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DEL.ICIO.USTake 10: Top moments from the 2008 Georgia high school football season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ah, memories. It has a been a fun ride in a football season that was full of upsets, improbable runs and ESPN-worthy highlights. We’re sure several of you out there are sad to see the season come to an end.
But don’t worry. Recruiting will keep you interested through February, then comes spring practice and after that it’s just a couple months before we’re back in the saddle again. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though.
Here are our top 10 moments of the 2008 football season:
10: Washaun Ealey breaks career TD mark - ECI’s talented tailback didn’t have the end to his career we’re sure he wanted, but finishing as Georgia’s all-time career touchdown king isn’t too shabby. On Oct. 16, he broke the mark of 112 set by Pacelli’s Matt Dunham in 2004.
9: Camden County goes Dome to Dome - The Wildcats started the year with a 21-6 victory against Norcross in the Kell Classic and finished it with a victory against Peachtree Ridge for their second state title in Class AAAAA. If you add in a semifinal game at Newnan, we calculate Camden County traveled the most miles of any eventual state champion: 152,423 miles. That’s roughly half the distance to the moon.
8: Quick turnarounds - We’ve pointed this out a few times, but it was a good year for bouncing back. Lassiter (9-3 from 3-7), Kell (8-3 from 2-8), Chapel Hill (9-3 from 0-10) and North Clayton (10-2 from 5-5) all made quick changes under first-year head coaches. Let’s hope the mojo continues for these programs in 2009.
7: The end of Take 10 picks - We’ve learned our lesson when it comes to picking games. We tried to give you - the readers - our general thoughts on the semifinal games. How did we do? We went 6-4 and two of the teams we picked against (Wesleyan and Camden County) won state crowns. That doesn’t equate to genius. Todd Holcomb and Chris Whitfield, it’s all yours.
6: Wesleyan upsets undefeated ECI - As a matter of disclosure, we hadn’t heard of Wolves sophomore running back Kyle Karempelis until Saturday. Wesleyan rode his legs to a 33-21 victory against the unbeaten Bulldogs. We can offer no excuse for this other than to say, our bad. We look forward to seeing Karempelis as a junior.
5: The Philip Lutzenkirchen throw-back - If you think this is some sort of style, you’re wrong. The Lassiter tight end made SportsCenter for this ridiculous play against Centennial on Oct. 31. The Trojans senior caught the ball out of the back of the end zone and threw it back in to a teammate. That’s not exactly how Lassiter coach Chip Lindsey drew it up.
4: Lowndes falls in quarterfinals - No, we didn’t see this coming. We doubt Grayson saw this coming. The 17-7 Rams victory ended a 26-game winning streak and the Vikings’ bid for a fourth title in five years.
3: Kacy Stuart allowed to kick - We were happy to see the 14-year-old kicker allowed to step foot back onto the field for the New Creation Center in October. The nationally-covered barring of Stuart from the Crusaders ended after six missed games. Here’s hoping she comes back next season.
2: Woodstock’s improbable run - The Wolverines began the season 2-4 before rattling off six consecutive victories and a state quarterfinal appearance. That’s ridiculous. What’s also crazy is that it could have gone farther had Mike O’Brien’s team not fallen one point short to eventual Class AAAAA state champion Camden County.
1: Tucker’s first-ever state title - Getting a revenge victory against a rival is one thing. Reversing a 38-0 loss into a 15-3 Class AAAA state championship victory is another. The Tigers earned the their first state title. Congratulations to coach Franklin Stephens and company.
Go on. Take Ten. What are your most memorable moments of the 2008? What are the stories we missed? Here’s your chance to share your thoughts or tell us we’re idiots.
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By Vike69
December 17, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
The height of the regular season in Valdosta was the Lowndes-Valdosta game. These teams get fired up for this one and an otherwise lackluster Wildcat team rose to come within 7 points, giving Lowndes its closest game except for Grayson. (complete with serious injuries) The much ballyhooed Northside-Lowndes game was nowhere near as close. Valdosta nearly beat Lowndes last year as the clock ran out. No matter what the team records, this one is always a cliff-hanging slugfest.
By Graysonfan2
December 17, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
yep, Grayson beating Lowndes was the best. Your welcome Camden fans! I dont think the Rams going and winning the state title could have been more exciting, so in a way, they had their big game.
By Graysonfan2
December 17, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Oh, and your welcome Peachtree Ridge!
By GwinnettFan
December 17, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
How about Grayson-PTR double OT? That was the most gut-wrenching 10 minutes of the season, by far.
You’re welcome, Camden!
