Prep Zone

By CATS24

December 11, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

GO CATS!!!!

By BODOG

December 11, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Hey CHRIS, THOSE WERE MY PREDICTIONS TOO. i WANTED TO GO WITH TUCKER, AND MAYBE I SHOULD, BUT …….AS FAR AS CAMDEN …IT’S THEIR YEAR……….CAIRO…THE BEST IN AAA OVERALL TALENT FOR TALENT………ECI..WELL MAY BE CLOSER THAN PEOPLE THINK BECAUSE; WASHAUN IS NOT 100%……..GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHAT A GREAT YEAR IN GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL FOTBALL….

By Bob

December 11, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

I do agree that Calhoun is the underdogs, but I know the Jackets can pull it out. Good luck Calhoun Yellow Jackets!!!! Beat Buford!!!

By Steve

December 11, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Chris,

I’m a little disappointed that Gwinnett Mania wasn’t considered in your picks!!!

C’mon, I’ll do it for you.

STATE CHAMPS:

AAAAA - Peachtree Ridge is in Gwinnett. Lions win. Gwinnett Rukes!

AAAA: Tucker is closer to Gwinnett than Marist. Tigers win with sympathetic Gwinnett vibrations coming down Lawrenceville Highway!!

AAA: Flowery branch is just up the road from Mill Creek, which is in Gwinnett. Close enough. Pick the Falcons!

AA: Buford (which is in Gwinnett County!!) rolls. Wolves fans continue to love them everybody else in the state still hates them, nine months from this Friday newborn babies are named after the Buford starting lineup and coaching staff.

A: Wesleyan is in Gwinnett County. The Gwinnett mojo overcomes a 750-yard, nine touchdown [performance by Washaun Ealey, who also sells 2500 hot dogs at halftime. The “other” Wolves win.

By Bryan

December 11, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Chris,

What is your deal with the Tucker hate?? We exorcised our semi-final demons, beat the #1 team in the State at their place and have won 9 straight games! Marist wins on the last play of the game, are you kidding me? Tucker should be playing Rome, but I get the feeling you still wouldn’t pick Tucker. Get your head out of your butt. Tucker wins in Private vs Publik II

By P Ridge

December 11, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

We love being predicted to lose. considering the fact you almost do it everyweek :)

By SWDPANTHER47

December 11, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

tucker should be a private skool wit all the recruiting they do. i played against tucker and jonathan davis is the lamest trash talker and most disrespectful player i know on a team with no discipline just athletes. lucky they one by 3. GO MARIST!!!!!!(who only beat us by 6 points, while tucker got blwon out by 38)

By Chris Whitfield

December 11, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Steve: That’s good stuff, but not too much, man, or you might be getting my job next year. I was giving Grayson all that Gwinnett love just to prove a point of how biased I was to Gwinnett (which in and of itself is a big joke about how biased the whole paper is towards Gwinnett), but that is still good stuff, GWINNETT RULES!

Bryan, I was with ya until the whole public vs. private debate. I truly don’t have any hate in my heart for Tucker (in fact, one of the best games I have ever seen was Tucker vs. Dublin in the 94 semis), but I can’t jump over to Tucker now since I have picked against them for the last month. If the Tigers win, consider my head firmly planted in my hindquarters.

Bob, Calhoun has a puncher’s chance that’s for sure, and I will be there to write about it all. For both my sake and yours I hope it is a lot closer than I am predicting.

By Chris Whitfield

December 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

We love being predicted to lose. considering the fact you almost do it everyweek :)

Funny, and here I thought I picked the Lions to beat Grayson last week. Did someone knock me on my head earlier this week and I just forgot that?

By jake

December 11, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

last i remember, monte williams is the states all time leading rusher and he played A ball

By gville fan

December 11, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

flowery branch may be the underdog to most but the cinderella thing is wearing thin. cinderella may slip up on one team but the branch boys have gone on the road four straight weeks and beat four quality opponents. cinderella just doesnt go into lagrange and do what was done last week to the grangers. look forward to you admitting that you were wrong.

By SoundGuyCamden

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

Steve,

I am impressed with your passion for PEachtree Ridge and I know you think Camden is not good at all. We will find out who the real 5AAAAA Champion is! Go Wildcats Go!

By HSBallfan

December 11, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Chris: Thanks again for failing to board the Tucker bandwagon. I’m feeling even better about the game now. Several things are different since the first meeting and a good prognosticator should be aware of them. 1. The “pay back” factor. Definitely on Tucker’s side. 2. Tucker had four injured starters in the first game and was struggling on both sides of the ball. Most notably, Devon Scott was not in the lineup. Have you ever tried to catch a hummingbird with your bare hands? Too bad you didn’t see this kid slice through the Griffin defense. He multiplies Tucker’s speed advantage. 3. Tucker’s offensive and defensive lines have jelled and matured, once it became clear that their star Deion Roberson was out for the season.

