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DEL.ICIO.USTake 10: A look at our dream high school football matchups
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’ve thought about it. Somewhere out there is a team you’ve just been dying to play. It could be the history, the attraction of a new road game or maybe you just hold a grudge from a girl that broke your heart freshman year at UGA. (We know you’re out there, Julia from Smyrna.)
After seeing Northside-Warner Robins eke out a 7-6 win over Carver-Columbus, we at Take Ten got to thinking about our own dream matchups. Seeing a pair of defending state champions tangle is the perfect example.
Here are our top 10 dream football matchups:
10: Carver-Columbus vs. Tucker - The Tigers faced a former Class AAAA powerhouse. How about a current one? We like the idea of seeing two of the state’s best linebackers in Tucker’s Jonathan Davis and Carver’s Jarvis Jones. The Tigers offense would have its hands full with the Tucker defense. Prediction: 4-2 Tucker (Tigers win on a pair of safeties. Offenses combine for negative yardage.)
9: Cartersville vs. Sandy Creek - This game is contingent on Patriots wideout Braxton Lane coming out of retirement. Cartersville’s Donovan Tate did. Watching Tate cover the receiver who broke all of Calvin Johnson’s receiving records (in three years) would be fun. Maybe we could throw in baseball gloves to make them feel more comfortable. Prediction: 24-21 Patriots
8: ECI vs. Athens Academy - The Bulldogs have an 18-game winning streak lead by tailback Washaun Ealey and linebacker Dexter Moody. We thought giving someone like the Spartans a shot at the champs would be quality entertainment. Athens is led by wideout McKay Academy. The Spartans have already logged a quality 40-14 win over Whitefield Academy. Prediction: 35-34 Bulldogs
7: Buford vs. Hollywood - If you read our Take Ten last week, you saw the Wolves’ well-crafted video mergers of famous films and game highlights. We’ve had our ear to the ground this week and learned that Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings series) and The Wachowski Brothers (The Matrix series) are ticked off. Lawsuits are coming. We think Dallas Lee and the Buford defense can handle themselves. Prediction: 58-7 Buford (The shutout is broken in the fourth quarter after Gandalf hits Neo for a 53-yard pass.)
6: Newnan vs. Etowah - These are two of our favorite teams to watch. The Eagles can fly high with the split-back veer, and the Cougars offense is potent with quarterback Russell Powell. We’d like to see one of them make noise in the playoffs this year (like Newnan did a year ago). Prediction: 35-28 Cougars
5: East Paulding vs. Maryville (Tenn.) - It would be difficult to know the significance of this unless you knew East Paulding coach John Reid. The Raiders coach has made a quick turnaround at his first Georgia coaching gig. East Paulding had one winning season in 11 years prior to Reid’s arrival in 2006. Since then, the Raiders are 26-3. Maryville is one of the best program’s in the nation, winning 12 titles and four straight in Tennessee’s Class AAAA. Reid’s previous coaching stop was at Alcoa, Tenn., where he suffered three losses to the crosstown rival Maryville Rebels. It would be nice to see if Georgia talent made a difference. Prediction: 31-14 Rebels
4: Harrison vs. Walton - The two best teams in Cobb County should see each other before the postseason, but they won’t. Walton took the most recent matchup 37-28 in the second round of the playoffs last fall. Hoyas tailback Robbie Godhigh vs. Walton’s defensive front would be the key matchup. Prediction: 17-15 Hoyas
3: Peachtree Ridge vs. Roswell - How could you not want to see these teams again? Most of the faces have changed, but we can guarantee some bad blood remains. Two year ago, the pair tied for a state title. Then, the rematch came in the playoffs in 2007. Instead of some sort of finality, the game ended in uproar as Hornets tailback Alex Daniel scored (we think) on a controversial overtime touchdown. Prediction: 39-38 Roswell (Peachtree Ridge recovers a fumble with 24 seconds remaining only to have the refs overturn the play due to a prematurely blown whistle. Roswell goes on to score and win on a two-point conversion. Oh, wait…)
2: Camden County vs. Northside-Warner Robins - The Wildcats are No. 2 in our latest rankings poll, while the Eagles are third in their new classification. Neither of these teams need more tests. Camden County has faced Norcross and Hoover (Ala.) in its first three games. The Eagles played the aforementioned Carver game. Prediction: 27-21 Wildcats
1: Lowndes vs.Trinity (Euless, Texas) - Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) is the nation’s top-ranked prep football program according to USA Today. Trinity is second. We’ve already seen Byrnes challenge the state of Georgia, downing North Gwinnett 36-21. What we’d like to see is the best team in Georgia take on the best team in the “best state of high school football.” Let’s see how the Peach State ranks with the Lone Star State. Prediction: 21-20 Vikings
Go on. Take Ten. What are the games that you’ve been dreaming about? Who are the schools that should be playing this season? Were we missing something on our list? Let us know. Here’s your chance to set the record straight.
