AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPoll Talk returns: Let’s hear your preseason AAAAA-AAAA Top 10s
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Readers gave our staff some great feedback on the Super 11 the past three weeks on the Extra Point blog. Now we’d like to know what you think about the preseason Top 10 teams. The AJC’s preseason rankings will come out Aug. 18, five weeks from today.
Below is a conservative, hastily done, very tentative Top 10 for classes AAAAA and AAAA. Call the lists an argument-starter. We’ll look at classes AAA to A next week.
Why so tentative? If I do too much research too early, I won’t stay open-minded. And if I show my hand too soon, it will muffle the thunder of Aug. 18’s official rankings.
So check it out below. You can argue with my Top 10 if you want, but what I’d really like are your own Top 10s. Let’s start with AAAAA and AAAA.
Which teams will be hot this season? Which teams not?
Class AAAAA
1. Lowndes
2. Northside-Warner Robins
3. Camden County
4. North Gwinnett
5. M.L. King
6. Walton
7. Grayson
8. Norcross
9. Valdosta
10. Newnan
Class AAAA
1. Ware County
2. Tucker
3. Bainbridge
4. Thomas County Central
5. Rome
6. Chamblee
7. Whitewater
8. Habersham Central
9. Banneker
10. Marist
Todd talks back: Holcomb mixes it up with you all week long. Catch his running commentary in Poll Talk Monday-Friday. Leave comments, questions, etc., here and return to talk about this topic.
Permalink | Comments (279) | Post your comment | Categories: Poll Talk
Comments
By Doc
July 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
. Lowndes 2. Northside-Warner Robins 3. Newnan 4. North Gwinnett 5. M.L. King 6. Walton 7. Grayson 8. Norcross 9. Valdosta 10. Camden County
By Will
July 14, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
AAAAA 1.Lowndes 2.Northside-WR 3.Camden 4.MLK 5.Valdosta 6.Newnan 7.Walton 8.Norcross 9.Grayson 10.N Gwinnett
AAAA 1.Ware 2.Tucker 3.TCC 4.Whitewater 5.Bainbridge 6.East Paulding 7.Rome 8.Habersham Cent 9.Marist 10.Dalton
By Dawgsig
July 14, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Why no respect for Newnan? Is it because the Cougars are not a “traditional” power??? GO COUGARS & GO DAWGS!
By Drago
July 14, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Newnan is not in the coverage area of the AJC and thus not eligible to be ranked. May I suggest one of the fine Cobb or Gwinnett teams?
By UGA DAWG
July 14, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Todd good pics for both classes. I believe Bainbridge will be a title contender once Pilcher gets them going.
By erk
July 14, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
1) Newnan 2) East Coweta 3)Kell 4)Lassiter 5)Sprayberry 6)Griffin 7) Lagrange 8)Carrolton 9)West Rome 10)Armuchee
By Will
July 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
erk, you should be banned from this conversation. Pay attention!!
By bird
July 14, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
I cant belive Westside of Macon was left out in AAAA
By Derrick Mahone
July 14, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Dawgsig & Drago
Todd wrote: *Below is a conservative, hastily done, very tentative Top 10 for classes AAAAA and AAAA. Call the lists an argument-starter. *
It seems to me that Newnan is getting a lot of respect since they are in the conversation about the Top 10.
By Nick
July 14, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Didnt think Banneker or Whitewater brought that much to the table wow…
By Scott
July 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
TO DRAGO: Newnan certainly is in the coverage area of the AJC. The Cougars will beat any Cobb team any day of the week, and most Gwinnett teams on any given day. There is much more to Georgia High School football than just the pitiful Atlanta area, just look at the top 5. South Georgia is where it’s at.
By Drago
July 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Derrick I do appreciate the reply. My comment is an ongoing one about the amount of coverage given to various areas around Atlanta. The AJC removed Newnan, E. Coweta and others from the list of teams having a link from the AJC. The Cobb and Gwinnett teams have feature stories and counties south of Metro get nothing. I am sure that this will continue. We will continue to get “Chinstraps of Gwinnett” stories while any team south of Fayette goes unnoticed.
By Drago
July 14, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I am not gonna go into who would beat who—there are more ways to be wrong there than ways to be right. I just think it odd that the AJC who has a long history of covering teams in Newnan, Carrollton, LaGrange and surrounding area, should suddenly stop and act like they don’t exist.
By GeorgiaHoo
July 14, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
As a Walton Raider fan I believe they will have a fine season but I’m not sure they will emulate the success they had last year. Team lost among others co-starting QB, 3 starting OL, 2 starting DL, both starting CBs, starting RB, PR, and PK. A lot of offense and defense to replace.
