Prep Zone

By Rico

October 5, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

When will Villa Rica get some respect, they have a good team. Tell Mays to tell you about them in a few weeks.

By Gwinnett Football Fan

October 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Greg Reid is a dominant player on both sides of the ball. He has power and speed in a small frame. He hits with incredible power. Just ask North Gwinnett.

Greg Reid is one of the major reasons why Lowndes is the favorite to repeat as AAAAA state champion. He should be a great player at the next level.

By trojan57

October 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Reid is an outstanding player, but there are offensive lineman and D’backs in the Region who can stop him….. the season not over with yet….wait and see!!! I do not undertand why the teams that play them do not put “5” on the line, “2 and 2” both ends and “2” safty’s…there is limit passing from Lowndes….. with some speed someone is going to get his number..

By shazam

October 5, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

WOW!!! Northside fans are NOT gonna be happy with this…

By RAIDERFAN

October 5, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Todd you hate to say it because you shouldn’t. Westside Macon is the only team that could make a solid #1 in AAAA???What has Westside Macon truly done this year? Beat a bunch of nobodys in middle Georgia. Lee County, Upson-Lee,Forest Park. Discredit Mays and AAAA all you want but at the end of the day the Raiders have a perfect record of 6-0 while playing the premiere city schools and playing in a solid but underrated region 5. Rico, worry yourself with Banneker before you start looking ahead.

By Joy Rider

October 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

To: Shazam, You are trying to start something. I think being rated #6 in AAAAA is very generous. In fact, I felt from the beginning NSWR should have started out 7 or 8. They lost a lot of players from their 2007 team. They are really hurting at QB not because of lack of players but a good ole boy system to play the former principal’s son. He is a good kid and not his fault. It’s politics! I know it, NSWR fans know it, and Lowndes fans smiled their way to victory.

By HOW N THE..............

October 5, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

**IS MAYS RANKED AHEAD OF SANDY CREEK!! MAYS IS GARBAGE.RAIDERFAN,NO ONE IS DISCREDITING MAYS.THEY WILL DO IT, BY LOSING IN 2ND ROUND AGAIN OR NOT EVEN GETTING OUT OF THE REGION.THEY WILL LOSE TO BANNEKER AND VILLA RICA.

          SIGN Y'ALL ARE A JOKE**

By Reeze

October 5, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Trojan57…….Greg Reid is from another planet, he’ll get his no matter what….How he can turn something into nothing boggles the mind,the best thing to do with him , on punts ,just kick it out of bounds , lol ……But , After seeing Coffee Sat night against WR …..Coffee has the most balanced offensive attack of all the region-1 teams ive seen….. IT’s reality check time ,were over half way through the season , The preseason and early season ,My team is better than your team is over ,I love my Eagles ,but I see a good fight between Coffee and Lowndes for the top spot in the region , Not hating on Lowndes because they beat us , I think Coffee will take it ,and ill tell you why…. After seeing Lowndes and Coffee on consecutive nights Lowndes defense is very good ,but not great.If Northside had any type of a decent passing attack we would have won….Coffee has a great thunder and lightning duo in its running game ,A Qb who is quick and can also run, and a good passer ,a good talented reciever who’ll out jump Lowndes DB’s……A quick hard hitting defense thats hard to run on….I think you guys have what it takes to beat Northside and Lowndes….Coffee’s pass defense is suspect though(Giving Up 2 passing TD’s to 3 yards and a cloud of dust WR ? come on! It was early though) ,but neither Lowndes or Northsides passing attack is any kind of threat….Like i said before , Greg Reid being from a different planet and must have green blood , he is gonna get his no matter what ,but I think Coffee will out score Lowndes any ways….#4 your LB is the hardest hitting kid ive seen all year…I like his spirit ,when you guys were behind he took it upon himself to fire up Coffee’s Offense ,Defense ,Fans and Band..After his two great plays ,it was all downhill for the Demons.

By HSBallfan

October 5, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

I guess we’ll find out Halloween night how solid Westside is when they face TCC, assuming they don’t trip up against Harris County Friday night. Chamblee versus SW Dekalb should be interesting. SW has yet to be tested and has to survive Chamblee AND Marist before playing Tucker.

By bluedevil

October 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Todd I believe you may be right about Reid- though I had really seen very few HS players this year. I did see Reid against our Tift Co. Blue Devils and he was the reason Lowndes won a tight game. He had a 100 yd. fumble recovery for a touchdown AND a 99 yd. touchdown run very late in the game to seal a hard fought victory. Sounds like he came up big against tough NSWR too.

By Wildcat Fan

October 5, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

This Lowndes/Greg Reid lovefest is sickening !

By HSBallfan

October 5, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

After watching both Mays and Sandy Creek play, I’m not convinced one is any better than the other. You could flip a coin for #2 and #3 and be right either way. I know from the seasons that Mays and Tucker played each other that Mays is not going to dazzle anyone with a lot of flash; they just come out and hit you in the mouth. Too bad there won’t be a head to head shootout. I wonder who was responsible for scheduling region 5 without having Mays and Sandy Creek play each other?

By THHILLISREAL

October 5, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

**IF MAYS WIN OUT AND SANDY CREEK WIN OUT, THEY WILL HAVE TO PLAY FOR THE REGION CHAMPIONSHIP ON 11-07.WHERE NOT SURE, I HOPE LAKEWOOD.

By Erin

October 5, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

You carry a 13-7 score into the 4th quarter against the number 1 team in the state, only to lose on a few big plays and you drop from 2nd to 6th? Sorry Todd, don’t get that rationale.

By JAYBO

October 5, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Hey HSballfan, I’ve been riding low in regards to my team(TCC), but you’re right, Oct. 31 will answer some questions: 1)Just how good is Westside and 2)How much improvement has TCC made. I think my boys have improved, but we will see in a few weeks!!

Todd, I dont have a bull in the fight, but I dont think that NS is the 6th best team in AAAAA…no way, no how. I watched that game and NS was in it most of the way. You shouldn’t rank a team above them simply b/c they are undefeated! I thought rankings were about rated the best teams…which means that w’s and l’s dont always tell the true story. Come on you know you wont find many people who believe that NS is the 6th best team in AAAAA!! Should be 1. Lowndes 2. Camden and 3. NS

By 1bighammer

October 5, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

hillisreal You don’t relly want to play Sandy Creek. They are not Alexander (that you only beat by 5) or Whitewater (that you only beat by 3).

SC hasn’t even hit on all cylinders yet.

By vikings rule

October 5, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

All the hype about REID is real. This guy is indeed a play maker, but what most are just finding out about him we’ve already known for years. Reid has been playing this way and making plays since pee-wee league. It’s amazing how you guys are just now recognizing his offensive and defensive ability. We Lowndes fans have witnessed it for the last 3 seasons. He is just one of those special players that continues to work his magic on the football field. He never quits. REIDS’ motto is “Play hard or stay home.” Reid is just one of those players that you can only hope to contain because i’ve yet to see any team just out right stop him. He is having an amazing football season. Some of the things he does are so awesome that if i wasn’t sitting right there i wouldn’t believe if i hadn’t seen it with my own two eyes. So, yes TODD Reid should be in the top for Player Of The Year. Who else is on that list?

By HoyaDawg

October 5, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Player of the year ROBBIE GODHIGH Harrison

By vikings rule

October 5, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

REEZE Glad to have you back. So, you think Coffee will beat us, huh? Well being that i haven’t seen Coffee play one set of downs this year i really can’t reply. All i can say is that both teams will bring it hard. All teams with passing attacks think they can beat us. Does NORTH GWINNETT ring any bells? Hey, maybe Coffee has what it takes to beat LOWNDES, but for now we’ll just focus on VALDOSTA

By HSBallfan

October 5, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure Sandy Creek and Mays would necessarily meet November 7th. I’m not familiar with the region five playoff rules, but in other areas the sub-region champs don’t face each other. They usually pair up against a lower seed in the other sub-region. Does anyone know for certain what the playoff setup is for region five AAAA?

By slalom1

October 5, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

REEZE, Do you honestly believe that Coffee has anything for Lowndes? I ask this because Coffee was not that spectacular against Shaw, at least on offense. Coffee won 24-0. LG put up 33 on Shaw and allowed the clock to run out while inside the Shaw 10 yd, line with their 2nd team offense in the game. As for NSWR, the season is not over. Like you I believe that Coach Nix is one of the great ones. There is the possibility of a re-match in the play-offs. If so, what do you think? As for Coffee vs. NSWR, should NSWR come up with the win, then what? I can recall giving a “pep talk” to the NSWR faithful in 2007 when Ivory went down. Sure enough, NSWR “finished the drill” as YO would say. I would not count NSWR out yet. Great coaching and great tradition. Hate it that I missed THE game.

By shazam

October 5, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Joy Rider I think it has already started according to the last blog I was on…..and it won’t stop either…..

By Camden Cat

October 5, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Yeah I’m not a Northside fan….but I don’t think they should have dropped that far….Those rankings don’t mean anything anyway. All that matters is what you do when you get to the playoffs.

By Proud O Lineman Dad

October 5, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Why is it offensive linemen are never considered for POY, MVP, etc? A lineman can dominate and can get their job done all by themselves. A running back on the other hand needs them to block for them and the QB needs them to block for them. Only a lineman gets it done on their own yet they never get any credit, only blame. When the QB gets sacked it is the line’s fault. Nevermind that the QB held the ball too lomg. When the running back gets stuffed it is the line’s fault. Nevermind that they might have hit the wrong hole.

I could go on and on but it will never change.

By its on

October 5, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Good comment by viking rule, you can’t sleep on any team from region 1 because you will get upset if you start looking ahead. Those teams are coming to play hard for the final playoff spot. They can’t afford to lose becasuse it is so close.

By AVikingfan

October 5, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Where is EagleNationRising? The sound of his absence is deafening. He is the guy who guaranteed NHS would win, “NSH would control the line of scrimmage,” his “Lowndes hasn’t played anybody” postings, where are you ENR? You can’t blame it on the ref’s as some of your people did just after the game. Lowndes was penalized 70 yards and NSH 30. Personally I think Tift is better than NSH, maybe Peachtree Ridge is also. Don’t get me wrong, NSH is very good. I think they’ll beat Coffee this week, but lose to Tift. They should handle Colquitt fairly easily. But if rumor is correct and 1-AAAAA’s second team, has to go to Camden in round two of the playoffs, Tift has a better chance of beating Camden than NSH does. (You heard it here first!) Abry Jones is for real. The LB with the mouth, no. 34, Eric Fields is over-rated. I’ll take our two LB’s any day over him.

By Lewis

October 5, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

It’s about time Callaway got a little respect. They’ve absolutely dominated their region- albeit it’s a weak region- but they beat Lovett and lost 15-7 to a very good Troup team (who lost to the number 2, 3, and 5 teams in AAA by a combined score of 27-13). Callaway should win out and will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

By Rashad Lewis

October 5, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Region 5-AAAA is the only region with a region playoff. This makes no sense to me. Why not just let the top two teams from each sub-region advance to the state playoffs. This same format was used years ago when I played at Mays 13 years ago. This format seemed to always KO two teams that could go deep in the playoffs.

i.e. Mays vs Whitewater & Villa Rica vs Sandy Creek.

Anyone of these four teams could win state this year but only two are going to have the chance to go.

By 1 5A fan

October 5, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Well I am from Coffee County and I’m not sure Coffee will win over NSWR but I can tell you it will be hard faught. If there is another team in 1-AAAAA that can win over NSWR its Coffee. They keep adjusting to the other team every game so far. I dont see a run away on either side. I for one am looking for a really hard faught ball game come Friday. As far as the NSWR fans go, please come on down and lets enjoy the game for what it is. May the best team win.

By Lowndes Vikings

October 5, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

To “wildcatfan” You’ll have an opportunity to have a “love fest” with Greg Reid too this coming Friday. Course he ran all over your tamekittens last year! People are talking about him because he is really that good. Ask Tifton, ask anybody we’ve played. Ask North Gwinnett. Glad ya’ll beat Colquitt. I pull for the Wildcats to win every week they’re not playing Lowndes. But ya’ll may have your hands full with Tift and Coffee. NSH may burst Coffee’s bubble this week, and Valdosta always plays good against Tift (who seems to get up for Lowndes but not for Valdosta). But read it here first, Lowndes will make it 5 in a row against Valdosta Friday. That’s give you 3 region losses and probably no playoffs. Don’t you know that thought will be firing our little ole “plowboys” up a bit? Just think, if Lowndes wins this week, Valdosta probably does not make the playoffs!!!! Most of our fans will be disapointed for the Cats, but our players will love it! So go ahead and do like ENR did last week, bad mouth Greg Reid. While you’re at it, do like Eric Fields did and guarantee a Wildcat victory. (his quote was in 8” letters on the wall in the Lowndes field house.)

By Reeze

October 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Avikingfan…..I think you’re still high from your win Friday….I think you’re the first and only to proclaim Eric Fields overated ,shows what you really know about the game….And I think you’ve got it backwards …Coffee is the better team…Congrats on your win.

By AVikingfan

October 5, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

I’ll second that post about Abry Jones being good. So was number 98, a JR according to the program, and he looked bigger than Jones. Eric Fields was not a factor. Except for his comments in the newpaper last week. That was STUPID. You just don’t do those things when you’re playing a good team! Did you know NSH (I like NSWR best) only made 31 yards in teh second half? And absoluterly no first downs after the ref made the Lowndes band stop playing when +NSWR had the ball. That fired up the Lowndes fans, as it did against North Gwinnett last year in the title game, and the fans fired up the team. Believe me, the band directer knew what he was doing.

Where is ENR?

By Drock08

October 5, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

To Slalom1: I think that Coffee will give Lowndes a great game and it will decide region 1AAAAA. I have been sold on Coffee since last year playoff game. To receive the knockout punch from Newnan in the playoffs 21-0 and to come back showed me some heart. Also that 6’4 receiver is the real deal and anytime you have a threat like that with a powerful running game you have a legitmate chance. I believe the ranking is about accurate with Lowndes Camden and Newnan being the top three teams in the state. Also the comment from one NSWR fan regarding their quarterback situation being politcal bothers me.I have seen many situtations like that around my community and it is not right so I hope that is not the reason why anyone is starting. I heard Lagrange is now rolling on offense to go along with their great defense. Looks like Troup is tougher than I thought and Shaw was overated this year?

By slalom1

October 5, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Lewis, You are absolutely right. This Callaway team is for real. Unfortunately for them Buford and Fitzgerald are in AA. I agree that Callaway will finish the season 9-1. Here is the good part: They just keep getting better. I had the good fortune of having an inside track to the Callaway program in 2007. The Callaway coaching staff is among the state’s best. I believe that. By season’s end they may quite well have something for Buford and Fitzgerald. Hope so.

By AVikingfan

October 5, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the typos in my previous post, didn’t proof read it before sending. And I’m a poor typist!

By Camden Cat

October 5, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Lowndes Vikings tamekittens huh?? Too early for me to trash talk…..we will see how it pans out though….every dog has his day….

By Drock08

October 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

I really think Greg Reid is one of the top two way players in the state. I think Greg Reid and J.Davis of Tucker are the real deal. Also after watching Sandy Creek I believe they really have a chance of making a run at the Championship this year. Their quarterback Rio Johnson is very good. East Carolina got a steal with him. I am looking forward to the Newnan vs E.Coweta game this year as the Indians have gotten better since their opening OT loss to Sandy Creek. Their All-Purpose player Jeric Woodall could be the most underated player in Ga and their Junior runningback Tay Willis is Region 4AAAAA leading rusher. And Newnan speaks for themselves with an offense that avg 43 ppg and the first team have given up 10 pts in 5 games and less than 100 yards per game.

By HSBallfan

October 5, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

By Rashad Lewis: Region 5-AAAA is the only region with a region playoff. Not correct. Region 7-AAAA also has a playoff round November 7th, but I’ve not been able to find anyone who knows for sure how the teams will match up. Last year region 4-AAAA had a nine game regular reason and a week ten playoff. The #1 seed in each sub-region played the #4 seed in the other, the 2’s and 3’s matched up. Winners advanced to state; that’s how Westside-Macon got knocked out last year losing to a lower seeded Lovejoy. Northside and Griffin did not have to play each other, so I’m wondering if regions 5 and 7 will use the same system this year. Thus, Sandy Creek and Mays WOULD NOT meet. I ask again: Does anyone know for sure? AJC? A little research on this please???

