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DEL.ICIO.USTake Ten: Don’t complain about the Dome … you could be here
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’ve heard the grumblings. It’s as loud in Kingsland as it is in Valdosta. Many of you don’t want football state championships in the Georgia Dome. You miss the feel of home games. Well, it could be worse.
Don’t believe us? We at Take Ten spent the weekend searching around to see what other states do for their title games. You’ll find a mix of home-site games and central locations around the United States and North America. And some of them will make Friday or Saturday’s trip to downtown Atlanta seem like a piece of cake.
Here are 10 high school football championship sites worse than the Georgia Dome:
10: Fitzpatrick Stadium (Portland, Maine) — If you were to believe Stephen King, half of Maine is haunted by psychotic clowns, aliens or small faceless creatures that eat away at the planet. Instead, you’ll find this 6,000-seat arena where the state hosts its football state championships. It’s part of a complex that includes the Portland Exposition Building, which is the second oldest arena in continuous operation in the U.S. Exciting, right?
9: CIF State Championships (Carson, Calif.) — The California Interscholastic Federation holds its annual title games at — get this — a soccer stadium. Championships are held at the Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University, about 13 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. Its nickname is the “Cathedral of American Soccer,” and it holds about 27,000 people. You’ll find David Beckham running on the pitch (when healthy) because it’s home for the L.A. Galaxy. And you wonder why football is different on the West Coast?
8: UIL Football Finals (Houston, Tex.) — We don’t even begin to understand the mystery that is Texas high school football. There are a million divisions, a hundred different state champions and even a handful of six-man teams for the small schools. But the Division I and Division II teams hold their state title games at Reliant Stadium in Houston. There’s nothing wrong with the stadium itself, which was the NFL’s first retractable roof arena. It’s just Houston we have a problem with. Dallas, San Antonio and Austin would be more worth our time.
7: OFSAA Bills Toronto Series Football Bowls (Toronto, Ontario) — So if you think driving from Camden County to the Georgia Dome is bad, how about the 20-hour journey from the Arctic Circle to Toronto? The Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations holds its title games in a series of bowls at Rogers Centre (SkyDome) in Toronto. To spice up this year’s event, the OFSAA even invited former NFL quarterbacks Jim Kelly and Dan Marino. That’s right, Canada, don’t invite a quarterback that won a Super Bowl.
6: AHSAA Super Six (Birmingham, Ala.) — Yes, we’re going to be the ones to say it. Legion Field sucks. It just does. Always has. We don’t care about the history. It isn’t getting any better. Sorry, Alabama. You have better options now besides the home of the University of Alabama-Birmingham Blazers.
5: BlueCross Bowl (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) — You fight all season. You win your region. You plow through the first four rounds of the playoffs, and what is your reward in Tennessee? A visit to Memphis or Neyland Stadium? Nope. It’s a trip to majestic Murfreesboro and Floyd Stadium. That’s where the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association holds its state championships. The city is virtually the geographic center of the state, but the only things to do there are eat at Cracker Barrel or visit the site of one of Pac-Man Jones’ many off-the-field incidents.
4: NYSPHSAA Football Finals at the Carrier Dome (Syracuse, N.Y.) — New York wins the prize for longest state athletics association acronym with New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The Empire State hosts its championships in lowly Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. It holds about 50,000 and is the largest domed stadium of any college campus and largest in the Northeast. The biggest downsize is that the arena has no air conditioning. Sure, you’re in cold temperatures most of the year, but throw 50,000 people in a small space and that changes.
3: The Does-Not-Exist Bowl (Puerto Rico) — After hours upon hours of Internet searching, we’ve gathered that Puerto Rico, despite being America’s stepchild, doesn’t play American football. There’s plenty of the other kind and some American football recreational leagues. That’s a shame. Basketball has been very popular on the island, but the new American pastime has not. So just let that sink in. You could live in a state/self-governing territory that doesn’t even have your sport.
2: University of South Dakota DakotaDome (Vermillion, S.D.) — If you thought Murfreesboro sounded desolate, try Vermillion. The South Dakota High School Activities Association holds its annual championships in this small South Dakota town of less than 10,000. You’ll find more soybean fields than you will people. The DakotaDome is a multi-purpose facility for the university and city located in the Southeastern corner of the state.
1: Alaska First National Bowl (Anchorage, Alaska) — Kickoff temperatures in the 20s. A stadium capacity of only 3,500. There aren’t many things to like about the Alaska state football championships at the Anchorage Football Stadium. The Alaska Schools Athletic Association divides its teams into a Large School Division and Small School Division. But there is free parking across the street at Sullivan Arena, a hockey stadium. That’s a plus, right?
Go on. Take Ten. Do you think there’s a worse place to hold the state title games? Are home sites really that much better? Here’s your chance to voice your opinion or just to tell us we’re idiots.
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By hurricanecamden
December 10, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Glenn LaFollette your first paragraph lets me know that you guys in north georgia (including the ajc)do not like the south. Do not try to make excuses for this jacked up suppose to be neutral site. FYI the Wildcats do not care where they play. But that does not take away from the fact that the south teams travel more than north. As long as that keeps happenening you will hear the fans (not the teams) complain. If you do not want to here it, than do not but blogs on this site where it can be disgusted! you bonehead.
By hurricanecamden
December 10, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I believe you guys put stuff like this up to keep the south and north at odds. The last time I checked Georgia was a southern state. So we are all in the south.
By HoyasRock
December 10, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
your first paragraph lets me know that you guys in north georgia (including the ajc)do not like the south.
I think we all know that its people in the south complaining about the long trip more than any other complaints. You are you so sensitive that even to hint at that makes you think the AJC high school football staff hates people from South Georgia?
By jacketfan2008
December 10, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
maybe the south just loves to host games but to be able to practice their fowl language and bottle tossing on someone else besides themselves….shut the hell up South Georgia and get in your cars and drive your a* up north just like did last week…and if you are better you will win….bunch of crybabies!!!!