Here’s how I see it. Tucker will stop their fullback the same way Rome did, forcing QB Kyle Farmer to carry the game. He’s certainly capable, but where Tucker appeared to have difficulty reading his options in game one, they’ve been much more successful in defensing mobile quarterbacks since (Hillgrove, Westside). Marist doesn’t really have a game breaker; they rely on steady, solid execution. Turnovers really cripple them because they lack a quick strike. Coach Chadwick always packs a couple of gadget plays just for Tucker’s entertainment, so they can’t afford to doze off. If Marist is a frontal system, Tucker is a sudden cyclone. If Marist tries to key on Davis, Calhoun and Scott will run away from them. Chris Beck is more involved in the offense now; he ran for two long scores against Griffin and is passing more. Marist will have to diagnose very well to shut down the Tiger offense, which carries more fire power this time. Tucker has to be careful not to let emotions force them into careless mistakes, especially Davis who can be very demonstrative. Hopefully the coaches have stressed to the players the need to stay under control, curb the trash talk and focus on performance.

I happen to agree with your overall assessment, however. A decisive Tucker victory would not surprise me; I don’t think Marist will win big this time. They could win the close one if they play an error free game, especially if it comes down to a field goal late. I’m looking forward to a classic… and, of course, Tucker’s first state championship.

By beast

December 11, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

well….it would appear that things didn’t turn out so bad for one Cinderella anyway. Good picks…which team has the most vocal cheerleaders?

By Camden '08

December 11, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I gotta admit. * Peachtree Ridge* looks good!!!

By 1Heart2ATL

December 11, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Goooo Cairo!!!!! You deserve this one.

By Dirt dobber

December 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Camden and PT Ridge 2 great teams.Should be a heck of a game.Looking forward to it.

By the real OLD GOLD

December 11, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Calhoun has a good shot at upsetting Buford. I’ll be there rooting on my Jackets (which will be a good warm up for me being there in the Dome New Year’s Eve to root on my other Jackets!). Calhoun (31-28)

By T.J.

December 11, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Peachtree Ridge is a class school and a great football team. I went to Grayson vs. Peachtree Ridge…was one of the best defensive high school games I have ever seen. Two class schools. Camden has serious athletes that Peachtree Ridge has to slow down. They can do it!!! Do it for Gwinnett.

By Marc

December 11, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Sometime a loss can make a good team great and that seems to be what’s happened with Tucker. Since Marist they have dominated - even SWD that games wasn’t as close as the score looked. They started the season with only 2 returning starters on defense and Marist took advantage of that. Beck left the game half way through the 3rd quarter with an injury and the score 17-0. Chadwick left his starters in the entire game after Tucker pulled theirs so the score was quite as lopsided as it seems. Marist still whipped Tucker. Those Tucker players have matured look what they did to #1 Westside-Macon. Tucker has only allowed 42 points during the playoffs and half of those were scored after the Tucker had put the game out of reach while Marist has allowed 62. I think Marist is in for a suprise tomorrow night and the score could easily be reversed from the first time.

By Steve

December 11, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Chris:

How’s the dental plan? I do miss the high school vent feature from a couple of years back, too. The Buford-hating was classic!

By CJDawg

December 11, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Camden 27 17….nice year Peachtree Ridge. But this is Camdens year. As a former Wildcat QB, I think our groundgame outgains yours and the control of the clock gets it done. It’ll be a great game either way!!!!!!!!!

By ballwatcher

December 11, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

SWDPanther47:

Man, you need to be careful when you accuse someone else of trash talk! I was at the SWD-Tucker game, and it was SWD players, not Davis or other Tucker players, who tried their best to start a brawl on the field after the game.

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, my friend…..

By Marc

December 11, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

ballwatcher I saw the same thing after the SWD game Tucker was huddling up and SWD came up to them and tried to start something.

By Kenny

December 11, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Peachtree Ridge has some momentum and I believe and hope they will pull the upset. Camden is a heck of a team, but Peachtree Ridge is still ticked off for not “winning” a couple of years ago and that will propel them forward this year.

By Dave

December 11, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

**I feel like it’s Camden’s year. Let’s face it, they were lucky to beat Woodstock, but it seems like you always see one of those near losses in championship seasons. It refocused them, and then they rolled into Newnan and dismantled an excellent team.

Of course, if there’s one team that always seems to be the fly in the ointment, it’s Peachtree Ridge. They just won’t go away. I wouldn’t be surprised if they win another state championship. They’re kind of like the Florida Marlins of high school football.**

By Wright Hyder

December 12, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

I don’t care who wins, as long as those classless, trash-talking thugs from Lowndes are out of it!

By Just Browsing...

December 12, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

SWBPanther47: you REALLY must be on something… what are you talking about?? I was just a neutral observer at the Tucker/SWB game and your team was beaten up and down the field. As a matter of fact, the only way SWB score was due to a fumble by Calhoun deep in SWB territory. However, your coach order a STUPID squib kick with 4 mins left and gave Tucker the ball on the 50 yrd line. Of course they RAN it down your throat with Jonathan Davis to win 10-7 which EASILY could have been 24-7!!

Now, correct me if I’m wrong… SWD lost to Griffin 10-7 and Tucker destroyed Griffin 34-0! What is that saying?? I’ll answer that for you… SWD is at home watching while Tucker is still playing!!

By RJohn

December 12, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this

Not that this means a thing of course, but for any Calhoun fans (or, OK, Buford haters) looking for signs of hope:

Central Gwinnett, Commerce, Charlton County. The only three teams to beat Buford this decade.

And Calhoun DOES begin with a C.

By Graysonfan2

December 12, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this

Kenny,

Grayson had the momentum last week, see what happened. Four clearly over thrown wide open passes, Two game winning bad snaps, O-line was not at their best, etc. just forget about everything else and go win!