By LowndesVikings08

October 5, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Player of the year? How could you not pick Greg Reid. He is a heck of a football player!!!!

By Reeze

October 5, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Slalom 1….I didn’t say the season was over for Northside…I just think Coffee is just as good as Lowndes or Northside ……Defensively Lowndes isn’t lights out ,We lost because of Greg Reid and our inability to pass …. Carver’s defense was better ,only minus Greg Reid…..With a balanced attack ,which Coffee has ,I think they’ll beat them…And if Northside’s passing attack doesn’t improve Coffee will win friday…..

By shazam

October 5, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Hello TODD HOLCOMB I don’t mean to start anything especially with Camden Fans but…..Todd Camden plays in a relatively weak region. Why do you still rank them number 2? Have you seen them or something??

By T.J.

October 5, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

ENR…where are you??? I think they will lose to Coffee as well. Coffee is better balanced. I was at Lowndes. The stadium was nice! Crowd was spirited. Was a great atmosphere. Felt like playoffs. I missed Gwinnett games this week. Any news on Grayson, I see no pictures or articles over their beat down of Shiloh. What happened during the game? I think Grayson has a few players that get overlooked. Most are Juniors I think. Does the AJC focus on Seniors because of recruiting? A good game for up north this week. Grayson vs. Brookwood, this will decide if Grayson is for real. Both communities are ready for this showdown. What are the other games of the week?

By trojan fan 99

October 5, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

To Lowndes Vikings, Northside will not be bursting any bubbles because they are the defending state champs even it was 4A bc classification don’t mean nothing its all about talent and the coaches to know where to place the talent and we are just going to play our game with our balance of attacks and we are not rolling over to no one we are as good as anybody in this region! Real Talk

By IamMays

October 5, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

1bighammer The margin of victory doesn’t matter as long as you win because there are differing circumstances surrounding every game. Rather than point out one or two games lets take a look at the entire season for both teams to this point. Mays lost 16 starters from last year’s team and are still better than Sandy Creek. You talk about not hitting on all cylinders yet… Mays is a team who just six games ago was picked to lose against a AAA school. No one had any expectations of them. Mays has retooled the defense with outstanding talent and giving up only 9 points a game and are averaging 25 points a game on offense with the bulk of their players having little varsity experience. Sandy Creek surrenders an average of 12 points on defense and average 27 points on offense, which technically makes Mays 1 point better overall (since you want to look at numbers). Mays play on the stronger of the two sides that make up region 5 but they will only get better the rest of this year and next year. Mays will see you and Sandy Creek in the region playoff game and raise you a region championship on the way to winning state.

I saw the Sandy Creek Whitewater game, I would liked to have seen the outcome of that game if not for the bogus holding call on Whitewater on that big pass play that would have put Whitewater in scoring position to go up by two touchdowns a few minutes before half time. I personally think that Sandy Creek got some homecooking based on the officiating I saw in that one.

GO RAIDERS!!!

By vikings rule

October 5, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

REEZE How you underestimate my Vikings! How can you say that your Eagles lost because of Greg Reid. I beg to differ. Yes, Reid is a play maker, but Northside didn’t win the game because the Lowndes defense dominated in the second half. As for your inability to pass, Lowndes didn’t complete one single pass in that game either so i guess i just don’t see your point. Lowndes’ defense may not be lights out but they make the plays that they need to make when it’s time to make them. How can you say Carvers’ defense is better than Lowndes’ defense when you guys scored the same exact number of points on them as you did on us? So, how is their defense better?

By trublu

October 5, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

I hope Nix isn’t going back to his good ol’ boy depth chart. One of the main reasons he is doing well is because of his ability to make changes when necessary. Marquez Ivory gets a start because the original starting QB just isn’t getting the job done and what happens? 30-0 streak and 2 state championships. Now maybe putting Ivory in the place was a thank you to his dad, I don’t know…but it didn’t hurt to make the change. At the beginning of the 1999 season, Hylick injures his leg going down the stairs at the back of the school gym pre season and is not going to start at QB for a few weeks. IN comes Chanci Stuckey and what happens…13-1 state semis, first in school history. I hope he remembers these 2 significant changes in school history when making his decisions.

As a NHS fan, I am sure some of you saw my comments after the game and knowing how much we are often loved by AJC, and considering what happened to Tucker the week before, I think #6 is fine for NHS. I don’t think anyone will doubt them all season, but they still need to go out and prove it on the field. 2 goals left on the season…lose no more games in the regular season and make a strong run thru the playoffs, to include hosting/attending the semis.

Pretend this is Peach Co, this week…beat em like they don’t belong!

By Brandon

October 5, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Hey Todd, should Charlton County’s unbeaten streak from 2005-07 be on that list? They won 34 games I believe, 35 if you count the Beach game in 2007. Of course they tied for the state title in 2006, so I’m not sure how that factors in.

By Slinger

October 5, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Of the top ten, I’ve seen Camden, Grayson, Harrison, Lowndes, Newnan, Northside and Walton this season. I have not seen Coffee. Of the group I have seen Camden, Lowndes, Newnan and Northside are all the real deals. They are probably the four best teams in the state, again having not seen Coffee.

I know the brackets will force a Camden vs Region 1 #2 in the second round, so one of these teams will be eliminated EARLY, but unfortunately. It should be worth everyone’s time and money (and carpooling) to travel to Kingsland on November 21 to see that potential match-up.

By VSU Blazer

October 6, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Zack Gonosz, #1, on the East Paulding Raiders. Player of the Year.

By Graysonfan2

October 6, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

TJ

yep, nothing much in the paper just the score basically, and no news on here about the Grayson/Shiloh beat down. Not to mention Grayson the only Gwinnett team to win out of the three that were in the Ga Dome this year for the Corkey Kell classic, had a tiny little article about them in the lower right hand corner of a whole page with huge pictures and articles dedicated to the other two teams that lost. if anyone thinks they get no respect here, try that one on for size. Its ok though, shhh, Grayson is the silent creeper. Cant even get a blogger to talk smack with in this county. (boo-hoo), lol.

By Graysonfan2

October 6, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

Slinger my man,

what Grayson game did you see, you sure get around!

By THHILLISREAL

October 6, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

1bighamer,Do you really think giving up 9.8 points a game MAYS DEFENSE is hitting on all cylinders.Do some research over past few years on our defense,we are giving up helluva lot points.Not to mention we only have 1 shutout to our credit this year,we average 3 year. But that what happen when you return only 1 defense player back.WE KEEP ON PUSHING

          **MAYS HIGH TIL DAY I DIE**

By slalom1

October 6, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Drock08, I agree with you. I do not see Coach Nix appointing a starter at any position because of politics. He is way above that. As for AAAAA, I also agree. Although I would not yet rule NSWR out. It is clearly Lowndes, Camden, Newnan and NSWR. (Not necessarily in that order). As we get deeper into the season I have become more and more of a Newnan believer. Maybe this will be THE year. In AAA, LG has gotten better each week since the Newnan loss and right now playing the best I have seen them play since 2004. Region 2AAA will come down to Carver, Troup, LaGrange and Shaw. Shaw is a much better team than their record indicates. As is Troup. It is possible that Shaw could enter the play-offs 3-7 and still make lots of noise.

By Mays High Fan

October 6, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

I graduated from Benjamin E. Mays High School and I love it that they are winning. I wish all the Mays Raider players the best of luck. For everyone that don’t know much about Atlanta Public Schools well the best school in APS is and always will be Mays High.

Go Raiders!!!

By homet

October 6, 2008 6:34 AM | Link to this

Look out HERE COME THE “REAL” RAIDERS…

Finally after many months of back & forth about who they played, where they played, can’t win in AAAAA…

WELL BOOM…With a resounding CANNON SHOT** Todd moves the EAST RAIDERS into the top 10 with their first ranking in AAAAA!!!!

After North Cobb gets it’s visit this week the EAST RAIDERS WILL make believers out of the “nay sayers” with their OCT. 17th visit to “THE COBB” with the (hopefully still) undefeated Harrison Hoya’s!!! The Raiders have proved they belong & can play in AAAAA while Harrison has shown they are again the team to beat in 5A AAAAA.

If the AJC or anyone else is looking for a “game of the week” Oct. 17th at “THE COB” is shaping up to be a BARNBURNER!!! It will probably decide the winner of Region 5A AAAAA!!!

Thanks again to Chris & the AJC for their visit to “THE BONEYARD” for last fridays win over Etowah.

By shazam

October 6, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

WOW!!! There has definitely been a power shift…..it used to be North Georgia all the time on this site…..now I can hardly find in North Georgia bloggers. They are definitely not the center of the universe anymore

By bohgey

October 6, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

We had some Northside fans pull up and tailgate next to us on Friday afternoon and one of the guys that came over to speak to us mainly to question Greg Reid’s ability. Reid plays both sides of the ball and the Tifton fan was right, you don’t run a 99 yard score with 1 minute and some change without a little stamina left. I’m sure all of Northside’s fans are tired of seeing these abilities and ready for him to get to Florida, or wherever he goes (I hope Martinez and Garner worked some magic)
There are some things that should be noted. Greg did some showboating in Tifton two weeks ago and I pointed that out to the Northside fan. My buddy and I stated that was not how we want Lowndes to be viewed and that our team wins championships, not one player. The Northside fan defended Greg stating that he was simply standing out in a sea of players. We didn’t argue and they were pretty good fans to tailgate next to. Then again, they didn’t hang around to analyze whether or not Greg and for that matter the rest of our team could last the entire game. Lowndes’ program can be likened to Nick Saban’s “Fourth Quarter” program. When everyone else is tired and trying to catch their breath, Lowndes is still pounding it on offense and hitting like hammers on the defense. I have watched replays of the game on CBS-C and about the beginning of the fourth quarter, all of the Northside defense were slow to move and holding their hands on their hips in-between plays. That is where the game was won.
It was a great game and hopefully this weekend’s Winnersville will be hyped as well.

By Coweta County

October 6, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Let me be the second to say that Northgate will come in second in the sub region. Sandy Creek will win the region. The Fayette county schools are down and will be that way for a while. A lot of Northgates players came through the PTC Packers program as did some of the other schools. The leader of that progmam is now at Northgate.Northgate will be one of the big dogs until they change the region alignment. Thanks, Coach for showing me how it works. Timing is everything.

By SGT CHRIS

October 6, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

As for GREG REID and all this talk about him going to FLA…how great is he OFF the field…as in IN THE CLASSROOM? because if you viewed the litlle video piece AJC did on him, they had his GPA at 2.2!!!!! Like i said before, you’ll see him in FLA, in time for the 2010 season after he goes JUCO!!! NOT HATING!!! just stating what I read!!

Callaway and Lagrange are rolling now…Troup is righting its ship…gonna be a LOOONG november hey slalom!!!!

By shazam

October 6, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

SGT CHRIS I was also a bit concerned about his GPA. Is that a C- though?? I remember glancing at it and thinking….how can he still be playing with that GPA?? I guess it’s acceptable to Florida

By DEKALB UNKNOWN

October 6, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

slalom1, Shaw is a much better team than their record indicates. As is Troup. It is possible that Shaw could enter the play-offs 3-7 and still make lots of noise. See that’s what wrong our Georgia football format when a team like Shaw from a smaller region gets in the State playoffs with that kind of record. In the two of the last four years this is what has happen to Dunwoody. (7-3 no playoffs and 8-2 no playoffs). I think that if a region only has 8 teams then they get 2 spots and a 3rd team based on their non region schedule with AAA teams. A region with sub region and 14 or 15 teams should gets 4 spots with the potential of a 5th team based on their non region schedule against AAA competion. How fair is it now when you have some regions with 6 to 8 teams yet they get 4 spots. No way are we getting all of the best teams in the state playoffs.

By homet

October 6, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

YO! Shazam…Remove your head from your “Genie” bottle and read the post just before yours…LOL!

and TRUST ME when I tell you that you will seeing MANY more EAST RAIDER post!!!!

By MLK Lions Fan

October 6, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Way to go MLK Lions!!! Let’s finish this season and keep pushing toward our December ‘08 goal!!!

By Demon Fan

October 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Coffee has a good quarterback. Plus, the LB, Smith was on us all night. He is really good. Like Reeze said, they have a very balanced offense. They have a lot of weapons on offense. I just can’t figure out why WR stopped passing the ball. I would’ve tried to air it out at least two more times.

The only way I see them beating NHS is if by some stretch of the imagination they get into a shootout. I think Coffee could outgun NHS.

By SGT CHRIS

October 6, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Shazam—you are right that is a C-

Well if the BEST teams handle their business in their REGION, then they would be guaranteed a playoff spot..if shaw loses to lagrange troup and carver but beats northside, kendrick and columbus, that makes them the 4th best team in the region…the number of teams in a region falls on the shoulders of the GHSA..so you cant blame shaw if they get in with a 3-7 record..id commend them for that!!!!

correct me if im wrong but wasnt there a region with only 4 teams and they all got in the state playoffs??

By Jaybird229

October 6, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

To Reeze:

I thought the same thing about Coffee last year going into their game with Lowndes and look how that turned out. Warner Robins is not a good barometer to tell how good Coffee is. Lowndes is just on another level right now. I think Coffee will bring it just like Northside brought it, but the end result will be the same. I said 24-10 and I was almost dead on. The only way for people to stop the love affair with Lowndes if for a team to step up and beat them. It’s only a love fest because they win. The same thing happened to Valdosta. That’s all you heard about until they stopped winning. Now its all about Lowndes. They’ll go on a dry spell and someone else will be the new talk of the state. That’s how football goes at every level.

By Cynthia Chesney

October 6, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

To homet: It was one for the win column for the Raiders to make them 5 - 0, although the game wasn’t that pretty. We could have very easily lost to Etowah Friday night. Although I’m a huge East Paulding Raider fan, we need to play better than we did on Friday. We may defeat teams in our region, but if they expect to defeat teams outside our region, and particiapte in the playoffs, they must play better with no mistakes or miscues. GO RAIDERS!!

By P

October 6, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Todd, Great job with the rankings this week.

Ultimately the ones that concern me are Walton who have come on strong of late and Grayson with that incredible rushing attack. I’m not quite sure how well they will compete with Lowndes and Camden who are the two best teams I’ve seen. Newnan certainly has high expectations but so far they aren’t disapointing.

I really think the playoffs will go through the Plowboys and the Wildcats. They have as many great athletes as any two teams I’ve seen. It’s them and everyone else this year. That is if they don’t have a letdown somewhere.

By Todd Holcomb

October 6, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Todd, I dont have a bull in the fight, but I dont think that NS is the 6th best team in AAAAA…… You shouldn’t rank a team above them simply b/c they are undefeated!

I’m not ranking teams ahead of Northside because they are undefeated. Otherwise, I’d have Harrison, Coffee and East Paulding ahead of Northside.

You carry a 13-7 score into the 4th quarter against the number 1 team in the state, only to lose on a few big plays and you drop from 2nd to 6th? Sorry Todd, don’t get that rationale.

Placing Northside this week was a tough call. I could’ve put them anywhere from No. 3 to No. 9 and defended the decision. But I settled on No. 6 because regardless of how close the game was entering the fourth, Northside didn’t stop trying at that point, and Lowndes the most important quarter of the game. I don’t think Northside was going to score again if they’d played until midnight.

Losing 24-7 to Northside and beating Carver (a lower-half AAAA team so far) by one point is more indicative of a No. 6 team than a No. 3 team. Keep in mind that Tift played Lowndes as well as Northside did, and Baldwin beat Carver 22-0. I’m not writing off Northside, but I think we’ve seen enough in 2008 to realize this is not the same team as a year ago. Great defense, mediocre offense.

When will Villa Rica get some respect, they have a good team.

Not sure what kind of respect you’re looking for, but you can’t lose to Pepperell 28-7 and expect to be in the Class AAA Top 10.

Westside Macon is the only team that could make a solid #1 in AAAA???What has Westside Macon truly done this year?

Good point, I guess. But Westside is a team that returned almost every starter from last season and was well-respected by coaches in that region before the season. I had Westside No. 3 in the preseason, and all who’ve seen them and talked to me about it are very impressed. On the other hand, Mays, Sandy Creek and Statesboro were unranked in the preason, and while they’ve played well, none has a truly defining victory. As you stated, neither has Westside, but the preseason expectation was much higher for Westside.

