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DEL.ICIO.USTake 10: Georgia’s top surprise high school football teams of 2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s the end of the regular season, so it’s time to take a look at what we learned. Lowndes? Still very, very good. Peachtree Ridge? Shouldn’t have written them off after starting 0-2. Cairo? Still the best mascot ever. Todd Holcomb? Still smarter than us.
It has been a fun season, but the surprises have been even more fun. We’re sure we’re going to miss a few, but here are some teams that caught our eye. Take 10 took a look at top coaching turnarounds a few weeks ago. Some of those are on this list. Some aren’t.
Here’s a look at the top 10 surprise teams of 2008:
10: Eagles Landing — The Golden Eagles finished 6-4 after only producing one victory in the previous two seasons. That’s nice, but aside from the victory totals, Eagles Landing will be making its second trip ever to the postseason with Friday’s game against No. 2 Baldwin. Good first year for coach Joe Teknipp.
9: Kell — You’ll remember the Longhorns from our look at surprise first-year coaches. They finished the year at 8-2 under Derek Cook after a 2-8 campaign. We’re not denying Kell has plenty of talent but finishing with a complete reversal is impressive.
8: North Clayton — As we mentioned, there have been some stellar first-year coaching campaigns. Here’s another. North Clayton finished 9-1 and was one point away from being unbeaten. The Eagles were 5-5 a year ago and 6-4 in 2006.
7: Collins Hill — Seriously, there must be something about Eagles this season. Collins Hill finished 8-2 under first-year coach Billy Wells. The Eagles were 4-6 a year ago, but they staged this turnaround with a six-game winning streak to start the year.
6: Woodstock — We acknowledge the love for Cherokee County in this Take 10, but it’s warranted. The Wolverines finished a modest 6-4 with four straight victories to secure a playoff berth - the first since 2005. The season ending winning streak included a key defeat of East Paulding. Perhaps more indicative of strong season are the losses. Woodstock dropped four games by a total of 16 points.
5: Dunwoody — Why? Well, they’re undefeated and a legitimate threat for their first state crown since 1993. The Wildcats went 8-2 a year ago and didn’t even make it out of their own region. Not all surprises have to be turnarounds. We expected St. Pius X to be the heavyweight here.
4: Lassiter — It has been a long decade for the Trojans. Lassiter’s 8-2 mark is the first winning season since 2005 and best record since 1999. It’s the program’s first postseason trip since 2000. That means the baseball program has been rubbing it in for about eight seasons now. Chip Lindsey took a team that was 3-7 for two straight years and gave it the school’s first victory against Walton since 2001.
3: Milton — Sure, they’ve got Toney Williams. But the Eagles had him last season, too. What they didn’t have was a playoff berth and a No. 2 seed in Region 6-AAAAA. Milton hasn’t been to the playoffs since 1999 and hasn’t won this many games in a season since 1993.
2: Etowah — It’s hard to be surprised by anything Bill Stewart is doing, but that said, his team is 9-1 and three points against East Paulding from being undefeated. The Region 5-AAAAA champs have half the roster size of most of their competitors and come from (basically) a golf community.
1: Chapel Hill — Consider what the Panthers have done. They went 8-2 in Chris Parker’s first season for the highest victory total in school history. They’re making their first-ever trip to the postseason. Heck, the school has only produced 15 victories since it started the program in 2000.
Go on. Take Ten. Who are your surprise teams this season? Who was better than you thought? Was it a dynamic turnaround or a nearly flawless performance? Let us know. Here’s you chance to voice your opinion.
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By gofigure
November 12, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Another big turnaround performance goes to Jackson. I believe they had a losing season last year (3-7??). But this year they are 10-0 and region champs. And winning the region championship at Woodward Academy was no small feat, regardless of how weak some folks think Region 4AAA is.
By cewbee
November 12, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Go Milton Eagles!
By wolverine
November 12, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
What about Union Grove? They were 3-7 last year, 8-2 this year. Ranked in 5A for the first time in school history. All of that with a first year coach. That is a huge suprise!
By GO BIG REED
November 12, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
JONESBORO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By John
November 12, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
How about Sprayberry? Sure they went 5-5 last season, but 7 wins in a row?!?!?!? When I went there they never won more than 2 games a season. GO JACKETS!!
