AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTake 10: Georgia’s finest statewide high school football rivalries
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Isn’t there something special about a good rivalry? We at Take Ten understand this just like you. We get excited every time we face Todd Holcomb’s Poll Talk in the Battle of the Blogs.
Sadly, we’re losing that matchup 173-1. (One week, Todd had the flu.) But we still feel the same passion you probably do when your favorite team is facing [insert hated school here].
Last fall, we examined the top football rivalries in the Metro Atlanta area. This year, we decided to take a look at the top matchups in the state. Some of them just happen to be playing this week.
Photos: Check out our AJC archival shots of the top 10 rivalries!
Here are your top 10 high school football rivalries:
10: McEachern-Harrison — Welcome to the next generation of one of the best rivalries of the last decade or so. Both schools are under first-year head coaches. Both schools lost legends to retirement. Both schools have set the bar for Cobb County football. Oh, and the series is tied. That’s what we call a good rivalry.
Series record: Tied 7-7
Last game: Harrison 40-6 (Nov. 2, 2007)
9. Clarke Central-Cedar Shoals — This matchup was so good the two teams played twice in 2006. The Gladiators won both games that year. Cedar Shoals got its revenge last season, and the two will play Friday at the Jungle.
Series record: Clarke Central 26-15
Last game: Cedar Shoals 27-14 (Sept. 7, 2007)
8: Carver (Columbus)-Spencer — This isn’t a matchup that screams even playing field. We’ve never been, but we’ve heard the experience of watching the two high schools play in Columbus is something special. Sometimes records aren’t as important as atmosphere.
Series record: Carver 31-8-1
Last game: Carver 31-0 (Aug. 29)
7: Roswell-Milton — There’s a bit of history to this game. Aside being one of the oldest rivalries in the metro-Atlanta area, there is genuine hate here. There was a fight between fans of the two programs in 1963. The series was halted and didn’t resume against until 1970. When the spectacle off the field is as good as the one on it, that’s a good rivalry.
Series record: Roswell 32-20-1
Last game: Roswell 45-0 (Oct. 26, 2007)
6: Lincoln County-Washington-Wilkes — This game has been so good some of the participants have even changed names. Lincoln County was once Lincolnton High, and the school has a sizeable advantage in the series lead. But the game dates back to 1945, which is impressive. The Red Devils also won the 2005 state crown against Wilkes.
Series record: Lincolnton/Lincoln Co. 33-23-4
Last game: Lincoln Co. 14-6 (Oct. 17)
5: Northside (WR)-Warner Robins — OK, so it has to be difficult sharing the same stadium. It surely does nothing to make the Eagles and Demons like each other any more. Northside has been the better team of late, winning eight of the last 10, but Warner Robins holds the series lead.
Series record: Warner Robins 32-18
Last game: Northside 34-7 (Sept. 7, 2007)
4: Marist-Tucker — Think this season didn’t feel good for the War Eagles? Marist snapped a four-game losing streak to the Tigers. Tucker is the only program to have beaten Marist four consecutive times in the past 32 years.
Series record: Tucker 10-7
Last game: Marist 38-0 (Sept. 26)
3: Parkview-Brookwood — Neighborhood rivalries are always the best in our book. It doesn’t hurt when the coaches of the two teams happen to have been former high school teammates. The series began in 1982 and settled the 2002 state title with a 28-7 Parkview victory.
Series record: Brookwood 16-10
Last game: Brookwood 16-3 (Nov. 9, 2007)
2: Charlton County-Clinch County — The Swamp Bowl is the definition of even. The series has belonged to the Indians of late. Charlton County has won six in a row with the Panthers last victory coming in 2002 (14-12). Four of these games have been decided by 10 points or less, and both schools have three state championships to their credit.
Series record: Charlton Co. 24-22-1
Last game: Charlton Co. 24-7 (Aug. 29)
1: Lowndes-Valdosta — Surprised? No, we didn’t think so. The statistics don’t lie. The series started in 1968. These two teams have combined for 14 state championships since then, and in 13 of those 14 seasons, the winner of the showdown usually won a state crown as well. We think that stat is safe this season as well. The Vikings have taken eight of the last 10.
Series record: Valdosta 33-14
Last game: Lowndes 14-7 (Oct. 10)
Go on. Take Ten. What are the best high school football rivalries? Is there someone that is worthy of your hate, stealing a team mascot or burning anything of that general color? What did we miss? Here’s your chance to voice your opinion. Let us know.
