Just weeks after suffering an injury to Diamond DeShields, Norcross saw another star fall victim to injury as Score 44 big man Jason Croom suffered a dislocated shoulder. The future Tennessee Volunteer wide receiver is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season and could possibly miss the Region 7-AAAAA tournament. Croom last week became the first person to ever be named to both the Score 44 football list as well as the Score 44 basketball list. He was averaging nearly a double-double for Norcross and was one of a few returning players from last year’s Class AAAAA championship team. ...
Buford’s Andraya Carter is working her way back into playing shape after suffering what many thought would be a prep career-ending knee injury. Carter is headed to Tennessee next season to play for Pat Summit but first the Wolves are trying to secure another Class AA title. Carter had 11 points over the weekend against Wesleyan. Her coach Gene Durden said of his Score 44 player, “she looks and plays just like she always has, with passion, hustle and energy, and it will give our team a boost going into the playoffs.” ...
The Valdosta Wildcats will open up the 2012 football season in Suwanee, Ga., against North Augusta (S.C.) in North Gwinnett High School’s annual Progressive National Football Challenge kickoff classic. Valdosta released its 2012 schedule which will also include home games against Brooks County, Crisp County, Newton and new region foe Camden County. The Winnersville Classic will come on Oct. 12 after a bye week for Valdosta. North Gwinnett has not announced its completed 2012 schedule yet, though the Bulldogs will participate in the Corky Kell Classic in the Georgia Dome to kick off the season.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Schuessler headed to SEC West
Lassiter’s Charlie Hegedus revealed on his twitter account late Monday night that Oklahoma State has offered a scholarship less than 30 hours before National Signing Day. Hegedus has pledged to NC State, along with several other players from the state of Georgia including Lassiter teammate Niles Clark. Oklahoma State has gotten into the Georgia act recently with offers to Juwan Dickey of Lassiter and Parker McLeod of Walton, both Class of 2013 prospects. ...
The Vanderbilt Commodores lost a Georgia product over the weekend after a pledge switched his commitment to an SEC Rival. James Franklin lost Score Final 50 No. 50 Chris Moody, the athlete from Henry County, who visited Columbia over the weekend. Moody, who made the Score 44 this past season as a quarterback, will likely suit up in the defensive secondary at the next level. Franklin could be in danger of losing Score Final 50 No. 25 Josh Dawson, a defensive end from Tucker as the Georgia Bulldogs have been charging hard, even sending a pair of assistant coaches to visit with the prospect over the weekend. ...
No. 48 on the Score Final 50 has finally made a college decision. Allatoona’s Miles Jones pledged to Jacksonville State after receiving interest but no offers from Maryland or Georgia Tech over the last few months. Jones was listed near the top of Georgia Tech’s board but never received an offer. ...
It has been quite a seven week stretch for Grayson senior Nick Schuessler. First he caps off an undefeated senior season by throwing for a pair of scores in the Class AAAAA championship victory over Walton. Next he finally gets his first offer from any FBS school when Middle Tennessee State comes forward with a scholarship. He initially pledges to Colorado State with a high school teammate before finally deciding to commit to Mississippi State after Dan Mullen comes through with a late scholarship offer. Now the 6-foot-3 signal caller will head to the SEC West to compete for the same quarterback tutor that helped to put Tim Tebow into the NFL playoffs. ...
The North Gwinnett Bulldogs defensive line will send a host of prospects to the next level. One player however has switched his pledge as defensive end Justin Alabi de-committed from UTC and will instead head to the Air Force Academy. Alabi was joined on the defensive line by Jordan Washington, who is headed to Mississippi State. Carl Rider, a North Gwinnett linebacker is headed to Furman, where he will join teammate, wide receiver Chad Scott. Joe Jones (UMass) and Scotty Hosch (Harvard) have also committed to play at the next level from Bob Sphire’s program
The Vanderbilt Commodores lost a Georgia product over the weekend after a pledge switched his commitment to an SEC Rival. James Franklin lost Score Final 50 No. 50 Chris Moody, the athlete from Henry County, who visited Columbia over the weekend. Moody, who made the Score 44 this past season as a quarterback, will likely suit up in the defensive secondary at the next level. Franklin could be in danger of losing Score Final 50 No. 25 Josh Dawson, a defensive end from Tucker as the Georgia Bulldogs have been charging hard, even sending a pair of assistant coaches to visit with the prospect over the weekend. ...
No. 48 on the Score Final 50 has finally made a college decision. Allatoona’s Miles Jones pledged to Jacksonville State after receiving interest but no offers from Maryland or Georgia Tech over the last few months. Jones was listed near the top of Georgia Tech’s board but never received an offer. ...
It has been quite a seven week stretch for Grayson senior Nick Schuessler. First he caps off an undefeated senior season by throwing for a pair of scores in the Class AAAAA championship victory over Walton. Next he finally gets his first offer from any FBS school when Middle Tennessee State comes forward with a scholarship. He initially pledges to Colorado State with a high school teammate before finally deciding to commit to Mississippi State after Dan Mullen comes through with a late scholarship offer. Now the 6-foot-3 signal caller will head to the SEC West to compete for the same quarterback tutor that helped to put Tim Tebow into the NFL playoffs. ...
The North Gwinnett Bulldogs defensive line will send a host of prospects to the next level. One player however has switched his pledge as defensive end Justin Alabi de-committed from UTC and will instead head to the Air Force Academy. Alabi was joined on the defensive line by Jordan Washington, who is headed to Mississippi State. Carl Rider, a North Gwinnett linebacker is headed to Furman, where he will join teammate, wide receiver Chad Scott. Joe Jones (UMass) and Scotty Hosch (Harvard) have also committed to play at the next level from Bob Sphire’s program
Monday, January 30, 2012
Milton and Wesleyan do NOT disappoint
Wheeler’s Charles Mitchell is an incredible specimen that is capable of putting the Wildcats on his back from time to time. He was a beast against Milton on Saturday, scoring 30 points while snagging 12 rebounds, but the Eagles used a 9-0 spurt while Mitchell was on the bench to turn a two-point lead into a commanding 11-point margin that it would not lose in a 65-60 victory. Tevin Glass scored 19 in the second half to finish with 23 for Milton and Jalyn Patterson scored 20 points, including four three-pointers in the victory. Charles Mann of Score 44 fame, dished out six assists for Milton to go with eight points. ...
Brandon Thompson scored 23 points for Berkmar Saturday, but it was the final three that gave the Patriots a 65-62 buzzer-beating victory over Alpharetta. A.D. Rogers contributed 18 in the win. ...
Isaiah Williams connected on a late three-pointer to help Buford past Wesleyan 43-40. T.J. Shipes, a member of the Score 44, posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Wesleyan’s Shane Smith led all scorers with 21 points. ... In girls action, Shayla Cooper was a perfect 13-13 from the free throw line in a 71-54 Norcross win over Southwest DeKalb. Cooper finished with 22 points while Tori Carter had 17 and Sierra Butler chipped in 11. ...
Defending champions squared off in Norcross when Wesleyan topped Buford 60-49. Score 44 standout Holli Wilkins scored 22 points for Wesleyan, winners of 25 straight at home. Wesleyan’s bench outscored Buford’s 18-0, and it was needed as several Wesleyan regulars were racked with injuries and foul trouble. Kaela Davis led Buford with 17 points while Andraya Carter had 11 and MacKenzie Darrah tallied 13.
Brandon Thompson scored 23 points for Berkmar Saturday, but it was the final three that gave the Patriots a 65-62 buzzer-beating victory over Alpharetta. A.D. Rogers contributed 18 in the win. ...
Isaiah Williams connected on a late three-pointer to help Buford past Wesleyan 43-40. T.J. Shipes, a member of the Score 44, posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Wesleyan’s Shane Smith led all scorers with 21 points. ... In girls action, Shayla Cooper was a perfect 13-13 from the free throw line in a 71-54 Norcross win over Southwest DeKalb. Cooper finished with 22 points while Tori Carter had 17 and Sierra Butler chipped in 11. ...
Defending champions squared off in Norcross when Wesleyan topped Buford 60-49. Score 44 standout Holli Wilkins scored 22 points for Wesleyan, winners of 25 straight at home. Wesleyan’s bench outscored Buford’s 18-0, and it was needed as several Wesleyan regulars were racked with injuries and foul trouble. Kaela Davis led Buford with 17 points while Andraya Carter had 11 and MacKenzie Darrah tallied 13.
Friday, January 27, 2012
What does committed mean?
As much as we don’t like to admit it, stereotypes are based on a large sampling of repeated behavior by a certain group. One popular stereotype is that guys have a hard time committing, whether it is to plans on a Friday night with a lady friend, a marriage engagement or which sports bar they will watch the game at on Saturday.
Anyone upset with the generalization that some men just cannot commit need look no further than the recruiting drama playing out across the state of Georgia as we near National Signing Day this Wednesday. Desperate teams start flooding the cell phones of waffling recruits, courting them harder than ever before in the attempt to get a switched pledge and a letter of intent.
As much as we like to believe what the word “committed,” means sadly, when a high school junior or senior commits, it really doesn’t mean anything until that player puts pen to paper and paper to fax machine on National Signing Day. Up until that point, everything is just lip service and non-binding. There have been multiple cases over the years of players pledging to a coach only to pull a switcharoo on National Signing Day.
Two metro-area players, Tucker’s Josh Dawson and Sandy Creek’s JaQuay Williams, have been “committed” to Vanderbilt and Auburn, respectively for months, but Mark Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs managed to snare each last week for visits and both enjoyed their trips according to various recruiting services and tweets.
Williams, a wide receiver is the No. 11 player on the Score Final 50 while Dawson, a defensive end, checks in at No. 25. After Georgia lost Flowery Branch’s CJ Curry earlier this year, a spot at wide receiver opened up, and Richt charging after the Auburn pledge. Richt and company also waited on Dawson to see what No. 32 Kenderius Whitehead would do, and after the ML King DE/OLB pledged to NC State, the Dawgs started charging. It may seem shady, but these players are not truly “committed,” to Vanderbilt and Auburn until after the Letter of Intent gets sent in.
COACHING CHANGES
Committed is a funny word too when we expect these high schoolers to stick to their word when coaches do not always abide by that rule. Coaches jump ship to better jobs or sometimes get the ax, and in these cases, commitments can change.
Kyle Sloter of Mt. Pisgah recently switched his pledge from Tulane to Southern Miss after the coaching staff at Tulane was fired, and the man that recruited him made his way to Southern Miss. Now Sloter will sign with the Eagles to play for the coach with whom he fostered a recruiting relationship. Sloter’s father told Score Atlanta, “Kyle took a visit to Southern Miss and wants to go where he is wanted more.”
Other players such as Josh Harvey-Clemons of Lowndes (No. 3) and Dalvin Tomlinson (No. 18) of Henry County have yet to declare and likely will on National Signing Day. Sometimes players like to wait until National Signing Day so that they can take all of their official visits to make a well-informed decision. Other times players are merely seeking the limelight and want to have ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports drool all over them, anticipating their every move. Last year, Jadeveon Clowney waited nearly two weeks after National Signing Day so that he could declare on his birthday in front of a live television audience with no one else stealing his thunder. For two weeks the buildup of “where will he go,” prevented any rankings list from being able to run on various websites. Harvey-Clemons and Tomlinson were still making visits up through our press deadline and had not yet committed, though both are believed to be signing on National Signing Day.
BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL
Then you have the players who commit early and stick with that pledge through National Signing Day, even acting as ambassadors for their future college. St. Pius X’s Geno Smith comes to mind as one of these players. Smith, who pledged to Nick Saban and Alabama last summer, has been pushing hard along with Hillgrove’s Kenyan Drake and Cedar Grove’s Brandon Greene, trying to get all the recruits they can to come to suit up for the Crimson Tide on February 1. Each participated in national all-star games and all were reportedly pushing undecided players towards Tuscaloosa. Chris Leak of Charlotte’s Independence High School was well known for being former Florida coach Ron Zook’s first big-time recruit, and he played the Pied Piper, leading plenty of fellow prep stars down to Gainesville. Last season, Damian Swann helped the Dream Team land Ray Drew, Isaiah Crowell, Malcolm Mitchell and Jay Rome after he pledged to be a Bulldog at the US Army All-American game. Swann’s first one in really got the ball going as Richt and Georgia finished strong in January and February. Recruits that take the drama out early and pick with their pledge are a breath of fresh air in these days of me-first, spotlight-seeking seventeen-year-olds.
So what will Wednesday mean in the grand scheme of things? Wednesday is a day to be celebrated not just because Georgia signed “The Dream Team II,” or because Georgia Tech landed its best defensive prospect yet under Paul Johnson. The day should be celebrated because young men across the state of Georgia have chosen to use football as a vehicle to matriculate to colleges and universities of higher learning across the country. These football players have weathered the drama of recruiting to declare they will seek out college degrees while bashing heads on the gridiron.
Will they all go on to NFL success? No. But all will be better for continuing their educations. We can perhaps give them a pass for switching a pledge or two along the way; hopefully it was for a better purpose than just attention-seeking.
Anyone upset with the generalization that some men just cannot commit need look no further than the recruiting drama playing out across the state of Georgia as we near National Signing Day this Wednesday. Desperate teams start flooding the cell phones of waffling recruits, courting them harder than ever before in the attempt to get a switched pledge and a letter of intent.
As much as we like to believe what the word “committed,” means sadly, when a high school junior or senior commits, it really doesn’t mean anything until that player puts pen to paper and paper to fax machine on National Signing Day. Up until that point, everything is just lip service and non-binding. There have been multiple cases over the years of players pledging to a coach only to pull a switcharoo on National Signing Day.
Two metro-area players, Tucker’s Josh Dawson and Sandy Creek’s JaQuay Williams, have been “committed” to Vanderbilt and Auburn, respectively for months, but Mark Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs managed to snare each last week for visits and both enjoyed their trips according to various recruiting services and tweets.
Williams, a wide receiver is the No. 11 player on the Score Final 50 while Dawson, a defensive end, checks in at No. 25. After Georgia lost Flowery Branch’s CJ Curry earlier this year, a spot at wide receiver opened up, and Richt charging after the Auburn pledge. Richt and company also waited on Dawson to see what No. 32 Kenderius Whitehead would do, and after the ML King DE/OLB pledged to NC State, the Dawgs started charging. It may seem shady, but these players are not truly “committed,” to Vanderbilt and Auburn until after the Letter of Intent gets sent in.
COACHING CHANGES
Committed is a funny word too when we expect these high schoolers to stick to their word when coaches do not always abide by that rule. Coaches jump ship to better jobs or sometimes get the ax, and in these cases, commitments can change.
Kyle Sloter of Mt. Pisgah recently switched his pledge from Tulane to Southern Miss after the coaching staff at Tulane was fired, and the man that recruited him made his way to Southern Miss. Now Sloter will sign with the Eagles to play for the coach with whom he fostered a recruiting relationship. Sloter’s father told Score Atlanta, “Kyle took a visit to Southern Miss and wants to go where he is wanted more.”
Other players such as Josh Harvey-Clemons of Lowndes (No. 3) and Dalvin Tomlinson (No. 18) of Henry County have yet to declare and likely will on National Signing Day. Sometimes players like to wait until National Signing Day so that they can take all of their official visits to make a well-informed decision. Other times players are merely seeking the limelight and want to have ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports drool all over them, anticipating their every move. Last year, Jadeveon Clowney waited nearly two weeks after National Signing Day so that he could declare on his birthday in front of a live television audience with no one else stealing his thunder. For two weeks the buildup of “where will he go,” prevented any rankings list from being able to run on various websites. Harvey-Clemons and Tomlinson were still making visits up through our press deadline and had not yet committed, though both are believed to be signing on National Signing Day.
BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL
Then you have the players who commit early and stick with that pledge through National Signing Day, even acting as ambassadors for their future college. St. Pius X’s Geno Smith comes to mind as one of these players. Smith, who pledged to Nick Saban and Alabama last summer, has been pushing hard along with Hillgrove’s Kenyan Drake and Cedar Grove’s Brandon Greene, trying to get all the recruits they can to come to suit up for the Crimson Tide on February 1. Each participated in national all-star games and all were reportedly pushing undecided players towards Tuscaloosa. Chris Leak of Charlotte’s Independence High School was well known for being former Florida coach Ron Zook’s first big-time recruit, and he played the Pied Piper, leading plenty of fellow prep stars down to Gainesville. Last season, Damian Swann helped the Dream Team land Ray Drew, Isaiah Crowell, Malcolm Mitchell and Jay Rome after he pledged to be a Bulldog at the US Army All-American game. Swann’s first one in really got the ball going as Richt and Georgia finished strong in January and February. Recruits that take the drama out early and pick with their pledge are a breath of fresh air in these days of me-first, spotlight-seeking seventeen-year-olds.
So what will Wednesday mean in the grand scheme of things? Wednesday is a day to be celebrated not just because Georgia signed “The Dream Team II,” or because Georgia Tech landed its best defensive prospect yet under Paul Johnson. The day should be celebrated because young men across the state of Georgia have chosen to use football as a vehicle to matriculate to colleges and universities of higher learning across the country. These football players have weathered the drama of recruiting to declare they will seek out college degrees while bashing heads on the gridiron.
Will they all go on to NFL success? No. But all will be better for continuing their educations. We can perhaps give them a pass for switching a pledge or two along the way; hopefully it was for a better purpose than just attention-seeking.
The Fletch: 1/27/12: get your argument straight
It is a debate that three years ago was laughable. Now it is a debate that we might need to start having, especially if the Giants are able to knock off the Patriots next Sunday: Is Eli Manning better than his older brother Peyton?
DEFENDING RYAN
Driving around Atlanta, listening to sports radio callers and show hosts spout on and on about how Matt Ryan is overrated because he has never won in the postseason is making me crazy. According to that logic the postseason is the only thing that matters, right Chuck Oliver and Mike Bell?
OK, if you want to use that argument and New York does beat New England, be prepared to bow down to Eli in the discussion of better Manning brother. Eli would be 2-0 in Super Bowls while Peyton sits at .500. Preposterous? Not according to your logic that says the regular season apparently means nothing and the postseason means everything.
I get tired of people on the web, in emails to the Score Atlanta staff and on the radio banging on Matt Ryan. Yes, he is 0-3 in the playoffs, but Ryan is also 43-19 in the regular season. You cannot discount this. That is an average of around 11-4 (he missed two games his second season). You are telling me that is awful? That is garbage?
Tim Tebow won a playoff game this year but ask any knowledgable Denver fan who he’d rather have. The answer would be simple: Matt Ryan. He will get his postseason wins in, don’t worry. And until then, feel free to indulge yourself in a Eli vs. Peyton debate.
On a side note, I brought this issue up on Facebook before the Giants beat the 49ers and the opinions were mixed.
PANTHERS COVERED
Great job by the local newspapers for giving Georgia State some props. Both Score Atlanta and the AJC have been all over the Panthers this year after new coach Ron Hunter kicked off the year with one of the best starts in program history. The AJC has done a nice job of letting Doug Roberson fully immerse himself in Georgia State basketball, and Mark Bradley even stopped by before one of the Panthers games.
Meanwhile, Score Atlanta covered the winning streak with previews and recaps of the games laters during the double-digit streak. We were even able to snag a few photos of the orange jerseys that were on display on the www.scoreatl.com front page. With Georgia and Georgia Tech struggling this season, expect the AJC to pay a little more attention to the Panthers. Score Atlanta will, of course, continue to be on the ball as we’ve had the Panther Prowl beat for years both online and in our paper. And if Georgia State makes the postseason, we might even throw one of our beat writers in a team gym bag to go cover the Big Dance.
GIVE THEM SOME LOVE
Finally, if you ask nationally people’s thoughts on the Atlanta Hawks, odds are you’d hear, “Charles Barkley hates them, so they can’t be good.” Don’t look now, though, but the Hawks are 13-6, good enough for the playoffs if the season ended today.
Among the teams ahead of Atlanta: Chicago, a team that the Hawks beat once and should have a second time. Atlanta has thumped plenty of teams early. The key will be to survive without Al Horford down low as he is likely out until playoff time. Hey ESPN, it might be time for a little Hawks love. Just a simple request.
DEFENDING RYAN
Driving around Atlanta, listening to sports radio callers and show hosts spout on and on about how Matt Ryan is overrated because he has never won in the postseason is making me crazy. According to that logic the postseason is the only thing that matters, right Chuck Oliver and Mike Bell?
OK, if you want to use that argument and New York does beat New England, be prepared to bow down to Eli in the discussion of better Manning brother. Eli would be 2-0 in Super Bowls while Peyton sits at .500. Preposterous? Not according to your logic that says the regular season apparently means nothing and the postseason means everything.
I get tired of people on the web, in emails to the Score Atlanta staff and on the radio banging on Matt Ryan. Yes, he is 0-3 in the playoffs, but Ryan is also 43-19 in the regular season. You cannot discount this. That is an average of around 11-4 (he missed two games his second season). You are telling me that is awful? That is garbage?
Tim Tebow won a playoff game this year but ask any knowledgable Denver fan who he’d rather have. The answer would be simple: Matt Ryan. He will get his postseason wins in, don’t worry. And until then, feel free to indulge yourself in a Eli vs. Peyton debate.
On a side note, I brought this issue up on Facebook before the Giants beat the 49ers and the opinions were mixed.
PANTHERS COVERED
Great job by the local newspapers for giving Georgia State some props. Both Score Atlanta and the AJC have been all over the Panthers this year after new coach Ron Hunter kicked off the year with one of the best starts in program history. The AJC has done a nice job of letting Doug Roberson fully immerse himself in Georgia State basketball, and Mark Bradley even stopped by before one of the Panthers games.
Meanwhile, Score Atlanta covered the winning streak with previews and recaps of the games laters during the double-digit streak. We were even able to snag a few photos of the orange jerseys that were on display on the www.scoreatl.com front page. With Georgia and Georgia Tech struggling this season, expect the AJC to pay a little more attention to the Panthers. Score Atlanta will, of course, continue to be on the ball as we’ve had the Panther Prowl beat for years both online and in our paper. And if Georgia State makes the postseason, we might even throw one of our beat writers in a team gym bag to go cover the Big Dance.
GIVE THEM SOME LOVE
Finally, if you ask nationally people’s thoughts on the Atlanta Hawks, odds are you’d hear, “Charles Barkley hates them, so they can’t be good.” Don’t look now, though, but the Hawks are 13-6, good enough for the playoffs if the season ended today.
Among the teams ahead of Atlanta: Chicago, a team that the Hawks beat once and should have a second time. Atlanta has thumped plenty of teams early. The key will be to survive without Al Horford down low as he is likely out until playoff time. Hey ESPN, it might be time for a little Hawks love. Just a simple request.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Can Richt pull off Dream Team II?
With word coming down that immigration issues will cost Mark Richt and the Georgia Bulldogs a potential offensive line recruit, the Dawgs, who already had extra spots to fill, have one more. Some recruiting services have Georgia projected as high as the top five, but the loss of Chester Brown certainly won’t help Richt down the stretch. Can Richt and Georgia finish as strongly as they did one year ago? What targets are out there that could put the Dawgs squarely in the top five?