By hurricanecamden
December 10, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
HoyasRock is your team in the championship? I think not! so what you say or think does not mean a hill a beans to me.
By hurricanecamden
December 10, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
I see that north georgia do not like the truth!!!. LOL I love it. Did I strike a nerve jacketfan2008? Only fools get mad at the truth.
By HoyasRock
December 10, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
I think not! so what you say or think does not mean a hill a beans to me.
Obviously it wouldn’t matter as you seem to imagine yourself as a victim. Face it the schools will be better off because they will make more money in a stadium with more people seeing the game. I couldn’t give a crap if some rednecks won’t go, but lots of others will. The money will help athletic programs throughout the state.
By hurricanecamden
December 10, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I’m glad that we get free copies of the ajc down here because all it’s good for lining my dog’s cage. I will not spend one cent to buy this garbage!
By Anthony
December 10, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
That’s it, make fun of Canada for inviting 2 NFL hall of fame quarterbacks to hang out with high school kids and give them tips.
The reason these two were there was because THE SPONSOR IS THE BILLS TORONTO SERIES and playing in the first game 4 days later were THE BILLS AND THE DOLPHINS!
Alhough you might be right - inviting Earl Morrell would have been better.
By hurricanecamden
December 10, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
The whole argument behind this is rather or not the Dome is a neutral site. And the truth is NO IT IS NOT! Camden does not have a problem traveling. We travel very well. We have already been to the dome this year. We look forward to the trip. I do not think that we have any rednecks that would not be going. Every body is coming. Rich and poor will all be there Saturday.
By Camden '08
December 10, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Okay lets calm down guys. I think that the complaint is NOT the venue….but the distance. It’s a valid complaint I think….it’s not cheap for teams to travel ya know. I don’t think it has to do mainly with the affect it has on the team….but the expenses….
By HoyasRock
December 10, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
The whole argument behind this is rather or not the Dome is a neutral site. And the truth is NO IT IS NOT!
How can it not be? And why wouldn’t you want to hold this where you can sell more tickets? There is no perfect neutral site for all teams. If you take the geographic center of all teams going each year then you woule have to build a new site each year!
By HoyasRock
December 10, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t think it has to do mainly with the affect it has on the team….but the expenses….
Thats even more bogus. The teams are getting money from the ticket sales. Because of that they are better off at the dome than anywhere because they will sell more tickets at the dome, this will more than ofset their expenses.
By Pacifier
December 10, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Its been stated several times on numerous blogs that all of the coaches from the south agreed to hold the finals in the dome. All of this crying should be done at the GHSA offices which are not in the northern portion of the state. If your team is as good as you boast, then they would play anyone anywhere anytime. Damn!
By fitzgerald
December 10, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Texas has a total of 12 football state champions (Division 1 and Divison 2 based on school enrollment.)This is for 5A down to 6 man (160 teams in 6 man). All games are played at neutral sites to keep the travel down to a minimum. If not, El Paso teams traveling to Brownsville would be an 800 mile trip. Not including college/pro stadiums, there are 994 high school stadiums in Texas (100 to 23,000 seating. Fortunately, stadium availability is not a problem.
By SportsFan31313
December 10, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
I know all too well about the distance in one traveling to see a game. But I honestly believe that this is the best fit for every school playing in the State Championship in every class.
For some South Georgia Fans that has never been to the Georgia Dome, This will be a very enjoyable trip. For some that has never been to Atlanta, they could make it an educational trip as well. There are lots of educational sites to visit there in Atlanta.
Come on. There is nothing like riding that Chartered Bus along with other fans singing, Chanting your favorite team chants, when you get to the top of that hill on Interstate 75-85 North in the City Of Atlanta coming up from South Georgia, for some that have never been there, it will breath taking looking at the beautiful City.
South Georgia Fans. Come out, and support your perspective Championship Teams. It will very much be worth the price of admission.
By SportsFan31313
December 10, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the typos. I’m typing too fast and not spell checking my comments…… But I am quite sure you all know what I am saying….
By HoyasRock
December 10, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Its been stated several times on numerous blogs that all of the coaches from the south agreed to hold the finals in the dome.
Because they know they will sell more tickets!
By HoyasRock
December 10, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Don’t sweat the typo’s. This is a blog, not a report to your boss.
By Doc Holliday
December 10, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
It’s ok guys … we’re building a 20,000-seat Dome in Valdosta for $75 million. Money’s just been approved by Congress. We’re gonna host all of the championship games here beginning in 2012. The gazillion or so schools in Atlanta will all have to come here. Gonna be called the Bailout Bowl.
By Brian
December 10, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Alaska also has another issue, in certain parts of Alaska it rains so much that it is impossible to grow grass. Went fishing there one time and watched the local high school football team play in Ketchikan AK, the field was made of crushed gravel instead of grass or field turf. A lady next to me said “here look at my husband’s arms.”
His arms were covered in scars, he was about 45 and he had scars all his life from his 2-3 years of playing high school football and being tackled so many times on the gravel.
They truly do it for the love of the sport up there just like in the south.
By WhoyaHoya
December 10, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
HoyasRocks:Which internet diploma do you have? How do sell more tickets for five games compared to 10?
Attendance will be less. Do not think that all of a sudden a rush of hew h.s. football fans in GA will come out of the woodwork to watch these games, just because they are finals instead of semi-finals. Especially since they’re all on TV. The crowd max has been reached with having 10 semis there.
After two years of seeing lower tickets sales, the GHSA will then vote to not only keep the finals there, but return the semis there too. The monster is out of the bag and there ain’t no putting it back in.
Atlanta is the Black Hole of Georgia (astronomically, economically, socially, demographically, governmentally, and criminally) and it needs to secede from the State.
By bobbylee
December 10, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I guess we will have to get sonny to build a sonny dome in Perry at the fairgrounds, make the smokers and dippers pay for it. That’s his style.
