AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTodd’s Top 50: Ranking Georgia’s hottest ‘right now’ football teams
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For decades, Valdosta was Georgia’s premier high school football program and for history’s sake, it still is. But what about right now?
Which Georgia football program is the most respected and most widely known?
Below, I’ve ranked them 1 through 50. My rankings are based mostly on three factors - name recognition, marquee value and statewide respect. I also have a Top 5 that I will give you later on the teams that will be most incensed that they were not included.
OK, to the Top 50:
1. Lowndes
2. Northside-Warner Robins
3. Buford
4. Lincoln Co.
5. Charlton Co.
6. Valdosta
7. Camden Co.
8. Parkview
9. Brookwood
10. Stephenson
11. Warner Robins
12. Marist
13. LaGrange
14. Thomas Co. Central
15. Peach Co.
16. Tucker
17. ECI
18. Carver-Columbus
19. Roswell
20. Peachtree Ridge
21. Shaw
22. Griffin
23. Norcross
24. Washington Co.
25. Tift Co.
26. M.L. King
27. Walton
28. Statesboro
29. Dublin
30. Stephens Co.
31. North Gwinnett
32. Carrollton
33. Clinch Co.
34. Rome
35. Thomasville
36. Calhoun
37. Harrison
38. Westside-Macon
39. GAC
40. Hawkinsville
41. Thomson
42. Colquitt Co.
43. Lovett
44. Mays
45. Laney
46. North Hall
47. Dalton
48. Ware Co.
49. Fitzgerald
50. Gainesville
Kick off the debate: What’s your take on Todd’s Top 50? Tell us who tops your list of Georgia’s “Right Now” football greats. Who did Todd miss on the list and who shouldn’t be there at all?
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By Brian
May 19, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Ummm…what???..You forgot about the only top school in Atlanta..(not metro Atlanta) and that is Douglass High School..countless Div. 1 signees and prolly more athletes in the league or gettin ready to go to the league right now than any other program in the state. I know the ajc doesnt like Douglass and has been waitin on our fall from dominance in the city for quite some while but the fact still remains we produce athletes…ex. James Davis(clemson), Jamaal Lewis(Cleveland), Ahmad Carroll(former Arkansas standout, ex-Green Bay Packer, AFL star and many more up incoming stars.
By Brian
May 19, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Not to mention countless playoff appearance since the opening of the school..which is still takin place right now..when in the time of modern history does Mays make the list in football over Douglass..cmon man I think its time for you to hand over the torch to someone else who know’s whats goin on in GHSF..I would also have to argue that right now Northside is the most powerful program in the state. P.S. Just come up to Doug during spring football year and year out and take a seat along countless Div. 1 recruiters and then post something like this..we are on any if not every college radar.
By Frederick (Bailey) Douglass
May 19, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I ditto Brian’s commets. Even though Dough High is going through a coaching change, DON’T TRIP!! The Black and Gold have roared on many occasions…
What are YOUR qualifications to be an expert on such matters?
By Grayson Mom
May 19, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Are you serious? You FORGOT about Grayson!!
By Monroe (Albany) Class of 84
May 19, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I see that you dislike the Atlanta Public schools. What about Dougherty High (Albany), Cairo High, these two are periennial playoff contenders. Parkview had a five year stint, what have you done for me lately? Valdosta hasn’t been relevant since the mid-90’s. Come on Todd open up your view point.
By The Bone Yard
May 19, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
* EAST PAULDING RAIDERS * Undefeated last year regular season, beat by a great TCC Team #14 this year on your top 50. We beat #44 Mays last year in the playoffs. Loosing just a few seniors. Is it because we are moving to 5A??????? We open @ home against #34 Rome and #37 Harrison is in our Region. 2 years we have proven we are REAL! GO RAIDERS
By btw fan
May 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
How can you not mention Washington Hs over Mays, of course we been at .500 for the last two years , but what about the last ten years, playoff bound and region champs. How quickly we forget, but don’t count us out we’ll be back this year.
By ColoradoDawg
May 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
I second that motion, “Monroe”, especially your mention of the Syrupmakers. For years, the Makers have been a competitive, AAA playoff team whose performance would warrant their inclusion on this one man’s “top 50” list. Any visiting team who says it’s easy to go down to the Syrup Bowl and play Cairo on their home turf hasn’t played there.
By Frederick (Bailey) Douglass
May 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Brian, its obvious that this guy is clueless: leaving Douglass High School and Southwest Dekalb off of a list based on name recognition, marquee value and statewide respect is PLAIN STUPID.
AJC: Send us someone that either (1) is from GA or smart enough to (2) get to know the landscape.
**but you had the misguided nerve to post M.L. King, Mays and Stepenson??? Are you on drugs?
By yo
May 19, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Being from Valdosta I still understand the name Valdosta Wildcat football even if it has been history as of late. However, much to my surprise when I was in Birmingham 2 weeks ago and mentioned to the individual (who had played college football at University of North Alabama) I was from Valdosta the first name out of his mouth was Lowndes High School and not Valdosta. It appears Todd you are correct…the times have officially changed.
By GA all day
May 19, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Now I understand everyone being upset that Douglass and SWD were left off the list. In fact, I would have them both in the top 25. But lets be real. Neither of them have beaten Stephenson in years (at least 5), so let’s not get beyond ourselves…
By Will
May 19, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Name recognition, marquee value and state wiide respect. Let’s see, what about Douglass, Southwest Dekalb, Newnan,Starrs Mill and Cairo. Its obvious that you have your favorites in the metro area. Each of the Schools listed above could and should replace Schools on your list. Omitting the Douglass Astros as the only 5A program in the city just doesn’t make sense.
By Will
May 19, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
GA all day, Call anyone at Stephenson and ask the what happened on the last game of the season the last 2 years, Douglass kicked their but, that’s a fact. Cross check facts before opening your mouth.
By fan
May 19, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
how can you put valdosta that high when they are not the team they use to be. is this what happened in the past or who is hot now. then you put colquitt in there. what games have you been to.
By ebdawg
May 19, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes would not be on any list of the top 50 programs in the state. Since 2001, 5 seasons with 9 or more wins… including two 10 and one 12 win seasons… Five trips to the playoffs during that time span.. Classic battles with Carrolton and Lagrange. A couple of off years may have hurt the Canes, but top 50? I think so….
By UGA Fan
May 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
TCC is one of the elite programs in the state of ga. Coach Pilcher turned them into well known team over the years that he was there before going to Bainbridge. I am sure Bainbridge will be a elite program also in the years to come with coach Pilcher as their head coach.
By Derrick Mahone
May 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to address some teams that I cover on a regular basis.
Douglass Remember, this is about statewide, not the city. Has been one of the top city team, but success in the city has come in cycles. Crim was good until the last few years before its closing, Washington had a good run, Grady for a few years was successful, The downfall all city team has been the playoffs. Douglass hasn’t advance past the second round since 1975, that is including the year that had something like 11 Div. I-A signees. Lost at Lakewood to a rebuilding Valdosta team that loaded with sophomores. Douglass hasn’t won a road playoff game since the controversial win over Lakeside-DeKalb in 1975 at DeKalb Memorial (Hallford) Stadium. The last Div. I signee was 2005 (Akeem Dent).
The Astros record against the Top 10
Southwest DeKalb You could probably make a case from them, but “what have you done for me lately?**Their 0-4 record against Marist since 2002 didn’t help make a case. They have also been outscored 115-19 by Marist in those loses.
Just some thoughts:
Grayson Last season was the Rams breakout season. They will need a couple more seasons like that to be considered among the top in the state. Additionally, Grayson hasn’t beaten a team outside the metro area in the playoffs.
East Paulding Probably need to do it a couple more seasons in a better region. It’s no secret that Region 5-AAAA wasn’t among the top in the state. EP’s two biggest games - Marist and Thomas County Central - weren’t even close. Need some more quality wins.
By UGA Fan
May 19, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
TCC is one of the elite programs in the state of ga. Coach Pilcher turned them into a well known team over the years that he was there before going to Bainbridge. I am sure Bainbridge will be a elite program also in the years to come with coach Pilcher as their head coach.
By Buddy El
May 19, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Lincoln County is, historically, one of the top highschool football programs in Georgia but when you start ranking this Class A team ahead of programs like Valdosta, Camden County, Lagrange, etc. you lose all credibility for the entire list.
By TCC91
May 19, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
I’m a Thomas Co grad and i really don’t see how Cairo didn’t make the list of FIFTY?!?!? You mean their name recognition, marquee value and STATEWIDE respect is not above Harrison? C’mon…
By Bryan
May 19, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
I think we should all face it, Lowndes is going nowhere in the near future. The only thing that can break their reign is another high school in the county. Pumping those kids out like hotcakes.
By Carlos
May 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Douglass does not meet the criteria of name recognition, marquee value and statewide respect, that is why they are not on the list. Unless, of course, name recognition means “oh yippee! We play Douglass in the 2nd round- a 3rd round game for us is guaranteed!”
No doubt they put some players into college and even the league. Which makes their lack of success on the state level even stranger.
I don’t think Mays makes anyone shiver in their cleats, either. At least Stephenson has actually played in the quarterfinals and even made it to the semis recently.
By Maker
May 19, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
What About Cairo???????????????????????????????????
By S. Thomas Coleman
May 19, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Derrick,
I was just about to come to the defense of our esteemed colleague, Todd, when I read your post. I couldn’t agree more with you on all the Douglass talk.