Avery Young is a 6-foot-5 offensive tackle from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, that will decide between Auburn, Georgia and Florida on National Signing Day. Early on it seemed Will Muschamp had Young locked up, but now experts believe it will come down to Georgia and Auburn because of immediate playing time. If Richt can land the four-star prospect, it will more than make up for the loss of Brown. Odds: 60% chance of Georgia over Auburn
Josh Harvey-Clemons is a man with so many positions, you’d think he was his own Fortune 500 company. He has played linebacker, safety, defensive end, wide receiver, running back and quarterback at Lowndes (GA) High School, and Richt just spent time with Harvey-Clemons this week. Georgia was trying to bring him in on the defensive side of the ball while early on Alabama and Florida wanted him at wide receiver. Florida and Georgia made the final list but Florida State has emerged, not surprisingly. The Lowndes program routinely sends players to the Seminole program including Greg Reid and Telvin Smith over the last few seasons. Harvey-Clemons could be the next though the Bulldogs are still fighting hard. Odds: 25% for Georgia but likely Florida State
Cordarrelle Patterson could be the wide receiver that Georgia needs to officially claim the title of top receiving corps in the nation. Add 6-foot-4 Patterson out of Hutchinson Community College to Tavarres King, Malcolm Mitchell and Michael Bennett (plus everyone else), and Aaron Murray could win the Heisman Trophy. But will Patterson want to go and compete with all of those options for catches? Will he head to Tennessee where somehow Derek Dooley gets a top flight receiver each signing class? Will Auburn sneak away with Young? It comes down to Georgia and Tennessee. Odds: 45% chance for Georgia. I think Tennessee walks away with him.
If the Dawgs miss out on Patterson, perhaps JaQuay Williams could soften the blow. The Sandy Creek (GA) receiver is committed to Auburn but reportedly loved his visit to Athens recently. The Dawgs put a major push on Williams, and it could pay off on National Signing Day. Odds of a flip: 75%. Dawg fans will be happy on National Signing Day unless Trooper Taylor works some magic for Auburn.
Josh Dawson, a defensive end from Tucker (GA) has been a solid commitment to Vanderbilt for a while, but Georgia got him on campus recently. Now he is still “committed,” to Vanderbilt but will decide once and for all on National Signing Day. Sorry James Franklin but it looks like you lost this fight with Todd Grantham. Odds: 95% chance of a flip for Georgia.
If the Dawgs land two of these guys, expect a top ten class for Mark Richt. If either Young or Harvey-Clemons sign with Georgia, Richt could be looking at another top five class.
Avery Young is a 6-foot-5 offensive tackle from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, that will decide between Auburn, Georgia and Florida on National Signing Day. Early on it seemed Will Muschamp had Young locked up, but now experts believe it will come down to Georgia and Auburn because of immediate playing time. If Richt can land the four-star prospect, it will more than make up for the loss of Brown. Odds: 60% chance of Georgia over Auburn
Josh Harvey-Clemons is a man with so many positions, you’d think he was his own Fortune 500 company. He has played linebacker, safety, defensive end, wide receiver, running back and quarterback at Lowndes (GA) High School, and Richt just spent time with Harvey-Clemons this week. Georgia was trying to bring him in on the defensive side of the ball while early on Alabama and Florida wanted him at wide receiver. Florida and Georgia made the final list but Florida State has emerged, not surprisingly. The Lowndes program routinely sends players to the Seminole program including Greg Reid and Telvin Smith over the last few seasons. Harvey-Clemons could be the next though the Bulldogs are still fighting hard. Odds: 25% for Georgia but likely Florida State
Cordarrelle Patterson could be the wide receiver that Georgia needs to officially claim the title of top receiving corps in the nation. Add 6-foot-4 Patterson out of Hutchinson Community College to Tavarres King, Malcolm Mitchell and Michael Bennett (plus everyone else), and Aaron Murray could win the Heisman Trophy. But will Patterson want to go and compete with all of those options for catches? Will he head to Tennessee where somehow Derek Dooley gets a top flight receiver each signing class? Will Auburn sneak away with Young? It comes down to Georgia and Tennessee. Odds: 45% chance for Georgia. I think Tennessee walks away with him.
If the Dawgs miss out on Patterson, perhaps JaQuay Williams could soften the blow. The Sandy Creek (GA) receiver is committed to Auburn but reportedly loved his visit to Athens recently. The Dawgs put a major push on Williams, and it could pay off on National Signing Day. Odds of a flip: 75%. Dawg fans will be happy on National Signing Day unless Trooper Taylor works some magic for Auburn.
Josh Dawson, a defensive end from Tucker (GA) has been a solid commitment to Vanderbilt for a while, but Georgia got him on campus recently. Now he is still “committed,” to Vanderbilt but will decide once and for all on National Signing Day. Sorry James Franklin but it looks like you lost this fight with Todd Grantham. Odds: 95% chance of a flip for Georgia.
If the Dawgs land two of these guys, expect a top ten class for Mark Richt. If either Young or Harvey-Clemons sign with Georgia, Richt could be looking at another top five class.
Hancock County grand jury returns zero indictments regarding Oct. 14 melee
A messy Oct. 14 postgame fight between the Hancock Central and Warren County football teams sent Screaming Devils head coach David Daniel to the hospital and left one school superintendent seeking justice for her coach. However after a GBI investigation, a Hancock County grand jury decided that “no indictment be returned against anyone,” according to a story in the Augusta Chronicle. The grand jury convened Wednesday and determined that, after viewing the reports, no indictments would be handed out.
According to the reports, one player did admit to hitting Daniel, though only after he was first punched three times by the coach. Witnesses from both sides said the other team began the melee, and it was later confirmed that Daniel was not hit by a helmet but rather a fist, according to the story.
Warren County Superintendent of Schools Carole Jean Carey was on hand the night of the incident and remembers seeing Daniel take off with the offensive coordinator when, “we saw helmets go up.” She later saw Daniel get struck she told Score in an interview.
Carey had petitioned to get the GBI’s involvement after initially the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office denied a request for outside help. Carey declined to testify yesterday, and she told the Augusta Chronicle the result, “was expected.” She also revealed that a civil lawsuit is “in the works.”
According to the reports, one player did admit to hitting Daniel, though only after he was first punched three times by the coach. Witnesses from both sides said the other team began the melee, and it was later confirmed that Daniel was not hit by a helmet but rather a fist, according to the story.
Warren County Superintendent of Schools Carole Jean Carey was on hand the night of the incident and remembers seeing Daniel take off with the offensive coordinator when, “we saw helmets go up.” She later saw Daniel get struck she told Score in an interview.
Carey had petitioned to get the GBI’s involvement after initially the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office denied a request for outside help. Carey declined to testify yesterday, and she told the Augusta Chronicle the result, “was expected.” She also revealed that a civil lawsuit is “in the works.”
Walton's Parker generating some recruiting buzz
Walton advanced to the Class AAAAA state championship game in 2011 on the strength of an opportunistic defense, a powerful running game and a quarterback who quietly put together a strong junior year. Parker McLeod drew the eyes and ears of recruiting services after Louisville came through with an offer last June, but the 6-foot-3 signal-caller has been a hot commodity of late, racking up offers and accolades as he prepares for the spring practice before his senior year.
Boston College recently came forth with an offer and Oklahoma State has also offered the pro-style prospect. Alabama has also listed him as one of three quarterbacks head coach Nick Saban will target for National Signing Day 2013.
“It was really exciting,” said McLeod of getting the recent offer from Oklahoma State. “You are talking about a team that was just playing in the Fiesta Bowl and in the discussion of playing for a national championship.”
Oklahoma State is one of a few schools that will get a visit from McLeod this spring and summer. McLeod said he plans on visiting Boston College, Oklahoma State and Louisville, all who have offered, as well as Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Alabama and Virginia.
“I’d like to try and have a decision made before my senior year,” said McLeod. He also admitted that, once he commits, he will try and recruit current teammates Tyren Jones and Brandon Kublanow as well as other prospects to his choice.
He noted in an interview with Score that his decision will come down to a combination of elements that go into any college choice. McLeod said that academics will weigh in as will the campuses. “Style of offense will be pretty important too and the coaching staff.”
The Walton quarterback has strong footwork and impressive arm strength, which he believed helped him earn his first scholarship offer from Louisville. McLeod really started opening eyes with a strong performance at the recent AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl, a showcase that highlights the top rising seniors on the high school gridiron. McLeod went under center for the West squad, finishing 5-for-9 passing for 71 yards while also rushing for 16 yards on three carries. The all-star gathering can be difficult for some quarterbacks as they try and find a rhythm with strange receivers, but experts from 247Sports and Scout were impressed with McLeod.
McLeod quarterbacked his team to 14 straight wins to start the 2011 season. With a dominating blocker in front of him and an explosive running back flanking him, look for bigger numbers and even more offers in 2012.
Boston College recently came forth with an offer and Oklahoma State has also offered the pro-style prospect. Alabama has also listed him as one of three quarterbacks head coach Nick Saban will target for National Signing Day 2013.
“It was really exciting,” said McLeod of getting the recent offer from Oklahoma State. “You are talking about a team that was just playing in the Fiesta Bowl and in the discussion of playing for a national championship.”
Oklahoma State is one of a few schools that will get a visit from McLeod this spring and summer. McLeod said he plans on visiting Boston College, Oklahoma State and Louisville, all who have offered, as well as Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Alabama and Virginia.
“I’d like to try and have a decision made before my senior year,” said McLeod. He also admitted that, once he commits, he will try and recruit current teammates Tyren Jones and Brandon Kublanow as well as other prospects to his choice.
He noted in an interview with Score that his decision will come down to a combination of elements that go into any college choice. McLeod said that academics will weigh in as will the campuses. “Style of offense will be pretty important too and the coaching staff.”
The Walton quarterback has strong footwork and impressive arm strength, which he believed helped him earn his first scholarship offer from Louisville. McLeod really started opening eyes with a strong performance at the recent AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl, a showcase that highlights the top rising seniors on the high school gridiron. McLeod went under center for the West squad, finishing 5-for-9 passing for 71 yards while also rushing for 16 yards on three carries. The all-star gathering can be difficult for some quarterbacks as they try and find a rhythm with strange receivers, but experts from 247Sports and Scout were impressed with McLeod.
McLeod quarterbacked his team to 14 straight wins to start the 2011 season. With a dominating blocker in front of him and an explosive running back flanking him, look for bigger numbers and even more offers in 2012.
Wrestling is in the Rivera Family blood
Look for the Mt. Pisgah boys basketball team to turn its season around in the next few games. The program’s all-time leading rebounder and scorer Kyle Sloter has missed seven games due to an ankle injury and with official visits, and the Patriots have lost five of the games. Sloter has dropped down into the post for his senior season and was recently named the MVP of the Carolina Day School Basketball Holiday Tournament. ...
Wrestling success clearly runs in the Rivera family. Kennesaw Mountain’s Justan Rivera was named the most outstanding wrestler at the recent Cobb County Invitational after the freshman won the 170-pound weight class. Rivera defeated Pope sophomore Joey Tabachino for the win. Rivera’s brother Jonatan was a two-time county champion and was the Cobb County Invitational’s most outstanding wrestler the last two years. Kennesaw Mountain finished fifth. ...
Chris Gaines of Kell High School was a force on the football field but he is starting to take to his new sport of wrestling. This is just Gaines’ second season on the wrestling mat, but that didn’t stop Gaines from winning the 195-pound title with a win over Wheeler’s Darian Richardson. ...
When is losing good? According to Evans boys basketball coach Kevin Kenny when those teams are a combined 33-4. In a story by Wayne Staats of the Augusta Chronicle, Kenny saw some benefits to falling recently to Jonesboro and Effingham County, both ranked in the latest Score Hoops poll. “Those are the type of teams you’re seeing in the state tournament if you’re fortunate to get there,” said Kenny in the article. Evans is challenging for one of the top seeds in its subregion as the playoffs approach.
Wrestling success clearly runs in the Rivera family. Kennesaw Mountain’s Justan Rivera was named the most outstanding wrestler at the recent Cobb County Invitational after the freshman won the 170-pound weight class. Rivera defeated Pope sophomore Joey Tabachino for the win. Rivera’s brother Jonatan was a two-time county champion and was the Cobb County Invitational’s most outstanding wrestler the last two years. Kennesaw Mountain finished fifth. ...
