Prep Zone

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.”

By oldschooldog

October 22, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Absence of TCC-Thomasville is simply an oversight. Otherwise, no cred to this list. Marist-Pi High belongs over Marist-Tucker. Decatur-Avondale belongs. McEachern-Harrison is just pandering to Cobb readers.

By D

October 22, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

I lived Warner Robins and the rivalry between the Demons and the Eagles is serious. For those who doubt the 15,000 fans just go check it out for yourself!!!! I cheered for the Demons and have seen crowds up to 20,000. I lived proof!

By Michael

October 22, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

As well as McEachern and Harrison, Marietta-McEachern and Marietta-Harrison are HUGE rivalries as well. Its kind of the Cobb County Rivalry Triangle. Marietta has lost tempo though with the rest of the pack lately. Teams like East Paulding and North Cobb have come in and really shaken 5AAAAA up.

By BE#3

October 22, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Good one about Buford/N. Gwinnett. That was the game of the year in the Buford/Suwanee area for years.

ACAD/Commerce is a big one in the Athens Area b/c that game typically decides the region champ.

By MACMARINE

October 22, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

They don’t come any better than FITZGERALD and IRWIN COUNTY.Only 9 miles apart and this usually gets nasty.

By Troj89

October 22, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Brian - what’s your definition of a rivalry? When two teams have played each other around 40 times and still pack in 8 - 10,000… divides the city in half… i think that qualifies. Waiting to hear your side.

By nolesfan

October 22, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

yeah i think colquitt county and valdosta should be on there. not for sure but i would think colquitt has the most wins versus valdosta than any other team. upset valdosta with new 20/20 news teams there in the early 90s. also had to beat valdosta twice to win state in 94. but valdosta has won way more games in this series just like valdosta has EVERY one else. but playin each other for almost 100 years, cmon. and to put teams on there that list that hasnt even played 20 times, shame on u

By Drock08

October 22, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Newnan vs Lagrange and Newnan vs E.Coweta. Having attended Newnan the Newnan vs Lagrange football rivalry is really deep when you includes both schools passionate fans. But the Newnan vs E.Coweta in any sports is pure hatred. Ask any Newnan or E.Coweta player how they feel betweens the lines and they will tell you. As far as Tim prediction of the upset special of the year. ?????????

By Tampaparrotthead

October 22, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

How could you even do an article about Georgia high school rivalrys and not include Fitzgerald/Irwin County?

Fitzgerald is celebrating their 100th year of high school football this year and they’ve had a heated rivalry with Irwin County since 1954. Two towns that are separated by about 7 miles and a lot of good, old fashioned, good natured hatred for one another on that one night every year.

There’s always lots of cuttin’ up and build up going into the game and it’s as good a rivalry as there is in Georgia.

High school football might be life and death in metro Atlanta and in north Georgia. But down here in south Georgia it’s a lot more serious than that.

By MJM

October 22, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Marist and Pius, the Fish Bowl, is much more of a rivalry than Marist-Tucker at least in the eyes of the Students and Staffs of each school.

By MaineMarinerTIME

October 22, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

PIUS-MARIST. Probably one of the biggest in the state. I’v been grad 2 years from pius now and I still hate marist. I played ball for pius and every year, from middle school football to varsity it is more than a rivalry it is hate. I also like the whole Marist-TCC playoff rivalry, enough said about TCC getting beat by catholic schools. This also might seem old, but when i played in the Buford feeder system 1st-6th grade, BUFORD-NGwinett… no love.

By WRD2002

October 22, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I think it was my junior year in 01 when WR and Northside were ranked 1 and 2 in state. We had Willie Reid at RB and they had Chansi Stuckey at QB. One of the best matchups of offensive stars for the two schools in a long long time. We won that year in a really close game. Just thought Id like to share that tibit with two future NFLers going at it. And I think they estimated the crowd to be between 15k and 20k.

By Bulldawg Bill

October 22, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

I’m a Duluth High grad (Class of ‘71). Back in the day, we hated Norcross and they hated us. One of my best buddies was the NHS quarterback - I nailed him right between the numbers my senior year. His girlfriend (a DHS cheerleader) hassled me all the next week for hurting him. Those were the days!

By ECAlum

October 22, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

EC vs Newnan definately. Probably because I’m biased since I played in the game 4 years, but oh well. But definately a great rivalry in any sport. I like your prediction Tim, the series is dominated by streaks and its time for EC to go on one. It would be a major win for Coach Wade. Definately going to be a challenge. Newnan hasn’t been this loaded since the days of Derrick Stegall, Corey Bridges and Co. Go Indians!!

By ReggieATL

October 22, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Westminster - Lovett…the Battle for Buckhead. Come on, that’s at least Top Ten.

By Brian

October 22, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Troj89 - People don’t care about it like they do other rivalries. Yes, the schools are less than 2 miles apart. That helps with the sellouts you are talking about (6000-8000 people). You obviously have never been to a Lowndes-Valdosta, Northside-Warner Robins, or when they were around East Rome-West Rome game.

By MV7 with time on my hand

October 22, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

THE BEST OF ALL TIME GOT BE SWD vs Douglass that would shut down the city every year and had to be moved to the GA dome than to Morris Brown stadium, I will not start talking about the BANDS AT ALL. PLEASE TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

By Creighton

October 22, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Burning explicatives into the opponent’s field the night before the game?

Breaking in and demolishing the opponent’s locker room?

Players getting arrested?

Spray painting opponent’s cars and field houses?

Floods?

Fights that end up in trips to the hospital?

Those are all parts of the recent football history between FITZGERALD AND IRWIN COUNTY, though its beginning dates back to ‘54 . The characteristic that sums up this rivalry is that it is UGLY, NASTY and BITTER, though it has not really been competitive since the arrival of Pruitt about 8 or so years ago.

