K Kevin Butler, Redan, 1981: Two-time All-American at Georgia.
Defense - Team Fig
DL Freddie Gilbert, Griffin, 1980: The best pass rusher in state history?
DL Jimmy Payne, Cedar Shoals, 1978: Later an All-American at Georgia.
DL Ronald Simmons, Warner Robins, 1977: Led Demons to, 1976 national title.
DL Larry Kinnebrew, East Rome, 1978: Remember “Big Brew’s Wrecking Crew?”
LB Mackel Harris, Americus, 1976: Led team to 13 shutouts in 1975.
LB Lucius Sanford, West Fulton, 1974: Four-year starter and All-American at Tech.
LB Ben Zambiasi, Mt. de Sales, 1974: Leading tackler for ‘73 state champs.
LB Chip Banks, Laney, 1978: Two-time AAAA all-state selection.
DB Scott Woerner, Jonesboro, 1977: Defensive star of Georgia’s national champs.
DB Jim Bob Harris, Clarke Central, 1978: Led team to Class AAAA state title as senior.
DB Buz Rosenburg, Northside, 1969: Two-time All-SEC at Georgia.
P Ray Guy, Thomson, 1969: Perhaps the NFL’s best all-time punter.
Here’s my 1987-2007 team…
Offense - Team Todd
QB Eric Zeier, Marietta, 1991
RB Garrison Hearst, Lincoln County, 1990
RB Monte Williams, Commerce, 2001
WR Andre Hastings, Morrow, 1990
WR Calvin Johnson, Sandy Creek, 2004
TE Leonard Pope, Americus, 2002
OL Jeff Backus, Norcross, 1998
OL Zeb McKenzey, Parkview, 2003
OL Marcus McNeil, Cedar Grove, 2002
OL Clay Shiver, Tift County, 1991
OL Matt Stinchcomb, Parkview, 1995
K Chris Gardocki, Redan, 1988
Defense - Team Todd
DL Travis Stroud, Dunwoody, 1994
DL Marcus Stroud, Brooks County, 1996
DL Jonathan Sullivan, Griffin, 1999
DL Curt McGill, Brookwood, 1997
LB Trey Blackmon, LaGrange, 2005
LB Takeo Spikes, Washington County, 1995
LB Curt Douglas, Lincoln County, 1988
DB Champ Bailey, Charlton County, 1996
DB Jeff Francoeur, Parkview, 2002
DB Deon Grant, Josey, 1997
DB Walt Harris, LaGrange, 1992
P Rodney Williams, SW DeKalb, 1995
Kick off the debate: In a battle of Team Fig vs. Team Todd, who would win? Who did Fig miss from his ‘67-‘86 all-state squad and who’s Todd overlooking? Of course, we’re looking for YOUR favorites to fill in the Team Fig and Team Todd rosters.
Permalink | Comments (93) | Post your comment | Categories: Extra Point
