GPB was on hand to witness two regions decided last Friday and two more regions will be decided this Friday on the GPB networks. Alpharetta clinched its first region title and second-ever playoff berth with a huge comeback victory over Centennial, rallying from 26-3 to win 32-26. Joshua Dobbs threw for two scores in the second half and ran for another to complete the comeback. ...
GPB was also there to see Grayson return a late interception for a region-clinching score against Brookwood. Grayson’s defense is strong but it will be interesting to see which offense shows up each week in the playoffs. ...
Hillgrove won its first region title with a convincing 35-0 win over Kennesaw Mountain. Kenyan Drake finished with 178 yards and has over 1300 on the season. ...
Walton won its first region title since 2008 on the legs of Tyren Jones, who had 157 yards in the 42-14 win over Marietta. Jones also notched four total touchdowns. ...
North Gwinnett will face Peachtree Ridge this week (GPB TV Game of the Week) to decide Region 7-AAAAA, and both offenses are clicking. Donnie Miles and Joe Jones each scored two touchdowns in a 44-14 win over Duluth. Scotty Hosch and Chad Scott are lethal through the air. Meanwhile Peachtree Ridge has its own aerial attack in Billy Best to Joe Horn. The two hooked up twice in the Lions win over Mill Creek. ...
Finally it looks like Archer may just be making its first postseason appearance this year after stomping Parkview 40-16. Ernest Alexander rushed for 227 yards and four touchdowns to move Archer to just one win from a postseason berth. Parkview meanwhile has now lost three straight to drop into a tie with Archer for the fourth spot in Region 8-AAAAA. ...
On the volleyball court, Pope’s win now gives the program three straight, two in a row at the AAAA level. The Greyhounds were led by three players who plan on excelling at the next level in Mary Hannah Arrington (Auburn), Wimberly Wilson (Georgia Tech) and Katie Bange (Middle Tennessee State). ...
Walton’s volleyball title marks the Raiders second straight. The Walton program has won two straight since Pope dropped to AAAA. ...
On the softball diamond, Buford’s fifth straight crown earned the Wolves a big section in the history books as no program had ever done that before. The Wolves were the only team to win coming out of the loser’s bracket and forcing an extra Saturday game. ...
Senior Kayla Floor made it interesting for Collins Hill but the pitcher battled out of trouble in the seventh to help the Eagles win its third straight title.
Monday, October 31, 2011
A taste of Southern Recruiting for 10/31
With all of the talent that plays high school football in the state of Georgia, it is a bit surprising to hear that Georgia Tech is trying to go national with its recruiting reach. Against Clemson, the Yellow Jackets welcomed a host of out-of-state players in for visits including quarterback Dennis Andrews of Tallahassee, FL, Tyler Stargel of Gulf Shores, AL, and Oxford, AL teammates Mike Flint and Trae Elston. Tech pledge Marcus Allen of Hilliard, FL was at the game as well.
One other interesting note from Georgia Tech’s recruiting big board is the race for the final running back spot. Allen has already jumped on board and many recruitniks believed that Allatoona’s Miles Jones would take the other spot and play in an A-Back role. However Kentucky pledge Shadrach Thornton of Liberty County (GA) has been on multiple visits to other locations including NC State and now Tech since “committing.” Word is that Thornton and not Jones is the Jackets top choice for the final tailback spot.
2013 super-prospect Uriah LeMay, a wide receiver from Butler High School in Matthews, North Carolina was offered by LSU over the weekend. That is significant considering LeMay’s older brother Christian is currently redshirting at the University of Georgia and many believed the Dawgs would have the inside track at the younger LeMay.
For more, tune in to 790 The Zone tonight at 9pm for The Official Visit
One other interesting note from Georgia Tech’s recruiting big board is the race for the final running back spot. Allen has already jumped on board and many recruitniks believed that Allatoona’s Miles Jones would take the other spot and play in an A-Back role. However Kentucky pledge Shadrach Thornton of Liberty County (GA) has been on multiple visits to other locations including NC State and now Tech since “committing.” Word is that Thornton and not Jones is the Jackets top choice for the final tailback spot.
2013 super-prospect Uriah LeMay, a wide receiver from Butler High School in Matthews, North Carolina was offered by LSU over the weekend. That is significant considering LeMay’s older brother Christian is currently redshirting at the University of Georgia and many believed the Dawgs would have the inside track at the younger LeMay.
For more, tune in to 790 The Zone tonight at 9pm for The Official Visit
Sunday, October 30, 2011
App State pulls the shocker!
Appalachian State has won seven straight Southern Conference titles, but Georgia Southern entered the Rock ranked as the No. 1 FCS team in the country, ready for a battle against the No. 5 Mountaineers. Appalachian State’s 16-game home conference winning streak was on the line at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina, but the Eagles brought their own streak into the game, an eight-game conference winning stretch. Hours before the game, snow was falling in Boone, but the weather was sunny and bright for the coin toss.
Demetrius McCray would come up with the first big play of the afternoon, intercepting Eagles QB Jaybo Shaw on the game’s opening drive to set up Appalachian State with good field position. It was Shaw’s first pick of the year. Jamal Jackson would start his third straight game at quarterback for App State while former quarterback DeAndre Presley was back at cornerback for the second straight week. Jackson quickly moved the Mountaineers down the field before finding Andrew Peacock for a 25-yard touchdown reception and an early 7-0 lead.
The first quarter would end with some fireworks as Georgia Southern was sacked on fourth down, giving Appalachian State the ball in Eagles territory with a lead. A 24-yard field goal would give App State a 10-0 lead. One year ago Appalachian State jumped out to a 14-0 lead before Georgia Southern rallied back to win 21-14 in overtime. A huge return by Laron Scott would give the Eagles the ball inside the ten, but Georgia Southern could manage just an Adrian Mora field goal. Appalachian State would cash in before the end of the half as Jackson found his favorite receiver Brian Quick on a 56-yard scoring connection for a 17-3 lead at intermission. Jackson would rack up over 200 yards of offense in the first half.
Georgia Southern would answer in the third quarter with a 12-play, 60-yard scoring drive, capped off by JJ Wilcox powering the ball in from three yards out. Georgia Southern would quickly get the ball back and jet down the field, but Shaw was stopped cold on fourth-and-goal, giving App State the ball back. The Eagles wouldn’t be held off the scoreboard for long, however, as the defense forced a punt which Darrieon Robinson returned 46 yards for a touchdown to tie the game 17-17.
Jackson and Quick would respond though, hooking up for a 15-yard touchdown on a crucial third down. The reception capped off a nine-play, 67-yard drive. Then it was the Mountaineer defense’s turn to step up, which it did thanks to its former quarterback. Presley knocked away a fourth down pass into the end zone to stall another Eagles’ drive near the goal line. The defense would come up with a Georgia Southern fumble with under two minutes left to ice the Appalachian State 24-17 victory.
With the victory, Mountaineers coach Jerry Moore evened his all-time record against Georgia Southern at 10-10. The Eagles had been the only Southern Conference program that held a winning record against Moore. Jackson finished with 276 total yards and three passing touchdowns for Appalachian State. Shaw threw two interceptions, both finding the hands of McCray. Quick had four catches for 119 yards and two scores in the victorious effort. Defensively Brandon Grier had eight tackles for App State while Brent Russell had three tackles for a loss for the Eagles.
The Mountaineers travel to Furman next week while Georgia Southern returns to Paulson Stadium for Homecoming against The Citadel.
Demetrius McCray would come up with the first big play of the afternoon, intercepting Eagles QB Jaybo Shaw on the game’s opening drive to set up Appalachian State with good field position. It was Shaw’s first pick of the year. Jamal Jackson would start his third straight game at quarterback for App State while former quarterback DeAndre Presley was back at cornerback for the second straight week. Jackson quickly moved the Mountaineers down the field before finding Andrew Peacock for a 25-yard touchdown reception and an early 7-0 lead.
The first quarter would end with some fireworks as Georgia Southern was sacked on fourth down, giving Appalachian State the ball in Eagles territory with a lead. A 24-yard field goal would give App State a 10-0 lead. One year ago Appalachian State jumped out to a 14-0 lead before Georgia Southern rallied back to win 21-14 in overtime. A huge return by Laron Scott would give the Eagles the ball inside the ten, but Georgia Southern could manage just an Adrian Mora field goal. Appalachian State would cash in before the end of the half as Jackson found his favorite receiver Brian Quick on a 56-yard scoring connection for a 17-3 lead at intermission. Jackson would rack up over 200 yards of offense in the first half.
Georgia Southern would answer in the third quarter with a 12-play, 60-yard scoring drive, capped off by JJ Wilcox powering the ball in from three yards out. Georgia Southern would quickly get the ball back and jet down the field, but Shaw was stopped cold on fourth-and-goal, giving App State the ball back. The Eagles wouldn’t be held off the scoreboard for long, however, as the defense forced a punt which Darrieon Robinson returned 46 yards for a touchdown to tie the game 17-17.
Jackson and Quick would respond though, hooking up for a 15-yard touchdown on a crucial third down. The reception capped off a nine-play, 67-yard drive. Then it was the Mountaineer defense’s turn to step up, which it did thanks to its former quarterback. Presley knocked away a fourth down pass into the end zone to stall another Eagles’ drive near the goal line. The defense would come up with a Georgia Southern fumble with under two minutes left to ice the Appalachian State 24-17 victory.
With the victory, Mountaineers coach Jerry Moore evened his all-time record against Georgia Southern at 10-10. The Eagles had been the only Southern Conference program that held a winning record against Moore. Jackson finished with 276 total yards and three passing touchdowns for Appalachian State. Shaw threw two interceptions, both finding the hands of McCray. Quick had four catches for 119 yards and two scores in the victorious effort. Defensively Brandon Grier had eight tackles for App State while Brent Russell had three tackles for a loss for the Eagles.
The Mountaineers travel to Furman next week while Georgia Southern returns to Paulson Stadium for Homecoming against The Citadel.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Metro Recap and Alpharetta rallies to edge Centennial
The Grayson Rams and Brookwood Broncos engaged in a war of YouTube videos before taking the field to battle for region supremacy. The Rams and Broncos were tied 7-7 late in the game before Kasey Gaines returned an interception 15 yards for the winning score. ... Centennial jumped out to a 20-0 lead at Alpharetta before the Raiders rallied back to dump the Knights 32-26, shutting out Centennial in the second half. Carlos Burse snagged his 12th touchdown of the year and Jalen Simmons scored twice including the game-winner on a 29-yard screen. ... Marist shut down the Mays attack in a 24-0 victory to secure homefield advantage through at least the first round of the playoffs. Myles Willis rushed for 155 yards. ... Roswell dropped to 0-9 on the season, falling to West Forsyth 35-14. West Forsyth clinched the No. 2 seed in the region with the victory. ... Walton claimed the Region 5-AAAAA title after ending Marietta’s four-game winning streak. Tyren Jones ran for 172 yard and scored four touchdowns in the victory. ... Stephenson and ML King made certain that next week’s showdown would be a top-10 matchup for the region title as both cruised to victories. The Jags defeated Newnan 35-13 while the Lions spanked East Coweta 20-7. ... Hillgrove whitewashed Kennesaw Mountain 35-0 to improve to 9-0 on the year. ... Lovejoy posted its seventh shutout of the season and fourth straight with a 24-0 victory over Creekside. ... It was a squeaker but St. Pius put one touchdown on the board and it was enough to defeat Washington 7-0. ... Parkview’s skid continued as the Panthers fell to Archer 40-16. Parkview lost its third straight and now is behind Archer in the race for the last playoff berth out of Region 8-AAAAA.
GOTW Recap
The Centennial Knights had everything working for them early at Raider Stadium. Rain was preventing Alpharetta from going to the skies with its incredible passing attack, and Centennial picked up a crucial fourth down on a touchdown drive to open the game. Just minutes later, Matt Deshong picked off a Joshua Dobbs pass and returned it 33 yards for a score and a12-0 Centennial lead. Alpharetta’s three first quarter drives ended in an interception, a punt and a turnover on downs.
Centennial upped its lead to 20-0 when Zietrick Smith broke the plane from two yards out. Alpharetta finally recorded a first down and would later dent the scoreboard with a 24-yard Lehman Howington field goal. The Knights would answer.
Senior quarterback Jimmy Meyer hit Smith from two yards out to extend the Centennial lead to 26-3. That however would be the last time Centennial scored, with five minutes left in the second quarter. Alpharetta scored a touchdown with less than one minute to go before intermission on Jalen Simmons first touchdown of the night.
Joshua Dobbs would finish off Alpharetta’s first drive of the second half with a one-yard plunge and the Centennial punting game gave the Raiders a safety. Minutes later Dobbs found Carlos Burse for his 12th touchdown of the season.
The two teams would exchange field position back and forth until Alpharetta would take over near midfield with less than five minutes to go in the game. With 46.2 seconds to play Jalen Simmons took a 29-yard screen pass and reached paydirt for the game-winning score. Dobbs would add a two-point conversion for the final 32-26 score. With the win Alpharetta punched its second-ever trip to the postseason as well as a region title.
GOTW Recap
The Centennial Knights had everything working for them early at Raider Stadium. Rain was preventing Alpharetta from going to the skies with its incredible passing attack, and Centennial picked up a crucial fourth down on a touchdown drive to open the game. Just minutes later, Matt Deshong picked off a Joshua Dobbs pass and returned it 33 yards for a score and a12-0 Centennial lead. Alpharetta’s three first quarter drives ended in an interception, a punt and a turnover on downs.
Centennial upped its lead to 20-0 when Zietrick Smith broke the plane from two yards out. Alpharetta finally recorded a first down and would later dent the scoreboard with a 24-yard Lehman Howington field goal. The Knights would answer.
Senior quarterback Jimmy Meyer hit Smith from two yards out to extend the Centennial lead to 26-3. That however would be the last time Centennial scored, with five minutes left in the second quarter. Alpharetta scored a touchdown with less than one minute to go before intermission on Jalen Simmons first touchdown of the night.
Joshua Dobbs would finish off Alpharetta’s first drive of the second half with a one-yard plunge and the Centennial punting game gave the Raiders a safety. Minutes later Dobbs found Carlos Burse for his 12th touchdown of the season.
The two teams would exchange field position back and forth until Alpharetta would take over near midfield with less than five minutes to go in the game. With 46.2 seconds to play Jalen Simmons took a 29-yard screen pass and reached paydirt for the game-winning score. Dobbs would add a two-point conversion for the final 32-26 score. With the win Alpharetta punched its second-ever trip to the postseason as well as a region title.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Metro Preview and AHS/CHS preview 10/28
The video war finally comes to a head when Brookwood travels to Grayson. The Rams would win the Region 8-AAAAA title with a victory while a Broncos win would force a three-way tie at the top with Dacula (5-3, 5-1). The Falcons hit the road to face Berkmar. ... Mays faces Marist at Hughes Spalding Stadium as both teams enter 7-1. The winner likely gets the No. 2 seed from the region and a home playoff game. ... The Lassiter Trojans travel to the Woodshed to face the Woodstock Wolverines in a game that could determine the final playoff spot out of Region 5-AAAAA. Woodstock sits at 1-3 in region play while Lassiter is 2-2. ... Walton faces a red-hot Marietta Blue Devils team that has won four straight. Marietta QB Anthony Jennings has nearly 2,000 total yards this season. This will be the final home game of the regular season for Walton. ... Lovett and Westminster will play knowing that the loser will have to face GAC next week in the region play-in game for a spot in the playoffs. Lovett was ranked No. 5 in Class AA before losing to Buford in late September. An upset loss to Blessed Trinity has Lovett at 6-2, 3-1 on the year. ... ML King cannot afford to look ahead to its showdown with Stephenson as the Lions travel to East Coweta. The Indians were recently ranked before a two-game losing streak dropped them to fourth in the region standings. ... Kyle Sloter of Mount Pisgah Christian will lead the Patriots against the Wesleyan Wolves, coached by this week’s Atlanta Falcons NFL High School coach of the week Franklin Pridgen. The Wolves are 6-2 and are gearing up for next week’s region play-in game.
GAME OF THE WEEK PREVIEW:
The Centennial Knights will make a visit to Alpharetta to face a Raiders attack that thrives on the pass. Junior quarterback Joshua Dobbs and junior wide receiver Carlos Burse have hooked up enough to help Alpharetta off to a 7-1 start. Dobbs passed for three scores against Roswell in the Raiders last game. The quarterback regularly exceeds 300 yards in coach Jason Dukes’ offense. Burse meanwhile is a member of the Score Atlanta 24 2Look4 in 2012. He caught four scores in the team’s first five games then snagged two against West Forsyth and one against Roswell. Jalen Simmons is also a threat on the ground to shred the opponent that drops back into a nickel to defend the pass.
Centennial will look to keep the Raiders offense off of the field with the Knights’ option attack. Quarterback Jimmy Meyer and tailback Zietrick Smith pack a strong one-two punch out of the backfield. Smith has carried the ball 128 times for over 600 yards and four scores while Meyer has kept it for 88 carries and close to 300 yards. Meyer has rushed for nine scores and has passed for seven touchdowns. Meyer is completing around 48 percent of his passes for 1,131 yards and five interceptions. Cyril Teal also gets carries in the Centennial offense, rushing for 149 yards on 32 carries. When Centennial does go to the air, usually the target is either Wade Francis or Christian Robinson. Francis has tallied 36 receptions for 660 yards and three scores, and Robinson has 29 catches for 438 yards and three scores.
An Alpharetta victory would sew up the Region 6-AAAAA title for Jason Dukes’ Raiders. Centennial still has an outside chance at the region title, needing to win against Alpharetta and then again next week against Northview and needing West Forsyth to lose at Roswell in the Wolverines’ regular season finale.
GAME OF THE WEEK PREVIEW:
The Centennial Knights will make a visit to Alpharetta to face a Raiders attack that thrives on the pass. Junior quarterback Joshua Dobbs and junior wide receiver Carlos Burse have hooked up enough to help Alpharetta off to a 7-1 start. Dobbs passed for three scores against Roswell in the Raiders last game. The quarterback regularly exceeds 300 yards in coach Jason Dukes’ offense. Burse meanwhile is a member of the Score Atlanta 24 2Look4 in 2012. He caught four scores in the team’s first five games then snagged two against West Forsyth and one against Roswell. Jalen Simmons is also a threat on the ground to shred the opponent that drops back into a nickel to defend the pass.