I don’t mean to start anything especially with Camden Fans but…..Todd Camden plays in a relatively weak region. Why do you still rank them number 2???

Playing in a weak region doesn’t mean you aren’t the No. 2 team in the state. Camden played in a weak region in 2003 and was the No. 1 team in the state. Also, Camden has played one of the toughest schedules in the state thus far.

Hey Todd, should Charlton County’s unbeaten streak from 2005-07 be on that list? They won 34 games I believe, 35 if you count the Beach game in 2007. Of course they tied for the state title in 2006, so I’m not sure how that factors in.

Charlton had a 36-game unbeaten streak, but I’m listing only winning streaks. East Rome had a 39-game unbeaten streak in the 1970s that included a tie.

I do not see Coach Nix appointing a starter at any position because of politics. He is way above that.

Exactly. Do people really think Coach Nix, after 30 years of coaching, consecutive state titles and about 10 straight years of winning 10 or more games, is starting certain players over others for political reasons? I think you have to be pretty cynical about the world to suggest such a thing.

By 1bighammer

October 6, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

To Rashad Lewis and HSBALLFAN

Region 5AAAA playoff works this way.

A1 vs B1 Flip for Home,unless teams already played. Winner is #1 seed Loser is #2 seed. A2 vs B3 A2 Home, winner is #3 seed A3 vs B2 B2 Home, Winner is #4 seed

Because sub regions differ in talent, this pretty much assures the 4 best teams represent the region in the playoffs.

By shazam

October 6, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

hornet I do need to take my head out of the clouds sometimes. lol. I was replying to him.

By Todd Holcomb

October 6, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

It is possible that Shaw could enter the play-offs 3-7 and still make lots of noise. See that’s what wrong our Georgia football format when a team like Shaw from a smaller region gets in the State playoffs with that kind of record. In the two of the last four years this is what has happen to Dunwoody. (7-3 no playoffs and 8-2 no playoffs).

Dunwoody has been penalized, you are right, but I wouldn’t take it out on Shaw. Shaw would make the playoffs from any region in the state this year, including Dunwoody’s region this season, in my opinion.

Shaw could be 5-1 right now if they’d chosen to play a weak pre-region schedule. Instead, they played three ranked teams in Georgia and two Class AAAAAA teams from Alabama. Most Georgia teams would’ve been 0-5 against that schedule.

By SGT CHRIS

October 6, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

camden HAD to go out and find the toughest non region schedule BECAUSE of their weak region schedule so that doesnt give them the toughest schedule in the state..now if you look at Troup’s non region schedule and what they did against it, and yes they had a losing record against their non region foes, id say that was a far tougher schedule than camden’s

By REAL raiders wear the BLACK & SILVER

October 6, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Thank You Todd Holcomb!! I played for the EP team that went to the dome and we didn’t get ranked until we we’re one of the ten teams left.

Same thing happened last year..

So it’s about time that the state see what John Reid and his tremendous coaching staff have done.

“HERE COMES THE BOOM!!”

By 1bighammer

October 6, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

To IamMays

Obviously you didn’t watch the entire game or you would have seen that Whitewater was holding #31 ALL NIGHT! He was blowin up his guy and the only way they could stop him was to hold him. So that one call made does not make up for all the others they missed. Also if you were watching…in the first half, Sandy Creek had call after call go against them.

I would agree with you on the margin of victory not meaning much in looking at all games, but comparing the margin against teams at different ends of the spectrum does tell you something. Sandy Creek handled Alexander and the JV did Mop up in the fourth quarter. Don’t tell me that Mays played their JV the whole game, or the majority of the game, no coach in his right mind would risk his sub-region standing like that. I won;t mention anything about Whitewater…Just look at the score.

Maybe we’ll play on 11/7, things appear to be heading that way, but anything can happen. Good luck to ya’ll thru the rest of your sub-region.

Go Patriots!!!

By DEKALB UNKNOWN

October 6, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Tood, okay they should be 5-1 but they are not. I understand they are a good team well good team find a way to win. If we are talking fairness then the right thing to do is to look at the regions to make sure there are not these 6 or 8 team regions that get the same number of playoff spots that a 14 or 15 team region gets. (Equity) This is not about Dunwoody as they have done what they have need to do each year get better and leave no doubt as to their goals. You can claim that most teams would be 0-5 but I do not think that would be the case. This is georgia football not Alabama football. Oh yea Bama did beat UGA.

By S.G.

October 6, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Is there going to be any articles soon telling us who some of the top players in the state are? In the past I have found ways to follow these players week to week but this year I am having trouble. The AJC has in the past has listed the statistical leaders week to week. But thats not the case this year. I havent been able to find any sites listing the states top performers. Becuase we are in the Milton school district the only region I have been able to follow is region 6 AAAAA. (Roswell, Walton, Milton etc.) Toney Williams is averaging almost 9 yds/carry and has helped Milton to a 4-1 record…He has 1160 yds & 17 td’s… isn’t Toney Williams of one of the front runners for player of the year?

By Shane Goodman

October 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Is there going to be any articles soon telling us who some of the top players in the state are? In the past I have found ways to follow these players week to week but this year I am having trouble. The AJC has in the past has listed the statistical leaders week to week. But thats not the case this year. I havent been able to find any sites listing the states top performers. Becuase we are in the Milton school district the only region I have been able to follow is region 6 AAAAA. (Roswell, Walton, Milton etc.) Toney Williams is averaging almost 9 yds/carry and has helped Milton to a 4-1 record…He has 1160 yds & 17 td’s… isn’t Toney Williams of one of the front runners for player of the year?

By Shane Goodman

October 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Is there going to be any articles soon telling us who some of the top players in the state are? In the past I have found ways to follow these players week to week but this year I am having trouble. The AJC has in the past has listed the statistical leaders week to week. But thats not the case this year. I havent been able to find any sites listing the states top performers. Becuase we are in the Milton school district the only region I have been able to follow is region 6 AAAAA. (Roswell, Walton, Milton etc.) Toney Williams is averaging almost 9 yds/carry and has helped Milton to a 4-1 record…He has 1160 yds & 17 td’s… isn’t Toney Williams of one of the front runners for player of the year?

By goober

October 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Copy that, Shane Goodman. Any help on this, Todd? If nothing else, please tell us how Washaun Ealey is doing at ECI? How many yards does he have?

By HSBallfan

October 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

bighammer Thanks for the clarification on the 5AAAA playoffs. While I wonder about the wisdom of letting your top two teams beat each other up a week before state begins, I’m glad we have a chance at that Sandy Creek-Mays showdown.

By RealisticEP_Fan

October 6, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

To: C Chesney

You may claim to be a be EP Raider ‘Fan’ but its obvious you are overly knowledgeable about the game itself. You thought EP didn’t play very well against Etowah……What ‘exactly’ did you see to indicate that they played poorly.

In all reality, they played an extremely good game. The number of mental errors was down significantly. There were what 4 flags on EP all night…..way down from their norm of 9-10. Noteworthy in that is that there was not a single, late hit or unsportsmanlike penalty on either the team of the coaches, which is also a credit to them and shows they are maturing.

As far as how far they’ll go,,,I’m not sure and kinda agree with you. I think that while Etowah was their most complete game of the year and that they still have some areas to improve upon, I think that ‘realistically’ that even when they get the most talent and heat wise out of them that they may end up losing a few balls games. That is not a slap to the team, kids, coaches at all. I think that they will probably reach 100% of their potential this year and it mostly like will end shy of what ‘our’ fan goals might be.

Please really start watching the games, and not just the QB and RB’s. Watch the line of scrimmage and see how our kids react, how the linebackers read and react to fill holes (or rather don’t most of the time). See how our corners don’t necessarily bite on fakes but still are being out run on fly routes, notice how the coaches get us in a match up zone coverage every time it is 3 and long. This is because they are concerned about playing press/man to man coverage in that situation.

Not dogging the defense or the coaches. They bring everything they have and the coaches are coaching the talent they have. It is a credit to all of them that they remain committed, and poised, and have been able to elevate their games to keep on winning games.

By SGT CHRIS

October 6, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

HEY SLALOM QUICK QUESTION…WHERE IS COACH GUTHRIE NOW??

By shazam

October 6, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

I guess you’re right Todd. They were awesome in 2003. I have to admit that. From what I’ve heard they’re also the real deal this year. I don’t know if they can overcome Lowndes though.

By Lewis

October 6, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

To Slalom1: Yeah, I’m not saying Callaway’s going to win state. Buford looks unstoppable. But this is the school’s 13th year and it’s still yet to win a playoff game despite having some very good teams over the years. This will be a successful year for them if they win region and win a round in state. I don’t want to set the bar too low, but I’m also trying to be realistic.

By Trojanerrr

October 6, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

I believe that Coffee county, my county, is pretty much amazing. As a witness to the game, I just knew “Demon Country” had already won the game by the first touchdown, the first minute into the game. The next touchdown, dampened my spirits even more. but 5 SECONDS before half time we caught it up, making it 17- 17. You better believe I was literally jumping up and down during the 3rd quarter when we got most of our touchdowns, surpassing the Demons. Having some miraculous talent on Coffee’s team, is the reason why we won. Although our kicker has had better days, the rest of the team played well. I am so excited about the Northside game, and am sure that my team, Coffee High Trojans will come out on top. And if not, they still have at least one die-hard fan.

And as for Lowndes,they have pretty much always been more efficent than us. But this year i think we will give them a run got their money.

And, by the way, the majority of our games have been won with our opponetts having 0 touchdowns. So yeah, Trojans got it in the bag, over Northside that is. So i suggest you come friday at 8, and watch the game, where I am sure Trojans will be dominating.

By Coffee Trojan

October 6, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I just want to say one thing Lowndes maybe good, but so is Coffee.I really don’t believe Coffee is getting the respect they deserve.If you watch the trojans you see playmakers everywhere you look.On the other hand all you here about for Lowndes is Greg Reid.I’ll give him all the credit in the world because he is good, but just remember this ain’t no one man show.When you have as much balance on offense as the trojans do and a respectable defense as they do I see them going a long way.

By Todd Holcomb

October 6, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

**Thank You Todd Holcomb!! I played for the EP team that went to the dome and we didn’t get ranked until we we’re one of the ten teams left.

Same thing happened last year.**

Actually, East was ranked pretty much all season in 2007. Entered the playoffs at No. 7.

But your point is a good one. East has proven doubters wrong more than perhaps any team in the state the past 2.5 seasons.

If nothing else, please tell us how Washaun Ealey is doing at ECI? How many yards does he have?

Ealey has rushed for 889 yards on 85 attempts and has scored 16 touchdowns. That’s on pace for 2,667 yards and 48 TDs. A little below last year’s unreal numbers.

I can’t give a list of the top candidates. That’s a blog or story for another day. But I encourage our faithful Poll Talk audience to volunteer what they know.

Why is it offensive linemen are never considered for POY, MVP, etc? A lineman can dominate and can get their job done all by themselves. A running back on the other hand needs them to block for them.

Parkview’s Zeb McKenzey was the AJC’s all-class player of the year in 2002. Linebackers Tray Blackmon (1987), Takeo Spikes (1994) and Curt Douglas (2004) were all-class players of the year. WR/DB Jeff Francoeur was the choice in 2001. So it’s not always RBs and QBs.

But while I agree that linemen should be considered, I don’t think that one lineman can have the impact of one superior QB or RB, unless that lineman plays both ways, and that’s hard to do in the highest classifications. I watched Abry Jones, and while the guy is a beast, a player like Greg Reid can hurt you on offense, defense and special teams. Not saying Jones isn’t a better college prospect, but for the impact that a player does in a high school game, I’d take a guy like Reid over the best lineman.

I’d also rather have Washaun Ealey running behind a mediocre line than have a medioce RB running behind Johnnie Farms and four mediocre linemen. Having a great line will take you far, but it takes several good lineman to have that luxury.

camden HAD to go out and find the toughest non region schedule BECAUSE of their weak region schedule so that doesnt give them the toughest schedule in the state..now if you look at Troup’s non region schedule and what they did against it, and yes they had a losing record against their non region foes, id say that was a far tougher schedule than camden’s

I know that, but just because Camden plays in a weak region doesn’t mean Camden isn’t the No. 2 team in Class AAAAA. And while Troup’s schedule might be tougher for a AAA school, I wouldn’t say it was tougher overall. Camden played three Top 10 teams, once each from Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

okay they (Shaw) should be 5-1 but they are not. I understand they are a good team well good team find a way to win. .

My point is that if the rule was that a 3-7 team couldn’t make the playoffs no matter where they finished in the region, then Shaw would schedule weak non-region opponents and make sure they finished 7-3. We’ve had teams win state after going 4-5-1 and 5-5 in the regular season, so I have no problem w/ Shaw qualifying at 3-7 because those were good teams they played. I don’t see how we can require that Shaw to ”find a way to win” against a Class AAAAAA school when Shaw is only AAA.

As far as the size of regions, I agree, and the GHSA made an attempt to fix that by eliminating the 4-team region that Thomas Central was in. But it’s not as easy to change as it sounds. To balance those small, isolated regions, somebody has to be pulled from their cozy own regions and neighborhoods and be required to travel long distances. You notice that Westside and Hardaway and Harris County were none to thrilled to be put in the same region Thomas Central and Bainbridge, half a state away.

The idea of doing the playoffs by percentages (1 playoff qualifier per 3 teams in your region might help, but what if you’ve got a small but LOADED region, like the one that Shaw is in? There are three teams better than Shaw in its current region, and three teams better than Shaw in Dunwoody’s region. Same difference.

By shazam

October 6, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Todd who do you think will be facing off in The Dome this year from AAAAA? I would just like to hear your opinion

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

To AVikingfan and whoever ths guy TJ is, I do not spend Sundays posting. Between church, preparing for a new workweek, and occasional Sunday afternoon soccer games, I come on her during the week. You have NEVER seen me post here on a Sunday and it is highly unlikely that you ever will.

I flooded this site (AJC.com) with congratulatory posts and most honorable Viking posters would support that. I saw the game on television and Lowndes literally took over the football game in the 2nd half.

I have fought back the Northside excuse thread on Friday night and Saturday as most regulars here saw. The game was a stalemate with Northside actually moving the ball more effectively during the 1st half. Northside clearly did not deal with MINOR adversities as effectively as necessary to beat Lowndes at Martin Stadium.

I will remind Northside posters that Northside has a MONSTER game on Friday night. It is irrelevent if the AJC makes a big deal about it or not. Northside vs. Coffee is the biggest game in Region 1AAAAA this Friday. Eagle fans need to regroup and carry the necessary intensity to beat a very strong Coffee squad.

For something like the 20th time, congratulations to Lowndes County and the Vikings fans and players. It was a great game and strong effort for a number of Vikings players.

By Todd Holcomb

October 6, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

odd who do you think will be facing off in The Dome this year from AAAAA? I would just like to hear your opinion

Without looking at the brackets to see if it’s possible to have these matchups, I’ll say …

Camden-Lowndes

Marist-Westside

Cairo-LaGrange

Buford-Fitzgerald

ECI-Clinch

By shazam

October 6, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Todd thanks. You wouldn’t throw Coffee or NSWR in there instead of Camden though? Maybe even Tift??

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

To Northside posters who proclaim that a quarterback who is 11-1 as a starter is somehow starting due to the fact that his father is a former Northside principal (and a former captain of what was at the team the best Northside team ever in the late 1970s) does not know football in Warner Robins.

I have one challenge for you. Name the starter, if Joe Scott is benched for going 11-1 and losing to the 9th rated team in the nation (ON THE ROAD!). Don’t beat around the bush. Just name the starter (and it better not be an unproven sophomore). I would love to hear this All-State quarterback who is riding the pine due to Conrad Nix showing favor to a supposed undeserving Joe Scott, who is 11-1 as a starter (the second highest winning percentage of a Northside starting QB in school history).

Let’s get it through our heads, Joe Scott is not Marquez Ivory. Joe Scott is not Chansey Stuckey. The reality is Northside HS nor most high schools in the state (or nation) are going to have the kind of talent that Ivory and Stuckey brought to the table.

Northside lost practically every skill position player on offense to graduation. We are going to face some offensive challenges. We are Northside High School in Warner Robins, GA. We are not Mater Dei in California where Joe Montana’s kid is a top 50 QB in the nation and sitting on the bench. It just does not work like that at Northside of any other school in the state.