RJohn,

Could be!

By P-ridge fan

December 12, 2008 6:17 AM | Link to this

Wright Hyder: Did you know that there’s now a separate blog for hating on Lowndes?! (I still agree with you though.) http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/stories/2008/12/11/peachtreeridgecamden_preview.html

In other obvious news, I am biased toward Peachtree Ridge. (Go Peachtree Ridge!)

By Remember Win?

December 12, 2008 6:37 AM | Link to this

The last time that St. Pius beat Marist (2003?), Marist then went on to win a state championship… they will do it again.

By radlydawg

December 12, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

GO YOU HAIRY, RED AND BLACK ECI BULLDOGS!!!!

By jddawgs

December 12, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

would someone please post the day and times of the games…thanks…jdawgs

By bdixon

December 12, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

DON’T COUNT THE CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS OUT JUST YET… If Calhoun doesn’t pull off the upset, it WILL be much closer than you think…

By GA

December 12, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Marist did not leave their starters in for the whole game against Tucker—my son never saw the field in the 4th quarter (not injured). And Marist, too, grew from a defeat early this season, and has remained undefeated as well. Let’s all hope for a great game and injury free for all. At this point in the season there are no losers—they have all worked so hard (since late July). I am sure, win or lose, each team will celebrate their season’s success. But I do hope we win!! WAR EAGLE!! ps—ya’ll all need to learn to spell (PUBLIC)

By Pirate '77

December 12, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Who cares about these games, real high school football hasn’t been played since the mighty Stone Mountain teams of the 1970s took the field!

By Calhoun 4 life

December 12, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

BUFORD should be in AAAAA. They have so many unfair advantages against normal AA schools. They can control their enrollment numbers by only allowing a certain number of handpicked students (aka as blue chip recruits) to pay tuition and go to school there. Almost all other AA schools are in that division because they have no choice. Buford has a choice. They can allow all students to enter and play up. What they due is legal by GHSA standards but very unfair. They claim to work harder than everyone else which is totally foolish. They have a better crop of athletes to choose from. Kind of like Florida has better athletes than Shorter College. They have alot larger pool to recruit from. THey will tell you, “build it and they will come” which is true to a degree. Other AA schools do not have the advanatges of the population of Gwinnett County. The only solution is for Buford to have the balls to play up or allow are students to pay and attend school there. There is plenty of room for expansion. I think they are building classrooms beside the field right now. There is plenty of money for expansion. Buford will tell you they tried to play up but was told no. The real truth is that they petitioned to move up and play in a handpicked region. GHSA todl them they could play up but could not pick their region. Check with ol’ Ralph Swearengin if you do not believe it. I believe my jackets do not have much of a chance today. I will be rooting for them but we are up against a stacked deck.

Now bring it on Buford fans. Tell me how I am “another hater” or “jealous”. At Calhoun, we do it right and fair.

By HoyasRock

December 12, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Peachtree Ridge is still ticked off for not “winning” a couple of years ago and that will propel them forward this year.

As close as I think these two teams are, there is a good chance of another tie.

By SGT CHRIS

December 12, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Where in the crap is stone mountain!!! just kidding…after watching what flowery branch did to lagrange, wouldnt surprise me if they knock off cairo..drummond? #27? on turf? i hope cairo doesnt underestimate these guys..and paul johnson (ga tech) would be an idiot for putting him on defense

By SGT CHRIS

December 12, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

oh stone mountain is where the heads of the presidents are etched in the mountain lol!!!!!

By tucker fan

December 12, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

When tucker was beat marist 38-0, they had a big advantage.. tucker fans couldn’t bring anything to the gam eto make noise. Tucker band could’t play. The reffs was cheating & plus tucker had injuries and they were missing key starters.. So they had ppl starting for their first time.. now we have everybody back healthy and we are playing like last year shutout defense.. its going to be a whole different atmosphere in the DOMe..

By T-Bone

December 12, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

No one yet has been able to stop Flowery Branch’s Daniel Drummond (committed to GT). I don’t see it happening Saturday at 5p in the Dome.

By too easy

December 12, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Whitfield - Come on put some finals by your picks… tooooo easy without the scores!

By hand me a tissue

December 12, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

I couldn’t finish reading due to the tears!

By Syrupmaker Fever

December 12, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Cairo Syrupmakers It’s their year, they are the best. It will be a great game. I’m proud for Flowery Branch, they have had a great season but this is not gonna be their time. I will be there loud and proud for my Makers! Cairo all the way!

By Dragondawg

December 12, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

You write of Buford as if they have been in the finals every year, but if my memory serves me right this is only their second consecutive final in the last five years. They are not unbeatable.

By De-Si

December 12, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

We are very proud of the Tucker Tigers Football Team!! Let’s Make History In the Dome this Year!!!

Shoutout’s to Marco#6, Mack Daddy#77, Mr.Showtime#1, Boo-yay#8, and Joe Moe#50!

GO TIGERS!!

By jacketfan2008

December 12, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

WE WILL BEAT BUFORD TODAY CHRIS AND I HAVE BEEN TELLING YOU THIS SINCE AUGUST!! JUST MAKE SURE YOU DO A GOOD WRITE UP ON US TOMMORROW MORNING BROTHER.