Centennial will look to keep the Raiders offense off of the field with the Knights’ option attack. Quarterback Jimmy Meyer and tailback Zietrick Smith pack a strong one-two punch out of the backfield. Smith has carried the ball 128 times for over 600 yards and four scores while Meyer has kept it for 88 carries and close to 300 yards. Meyer has rushed for nine scores and has passed for seven touchdowns. Meyer is completing around 48 percent of his passes for 1,131 yards and five interceptions. Cyril Teal also gets carries in the Centennial offense, rushing for 149 yards on 32 carries. When Centennial does go to the air, usually the target is either Wade Francis or Christian Robinson. Francis has tallied 36 receptions for 660 yards and three scores, and Robinson has 29 catches for 438 yards and three scores.
An Alpharetta victory would sew up the Region 6-AAAAA title for Jason Dukes’ Raiders. Centennial still has an outside chance at the region title, needing to win against Alpharetta and then again next week against Northview and needing West Forsyth to lose at Roswell in the Wolverines’ regular season finale.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Dalton forfeits 4 wins...Sorry Josh
There may be no two more important running backs to their AAAAA teams than Brookwood’s Nick Tompkins and Hillgrove’s Kenyan Drake. The two seniors have provided leadership to their teams throughout the year and have strapped the team on their backs throughout the course of the year. Drake has gone for nearly 1200 yards this season on 122 carries while also pulling in another 200 yards on receptions. On the year, Drake has found the end zone 19 times. Meanwhile Tompkins won the Broncos most recent game with a 75-yard kick return for a score with under :20 to play. ...
Just one month ago people probably looked at the schedule and penciled in a win for Walton this week against Marietta. The Blue Devils have won four straight after starting the year 0-4 and sit tied with the Raiders atop Region 5-AAAAA. Marietta edged Lassiter at home last Friday but now must travel to Raider Valley to face No. 4 Walton. ...
It was ruled Tuesday that Dalton must forfeit four victories after the GHSA ruled that the Catamounts used an ineligible player. The forfeited victories were over Murray County, Gilmer, Ridgeland and Heritage-Catoosa. Dalton has posted a 51-year streak of winning seasons but now holds a 2-6 record following the forfeits. ...
GPB TV will be live from Grayson this Friday night for the Rams contest against Brookwood. In the latest USA Today high school poll, Grayson crawled up a spot to No. 5 from No. 6 one week ago. The Rams are ranked No. 36 according to Scout.com, No. 16 in RivalsHigh 100, No. 11 in the ESPN Rise 50 and No. 14 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25. ...
Speaking of Brookwood/Grayson, Brookwood officially responded via YouTube to Grayson’s video.
Just one month ago people probably looked at the schedule and penciled in a win for Walton this week against Marietta. The Blue Devils have won four straight after starting the year 0-4 and sit tied with the Raiders atop Region 5-AAAAA. Marietta edged Lassiter at home last Friday but now must travel to Raider Valley to face No. 4 Walton. ...
It was ruled Tuesday that Dalton must forfeit four victories after the GHSA ruled that the Catamounts used an ineligible player. The forfeited victories were over Murray County, Gilmer, Ridgeland and Heritage-Catoosa. Dalton has posted a 51-year streak of winning seasons but now holds a 2-6 record following the forfeits. ...
GPB TV will be live from Grayson this Friday night for the Rams contest against Brookwood. In the latest USA Today high school poll, Grayson crawled up a spot to No. 5 from No. 6 one week ago. The Rams are ranked No. 36 according to Scout.com, No. 16 in RivalsHigh 100, No. 11 in the ESPN Rise 50 and No. 14 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25. ...
Speaking of Brookwood/Grayson, Brookwood officially responded via YouTube to Grayson’s video.
Three softball champs looking for more hardware
The GHSA softball semifinals begin Thursday in Columbus, Georgia, with several programs looking to extend championship streaks. In Class AAAAA, Collins Hill is back in Columbus after winning the last two GHSA softball crowns. The Lady Eagles are coached by Paul Piece, in his first year, and feature pitcher Kayla Floor who is 12-4. The Eagles face East Coweta, making its seventh straight trip to Columbus. Hayley Parkerson and Brandi McGregor lead the Lady Indians. Brookwood will face Kennesaw Mountain while Hillgrove squares off against Mill Creek and North Cobb faces Milton. Mill Creek last won the GHSA softball crown in 2008.
In AA, Buford continues its drive for five with Southeast Bulloch. The winner of that game would go on to face either Brantley County or Blessed Trinity. On the other side of the bracket, Bleckley County and Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe meet as do Pike County and Fannin County.
In A, Gordon Lee will look to defend its crown by facing Bryan County. The Mount Pisgah/Brookstone winner would be next. On the bottom half of the bracket, Bacon County meets Wesleyan and Calvary Day has a noon date with George Walton Academy.
In AAAA, Union Grove faces Madison County with the winner facing the Northgate/Paulding County winner. Ola squares off against Northwest Whitfield and Whitewater faces Loganville on the other side of the bracket.
In AAA, Cross Creek and Ringgold will meet Thursday with the winner facing the Allatoona/Locust Grove winner later that day. On the bottom part of the bracket, Veterans meets Oconee County and West Laurens and Heritage-Catoosa will go at it.
Note: you can find more coverage in the AJC
In AA, Buford continues its drive for five with Southeast Bulloch. The winner of that game would go on to face either Brantley County or Blessed Trinity. On the other side of the bracket, Bleckley County and Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe meet as do Pike County and Fannin County.
In A, Gordon Lee will look to defend its crown by facing Bryan County. The Mount Pisgah/Brookstone winner would be next. On the bottom half of the bracket, Bacon County meets Wesleyan and Calvary Day has a noon date with George Walton Academy.
In AAAA, Union Grove faces Madison County with the winner facing the Northgate/Paulding County winner. Ola squares off against Northwest Whitfield and Whitewater faces Loganville on the other side of the bracket.
In AAA, Cross Creek and Ringgold will meet Thursday with the winner facing the Allatoona/Locust Grove winner later that day. On the bottom part of the bracket, Veterans meets Oconee County and West Laurens and Heritage-Catoosa will go at it.
Note: you can find more coverage in the AJC
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Kimbrel wins TSN NL Rookie o' the Year
The Atlanta Braves season may have ended on a bit of a sour note but the off-season has had several bright moments over the last week. First the team announced the hiring of new hitting coach Greg Walker and assistant Scott Fletcher on Friday, and now the team can tout Craig Kimbrel after the closer was named the Sporting News’ 2011 NL rookie of the year. The NL All-Star broke the rookie save record with 46 on the season while posting a 2.10 ERA. The 23-year-old finished a league-leading 64 games, pitching 97.2 innings and striking out 127 batters. During one stretch, Kimbrel did not allow an earned run in 38 straight appearances from June 11 until finally surrendering a run September 9. Kimbrel kept the trophy in Atlanta as right fielder Jason Heyward won the award one year ago. Teammate Freddie Freeman likely received votes after hitting 21 home runs and driving in 76 runs while posting a .996 field percentage at first base in 156 games. Freeman collected 161 hits and hit .282 in his first full season in Atlanta. 112 National League players participated in the voting process.
Murray once again the key to beating Florida
I remember one year ago I gave eleven reasons why Georgia was going to beat Florida in Jacksonville with the eleventh reason being Aaron Murray. Murray, with his legs, his arm and his cool, will take the Dawgs to a place that the squad hasn’t been to in quite some time: the victors’ locker room after the game on Saturday. I wrote that just days before I watched Murray throw three interceptions and yak in a very big yet very winnable game. Unfortunately yakking in the big games has seemed to become Murray’s calling card early in his young career. Murray couldn’t avoid a sack against Arkansas in 2010. He couldn’t help his team rally back against Colorado (Caleb King’s fault, really) and he was battered against Auburn. He failed to lead a touchdown drive in the bowl game and then he yakked back-to-back weeks to start the 2011 season.
That can all be forgiven though and a new legacy can be forged if Murray can beat the Florida Gators this Saturday. Was he too geeked up one year ago? It certainly looked it as he was picked off in his first attempt. He was throwing over receivers’ heads throughout the first half, but he settled in and found a rhythm after halftime. If Murray plays like he did in the third and fourth quarters, Georgia will likely escape Jacksonville with a victory. Play like he did in OT or in the first quarter and Georgia fans will once again be crying all the way home like the littlest piggy.
Aaron Murray isn’t going to lose his job this year or next or even the one after that. But if he keeps yakking it in the “big games,” he may start receiving the treatment that Florida fans had for Chris Leak late in the former Gator’s career, ie, is he still here? Is there anyone else that can split time with him? Murray has too much talent to let that happen but, much like Richt, a win against Florida would quiet some of the folks that may be on the verge of turning on the quarterback.
That can all be forgiven though and a new legacy can be forged if Murray can beat the Florida Gators this Saturday. Was he too geeked up one year ago? It certainly looked it as he was picked off in his first attempt. He was throwing over receivers’ heads throughout the first half, but he settled in and found a rhythm after halftime. If Murray plays like he did in the third and fourth quarters, Georgia will likely escape Jacksonville with a victory. Play like he did in OT or in the first quarter and Georgia fans will once again be crying all the way home like the littlest piggy.
Aaron Murray isn’t going to lose his job this year or next or even the one after that. But if he keeps yakking it in the “big games,” he may start receiving the treatment that Florida fans had for Chris Leak late in the former Gator’s career, ie, is he still here? Is there anyone else that can split time with him? Murray has too much talent to let that happen but, much like Richt, a win against Florida would quiet some of the folks that may be on the verge of turning on the quarterback.
Flowery Branch, living and dying by the transfer
Flowery Branch has certainly thrived with key transfers over the past few seasons. Last year the team welcomed in Austin Brown from Habersham Central to run coach Lee Shaw’s offense and this year Kanler Coker and CJ Curry both transferred in to play quarterback and receiver, respectively for the Falcons. The team was on the wrong end of a transfer a few seasons back however. You wonder if Imani Cross had not left to go to North Hall just how good this Flowery Branch squad would be. Cross had 230 yards and four touchdowns last week in a loss and is headed to Tennessee. He rushed for 1407 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore for Flowery Branch. ...
Not all of the talent sits in the state’s highest classification. In addition to Jenkins County’s defensive duo that has appeared on the Score 44 this year, Savannah Christian’s Will Austin and Wilkinson County’s David Whipple continue to put up large numbers in Class A. Whipple passed for 321 yards and four scores in his team’s victory over Hancock Central. Austin meanwhile ran for four touchdowns and 184 yards in a win over Calvary Day. ...
The Georgia/Florida game is this weekend and several in-state prospects certainly will have their eyes on the game. Stephenson’s Mike Davis and Jafar Mann have both committed to the Florida program as has Sandy Creek defensive lineman Quinteze Williams. Georgia has not given up on the Peach State talent and a victory may be the entry-point that the coaches need. ...
Finally Decatur’s most recent football game was called early after a player’s parent rushed the field to defend his son and was subsequently arrested. Decatur was beating Twiggs County 48-0 with 8:52 left to play when a parent ran onto the field after he thought an opponent shoved his son, according to the AJC.
Not all of the talent sits in the state’s highest classification. In addition to Jenkins County’s defensive duo that has appeared on the Score 44 this year, Savannah Christian’s Will Austin and Wilkinson County’s David Whipple continue to put up large numbers in Class A. Whipple passed for 321 yards and four scores in his team’s victory over Hancock Central. Austin meanwhile ran for four touchdowns and 184 yards in a win over Calvary Day. ...
The Georgia/Florida game is this weekend and several in-state prospects certainly will have their eyes on the game. Stephenson’s Mike Davis and Jafar Mann have both committed to the Florida program as has Sandy Creek defensive lineman Quinteze Williams. Georgia has not given up on the Peach State talent and a victory may be the entry-point that the coaches need. ...
Finally Decatur’s most recent football game was called early after a player’s parent rushed the field to defend his son and was subsequently arrested. Decatur was beating Twiggs County 48-0 with 8:52 left to play when a parent ran onto the field after he thought an opponent shoved his son, according to the AJC.
GHSA Volleyball Semifinal look
Bump. Set. Spike. Three simple plays that countless young women across Georgia excel at executing, and the best of those young women, including several of the nation’s best, have put their teams in a position to claim a GHSA state volleyball title. All four champions from one year ago are still alive in these playoffs with a chance to pull off a repeat or three-peat in the case of Pope in Class AAAA. Walton and Blessed Trinity are striving to achieve “dynasty,” status while Whitewater and McIntosh are trying to reclaim their titles. Woodward Academy has come to own the AAA crown of late, having won the last three titles. From 2001-2005, Woodward Academy dominated Class AAAA before dropping down to AAA.
The 16 teams remaining have combined for 616 victories this season. Tonight’s winners will travel to Marietta High School this Saturday to play for the championship.
AAAAA
In the state’s highest classification Walton will face Roswell while Harrison faces North Cobb in the semifinals held at Parkview High School. The Lady Raiders of Walton head into the semifinals as the No. 1 seed in AAAAA and led by the 2010 Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year and future Michigan Wolverine Kelly Murphy. The defending champions have yet to drop a set during the playoffs while Roswell needed a fifth set to defeat Lassiter. Walton and Roswell hooked up in August as the Lady Raiders swept the Hornets 25-23, 25-12, 25-15. Roswell coach Casey Carr is just two wins from the title in her first year at the helm. Meanwhile the Lady Hoyas hold the No. 2 seed but are considered the favorites as they hold the No. 1 ranking in the GACA Coaches poll. Harrison and North Cobb, No. 2 in the Coaches poll, split their two regular season meetings before Harrison took out North Cobb in straight sets to win the Area 5-AAAAA title. The familiarity of these two programs should render the seedings meaningless. The Lady Hoyas have cruised through the early rounds of the playoffs while North Cobb needed five sets to dispose of North Gwinnett. The Lady Warriors did sweep West Forsyth in the third round. Players to watch from the AAAAA action will be Carolina Ostman (Harrison), Katie O’Rourke (North Cobb), Kelly Murphy (Walton) and Jennifer Shults (Roswell).
AAAA
Any discussion of GHSA AAAA volleyball must begin with the Pope Greyhounds as Pope has been nearly unbeatable this year. Bryan Jones’ Greyhounds won 38 matches entering the playoffs and have dominated the postseason thanks to seniors Mary Hannah Arrington and Katie Bange. The Greyhounds easily dispatched Lambert and North Paulding before breezing by Rockdale. In fact the last set that Pope dropped this year came back in September against GAC in a 2-1 victory. Looking to spring the upset is No. 5 seed McIntosh, who pulled off the 3-0 sweep of No. 4 seed Johns Creek. The Chiefs have bounced back since losing the Area 3-AAAA title to Whitewater to make the semifinals of the state playoffs at Mt. Zion in Jonesboro. On the other side of the bracket, Whitewater faces Chattahoochee for the fourth time this year. The two played three times in a span of four days. Whitewater and Chattahoochee split a pair at the Sequoyah Classic before Chattahoochee won the rubber match several days later. Whitewater has been hot though ever since dropping four straight at the Border War Challenge. Whitewater was on fire during its Area tournament and has since cruised in the playoffs. Players to watch include Katie Bange (Pope), Saharra Griffin (McIntosh), Madison Akins (Whitewater) and Emily Corrigan (Chattahoochee).
AAA
The top three teams from the most recent GACA coaches poll remain alive in the Class AAA final four but all four teams hail from just two two areas, 1-AAA and 5-AAA. Riverwood and St. Pius X from 5-AAA will face Sandy Creek and Woodward Academy from 1-AAA, respectively. Sandy Creek enters the semifinals having won 20-straight matches and holding the No. 1 seed and No. 1 ranking in the GACA Coaches poll. The Fighting Patriots have not faced Riverwood this year but do hold multiple victories over Woodward Academy as well as one over St. Pius. In fact the only matches Sandy Creek has lost this season have all come to teams still alive in higher classifications. Meanwhile St. Pius X has dropped just two sets since falling to Sandy Creek earlier this month. The Golden Lions have dominated throughout the state playoffs, rarely letting an opponent even score more than 15 points in a set. Woodward Academy will look to spring the upset of St. Pius X, a team it lost to back in August. The War Eagles are battle-tested however, having played a demanding schedule all season long in preparation for the playoffs. Players to watch include Allie Davenport (Sandy Creek), Sydney Cooper (Woodward Academy), Tyler Ockleberry (Riverwood), and Alex Bidgood (St. Pius X).
AA/A
The Greater Atlanta Christian School has dominated these playoffs like few teams we have seen thus far and the Lady Spartans enter the semifinals at Athens Academy with an eye on the title. Standing in GAC’s way though is Holy Innocents’, which is not a team to look past. Holy Innocents’ has needed five sets in its last two victories but give the Golden Bears credit for taking out first Walker and then Athens Academy, two top-six teams. GAC holds the bracket’s top seed and has not dropped a set since losing 2-1 to Pope on September 17. In the other semifinal match, Blessed Trinity and ELCA both dropped a set in the quarterfinals but managed to advance to set up the meeting. Eagles Landing Christian Academy is led by Mara Green, considered by prepvolleyball.com to be the best senior in the state and the No. 23 prospect in the country. Green helped ELCA get the better of Blessed Trinity back in August, winning 2-0, but Blessed Trinity has rebounded nicely to put itself in a position to repeat as AA/A champions. If the Titans can claim the title, the program would have three titles in the last six years. Some players to watch include Dede Bohannon (GAC), Molly McAlvany (Blessed Trinity), Anne Yanda (Holy Innocents’), and Mara Green (ELCA).
The 16 teams remaining have combined for 616 victories this season. Tonight’s winners will travel to Marietta High School this Saturday to play for the championship.