It is a bit of a concern because obviously some Northside fans have lost a sense of reality about where the program is today and where it has come from. The AJC rated the top regular season games in Georgia history and Northside was at #2 and #3 behind a game played in the 1940s. In other words, Northside is #1 and #2. I personally would never count a pre-integration game because it is a little unfair (in my view). With Joe Scott at QB, this Northside team is as good or better than 95%-98% of the teams that we have fielded. We need to get behind everyone on this team and stop this Joe Scott bashing.

By J Payne

October 6, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Rashard Smith #9 @ Dublin High School should be considered as one of the best football players in Georgia this year. He plays..QB..FS.. holder on PAT’s,FG’s and returns punts. Holds GA. INT per game record (5) and has 20 career INT’s many other DHS records in Football and is an excellent Basketball player. A leader who leads by example and his achviements are well documented.

By Buford Overall #1

October 6, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Well, the contest of all contest kind’a layed an egg in my opinion. Long disappointing drive from up north and back. Both teams were good but not great. One not is, there are no central or northern AAAAA teams this year that will contend but I’ve seen Buford play a couple of games this year and they (Buford) could beat both Lowndes and NSWR regularly. Buford is stronger, can match either team on speed and has a better balanced playbook. Plus they are better coached. FYI; I’m not a Buford fan by any means just a high school football fan that tells it like it is.

By shazam

October 6, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Buford Overall #1 I’ve actually seen Buford play…I will give Buford the edge on strength (maybe) and discipline….but speed?? NEVER!!!

By Todd Holcomb

October 6, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Here is another list that I compiled but never used for the Northside-Lowndes game, but some might find it interesting.

Here are all the games that featured three AJC Super 11 players since 1985, the year of the first AJC Super 11s.

1985: Dunwoody (Billy Ray, Jeff Brown) vs. *Lakeside-DeKalb (Huey Richardson)

1991: Clarke Central (Scott Freeney, Lamont Johnson) vs. *LaGrange (Rodney Hudson)

2000: *Commerce (Monte Williams, Michael Collins) vs. Buford (P.K. Sam)

2000: *Commerce (Monte Williams, Michael Collins) vs. Wesleyan (Eric Broe)

2004: *Peach County (Darius Dewberry, Tony Wright) vs. Tri-County (Charles Jackson)

2007: *Northside-Warner Robins (Abry Jones, Eric Fields) vs. Carver Columbus (Jarvis Jones)

2007: Northside-Warner Robins (Abry Jones, Eric Fields) vs. *Lowndes (Greg Reid)

*-Winner of game.

By Raider*10*

October 6, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Sandy Creek only beat AAA Shaw by 1 point ans they are 1-5 to date. what is the explanation for that???

By K

October 6, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

People seem to equate “Greg Reid is an unbeleivable player” with “Lowndes is a one man show.” Is Greg Reid a great player? Undoubtedly. Is Lowndes a one man show? No way. Lowndes has numerous playmakers on the team (both sides of the ball), but it’s just a matter of the best player is who gets the headlines. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Lowndes doesn’t have a balanced team just because they have one phenom.

As far as Coffee goes. I can’t say what I think of them as a team compared to Lowndes, because I have not seen them play. All I know is that as a Lowndes fan I have heard the same thing over and over for the past few years.

In 2005, it was Brookwood saying that Lowndes had not played anyone as physical or strong as Brookwood, and Lowndes was going to be outmatched. Result: Lowndes 49-7

In 2007, it was North Gwinnett saying Lowndes hadn’t played anyone with the passing game that they had. The defense just couldn’t handle them. Result: Lowndes 34-6

This year it started as Northside saying Lowndes hadn’t faced a defense like theirs. Blah, Blah, Blah. Result 24-7

Now it is Coffee saying Lowndes hasn’t seen an offense as powerful as theirs, and we won’t be able to stand up. As I said, I haven’t seen them yet, but it seems to be another bunch of trash talking in the ongoing saga of the quest to beat Lowndes.

Is Lowndes beatable? Yes, just like anyone else. (If they play Northside, Camden, Newnan, Coffee, or a host of others the way they played against Tift, then it will happen.) Does Lowndes have weaknesses? Yes, like everybody else. Does Lowndes have any real passing game? No, but they didn’t in 2004, 2005, or 2007 and look what happened.

Point is, if you think you are going to beat Lowndes simply because they can’t handle what you bring to the table, then you are deluding yourself. Lowndes wins the way they do by adjusting to whatever the competition brings. Can’t wait to see how we play you Trojans, but first things first; we have to play our game against Valdosta.

Go Vikings

By Jake

October 6, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Realistic and other East fans - I see the coaches poll at GaSports.com still has Etowah at 10 and East unrated! Didn’t we just shoot the Eagles out of the Paulding county sky with the 4 pounder? This is the good ole boy network dissing the TN coach because about 95% of them are jealous.

By AVikingfan

October 6, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Good post ENR. I agree NHS is a very, very good team. So is Tifton and PeaRidge. I haven’t seen Coffee yet, but I know they have excellent coaches and a lot of talent. Man that #98 for NSH looked great. Too bad # 34 got hurt early but was glad to see him come back in. He did not have the impact our # 10 did at LB (probably because of his leg injury).

To Camdencatfan: My previous comments were directed to Valdosta’s “catfan” not to Camden. I have the utmost respect for Camden.

As bad as it may sound, the Lowndes Vikings football team would love to beat Valdosta this week and knock them out of the running for a playoff spot. Call it payback for past years of them beating us so many times. The game will be televised on ESPNU at 8pm Friday.

Coffee, NSH, Tift, H-mmmmmm! Tossup?!

By raider fan

October 6, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t think that East Paulding played poorly. I am happy that they are 5-0 thus far. Jesse is by far a better QB than the #2 guy. #2 and #32 had trouble staying on their feet or stumbled while trying to run the ball. East could have just as easily lost to Etowah.

By flats

October 6, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

tHEM wALTON BOYS have hearts of a lion man.Them boys play balls like they love it and dont want to lose no games.bring on lowndes and get it on man.

By Todd Holcomb

October 6, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Realistic and other East fans - I see the coaches poll at GaSports.com still has Etowah at 10 and East unrated! Didn’t we just shoot the Eagles out of the Paulding county sky with the 4 pounder? This is the good ole boy network dissing the TN coach because about 95% of them are jealous.

That’s last week’s poll. The new one is not out.

By Chris Whitfield

October 6, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Jake: The Coaches Poll doesn’t update until later in the week.

Now here is my take from the EP-Etowah game since I was there and I am certainly unbiased. Both EP and Etowah are good teams, not exactly GREAT teams, but good teams. Very solid all over the field, and East Paulding showed great composure when it mattered at the end. That seemed to be the difference between the two teams — when it came down to someone stepping up and making plays, East did and Etowah didn’t.

Neither team is dominant, neither team will be dominated. Having seen North Cobb, Etowah, Cherokee, Marietta, Harrison, Kennesaw Mountain and East Paulding all play this year, there isn’t a truly dominant team. Harrison may come through the region undefeated, but you can’t call them a dominating team. The question that the rest of the state will answer in the playoffs is just how good collectively is Region 5AAAAA overall? I just haven’t seen what I would consider a state contender yet. I may be wrong (it HAS been known to happen — see my pick of Creekside over Newnan), but I just can’t see any of these teams having a deep run in the playoffs this year.

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

K, I have no worries about Lowndes County facing anyone. I do find it interesting that no one on this site takes into consideration that playing at Martin Stadium makes a difference.

As much as people have praised the Lowndes offensive line and great running backs, does anyone honestly believe that the injury to Eric Fields was not the single most influential reason that Lowndes ran wild. Yes, he came back. He is a warrior. Still, the game changes on that injury alone. Just imagine how different the game would have been had Lowndes lost Greg Reid.

I have said it a number of times. Injuries are a part of football and can NEVER be used as an excuse. The AJC uses it as an excuse year after year for failing Atlanta programs. The truth is everyone has injuries and you simply have to continue playing football.

We will see just how the Region shakes out. My sincere belief is there are some traditional powers and former State Champions who wear names such as Warner Robins, Valdosta, Tift County, and Colquitt County across their chests who are going to be in situations whereby they are going to have to shock someone to reach the playoffs. That someone may be Northside. That someone may be Coffee. That someone may be Lowndes. We will simply have to play the season out and see what happens.

By AVikingfan

October 6, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

To shane goodman: You want to read about stats go to: thevikingvoice.com and read some stats. Updated every Monday

By VIKING DAD

October 6, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

To all Coffee Trojan fans: Should I have to remind you of last years score Lowndes 42 Coffee 13. Your Trojans thought they had our number, but guess what, they were WRONG. If you think you are going to shut down Greg Reid you are WRONG. Like I told the eagle fans, you shut Reid down, that just opens up vour offense that much more. The Vikings have more weapons then Reid. The Trojans need to worry about the NHS EAGLES first. From what I saw Friday night, I predict the 08 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP at the GA DOME will be LOWNDES VIKINGS VS NORTHSIDE EAGLES.

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Chris Whitfield, I hope you enjoyed your game Friday night. We Eagles took a beating down in Valdosta. It has been a long time and it took a little time to come to grips with a loss. I can only hope we move forward and prepare for a strong potential state championship program from Coffee on Friday night. If not, we are going to be licking our wound again because Coffee is a real state contender.

As for one of your comments that the strength of Region 5AAAAA will be “determined by the rest of the state.” These types of comments by metro Atlanta posters get under my skin. AAAAA classification has 73 teams. 57 of those teams are metro Atlanta teams. Of the remaining 16 teams only 9 of them have the enrollment to actually be classified as AAAAA programs the remaining 7 play up because they wish to play at the highest levels in basketball in Savannah (one of the best basketball cities in Georgia…Albany area schools could also play AAAAA basketball if they so chose).

My point is the rest of the state will not determine anything about Region 5AAAAA. The almost 60 AAAAA Atlanta teams are determined by 5 teams (4 Region 1AAAAA state playoff qualifiers and Camden County). Atlanta area schools from Region 5AAAAA would not even have to face a team from outside of metro Atlanta until the state quarterfinals. A programs from Middle and South Georgia would beat AAAAA school out of Cobb County. Seriously. Emanuel County hammers most Cobb teams. The likes of Baldwin, Cairo, Westside-Macon, Carver-Columbus, Ware County, Thomas County Central, and many more run up the score on most Atlanta area schools.

As a strong program like Camden County is going to likely face the second best team from Region 1AAAAA in the 2nd round, programs from the Atlanta region 5AAAAA get a pass. You have not seen what you consider to be a state contender because there are no state contenders from that Region. It is simply not going to happen. Not in this lifetime.

By AVikingfan

October 6, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

To ENR: We beat Tift in Tifton. In past years we beat a very good SW DeKalb team in their stadium. We beat Parkview for the ‘04 Title in their “Orange Jungle.” We beat a good, athletic Stephenson team in the Dome. We are playing Valdosta this week at Cleveland Field(aka Bazemore -Hyder Stadium.) But yes, we do play our best at Martin Stadium. I’m sure all teams play better at home. When does NSH play WR and Tift?

To Todd: What has PeaRidge done lately. haven’t heard much about what we think is a good team.

By SGT CHRIS

October 6, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

TODD—yeah im sure the team camden played were in the top ten but correct me if im wrong, when troup played dunwoody, WACO, and baldwin, weren’t they in or NEAR the top 5 in AAA when they played troup? not trying to cause a stir but you could put a lagrange carver troup or shaw in that region NOW and i bet 3 out of 4, (lagrange, troup carver or shaw) would make the playoffs, NOW if this were basketball, that would be a different story!

By SGT CHRIS

October 6, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I would agree…Reid is not a one man show..Demps himself put on a show at linebacker..even #10 was in on a few plays especially in the 3rd quarter…no, not a one man show…HOWEVER, what I took from that game, is if someone comes with a decent passing attack, they ‘“COULD” beat lowndes, well, they would stand a better chance of beating them. was surprised NS didnt challenge their DBs enough..i would have put #4 at WR and told him to go get it lol!!!

By 1bighammer

October 6, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

to * Raider10* **

Sandy Creek only beat Shaw by 1 for two reasons. 1, Shaw is not the team their record indicates. They played a TOUGH non region Schedule and are only 5 points away from being 4 - 2 rather than being 1-5. Sure Coffee county beat the brakes off of them, but they should have …they are the #8 team in AAAAA.

2 The coaches had a brain _ _ rt and went into a Prevent Defense and let Shaw drive down the field for the late score and susequent 2pt conversion to take a 16-10 lead. Sandy Creek then marched 82 yards in 1:18 to score and with the PAT, took the 17-16 win. Plus we led the entire game until the last 1:20 of the game.

By SGT CHRIS

October 6, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

HEY ENR, I HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED THAT 5A WAS CREATED TO GIVE ATLANTA AREA SCHOOLS A SHOT AT A TITLE

By HeadEast

October 6, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Chris, good analysis, I agree. I see East as an example of great coaching, not a great football team. Not that Reid didn’t get some talent to work with. But we’ve overcome bigger front lines and faster receivers and backs several times. The best evidence is we’ve won all the close ones in the Reid era, not most of them, all of them. And we’ve been dominated three times, always by big lines with a strong running attack, Pebblebrook and the White Buffalo in 2006 and TCC last year. TCC ran the same five plays all night long and all they got was seven consecutive touchdown drives!

By Homet

October 6, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Chris / Todd: Ya’ll beat me to the punch, I was going to say that was the old poll & the new one comes out in a day or so.

So Chris…How did you like “THE BONEYARD”?

Judging from your comment:

Harrison may come through the region undefeated, but you can’t call them a dominating team. It appears you are picking Harrison to beat EAST on OCT. 17th…

I missed my pick just a bit as I thought EAST would score at least once on special teams but at game time I learned that several of our starters had been sick all week with the flu and didn’t even suit up.

Here’s my take…If both EAST & Harrison go into that Oct. 17th game undefeated then I think the winner of that game will take the region. After that it’s a WHOLE NEW BALLGAME!!! Anything can happen in the playoffs…

By SGT CHRIS

October 6, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

SINCE 1978, ONLY 7 “ATLANTA AREA” SCHOOLS HAVE WON THE STATE TITLE IN 4A. GRIFFIN (78) MORROW (87), DUNWOODY (93), SOUTHWEST DEKALB (95) BROOKWOOD (96) PARKVIEW (97) MARIST (03)

AS YOU CAN SEE IF YOU GO TO THIS SITE, VERY FEW ATLANTA AREA SCHOOL AND A TON OF MID TO SOUTH GA CHAMPS!!! IM JUST SAYIN!!!! LOL http://ghsfha.org/statechamps.php?aOrgNum=1

By Gratfuldawghead

October 6, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

SOUTH GEORGIA RULES!

By walker

October 6, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Greg Reid is the man, but Lowndes has a great team. It will take a Herculean effort to upset them.

By bohgey

October 6, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

I have seen a lot of people counting Northside out for the count. I don’t think that will be the case at all. As a matter of fact, many Lowndes fans are dead set and curious about WHEN we will play again. I think that speaks volumes about the quality team we played this past weekend. I also don’t doubt Coffee has a great team, they will show up with their A-game in Douglas against Lowndes. I’d really hate to play Northside this week though, you know those guys are fuming and can’t wait until this weekend’s game to hit something.

I would like to resonate what K wrote about the “team” attitude Lowndes has. EagleNation and the rest of the posters who watched the game saw there was a sizeable difference between the lines of Northside and Lowndes on both offense and defense. People just don’t look at Lowndes and think, “Wow, they are huge.” Northside’s lines are something to notice. Lowndes really didn’t win the push in the trenches at all, maybe not until middle of the third quarter when the penalties and fatique set in. EagleNation, I don’t really think Reid ran all over Northside, he just had a couple of big plays that went our way. I think that whole game was a defensive struggle that, aside from the fighting and jawing, allowed the players to all shake hands and congratulate each other at the end of the game. One of Lowndes’ cheerleaders in the middle of two teams said that was one of the first times all of the players greeted each other. I certainly hope it wasn’t because of the TV coverage and they were instructed by CBS to do that, I hope it was genuine.

That being said, there was a clear attitude problem for #4 on Northside, Morton, I believe was his name. After he fought with our #4 Solomon, I noticed him run after some of our players on a kick return after he was tackled. Most coaches would sit a player like that until they cooled down. It was real clear he wanted a brawl with one of our players. Now, I don’t know what our guys were saying or doing, I doubt they were innocent, but it was affecting Morton. I know there were a lot of emotions overflowing that night, I’m just glad there were no ejections. If you were watching TV, they didn’t show any of the one-on-one brawl with Solomon.