By Chris Whitfield

December 12, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

You write of Buford as if they have been in the finals every year, but if my memory serves me right this is only their second consecutive final in the last five years. They are not unbeatable.

If I am not mistaken, Buford’s only two losses in the last four years came to the eventual state champion. Like Ric Flair says, “To be the Man, you have to beat the Man.”

Whitfield - Come on put some finals by your picks… tooooo easy without the scores!

Camden 16-8

Marist 24-21

Cairo 27-20

Buford 38-21

ECI 20-12

By Drock08

December 12, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Chris I agree with all picks but I think Flowery Branch might pull of the shocker of the weekend. Camden really impressed me last week so I like Camden 21-10 over Pt Ridge. I hope everyone have a safe trip to and from the Dome. Phil 4:13

By PIT CREW LION

December 12, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

GO LIONS!!!!

Thank you for picking us to lose. We have been over-looked, under-rated,and just plain ignored all year. We are used to it. We are comfortable with it. Our own local paper picked us to lose by a vote of 5 to 1 last week.

But Cinderella? C’mon this is the meanest, baddest, hardest-hitting Cinderella you have ever seen. With our rock solid defense and our versatile offense we are going to take that championship back home to the ‘Ridge …and the glass slipper too.

By the way look for that award-winning marching band to be loud and proud at half-time. Low brass rocks!

By GABucki

December 12, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Come on, Calhoun 4 Life - admit it that Calhoun can have the same advantages as Buford. You are a city system too, and students can come to your high school who live in your county, and not in the city of Calhoun. In fact, on the Georgia Sports Vent, there have been several items this fall about students from the county who were considering transferring to Calhoun High School because of the better teams there.

So that you won’t think I’m from Buford, let me assure you that I’m not. In fact, I’m a fan of one of the biggest competitors to Buford year in and year out. But, before we accuse Buford, make sure we realize that your school has the same privileges as Buford, as does any city school system in the state. (Vidalia, Dublin, etc.)

By Harry S/Wheeler County

December 12, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Dear Calhoun 4 life, The Dublin fan base feels your pain, brother. It does feel just a little unfair. You almost have the feeling you are playing some kind of public/private school hybrid. But our attitude down here is get into the weight room, work harder, & recruit, recruit, recruit! God Speed.

By PMC

December 12, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

Whitfield, you do a great job with the picks I just think you’re wrong on Tucker Vs Marist.

Tucker played about as poorly as they could in the first game with stupid penalties and poor execution. Chris Beck also got hurt. They didn’t get things rolling with thier offense until the second half. Tucker is the fastest team I’ve seen other than Camden. If they play clean and diciplined (it’s been a challenge this year I know) They are more talented than Marist but Marist executes on offense and defense as well as any team in any classification in the state… and yeah Alan Chadwick is tremendous.

I think they win the rematch but only just.

That’s the only one I differ in. Three tremendous matchups though 5A through 3A

We can just go ahead and engrave Buford and ECI if Ealey is healthy.

Kind of cool though to see Camden in the 5A championship where Franklin Stephens (Tucker) used to coach and Peachtree Ridge in the championship game with Bill Ballard formerly of Tucker.

It’s very clear HS football in the state of georgia has a wealth of talented coaching.

By PMC

December 12, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Oh, and Chris Beck will be an All State canidate next year.

By Chris Whitfield

December 12, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

The Dublin fan base feels your pain, brother. It does feel just a little unfair.

Harry, East and West Laurens folks have been saying the same thing about Dublin for years.

By Harry S/Wheeler County

December 12, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

GABucki, good point.

The only problem with Dublin & Vidalia being compared to Buford or Calhoun in recruiting players would be the number of residents in the respected counties. I think our population is smaller overall. I understand that you have more schools, public & private but we still will have a limited number of “blue chip” recruits.

Hey, Chris. This is what you “love”, right? Controversy?

By HeadEast

December 12, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Marist should be playing Buford. They have about the same enrollments and do the most recruiting of any schools in the state (at least since Lowdown starting actually letting players graduate). Despite all the recruiting Marist still had to pay the refs to give them the Rome game and then what happens? They get rewarded by playing a team they’ve already destroyed earlier this year! Life isn’t fair, is it? Go Tucker!

By DAT TUC

December 12, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

U GUYS ARE OUT UR MIND IF U THINK MARIST GOIN TO WIN THIS REMATCH…. i go to tucker and i kno for a fact we will win…did u go to the game wen we 1st played marist… it was terrible..our players were hurt…our band couldnt play the crowd couldnt even stand up to cheer our team on…it was terrible….but this tiome will b diffrent…marist is talkin major trash ryt now but us tucker tigers are keepin our mouths close and we are goin to shut them down tonight…i think we are more than ready…it is so exciting at our school today…ryt wen u walk in the door the atmosphere is wonderful and full of positive energy…on the intercom they say LETS GO TIGERS!! after ever class…this would b our first won chapionship won..and for the seniors this year that is a BIG deal…have u seen our school…we have no freakin gym our school is bein rebuild so we have limited things we could do this year..no parade,no pep rallys, home basketball games are at the middle school…it sucks for the seniors ryt now….but we are making the best of it…. EVERYONE ARE SO EXCITED FOR THE GAME ..EVERYONE PLUS MORE ARE GOIN TO THE DOME T0 CHEER FOR OUR TUCKER TIGERS!!! LETS GO TIGERS..