:P
By Heart of a Lion
December 17, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
This list is null and void due to no mention of the Grayson v. Peachtree Ridge semi game. A double overtime slobberknocker, you really just had to be there! As for #7-are you serious??
You’re fired.
By Heart of a Lion
December 17, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
LOL@ “you’re welcome, Camden.” Heeeeeeeere we go! eyeroll
By hghghghg
December 17, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
okay ur welcome what
By EPFOOTBALL
December 17, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
How about the game between East Paulding and Milton. The game was a defensive game throughout the night until the 4th quarter and the offenses came to life, thus forcing 4 overtimes to settle this one. Pretty exciting I must say.
By Brookwood Mom
December 17, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
I hope my BRONCOS have a better year next year. This was their WORST year since 2001!
GraysonFan2, it looks like it is going to be too hot for a hoodie and a yellow jacket so… I will have on a long sleeve white shirt that says Brookwood Football. I should be a the game around 1:15 or 1:30. See you then!!
By Catfan
December 17, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I think your a little off on your mileage for Camden County. They didn’t go just half way to the moon! They went all the way to the STARS!!!!!
By BILLY JACK
December 17, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
GRAYSON-PEACHTREE RIDGE ONE OF THE HARDEST HITTING GAMES IN THE HISTORY OF GA HIGH SCHOOLS-BRUTAL AND GUTWRENCHING
By Howard
December 17, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Sir…you have had to have made a typo with that total distance Camden County traveled…152,000 miles?? No way a HS football team in a season…and I don’t care if it is located way down in Brunswick…could travel that far!!
By GaSouthAlum
December 17, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Sir…you have had to have made a typo with that total distance Camden County traveled…152,000 miles?? No way a HS football team in a season…and I don’t care if it is located way down in Brunswick…could travel that far!!
Howard: hyperbole, look it up.
By Graysonfan2
December 17, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
I agree on the Grayson/ptreeridge game!
By Politically Correct
December 17, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
The inclusion of the No. 3 story on your list is a joke, but we all know why it’s included. Next time, include 11 items on your list so you can place an asterisk by stories like that with the letters PC next to it and still have the top 10 moments.
By Camden Cats # 1
December 17, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Grayson fan2 why all the thanks? for cat fans it wouldn’t of made a differance.I really would of like a camden vs lowndes game that would of shut up all the AJC people who keep dissing southeast GA football Niether team get the respect they earn every year winning the 5AAAA championship.
By oldlion
December 17, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
St. Pius finished the season 1-0. Wink wink.
By cchs wildcat86
December 17, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Graysonfan2=idiot
By MountainMama
December 17, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
My most memorable moments of the year were each of the 7 wins that the Towns County Indians racked up this year after going 0 - 39 over the past four seasons. It was a GREAT year and I’m proud to be a TC parent! Even though we’ll be losing a great group of Seniors, I’m sure the winning tradition that they have started will continue and the days of 0 - 10 seasons are gone for good!!!
By Band Mom Gone WIld
December 18, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
DEFINITELY the Peachtree Ridge G v. rayson Game!! It was probably the best football game I’ve seen in a very long time!
Another memorable moment was Coach Ballard allowing Brandon Crookston to play those three plays in the post season! You not only made the best memory of his high school career, but you gave us sentimental folks a sweet memory too!
By Most Memorable Moment
December 18, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Most Memorable Moment was when the last 1AAAAA team was bounced from the playoffs.
By The Most Memorable Moment
December 18, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
How about Kevin Allman’s split end reverse run with 4 seconds left to send marist to state…..Or the fact that marist was supposed to miss the playoffs this year and ended up going to state
By Joe from Newnan
December 18, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
There is absolutely no way Camden traveled that far! The AJC is a JOKE! 152,423 miles means they traveled 10,887 miles per game! IDIOTS!
By Wesleyan Fan
December 18, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
After watching these Wolves TAKE STATE, you admit that the AJC completely underestimated and overlooked us all season. you even called out Holcomb and Whitifield for their inadequate and condescending playoff picks/assessments of our team. This makes me smile. Thank you for the belated respect!
No hard feelings. Respect is earned. After starting 1-2, the Wolves put ALL the doubters to rest with a 12 game win streak and a dismantling of the defending champs.
This year’s Wesleyan team earned respect and Kyle Karemplis is the REAL DEAL. Our O-line was a big part of his sensational season.
Special thanks to Coach Pridgen and his staff for their phenomenal job and hard work all season! Best of luck to our seniors!
WESLEYAN WOLVES 2008 CLASS A STATE CHAMPS
By Theman
December 18, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this
Glenn Does 155K miles not make you question? AJC you dissapoint me
By Wait, what?