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

The entire concept of an all metro Atlanta classification does not make logical sense to me (the creation of AAAAA). Now, we have the state championship at the Georgia Dome, which does not seem like the most intelligent way to make money for the GHSA (I would think that the gates from 10 games exceed the gate receipts from 5 games).

I am confident that Georgia would have been forced to expand the classifications at some point due to the expansion of the state’s population. US Census number point to more growth in the Peach State.

I just have no idea why the playoff system doesn’t force Atlanta area schools to play Region 1AAAAA competition early in the state playoffs.

In most classifications the metro Atlanta schools are not a part of the conversation when it comes to crowning a football state champion. It appears that the idea has not really worked at all.

By K

October 6, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

The difficult thing about football is you never know how teams are going to match up against each other until it actually happens. Two football teams can be completely different, yet both win consistantly, and until they meet, it’s hard to say who is better.

Watching the Lowndes - Northside game, I could see how someone could say that Lowndes passing defense is suspect. That’s because they were playing a team that didn’t have a passing game. The Lowndes coaches knew that going in, and keyed the defense off the running game. So, to watch that game and try to make assesments about Lowndes passing defense is really impossible.

Honestly, last year I was concerned about North Gwinnett in the state championship because of all I had heard about the passing game. I had seen Lowndes completely shut down the run, but everyone was talking about how NG was going to pick apart the Lowndes secondary. When it came down to it, Lowndes completely shut down NG. Sure, I heard the excuses that they only lost because it was raining, blah, blah, blah.

Point is, until Lowndes, or any team for that matter, actually plays the game against Coffee, or any other opponent, you really can’t be certain what the outcome will be. That’s why we play the game, and I don’t concern myself with rankings. (Except in D-1 football, which is the only case I know of where the rankings make a bit of difference. I won’t get started on that.)

Could NSWR have beaten Lowndes if they had a passing game? Possibly, but if they had a passing game, then the defensive scheme and preparation would have been different. Could Coffee beat Lowndes? Possibly, but you can be sure Lowndes isn’t going to go at them on defense with the same plan they had against NSWR.

By VikingFan1

October 6, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

I was privileged to enjoy watching two of the best high school football teams in the state compete at Martin Stadium this past Friday night. Congrats to our Vikings and to the NS Eagles! I am a season ticket holder and have been for many years. Many of the Viking fans in my section were sincerely concerned about Eric Fields’ injury. If anyone from NS is aware, please let us know that his ankle is fine. In contrast to many of the rants of different fans on both sides, most of us just enjoy watching the young men on the field compete each Friday night. Most of the adult fans actually realize that many of the young men on the field can not even drive a vehicle alone yet. The ones who can, are not yet old enough to vote. Boy, we sure put a lot of pressure on these “kids.” So, if one or more of them “showboat” or others “taunt,” aren’t they just following suit of the many bloggers on these sites who do not even come close to dressing out and playing each and every Friday night? Maybe many of us should keep this in perspective. Anyway, we hope that Eric is fine and will continue his bright future.

By HoyaDawg

October 6, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

ChRIS, I wish I could Argue with you , but i can’t. I agree with you . I do think Harrison is the better team of the region, but not sure we will go undefeated. Two games deep is probally as deep as anybody from this region should go.The right night, and a little luck may take a team a little further. As far as EP and Harrison on the 17th, again if we both get passed this week with a win , it will be the game of the region thus far.From what I here our place is not as nice as the boneyard, but it should do in a pinch

By HoyaDawg

October 6, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Why do so many south Ga. fans find it necessary to post a whole book on here.If you keep it to a paragraph, people might read it.

By HeadEast

October 6, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

NHS fans - You’ll get your chance at redemption. Just win out and you’ll get a second round road trip to Camden to show how you can dominate a team with a soft regular season schedule. If you get the 2 seed, you can’t meet Lowndes until the final. If. Sounds like one and done to me.

By slalom1

October 6, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

TODD, I believe you missed one. 2004 LaGrange (Tray Blackmon) vs. Newnan(Tyler Horne)

By K

October 6, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

HoyaDawg, thanks for the compliment. Most comments about South GA posters have to do with not being able to read a book; it’s nice to know someone thinks we can actually write one!

By Rocket Rob

October 6, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

OK VIIKING NATION the NORTHSIDE game is over with lets get ready for the winners-ville classic. Lets don’t let our guard down on any team in 1AAAAA. Please lets don’t look ahead or behind us.Stay with our game plan (one team at a time).Do not get caught up in the hype talk from NORTHSIDE or COFFEE. That is what they wont us to do. We have to keep focus on one team at a time…..GO VIKINGS GO…..

By RealisticEP_Fan

October 6, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

To EagleNationRising

programs from the Atlanta region 5AAAAA get a pass. You have not seen what you consider to be a state contender because there are no state contenders from that Region. It is simply not going to happen. Not in this lifetime.

Careful, using terms like ‘not in this lifetime’. While I would agree that south georgia football is far ahead of the Atlanta areas schools in terms of history and tradition, I don’t agree that the talent levelis really much different. With the new influx of top rate coaches like Coach Reid it won’t take long before we are right where you are.

We here in ‘Paulding’ county are starting to build programs that will rival the southern teams. EP while only a minor blip to you is just the tip of the ice berg that is beginning to blossom here in Paulding….Soon you’ll be hearing more from Hiram, South, North, County High and yes even more from EAST. More kids and better coaching is arriving.

‘Not in this lifetime’ my friend,,,,,,,,,,,hmm, we folks at EP learned a valuable lesson last year at TCC, and don’t think for a minute we don’t now know what championship ga football looks like. We are buiding something all of GA, including the south should fear. Live your dream now because your worst nightmare is growing here. Taking a beating by TCC is the best thing that could have happened and will serve as the launching pad of eduction for champions of the future.

By slalom1

October 6, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

SGT CHRIS, I have no idea where Coach Guthrie is today. But hope is still coaching a high school program somewhere. GRANGER80 has been checking in here on a pretty regular basis and he may know.(He is an unabashed Granger with quite a great deal of knowledge regarding Granger football.) At first I thought he was an imposter, but he convinced me otherwise. During the pre-season I made a bold prediction that Region 2AAA may come down to LG vs. Troup. That is looking more and more like a viable possibility. I love this 2008 LG team. Best that I have seen from the Grangers since 2004.

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

K, Lowndes County beat Northside because the Vikings were the better team during the 2nd half, Eric Fields was hurt, and Martin Stadium is home to a strong fanbase.

The people talking about Northside’s passing game are seeking a way to seek the redemption of Marquez Ivory. Ivory is why I believe Northside was virtually unbeatable over the past two seasons. As you can see, Northsiders are still holding on to the days of Ivory, clearly the best QB to ever wear a Northside uniform (30-0 as a starter).

As for what Northside needed to beat Lowndes, it is simple. Northside needed one or a combination of the following: 1. Play at McConnell-Talbert Stadium in Warner Robins instead of Martin Stadium in Valdosta (that gives you 16,000 cheering for you instead of 14,000 cheering against you), 2. Play the 2nd half, in the same way that we played in the 1st half, or 3. Have a healthy All-American linebacker in Eric Fields.

I believe either one of those and certainly any combination of the three yields a victory for Northside. We did not get what we needed. We better get what we need at Coffee or we may find ourselves going from nationally ranked to scrambling to reach the State playoffs. This is like the old days and this is fun. The Eagles will be just fine, if we get focused on the next opponent. I am sure Coach Nix will have the boys ready.

By will

October 6, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

is walton a title contender at number five

By slalom1

October 6, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

EagleNationRising, I think I understand where you are going. Like you I would not count NSWR out of the picture. Great coaching and a well disciplined team who is capable of getting better as the season wears on. Consider this.” In a re-match between 2 teams who are closely matched up, the loser of the first game usually wins the re-match.”( I do not recall who said that first, but it usually pans out.) Secondly, as you have stated, there is no way that Coach Nix plays politcs when it comes down to chosing who plays or who does not play. Everyone here should give Coach Nix that much credit. There is a part of me that feels bad for Joe Scott. He has caught so much crap that is uncalled for. Come on guys, he is a high school athlete.Personally, I believe he has done a great job. And, as you asked “If not Joe Scott, then who?”

By justafan

October 6, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

I will not call names except to say if you plan on watching Northside play Coffee in Douglas, Ga. you better be there by 6;30 . It will be a sell out, maybe standing only tickets.

Coffee is not the same team as last year, New Coach, new attitude, new everything. Main thing is they play as a Team no one man show.

Come on down and enjoy the game, friendly fans and good food. MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN!!!!!

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Slalom, the least we can do is united around the kid. The truth is we have a new QB, a new RB, numerous new offensive lineman, all new receivers. Former Northside All-American, Tennessee captain and offensive lineman Jason Respert is not on the sidelines, which we all know has an affect. Respert related well with the kids and he has a great football mind. You would think that the Eagle Nation would have a little patience. You should hear the complaining in the stands. It is almost embarrassing.

Eagle fans should remember that Northside lost to nationally ranked Warner Robins in 2000, 23-20, with Chansey Stuckey at QB (arguably the best football player in Northside history and current wide receiver for the NY Jets, #83). Northside lost to nationally ranked Parkview, 12-7, with Stuckey in 2001. With all of the great Warner Robins teams, I can give you a laundry list of nationally ranked teams that beat Northside quarterbacks. If Northside had beaten Lowndes, Scott would have only been the 2nd QB in Northside history to beat a nationally ranked program to my knowledge. Perhaps, some Northside historians can correct me, but I believe that Rayfield Boyd is the only Northside QB to beat a nationally ranked program when Northside shocked the #1 team in the nation in 1989 against defending state champion Warner Robins Demons on a cold and GLORIOUS November night in 1989.

Joe Scott lost to the team that is ranked in one poll (ESPN) #2 in the nation. OK, Northside lost the game. It just doesn’t make any sense to stand and criticize the guy, the coaching staff, or the players. We are going to run the ball more. Outside of a few Northside QBs, that is all that we have been doing for 45 years of football. I can’t name 5 big time arms in school history. Evidence of this is the manner which Marquez Ivory rewrote the school record books. He broke practically every passing record. We run the ball at Northside. We run it down people’s throats. This is no different. The only difference is the expectations. Let’s have a reality check about the QB position at Northside. Ivory was unique.

By GHS student

October 6, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Any respect for the rams yet?

By RAIDERFAN

October 6, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Todd, there’s a poll on the website about which team deserves more respect that is undefeated. Granted I think Mays High hasn’t been given too much respect since the end of last year. I don’t think its so much about which team deserves more respect, but instead what players deserve more respect. All summer we read about all the ‘athletes’ that Carver had to offer. The defensive ‘stars’ at Douglass. Do you think Mays has got to a 6-0 start without legitimate division I recruits? Not the first article has been wrote about Desmond Walker (hands down one of the top 5 backs in the state), Myer Nolan (the most feared DB in the CITY, not B.Smith not D.Myles) or Tim Wynn (easily one of the best offensive lineman in the city, as a junior). And before you even start about grades, all three of these players are scholar-athletes that should be the ones getting the true recognition.

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

RealisticEP_fan I know that you are going to get a kick out of this statement. The probability is that before East Paulding builds a program that will be good enough to actually win a state championship and beat the likes of Lowndes, Northside, Camden, Coffee, Tift County, Valdosta, Warner Robins, etc. (all programs that are a little ahead of Thomas County Central), you will have to build a new high school over there.

Yes, I am laughing and I know you metro Atlanta posters use expansion as an excuse. I know that your high school is close to the limit because the last time I saw East Paulding play football (it was 2006 against Marist, I think) there were what seemed like 500 students in the band. That tells me that it may be time to build a new high school over in East Paulding. LOL!

When speaking about football, particularly in Cobb County, DeKalb County, Henry County, Clayton County, Forsyth County, & Rockdale County, I feel very comfortable with the term, “not in my lifetime.” It just have not seen a program in metro Atlanta that is physical enough to beat the best south of the gnatline.

By the way, Realistic, we are not in South Georgia. We are in Middle Georgia. I would not expect a metro Atlanta guy, such as yourself, to know that. The area the produces MONSTER programs like Northside, Warner Robins, Westside-Macon, Baldwin, Dublin, Hawkinsville, Peach County, Americus, Washington County, etc. is called Middle Georgia. We are different from South Georgia.

By 89viking

October 6, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

can we please get over the lowndes vs. northside game and the excuses? nswr lost and thats all there is to it,,,,they lost,,,just like we lost the first game last year. 1 loss does not complete your chance at a championship unless youre a D1 college. nswr will most likely b there in the playoffs and im betting theyll b ready to play. not braggin that lowndes won,,just ready to move on to the next game.

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Todd was on to something about the magnitude of the Lowndes-Northside game, 89viking. I usually believe thesse guys around the AJC have no clue. You tell me what week a Friday night game between what were the two “other” schools in Valdosta and Warner Robins (when I was in high school) would overshadow a week that features a Friday night game between Lowndes and Valdosta along with a game between the 6th and 8th ranked teams in the state. It is pretty interesting.

By homet

October 6, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

For EagleNationRising

Like it has been said before…Hold the comments to a short paragraph & quit posting history lessons in every post.

By Todd Holcomb

October 6, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

TODD, I believe you missed one. 2004 LaGrange (Tray Blackmon) vs. Newnan(Tyler Horne)

Slalom: My list was games with THREE Super 11 players.

By EHSEagles08

October 6, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Yes EP is a great team, and they had beat us. However, all this talk about them meeting Harrison on Oct. 17 doesn’t matter at all. We are still in the hunt for the region title still having to play NC and Harrison. EP is a good team but region 5-AAAAA is still up for grabs and it will come down to whoever wants it most. Everyone in the region will have a lost, but it is going to matter who has the edge over what team. I think the top 4 will be #4 Kennesaw Mtn #3 EP and #2 and #1 will be a tossup between Etowah and Harrison.

By homet

October 6, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

FOR EagleNationRising

Thanks for the Geography lesson but you obviously HAVE NOT been to Paulding County lately. First, we have indeed opened a new High School that pulled its students almost 100% from the East Paulding attendance area. It is called North Paulding High.

Now as to your State Title comments well you have been rambling on for weeks now about NOTHING but the Lowndes-Northside game. Ok IT IS OVER…MOVE ON!!!

Let’s get thru the various Region races and see WHO actually makes the playoffs then we can debate / argue who will / could beat who on which night where!!!!!

Good Lord…You go on in your post more about this past team from this past year more than ANYONE who has EVER posted in this blog!!! It DOES not matter who did what to who last year or 2 years ago or 5 years ago…Its who is where on this years rankings and this years playoffs brackets!

Now, before someone tells me MY post are too long I am outta here!!!

By slalom1

October 6, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

TODD, Sorry about that.

By slalom1

October 6, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Eagle Nation Rising, The thought of high school football fans bashing their QB makes me sick. I hope the NSWR nation will remember that in 2007 it was Joe Scott who protected the undefeated season until Ivory healed up enough to play. This kid has caught more crap than any high school player in recent memory.He is having to walk in some mighty big footprints, i.e. Ivory, Stucky, etc. Nothing would make me happier than for Joe Scott to win the BIG one and get the credit he deserves. He is a tough kid.

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Homet, I hope you are insane enough to suggest because Northside lost at the 2nd rated team in America, that the Eagles are in any way inferior to East Paulding. You spoke about a geography lesson. Northside clearly can provide a historic lesson for East Paulding, North Paulding, or any other substandard and mediocre program in metro Atlanta.

As I have said again and agian, there is not a worst major city in America for high school football, particularly in warm weather markets.

Metro Atlanta in 50 years of football has produced 9 different state champions. Neither of those state champions come from Paulding County.

In the past 25 years, Region 1AAAAA has produced 6 different state champions. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves EP posters. When people from Region 1AAAAA speak to one another, it is an adult conversation that bottom-feeding metro Atlanta programs should stay out of.

By nate brown

October 6, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

should carver-columbus be ranked with two loses. i think not!

By EagleNationRising

October 6, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Rankings mean ABSOLUTELY nothing Homet. Rankings are a manner for the AJC to keep metro Atlanta football fans, like you, interested in the football season. Otherwise, your fanbase would simply expect the usual to happen, which is to get hammered whenever you really play someone from south of the gnatline. East Paulding poster giving instructions about the history of football is a borderline joke.