Even though these teams in different classifications (A v AA), they play every year, and usually one of the events listed above is involved.

Thus, if this list is about competitive rivalries, maybe it isn’t top 10. But if it is about old-fashioned fueding and hatred, it’s at the top.

By MV7 with time on my hand

October 22, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

THE BEST OF ALL TIME GOT BE SWD vs Douglass that would shut down the city every year and had to be moved to the GA dome than to Morris Brown stadium, I will not start talking about the BANDS AT ALL. PLEASE TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE 20,000 TO 23,000

By Bones

October 22, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I’am not sure about other programs across the state but i will say this, McEachern, Harrison, North Cobb, Marietta and other surrounding programs breed the rivalries into there youth as most of the youth programs have some involment with the schools. They start early.

By MIKE

October 22, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

NIGHTMARE ON JACKSON STREET, ENOUGH SAID. THOMASVILLE!

By Kdizzle

October 22, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

SO what about one the best rivalry games ever, and one of the oldest in the state? Central Gwinnett v South Gwinnett… Ok so they have been taking their lumps recently, but its the oldest rivalry in the county, and comes from one if the toughest football counties in Georgia. year in and year out this game is slammed pack. More come back to see these schools on this game then theu do on their respected HOMECOMING games. Just a thought

By Catfan

October 22, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Wish I could include Camden in one of your rivialies but unfortunately we have no competition in Southeast Georgia.

By Ebony

October 22, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Being a Columbus GA native I can add a little info on the rivalries mentioned:

Columbus/Jordan has been replaced in recent years with Columbus/Hardaway (GO HAWKS) but there’s still this “white collar/blue collar” feel when the Devils and the Jackets play each other,the kind of thing that only comes with a century’s worth of class struggle. The battle for the “Brocelli” jug is still a heated game, but Carver-Spencer brings more people to A.J. McClung memorial stadium than the Tuskegee/Morehouse game, it truly is a sight

By BANKS

October 22, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

“Central-Carroll vs Carrollton?” Doesn’t the other team (Central) have to win occasionally to consider them a rival? Cartersville is Carrollton’s biggest rival.

By AstroFan

October 22, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

I will have to go with Douglass vs. SWD or Douglass vs. Mays. Douglass vs. SWD packed 25,000 people into Herndon Stadium in 2000 Not too many schools around here can draw a crowd like that.

By JD in Virginia

October 22, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Don’t hate on Class Single A. They may not be the big boy schools but they have some competative schools.

By Jack Mehoff

October 22, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

No mention of TCC vs Thomasville, TCC vs Cairo, or Thomasville vs Cairo. Where to begin…..Let’s start with the players that have graced these fields during this 3-way rivalry. Sean Jones, Mike Jones, Mike Bobo, Guy McIntyre, William Andrews, Eric Curry, Jessie Small, Charlie Ward, Joe Burns, Paul Miranda, Myron Guyton, Danny Copeland, Bill Stanfill, Bobby Walden…..Get it? Apparently not.

By mizunoman

October 22, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

What about the longest continuous rivalry in the state? Trion vs. Gordon Lee, 75 years. 1933-2008

By HSfootballfan

October 22, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Commerce vs. Jefferson Lassiter vs. Pope Lassiter vs. Sprayberry St. Pius vs. Marist Carver Columbus vs. Shaw

So many good ones and different in there own right so it is tough to tell what is the top ten. My only question is how can a series so lopsided as Carver vs. Spencer (1) be in the top ten over some other games and (2) draw that many people when you know who is going to win?

By JAYBO

October 22, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Come on dude, be for real….There is absolutely no way TCC-Thomasville high can’t be on the list!!! This rivalry is one of the most fierce in georgia. You talking about a wild, crazy, and heated week…TCC-Thomasville is that week. Players and fans want this win more than any other outside of the state championship!!!

By md brave

October 22, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Laney and Josey…big time rivals in Augusta always..but the best rivalry in the 70’s was Laney and Westside. These two schools were always the top two teams in Augusta, and the game was always close, with the winner (usually Westside) always winning the region. Standing room only at old ARC Stadium…you could not get a ticket the week before the game.

By Raidernation

October 22, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Mays vs. Douglass has to be in the top 10 it’s like the best metro atlanta rivalry in the city.

By EagleNationRising

October 22, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

I am borderline speechless! The AJC has done it again. How in the good Lord’s name can you rate rivalries in the state of Georgia and exclude the Thomasville, Carrollton, and/or LaGrange (or Griffin-LaGrange).

To place a rivalry between teams that have played one another less than 20 times is a joke. Marist vs. Tucker. Are you kidding me? The biggest game at the Marist School is versus St. Pius X and everyone knows it.

This list is totally bogus. By the way, the Northside (Warner Robins) vs. Warner Robins HS rivalry game has been noted as one of America’s 10 best. The metro Atlanta homers working for the AJC call it Georgia’s 10th best.

Governors flip the coin at the Northside (Warner Robins) vs. Warner Robins game. On a down year there will be more than 15,000 fans in the stadium.

Some of you guys need to take a group trip and actually see a football game outside of metro Atlanta. There is no way that there are 4 games that are among the biggest rivalries in the state of Georgia is this city that is full of mediocre teams that rarely win the Big One.

What a joke!

By Bub

October 22, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Clarke Central-Valdosta was the state’s premier “playoff only” rivalry from about 1977-1992. One or both of those schools played for or won the state title in the highest classification almost every year for 16 years, often against each other. Simply amazing.

By brook williams

October 22, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Mays and Douglass gets my vote. Mays is always good and plus Mays have the best band in APS schools. Douglass has tradition too but Mays is my favorite and I do think the Mays and Douglass rivalry should be top 10 without a doubt.