December 18, 2008 5:15 AM | Link to this
Speaking of turnarounds, did anyone know that Glascock County (yeah, THAT Glascock County) went 8-2 this year, finishing on a seven-game winning streak? I didn’t realize that until a few seconds ago. Not bad for a team that had only 20 wins in its entire existence before this year.
By Graysonfan2
December 18, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this
cchs wildcat86
Do you have anything intelligent to say? Your weird!
By Lioness30096
December 18, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
This list is the worst.
By northside
December 18, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
I know this cant be on the list cause Roswell had a down year for their standards but milton beating Roswell for the first time in like 8 years. and only the 2 in 12. this area has been dominated by Roswell and hooch in the earlier years but Milton change that but scoring in last 10 seconds to win. It was first time ive seen milton beat Roswell since ive lived there crazy
By SOUTH FOOTBALL FAN
December 18, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
The top MOMENT would be the 85 yard pass play by Camden, a non passing team, in the championship game.
By WFHSDad
December 18, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
How about a first year program, West Forsyth going 8-2 with the only 2 losses to runner up Flowery Branch and #5 Gainesville.
I think the swole up mileage number for Camden had to be total mileage times the number of players. Just a guess.
By Howard Thrower
December 18, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
How ‘bout them Syrupmakers? 14-0
By cchs wildcat86
December 18, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
by graysonfan2 “Your welcome Camden fans! I don’t think the Rams going and winning the state title could have been more exciting, so in a way, they had their big game.”
Now do you have anything intelligent to say? Why should Camden thank Grayson? grayson didn’t do us any favors Camden will play anybody anywhere and it seems to me u are trying to lessen what Camden and ptr did by that statement if I posted that how would u take it??? And I know the Grayson players don’t feel the same way as u because they wanted the state title, its what they play for. The reason I know how the players feel is because I played did u ? I don’t think so
So maybe graysonfan2=idiot is alittle harsh sorry!!! because u just don’t understand
And if weird is calling u out on that statement I guess I’am, but what does that make u ?????? Its cool to support your team but don’t try to lessen others on purpose or not. Grayson, PTR, Lowndes and Camden are great football teams.Camden was just better this year!! Go CATS
By Graysonfan2
December 18, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Hey, its just a statement, at the time WHEN Lowndes WAS the top team in the state, who would anybody have rather played Grayson or Lowndes? Of course Grayson would have seemed to be the easier team to play. Not every one can pull a win off against Lowndes you know. no body has in 27 games including Ptree RIdge. Thats all I was saying. Glad we came to an understanding. See ya in the Dome next year, but my son wont be there (SAD/TEARS).
By Tim
December 18, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Jonesboro Hish School winning its first playoff game since 1949
By TitletownBaby
December 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Top moment of the year was seeing how Region 1 AAAAA played out…alot of surprises in such an anxious year of footabll…some games we wish we could play again and change the outcome….but what’s done is done…we hold the memories of this season in newspapers, awards, and championships…and we prepare for next season. Congratulations GHS football…great year!!
By HoyasRock
December 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
The Harrison East Paulding game. Not so much because it had a lot riding on it. But mostly because it was one of the best games to watch. Though Peachtree Ridge and Camden was also fun!
By 2009 Moment for GHSA
December 18, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Expand the regions from 8 to 16 and have the top two teams from each make the playoffs. This would allow more competitive ‘non-region’ games during the season but retain the 32 team playoff bracket. For example, we’re all tired of seeing Camden County pad their record at the expense of the smaller 3AAAAA region playing-up schools. Come on GHSA, you’re supposed to be smart educators but we’re not seeing it.
By To cchs wildcat86
December 18, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
cchs wildcat86, I’m pretty certain I know who you are and you rarely got to play. Only when we were routing a team or a cheerleader accidently knocked you down did your uniform get dirty.
By camden
December 18, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
camden will play its non region games next year first against GRAYSON in the dome then against first coast then a rematch with HOOVER and the rest is our region.
By To Brookwood Mom
December 18, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
In reference to your Broncos, are you speaking about football or soccer? You guys will never win much of anything again until you change that boring non-efficient offense. Brookwood no longer has the horses (or Broncos) to play power football and dominant like in previous years.
By cchs wildcat86
December 19, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this
By To cchs wildcat86 man u got me,i’m sure me and u stood side by side on the sideline……..not. Would a real former team-mate call me out for standing up my team??? I think not D/A
By Homet
December 19, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
How about a “TOP 10 BLOG MOMENTS”…
Thanks to the AJC, Todd & Chris for hosting the blog site and giving us all a forum to have a bit of fun with each other…
Ok…Sure sometimes things got a bit “heated”, LOL!!!, but that was all part of the fun…
Don’t worry though…the countdown clock and the CANNON are enjoying the holidays but they will be back next year as the RAIDERS from EAST again keep the heat on in 5AAAAA play.