By TrippDawg
November 12, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
There was a time when Woodward Academy making the state playoffs was a given. Then Graham Hixon and Johnny Stallings retired and the appearances were few and far between. Hopefully mark Miller can get the War Eagles back on track. Good Luck Woodward.
By David C
November 12, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
hey dont forget about the Evans Knights they went undefeated 10-0! for the first time since 1988!
By Football boy
November 12, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
How about West Forsyth? First year as a Varsity in a tough conference and they finished 8-2, 6-2 in conf play……
By jdw
November 12, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Where’s Sprayberry on that list. Last title 1982 !!! I played on that team. I think ? Players on that team are now applying to AARP for God sake.
By prognosticator
November 12, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe you left off Pike County! Had 0-10 campaign in 2006, 3-7 in 2007 and finished 9-1 this season. Second in their region and will host 1st ever playoff game Friday night. Coach McMillan and his staff are doing great things with a program that has pretty much always been an oposing teams homecoming game.
By 59bulldawg
November 12, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
How about the Jefferson Dragons? They went 10-0 after moving up to Class AA and winning their first region championship in 31 years. Congratulations to JHS and Coach Navas from an alumnus in Virginia ! Now go beat Coosa!
By drock08
November 12, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
I agree with the Chapel Hill comment. This team will give the Stephenson vs Coffee winner fits in rounde 2. Also the Jonesboro Cardinals should be considered. 3. The East Coweta Indians. The Indians loss more than 20 seniors last year and their legendary head coach Danny Cronic. Also this year the Indians loss their 3 year starter at quarterback and top college prospect in the first three games of the year. Beside that the Indians only losses came to Newnan 12-0 Sandy Creek 24-17 in overtime and Chapel Hill 13-7. Those three teams are a combine 28-2. Great Job Indians.
By UGfan1
November 12, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
You left out Union Grove????? 3-7 then 8-2? I think wolverine said it all….Either expand the list or put us in…leaving us out….what a joke
By Come on!... Todd
November 12, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Todd, As a former Milton Eagle, it is great to see them have some success. The new school and stadiun is unbelievable. Hope this means good things for the football team in the future. Thanks for the mention.
A Cherokee Co. team that deserves a lot of credit is the Creekview Grizzlies. Fielding only a few seniors and made it to the playoffs in the first year of a AAA varsity schedule. Won six straight to finish 6-4. Three of those losses totaled less than six points. AAAA power Sequoyah beat them OT. Beat Chestatee 69-35 in the last game of the year. All this while running the Wing-T. To me, Creekview is the best story in the state. Go Grizzlies.
No need to thank me for writng your next article.
By armorup
November 12, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Hello! What about West Forsyth. They have managed to go 8-2 in their first season of varsity competition. They should be number one on your list.
By P BENTON
November 12, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
What about Loganville High School - Region champs???? Big turn around from last year. Check them out - they are for real.
By CJ
November 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
What about Luella? (Playoffs for 1st time in history) Union Grove (3rd place in a tough region) Jonesboro? Dutchtown?
By Old timer
November 12, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Sprayberry - Graduated back in the 70’s and they never could pull a good team together! Can’t believe they are in the playoffs now! GO JACKETS
By Steve
November 12, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Towns County - prior to this year they lost 36 in a row. They ended the season 7-3. It was the first winning season in the Schools history.
By Lorenzo
November 12, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
I have to tip my hat off to one of my former college teammates. Coach Victory Floyd from Brunswick High School (8-2) in South Eastern Georgia. He has done nothing but turn programs around where every he has been in both North Carolina, South Carolina and now Georgia. Good Luck Vic AGGIE PRIDE. Where we at this week we’re in the DOG HOUSE!
By Bobert
November 12, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Luella Lions! Good job heading to the playoffs!
By MrWrestling#2
November 12, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Were there any suprises outside of Metro-Atlanta? High School football is played in other places and generally is played better.
By Todd Holcomb
November 12, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Todd Holcomb? Still smarter than us.
I’m not a smart man, as Forrest Gump would say, but I know what love is.