By bobbylee
December 10, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Also, tickets should be cheaper on Friday since there are only 2 games vs 3 on Saturday.
By HoyasRock
December 10, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Camden Whoya
You can’t even keep the arguemen atraight. The issue is finals in Atlanta or at home teams, not Semifinals VS Finals in Atlanta. You will not get the attendance in Camden that is why your coach voted to have it in Atlanta. You are apparently a classless jerk to denagrate the Atlanta area. Yeah, it has its inner city problems, but the doughnut makes up for the hole.
By HoyasRock
December 10, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
It’s ok guys … we’re building a 20,000-seat Dome in Valdosta for $75 million. Money’s just been approved by Congress.
When you do and if it is moved there I hope you get an earfull from unhappy Georgia hillbillies complaining about the distance and cost to go their. I myself would love to go, I think its a very attactive city.
By Camden Alum
December 10, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
I graduated from Camden last year and played football all four years. The venue is definetly not the problem, we LOVE the Georgia Dome. However, we DO NOT like the trip, nor do we feel that it is a neutral field when we play an atlanta area team such as PTR!!
By Camden Alum
December 10, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
The other part that is hard, my parents told me this is the fact that the semi-finals(how it used to be) and now the finals being played in the Georgia Dome so close to Christmas causes our family as well as the majority of our county to dip into Christmas funds to go to this trip. With the economy the way it is, the Atlanta area benefits very well, (Don’t let the fact that they are goin to have half as many games fool you) while the more southern teams pockets are hurt from this. I said it two years ago, the game should be rotated, flipped for a coin between the teams or if they are southern teams flat out played in Georgia Southerns Stadium Either flip back and forth each year or decide by a coin flip should it be a North vs South game as is Camden vs PTR or should it have been Camden and Lowndes just play it there. And if it is vice versa such as PTR and Newnan, play it in the Dome. That is THE most fair way I can come up with!!
By ECBacker
December 10, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter where you play…the best 11 players will win the game…and the dome will sell more tickets whether you believe it or not…My team hasn’t been to the dome in 7 years, but every year I look forward to driving up 85 into the craphole that is Atlanta, deal with the traffic and the homeless, pay my money for a ticket and watch 5 great state title games (or as it was before, the semis). The best team will win the game no matter where it is…camden you traveled to newnan and beat a good team, whats another hour drive up the road??
By Going to Alaska
December 10, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
I am going to Alaska for the finals. Sounds more interesting than watching the Camden LuckyCats and Peachtree Ridge Who in da Dome.
By hurricanecamden
December 10, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
SportsFan31313 you know we are gonna represent. You know how Camden roll. Like I said earlier, The rich and the poor will be there. We come together as a family. We will be 10,000 strong.
By Band Mom Gone Wild
December 10, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Ummm. I think you all missed the whole point of the piece. It seemed to me to be kinda “tongue-in-cheek” and wasn’t meant to insult anyone about where they live in the State of GA. It was just a light-hearted way of saying “Geesh! Be glad we don’t have to deal with this!”
On another note, Mr. LaFollette, I take exception to your remark in item #7. Please don’t make fun of my “freebie if he wasn’t married where my hubby would look the other way” Dan “the Man” Marino! It’s not his fault he doesn’t have a ring… really it’s not! ;^)
By Camden Alum
December 10, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Oh and I’m still not getting how you all figure everyone will make more money in the dome- lets apply simple economics shall we?
If Camden were to host a State Championship game, everyone in Camden would be there, a lot of people from Glynn County, Charlton County and Jacksonville Florida would be there, not to mention everyone from the opposing team. They would pay there $20 in tickets and sell out the 10,000 plus seating so we would bring in extra bleachers. Now if all those people have to travel 5-6 hours away to Atlanta you can automatically eliminate Jacksonville Charlton and Glynn county. All the people in Camden who would have gone to the game cause they had nothing better to do will either not travel to the dome due to 1. The length of the trip 2. The travel Costs 3. They don’t have a ride and/or 4. THEY DONT WANT TO SPEND that much money right before christmas. Sure it will sell a few hundred maybe even a couple thousand more tickets in the Atlanta area, but compared to the ticket sale losses at home, it is not making us more money. Like I said, The Dome isn’t the problem, it is the location of the Dome that is the problem, and folks if you can’t understand that then you are borderline retarded. That would be like us telling everyone in Atlanta that we will play the game in Jacksonville where the Jaguars play (roughly 30-45 minuetes) from Camden County and call it a neutral field and expect the PTR fans (as well as everyone else from North Georgia)not to throw a fit. Do you catch my drift?
By ECBacker
December 10, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
hey alum i got a solution….shut up and play where the state tells you to play and the best 11 on the field will win…
By ECBacker
December 10, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
plus alum there was no complaining when camden traveled to newnan last week, shut your mouth and drive the extra hour to Atlanta and play in an NFL stadium, and if the people wanna see your team play bad enough they will make the drive as well…I remember driving to see my high school play Lowndes and I didn’t complain a bit…
By AndyCamden
December 10, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Well put CamdenAlum. The gripe isn’t really with whether or not the schools get their money but, if the fans can afford to go up and watch when its cheaper to turn the tv on. Band Mom Gone Wild-The whole point of this piece was to cause a debate. Who would get on here and talk if it was everybody complimenting eachother? It’s just too boring.
By Camden Alum
December 10, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
ECBacker I got a solution if you dont like what I have to say bring your p*** a* on down to Camden. I 95 exit 7!! Then you can shut my mouth for me! I would love that.
By its on
December 10, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
The dome is a good idea for the championship. **The only thing, I think is not right is the North teams only travel maybe 0-1 time every year during the playoff. GHSA had Camden and NSWR in the same bracket. That should never, I mean never should have happen. The top four teams in the south should be divided into the 4 different brackets. For example Woodstock had a 6-4 rocord, but they only would have travel 1 time to the south in the playoff. When Coffee 7-3 had to travel 3 times in a row to the North. IS THAT FAIR!