Permalink | Comments (246) | Post your comment | Categories: Take Ten
Comments
By Charles Davis
October 22, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
ANYONE TRYING TO BEAT MADISON COUNTY FLA COWBOYS
By Mike H
October 22, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Come on, how can you include a game when the teams have not played each other 15 times? That’s not even a tradition. If you want a real rivalry, look at Savannah High School vs Benedictine Military. They started playing in 1902; have met over 100 times and still can boil the blood of the alumni.
By Charles Davis
October 22, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
ANYONE TRYING TO BEAT THE MADISON COUNTY, FLORIDA COWBOYS
By Dre
October 22, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
The Carver vs Spencer game is an event. The game hasn’t been compelling in some years but the atmosphere is great. The game attendance can reach between 10 to 15,000. And that says alot for a game where the outcome is determined before the game is played.
By CP
October 22, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Look for Dacula - Mill Creek to be on this list in the future. The history is short but … the school territorites border each other, they have huge student bodies, the teams are getting significantly better, and everyone circles the other team as soon as the schedule comes out.
By Throwback
October 22, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Well back in the day the George High vs Fultom High Rivalry would’ve been on this list…unfortunately they both now make up South Atlanta HS which has been a losing program every since the name change! For football ball that is
By tiger7_88
October 22, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
The Jordan-Columbus rivalry down in Columbus celebrated it’s 100th anniversary this year (with a Jordan win, hooray!).
Neither team is very good anymore, so the “level” of competition is pretty poor. But, as rivalries go, the level of RIVALRY is still extremely high… it’s LONG and it’s HATED. Columbus (the rich boys) vs. Jordan (the middle and lower class). Football on the field as well as class war off of it.
I dare say it’s easily one of the oldest rivalries in the state.
Carver-Spencer? Pshaw!
By KEC
October 22, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Look for Peachtree Ridge and North Gwinnett. PRHS has only been open for five years now, so it is a new rivaly, but both have outstanding, state winning football programs.
By Tim
October 22, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
East Coweta and Newnan has become a fierce rivalry in the past 15 years. Alot of these guys still live minutes from each other and played together for years. I actually went to both schools and can tell you from experience that this one usually sums up the region. Both are playoff caliber teams this year so it should be fun to watch. Newnan thinks it runs the county, but East Coweta consistently turns out a winner… not to mention NFL players. Watch for the upset this year… EC 21 NHS 20… you heard it here first!
By VikingConquerors
October 22, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
I had, for many years, the misfortune of living through the Lowndes-Valdosta rivalry. For much of that time the ‘Cats ran away with the football series and Vikings fans endured. But, now, the times they are a changing…
I’ve gotta say that those Valdosta uniforms have always had way too much yellow in ‘em for my taste.
By Cat4 life
October 22, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
West Rome vs East Rome was at one time probably the most intense and bitter rivalry in the State. Sharing a home field and the boundry which determined which school a kid attended was Broad St. Both had awesoem programs and it was usually a very close game.
By calvin
October 22, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Northside vs. Warner Robins is second only to Valdosta vs. Lowndes…… close to 15,000 in attendance at each contest…..entire communities come to watch.
and there ain’t a nickel worth of difference between them…..
end of story
By Jim
October 22, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
The Thomasville vs Thomas County Central game has to be on anyones all time rivalry list.
By LongBlueLine
October 22, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
The Fish Bowl (Marist vs. St. Pius X) is experiencing a rebirth of competition in the past 5 or 6 years. Although dominated by Marist for 20 some odd years, Pius is on the offensive. There is no love lost between the Catholic schools.
By goober
October 22, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Glenn: Thanks for the rankings. Valdosta-Lowndes (TitleTown and Winnersville, USA) is proud to be at the top of your rivalries list. There is a correction, however. In fact, since (and including) 1968 Valdosta and Lowndes have combined for 16 state titles, not 14 as was written.
Valdosta won in 1968, 1969, 1971, 1978, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1998 (11 total). Lowndes won in 1980, 1999, 2004, 2005 and 2007 (five total). Also, Valdosta played for but lost the state title games in ‘77, ‘94, ‘96, and ‘03.
So in the 40 years of this rivalry, one of the two teams has played for or won the state title in 20 of those years.
By TCC Fan
October 22, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
What, no TCC vs Thomasville High? They only played each other for a state title. No TCC vs Cairo? No Thomasville High vs Cairo? Typical North Ga (Atlanta) bias. The only mention of a series is Lowndes vs Valdosta……and they probably wouldn’t have even got a spot if Lowndes hadn’t been so successful over the last several years.