Most surprising? East Cobb — Kell, Sprayberry, Lassiter. And Pope was a lot better, too. Some good coaching hires, I guess.
But the top award for me goes to North Clayton. With all the off-season turmoil and fears of a student exodus in Clayton County, for Rodney Hackney to come out of there 9-1, that’s pretty strong. When’s the last time a Clayton team was 9-1?
By Jeff kenerly
November 12, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
pike county is doing good by pike county standards. as i predicted once they played someone that mattered they would lose and that is what they did . So they are not a top 10 surprise with the weak schedule they played. they will host a playoff game and probably lose, but will not get past the second.
By mpierce
November 12, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks for giving credit where credit is do….I didn’t know that the AJC made reference to Chapel Hill since were not a Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett school. We can play ball on the west side too!
By HPhil
November 12, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Woodstock and Etowah are strong! Good luck in the play off’s.
By Wolverine Fan
November 12, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Etowah Stinks.I hope they get whupped
By EHS Zone
November 12, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Thanks for good words about Etowah. But 2/3 of the disctict is Non-Town Lake. MUch more than a golf community. WE even have good old fashioned hit you in the mouth rednecks.
By OldGold
November 12, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
How is Calhoun not ranked? What a joke.
By Mike
November 12, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Evans High School has to be on that list.
By Suzanne
November 12, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Luella!!! We play Lowndes Fri night!! GO LIONS!!!! WHAT? LUELLA WHAT? LUELLA
By Cowboy
November 12, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Jackson High Red Devils deserve a little respect here! UNDEFEATED REGION CHAMPS! We are very proud of our Red Devils!
By derrick
November 12, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
how about them villa rica wildcats. first time in the playoffs since 2003. 8-2 is nice,and they will make u take notice in the playoffs!
By chhs
November 12, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Chapel Hill truely is one of the best stories in the state. Coach Parker and his staff have really changed the culture. It is hard to believe these are the same boys from last year. I wish we would have had him the last few years!
By Gina Carr
November 12, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
If you are going to be make an incorrect stereotype on Etowah then at least get it all the way wrong. Us Towne Lakers prefer “a golf and tennis community.”
By DEMON FAN 2
November 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I THINK COACH ROBERT DAVIS HAS DONE A SUPER JOB AT WESTSIDE OF MACON.
By GRAYSON
November 12, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
What about Grayson, they are 10-0 perfect season ever and nobody mentioned them. SAD…………GO RAMS
By cdobbsports
November 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
You all have to Consider Hillgrove High School out of Cobb County. First year eligble for Region Play, and the Tandem of Synjyn Days and Doug Ellis, have anchored them to a a 7-3 record and State Playoffs.
By CATFAN
November 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
WILL VALDOSTA COACH BE GETTING HIS PINK SLIP SOON?
By NY4LIFE
November 12, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
What about Crisp County? I’m sure they’re good for a 1st round upset. Considering last season, these guys look like the Tennessee Titans!
By Chris
November 12, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Surprise team for me…McIntosh County Academy. Went 9-1 in 3rd (or 4th season) season moving up a classification, which gets forgotten. Only loss was last game to Charlton County at Charlton. Unfortunately great season not rewarded in having a lower seed than Thomasville and having to travel for first game in state playoffs..
By HPhil
November 12, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
WE even have good old fashioned hit you in the mouth rednecks.
My grand parents were the real thing, real redneck sharecroppers from LA.
By Lions Fan
November 12, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
What about Peachtree Ridge? They oput a beating on North Gwinnett in a downpour. They took one of the most powerful offense in the state and only let them have 7 points, those points came from a kick off return. Keep an eye on them - they will be in the dome a few weeks from know.
By riggo
November 12, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Chris Parker,Staff& the Chapel Hill High Football team on an outstanding season. Good luck in the playoff. IN AND OUT SOUTHERN GRILL
By Josh
November 12, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Jonesoboro Cardinals!!!! I think the last time I remember them making the playoffs was my sophmore year. That was back in 1996 or 1997. Go Big Red!
By dj
November 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Where’s Loganville? The Red Devils just finished the best regular season in school history (9-1) and won their second ever region football title (first in 17 years). Got to be the surprise team of the year in the state.