By War Chant 2008
July 14, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Watch out for the Warriors from Louisville. Jefferson County High is coming one of its best seasons (8-3-1)after a 2nd round loss to eventual Dome Rep Dublin 21-13 and its returning its quarterback Barry Bostic and majority of the defense from last year’s squad. One of the Senior Defensive Lineman has verbally committed with GA Tech (Chris Crenshaw). Remember the name Barry Bostic because he will be in your backfield all year. JCHS has a tough schedule but should prepare them well for a run deep into the playoffs. Dodge County, Dublin, and Vidalia better be ready for the CHOP.
Go Warriors!
By Newnancat
July 14, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Drago.You are right. The AJC did not rank us at years end last year, despite a region championship, and a final 8 appearance. The AP did show some love at giving us 7. With 18 starters returning I’ll settle for anything in the top 10 right now, and do our talking on the field. AS you know Drago, our toughest test may be the first one with also loaded LaGrange, my #1 in AAA
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
THE REASON I CHOSE CENTENNIAL IS THEY ARE LOADED WITH COLLEGE PROSPECT, AND A FEW D-1 PROSPECTS. THEY ARE MY SLEEPER PICK.
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
THE REASON I CHOSE CENTENNIAL IS THEY ARE LOADED WITH COLLEGE PROSPECT, AND A FEW D-1 PROSPECTS. THEY ARE MY SLEEPER PICK.
By Greg
July 14, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Look out for Westside Macon, I’m assuming you have them in the top twenty but they will bust the top 10 fast, quick and in a hurry……
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
THE REASON I CHOSE CENTENNIAL IS THEY ARE LOADED WITH COLLEGE PROSPECT, AND A FEW D-1 PROSPECTS. THEY ARE MY SLEEPER PICK.
By Drago
July 14, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
N Cat I agree that LaGrange will be very tough. Also, the teams that the region picked up will be a lot better than the ones that left. east coweta will still be waiting on us—new coach and all. They will be ready for us. A little birdy told me to keep my eye on Pebblebrook.
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
U ARE RIGHT DRAGO, PEBBLEBROOK WILL BE LOADED
By HornetFan
July 14, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
When all is said and done, let there be no doubt, Roswell will rule the roost in 6AAAAA. Neither Walton nor Centennial will be above Roswell in the Top 10.
By Realist
July 14, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Lowndes should definetly run the table this year. However, they are playing in the SEC of Georgia High School Football. They will play the most toughest competition this year and they must remain healthy. The metro schools have the ability, but it all depends on the placement of the bracket. Championiship game in the dome makes it an even playing field.
By Farsider
July 14, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
AAAAA looks pulled out of a hat after the top 2. North Gwinnett is highly overranked at 4. Newnan returns most of a QF team and deserves top five consideration. Substitute Peachtree Ridge for Norcross and Roswell for Walton and it looks decent. I would also go with old standby Brookwood in the top 10 before Grayson.
By slalom1
July 14, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Go Erk! Youdaman!!!
By LaGrangeDawg
July 14, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure what to think, but I’ve heard from a Granger insider that Troup might actually live up to their potential this year. According to him,the team is “loaded with talent” and finally has a capable OC who is implementing a spread style offense (definitely different from Troup’s “predictable” typical wishbone-style offense). He’s saying that Troup, behind Chris Burnette should actually turn the corner this year. Any merit to this? I just ask because this guy knows his stuff and rarely if ever shows Troup any love.
By slalom1
July 14, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
AAAAA 1-Lowndes 2-Newnan 3-NSWR 4-Camden Co 5-Valdosta 6-WR 7-Tift Co 8-Colquitt Co 9-E. Coweta 10-Ga School For the Blind,(Just through that one in for “Erk”.)
AAAA 1-Ware Co 2-TCC 3-Bainbridge 4-Whitewater 5-Griffin 6-Chamble 7-Marist 8-Westside-Macon 9-Rome 10-Hardaway-Col,(also for “Erk”)
By WCHS Gator
July 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
It’s nice to see Ware Co. in your top spot. It will be tough to get to the top and stay there, especially with the retirement of coach Rangel.