By ECBacker
December 10, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
alum i’m not trying to start anything and it sounds like your a little kid trying to pick a fight… but for a team to already start calling the dome unfair and you haven’t even played the game yet, and start complaining about the drive….if you wanna see your team play bad enough you will find a way to get to the game. i know a lot of schools offer a bus for parents and fans….but it sounds more like your making excuses…let the teams play then start your excuse making if you wish…
By AndyCamden
December 10, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
ECBacker If he played the last four years like he said then He did make the trip up there, and to Aiken. Also, if you meant that statement “play where the state tells you” then you are probably on Camden’s side when we argue that we play the teams that the state tells us too right? Probably not.
By ECBacker
December 10, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
The best teams can win anytime and any place..thats all that needs to be said. If Camden can make the trip and win in the Dome then they deserve it, likewise if PTR can win against a good Camden team then they deserve it as well. I played in high school and in college and a good team can zone out all the fans and the hype and win the game no matter the circumstances.
By Camden Alum
December 10, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
I made the trip 6 times to be exact playing parkview and lowndes in 9 walton in 10 brookwood in 11 warner robins and lowndes my senior year. I don’t have a problem supporting my team Im goin to school in Kentucky and I will make my way down there this weekend, however if you consider it a neutral field when PTR has to travel what 45 min and Camden will most likely leave Friday night, then your definition of neutral is incorrect. I love playing in the dome, but I would never call it a neutral game. People will make the trip and the school will provide transportation- 60 bucks a ticket for the bus and game not including meals. I whole heartedly believe Camden could contend and play with ANY team in the country anywhere, but as I have been trying to say, playing in the Dome is not a neutral site like GHSA is trying to claim!!
By Camden Alum
December 10, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
AndyCamden I appreciate the back up. And you also made a GREAT point right there about our cup cake schedule, it isn’t our fault, we just play who the state tells us where they tell us. But I still feel I am entitled to my opinion about where games should be played.
By broadway jo
December 10, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
ECBacker makes a good point, the best 11 on the field will win the game. No matter where it is played.
By ECBacker
December 10, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Ok alum then where would you suggest it (no sarcasm meant) if these two teams were to meet so that it would be a truly neutral site?
By Camden Alum
December 10, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
See this is what I was trying to say earlier, Due to the lack of big college/pro stadiums in Georgia, the site should be rotated between Georgia Southern in Statesboro, and the Georgia Dome. I say they flip a coin. While neither team would play at home, one of the teams would be closer to home, while still being able to accomodate the large number of fans. Should two southern schools play for a state title they should hold it at Georgia Southern. Should to northern schools play for a state title they should hold it in the Georgia Dome. But in a situation like this I think it should come down to a coin flip to be honest. Maybe my method is not the best, I’m sure many people feel that way, but I feel it is a start toward a solution for the problem. I apologize for my comment earlier, it was childish. What do you suggest?
By TO Glenn Lafollete
December 10, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
RE: “8: UIL Football Finals (Houston, Tex.) — We don’t even begin to understand the mystery that is Texas high school football. There are a million divisions, a hundred different state champions and even a handful of six-man teams for the small schools. But the Division I and Division II teams hold their state title games at Reliant Stadium in Houston. There’s nothing wrong with the stadium itself, which was the NFL’s first retractable roof arena. It’s just Houston we have a problem with. Dallas, San Antonio and Austin would be more worth our time.” Glen you poor soul, you don’t know when peaches are ripe. Only the Texas 5A division I and II finals are being played in the Reliant Stadium this year. And their 5A finals are moved around the state each year (to other neutral sites). This year they just happen to be at Reliant Stadium. Some years they’re in the Alamo Dome and Texas Stadium plus others. Apparently you have never been in Reliant Stadium. It is an awesome arena and makes the Astrodome and the Georgia Dome look elementary. Any high school player would give his right….uh, arm to play there. Also you seem to forget Texas high school fans aren’t whiners about traveling. Their classification structure is also similar to Georgia. They have 1A thru 5A classifications just like Georgia plus they have about 70 6-man teams in the less populated towns of west Texas. Georgia calls theirs ‘regions’ and Texas calls theirs ‘districts’. Georgia has 8 regions and Texas has 32 districts in each of the five classifications. The top 3-4 Georgia teams could possibly stay with the top 3-4 Texas teams. It’s the next best 20 teams from the two states is where the difference would be. Texas, because of the number of schools, has a lot more top teams than Georgia. It’s just a matter of numbers. They have 10 Lowndes and 10 Peachtree Ridges and 10 Camden Countys and 10 Graysons. When you get past a couple of rounds of the playoffs you are seeing some well coached, very disciplined, very quick, very big teams. I watched a couple of their semi-final 4A and 5A games a couple of years ago at Texas Stadium and was shocked these were high school kids (and I have seen a lot of high school football in different states). Their level of play was eye-openging. Georgia football is strong and very well supported but 10x that and that’s what you get with Texas high school football. We (GA) can and will get there, we just need to evolve our programs to a higher level.
By davil
December 10, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Wanna fix this? All north GA game = Georgia Dome. North vs South = Macon Sports Complex. All South GA game = Concrete Jungle at Lowndes or Valdosta State Stadium. As it appears with the reclassifications, the North is stacking the deck from cramming the big teams into AAAAA1 and the Champ game in Atlanta.
By Get Rid of 8 Regions
December 10, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
GHSA needs to expand the 8 region format to 16 regions. Basically an existing region would be split into two regions. The same number of teams would make the playoffs but it would be the top two teams instead of the top four. By doing this, more non-region games can be scheduled. Camden would be able to play more schools their size before region games begin. Teams like Meadowcreek could play some schools in their non-region games that they are able to compete with. Also it would eliminate the need for a region to have the confusing sub-regions. Anyone see a problem with this? Heck, I think I’ll run for GHSA president next year.