By War Chant 2008
October 22, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Watch out for the JCHS Warriors in Region 3-AA. They are 7-1 and are tied for first with Dublin. They did suffer a big loss two weeks ago against East Laurens but that was an off night for the Warriors. JCHS has two games left with a tough road game against Screven County and the region final game with Dublin on November 7th in Louisville. If it works out that game will come down for the Region Championship if Dublin and JCHS win out the rest of their games. Coach Arnold has his team primed for a playoff run. They made one hurdle last year by defeating Early County in the 1st Round. This team could upset some teams in the playoffs..WARRIOR FOOTBALL is on the rise.
By jOE
October 22, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
You concentrated on the metro Atlanta are and missed rivalrys from NE and NW Georgia and what about those involving Savannah teams and Statesboro and Swainsboro. Why not try again, going for top 25 in the state?
By CougarFan
October 22, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Tim: I can appreciate a man that is pasionate about his team. I’m sorry to tell you, but Newnan is the better team in Coweta County and one of the top in the state for that matter. I understand that that this years game could be interesting just because of the fact that it is a rivalry game, but your prediction is way off. As you can tell by Newnan’s past scores this season, if you can’t score 35 points or more, then you’re not going to win. Go Cougars!
By Rome Dawg
October 22, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
I agree with Cat4 Life East Rome vs West Rome was an amazing Rivalry. It was one of the most intense games I have ever seen. Too bad that the schools came together to make one. I think at one time West Rome won 4 state titles in a row and did not lose one game while doing it, don’t quote me on that. East Rome was not too shabby either. Coached by the great Jerry Sharp and winning a state title under him before he went to Darlington. There was pure hate between the two schools that even went down to the pee wee games. It was intense!
By Cobby
October 22, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Moultrie( Colquitt) Versus Valdosta
By The Paw's wth Clawsi
October 22, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Henderson vs Lakeside back in the 70’s & 80’s. The drugies vs The Freaks. Wayman Creel from Lakeside and Terry Sparks from Henderson. “You dang Poot-Head”. CLASSIC! Cougar Power!
By mike
October 22, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
The fact that Thomasville vs. Thomas County Central isn’t on this list should invalidate this article. Anyone who lives south of Macon knows about this game. Charlie Ward, Mike Bobo, Sean Jones, the list goes on.. And not to mention that TCC won like 4 or 5 straight 4A titles in the 90’s and Tville had 1 too. I live in Atlanta and I would still have this game ranked in my top 3. Its not on the same level as Valdosta v Lowndes, but its bigger than any of the Atlanta area rivalries.
By Mattie
October 22, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Milton-Roswell is a real rivalry, but you do a disservice by saying the teams hate each other. Let’s not make it more than it is. I’ve been to the past 3 games, and it’s been intense, but fun. Well, except for last year, that was no fun! Milton has a real chance this year, and everybody is looking forward to Friday night. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.
By goober
October 22, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Although it’s been one-sided in favor of Valdosta lately, the Valdosta-Colquitt Co/Moultrie series began in 1913, and the two have played 94 times since, with Valdosta leading 67-23-4. These two schools have played each other every year since 1950, a span of 59 consecutive years. I wonder, is this a record?
By slick
October 22, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I agree with Mike. The Thomas County Central v. Thomasville High game should be added for sure. I used to live in Moultrie and I remember that people from all over South Georgia would drive to Thomasville to watch this game. Its simply a huge huge rivalry game in South Georgia. I wouldn’t expect anyone at the AJC to know about it though. By the way, I live in Atlanta now and nobody cares about all the Cobb County football games on this list. Milton vs. Roswell? Give me a break!! JOKE
By Jim
October 22, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Living in the northwest part of the state, I can think of several.
West Rome vs. East Rome - This was always bitter. Being in the same town and sharing a stadium made it that much more intense.
Rome vs. Dalton - After a hiatus of several years, they once again play every year and usually this game decides the 7AAAA title (at least until this year when it split into divisions)
Rockmart vs. Cedartown - Nothing but hate between these two programs.
By GOLDEN LION
October 22, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
MARIST VS. PIUS COME ON! 21-10 this year, RENEWS IS! RENNISANCE
By Laney and Josey Augusta
October 22, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
For sure Lucy C. Laney vs T. W. Josey is one of the states best rivalries. Check your history.
By dobearsbare
October 22, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
McEachern-Harrison should be replaced with East Coweta-Newnan, and the columbus schools should be replaced with TCC-Thomasville.
Since someone brought it up, I’d like to see evidence that Warner Robins-Northside has ever had 15,000 in attendance. I’ll stop short of saying it hasn’t happened, but I’d like some proof that it has.