In spite of all the coaching changes, Mays has been the most consistent city program, year in and year out. In fact, I would argue that Washington would belong on the list before Douglass.
And except for having to knock heads with Stephenson (and I would agree that they probably belong on the list) Douglass has played in a pretty soft region the past few years. The most telling stat is their woeful playoff performances since 1975. No way you can claim top 50 status with a post season record like that.
On another note, speaking to your comment about city teams coming and going, look for the New Schools of Carver to be good for a long time going forward.
S. Thomas Coleman
By DecaturDog
May 19, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Can you please explain how you can have Carrollton ranked 32nd when they have a history of winning dating back to the late 1950’s?
It has one of the top winning percentages in the entire nation.
Many of these other teams haven’t been around 20 years…as Ricky Ricardo sez: You got some ‘splainin’ to do!”
By DecaturDog
May 19, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Just not a very informed or well-researched list here.
Serious HS football fans will see this is just to stir up hits to the website at a SLOW time of year…
It doesn’t warrant our energy…
By Farsider
May 19, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Over all it is a good list. While their performance has slipped in recent years, I think McEachern rates as a top 50 program.
By JR
May 19, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
I would think that Cook would be on the list somewhere. At least equal with Fitzgerald. Cook has had 5 10+ win seasons and 8 playoff appearances in the past 8 seasons with 5 of those 8 teams (63%) making at least the quarterfinals and 3 of the 8 making it to the semifinals (38%) Not even your #22 Griffin can boast those percentages. Tift at #25 is a joke. Tift has had 3 winning seasons and 4 playoff appearances (3 of which were 1st round losses) since 2000. Fitzgerald is deservingly on the list but they have made the playoffs the same 8 years as Cook but have only advanced to the quarterfinals 2 times. In the past 6 seasons they have 3 first and 3 second round losses. While Fitzgerald does well in the regular season, they have average at best playoff runs. Can I get a little love for the Cook High Hornets?
By JR
May 19, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
I would think that Cook would be on the list somewhere. At least equal with Fitzgerald. Cook has had 5 10+ win seasons and 8 playoff appearances in the past 8 seasons with 5 of those 8 teams (63%) making at least the quarterfinals and 3 of the 8 making it to the semifinals (38%) Not even your #22 Griffin can boast those percentages. Tift at #25 is a joke. Tift has had 3 winning seasons and 4 playoff appearances (3 of which were 1st round losses) since 2000. Fitzgerald is deservingly on the list but they have made the playoffs the same 8 years as Cook but have only advanced to the quarterfinals 2 times. In the past 6 seasons they have 3 first and 3 second round losses. While Fitzgerald does well in the regular season, they have average at best playoff runs. Can I get a little love for the Cook High Hornets?
By B Ro
May 19, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
ONLY two Cobb County schools??…Where is McEachern?..Where is Marietta?…come on…south GA football is great but lets give Cobb County the respect it deserves as Harrison / Walton are still toddlers when compared to the history of these two traditional powerhouses
By Getaname
May 19, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
S. Thomas Coleman? Give me a break. Think you work at the New York Times with a byline like that?
By me
May 19, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
No schools from Cherokee county? This poll is a joke.
By Okay so you do smoke crack
May 19, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
N Gwinnett 31st? Well they should at least be 29 th because two teams ahead of North have got issues. Peachtree Ridge has yet to ever beat North in a game of football. BWood is 0-3 against Sphire. I mean it is what it is.
By josh
May 19, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Wow, you need to do your homework again Todd. You put Fitzgerald and Tift on the list before Cook, are you kidding me? Cook has been to the dome 3 times this decade. Fitzgerald is nothing better than a 9 wins and out team, win 9 in the regular season and choke in the first round. Tift, well they’re the most overrated football school in Georgia. They’ve done nothing but lose this decade, with an exception of two years ago. Cook should be on this list, Tift..no..Fitzgerald…NOO.
By Todd Holcomb
May 19, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
OK, let’s delete Mays, Tift and Colquitt and sub Cairo, Cartersville and … McEachern? No, how about SW DeKalb, not McEachern. I’ve got Cook on the bubble. What about Marietta?
Douglass High School..countless Div. 1 signees and prolly more athletes in the league or gettin ready to go to the league right now than any other program in the state.
That’s a good point, Brian, but that doesn’t register with people around the state that much, in my opinion. Rodney Garner knows about Douglass, but I’m talking about your average high school football fans. For example, someone posted on this blog last week that Jamal Lewis of Brookwood was a great high school RB. Brookwood? Statewide, most people can’t tell you that Lewis and Batman Carroll went to Douglass. But they know Caleb King played at Parkview or that Rennie Curran played at Brookwood or Garrison Hearst at Lincoln County or Champ Bailey at Charlton County. Those were high-profile players playing for state titles.
And I’m talking statewide, not in the city. I respect Douglass because I’m close to Atlanta, but the Astros just don’t resonate statewide.
I see that you dislike the Atlanta Public schools.
Carlos’ comments reflect the statewide view: *yippee! We play Douglass in the 2nd round- a 3rd round game.
Name recognition, marquee value and state wiide respect. Let’s see, what about Douglass, Southwest Dekalb, Newnan,Starrs Mill and Cairo.
SWD and Cairo, yes. The rest, no. Those are good teams year-in, year-out, but not teams people expect ever to win state titles.
How can you not mention Washington Hs over Mays?
Good point. Take Mays out. Actually Douglass probably should be the #1 choice in APS. Brian convinced me of that.
EAST PAULDING RAIDERS Undefeated last year regular season, beat by a great TCC Team #14 this year on your top 50.
If EP can do something big in AAAAA, respect will come. Finally. Until then, EP doesn’t deserve to be in this Top 50. In fact, all those EP fans who say, “We get no respect,’’ are proving my point. This is a list of ‘’most respected’’ programs.
I second that motion, “Monroe”, especially your mention of the Syrupmakers. For years, the Makers have been a competitive, AAA playoff team whose performance would warrant their inclusion on this one man’s “top 50” list. Any visiting team who says it’s easy to go down to the Syrup Bowl and play Cairo on their home turf hasn’t played there.
Cairo, yes. I think that’s my biggest omission. Monroe? Not close. I don’t think there’s much statewide respect there, to be honest. Not saying Monroe hasn’t been very tough the last couple of seasons. Monroe is underrated perhaps, but not worthy of this Top 50.
Can you please explain how you can have Carrollton ranked 32nd when they have a history of winning dating back to the late 1950’s?
The headline says NOW. Not the 1950s. Carrollton’s all-time history is probably Top 10, but Carrollton is a Class AA school that ranks about No. 40 this decade in victories statewide. And I ranked Carrollton higher than No. 40, so I think that’s pretty fair.
While their performance has slipped in recent years, I think McEachern rates as a top 50 program.
Yeah, maybe so. McEachern is like SW DeKalb. Both probably deserve to be there, although McEachern has been bordering on mediocre this decade. What’s impressive is the 240 applicants to replace Dorsey, though. That alone should put a program in the Top 50. On my amended list, I’ll have to look at McEachern & SWD pretty closely.
Lincoln County is, historically, one of the top highschool football programs in Georgia but when you start ranking this Class A team ahead of programs like Valdosta, Camden County, Lagrange, etc. you lose all credibility for the entire list.
Please know that I’m not saying Lincoln County would beat those teams. Lincoln is hard to rank because it’s really apples and oranges when you’re talking AAAAA vs. A schools. Lincoln is one-of-a-kind. But Lincoln County, aside from Valdosta, is Georgia’s winningest program (at least the last 50 or so years), and Lincoln is still very current, with 3 state titles in the last 4 years and one of the top 10 coaches nationally of all-time.
Remember the criteria: Respect statewide (Lincoln is probably the most universally respected team in Georgia, in that Campbell and the Devils have no enemies), marquee value (depends on how you define that) and name recognition (people know of Campbell and Lincoln nationwide).
I would think that Cook would be on the list somewhere. At least equal with Fitzgerald. Cook has had 5 10+ win seasons and 8 playoff appearances in the past 8 seasons with 5 of those 8 teams (63%) making at least the quarterfinals and 3 of the 8 making it to the semifinals (38%) Not even your #22 Griffin can boast those percentages. Tift at #25 is a joke. Tift has had 3 winning seasons and 4 playoff appearances (3 of which were 1st round losses) since 2000. Fitzgerald is deservingly on the list but they have made the playoffs the same 8 years as Cook but have only advanced to the quarterfinals 2 times. In the past 6 seasons they have 3 first and 3 second round losses. While Fitzgerald does well in the regular season, they have average at best playoff runs. Can I get a little love for the Cook High Hornets?
Good comments. … Cook ranks about 35th in wins this decade. (My list goes through 2006, and I haven’t updated it.) But in the lower classes, statewide respect doesn’t come until you win a title, or at least play for one. I know Cook has been to the Dome a lot. I could live with Cook in anyone’s Top 50, though. …
Fitzgerald ranks about 15th in wins this decade, so that’s why I had Fitz ahead of Cook. Cook has won 5 playoff games the past 4 years, Fitz has won 4. I see your point, but I looked at the decade totals.