By EagleNationRising

October 22, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Glenn LaFollette has officially joined Todd Holcomb and many AJC high school sports journalist before them in the Official Metro Atlanta High School Football Homers Association.

To imagine that this guy would actually write that Marist vs. Tucker (not even the biggest game for Marist) is a bigger rivalry game than Northside vs. Warner Robins is criminal. These teams have not even played one another annually.

Glenn, this is what some others have said about the Northside vs. Warner Robins rivlary.

Enjoy Homers: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/327254/warnerrobinshsvsnorthsidehsclassic.html?cat=14

By sparty

October 22, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget about Campbell vs. Osborne. The battle for Windy Hill is not for the faint of heart.

By Red Jacket in N.C.

October 22, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Blue Devil, Tiger and others who contributed about the Jordan/Columbus rivalry. Thanks! You bet, it was the best. I remember each year we would switch sides in Memorial Stadium, one year on the west side the next on the east side. Yes, Goober even though I was reared in Columbus I remember that Tech/Boys High rivalry.

By Jason

October 22, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Let’s not forget Bremen vs. Bowdon. These two really hate each other!!

By Kennesaw Dawg

October 22, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Mizunoman, you are right. I was going to write about the Trion-Gordon Lee rivalry but you mentioned it first. I can’t imagine any other two schools have had a rivalry for so long.

By goober

October 22, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Bub is right. From ‘77 to ‘92 (16 yrs.) Valdosta OR Clarke played for the state title 10 of those years, with Clarke winning three and Valdosta seven. In five of those 16 years, the two schools faced each other, with Clarke winning one and Valdosta four.

Two legendary Georgia prep coaches led those teams — the late Nick Hyder of Valdosta, and the incomparable Billy Henderson of Clarke (featured in a great piece in the AJC by Todd Holcomb last month).

By supaATL

October 22, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

South Cobb vs. Osborne.

Doesn’t get any nastier than that.

By The usual

October 22, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Exactly how much effort does the AJC put into research? According to the AJC Tucker is the only school to have beaten Marist 4 consecutive times in the last 32 years. Really? So the 4 games that Thomas County Central won against them didn’t count? TCC actually beat Marist on 5 consecutive meetings. TCC won 4 meetings between the two teams in a span of two years (96 & 97) when they met for the Kickoff classic in the Dome then again for the semi-final game in the dome those years. The 5th consecutive win came in 2002, which again was in the semi-finals. Nice job on researching your statements AJC.

By ehs vs whs

October 22, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Etowah vs Woodstock gets pretty crazy….this rivalry gets pretty heated especially because the 2 school are less than 2 miles apart….when they play everyone is at the game to see who will win the backyard brawl! it will become one of the great rivalries!

By Geography Class

October 22, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

To the guy referencing Florida. Florida is not the lower half of Georgia. It is actually a state also. Maybe you need to go back and take geography again. The title was state wide and Gerogia.

By MaineMarinerTIME

October 22, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

I retract what i said about TCC-Marist, TCC beats marist like a redheaded step child, but they still cant beat the budget catholic school. Tucker is not even a rival with marist. Pius droped a class and they still play marist. I bet if tucker or marist changed class they wouldnt continue that game.

By UGHS Alumni

October 22, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

What about Union Gove and Luella?? Doesn’t anyone remember last years game?? Or this years Nail-Biter??

By UGHS Alumni

October 22, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

What about Union Grove and Luella?? Doesn’t anyone remember last years game?? Or this years Nail-Biter??

By theNOP

October 22, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

You have to be kidding me!!! Marist vs Tucker is nothing compared to St. Pius vs Marist. It’s a fact that Marist’s number one rival is Pius and not Tucker.

By magic

October 22, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

If you don’t believe 15,000 at NHS vs. WRHS, then go see for yourself. I remember over 20,000 back in the 70’s. It put’s more than a few college games to shame. The fact this rivalry is no higher than 5 in the state reflects the lack of high shcool football knowledge in the metro area. Head south people and see some real football, not the mediocre excuse they have in Atlanta.

By asda

October 22, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

UGA vs Central Michigan

By chattoogatrion

October 22, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Trion vs Gordon Lee, no doubt. One of the longest running rivalries in the state, the hate goes all the way down to rec league soccer. If you have any doubt, just go to one of the games some time. They may be small schools, but the rivalry is huge.

By Blackberry Cobbler

October 22, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Valdosta is a program of the past. Yes, great history and tradition but no longer a powerhouse in any sport really.

There’s no reason to keep putting Valdosta up there just because of their history. ‘Dosta hasn’t been in the same class as Lowndes for many years now.

By Central Alum

October 22, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Yes, Valdosta/Lowndes is big but anyone in South GA knows about TCC vs Tville. It’s a great rivalry and definitely worthy of this list.

By Historian

October 22, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

It is a known fact that the Ga. State Senate passed a bill back in the 1980’s that would not allow Valdosta/Lowndes and Thomasville/Thomas County Central to play their games on the same night for security reasons.

By SPX

October 22, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

wow…Way to screw this list up. Marist-Tucker? Are you kidding?

Ask any current or past student of Marist and Pius, and both sets will list the other school as the biggest rival, by a large margin.

Pius/Marist is a top 2 or 3 rivalry in the state.

Did you misspell St. Pius as T-U-C-K-E-R?

Get a clue.

By dc

October 22, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

I feel like Northside/Warner Robins, Parkview/Brookwood, and Valdosta/Lowndes separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

Hart County/Elbert County perhaps no more worthy of a top ten than many of these listed, but def deserving pf props, all the folks in N.E.G.A know that.

Great football throughout the state…. Great topic to discuss!