Chris Gaines of Kell High School was a force on the football field but he is starting to take to his new sport of wrestling. This is just Gaines’ second season on the wrestling mat, but that didn’t stop Gaines from winning the 195-pound title with a win over Wheeler’s Darian Richardson. ...
When is losing good? According to Evans boys basketball coach Kevin Kenny when those teams are a combined 33-4. In a story by Wayne Staats of the Augusta Chronicle, Kenny saw some benefits to falling recently to Jonesboro and Effingham County, both ranked in the latest Score Hoops poll. “Those are the type of teams you’re seeing in the state tournament if you’re fortunate to get there,” said Kenny in the article. Evans is challenging for one of the top seeds in its subregion as the playoffs approach.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sloter switches to Southern Miss
Kyle Sloter has decided to back out of his previous pledge to Tulane to instead commit to Southern Miss and Ricky Bustle. The Southern Miss offensive coordinator had previously recruited the Mt. Pisgah signal caller while as Tulane’s quarterbacks coach before the Green Wave’s coaching staff was let go in the middle of the 2011 season. According to Sloter’s father, the 6-foot-5 quarterback “wants to go where he is wanted more and where, quite frankly, the football program is at another level.” Southern Miss appeared as high as No. 19 in the FBS rankings this year, and Sloter is intrigued by the passionate fan base. Sloter is planning to major in business-finance, and Sloter’s father believes he can still get a great education and have fun playing on some winning teams. ...
Harrison girls basketball standout Nikki Hegstetter has surpassed 1200 points for her career in addition to taking home various other individual honors such as team MVP and various tournament MVPs during her time as a Hoya. As her high school career winds down, Hegstetter is preparing to take her talents to Tuscaloosa. She recently accepted a scholarship to play basketball at Alabama and will do so as a member of the Georgia Coaches Association All-Senior team. Harrison’s boys coach Robert Churchwell, who recently coached Ryan Blumenthal to the 1000-point plateau as well, called the milestone, “an honor that is a rarity that is revered.” Said Churchwell, “it is a mark that only the very few gifted and hard-working athletes ever achieve.”
Harrison girls basketball standout Nikki Hegstetter has surpassed 1200 points for her career in addition to taking home various other individual honors such as team MVP and various tournament MVPs during her time as a Hoya. As her high school career winds down, Hegstetter is preparing to take her talents to Tuscaloosa. She recently accepted a scholarship to play basketball at Alabama and will do so as a member of the Georgia Coaches Association All-Senior team. Harrison’s boys coach Robert Churchwell, who recently coached Ryan Blumenthal to the 1000-point plateau as well, called the milestone, “an honor that is a rarity that is revered.” Said Churchwell, “it is a mark that only the very few gifted and hard-working athletes ever achieve.”
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Gwinnett County loses one, gains one female star
The Buford Lady Wolves, ranked No. 2 in the latest Class AA poll received a huge boost over the weekend when Andraya Carter returned after missing the first part of the season to injury. Carter, who is committed to play next season at Tennessee, tore ligaments in her knee last summer and had been out of action thus far this season. She returned with 8 points against Westminster over the weekend, and Buford coach Gene Durden is certainly glad she is back. “Draya has been working hard to make a comeback to our team during her senior year and has done an amazing job in taking all of the steps needed to make it happen.” Carter has returned to the lineup and has not skipped a beat according to Durden. “She looks and plays just like she always has.” Durden pointed out in an interview with Score that her hustle, passion and energy will help to give the team a boost going into the playoffs. ...
Meanwhile another Gwinnett County power has lost a standout as Norcross will be without Diamond DeShields for several weeks. Blue Devils head coach Angie Hembree confirmed the injury to the non-shooting hand to Score. “Diamond injured her left wrist in our game with North Gwinnett. We expect her to be back in time for the playoffs.” ...
Sophomore Isabella Skinner helped West Forsyth to a region title and a Class AAAAA runner-up finish last year. As a freshman Skinner finished as runner-up low medalist, but if possible, she accomplished something even more impressive. Over the weekend, Skinner sank two holes-in-one at the 2012 Carolinas-Georgia Junior Championship at Augusta, South Carolina’s Mount Vintage Golf Club. Alas the pair of par-three eagles was not enough to topple McKenzie Talbert, but Skinner did beat 67,000,000 to one odds (Boston University study for Golf Digest) of sinking two holes-in-one in a single round. ...
Harrison’s Ryan Blumenthal wasn’t the only Hoya to reach the 1000-point plateau this season. Blumenthal notched the mark against Dr. Phillips in the Hilton Invitational while girls standout Nikki Hegstetter tallied the mark earlier this season.
Meanwhile another Gwinnett County power has lost a standout as Norcross will be without Diamond DeShields for several weeks. Blue Devils head coach Angie Hembree confirmed the injury to the non-shooting hand to Score. “Diamond injured her left wrist in our game with North Gwinnett. We expect her to be back in time for the playoffs.” ...
Sophomore Isabella Skinner helped West Forsyth to a region title and a Class AAAAA runner-up finish last year. As a freshman Skinner finished as runner-up low medalist, but if possible, she accomplished something even more impressive. Over the weekend, Skinner sank two holes-in-one at the 2012 Carolinas-Georgia Junior Championship at Augusta, South Carolina’s Mount Vintage Golf Club. Alas the pair of par-three eagles was not enough to topple McKenzie Talbert, but Skinner did beat 67,000,000 to one odds (Boston University study for Golf Digest) of sinking two holes-in-one in a single round. ...
Harrison’s Ryan Blumenthal wasn’t the only Hoya to reach the 1000-point plateau this season. Blumenthal notched the mark against Dr. Phillips in the Hilton Invitational while girls standout Nikki Hegstetter tallied the mark earlier this season.
Ivy Leagues becoming a popular destination
Flowery Branch’s last four quarterbacks have all received scholarships, but the recruiting process for the latest QB Kanler Coker took a bit of a turn last week. Coker switched his commitment from East Carolina to UNC after meeting with new Tar Heel head coach Larry Fedora. The 6-foot-4 QB passed for over 2800 yards last year with 31 touchdowns in his lone season at Flowery Branch. Lee Shaw’s previous three quarterbacks were Jaybo Shaw (Georgia Tech, transferred to Georgia Southern), Connor Shaw (South Carolina) and Austin Brown (UAB). ...
Several Georgia prospects realize that football won’t last forever and have committed to use football to earn an Ivy League degree that will help them in life. North Gwinnett quarterback Scotty Hosch and Collins Hill defensive lineman Sam Batiste will matriculate to Harvard while GAC teammates Jonathan Ford and Lavondre Nelson will head play in the Ivy League as well. Ford will suit up at linebacker for Cornell while Nelson will play running back at Princeton. Score Final 50 member Dalvin Tomlinson was considering Harvard for a while but now it appears as though the Henry County defensive will decide between Georgia Tech, Georgia and Alabama though he recently cancelled an official visit to UGA. ...
The Yellow Jackets raised a few eyebrows recently by revoking the scholarship offer of its first commitment for the current class, Lanier County defensive end Junior Gnonkonde, due to a question over test scores. Gnonkonde is reportedly interested in Central Florida, Louisiana Tech and possibly North Carolina. ...
Score Final 50 Chris Moody of Henry County finally decided upon his future, selecting Vanderbilt over South Carolina over the weekend. According to ESPN.com, Moody pledged after taking an official visit over the weekend.
Several Georgia prospects realize that football won’t last forever and have committed to use football to earn an Ivy League degree that will help them in life. North Gwinnett quarterback Scotty Hosch and Collins Hill defensive lineman Sam Batiste will matriculate to Harvard while GAC teammates Jonathan Ford and Lavondre Nelson will head play in the Ivy League as well. Ford will suit up at linebacker for Cornell while Nelson will play running back at Princeton. Score Final 50 member Dalvin Tomlinson was considering Harvard for a while but now it appears as though the Henry County defensive will decide between Georgia Tech, Georgia and Alabama though he recently cancelled an official visit to UGA. ...
The Yellow Jackets raised a few eyebrows recently by revoking the scholarship offer of its first commitment for the current class, Lanier County defensive end Junior Gnonkonde, due to a question over test scores. Gnonkonde is reportedly interested in Central Florida, Louisiana Tech and possibly North Carolina. ...
Score Final 50 Chris Moody of Henry County finally decided upon his future, selecting Vanderbilt over South Carolina over the weekend. According to ESPN.com, Moody pledged after taking an official visit over the weekend.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Class 5A weekend recap 1/23/12
Top teams from across the state and the country converged upon Norcross High School for the 2012 Hilton Invitational, and several memorable finishes highlighted the event. The host Blue Devils pulled out a 60-57 win after Charlotte (NC) Christian’s Ryan Potocnik scored a basket for Norcross late in the fourth. Junior Brandon Goodwin canned two free throws with 3.8 seconds to achieve the 60-57 final margin. Jason Croom, a member of the Score 44 gridiron edition and No. 26 on the Score Final 50, led Norcross with 15 points and nine rebounds. ...
Harrison tagged Dr. Phillips (Fla.) with an 81-76 loss at the event. Ryan Blumenthal scored 28 points, surpassing 1000 for his career in the process, and Score 44 big man Marshall Guilmette added 18 points in the victory. ...
Wheeler fell to Charlotte (NC) Olympic 69-52 as Kejuan Johnson’s 16 points weren’t enough to help the Wildcats keep up with the Trojans. Charles Mitchell scored 11 points. ...
Meanwhile the Parkview girls improved to 20-0 (11-0 in region play) with a commanding 57-43 win over Archer on Saturday. Score 44 standout Erika Joseph scored 16 points as did Marissa Madneldove and Vicky Harris. ...
Lexie Brown of North Gwinnett exploded for 25 points at the Kay Yow Girls Night Out Tournament at Starr’s Mill in a 41-37 win over Dutch Fork (S.C.). ...
Norcross was also victorious in the event, taking out Center Point (Ala.) 62-35 behind 20 points from Shayle Cooper and 16 and eight from Patrice Butler. Norcross was playing without Diamond DeShields, who will miss 2-3 weeks with a fractured wrist, according to WXIA’s Sam Crenshaw, who spoke with Norcross coach Angie Hembree.
Harrison tagged Dr. Phillips (Fla.) with an 81-76 loss at the event. Ryan Blumenthal scored 28 points, surpassing 1000 for his career in the process, and Score 44 big man Marshall Guilmette added 18 points in the victory. ...
Wheeler fell to Charlotte (NC) Olympic 69-52 as Kejuan Johnson’s 16 points weren’t enough to help the Wildcats keep up with the Trojans. Charles Mitchell scored 11 points. ...
Meanwhile the Parkview girls improved to 20-0 (11-0 in region play) with a commanding 57-43 win over Archer on Saturday. Score 44 standout Erika Joseph scored 16 points as did Marissa Madneldove and Vicky Harris. ...
Lexie Brown of North Gwinnett exploded for 25 points at the Kay Yow Girls Night Out Tournament at Starr’s Mill in a 41-37 win over Dutch Fork (S.C.). ...
Norcross was also victorious in the event, taking out Center Point (Ala.) 62-35 behind 20 points from Shayle Cooper and 16 and eight from Patrice Butler. Norcross was playing without Diamond DeShields, who will miss 2-3 weeks with a fractured wrist, according to WXIA’s Sam Crenshaw, who spoke with Norcross coach Angie Hembree.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
How in the World will UGA move on?
The deadline for underclassmen to have declared for the NFL draft has passed, and while those juniors and redshirt sophomores can still return to school, you have a general idea of who is leaving and who is staying. After last weekend’s playoffs you get the idea that athletic tight ends are quickly becoming the new rage in the League, and the University of Georgia’s Orson Charles has thrown his hat into the ring.
Charles came to the University with plenty of fanfare, waiting until after National Signing Day 2009 to official sign with the Dawgs along with teammate Aaron Murray. At 6-foot-3, 241-pounds with incredible hands, Georgia fans thought they were getting a matchup nightmare that would exploit defenses all the way to All-American status.