Tift County is probably a reach. Conceded. I just think those 1-AAAAA programs are big-time by affiliation. Lots of history and passion at those schools. But yes, Tift is hard to justify give its mediocre record lately. Let’s sub Cairo for Tift and call it even.
can’t believe that the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes would not be on any list of the top 50 programs in the state. Since 2001, 5 seasons with 9 or more wins
Cartersville was 34th in wins this decade until 2007. The ‘Canes probably dropped to 40th or below after the 4-5-1. They are about 40th or below in playoff wins the past 4 years. I can live w/ Cartersville in there. Lots of tradition, especially at RB (Ronnie Brown, Darby, Henderson, Lavette), and two state titles in the ‘90s. The more I think about it, Cartersville should’ve made the low end of the list.
Let’s drop Mays and Tift and sub Cairo and Cartersville.
how can you put valdosta that high when they are not the team they use to be. is this what happened in the past or who is hot now. then you put colquitt in there. what games have you been to.
I know Colquitt has been down, but maybe I was overacting to the Rush Propst factor. … Actually, I think Chris Whitfield told me to do it. Delete Colquitt.
As for Valdosta, this remains the most recognizable name in Georgia high school football nationwide. I’m not ranking the teams on fear factor at this moment in time, but Valdosta us a marquee name team that remains a quality team on the field.
Let’s put it this way: If your school scheduled Valdosta, would that still get your players fired up? Or would they be more fired up to play Roswell, a team that’s been better the past 2-3 years?
By No love for AAA?
May 19, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
LaGrange, Thomas County Central, & Carrollton have about 25 state championships between the three of them, and not a single one can crack the top 10? LaGrange alone has won the state 3 times since 2001 and put 15-20 guys on SEC rosters over that period.
By Barbara
May 19, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
THIS POLL IS SO WRONG. YOU MISSED SO MANY OTHER SCHOOLS.
By Todd Holcomb
May 19, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
ONLY two Cobb County schools??…Where is McEachern?..Where is Marietta?
Where are the state titles?
No schools from Cherokee county? This poll is a joke.
Cherokee County football is a joke. Just kidding. But you know people who read that are thinking it.
Let’s face it: Most high school football fans couldn’t name three schools in Cherokee County. I hate to be harsh, but this is about statewide respect, and Cherokee isn’t there yet.
N Gwinnett 31st? Well they should at least be 29 th because two teams ahead of North have got issues. Peachtree Ridge has yet to ever beat North in a game of football. BWood is 0-3 against Sphire. I mean it is what it is.
These rankings are not about what is on the field. It’s about what is in people’s hearts.
Let’s ask Lowndes fans: What gave you more satisfaction, blowing out Brookwood, or blowing out North Gwinnett? That’s what these rankings are about.
By big blue caddy
May 19, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
I bet you’re considering including Marietta for your “top five” teams to be incensed for lack of inclusion.
While a lot of this is completely subjective (most respected, marquee value, etc), I think MHS warrants being in the Top Fifty.
If you include Walton and Harrison in the top 50, then MHS certainly should be included…especially if you considered the longevity and long term success of the program.
Marietta is one of the winningest programs in the state (see www.ghsfha.org)
Marietta is the ONLY Cobb County team to hold a State Championship title.
Marietta is one of the oldest programs in the state dating back to the early 1900’s
Northcutt Stadium is frequently mentioned as one of the top venues in the state.
And despite the school size, MHS has historically opted to ‘play up’ in the largest school classification (AAAAA).
Perhaps MHS has not been the powerhouse of late, but if you take the long view, Marietta should be included.
By Todd Holcomb
May 19, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
LaGrange, Thomas County Central, & Carrollton have about 25 state championships between the three of them, and not a single one can crack the top 10? LaGrange alone has won the state 3 times since 2001 and put 15-20 guys on SEC rosters over that period.
I’m OK w/ Carrollton and TCC where they are because that was another decade you’re talking about. This is NOW.
LaGrange … Yeah, that’s pretty strong. The Grangers are about 90-9 this decade. I think that’s No. 2 to Buford.
There’s no right or wrong here, but my thinking is that the top Class AAAAA schools are the ones that rank highest on those criteria — name recognition, statewide respect, etc… UNLESS those smaller programs have state titles that are very fresh on everyone’s minds.
To me, those top handful of big schools are the most loves & hated, the most talked about, the most controversial, the most anticipated, all that stuff, than those great smaller programs unless that program just did something big.
But if somebody puts LaGrange at No. 5, I wouldn’t quibble much.
THIS POLL IS SO WRONG. YOU MISSED SO MANY OTHER SCHOOLS.
Such as? …
By will
May 19, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
27th thats a joke 7 straight playoff appearances and 2 semi finals in in five years ha ha ha ha ha
By sprtdog
May 19, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
You need Cairo in there between 20 and 30 i believe
By sprtdog
May 19, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
You need Cairo in there between 20 and 30 i believe
By dewayne
May 19, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
It’s just a poll, and one man’s opinion. You can rank your own poll,because he is just saying who he thinks is the top 50 in the state. Everyone thinks it’s set in stone since he wrote the article so remember this is HIS opinion!!!
By Don Hill
May 19, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Commerce? I’m surprised that we are not in the list when programs with mainly recent success (ECI) are as high as the top 20.
By TXDawg
May 19, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
I’m surprised that Marist isn’t higher due to the longevity of their dominance and overall name recognition.
By PIUS
May 19, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
FORGOT ST. PIUS, BEAT DALTON IN THE PLAYOFFS HANDILY LAST TIME I CHECKED AND MAYS! COME ON TODD PICK IT UP!
By TimmyTimTim
May 19, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Todd, I wasn’t sure if you meant Where are the state titles? in your response to the question of, “McEachern/Marietta?” to mean that neither has one, because Marietta High School definitely has a state title. Not much to brag about, espiecially because it has been over 40 years ago, but still a state title nonetheless.
By Millicent C
May 19, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Go Lowndes Vikings ‘83
By Dacula
May 19, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
How can you have all of these gwinnett county schools on this list and not have DACULA!!!??? Apparently Todd doesn’t know what Norcross record is against Dacula. Well let me tell you. It’s 1-5. I hate to talk about one Maloof brother at the expense of another but facts are facts. Also, Dacula has traditionally trounced North Gwinnett. Who were the 2 teams from gwinnett county with the most wins in the 1990’s? 1. Brookwood 2.Dacula. Bet you’re suprised it’s not Buford or Parkview. Also, Dacula has been to the quarterfinals 10 times and the Final Four 3 times in the last 20 years. No other gwinnett school outside of Brookwood, Parkview, and Buford can even touch those numbers. Norcross and North Gwinnett? Give me a break.
By Brad in KY
May 19, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Marietta High School
I was going to argue that Marietta should be included on the list, but I see that ‘big blue caddy’ beat me to it above (and did a fine job of it, too).
At any rate, it’s interesting to note the connection between Marietta’s success in the 90’s and the #3 team on the list: Buford High School.
The connection is Dexter Wood who built Marietta into a state power before leaving for Buford. Although there were some good years after he left, things haven’t really been the same since. I’ll also note that Buford’s current coach, Jess Simpson, is a Marietta alum.
Gosh, I wish they’d come home to Marietta, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen…
By Dacula
May 19, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
O.K., I did a little research. Dacula is 9-3 against North Gwinnett and has won the last 3 times they have played. I understand North Gwinnett had a great season last year and deserve all the credit in the world for getting to the finals. However, if you’re talking right now (past 2-3 years) then how is Parkview on the list? They haven’t won a playoff game since Caleb King’s last year there. I’m not trying to put down any program’s accomplishments (except maybe Buford because everyone in gwinnett county know how much they recruit kids from other schools to get to where they are), I’m just comparing stats.
By twoiron
May 19, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Hasn’t Charlton beaten Buford 2 of the last 3 years.
By paladin king
May 19, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Stephenson ranked at number 10 is kind of high…especially considering the year they’re coming off. I think M.L. King and Stephenson are alot closer than 16 places. 2 very similar programs, very talented athletes, relatively new schools on the rise…but to put them in the top 10 is kind of a stretch.
By homet
May 19, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Todd…
You said it yourself, this poll is about NOW!!!…Not years ago and East Paulding’s record for the last 2 years speaks for itself!!!
UNDEFEATED Regular season last year…they beat your highly touted Mays, they beat those Cherokee County teams, and yes they lost to Marist IN THE DOME!!!, and to TCC at TCC, after a 4 hour bus ride, that would have been a MUCH DIFFERENT GAME had it been played in the “BONEYARD”!!!! here in Paulding County!
They might not be top ten yet…but they sure should be in your top 50!!!!
By Fan of the game
May 19, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
:Todd Holcomb: I notice that Bainbridge is not on your list. What are your thoughts on Bainbridge becoming a an elite program in the years to come now that coach Pilcher is their head coach?
By Brian
May 19, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
What?? No Pace Academy!?
By CHS "Real Trojans"
May 19, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
First of all, Todd, Carrollton is a AAA school not AA. And our winning didn’t stop in the 50’s. The only time we were down recently was in 2000 and 2001 after Coach Scott died and we had a joke of a coach in Ross New. If I’m not mistaken we lost last year in the playoffs to the eventual state champs and it’s no secret that they stole that game on a no call by an official on an obvious fumble.
By Derrick Mahone
May 19, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
TXDAWG Look at the teams ahead of Marist, and the War Eagles would be the top AAAA team according to the list, that’s if you put Northside-WR in AAAAA, where they will compete for the next two years. Only Buford (AA), Lincoln County (A) and Charlton County (AA) are above Marist, and they all have more recent state championships. If it wasn’t for LaGrange’s last two seasons, you could probably make a case for them being place over Marist in football.