By Reeze
July 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Greg and Bird , I could’t agree with you guys more……I think everyone’s sleeping on Westside….. , With NSWR and Baldwin out of their lives Madison ,Mcfadden and Burnett will put on a show this season…..Whitewater?…….In AAAAA Warner Robins Demons will creep back in the top 10….. And you might want to move MLK up a spot or two…… NSWR hosted 7/7’s last week and MLK and a few other teams came down to Warner Robins to participate…..I’ll tell you MLK has got a really good recieving corp and backs with a bunch of speed and hands to go along…..I think NSWR had a slight edge when we went against them , MLK looked really good , If they can do the same in pads we might have to look out for MLK in December
By slalom1
July 14, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
TO: “LaGrangeDawg” I am hearing the same, (from some pretty good sources). I believe their offense will be the best we have seen in many years. They WILL score points, and LOTS of’em. In fact, I am willing to predict that 2008 will be the year when Troup FINALLY gets a win from Shaw. However, the downside is defense. After having lost 3 outstanding LB’s, all headed to the next level, along with other key personnel, they may very well give up lots of points. Regardless, I believe this will be a BIG year for Troup. I have them ranked in my “TOP 10” for AAA. I am expecting Shaw to have a “down year”. Carver-Col will be strong on defense, but sloppy on offense. Throw in the fact that Carver’s kicking game is rarely much of a threat, it could come down to LG vs. Troup in Game 10 for the Region 2AAA title. Can you imagine the crowd at Callaway Stadium?!!
By coach Jr
July 14, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
look out for tucker they have just reloaded got size speed and heart they will be a force to deal with
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
ROSWELL, IS IN ITS REBUILDING SEASON, THEY LOST OVER 30 SENIORS AND 15 STARTERS
By LaGrangeDawg
July 14, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
slalom1-I couldn’t agree more. Callaway Stadium will be rockin’ (with a new video scoreboard to boot)!! I have to give the early edge to the Grangers in this match-up, for one reason - Mansour might possibly be the best high school kicker I’ve seen in person since David Arrington back in the 90s.
By GISA
July 14, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Tattnall Square vs Southland Academy for AAA State Championship
By slalom1
July 14, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
To “LaGrange Dawg”, For whatever it is worth, LG has also made changes to their offense. Not a “Tony Franklin” spread, but a much more wide open game. (At least that is the way it looked to me in spring practice.) Lots of passing, with lots of receivers with GREAT hands. With an athlete like Jamius Gunsby at QB, and probably also at WR, this could be one of the more productive offenses we have seen at LG. They are loaded with talent, experience, and depth. Throw in undoubtedly the state’s finest kicker in Joe Mansour, this should be a BIG year for the Grangers.Tough schedule, though.
By HornetFan
July 14, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
To STATE FAN: Roswell’s cupboard is still full. From their Junior program on up, they have constantly been the cream of the crop in North Fulton and there is no reason to think that all of a sudden the other programs have magically gotten ahead of the Hornets’. The only question mark is at QB and depth along the lines…otherwise the “rebuilding” is starting at the penthouse floor, not the basement.
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
YEAH U ARE, RIGHT. BUT WITH NO QB WHO’S GOIN TO GET THOSE GREAT RECEIVERS OF THERES THE BALL, AND A NOTHER QUESTION MARK IS DEFENSE? AND TO slalom1. ANDREW LORD IS THE TOP KICKER IN THE STATE, HE IS OUT OF FULTON COUNTY, CENTENNIAL I BELIEVE. HE HAS JUST BEEN OFFERED BY AUBURN
By Todd Holcomb
July 14, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Will: Good rankings, but keep in mind that East Paulding has moved to AAAAA.
* Why no respect for Newnan? Is it because the Cougars are not a “traditional” power??? GO COUGARS & GO DAWGS!*
You’d have to ask Drago about that.
* Newnan is not in the coverage area of the AJC and thus not eligible to be ranked. May I suggest one of the fine Cobb or Gwinnett teams?*
I had Newnan way up there until I remembered Grayson and came to my senses. … Actually, Newnan returns a higher percentage of its firepower than any other good Class AAAAA team. I’m just not ready to make a statement about Newnan or any team until Aug. 18. Most people consider Newnan a Top 10 team this season, and I’ll leave it at that.
* I believe Bainbridge will be a title contender once Pilcher gets them going.*
Wish I still had the numbers, but I did some research awhile back to show Thomas Central’s record before Pilcher (-1990), and it was almost identical to Bainbridge’s current record. About the same number of region titles and all-time winning percentage. I think Bainbridge is ready to take off.
* I cant believe Westside of Macon was left out in AAAA.*
Me neither. I was looking at the 2007 playoff bracket when making these choices. Word is that Westside will be improved.
* Didnt think Banneker or Whitewater brought that much to the table wow…*
I just threw those out there for fun. Banneker has a high number of college prospects, and Whitewater is a team that I thought was underrated last season and could be a rising power. Can’t promise they’ll be in the Top 10 on Aug. 18.
* As a Walton Raider fan I believe they will have a fine season but I’m not sure they will emulate the success they had last year.*
I don’t think Walton will be as good, either. I definitely don’t see another trip to the semifinals. With Walton, it’s always about big-play guys, especially at tailback.