By Lars

October 22, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Northside WR v. Warner Robins? Child’s play. Lowndes v. Valdosta? A JV game.

For years, I heard of an intense, storied rivalry that ripped apart an entire county in NE GA. Fights and mayhem were the norm. Blood was the drink of choice - for the players and the fans. The hatred was not confined to the football field - alas, it infected every aspect of county school life, from football and basketball to the academic team. Then, I had the high privilege of witnessing this heated tilt for four years. I can assure you, it is like no other.

Many of you are wondering, “what could this rivalry be?” “What could inspire such hatred?” DARE I EVEN NAME IT?

Yes, I dare.

Monroe Area v. Loganville. The battle - yea, the endless struggle - for Walton County. GO PURPLE HURRICANES!!! BEAT THOSE D* DEVILS!!!

By sally

October 22, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

St. Pius and Marist not tucker

By Lars

October 22, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

In all seriousness, the good posters in this blog who don’t give Charlton v. Clinch credit obviously don’t know good football. And that comes from a fellow in NE GA.

By griftdrift

October 22, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Got to give props to the folks just down 319. Any top ten list without TCC / Thomasville is pretty useless.

Also I’ll give some more love to the Colquitt CO/Moultrie vs Valdosta. Yes its been one sided most of the time but to my knowledge CCHS is the only school to beat Valdosta 4 years in a row. Ever.

Go Pack!

By SharonH

October 22, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Agree with all who listed Thomasville-Thomas County Central as one of the top ten;if not number one then number two. The fact you left them off the list indicates that you do not understand Georgia HS football. You just don’t really get it. Your list has no credibility.

By laurie

October 22, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Thomasville/TCC is a must on this list…can’t believe that they weren’t included. It surprised me that you included some teams that hadn’t played each other very often.

By guy

October 22, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with other posters about the Lovett-Westminister omission. That rivalry goes back at least 50 years. How is that not on the list?

By Brookwood Mom

October 22, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Glenn: I do agree with you that the Parkview/Brookwood game is a good rivary game, but… you got the score wrong honey!! The score was 28-3 NOT 16-3 last year played on November 9, 2007. I was there and I still have the newspaper clipping (I am making a scrap book) anyway, just thought I would share that with you! I can’t believe no other BRONCOS fan caught that TYPO!!

By carl

October 22, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

Hart County and Elbert County. This rivalry will pull 10,000 fans into Herndon Stadium in Hartwell and 15,000 fans into the Elberton Granite Bowl. Pretty impressive when you consider the population of both towns are not 10,000 combined.

By David Willingham

October 22, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Luella and Union Grove

By Observer

October 22, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Ask ANYBODY at either Marist or St. Pius who their biggest rival is - the answer WILL NOT be Tucker. Yes, the Marist/Tucker game had region implications for the past 6 or 7 years but the rivalry with St. Pius dates back to 1959 when Pius hired a Marist alum (George Maloof) to head their new football program. He proceded to beat Marist for the next several years. Marist turned the tide in the late 70’s and owned the rivalry for more than 20 years. The St. Pius football program is currently experiencing a re-birth and the rivalry is becoming competitive again. The point though is that even when the rivalry wasn’t competitive the stadium was packed and both teams marked it as the most important game on the schedule. The exclusion of this game from the list is simply a joke. This rivalry is easily one of the top five in the state.

By Kevin

October 22, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Hart vs Elbert is a huge rival game in NEGA.

By SGT CHRIS

October 22, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

WHAT ABOUT LAGRANGE-CLARKE CENTRAL, LAGRANGE-VALDOSTA? THOSE WERE ALWAYS INTENSE GAMES..ASK ANYONE WHO WAS IN ATTENDANCE IN 91 FOR LAGRANGE-VALDOSTA..AND FROM 77-92, THERE WERE MORE TEAMS THAT WON THE STATE TITLE THAN VALDOSTA AND CLARKE CENTRAL..I KNOW WARNER ROBINS, LAGRANGE, TIFT COUNTY AND LOWNDES WON STATE TITLES DURING THAT TIME PERIOD.

By SGT CHRIS

October 22, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

THREE OLDEST RIVALRIES IN GEORGIA SAVANNAH-BENEDICTINE (NOT SURE WHEN THEY STARTED PLAYING) JORDAN-COLUMBUS (1908) LAGRANGE-NEWNAN (1909)

By Chris Whitfield

October 22, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Glenn, you got to love it when Brookwood mom calls you “Honey.” I get called a lot of things on my picks column blog, but not HONEY!

By pete

October 22, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

The greatest rivalry in ga history is BOYS HIGH VS TECH HIGH.They played some legendary games in front of huge crowds.If anyone is alive from that era how about joining in this blog.Some rivalrys from the fiftys and sixtys: Grady-Okeefe Grady Murphy Northside- North Fulton Brown-Southwest Decatur Avondale Roosevelt-Smith.

By broadcaster

October 22, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

When you are at a game and you can feel the hatred coming out of the stands and onto the field—that is a true rivalry…In northwest Georgia, Dalton and Northwest Whitfield take a backseat to no one for the passion of the programs and their complete and utter hatred for the other!

By Jay Stone

October 22, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

If we’re going to talk longevity, Newnan and LaGrange have been playing since at least 1913.

By T.TERRY

October 22, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

I know of some local city of Atlanta rival games. Banneker vs Westlake Banneker vs Creekside Douglass vs Mays Douglass vs SW Dekalb North Clayton vs Riverdale Washington vs Therrell

By dobearsbare

October 22, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

This is, I admit, slightly off topic, but I might be pusuaded to believe 15,000 at International City Stadium, even though I still think it’s a stretch. No way am I believing 15,000 at either Hart County or Elbert County.