Dewayne Good point. Would like to see some people’s own top 50 instead of just poking fun at this one. Yes, some of this is Todd’s opinion, but he consulted other people. A lot of this is based on conversions you have with people throughout the year and get a sense of what other people think of teams throughout the state.
Don Hill Todd, had Commerce in his first list but I might have talked him out of it.
Pius Paul Standard has done an excellent job in reviving the St. Pius program into a playoff contender in one of the toughest 4A regions in the state. Take the 2006 season out of the mix, and they are just average. I think like Valdosta, Dalton is one of those programs that gets a pass because of the consistency of several years of producing a winning program. I tried to talk Todd out of keeping Dalton in because of the competition in Region 7-AAAA.
Mays was included because of their consistency despite adversity. They have had something like seven coaches in eight or nine years. During that time St. Pius has had one coach with a feeder program and has produced a 54-27 record and five playoff appearance. Mays has been 55-22 with five playoff appearances. Mays is 3-2 against St. Pius during that stretch.
By BTW FAN FOR LIFE
May 19, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Well actually Todd, I disagree with you about putting Douglass over Washington, no matter how much Brian convinced you, I still see you have not done your research. We have had numerous Super 11 athletes over the years,and to mention athletes in Division 1 schools and well as NFL athletes.
By GC
May 19, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
In my opinion, the biggest omission is East Coweta. Legendary coach and a team you expect to be there every year. Honorable mention to Chamblee.
Secondly, I’m in defense of Stephenson’s ranking. Holcomb said the rankings were about notoriety, and who doesn’t know about Stephenson? This may hurt my argument but SHS is the highest ranked school to not win or play for a state title this decade.
Generally, LaGrange, Peach County, Shaw, Statesboro and Ware County are a little low on this list, while Warner Robins and Norcross are waaaay too high.
By slalom1
May 19, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
WOW TODD! Hope you are wearing your helmet! LOL!! Talk about ruffling feathers! Truth is, I believe you got the list about right. The Gwinnettifers and the Claytonators are confusing talent with respect and WINNING. I believe you were extremely kind to Stephenson, Tucker, M.L. King, Walton, Harrison, and Westside-Macon. NO state titles from any of the above. For any team to be included on this list, there should be at least ONE state title.
By WALTON!
May 19, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
how is M.L king above walton this is the only year they have ever been really good
By mike
May 19, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
i went to brookwood in 03, and graduated from ga southern in 07, and can tell you that we at brookwood knew that statesboro was on the map football-wise long before over a dozen of several other non-metro teams ranked higher than they are. statesboro has been in several state championship games since 2000 and won a couple too… think that deserves more respect than norcross and walton along with several other overrated big programs in the metro area. as far as name recognition and marquee value, i have a hard time seeing brookwood and parkview at the bottom of the top 10 compared with some of the smaller schools listed. everyone knows gwinnett county football, and theres more AAAAA teams in the county than there are in any region, so talk about your competition there. give due respect to the powerhouses in lower classifications, but MORE people overall know about metro football because there are simply MORE people in the metro area. im not sure these factors were weighted as well as they should have been.
By freddie
May 19, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
how the hell is buford even in the top 50 they dont play many teams that are 500or better. what a joke
By Trojans
May 19, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Don’t count Coffee Co. High out! New Coach, most of players back, will be much better this year. Play-offs last 4 years. Bet on it!
By AL
May 19, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
I don’t see what some posters are in a huff about. It doesn’t really matter who is ranked at the beginning, it only is important once the season is well underway and you can see who is actually winning, who has the breakout players, etc. Up until then it’s all guesswork.
By alday
May 19, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
GO WARE COUNTY! ALWAYS STRONG AGAINST LOWNDES, VALDOSTA, CHARLTON, STATESBORO, THOMAS CO. CENTRAL AND TIFT CO. CLINCH IS TOO SMALL TO PLAY.
By truth
May 19, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
swd has a winning record against stephenson and tucker. They beat Stepehenson 2 out of the last three times they played for whatever idiot said that stephenson beat them. As well as beating tucker two out of the last three years, including an embarrassing playoff loss of tucker in 05. But dont worry panther fans know what kind of team they have that will shock the world next year.
By Billy
May 19, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Wow, I can’t believe that my alma mater, Colquitt County made the list! Hopefully, Rush can get them back going in the right direction.
By YRB!
May 19, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Please explain how you ranked Marist (12) ahead of Tucker (16)?
By golden herd
May 19, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
you got that right Billy. its a sad day when we barely crack this list at #42. remember the glory days of the 90s when beating valdosta was usual occurrence?
if you havent been able to keep up with the Packers this spring, you will be surprised come fall. The Legend that is Rush Propst isnt gonna turn the program around overnight but we will be much improved this season. i went to the scrimmage over the weekend and the defense has some beasts. we still need work in that spread offense but i can see us winning 6 games. just a winning season is a step in the right direction.
By drock08
May 19, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Todd I know you are bored and have nothing to do but are you kidding me. First I live south of Atlanta and I know you are a homer of Gwinnett and Cobb County so that explain Roswell at 19 and Walton at 27. Harrison at #37 are a great regular season team for years because of the weak region and lose in the playoffs nobody around these parts respect them. If you going to put a one year wonder ECI who knowbody knows who they are at 17 you should have put Fayette County in the list they had a great year last year against some legitimate teams. I can’t believe Lagrange at 13 are you on prescription everybody knows what Lagrange and your #32 Carrollton(way to low)bring to the table every year. N.Gwinnett 31 Carrollton 32 Todd you are smarter than that. Who know anything about Laney HS. Lovett what have they won. North Hall at 46 Todd are you smarter than a 5th grader. Stephenson at 10 and Lagrange at 13 you got to be on something a overhyped team every year at 10 and a school that has won mulitple championships including a national championship at 13. Todd you are a joke. Todd how about success at Newnan HS in the 60’s 70’s 80’s 90’s and the last two years. Ask anybody who would they rather beat Laney or Newnan or a overhyped Stephenson or a well coached East Coweta. I know who would be easier to beat. Does Creekside Sandy Creek Starrs Mills St.Pius means anything to you Mr. Smart guy or you on house arrest again and cannot leave Gwinnett County. And finally how could Lovett make the list and Dougherty HS could not I really hope you get better wisdom by your top ten rankings in August. This was worse than your players of the decade list last week. Cmon Todd you are way better than this.
By Billy
May 19, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update, golden herd! And, yes, I do remember when beating Valdosta was a regular occurrence!
By AtlGaTech
May 19, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Westminster should have been on that list especially since Lovett and GAC were.
By Trojan Fan
May 19, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
I AM NOT TAKING AWAY ANYTHING FROM CHARLTON COUNTY AND OTHERS, BUT THE TOP FIVE PROGRAMS IN GEORGIA …LOUNDES, NORTHSIDE,WR, BUFORD, LINCOLON COUNTY AND CARROLLTON..FIVE STATE TITLES, THIRTY TWO REGION TITLES…PLUS NEW 20 MILLION STADIUM, 2.6 MILLION FIELDHOUSE, MILLION DOLLAR BAND ROOM, PRO SURF PLAYING SURFACE,AND REPLAY SCOREBOARD…THIRTY TWO IS INSANE
By TO TODD HOLCOMB
May 19, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
First off thanks for this list. Its made me think a lot about GA Football. I do not agree with everything on this list, as no one will, because we are all entitled to our own opinion. But I do want to make one suggestion. I see that Valdosta has been placed above Camden in the 6th slot. I would like you to consider my arguement on why Camden should be 6th and Valdosta 7th. 1. Camden has beaten Valdosta the last 3 games they have played. 2. Camden has gotten farther in the playoffs (the majority of the years since 2002) 3. Camden has gotten updated facilities (Yes Valdosta updated the stadium too, so they are equal in this) So in my opinion Camden is the more now team, what are your thoughts and please feel free to argue your point, I would like to know your thinking behind this.
By dhs fan
May 19, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Dunwoody had an 8-2 record last year in a tough region and didnt make the playoffs. Dunwoody has only lost three starters from that team and has been underated year after year
By YOU KNOW
May 19, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
IF YOU’RE NOT* MAYS RAIDER* YOU MUST BE A HATER.
By root4au
May 19, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Rome ahead of Cartersville. C’ville has beaten them the last two years with avg teams..
By yo
May 19, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Remember…”Legend” (as in past) but as you questioned in a previous blog not a “hero” (as in present). Kind of like living in the 90’s. :-)
By Rev McCrary
May 19, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
How about CREEKSIDE and Mr. E. Berry
By comet fan
May 19, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
GO GWINNETT COUNTY TEAMS!!!!!!!!!! i believe that there were 6 or 7 teams listed, without scrolling back up. I love seeing how many feathers get ruffled when Gwinnett County teams are mentioned. It is like listening to old people talk about walking up hill both ways to school in the snow, never wanting to give credit where credit is due. There are alot of teams that can be included on the list for overall history, but the title states “RIGHT NOW”, not “BACK WHEN” or “OVERALL”.
By golden herd
May 19, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Rush Propst is widely recognized as one of the best coaches in the nation. he has won at every stop in his coaching career. Colquitt County has put a huge amount of energy and funding to get the football program turned around. i dont know if this is a fair comparision but Propst has a very Saban-like aura about him haha.