* Watch out for the Warriors from Louisville.*
Don’t forget to stop by next week for the AAA-A rankings.
* Hey Drago.You are right. The AJC did not rank us at years end last year, despite a region championship, and a final 8 appearance. The AP did show some love at giving us 7.*
Funny, nobody complained about that. : )
I was looking at Newnan’s scores from last season this morning. On one hand, it’s hard to explain how a team that went undefeated in its region and lost in the quarterfinals by one point to the eventual state runner-up cannot be ranked in the Top 10. But I’m still leaning on the BCS excuse: Body of work. I penalized Newnan for losing badly to a AAA team in September.
* HE REASON I CHOSE CENTENNIAL IS THEY ARE LOADED WITH COLLEGE PROSPECT, AND A FEW D-1 PROSPECTS. THEY ARE MY SLEEPER PICK.*
That’s what we’re looking for – sleepers! … I’ve heard that about Centennial.
* When all is said and done, let there be no doubt, Roswell will rule the roost in 6AAAAA. Neither Walton nor Centennial will be above Roswell in the Top 10.*
Lots of key personnel graduated at Roswell, but I still don’t rule out Roswell as the team to beat in 6-AAAAA.
By LaGrangeDawg
July 14, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
slalom1-Thanks for all the info. I’ve just moved back into the area and I’m looking forward to getting back up to speed on my high school football (down here on TheFarm).
By LaGrangeDawg
July 14, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
to STATE FAN - I’ve heard about Lord, but I’ve never actually seen him kick. I’m sure he’s great if he’s getting offered by Auburn. However, Mansour is a beast at kicker, and I believe he’s actually just a rising junior. Trust me, the offers will be forthcoming on this kid
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
TO LaGrangeDawg- YEAH YOU ARE RIGHT, I CANT JUDGE A KICKER I’VE NEVER SEEN. LORD KICKED A 70 YARD ONE BOUNCE PUNT AGAINST NORTHVIEW AND HAD A 50 YARD FIELD GOAL AGAINST WALTON
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
TO LaGrangeDawg- YEAH YOU ARE RIGHT, I CANT JUDGE A KICKER I’VE NEVER SEEN. LORD KICKED A 70 YARD ONE BOUNCE PUNT AGAINST NORTHVIEW AND HAD A 50 YARD FIELD GOAL AGAINST WALTON
By Columbia Blue
July 14, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Lowndes is certainly a deserving candidate for the number one selection in AAAAA. Lowndes is the defending state champion;therefore, they are number one until another state champion is crowned.This is my top ten in AAAAA
1.Lowndes 2.Northside WR 3.Camden 4.Tift Co. 5.North Gwinnett 6.Norcross 7.Valdosta 7.MLK 8.Grayson 9.Newnan 10.Centennial
By slalom1
July 14, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
State Fan, Joe Mansour’s first field goal was 50 yds. And, he was a freshman. As a punter, he has tremendous power. Same for kick-offs. Rarely ever a return. However, he is still untested with his accuracy on short fields and extra points, but it should not be a problem. LaGrange Dawg is right. Mansour is a rising junior.
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
I COULD AGREE WITH COLUMBIA BLUE’S PREDICTION
By drock08
July 14, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Top Ten AAAAA 1. Lowndes-Greg Reid + Defense. 2. Newnan - 18 Starters back from 11-2 team. 3. N. Gwinnett- Great Coach+Talented QB but defense will be suspect. 4. ML King- maybe the most talented team in the state. 5. Northside WR- Coach Nix + the state best defense. 6. Coffee County A great WR to go with a very good defense. 7. Camden County-Outstanding coaching staff but must replace QB. 8.Norcross-will challenge N.Gwinnett for the region with another bunch of great athletes. 9. Stephenson- always loaded with talent coaching is the main problem with this team. 10.Grayson-could be the best team in Gwinnett. Sleepers Creekside, Westlake, Valdosta, Warner Robins, and Brookwood. Top Ten AAAA- 1. Ware Co 2. Bainbridge 3.Tucker 4. T.C.C. 5.Whitewater 6. Marist 7. Sandy Creek 8. Rome 9.Chamblee 10. Westside Macon Sleepers Banneker, Dalton, and East Paulding.
By Reeze
July 14, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Clearcut #1 goes to Lowndes , not only having to deal with Reid , you’ve got to deal with Copeland and the other young kids…If there defense wasn’t so good a good passing team could maybe beat them in a shoot out….Too much speed on both sides , I don’t see them losing at all this year.
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
where is mays at people?
By STATE FAN
July 14, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
where is mays at people?
By G-MAN
July 14, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
This years AAAAA Sleeper- Greenbriar(2-AAAAA) from the Augusta area (WATCH OUT), you read it from me 1st!