I woke up Friday morning to read an AJC article full of historic moments of BIG games in the history of Georgia. Like many people in Atlanta, you obviously wish to take an interest in history when it is important to you. At some of the state’s best programs history is a big part of life in the community, the school, and in the program.

If that is not the case at East Paulding, so be it. I do not believe East Pauling football set rhe barometer for football in this state. Heck, there is NO metro Atlanta program that sets the barometer for football in Georgia.

By Panther Fan

October 6, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Todd,

The Washington-Carver Atlanta game featured Darren Myles and Branden Smith. Please add that one to the list of games featuring 2 super 11 players.

By cool cell

October 6, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Todd, who u got Carver or Troup co.? Also Todd , I saw a hi-lite of Macon area news Friday, I think I saw the Best QB in the state any class….I don’t know his name but he plays for Wilcox Co. & he’s only a freshman…

By patriot player

October 6, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

hey glad that the mays people post with some class as for the guy from shaw puhllease i played in the game those were some of the softest lineman in the weve faced all year and that one point may not mean much 2 u but the patriots were actually up that entire game if u dont belive me look it up buddy yall lost fair and square and when we were on the goal line yalls people were cursing at each other and were falling apart

By Drock08

October 6, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

To Todd: What do you know about the Grayson Rams have you seen them play. I have a source that tells me that they are really big and physical. Also that they play a very attacking style on defense. Also to the Coweta County Fan I really hope your prediction is true about Northgate making the playoffs because It seems like Newnan E.Coweta and Heritage will all be in the playoffs as well. I disagree with your thought on Whitewater as being down. I believe Whitewater will beat Northgate and will also make some noise in the playoffs Their 2-3 record is very misleading they could easily be 5-0. The Sandy Creek game was 14-14 in the second half. Mays beat them on a last second field goal and Carrollton beat them in the last minutes of the game by one. I have watch them closely for the past four years and that team is hard to beat as you can tell they lost to 3 ranked teams by a combine 14 points.

By patriot player

October 6, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

hey glad that the mays people post with some class as for the guy from shaw puhllease i played in the game those were some of the softest lineman in the weve faced all year and that one point may not mean much 2 u but the patriots were actually up that entire game if u dont belive me look it up buddy yall lost fair and square and when we were on the goal line yalls people were cursing at each other and were falling apart

By Camden Cat

October 6, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Drock08 Todd may have more insight on the matter, but I went to the playoff game last year vs. Grayson. Those guys are GROWN MEN. THEY ARE HUGE!!! Very Physical and great team.

By RT

October 6, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

What is an East Paulding?

By wildmanhoya

October 6, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

HOMET

This just in, hot off the presses. Rumor has it the Hoyas are not even going to show up on the 17th to play the Raiders. After reading about how great EP is they are afraid they will be tied to the end of the cannon and shot.

By Drock08

October 6, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

I’ll be glad when the playoffs start so we can separate pretenders from contenders. It doesn’t matter how many championships that metro atlanta teams have south ga teams have savannah teams etc. Your past teams doesn’t matter because they are the past those players or in college or enjoying their lives. So lets enjoy these next five weeks and be ready when the playoffs start. Also Cool cell come to Riverdale this friday or Drake Stadium next friday and watch the best quarterback in GA Russell Powell Newnan High School this year stats almost 1000 yards passing 57-82 (70%) 12 tds passing 1 int also almost 200 yards rushing avg 6.5 yards per carry with 4 tds all in 11 QUARTERS

By OneWhig

October 6, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

BigSlammer…. Yes you are right about1 Shaw is much better than their record indicates. 2 The brain fart was in the East Coweta game where the secondary had a brain fart and let them drive down the feild. The offense fumbled on our own 35 in the shaw game and they scored a couple plays later. Damn I wish all the people on this thing would get their facts strait before they get on here talking a bunch of crap!

By Drock08

October 6, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Cool Cell holla at a brother and we I will take care of you at Drake Stadium. My treat which includes popcorn because you will be watching the fastest team on grass the Newnan High School Cougars.

By vincent

October 6, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

As for what Lowndes needs to put a worse beat down on Northside the next time, if there is a next time, one thing and it is simple: Lowndes plays the entire game as they did in the 2nd half and on any field.

By ephs2010

October 6, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

FOR EHSEagles08

okay you say that the final region standing will end up #4 kennesaw mountain #3 EP #2 Etowah and #1 Harrison.

while i agree about kennesaw mountain and harrison but IF EP loses to harrison and then we win the rest of our region games and Etowah loses to harrison then EP gets the #2 spot because we beat you and only have one region lose and you would end up with 2 so i dont see Etowah getting 2 in the region

even if you were to beat harrison EP would still get the #2 spot because of head to head competition.

thanks for listening!

oh this is just speculating that this will happen not saying any of this will!

By Vike 69

October 6, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

The biggest regular season game of the year was last week but this week another slugfest will happen just 3 miles away. When Valdosta and Lowndes butt heads you can throw away the record books and line up the ambulances. It’s south Georgia smash-mouth football at its best and injuries occur both on and off the field. ESPN-U will have it Friday at 8.

By HoyaDawg

October 6, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

K I will admit, when I came down to Valdasta last year I was shocked. I was exspecting the small town football place, but it has grown to big city. It was really no different than Cobb county. You guys do read and write well, you just don’t have to prove it with every post.LOL

By OldOldOl

October 6, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

EagleNationRising —- try anger management school, dude! You seem to have a BAD, BAD inferiority complex! It can’t be that bad living in Warner Robins, can it?

And you are VERY easy to bait —- goes with your inferiority complex!

By A Man's Game

October 6, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

To: By Homet, ditto on your comment about EagleNationRising. He is the reason that eventually football blogs will be limited to short paragraphs. He is still making comments concerning NSWR and Lowndes when he should be concerned about NSWR’s game with Coffee. The pass is the pass! His long historial dissertations on football (no matter the team) are boring. If he is married or is single in a relationship, I bet he hears, “SHUT UP” a lot. LOL

By Drock08

October 6, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

To Todd: I heard that you mention that Rio Johnson is the best quarterback in ga this year. Have you seen Russell play or you going by the commitment to East Carolina. I have talk to several East Coweta and Whitewater supporters and watched both play and I STRONGLY Disagree. Not a knock against Rio because I think he is very good but I am a strong believer in Russell and am very glad he is NHS quarterback. To Todd or anyone else who haven’t seen him or the Cougars play watch his video on Rivals.com or the MaxPreps.ocm video of the Cougars game against Creekside and decide for yourself.

By Drock08

October 6, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Slalom1: Is Tristian Johnson LG DE ok? I heard he was out with an injury. And thanks Camdencat I heard the same thing about Grayson. I haven’t seen them since they played East Coweta about 5 years ago and their were a physical bunch back then.

By Eagle

October 6, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Vibes from Northside - Lowndes Game

Martin Stadium - 1st Class
Lowndes Team - 1st Class
Lowndes Fans - 1st Class

Announcer - No Class Referees - No Class Lowndes Reserved seats on visitor side - No Class
Greg Reid - No Class
Not player of the year material

Bands - Let the bands play

By slydog

October 6, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

MLK is much better with their starting QB and line changes. They need to make a few more changes on defense and they could make a run for the championship.

By Raider From The Start

October 6, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

wildmanhoya Hey man, that was hilarious! Homet The big problem East has is injuries. Yes we did have players out and playing with a bad virus. We have players playing injured as well. Let’s face it, AAAAA players are bigger on average. We have some growing to do. This season has worn us down far more than past seasons. I hope we can put up a good fight this week but I am worried. Not to mention the following week against the mighty Harrison Hoyas! I hear those guys are almost as good as NSWR. By the way, is that the same team as Warner Robbins? Can you check with your buddy HoyaDawg about that?

By northside fan

October 6, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

i am a die hard eagles fan but i see this Coffee team n they showed a lot in that field. i was at the warner robins game saturday. something happened in the halftime that woke them up n completely dominated the second half. i am a fair person but i just got to say that these refferes helped warner robins some to put 20 points in the scoreboard. so this friday i see a very hard fought game. GO EAGLES but good luck to the trojans which i heve the most respect for them

By VikingWarrior

October 6, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

To all NORTHSIDE fans:Northside lost the game to Lowndes friday night,get over it,the game is in the record books,MOVE ON.Northside got beat by a better team,give up on all the excuses it just makes you look like sore loser’s and of very little character.AGAIN NORTHSIDE LOST THE GAME TO LOWNDES,YOU CAN NOT CHANGE THIS FACT,WHINING ABOUT THE REFS OR ANY OTHER THING WILL DO YOU NO GOOD,YOU BETTER START THINKING ABOUT COFFEE!!!!

By mistermak

October 6, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

Well just another region 3 game this week. Is it playoff time yet? I hate this region!!!

By DAVIL

October 7, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

After what I saw from the sidelines, the referees and the PA announcer at their Lowndes alma mater game Friday will each get a new car for the job they did, especially on the punt/penalty fiasco that is an embarrasment to the game. They missed the fact that the punt returner’s knee hit at his own 3 yard line. They missed the 15 yard personal foul the right end committed on their field goal when he taunted the sideline with a slash across his throat. Northside had it’s problems, but this was OBVIOUS VIKING PRINCESS!

By jhenry

October 7, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this

I am really disappointed in all of you so called adults bashing these high school kids who are out there doing what they do best. I suspect many of you have never played a game in your life. No one should be bashing Northside’s quaterback. That young man did what he could do considering. And as for you Eagle, how dare you say that Greg Reid has no class. Do you even know that young man. Just because he is excited about what he can do on the field is no reason for you to make such a cruel, unfounded statement. How much class can you have saying such things about kids. You probably can’t throw, catch, or run. So, get a life and leave these kids alone!

By jhenry

October 7, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this

To DAVIL:WAH! WAH! WAH! Blah! Blah! Blah! Get a life!

By shazam

October 7, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this

jhenry I’m not into bashing high school kids as you put it. I think you’re correct. Is it really bashing though if you’re stating your opinion based on evidence?? It’s really just an opinion. I’ve made comments such as “wow he’s got a bad attitude” or “he’s such a showoff” Is that bashing? I’ve heard things much worse than “hey that kid has got no class” believe me

By DEMON FAN 2

October 7, 2008 3:46 AM | Link to this

COFFEE COUNTY,IF YOU GIVE NORTHSIDE 20 POINTS LIKE YOU DID US.YOU WILL NOT WIN THE BALLGAME.GOOD LUCK TO BOTH TEAMS FRIDAY NIGHT.ANOTHER BIG NIGHT IN THE SEC OF HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL.

By DallasChipVikingFan

October 7, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this

The only game i am thinking about right now is Lowndes - Valdosta this week. One game at a time.

By DallasChipVikingFan

October 7, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this

The only game i am thinking about right now is Lowndes - Valdosta this week. One game at a time.

By homet

October 7, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this

For EHSEagles08:

Your prediction of #4 Ken Mtn - #3 EAST - #2 & #1 slots being split between Etowah & HArrison requires two things AT least to happen…First EAST must lose in the Harrison game on Oct. 17th…then SINCE EAST has ALREADY beat Etowah, Etowah has to win out all it’s remaining games (this includes a Nov. 7th meeting with Harrison)AND EAST would have to lose a second game AFTER the Harrison match-up. (they would have Ken. Mtn, Cherokee & Woodstock at that point) Please tell me how this is going to happen???

By homet

October 7, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this

For wildmanhoya…

Very funny!!!…LOL!!!…Re-Read my post, I have been talkin’ this game up since the get-go. BUT…BOTH teams have to get past tough game this friday before they even need be worried about Oct. 17th!!!

Harrison has Woodstock and EAST has North Cobb…I don’t know about Harrison but at this stage of the season East is a bit “banged up” and several players battled the flu all week last week.

I would say neither team need to be overlooking the games this friday or we will be a couple of frustrated teams, each with a loss, looking across the field at each other on Oct. 17th…

By homet

October 7, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this

By RT October 6, 2008 9:23 PM What is an East Paulding?

EASY answer RT…The ONLY team in 5A AAAAA with a 21 game regular season winning streak!!!

By Gamer

October 7, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Is East Paulding and Paulding the same team?

By SGT CHRIS

October 7, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

other noteworthy games around the state

TROUP AT CARVER COL PEACH CO AT CAIRO WESTSIDE MACON AT HARRIS CO WASHINGTON COUNTY VS THOMSON

HEY DROCK IS POWELL A JUNIOR THIS YEAR?

By Homet

October 7, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

For Gamer

The Quick Answer would be NO

But the Correct Answer is NO!!…LOL!

Paulding County High was for the longest the only High scholl in Paulding but as the County grew in the late 80’s East Paulding was built in the early 90’s. Since then Hiram High, South Paulding High & North Paulding High have been added.

All of the County schools play in AAAA level EXCEPT…EAST which moved up this year to 5A AAAAA!

By SouthGARules

October 7, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

SGT CHRIS: regarding regions with only 4 teams, Region 1-AAAA had only 4 teams the last 2 years. Americus-Sumter, Thomas County Central, Bainbridge & Lee County. GHS Student: Look forward to Friday night vs Brookwood. Grayson gets the chance to make a statement & pretty well wrap up the region with a win. Ean Pemberton is one of the best backs that no one has heard of! 5’4” & 140 lbs, but put the numbers up each week. BTW, he’s only a junior.

By SGT CHRIS

October 7, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

OH AND ANOTHER THING…HOW BOUT THOSE VANDERBILT COMMODORES!!!! LOL

By CougarFan

October 7, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

SGT CHRIS: Powell is a senior

By DSGB

October 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Whats up Todd, I am currently serving in Iraq and I look at the AJC all the time.My Syrupmakers get no respect and just would like for you to do a little piece on them, to make a old soldier smile. Also tell Worth Co not to play the number 1 team in AAA for Homecoming!!! Remember Highway 84 breeds Champions!!!

By JAYBO

October 7, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Hey I’m a diehard TCC fan living in metro ATL and I’ve been hearing a lot about this phenom kid Adam Choice. I heard Randy Young mention him briefly on the broadcast while listening on the internet Friday night. Just wanted some more information on him: what grade is he in, how big is he, what position does he play(I think QB, just not sure). If there are any TCC fans out there who has got the real scoop on this kid please let me know.

By mikemike

October 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

CAIRO VS PEACH COUNTY THIS FRIDAY NIGHT. GO CAIRO!!!!

By DEMON FAN 2

October 7, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Eagle Nation Rising,I have been to several of Northside’s games this year and have heard people complain about Joe Scott. He is a good q.b. and team leader.If Northside doesn’t want him.We would be glad to have him in Demon country.good luck Friday night.Bring a win back to middle Georgia

By T.J.

October 7, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Drock08 and SouthGA I have a little to contribute on Grayson discussion since I watched 3 of their games this year. Main reason I hauled myself down to Middle GA to the Grayson vs. Warner Robins is to guage how good they will compete against 1 AAAAA in playoffs. They handed the Demons a 30 to 0 beating. It could have been worse too, Grayson called off the dogs in 3rd quarter. They really are not that big this year. Grayson has a couple of 6ft plus linemen, but not many. The real key is they just play well as a team and hit people in the mouth like the other team talked about their mamas. They rotate and stay fresh on both sides of the ball and wear teams out. I also went to Parkview game. Score was misleading. They just controlled Parkview and did what they had to. They were on Parkview’s 10 with a first down and kneeled it for 3 downs with over a minute left before the end of the game. Think it was to rub it in on Parkview’s coach letting him know he had no real control during the game. Graysons defense is really hard to run on. Think they held both Parkview’s Division 1 prospects to around 30 combined yards rushing. Only hope is to air it out or trick plays on Grayson and hope for a break, Parkview did it twice. Best defense is it’s offenses running game, a real 4 headed time eating beast running game with twisted version of the Wing - T. I would love to see time of possession stats on Grayson. Defense is always fresh and flying to the ball. I am thinking that running back, #24 is that player South GA is talking about at a whopping 5ft 4 with cleats on. Do not think defenses can see him till he pops out from behind line——he has amazing speed and quickness. I saw him play as a Freshman against Norcross in playoffs. I remember thinking who let the 6th grader in the game. He came in in the 4th quarter and had like 100yds. He is hard to hit, even harder to catch. He was leading rusher on Grayson as a Sophmore. Unique player and a Junior with another year to grow. Most of the talent on Grayson are Juniors. They make a deep run for title this year, maybe losing in the bracket to Lowndes, should be a great Wing-T battle if it happens, next year they win it all with about 15 starters returning on both sides of the ball. If anyone has a chance, I would catch Grayson playing Brookwood. I live between the two communities. Tension is crazy with this game. Grayson is looking to dethrone Brookwood as region champs. Brookwood will not let it’s throne lose without a fight. Can not wait until Friday!