By Judd
May 19, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Statesboro at 28 is a complete travesty. They are top 10 EASILY, and probably deserve to be in the top 5. They played in the state title game in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005 winning in 2001 and 2005. This is a total lack of respect from a know nothing AJC writer. Once again proves that their are NO knowledgable sports writers on the staff.
94-14-1 since 2000 and you have ECI ranked higher than them? WOW
By Gil Bruce
May 19, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
This ranking must be based on the future…… because The Carrollton Trojan’s football program is second only to Valdosta in best ALL-TIME winning percentage in Georgia High School History. And 17th in the Nation. Next time you rank programs use “facts” because your opinion shows your inexperience.
By THEHILLISREAL
May 19, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
BRIAN NAME RECOGNITION,READ THE HIGH SCHOOL BLOG GAVSV.THE MENTION OF MAYS BLOW UP THE VENT,FROM PEOPLE ALL AROUND GA ESPECIALLY MIDDLE&SOUTH GEORGIA.DOUGLASS LOT SIGNER BEGGING MAYS PLAYER TAKE THE SAT FOR THEM AT SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY.MAYS HAVE D1 SIGNING AS WELL,WHO ACTUALLY HAVE THE GRADE TO ATTEND A UNIVERSITY.MAYS HIGH TIL THE DAY I DIE.P.S DOUGLASS WILL FALL OFF IN 2010,THEY ARE CLOSING THE PROJECTS ON BANKHEAD.OH YEAH!40%STARTER LIVE IN WALKING DISTANCE OF MAYS.LOOK AT ADDRESS OF ALL YOUR SIGNING PAST 8 YR.
By THEHILLISREAL
May 19, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
BRIAN NAME RECOGNITION,READ THE HIGH SCHOOL BLOG GAVSV.THE MENTION OF MAYS BLOW UP THE VENT,FROM PEOPLE ALL AROUND GA ESPECIALLY MIDDLE&SOUTH GEORGIA.DOUGLASS LOT SIGNER BEGGING MAYS PLAYER TAKE THE SAT FOR THEM AT SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN ACADEMY.MAYS HAVE D1 SIGNING AS WELL,WHO ACTUALLY HAVE THE GRADE TO ATTEND A UNIVERSITY.MAYS HIGH TIL THE DAY I DIE.P.S DOUGLASS WILL FALL OFF IN 2010,THEY ARE CLOSING THE PROJECTS ON BANKHEAD.OH YEAH!40%STARTER LIVE IN WALKING DISTANCE OF MAYS.LOOK AT ADDRESS OF ALL YOUR SIGNING PAST 8 YR. PAST THREE YEARS MAYS 27-8
By comet fan
May 19, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Top football team in each of the 50 states and D.C. by Sports Illustrated for 2007 - Northside (Warner Robins. Makes you wonder how the AJC missed this article from Sports Illustrated. PROPS to the south - great job!!!! Not taking anything from my Gwinnett County POWERHOUSES, which received 2005 (Parkview) and 2007 (Collins Hill)- Best in state - The top high schools in each of the 50 states and D.C. by Sports Illustrated for overall sports performance.
By mistermak
May 19, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Todd, You are having fun with this one, Huh? I cant believe nobody is upset that Camden was in the top 10. Are they starting to accept that The Cats are a powerhouse?
By AstroFan
May 20, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Wow!! Todd you broke my heart leaving the Astros off the list. Douglass has beat Stephenson two times in the past two seasons. As much as I hate SWD as a rival, I respect them. And I’m mad they’re not there as well. And putting MAYS!! I mean MAYS!!!! OH MY GOD!! Somebody I need a drink!!! I’m in denial, maybe you did this just to pump us up. That’s what it is. When people think of football in Atlanta Public Schools, Douglass is always the first to be mentioned. This is for Derrick, put Mays in Douglass’ region, they didn’t do anything in the late 90’s. I bet you all the money I got they would not advance past the 2nd round in 5-A. Every time Douglass goes to the 2nd round and they lose and most time it’s probably always against the eventual state champ. Valdosta I’ll give you that. But if you was there and I know u was, you have seen the wildcat defense intentionally twist James’ ankle. Seems kinda odd. Another story. I don’t care what any of yall say, this is just wrong. Douglass will never get respect in anything. I bet if they won state championship, they’ll still get ranked 3rd. It’s just stupid. C’mon Derrick, you’re an APS alumni, you’ve seen Douglass manhandle Mays evey year. Even the year Douglass went 3-7, it was still a tight game at 22-14. Mays has a 7-13 record against Douglass. And they have only beat us ONCE in the past 10 meetings! WHAT KIND OF DOMINANCE IS THAT?? Look who Douglass lost to in your season, and tell me what those teams did that year? THEY WON STATE! THEY WON STATE! AND U KNOW THE REFS WERE IN THEIR POCKET. But that’s another story for another day. Remember the Dunwoody-Douglass brawl that went to court. Another story.
Douglass against Washington?? Washington has been open since 1924, Douglass opened in 1968 and Douglass has posted a 23-6-1 record against Washington. I rest my case. If you got an argument for Mays, I’m willing to listen.
By SEC 123
May 20, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
Yeah Griffin Bears!!!
By Squat the Charkey Weryer
May 20, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this
Ya’ll don’t get yer bloomers twisted…….Hee Haw High in Charkey Cownty was voted ‘Worst Football Field’ because the players had to dodge goats and tomater plants. They also couldn’t look up to catch a pass in fear they’d run right through a manure pile.
By Chris
May 20, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Todd
Who really cares about ‘statewide respect’? I follow all the major high school sports… and the booster clubs, parents, and fans are all getting to be quite ridiculous. And I believe idiotic writing on a phantom ‘top 50’ just fuels the fire… Why don’t you write an article on the expecations of high school athletics? Thats a bigger story.
By Jerry
May 20, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Hey! Dalton does play in a very weak region, but it has not alway been that way. Take note that they have had only 3 losing seasons since 1948 and of course everyone gets tired of hearing it, but they have 48 consecutive years of winning!
By yo
May 20, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Hee Haw High sounds like one of those schools in Texas where they play that 6 man, I mean 6 person football. That is when they can get enough people to field one of those 6 person football teams.
By THE RAIDERS
May 20, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
What is it about Mays?Every where we go there such hate or dislike.no matter what region we are place in no one like Mays.In 6-4a past 2yrs every school hated Mays why?It’s starting in 5-4a already with starr mill & rest fayette schools.The question who hot now over the past 5yr in Mays is 47-14.I would to see the schools record on the list and the one who think they should be on the list.And now wonder why APS Lakewwod hate Mays well.By the way Blue&Maize will be back this year watch out 5-4a
By #1 BTW Fan
May 20, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
How can you create this list and not include the illustrious Washington High School? If you are talking about name reconition and marquee value, how can you not mention Washington. No other school carries the same crowd as Washington despite two recent transitional years. Also, how do you not consider coaching? Washington has one of the winningnest coaches in high school in the city of Atlanta. I know this is a statewide ranking, but you have to acknowledge anyone with the dedication and commitment to hang in there in an inner-city school inthese times for as long as Rodney Cofield has. Forget this list, Washington High School is #1.
By TROJAN class of 94
May 20, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Hard to see 14 teams better tha Peach Co. They have won 2 state itles,played in like 4 or 5.ALWAYS in the semifinals….
whats Peach win % for this poll?
By ehs
May 20, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
where are the cherokee county teams like Cherokee and Etowah!
By Reeze
May 20, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
I think a couple folks missed your point altogether .Name recognition ,Marquee value and Statewide respect .Does this have anything to do with the Douglass vs Mays overall win/loss record ? NO . Good list Todd ,but North Hall and Walton ? and not Cairo ? , the syrupmakers should be in there ,Lagrange should be at 10 instead of 13 , And why Statesboro at 28 ,they should be in the top 10 or 15
By Anna
May 20, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Sour grapes, folks?
By **Frederick (Bailey) Douglass**
May 20, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Well, I give credit to young turks Todd and Derrick for engaging with the fans. This is a tough assignment.
BUT…your rating criteria is VERY SUBJECTIVE. Next time, base your ratings on hard quantitative criteria (e.g. winning percentage over last 20 years, number of NFL players, number of state titles). This stuff that you used was sure to create this reaction…but then again, maybe this is what you want. In the end, it lets AJC know that you all need to really step your HS coverage up. Folks are passionate about their teams. YOU are the people to do this…
In the end: Douglass and SWD should be there because EVERBODY knows that those schools have the best marquee value and name recognition in Atlanta and Dekalb County, respectively. Change your criteria and maybe this changes…but based on your level of analysis you missed this one. Otherwise, way to create some excitement and please don’t say your name too loud when you are using Hightower Station to go down to the ballpark…LOL.
By Reeze
May 20, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
To Yo, off the subject for a minute…Lowndes being the defending State AAAAA and Region 1 Champion and likely nationally ranked this coming season…. but , WOODLAND, HENRY! ,you gotta explain this one for me…..I like your Ware and Ptridge matchups though.
By William
May 20, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
At least you admitted leaving off Cairo was a mistake.
Not only are they perennially a tough team, but they will be boasting the best backfield in South Georgia next year. They aren’t far removed from last year’s state title game.
They warrant at least top 15 status.
By coweta county
May 20, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
No East Coweta or Newnan what a shame.