Well that never really happened, which is curious. Georgia has a decorated history of using tight ends with great success, but Charles never reached the blow-away level. His career high was six catches in a ball game, which he pulled off twice. He did have 109 receiving yards against Boise State earlier this year, but his last touchdown catch came against New Mexico State last year and he only caught 10 touchdown passes in his three-year career.
As a junior Charles led the team with 44 receptions, but really, just 44 catches? Wasn’t Charles going to step in and be The Guy now that AJ Green was in the NFL? He had just five scores this season, three coming against non-conference opponents in the regular season. Two touchdowns as a sophomore after three as a freshman? 1,368 career yards and 10 scores on 93 catches, that is what Georgia will have to replace. Honestly, I am not certain that Mark Richt is necessarily worried about that. Not with Jay Rome redshirting this past season (Rome had nearly the hype that Charles did coming out of high school), and not with the best returning group of wide receivers in the conference.
Would it have been nice to have Orson Charles stick around for his final year of eligibility? Sure. But let’s not start fretting over the loss of a tight end that only managed three touchdowns per season in an offense that thrives on play-action in the red zone. Georgia’s offense will be just fine.
Charles came to the University with plenty of fanfare, waiting until after National Signing Day 2009 to official sign with the Dawgs along with teammate Aaron Murray. At 6-foot-3, 241-pounds with incredible hands, Georgia fans thought they were getting a matchup nightmare that would exploit defenses all the way to All-American status.
Well that never really happened, which is curious. Georgia has a decorated history of using tight ends with great success, but Charles never reached the blow-away level. His career high was six catches in a ball game, which he pulled off twice. He did have 109 receiving yards against Boise State earlier this year, but his last touchdown catch came against New Mexico State last year and he only caught 10 touchdown passes in his three-year career.
As a junior Charles led the team with 44 receptions, but really, just 44 catches? Wasn’t Charles going to step in and be The Guy now that AJ Green was in the NFL? He had just five scores this season, three coming against non-conference opponents in the regular season. Two touchdowns as a sophomore after three as a freshman? 1,368 career yards and 10 scores on 93 catches, that is what Georgia will have to replace. Honestly, I am not certain that Mark Richt is necessarily worried about that. Not with Jay Rome redshirting this past season (Rome had nearly the hype that Charles did coming out of high school), and not with the best returning group of wide receivers in the conference.
Would it have been nice to have Orson Charles stick around for his final year of eligibility? Sure. But let’s not start fretting over the loss of a tight end that only managed three touchdowns per season in an offense that thrives on play-action in the red zone. Georgia’s offense will be just fine.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Buford's AJ Davis "still getting back in the swing of things"
Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA) has owned the state of Georgia this year as the boys team has dominated Peach State competition for a 3-0 record. Back in October, the Warriors beat Covenant Christian 91-54 before thumping Harrison 102-69 in November. Last month Oak Hill survived Miller Grove 82-78 in Atlanta. The Wesleyan girls however exacted a measure of revenge, taking out the Oak Hill girls squad 60-50 and handing the Warriors their second loss of the season. Score 44 standout Holli Wilkins had 14 points and six rebounds while Brittany Stevens tossed in 12 points and dished out six assists. Wesleyan is ranked No. 1 in Class A. ...
A.J. Davis won a state title last season with the Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian. In the title game, Davis and company defeated Buford; however, Davis left GAC and now plays for the Buford Wolves though he was just recently declared eligible by the GHSA. In his first action, Davis scored just three points in a loss to his former team. He did snare seven rebounds, block two shots and pick off two steals. Shun Williams of On The Radar Hoops was at Buford’s game against Whitefield Academy (16 points for Davis) and told Score Atlanta that Davis, “played okay, still getting back in the swing of things.” Davis was a force as a second option last season with Malcolm Brogdon. He will be counted on to help T.J. Shipes out at Buford. ...
North Gwinnett traveled to the House of Blue last night for a doubleheader of games that had folks across Region 7-AAAAA no doubt intrigued. Chris Bolden played well against his former team, helping his new one prevail 67-54. Bolden was in foul trouble most of the night but still contributed nine points and seven rebounds. A.J. Clements and Kwesi Abakah combined for 36 points. In the girls game, Diamond DeShields battled through an injured hand to help Norcross snap North Gwinnett’s 12-game winning streak with a 48-37 victory.
A.J. Davis won a state title last season with the Spartans of Greater Atlanta Christian. In the title game, Davis and company defeated Buford; however, Davis left GAC and now plays for the Buford Wolves though he was just recently declared eligible by the GHSA. In his first action, Davis scored just three points in a loss to his former team. He did snare seven rebounds, block two shots and pick off two steals. Shun Williams of On The Radar Hoops was at Buford’s game against Whitefield Academy (16 points for Davis) and told Score Atlanta that Davis, “played okay, still getting back in the swing of things.” Davis was a force as a second option last season with Malcolm Brogdon. He will be counted on to help T.J. Shipes out at Buford. ...
North Gwinnett traveled to the House of Blue last night for a doubleheader of games that had folks across Region 7-AAAAA no doubt intrigued. Chris Bolden played well against his former team, helping his new one prevail 67-54. Bolden was in foul trouble most of the night but still contributed nine points and seven rebounds. A.J. Clements and Kwesi Abakah combined for 36 points. In the girls game, Diamond DeShields battled through an injured hand to help Norcross snap North Gwinnett’s 12-game winning streak with a 48-37 victory.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Braves sign three players to avoid arbitration
The Atlanta Braves avoided salary arbitration hearings with the team’s three remaining arbitration-eligible players Tuesday, agreeing to one-year contracts with starter Jair Jurrjens, reliever Eric O’Flaherty and outfielder Michael Bourn. The financial terms of the deals were not disclosed by the team, but Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported that Bourn will make $6.845M while Jurrjens will make $5.5M, with another $150,000 in incentives. Bowman also reported that O’Flaherty will make $2.49M this season.
One season ago, Jurrjens made the all-star team after posting a 12-3 record through July 6. Jurrjens would miss large chunks of August and all of September to finish with a 13-6 record and a 2.96 ERA after a 1.87 ERA at the break. Jurrjens has topped 200 innings just once in his four years with the Braves and has appeared in just 43 games the last two years. The team guaged interest in Jurrjens over the off-season but elected to bring back the 25-year-old who will be 26 when the season starts.
Bourn meanwhile was acquired by Atlanta at the trading deadline one year ago for Jordan Schafer and three minor league pitchers. Bourn won golden glove awards in 2009 and 2010 and was an all-star in 2010. His 61 steals led the National League one year ago, racking up 22 in 29 chances after being traded to Atlanta. He has a MLB-best 174 over the last three years. Last season’s .294 average was also a career-high, though his average dipped slightly after coming to the Braves. Bourn does give the Braves a legit leadoff man and table-setter that the team has not had since Rafael Furcal.
O’Flaherty meanwhile was a standout one year ago, appearing in 78 games and posting just a .98 ERA in 73.2 innings of work. O’Flaherty’s WHIP was a microscopic 1.086, and he allowed just 59 hits and eight earned runs while serving as primarily the seventh inning reliever, regardless of who was hitting. Unlike Bourn and Jurrjens, O’Flaherty has one more season of arbitration eligibility.
The three deals, combined with last week’s signings of Martin Prado and Jack Wilson mean that the Braves have now agreed to terms with all arbitration-eligible players on the team’s 40-man roster.
One season ago, Jurrjens made the all-star team after posting a 12-3 record through July 6. Jurrjens would miss large chunks of August and all of September to finish with a 13-6 record and a 2.96 ERA after a 1.87 ERA at the break. Jurrjens has topped 200 innings just once in his four years with the Braves and has appeared in just 43 games the last two years. The team guaged interest in Jurrjens over the off-season but elected to bring back the 25-year-old who will be 26 when the season starts.
Bourn meanwhile was acquired by Atlanta at the trading deadline one year ago for Jordan Schafer and three minor league pitchers. Bourn won golden glove awards in 2009 and 2010 and was an all-star in 2010. His 61 steals led the National League one year ago, racking up 22 in 29 chances after being traded to Atlanta. He has a MLB-best 174 over the last three years. Last season’s .294 average was also a career-high, though his average dipped slightly after coming to the Braves. Bourn does give the Braves a legit leadoff man and table-setter that the team has not had since Rafael Furcal.
O’Flaherty meanwhile was a standout one year ago, appearing in 78 games and posting just a .98 ERA in 73.2 innings of work. O’Flaherty’s WHIP was a microscopic 1.086, and he allowed just 59 hits and eight earned runs while serving as primarily the seventh inning reliever, regardless of who was hitting. Unlike Bourn and Jurrjens, O’Flaherty has one more season of arbitration eligibility.
The three deals, combined with last week’s signings of Martin Prado and Jack Wilson mean that the Braves have now agreed to terms with all arbitration-eligible players on the team’s 40-man roster.
Recruiting Buzz: Sloter receives another offer
Mount Pisgah’s Kyle Sloter has been tearing it up on the basketball court of late, but football is likely where the 6-foot-4 senior will make his impact at the next level. Sloter, who committed to Tulane last fall, returned from his official visit to the school Sunday night and found another offer waiting for him upon his return. According to Sloter’s father, Southern Miss offered the quarterback and several other schools have shown interest including Arkansas. The official visit was “a great time” for Sloter though and he is “still committed to them at this time.” ...
Jim Mora Jr., pulled in another Lassiter prospect to UCLA. Eddie Printz, who backed off of a commitment to SMU after June Jones began flirting with other jobs, pledged to play for the Bruins following his upcoming senior season. Lassiter teammate Kene Orjioke will sign with UCLA in February. ...
Statesboro offensive lineman Freddie Burden committed to Paul Johnson and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets over the weekend in what may have been the biggest recruiting weekend of the year for Georgia Tech. Burden is Tech’s 15th commitment and second from Statesboro. Wide receiver Micheal Summers pledged earlier this year. ...
Alabama is expected to only be able to sign 25 players this February, and following the recent Under Armour and US Army All-America all-star games, the first previous pledge to have his scholarship put on hold is North Atlanta’s Justin Taylor. The running back prospect committed to Alabama last February but was told by the Crimson Tide coaching staff that he will not be able to sign with Alabama this year. According to Michael Carvell, Taylor, who missed his senior season with a knee injury, was informed that he was the No. 26 player in a class of 25, despite pledging nearly one year ago. Taylor will stay in Georgia and rehab his injury and be ready to sign in 2013, according to the AJC.
Jim Mora Jr., pulled in another Lassiter prospect to UCLA. Eddie Printz, who backed off of a commitment to SMU after June Jones began flirting with other jobs, pledged to play for the Bruins following his upcoming senior season. Lassiter teammate Kene Orjioke will sign with UCLA in February. ...
Statesboro offensive lineman Freddie Burden committed to Paul Johnson and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets over the weekend in what may have been the biggest recruiting weekend of the year for Georgia Tech. Burden is Tech’s 15th commitment and second from Statesboro. Wide receiver Micheal Summers pledged earlier this year. ...
Alabama is expected to only be able to sign 25 players this February, and following the recent Under Armour and US Army All-America all-star games, the first previous pledge to have his scholarship put on hold is North Atlanta’s Justin Taylor. The running back prospect committed to Alabama last February but was told by the Crimson Tide coaching staff that he will not be able to sign with Alabama this year. According to Michael Carvell, Taylor, who missed his senior season with a knee injury, was informed that he was the No. 26 player in a class of 25, despite pledging nearly one year ago. Taylor will stay in Georgia and rehab his injury and be ready to sign in 2013, according to the AJC.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Norcross girls see long streak end
No. 2 Shiloh fell to No. 10 Berkmar 46-45 after Score 44 guard Yonel Brown connected with less than two seconds to play in the fourth. Brown finished with 13 points and Tim Rowe led the Patriots with 14 points. Shiloh’s Robert Carter led all scorers with 17 points. ...
