AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHigh school picks: Lowndes too tough for Grayson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
All season long, this column has held nothing but love for those Grayson Rams.
I’ve had a crush on the green and gold from the outset just to prove to the rest of the state exactly how biased I am to metro Atlanta. I say that facetiously, of course. I haven’t seen a single Grayson game all season.
By the same token, I haven’t seen Lowndes play, either. But just like I don’t need to watch Big 12 football to realize that it is arguably the best conference in the nation right now, I don’t need to watch video to realize that Grayson will be overmatched by the Vikings.
Lowndes has been No. 1 all season for a reason — they have proven they deserve it. Grayson has never played past 13 games in a season, and they won’t do it this year, either. Even if they have to make three consecutive trips to Atlanta, Lowndes is the team that can do it.
— Class AAAAA: The feel-good story of the playoffs lived for another week in Woodstock. The reward for the Wolverines? A trip to the coastal marshes of Camden County. Accounting for Atlanta traffic, dinner in an antebellum plantation house in Jackson, spending the night in Statesboro, catching lunch at Willie’s Weenie Wagon (get the pork chop sandwich) in Brunswick and a tour of the Jacksonville Zoo, if the Wolverines leave Cherokee County just after slicing the turkey on Thursday, they should make it there for game time. The trip down might be the best part because the ride back will be a looooooooong one. … Now, if you had to pick two teams out of Region 1 to make the quarterfinals, admit it, your picks were Lowndes and, um, Coffee? Nah, me neither. Peachtree Ridge won’t be stopped this week. … I love parity. For that reason, I am sorry, North Gwinnett, but you won’t be advancing. Newnan takes your spot because I just can’t have two teams from Region 7 making the final four. It would throw the balance of the known universe off kilter if anyone ever made any kind of argument that their region was better than Region 1. Plus, there is a big bunch of Cougars that are still suffering from last year’s 38-35 Bulldogs victory. Cat-scratch fever for the North Gwinnett.
— Class AAAA: Apparently, I have no love for Region 6-AAAA. In back-to-back weeks, I have picked Tucker and Southwest DeKalb to lose in the first round and for Marist to fall last week to Sequoyah. I’ll start with perhaps the most anticipated game of the week in the class between Tucker and top-ranked Westside. Tucker is good, but I can almost see this game being a repeat of the Marist debacle earlier this year. It will be closer, but that old Demon, Robert Davis, has been here and done that. … SW DeKalb, you get no love either. Griffin’s victory against Brunswick was a big one, and I don’t see that signature win for the Panthers. … So, I guess it all comes down to Marist. Another great Cinderella team in Mt. Zion-Jonesboro, but Marist grinds people up. … Outside of Lowndes-Grayson, I truly believe the best game will be between Rome and Statesboro. Could someone from Rome please bring me back some Vandy’s barbeque? Blue Devils top the Wolves.
— Class AAA: Dunwoody’s slogan has been 1 and 0 each week. LaGrange is worthy, but they are just going to be No. 13. … Eastside, Syrup gets even stickier as the weather gets cooler. Your chances of making the Dome are even stickier. I loves me some syrup. … If Flowery Branch had beaten Ridgeland by more than a touchdown, I might be inclined to pick you. As it is, unbeaten Baldwin remains so. … Gainesville is undefeated as well, but Carver is more battle-tested and the better pick in Columbus.
— Class AA: Dublin has been itching for revenge against Buford ever since the Wolves plastered 48 on the Irish in the Dome last year. Don’t see it happening in Buford’s back yard, Dublin. … Toombs has had a good little run, but those Bugs up at Calhoun are more than the Bulldogs can handle. Is that foreshadowing for what might happen on Saturday in Athens? … Brooks County moves one step closer, rolling past Lovett. … The AA game of the week is Fitzgerald at Pepperell. Those Purple Hurricanes have destroyed both of their opponents on the road. Prepare for a Category 5 in Northwest Georgia.
— Class A: Wesleyan is the last metro team to spark any interest in the state’s smallest classification. Not after this week. Take Miller County again over a private school after taking down Savannah Christian last week. … Wilcox over Lincoln in the battle of historical powers. … Turner County has been here before. This is only the second time Wilkinson County has ever played more than 12 games. Take the experience factor. … Let me know if Bremen defies the forces of nature and finds some way to slow down Washaun Ealey.