By dobearsbare
October 22, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
McEachern-Harrison should be replaced with East Coweta-Newnan, and the columbus schools should be replaced with TCC-Thomasville.
Since someone brought it up, I’d like to see evidence that Warner Robins-Northside has ever had 15,000 in attendance. I’ll stop short of saying it hasn’t happened, but I’d like some proof that it has, because I’d be shocked if the capacity of that stadium is more than 10,000.
By AJC Freelancer
October 22, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
A brand new rivalry that just had its annual reunion is Stephenson and MLK in DeKalb. These schools have become the new pacesetters for football talent in that county, and Stephenson got its get-back by winning this year.
By goober
October 22, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Glenn’s list is CURRENT rivalries. If you consider the all-time #1 greatest rivalry in GA high school football, I doubt anything could ever top the old two great Atlanta schools squaring off each year … anyone old enough to remember Boys High vs. Tech High?
By UGA Fan
October 22, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Y’all are correct… the two rivalry games that both came to mind as omissions: One is historical: East Rome v. West Rome, a ton of passion, great coaches and players in those games.
The other that is defintely glaring ommission: TCC and Thomas County. Those games have been blood baths over the years.
Honorable mention: I always sensed from friends that the Bowdon-Bremen rivalry in Western GA, has always been ultra-competitive, too.
By noneya
October 22, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
McEachern vs Harrison? You can’t be serious. Who outside of West Cobb cares about or even heard of this rivalry. And it’s been mentioned several times before but the fact that Thomasville vs TCC is not on this list makes it invalid.
By Bremen High
October 22, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
UGA Fan, thanks for the Honorable Mention of Bremen-Bowdon you are correct, this should have been in his top ten for sure.
These two teams are in the top ten in Single A each year, and one of the two have won the 6A Region for the last like 50 years. Get your head out of the sand and go outside the box.
By Jim
October 22, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Amen to the Paws with claws. Henderson - Lakeside was a fierce rivalry. Usually always played at Memorial stadium to hold the crowds. Great memories of two great teams taking on each other! Cougar Power!
By 1bighammer
October 22, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
Greenville and Manchester is a great rivalry. Manchseter probably owns the series lead, but only because they refused to play the Powerhouse Greenvile teams of the Early eighties.
Greenville - Hogansville was a great one too.
By dml2410
October 22, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
WHAT A JOKE! Charlton County-Clinch County above Brookwood-Parkview and Marist-Tucker……Ummmm…seriously? I’m sure the swamp bowl is a real fun game to watch….
By Keith
October 22, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Anyone that is the least bit familiar with Marist knows that its biggest rival is St. Pius. Tucker is maybe #2, but Pius is far and away the #1 rival.
Maybe the media likes Marist-Tucker better, but every single Marist student and alumni would say St. Pius is the biggest rival.
Yes, beating Tucker was big this year. But losing to Pius this year was even bigger.
By South Fulton love
October 22, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Show some love to south fulton would you. Whenever these two teams play its like Ga. Tech and UGA…good ol’ fashion hate!!! There’s rivalry between the football teams, both the bands, and the fans. These two schools just don’t like each other, and those two schools are
Creekside Seminoles vs. Westlake Lions
By goober
October 22, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
What about some of the former all-black schools from years past? There were some great games that never got much if any publicity. Valdosta had one between Pinevale and Westside. I’m sure there were many more.
Glenn … what about a Top Ten rivalries list featuring some of these old schools before integration? Probably a whole lot of great stories there too.
And yes … absolutely … leaving off Thomasville and Central was a glaring omission.
By dawgsig
October 22, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Poor ole Tim from East Coweta … a perfect example of a fan blinded by team loyalty. East Coweta couldn’t beat Chapel Hill, a team Newnan destroyed 33-0. Come on Tim, face facts. Newnan - 35 ECHS - 0
By jefffan
October 22, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Troup Vs. LaGrange
Jefferson vs. Commerce
By Math Teacher
October 22, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
goober @ 10:34
Careful about counting your chickens before they hatch.
That’d be 19 of 39 state final appearances through ‘07. It’d be 20 of 40 only if one of those teams makes it to the finals this year.
I’m fairly confident I’ll see Lowndes in the finals this year but you never know what can happen. If LHS happens to face Tifton (should TCHS come in 4th in Region 1-AAAAA) it could get interesting, not to mention a match-up with Grayson, Peachtree Ridge or some dark-horse candidate out of Region 4-AAAAA.
I know I’m slighting somebody in the north Atlanta regions so my apologies to your victim, er, team.