By bird
July 15, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
I dont know about you all but i am ready for the friday night lights
By T'ville Nut
July 15, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this
Pilcher would not have left if he had anything coming back a Central. the cupboard is pretty bare there. B’Bridge is young and will have trouble adapting right away with Pilcher’s veer. Neihter teamwill be in the top 15.
By Dostahawk
July 15, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this
Watch out for the Valdosta Wildcats. This year’s edition may be a better TEAM than last.
By southside steve
July 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
In AAAA you’ve left out Sandy Creek, with the talent returning and a support crew like theirs, how is that possible??
By NHS Alum
July 15, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
GO Newnan Cougars! Should have been higher, but nontheless, happy that they are finally being recongnized.
By BHS fan
July 15, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Bainbridge is getting better every day and learning the veer. Our backfeild and Wr’s looks very fast and athletic. Our defense is looking very good. Once we get going I beleive we will be just fine.
By fan 1
July 15, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Todd, I understand your comment regarding Newnan losing to a class AAA team. However, that class AAA team was Carrollton and they are most certainly AAA in name only. Like Buford, Carrollton is a city school — under a city school board— not bound by district lines as all county schools are. City schools can accept any student who pays a nominal fee to attend their school no matter where they live. This allows them to get players from areas outside their normal sphere. Even though they are an AAA school, their facilities and ability to recruit place them on par with most AAAAA schools. You have to give them credit. They are playing within the rules and have great community support. The rules give them an advantage over county schools and they use that advantage to their benefit. I guess my point is that it is no shame to lose to a school such as Carrollton, especially since they are spending several millions on reconstructing their football stadium and field.
By blade
July 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
What person put Whitewater as a top 10? As the former 1st Lady would say, “Just Say No To Drugs!”
By yo
July 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Slalom…thanks for all of the 1AAAAA nods in your top 10. Could not help but notice your exclusion of teams from “G” county. You are right in that 1AAAAA is going to be special this year I do believe. If not for beating each other up possibly 5 or 6 teams could be Top 10 material (by year end especially). I’m thinking Tift, Warner, NSWR, Valdosta and Lowndes. By year end who knows about Colquit (new famous coach), Coffee (new coach), and Houston Co.(I believe new coach). The bad news for the rest of the state is that 4 of these teams will make the playoffs.
By PMAN
July 15, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
yall sleepin on Stephenson. they are going to be a great team this year. last year was their rebuilding year going 8-3.
By PMAN
July 15, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
yall sleepin on Stephenson. they are going to be a great team this year. I went to all their games last year varsity and jv and they have a lot of talent with the younger group. last year i believe was their rebuilding year going 8-3. but this year they have 12 starters returnin and have very talented juniors and sophmores they could play very well this year and the next two. they also have a number of college prospects including some of the most sought out players in the state.
By PMAN
July 15, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
yall sleepin on Stephenson. they are going to be a great team this year. I went to all their games last year varsity and jv and they have a lot of talent with the younger group. last year i believe was their rebuilding year going 8-3. but this year they have 12 starters returnin and have very talented juniors and sophmores they could play very well this year and the next two. they also have a number of college prospects including some of the most sought out players in the state.
By GO GET IT
July 15, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
BAINBRIDGE WILL BE THE TEAM TO BEAT.IF YOU KNOW BEARCAT FOOTBALL. WE ALWAY JUST NEEED A COACH.LOOK AT LAST YEAR 9-4. WE ALWAYS HAD TALENT BUT NOT THE COACH.A NUFF SAID SEE WHAT HAPPEN. #1 GO BEARCATS
By 89viking
July 15, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
dostahawk is right,,,watch out for the cats,,,dont worry about us vikes,,,we arent all that great,,,might win 1-2 games if we’re lucky- new stadium, new turf,heck,,it might even rain a few games. nope,,,dont worry ‘bout us down here at all. toooooo many new players and not enough time to properly train the new guys.
By TCC
July 15, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
TCC will beez the team to beat yo. I know we lost one of the best coaches in the state buy we will beez ok I hope.
By TCC
July 15, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
TCC will beez the team to beat yo. I know we lost one of the best coaches in the state but we will beez ok I hope.
By jag count
July 15, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
If stephenson gets past september 12 they will have a great season. they would have played the 1&2 teams in AAAA. 4-0 at that point they are more than contenders. For years everyone has complained about the strength of schedule now we play tucker and ware county in the place of towers and banneker. after 9/12 we will see if shs will be a contender this year or not
By yo
July 15, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
jag count…not the smartest year to be picking on little Ware Co. Especially in Ware.