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By Ledford
November 27, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
Wilcox County a historical power? Did you start covering HS football last year. They had a nice, small run in the 80’s but have been non existant until last year. Just saying.
By TrojanDude
November 27, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Chris
I really don’t think people can find this blog. I’ll give you may be right on Coffee/Ptree. But, you being right just doesn’t feel right to me. Is that all right with you?
By chc4
November 27, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
ECI is gonna roll Bremen… Swainsboro is rollin’!!!!
By Bo
November 27, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Coffee three weeks in a row to Atlanta so don’t feel sorry for northern teams going south. Agree with Trojandude it just don’t feel right and I’ll take my chance on Coffee because the chemistry is right and they play as a TEAM . No one man or 2 man show and they have something to prove. But win or lose they are Winners in my book. Hope all teams have safe trips and everyone has a great Thanksgiving. God Bless the USA. Oh! I was at Willie’s Weenie Wagon last Monday. Good Food…….across from college.
By Bob
November 27, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Calhoun is going to destroy Tombs County this weekend! Go Jackets. Maybe the Jackets will beat the Bulldogs in College football too! Go Tech over Georgia! Scott Blair, GT’s kickoff starter, field goal kicker, and punter is from Calhoun High!!
By WACO-FAN
November 28, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
i read and read the dunwoody prediction but i didnt get who he picked to win????????
By Bear_Blogger
November 28, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
GO GRIFFIN BEARS We are ready to rock on ourhome turf this time. no “Fog Bowl II” either…(yeah I remember)…gonna skin up some fresh CAT MEAT!! BEWARE SWD REVENGE shall be ours!! GO GRIFFIN BEARS
By Wolverine Senior
November 28, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
Chris We’re leaving at 9:30 thank you. lol
Everybody Well, today’s the day. I wish to best of luck to all your teams and wish the safest of travels. Hurricane and all the other Camden fans, Can’t wait to see ya’ll tonight, its going to be a great game no matter what. Hurricane i’ll see you around halftime, just look for the guy with the fohawk in the band. Hope ya’ll are ready cuz we’re coming, in 6 charter busses to be exact.Now if ya’ll with excuse me, i’ve got a 9 hour trip on a charter bus to get to. haha
Wolverine Fan Not going to lie man, no clue who you are but if your gonna be on the busses see yah in about an hour. If not have a safe trip down there man.
Hey Camden!!!! Are you ready?!?! Cuz we’ve bringing the Woodshed and RELEASING THE FURY!!!!
By Wildcat Pride
November 28, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
WACO-FAN - He picked Dunwoody. He’s saying that Lagrange is worthy…but will only become Dunwoody’s 13th victim (Dunwoody Wildcats are 12-0)
I can’t see anyone stopping the Wildcats’ championship run! Go Cats!!!
By Drock08
November 28, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Prediction Newnan 38-13 over N.Gwinnett Lowndes 23-14 over Grayson Coffee 13-10 over Pt Ridge Camden 30-10 over Woodstock
By shazam
November 28, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Wrong Chris The cream of the SEC (Florida) still crushes the cream of the Big 12 (Oklahoma)
By Camden '08
November 28, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Wolverine Senior safe trip to Camden. It’s a loooonnnnggg one. Ever been to Florida??? lol.
By Band Mom Gone Wild
November 28, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
The butterflies in the stomach are starting! Peachtree Ridge, you CAN do this tonight!
While the band is out of town this week because they marched in the Philly Thanksgiving Day Parade those of die-hard band parents who love our team will be there!
Goooooo Lions!!!!
By Camden Cat
November 28, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
I’m a die hard Camden fan, but I like Coach O’ Brien. He’ll have his boys READY. But Herron will have Camden READY too. If Camden happens to fall it will be bittersweet.
By Chris Whitfield
November 28, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
I’ll give you may be right on Coffee/Ptree. But, you being right just doesn’t feel right to me. Is that all right with you?
Don’t worry TrojanDude. We don’t have to hold hands and sing Kumbaya. A little honest disagreement is always a good thing.
ECI is gonna roll Bremen… Swainsboro is rollin’!!!!
Last time I played against ECI, it was located in Twin City.
But win or lose they are Winners in my book. Hope all teams have safe trips and everyone has a great Thanksgiving. God Bless the USA. Oh! I was at Willie’s Weenie Wagon last Monday. Good Food…….across from college.