By Jay Stone
October 22, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
To be reccognized as a top rivalry, I’d think your game would have to be in the consciousness of people outside the area of the game. I’m not sure there are 10 such games in the state. Maybe five (IMO, by the way, Marist-Tucker doesn’t belong in the top 5) . But this is is a top 10 list, so Glenn had to come up with 10. Bremen-Bowdon has been a good local rivalry through the years and it means a lot to the Sewell family, but I’d stop short of saying it was recognized outside of Carroll and Haralson Counties.
By SMH '81
October 22, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Even though I went to Stone Mountain, I remember the Clarkston-Avondale rivalry and one Friday night, someone stole the Goat and before the game, Avondale let it run out across the field painted in all Avondale Blue….LMAO!!! Good times
By WHAT?!?!?!
October 22, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
HOW IS WESTMINSTER V. LOVETT NOT ON HERE?!?!!?!?
By #1 EAGLE FAN
October 22, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
The comment about the NSWR vs WRHS having 15,000 fans at their rival game is true. The stands are full on both sides and the grass is full of fans. It happens every year. There is never any sitting room and hardly any standing room for this rival. HCHSWR think that the only rival is HCHSWR VS WRHS. They need to think again it is and always will be NHSWR vs WRHS. The Eagles will triump again this year over the Demons. GO BIG BLUE…..
By yo
October 22, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
calvin I have to agree with you on NHS and Warner being a strong #2.
By CougarFan
October 22, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Dawgsig: Actually, Newnan beat Chapel Hill 35-3 and Creekside 33-0, but the concept is still the same. I totally agree with you! Go Cougars!
By yo
October 22, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
I know we are talking regular season but in my mind the Charlton Cty./Buford game seemingly every year in the playoffs has become pretty big.
By Music City Bowl Committee Member
October 22, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
There will never, ever be a rivalry to match the classic Stone Mountain - Lithonia matchup of the 60s and 70s. Pirates rock!
By yo
October 22, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Bases on what I have been reading in the blogs EP/Harrison has already replaced McEachern/Harrison in one short year.
By Chris Whitfield
October 22, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Milton-Roswell is a real rivalry, but you do a disservice by saying the teams hate each other. Let’s not make it more than it is.
If you don’t hate each other when you play each other, is that a true rivalry? I don’t care if my rival wins every other game they play, but when it comes to the Friday night when we meet on the football field, I HATE them!
It is a good list, Glenn, but like every other Take 10, there should be a lot of good debate on this one. Hard to argue with TCC-Thomasville. TCC has won something like 11 out of the last 12, but for the series it is 23-20 according to www.ghsfha.org.
By Gordon Roddenberry
October 22, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Thomas Co. Central vs Thomasville
By szuber
October 22, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
The rivalries now are cute but,the real rivalries were back in the day with East Atlanta High and Bass High School.
By dean
October 22, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
This list stinks for one reason. There is no way that Warner Robins vs. NHSWR is down to number 5. I’ll conced number 1 only because of the tradition of Valdosta and recent success of Lowdnes. But c’mon, I grew up in Warner Robins in the 70’s and 80’s. That town is severely divided among high school loyalties. The stadium is absolutely packed for the game. It is a monster rivalry! Northside has success of late but they know full well that for DECADES- WARNER ROBINS HIGH SCHOOL OWNS THEM! GO DEMONS!!!
By oldwolf
October 22, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
The Buford, North Gwinnett rivalry used to be a good rivalry, but hasn’t been played in a long time. Too bad.
By dougmo
October 22, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Lincoln County&Wasington-Wilkes. Teams are about 20 miles apart and are usually classed together. Even when they are classed differently, always play each other just for shear spite.
By **Frederick (Bailey) Douglass**
October 22, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
We hate Mays, Mays hates us. We meet at Lakewood for the battle and at the McDonalds on MLK for the fight. We do it every year…
More than a “rivalry”…its pure disgust. Any team that playes in powder blue deserves to be hated by those donning Black and Gold. They are bougie we are working class. They are preps, we are thugs. This is about within-race class differences…every year.
By Monk
October 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I was really shocked that Pius/Marist was not listed. I cannot imagine a game that sparks more passion among the schools’ fans.
Marist/Tucker? It may have meant more in the rankings for the past 10 years, but I will guarantee you that both of those schools would put some other team on there “biggest rival” perch.
By USAFdawg757
October 22, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Elbert County Vs Hart County is a RIDICULOUS rivalry. They had to put it on hold for 2 yrs because the teams and fans got so into it. From damaging county property to stolen statues of mascots to thriller finishes and upsets this one has had it ALL over the years.