By Camden Alum
December 10, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure if it is still like this, but doesn’t VSU still play at VHS stadium? I like where you went with that tho, but I think the problem with the stadium at the High Schools home stadium that GHSA was claiming is the lack of size, so I would say GA Dome for North Georgia, Macon Sports Complex for North vs South and GA Southern for South games. We should petition for that seriously!! Interesting idea about 16 regions it would be cool to see how it all plays out.
By Camden '08
December 10, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
HoyasRock actually the vote was unanimous for the dome because of the fact that you could either have it in the finals or not in all. Coach Herron of Camden County has voiced his opinion. He feels that it’s not a good idea and it’s not neutral. The South coaches only voted yes to the dome because they didn’t wanna eliminate it completely. No other reason
By Johnny
December 11, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
If it is not a problem then why don’t you north Ga guys come south for every final game? Valdosta has a good stadium, Georgia Southern has a perfect stadium to play.. This is about holding everything in that cesspool called Atlanta. Why in the world do you guiys up there believe you can tell the entire state what to do and not do? I say Atlanta can go to H*ll
By Valdosta and Lowndes Merge
December 11, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
What’s the latest on the merger of Valdosta High School and Lowndes High School? Is this a cost savings item?
By david kidd
December 11, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
yes, yank, we southerners will make the long, costly drive in our horse and buggy to come to your big tent and watch our beloved bluecats wipe the carpet with your yank bunch! and then we will come back home and wait for next year and do the same! by the way, as best as i can remember, sherman never burned the south of georgia; unless you count the looting and burning of little ole darien, just an hour from here. have a great day!!
camdenbluecatfan 14downand1togo!!
By david kidd
December 11, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
its simple math guys. ghsa is spliting the booty from the dome with all the north georgia teams!! ha!
sorry, but the AAAAA and A hardware is coming south again. cant speak for AA,AAA and AAAA.
By Harold Stewart
December 11, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this
Concerning #8…..You should have broken your pencil immediately after the first sentence. You really don’t. It explains a lot of the balderdash which followed. I agree that Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio are more enjoyable than Houston, but where do you get that Division I and Division II play their championship game there? Division I and II of WHAT? And there aren’t a million divisions, nor a thousand, nor a hundred. There are 12.
By HoyasRock
December 11, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this
HoyasRock actually the vote was unanimous for the dome because of the fact that you could either have it in the finals or not in all.
That is exactly my point. Why did he vote for the dome for finals VS not at all. Not at all means he would have played at home or flipped for it. So he could have 10,000+ fans at home and split it, or somewhat less than that at Peach tree Ridge and travel a bit further. Or he could have split more than 10,000 seats at the dome. Sounds like a no brainer to me.
By HoyasRock
December 11, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Harold, he was talking tounge in cheek. Most reasonable people understand he did not really mean there was a million divisions.
By ECBacker
December 11, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Alum I like your idea of the macon complex for north vs south, I think that would work out well…it’s not too far for either side to travel and it would give a true neutral feel for the game.
By PMC
December 11, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Maybe this annoys the people in the towns I guess I don’t know. But Camden has already smashed Norcross in the dome this year and the fast inside track only helps them with thier 353 defense and Wing T offense. Camden is the more balanced team with the vastly superior offense and IMO the defenses are roughly equal. They could play on the moon and that would hold true. The dome is only a bad venue due to it’s size but it will be loud enough. If they want to play it in Macon that would be fine with me if there is a decent enough facility but I hate the idea of home field advantage in a State Championship game.
By Maddox
December 11, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Look, you all can talk about how good it is at the Dome, but to be perfectly honest, it hurts the local economy of the schools going to the Dome. Most of the schools going to the Dome are NOT from the metro Atlanta area on the average. So who is this helping? The Atlanta area-THAT IS ALL!!!! State Championships should be played at the Home field of one of the teams from the south and alternate the next year for the northern team. You will see a drop off in attendance in the near future at the Dome, just wait and see. I would rather stay home and watch the championship on GPTV than to go into Downtown Atlanta and possibly get car jacked or robbed to see the game.
By SGT CHRIS
December 11, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
The dome and high school football do not mix in my opinion. if you are going to do neutral sites, i suggest we play them at college stadiums. use the BCS championship format; rotate the site between VSU, GA SOUTHERN, GA TECH, UGA, AND WEST GA.
if you must use the dome, at least play the semis there…just like coach pardue (lagrange) said, let MORE players get the exposure. chopping the games in half BUT raise the ticket prices sounds a lot like the crap that got the economy the way it is lol!!!!
and if you hate homefield advantage, then play ALL 10-15 games on the road, not just the championship..again, whats the purpose of a regular season? to get what? HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE. that holds true for all sports except college basketball
By Get Over It
December 11, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Sounds like if Camden wins all is good, if they loose then traveling to the dome will be the excuse. The Championship game is in the dome to stay so get over it. Change scares the crap out of people and Georgia needs to get on board like the other big states FL,TX, CA, OH when it comes to HS Football Championship venues. We cannot continue this backwoods mentality concerning where the games will be held. Your team should be willing to play in your HS parking lot if the Championship is on the line.
By topper
December 11, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
my son plays for camden and after he read rhis last night his comment to me was he would go to alaska and play in the gravel if he has to!!!! now he is a little bummed that his mother and grandpa both have to work so won’t be a t the game! but myself and my younger son will!!!! Cant wait go cats!
By GA Buckeye
December 11, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Playing at a neutral site in somewhere like Macon sounds a little like, “5: BlueCross Bowl (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) — ” from above. No slam against Macon or any other “centrally located” spot in Georgia, but playing in the Dome, where the Falcons play is pretty prestigious and something the players should remember for a lifetime. It shouldn’t be about the revenue, but in December, I really like the idea of having the 2 best teams in every division play in a climate-controlled environment like the Dome. Lastly, whether it be the semi-finals or the finals, I like the idea of having all of the games in a central site. It’s wonderful to get the kids exposure to colleges, as well.