By Jim Ringgold

October 22, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Mays vs. Douglass

By You got to be kidding me

October 22, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Thank you to the other posters who agreed with the Lovett v. Westminster obmmission! I got kicked out of a game for fighting with another player (JV game… we were banned from playing varsity at the time) and the other player was my cousin!! Both schools pack the stands for every sport from football to wrestling to swimming and diving! I’ll give the AJC West Rome v. East Rome (I know they hate each other… we’ve played both) But Lovett and Westminster HATE each other! Along the same lines as Marist and St. Pius X!

By carl

October 22, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Hart Elbert game at Hartwell 2001—10,000 fans. Hart Elbert game at Elberton 2003—10,000 fans

By carl

October 22, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Hart Elbert game at Hartwell 2001—10,000 fans. Hart Elbert game at Elberton 2003—15,000 fans.

By Zach White

October 22, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Parkview vs Brookwood is the best rivalry in Georgia I even think it could be bigger than georgia vs tech Go Dawgs. I am 34 and I still hate Brookwood because they cheated, used steroids and had all the money in the 80’s and early 90’s. I have hard time pulling for jason elam for the falcons because he is a Brookwood graduate. Go Panthers To all Brookwood fans you may lead the series but when it came to a state championship who won?

By Real hate in south fulton

October 22, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Can we get a top 25 or something…each time we’re stuck trying to squeeze in top tens!

I’m just happy to see some people out there showing some love to south fulton football which looks like it is down this year after going strong for some time now. I went to Creekside and I know for a fact that our most heated rivalry is Westlake…yeah Banneker is one but there is just pure HATE when it when it comes between CHS and WHS. These games have been so packed that one year it was moved to Morris Brown for a jamboree which was packed…and another year it had to moved to a Saturdays for security reasons! Forget fighting at McDonalds…there have been fights to break out in the stands!

I agree with a poster who mentioned Doug & Mays. I’m surprised that the Washington game wasn’t mentioned neither. Somebody make this into a top 25 and let’s do this thing over.

By Terry

October 22, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Anyone who has lived in Georgia more than 30 years knows one of the biggest rivalries is Marist vs. St. Pius X. Ever since Pi Hi was build there has been an intense rivalry.

By Dave

October 22, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Vidalia/Toombs County. Send a reporter down and see a TRUE rivalry!

By SGT CHRIS

October 22, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

zach white—you really need to put the hashish away if you think parkview-brookwood is the best rivalry in GEORGIA!!!! Gwinnett county, maybe but the state, come on guy. They’ve only been playing for what 3 years hehehe!!!!

by the way, the biggest college rivalry in georgia is uga/ga southern!!!!

By Lewis

October 22, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Whoever made this list don’t know much about real rivalries and this list should be top 25 not just 10.

To name a few these teams should be on the list

Mays vs. Douglass

Douglass vs. Washington

Westlake vs. Creekside

Tri-Cities vs. Banneker

Stephenson vs. SW Dekalb

By Terry

October 22, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Anyone who hasn’t seen a WR vs Northside game hasn’t seen football. Even in the 70’s, WR had a better program than the Falcons. They had better equipment, better coaches (sorry Norm) and better football camps to attend. WR vs Northside…now thats football at its best.

And going way back too Washington County vs. Mary Persons was always great. Welcome to the House of Pain.

By goober

October 22, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Griftdrift:

Colquitt Co beat Valdosta five straight from ‘96 to ‘99, including regular-season and playoff wins in ‘97.

With its victory over Valdosta this year, Lowndes became the first team ever to beat Valdosta in five straight regular-season games. You read it here first since it was not mentioned in the Valdosta Daily Times or any other media. So it’s probably news to most Lowndes and Valdosta fans, and another example of how these two programs have dramatically reversed their directions since Nick Hyder died in 1996.

By DeKalb Resident

October 22, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Decatur vs. Avondale was a great rivalry in the day. If I remember correctly, in 1967 Sports Illustrated said Decatur’s Chadwick and Avondale’s Dudish were the two best quarterbacks in the country.

By Why Not Marist vs. St. Pius

October 22, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Just every time it is a battle and competitive. It is for the FISH BOWL TROPHY! How many schools play for a trophy. With Pius finally winning this year the rivalry really gained equal terms. Pius has an aura now where they now they can beat Marist, and I know Marist wants revenge. I know people from both schools who can’t wait for next years battle at Marist. Always a battle, Always fun. GO PIUS 7-0!!!

By Hilarious

October 22, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

It’s amazing that you can forget the Pius/Marist rivalry. How on earth that is left of this list is beyond me.. Anyone at Pius or Marist would tell you that it’s the biggest rivalry around and I bet anyone in the state would mention it as one of the biggest.

Get real..

By SMHS '86

October 22, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

What about Stn Mtn vs. Redan?! Lord, those were some good times! And yeah - Stn Mtn vs. Clarkston too!

By dipstick

October 22, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Everybody know that The SouthWest Dekalb Stephenson game be a battle til the end I am very surprise this game is not on here.Go panthers

By Pius Fan

October 22, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Pius vs Marist is obviously the biggest game for each school. Here is a way to prove it: 6,500 people attended this years’ Pius - Marist Game. Not even half that number showed up for Tucker. Come on man. Do your research.

By Jack

October 22, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

I know it may be small towns, but it does not get any bigger than the Cedartown/ Carrollton rivalry. Go take a look back at the crowds this game has produced. They have been the face of 7AAA and 6AAA, even with Cedartown falling off in the past years. These teams has been the main stay of the Northeast Reagion.

By B.E. Mays Raiders Fan

October 22, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

It should be lists of rivalries in categories that are split up by areas and the counties of the schools.

Mays Raiders fan for life Blue and Gold bleeds threw my veins.