By J. Anderson Whitlock
October 22, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Lovett vs. Westminster
By G Man
October 22, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
I agree with the Benedictine / Savannah High game. Talk about about a real rivalry, this game was played on Thanksgiving day for years.
By Tech82
October 22, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
St. Pius vs. Marist has been a GREAT rivalry over the years. Pius owned the first 15 years and Marist the next 20. Now St. Pius is resurgent again. Regardless of the lack of competitive balance between the teams at times, this game has ALWAYS played to a capacity crowd and has always garnered TV coverage. Many times over the years the outcome determined post-season play. By any definition, it is indeed a rivalry worthy of “top-ten” status.
Bremen vs. Bowden? Give me a break.
By football fan
October 22, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
South Fulton Love
I think the rivalry amongst all four schools in south fulton is heated… Whenever Creekside, Westlake, Banneker, and Tri Cities plays each other, its a sellout standing room only…. Like this year they had to turn people away at the Banneker-Westlake game… I am pretty sure it was that way for the Creekside Westlake game.
By goober
October 22, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Dear Math Teacher at 11:33 am: Check your own math before you correct mine. You sir, are wrong.
From 1968 to 2007, counting the first and the last years, is a total of 40 years. If you doubt me, write down every year, count ‘em up, and see how many you get. You will see that you will count all 10 of your fingers four times. 10 x 4 = 40.
As I itemized in that post, Valdosta or Lowndes played for the state title 20 of those years. I did not include this 2008 season because I am smart enough to know that it is not over yet and no state champion has been crowned.
I anxiously await your apology.
I am still waiting … anyone out there aware of a longer consecutive-games-played streak than Valdosta-Colquitt Co/Moultrie for 59 years from 1950 to 2008? (By the way Math Teacher, count 1950 and 2008, and this adds up to 59 years.)
By DOG THE MAN
October 22, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
You forgot Washington and Douglass and Southwest(Mays) and Therrell. I guess you were only looking at non Metro schools.
By draycoach
October 22, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
To dml2410 - Your comment on the “Swamp Bowl” between Clinch County and Charlton County, two state powers from south Georgia that once were Class A region foes, not being much just shows your lack of high school football knowledge amongst “traditional” rivals. The series dates back to 1952 with Charlton holding a 30-26-1 series lead which is different than what the Clinch folks have. But that’s what makes rivalries - when neither can agree (Georgia-Florida) - and bragging rights. I’m sure Brookwood-Parkview is nice since it started in 1982 and there were some years both were pretty dang good. There are rivalries outside the boundaries of the Atlanta area that most everyone wouldn’t know much about. How about Clinch County-Atkinson County? They just played for the 57th consecutive year. Clinch has dominated the series lately winning 20 of the past 23 games to take a 42-24-1 series lead. That’s a rivalry unto them and the 19 miles that separates the two towns. Let each rivalry, no matter what classification or location, have its due. We all have opinions but some just are stupid with remarks. Mine is better than yours makes that person look like a fool.
By some sense
October 22, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Those really close to the whole Marist/St. Pius thing know how ugly it gets. Coaches and Administrators from both schools don’t want any more than must to know what really gets talked about on Monday mornings from AD to AD and Principal to Principal.
Both schools’ principles become severely compromised more than you know when these two compete in any sport at any level.
Not listed as a Top Ten Rivalry now because of Marist’s dominance in football over the last two decades, BUT watch out if SPX keeps coming.
By Mark
October 22, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Henderson vs Lakeside. Get real. This was a contest between pansies. You are correct about drugies vs freaks.
If you want real rivalry go look at the Decatur vs Avondale history.
By blue devil fan
October 22, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
All of these rivalries might be nice but any list that leaves off one of the oldest public highs in the state and one of the oldest industrial schools in the nation is not correct. Columbus High and Jordan first met in 1908 and this year celebrated the 100th anniversary of that game. This game became so intense in the 1920’s that city officials would not let them play each other. Columbus leads the series 57-28-3 with Jordan winning this year. The crowd was like it was in the 60’s and 70’s before Columbus grew to 8 high schools. Columbus High has a new coach and a young team so I look for great things in the future. We are, as always, Columbus High.
By Math Teacher
October 22, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
goob
I stand corrected. You sir are a mathematical genius and I cower in the presence of you superior computing ability.
By swolf
October 22, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
The Cairo/Thomasville/Thomas Conty Central 3 way rivalry simply HAS to be mentioned! Three great schools, located so closely together, with such high expectations of excellence all around… not to mention that rivalry covers THREE classifacations; AA, AAA, & AAAA.