By Todd Holcomb
May 20, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
* It’s just a poll, and one man’s opinion. You can rank your own poll,because he is just saying who he thinks is the top 50 in the state. Everyone thinks it’s set in stone since he wrote the article so remember this is HIS opinion!!!*
Best point yet. The real answer to these rankings is not what I think, but what everybody thinks. It’s about who people respect, and the sum of the responses here is a lot more meaningful than my single opinion. It’s the consensus of what you think that matters.
* your rating criteria is VERY SUBJECTIVE. Next time, base your ratings on hard quantitative criteria (e.g. winning percentage over last 20 years, number of NFL players, number of state titles).*
I might try doing something like that later. I think it can be done, although that kind of ranking would measure something else. What I’m ranking is a team’s reputation, and the only way to determine that is to throw out opinions and have people applaud it or rip it down. My Top 50 is wrong if there is a consensus that it’s wrong. Cairo, for example. Everybody seems to think I blew it, so I blew it. If most people disagree, then by definition, my list is wrong.
* Who really cares about ‘statewide respect’? I follow all the major high school sports… and the booster clubs, parents, and fans are all getting to be quite ridiculous. And I believe idiotic writing on a phantom ‘top 50’ just fuels the fire.*
The reality is that EVERYBODY cares about statewide respect. Everybody says they don’t, but they do. If I posted which teams have the most wins or region titles since 1980, people are interested, but it doesn’t get much response because facts are facts. Respect means more to people than wins most of the time.
* 2007 - Northside (Warner Robins. Makes you wonder how the AJC missed this article from Sports Illustrated. PROPS to the south - great job!!!*
Surprised there hasn’t been more arguing about Northside vs. Lowndes. But the best team in 2007 isn’t necessarily the most respected. Northside has two state titles in AAAA. Lowndes has three of the last four in AAAAA, not to mention titles in 1980 and 1999. I think folks in Georgia put Lowndes on a slightly higher pedestal.
* The Carrollton Trojan’s football program is second only to Valdosta in best ALL-TIME winning percentage in Georgia High School History. And 17th in the Nation. Next time you rank programs use “facts” because your opinion shows your inexperience.*
I didn’t know that. Figured it was Lincoln County/Lincolnton. Nonetheless, we’re not ranking all-time wins or winning percentage. We’re ranking statewide respect as of right now. Most of the people sitting in the bleachers on Friday nights have never heard of Charlie Grisham. Also, Carrollton is a school whose history of games has not been documented. If somebody can give me a correct W-L total over history, I’d like to see it.
* Statesboro at 28 is a complete travesty. They are top 10 EASILY, and probably deserve to be in the top 5.*
OK, No. 28 might be low, but it’s been a couple of years since Statesboro won a playoff game, and people soon forget. I don’t think you’ll get much support that Statesboro is Top 10. But I do like what Mike posted: * went to brookwood in 03, and graduated from ga southern in 07, and can tell you that we at brookwood knew that statesboro was on the map football-wise long before over a dozen of several other non-metro teams ranked higher than they are. statesboro has been in several state championship games since 2000 and won a couple too… think that deserves more respect than norcross and walton along with several other overrated big programs in the metro area.*
* How about CREEKSIDE and Mr. E. Berry.*
Good program, not widely respected as a state power, though. If only Berry had led them to a state title.
* I see that Valdosta has been placed above Camden in the 6th slot. I would like you to consider my arguement on why Camden should be 6th and Valdosta 7th. 1. Camden has beaten Valdosta the last 3 games they have played. 2. Camden has gotten farther in the playoffs (the majority of the years since 2002).*
Camden has won more games in AAAAA than any other school the past five years, so Camden is definitely ahead on the football field, but I put Valdosta higher because the Valdosta name remains so well recognized. Example: Walton’s victory over a so-so Valdosta team in the playoffs was almost a turning point in that program’s history because of the symbolism of it. Beating Valdosta is something you will tell your kids about.
* Westminster should have been on that list especially since Lovett and GAC were.*
I gave Westminster some thought, but we’ve been seeing Lovett and GAC in the Georgia Dome. That’s the difference to me.
* If you going to put a one year wonder ECI who knowbody knows who they are at 17 you should have put Fayette County in the list.*
ECI won a state title. Fayette lost in the first or second round, I think. Also, ECI is worth double the price of admission because of its talent – Moody, Lanier and especially Ealey, who is poised to become a legendary high school player the likes we haven’t seen since Herschel. I’d be more inclined to move ECI up than down. If ECI was on TV, I’d watch it.
* Please explain how you ranked Marist (12) ahead of Tucker (16)?*
It’s Jeff Haws’ fault! He’s the DeKalb guy, and he endorsed Marist. … Actually, I do agree with him. Tucker has gotten the better of Marist on the field lately, but Marist is the team that’s making the Dome more often and playing for titles and winning more titles. Triva: Marist had more NFL players in 2008 than any other school. Not that this has anything to do with how I ranked them.
* how the hell is buford even in the top 50 they dont play many teams that are 500or better. what a joke*
I think it has something to do with winning a state final 50-0 and sending more players to major D-1 schools this decade than just about anybody else, despite being a AA school. Buford also has the best W-L record in Georgia this decade.
* how is M.L king above walton this is the only year they have ever been really good*
MLK’s record the past five years: 53-11 Walton’s record the past five years: 47-16
* Well actually Todd, I disagree with you about putting Douglass over Washington … We have had numerous Super 11 athletes over the years,and to mention athletes in Division 1 schools and well as NFL athletes.*
Washington has had one NFL player in history. Douglass has had six, including three who are active.
* Todd Holcomb: I notice that Bainbridge is not on your list. What are your thoughts on Bainbridge becoming a an elite program in the years to come now that coach Pilcher is their head coach?*
TCC’s history in football up until 1991, when Pilcher arrived, is eerily similar to Bainbridge’s history now. Both had about 3-4 region titles all-time, but a losing record overall. With the fan support in Bainbridge right now, and a talent base already in place, there’s little question that Bainbridge is going to be a force with which to be reckoned.
* Dacula is 9-3 against North Gwinnett and has won the last 3 times they have played. I understand North Gwinnett had a great season last year and deserve all the credit in the world for getting to the finals. However, if you’re talking right now (past 2-3 years) then how is Parkview on the list?*
It’s not about winning and losing. It’s reputation, notoriety. Which do you think fans in Moultrie or Camden County or Warner Robins would get more fired up about playing, Dacula or Parkview?
* FORGOT ST. PIUS, BEAT DALTON IN THE PLAYOFFS HANDILY LAST TIME I CHECKED AND MAYS! COME ON TODD PICK IT UP!*
I thought about Pius. Just not a team that resonates across the state yet. Perhaps Dalton doesn’t resonate anymore either, but Dalton’s history is pretty rich.
Hard to see 14 teams better tha Peach Co. They have won 2 state itles,played in like 4 or 5.ALWAYS in the semifinals…. whats Peach win % for this poll? Surprisingly, Peach ranks only about 28th this decade in wins.
How can you create this list and not include the illustrious Washington High School? I still don’t think Washington should be there because people just don’t the history. But maybe they should. It’s important to point out that Washington won four state titles in the old GIA and was a powerhouse before there were any official state championships in the ‘30s and ‘40s.
By Derrick Mahone
May 20, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Frederick (Bailey) Douglass: I decided to come on here to help Todd out while time permits, especially in the area of the city and DeKalb County, the area I cover mostly. I will say this is probably the most I’ve seen in bloggers from Douglass, Mays and Washington in an open forum like this in a long while. Was very surprised to see that the first few comments came from Douglass fans. Todd used the criteria name recognition, marquee value and statewide respect rather than just pure numbers to give an illustration of the human feel for the program. Throughout the year when you talk to coaches throughout the state you get a sense of what teams have that statewide appeal. f you ask a coach outside the metro area who they think will be good and they always say you have to look at places like Brookwood, Parkview, Tucker, Marist and Stephenson (just to name a few). Southwest DeKalb probably could have made the list, but the dropoff from the last few years sort of hurt them. You said use winning percentage over the last 20 years (1988-2007) Southwest has a 75 percent winning percentage and has made the playoffs 17 times with a 24-17 record. Mostly of those losses have come lately as with most of their regular season losses. For Douglass during that time period, they have a 64 percent winning percentage and made the playoffs 13 times. The Astros playoff record is 5-12 during that span with only one advancement to the quarterfinals. Someone said they always play the eventual champ when they go to the playoffs. Not true, only three times Lowndes (‘07 second round and ‘05 first round) and Brookwood 1996 in the second round. The other teams they have lost to in the playoffs were Valdosta, Cherokee, Brookwood, Parkview, Harrison, Wheeler, Southwest DeKalb and Stone Mountain in that 20-year span. Remember, a couple years ago, Westlake had the most players in the NFL than any school in the nation. I don’t know if players in the NFL says much about the school since they are at least three years removed from high school before they can enter the NFL draft, and by that time they have really developed with a year long conditioning program and training table. Douglass has had a lot of player get college scholarships, but so has Tucker, Stephenson, McNair, Westlake, Banneker, Lovejoy, Creekside and ect.
By FB Fan
May 20, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
how many times must Tucker lay the wood to Marist to get respect. There is no way Marist the the better team ever. Check the records. Tucker owns Marist (anyone remember 30-0)!! 10-6 overall including the last four in a row with three overall shutouts. Tell me why Marist would be ranked higher. Also, if I recall, isnt Tucker the only team to beat Marist twice in the same year?