By Norcross Devil '97

October 22, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to go with Norcross vs. Duluth. They have played each year since 1970 with the ‘Cross leading in the series 26-16 and winning 11 of the last 14.

What makes this rivalry even more intense is the fact that these schools were once combined as West Gwinnett HS. There were so many fights between Norcross kids and Duluth kids that the schools were eventually separated in 1960. The rivalry intensified in 1982 (or ‘83) when a Norcross student was beaten to death by a group of DHS students while at a party. Supposedly, he was urinated on after the beating. Needless to say, the rivalry has remained hot ever since.

With the annual game being played this week, this is a great time for this blog. All I’ve got to say to the current incarnation of the Devils is go be some ‘Cat skinners this week. Get after those Pussycats and make them know what Blue Devil football is all about!

By Jeff

October 22, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Gordon Lee and Trion in Northwest Georgia. Just plain old fashioned hate. A must see and the most beautiful part of the state.

By Jared

October 22, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

I realize that they are smaller private schools from Buckhead, but Westminster vs. Lovett should definitely be on this list. They absolutely hate each other…

By Jared

October 22, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

I realize that they are smaller private schools from Buckhead, but Westminster vs. Lovett should definitely be on this list. They absolutely hate each other…

By ATL

October 23, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

Not one city of Atlanta rivalry, this is a joke.

By ChiliPimp

October 23, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Washington-Wilkes v/s Lincoln County / AKA = The 378 War / 71 Games between the two schools seperated by only 20 miles with Lincoln County taking the series lead for the first time EVER this past week with a hard fought 14-6 victory over my W-W Tigers. / Lincoln County now leads the series 33-32-6 in a rilvary that started in 1922 and has gotten hotter every year! / Get your facts straight before reporting on the state’s “Perfect Rilvary”!

By jd

October 23, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this

brooks county / mitchell-baker

By seriousplaya

October 23, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this

I would have to put Greene County-Morgan County this is a heated rivalry also no matter if its football basketball or anything else these people hate each other

By Roger

October 23, 2008 2:59 AM | Link to this

Stephens County verses Hart County had 10,000 at the 2007 game. It is a intense game every year and lately it’s been for the region championship. Then there is the battle for currahee mountain between Stephens County and Habersham Central that has to be one of the most intense rivalry games in the state. These games you listed were the teams have played only 14 times is a joke; if you have played that few of times then it can’t be a top state rivalry no way you need to get off youe metro Atlanta bias and start looking state wide and you will find match-ups 10 times as intense. Wake-up!!!!

By BulldogRed

October 23, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this

The Roswell/Milton game is definitely a huge rivalry and one of the oldest and longest going here in Georgia. Good call putting on the top ten list this year. You all missed it last year. Lets go Hornets!!

By I hate pricks

October 23, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this

Watch out.. pretty soon BT-Westminster will be in there.. this is also genuwine hate. i hate those damn stuck up pricks. always correcting our speech and dominating for too long. BT thugs for life

By Drock08

October 23, 2008 6:04 AM | Link to this

The three rivalry games that I have attended outside of my area that reminds me what a rivalry should be about. 1.NSWR vs WR 2. Lagrange vs Carrollton 3. Marist vs Tucker This Week Predictions Coffee 28- 17 over Valdosta NSWR 24-21 over Tift Stephenson 14-13 over Luella Marist 21-20 over SWD St.Pius 35-13 over Grady Harrison 28-10 over McEachern Kennesaw Mt 20-17 over E.Paulding Lowndes 45-7 over Houston Co Carrollton 24-20 over C.Carrollton Newnan 48-7 over Pebblebrook

By RT

October 23, 2008 6:29 AM | Link to this

TODD

Here is one that’s a little off the wall. Since you mention the word hate in your cover title, I can’t help but remember a football rivalry from the early 60’s that transended anything we could now imagine as “vicious, grudge rivalry”.

This rivalry was between Jeff Davis and Appling county. It occurred on the high school football fields, the contestants wore the high school uniforms of the Yellow Jackets and Pirates, but, the game wasn’t played by high school students. It was played between “Adults”.

All sort of Appling and Jeff Davis residents… Legitimate ex football players, guys that wanted to play in high school but either couldn’t learn the play book or had fought with coaches and teachers and been expelled, closet serial killers and father rapers. All kinds of frustrated hard tailers that equated winning a football game to establishing intellectual and physical superioity of the winning county over the other

To my recollection it only lasted two years. The first year was bad enough. Multiple broker arms and collarbones. A leg or two. Deep gashes caused by oppossing players unscrewing their shoe cleats and grinding the exposed screws into any exposed flesh. Near blindness from eye gouging and dirt throwing and multiple ambulance trips to the hospital. And several vicious fights between players, coaches and participants.

The secound year the schools, (which actually sort of sponsored the events, took admission and everything.) were better prepared. The officials were all officers of the law from neutral counties,,,,and they carried live sidearms.

The second game was worse. Diabolically clever means had been devised to secret knifes and razor and twenty penny nails onto the playing field. At one time the game had a timeout of about and hour because so many dudes had to be carried off for stitches that there weren’t enough players to continue play.

It was a horrible sight that left and indelible impression on me, At 13 I was running the sideline chains and heard and saw things that I only experienced one other time. In Southeast Asia.

It is incredible to think that the high schools would sponsor such events.

The series was ended with the record of 1 win for appling in the first game and a ruling of a double forfit when a Wayne County deputy sherriff had to draw his revolver in the second game and so many participants were arrested neither side could field eleven men.

You may think I’m kidding. Not so

By THWG

October 23, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

This list is a joke. WRHS v NHS #5, you have got to be kidding me.