AAAAA
In the state’s highest classification Walton will face Roswell while Harrison faces North Cobb in the semifinals held at Parkview High School. The Lady Raiders of Walton head into the semifinals as the No. 1 seed in AAAAA and led by the 2010 Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year and future Michigan Wolverine Kelly Murphy. The defending champions have yet to drop a set during the playoffs while Roswell needed a fifth set to defeat Lassiter. Walton and Roswell hooked up in August as the Lady Raiders swept the Hornets 25-23, 25-12, 25-15. Roswell coach Casey Carr is just two wins from the title in her first year at the helm. Meanwhile the Lady Hoyas hold the No. 2 seed but are considered the favorites as they hold the No. 1 ranking in the GACA Coaches poll. Harrison and North Cobb, No. 2 in the Coaches poll, split their two regular season meetings before Harrison took out North Cobb in straight sets to win the Area 5-AAAAA title. The familiarity of these two programs should render the seedings meaningless. The Lady Hoyas have cruised through the early rounds of the playoffs while North Cobb needed five sets to dispose of North Gwinnett. The Lady Warriors did sweep West Forsyth in the third round. Players to watch from the AAAAA action will be Carolina Ostman (Harrison), Katie O’Rourke (North Cobb), Kelly Murphy (Walton) and Jennifer Shults (Roswell).
AAAA
Any discussion of GHSA AAAA volleyball must begin with the Pope Greyhounds as Pope has been nearly unbeatable this year. Bryan Jones’ Greyhounds won 38 matches entering the playoffs and have dominated the postseason thanks to seniors Mary Hannah Arrington and Katie Bange. The Greyhounds easily dispatched Lambert and North Paulding before breezing by Rockdale. In fact the last set that Pope dropped this year came back in September against GAC in a 2-1 victory. Looking to spring the upset is No. 5 seed McIntosh, who pulled off the 3-0 sweep of No. 4 seed Johns Creek. The Chiefs have bounced back since losing the Area 3-AAAA title to Whitewater to make the semifinals of the state playoffs at Mt. Zion in Jonesboro. On the other side of the bracket, Whitewater faces Chattahoochee for the fourth time this year. The two played three times in a span of four days. Whitewater and Chattahoochee split a pair at the Sequoyah Classic before Chattahoochee won the rubber match several days later. Whitewater has been hot though ever since dropping four straight at the Border War Challenge. Whitewater was on fire during its Area tournament and has since cruised in the playoffs. Players to watch include Katie Bange (Pope), Saharra Griffin (McIntosh), Madison Akins (Whitewater) and Emily Corrigan (Chattahoochee).
AAA
The top three teams from the most recent GACA coaches poll remain alive in the Class AAA final four but all four teams hail from just two two areas, 1-AAA and 5-AAA. Riverwood and St. Pius X from 5-AAA will face Sandy Creek and Woodward Academy from 1-AAA, respectively. Sandy Creek enters the semifinals having won 20-straight matches and holding the No. 1 seed and No. 1 ranking in the GACA Coaches poll. The Fighting Patriots have not faced Riverwood this year but do hold multiple victories over Woodward Academy as well as one over St. Pius. In fact the only matches Sandy Creek has lost this season have all come to teams still alive in higher classifications. Meanwhile St. Pius X has dropped just two sets since falling to Sandy Creek earlier this month. The Golden Lions have dominated throughout the state playoffs, rarely letting an opponent even score more than 15 points in a set. Woodward Academy will look to spring the upset of St. Pius X, a team it lost to back in August. The War Eagles are battle-tested however, having played a demanding schedule all season long in preparation for the playoffs. Players to watch include Allie Davenport (Sandy Creek), Sydney Cooper (Woodward Academy), Tyler Ockleberry (Riverwood), and Alex Bidgood (St. Pius X).
AA/A
The Greater Atlanta Christian School has dominated these playoffs like few teams we have seen thus far and the Lady Spartans enter the semifinals at Athens Academy with an eye on the title. Standing in GAC’s way though is Holy Innocents’, which is not a team to look past. Holy Innocents’ has needed five sets in its last two victories but give the Golden Bears credit for taking out first Walker and then Athens Academy, two top-six teams. GAC holds the bracket’s top seed and has not dropped a set since losing 2-1 to Pope on September 17. In the other semifinal match, Blessed Trinity and ELCA both dropped a set in the quarterfinals but managed to advance to set up the meeting. Eagles Landing Christian Academy is led by Mara Green, considered by prepvolleyball.com to be the best senior in the state and the No. 23 prospect in the country. Green helped ELCA get the better of Blessed Trinity back in August, winning 2-0, but Blessed Trinity has rebounded nicely to put itself in a position to repeat as AA/A champions. If the Titans can claim the title, the program would have three titles in the last six years. Some players to watch include Dede Bohannon (GAC), Molly McAlvany (Blessed Trinity), Anne Yanda (Holy Innocents’), and Mara Green (ELCA).
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Score 44 Week TEN!
The Score 44 is a fluid list that aims to honor the best forty-four seniors in Georgia high school football on a week-to-week basis. These players are some of the most highly-recruited players in the state as well as some of the best players that may not get to play at the next level.Two players reappear on the list as this week’s additions. Chaz Elder of Banneker has incredible size for a defensive back that you would think he would naturally be a safety. He has the speed though to play cornerback and several SEC and ACC teams are targeting him to play either. His 6-foot-2 size would allow him to play physical with any wide receiver in the country. Meanwhile Alabama pledge Dakota Ball accepted his 2012 Under Armour All-American jersey and game invitation as Ball has shown he could be Nick Saban’s next big stud defensive lineman. This is Ball’s second appearance on the 2011 Score 44. And thanks to Walter Pinion for the photo
In (from week 9) Chaz Elder, Banneker (College Park), DB; Dakota Ball, Pepperell (Lindale), DT
Out (from week 9) Paris Head, Buford (Buford), CB/WR; Jhaustin Thomas, Columbia (Decatur) DE
Jordan Jenkins, Harris County (Hamilton), DE
Jonathan Taylor, Jenkins County (Millen), DT
Geno Smith, St. Pius X (Atlanta), DB
Kenyan Drake, Hillgrove (Powder Springs), RB/ATH
Raphael Kirby, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), LB
Joe Harris, Lithonia (Lithonia), OG
Vadal Alexander, Buford (Buford), OT
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Lowndes (Valdosta), OLB/WR
JaQuay Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), WR
Imani Cross, North Hall (Gainesville) RB
Zack Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Dillon Lee, Buford (Buford), LB
DeMarcus Sweat, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) WR
Chaz Elder, Banneker (College Park), DB
Jarontay Jones, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), DE
Quinteze Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone) DT
Markuss Eligwe, Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain), LB
Jordan Watkins, Woodward Academy (College Park), DT
Dalvin Tomlinson, Henry County (McDonough), DL
Jason Croom, Norcross (Norcross) WR
Jacob Sealand, Tucker (Tucker), LB
Dakota Ball, Pepperell (Lindale), DT
Miles Jones, Allatoona (Acworth) RB
Josh Dawson, Tucker (Tucker) LB
Mike Hilton, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), RB
Malachi Jones, Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville) WR
CJ Curry, Flowery Branch (Gainesville), WR
Josh Holsey, Creekside (Fairburn) DB
Ty Smith, Colquitt County (Moultrie), TE
Jordan Washington, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) DL
Kurt Freitag, Buford (Buford), TE/DE
Jonquel Dawson, ML King (Lithonia), QB
Kenderius Whitehead, ML King (Monroe) DE/OLB
Blake Tibbs, ML King (Lithonia), WR
Daron Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Darius English, McEachern (Powder Springs ), DE
Jonathan Jones, Carrollton (Carrollton) CB
Shadrach Thornton, Liberty County (Hinesville) RB
Brandon Greene, Cedar Grove (Ellenwood) OT
Chase Roberts, GAC (Norcross) OG
Greyson Lambert, Wayne County (Jesup) QB
Mike Davis, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) RB
Scott Hosch, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) QB
Nick Tompkins, Brookwood (Snellville), RB
AJ Davis heading to Buford, Walton OL to The Citadel
Ohio State may have thought better late than never, but North Gwinnett’s Jordan Washington didn’t share that outlook as the defensive lineman pledged to the Bulldogs of Mississippi State late last week. Washington pulled the trigger after returning from a visit to Starkville and before he was scheduled to visit the Ohio State campus. ...
Camden County 2013 quarterback Brice Ramsey has been receiving plenty of attention from recruiters from all across the country but two SEC East offensive coordinators visited the Georgia pledge recently. According to Michael Carvell, Ramsey was visited by Charlie Weis of Florida and Georgia’s Mike Bobo last week. Ramsey committed to Georgia back in July. ...
Banneker DB Chaz Elder put off declaring his college decision in August as he wanted to make the right choice for him. At the time he was deciding between Georgia and South Carolina. A third team may have entered the field as well as rumors have started to circulate that Elder has put one team back as a finalist. Elder had LSU and Clemson on his list back in June. He has unofficially visited several schools but will likely make “official visits,” before he commits. .
.. On the basketball court, recruiters looking for former Greater Atlanta Christian standout AJ Davis should just head to his sister’s school as Davis has joined Kaela at Buford. The 6-foot-7 junior recently withdrew from GAC and is now at Buford. Davis helped GAC win the last two GHSA Class AA titles, beating Buford in the finals one year ago. Davis is one of the nation’s top prospects for 2013 and joins PF T.J. Shipes, who pledged to Georgia State last week. Kaela Davis has given Tennessee her verbal commitment. Both are the children of former NBA player Antonio Davis. ...
Walton offensive lineman Harrison Davis decided to pledge to The Citadel.
Camden County 2013 quarterback Brice Ramsey has been receiving plenty of attention from recruiters from all across the country but two SEC East offensive coordinators visited the Georgia pledge recently. According to Michael Carvell, Ramsey was visited by Charlie Weis of Florida and Georgia’s Mike Bobo last week. Ramsey committed to Georgia back in July. ...
Banneker DB Chaz Elder put off declaring his college decision in August as he wanted to make the right choice for him. At the time he was deciding between Georgia and South Carolina. A third team may have entered the field as well as rumors have started to circulate that Elder has put one team back as a finalist. Elder had LSU and Clemson on his list back in June. He has unofficially visited several schools but will likely make “official visits,” before he commits. .
.. On the basketball court, recruiters looking for former Greater Atlanta Christian standout AJ Davis should just head to his sister’s school as Davis has joined Kaela at Buford. The 6-foot-7 junior recently withdrew from GAC and is now at Buford. Davis helped GAC win the last two GHSA Class AA titles, beating Buford in the finals one year ago. Davis is one of the nation’s top prospects for 2013 and joins PF T.J. Shipes, who pledged to Georgia State last week. Kaela Davis has given Tennessee her verbal commitment. Both are the children of former NBA player Antonio Davis. ...
Walton offensive lineman Harrison Davis decided to pledge to The Citadel.
QBs stepping up across the state
The loss of quarterback Trey White certainly didn’t seem to affect St. Pius against Grady. TJ Holloman stepped in and ran for 109 yards on four carries. He also scored four touchdowns. ...
Jonquel Dawson has his ML King Lions geared up and ready for Stephenson in two weeks. In his squad’s recent 41-17 thrashing of Newnan the Score 44 quarterback passed for six scores. ...
The East Paulding Raiders fell to Pope 29-23, giving up as many points to the Greyhounds as they had all season long. Still though in the fourth quarter the Raiders had two chances to come back and win. One factor working against East Paulding was the health of the quarterback position. Starter Mitchell Webb left the game in the third quarter with what appeared to be a wrist injury and backup Christian “Tank” Browder left the game early in the first half with an injury he sustained on defense. The explosive offense still has a talented pair of tailbacks in Terrell Hannah and Kamani Thomas but the sophomore Webb was the straw that stirred the drink. It would be interesting to see receiver Andrej Suttles slide into a wildcat formation. ...
Tray Fletcher helped McEachern stomp on North Cobb 56-17 with three touchdown receptions and a 99-yard return for a score. Fletcher adds a nice weapon opposite Amba Etta-Tawo for quarterback Trent Thompson. ...
Myles Willis has certainly made his presence felt this season, his first as the starting quarterback for Marist. He rewrote the record books Friday with a 99-yard touchdown pass to Gray King against Lithonia. ...
Who was that team on the field with GAC last week? That would have been Buford wearing gold uniforms instead of the traditional home green. According to the Gwinnett Daily Post, Buford coach Jess Simpson said the GAC game was ‘the night to break them out.”
Jonquel Dawson has his ML King Lions geared up and ready for Stephenson in two weeks. In his squad’s recent 41-17 thrashing of Newnan the Score 44 quarterback passed for six scores. ...
The East Paulding Raiders fell to Pope 29-23, giving up as many points to the Greyhounds as they had all season long. Still though in the fourth quarter the Raiders had two chances to come back and win. One factor working against East Paulding was the health of the quarterback position. Starter Mitchell Webb left the game in the third quarter with what appeared to be a wrist injury and backup Christian “Tank” Browder left the game early in the first half with an injury he sustained on defense. The explosive offense still has a talented pair of tailbacks in Terrell Hannah and Kamani Thomas but the sophomore Webb was the straw that stirred the drink. It would be interesting to see receiver Andrej Suttles slide into a wildcat formation. ...
Tray Fletcher helped McEachern stomp on North Cobb 56-17 with three touchdown receptions and a 99-yard return for a score. Fletcher adds a nice weapon opposite Amba Etta-Tawo for quarterback Trent Thompson. ...
Myles Willis has certainly made his presence felt this season, his first as the starting quarterback for Marist. He rewrote the record books Friday with a 99-yard touchdown pass to Gray King against Lithonia. ...
Who was that team on the field with GAC last week? That would have been Buford wearing gold uniforms instead of the traditional home green. According to the Gwinnett Daily Post, Buford coach Jess Simpson said the GAC game was ‘the night to break them out.”
Monday, October 24, 2011
Lessons learned from the weekend in GaHSFB
The Grayson Rams aced their final test leading up to the huge showdown with defending AAAAA champion Brookwood, tagging South Gwinnett 40-0. The Rams will be facing a Brookwood team that has rounded into playoff shape but required some magic to knock off Parkview on Friday. If Grayson can limit Nick Tompkins and Jamaal Cole, expect the Rams to put the region crown on ice. ...
Last season, the Flowery Branch Falcons defense allowed just 12.25 points per contest while making it all the way to the Class AAAA Sweet 16. This season, the defense has stiffened, giving up just 12.1 points per contest. On the offensive side of the ball, coach Lee Shaw had to replace quarterback Austin Brown, but Kanler Coker has the offense averaging 48.4 points per game in Flowery Branch’s 8-0 start. Wide receiver CJ Curry has certainly helped as well, giving Coker a huge target on the perimeter. ...
Don’t look know but Peachtree Ridge has won seven straight and is giving up just 15 points per game. The offense is clicking under new coach Mark Fleetwood and if the Lions can avoid a letdown against Mill Creek, the Peachtree Ridge/North Gwinnett game on Nov. 4 (GPB TV game of the week) will be for the Region 7-AAAAA title. ...
With its 28-0 win over GAC, Buford has won the 6A-AA subregion title and may have won the state title as well. Buford owns victories over No. 4 Carver-Columbus, No. 7 GAC, Lovett and one of the hottest teams in AA right now Blessed Trinity. Buford also pasted AAA No. 7 Gainesville 49-0 earlier this year. The Wolves will not be touched in 2011. A date with Calhoun in the Georgia Dome seems inevitable, though Buford has dispatched the Yellow Jackets the last three years in that game.
Last season, the Flowery Branch Falcons defense allowed just 12.25 points per contest while making it all the way to the Class AAAA Sweet 16. This season, the defense has stiffened, giving up just 12.1 points per contest. On the offensive side of the ball, coach Lee Shaw had to replace quarterback Austin Brown, but Kanler Coker has the offense averaging 48.4 points per game in Flowery Branch’s 8-0 start. Wide receiver CJ Curry has certainly helped as well, giving Coker a huge target on the perimeter. ...
Don’t look know but Peachtree Ridge has won seven straight and is giving up just 15 points per game. The offense is clicking under new coach Mark Fleetwood and if the Lions can avoid a letdown against Mill Creek, the Peachtree Ridge/North Gwinnett game on Nov. 4 (GPB TV game of the week) will be for the Region 7-AAAAA title. ...
With its 28-0 win over GAC, Buford has won the 6A-AA subregion title and may have won the state title as well. Buford owns victories over No. 4 Carver-Columbus, No. 7 GAC, Lovett and one of the hottest teams in AA right now Blessed Trinity. Buford also pasted AAA No. 7 Gainesville 49-0 earlier this year. The Wolves will not be touched in 2011. A date with Calhoun in the Georgia Dome seems inevitable, though Buford has dispatched the Yellow Jackets the last three years in that game.
Recruiting tidbits from across the Southeast
Once again Ohio State loses to an SEC program, only this time it comes in the recruiting world and not on the gridiron. North Gwinnett (Suwanee, GA) defensive lineman Jordan Washington pledged late last week to Mississippi State after visiting the campus recently. Ohio State was late on offering the lineman that could play either end or tackle with his size 6-foot-3, 260-pound, and quickness, 4.9 40-yard dash. Washington makes four commitments for the North Gwinnett program this season with teammates headed to UMass and Furman. Quarterback Scott Hosch will likely play at the next level as well.
Tramel Terry of Goose Creek, SC, who recently backed off a commitment to the University of Georgia received another offer over the weekend. The 2013 wide receiver prospect initially pledged Mark Richt on Dawg Night back in July only to re-open his commitment a few weeks later. Now he has another offer after spending the weekend in Blacksburg, Virginia. Frank Beamer and the Hokies offered the Scout.com four-star wide receiver before he left campus. Terry has been to South Carolina for multiple visits as well as Georgia.
Tion Green has pledged to Cincinnati but that hasn’t stopped Al Golden of Miami from pursuing the Orlando area ATH. Green is projected to play either cornerback or running back. Miami is trying to get Green to commit to coming for an official visit.
For more, listen to The Official Visit tonight on 790 The Zone!