The Norcross boys got a huge third-quarter effort to knock off the Hawks of Mill Creek 58-49 at the House of Blue. The Blue Devils outscored Mill Creek 21-6 in the third frame to turn a halftime deficit into an 11-point lead. Derrick Herbert had 23 point for Norcross. ...
Diamond DeShields scored 26 points to help the Norcross girls team defeat Mill Creek 62-48. Jasmine Carter had 10 points for the Hawks. Saturday though was a different story for Norcross as the girls squad fell to Riverdale (TN) 63-40. Jasmine Kemp had15 rebounds, but DeShields was in foul trouble all game long, fouling out in the fourth with just six points. ...
Chris Bolden had a huge weekend for North Gwinnett, scoring 16 points in a Bulldogs 58-41 win over Meadowcreek Friday and then had 28 points (22 in the first half) in a 72-50 win over McEachern. ...
The No. 1 girls team in Class AAAAA McEachern took down No. 5 Hillgrove 77-40 after forcing 25 Hawks turnovers. Score 44 standout Pachiayaanna Roberts had 26 points and eight steals for McEachern. The Indians pulled away with a 23-6 second quarter. ...
Marissa Mandeldove scored 24 points to help Parkview defeat Salem 63-43 Saturday. Score 44 member Erika Joseph scored 12 points in the win. ...
Alpharetta’s Kylee Smith had 25 points as No. 9 Alpharetta upset Buford 60-42 in the Peach State Hoops Battle of Southeast. ... Score 44 standout Marshall Guillmete contributed 11 points to Harrison’s 72-63 win over South Gwinnett. Logan Adams had 24 points and 19 rebounds for the Comets
The Norcross boys got a huge third-quarter effort to knock off the Hawks of Mill Creek 58-49 at the House of Blue. The Blue Devils outscored Mill Creek 21-6 in the third frame to turn a halftime deficit into an 11-point lead. Derrick Herbert had 23 point for Norcross. ...
Diamond DeShields scored 26 points to help the Norcross girls team defeat Mill Creek 62-48. Jasmine Carter had 10 points for the Hawks. Saturday though was a different story for Norcross as the girls squad fell to Riverdale (TN) 63-40. Jasmine Kemp had15 rebounds, but DeShields was in foul trouble all game long, fouling out in the fourth with just six points. ...
Chris Bolden had a huge weekend for North Gwinnett, scoring 16 points in a Bulldogs 58-41 win over Meadowcreek Friday and then had 28 points (22 in the first half) in a 72-50 win over McEachern. ...
The No. 1 girls team in Class AAAAA McEachern took down No. 5 Hillgrove 77-40 after forcing 25 Hawks turnovers. Score 44 standout Pachiayaanna Roberts had 26 points and eight steals for McEachern. The Indians pulled away with a 23-6 second quarter. ...
Marissa Mandeldove scored 24 points to help Parkview defeat Salem 63-43 Saturday. Score 44 member Erika Joseph scored 12 points in the win. ...
Alpharetta’s Kylee Smith had 25 points as No. 9 Alpharetta upset Buford 60-42 in the Peach State Hoops Battle of Southeast. ... Score 44 standout Marshall Guillmete contributed 11 points to Harrison’s 72-63 win over South Gwinnett. Logan Adams had 24 points and 19 rebounds for the Comets
Friday, January 13, 2012
A Tired Story
This is from this week's The Fletch. Check out Score Atlanta for more!
Late last week ESPN New York writer and First Take hack Rob Parker, who is from Detroit for the record, decided to rip the city of Atlanta for being the “worst sports town in America.” He noted that the city didn’t deserve a Falcons win against the Giants in the NFL playoffs because the city is awful.
At one point he wrote “If the New York Yankees are the standard for excellence in baseball, Atlanta is the epitome of the bottom of the barrel when it comes to fan support.” Really, I’d think it would be Mets fans. How many sellouts have the Mets recorded in the history of Citi Field?
Parker notes that the Falcons fans are some of the worst fans in the country. “They just don’t get it. They are both missing in action and simply not passionate enough to appreciate their team winning in the NFL playoffs and moving on to the next round.” Hmm, that is weird. Ever since Arthur Blank bought the team, it seems as though the Georgia Dome is constantly packed with folks. And I listened to sports talk radio the day after the game. If he wants passion, tell him to turn the radio on.
After Parker mocks Atlanta fans saying, “at some point, they might ask a friend -- filled with sweet tea -- at a pork-saturated barbeque, ‘Are the Falcons playing today?’ Pathetic,” I’d ask him to please make sure no other NFL fanbases are tailgating Sundays before the games. Wait, they ARE? Would we consider them pathetic too?
He demanded that fans should have been calling for heads to roll after the Braves collapsed down the stretch but “most probably didn’t even notice,” the Braves missing the playoffs. Did he want Gonzalez fired after his FIRST YEAR with a club that featured several players suffering injuries and relying on rookies in several huge positions?
He ended his column by bashing Atlanta for losing two hockey teams, blaming to fans and not the Spirit Group who openly admitted that they didn’t know a whole heck of a lot when they originally were awarded the Thrashers. Apparently our “lame fans” didn’t deserve a hockey team nor did they deserve a win over the Giants in the playoffs. I forget Mr. Parker, how are the Islanders doing these days? Would anyone notice if they left. Step away from hockey for a minute. How many BASEBALL teams has New York City lost. You know, America’s National Pasttime? Two? WOW, has a city ever had that happen before? Oh, Washington DC has as well? Gosh, let’s just gloss over those two markets if we could.
College football loves Atlanta because of the fan support. The NCAA keeps putting Final Fours in Atlanta I guess because it is a terrible sports town. (How many Final Fours has New York hosted recently, I forget.) I guess the awful fans at the Highlight Factory didn’t help the Hawks make it to the second round of the playoffs last year, right? I guess the fans are to blame for the Georgia Dome nearly blowing its roof last year when the Falcons hosted the Packers.
I am tired of this column, which gets drudged up every so often when lazy sports writers cannot think of an original idea so they recycle a dead horse story to get people fired up. Oh just make fun of the south. They are ignorant down there and this will probably go over their heads. Actually Mr. Parker you sound ignorant when you say a team shouldn’t win a game because the fans are lame and don’t deserve it. You are simply an attention seeker and you accomplished your goal: I know your name now. But it is a name I will avoid because you come up with angles like this. Congrats you got my click on this article. You will get no more.
Late last week ESPN New York writer and First Take hack Rob Parker, who is from Detroit for the record, decided to rip the city of Atlanta for being the “worst sports town in America.” He noted that the city didn’t deserve a Falcons win against the Giants in the NFL playoffs because the city is awful.
At one point he wrote “If the New York Yankees are the standard for excellence in baseball, Atlanta is the epitome of the bottom of the barrel when it comes to fan support.” Really, I’d think it would be Mets fans. How many sellouts have the Mets recorded in the history of Citi Field?
Parker notes that the Falcons fans are some of the worst fans in the country. “They just don’t get it. They are both missing in action and simply not passionate enough to appreciate their team winning in the NFL playoffs and moving on to the next round.” Hmm, that is weird. Ever since Arthur Blank bought the team, it seems as though the Georgia Dome is constantly packed with folks. And I listened to sports talk radio the day after the game. If he wants passion, tell him to turn the radio on.
After Parker mocks Atlanta fans saying, “at some point, they might ask a friend -- filled with sweet tea -- at a pork-saturated barbeque, ‘Are the Falcons playing today?’ Pathetic,” I’d ask him to please make sure no other NFL fanbases are tailgating Sundays before the games. Wait, they ARE? Would we consider them pathetic too?
He demanded that fans should have been calling for heads to roll after the Braves collapsed down the stretch but “most probably didn’t even notice,” the Braves missing the playoffs. Did he want Gonzalez fired after his FIRST YEAR with a club that featured several players suffering injuries and relying on rookies in several huge positions?
He ended his column by bashing Atlanta for losing two hockey teams, blaming to fans and not the Spirit Group who openly admitted that they didn’t know a whole heck of a lot when they originally were awarded the Thrashers. Apparently our “lame fans” didn’t deserve a hockey team nor did they deserve a win over the Giants in the playoffs. I forget Mr. Parker, how are the Islanders doing these days? Would anyone notice if they left. Step away from hockey for a minute. How many BASEBALL teams has New York City lost. You know, America’s National Pasttime? Two? WOW, has a city ever had that happen before? Oh, Washington DC has as well? Gosh, let’s just gloss over those two markets if we could.
College football loves Atlanta because of the fan support. The NCAA keeps putting Final Fours in Atlanta I guess because it is a terrible sports town. (How many Final Fours has New York hosted recently, I forget.) I guess the awful fans at the Highlight Factory didn’t help the Hawks make it to the second round of the playoffs last year, right? I guess the fans are to blame for the Georgia Dome nearly blowing its roof last year when the Falcons hosted the Packers.
I am tired of this column, which gets drudged up every so often when lazy sports writers cannot think of an original idea so they recycle a dead horse story to get people fired up. Oh just make fun of the south. They are ignorant down there and this will probably go over their heads. Actually Mr. Parker you sound ignorant when you say a team shouldn’t win a game because the fans are lame and don’t deserve it. You are simply an attention seeker and you accomplished your goal: I know your name now. But it is a name I will avoid because you come up with angles like this. Congrats you got my click on this article. You will get no more.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Centennial names Carlberg new FB coach
Kendall Crute started out the 2011-12 school year as the Kell Longhorns quarterback in the Corky Kell Classic. He has since transitioned to the basketball court and is lighting it up. Crute scored 22 points for the Longhorns as Kell tried to rally from a 27-9 first quarter hole and a 48-24 halftime deficit. Alexander however received 30 points from Arien Parks in the 102-85 Cougar victory. Crute is just a sophomore but he also has several schools around the southeast interested in his basketball abilities. ...
The North Gwinnett girls basketball squad has now won 11 straight games, including five straight in Region 7-AAAAA play, thanks in large part to Lexie Brown. The junior and daughter of NBA great Dee Brown scored 22 points in the Bulldogs recent 55-41 victory. Peyton Whitted also chipped in with 16 points for coach Bryan Sellers. ...
From the “It’s about time” desk, Grayson quarterback Nick Schuessler, who just weeks ago led the Rams to the Class AAAAA state title, finally received a college scholarship offer. Middle Tennessee State came through with a big for the 6-foot-4 signal caller who was featured on the Score 44 this season. Schuessler was 25-3 in his career as the Grayson starting quarterback, and he tossed a pair of scores in the Rams 24-0 victory over Walton at the Georgia Dome. ...
Finally Centennial named Jeffrey Carlberg its new football coach. Carlberg spent the last two years as Alpharetta’s defensive coordinator after serving as Lassiter’s defensive coordinator for two years. He has previously served as a head coach in Kentucky and assisted Bob Sphire when the North Gwinnett coach was at Lexington (Ky.) Catholic. Said Carlberg of the opportunity with the Knights, “I can’t wait to wrap my arms around the program and get people excited about football at Centennial.”
The North Gwinnett girls basketball squad has now won 11 straight games, including five straight in Region 7-AAAAA play, thanks in large part to Lexie Brown. The junior and daughter of NBA great Dee Brown scored 22 points in the Bulldogs recent 55-41 victory. Peyton Whitted also chipped in with 16 points for coach Bryan Sellers. ...
From the “It’s about time” desk, Grayson quarterback Nick Schuessler, who just weeks ago led the Rams to the Class AAAAA state title, finally received a college scholarship offer. Middle Tennessee State came through with a big for the 6-foot-4 signal caller who was featured on the Score 44 this season. Schuessler was 25-3 in his career as the Grayson starting quarterback, and he tossed a pair of scores in the Rams 24-0 victory over Walton at the Georgia Dome. ...