For now MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a final TICK…TICK…TICK…Ho Ho Ho!!!
By Roland
December 19, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
QUICK QUESTION AND NO DISRESPECT TO SOUTH GEORGIA TEAMS BUT…
BUT WHY IN THE WORLD IS THE BUFORD WOLVES NOT RANKED IN THE TOP 5 IN THE NATION?!!!! A GREAT FOOTBALL TEAM IS A GREAT FOOTBALL TEAM REGARDLESS THE SIZE OF THE SCHOOL.
ECI, TUCKER, MARIST, ST. PIUS, CAIRO ALL THOSE TEAMS COULD BEAT 5A SCHOOLS TOP TO BOTTOM. I DIGRESS BUT JUST A LITTLE CURIOUS THAT CAMDEN IS RANKED NUMBER 5 AND BUFORD IS NOT RANKED IN THE TOP 25 SORRY
By T.J.
December 19, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Good season for GA highschool football. down to the end it kept everyone at the edge of their seat. Camden proved itself, even went out of it’s way with out of region powerhouses to bolster some respect. Definately earned it this year. I was hoping for a Grayson vs. Camden dome game. The Grayson vs. Peachtree Ridge game was hard hitting game for sure. More than that it showcased two class teams. The mutual respect and sportsmanship was great to see after the fiasco with Lowndes that Grayson had to put up with a week earlier.
I also want to thank Todd and Chris for giving something to write about. Sometimes they were targets for angst but you handled it with class and dignity. Hats off to you sirs.
Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
By wildcat_2009
December 19, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
yall must have forgot how we destroyed grayson in 2007 nothing changed we will still beat any team in the state thats why we are state champs so all you geeks shut up and quit talking trash
By GaSouthAlum
December 19, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
To all you people talking about Glenn’s obviously joking reference to the amount of miles that Camden drove, here is a little definition for you all, especially whoever is spouting off with IDIOTS!
hy⋅per⋅bo⋅le [hahy-pur-buh-lee] –noun Rhetoric. 1. obvious and intentional exaggeration. 2. an extravagant statement or figure of speech not intended to be taken literally, as “to wait an eternity.”
By Brookwood Mom
December 19, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
GraysonFan2: I don’t think I am going to be at the game tomorrow after all. I have had a VERY BUSY week and I am exhausted. We will have to touch base some other time. I am always at the Target on 124. Maybe I will see you in there someday.
To Brookwood Mom: WHY do you hate my BRONCOS so much?? Yes, we didn’t have a good football season this year, everyone has had a slump! and get the hell over the soccer thing. I could care less about soccer! I thought I made that clear. FYI Brookwood is not just about football! We were named 1 of 6 HS’s in the state of GA to win the school of excellence award. We have the HIGHEST SAT scores in Gwinnett county and we have a darn good baseball, track and field AND Cross County team!! But you don’t that because you are an IDIOT!! My BRONCOS will bounce back next year!
By wildcat1327
December 19, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Referring to the mileage with Camden County.. perhaps those numbers refers to multiple seasons under Herron.
By BODOG
December 20, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
To Todd, and Chris…..You both did a wonderful job on Georgia high school football…albeit you have to give us all south of Ajc about 25% coverage to Metro 75%, but alas; it hs been going on for years..I have never seen so many metro teams n ajc land so terrible as this years teams….granted you have the p-ridges, and grasons, and tuckers and of course recruiting cap of the world…..BUFord , but south georgia keeps taking home state titles in foorball, baseball, and other sports too. Ove all it’s been a great year, and thanks for taking the jabs we all throw your way we love you both . You know it’s all in jest…..Have a great winter,sp;ring, and summrt, and then Friday Nite Lights!!!!!!