Tramel Terry of Goose Creek, SC, who recently backed off a commitment to the University of Georgia received another offer over the weekend. The 2013 wide receiver prospect initially pledged Mark Richt on Dawg Night back in July only to re-open his commitment a few weeks later. Now he has another offer after spending the weekend in Blacksburg, Virginia. Frank Beamer and the Hokies offered the Scout.com four-star wide receiver before he left campus. Terry has been to South Carolina for multiple visits as well as Georgia.
Tion Green has pledged to Cincinnati but that hasn’t stopped Al Golden of Miami from pursuing the Orlando area ATH. Green is projected to play either cornerback or running back. Miami is trying to get Green to commit to coming for an official visit.
For more, listen to The Official Visit tonight on 790 The Zone!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Braves name Greg Walker new hitting coach
The Atlanta Braves announced its two newest hires today, naming Greg Walker as the team’s hitting coach and Scott Fletcher as his assistant. General Manager Frank Wren and manager Fredi Gonzalez introduced Walker on a conference call Friday afternoon after the team and Walker came to an agreement Thursday night. For Walker, a Georgia native, becoming a part of the Braves family is an “absolute thrill.”
“It was a lifelong dream to be a part of the Braves organization,” said Walker who grew up a Braves fan. Walker has most recently worked with the Chicago White Sox, spending the last eight and one half years with the team. He said on the call he wasn’t sure he would be coaching this year but he was thrilled to get the chance to work with the Braves, a well-respected organization in baseball.
Wren noted that he spoke with Gonzalez every day and the process started with a list of 20 names. The team whittled it down to five and then conducted three interviews. “We’re very excited and have made a very thorough search.” Wren did say that Walker was the second candidate interviewed for the job and that the team liked his reputation and his record.
The team looked for three things during its search according to Wren. The Braves organization was seeking recent Major League experience in the role, the ability to communicate with players and a philosophy to match the team’s approach.
Walker’s ability to communicate will be tested early as he will be tasked to “fix” Jason Heyward who slumped while battling injuries during his second year with the club. “Jason is a big part of the future of the Braves. I’ll be in touch with him soon,” said Walker.
The team will also “change the model with its approach to hitting,” said Wren as the team also hired Fletcher to serve as Walker’s assistant. Fletcher spent the last three years with Colorado doing advanced scouting work, but he will help with in-house scouting as well.
Gonzalez said that all of Major League Baseball is going through a trend of bringing the scouting in-house. “I am really excited to have Greg and Scott on board, using video,” gushed Gonzalez. “I’m ready to jump in right away.”
Eyes will be on Walker and his assistant Fletcher to see if they can collectively solve the Braves batting woes and get the team back to the postseason in 2012.
“It was a lifelong dream to be a part of the Braves organization,” said Walker who grew up a Braves fan. Walker has most recently worked with the Chicago White Sox, spending the last eight and one half years with the team. He said on the call he wasn’t sure he would be coaching this year but he was thrilled to get the chance to work with the Braves, a well-respected organization in baseball.
Wren noted that he spoke with Gonzalez every day and the process started with a list of 20 names. The team whittled it down to five and then conducted three interviews. “We’re very excited and have made a very thorough search.” Wren did say that Walker was the second candidate interviewed for the job and that the team liked his reputation and his record.
The team looked for three things during its search according to Wren. The Braves organization was seeking recent Major League experience in the role, the ability to communicate with players and a philosophy to match the team’s approach.
Walker’s ability to communicate will be tested early as he will be tasked to “fix” Jason Heyward who slumped while battling injuries during his second year with the club. “Jason is a big part of the future of the Braves. I’ll be in touch with him soon,” said Walker.
The team will also “change the model with its approach to hitting,” said Wren as the team also hired Fletcher to serve as Walker’s assistant. Fletcher spent the last three years with Colorado doing advanced scouting work, but he will help with in-house scouting as well.
Gonzalez said that all of Major League Baseball is going through a trend of bringing the scouting in-house. “I am really excited to have Greg and Scott on board, using video,” gushed Gonzalez. “I’m ready to jump in right away.”
Eyes will be on Walker and his assistant Fletcher to see if they can collectively solve the Braves batting woes and get the team back to the postseason in 2012.
Metro Preview and Pope/EPHS preview 10/21
The biggest challenge to date for the Buford Wolves is finally here as the No. 1 team in Class AA will host the No. 3 GAC Spartans for the Region 6-AA subregion title. The Wolves have won eleven straight in the series, including a 38-7 decision one year ago. Both teams are undefeated though only the winner is assured of a spot in the state playoffs. ... The Battle of Five Forks-Trickum goes down tonight at the Brookwood Community Stadium. Other than bragging rights, second place in Region 8-5A is at stake and Brookwood could keep its region title hopes alive with a win. Nick Tompkins rushed for nearly 194 yards one week ago. ... Region 2-5A will have two big games on the docket as ML King travels to Newnan and East Coweta visits Stephenson (GPB TV Game of the Week). King and Stephenson square off in two weeks. ... Grady, ranked No. 5 in Class AAA will host No. 2 St. Pius and try to just score against the Golden Lions. Geno Smith and St. Pius have posted four shutouts this season. ... Centennial hosts North Forsyth with an eye on Alpharetta next week. With some help the Knights could face the Raiders for the Region 6-5A title. ... Lassiter will face Marietta, co-leaders of Region 5-5A. The Blue Devils are unbeaten in region play and winless outside of region play. The Trojans sit 2-1, 6-1 overall. ... North Gwinnett’s defense has been impressive this season but Mill Creek offers another challenge as John Russ leads the Hawks offense that has averaged 33 points per game, second-most in the region behind the Bulldogs. ... Corey Jarvis’ Duluth Wildcats travel to Suwanee to face Peachtree Ridge in a three-way tie for third place in Region 7-5A with Collins Hill and Duluth.
GPB.org Preview
East Paulding has a chance to clinch the Region 5-AAAA subregion title with a victory over Pope but the Raiders can accomplish so much more with a win. East Paulding currently sits No. 5 in the Score Atlanta/GPB poll though not many give the Raiders a chance against the Tuckers, Flowery Branches and Statesboros of the Georgia high school football landscape. East Paulding has given up just 29 points this season while posting four shutouts in a 7-0 start. The offense isn’t shabby either, averaging 45 points per game behind junior tailback Kamani Thomas, a member of the 24 2LOOK4 in 2012 and the Mitchell Webb to Andrej Suttles touchdown combination.
Pope meanwhile is dangerous at full strength and Holland Frost helped engineer a 27-21 rally one week ago against Sprayberry. The Greyhounds trailed 21-6 in the fourth but won when Frost scored the go-ahead score with under 20 seconds to play. Frost and Myles Everett are a dangerous combo as well and connected for three scores and 226 yards against North Paulding two weeks ago. And Everett can return the favor as well as he hit Frost for a 21-yard scoring reception against North Paulding.
Frost will be the key for Pope as he has been all season long. The Greyhounds run Frost out of the shotgun often in coach Matt Kemper’s offense, but the Raiders will be ready for that with a 3-4 defense designed to stop the run. Lorenz Suttles is a beast coming out of the Will linebacker spot. Against Kell, Suttles posted four sacks as well as a blocked field goal. John Reid’s team can also dominate on special teams as Marcus Gilbert is always a threat to break a return for a score as he did against Hiram.
GPB.org Preview
East Paulding has a chance to clinch the Region 5-AAAA subregion title with a victory over Pope but the Raiders can accomplish so much more with a win. East Paulding currently sits No. 5 in the Score Atlanta/GPB poll though not many give the Raiders a chance against the Tuckers, Flowery Branches and Statesboros of the Georgia high school football landscape. East Paulding has given up just 29 points this season while posting four shutouts in a 7-0 start. The offense isn’t shabby either, averaging 45 points per game behind junior tailback Kamani Thomas, a member of the 24 2LOOK4 in 2012 and the Mitchell Webb to Andrej Suttles touchdown combination.
Pope meanwhile is dangerous at full strength and Holland Frost helped engineer a 27-21 rally one week ago against Sprayberry. The Greyhounds trailed 21-6 in the fourth but won when Frost scored the go-ahead score with under 20 seconds to play. Frost and Myles Everett are a dangerous combo as well and connected for three scores and 226 yards against North Paulding two weeks ago. And Everett can return the favor as well as he hit Frost for a 21-yard scoring reception against North Paulding.
Frost will be the key for Pope as he has been all season long. The Greyhounds run Frost out of the shotgun often in coach Matt Kemper’s offense, but the Raiders will be ready for that with a 3-4 defense designed to stop the run. Lorenz Suttles is a beast coming out of the Will linebacker spot. Against Kell, Suttles posted four sacks as well as a blocked field goal. John Reid’s team can also dominate on special teams as Marcus Gilbert is always a threat to break a return for a score as he did against Hiram.
TheFletch: Coaches gone crazy
The melee that followed the Hancock Central/Warren County game is certainly a shame and it is shaping up to perhaps be a national story based on the timing. The incident happened just 24 hours before Grantham and Franklin got into it in Nashville and on the same weekend Harbaugh and Schwartz needed to be separated. The Hancock Central/Warren County incident though was far worse as the Warren County coach went to the hospital. After some information trickled out initially from Augusta area news outlets, Score Atlanta and the rest of the Atlanta media jumped on it quickly and hopefully helped to bring light to an awful situation. Score Atlanta was able to speak with Warren County Schools Superintendent Carole Jean Carey early Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours after football coach David Daniel was released from the hospital. 790 The Zone had Carey on the next morning for a follow up. Carey is fighting for her coach and she really came across as willing to do whatever it takes to see that justice is served.
It is interesting to hear the two different approaches taken by the two sports talk radio stations here in Atlanta to their broadcast properties. For years 680 The Fan was known as the flagship of the Thrashers and now the Braves and it seemed that Buck “Blue Skies” Belue and Leo Mazzone always talked about how great things were in Braves Country, even when the Braves were choking down the stretch or gagging in all of the series against Washington and Florida. It sounded like everything was always peachy in Blueland despite the fact that the team had just one playoff appearance and on-air personalities would make excuses for the team instead of calling out the ownership and management for poor execution.
On the flip side it sounds as though 790 The Zone is really taking the Falcons to task for a 2-3, now 3-3 start, including ripping the punter on a regular basis. Mayhem in the AM has gone on the record claiming that the Falcons punter will cost the team a game this year and that is a bit of a shock after hearing The Zone’s main competitor always spit-shine its coverage. A refreshing shock, but still a bit of a shock. I thought perhaps it was a bit much following the Seattle game though when the guys were bringing up mistakes despite the team winning. Both stations could go a little closer to the middle.
For the second season in a row Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham made headlines for perhaps the wrong reasons. Last year Grantham was caught on camera giving the Florida punter-turned-placekicker the choke sign before the Gators defeated the Dawgs in overtime. This year Grantham was caught on film dropped a few F-bombs towards the Vanderbilt first-year head coach James Franklin after Franklin had been mouthing off to a Georgia player. Other reports via Twitter had Grantham also saluting the Vanderbilt crowd with his middle finger but that was not confirmed by a major source and you should take Twitter with a grain of salt in most cases. Grantham was defended by Beau Bock on 790 The Zone, but it is tough for me as a Georgia alumnus to really get behind and defend our defensive coordinator. I know he was sticking up for a player. However no one saw Franklin supposedly yelling at the player on camera while Grantham shouting obscenities was seen clear as a bell on television. Aren’t these college coaches supposed to be shaping the lives of these players and setting a good example for for these young men to become respected members of society? I don’t think you do that by trying to fight another grown man on national television.
The Rude Awakening was split on the recent Jim Harbaugh vs. Jim Schwartz Handshake-Gate the day after the San Francisco 49ers head coach upset the Lions head coach by gripping and backslapping a bit too jovially following the 49ers victory. Interestingly enough I seemed to agree the most with Leo as the former Braves pitching coach made the most sense. Mazzone didn’t think the incident should have warranted all of the reaction it did and he is absolutely correct. Schwartz didn’t like the handshake? Come on man. The worst part was that CBS’s Bill Cowher, FOX’s Jimmy Johnson and NBC’s Tony Dungy all took Schwartz’s side, saying that Harbaugh disrespected him. Huh? What? Harbaugh gave a quick handshake and slap on the back before moving on to celebrate with some players. Schwartz was the one that dropped the foul language, then CHASED AFTER Harbaugh to bump him and cause a dustup. Harbaugh was the one in the wrong? I have seen Patriots coach Bill Belichick give less of a handshake with no words exchanged, no eye contact, but this Harbaugh thing is what grinds your gears? Seriously? When as a society did we wuss down to the point that EVERYONE must apologize for EVERYTHING? Why are we demanding an apology from Harbaugh for being happy? Schwartz is sour over losing and not being the golden child of the NFL after his Lions suffered a defeat. You want to be mad Coach Schwartz? Perhaps you should be angry at your quarterback for missing that wide open touchdown early on. Kudos to you Coach Harbaugh for not apologizing and please don’t. One is not needed.
Finally if you haven’t been going to gaprepnews.com or gpb.org/sports much recently, you’ve really missed out on some great interviews conducted by GPB Sports’ Gil Tyree. The voice of Friday Night Football’s Game of the Week has posted some great interviews the last few weeks with players involved in the GPB TV game of the week. Tyree snagged Alvin Kamara and Kenyan Drake recently in a couple of great interviews and the names will only get bigger as the playoffs approach. GPB.org/sports has really stepped up its football coverage this year with its own poll, Southern Conference coverage and fresh blogs nearly every day from Tyree, Jon Nelson and Mark Harmon. It is worth a look no doubt.
Can You Believe He Said That
“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.”
That was Trent Dilfer talking about the Jim Schwartz/Jim Harbaugh ordeal that was called by some analysts as a “black eye for the Shield.” Give me a break please. The fact that fines were discussed over two coaches shaking hands is unbelievable. Don’t require them to do it if you don’t want something like this potentially happening. In the heat of the game one coach was excited over a big win and the other got his feelings hurt the rookie coach didn’t want wisdom imparted. Get over it.
It is interesting to hear the two different approaches taken by the two sports talk radio stations here in Atlanta to their broadcast properties. For years 680 The Fan was known as the flagship of the Thrashers and now the Braves and it seemed that Buck “Blue Skies” Belue and Leo Mazzone always talked about how great things were in Braves Country, even when the Braves were choking down the stretch or gagging in all of the series against Washington and Florida. It sounded like everything was always peachy in Blueland despite the fact that the team had just one playoff appearance and on-air personalities would make excuses for the team instead of calling out the ownership and management for poor execution.
On the flip side it sounds as though 790 The Zone is really taking the Falcons to task for a 2-3, now 3-3 start, including ripping the punter on a regular basis. Mayhem in the AM has gone on the record claiming that the Falcons punter will cost the team a game this year and that is a bit of a shock after hearing The Zone’s main competitor always spit-shine its coverage. A refreshing shock, but still a bit of a shock. I thought perhaps it was a bit much following the Seattle game though when the guys were bringing up mistakes despite the team winning. Both stations could go a little closer to the middle.
For the second season in a row Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham made headlines for perhaps the wrong reasons. Last year Grantham was caught on camera giving the Florida punter-turned-placekicker the choke sign before the Gators defeated the Dawgs in overtime. This year Grantham was caught on film dropped a few F-bombs towards the Vanderbilt first-year head coach James Franklin after Franklin had been mouthing off to a Georgia player. Other reports via Twitter had Grantham also saluting the Vanderbilt crowd with his middle finger but that was not confirmed by a major source and you should take Twitter with a grain of salt in most cases. Grantham was defended by Beau Bock on 790 The Zone, but it is tough for me as a Georgia alumnus to really get behind and defend our defensive coordinator. I know he was sticking up for a player. However no one saw Franklin supposedly yelling at the player on camera while Grantham shouting obscenities was seen clear as a bell on television. Aren’t these college coaches supposed to be shaping the lives of these players and setting a good example for for these young men to become respected members of society? I don’t think you do that by trying to fight another grown man on national television.
The Rude Awakening was split on the recent Jim Harbaugh vs. Jim Schwartz Handshake-Gate the day after the San Francisco 49ers head coach upset the Lions head coach by gripping and backslapping a bit too jovially following the 49ers victory. Interestingly enough I seemed to agree the most with Leo as the former Braves pitching coach made the most sense. Mazzone didn’t think the incident should have warranted all of the reaction it did and he is absolutely correct. Schwartz didn’t like the handshake? Come on man. The worst part was that CBS’s Bill Cowher, FOX’s Jimmy Johnson and NBC’s Tony Dungy all took Schwartz’s side, saying that Harbaugh disrespected him. Huh? What? Harbaugh gave a quick handshake and slap on the back before moving on to celebrate with some players. Schwartz was the one that dropped the foul language, then CHASED AFTER Harbaugh to bump him and cause a dustup. Harbaugh was the one in the wrong? I have seen Patriots coach Bill Belichick give less of a handshake with no words exchanged, no eye contact, but this Harbaugh thing is what grinds your gears? Seriously? When as a society did we wuss down to the point that EVERYONE must apologize for EVERYTHING? Why are we demanding an apology from Harbaugh for being happy? Schwartz is sour over losing and not being the golden child of the NFL after his Lions suffered a defeat. You want to be mad Coach Schwartz? Perhaps you should be angry at your quarterback for missing that wide open touchdown early on. Kudos to you Coach Harbaugh for not apologizing and please don’t. One is not needed.
Finally if you haven’t been going to gaprepnews.com or gpb.org/sports much recently, you’ve really missed out on some great interviews conducted by GPB Sports’ Gil Tyree. The voice of Friday Night Football’s Game of the Week has posted some great interviews the last few weeks with players involved in the GPB TV game of the week. Tyree snagged Alvin Kamara and Kenyan Drake recently in a couple of great interviews and the names will only get bigger as the playoffs approach. GPB.org/sports has really stepped up its football coverage this year with its own poll, Southern Conference coverage and fresh blogs nearly every day from Tyree, Jon Nelson and Mark Harmon. It is worth a look no doubt.