By More Fuel for the Buford Fire
December 11, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
To provide you anti-Buford folks some fuel for the fire. The Buford Wolves were allowed to use the Atlanta Falcons indoor field this week. Life is good. Also the Flowery Branch team used it. Life is double-good. Guess they cheated to do that?? And the talk about Buford recruiting. A few years ago we had two families move from our street because their boys were not good enough to play on the Brookwood teams. Back then the Brookwood teams were stacked with talent unlike this season. One family moved to Buford and the other to, back then, recently opened Grayson high school area. Both openly said they were moving so there sons could make and play on a football team. Between these two families they had 3 sons that played varsity and started for two years. That would likely not happened if they had stayed in the Brookwood cluster. Dumb reason to move your family but some parents miss seeing the entire picture.
By AndyCamden
December 11, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Get Over It Camden has lost in the dome several times. The long drive was NOT the excuse, it was poor playing. I don’t see how people aren’t getting the problem-The Fans don’t want/can’t afford to drive especially when its free on tv. The players aren’t the ones complaining.
By SE GA Fan
December 11, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
I for one like the dome as a venue for the finals. It should be special for all involved. Is it a pain in terms of the drive?…Absolutely, but there are a bunch of teams out there wishing they were playing. We like it so much, we go twice a year….first and last games…Just saw the Kell schedule for 2009….Camdne and Grayson square off in the 5:30 game on the 22nd of August.
To the bonehead who referred to Camden as the “Lucky Cats”……funny thing is that the harder they work the luckier they seem to get…..quit your whining and shut up already….Camden has a damn fine football team…..the players from Newnan were quoted as saying they were the best team that they had ever seen…..
By HoyasRock
December 11, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
I would rather stay home and watch the championship on GPTV than to go into Downtown Atlanta and possibly get car jacked or robbed to see the game.
I have gone to downtown Atanta a hundred times with no problems. Probably more likely I would have a beer bottle thrown at my car in parts of South Georgia.
By HoyasRock
December 11, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
After seeing Camden against Newnan, I think they are likely to win in the dome. I think PR has a better defense, but just. Camden a better offense by a bit. I will be routing for PR but Camden has a slightly better chance to win in my opinion.
By topper
December 11, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
hoyasrock- what did i tell you about them wildcats huh? haven’t seen peachtree ridge but i know if camden brings there A game it is gonna be a fun time!
By Graysonfan2
December 11, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Its not about economics, its about producing the true state champions. Ga. Dome all the way!!!!!!
By Ronnie Sivell
December 11, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
I haven’t read all of these comments and maybe someone has said this already but to me the worse thing about playing in the dome is that it takes the atmosphere out of the game. The dome is so big, even if you have 15,000 people in there, it still seems like a funeral. If you’ve ever seen a state championship game at someone’s home field, there is no comparison. It does give fans an opportunity to see 5 championhip games in person. Me personally, I’d rather play at my opponents home field than in that big old cavernous building with all of its distractions, not to mention having to spend 6 dollars for a hot dog.
By Camden Alum
December 11, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
GraysonFan2- Exactly how does the Dome produce the true state champion? If you are referring to “a neutral field” look at previous posts, PTR= a 30 min drive; Camden= a 5 hour drive. If you are referring to something else, please fill me in!!
By slalom1
December 11, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Glenn Lafollete, You make me wish that I was a bull rider and wore a stetson hat. No wonder my brother YO makes the trip each year to the great state of Texas for the “6 Man” finals”. LOL.
By slalom1
December 11, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Camden Alum, You too are right. I think a state title game at Camden Co would be a win win deal for everybody. Even for those who might have to travel several hundred miles. I am serious in saying that. First of all there are plenty of cheap motels along the way owned and operated by the “Patels”. Try finding a room within 40 miles of Atlanta for under 85 bucks per night. Along the interstates in south Ga. one can usually find a “Patel” motel for about 30 bucks. Plus, in many cases there may be a near by “pole dancing” club for the adults.What a weekend!
By Camden Alum
December 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
slalom1 you gotta be from around our area cause the patels sure enough own every hotel it seems like lol. I’m from woodbine, well harriets bluff but thats my zip code. Where you from?
By slalom1
December 11, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Valdosta and Lowndes Merge, I am not going to bite on this one. Before that happens, Israel and Iran will merge into one nation.
By eagleman
December 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
What’s the difference in having the semifinals or the finals in the Dome? One or the other will be there. That’s the way the GHSA wants it. Also, if people in the South are so concerned about having to travel north, what happens if the system was set the way they want it to be and they lose the coin toss that sends them up north to play for the state title.
For instance, what if Camden County lost the coin toss this year and had to travel to Peachtree Ridge for the state title game? The travel would be just a tad bit longer and I think Peachtree Ridge would have more fans at the game.
By Jim
December 11, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Glenn LaFollette…You are an idiot. You should get your information right before publishing it…Texas DOES NOT play their state championship games at Reliant Stadium! Texas plays its state championship games at neutral sites around the state…
By Camden Alum
December 11, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
eagleman, in that situation it would be like last week against newnan, at least we would have had a 50/50 chance of playing at home rather than it being decided before the season even starts that if we make it to the championship game we have to take the trip no matter what!!
By Jeff Patton
December 12, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
Go Camden and Cario! South Georgia Football Rules!
By LC
December 12, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
You people act like these facilities are available anytime-anywhere.
You think the GHSA can sign a contract with the World Congress center to reserve it a week before the High School championships? What about getting all the employees there for consessions? What about security? That stuff has to be planned well in advance.
So you wanna have it in Statesboro? What if the GA Southern Eagles are in the playoffs and are playing a home game there?