SHOUT OUTS TO

By a

December 12, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

go war eagles!

By DAT TUC

December 12, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

PUBLIK SKOOL ON DECC!!!!!!!! =]

By Harry S/Wheeler County

December 12, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

“Harry, East and West Laurens folks have been saying the same thing about Dublin for years.”

Dublin has a tradition of winning. Winning breeds winning. Good athletes go to Dublin because they want to win. Dublin City School System hires good coaches and good coaches train & teach good athletes how to win. It’s not rocket science. West Laurens kids don’t know how to win. It beats all you have ever seen. They will have the talent & just can’t get it done. My son(who is a senior & soccer player), thinks Dublin is going to be down next year. He says that the school is losing a boat load of talent & he hasn’t seen any coming in to take their place. So, we’ll see. Recruit, recruit, recruit!!!!

By Nostradumbazz

December 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

My predictions for this weekend, and beyond:

Camden County over Peachtree Ridge 27-24

Marist over Tucker 17-14

Cairo over Flowery Branch 41-17

Buford over Calhoun 37-24

ECI over Wesleyan 26-21

Bonus pick: Lowndes will continue to act like a bunch of classless, trash-talking thugs, because that’s the way the team’s coaches and the school’s adminiatrators encourage the players to act.

By DAT TUC

December 12, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Nostradumbazz that is so rude and classless[Lowndes will continue to act like a bunch of classless, trash-talking thugs, because that’s the way the team’s coaches and the school’s adminiatrators encourage the players to act. ] WTF ..wat the hell do u consider to be a THUG?? how rude!!!!!!

By MIke

December 12, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Keep picking against Flowery Branch. You are 0-4 and we appreciate your dismal record. We make it 0-5 tomorrow. Go Falcons…..

By bali

December 12, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

you are making better picks now than when you wrote for the Dublin paper

By BW

December 12, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

As a Buford insider, i can tell you that there is no recruiting going on. As the old saying goes…”if you build it, they will come.” As a matter of fact, we have lost some key players recently to other schools for one reason or another. Yes we do have a more populated area but such is life. Even though Buford is a city system, they have attendance zone guidelines like all other schools and school systems.They win with a great strength and conditioning program and super coaching. That strenght program makes marginal players better and great players even greater!!

By SouthGARules

December 12, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

PIT CREW LION: I could not agree more. If P’tree Ridge was Brookwood, the local paper would be fawning over you. Their sports editor went to Brookwood & has his nose so far up Brookwood’s backside it make me puke. Peachtree Ridge is the best team in Gwinnett & is so different from the 2006 team. Good luck to them Sat nite.

By Proud of FB

December 12, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Chris, FB is indeed happy to be here, but if you think we will be satisfied with that, you don’t know our team. Didn’t the AJC pick us to lose every playoff game? Mayyybbeee you should actually watch us play!

By Todd Holcomb

December 12, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS …

I just discovered something that does NOT bode well for Buford. …

Buford has won 106 straight games when playing a school that does not start with the letter C!!!!!

And what does Calhoun start with? I’ll have to double-check, but I believe it starts with the letter CCCCCCCCC!!

Buford’s 106 is believe to be the longest winning streak in the history of sports against any one set of 25 letters.

You don’t believe it? Buford’s last six losses — Charlton County (3x), Commerce (2x), Central Gwinnett (1x).

Last loss to a non-C — Washington-Wilkes. That was 1999!

I still think Buford will pull it out - after all, Buford is still 8-6 this decade against C teams - but only the Wolves play their game and don’t let the letter C dictate the tempo.

By Whatasurprise

December 12, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Buford is a powerhouse every year. I wonder why-THEY RECRUIT. High school teams are not dominant every year-it doesen’t happen. You pick and choose who you want and you can dominate the way they have. Look at Marist who does the same thing. I would love to see Buford go down.

By Doc Holliday

December 12, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Dear Wright Hyder:

If it is the Lowndes Vikings to which you are referring, please be kindly informed that Lowndes has beaten your angelic, saintful, and sissy-fied Valdosta Wildcats for five straight years.

Which, by the way, is the ONLY time in the 96-year history of your perfect, pristine and pure Wildcats they have lost five straight times to one opponent(R-S games).

And please be further informed that since your Mildcats last won a state title in 1998, the Lowndes Vikings in those 10 years have won four state titles, including three of the last five; and they have whipped your little pussycats’ tails eight out of the last 10 years.

Since this blog should be about the 10 teams that are playing for championships this weekend, and since you chose instead to use this blog to inject your useless, irrelevant and childish drivel about your team and the team that eliminated your team , you are now thusly and fairly corrected. So please shut up, take your medicine, and save this space for the fans who have their dogs in this hunt.

Like they say, Lowndes is THE Valdosta high school.

To the 10 teams and their fans: Congratulations, good luck to all, may the games be free of injury and controversy, and may the best teams win.

By Doc Holliday

December 12, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

To Nostradumbazz / Wright-Hyder (who are one and the same):

What is it called when one classless, trash-talking thug calls another person a “classless, trash-talking thug”?

Please, get off this blog, or say something positive. Your rage and jealousy on Lowndes whipping your Wildcats so often is pathological. You better go to Greenleaf and check yourself in.