Can You Believe He Said That
“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.”
That was Trent Dilfer talking about the Jim Schwartz/Jim Harbaugh ordeal that was called by some analysts as a “black eye for the Shield.” Give me a break please. The fact that fines were discussed over two coaches shaking hands is unbelievable. Don’t require them to do it if you don’t want something like this potentially happening. In the heat of the game one coach was excited over a big win and the other got his feelings hurt the rookie coach didn’t want wisdom imparted. Get over it.
Sloter opens up on Tulane, Carey sticks by her coach
Warren County Superintendent of Schools Carole Jean Carey was on hand in Sparta last Friday night when a Hancock Central player assaulted Warren County head coach David Daniel, sending the Screaming Devils coach to the hospital. According to Carey, she was walking back to the locker room with Daniel when the fracas started.“We saw helmets go up and he (Daniel) took off with the offensive coordinator.”
Carey said that she and Daniel were 30-40 feet away from the players when the melee broke out initially. The Warren County locker room was locked, according to Carey, and the team was standing outside the doors when a Hancock Central player initially smacked a Warren County player. Carey was putting equipment on the truck when she saw Daniel get struck. Daniel was taken to University Hospital before he was transferred and eventually released on Monday, according to Carey. The Augusta Chronicle reported that Daniel suffered fractures around his cheek, nose and right eye that will require major reconstructive surgery.
Assistant coach Jim Turner has been serving as acting head coach but Daniel is still involved in the team’s game plan. “He was breaking down film last night and he’s leading from afar right now,” said Carey. “He might be in the press box (for the upcoming game), but right now we just don’t know. It’s too early to tell.”
As far as the investigation, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department denied Carey’s request for GBI involvement, but that hasn’t deterred the Warren County Schools Superintendent. “I am working through the board attorney to petition the DA or the Attorney General to get the Bureau’s involvement.” Carey said that there are different faucets to the case, more than just the assault on Daniel. “A lot of things are going on. A few other things happened.” Carey did not wish to comment on the other incidents until after the investigation but she is looking out for Coach Daniel. “We need to hold the person accountable that did this to Coach Daniel.”
GHSA spokesman Steve Figueroa said the organization is waiting until authorities finish their investigation before they can get involved. “We will monitor what happens and then act,” said Figueroa. However, the GHSA cannot rule on this issue due to the fact that it took place after the game and off the field of play. “It is similar to a fight in the lunch room,” said Figueroa.
The only thing the GHSA could rule on is if the host school, in this case Hancock Central, were to be found guilty of not providing a safe atmosphere for the game. In this case, the GHSA could either fine the school or put the school on probation, possibly being ruled ineligible for the playoffs.
Mt. Pisgah Christian quarterback Kyle Sloter commited to Tulane this past Monday after visiting the campus the previous weekend. According to Sloter’s father, Kyle came away from the visit “energized,” and believes he “can be a major part of helping to turn around the program.” Some of the factors that Tulane had in its favor included a strong education and beautiful facilities on a gorgeous campus. An interesting note to keep an eye on: Tulane head coach Bob Toledo resigned the day after Sloter committed but the staff promised that the commitments will still be honored by the new coach. Sloter and his family say they will watch the selection process closely but are “hopeful (Tulane) gets in a head coach that runs the style of offense that is conducive to Kyle’s talents.”
Carey said that she and Daniel were 30-40 feet away from the players when the melee broke out initially. The Warren County locker room was locked, according to Carey, and the team was standing outside the doors when a Hancock Central player initially smacked a Warren County player. Carey was putting equipment on the truck when she saw Daniel get struck. Daniel was taken to University Hospital before he was transferred and eventually released on Monday, according to Carey. The Augusta Chronicle reported that Daniel suffered fractures around his cheek, nose and right eye that will require major reconstructive surgery.
Assistant coach Jim Turner has been serving as acting head coach but Daniel is still involved in the team’s game plan. “He was breaking down film last night and he’s leading from afar right now,” said Carey. “He might be in the press box (for the upcoming game), but right now we just don’t know. It’s too early to tell.”
As far as the investigation, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department denied Carey’s request for GBI involvement, but that hasn’t deterred the Warren County Schools Superintendent. “I am working through the board attorney to petition the DA or the Attorney General to get the Bureau’s involvement.” Carey said that there are different faucets to the case, more than just the assault on Daniel. “A lot of things are going on. A few other things happened.” Carey did not wish to comment on the other incidents until after the investigation but she is looking out for Coach Daniel. “We need to hold the person accountable that did this to Coach Daniel.”
GHSA spokesman Steve Figueroa said the organization is waiting until authorities finish their investigation before they can get involved. “We will monitor what happens and then act,” said Figueroa. However, the GHSA cannot rule on this issue due to the fact that it took place after the game and off the field of play. “It is similar to a fight in the lunch room,” said Figueroa.
The only thing the GHSA could rule on is if the host school, in this case Hancock Central, were to be found guilty of not providing a safe atmosphere for the game. In this case, the GHSA could either fine the school or put the school on probation, possibly being ruled ineligible for the playoffs.
Mt. Pisgah Christian quarterback Kyle Sloter commited to Tulane this past Monday after visiting the campus the previous weekend. According to Sloter’s father, Kyle came away from the visit “energized,” and believes he “can be a major part of helping to turn around the program.” Some of the factors that Tulane had in its favor included a strong education and beautiful facilities on a gorgeous campus. An interesting note to keep an eye on: Tulane head coach Bob Toledo resigned the day after Sloter committed but the staff promised that the commitments will still be honored by the new coach. Sloter and his family say they will watch the selection process closely but are “hopeful (Tulane) gets in a head coach that runs the style of offense that is conducive to Kyle’s talents.”
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Rush ready for playoffs, Buford ready for GAC
Warren County coach David Daniel suffered fractures around his cheek, nose and right eye that will require major reconstructive surgery as a result of a brawl that occurred following the Screaming Devils game against Hancock Central. According to witnesses, a Hancock Central player first hit a Warren County player with a helmet outside of the Warren County locker room before then striking Daniel in the face. Warren County Schools Superintendent Carole Jean Carey had a request for a GBI investigation denied by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, but she and the board attorney are seeking help from the Attorney General. Assistant coach Jim Turner is serving as acting head coach though Carey says Daniel is still “coaching from afar.” The GHSA has asked both schools for an account.
The Grayson/Brookwood rivalry was revved up a level recently when Grayson students released a Youtube video rapping about the game. The video had over 30,000 views at press deadline.
Rush Propst appears to have the defensive woes the troubled Colquitt County one year ago solved and the Packers could truly be a force come playoff time. The defense has stepped up this year, allowing just 11 points per game, down from 31 points per game one year ago. In region play, that number decreases even more as the Packers have allowed 9.5 points per game. Colquitt County defeated Lowndes 34-7 to move to 2-0 in region play and push the Vikings to the bottom of Region 1-5A.
The stage has been set for the Region 6A-AA showdown everyone was waiting for: No. 1 Buford at 8-0 hosting No. 3 GAC, 7-0 on the year. Both team average around 48 points per game offensively but GAC has given up an average of 18 points per game while Buford gives up just over a field goal per contest. GAC’s offense has kicked it into a higher gear in preparation for the matchup with the Wolves, splurging for 69 against Decatur and 62 against Clarkston its last two times out.
Savannah Christian has made it to the state championship game the last two seasons. In 2009 the Raiders entered the game undefeated while in 2010 Savannah Christian had one loss on its schedule. If Donald Chumley’s team wants another unblemished record entering the 2011 playoffs, its toughest task may be when the Raiders travel to 7-0 Calvary Day this Friday.
The Grayson/Brookwood rivalry was revved up a level recently when Grayson students released a Youtube video rapping about the game. The video had over 30,000 views at press deadline.
Rush Propst appears to have the defensive woes the troubled Colquitt County one year ago solved and the Packers could truly be a force come playoff time. The defense has stepped up this year, allowing just 11 points per game, down from 31 points per game one year ago. In region play, that number decreases even more as the Packers have allowed 9.5 points per game. Colquitt County defeated Lowndes 34-7 to move to 2-0 in region play and push the Vikings to the bottom of Region 1-5A.
The stage has been set for the Region 6A-AA showdown everyone was waiting for: No. 1 Buford at 8-0 hosting No. 3 GAC, 7-0 on the year. Both team average around 48 points per game offensively but GAC has given up an average of 18 points per game while Buford gives up just over a field goal per contest. GAC’s offense has kicked it into a higher gear in preparation for the matchup with the Wolves, splurging for 69 against Decatur and 62 against Clarkston its last two times out.
Savannah Christian has made it to the state championship game the last two seasons. In 2009 the Raiders entered the game undefeated while in 2010 Savannah Christian had one loss on its schedule. If Donald Chumley’s team wants another unblemished record entering the 2011 playoffs, its toughest task may be when the Raiders travel to 7-0 Calvary Day this Friday.
Richmond County schools react, Cobb Bowl Coaches announced
The first domino has fallen following last week’s Hancock Central/Warren County melee as Richmond County schools has amended its athletic security policy. In the new policy, two public safety officers will be on the field during the traditional handshake then an officer will follow each team to its respective locker room. The Augusta Chronicle noted that the Richmond County Board of Education has come up with these measures as well as several other to try and prevent a situation like what happened last Friday night that sent Warren County coach David Daniel to the hospital.
... Lassiter’s Jep Irwin is working with a talented group of Trojans this year with several seniors headed to play at the next level. He will get to work with an entirely different set of seniors this December in the Cobb County All-Star Senior Bowl. He was named as the coach of the Americans team and will face Harrison coach David Hines and his Nationals team. The game will feature 120 of the top seniors from 21 high schools across Cobb County. The Americans will feature players from Sprayberry, Lassiter, South Cobb, Wheeler, Whitefield Academy, North Cobb, Pope, Allatoona, Mount Paran and McEachern. The Nationals will be comprised of players from Walton, Hillgrove, Peeblebrook, Campbell, Walker, Marietta, Harrison, Kell, Osborne, Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb Christian. ...
Stephon Cross scored two touchdowns and gained 71 yards on just five carries in his debut with Warner Robins. He also hauled in a touchdown reception. Cross sat out the team’s first six games after transferring into the Demons program. Cartrell Brooks, another transfer, also scored in the team’s most recent game. ...
It took a few days but Oscar Luna has made Colquitt County history. His 50-yard field goal against Lowndes has now been determined to be the longest kick in Packer history.
... Lassiter’s Jep Irwin is working with a talented group of Trojans this year with several seniors headed to play at the next level. He will get to work with an entirely different set of seniors this December in the Cobb County All-Star Senior Bowl. He was named as the coach of the Americans team and will face Harrison coach David Hines and his Nationals team. The game will feature 120 of the top seniors from 21 high schools across Cobb County. The Americans will feature players from Sprayberry, Lassiter, South Cobb, Wheeler, Whitefield Academy, North Cobb, Pope, Allatoona, Mount Paran and McEachern. The Nationals will be comprised of players from Walton, Hillgrove, Peeblebrook, Campbell, Walker, Marietta, Harrison, Kell, Osborne, Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb Christian. ...
Stephon Cross scored two touchdowns and gained 71 yards on just five carries in his debut with Warner Robins. He also hauled in a touchdown reception. Cross sat out the team’s first six games after transferring into the Demons program. Cartrell Brooks, another transfer, also scored in the team’s most recent game. ...
It took a few days but Oscar Luna has made Colquitt County history. His 50-yard field goal against Lowndes has now been determined to be the longest kick in Packer history.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Warren County Schools Super speaks; Grayson revving it up
The lastest in the Warren County/Hancock Central melee has Warren County Schools Superintendent Carole Jean Carey asking the school board’s attorney to look into getting the DA and the Attorney General to petition the GBI to investigate the incident which occured after the game last Friday. Carey said yesterday in an interview with Score that Coach David Daniel is still coaching “from afar.” She said he has been breakind down film and may sit in the press box before this week’s game. Carey was scheduled to appear on 790 The Zone this morning to discuss the issue further. ...
The Grayson/Brookwood game next week has been revved up by a trio of Grayson students who recently uploaded a rap video entitled “Brookwood, Where You At?” that has hit over 30,000 views online. The video is good-natured and features several Grayson players including quarterback Nick Schuessler and junior standout Robert Nkemdiche. ...
According to the GHSA, Athens Christian will have to forfeit three wins due to the use of a player that did not meet the GHSA standards for eligibility regarding foreign exchange students and was therefore ineligible to play in six varsity games. The victories over Hebron Christian, Banks County and Social Circle will be vacated. ...
Mt. Pisgah quarterback Kyle Sloter commited to Tulane Monday after visiting the campus over the weekend. According to Sloter’s father, Kyle believes he “can be a major part of helping to turn around the program.” An interesting note to keep an eye on: Tulane head coach Bob Toledo resigned the day after Sloter committed but the staff promised that the commitments will still be honored by the new coach. Sloter and his family say they are “hopeful (Tulane) gets in a head coach that runs the style of offense that is conducive to Kyle’s talents.”
The Grayson/Brookwood game next week has been revved up by a trio of Grayson students who recently uploaded a rap video entitled “Brookwood, Where You At?” that has hit over 30,000 views online. The video is good-natured and features several Grayson players including quarterback Nick Schuessler and junior standout Robert Nkemdiche. ...
According to the GHSA, Athens Christian will have to forfeit three wins due to the use of a player that did not meet the GHSA standards for eligibility regarding foreign exchange students and was therefore ineligible to play in six varsity games. The victories over Hebron Christian, Banks County and Social Circle will be vacated. ...
Mt. Pisgah quarterback Kyle Sloter commited to Tulane Monday after visiting the campus over the weekend. According to Sloter’s father, Kyle believes he “can be a major part of helping to turn around the program.” An interesting note to keep an eye on: Tulane head coach Bob Toledo resigned the day after Sloter committed but the staff promised that the commitments will still be honored by the new coach. Sloter and his family say they are “hopeful (Tulane) gets in a head coach that runs the style of offense that is conducive to Kyle’s talents.”
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Best Brooks Co in a while? , Carrollton on a roll
Could this Brooks County team really win the state title? Some Trojans fans believe this team is the best edition since the 1994 title team and Maurice Freeman’s squad has rattled off six straight victories since falling to 5A power Valdosta in the season-opener. Brooks County is No. 7 in the latest Class AA poll. ... Would a victory on the road over Buford be enough to put Greater Atlanta Christian into the AA top spot? Calhoun may have a problem with that as the Yellow Jackets sit 7-0 while allowing more than one touchdown just twice this season with shutouts. ... Parkview will need to erase all memories of its 36-0 loss to Grayson quickly as the Panthers travel to face Brookwood in the Battle of Five Forks-Trickum. The Broncos have rounded into playoff-shape and sit tied with Parkview for second in Region 8-5A. Conversely the Broncos will need to focus on this game knowing that a road trip to Grayson awaits and the Rams may still be angry over last season’s Brookwood victory. ... Carrollton continues to roll after thumping Shaw 49-6. The Trojans have won seven straight, each by at least 32 points, save for a narrow win over Troup. Carrollton rattled off 14 in a row last year before losing the title game to Sandy Creek to finish 14-1. The Trojans would certainly take another 14-1 season this year. ... Brookwood and Walton fared well in the recent Coach Wood Invitation held in Gainesville over the weekend. The Brookwood boys won the male event, two spots ahead of Walton and three ahead of St. Pius X. The Walton girls finished runner-up to a Florida school, just ahead of Brookwood and Parkview.
Score 44 Week NINE!
Several members of the Score 44 received their official US Army All-American Bowl invitations and jerseys last week and other all-star games will hold special ceremonies in the upcoming weeks. Additions to the Score 44 this week include one player that was on the first list of the year and is back, as well as another player completely new to the list. Ty Smith of Colquitt County had a big game in his team’s biggest win of the year, a 34-7 win over Lowndes. Smith hauled in seven catches. Malachi Jones of Central Gwinnett caught 15 passes for 150 yards in his team’s last game. He has 70 catches, 12 touchdowns and 882 yards on the season. Jones is the younger brother of Tai-ler “TJ” Jones, currently of Notre Dame.