By Vike 69

October 23, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Being from Valdosta, I must agree that much of Valdosta High’s glory is in the past because much of the big money in town has moved out into the county. But in terms of specific rivalries, the cats are still a powerhouse when they play Lowndes. Who else has held Lowndes to only 14 points this season. Last season Valdosta came within a couple of minutes beating the Vikings. When LHS plays VHS, you can throw away the record books and fasten seat belts. Too bad that Valdosta only shows their former brilliance when they play their crosstown rivals.

By HPhil

October 23, 2008 8:30 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.

Actually my kids are in band at Harrison and the bands have a very friendly rivalry. Some kids will even yell “We love you McEachern” or “We love you Harrison” during band competition. This is due to a large part to the fact that they share students from one middle school. I don’t hear this during football games, but it seems relatively friendly just the same. However you don’t hear this in band competition against Kennasaw Mountain even though they also share a middle school. The football rivalry is also bitter with KM students painting horsesshow prints over the dog prints at our field, and vandalizing the Hoya bull dog statue’s as well. I think that and the attitude of some (not all) parents has turned the Harrison-KM rivilary bitter. So in a way I agree with you. Unless it is an example of how rivalry’s should be. Friendly.

By Vince

October 23, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Valdosta vs Lowndes what else needs to be said. The game is always sold out and was this year despite the game being televised in ESPNU. Their are always around 15,000 lucky ticket holders every year when if a stadium was large enough probably around 30,000 could be sold. VSU can only wish.

By jarvis

October 23, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

i see all these teams and rivals mentioned but u guys 4got about schools that did exist with good rivals: south fulton: LAKESHORE, M.D. COLLINS, RUSSELL, COLLEGE PARK, FELDWOOD AND CAMPBELL OF FAIRBURN city of atl: PRICE, CARVER, SMITH, TURNER, BASS, E. ATLANTA, W and N FULTON, ROOSEVELT, ARCHER and i know its a few more but ask ur older uncles are aunts bout these old rivals at dat OLD LAKEWOOD STADIUM and CHENEY STADIUM watch how they smile and laugh at u!!!!!

By santa claws

October 23, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Lincolnton and Washington first played in 1922. Lincoln County, with the Oct. 17th win now leads the series for the first time 33-32-6. It’s town vs. town, family vs. family, always bragging rights on the line, 17 miles apart. It is the Hwy 378 War!

By RoyDawg

October 23, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Columbus High School has played Jordan consecutively from 1935 through 2008 and the alumni from both schools gathered in Columbus last month to observe the 100th anniversary of the series. I am a historian and have researched and written about about the history of high school football and basketball both in Columbus and around Georgia, as well as being a graduate of Columbus High School. In the 1950s and 1960s there were crowds of 18-to-20,000 for the Columbus-Jordan games at Memorial Stadium, regardless of the team records and I am not exaggerating that. This is well-documented. Earlier posts are correct in saying that it used to be an “us-vs-them” “opposite side of the tracks” kind of rivalry for years and years. Columbus High has dominated the rivalry. Admittedly, neither school has fielded the kinds of teams that can compete for state titles since at least the 1970s. Columbus High, nonetheless, had many state-cntending teams in the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s, with two state championships and a couple of runnersup. Other old rivalries are LaGrange vs. Newnan, going back to 1909, and Savannah-Benedictine going back to 1902, which may well qualify as the state’s oldest of all. Valdosta-Moultrie and Valdosta-Waycross used to be big back in the day, as were Glynn Academy-Jesup, West Point-Hogansville, Avondale-Decatur, West Rome-East Rome, Thomasville-Thomasville-Central, and many others too numerous to mention, many of which have been cited in previous posts. Anyone remember old Lanier of Macon and old Porter Stadium? Lanier had great football and basketball teams before consolidation in the early 70s (Lanier once won the state basketball title 11 consecutive years in the 1940s and 50s). And the greatest of the “old” rivalries is unquestionably that of Boys High vs. Tech High, the two Atlanta powerhouses that took turns winning the state title virtually every year from the early 1920s through the mid-1940s when the Atlanta schools consolidated to form O’Keefe, Grady, Fulton, Murphy, Bass, Roosevelt, etc. Buddy Sullivan

By tommy

October 23, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

BREMEN VS BOWDON BLUE DEVILS VS RED DEVILS DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT GO BLUE DEVILS

By SouthGARules

October 23, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Valdosta/Lowndes is #1 no doubt. Warner Robins/Northside should be #2. To be listed below Parkview/Brookwood is absurd. I have been to both a Panther/Bronco & a Demon/Eagle game and there is no comparison. There are more people at the concession stands & walking around at WR/NHS game than everybody at Parkview/Brookwood game. An old time rivalry should be Thomasville/Cairo.

By HsFan

October 23, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

To Why Not Marist vs. St. Pius, To be categorized a rivalry, one team has to win more than twice every quarter century. Marist and Tucker play every year in a game that decides a championship. When has St. Pius-Marist decided the region championship? St. Pius football has experienced a rebirth? Come back and say that when you win a region championship…beter yet, come back and say that when you beat Marist to win a region title, because it hasn’t happened. If you ask any Pius player, Marist week is the biggest week of the season; however, to a Marist player, St. Pius week does not hold a candle to Pius week. If Marist loses to Tucker, it has huge implications. The only reason a pius win would mean anything in history is because it happens so rarely.

By Dawg Gone

October 23, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

HS Fan… Sounds like you have a serious case of Pius Envy. Didn’t like getting that tail waxed this year?

By #1 EAGLE FAN

October 23, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

If anyone is interested in the NHSWR VS WRHS it happens on Oct 31st. Come one, come all to see the best rival game out there. The Eagles will finish off the Demons like they will finish off Tift Co. tonight. Hope to see you there… NHSWR EAGLES ARE GREAT.