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Comments
By Black & White & Read All Over
September 17, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
I have seen both teams play and Etowah cannot match up with Newnan for 4 quarters. Newnan would win 35-14 or something close like that. Newnan is loaded.
There is no way Northside and Camden combine for 48 points. Neither would give up as many as 21 against each other. It would be something like 14-3, 10-7 or similar. Tough D’s on both sides.
Finally, ECI would roll AA, probably by 3 touchdowns. Yes, both were semifinalists last year but ECI’s offense would pile it on AA something like 42-17 or so.
By highschool fan
September 17, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
How about Buford vs Lowndes. Lowndes would have everything to lose and nothing to gain, but would be a good matchup nonetheless. Buford is one of the few teams who can play with anybody in any class, not a Buford fan here, just stating the facts.
By AJC Sports
September 17, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Gandalf is so overrated. — Eds.
By Drago
September 17, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
First, are we talking about Gandalf the Grey or Gandalf the White? Galdalf the Grey faced a tough Balrog team and just disappeared. Gandalf the White made a nice comeback, but is altogether too dependent on the elves.
By Homet
September 17, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Don’t know about “Maryville”…but East will TAKE care of another “M” team this friday…
McEachern “IN THE BONEYARD”…!!!
By PatriotDad
September 17, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Cartersvile and Sandy Creek have met twice. Both times C’ville took the win, but the last time SC closed the gap. I think this year Sandy Creek would get the win. SC has a talented recieving corp this year that would hadle Mr.Tate just fine!
By whs'86
September 17, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Glenn,
Walton actually won the last two matchups between these two teams, both times in the playoffs. The other one being a 27-26 2OT game at Harrison when Walton was only 6-4 in the regular season. Harrison is a very good team, but Walton wins this one. Sorry.
By dj
September 17, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Maryville has been a powerhouse for many year….However, Tennessee football can not hold a candle to Georgia High School football. Reid might not have the best talent in Georgia, or heck maybe not even 5 AAAAA, but he gets the more out of his kids than ANY coach in Georgia. Watch out Maryville this one would be a shocker- East 27 Maryville 14 !!!! Go Raiders!
By mikemike
September 17, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Carver Columbus anit good then Cairo Syrupmaker we rank # 1 in da state also we rank # 13 in da USA COME WITH IT.
By AJC Sports
September 17, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Buford currently leads Gandalf in our “Who would win?” poll. Not to say we told you so but… we told you so. — Eds.
By BullDawg Rick
September 17, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
The Wolves of Buford would not have to travel far to find competition. If they’d scheduled a Parkview, Brookwood, North Gwinnett, Grayson…. They’d save on bus fuel & get back to reality….. These teams can be found in the county in which they reside.. No need to travel to Valdosta to get trampled…
By BigPerm
September 17, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
From what I understand Bulldawg Rick, none of the teams you mentioned are willing to play Buford. If they win, they were supposed to. If they lose, they suck. They have nothing to gain and won’t take the game.
By jay
September 17, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
buford get trampled? yea right. so many people underestimate buford, they have a program, not a team. they can compete with anyone one in state! and im not a buford fan,
By SouthGARules
September 17, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
How about these neighborhood matchups? Buford-North Gwinnett (they used to play each other) Tucker-Stephenson (I know they had a scrimmage this year) Cairo-Thomas County Central Brooks-Lowndes Clinch-Charlton Fitzgerald-Coffee
By gdg73
September 17, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Once again, no love for the Cairo Syrupmakers. Sooner or later, ya’ll gone have to see us.