By camdenwildcat
December 20, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
WHY BUFORD IS NOT RANKED IN THE TOP FIVE IN THE COUNTRY. LOOK AT CAMDENS ROAD TO THE PLAYOFFS. LOOK AT THE POWERS CAMDEN PLAYED TO GET THERE. NEWNAN, LAKE CITY FLA, HOOVER, NS WARNER ROBINS, NORCROSS,PEACHTREERIDGE,AND A VERY GOOD WOODSTOCK TEAM. BUFORD HAS NO ONE ON THERE SCHEDULE THE CALIBER OF THOSE TEAMS. ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY CAN COMPETE WITH THE LIKES OF CAMDEN, LOWNDES, NS, GRAYSON, NEWNAN, PEACHTREERIDGE, PARKVIEW BROOKWOOD,STEP UP TO 5AAAAA. BURORD WITH ALL DUE RESPECT WOULD NOT BE A FORCE IN 5AAAAA. SO GET OFF IT. ASK BUFORD ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORS CHARLTON CO. AA HAD TO BE THE THE WEAKEST CLASS BY FAR THIS YEAR. THE POLLSTERS KNOW WHAT THIER DOING. CAMDEN AND BUFORD WOULD NOT EVEN BE A GAME. STOP THE MADNESS. CHARLTON CO WAS A VERY YOUNG TEAM THIS YEAR, BUT MOST YEARS THEY BEAT BUFORD WITH GUYS FROM THIER HOMETOWN, NOT RECRUITING PLAYERS, BECAUSE THE KIDS IN THIER DISTRICT ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH. STOP THE MADNESS. CAMDEN IS RANKED #5 AND BUFORD IS NOT. IF CHARLTON DID RECRUIT AND FROM A SCHOOL SYSTEM THE SIZE OF GWINNETT CO YOU GUYS WOULD NEVER WIN. CHARLTON CO. HAS MAYBE 600 KIDS IN THIER SCHOOL AND BEAT YOU GUYS ALL THE TIME. MAYBE 600 IN THE ENTIRE COUNTY. YOU WILL NEVER COMPETE WITH THE BIG BOYS IN 5AAAAA. I HEARD YOUR SCHOOL HAS THE SIZE TO STEP UP TO AAA, IF SO WHY NOT, IS IT THE COMPETITION. MANY SCHOOLS PLAY IN LARGER CLASSIFICATIONS. WHY BUFORD, IS IT SO YOU CAN WIN.
By SE GA Fan
December 20, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I think that they were including the rushing yardage from the Hoover game in the distance totals for Camden..LOL
To those of you trying to imply that somehow you did Camden any favors….did not see you guys playing at the Dome…..Camden beat all comers, only 15-0 team at the 5A level, State Champs, only thing to say is see ya next year….8/22 at the Dome against Grayson
By columbia Blue
December 20, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
* OK We thank Nobody*
We played—-we earned it—-therefore all comments are not important
CAMDEN COUNTY 5A STATE CHAMPIONS
By Marc
December 20, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
camdenwildcat Camden didn’t beat 2 number ones did they only Tucker did that. Look at the teams they had to play in their conference at one point there were 4 teams in 6AAAA that were in the top ten. Tucker is the one team IMHO that could take it to Camden they have more speed than any team Camden has faced.
By BODOG
December 21, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
GLENN, YOU HAVE DONE REAL GOOD JOB WITH YOUR TAKE 10…….JEEP UP GOOD WORK. LOOKING FOR BETTER AND BETTER THINGS NEXT YEAR……IT’S GREAT TO IVE EVERYBODY AN OP.. TO SOUND OFF……GOOR FORUM……
By yo
December 21, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Marc Camden never lost to anyone 38-0. Get a life. ps-AAAAA awaits all of those with big mouths who have a chip on their shoulder, example-Buford, Tucker. Quit talking about how good you are and come on up and prove it. We can’t come dopwn but you can come up. Until then you are just hot air in the December breeze.
By Marc
December 21, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Did Camden beat 2 #1 ranked teams or not. Talk all the trash you want but Camden didn’t. Also the score of one game doesn’t make the season ask Marist they can tell you they played 2 different Tucker teams in one season and your still not as fast.
By For Yo
December 21, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Yo, just for you. Here is your Texas 6-man final score Strawn 58, Follett 29.
By Camden is Champion*
December 21, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
With all the AAAA, AAA and AA schools playing-up in region 3AAAAA (which allows Camden to get an almost certain #1 seed each year), I think Camden County is the State AAAAA,AAAA,AAA and AA state champions. Actually let’s remove AA from that list because of all the championship games Buford appeared to have the best team in the state regardless of classification. Since Camden likes to play smaller classification schools, why don’t they schedule Buford home-and-home for a couple of years? Maybe scared THIS smaller school will take them behind the woodshed?
By To camdenwildcat
December 21, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Please take a grammer and spelling class, or at least purchase a dictionary.
By yo
December 21, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
To Marc hot air in a December breeze and Buford’s defense is sloooow. It looked like an average AA defense at best. Buford AAAAA awaits you. It would be the end of you even making the playoffs with any thing greater than a 3 seed. AAAA was the weakest classification this year just above A classification. 38-0 in a weak classification.
By yo
December 21, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
What happened to big bad Euless Trinity? One of those 6 person football teams beat em?