By C.Goltermann
November 12, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Northgate deserves some credit. Went from 1-9 to 6-4 and a state playoff team for the first time since 2004. Started the year 1-2, but finished up 5-2 in last seven games. Lost to Whitewater and Sandy Creek by a combined 11 points.
By Mack cain
November 12, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Good Luck to The Northgate Vikings in the state Football Playoffs 2008 Go Northgae Vikings
By CANEFAN
November 12, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
DOES VALDOSTA HIGH RECRUIT THEIR COACHES PRIMARLY FROM NORTH OR SOUTH???????????? THEY ARE LOOKING I BETCHA????????????????????
By jim
November 12, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
congrats to Coach Parker and is Chapel Hill Panthers. As a long suffering fan and witness to many losses, can’t tell you what a thrill iT was to watch the team this season! Remember boys, WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER BE, THAN RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW ! GO PANTHERS !
By Lee G.
November 12, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Go Dougherty High Trojans!!! Albany, GA…
By Verbal Kent
November 12, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
That’s wassup Chapel Hill… Congrats to the Coach and my lil Cousin Christopher Wilson who plays DB for the team!
By jokerwild477
November 12, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
central of carrollton upset in the making aganist dunwoody
By jokerwild477
November 12, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
central of carrollton upset in the making aganist dunwoody
By Never Rong
November 12, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Although you don’t rank great turnarounds from past years, homage should be paid to the mighty Pirates of Stone Mountain High in the mid to late 1970s! Tom Van Tone could get it done!
By MIKEMIKE
November 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
GO CAIRO BEAT TROUP COUNTY.
By Steve
November 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Three that should have made the list:
1: Jefferson: 10-0 and only one or two games that were close after moving up in classification. The Dragons may not get past Buford (but who does???), but they are for real.
2: Loganville: 9-1 and its first region title (8-AAAA) in 17 years. Loganville won’t overwhelm anybopdy, but the Devils play together and well enough to win.
3: Towns County: while not in the state’s (or its region’s) elite, Towns hadn’t won a game in 3 1/2 seasons, but went 7-3 this year.
By Big Pappi
November 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Can any one give me some accurate historical data on the Etowah vs. Woodstock matchup?
By Big Pappi
November 12, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Gina - great selling point for Towne Lake. Perhaps you should go into real estate???
By No Dawgs Here
November 12, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Villa Rica…
Did anyone see them finishing 8-2 and being the 2nd seed in such a tough conference?
On the down side… Mays..
What a disappointing season. They were supposed to had challenged for the state title.
By football boy what???
November 12, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
West Forsyth plays in the WEAKEST region in the STATE. For some reason football/athletics in general just STINK!
By drock08
November 12, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I also agree the Northgate Vikings and Central of Carrollton Lions. I believe Northgate is peaking at the right time and give Marist all they can handle this friday.
By T.J.
November 12, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
O.K. I have to say Peachtree Ridge and Grayson. Everyone was thinking rebuilding year or wheres the beef on the lines. Who would have thought they would both be region champs during preseason?
By FairwayOaks
November 12, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I guess the fact that Brunswick has made the playoff the last few years knocked them out of the running. They at least deserve an Honorable Mention. Best team since ‘99. Can someone clarify if they lost to Tucker on the road or home. I hope they have something for Bainbridge.
Sprayberry also gets others receiving votes.
By hillgrove dad
November 12, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
you left out hillgrove going to the state playoffs in there 3 rd year playing and 1st year in a region …………
By Wolverine Fan
November 12, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Ghettowah leads the series 5-4
By Obama Fan
November 12, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
You left out the Jackson County Panthers!
Last year 0 and 10 and only scored in 3 games…
This year 1 and 9 and scored in 5!
By larry
November 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
HEADLAND HIGHLANDERS!!!!
By RealisticEP_Fan
November 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
TO Todd
I”m not normally the whinny type on here. I will however point out what I see is a bit of an irony in your rankings.