By Jeff Haws (former Take 10er)
September 17, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Glenn is totally stealing my ideas now. I knew it wouldn’t take long.
That having been said, I like the idea of matching up teams against movie villains, though I wouldn’t know a Gandalf if it walked up and punched me in the stomach, which I suppose a Gandalf might be wont to do.
Of course, here’s the glaring omission from the list …
By drock08
September 17, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
How about Lagrange vs Griffin. Newnan,Lagrange and Griffin was part of the best rivalries in GA during the 80’s and 90’s. Newnan and Lagrange has played some since they went to different classes and Newnan and Griffin has played two scrimmages against each other but fans from Spalding and Troup County would love this matchup. It would be special. Also I would love to see Carrollton vs Valdosta which is two of the most successful programs in GA.
By drock08
September 17, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
How about Lagrange vs Griffin. Newnan,Lagrange and Griffin was part of the best rivalries in GA during the 80’s and 90’s. Newnan and Lagrange has played some since they went to different classes and Newnan and Griffin has played two scrimmages against each other but fans from Spalding and Troup County would love this matchup. It would be special. Also I would love to see Carrollton vs Valdosta which is two of the most successful programs in GA.
By drock08
September 17, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
I haven’t seen Etowah but I don’t see anyone putting up 28 points on Newnan SWAGG defense this year. This defense is confident and talented and deep at every position.
By Joseph
September 17, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Dream Game: Lowndes vs Valdosta for the AAAAA Championship. The regular season match-up is bigger than life already. Imagine how this game would be!! The Georgia Dome would be rocking beyond belief.
By CallmeJaybo
September 17, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
I played against Northside Warner Robins when Camden was 4-AAAA. They murdered us!! No doubt our team sucked back then. Would probably be a great game today!! I say 14-7 Camden.
By Shawn Buchanan
September 17, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
How about Lowndes vs. Mater Dei from California? Maybe we could meet halfway at Texas Stadium.
By sam
September 17, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
How about Buford-Northside Warner Robins?
I know they are 3 classes apart, but Buford is so far above AA it would be nice to see them play one of the elite from AAAAA.
By who dey?
September 17, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
clarkston vs. avondale all day! everyday!
By ehsalumni
September 17, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
drock08…trust me etowah is not a team to be taken lightly.
i’d like to see the etowah vs. newnan game but i think the outcome would be different than the prediction.
By Ted
September 17, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
North Gwinnett won’t play Buford. It used to be a cross town rivalry which Buford owned. They won’t play them, believe me Buford has tried. They have too much to loose and nothing really to gain with Buford being the smaller school. I guess Buford will have to go outside the state again to fill out their schedule. And that was a top 10 4A Texas team they beat!
By kevin
September 17, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
are you kidding North has tried to get this game for years but the head coach at buford said and I quote “we dont need that kind of distraction this year” do you know how much money that game would make for the schools. of course you back big bad buford who plays chucky cheese teams every friday. the texas team was 7-4 last year and didnt play any!! notable texas team but still lost 3 games . If people new what went on in the locker room and factored in the teams that any 5a school has to play they wouldnt be saying that buford can beat anyone. If you want to win state go to buford. If you want to a school who has to scrach and tear for every win go to an elite 5a Ga team like lownds,north,newnan,or camden.
By yo
September 18, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Sam…you win state in AA one year and now you are so far of the rest of that class. Me thinks you may be in for an eye opener by year end…..Charlton..Charlton…charlton…charlton. You have heard of them before haven’t you? On yea, don’t forget Brooks, Thomasville (forget their record) will be contending at year end. One thing is consistent though (more consistent than Buford) Charlton..charlton..Charlton. That is Charlton as in Charlton Cty.
By travis
September 18, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
where is charlton???? the south not getting any respect yes camden is a big 5a school but look at the championship records baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Glenn LaFollette
September 18, 2008 3:16 AM | Link to this
whs86,
You may be right. I’ve seen both this season, but Walton was missing Ray Rayburn (for most of the game). Godhigh would be the best back in the game, but I do like Ed Dudley in most situations. Let’s hope they meet in the playoffs.