I guess the GHSA has all the money in the world. Hey, lets book the Macon complex just in case there’s a North-South matchup. If that happens we can just throw the money away we just spent reserving the GA Dome and Georgia Southerns stadium.
By Camden Alum
December 12, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
LC
Im sure arangements can be made well in advance, oh say, in the off season for all three venues just as they are for the GA Dome. This is a state that lives breaths eats and dreams about football. I don’t think we have to worry about GA Southern being in the play offs, let alone hosting a game as that is tied to ranking and costs money for the school(just a joke relax I love GSU I’m considering transfering there). Macon and Statesboro would be more than happy to host the games because of the added revenue for the respective cities. If they don’t want to do that all in one season then how bout rotating between them? Also I remember in Friday Night Lights, the coaches met the weekend before the State Championship game and agreed on Texas Stadium if I’m not mistaken, Surely Texas Football Isn’t Better Than Georgia Football Is It? lol
By gmaness
December 12, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
(from a Northeast Georgia native living in Atlanta)
I was in favor of Georgia going to five classes long before they did (and not a rehash of the old “Class C” either that went away in the early ’70s).
What I WOULD like to see is the playoffs re-bracketed to bring the back the old “North Georgia Champion” vs. “South Georgia Champion” in the State Championship game.
How about this: One year the Georgia Dome hosts three games and Georgia Southern hosts two … then the next year Georgia Southern hosts three and the Georgia Dome hosts two (and all on a Saturday)??
By Lindsay
December 12, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
SportsFan: South Georgia, specifically Cairo, is approximately four hours from Atlanta. Although, I gladly appreciate your “Welcome to Atlanta” speech, this will be one of several trips the Syrupmaker fans have made to north Georgia, so it’s not really that unfamiliar to us, nor is it a place we never make it to. Believe it or not, we backwoods South Georgians do make it north of Valdosta from time to time.
I just felt like your message was condescending, as if we never have been anywhere in our lives. Forgive me if I read your post wrong.
Good Luck Makers!
By Chuck
December 12, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Is is just me or does someone steal toys and gifts from charities each Xmas? Surely it is not the same places? We can only assume they really had x number of dollars in toys and gifts? We always do the right thing and replace those toys and gifts with new toys and gifts. This is where this City gets a good grade. We do not mind stepping up to the plate when needed. Happy Holidays to all. Even the folks who stole them? You have some splaining to do.
By Camden parent
December 12, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
From someone that actually has a dog in this fight. After last weeks win, I can tell you that my son has not stopped talking about playing in a real NFL stadium again. All you philosphers and mental giants that dont think its important to the ones that are actually involved are so dead wrong. These kids are on cloud nine. So why dont all of you crawl back under your rocks, slither back into your holes, shut the heck up, and go cry about something that you should care about…..
By Camden Alum
December 12, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Camden Parent The awesomeness of the Dome never ever goes away, but ask this years seniors, Rob Mil Bake Joc DD Keego Delly, all of them will tell you the same thing, as will your son his senior year- they would much rather have the oppurtunity to play at home for the State Championship then the Dome, cause there is no next week- this is it, no matter what they will never have the oppurtunity to play at Chris Gilman Stadium again. When I think about last year and the seasons before I have awesome memories from the Dome, but my favorites are the ones spent in Kingsland Georgia on Fridays- In school, Pre Game, The Game, The post game- ever bit of it is better than the Dome. I’m looking forward to driving down there and watching them play tomorrow nite, I’m proud of how hard they have worked for it and I’m excited to get to watch a game in the Dome, but it would be much more enjoyable at home for the seniors I promise.
By GABucki
December 12, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
There has been a lot of talk about Texas football, but I’m more familiar with Ohio football playoffs. This weekend, they are playing their finals for their six classes in Canton and Massillon, Ohio stadiums. (The one in Canton was voted by Sporting News as the number one high school football stadium in the country.) Each of the stadiums seat in excess of 20,000 people, and they ARE high school stadiums. The point that I would like to make is that Canton and Massillon are in northeastern Ohio, and I know that one of the teams in the big school classification is Cincinnati Elder, which is clear on the southwestern corner of the state. Guess what, they do it this way each and every year, and NO ONE complains about the northern part of the state versus the southern part of the state. And, they’re playing outside (there are no domed stadiums in Ohio) and the temperatures will probably be mighty cold. But, they will be there in large numbers supporting their teams - without complaining, but rather glad that they’re there at all. Hmmmmmmmmmm
By Coffee51
December 12, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
South Georgia football is all about community. Local citizens support these programs all year long, and it only makes sense that the local schools and communities be the beneficiaries of the state playoffs and title games. What’s wrong with letting a team host a state title game and letting the local businesses reap a little of the economic benefits? Why should Atlanta get all the travel and tourism revenue? No site in or around Atlanta can ever be taken seriously as a “neutral” site.
By GAHSFAN
December 12, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Someone please tell the AJC we are in Ga and don’t really care what people in other states do. It is neutral like the GA-Fla game is neurtal. But at least you are still smarter than the GHSA. They screw the pooch on this one.
By REPUBLICANS EVIL TIME IS UP
December 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
IM FROM KENNISAW GA NORTH GA TO BE EXACT,I NOTICE THAT WHEN THE TITLE GAMES WERE PLAYED IN SOUTH GA, YOU GUYS LIKE TO PAY THE REFS OFF AND CHEAT, SO WITH THE GAMES BEING IN THE GA DOME THE SPOT LIGHT IS EXTRA BRIGHT,BESIDES US UP HERE DONT WANT TO BE TRAVELING TO FAR SOUTH GA.
P.S.THE TIDE HAS CHANGED NORTH GA FOOTBALL HAS CAUGHT AND PASSED SOUTH GA FOOTBALL,THE DAYS OF VALDOSTA RUNNING THE STATE IS OVER COBB GWINNETT DEKALB FLOYD BARTOW COUNTIES ARE POWERS IN NORTH GA, SO BRING YOUR SOUTH GA CRYBABIES SCARDY CAT FOOTBALL UP HERE TO NORTH GA.