By Panther Fan
May 20, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
The new Schools at Carver will soon get the respect it deserves. I admit, we are a new team on the winning block, but we will be one of the most respected teams in Georgia. And let’s be honest with ourselves. How come the city schools can produce so much D-1a talent but not win past the second round? At some point you can’t say it’s the players’ fault. Stop calling someone a good coach because they are a good babysitter.
Come over to Carver and see what real coaching looks like. We have Mays, Washington, St. Pius, and Grady on the schedule this year. If we go another season undefeated, say nothing about how weak our schedule was. We’re not only going to win, we’re going to blow them out!
By Valdosta
May 20, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
5 out the first 7 are from south of Macon. Wow, I thought football was only played in Atlanta. This must really come as a shock to some of you.
By Underrated players
May 20, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Stop hating on Mays, they have been in the playoffs the last five years. The boys have had to learn a new offense the last four years and they still kicked a. That’s why their in the top 50. I ask one question why boys from other schools are trying to transfer to Mays. All that talk about blowing Mays out thats Bull Sh. We will see the first game of the season.
By Underrated players
May 20, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Stop hating on Mays, they have been in the playoffs the last five years. The boys have had to learn a new offense the last four years and they still kicked a. That’s why their in the top 50. I ask one question why boys from other schools are trying to transfer to Mays. All that talk about blowing Mays out thats Bull Sh. We will see the first game of the season.
By Ernest
May 20, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Gee Todd, you must have REALLY struck a nerve with folks. Over 100 posts in less than 24 hours. That’s why they say GA is a football state. Spring practice is over and the hottest blog on the AJC site is about HS football.
BTW, per your criteria, SWD should be in the top 50. Back me up on that Derrick….. :)
By BP
May 20, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Enjoyed the list and the controversey. One minor correction —— Walton’s record in the past 5 years is 49-16, not 47-16!
By Don't Look Back
May 20, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Boy, didn’t Clarke Central win a title in 1985? Don’t they have many players in the pros?
This isn’t about who is historically good, but which are the top teams now……… So please spare the “we won five titles in the 70’s, why aren’t we on the list?”
By T.J.
May 20, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Thought I would wait to see the scuffles that would break out before I posted. Based on your critria, I think the list is about right. There are newer schools that have awhile to earn a spot on that list. Example is Grayson. Interested to see their season this year to see if the last 2 years were a fluke. I was a little surprised Norcross rated that high on the list. Last point, other states probably only heard of a few teams in Georgia. Two teams for sure would have to be Northside Warner Robbins and Valdosta.
By BP
May 20, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Todd —- I shouldn’t have doubted you —- Walton’s record over the past 5 years actually is 47-16!
By **Frederick (Bailey) Douglass**
May 20, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Todd and Derrick: OK, so you created this list, based on your own “working” knowledge. I challenge the young turks to create a list of 50 that uses the “QUANTITATIVE” knowledge:
1) Average Winning Percentage over the last 20 years
2) Number of State Titles over the last 20 years
3) Average number of Playoff Wins over the last 20 years
4) Average Margin of victory over the last 20 years
5) Total Number of Super 11 players over the last 20 years
6) Number of first team all-state players over the last 20 years.
7) Whatever else you think is relevant.
Would be good if you could standardize this (some schools have not been around for 20 years, but…). Yes, you can argue some of these data points, but it would make for a nice contrast to your “working” knowledge. Would Lowndes remain #1? Would Douglass make the cut? What about SWD? We know about Mays’s first 10 years…
P.S. Derrick, you know we ASTRO grads love our Doug High! We might not blog as much, but put us in a playoff game and we COME OUT!! Like I said earlier, I hope that the Douglass High brass is picking a coach that can match the talent base, facilities and enthusiasm. Let me know if you and Todd need help crunching the numbers.
By Eric
May 20, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
HOW CAN YOU HAVE A “NOW” TOP 50 AND OMIT WARE COUNTY. THEY ARE THE DEFENDING CLASS RUNNER-UP AND WILL RETURN A MAJORITY OF STARTERS IN 2008. OVER THE LAST 5-6 YEARS THEY HAVE WON SEVERAL REGION TITLES, MADE TWO DOME APPEARANCES, BEATEN CLASS AAAAA LOWNDES & VALDOSTA, AND WERE STATE FINALISTS IN 2007. A “NOW” TOP 50 WITHOUT THE GATORS IS JUST WRONG!
By Reeze
May 20, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
ERIC ……..Ware is#48 ,should be much higher though
By slalom1
May 20, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
TODD, The more I think about it, your list is pretty good with the exceptions of STEPHENSON and TUCKER. #10 and #16 respectively. Neither of these 2 teams have anything to show for their talent on the field. Their ranking is WAY TOO HIGH. Based on the criteria of these rankings, your #48 WARE COUNTY, #32 Carrollton and #24 Washington County should all be ranked ahead of STEPHENSON and TUCKER. As for Carrollton and Ware County, look at the wins AND the upsets against AAAAA opponents. As for WACO, their record speaks for itself. Again, I believe you got it pretty close. But as for STEPHENSON and TUCKER, NO WAY.
By BENJAMIN*ELIJAH*MAYS
May 20, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
MAYS 1ST 10YRS 57-57,3 PLAYOFF APPERANCES;4 HEAD COACHES.V/S DOUG. 3-4.ONCE AGAIN WHO’S HOTEVERBODY KNOWS MAYS HAS ONE OF THE LARGEST TRAVELING FAN BASE IN THE STATE.NOT JUST AT PLAYOFF TIME.HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO MAYS HIGH HOMECOMING GAME? BOTH SIDE ARE FILLED WITH MAYS HIGH FANS.BY THE WAY DOUG 1ST 1O IMPRESSIVE WIN TOTAL 70-41 2 PLAYOFF APPERANCE.LOST THE CHAMPIONSHIP @LAKEWOOD LAST GAME OF SEASON,IT FIGURE ALL THOSE WINS NOTHING SHOW FOR IT.NEVER WOULD THAT HAPPEN AT MAYS, LOSE CHAMPIONSHIP AT LAKEWOOD.MAYS FOREVER AND TO ALL HATER PICTURE ME ROLLING.
By Derrick Mahone
May 20, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
Frederick (Bailey) Douglass: Todd could have used a number of criteria to compile this list, but it was sort of “how other people view you theme”. You could have gone strictly by numbers. If we use numbers, I would have not used playoff numbers than regular season because they are more telling. Let’s face it, some regions are easier than others so you can have teams going 10-0, 9-1 or 8-2 and then are one-and-done in the playoffs. I like to judge a team at how well they do consistently in the playoffs because the regular season can be deceiving. Of course you have to include state titles. I wouldn’t include first team all-state or Super 11, but players that have received scholarships. You asked about Super 11, interestingly, Douglass has had three (Ahmad Carroll 02, Robert Cromartie ‘97 and Jamal Lewis ‘96) while Washington has had four (Reshad Jones ‘05, Avery Roberson ‘02, Nick Turner ‘01 and Latrez Harrison ‘98). Duke Robinson was right on the cut of making it. In 2001 and 2002, we did two Super 11 teams, a metro and state one. We have been interesting to see if Roberson would have made it if it was combined like has been. Douglass would have had four, but 1999 Yohance Buchanan said he did want to be on the Super 11. In 2004, I pushed hard for James Davis, but was out voted. Todd could probably varify these numbers better, but from what I was able to come up with Dunwoody (8), LaGrange (7), Parkview (6), Thomasville (5), McEachern (5), Tucker (5), Washington County (5), Washington (4), Clarke Central (4), Thomas County Central (4), Southwest DeKalb (4), Marietta (4), Carrollton (4), Stephenson (3), Douglass (3) and Griffin (3), Stephens County (30, and Marist (3).
By TO TODD HOLCOMB
May 20, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Thank you, you are right Valdosta’s history is amazing. I also thank you for giving us our credit, with our recent history with Valdosta
By CHS "Real Trojans"
May 20, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Hey Todd, here is your won/lost record for Carrollton. This is dating back to 1956. The record is 503-121. This includes 7 state titles(‘56,’61,’64,’71,’72,’74,’98) and 26 region championships. By the way that is an average of 10-2 for 51 years. Pretty doggone good.
By AstroFan
May 20, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
I just don’t know what say anymore. DM and TH, you know you was wrong. Really ruffled my feathers with this blog. I would have been fine with 50. You put Norcross on this list. They had two good seasons and all hail the Blue Devils. They haven’t been constant at all. Ok, if you want to talk Numbers? Harrison and Douglass are pretty even. They’ve made it to the Quarterfinal once and Finals once in twelve seasons. But pretty much things have been even. What’s the argument for that. Walton? Made the Semi’s twice. And that was pretty much it??? First and out and Second and out. I’ll give you MLK, they’ve been consistent since most of their players come from SWD’s zone. But I’m sure all that’ll cut out once Arabia Mountain opens. Tift County! Playoffs twice in the past 5 or 6 yeas, semi’s once. They get a pass. And they had an easy path that year to the Semi’s. And once again. B.E. Mays???????????????? They have NEVER EVER MADE IT OUT OF THE 2nd Round. And got drilled here recently in the 2nd round. You said it right, felt sorry for the Powder Blue and Canary Yellow Raiders, coaches kept leaving.
By Eagle
May 20, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
I respect your ranking, but watch as the season unfold and see how Northside Warner Robins man handles Lowdnes County! The Northside team is truly the best team in Georgia.
By Why Rank Camden?
May 20, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
How can you rank Camden County? The vast majority of their games are won against smaller division sized schools.