Finally Centennial named Jeffrey Carlberg its new football coach. Carlberg spent the last two years as Alpharetta’s defensive coordinator after serving as Lassiter’s defensive coordinator for two years. He has previously served as a head coach in Kentucky and assisted Bob Sphire when the North Gwinnett coach was at Lexington (Ky.) Catholic. Said Carlberg of the opportunity with the Knights, “I can’t wait to wrap my arms around the program and get people excited about football at Centennial.”
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
GHSA agrees to split Class A playoffs
The GHSA executive committee convened Tuesday to ratify the Reclassification Committee’s proposal for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school year. During the meeting, several representatives from the GPSA addressed the committee, and the committee ultimately decided to split Class A into private and public categories. According to Jonathan Heeter of Macon.com, the vote was 36-12-1in favor of a split. Regions were ratified but the playoffs in Class A will award a private and a public championship in every sport. The split goes into effect starting in 2012-13. The GHSA will now distribute seven championships overall. ...
Centennial’s 2012 MLK Holiday Basketball Tournament has featured one amendment to its blockbuster schedule of games. The Walton boys will now face Fayette County and not Chamblee. Monday’s schedule kicks off at 9:15 A.M. with the Chamblee girls facing Providence Christian, followed by the Centennial girls facing Sprayberry. The boys take the floor beginning at 12:45 with Alpharetta facing Lithonia. Dunwoody meets Wesleyan followed by Walton and Fayette County, ranked No. 2 in the latest Score Atlanta Class AAAA poll. Stockbridge and Centennial wrap up the day at 6:00 P.M. ...
The Peachtree Ridge girls team has been hot of late from downtown. Against Roswell, the team shot 50% fromthe outside with Melissa Turvy going 4-for-6 from the outside. ...
Thomson boys basketball coach Michael Thomas was seeking his 500th win last night as Thomson hosted Harlem. There was very little drama as John Atkins had 17 points for Thomson in a 101-36 victory. After the win it was announced that today would be Michael Thomas Day in Thomson. ...
Finally after several outstanding seasons with the East Paulding football program, John Reid has left the Raiders to become the head coach at Tift County.
Centennial’s 2012 MLK Holiday Basketball Tournament has featured one amendment to its blockbuster schedule of games. The Walton boys will now face Fayette County and not Chamblee. Monday’s schedule kicks off at 9:15 A.M. with the Chamblee girls facing Providence Christian, followed by the Centennial girls facing Sprayberry. The boys take the floor beginning at 12:45 with Alpharetta facing Lithonia. Dunwoody meets Wesleyan followed by Walton and Fayette County, ranked No. 2 in the latest Score Atlanta Class AAAA poll. Stockbridge and Centennial wrap up the day at 6:00 P.M. ...
The Peachtree Ridge girls team has been hot of late from downtown. Against Roswell, the team shot 50% fromthe outside with Melissa Turvy going 4-for-6 from the outside. ...
Thomson boys basketball coach Michael Thomas was seeking his 500th win last night as Thomson hosted Harlem. There was very little drama as John Atkins had 17 points for Thomson in a 101-36 victory. After the win it was announced that today would be Michael Thomas Day in Thomson. ...
Finally after several outstanding seasons with the East Paulding football program, John Reid has left the Raiders to become the head coach at Tift County.
Saturday, Saturday, SATURDAY!
If 12-foot high, 10-thousand-pound, thundering Monster Trucks with 66-inch wheels don’t get your heart pumping and your adrenaline racing, you may not have a soul. The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is returning to the Georgia Dome this Saturday, and some of the rawest beasts of the Monster Truck circuit will make their way to a custom-designed track on the Georgia Dome floor. These damage-seeking supercharged machines will soar over some obstacles and smash through others while delighting fans of all ages in what is sure to be the biggest lineup of Monster Trucks ever at the Georgia Dome. It will take an eight-person crew three days to construct the course, with dump trucks taking 200 loads of dirt onto the Georgia Dome floor. Nearly 3,500 cubic yards of dirt will be used for the large fiberglass animals. Forty crush cars and four crush vans will also be wheeled out for certain destruction.
Fans will be treated to 16 different USHRA Monster Trucks including Grave Digger, Madusa, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, Stone Crusher, Monster Magic, King Krunch, Grave Digger The Legend and Iron Warrior, among others. World class drivers Dennis Anderson, Lupe Soza, Adam Anderson, Neil Elliot, Chuck Werner, Joe Miller, Steve Sims, Madusa and Mike Vaters will be just some of the men behind the wheels of these incredible machines.
For new fans not quite familiar with what goes on at the Monster Jam events, the trucks will face off in two different forms of competition: stadium racing and freestyle. Stadium racing is just what it sounds like: two cars racing side-by-side up to 70 MPH with the first truck to cross the finish line with the least number of penalties being declared the winner. While the racing is incredibly exciting, the true fun is in the freestyle competition, which allows drivers a certain length of time to show off tricks on an open floor. Some tricks include stunts such as wheelies, while other tricks see the trucks soar over cars lined up in a row. Fans are the judges in the freestyle competition. Points in the freestyle competition are awarded by the number and variety of tricks, hitting the most obstacles on the track, the height of jumps, saves and Sky Wheelies, while points are deducted for rollovers, reverses and stops.
The Monster Jam event leads up to the World Finals in Las Vegas. The USHRA invites 24 of the top trucks to the event to compete in the World Freestyle and Racing Championships, much to the delight of Monster Jam’s four million fans across the country.
Unlike most other sports, the Monster Jam allows the fans to come right down and meet all of the drivers and see all of the trucks up close. Fans can participate in the Party in the Pits event, where they can take pictures and snag autographs for three solid hours leading up to the event with all of the drivers and the trucks. If you’ve never had the chance to catch a Monster Truck competition, check out Monster Jam at the Georgia Dome. Your pulse is guaranteed to race and your eyes will widen with each smash, crash and pop.
Fans will be treated to 16 different USHRA Monster Trucks including Grave Digger, Madusa, Maximum Destruction, Monster Mutt, El Toro Loco, Stone Crusher, Monster Magic, King Krunch, Grave Digger The Legend and Iron Warrior, among others. World class drivers Dennis Anderson, Lupe Soza, Adam Anderson, Neil Elliot, Chuck Werner, Joe Miller, Steve Sims, Madusa and Mike Vaters will be just some of the men behind the wheels of these incredible machines.
For new fans not quite familiar with what goes on at the Monster Jam events, the trucks will face off in two different forms of competition: stadium racing and freestyle. Stadium racing is just what it sounds like: two cars racing side-by-side up to 70 MPH with the first truck to cross the finish line with the least number of penalties being declared the winner. While the racing is incredibly exciting, the true fun is in the freestyle competition, which allows drivers a certain length of time to show off tricks on an open floor. Some tricks include stunts such as wheelies, while other tricks see the trucks soar over cars lined up in a row. Fans are the judges in the freestyle competition. Points in the freestyle competition are awarded by the number and variety of tricks, hitting the most obstacles on the track, the height of jumps, saves and Sky Wheelies, while points are deducted for rollovers, reverses and stops.
The Monster Jam event leads up to the World Finals in Las Vegas. The USHRA invites 24 of the top trucks to the event to compete in the World Freestyle and Racing Championships, much to the delight of Monster Jam’s four million fans across the country.
Unlike most other sports, the Monster Jam allows the fans to come right down and meet all of the drivers and see all of the trucks up close. Fans can participate in the Party in the Pits event, where they can take pictures and snag autographs for three solid hours leading up to the event with all of the drivers and the trucks. If you’ve never had the chance to catch a Monster Truck competition, check out Monster Jam at the Georgia Dome. Your pulse is guaranteed to race and your eyes will widen with each smash, crash and pop.
2011 Report Card Time for the Dawgs
Word has come out that Georgia will be a top ten team in 2012 based on who is coming back and who isn’t, but let’s worry about 2012 after we know for certain which underclassmen will continue to tote around a backpack in Athens next semester. Instead let’s take a look back at the 2011 edition of the Georgia Bulldogs that saw the team experience a ten-game winning streak bookended by a pair of two-game skids. The Georgia Bulldogs won the SEC East after dropping just one conference game but many will point out that the highest profile win for the Dawgs this year was over in-state rival Georgia Tech, which plays in the lowly ACC. How do these Dawgs grade out?
Quarterbacks: Aaron Murray set all sorts of records in his redshirt sophomore season, but sadly he also gave Bulldog Nation some awful Joe Cox flashbacks at times. When on, Murray was All-SEC, but when off he led many to call for Hutson Mason. Mark Richt will ride with Murray for two more years and Mason may end up transferring. Grade: B
Running backs: Isaiah Crowell was supposed to be the recruit that saved Richt’s job. Crowell signed on the dotted line last February, but he may not even make it to a sophomore season if his actions and injuries continue the way they are currently trending. Crowell was talented enough to earn SEC Freshman of the Year honors, but that fact simply makes the performances (or lack thereof) in the SEC championship game and bowl game even more frustrating. Crowell missed large chunks of games with injuries and “injuries,” and he could not be counted upon after the Auburn game. And no one else could seize gig from him. Not good. Grade: C-
Wide receivers: Outside of Arkansas, this was the best collection of receivers in the conference. Michael Bennett, Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Conley all stood out in their first year in between the hedges. Tavarres King set a school record for yards in the bowl game, and Marlon Brown made a few nice plays for the Dawgs this year. The best part: all of these guys are returning next year along with a few players redshirted this year and Blake Tibbs from the high school ranks. Grade: A
Tight ends: Based on the talent, this position should receive an A++, but the tight ends were a bit disappointing this year as Orson Charles just never exploded as we thought he would. That probably has something to do with the receivers showing as they did, but alas more was expected. Aron White was a really nice piece, but you just wanted more. Grade: B-
Offensive line: This unit was a big question mark coming into the season, and Cordy Glenn and Ben Jones made this line into a fine front. The collection of beef was bigger than even most NFL lines, but it never could effectively open holes for anyone not named Crowell. And LSU manhandled the line as did South Carolina. Solid, not great, like the tight ends. Grade: B-
Defensive line: John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers formed one of the strongest centers to a 3-4 line that has been seen in the SEC in years. Abry Jones, Garrison Smith and DeAngelo Tyson really made plays from the end positions, with Smith looking like a superstar set to explode in 2012. The line came to play in 2011. Grade: A-
Linebackers: You have to start any discussion of the linebackers with Jarvis Jones, boy howdy. The USC transfer was simply awesome from the moment he strapped on the silver britches, and he alone would have gotten this unit an A. Factor in Alec Ogletree’s transition to the ILB spot and Michael Gilliard, Christian Robinson, Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera and you have some impressive specimen on the Athens campus. This group was so good that Ray Drew, one of the feathers in Mark Richt’s recruiting cap from 2011, didn’t have much of an impact at all. Grade: A+
Secondary: Brandon Boykin was a stud on special teams and even made some plays on offense. Defensively, he was as strong as ever, and Sanders Commings and Branden Smith also played well on the opposite side of the field. Damian Swann looks like a playmaker in the upcoming years. At safety, Bacarri Rambo was a ballhawk, leading the team in interceptions, while Shawn Williams was sticking his nose in seemingly every tackle on the field. The secondary was rarely beaten and made more plays than it missed. Grade: B+
Kicking game: let’s move on. I don’t want to be mean.
Coaching: Richt kept his team believing after an 0-2 start while Todd Grantham had the defense flying all over the field after the first two games. Mike Bobo really seemed to help in Murray’s maturation process though his inability to figure out the rushing attack bothered many in the bowl game. Both coordinators have warts but both also had great moments in 2011. Grade: B-.
Assuming the early entry defections aren’t over-the-top, the Dawgs rightfully should be a top 12 team, maybe even a No. 8 or No. 9. Will 2012 be the year Richt brings the Crystal Football to Athens? The schedule looks favorable. Things may be falling into place for the Georgia program.