Jeff,
Thanks for coming back from retirement. Good call. I forgot about Probst. While searching for YouTube videos last week I found a great/awkward one of him being interviewed about the new position by the CCHS news. “Dear coach, two questions: Will we be on ESPN/MTV in the next five years and do you have to be a starter to get automatic A’s or just a steady contributor?” Was that in the video? No. But in a better world, yes.
Also, I’ve learned from my first few weeks doing this, one thing is clear… Buford, Lowndes, Northside WR, Camden County, Valdosta, North Gwinnett and Murray County need to play in some sort of round-robin tourney every year. It would sell like hotcakes. Why Murray County? I got a speeding ticket there today and I demand revenge.
Thank you everyone for the feedback.
By Drock08
September 18, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this
My comment about Etowah wasn’t a shot at Etowah I just don’t see anyone putting up 28 points on Newnan defense this year. The SWAGG Defense has too many playmakers. Based on what Etowah points mostly coming against a rebuilding Starrs Mills team this year I really don’t see them putting up 28. I saw Starrs Mills earlier this year. My prediction for the game is Newnan 38-10. Get Wit It or Get Rolled On.
By SGT CHRIS
September 18, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
I HAVE THE DREAM MATCHUP OF ALL MATCHUPS…HOW ABOUT LOWNDES VS DE LA SALLE OF CONCORD CA??
By AJC Sports
September 18, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
Gandalf just topped Buford in the poll. Wolves, you have until noon to mount your comeback. — Eds.
By JoeJoe
September 18, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
I’m a Camden Fan……and hadn’t Charlton County owned Buford till just about last season?? Just a question but I think Charlton would smash Buford 7 times out of 10!!
By SGT CHRIS
September 18, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
OR HOW ABOUT LOWNDES, VALDOSTA, NORTHSIDE, BUFORD, CAMDEN VS DE LA SALLE?
WHO PLAYS THEM IS THE WINNER OF A TWO OUT OF THREE COIN FLIP LOL
By george
September 18, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
I’m a Northside Eagle, so I say bring it on Camden.
By SGT CHRIS
September 18, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
UMMMM I WAS JUST ON THE NS WARNER ROBINS SCHOOL WEBSITE…AND LOOKING AT THEIR SCHEDULES, IT SAYS THEY WENT 16-0 IN 07?? GUESS THE BYE WEEK COUNTS AS AN AUTOMATIC WIN LOL!!!
By SGT CHRIS
September 18, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
QUESTION? DOES THAT TEAM BUFORD PLAYED OUT IN TEXAS COME TO GEORGIA IN 09?
By Alan
September 18, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I would like to see Lowndes against Texas’ best also. But it seems like the Texas schools always have to host. I don’t know if they have out of state travel restrictions, but I’ve seen several big name schools from other states go to Texas to play. With success too, I might add. Miami Northwestern last year beat Carroll Southlake, then ranked #1 in the country. Buford won in Texas this year also. I’d like to see some of Texas’ best teams make the trip to Atlanta and play some of Georgia’s best in the Dome. That would be a great ticket.
By HeadEast
September 18, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Mater Dei would have lost to up-and-coming Carson, but Carson couldn’t kick an extra point (1 for 6). Looks like the Cal power is once again de La Salle, owners of the famous 151 game winning streak. They’d take Lowndes about 35-10.
But the game I want to see is EPHS’s final practice game where they’ll destroy the has been McEachern. Load the cannon!!!!!
By SGT CHRIS
September 18, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
ARE MOST OF TEXAS’ POWERHOUSES AROUND DALLAS? IF SO, LETS BLOG ON THEIR NEWSPAPER’S WEBSITE TO DRUM UP SOME INTEREST
By mikemike
September 18, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
SOUTH GEORGIA FOOTBALL BETTER THEN NORTH GEORGIA FOOTBALL TEAM.GO CAIRO SYRUPMAKER!!!!!
By SGT CHRIS
September 18, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
ALSO, ANYONE KNOW WHO OHIO’S SO CALLED POWERHOUSE IS? MANSFIELD OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT? LETS GET THEM TO ATLANTA!!!