By Atlanta Native
December 12, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
The kids get to play in the Georgia Dome. I am sorry if either side hates the other in this pointless debate, what matters is the kids. They get to play in the Dome. I am sorry the parents are tired and have have to travel outside of their comfort zone, but, contrary to their self centered concerns, the kids get to play in the dome.
I travel the entire state and appear in almost all 159 county courts. I am often treated poorly because I am from Atlanta in the scheduling of appearances (Friday at 4:00 pm, etc.) and treated as a pariah, but it is my job and it isn’t about me, it is about my clients. Furthermore, I am a citizen of Georgia and love it all from LaFayette to Kingsland, from Albany to August and in-between.
No matter how envious you may be of Atlanta, or full of violent hatred for Atlanta, it does not matter because it is about the kids and THEY GET TO PLAY IN THE DOME.
So get over yourselves and realize it is not only neutral, but a thrill for the kids. Because this may be the only time in their life they get to walk out on a field like that. They will remember it for their entire life. And you don’t want to drive. So watch it from home on TV, because the kids would rather have a once-in -lifetime experience.
By Camden Alum
December 12, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Republicans Evil Time Is Up
Go Hang Yourself. Like Seriously. You Are A Waste Of Human Life and a Disgrace To The Human Race As A Whole.
Please point out a game where the refs were paid off. No matter how you look at it, Lowndes 38-6 against NG and 49-7 against Brookwood don’t need any payments to the refs, North Georgia was just flat out Dominated as would be the case if you played us in a regular season game. 21-6 against Norcross 45-14 against Walton from Camden County also leave little room to blame the refs. Lowndes and Valdosta are still very much contenders, if they would divide up Region One and put two of those teams in some North Georgia regions you would fall apart not being able to contend with them. As I remember it 4 of the last 5 AAAAA State Championships have come to South Georgia, We will be making it 6 tomorrow nite. Charlton usually dominates yall in AA they have just had a rough past couple of seasons due to injury. ECI will continue they’re dominance tomorrow evening. And just like you don’t want to take the trip down here, we don’t want to take the trip up there.
By dan
December 12, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
I personally think it’s cool that the state finals are in the dome. I really think home field advantage is overrated. Good teams win where ever. For one, it will be warm inside the dome. And two it’s cheaper for GPTV to televise 5 games than 10 games where some teams having to start playing at 9am whichs means they have to get their by 7am at least. Plus with many playoff games in AAAAA having to go to neutral sites anyway, it’s more economical to use the Dome.
By Todd Holcomb
December 12, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Its been stated several times on numerous blogs that all of the coaches from the south agreed to hold the finals in the dome
It’s not true that ”all” the coaches from the south agreed. The decision wasn’t theirs. It was decided by the representative of the state’s 40 regions (i.e., Region 2-AA, Region 8-AAAA, etc..). That vote was unanimous to make the move.
By vikevans
December 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Okay my 2cents…
I’m not into the whole neutral field…I personally believe that as a Team, fans, communities would rather host a championship game, the opportunity to win it on their on field. The team traveling there would certainly like to win it as well, coming into the other teams home field and taking the trophy back to their school.
The biggest reason I prefered the Semis at the Dome… it gave 20 teams, schools, fans, communities the opportunity to experience “the Dome”… moving the finals there, well it just eliminated 10 of those teams, fans, communities (and the revenue) from the playoffs. Those same 20 teams, fans would converge on the Dome and often a number of those fans would enjoy making it 2 full days of watching h/s school football from all over the state… (not to mention; money spent in ATL).
It will be interesting to see if the revenue will support the Finals at the Dome, I’ll be surprised if it does. Sometimes when you have a good thing (all semis at the Dome), if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… well, I just think the Finals will be a money loser for the GHSA and will be something that will have to be changed (again) in the future… We’ll see.
In the mean time… home or away, home field or neutral site, weather conditions, etc… to win a championship, you have to beat all these odds…
By Dale Skidmore
December 14, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Glenn, I take issue with the Tennessee high school state championships. Played at MTSU as was mentioned is in the dead center of the state - it a good thing and very little disagreement here in Tennessee about the location.
Memphis? You do realize that teams from the upper eastern part of the state can get to Cleveland, OH faster than Memphis?
Neyland Stadium? Memphis teams have to travel more than 400 miles - and try getting agreement with Univ. Tenn to have 7 state championship games in two days.
Things to do in Murfreesboro? 30 miles from Nashville, home of a site over flowing with civil war history, home of the second largest convention center/hotel in the state, abundance of hotel space, and Interstate access a mile from the stadium. Not bad at all.
By DakotaDomefan
December 15, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Okay, I don’t know what you are smoking in Georgia, but I think you prove it doesn’t matter how big the town is that hosts the championships. People hate the GeorgiaDome and it is in a big place. The Dome is PACKED with people for every game. Maybe you should visit these places before you rate them honestly. Or are you too busy visiting the same strip clubs Patrick Ewing visited in Atlanta when you were putting together this list?
By JC in SD
December 15, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Dear Mr. LaFollette,
You may want to know a couple of things about South Dakota before you bash on the host site of our football finals.
1) There are only three cities in the state with populations over 20,000, and less than a dozen over 10,000, which means that 10 of the 12 teams playing in the finals come from towns as small or smaller than the host site.
2) The DakotaDome, which is the home of the NCAA Division I University of South Dakota, is the only domed facility in the state, and is the third largest football facility of any kind. If you watched the Weather Channel recently, you might have noticed that the high temperature for Monday, Dec. 15, is forecast to be in single digits. Such temperatures can also happen in November, when our finals are held. If you want to try to play football in that, go right ahead.
Please put more time and research into your rants before you go bashing other states.