By Tom
October 22, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
A few that deserve consideration for top ten rivalries: Carrollton-Cartersville, Thomasville-Thomas County Central and Toombs County-Vidalia. It’s difficult to pick just ten, but these three should have been considered!
By Pius
October 22, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Marist- Pius
you know wahy?
Because everytime i hear the word Marist, I throw up in my mouth and curse Alan Chadwick. We hate Marist and they hate us. This goes beyound football and even after 10 years of graduating from Pius, I still HATE MARIST! They feed steroids to them during lunch. (wink, wink)
By swamprat
October 22, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Hey guys. Come on. Don’t get so worked up. It’s on a list drawn up by one person. Make your own list, smile about it and pray for PEACE in the world. Thanx.
By Katie
October 22, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
With Grayson’s ever improving program and it’s current state ranking, I look for a Grayson/Brookwood or Grayson/Parkview rivalry in the very near future. Go Rams!!!
By TCC fan
October 22, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
When it comes to playoffs I would have to say Thomas County Central vs. Marist. How many 1 point victories have there been? I can count at least 2 while I was in HS.
By Troj89
October 22, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Central v. Carrollton !
By Jimmy
October 22, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Roswell Milton rivalary is always intense. There was also a fight in 96 when Milton beat Roswell at Roswell for the first time in like 15 years. The Milton Fans rushed Roswell’s field after the game and Roswell fans rushed it too to prevent them from celebrating. A big brawl occurred. Best Football Game Ever even though we lost! FUN TO RUMBLE AT THE FIFTY!!!!!!
By peacenik
October 22, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
To swamprat:
This is a blog of alpha-males with lots of testosterone. Take your estrogen-laden comment about peace and go vote for Obama Osama Yo Mama.
By blue devil fan
October 22, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Goober, How about Columbus High vs. Jordan 73 consecutive years. 1935 - 2008
By South Jaw JA Football
October 22, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Yes Thomas County Central vs. Thomasville ( the only time 2 schools in the same county have played for a State Championship), and Cairo vs Thomas County Central, they play for an old well bucket. BUT this year brings a new rivaly, Thomas County Central vs. Bainbridge, those in the know know why. And I wish Bainbridge could be undeafeated going into the game.
By TybeeDawg
October 22, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget Athens Academy/ Commerce
By BigSmooth
October 22, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
It makes me smile that there are folks who still remember Greenville-Hogansville. But really, who could forget “the streak” in the 1980s (and I don’t mean winning or losing streak).
And I think Troup-LaGrange is a good one. A bit one-sided, but Callaway Stadium is always packed and it’s a football-crazy area.
By John
October 22, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Bowdon-Bremen ranks with the biggest. They at one time opened the year against each other on Thursday night.
By Big Sur
October 22, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
As often mentioned, TCC-T’ville.
Fitzgerald-Irwin County is usually nasty. One flooded the other’s school a couple of years ago.
Berrien and Cook square off this weekend. It’s a one-sided feud, but it’s one where rocks are thrown, hubcaps are stolen from the head coach’s car, and Round-Up has been sprayed on the opposition’s field to resemble a team logo. Coaches have been known to go 1-9 and be in good standing … simply because they beat the other.
Clinch and Charlton has developed into a good game every year. Very competitive.
Savannah and Benedictine have mostly not played each other in the past few years, but the rivalry stretches back over 100 years. They avoided each other in the mid-1910s over a slight over (I believe) player eligibility.
The first game ever between Laney and Josey included an incident in the stands. That was heated rivalry from the get-go and pretty competitive at that.
By Mike
October 22, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
I agree this list is nothing without the Thomasville, Thomas Co Central rivalry listed. I give props to our neighbors in Valdosta for their record but there is no way that anyone with knowledge of Ga. High school football could leave this rivalry off the list. I live in Atlanta now and these games are a joke compared to South Ga. football. I remember the days with these two teams met you saw Bobby Bowden and Vince Dooley on the sidelines. And not to mention the great players that met on the field: Charlie Ward, Mike Bobo, Shawn Jones, Joe Burns, Mike Jones and this is just to mention a few.
By goober
October 22, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
blue devil fan:
Thanks for the good info on the Columbus-Jordan streak. Have they played every year since 1935? If so that would surely seem like the state record.
Are there any teams out there who have played more against each other than the 94 games between Valdosta and Colquitt Co/Moultrie?
To South Jaw JA Football: Parkview and Brookwood, both of Gwinnett County, played for the state title in 2002.