By Homet

October 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

STARTIN’ TO FEEL THE LOVE

The new Coach’s Poll is out and EAST has broke into the TOP TEN…Congratulations to all the players and coach’s for this achievenment…

GaSports.com/GACA Coaches Football Poll for Week 7: AAAAA

1 Lowndes(1-AAAAA) 6-0 (1) 2 Camden County(3-AAAAA) 5-0 (2) 3 Newnan(4-AAAAA) 5-0 (4) 4 Walton(6-AAAAA) 5-0 (5) 5 Northside,Warner Robins(1-AAAAA)5-1 (3) 6 North Gwinnett(7-AAAAA) 4-1 (6) 7 Grayson(8-AAAAA) 6-0 (7) 8 Harrison(5-AAAAA) 5-0 (8) 9 Coffee(1-AAAAA) 6-0 (9) 10 East Paulding(5-AAAAA) 5-0 (—)

By #!1 EAGLE FAN

October 7, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

NHSWR is still rank nationally.

By Jeff

October 7, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen a couple of the Grayson games this year. The best thing about them is they have no respect. No flash. This works to their advantage because they sneak that little running back all around and you can’t find him until he has picked up a few yards. The defense is also tough against the run because they don’t get pushed around and they have enough quickness to find the ball. It will be interesting to see them face the farmer boys of Lowndes for the title this year.

By HarrisonHoyaFan

October 7, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I agree, enough with Lowndes. Harrison beat them last year so what’s the big deal? I would take West Cobb 5A football anyday over any other because at the end of the day my kid is in a great school with awesome people getting a great education and having alot of fun at the same time. Harrison is in a position to win the division and the game with East Paulding will be fun for us.
Middle and South Georgia football is everything to the people there.

By SGT CHRIS

October 7, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

HARRISONHOYAFAN—you pretty much described high school life at ALMOST any high school any the state

BUT will Harrison beat Lowndes THIS year

AND…..football in middle and south GA isnt everything ITS THE ONLY THING!!! hehe!!

By wildmanhoya

October 7, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Homet

Like Elvis, wildmanhoya has left the building. No point in blogging any further. It is over for the Hoyas. I am off making sure I don’t get hit with the fallout from the canon.

By T.J.

October 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

How much clout does MaxPreps have? In the top 25 in the nation, the only GA team listed is Camden at number 11. Very interesting.

GA rundown of top 10 teams no matter what classification in MaxPreps is the following:

(1) Camden (2) Newnan (3) Cairo (4) Lowndes (5) Norh Gwinnett (6) Coffee (7) Harrison (8) Grayson (9) Northside (10) Walton

Cairo that good? Wheres Buford? Someone tell me about Newnan. AJC and us have it all wrong or the out of state folks out of touch?

By Lowndes 1981

October 7, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

To jeff It will be interesting to see them face the farmer boys of Lowndes for the title this year … It gets really old when the fans from north Ga make reference to the kids of Lowndes being all Farm kids…. Most of you do not relize that a majority of the kids at Lowndes are of Military families…. There are very few farms in this county. Most of the land in Lowndes County is planted in Trees, not farm land. Besides if we were mostly farm land, well I gues you would drpend on us to provide your food that you eat.

By HarrisonHoyaFan

October 7, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

I would be interested to know if the GPA’s of all players are enforced. If not, it should be. If a football player can’t pass classes and maintain a set GPA he shouldn’t play football let alone be considered for player of the year! If that is, in fact, happening.

By #1 Player?

October 7, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Mr Reid could be voted ‘God’ but obama is already claiming that one.

By Todd Holcomb

October 7, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

MaxPreps rankings are computer-generated. The good thing about computer rankings is that they are objective. I look at a few computer rankings before doing my own rankings because they help me identify teams that I might overlook, or teams that I might be overrating due to reputation and not actual performance.

But I think computer rankings are much less meaningful on a national scale because there aren’t enough interstate games to go on. Similarly, computer rankings have a hard time comparing teams from different classifications because of the limited number of interclass games.

But for those who like computer rankings, here are a couple that I look at.

Maxwell ratings:

Lowndes

Buford

Newnan

North Gwinnett

Camden County

Coffee

Harrison

Cairo

Grayson

East Paulding

Northside (Warner Robins)

LaGrange

Etowah

Walton

Westside (Macon)

Baldwin

Fitzgerald

Marist

Norcross

Rome

B-T Model

Lowndes

Buford

North Gwinnett

Camden County

Newnan

Harrison

Walton

East Paulding

Grayson

Coffee

Cairo

Etowah

Fitzgerald

Northside (Warner Robins)

Baldwin

Norcross

Kell

Brookwood

LaGrange

Kennesaw Mountain

By Lowndes 1981

October 7, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

TJ that is still last weeks MaxxPreps ratings that are on line…. the new ones usually come out Tuesday Afternoon.

By george

October 7, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Coffee fans…how ‘bout a little update on your stadium…seating capacity…visitors side, etc. Lowndes has a great facility. How does yours compare to them? Hope your fans are as gracious as Lowndes last week. I really enjoyed the few conversations I was able to have. What time does the game start? I’m hearing 7:30 and 8:00. Which is it?

By VIKINGS RULE 1-AAAAA

October 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Why don’t all of you worry about the rest of your teams season, and stop putting LOWNDES and GREG REID down. LOWNDES will be in the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. The farm boys as Jeff called them are not afraid of any team. To be the best, you have to beat the best.

By SGT CHRIS

October 7, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

OBAMA OR MCCAIN FOR THAT REASON SHOULD NOT GET ANY MENTION ON ANY BLOG THATS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL!!! WHY? BECAUSE ITS ONLY GOING TO GET OTHER TRUE BLOGGERS OFF THE SUBJECT (LIKE I AM) AND ONTO RACE..IT ALWAYS HAPPENS SO PLEASE LEAVE POLITICS OUT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL BLOG!!!

By SGT CHRIS

October 7, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

WESTSIDE MACON AND HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD PROVIDE A LIL INTRIGUE. BOTH ARE 3-0 IN THE REGION. LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING THAT GAME

By canefan

October 7, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

go fitzgerald purple hurricanes

By 1 5A fan

October 7, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Well George I dont think it is at all posible to compare Jardine Stadium to Martin Stadium,lol. Our is in much need of renovations, whitch are set to begin as soon as this season is over.Seating wise you are probably looking at between 6 & 7 thousond( depending on the size of the fans).Great Place to have a ballgame as far as atmosphere goes though. Sorry we dont have a stadium as nice as Lowndes or Northside does, but hopfuly we can fix that at the end of the year. But do come on down and enjoy the game if you can.

By AVikingfan

October 7, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

To HarrisonHoyaFan: Every head coach of every team in GA has to submit eligibilty reports to the State for each of his players. No player not eligible under GHS Standards can play. What an individual players GPA is or his SAT score is, is pretty much confidential. Same as injuries to a minor. A high school coach can not give out detailed injury reports without a signed authorization from his parents. (HIPPA Law)

To Lowndes 1981, The only Lowndes starter I know of whose family is in the military is #33. Do you know of others?

By Doug

October 7, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

To the people who remain unconvinced that Camden is worthy of it’s ranking and make the arguement that Region 3 is too weak, we can only say PLEASE come and play us….Camden usually makes a pretty good showing in the playoffs (4 dome appearances in the last 6 years) I am actually jealous of the folks in Region 1 getting to see all of the good games while we languish through the usual thrashings. I think that Coach Herron does a remarkable job keeping the players properly focused during Region play….Congrats to Lowndes….great win…don’t overlook Valdosta (although I don’t think they are at Lowndes level, just never know with this game)NSWR don’t get too down….have Coffee to prepare for this week….evrybody keep their eye on North Gwinnett, they look pretty solid…and once again, Newnan is just going about their business. As we approach the playoffs, it should get real interesting. Is it any wonder that HS Football is so much fun in GA?

By NsideBlue

October 7, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the Lowndes Vikings - they did their school proud, as did our Eagles. I just wanted to remind both of our fans that we’re lucky to be in the position we are, enjoying several years of success… wasn’t always the case, when I was at NSWR we were the little guys in town and Valdosta used to beat the crap out of Lowndes every year (the 70s). Things have a way of evening out, Valdosta won’t be down for long, neither will the Demons, coach Nix won’t be around forever, heck maybe even HOCO will produce… just a thought

By george

October 7, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

thanks 1 5A fan the last time I was in Douglas for a high school football game was when your team was known as the Coffee County Comets.

By dj

October 7, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

East will have its hands full this week. However, you put them on which unbeaten loses this week and not Harrison??? Harrison will have just as tough a game as East will. Both better not look ahead till next Friday!

GO RAIDERS!!

By dj

October 7, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

East will have its hands full this week. However, you put them on which unbeaten loses this week and not Harrison??? Harrison will have just as tough a game as East will. Both better not look ahead till next Friday!

GO RAIDERS!!

By dj

October 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

East will have its hands full this week. However, you put them on which unbeaten loses this week and not Harrison??? Harrison will have just as tough a game as East will. Both better not look ahead till next Friday!

GO RAIDERS!!

By HeadEast

October 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

1-AAAAA is the toughest region in football, but at least two teams will be one and done at best in the playoffs. The #2 seed goes to Camden for round 2 and the #3 seed goes to Newnan for round 2. Real Eagles of Etowah, I think you’ll need to beat Harrison to get that home playoff game, but it’s not impossible for East to still go 7-3, it just seems unlikely

By Camden Cat

October 7, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

HeadEast I hope that’s true. I hope Camden can proceed through the playoffs to the championship game….but I think they know they have their work cut out for them….especially facing a number two seed from Region 1-AAAAA so early. It’s gonna be tough….

By Underrated players

October 7, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Before the season started everybody was saying mays wasn’t going to beat Carver and Doug, after we beat them they said we wasn’t going to beat Whitewater and Alexander, Keep pushing us on and we will prove you wrong. By underrated players.

Go Raiders!!!!!!!! Mays High Til I Die

By SouthGARules

October 7, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

DSGB: Thank you for your service to our country. Not only Cairo, but Bainbridge, Thomasville, TCC, Brooks County, Valdosta, Lowndes & Clinch County are part of the Hwy 84 corridor that have won state titles over the years. 1 5A fan: Northside shares a stadium with Warner Robins & HoCo. One of the reasons Robert Davis left Warner Robins was because WRHS had to share the stadium with Northside & HoCo. Unless it has changed, WRHS was not allowed to hang state championship banners at the stadium. NsideBlue: What year did you graduate from Northside? My wife was a ‘77 WRHS grad.

By 1bighammer

October 7, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

OneWhig why don;t you chill-out. Yeah I got confused about the EC and Shaw endings. Either way Sandy Creek won. I was just illustrating a point that both of those games shouldn’t have been as close as they were. We should have never went into OT with EC and we shoul;d have beaten shaw by a TD.

By EagleNationRising

October 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Robert Davis had a myriad of reasons that he left Warner Robins. He could see the tide changing with the new high school. WRHS lost a signficant portion of their financial and fund raising wing as the south side and the city was expanding with new neighborhoods and affluence which all went to the new high school, Houston County. There were also rumors when HoCo opened that they would actually have their own stadium. If Davis thought that WRHS was going to have the cities largest stadium all to himself he would be fooling himself.

Westside gave him the ability to practically recruit the entire city of Macon, more than twice the size of Warner Robins. I actually just read an article in which Davis expressed surprise at how the parental involvement has been different in Macon than in Warner Robins, considering the close proximity of the cities. The truth is Davis would often “test the market” with other jobs like Camden County and others.

Finally, those of us who know Coach Davis know that there were some other “personal” and “family” matters which made it necessary that Coach Davis leave Warner Robins. Moving to Westside significantly increased his ultimate retirement check due to changes in teacher pay based on performance (which came at the end of the Zell Miller and beginning of the Roy Barnes administrations). Davis would not have received those benefits unless he changed schools.

At the end of the day, he is one of the best coaches to roam a Georgia sideline. He is the 2nd winningest coach of all time (I think) and has brought 2 National Championships to Warner Robins, GA. I believe the current environment of Warner Robins football would have been a tough pill for him to swollow. By design, Warner Robins has some serious challenges and the 4th high school may make it worse for WRHS. The towns population as simply moved away from the city’s older neighborhoods which make up a big part of WRHS’s district.

It looks like Coach Davis has another strong team at Westside and is primed to make a run. Since we don’t have to play him anymore, I certainly wish him all the best!

By SouthGARules

October 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

ENR: Re playoffs. Region 1 plays on a rotational basis Regions 2, 3, & 4 in the first round. Region 2 is made up of Dekalb & Atlanta city schools. Region 3 is Camden & Savannah area. Region 4 is Newnan, Fayette & Clayton schools. The other 4 regions are all metro Atlanta schools. Basically 2 out of 3 years, Region 1 opens against metro Atlanta schools. 75% of the AAAAA playoff schools are from metro Atlanta.

By Brian Jones

October 7, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

All you grown men that follow hs football this close are spankers and why the hell dont some teams go to ga tech practice and learn to run a real offense instead of the BS spread crap

By etowaheagle

October 7, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

i think this east paulding team has a very good chance of winning region … especially after etowah beats harrison. harrison should have been on the poll “which unbeaten will lose”…east paudling will run over north cobb this week just like woodstock did… GO EAGLES

By Camden Cat

October 7, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

HeadEast I hope you’re right and Camden can trudge through to the championship game….but I think we have our work cut out for us especially facing a 2nd seed Region 1-AAAAA team so early. It’s gonna be tough….but Go Camden!!

By mistermak

October 7, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

DOUG That was well said! Region play is boring!!! It is amazing that those boys can keep their focus. Last week I heard we had 9 starters on the bench due to disciplinary reasons. No wonder Beach hung in there until half time. At least is made for an interesting game on the radio. Still not worth the ticket price to watch a game. Come on Playoffs!!

By rw

October 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Big ups to the Mays High team. I am a fan of Dekalb County football. But Mays always puts together a good team and they always represent well in big games. Great program they have over there. I certainly wont under estimate that team and I would advise others to do likewise.

By trojan fan 99

October 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

To A VikingDad, yes Lowndes beat us last year and thats in the past that was without the likes of Melvin Loving(knee injury)also C.J. Mizell(got into fight with Coach Odum)this is a new season and we got respect for everyone we play right now our focus isn’t Lowndes it’s Northside and may the better team win and by the way I am a die hard Trojan fan win or lose much respect for Greg Reid he is half man half amazing Go Trojans!!

By RT

October 7, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

MASSEY RATINGS FOR AAAAA

1. Lowndes (+1)
2. Camden (-1)
3. North Gwinett (+1)
4. Harrison (-1)
5. Coffee (+1) YEAHHH (Sorry, my bad)
6. Grayson (+1)
7. Newnan (+3)
8. Walton (+1)
9. Northside Warner Robbins (-4)
10. East Paulding

By RT

October 7, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

TO HOMET

Just jerking you chain man. I know what an East Paulding is. We’re all impressed with them.

By Camden Wildcat

October 7, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Every team in the Warner Robins/ Houston County powerful god given area to Ga high school football lost last week. Northside, Perry, Houston County, and Warner Robins fell. What are Reeze and Eaglenationrising excuses for that,,, injuries, the refs, global warming,,, everything but the obvious, Warner robins area football is just like every other team in this state,,, human!

By HoyaDawg

October 7, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

HOW do I convence my teenagers, that this computer is for football bloging, not homework! To answer someones question, northside and warner robbins are two different schools, but I believe only one of them has a football team. Wildman,I cant believe you’re all ready conceding the game to EP, I hear they are pretty banged up, so maybe there is still a chance.Eagle fan, yall could’nt get business done against EP dont be talking about Beating H. GO win your next few games b-4 ya start trash talking

By HoyaDawg

October 7, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Man I feel like i’m behind on here, but last night, b-4 I got on line, I thought I would check my Email, and then I could’nt decide if I wanted to blog,get my colon cleansed, or go find that sexy neighbor that was supposedly looking for me. Lets just say, I feel about 20l lbs lighter now, and I am ready to blog.HOMET, what’s happening? North cobb could be tuf.They may let it all go man. I agree with you, we probably have the tougher team to face friday. Our starting linebacker has been out for 2 weeks, other than that we are pretty healthy. I’m pulling for EP friday, go get em!