By raider pride
July 15, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Dont sleep on Mays in 4A
By tl
July 15, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
ah Dutchtown High School is goin 2 be a sleeper 4 da nxt 2 years
By jag count
July 15, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
yo nobody picking on anyone read the blog. it states if stephenson can get past the the first four games it can be labeled as a legitimate contender. I would venture to say that if it is a good game and not a blowout it is good that we are playing team such as ware and tucker. it gets us ready for s. georgia in the playoffs.
By thehillisreal
July 15, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
1.lowndes2.nswr3.newnan4.camden 5.mlk 6.north gwin.7.walton8.roswell9.peachtree ridge10.douglass/grayson AAAAA
1.ware2.tcc3.tucker4.bainbridge5.chamblee 6.muddy creek7.whitewater8.rome9.douglas
cty10.marist AAAA
1.cairo2.carver col.3.carrollton4.north hall oops!!not following instructions. FOR ALL YOU HATER!!!!YEAH,MAYS IN RELOADING YEAR.BUT NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY,, YOU CAN’T STOP MAYS HIGH.
By yoboy41
July 15, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
With all 5-A wide out Allan Bonner and 17 other starters coming back Newnan is one of the teams to beat this year don’t be surprised to see them play for the title.
By STATE FAN
July 16, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
I WAS IN NORTH OCONEE TO WATCH CENTENNIAL IN A PASSING, CAMP THEY HAVE GREAT RECEIVERS AND THERE QB IS AWESOME, WITH GREAT WIDEOUTS, THEY HAVE A STANDOUT RECEIVER WHO MAYBE THE MOST UNDERATED PLAYER IN FULTON COUNTY. APALACHEE IS A SCHOOL TO WATCH OUT IN 4-A, THEY HAVE A GREAT QB. THOSE ARE TWO TEAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR
By jimmy
July 16, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Look lowndes and camden are always the one to get the ring. so bing all the others a towel to cry own you to northside warner.your playing with the big boys now.ha,ha,ha
By yo
July 16, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
jag count now you know you picking on those little schools like Ware Co…..don’t take life so serious…you might find others enjoy getting you riled up….at least I do.
By donahuej
July 16, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I’m sure that Brookwood, Stephenson and Parkview will show up again this year.. something called tradition…
By SouthGARules
July 16, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
AAAAA Top Ten 1) Lowndes 2) Camden 3) North Gwinnett 4) NSWR 5) Tift 6) Norcross 7) Newnan 8) Valdosta 9) Brookwood 10) Stephenson
Have to put Brookwood in top ten. Weak region, one tough out of region game (North Gwinnett). Grayson has tougher out of region schedule & needs to beat Brookwood to be taken as a serious contender. Stephenson will roll through region & flame out in 1st or 2nd round. Whoever does NOT make the playoffs in 1-AAAAA, would absolutely make the playoffs in any other region except maybe 7-AAAAA.
By Reeze
July 16, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Whats about Peachtree Ridge? Is this a rebuilding year for them?
By makerfan
July 16, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Give TCC and Bainbridge a year and then put them in the top ten. Both schools have to learn new systems.
By TCC Fan
July 16, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
TCC will not be learning a new system. The former OC, Bill Shaver, is now the HC, and he is a Veer guy. The offensive scheme will be the same. The only thing “new” about the TCC system will be the supposed implementation of that new-fangled invention called “the forward pass”, which Coach Shaver says he will be using along with the Veer this season. Bainbridge, on the other hand, actually WILL be going from the spread to the Veer as their base offense. They have a new head coach, a new OC, and a new DC. That alone should be enough justification not to rank them that high. Neither of them should be top-5, in my opinion, though……6-10, maybe, but not top-5. TCC lost a ton of offensive production to graduation. 2 of 3 backfield starters are gone, and the offense didn’t look good in the Spring Game. TCC’s defense, however, looked really good. Until the offense gets their legs underneath them, the defense will have to carry the load.
By Reeze
July 16, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
TCC Fan or Makerfan …..Does Bainbridge have the athletes in the backfield to run the veer?…….just asking
By observer
July 16, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Bainbridge is loaded with athletes.
By T.J.
July 16, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
What gives with no Gwinnett teams in the top 10 teams slalom1? You have a scoop on Gwinnett teams this year? SouthGARules has it wrong with Brookwood from what I hear. I actually agree with slalom1. All of Gwinnett 8 AAAAA is rebuilding. Grayson has the best returning crew but the offensive line is hurting. Defensively they are pretty solid. I would put Grayson as # 10 on the list. Norcross maybe #9. NSWR is in top 5. South GA has all the rest.
By tj
July 16, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
valdosta lost 8 players on d-fence that’s tough when your in 1-AAAAA…..