By Fair Play Fan
December 21, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t ubderstand the continued argument about the championships: Hell, I am mad my team didn’t win one. Camden County is AAAAA chanmp, Tucker AAAAA, Cairo AAA, Buford AA and Weslayen A. All won fair and square. The problem is: These teams are champions in their respective classification—yet, some fans are not satisfied—-They want to challenge a team in a higher classification. That is crazy! Be satisfied that your team won—you don’t need more.
By Marc
December 21, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
yo who’s talking about Buford! Check the post.
By Yo Response
December 21, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
You say, “What happened to big bad Euless Trinity? One of those 6 person football teams beat em?” Allen beat Euless in the second meeting between the teams this season. Earlier this season Euless defeated Allen (I believe) by seven. Allen’s and Euless’ only defeats were to each other. Yesterday Allen won the 5A state championship in Texas. And the TX 6-man teams….they don’t want any of Euless or Allen, just the thugs at Lowndes. BTW I watched the Lowndes-Grayson game again yesterday via On-Demand and it was even more lopsided than the first time I saw it. The Grayson offensive line were driving Lowndes’ defensive line five yards down the field on each play. If they were the best 1AAAAA had this year then they were lucky to make it to the third round. Grayson only beat Brookwood (which had their worst team in 15 years) by 3 and Parkview (the recruiting specialist) by 2….and Lowndes by 10 (which the score didn’t tell the entire domination story).
By To By Fair Play Fan
December 21, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Fair Play Fan do you think a AAAAA school should be given an automatic #1 seed? All the AAAAA schools would love to play smaller classification schools in their region and get a 1 seed, always have the first two rounds on their home field, limit the snaps their first team guys take to reduce possible injuries, blow out smaller schools so their younger players get a lot of playing time / experience, etc Is this fair play? Being a region 8 fan I always liked to see Camden County play in the kick-off classic in the dome until I learned how their region foes are classified. I don’t blame Camden County but they should not brag about their record the last few years. I researched their wins and 70% from 2001 have been against smaller classification schools. They may would have the same records against AAAAA competition but I doubt it; I doubt any AAAAA school could duplicate the same record against AAAAA competition as they would have against AAAA, AAA or AA competition. Heck, Meadowcreek would be a #2 seed in region 3AAAAA. GHSA is screwing Camden because with all their success, no one in the state will take them serious no matter how many championships they win until they consistently play AAAAA competition week-in and week-out. GHSA is also screwing the other AAAAA schools for providing Camden County with such an advantage. Fair play is not something the GHSA considers, it’s what is the easiest and what takes the least brain power. Get Camden County in a real AAAAA region and start playing neutral fields in all play-off rounds if you want fair play. Otherwise just stick an * by each #1 seeded team that wins a championship.
By To Mother Bronco
December 21, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Re: ‘My BRONCOS will bounce back next year!’ LET’S HOPE SO BECAUSE I CAN’T SIT THROUGH ANOTHER BORING $#%^&* SEASON AS THEY HAD THIS YEAR. Re: “But you don’t that because you are an IDIOT!!” WHAT??? NO COMPRENDO SENORITA. IT’S APPARENT THAT WITH BROOKWOOD BEING 1 OF 6 HSs IN THE STATE OF GA TO WIN THE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD AND HAVE THE HIGHEST SAT SCORES IN GWINNETT COUNTY THAT YOU DID NOT ATTEND SCHOOL THERE. AND FINALLY TO YOUR RELIEF THE BLOG SEASON MUST COME TO AN END FOR ME. GA AND TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL IS OVER AND THE COWBOYS HAVE DONE THEIR USUAL CHOKE AT THE END OF THEIR SEASON. I’VE ENJOYED TOSSING NUMEROUS BURRS UNDER YOUR SADDLE (YOU JUST PROVIDE TO MUCH MATERIAL TO WORK WITH) AND HOPE BW DOES REBOUND FOR I CAN’T SIT THROUGH ANOTHER SEASON LIKE THEY HAD THIS YEAR; IE BORING OUT-DATED OFFENSE. MAYBE I’LL SEE YOU AT A SOCCER GAME.
By RESPONSE
December 22, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
TO YO RESPONSE: Good grief…if you are STILL watching re-runs of the Lowndes/Grayson game, you really need to get a life! It’s Christmas, watch a good Christmas movie instead…it will make you feel much better in the end!
