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DEL.ICIO.USWhat Happened at McEachern, Stays at McEachern
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First off, Happy Thanksgiving to all! I hope the turkey was good, but now I hope you are ready for some football. Friday night, the re-match of the century will take place at Ray Manus Stadium in Roswell. The defending State Champion Peachtree Ridge Lions (8-3) will take on the defending State Champion Roswell Hornets (9-2). You may remember that last year these two teams fought to a 14-14 in the State Championship Game in front of thousands of people at McEachern’s Cantrell Stadium. This game on Friday is known to some as, “Unfinished Business.” In my opinion, it isn’t. Last year, both teams were champions. As lame as that may sound, both teams fought hard and played like Champions. It’s not like one team did not deserve the title, they both did. But that does not matter, what’s past is past, it is gametime; Playoffs in Georgia! (And this year, there are no ties.)
Roswell, so far this year: They opened the season in the dome, and defeated Brookwood by a score of 10-7. Other than that, most every other Hornet win has not been close. Most of those by 20+ points. But the Hornets did slip up twice this season, to Walton and to Chatahoochee. Both of the scores in those games were 14-10. Roswell has averaged 31.5 points a game on offense so far this year. On defense, they have averaged giving up 8.6 points a game. Their record against playoff teams is 2-2, including last week’s beating of South Gwinnett.
The Skinny on the Hornets Game: The Hornets still have their two big stars from last year, in QB Dustin Taliaferro (pronounced Tolliver) and RB Alex Daniel. Taliaferro has thrown for a little over 1500 yards and has only 5 interceptions on the year. He has also connected for 12 TD’s this season. The Roswell offense is mainly powered by Daniel who has over 1400 yards with 15 TD’s. Also, be on the look out for WR Garrett Embry who has just over 600 yards receiving this year, far more than any other Hornet WR. Now, I said powered, but really the Hornet offense is balanced, it is just really good all around. On defense, the Hornets are led by #2 Ebele Okapu (UNC Commit). He plays the LB position and he is very hard hitting and very fast. But it is said that a weakness of his may be pass coverage.
What the Lions have to do: First off, on defense, they must neutralize the running game and Alex Daniel. The must force Taliaferro to throw the ball. With added pressure from the Lions D-Line, they can force an interception into the hands of the vicious Peachtree Ridge Secondary. I think, the Lions will do much better if the Hornets are having to throw to move the ball. But getting them to do that will be the hard part. Stopping the run is not the strong point of the Ridge Defense. If the Lions can slow down the Hornet offense then I think they will be okay. The Ridge offense has been rolling as of late. This game could end with some very high point totals.
My Predictions: So last week, I was 15-1, and I slipped up on the East Coweta-Stephenson game.
Harrison @ Walton
Valdosta @ ML King
North Gwinnett @ Brookwood
Coffee @ Newnan
Grayson @ Norcross
East Coweta @ Camden
Douglass @ Lowndes
Peachtree Ridge @ Roswell
And yes I picked 5 road teams to move on…
My Final Thoughts:
After Friday’s rematch nobody will really look back at Peachtree Ridge and Roswell and say they tied. This will yes, somewhat settle things from last year, at least from a fan’s point of view. But i can tell you one thing, come 7:30 PM the game will be tied (0-0), but it will not be a continuance from last year. For there will not be one player on that field will be remembering last December’s Championship. It is a new year, and these are new teams, and this is a new game. At about 10 PM, one team will walk off that field knowing they will continue to defend their title as State Champion and one team will leave knowing that they can’t defend that title. It is the rematch of the ages and boy it’ll be a good one. GO LIONS!!! And go region 7!
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Comments
By Band Mom Gone Wild
November 23, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
Good job Logan! I’m not even a player’s mom, but a Band Mom and I’m a nervous wreck! Breakfast? Couldn’t take a nibble. By lunch hopefully my hunger will be enough to force me to eat.
Lions, we are so proud of you! Last year at the Championship Game you showed us all what having “heart” can do! You can do this, guys!!
Love you Lions!
By John
November 24, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Ha Ha!