By JoeJoe
September 18, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
george I think NSWR better worry about Valdosta this week instead of being concerned with Camden. Valdosta isn’t playing around from what I’ve seen…..neither is Lowndes.
By HeadEast
September 18, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
JoeJoe - Is Valdosta finally back after playing .636 ball since 2000? Didn’t they make the playoffs with a lot of those mediocre 8-4 teams because they were in a 5 team region?
By LHS Viking Dad
September 18, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Lowndes vs N.Gwinnett at the Ga Dome for the 2008 State Championship. The N. Gwinnett fans blamed the 07 game on the rain. Dry field or wet field, Lowndes still would have won. Hope to see you at the Dome.
By dj
September 18, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Hey mike mike…..We master the English language AND play football up North!
By FCHS Tiger
September 18, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
NOBODY will blow out Buford. And Newnan is the real deal. I say Newnan and Lowndes for the state championship.
By Clubhouse
September 18, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Stephenson vs Lowndes. North vs South. Speed on Speed. Athletes on Athletes. Defense vs Offense
Speed goes to Stephenson Athletes goes to Stephenosn Offense goes to Lowndes Defense goes to Stephenson Coaching goes to Lowndes Overall winner…Lowndes (Stephenson gets outcoached every time.)
By yo
September 19, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
HeadEast you show your ignorance.
By JoeJoe
September 19, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
HeadEast all I know is that Charlton is the only team that strikes fear in the hearts of Buford Fans……they won’t tell you that but it’s the truth
By JoeJoe
September 19, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
HeadEast I think Valdosta’s record has been justifiable considering they’ve played in the toughest region……I’m saying that as a Camden Fan. Anyway I don’t see NSWR coming out on top……not in that region at least.
By Insider
September 19, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
99% of the GHSA football fans dont realize that BUFORD BUYS THEIR PLAYERS. It is a well known fact that Storm Johnson played youth football at South Gwinnett until the 8th grade when Buford stepped in and gave his father an apartment for them to live on while his mother stayed in their home in Snellville waiting for it to sell. Buford is in Gwinnett, but they are not part of the Gwinnett County School System, so they are not governed by the eligibility requirements that all other public schools in Ga follow. Buford is in Region II because of the number of reported students enrolled from the CITY of Buford. Also, take a look at the Coaches salaries in comparison to the other coaches of Gwinnett- even the special teams coach makes more than the head coach of Norcross, Parkview and Brookwood. I am not saying that they are not full of talent, however we all would be stacked if we could pick and choose who we wanted from other programs.
By GA Buckeye
September 21, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
A matchup I’d like to see would be Parkview vs. Tucker. They are only divided by the Dekalb/Gwinnett County line. Yes, there is the difference between 4-AAAA and 5-AAAA, but it would be spped and quickness aginst size and … size. Oh I forgot, Pakview has the College level facilities too while Tucker struggles with whatever they can squeeze out of Dekalb County. Lastly, several Parkviw players have come up through the Tucker Little League feeder system and know the kids at Tucker High. That makes it more interesting.
By D.CASH
September 22, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
HOW BOUT DEM CARVER ATLANTA PANTHERS!!!are the the best 3A team besides the top 5
By Eagle08
September 28, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Newnan is in fact a great team. Etowahs program has come so far being that just 2 years ago was our first winning season and making the playoffs in forever. Coach Stewart has helped this team out greatly. We have played top notch teams ie NC of last year. we gave them a run and lost 28-21 and the refs missed a call at the end when we clearly would have scored. All Im saying is Newnan is good and their defense is great but when you play us you play our game and we dont get blown out. my prediction etowah 21 newnan 17
By quack76
November 15, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
YA’LL LISTEN.BUFORD PLAYS BIG BOY FOOTBALL NOTHING FANCY JUST LINE UP AND PUNCH PEOPLE IN THE MOUTH.CLASSIFICATION IS JUST SCHOOL SIZE BUT IF YOU HAVE 2500 KIDS IN YOUR SCHOOL YOU CAN ONLY LINE UP 11 AT A TIME AND BELIEVE ME;BUFORDS’ 11 WILL BE BETTER AND MORE DISIPLINED THAN EVERYONE ELSE’S.BELIEVE THAT