By TIFTCOUNTYDEVILS
July 16, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
I am ready to see how these rankings stand up during the season… 1.) Lowndes 2.) Northside 3.) Tift 4.)Camden Co. 5.) North Gw. 6.) ML King 7.) Norcross 8.) Warner Robins 9.) Walton 10.) Grayson…. I don’t think Valdosta will make it through 1-AAAAA, Valdosta’s rebuilding…..
By TIFTCOUNTYDEVILS
July 16, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
That’s my opinion anyway you could probly swap out either Tift with Coffee or Warner Robins with Valdosta it can go either way in 1-AAAAA no one is guarantied a play-off spot not even Lowndes and Northside…. Who knows Colquit could surprise everybody…
By georgiafbfan
July 16, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Brookwood will be on there. They lost alot of people but almost all the back-ups to the people we lost were soph. The rest of their team will be up on varsity with them this year with just a year more experience. Coach Crews is too smart to let all that talent go to waste young or not.
By TCC Fan
July 16, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Reeze…..If you ask the Bainbridge fans, they will tell you that they are loaded with athletes…..they have also, however, been saying the same thing every year since their last championship, which was oh…..26 years ago. If you ask impartial observers who have been watching practices and passing league scrimmages, they will tell you that the jury is still out. They will eventually get there, but it will take longer than 1 year to do it. There are a lot of wildly overblown expectations and predictions over there this season….only time will tell.
By Bull-Spit
July 16, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Bainbridge supposedly has top talent at their receiver positions….That was all well and good while running the Spread. However, good ol Ed Pilcher threw the ball about 5 times a game while at TCC. I sure hope those receivers Bainbridge has can learn to stalk-block. Bainbridge will most likely be 0-1 after they play those mighty Cairo Syrupmakers on August 23rd…..and might very well be 0-2 whenever they face a really good Early County team the next week. Cairo was always able to slow down that Veer pretty good when they played TCC, and I can assure you….We aren’t scared in the least that we are gonna see another Veer team. You better bring your A-game on the 23rd, Pole-Cats.
By Bull-Spit
July 16, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Bainbridge supposedly has top talent at WR over there…..Good ol Ed Pilcher, however, only averaged throwing the ball about 5 times a game, if that, while at TCC. I sure hope those WRs can learn to stalk-block. They will be 0-1 after they face those Cairo Syrupmakers on Aug 23rd, anyway, and will be lucky not to be 0-2 when they face a good Early County team on the 29th. We slowed that Veer down pretty good over the years when we played TCC, and we sure ain’t scared to play another Veer team now. You better bring your A-game on the 23rd, Pole-Cats.
By FCHStiger
July 16, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
To all those doubting Whitewater, you’ll see next year. I played for FCHS and I know that they will be a force next year.
By Columbia Blue
July 16, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Being from Camden County, I do not know a lot about metro Atlanta or North Georgia AAAAA football teams; however, I do know that Lowndes, Tift, Camden, Valdosta, and Coffee have several quaility athletes returning. I have also heard that Bainbridge, and Colquitt will have quality football teams. No matter what the rankings are in the beginning, injuries can play a major part in the outcome of a football season. I am certain we will see teams make the playoffs that were not expected too. Quality athletes do not win championships. Quality athletes who have great coaches win championships. I am certainly glad we have Jeff Herron and his staff at Camden. As long as we have Jeff and his staff, we will always be in the hunt for the ultimate prize——-A state championship. Good luck to all teams in the state.
By BHS fan
July 16, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Pilcher does love the run but he has said that he will be passing more now that he has play making wr’s to throw to. Notice all 5 of TCC titles those years they had wr’s to throw to. Look at TCC last year no wr’s to go to and that in my opinion caused them a title. Bainbridge has needed a coach like coach Pilcher for a long time. I believe in time you will see what I mean. Look at TCC before Pilcher went there. TCC’s overall record before Pilcher is very close to our overall record here at Bainbridge. Coach Pilcher’s record at TCC is better than all of TCC’s previous head coach’s combined. Look at any successfull football program and you will see they have a very good head coach that knows how to hire great assistants and lead the players.
By Mr. West
July 16, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
what is up with southwest dekalb ? where is the love for Coach Buck Godfrey & the Panthers.
By Boywonder
July 16, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Do not be shocked in Lowndens struggles with a little known Woodland team out of Henry County on opening day.Woodland 31 Lowndens 24.
By True Astro
July 16, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Everyone is sleeping on the Astros of Douglass not going talk mess but when u see us an upset might be in the happening. The poles will speak for themselves later, Tick Tock
By GoGators
July 16, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
gators. harvin and tebow are awesome. Oh wait this is high school football forum?