By delta five

October 7, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Coffee stadium is much smaller than lowndes stadium.Seating capacity around 5000 6500. The visitor side will soon become the home side again because they will be doing construction on the stadium. Coffe has a really nice field and it reminds you of the Georgia Bulldogs between the hedges. I honestly believe with Warner Robins having 3 teams in the city - the visitor’s side will hold them and some. I went to the Coffee-WR game and Coffee had more people there than WR @ home.

By wildmanhoya

October 7, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Hoyadawg

I have succombed to the preaching of Homet. I am a believer. Went to practice today to watch the Hoyas get ready for Woodstock and some of them were playing in the band. The rest signed up for a cooking class. Life as a Hoya as we know it is over.

By CoffeeFan

October 7, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

I was not born then but how good was the Coffee County Comets back in the day?

By WIll

October 7, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

TODD DO YOU THINK WALTON CAN CONTEND FOR THE STATE TITLE AT 5 THERE NOT GETTING ANY BUZZ YOU NEVER GIVE THE COBB TEAMS THERE DO

By Gamer

October 7, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

To: By Camden Wildcat—What? “Every Team in Houston County lost last week you say”. What a “Dumb” statement when none of these teams play Camden County during the season and most times not even during post season play. How stupid it would be for Lowndes County (an example) laughing that Parkview, Grayson or Brookwood lost (just an example-not true) this week when they are not on Lowndes’ schedule. You are crazy! Stick to your own boring region.

By Todd Holcomb

October 7, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Whats up Todd, I am currently serving in Iraq and I look at the AJC all the time.My Syrupmakers get no respect and just would like for you to do a little piece on them, to make a old soldier smile.

That’s what makes the Internet so nice. Glad you can find some high school sports news at AJC.com.

Cairo is our No. 1 team in AAA, so that’s pretty good respect right there. But I suspect Cairo will need to come to Atlanta (for the state finals in the GA Dome) before there’s any feature story. Keep winning.

TODD DO YOU THINK WALTON CAN CONTEND FOR THE STATE TITLE AT 5 THERE NOT GETTING ANY BUZZ YOU NEVER GIVE THE COBB TEAMS THERE DO

Will:

What’s your basis for that opinion, that I don’t give Cobb teams their due?

Going into the last game of the regular season last year, I had THREE Cobb teams in the top six. That was despite the 40-year drought during which no Cobb team had won a state title. North Cobb was No. 1. Harrison was No. 3. This season, I’ve got three Cobb teams in the top seven. I don’t think there are three people on this blog who don’t think I give Cobb teams their due.

As for Walton, it’s too early to tell whether Walton is a legit state title contender, but I can’t see that Walton is better-suited this season than the other two season in which Walton made the semifinals but failed to put up a good fight. Don’t get me wrong: I think Walton is pretty good, but I’d be shocked if Walton won state in 2008. Getting back to semifinals would be very strong accomplishment. Walton should cruise to the title in Region 6-AAAAA, which is down this year.

By RT

October 7, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

COFFEE FAN

The Coffee Comets were all right in a “Just so” region.

I played against them way back in the day. They were in region 1A East, the sub-region with Jeff Davis, Appling, Bacon, Cook and Ben Hill, (Fitzgerald), Counties during my time.

Obviously the school got larger and they got better.

If you want to check their records by year, with information on coaches and such, look on www.ghsfha.org — All you want and more is there.

Go Coffee!

By mikemike

October 7, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

OBAMA FOR CAIRO SYRUPMAKERS THIS FRIDAY NIGHT GO CAIRO!!!

By Chris Whitfield

October 7, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Will: We never give Cobb teams their do? Name another county that hasn’t won a state title since 1967 that gets more do than Cobb? That isn’t a putdown, just the facts. Walton is a solid team and I look forward to covering the Milton game this Friday night at Raider Valley (always a great and hospitable atmosphere there), but let’s hold off on the state title talk just yet. Still a lot of play left for the Raiders even though I think Walton will roll to an undefeated season if they don’t lose to someone they shouldn’t lose to. Two trips to the Final Four in the last five years is a lot to brag about, but until a Cobb teams breaks through and wins the title, I think the area is getting just the right amount of respect.

Homet: I did enjoy myself at the BONEYARD this past Friday night, and I am sorry I didn’t get a chance to hook up with you, but I am pretty sure we will be in the same neighborhood on Oct. 17. The game against Etowah was a good one, but the most entertaining part of the night came when the band director busted into the pressbox and started yelling at the PA guy for playing AC/DC’s “Back in Black” as the Raiders ran onto the field. I’ll take Angus over “On Wisconsin” any day.

HoyaDawg: Glad you are feeling, um, lighter. How about Woodstock? Quite a surprising little team for coach O’Brien this year and not the gimme win that I thought it might be. Any Wolverine fans on here demanding some respect? Probably not since they are 2-3 on the year, but putting 35 points on North Cobb got my attention.

ENR: That was a classy way to address a delicate situation. I seem to remember an article in the Warner Robins Sun the first time that Westside played Warner Robins entitled “The Demon Returns” that wasn’t nearly as kind to coach Davis.

To everyone else: Which games you want me to weigh in on this week. There are some obvious ones (Grayson-Brookwood, Lowndes-Valdosta, Northside-Coffee), but what other games should I have in this week’s pick’s column? To steal a line from a legend, Selah.

By adam

October 7, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

dont you think pepperell could get a little more respect

By doc

October 7, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

We go through this every year. Camden plays in a weak region. So what do we do, we put our top three opening games with top 10 teams, from this year and past year. So what do we get, criticism. Because a team in another classification has a tougher schedule does not mean jack. So once again get with your athletic directors and have Camden put on your schedules as a non-region team. Eveyr year at the Kell classic we beat a top 10 team, then we go out of state or have a team from out of state come to Kinglsand, and we play football. Let’s put the weak region to bed, I am sure when Valdosta was wiping the floor with everyone, the same could be said, or let’s bring it closer. Since Lowndes has been taking all of the titles for 1 AAAAA, then everyone else, must be mediocre. Just thinking outside of the box. Think about it.

By RT

October 7, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

SYRUPMAKER IN IRAQ

Good luck to you. Thank you. Be as safe as you can.

Something to make you feel good—The Massey Ratings have Cairo as the tenth best team in ALL of georgia. That includes 4A and 5A schools.

They are right between #9 NSWR and #11 East Paulding. (HOMET—I am not looking to stir anything up), Just passing something on to make our hero proud.

By adam

October 7, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

todd, i know its hard to recognize alot of teams, but seems like there is a alot of 5-a schools and not many 3-a and 2-a teams which deserve more credit because alot of them could take on some of the greater atlanta teams. i understand the 5-a teams are bigger better. but seems like u could mix in a little more.

By ImaTitletownbaby

October 7, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

I got the chance to holla at Greg Reid saturday night…he was just chillin on the southside at Andy’s as if he wasn’t famous…sittin down on the curb. He assured me that Lowndes was gonna beat Valdosta by 21 points…Greg has me wanting to go play some football…im sure he’ll win player of the year and lead Lowndes to their 4th title ihn 5 years!!!

By ImaTitletownbaby

October 7, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

I got the chance to holla at Greg Reid saturday night…he was just chillin on the southside at Andy’s as if he wasn’t famous…sittin down on the curb. He assured me that Lowndes was gonna beat Valdosta by 21 points…Greg has me wanting to go play some football…im sure he’ll win player of the year and lead Lowndes to their 4th title ihn 5 years!!!

By mistermak

October 7, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Hey Doc, you like stirring the fire don’t you! Good work.

I don’t hear much houndogging from the NSWR fans this week. HMMM I wonder why!!

By WIll

October 7, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

why no respect for walton todd u didnt anwser my question about walton being a state title contender is it because you thought it was joke todd YOU ALWAYS HATE THE RAIDERS WHY YOU RANKED US FIFTH THEN

By Chris Whitfield

October 7, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

*As for Walton, it’s too early to tell whether Walton is a legit state title contender, but I can’t see that Walton is better-suited this season than the other two season in which Walton made the semifinals but failed to put up a good fight. *

Will, sounds like he answered your question to me, and how much more respect do you want? THEY ARE RANKED FIFTH!

By oldoldol

October 7, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Will —- you are a buffoon —- your grammar and spelling tell me that you are one of the people who brings Walton’s SAT score down

By Graysonfan2

October 7, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

TJ

Glad to see some talk on Grayson. I agree with most of what you say, but the majority of the starting backfield are seniors. I know Ian Penberton is a junior, but we have:

OFFENSE

QB- Tylor Horne senior #7 RB- Herrel Gunn #28 FB- Terry Williams senior #36 FB- Greg Zellner #16 senior (who i might add had a great game and yards in the Ga. Dome game vs. Mceachern. he has not handled the ball but a few times since do to injury. Now several line men are Juniors if this is who you speak of.

DEFENSE

OL-Greg Zellner #16 senior (in which no one will even run or throw against, the kid is a beast and people know it.) so we turn to the other side OL-Herrel Gunn #28 senior also plays both ways LB-#45 Jonathan senior LB/C-#35 Ches Whitesides senior WR-#14 Matt Mctier

A few juniors to mention are

By WIll

October 7, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

first off a blog is not an english assignment a***** second WALTON’s SAT SCORES ARE ALWAYS TOP IN THE TOP TWO THIRD WHO ARE YOU TO JUGDE ME AND MY FORMER HIGH SCHOOL YOU WISH OR YOUR CHILDREN COULD GO TO THE TOP PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE STATE OF GA oldidol

By WIll

October 7, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

you or your children i meant

By oldoldol

October 7, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Hey Will —- a** has 6 * not just 5 like you “spelled” it —- thus, I stand by my earlier comments

By WIll

October 7, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

i think four or three im not sold on grayson and dont know much about newnan chris

By Graysonfan2

October 7, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Will

You are correct, like most Grayson is semi new and still has to prove themselves every week. So far so good for them. If they ever make it to the championship game, you think they might get a little respect? some eyes may even open after this weeks game!

By WIll

October 7, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

graysonfan2 i hope ya do well if ya play walton its on lets hope newnan loses so we both crack the top 4 this week

By Lowndes Vikings

October 7, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

I really think ENR wants to be a newspaper reporter, with all his lengthy posts and history lessons. Maybe he can get a job in a small town newspaper where he can write the whole dang thing. But he’d better be more accurate than he was last week in all his posts guaranteeing a Northside victory. He said Lowndes hasn’t played anybody. Maybe we still haven’t. Like the other Northside ranters and ravers, he has toned down this week. I think NSH will take Coffee, but they may catch that Carver Columbus feeling sorry for me desease and lose two in a row. Seriosly though, I think Conrad Nix is too good a coach to let that happen. Northside 21, Coffee 14.

By T.J.

October 7, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Graysonfan, I have #36 as a junior FB/LB. I am confused with line rotations who is who but it looks like juniors rotate in and out and seem to get equal, if not more snaps. Like #61 is a junior and plays both offense and defense. Do not forget about #94 on the D-line. The D-line rotates the most. I think that is what sets Grayson apart. The talent and depth are incredible. They run in lines for situations, at least it looks like it. I noticed a sophmore or two also. That is why they will go deep this year and next. I will compare program to players Friday to get it right. If line can stay in more than a snap or 2.

Brookwood is young too. probably missing experience but next year they will be strong again. Brookwood will be tough this week and will put up valiant effort against Grayson’s powerful ball hogging team, but next year will be a better year for this matchup.

By DSGB

October 8, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Thanks to all the fellow bloggers for showing a soldier some support and I wish all your teams make the play-offs and the Syrupmakers win the big one!!!!

By Joe

October 8, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

East Paulding fans have become the most annoying fans ever. Having a great year yes but I dont see them doing much in the playoffs or any 5AAAAA team for that matter, all those teams are down this year, Harrison included.

All these EP fans will shut up next season when their beloved Coach bolts for a new school like he tried to do last year. Reid doesn’t stay anywhere very long, they also lose a ton of talent after this year.

By The Inspector

October 8, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

According to the ‘mouthbreather’ jhenry, lets do away with referees and rules, let the teams play something as long as our team wins. What a nosebleader! The sad state of officiating in sports devalues the sport exponentially. If the adults can’t or won’t get it right, why should the players/students. Fraudulent activity is just that: fraud. Paid adults should be held to a higher level across the board. The NBA is having to learn that right now. Hey, as long as we win right? Maybe the fired Clayton Co. BOE members should be football referees. One of them was at Lowndes stinking the place up last Friday.

By EHSEagle08

October 8, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this

First everything is predictions and likely to happen. Kenn Mtn will be 4. I just dont see EP beating NC at NC and Harrison at Harrison then home to Kenn Mtn. EP will lose 2 or maybe all 3 of the games. So the region will be determined on Etowah and if they beat everyone else and if they can beat Harrison, then they will have it. My prediction NC 24 EP 21. And for JOE region 5a-aaaaa isnt down this year. I think its the best one. what makes region 1-aaaaa look so good is lowndes. we have top quality teams that can upset at any time. look for kenn mtn etowah ep and harrison in the playoffs. We will make some noise

By mistermak

October 8, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

No way no fans are more annoying than NSWR!!! Just kidding!! I sure do miss all of their trash talking though. I hope we see ya’ll in the second round!! Or maybe it will be Coffee!! After this weekend NSWR might be 3rd seed!!

By NsideBlue

October 8, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this

hey SouthGARules - I would have graduated from Northside in ‘77 also (military brat that moved around)… was your wife in the band at WRHS? if so, ask her about the year our bands combined to do one big haltime show - and the funny little kid that was swinging a doll’s head around on a rope…

By jhenry

October 8, 2008 3:27 AM | Link to this

To the inspector Where did the name calling come from, and what are you babbling about? It is so easy to criticize the refrees when your team has a sub-standard performance. If you’re going to blog and name-call, at least have something intelligent to say. No one said do away with refs and rules, I simply said, don’t whine about refs if your team can’t get it together. Both teams were penalized giving them poor field position or giving the other team great field position at some point. The difference being: Lowndes took advantage and got the job done, while NHS did not. Now, that game is over and all of your whining and complaining is not going to change the outcome. So, get over it and move on.

By jhenry

October 8, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this

To **the inspector

By jhenry

October 8, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this

To the inspector And learn to spell: It’s nose bleeder, not nosebleader!

By Raider Fan

October 8, 2008 4:38 AM | Link to this

EHSEagle08 1st Lol at EP giving up 24 to NC! And who are you talking about losing 3 of their last 4. If my memory serves me correctly EP beat your beloved eagles this past week. Do you really think if you guys could not beat EP that you are going to be able to beat Marietta, South Cobb, North Cobb, and Harrison if so you are insane. By no means do I think EP will beat Harrison, I hope that they do. I doubt very seriously they will lose to NC, nor K.Mtn. They should blow out Cherokee, who is having a rough 1st year in 5a, and Woodstock will be a good game, but again Ep will come out on top. I do not think that EP will go much further than the 1st or 2ed round, but you should not sell them short, just like everyone else. But you had better go ahead and get used to the fact that the best your eagles will do this season is 3rd in the region, although ya’ll have a good team, they will be the team losing 2 out of their last 4. Yes sad but true!

By Reid Basher

October 8, 2008 4:46 AM | Link to this

to joe Let Reid bolt somewhere else.. please I hope he does becasue I know someone with the intiles J.D that would love the job. why do you disslike the raider fans so much… Pardon them that they support their team who has never won before the Reid era? excuse them for having something to cheer aboub, maybe they can go to the Hiram, Paulding County, North/South paulding games on a friday night.. EP will have more wins than all them combined by seasons end..

By vikings rule

October 8, 2008 6:04 AM | Link to this

Nside Blue I hear ya. Boy, do we people at Lowndes remember those days of old when Valdosta dominated everybody. I thought the game last Friday night was a beautiful thing. Two teams of that caliber getting it on and we couldn’t of asked for more. It lived up to the hype. Northside has a great team loaded with talent. Everyone wanted to be us last Friday night whether they’ll admit it or not. Hey, I wish you guys a great rest of the season. Who knows maybe we can do it again only on a bigger stage next time