By BULLDOG

December 12, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

BULLDOGS WILL ROAM THE DOME!!!

THEY ARE BAAAAACCCCKKKK!!!

By Seth Garner

December 12, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

it should be Bremen in the dome this saturday for the class A championship, but good luck to both teams.

By StingerSplash

December 12, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Mr. Whitfield,

Based on your predictions, you got two choices. You can lift. Or you can not lift ….

But you gonna lift!

By Harry S/Wheeler County

December 12, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

BW—-You do have a great program & a great school. Dublin’s coach stated after the game that our kids had to work harder in the weight room if we are going to compete with the Bufords of the world. Dublin’s marketing plan is winning. Winning breeds winning & winning helps attract good athletes.

One other point, my son told me that some of the Dublin players said that they felt that some of the Buford players were disrespectful to their own coaches. I was surprised to hear that. Any insight on that?

By Camden Cat

December 12, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

First of all hello to all you football fans out there!!! Congratulations to all the teams that have come this far. I’m EXTREMELY proud of the Wildcats win or lose!!!! I’m sure the fans of Peachtree Ridge etc… feel the same. I wish an injury free game to all that participate!!

GO CATS!!!!

By Concerned oldtimer

December 12, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Goooooo Tucker!!!! From a member of the class of ‘69.

By Concerned oldtimer

December 12, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Roar Tiger!!

By Chico's Bail Bonds

December 12, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

To Doc Holliday/Clay Aiken (who are one and the same):

What makes y’all think that “Wright Hyder” and “Nostradumbazz” are “one and the same”?

Furthermore, what makes you think that they are Wildcat fans, or even LIVE in “Weinersville”, for that matter?

As fate would have it, I know both of these cultured and refined gentlemen, and I can assure you of several things:

• They are fluent in several languages

• They know what kind of wine to order with BBQ ribs

• They can quote extensively from all three “Godfather” movies, as well as the entire third season of “The Andy Griffith Show”.

But, more than anything, Mr. Hyder and Mr. Bazz are simply sick and tired of uncouth young punks who display such a lack of discipline and a lack of class on the football field.

Even more disgusting, Doc/Clay, are the jock-sniffing apologists who excuse the inexcusable and defend the indefensible. (I know, I know: They were “just havin’ fun” … right?)

In closing, since you think so much of “kids” who behave like “thugs”, maybe they can take your daughter to the prom.

Have a blessed Christmas, and a glorious new year!

By Camden Cat

December 12, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

By the way Good luck Tuck!!!

By Jon

December 12, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

The rest of AA just needs to take what’s comin to ‘em and pray their basketball team is good. I’m sure Santa will bring you a “2008 football state runner-up” banner to hang in your gym, or maybe even a patch to put on your letterman jacket so your girlfriends can look at it when their wearing it-freezing-sitting in class thinking about what COULDN’T have been. Then dump you cause there’s no points for second place boys! The plaque for the alternates is in the ladies room.

By Nelson

December 12, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Great to see the excitement building.

Go Marist War Eagles!

By SE GA Fan

December 12, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

The key to the Camden/PTR game will be how effective the PTR defensive is against the running game. In order for PTR to remain in this ball game they will need to score early and shut down the run. If they cannot do this, it could be a long evening for them. Since nobody has been able to shut Camden down consistently (as a result of a healthy and solid offensive line) unless they turn the ball over multiple times, I believe the score will be in the 21-7 range. The Camden defense, which has been playing super for the last 6 quarters should rise to the occasion once again.

By Hmmm...

December 12, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Calhoun doesn’t recruit???? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

By JoLynn

December 12, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

I agree with the writer that stated there will be no losers at this championship game tonight.

Players, enjoy every minute of the game tonight.

Go Marist War Eagles,

Capt. Jack

By Doc Holliday

December 12, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Chico’s Bail Bonds:

Such a cute little reference you made to the sponsor of the Bad News Bears team. But it’s appropriate, since your team is as bad as they were. We both know who you are. Computer technology is wonderful yet devious, and easily abused.

By JJ

December 12, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Does Marist recruit? I want everyone who thinks Marist recruits to watch the game tonight. Tell me if you think one of those players looks like he was recruited. There is not one D1 prospect among them. All of these kids learned the system starting in 7th or 8th grade. By the way, I’m pretty sure Tucker should not be talking about recruiting…wasn’t Mr. Davis once at Pius? I remember there being a bidding war out for him a few years ago…

By Keith

December 12, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

Every Tucker fan needs to shut their mouth right now. Marist SMOKED, that’s right SMOKED, you a few short weeks ago. Yeah, 9 straight wins is impressive, but 13 is more impressive. If it had been a close game, I could see the escalated trash talking. But the fact of the matter is as it stands, Tucker is by far the inferior team. 38-0 proved it. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. So if you want to talk about how great you are, prove it on the field first.

But that won’t happen.

Marist 38 Tucker 2 (sympathetic safety as time expires).

By Harry S/Wheeler County

December 12, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Did someone say AA Basketball?

Dublin is returning 10 player from the their Final Four team last year. The upperclassmen already have a state championship ring from 2006. We’ll see how good they are after the Christmas tournament in south Florida.

Everybody have a great weekend!!!