By drock08
July 16, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
I really think Westlake will be a surprise team this year. A new coach with a couple of talented transfers plus the talented players from last year team. I think Westlake will finish second in region 4 AAAAA this year behind Newnan.
By SGT CHRIS
July 16, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
LaGrange, THROWING the ball more….takes a ton of pressure off that 350+ yd per game rushing attack?? We will definitely be back in OUR house in 08…THE DOME!!!!
Looking forward to that STEPHENS CTY game as well..so glad they got back to having non region games!!!
By GraysonFan
July 17, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
Im thinking Grayson beats Brookwood this year, and if they do, they should be taken seriously, Brookwood has a great program.
1.Valdosta 2.Camden 3.NSWR 4.Grayson will fall some were between 4 and 10, could rank higher if they had a bigger passing game.
GO RAMS
Look out for a few new numbers on defense! Go get um Greg Z man Zellner
By golden herd
July 17, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
Im a Colquitt Co fan but even im not crazy enough to think we will crack the top 10 this season. Propst is gonna eventually build us into a monster but its not gonna happen overnight. Considering that we just had the worst season in over 30 years of the program, getting to 6 wins would be a successful season. i still get a kick outta some of you saying we could be a surprise. i hope yall are right.
By fred b.
July 17, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
War Chant 2008 i hope you are right about Jefferson County because we haven’t had a lot to cheer about since the consolidation. But as Todd stated check back next week to see where they are ranked.
By trojan 93
July 17, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
Watch out for some of the lower rated teams in 1AAAAA. Coffee for one will be under the radar this year unlike last season when they were picked higher pre-season. Colquitt will be better also. Coffee has a new coach but a lot of talent on that team who could surprise.
By A
July 17, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Boy isn’t this fun! “Conservative (aka how did they do last year, when the top 1/3 players on most teams won’t be back), hastily done, very tentative Top 10 says it all.”
Yet another pointless AJC exercise in riling the natives.
By T.J.
July 17, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
GraysonFan, I know Grayson beats Brookwood or the wheels come of the wagon. Brookwood has great coaching but they are retooling almost every key position. Sounds like Grayson has a lot of key players returning from the AJC spring previews. But I am concerned because my understanding that 12 players signed with colleges. Did all the real talent leave? Line on both sides of the ball going to be OK? Brookwood will have huge linemen. Is Parkview going to do anything? They have a lot of key positions returning as well.
Hats off to Todd on all the work done to keep the fire burning during the offseason. AJC, great job on the spring previews. Based on previews, it sounds like Lowndes is the team to beat.
By T.J.
July 17, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
OK, looking back at AJC Spring Preview I will add one more Gwinnett team to my list. North Gwinnett may eak out a few wins. All their games will be close. My top 10 below. 1. Lowndes 2. Camden 3. NS-Warner Robins 4. Valdosta 5. M.L. King 6. Walton 7. Norcross 8. North Gwinnett 9. Newnan 10. Grayson
Lets see who is closest after the season.
By John Holmes
July 17, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
BHS fan……I don’t know where you got your history of the TCC title years from, but I will enlighten you on a few things.
During those runs, we had the following RBs there: Cooksey, Dunbar, Robinson, & Burns. We had some pretty good running QBs, too….one of which is now the OC at Bainbridge. There were a lot of games where we averaged 300 plus yards on the ground alone. In short, we didn’t need to pass, didn’t pass unless it was absolutely necessary, and we also had a couple of good receivers that went to college more on their blocking and kick-returning skills than on their pass-catching skills. Pass-catching was what they learned to do once they got to college.
Over the last few years….with the exception of 04….we had much the same formula going on with E. Walden & D. Smiley….again, no real need to pass.
But, FYI, we did have a QB last season that got almost 900 passing yards….mostly due to short passes that produced good gains. That’s mostly what the passing game is like with the Veer. TE open over the middle when the D bites on a play-action. By no means did we throw long.
Oh, and guess what? good ol Ed had been saying he was gonna pass the ball more every season he was at TCC, but never did…… just like he was saying all last year that he didn’t slap a kid on purpose.
By TCCJacketFan
July 17, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Pilcher didn’t go off and slap that kid!!! I’ve reported that whole incident on this blog before, and trust me he didn’t do anything wrong.
As far as the expectations for TCC and BHS go, I think BHS will possibly be that good by the end of this season. If not, definitely by next year when they will be a frontrunner for the title. TCC on the other hand will be pretty good this year, but not that good, and will then have a 1-3 year drop off after that.
All of the reports on the talent level at Bainbridge are true. They just haven’t had any great coaching there in almost 3 decades to develop that talent. Anyone who has ever played football can tell you that there is a huge difference between being fast and playing fast. Pilcher has allready raised the tempo over there and I hear the kids have responded well. Just give it a little