All the teams still standing have nothing to hold their heads about. As far as Willies Weenie Wagon goes, I was introduced to the place more than a decade ago by one of my best friends, Pat Donahue, who has seemingly worked at most of the papers along the SE coast. The pork chop sandwich is unbelievable.
Wrong Chris The cream of the SEC (Florida) still crushes the cream of the Big 12 (Oklahoma)
I never claimed otherwise, but it is hard to argue against the Big 12 being the top conference in the nation right now with five of the top 12 teams in the AP Poll.
By shazam
November 28, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
That’s true Chris but we all know that the ranking system is screwed up as well with Texas beating Oklahoma, Texas Tech beating Texas, and Oklahoma destroying Texas Tech. All messed up!!
By TrojanDude
November 28, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Peachtree Fans
Be still for just a minute. Listen! Hear that horn? Could it be? You dont think???Yeehaw!! It is!! That’s a Trojan Train a comin’ and I do believe it has it’s ears laid back. Get yourself ready for the South Georgia Road Warriors
1AAAAA is coming to town!!!
Let’s have a safe game and keep our attitudes in good form. I believe you’ll find the Coffee fans enthusiastic but well mannered. This should be an excellent, hard-nosed game between two down-in-the-dirt teams. Let’s enjoy it for what it is.
By ric80
November 28, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
I think Lincoln County Wins Game with wilcox, Lincoln has to much winning tradition and will suprise wilcox with something new. Also they have the homefield advantage it is hard to win in the Devil Den.
By Chris Whitfield
November 28, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Conference-wise, though, Shazam, the Big 12 is clearly stronger this year. The SEC is Alabama, Florida and everyone else. I’m a huge SEC backer, but I’d say this a very down year for the conference. (Which should still be scary for the rest of the nation since the SEC is a close second in a “down” year)
By Chris Whitfield
November 28, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I think Lincoln County Wins Game with wilcox, Lincoln has to much winning tradition and will suprise wilcox with something new. Also they have the homefield advantage it is hard to win in the Devil Den.
I don’t know that Lincoln will surprise them with something new. All the old stuff that Lincoln has done over the years has been pretty darn good enough! I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this game was big in favor of the Devils. That being said, I still like Wilcox in this one.
By Irishman13
November 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Think DUBLIN will pull out a close on up in ATL.. too bad whitfield dont think so… LETS GO IRISH.. the real football is down south…
By shazam
November 28, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
You’re right Chris I just hope the SEC gets to represent in the National Championship game
By vikings rule
November 28, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Hey TROJANDUDE, I need you guys to take care of them Lions. We gonna see if we can conquer them Rams. Let’s show them what 1AAAAA is all about. Afterwards we can settle our own battle. I know you guys would love another shot at us. LOL!! Seriously, good luck to your * Trojans* tonight as well as my VIKINGS.
By Columbia Blue
November 28, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
I am glad it is almost game time. All the woodshed talk has got the Wildcats attention. I am sure Woodstock has a great team but have they ever played on a stage like tonight? There will be a huge crowd with alot of people ready to see how good the Wolverines really are. From previous post you would think we are playing a professional football team. I like that because it inspires our kids to take their game to another level. I cannot wait until kickoff. Good luck Woodstock and have a safe trip to the WILDCAT DEN. We will be ready and waiting to see what you call the best defense we have seen all year.* WE WILL NOT UNDERESTIMATE YOUR TEAM*.You guys have to be really good to be where you are and we respect your abilities on the football field. In about seven hours it will be time to strap it on.
By Band Mom Gone Wild
November 28, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
TrojanDude (I’m sorry, but every time I read or write that name I crack up because it makes me think of Trojan Man on the commercials.)
I’ll be working in the visitor’s concession area (the band runs that one as fund raiser). If you come over there and ask for “Band Mom Gone Wild” I promise I’ll answer!
I hope everyone has a fun, safe trip up to Suwanee! (Should I say it?… Oh, why not? A little healthy banter never hurt anyone!) Cause it’s going to be a LOOOONNNNGGG ride home to Coffee County!
I Looooovvvvve my Lions!!!