In (from week 8) Ty Smith, Colquitt County (Moultrie), TE; Malachi Jones, Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville) WR
Out (from week 8) Austin Hardin, Marist (Atlanta ), K; Ricky Parks, Callaway (Hogansville), ATH
Ty Smith, Colquitt County (Moultrie), TE
Jordan Washington, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) DL
Kurt Freitag, Buford (Buford), TE/DE
Jonquel Dawson, ML King (Lithonia), QB
Kenderius Whitehead, ML King (Monroe) DE/OLB
Blake Tibbs, ML King (Lithonia), WR
Daron Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Darius English, McEachern (Powder Springs ), DE
Jonathan Jones, Carrollton (Carrollton) CB
Shadrach Thornton, Liberty County (Hinesville) RB
Brandon Greene, Cedar Grove (Ellenwood) OT
Chase Roberts, GAC (Norcross) OG
Greyson Lambert, Wayne County (Jesup) QB
Mike Davis, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) RB
Scott Hosch, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) QB
Nick Tompkins, Brookwood (Snellville), RB
Imani Cross, North Hall (Gainesville) RB
Zack Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Dillon Lee, Buford (Buford), LB
DeMarcus Sweat, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) WR
Paris Head, Buford (Buford), CB/WR
Jarontay Jones, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), DE
Quinteze Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone) DT
Markuss Eligwe, Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain), LB
Jordan Watkins, Woodward Academy (College Park), DT
Dalvin Tomlinson, Henry County (McDonough), DL
Jason Croom, Norcross (Norcross) WR
Jacob Sealand, Tucker (Tucker), LB
Jhaustin Thomas, Columbia (Decatur) DE
Miles Jones, Allatoona (Acworth) RB
Josh Dawson, Tucker (Tucker) LB
Mike Hilton, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), RB
Malachi Jones, Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville) WR
Jordan Jenkins, Harris County (Hamilton), DE
Jonathan Taylor, Jenkins County (Millen), DT
Geno Smith, St. Pius X (Atlanta), DB
Kenyan Drake, Hillgrove (Powder Springs), RB/ATH
Raphael Kirby, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), LB
Joe Harris, Lithonia (Lithonia), OG
Vadal Alexander, Buford (Buford), OT
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Lowndes (Valdosta), OLB/WR
JaQuay Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), WR
CJ Curry, Flowery Branch (Gainesville), WR
Josh Holsey, Creekside (Fairburn) DB
In (from week 8) Ty Smith, Colquitt County (Moultrie), TE; Malachi Jones, Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville) WR
Out (from week 8) Austin Hardin, Marist (Atlanta ), K; Ricky Parks, Callaway (Hogansville), ATH
Ty Smith, Colquitt County (Moultrie), TE
Jordan Washington, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) DL
Kurt Freitag, Buford (Buford), TE/DE
Jonquel Dawson, ML King (Lithonia), QB
Kenderius Whitehead, ML King (Monroe) DE/OLB
Blake Tibbs, ML King (Lithonia), WR
Daron Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Darius English, McEachern (Powder Springs ), DE
Jonathan Jones, Carrollton (Carrollton) CB
Shadrach Thornton, Liberty County (Hinesville) RB
Brandon Greene, Cedar Grove (Ellenwood) OT
Chase Roberts, GAC (Norcross) OG
Greyson Lambert, Wayne County (Jesup) QB
Mike Davis, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) RB
Scott Hosch, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) QB
Nick Tompkins, Brookwood (Snellville), RB
Imani Cross, North Hall (Gainesville) RB
Zack Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Dillon Lee, Buford (Buford), LB
DeMarcus Sweat, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) WR
Paris Head, Buford (Buford), CB/WR
Jarontay Jones, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), DE
Quinteze Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone) DT
Markuss Eligwe, Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain), LB
Jordan Watkins, Woodward Academy (College Park), DT
Dalvin Tomlinson, Henry County (McDonough), DL
Jason Croom, Norcross (Norcross) WR
Jacob Sealand, Tucker (Tucker), LB
Jhaustin Thomas, Columbia (Decatur) DE
Miles Jones, Allatoona (Acworth) RB
Josh Dawson, Tucker (Tucker) LB
Mike Hilton, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), RB
Malachi Jones, Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville) WR
Jordan Jenkins, Harris County (Hamilton), DE
Jonathan Taylor, Jenkins County (Millen), DT
Geno Smith, St. Pius X (Atlanta), DB
Kenyan Drake, Hillgrove (Powder Springs), RB/ATH
Raphael Kirby, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), LB
Joe Harris, Lithonia (Lithonia), OG
Vadal Alexander, Buford (Buford), OT
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Lowndes (Valdosta), OLB/WR
JaQuay Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), WR
CJ Curry, Flowery Branch (Gainesville), WR
Josh Holsey, Creekside (Fairburn) DB
Monday, October 17, 2011
A preview of The Official Visit, TONIGHT 9PM!
Be sure to tune in tonight from9-10 to 790 The Zone for The Official Visit! Fletcher Proctor, Scott Janovitz. FUN TIMES
Take it for what you will since it comes from Twitter, but University of Georgia offensive line pledge John Theus (Jacksonville,FL) and top running back prospect Keith Marshall (Raleigh, NC)exchanged tweets that could get Bulldogs fans toes a-tapping. After Marshall noted that it is getting “closer and closer to December.. time to make that decision,” Theus responded “just come run behind me.”
Marshall retweeted “Lol sounds good to me.” Georgia fans are likely dreaming of a Marshall/Isaiah Crowell running attack with Theus helping to lead the charge. Marshall also tweeted earlier this year in defense of Mark Richt so Bulldog Nation should feel good about its chances of landing the prospect. Marshall has Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Clemson in his finalists along with Georgia.
Long-time Auburn pledge Josh Holsey, a projected cornerback at the next level, may have impressed Florida State enough on offense recently to get a harder look by the Seminoles. Holsey, who sometimes plays out of the wildcat offense for Creekside (GA) High School, has announced that he will take an official visit to Florida State.
The state of Georgia has been sending tailbacks to SEC programs all year long and it appears that another back is headed out of state. Kenno Loyal has declared his intentions to attend Ole Miss according to his high school coach. He will join Mike Hilton (Sandy Creek) in Oxford. Imani Cross (North Hall) has pledged to Tennessee, Mike Davis (Stephenson) has given his word to Florida, and Kenyan Drake (Hillgrove) and Justin Taylor (North Atlanta) are both headed to Alabama.
Finally Joseph Jackson (Jacksonville, FL) has apparently reopened his recruiting process as the OLB prospect will look around at other schools, despite being “committed” to West Virginia. Jackson recently called the commitment to the Neers “soft,” and he could choose to visit schools closer to home.
Take it for what you will since it comes from Twitter, but University of Georgia offensive line pledge John Theus (Jacksonville,FL) and top running back prospect Keith Marshall (Raleigh, NC)exchanged tweets that could get Bulldogs fans toes a-tapping. After Marshall noted that it is getting “closer and closer to December.. time to make that decision,” Theus responded “just come run behind me.”
Marshall retweeted “Lol sounds good to me.” Georgia fans are likely dreaming of a Marshall/Isaiah Crowell running attack with Theus helping to lead the charge. Marshall also tweeted earlier this year in defense of Mark Richt so Bulldog Nation should feel good about its chances of landing the prospect. Marshall has Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Clemson in his finalists along with Georgia.
Long-time Auburn pledge Josh Holsey, a projected cornerback at the next level, may have impressed Florida State enough on offense recently to get a harder look by the Seminoles. Holsey, who sometimes plays out of the wildcat offense for Creekside (GA) High School, has announced that he will take an official visit to Florida State.
The state of Georgia has been sending tailbacks to SEC programs all year long and it appears that another back is headed out of state. Kenno Loyal has declared his intentions to attend Ole Miss according to his high school coach. He will join Mike Hilton (Sandy Creek) in Oxford. Imani Cross (North Hall) has pledged to Tennessee, Mike Davis (Stephenson) has given his word to Florida, and Kenyan Drake (Hillgrove) and Justin Taylor (North Atlanta) are both headed to Alabama.
Finally Joseph Jackson (Jacksonville, FL) has apparently reopened his recruiting process as the OLB prospect will look around at other schools, despite being “committed” to West Virginia. Jackson recently called the commitment to the Neers “soft,” and he could choose to visit schools closer to home.
HSFB Things I Learned from the Metro over the weekend
The Norcross Blue Devils dropped another game in region play, falling to Peachtree Ridge over the weekend, but you get the feeling that it wasn’t the Lions that defeated the Blue Devils as much as North Gwinnett for the second week in a row. The Blue Devils were driving for a clinching score two weeks ago but came up empty, allowing North Gwinnett to rally back for a win. Norcross may have not been able to let that defeat go before the Peachtree Ridge game. ...
Grayson also showed that it could make some noise in the playoffs thanks to its defense. After shutting down Parkview’s Chris Carson, the Rams appear on the verge of getting Mickey Conn to the Georgia Dome. ...
Stephenson/ML King still looms November 4, but East Coweta will play each of those the next two weeks to help determine the region race. ...
Buford was off but GAC took care of business against Clarkston 62-8. GAC has scored at least 28 in each of its games, topping 62 each of its last two games. Both teams enter the game undefeated but the Spartans will face a tall task against the Wolves on Buford’s senior night. ...
Brookwood once again handled its business as Nick Tompkins exploded for over 140 yards in the 31-0 victory. The Broncos have won four straight, the last three by at least 30 points. The Mark Crews defense is rounding into shape and has a chance at winning the region again but faces Grayson on the road after hosting Parkview. ...
East Paulding finally gave up some points but still managed to spank Hiram 63-14, setting up this week’s game with Pope. ...
And if Grady is still one year away, the rebuilding is going swimmingly as the Grey Knights drilled North Springs 70-0.
Grayson also showed that it could make some noise in the playoffs thanks to its defense. After shutting down Parkview’s Chris Carson, the Rams appear on the verge of getting Mickey Conn to the Georgia Dome. ...
Stephenson/ML King still looms November 4, but East Coweta will play each of those the next two weeks to help determine the region race. ...
Buford was off but GAC took care of business against Clarkston 62-8. GAC has scored at least 28 in each of its games, topping 62 each of its last two games. Both teams enter the game undefeated but the Spartans will face a tall task against the Wolves on Buford’s senior night. ...
Brookwood once again handled its business as Nick Tompkins exploded for over 140 yards in the 31-0 victory. The Broncos have won four straight, the last three by at least 30 points. The Mark Crews defense is rounding into shape and has a chance at winning the region again but faces Grayson on the road after hosting Parkview. ...
East Paulding finally gave up some points but still managed to spank Hiram 63-14, setting up this week’s game with Pope. ...
And if Grady is still one year away, the rebuilding is going swimmingly as the Grey Knights drilled North Springs 70-0.
Friday, October 14, 2011
GPB.org Game of the Week! Lowndes/Colquitt County
Imagine losing to your biggest rival in the Winnersville Classic then having to hit the road to face a team that started the season ranked No. 1 and coming off of a finals appearance. Lowndes must put its loss to Valdosta into the rear view mirror ASAP because Colquitt County is looking to stay atop Region 1-5A. The Packers, who lost their only game earlier this season on GPB.org to Warner Robins, are nearly unbeatable at home. Rush Propst’s squad has won all six of its home games this year and a reason for the improvement comes on the defensive side of the ball. Propst is known for his offensive play-calling but new defensive coordinator Travis Pearson has the Packers allowing just 12 points per game.
The Packers offense is led by 24 2Look4 quarterback Cole Seagraves and running back Willie Woodyard. Seagraves has thrown for nearly 1000 yards and 10 scores while splitting time with Daniel Mobley (316, 3 TD). Bryce Giddens is back from an earlier injury to anchor the offensive line that will be attacked all night long.
The Lowndes strength comes from its defense as Score 44 LB Josh Harvey-Clemons and 24 2Look4 CB Tiquan Lang bring the thunder. Harvey-Clemons has 65.5 tackles, four TFL and three interceptions. Lang has 39.5 tackles from his spot in the secondary. Tre Jackson, James Mathis, Justin Evans and Matt Frazier are all contributors in the Lowndes defensive attack.
With a loss, Lowndes could have to hit the road to face the loser of the ML King/Stephenson game in the first round of the playoffs. The Vikings finish up the season at home against Coffee and at Tift County. Colquitt County has an off-week next week before finishing the season at Coffee and at Valdosta.
The Packers offense is led by 24 2Look4 quarterback Cole Seagraves and running back Willie Woodyard. Seagraves has thrown for nearly 1000 yards and 10 scores while splitting time with Daniel Mobley (316, 3 TD). Bryce Giddens is back from an earlier injury to anchor the offensive line that will be attacked all night long.
The Lowndes strength comes from its defense as Score 44 LB Josh Harvey-Clemons and 24 2Look4 CB Tiquan Lang bring the thunder. Harvey-Clemons has 65.5 tackles, four TFL and three interceptions. Lang has 39.5 tackles from his spot in the secondary. Tre Jackson, James Mathis, Justin Evans and Matt Frazier are all contributors in the Lowndes defensive attack.
With a loss, Lowndes could have to hit the road to face the loser of the ML King/Stephenson game in the first round of the playoffs. The Vikings finish up the season at home against Coffee and at Tift County. Colquitt County has an off-week next week before finishing the season at Coffee and at Valdosta.
Metro-Preview for 10/14
More pretenders will be put to rest this weekend as the true contenders will step forward in region action. Parkview will see if it falls into the first or second category when nationally-ranked Grayson visits the Big Orange Jungle. Panthers junior running back Chris Carson will need to steer clear of Robert Nkemdiche if he wants to break 100 yards yet again. ...
Jonesboro and Lovejoy will enter Twelve Oaks Stadium both 6-0 in region 4-4A play. Lovejoy’s defense is allowing just 4.3 points per game and has won seven straight in the series. ...
Peachtree Ridge lost its first game of the season to Walton in the Georgia Dome but has recovered to win five straight, including three straight in region play. Quarterback Billy Best triggers the Lions attack. Norcross meanwhile is trying to shake blowing a 22-0 lead in the game’s final 13:30 last week to North Gwinnett. A Norcross loss would likely eliminate any chance the Blue Devils have at the Region 7-5A title. ...
The talk earlier this season was of the improved Miller Grove defense. That defense will be tested by No. 1 Tucker. ...
Mill Creek welcomes in Collins Hill as both teams enter the game 1-2 in region play, tied with Duluth and Mountain View for the final playoff spot. ...
The Brookwood Broncos have put up 56 and 59 points its last two times out. Shiloh gives up 28 points per game but has given up 33 per game since beating South Gwinnett. ...
I am not sure many people thought Roswell at Alpharetta would pit a six-win Alpharetta team against a six-loss Roswell team but the Hornets are still seeking Justin Sanderson’s first win. Roswell has lost its last two games but a combined five points.
Jonesboro and Lovejoy will enter Twelve Oaks Stadium both 6-0 in region 4-4A play. Lovejoy’s defense is allowing just 4.3 points per game and has won seven straight in the series. ...
Peachtree Ridge lost its first game of the season to Walton in the Georgia Dome but has recovered to win five straight, including three straight in region play. Quarterback Billy Best triggers the Lions attack. Norcross meanwhile is trying to shake blowing a 22-0 lead in the game’s final 13:30 last week to North Gwinnett. A Norcross loss would likely eliminate any chance the Blue Devils have at the Region 7-5A title. ...
The talk earlier this season was of the improved Miller Grove defense. That defense will be tested by No. 1 Tucker. ...
Mill Creek welcomes in Collins Hill as both teams enter the game 1-2 in region play, tied with Duluth and Mountain View for the final playoff spot. ...
The Brookwood Broncos have put up 56 and 59 points its last two times out. Shiloh gives up 28 points per game but has given up 33 per game since beating South Gwinnett. ...
I am not sure many people thought Roswell at Alpharetta would pit a six-win Alpharetta team against a six-loss Roswell team but the Hornets are still seeking Justin Sanderson’s first win. Roswell has lost its last two games but a combined five points.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Buford, CHHS advance in softball, White County out
To say that Jefferson senior Carson Newman has adjusted well to his new defensive end position would be a bit of an understatement. According to the Athens Banner-Herald, Newman registered 21 tackles in the Dragons’ 48-13 region win over Oglethorpe County last Friday. Newman’s final line included 19 solo tackles, eight TFL, two assisted tackles, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. ...
Bobby Johns of Bacon County High School really has things cooking in Alma. I the Red Raiders last game Johns coached his squad to a 21-0 shutout of Telfair to improve to 5-1 on the season. Johns was named by the Atlanta Falcons as the NFL High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic. Bacon County faces Atkinson County this Friday. ...
Windsor Forest quarterback Aaron Hughes continues to force head coach Jason Roundtree call more passing plays after throwing for three scores and 203 yards in a 10-point win over Bradwell last week. Hughes also ran for 185 yards and two scores in the victory. Roundtree admits he prefers to run first but he has adjusted the attack for Hughes and the team has won three straight. ...
Rarely is Buford an underdog in any sport but the four-time defending Class AA champion could be considered somewhat of an underdog this postseason as the Lady Wolves fell to the No. 2 seed from Region 6-AA after losing to GAC. After a win last night, a potential date with Union County looms down the road in what would be a rematch of last season’s Class AA championship. ...
Pope is off and running in the volleyball playoffs, sweeping Lambert in round one 25-13, 25-9, 25-9. ... Wesleyan was also a winner last night, 25-12, 25-15, 27-25.
Bobby Johns of Bacon County High School really has things cooking in Alma. I the Red Raiders last game Johns coached his squad to a 21-0 shutout of Telfair to improve to 5-1 on the season. Johns was named by the Atlanta Falcons as the NFL High School Coach of the Week presented by Russell Athletic. Bacon County faces Atkinson County this Friday. ...
Windsor Forest quarterback Aaron Hughes continues to force head coach Jason Roundtree call more passing plays after throwing for three scores and 203 yards in a 10-point win over Bradwell last week. Hughes also ran for 185 yards and two scores in the victory. Roundtree admits he prefers to run first but he has adjusted the attack for Hughes and the team has won three straight. ...
Rarely is Buford an underdog in any sport but the four-time defending Class AA champion could be considered somewhat of an underdog this postseason as the Lady Wolves fell to the No. 2 seed from Region 6-AA after losing to GAC. After a win last night, a potential date with Union County looms down the road in what would be a rematch of last season’s Class AA championship. ...
Pope is off and running in the volleyball playoffs, sweeping Lambert in round one 25-13, 25-9, 25-9. ... Wesleyan was also a winner last night, 25-12, 25-15, 27-25.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
TheFletch: What do ATL sport radio callers want?
A baseball collapse so historic that it brings Pedro Gomez to Atlanta is never good but it makes for good sports talk radio. The Atlanta Braves blew an 8.5 game lead in the National League Wild Card race, bowing out to the Cardinals after a loss in the final game of the regular season. Normally in a town so driven by football that one radio station claims “Football Lives Here” and talks NFL and college football 365, the Braves dominated the radio airwaves for the final week of the season. Unfortunately for Braves fans, it was for the wrong reasons. Driving around listening to the radio it was amazing to hear baseball talk, baseball talk and more baseball talk. Braves Country was FINALLY fired up, but most of the callers were of a curious nature. You had some Braves fans calling in saying they “knew what was going to happen,” i.e., a Braves’ choke. You had some Braves fans calling up bemoaning the collapse before it was complete and then you just had fans calling up saying the Braves were terrible. Some passion yes, it is just a shame that the passion was 95% of a negative nature. I am not wishing the comments had been positive, I just wish the situation was different and the Braves had been playing the role of the Cardinals and the response would have been the same. Sadly in this town, baseball only drives negative calls.