In your note about both Etowah and Woodstock you mention EP, in part for justification for being on the list. The irony is that they were already 5A schools and you use a reference to a first year 5A program. Also you mention Chapel Hill. They like EP have moved up to 5A and have an identical record to EP. CH lost the last two seasons to EP by a identical 28-0 scores. Both EP an Chapel Hill are 8-2, and yet EP is left off the list. And you know what,that is a good thing,,,,,,we are now being thought of as a perenial top caliber team, and eveyone including the media have more expecations of the team.
I guess EP ‘has’ earned that respect that some of the fans have been clamoring for for so long.
By bill stewart
November 12, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
What, you’re suprosed by what I’m doing?? What I am doing is destroying West Virginia’s football program.
By Nick Bray
November 12, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
The Northgate Vikings, hands down deserve some mention. It may not be the dramatic 3-7 to 10-0 region champs turnaround but going 1-9 to 6-4 and making the state playoffs and securing their first winning record in 4 years is pretty cool.
The Vikes lost all 5 games at home last year, shut out in every single one. This year they lost only one and that was to a Banneker team that they turned around and beat at their place for a state playoff birth!
The Vikings are the real deal, they hit you in the mouth and Marist is about to find out just how much it hurts to be hit by a Viking.
Go get em Vikes…
By Clubhouse
November 12, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
I will say Stephenson is the surprise team if they beat Coffee on Friday.
By rightofcenter
November 12, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
I think Washington County warrants a mention. From losing season (first in a while) to 8-2. Pretty darn good.
By Bob
November 12, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
I don’t guess teams from outside the Metro area were considered when preparing your list. Once again the AJC bias against the rest of the state shows up.
By GraysonFan2
November 12, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
I agree with Benton
Loganville went from 2-8 to 9-1, and the one loss they had was 7-6 to salem.
Go Loganville!
and Grayson of course!
By GraysonFan2
November 12, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Grayson
Im pretty sure Grayson was not that big of a surprise making it to the third round and all last year, they just keep getting better and better. no surprise here anyway.
By D-town Puttin it Down
November 12, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Gotta put it down for D-town/Dunwoody They have really worked hard this year.
Go Zach and Conner Weaver!
Let’s give em some props!
Coach J
By DevilDad
November 12, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
They dont call it the Atlanta Journal Constitution for nothing. Go Jackson, 10-0
By tp
November 12, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
how about Clarke Central, 9-1 and only loss was in overtime by 1 point.
By Wolverine Fan
November 12, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Hey Bob and all you other outside the Metro Atlanta Area.
It’s called the AJC for reason…A=Atlanta.
By Band Mom Gone Wild
November 12, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
I love our PRHS Lions so much! I’m thrilled they’re in the playoff again! Can’t wait to see you all kick some butt on Friday night! Go Roaring Lions!
By tbrown5300
November 12, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
How about the Pike County Pirates, from Zebulon GA. Perennial losers at every level yet, they go 9 and 1
By dawg fan
November 12, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
what about dutchtown, they went 4rm last year 2-8 losing buy a combined 300 points lol to this year losing by a combined 20 points…and almost defeatin 9-1 north clayton
By Mike
November 12, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Have to include little tiny Glascock County. Smallest public school that plays in the GHSA in Georgia. Play a non-region schedule, but went 8-2 and have not won that many games total in this decade. Good for them !!
By Chris
November 12, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Agree with the first poster’s comment on Jackson, my alma mater. My oldest son currently attends Kell, so it’s been a great high school football season for us. Would be interesting to see the top 10 disappointments. From the Cobb/N. Fulton area, wasn’t Roswell supposed to be very good this year?
By CENTRAL FAN
November 12, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
CENTRAL-CARROLL DESERVES A MENTION. 2005 WENT 7-5 2006 1-9 2007 0-10 2008 UNDER NEW COACH MIKE LEDFORD 5-5 AND BACK IN THE PLAYOFFS. 1986-1987 BACK TO BACK STATE CHAMPS. THESE KIDS NOW HAVE REALLY WORKED HARD TO MAKE IT THIS YEAR. GO LIONS!!!!
By HoyaDawg
November 12, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to East for their outstanding year. East Cobb, you had a great year.
By Tigerman
November 12, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
what about the Wills Tigers, how come we never get any respect on here.