By Southern 33
November 28, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Chris did you got to Ga Southern?? Most people don’t know about Vandy’s BB-Q outside of Statesboro…I like your picks and you should be right on point. Statesboro should chew up some clock, but might have a tough time against a good Rome D-Line. Good luck to both teams!
By TrojanDude
November 28, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
vikings rule
You’re right Big Guy. Am so looking forward to tonight. Looking forward to the Vikes putting the Rams out to pasture. What an amazing amount of trash talk Lowndes has had to endure this week. Those Grayson folks have done so much jawing I bet their jaws are so sore that they could do no more than sit and look at Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. The general consensus around the County is that the Trojans have a good chance of matching up with the Lions much better than most of our North Georgia bretheren believe. (Some of our closer neighbors too!) Traitors!!!
You betcha. Coffee would love a matchup with our brothers to the South. One thing at a time though. On good information. The Trojans are not looking through P’tree. Good luck tonight. Don’t know if I’ll get a chance to chat more today but will update the score.
By BHS Fan
November 28, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
How does Flowery Branch matchup with Baldwin? I’ve be looking for some information on FB.
BHS is a hard working blue collar team which gets the job done with a strong defense and a maturing offense.
By Bo
November 28, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
TrojanDude, its your play by play don’t let us down.Coffee rules tonight.
Vikings rule, Pulling for you tonight.
Wilcox, Fitzgerald, Camden , Statesboro, Turner,Coffee, and Valdosta all should (WILL) be winners.
Band mom gone wild- Its good to see parents take part in Band, Sports etc….if I can I’ll stop by your Concession stand.
Go Trojans!!
By 6AAAA FAN
November 28, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Marist, Tucker, SWD will win their games tonight.
By The Oracle
November 28, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
BHS fan,
I am a former Baldwin Brave football player and I am extremely proud of the Braves. Especially, their defense which I played on (called the Wild Dogs back then). Getting to your question, Flowery Branch runs a spread offense and throws the ball extremely well. If Baldwin has good pass defense, they will have nothing to worry about and Baldwin should win. Flowery Branch quarterback is the brother of Jaybo Shaw (second string quarterback at Ga. Tech). Also, his dad coaches Flowery Branch. All the Braves need to do is play the same hard nosed football tonite and they will win.
By footballer
November 28, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
F*** Coffee
By GraysonFan2
November 28, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Trojandude
I dont think anyone has said Grayson will blow out Lowndes, as a matter of fact I plus a few others said it will be hard. What did you expect Grayson people to do, just read over and over again how great Lowndes is and how they will destroy us. Well let me say no school would just lay over and die. Hope you all leave tonight knowing Grayson has heart! Dont know who Brookfan is, but she is not one of us.
GO RAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a safe trip Lowndes, dont beat us up to bad, lol.
By Vikes_Fan
November 28, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Anyone find a way to watch the Lowndes/Grayson game on the internet?
By BHS Fan
November 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Footballer, thanks for the information on Flowery Branch.
Go Braves!
By BHS Fan
November 28, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Sorry, I meant to address my previous message to the Oracle.
By justafan
November 28, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
footballer: I’ll pray for you. If you don’t agree with someone say it but the F word shows your low IQ. Oh, I’m not from Coffee but its still not right.
By Chris Whitfield
November 28, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Chris did you got to Ga Southern?? Most people don’t know about Vandy’s BB-Q outside of Statesboro
I went to Georgia Southern and also did some time working for the Statesboro Herald right out of college in the early 90s with Anthony Dasher, who used to be sports editor there and now works out of Athens.
By Harry S/Wheeler County
November 28, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Well, this will be the last charge for the Dublin Fighting Irish. They will fight to the end but we don’t have enough weapons and the defense will not be able to stop the Wolves enough times to win.
Buford 35, Dublin 14.
By slalom1
November 28, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Drock08, On a decent playing field I believe that your prediction 38-13 Cougars is about right.But, have you seen the weather forecast? It is gonna be nasty tonight. This will hurt the Cougars more than N. Gwinnett. Remember E. Coweta? The Newnan OL should be okay, as well as the running game. But, this is NOT gonna help Powell and Bonner. Neither is it gonna help this lightning quick Newnan defense. Newnan wins, but in a much tighter game. Earlier in the week I called the game 35-7 Cougars. Then revised the outcome to 35-10 Cougars. Now I am looking at 17-14 Cougars due to the playing conditions. *Should the weather break, even by half time, the Cougars win by 21 or more.