By Wilkes County Born
October 22, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
The Wilkes/Lincoln game is huge every year. My mother tells me stories about that one. As a teenager I saw it for myself. My Aunt lived close to the stadium in Washington and the Lincoln county people starting showing up right after lunch on Friday wanting to tailgate in her yard. Before it was over the whole yard was full of Red Devils. Great Rivalry……
By Michael
October 22, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Norcross v. Duluth
By Martin
October 22, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Go Washington-Wilkes, we need more wins against those Red Devils…
By RHS '01
October 22, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
I will say that Roswell/Milton was a better rivalry years ago before all the transplants moved to town. People understood the hatred amongst the 2 teams. I was a freshman in ‘97 when Roswell destroyed Milton’s fence and a senior when Milton destroyed Roswell’s fields surrounding the football field. Eventhough Roswell has owned the rivalry in past years, winning 22 of 24 this is the best Milton team that I have seen in yrs.
By 47maker
October 22, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
A new rivalry has emerged CAIRO VS PEACH co.
By 47maker
October 22, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
A new rivalry has emerged CAIRO VS PEACH co.
By roger
October 22, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Not until 1984, Appling County(Baxley) had never beaten Wayne County (Jesup) and beat us handily that day led by Dexter Carter 60-0. I still hear about that game to this day, It started a nice rivalry because the game ended in a brawl on the field between players and also in the stands-but always a fun one to attend to this day-WAYNE VS. APPLING,
By Lee
October 22, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
In the North Georgia Mountains you’d be hard pressed to find a more heated rivalry that White County versus Lumpkin County. Neither team has ever been a powerhouse but you can expect fights on the field, in the stands and in the parking lots!
By a1athens
October 22, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Brookstone vs Pacelli is the only Columbus rivalry with any real bite. They play for a milk jug each year, like UK and UT used to play for the bourbon barrel. Columbus cares more about beating Hardway and spencer is awful every year, so Carver-Spencer has no meaning other than a big W for Carver.
By Northside Blue
October 22, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
The Northside and Warner Robins rivalry is not what it was before Houston County High opened, but it is still one of the top two in the state. And crowds for the game have been estimated near 20,000 in the past, with every bit of possible viewing space filled. Currently it still draws upwards of 15,000. The 1975 Northside last minute win is still the sweetest high school victory I’ve ever seen.
By Michael
October 22, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Hard to believe Thomasville and Central of Thomasville not in the top ten. Like some of the others the kids live together all year long so you know it has to be intense when they play. Also you guys must not be counting the state championships that Clinch and Charlton shared with Hawkinsville and Dublin. They each have four if you count those two and I am sure they do
By Lissa
October 22, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
I agree that Northside vs. Warner Robins should have been ranked much higher on the list. I’ve been searching online for some attendance numbers to no avail. I’d love to get my hands on an aerial photo during the big game to show how packed it is. The city brings in stands from all the local parks and they fill quickly. Then, the entire grassy area closest to Davis Dr. is packed. You have to get to the game early just to stake out a corner of grass. It really is just exciting to be there.
I did find this article written earlier this year that compared the Lownes/Valdosta rivalry to Northside/Warner Robins. Interesting how just those two were chosen as the biggest, eh?
Valdosta vs. Warner Robins: Which is home to Georgia’s biggest rivalry?
By Ernest Tubbs
October 22, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
I remember a Savannah High-BC game in the mid-1970s, 1976 I believe, when there was a brawl that led to the Savannah High principal being arrested. Some real intense stuff. Savannah High won state titles in basketball and baseball that year. I’ve lived all over the state and seen lots of great rivalries. For the skeptics, the attendance reports on Warner Robins-Northside are no exaggeration. I also lived near Valdosta, and I think the folks in Warner Robins were just as hard core, at least in the ’80s. And what, no mention of LaGrange-Troup? It ain’t N’side vs. Warner Robins, but it’s pretty stout through the years. And I can’t believe anything from Columbus made this list.
By Brian
October 22, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Carrollton and Central is a joke of a rivalry.
By You got to be kidding me
October 22, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
What about Lovett v. Westminster? They cancelled the varsity games because of the fans and students (yes we were all buckhead) Where else can you find a JV game sold out on a thursday afternoon?
By Cairo
October 22, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I totally agree with TCCfan and others that there is no way “What, no TCC vs Thomasville High? They only played each other for a state title. No TCC vs Cairo? No Thomasville High vs Cairo? Typical North Ga (Atlanta) bias.” “The Cairo/Thomasville/Thomas Conty Central 3 way rivalry simply HAS to be mentioned! Three great schools, located so closely together, with such high expectations of excellence all around… not to mention that rivalry covers THREE classifacations; AA, AAA, & AAAA.”
</