By MIKEMIKE
November 12, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
I LIKE TO SEE #1 CAIRO SYRUPMAKERS VS #1LOWNDES COUNTY IN VALDOSTA,GA LET GET READY TO POUR SOME SYRUP ON THEM VIKING.
By JayJayJones
November 12, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
I think that Brunswick is a big turnaround program. Region champs!!
By Maconman
November 12, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Southwest Macon’s record during the previous 3 years was 3-27. This year Coach C. Wright has the Patriots sitting at 8-2 and hosting a home playoff game. Great job to Coach Wright and the Patriots.
By RAMDAWG
November 12, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
HEY MIKE MIKE-SIMMER DOWN CAIRO HAS A GOOD TEAM BUT LOWNDES IS A LITTLE OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE,DONT YOU THINK?
By Jimmy W
November 12, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
I agree Pike should be on that list. A great turnaround. Another surprise turnaround is Troup. 6-4 with no playoff in 2007, now 4-6 with a playoff. At least they are back to their one and done playoff tradition.
By gilbert smith
November 12, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
nobody is showing lassiter no love in here so i will.I watch them play last year and they were not good but, this year team look nothing like last year team.I hope they go all the way to the dome. GO LASSITER!!!!!!!!!!!
By Firebrand
November 12, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
What about Thomas County Central? They graduated 4,000 yards of offense and two D-1 defensive players, lost their head coach, and still went 8-2, losing to two #1 ranked teams.
If they can find their offense a little, they very well might make a run in the playoffs, too.
By marchingcat
November 12, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
I suppose Newnan has no good history - which is why NO ONE in Atl is saying a word about them. But here we come!!
By Band Mom
November 12, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Union Grove??? From what I witnessed on last Friday Night, the only reason Union Grove made it as high as they did was due mainly in part with help from the officials! I have never witness a game which such lousy calls!
By NSeagle78
November 12, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
What about Northside of Warner Robins? We lost everyone on the offensive side of the ball and moved up to the all powerfull AAAAA of region 1. Our school is half the size of the schools we play, yet we stand at 9 and 1. The 1 is because Lowndes got some serious home cooking. The boys down south told us that we would be lucky to win 1 game in that region.
By Cairo Can
November 12, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Cairo could take care of Lowndes but then so could Buford. Lowndes is tough on its home field but just another team when they have to travel.
By AlbanyViking
November 13, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Sorry Cairo Can’t, Lowndes wasn’t the team last year that couldn’t win it all on their HOME field. You can try to find a weakness in the Vikings run, but you just sound like someone who hasn’t looked at all the facts. Lowndes has played in four semis at the dome in the past decade, and the last team to even score a point on them was Northside WR in the first half of the 99 semi’s. Plus defeated Parkview in the 04 championship in Atlanta. Try at least winning a championship in your own class this millenium, before you start dreaming of playing the big schools.
By Etowah08
November 13, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
to gilbert smith you are correct. lassiter is good and congrats to them. however your season ends friday in woodstock as you will fall victims to Etowah. great season though
By brian
November 13, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Evans Knights in Evans(augusta) Ga… 10-0….
By LionsRoar
November 13, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Go Lions!! Good Luck at Lowndes Friday night. We will be with you in spirit! First state playoffs in school history!
GO LIONS!!
By Wolverine Senior
November 13, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
To Big Pappi: The Woodstock-Etowah history is a great one. Four years ago (05) Woodstock went the entire mile up the hill and defeated Etowah in a great game. The next year was at Woodstock and the game went into triple overtime with Woodstock emerging victorious handing Etowah one of its few losses that season. Last year Etowah man handled us but this year’s game was great. Would of gone into OT but our TE dropped the ball in the endzone. But Etowah owe’s their region championship to us becuase we defeated East paulding. They bought our coaches lunch Wedsnesday. TO add to it the schools are a mile apart, we (the students) grew up with each other, and Etowah can see woodstock and vis-versa.
But the two teams have had great seasons. I’ve been to every woodstock game this season and not once have we been blow out. the first two losses were in the last minutes, but we didn’t have 10 of our starters. And the Harrison loss was only by 2, and Etowah by 7. The east Paulding game was a great show of the real woodstock team(shame no statios was there to cover it). The entire Woodstock stands were on their feet. Best showing of the woodstock 12th man i’ve ever seen. Can’t wait to bring it again at Walton.