Just days after Atlanta radio callers threw dirt on the Braves franchise, Falcons fans were calling up to complain over a road victory against a team that won a game in the playoffs one year ago. Falcons fans/callers, what more do you want? Wins aren’t good enough? Especially on the road? Especially against a team that won a playoff game one year ago? Especially one week after you lost to a division rival? Come on now. You don’t need to call up and slap the coaches on the back. There was plenty wrong in the game. However as the immortal Herm Edwards once famously quipped to a reporter, YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME. The Falcons won the game. A road game. Give some credit where it is due. Oh the Seahawks aren’t very good? Last time I checked, professionals still play for Seattle and that stadium offers its team one of the best home field advantages in all of sports. Big win for Atlanta.
The Sporting News has me a bit confused in its latest issue. I was reading its NHL preview and Craig Custance wrote a piece on the former Atlanta Thrashers-turned-Winnipeg Jets, saying that the franchise is building a contender. The interesting comment was found when Custance quotes new Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and the GM says “There’s no anonymity in Winnipeg.”
Custance writes “Its quite different from Atlanta, where the franchise’s anonymity was one of the reasons it was allowed to leave. Half the city barely knew the Thrashers existed.”
OK, so our city didn’t get behind the Thrashers. That possibly had something to do with poor team management and owners that didn’t seem to know anything about hockey and superstar players that wanted to leave every chance they got.
Later though in the issue of The Sporting News, soccer expert Brian Straus suggests that Atlanta is a possibility for MLS expansion. Apparently MLS is keen on the idea of Major League Soccer returning to the Southeast, despite Miami and Tampa contracting clubs throughout MLS’s early years and Straus suggested Atlanta. Can TSN please explain to me how soccer, about 12th on the list of all major sports, is going to make it if the NHL cannot? Why would TSN chose to bash Atlanta on one page and then 13 pages later say that Atlanta is a great sports town and should have another major league team? Are we good or bad? I am confused TSN. Clear that up for me, would you?
The AJC’s Mark Bradley got a shot in on the Falcons last week during an appearance for ESPN. ESPN’s SportsCenter interviewed Bradley once and 680 The Fan’s John Kincade during afternoon SportsCenter shows over the Braves collapse and Bradley did his best Dan Shaughnessy impersonation with a “we’ll never win” act before he dropped a “well now the town can get back to preparing for the Falcons not to win in the playoffs” line. Good work there Mark. And after I gave you some kind words a few weeks back in this very column.
When Lou Holtz started with ESPN, he was unwatchable and unlistenable. I remember wondering when his contract was up and guessing whether or not ESPN would just pull the plug on the former Notre Dame (and multiple other teams) coach. Eventually ESPN found a zone for Holtz and while still unlistenable, he does add some value to his broadcast time. For a local parallel, 680 The Fan has a similar problem with Leo Mazzone. When he first started he was hard to listen to when the topic wasn’t baseball. Even when it was baseball, it was difficult sometimes. During the season, Mazzone adds a nice voice to the Braves conversation, a little too rosy sometimes but the show does a nice job of addressing that. Now that baseball season is over though, I wonder how Mazzone will do until next spring. Will he continue to simply add, “hmmm” comments during interviews? Will he continue to waste time in those same interviews, changing the topic to ask randomly about Notre Dame? Will he continue to sound like he is reading questions that someone wrote for him to ask so he won’t veer the conversation towards Notre Dame. I used to love watching Leo rock back and forth in the dugout during the Braves’ glory days. I want it to work on the air. It isn’t yet.
Can You Believe He Said That
“Bosher will cost the Falcons a game before the season is over”
That was the sentiment on Mayhem in the Am on the Falcons Flagship 790 The Zone the morning after the win over Seattle. Chris Dimino and Nick Cellini were talking back and forth about the Falcons shortcomings in the Seattle game and the punter’s name came up. If a problem with the punter is the biggest issue you have, life should be good. But I guess you need something to complain about.
Just days after Atlanta radio callers threw dirt on the Braves franchise, Falcons fans were calling up to complain over a road victory against a team that won a game in the playoffs one year ago. Falcons fans/callers, what more do you want? Wins aren’t good enough? Especially on the road? Especially against a team that won a playoff game one year ago? Especially one week after you lost to a division rival? Come on now. You don’t need to call up and slap the coaches on the back. There was plenty wrong in the game. However as the immortal Herm Edwards once famously quipped to a reporter, YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME. The Falcons won the game. A road game. Give some credit where it is due. Oh the Seahawks aren’t very good? Last time I checked, professionals still play for Seattle and that stadium offers its team one of the best home field advantages in all of sports. Big win for Atlanta.
The Sporting News has me a bit confused in its latest issue. I was reading its NHL preview and Craig Custance wrote a piece on the former Atlanta Thrashers-turned-Winnipeg Jets, saying that the franchise is building a contender. The interesting comment was found when Custance quotes new Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and the GM says “There’s no anonymity in Winnipeg.”
Custance writes “Its quite different from Atlanta, where the franchise’s anonymity was one of the reasons it was allowed to leave. Half the city barely knew the Thrashers existed.”
OK, so our city didn’t get behind the Thrashers. That possibly had something to do with poor team management and owners that didn’t seem to know anything about hockey and superstar players that wanted to leave every chance they got.
Later though in the issue of The Sporting News, soccer expert Brian Straus suggests that Atlanta is a possibility for MLS expansion. Apparently MLS is keen on the idea of Major League Soccer returning to the Southeast, despite Miami and Tampa contracting clubs throughout MLS’s early years and Straus suggested Atlanta. Can TSN please explain to me how soccer, about 12th on the list of all major sports, is going to make it if the NHL cannot? Why would TSN chose to bash Atlanta on one page and then 13 pages later say that Atlanta is a great sports town and should have another major league team? Are we good or bad? I am confused TSN. Clear that up for me, would you?
The AJC’s Mark Bradley got a shot in on the Falcons last week during an appearance for ESPN. ESPN’s SportsCenter interviewed Bradley once and 680 The Fan’s John Kincade during afternoon SportsCenter shows over the Braves collapse and Bradley did his best Dan Shaughnessy impersonation with a “we’ll never win” act before he dropped a “well now the town can get back to preparing for the Falcons not to win in the playoffs” line. Good work there Mark. And after I gave you some kind words a few weeks back in this very column.
When Lou Holtz started with ESPN, he was unwatchable and unlistenable. I remember wondering when his contract was up and guessing whether or not ESPN would just pull the plug on the former Notre Dame (and multiple other teams) coach. Eventually ESPN found a zone for Holtz and while still unlistenable, he does add some value to his broadcast time. For a local parallel, 680 The Fan has a similar problem with Leo Mazzone. When he first started he was hard to listen to when the topic wasn’t baseball. Even when it was baseball, it was difficult sometimes. During the season, Mazzone adds a nice voice to the Braves conversation, a little too rosy sometimes but the show does a nice job of addressing that. Now that baseball season is over though, I wonder how Mazzone will do until next spring. Will he continue to simply add, “hmmm” comments during interviews? Will he continue to waste time in those same interviews, changing the topic to ask randomly about Notre Dame? Will he continue to sound like he is reading questions that someone wrote for him to ask so he won’t veer the conversation towards Notre Dame. I used to love watching Leo rock back and forth in the dugout during the Braves’ glory days. I want it to work on the air. It isn’t yet.
Can You Believe He Said That
“Bosher will cost the Falcons a game before the season is over”
That was the sentiment on Mayhem in the Am on the Falcons Flagship 790 The Zone the morning after the win over Seattle. Chris Dimino and Nick Cellini were talking back and forth about the Falcons shortcomings in the Seattle game and the punter’s name came up. If a problem with the punter is the biggest issue you have, life should be good. But I guess you need something to complain about.
Buford is loaded; Mary Persons going with the backup
The recent commitment of Vadal Alexander to LSU now gives Buford another bit of bragging rights in Class AA as the team currently boasts two members of the LSU 2012 recruiting class. Reid Ferguson is headed to Baton Rogue while Dillon Lee will go suit up for SEC West rival Alabama. Kurt Freitag has Alabama in his final three while CJ Moore has pledged to UVA and Paris Head is headed to Vanderbilt. Quarterback Sam Clay will play baseball at Georgia Tech and linebacker/fullback Nathan Staub has offers from UNC, Virginia and Cal according to Scout. ...
When Peach County and Mary Persons square off this Friday, the battle of the backup quarterbacks will take place as Mary Persons will go with Jordan Banks and perhaps Macey Zeller, if Zeller is back from the upper-body injury that forced him to leave last week’s game against Rutland. Taylor Williams is out for the Bulldogs with a collarbone injury. Peach County meanwhile has been going with Kentel Kendrick after Greg Williams suffered a knee-injury earlier this year. ...
Greg Chambers lost his season debut Friday when Fannin County fell 35-21 to Rabun County. Chambers is Fannin County’s AD and is serving as interim head coach while the search for a replacement for Clark Drennan is conducted. Fannin County let Drennan go last week according to the AJC/GHSF Daily. ...
The Pope Greyhound volleyball team has been tough to beat this season, recording a 38-2 record into the first round of the state playoffs, but in the Area 7-4A playoffs, forget about it. The Lady Greyhounds have won six straight area crowns and seven of the last eight. Now Pope will seek its third straight Class 4A state title.
When Peach County and Mary Persons square off this Friday, the battle of the backup quarterbacks will take place as Mary Persons will go with Jordan Banks and perhaps Macey Zeller, if Zeller is back from the upper-body injury that forced him to leave last week’s game against Rutland. Taylor Williams is out for the Bulldogs with a collarbone injury. Peach County meanwhile has been going with Kentel Kendrick after Greg Williams suffered a knee-injury earlier this year. ...
Greg Chambers lost his season debut Friday when Fannin County fell 35-21 to Rabun County. Chambers is Fannin County’s AD and is serving as interim head coach while the search for a replacement for Clark Drennan is conducted. Fannin County let Drennan go last week according to the AJC/GHSF Daily. ...
The Pope Greyhound volleyball team has been tough to beat this season, recording a 38-2 record into the first round of the state playoffs, but in the Area 7-4A playoffs, forget about it. The Lady Greyhounds have won six straight area crowns and seven of the last eight. Now Pope will seek its third straight Class 4A state title.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Score Atlanta recruiting tidbits...
North Gwinnett standout defensive end Jordan Washington could well carry on a tradition of Suwanee-area prospects to Ohio State. Washington recently picked up an offer according to his coach Bob Sphire though Washington did not immediately commit to the Buckeyes, who have entered the recruiting picture late. He currently holds offers from Kentucky, Ole Miss and Maryland, among others. Peachtree Ridge has sent DE Cameron Heyward and defensive back Brad Roby to Ohio State in recent years. ...
Buford’s Kurt Freitag, a TE/DE on the Score 44 recently visited Alabama and could announce his decision soon. Freitag’s teammate Dillon Lee, a linebacker, has already pledged to Alabama. Freitag has visited Florida already according to the AJC. Florida State is also in his final three. ...
It was a big recruiting weekend for the Yellow Jackets as nine targeted prospects were scheduled to be on campus for the Maryland game. Lassiter’s Kene Orkioke and Miles Jones, Allatoona’s running back and member of the Score 44, were two of the players that were invited to attend. ...
St. Pius X’s Geno Smith is scheduled to receive his official invitation this Friday to play in the US Army All-American Bowl. The stop at St. Pius is part of the 2012 Selection Tour for the game, which will be played January 7, 2012. ...
And in some hoops recruiting news, Grady High School center Brandon Watkins has pledged to hoop it up at West Virginia. Watkins is just a junior but had offers from the Mountaineers as well as Clemson. He was a Class AAA All-State selection one year ago.
Buford’s Kurt Freitag, a TE/DE on the Score 44 recently visited Alabama and could announce his decision soon. Freitag’s teammate Dillon Lee, a linebacker, has already pledged to Alabama. Freitag has visited Florida already according to the AJC. Florida State is also in his final three. ...
It was a big recruiting weekend for the Yellow Jackets as nine targeted prospects were scheduled to be on campus for the Maryland game. Lassiter’s Kene Orkioke and Miles Jones, Allatoona’s running back and member of the Score 44, were two of the players that were invited to attend. ...
St. Pius X’s Geno Smith is scheduled to receive his official invitation this Friday to play in the US Army All-American Bowl. The stop at St. Pius is part of the 2012 Selection Tour for the game, which will be played January 7, 2012. ...
And in some hoops recruiting news, Grady High School center Brandon Watkins has pledged to hoop it up at West Virginia. Watkins is just a junior but had offers from the Mountaineers as well as Clemson. He was a Class AAA All-State selection one year ago.
Carson pacing Parkview; Big weekend for Harrison
Parkview’s Chris Carson is starting to put up ridiculous numbers and could well help the Panthers give Grayson a run for its money this Friday night. The Panthers will welcome the Rams into the Orange Jungle and the Region 8-5A title may well be on the line. Parkview’s rise to 4-2 after starting 0-2 has been largely thanks to Carson’s emergence. The junior back has 11 touchdowns in the last four games, all in region play. ...
While there is still plenty of season left in the GHSA football season, some teams will need to starting pressing the gas pedal in order to qualify for the playoffs. North Clayton (4-2) and Creekside (3-3) are both on the outside looking in on the currently-seeded teams in Region 4-4A. Banneker (5-2) holds the final spot right now and holds the tie-breaker over Creekside but not North Clayton. Southwest DeKalb (4-2) and Miller Grove (4-2) will face off on Saturday, October 29, for what could be the final spot in Region 6-4A. Mays (5-1) currently sits in the No. 3 spot and holds the tiebreaker over Miller Grove but will not face Southwest DeKalb. ...
It was a great weekend for Harrison as the school brought home two titles. The girls cross country team won its second Cobb County Invitational title in three years (2009). The Lady Hoyas are ranking No. 1 in the latest gatxc.com poll. Meanwhile the volleyball team defeated third-seeded Kennesaw State and second-seeded North Cobb to win its second consecutive Area 5-5A championship, earning Harrison a home date against Area 2-5A’s No. 4 seed this Thursday in the first round of the state playoffs.
While there is still plenty of season left in the GHSA football season, some teams will need to starting pressing the gas pedal in order to qualify for the playoffs. North Clayton (4-2) and Creekside (3-3) are both on the outside looking in on the currently-seeded teams in Region 4-4A. Banneker (5-2) holds the final spot right now and holds the tie-breaker over Creekside but not North Clayton. Southwest DeKalb (4-2) and Miller Grove (4-2) will face off on Saturday, October 29, for what could be the final spot in Region 6-4A. Mays (5-1) currently sits in the No. 3 spot and holds the tiebreaker over Miller Grove but will not face Southwest DeKalb. ...
It was a great weekend for Harrison as the school brought home two titles. The girls cross country team won its second Cobb County Invitational title in three years (2009). The Lady Hoyas are ranking No. 1 in the latest gatxc.com poll. Meanwhile the volleyball team defeated third-seeded Kennesaw State and second-seeded North Cobb to win its second consecutive Area 5-5A championship, earning Harrison a home date against Area 2-5A’s No. 4 seed this Thursday in the first round of the state playoffs.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Score 44-Week Eight. Head, Washington IN
The Score 44 is getting harder and harder to tweak each week as players keep rising up to warrant inclusion to the increasingly-popular list of the best seniors in the state. This week the competition was fierce but two players stood out over a very crowded field of standouts. Jordan Washington of North Gwinnett helped the Bulldogs hold the powerful Norcross offense to just six points in North Gwinnett’s 29-22 victory. His coach praised Washington leading up to the game for his versatility and leadership. It is hard to stand out at Buford but Paris Head, the future Vanderbilt Commodore is certainly doing his best. He reached the endzone twice in Buford’s latest win, including once on a 65-yard punt return. Mt. Pisgah’s Kyle Sloter (QB) and Riverwood’s Garrett Harris (LB/FB) are also playing well but just missed the cut.