By yo
December 22, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
To BY FAIR PLAY FAN YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT CAMDEN ARE REDICULOUS. AS A LOWNDES FAN I CAN TELL YOU WE HAVE ALWAYS RESPECTED CAMDEN AS MUCH, IN FACT MORE THAN ANY OTHER TEAM IN THE STATE. 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 6 YEARS IN CLASS 5A GETS MY RESPECT. I DONT CARE WHO THEY PLAY IN THE REGULAR SEASON. 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 6 YEARS. JUST WHO DID YOU HAVE IN MIND THAT SHOULD BE RESPECTED MORE?
By yo
December 22, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
TO YO RESPONSE IM A FAN OF LOWNDES, BUT YOU HAVE ONE SERIOUS HANG UP WITH THEM. WOW DUDE…I DONT KNOW WHAT LOWNDES ONCE DID TO UPSET YOU SO BADLY, BUT GET OVER IT! HELP YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT WITHOUT COUNTING LITTLE VIKING 18 YR. OLDS.
By Fair Play Fan
December 22, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Yo,
That wasn’t me that dis Lowndes or Camden. You gave me what Lowndes had coming back next year which I thanked you for the information.
The “To By Fair Play Fan” is not me who is “Fair Play Fan” Just wanted to clear that up.
By FIELD_NICKNAME_rollet
December 23, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
http://www.FIELDMESSAGEerdomt.com/
By Cooper2
December 25, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
The Branch Boys…They went from who to shutting out LaGrange in the Semis…This will be a story you will write about Ten..Twenty years from now. Of all the teams in the Dome this was the most unlikely.
By Daniel Durant
December 26, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Ridgeland(way up here) winning its first playoff victory, and only losing to Flowery Branch with under a minute to go.
By vikings rule
December 27, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Yes GRAYSON won the *LOWNDES game but all we Lowndes fans know that we had some key injuries going into that game. It’s just one of those things you live with. We lost. So, you just move on. All the Lowndes supporters know that Lowndes was for real this year. Just wasn’t meant for us this year. I know it’s hard to read all these blogs about our boys being thugs and our coach being classless but we all know that’s not true. I’m 100% sure all those issues were addressed. Congrats to CAMDEN you guys have been knocking on the door for the last few years. To all LOWNDES * will be back!! AAAAA get ready for **REID part two ????
By Wildcatter
December 28, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this
From a TRUE football point of view…….and let’s face it only a handful of you have ever really played football (riding pine and doing the wave on the sifde line does not count) Camden wanted Lowndes more than anyone. It would of been a great rematch from last year (almost all the same players on both sides) and could of been a potential National Championship game with Lowndes coming in at #1 or #2 and Camden #5 or #6. Grayson just was the fortunate team to play Lowndes on there only bad day in 2 years. As they say anyone can win on any given day well Grayson knows thats true. Especially after losing the next week to a team that would not of beaten Lowndes. Infact look at the reality If Camden keeps the ball on the ground its now a 28 - 14 game in the dome. Nothing more to be said. Just be happy the southern teams let you northern boys come and play in our house…….I meant the Dome. Just MHO. Oh yes, everyone please have a safe and Happy New Year.
By SportsFan31313
December 28, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
My most memorable moment is that Region 3-AAAAA Bradwell Institute shocked a lot people here on this blog including Todd Holcomb when I predicted that they will not become the same one and done team this year in the2008 playoffs. They should be an even better team next year with several returning starters.
By SportsFan31313
December 28, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
To By Fair Play Fan says: Heck, Meadowcreek would be a #2 seed in region 3AAAAA.
Greetings,
Meadowcreek would not be a number 2 seed in their Region (8AAAAA) in Region 3 AAAAA or in any other Region in South Georgia.
By SportsFan31313
December 28, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Fair Play Fan,
If I can remember correctly, the ONLY team that actually kept Region 8-AAAAA in the Blogs or even recognized in 2008 was Grayson. Parkview and Brookwood was down this year. Nonetheless, I still don’t see Meadowcreek anywhere. I olny see them in their Region as a Bottom Rung Team. But inasmuch as a so called Weak Region (3-AAAAA) Bradwell Institute was the #2 seed in that Region the majority of the 2008 Season. Do you reaaly believe that Meadowcreek would beat Bradwell Institute from Region 3-AAAAA? I don’t think so….. No let me say this a little more decisively…. I KNOW YOU CAN’T!!!!!!!
Here is how Todd Holcomb Ranked the Regions earlier this year in Class AAAAA.
