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Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Take Ten: The good semis, the bad semis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not all semifinal games are created equal. There are several games on Friday that we’re looking forward to. But there are some we’re not.
Every week, we try to give you the top 10 somethings or a look at 10 things you need to know. With 10 games remaining before we end this glorious 2008 football season in the Georgia Dome, we at Take Ten decided to rank the games you should care about (and the ones you shouldn’t).
Here’s our take on the most interesting matchups (from last to first) this Friday:
10. Wilkinson County (10-3) at ECI (13-0): The Warriors have four straight victories but fell to fellow semifinal team Lincoln County 20-0 on Oct. 31. That’s doesn’t bode well going up against undefeated ECI. We smell snoozer. Take Ten Take: ECI 24-10
9. Rome (11-2) at Marist (12-1): We’re still not sure how Rome lost to Sprayberry, a talented, but inconsistent, team. The Wolves roll into Hughes-Spalding Stadium where the War Eagles rarely lose. Take Ten Take: Marist 24-7
8. Lincoln County (12-1) at Wesleyan (11-2): We like pedigree for the Red Devils, but even more interesting is that the Wolves have recovered from a 1-2 start to rattle off 10 straight victories. But Class A just doesn’t shiver our timbers. If Wesleyan wanted to spice things up, they’d let their nationally ranked women’s basketball team face Lincoln County. Take Ten Take: Lincoln Co. 35-21 (If girls basketball team plays, Lincoln Co. 94-89)
7. Calhoun (11-2) at Brooks County (12-1): The Yellow Jackets were 1-2 to begin the year before winning 10 in a row, while the Trojans eeked out a quarterfinal victory against Lovett. We like both teams, but the winner is just waiting to lose to Buford/Fitzgerald in the state final. Take Ten Take: Calhoun 20-17
6. Fitzgerald (11-2) at Buford (13-0): We actually like the Purple Hurricanes’ chances in this game and think the two Class AA heavyweights will put on a good show. Buford hasn’t lost a game since 2006. If this were in the Georgia Dome, it may be closer. One of these teams is our state champ. Take Ten Take: Buford 44-21
5. Griffin (10-3) at Tucker (12-1): Most of our interest in this game comes from seeing if the Tigers can come back down to earth after upsetting Westside-Macon. We think they will, and that’s bad news for da Bears. Take Ten Take: Tucker 27-14
4. Grayson (13-0) at Peachtree Ridge (11-2): These two Gwinnett County teams share a mutual opponent: Lowndes. The Lions lost on the road 22-7, while the Rams pulled the shocker last week, winning 17-7. Should be fun to see if Grayson is still on cloud nine. If so, beware of the talented Lions. Take Ten Take: Grayson 17-7
3. Flowery Branch (11-2) at LaGrange (11-2): The Grangers got lucky with a home contest here, but they are no stranger to semifinal games. Two of the best programs in Class AAA face off with LaGrange looking to add even more history to its books. Take Ten Take: LaGrange 7-6
2. Cairo (12-0) at Carver-Columbus (11-2): This is nearly one of the best matchups of the season. We’d love to be in Columbus for this battle of top-tier teams. The Tigers look like they’re in championship form again after rattling off nine straight. Take Ten Take: Mrs. Butterworths 24-21
1. Camden County (13-0) at Newnan (13-0): You’ve got one team on a mission with a head coach expected to retire at the end of the season. You’ve got a battle of undefeated teams. You’ve got one of the best programs in the state looking for its first title since 2003. Well, you’ve got out attention. Take Ten Take: Newnan 31-21
Go on. Take Ten. Who are the best matchups of the weekend? Which games are snoozers? Let us know. Here’s your chance to defend your team, and tell us we’re idiots.