In (from week 7) Jordan Washington, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) DL; Paris Head, Buford (Buford), CB/WR
Out (from week 7) George Morris, Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville) RB; Carlos Hood, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), DT
Austin Hardin, Marist (Atlanta ), K
Jordan Washington, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) DL
Kurt Freitag, Buford (Buford), TE/DE
Jonquel Dawson, ML King (Lithonia), QB
Kenderius Whitehead, ML King (Monroe) DE/OLB
Blake Tibbs, ML King (Lithonia), WR
Daron Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Darius English, McEachern (Powder Springs ), DE
Jonathan Jones, Carrollton (Carrollton) CB
Shadrach Thornton, Liberty County (Hinesville) RB
Brandon Greene, Cedar Grove (Ellenwood) OT
Chase Roberts, GAC (Norcross) OG
Greyson Lambert, Wayne County (Jesup) QB
Mike Davis, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) RB
Scott Hosch, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) QB
Nick Tompkins, Brookwood (Snellville), RB
Imani Cross, North Hall (Gainesville) RB
Zack Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Dillon Lee, Buford (Buford), LB
DeMarcus Sweat, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) WR
Paris Head, Buford (Buford), CB/WR
Jarontay Jones, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), DE
Quinteze Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone) DT
Markuss Eligwe, Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain), LB
Jordan Watkins, Woodward Academy (College Park), DT
Dalvin Tomlinson, Henry County (McDonough), DL
Jason Croom, Norcross (Norcross) WR
Jacob Sealand, Tucker (Tucker), LB
Jhaustin Thomas, Columbia (Decatur) DE
Miles Jones, Allatoona (Acworth) RB
Josh Dawson, Tucker (Tucker) LB
Mike Hilton, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), RB
Ricky Parks, Callaway (Hogansville), ATH
Jordan Jenkins, Harris County (Hamilton), DE
Jonathan Taylor, Jenkins County (Millen), DT
Geno Smith, St. Pius X (Atlanta), DB
Kenyan Drake, Hillgrove (Powder Springs), RB/ATH
Raphael Kirby, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), LB
Joe Harris, Lithonia (Lithonia), OG
Vadal Alexander, Buford (Buford), OT
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Lowndes (Valdosta), OLB/WR
JaQuay Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), WR
CJ Curry, Flowery Branch (Gainesville), WR
Josh Holsey, Creekside (Fairburn) DB
In (from week 7) Jordan Washington, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) DL; Paris Head, Buford (Buford), CB/WR
Out (from week 7) George Morris, Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville) RB; Carlos Hood, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), DT
Austin Hardin, Marist (Atlanta ), K
Jordan Washington, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) DL
Kurt Freitag, Buford (Buford), TE/DE
Jonquel Dawson, ML King (Lithonia), QB
Kenderius Whitehead, ML King (Monroe) DE/OLB
Blake Tibbs, ML King (Lithonia), WR
Daron Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Darius English, McEachern (Powder Springs ), DE
Jonathan Jones, Carrollton (Carrollton) CB
Shadrach Thornton, Liberty County (Hinesville) RB
Brandon Greene, Cedar Grove (Ellenwood) OT
Chase Roberts, GAC (Norcross) OG
Greyson Lambert, Wayne County (Jesup) QB
Mike Davis, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) RB
Scott Hosch, North Gwinnett (Suwanee) QB
Nick Tompkins, Brookwood (Snellville), RB
Imani Cross, North Hall (Gainesville) RB
Zack Blaylock, Walton (Marietta), DB
Dillon Lee, Buford (Buford), LB
DeMarcus Sweat, Stephenson (Stone Mountain) WR
Paris Head, Buford (Buford), CB/WR
Jarontay Jones, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), DE
Quinteze Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone) DT
Markuss Eligwe, Stone Mountain (Stone Mountain), LB
Jordan Watkins, Woodward Academy (College Park), DT
Dalvin Tomlinson, Henry County (McDonough), DL
Jason Croom, Norcross (Norcross) WR
Jacob Sealand, Tucker (Tucker), LB
Jhaustin Thomas, Columbia (Decatur) DE
Miles Jones, Allatoona (Acworth) RB
Josh Dawson, Tucker (Tucker) LB
Mike Hilton, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), RB
Ricky Parks, Callaway (Hogansville), ATH
Jordan Jenkins, Harris County (Hamilton), DE
Jonathan Taylor, Jenkins County (Millen), DT
Geno Smith, St. Pius X (Atlanta), DB
Kenyan Drake, Hillgrove (Powder Springs), RB/ATH
Raphael Kirby, Stephenson (Stone Mountain), LB
Joe Harris, Lithonia (Lithonia), OG
Vadal Alexander, Buford (Buford), OT
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Lowndes (Valdosta), OLB/WR
JaQuay Williams, Sandy Creek (Tyrone), WR
CJ Curry, Flowery Branch (Gainesville), WR
Josh Holsey, Creekside (Fairburn) DB
Things learned from the GAHS gridiron over the weekend
The comeback that North Gwinnett pulled off Friday night in the GPB.org game of the week was really something, considering Donnie Miles didn’t play much offensively with a bum ankle. In the second half Miles didn’t play much on defense and sparingly on offense but returned for perhaps the biggest play of the game, intercepting a Norcross pass intended for Jason Croom with under two minutes to play, setting up the winning score. ...
Norcross meanwhile showed that it will be a factor come playoff time as the team certainly has offensive weapons in Croom, Alvin Kamara and the pair of Autrys. ...
The Colquitt County Packers have a coach known for offense and at Mack Tharpe Stadium the Packers can put up some points. Friday Colquitt County scored 40+ for the third time this year and have gone for 30+ four times. The defense is also impressive as it turned seven turnovers into 31 points against Tift County. Colquitt County next hosts Lowndes (GPB.org game of the week). ...
Campbell snapped its 13-game losing streak with a 33-7 win over Kennesaw Mountain. It was a big win for first-year coach Harris Rainbow. ...
Another week, another region victory for Parkview. The Panthers handed the ball 30 times to Chris Carson and the back ran for 184 yards, three scores and a two-point conversion in Parkview’s 22-15 win over Central Gwinnett. ...
Ten different players scored for Buford in its 71-0 victory last Thursday. Yes, I would say that it would be difficult for any AA All-star team to beat Buford right now. ...
Just when Jordan Ramey had returned to the field early from a broken arm to revive South Gwinnett’s playoff hopes, he had to leave a 49-17 victory with an ankle injury. Ramey passed for 92 yards and two scores in the first half.
Norcross meanwhile showed that it will be a factor come playoff time as the team certainly has offensive weapons in Croom, Alvin Kamara and the pair of Autrys. ...
The Colquitt County Packers have a coach known for offense and at Mack Tharpe Stadium the Packers can put up some points. Friday Colquitt County scored 40+ for the third time this year and have gone for 30+ four times. The defense is also impressive as it turned seven turnovers into 31 points against Tift County. Colquitt County next hosts Lowndes (GPB.org game of the week). ...
Campbell snapped its 13-game losing streak with a 33-7 win over Kennesaw Mountain. It was a big win for first-year coach Harris Rainbow. ...
Another week, another region victory for Parkview. The Panthers handed the ball 30 times to Chris Carson and the back ran for 184 yards, three scores and a two-point conversion in Parkview’s 22-15 win over Central Gwinnett. ...
Ten different players scored for Buford in its 71-0 victory last Thursday. Yes, I would say that it would be difficult for any AA All-star team to beat Buford right now. ...
Just when Jordan Ramey had returned to the field early from a broken arm to revive South Gwinnett’s playoff hopes, he had to leave a 49-17 victory with an ankle injury. Ramey passed for 92 yards and two scores in the first half.
A taste of the Official Visit 10/10/11
The Tennessee Volunteers thought that they had its quarterback for the current recruiting class sewn up in Nathan Peterman of Fruit Cove, Florida, but perhaps another has joined the class. Justin King, a linebacker out of Dunwoody, Georgia has already pledged to Derek Dooley but the 6-foot-3 athlete has been playing quarterback for his high school team this year. King was playing linebacker and running back before switching to the signal-caller position. He is still expected to play linebacker at Tennessee. ...
Bryce Kennedy of Southern Pines, NC decided to stay home by pledging to the North Carolina Tar Heels over South Carolina, Duke and NC State. The offensive guard recently took an official visit to NC State but pulled the trigger on the Heels. Kennedy is rated as a three-star guard by Scout.com. ...
Alabama and Auburn somehow let Prattville, AL’s Austin Golson slip out to pledge early to the Florida State Seminoles and the 2013 offensive tackle is still feeling the Noles, despite FSU’s poor start. The Tide and Tigers are still reportedly after the standout and this race will be interesting to follow through February 2013. ...
Chris Bivins is one of South Florida’s top pledges for the upcoming signing class but the three-star cornerback was in Fayetteville over the weekend, watching Arkansas beat Auburn. It was Bivins’ second official visit of the year. ...
The much-followed Nelson Agholor (Tampa, FL) recruiting tour stopped in Notre Dame over the weekend. Agholor is rated as a five-star athlete by Rivals. ...
Ohio State is trying to maintain its Suwanee, Georgia pipeline after offering North Gwinnett defensive end Jordan Washington. Defensive back Bradley Roby and DE Cameron Heyward have both recently suited up for the Buckeyes, both hailing from Suwanee as well.
Bryce Kennedy of Southern Pines, NC decided to stay home by pledging to the North Carolina Tar Heels over South Carolina, Duke and NC State. The offensive guard recently took an official visit to NC State but pulled the trigger on the Heels. Kennedy is rated as a three-star guard by Scout.com. ...
Alabama and Auburn somehow let Prattville, AL’s Austin Golson slip out to pledge early to the Florida State Seminoles and the 2013 offensive tackle is still feeling the Noles, despite FSU’s poor start. The Tide and Tigers are still reportedly after the standout and this race will be interesting to follow through February 2013. ...
Chris Bivins is one of South Florida’s top pledges for the upcoming signing class but the three-star cornerback was in Fayetteville over the weekend, watching Arkansas beat Auburn. It was Bivins’ second official visit of the year. ...
The much-followed Nelson Agholor (Tampa, FL) recruiting tour stopped in Notre Dame over the weekend. Agholor is rated as a five-star athlete by Rivals. ...
Ohio State is trying to maintain its Suwanee, Georgia pipeline after offering North Gwinnett defensive end Jordan Washington. Defensive back Bradley Roby and DE Cameron Heyward have both recently suited up for the Buckeyes, both hailing from Suwanee as well.
Fantasy Football weekly recap
Anyone still hoping to snag a sleeper in his/her fantasy league is more-or-less sifting through the bins at a garage sale but every now and then you will unearth a hidden gem that hasn’t been found yet by the masses. I would suggest targeting the tight end position and Jared Cook is one example. The Tennessee Titans tight end may not be on a roster in your fantasy league but Cook is certainly a viable starter in your league if your regular TE is injured or on a bye. Cook, a South Carolina product from nearby North Gwinnett High School, had 149 yards entering last week before hauling in four more receptions for 59 yards. Jermaine Gresham is another player that might be available in your league. I picked him up before last week’s game after Aaron Hernandez was hurt and Ben Watson was on a bye week, and Gresham gave me five receptions and one score. A rookie quarterback always needs a quick outlet and Gresham is just that outlet if AJ Green is not available.
Stevan Ridley is a player that could still be lurking in your free agent pool and while the rookie isn’t the New England feature back YET, he could be soon in today’s NFL. Ridley is gaining the trust of his coaches and he ran for 97 yard on just 10 carries against the Raiders two weeks ago. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is still the lead back right now for the Pats but Ridley is starting to steal carries and could soon steal touchdowns as he can get involved in the passing game.
The Andrew Luck Bowl was played in Indianapolis last week and both starting quarterbacks made cases for their teams not to take the Stanford QB in the upcoming NFL draft. Matt Cassel led his team to a victory (and a worse chance at landing Luck) with a 21-29 day, 257 yards and four touchdowns. Cassel led his team to the playoffs one year ago and is just a few years removed from starring for the Patriots in Tom Brady’s absence. Cassel to Bowe is still a quality combination and it will be hard to see the Chiefs going after Luck after surrendering picks and money for Cassel. Indy meanwhile has Peyton Manning waiting to come back in 2012 but Curtis Painter played well in just his second start, passing for 237 yards in the first half and 277 in the game with two touchdowns. Painter has not thrown an interception in three games this season to go with four scores and 618 yards. San Francisco’s Alex Smith also threw for three touchdowns in the 49ers win over Tampa Bay. San Francisco’s Jim Harbaugh was Luck’s coach at Stanford before he left for the NFL.
We may be seeing last week’s Saints/Panthers match up in fantasy football look-ins for the next few years. Cam Newton threw for two scores and ran for another while Drew Brees passed for 359 yards and two scores in last week’s Saints victory. Those two quarterbacks, along with Atlanta’s Matt Ryan and Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman give the NFC South the distinction of being the NFL’s best fantasy QB division.
Finally the Atlanta Falcons managed to grab an early lead last week against the Packers thanks to its trio of fantasy stat-grabbers. Roddy White snared an early touchdown grab while Michael Turner pounded in a score on the ground. Julio Jones is proving his case for offensive rookie of the year with an impressive showing catching the ball as well as running it on a reverse.
Stevan Ridley is a player that could still be lurking in your free agent pool and while the rookie isn’t the New England feature back YET, he could be soon in today’s NFL. Ridley is gaining the trust of his coaches and he ran for 97 yard on just 10 carries against the Raiders two weeks ago. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is still the lead back right now for the Pats but Ridley is starting to steal carries and could soon steal touchdowns as he can get involved in the passing game.
The Andrew Luck Bowl was played in Indianapolis last week and both starting quarterbacks made cases for their teams not to take the Stanford QB in the upcoming NFL draft. Matt Cassel led his team to a victory (and a worse chance at landing Luck) with a 21-29 day, 257 yards and four touchdowns. Cassel led his team to the playoffs one year ago and is just a few years removed from starring for the Patriots in Tom Brady’s absence. Cassel to Bowe is still a quality combination and it will be hard to see the Chiefs going after Luck after surrendering picks and money for Cassel. Indy meanwhile has Peyton Manning waiting to come back in 2012 but Curtis Painter played well in just his second start, passing for 237 yards in the first half and 277 in the game with two touchdowns. Painter has not thrown an interception in three games this season to go with four scores and 618 yards. San Francisco’s Alex Smith also threw for three touchdowns in the 49ers win over Tampa Bay. San Francisco’s Jim Harbaugh was Luck’s coach at Stanford before he left for the NFL.
We may be seeing last week’s Saints/Panthers match up in fantasy football look-ins for the next few years. Cam Newton threw for two scores and ran for another while Drew Brees passed for 359 yards and two scores in last week’s Saints victory. Those two quarterbacks, along with Atlanta’s Matt Ryan and Tampa Bay’s Josh Freeman give the NFC South the distinction of being the NFL’s best fantasy QB division.
Finally the Atlanta Falcons managed to grab an early lead last week against the Packers thanks to its trio of fantasy stat-grabbers. Roddy White snared an early touchdown grab while Michael Turner pounded in a score on the ground. Julio Jones is proving his case for offensive rookie of the year with an impressive showing catching the ball as well as running it on a reverse.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Falcons have an edge with video department
Long before the Falcons step onto the Georgia Dome turf to face an opponent such as the Green Bay Packers, before the Falcons practice the blitzes they will throw at Aaron Rodgers and before Matt Ryan will face a mock look at the stunts that will be run against him, the players and coaches will sit in the dark and watch film. Film is the very first ingredient for any Falcons’ victory and the coaches and players will all agree that without film, success would be fleeting Sunday afternoon. Each Monday the Falcons coaches rely on one man and his crew to provide them with the necessary film that hopefully leads to a victory the next week.
Mike Crews has been with the Falcons organization for 14 years and for the past 11, he has been the team’s Video Director. Crews and his staff film each game and practice, then edit the footage down over the course of 80-110 hours each week to help the coaches and players prepare for the following week. “We have a standard list of ‘cut-ups’ that the coaches always want and we make them always available for them.”
The “film,” a term that seems a bit antiquated considering everything is digital these days, is sent to players and coaches via email or through USB drives and DVDs. Crews and his staff breaks down the film into categories such as “offense,” “defense,” and “kicks.” Data will also be attached to each clip such as play call, down and distance. “They may want to look at a certain play thirty different ways,” says Crews about how he takes the film copy and intercuts different angles.
The team relies on Crews and his staff for this valuable information almost as soon as the game is over because life in the film room operates just as coaches do in post-game press conferences. The coaches are always trying to move on to the next opponent and putting a big win or a tough loss behind them in a hurry. Crews and his team will in most cases spend Sunday night editing the film to have it ready for the coaches’ consumption early Monday morning. On some road trips, the coaches are wanting film on the plane ride home and Crews tries to honor those requests. “The requests vary but are mostly determined by the different staffs and different coaches.”
As far as planning for the next opponent, Crews and his staff try and stay ahead of the game. Crews says he and the video staff will begin working on the Falcons opponents at least one week before the game, breaking down film and providing the coaches with the much-needed film to study how Aaron Rodgers calls plays or how Charles Woodson lines up for a corner blitz. “We are always one week ahead. Week by week, we’ll get all the games from the league and we’ll load them and go to work. Crews helps the coaches out by creating an analysis database with reports for the staff.
And just when you start to think that perhaps Crews doesn’t have enough on his plate, he is also in charge of overseeing the college video systems that help the scouts and coaches watch film for potential future Falcons. “We will get all of the college games in and load them for our area scouts, so they can have access to watch them before they go out to see a player.”
Crews will typically use five projectors, five laptops and three cameras (one sideline, one in each endzone) for each game or practice, and the storage isn’t quite the old metal cans that one might see on an NFL Films set. “The cameras are hooked directly into the laptops, so it is immediately available.”
Film study has come a long way since coaches first starting watching game tape early in the NFL’s history. Everything has gone digital and Crews is able to record directly into laptops with his team, which makes editing easier but the process harder. “It is easier to get the film in now but it actually becomes harder because they can ask for more, more angles, more shots. There is no limit to what they can ask for now.”
Mike Crews has been with the Falcons organization for 14 years and for the past 11, he has been the team’s Video Director. Crews and his staff film each game and practice, then edit the footage down over the course of 80-110 hours each week to help the coaches and players prepare for the following week. “We have a standard list of ‘cut-ups’ that the coaches always want and we make them always available for them.”
The “film,” a term that seems a bit antiquated considering everything is digital these days, is sent to players and coaches via email or through USB drives and DVDs. Crews and his staff breaks down the film into categories such as “offense,” “defense,” and “kicks.” Data will also be attached to each clip such as play call, down and distance. “They may want to look at a certain play thirty different ways,” says Crews about how he takes the film copy and intercuts different angles.
The team relies on Crews and his staff for this valuable information almost as soon as the game is over because life in the film room operates just as coaches do in post-game press conferences. The coaches are always trying to move on to the next opponent and putting a big win or a tough loss behind them in a hurry. Crews and his team will in most cases spend Sunday night editing the film to have it ready for the coaches’ consumption early Monday morning. On some road trips, the coaches are wanting film on the plane ride home and Crews tries to honor those requests. “The requests vary but are mostly determined by the different staffs and different coaches.”
As far as planning for the next opponent, Crews and his staff try and stay ahead of the game. Crews says he and the video staff will begin working on the Falcons opponents at least one week before the game, breaking down film and providing the coaches with the much-needed film to study how Aaron Rodgers calls plays or how Charles Woodson lines up for a corner blitz. “We are always one week ahead. Week by week, we’ll get all the games from the league and we’ll load them and go to work. Crews helps the coaches out by creating an analysis database with reports for the staff.
And just when you start to think that perhaps Crews doesn’t have enough on his plate, he is also in charge of overseeing the college video systems that help the scouts and coaches watch film for potential future Falcons. “We will get all of the college games in and load them for our area scouts, so they can have access to watch them before they go out to see a player.”
Crews will typically use five projectors, five laptops and three cameras (one sideline, one in each endzone) for each game or practice, and the storage isn’t quite the old metal cans that one might see on an NFL Films set. “The cameras are hooked directly into the laptops, so it is immediately available.”
Film study has come a long way since coaches first starting watching game tape early in the NFL’s history. Everything has gone digital and Crews is able to record directly into laptops with his team, which makes editing easier but the process harder. “It is easier to get the film in now but it actually becomes harder because they can ask for more, more angles, more shots. There is no limit to what they can ask for now.”
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