“Bring the Woodshed, Release the FURY!!!”
By Big Pappi
November 13, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Wolverine Senior - Good luck this weekend. I believe our region will do well.
By wildmanhoya
November 13, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
I have to give a nod to the Harrison Hoyas as being a surprise team. Many people wrote them off this year as a 5 - 5 or 6 - 4 team at best after losing most of the speed players from the 2007 team that lost in the 2nd round to Walton. The last three games were not good by any stretch yet to finish the regular season at 8 - 2 was a heck of the year. Who knows what would have happened without some injuries yet that is part of the game. The veteran O line did a great job clearing the way for a sound running game and the special teams really stepped up.
By Tootalldk
November 13, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
go eagles!! yall betta’ win!!!
By Ron Mexico
November 13, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
I’ve been going to the games since Chapel Hill opened. It was tough to watch some of the talent get misused and go unnoticed. Lets help these kids with their dreams of college ball. Please AD we have a great coaching staff don’t let them slip thru our fingers!!
By ewok
November 13, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
NSeagle78:
Please, come up with a new excuse for losing to Lowndes. The Congressional and FBE investigation we authorized and paid for revealed that we paid the referres the standard Home Bribe Fee that everyone else pays. It also revealed that Northside has not been paying the standard fees, and it recommended that since you have now moved up to play with the big boys, that you start paying the standard Home Bribe Fees, in order that you be able to compete fairly.
And … there is embellishment, and then there are lies. Northside DOES NOT have half the enrollment of the other 1-5A schools. If it did, it would be playing in 4A or 3A. Plus, last time I checked, your team has as many players on its roster as every other team in 1-5A.
We’d really like to welcome you to the region, but first you must take the Joe Wilson / Jack Rudolph / Jim Hughes / Bonwell Royal / Gene Brodie (R.I.P., sir) School of Charm, Etiquette, Truth-Telling, and No Excuse-Making.
By Gamer
November 13, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
T0; Wolverine Fan——-That wasn’t nice! Let’s be above that kind of talk. Remember, these are kids 16-18 giving their best on the football field. To call Etowah players Ghettowah is uncalled for on this blog.
By Wolverine Senior
November 13, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
to Gamer: I know very well the age of the players. infact i’m sitting in class with our (Woodstock’s) starting running back and nose tackel right now. And i never called Etowah Ghettowah. I Have great respect for the Eagles and hope they make it to the 4th round of the playoffs so we can play them again.
By Wolverine Senior
November 13, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
My B gamer, forgot there was another Wolverine guy posting here and assumed you were talking to me
By gofigure
November 13, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
To Larry….. I remember the Headland Highlanders very well. I played against them for two years. What a tough region back in 1970-71 with Woodward Academy, Russell, Briarwood, and Headland just to name a few.
By SPX
November 13, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Pius is somewhat of a surprise, frankly, given how much talent we lost last season. If you look at PG Standard from last year’s Marist game to this entire year, he’s matured a lot as a player. And even without JC Carter, our running game still beasts. Which is great.
GO PIUS!
By SouthGARules
November 13, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Good call on Collins Hill. Only 1 starter returned on offense this year. Northside is not a surprise. If folks remember, in 2006 Warner Robins moved up from AAAA and went to the semifinals in AAAAA. Glad to see Woodstock in the playoffs. Mike O’Brien got run out of Valdosta because he was not the second coming of Nick Hyder. However, his winning pct of 70% is much better than what Rick Darlington & Rick Tomberlin have put up since he left. At least O’Brien won a state title & was runner-up twice.
By mr. tee
November 14, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
I know you focus on Atlanta but you blew this one big time. Look north about 90 minutes to beautiful Hiwassee. Towns County had won only two games this decade and had lost 59 of its last 61 games. It’s last win prior to this year came on September 10 of 2004. The school had never had a winning season. Your paper should be doing a feature story on Coach Kyle Langford and his Indians for their 7-3 season. I don’t care who they played! Way to go guys!!!