By Wesleyan Fan

December 12, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Last week you and your cohorts reported that we would have a better chance beating Lincoln County if our girls basketball team played. Really AJC? Honestly? That was creative. And, how did that story end? Now, you still choose to throw daggers again this week? This isn’t a slight on the AJC(actually it is completely a slight), but nobody knows that sophomore Kyle Karemplis has 1800 yards rushing and that our defense is lef by D-1 recruit Josh Parrish because the AJC completely failed in reporting about us this season. Nevertheless, I still like reading your nonsense. Safe travels to everyone headed to the Dome. Even you, Chris Whitefield… Go Wolves.

By Wolves

December 12, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember how last year all the coaches in Flowery Branch and Gainesville’s Region (6-AAA i think) unanimously voted NO to Buford plaing up in their division?? Buford has done everythign in their power to play in a more talented region and have ben turned down every time.

By Jeff Patton

December 12, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

GO Camden and Cario!

South Georgia Football Rules!

By BIG BLUE

December 12, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Good lo flowery branch oing to the DO-ME hu? I can remember just a few years back every body in the county heck even folks outside the county picked flowery branch oh.. excuse me picked the “BRANCH BOYZ” for homecoming games. When they built the branch, every jv bench warmer and every wanna be football player from the two very close neighboring schools jumped at the chance to get the T TOTAL SNOT kicked out of them every friday night insted of ridin the pine some where else like they should have!! flowery branch always have and always will be your lil sisters Cinderella story!! im goin with the Syrup makers

By Marc

December 12, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Keith nice try. Marist has almost lost the last three weeks to teams that were seeded no higher than 3rd in their region and allowed 62 points while doing this. Tucker beat the number 1 team in the state and only allowed 35 points (23 of those points after Tucker had put the game away) in the last 3 games. Chadwick knows that the Tucker team he beat isn’t the Tucker team he’s facing tonight and if you could get inside of his head he knows Tuckers playing superior football to what Marist is playing.

By 96 Tiger

December 12, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

LOL @ Keith

Last step tonight Tigers! Lets get it done…

By fatman

December 12, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

WOLVES———-THE COACHES DON’T HAVE A VOTE NOR DOES THE SCHOOLS—-IT’S GA.HIGH SCHOOL ASST. NOT THE SCHOOLS—-

By BI FAN

December 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Good luck to all. Camden Co take it to them yes region 3AAAAA maybe weak but you have beating the best to be where you are!!!! much luck and wishing both teams safe play.

By Lioness30096

December 12, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Whitfield has had no faith in the LIONS all season, so it’s no surprise that he favors them for the win. We BEAT a nationally ranked team last week and we’ll do so again on tomorrow. PEACHTREE RIDGE is IN IT TO WIN IT. 2 state titles since beginning a football program in ‘06…I’d say that’s pretty freakin AWESOME. GO LIONS!!!!!!!!!!

By BrookFan

December 12, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Doc Holliday

Were you born in Lowndes County or was it Spalding County? Some people thought you were just a skinny, pus-filled, tuberculosis-ridden, non-football playin’ killer, but I always gave you high marks for at least dying in a great state like Colorado.

What’s your real story?

By BI FAN

December 12, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Ok lioness calm down it’s going to be ok!!! GO WILDCATS!!!!

By Unbiased FB fan

December 12, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

All due respect to Flowery Branch…they are a really good team, but Cairo is great. Drummond has never faced a team with as much speed that they have…Guarantee that he is not as fast as anyone in Cairo secondary. Cairo big…38-17. (Cairo defense gave up double digit points only twice this season.)

By Todd Holcomb

December 12, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Does anyone remember how last year all the coaches in Flowery Branch and Gainesville’s Region (6-AAA i think) unanimously voted NO to Buford plaing up in their division??

As pointed out last week, no one voted to keep Buford out of 6-AAA. Buford did not apply for Class AAA. And even if Buford had applied for AAA, Buford’s region would not be determined by a vote of coaches or even a vote of schools.

Every two years, the reclassification committee empties everyone out of their current regions and starts over from scratch. Those previously in a particular region has no say in who returns or joins. Flowery Branch can’t even decide if Flowery Branch is going to be in 6-AAA, much less Buford. The GHSA might send both to a new region.

By The Man With No Name, But TWO Social Security Numbers

December 12, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

BrookFan, you’re getting the “real” Doc Holliday confused with the phony one who posts here: you know, the effeminate loser who attempts to add some small measure of meaning to his pathetic existence by living vicariously through virile, young athletes.

“Our” Doc Holliday doesn’t have TB, but he still managed to earn a place in the medical history books by becoming the first human being to contract “jock itch” on his nose.

Good ole Doc “developed” this unfortunate condition by repeatedly sniffing the sweaty jock straps of the Lowndes football team.

But, to his credit, Doc doesn’t mind the discoloration and constant scratching. The way he sees it, it’s a VERY small price to pay to be a part of a winning team!

As Doc would say, “Go Vikings!”

By justafan

December 12, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

In the most recent prospect list of high school seniors…Flowery Branch’s Drummond is # 71…20 spots behind Cairo’s running back (Reginald Bryant) at # 51….Drummond on turf??? I think everybody is paying attention to the wrong running back…keep your eyes on Bryant.