1 - Lowndes, Northside-WR, Coffee, Valdosta 5 - Harrison, Etowah, East Paulding, Kennesaw Mountain 7 - North Gwinnett, Norcross, Peachtree Ridge, Collins Hill 8 - Grayson, Brookwood, Parkview, Dacula 6 - Walton, Kell, Roswell, Lassiter 4 - Newnan, East Coweta, Creekside, Chapel Hill 2 - Stephenson, MLK, Luella, Union Grove 3 - Camden, Bradwell, Groves, Windsor Forest
By SportsFan31313
December 28, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Fair Play Fan,
I also want you to know that Region 3-AAAAA State Champions Camden County could contend in ANY Region, and in ANY Class in the Great State Of Georgia.
I said it all Season that Camden County would be the Team to beat for the State Title. That Camden County would be the 2008 undisputed State Champions, and I was right. You mentioned earlier in your comments that you doubt that any team could duplicate their records in class AAAAA.
Well Didn’t Region 1-AAAAA Lowndes County do it? There are a few others as well but I just wanted to point that one out to you. Lets just stop with this nonsense about playing in weak Regions.
The Coach does not assign their team to a Region. GHSA does. But a Coach can schedule Non Region Games. Camden County did this year.
They played several Non Region games against some good teams, and they won. So whether they played up or down in Class, or played in any other Region other Region 3-AAAAA, the outcome would have been the same this year.
It’s just as simple as that…..
By SportsFan31313
December 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Fair Play Fan,
The above comments was not meant to you. That was meant to the “To By Fair Play Fan”!!!!!!
By Gamer
December 28, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
To: By Viking Rule, You may be correct about another Reid but not exactly. A Reid, Ivory-NSWR, Blackmon-LaGrange, Marshall-Baldwin, Caleb King-Brookwood, etc. come along every 20 plus years. Lowndes could make Hunter the QB, move your present OB to RB (or sure another Pemberton). With all this players coming back the dome is yours.
By slalom1
December 29, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
I believe that Fair Play Fan has it just about right. EVERY team in each classification should be proud of their state titles. As for head to head competition between the resepective state champs, NO state championship team has bragging rights over state champs from higher or lower classifications. Everyone seems to agree that enrollment rules. With that being the case, consider a AAAAA school with an enrollment of say 2740, such as Lowndes.(Not state champs this year, but still a good example). On a level playing field against Buford with an enrollment of Approx. 750, take away 73& of the Lowndes roster, THEN play Buford. YO, How do you think Lowndes would fair? One could make the same comparisons between ANY of the state champs. Again, do the math. If your school’s enrollment is say 3000 and you win the state AAAAA title, is your accomplishment any greater than a school whose enrollment is 500? In that scenario, take away 84% of your roster, then play the smaller school. Congrats to ALL of the 2008 state champs! You earned it.
By doc
January 9, 2009 2:55 PM | Link to this
To by Fair Play Fan: Camden County has not played down to anyone. All teams in 3-5A are 5A schools. Do your research before you post such non-sense. The Cats start out every year against 5a schools,out of region or out of state. Don’t minimize the talent the Cats put on the field, year in and year out. Hard work and discipline go into an good program. Please take a visit to our corner of the state. Most of the programs in our region are out of Savannah (an hour or so away) Most of the other 5A programs are within 20-40 minutes of one another. We have always traveled well. I don’t think that any 5A team out of the metro area will be willing to make that 5 1/2 hour trip to extreme southeast Georgia, check your map. It’s not about padding a record to get homefield advantage. Ask Hoover, Newnan, Norcross and PTR. In fact our 2 titles have never been won o our own homefield(take note though, we travel deep). 2003 we won in Valdosta and we went undefeated then( 2:45 drive). 2008 we won in the dome (5:00 drive). I am sure you are a sports fan, so when professional teams win their divsions year in and year out, the league should take a look at it, also in college sports, if a team wins year in and year out, the NCAA should take a look and move teams around. So if a D-1 school can’t compete in D-1, they should be moved to D-2 OR D-3. PTR or Woodstock was not as big as Camden, but they gave them a fight,not based on size of the team or who they played during the year, but by sheer determination of the players on the field. I don’t look at te Grayson win as a fluke against Lowndes, I saw them up close in 2007, and they were a young team, who happen to catch Camden peaking. PTR and Woodstock, were talented, the Cats were just a little faster and able to pull out. Northside, and Newnan were competitve as well, Good teams you have to avoid turnovers and that proved the difference in our run to the title. Please let our kids enjoy themselves. I guess that’s why we have a blog.
By Bald Eagle
January 11, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
The thing most remembered this past GHSA season is the Chapel Hill Panthers,Coach Chris Parker served up so sweet kool aid and put our program on the map. The Douglas County Tigers were the only thing known for football in our neck of the woods. Our children proved to the state that there is a new team on the block and it is to be taken seriously from now on. Look out Georgia. Special thanks to Windsor Forrest for our very first 5 AAAAA playoff win.