By CougarDan

October 24, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Although they haven’t played in a few years, one more intense rivalry that hasn’t been mentioned is Newnan-Griffin. When the Cougars and Bears met, whew!! Too bad Griffin dropped in classification. Sure would like to see that pairing renewed. It was as intense as Newnan-LaGrange, and I’m sure many of the other pairings across the state. When you come right down to it, most of the rivalries mentioned are equally exciting and intensely fought, and the fans usually get their money’s worth. Now, that Appling-Jeff Davis fiasco … I think I would avoid that even if it had been free!!!

By robinsdemon

October 24, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Let me explain why The WR/Northside game is soo good and should probably be listed as#2 on this list…1. It is a long rivalry 40+ years. 2. Both teams are usually good. NHS last two state titles, WR 23 region titles, 4 state titles. 3.The Warner Robins area is a fairly large area, 150k in Houston County, and their is nothing else to do. And I mean nothing so everone goes to high school football games. So it is like a small town game in a larger town. Unlike ATL where there is something going on all the time. There is no competiton to HS football.

For Lars saying Loganville and Moroe, give me a break.. You have to somewhat successful to be considered a rivalry. I don’t think this is a Hatfield MCcoy type rivalry they are talking about. (banjos playing in the back ground)

I do agree TCC and Thomasville has to be on this list, with the success of those programs and the way that has to split that community.

As for the actual attendence at a WR/NHS game. I don’t think it has ever got to 20 k, but 15k is very likely. the stands only hold 8k, but the entire south endzone grass area is packed.

By Kevin

October 24, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Why is the Lincoln County vs. Washington Wilkes’ rivalry record listed as 33-23-4? Its actually 33-32-6, with LC having the lead in the series for the first time ever this week.

By Dear Dawggone

October 25, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

Your team never waxed my team’s tail. Marist waxes us every now and then, but your team seldom wins on the field against us. Contrary to what you may believe, not one person in the entire state has Pius envy. Everybody in the state does see that big ole green monster over at your school whenever the “M” word is mentioned, or that “JD” word…

By NHSFAN#1

October 27, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

DOBEARSBARE…

If you want proof that there are 15,000 people in attendence at the Northside-Warner Robins game… Then feel free to be in Warner Robins on Halloween… This is NO exagerration!!! I have been attending this game since I was 3 years old… and it has ALWAYS been over 10,000+ people at this game… and we would LOVE to have one more…. GO EAGLES!!! #1

By NHSFAN#1

October 27, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

DOBEARSBARE…

If you want proof that there are 15,000 people in attendence at the Northside-Warner Robins game… Then feel free to be in Warner Robins on Halloween… This is NO exagerration!!! I have been attending this game since I was 3 years old… and it has ALWAYS been over 10,000+ people at this game… and we would LOVE to have one more…. GO EAGLES!!! #1

By mhs112

October 27, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Just a comment on the Mceachehrn vs Harrison rivalry, it has many different aspects which make it so intense. Harrison was built later and took students from MHS, so there was a natural rivalry there, and now unfortunately add to that the fact that MHS has mostly black players and HHS has mostly white, it adds another dimension. Then there is the way the schools are viewed by one another, Harrison students are viewed as spoiled preppy kids while Mceachern are viewed as middle class kids. It makes a very interesting game, plus….WE WON!!!

By jrubaseball21

October 28, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this

hey wutever happened to the Etowah vs Woodstock rivalry!!!!????? Come on!!! its the biggest rivalry in north metro atlanta. this past year there were over 20000 people there to watch. people came from all over cherokee, cobb, and fulton counties to see the newest rivalry in towne lake. these schools are less that 2 miles apart on the same road. trust me there is more at stake when u see these people on the street and can say that u won this year and that u lead the all time record. look into it. its going to be one of the greatest rivalries the state has ever seen

By Richard

October 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

COFFEE all the way

By Richard

October 28, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

I was at Coffee / Warner Robins which we won of course. There were more Coffee Fans than home team. I was surprised at such a low turn out

By EAT1988

October 29, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Jackson/Mary Persons They are 2 smaller schools that absolutely despise each other. MP dominated Jackson for years, but the last 17 have been different. Jackson has won the vast majority and has done so in overwhelming fashion. After beating Jackson for 25 years, legendary coach Dan Pitts, in his final game against Jackson, took an absolute beating. Losing by 4 touchdowns on MP’s home field. Totally embarrasing. Jackson crushed them this year after losing their QB,FB and center. The games are like the Falcons/Saints in intensity.

By Pius VS Marist is a big rivalry

October 30, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

It is true that Pius went through a long dry spell vs marist, but to claim that it doesnt matter to Marist players is not true. i clearly remember that when Marist lost to Pius for the first time in 21 years that the Marist QB McVay walked off the field crying and didnt leave his room for 3 days.

By dylan

October 30, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

ugh yea duh first thing that comes to mind Bremen V.S. Bowdon A.K.A Bremen-Bowdon Game A.K.A Blue Devil V.S. Red Devil Game which should have been in the top 10. And also Central-Carroll V.S. Carrollton that should have been in the top 10. All I can say is that the only two bands that could compete against CC would be Walton & Lassiter!

By piratepride

November 18, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

what about Brunswick High versus Glynn Academy!?!

By Bill

December 13, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

TCC vs Thomasville is not the same game it was back in the 80’s & eraly 90’s. TCC has dominated the series since 1993. Correction….Thomasville High’s last championship was 1988, not the 90’s.

By terry

January 2, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this

w.r vs. n.s believe it. in 1976 when w.r was national champs there were 24,000 in attendance.

By autumn

January 29, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

south effingham and effingham….rebels and mustangs same county two different schools its like the civil war over again.