By George Gipp

December 12, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

I believe next year, if you put Peachtree Ridge on one side of the playoff brackets and Grayson on the other, those will be the 2 teams playing for the 5A title next year. An all Gwinnett 5A final.

They are simply the best 2 teams in Gwinnett county. And they’re both better than any team in south Georgia, with the exception of Camden. And they’re loaded with starting juniors, much like Camden last year.

That’s why I predict Camden will win this year, the Ridge will be back in the final next year, only to lose again, next time to Grayson.

By Bill from Dublin

December 12, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

I have seen Buford play, and I still say that they can give any school of any classification a run for their money! If all 100 players on your team are capable of starting, it doesn’t matter how large or how small your student population is. Whit, if they don’t appreciate you in the Little Apple, come back home! Good place to raise your kid!

By C-HighBaby

December 12, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

GO CATS GO DO IT FOR ME MAN DARRIEN SCOTT WE LOST THE LAST YEAR I PLAYED

By Roger Roesch

December 12, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

snappy slappy whip whap

da ridge gonna win baby doll

buford goona loose big time

roswell gonna win by 2 tds

hot hot hot hot dogs at da dome see ya there nippies

By C-HighBaby

December 12, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

C HIGH BABY

By What?

December 12, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Just hear Lowndes County plan to stage a revolt at the dome. Players and fans are leaving by bus in the morning for Atlanta to play in the AAAAA Championship. They claim their rightful place in the championship game was stolen from them. They are asking everyone one to check the pre-season football polls. One coach said everyone in ga knows Lowndes is the best AAAAA team because of their No. 2 ranking in national polls. Therefore, they are going to appeal to the people to have Peachtree Ridge step aside for their dream game with Camden County. Greg Reid promises to conduct him properly. If I received some bad news don’t attack the messager. LOL

By Steve-o

December 12, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I went to Tucker High School and I can tell you they are going to win, hands down. If you went to Tucker, you understand it’s not a debate, the game might as well be over. Tucker is/already won!

By Chris Whitfield

December 12, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Safe travels to everyone headed to the Dome. Even you, Chris Whitefield… Go Wolves.

Whitefield is an Academy in south Cobb.

Whit, if they don’t appreciate you in the Little Apple, come back home! Good place to raise your kid!

Bill, if someone wants to pay me, Mr. Representative still has my number, lol.

By BufordBabe

December 12, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Hey guys … Go W-O-L-V-E-S !!!

any other football gals on this blog like me? good luck to all, specially to my Buford boys!! Take it all again, guys. We luv ya!!!

(Just curiuos, why are any of ya’ll talking about lowndes or valdosta?)

By MIKEMIKE

December 12, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

GO CAIRO LET TAKE IT HOME. WE WANT THAT BLING BLING.

By HeadEast

December 12, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

JJ and WarEagle Nation - Any of those football players receiving tuition assistance? ‘Nuff said.

By Ron Mexico

December 12, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

The photo of the two Buford players looks really gay.

By Ron Mexico

December 12, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Lowndes will be in the Dome for a post-game fight.

By Chuck

December 12, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Tucker has always been about a bunch of invidual talented punks who don’t know how to play as a TEAM. Marist will kick the punks back to DeKalb county tonight. TEAM over individuals anyday. Tucker keeps their 0-never championship streak alive.

By BI FAN

December 12, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Ok bufford babe the game is tied sweetie!!!!

By Ms. PR

December 12, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

Buford’s running away with it: 28-14

By Ms. PR

December 12, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Calhoun coming back: 28 - 21

By Ms. PR

December 12, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

Buford scores again: 35 - 21

By BI FAN

December 12, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Ok Ms. PR must be a Buford fan!!!

By Ms. PR

December 12, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Yes indeed! I root for all of Gwinnett County

By Ms. PR

December 12, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Calhoun’s beating themselves. Run into the end zone called back for holding. Next play - pass, intercepted in the end zone. Buford looks good!

By SCOTT

December 12, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

“WE BELIEVE” GO TUCKER BEAT MARIST FROM A 1980 GRAD.

By Black Reverand

December 12, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Everyone in Georgia HS knows Buford should be forced to play in a higher classification with equal opponents. Anyone can look good playing smaller schools..geez. Wonder how powerful Buford would be in the AAAA class where they should be?

By HSBallfan

December 13, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

By Chuck: Tucker has always been about a bunch of invidual talented punks who don’t know how to play as a TEAM. Marist will kick the punks back to DeKalb county tonight. TEAM over individuals anyday. Tucker keeps their 0-never championship streak alive. Congratulations, Chuck, on being prophet of the month. The no-team pretty much mopped the dome floor with those other guys… 320-70 total offense and 74-27 on plays. Maybe you could get a gig as a stock market prognosticator. Congratulations to Tucker on that first title, and to everyone at Marist except Chuck for being great neighbors. The rivalry will be alive for a long time.

By HSBallfan

December 13, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Honorable mention prophet of the month goes to Chris Wipefield, who never managed to get an accurate read on Tucker and will probably keep his job as football guru despite having been so completely out of touch with reality. Seriously, Chris, you should have gotten a clue from the Westside game. Griffin should have driven the point home. I’m pretty sure at this point, if they could scrounge up someone else to play next week, you’d pick Tucker to lose again.

By Camden '09

December 14, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

Congrats to those Camden County Wildcats!!! 2008 5A STATE CHAMPS!!