By Vincent Smith
November 14, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
The Jackson High School (Jackson, GA) Red Devils has not been to the GA Dome since 2003, but don’t count them out in Region 2-AAA. Maybe you sport writers should ride south about 45 miles and see a “real good football team.(LOL)
By Nick Alexander
November 14, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
What about Crisp Coutny? We were 2-8 last year and finished 6-4 in the toughest region in AAA. Even though we were picked to be dead last we made the playoffs and played Cairo for a Region 1 championship.
By RegalBeagle
November 14, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
SEQUOYAH CHIEFS going 9-1 while starting 10 sophomores is my surprise team. Etowah was expected by many to do well in AAAAA this year but not the Chiefs. They were put into region 7AAAA with power house programs like Dalton and Rome and no one expected them to do better than 5 and 5. But to go 9 and 1 and a top 5 ranking, well that is a surprise and a sign of a fantastic future in Hickory Flat.
By Etowah Fan
November 14, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Big Pappi
Not sure what historical data you were looking for but here is a snapshot of the series:
98 Etowah (H) 35, Woodstock 13 99 Etowah (A) 14, Woodstock 35 02 Etowah (A) 24, Woodstock 7 03 Etowah (H) 28, Woodstock 7 04 Etowah (A) 14, Woodstock 21 05 Etowah (H) 6, Woodstock 41 (ouch) 06 Etowah (A) 23, Woodstock 29, 3OT 08 Etowah (H) 16, Woodstock 0 09 Etowah (A) 14, Woodstock 7
One note to Woodstock’s ‘08 season, the defeat to Etowah was their largest margin of defeat for the season thus far. The other three losses had average margin of defeat of 3 points, not to mention that two of the three losses were to Playoff bound teams who were both ranked at some point this season (Kell, Harrison). Woodstock is better than their 6-4 record might indicate.
By Etowah Fan
November 14, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
A better try at formatting:
98 Etowah (H) 35, Woodstock 13;
99 Etowah (A) 14, Woodstock 35;
02 Etowah (A) 24, Woodstock 7;
03 Etowah (H) 28, Woodstock 7;
04 Etowah (A) 14, Woodstock 21;
05 Etowah (H) 6, Woodstock 41 (ouch);
06 Etowah (A) 23, Woodstock 29, 3OT;
07 Etowah (H) 16, Woodstock 0;
08 Etowah (A) 14, Woodstock 7
By SportsFan31313
November 14, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
At least 1 team out of Region 1-AAAAA and Region 3-AAAAA will dominate and run the gamut through out the playoffs.
By grbryant
November 15, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
I do not see Brunswick High School on the list. Having a first year coach, (who is an awesome coach), Brunswick High not only won the Region 2 Title, but defeated Bainbridge in the first round. Please concentrate on schools outside the metro Atlanta area. Your opinion seems to be biased towards North Georgia and Atlanta. Thanks for the shout out above for Coach Victor Floyd. Let’s Go Pirates! We gotta take respect since people like you will not give it when its due ! BHS - Class of 84
By piratepride
November 15, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
Fairway Oaks - A BHS alumni responding to the question above. Brunswick lost to Tucker (first game of the season) 26-12 at Glynn County Stadium. On another note, BHS defeated Bainbridge 34-20 on Friday. Next oppoonent, Griffin. Lets Go Pirates!
By nick
November 16, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
hey guys i believe the most surprising team is definitely Lassiter. We haven’t made the playoffs since 2000. We practically have had a loosing record every season, then coach Chip Lindsey comes in takes us to the playoffs and beats Etowah in the first round! We also beat Walton who was in the top ten in the nation at the time. Thats pretty hard to beat
By stephanie
November 17, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this
I find that’s it’s very funny that the local schools mainly Southwest Dekalb gets no love at all from you guys.But that’s fine because, love is within the South Dekalb cummunity anyway.So keep taking the love to North Dekalb, Gwinnett County,North and South GA schools.See you at the dome.
By Observer
November 17, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
I would not go and brag about beating Bainbridge this year. This year was a building year for Bainbridge under first year legendary coach Pilcher. I look for great things to happen in the future at Bainbridge in the years to come.