By joe
May 20, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
If Hawkinsville, Clinch Co., and ECI are on the list Commerce should definately be on there. Second most wins of all single a schools, home of all-time rushing leader Monte Williams, and, as this newspaper stated in the fall, the 5th best home-field advantage in the state.
By Ross
May 21, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
Why are M.L. King, Roswell, and Valdosta all ranked above Walton who beat all of them this past season including M.L. King away.
By comet fan
May 21, 2008 4:07 AM | Link to this
By Valdosta
May 20, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
5 out the first 7 are from south of Macon. Wow, I thought football was only played in Atlanta. This must really come as a shock to some of you.
Not bad, now put 7 out of the same COUNTY in the rankings. No shock that there are several teams from the South, including Valdosta. The shocker is so many coming from within 10 to 15 minutes of each other.
By Reeze
May 21, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Todd or Derrick ,Good topic you’ve got going , but its flying in different directions, . How about narrowing things down a bit and Define “NOW” for us . Is it the upcoming season ? , The last two seasons? The last four? or the last decade? .
By JY
May 21, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Todd, It would be interesting if you researched the era of pre and post city and county consolidation of some high schools that had to combine their students. I.E. most recently Americus-Sumter, earlier, Upson-Lee, Ware Co. Waycross, Rome Schools, and look at the ones that have not like TCC and T’ville, Lowndes and Valdosta, LaGrange and Troup. In the 70’s until their consilidation there was at least a range of 7-3 winning record for city schools compared to 3-7 for the county schools. I have not seen a consolidated Co. and city HS be as successful as the city school was before consolidation.
By jimmy
May 22, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
look Cherokee went and manhandel Douglas when they had big JAMES DAVIS HE HAD 60 YARDS and our back ASHTON FOSTER HAD 212 YARD. thats why they have no respect GET IT
By A
May 22, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Boy is this a pointless exercise.
By Drago
May 22, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Never expect a good answer when you give a bad question.
By TCC Fan
May 22, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Hate to say it, but I think TCC is about to go down the toilet now that Pilcher is in Bainbridge.
By yo
May 22, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Eagle…me thinks you are flying high again…except this time on something illegal.
By yo
May 22, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
I’m with you Reeze…Woodland? That will be our only cupcake for this year though. After that every week will be a new challenge. The playoffs may end up being a vacation by the time 1AAAAA gets through with each other this year. How about lets make #1 and #2 on this list a rematch for State champs this year.
By Joe
May 22, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
DOUGLASS HS is suppose to be on this list. Teams like stephenson should be further down the list. DOUGLASS HS beat them two years straight.
By Andy
May 23, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
**Todd and Derrick: OK, so you created this list, based on your own “working” knowledge. I challenge the young turks to create a list of 50 that uses the “QUANTITATIVE” knowledge:
1) Average Winning Percentage over the last 20 years
2) Number of State Titles over the last 20 years
3) Average number of Playoff Wins over the last 20 years
4) Average Margin of victory over the last 20 years
5) Total Number of Super 11 players over the last 20 years
6) Number of first team all-state players over the last 20 years.
7) Whatever else you think is relevant. **
Who cares how many super 11 or all state platers that you have. If a team is winning with a bunch of nobody that is kicking the crap out of a team full of all state guys are you really going to say the all state team is better.
What does the margin of victory mean too? A win is a win, right?
So combine your three with the ones Todd came up with and then come up with a top 50
By slalom1
May 23, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
TO: YO and REEZE, 1AAAAA in 2008 is gonna be like the SEC on steriods. In what kind of shape will NSWR, Lowndes, and all the rest be by play-off time? Your guys are gonna be in a heavy weight title fight pretty much every week. The injury toll is likely to be substantial.(In particular at QB and RB). So, the real question is:”Among the contenders,(and there could be 4 or 5), who has the most depth at those 2 positions?”
By Carrollton81
May 23, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Todd, if you want to see the list of highest football winning percentages in the USA the link is on the high school web page for Carrollton, get to it from GAsports.com
Carrollton Trojans 2nd highest win % in GA 17th highest in the USA 7 state titles 26 region titles 20 straight years in the playoffs need I go on?
By yo
May 24, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Slalom, I don’t know about the depth of the rest of 1AAAAA but I do have a little clue about Lowndes depth at these positions. QB-I foresee the possibility of a 2 QB system. Dana Brinson’s son (ex-wildcat who played at Nebraska and a little stint in the NFL) by all I hear is impressive and will be a 10th grader. Dana Brinson was a smallish wingback, kick returner who could motor. His son is bigger but I imagine still brings some speed to the table. I am predicting that by year end he will be primary QB with our last year QB who will be a junior seeing a lot of time at wingback opposite Greg Reid. I don’t know that to be a fact just guessing. Actually, I am guessing, teams will occasionally see some of Reid at Qback again as last year in the Tebow formation. Regarding running back Lowndes has always been a running back by committee. All 4 of Lowndes starters in the defensive backfield are considered Division 1 prospects and in fact 2 have already committed (one florida and one FSU). I would imagine these very good athletes will be seeing some time at running back and receiver occasionally. Lowndes should be a much better passing team and even though they don’t usually need to pass I believe that option will become much more successful and dangerous for other teams to defend.
By slalom1
May 24, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
To: YO, Appreciate the info on the Lowndes depth at RB and QB. The way I see it, the only team capable of beating Lowndes in 2008 is LOWNDES. They should be that good. Maybe a #1 National ranking as well. I have dogged the “Wing-T’ as being out of date and on the demise. But when it is run with the precision of the Lowndes offense, it is indeed a thing of beauty to watch. My only concern for Lowndes in 2008, is the same concern I would have for any team in 1AAAAA. No matter how good the team may be, NOBODY can bring their “A” game EVERY week, especially when they are in recovery from the physical pounding they have been through the previous week. I am already working out my agenda for Friday nights in the fall, and rest assured most of my road trips will be 1AAAAA games. This is gonna be fun.
By Local observer
May 24, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Derrick and Todd, I know that this has nothing to do with the top 50 but everyone is claiming to be the best in APS but i wanted to mention some facts about records since 1997. BTW-89-34 with 6 playoff wins,Grady-83-39-1 with 6 playoff wins and no Super 11 athletes(I know this surprises everyone)Doug-82-39-1 3 playoff wins;Mays 73-44 3 playoff wins. I just noticed grady was not mentioned. I watched them almost beat Doug twice with half the roster so give them some props.
By silky slim
May 24, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
I THINK THAT THE EARLY CO BOBCATS SHULD BE ON THE LIST BUT WE DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SITUATION I FEEL IF WE KEEP KNOCKIN ON THE DOOR ONE DAY WE MIGHT GET IN
By Spartan Fan
May 25, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
GAC should be ranked much higher. They have consistently been number 2 in there region for the last 10 years. When you consider the region has Buford, GAC, Lovett and Wesleyan. Over the last 10 years they have had a consistent winning tradition. They have put numerous players into D1 schools and 1AA schools over the last 5 years. Far more that many of the schools listed ahead of them. GAC is clearly a top 20 school.
By stop hatin
May 25, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
for all ya haters stop hatin on Stephenson. Stephenson’s record the past eight years is 77-19 (DESPITE ITS OPENING IN 1996) and made the playoffs in ALL seven of those years. also has 7 players in the NFL right now and is going to probalbly double in the next few years. made it to the quarter finals a few times and went to the semis in 2006. so dont say they dont deserve to be ranked that high because you knew nothing about stephenson and its past.not to mention the team they have entering this year they are probably going to get its first state championship in its 12 YEAR HISTORY.
By larry
May 26, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
i think stephens county is better than its #30 ranking.it has been a playoff contender for at least the past 15 years. they should be at least in the top 10.
By shack5
May 26, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
i think stephens county is better than its #30 ranking.it has been a playoff contender for at least the past 15 years. they should be at least in the top 10.
By poltergeist7
May 26, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
This ranking is for the most recognizable names in Georgia not who had a good season last year, or teams who were one and done. Don’t complain because your team isn’t on their. Tell them to make a name for themselves
By citi slicker
July 6, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this
first of all i will say great poll but lets mot for get bout them MCNAIR MUSTANGS FIRST OFF THEY HAVE BEEN TO THE PLAYOFF 7 YEARS STR8 AND SECONDLY THEY ARE THE GLUE TO THAT NEIBHORHOOD THE REASON ALOT OF THERE YUNG MEN R NOT RUNNING THE STRETS THEY OVER CAME THE COACH GILBERT SITIUATION AND AND THERE COACH WON THE AJC MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR SENDING ALL OF THOSE GUYS TO COLLEGE THE MUSTANGS HAS TO B AT;EAST 51ST LOL AS MATTA OF FACT MLK PROGAM DID NOYT NO IT WOULD B GREAT UNTIL THEY UPSET MCNAIR WIT 30 SECONDS LEFT IN THE GAME BACK IN 03 SO WIT THOUT MCNAIR THERE WOULD B NO KING
By tim
July 16, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
You are an idiot! What about Cairo, returning 18 starting seniors and as juniors they took there team to the Finals, come on give me a break. the guy is right that said they need to find someone who knows a little about football to write this column
By lowndes07GSU
March 31, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this
people be serious lets just allow all south georgia teams such as cairo ware cook and Thomas county central in top 25 lowndes 07.. Georgia football lives in south Georgia and when it comes to recognizable names honestly valdosta is THE TEAM besides LOWNDES lets go titletown