By slalom1
November 28, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Chris Whitfield, Glad to know we have some common threads. I was born in Statesboro and spent much of my youth there. I remember when “Vandy’s” was located in down town Statesboro and “pigged out ” there many times through the years. Also ate my share of “dime a bag” boiled peanuts from street vendors. Just wondering if your “Dasher” friend is related to the owners of “Dasher’s Resturant” from Statesboro in the 1960’s and 70’s? Also, my daughter and son in law were students at Ga. Southern in the early 90’s as well. Did you ever see Emma Kelly play and sing? Since this is a football blog, I will get back to the basics. Emma’s son, whose first name I cannot recall( I believe it was Mike) played QB at Ga. Tech somewhere in the 70’s or 80’s. Her son in law was the legendary “Rock” Perdoni of Ga. Tech. She is now a member of the American Jazz Hall of Fame.
By LowndesCountyFan
November 28, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
3 Hrs left now whoo - hoo Lets get ready for some Football! ** Lowndes 35 - Grayson 10
By Garry salter
November 28, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
I hear that Eastside runs a spread offense. I looked at their schedule and noticed alot of teams they played are under 500 winning percentage. Cairo struggled against Burke Co on deffense last week who also runs the spread who has a great quarterback. However burke co could not stop Cairo defensively either. It is a wet field tonight. Cairo blowed troup co. out on a a rainy night two weeks ago. Can anyone tell me how Eastsides spread offense rates vs burke co. spread offense, and who runs the best spread thats left in the AAA PLAYOFFS. THANKS, Cairo resident and fan. Go Makers!!
By Garry salter
November 28, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
PREDICTION Cairo 30 Eastside 16
By Todd Holcomb
November 28, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
*The trip down might be the best part because the ride back will be a looooooooong one. *
I can vouch for that. Been to Camden twice the past two weeks. It’s the longest road trip there is.
But forget the Weenie Wagon. Woodstock should arrive early, eat at Lang’s Seafood in St. Mary’s, spend the night and see Cumberland Island.
By New Guy on the Blog
November 28, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Anyone have info on internet coverage of the Lowdnes-Grayson game? Or any of the other AAAAA contests as well?
By intentlistener
November 28, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Peachree Ridge 2 Coffee 0 End of 1st qtr
By bohgey
November 28, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
New Guy, you will have to sign up, but google 99.5 valdosta and click on “listen online.” I’m not sure about any others.
By par6000
November 28, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Peachtree Ridge 24 - 0 half
By Katie
November 28, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Final Grayson - 17 Lowndes - 7
By Jaron2010
November 29, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
final CAIRO!!-23 east side(the losers:) )-6
By Rick
November 29, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Grayson just stomped Lowndes Co. 17-7. How does that crow taste???
By KATINKA
November 29, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Wow! It appears that someone fogot all about the Underdog Factor. Although I am proud to be a supporter of the Lowndes Vikings, I truly believe Grayson came to the game believing they could win.
By Cane 91
November 29, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Watch out buford here comes them Canes!!!!!
By Wanda
November 30, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Good game Grayson. I watched the last part of the game on tv and I must say it was a sight to see. If you are a Lowndes fan, you watched young men who were not taught what is is to lose. They were not taught that you can not win all the time and on any given night you can lose. Much like life. Afterall, football is not all about winning state championships. Coaches please try to do a better job at teaching these young men life lessons while they are on the field. I have much respect for these young men and I know all of them have played hard. To the seniors, you’ve had quite a ride. To the other players, get ready for next year and learn what not to do next year. Understand that you not only represent your school, but your entire community. When you look bad, we all look bad. Good luck to the rest of the teams that are in the hunt for the state championship. Remember that you are all winners to make it this far. Good luck next year Region 1AAAAA.
By Den
December 1, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
I was at the Grayson game on Friday and there were so many Lowndes fans that were cocky and just knew they were coming to wipe the field with the Rams. I saw Grayson have unity and that means alot. Lowndes were very sore loosers (did I mention they were loosers). Way to go Rams, you proved that you are not only great football players, but have great sportmanship. You kicked there butts on the field, but held back kicking their butts after the game. You made us proud.
By Cyndi
December 4, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
glad to see you are still writing!
By Cyndi
December 4, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
hello Chris…. great writing