Quarterbacks: Aaron Murray set all sorts of records in his redshirt sophomore season, but sadly he also gave Bulldog Nation some awful Joe Cox flashbacks at times. When on, Murray was All-SEC, but when off he led many to call for Hutson Mason. Mark Richt will ride with Murray for two more years and Mason may end up transferring. Grade: B
Running backs: Isaiah Crowell was supposed to be the recruit that saved Richt’s job. Crowell signed on the dotted line last February, but he may not even make it to a sophomore season if his actions and injuries continue the way they are currently trending. Crowell was talented enough to earn SEC Freshman of the Year honors, but that fact simply makes the performances (or lack thereof) in the SEC championship game and bowl game even more frustrating. Crowell missed large chunks of games with injuries and “injuries,” and he could not be counted upon after the Auburn game. And no one else could seize gig from him. Not good. Grade: C-
Wide receivers: Outside of Arkansas, this was the best collection of receivers in the conference. Michael Bennett, Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Conley all stood out in their first year in between the hedges. Tavarres King set a school record for yards in the bowl game, and Marlon Brown made a few nice plays for the Dawgs this year. The best part: all of these guys are returning next year along with a few players redshirted this year and Blake Tibbs from the high school ranks. Grade: A
Tight ends: Based on the talent, this position should receive an A++, but the tight ends were a bit disappointing this year as Orson Charles just never exploded as we thought he would. That probably has something to do with the receivers showing as they did, but alas more was expected. Aron White was a really nice piece, but you just wanted more. Grade: B-
Offensive line: This unit was a big question mark coming into the season, and Cordy Glenn and Ben Jones made this line into a fine front. The collection of beef was bigger than even most NFL lines, but it never could effectively open holes for anyone not named Crowell. And LSU manhandled the line as did South Carolina. Solid, not great, like the tight ends. Grade: B-
Defensive line: John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers formed one of the strongest centers to a 3-4 line that has been seen in the SEC in years. Abry Jones, Garrison Smith and DeAngelo Tyson really made plays from the end positions, with Smith looking like a superstar set to explode in 2012. The line came to play in 2011. Grade: A-
Linebackers: You have to start any discussion of the linebackers with Jarvis Jones, boy howdy. The USC transfer was simply awesome from the moment he strapped on the silver britches, and he alone would have gotten this unit an A. Factor in Alec Ogletree’s transition to the ILB spot and Michael Gilliard, Christian Robinson, Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera and you have some impressive specimen on the Athens campus. This group was so good that Ray Drew, one of the feathers in Mark Richt’s recruiting cap from 2011, didn’t have much of an impact at all. Grade: A+
Secondary: Brandon Boykin was a stud on special teams and even made some plays on offense. Defensively, he was as strong as ever, and Sanders Commings and Branden Smith also played well on the opposite side of the field. Damian Swann looks like a playmaker in the upcoming years. At safety, Bacarri Rambo was a ballhawk, leading the team in interceptions, while Shawn Williams was sticking his nose in seemingly every tackle on the field. The secondary was rarely beaten and made more plays than it missed. Grade: B+
Kicking game: let’s move on. I don’t want to be mean.
Coaching: Richt kept his team believing after an 0-2 start while Todd Grantham had the defense flying all over the field after the first two games. Mike Bobo really seemed to help in Murray’s maturation process though his inability to figure out the rushing attack bothered many in the bowl game. Both coordinators have warts but both also had great moments in 2011. Grade: B-.
Assuming the early entry defections aren’t over-the-top, the Dawgs rightfully should be a top 12 team, maybe even a No. 8 or No. 9. Will 2012 be the year Richt brings the Crystal Football to Athens? The schedule looks favorable. Things may be falling into place for the Georgia program.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Score Final 50 No. 1 Jenkins headed to Georgia
Jordan Jenkins, the No. 1 player on the Score Final 50 list, announced his college decision last night, selecting to matriculate to the University of Georgia. Alabama, Florida and Auburn were the three other finalists for the Harris County defensive end’s services. Jenkins recently tied a Under Armour All-America game record with two sacks. He announced his decision on television last night, noting that the Georgia Bulldogs made up ground over his projected leader Alabama. ...
South Carolina snagged yet another McEachern product when Nicholas St. Germain decided to go and kick for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. St. Germain will join his current teammate Darius English, a defensive end standout, in Columbia while Rory Anderson and Marcquis Roberts both committed to the Gamecocks one year ago. The McEachern program will send a handful of players on to the next level including QB Trent Thompson (Georgia State), WR Amba Etta-Tawo (Maryland) and OG Kofi Amichia (South Florida). ...
The Georgia Bulldogs didn’t want to miss out on one of the top players for the Class of 2013, so the Dawgs offered Dooly County defensive tackle Montravius Adams. The 6-foot-4 280-pound monster dominated at the recent AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl practices and has gobbled up offers from team across the Southeast. Alabama, Auburn and Kentucky have reportedly also offered. ...
In one of the worst-kept secrets of the 2012 recruiting cycle, Benneker’s Chaz Elder pledged to South Carolina during last week’s Under Armour All-America game. Elder had a final three of the Gamecocks, the Georgia Bulldogs and Vanderbilt.
South Carolina snagged yet another McEachern product when Nicholas St. Germain decided to go and kick for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. St. Germain will join his current teammate Darius English, a defensive end standout, in Columbia while Rory Anderson and Marcquis Roberts both committed to the Gamecocks one year ago. The McEachern program will send a handful of players on to the next level including QB Trent Thompson (Georgia State), WR Amba Etta-Tawo (Maryland) and OG Kofi Amichia (South Florida). ...
The Georgia Bulldogs didn’t want to miss out on one of the top players for the Class of 2013, so the Dawgs offered Dooly County defensive tackle Montravius Adams. The 6-foot-4 280-pound monster dominated at the recent AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl practices and has gobbled up offers from team across the Southeast. Alabama, Auburn and Kentucky have reportedly also offered. ...
In one of the worst-kept secrets of the 2012 recruiting cycle, Benneker’s Chaz Elder pledged to South Carolina during last week’s Under Armour All-America game. Elder had a final three of the Gamecocks, the Georgia Bulldogs and Vanderbilt.
GHSA meets today to finalize reclassification
The GHSA will meet today to finalize the reclassification and realignment of member schools for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years. Several schools submitted appeals for lateral moves, and the board will review those cases before ratifying the classes. ...
According to Macon.com, the proposed GPSA met yesterday in Macon but the media was asked to leave before the meeting could begin. More than 44 schools were said to be on hand at the event. ...
Thomson boys basketball coach Michael Thomas will attempt to win career victory No. 500 tonight when Thomson hosts Harlem. This is 30th season with Thomson High School, and he has racked up eight region titles and two semifinal appearances. Thomson is 12-1 this season and ranked No. 2 in the latest Score Atlanta Class AAA rankings. ...
Lakeview Academy Seth Vining notched win No. 714 Friday night with a huge 75-12 win over Tallulah Falls in his 1000th game as a varsity head coach. Vining has won four state champions though Zac Taylor of the Gainesville Times believes that this may be his best team at Lakeview. ...
The Osborne Cardinals boys basketball team has not made the state playoffs since 2002, but with a 13-1 start, eight seniors are trying to snap that dubious streak. Devontae Thornton leads the team with 18 points per game, and at 6-foot-8, he forms quite the tall frontcourt along with 6-foot-6 forward Jacari Edmonds. Osborne won just nine games one year ago. ...
Brandon Goodwin is helping Norcross forget an 0-4 start as the Blue Devils have started Region Play 5-0. Goodwin scored 31 points in a recent game against Collins Hill. Goodwin is one of four juniors on the Blue Devils roster.
According to Macon.com, the proposed GPSA met yesterday in Macon but the media was asked to leave before the meeting could begin. More than 44 schools were said to be on hand at the event. ...
Thomson boys basketball coach Michael Thomas will attempt to win career victory No. 500 tonight when Thomson hosts Harlem. This is 30th season with Thomson High School, and he has racked up eight region titles and two semifinal appearances. Thomson is 12-1 this season and ranked No. 2 in the latest Score Atlanta Class AAA rankings. ...
Lakeview Academy Seth Vining notched win No. 714 Friday night with a huge 75-12 win over Tallulah Falls in his 1000th game as a varsity head coach. Vining has won four state champions though Zac Taylor of the Gainesville Times believes that this may be his best team at Lakeview. ...
The Osborne Cardinals boys basketball team has not made the state playoffs since 2002, but with a 13-1 start, eight seniors are trying to snap that dubious streak. Devontae Thornton leads the team with 18 points per game, and at 6-foot-8, he forms quite the tall frontcourt along with 6-foot-6 forward Jacari Edmonds. Osborne won just nine games one year ago. ...
Brandon Goodwin is helping Norcross forget an 0-4 start as the Blue Devils have started Region Play 5-0. Goodwin scored 31 points in a recent game against Collins Hill. Goodwin is one of four juniors on the Blue Devils roster.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Putting a bow on the 2011 HS Football season
The West squad won the US Army All-American Bowl over the weekend, but several Georgians made some nice contributions for the East Team. Lowndes Josh Clemons finished with three tackles and one TFL but Barton Simmons of 247Sports said that “he seemed like he was everywhere.” Simmons also praised Clemons long arms and said he showed great range. Mike Davis ran for just 13 yards on six carries but he did chip in with 31 receiving yards on two carches. Of Davis, Simmons said, “The manner in which Davis goes about his business is hard not to like. He is a north-south back that has a running style made for the NFL.”
Georgia had six players in the US Army All-American Bowl, including Dillon Lee, Geno Smith, Raphael Kirby and Ukeme Eligwe in addition to Davis and Clemons. Two coaches also served as East assistants as Duluth’s Corey Jarvis and Lowndes’ Randy McPherson roamed the San Antonio sidelines.
In the Under Armour All-America game last Thursday, Jordan Jenkins tied former Buford standout Omar Hunter’s sack record as the Harris County defensive end recorded a pair of quarterback takedowns. He did not declare his college intentions, and instead he is scheduled to announce today.
Meanwhile Chaz Elder of Banneker revealed during the game that he is headed to play for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Joshua Holsey, John Atkins, Brandon Greene and Austin Hardin also appeared in the game along with several other Peach State natives. Georgia had 10 players represented at the Under Armour All-America game.
In local all-star games, the North beat the South in the GACA all-star game and the West held off the East in the AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl. Joshua Dobbs, Carlos Burse and Tray Matthews were outstanding in the Junior Bowl, presented by Rising Seniors. Meanwhile Carver-Columbus’ Deion Bonner snagged two interceptions in the GACA North-South All-Star Football Classic.
Georgia had six players in the US Army All-American Bowl, including Dillon Lee, Geno Smith, Raphael Kirby and Ukeme Eligwe in addition to Davis and Clemons. Two coaches also served as East assistants as Duluth’s Corey Jarvis and Lowndes’ Randy McPherson roamed the San Antonio sidelines.
In the Under Armour All-America game last Thursday, Jordan Jenkins tied former Buford standout Omar Hunter’s sack record as the Harris County defensive end recorded a pair of quarterback takedowns. He did not declare his college intentions, and instead he is scheduled to announce today.
Meanwhile Chaz Elder of Banneker revealed during the game that he is headed to play for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. Joshua Holsey, John Atkins, Brandon Greene and Austin Hardin also appeared in the game along with several other Peach State natives. Georgia had 10 players represented at the Under Armour All-America game.
In local all-star games, the North beat the South in the GACA all-star game and the West held off the East in the AT&T Georgia Junior Bowl. Joshua Dobbs, Carlos Burse and Tray Matthews were outstanding in the Junior Bowl, presented by Rising Seniors. Meanwhile Carver-Columbus’ Deion Bonner snagged two interceptions in the GACA North-South All-Star Football Classic.
Georgia High School Basketball Class AAAAA...so far
The Norcross Blue Devils captured both the boys and girls titles in 2011 but so far this season, each is flying a bit under the radar. The boys team struggled out of the gate and is not currently ranked as coach Jesse McMillan is breaking in nearly an entirely new team due to transfers and graduation. The Blue Devils started out slowly out of the gates one year ago however and it seems as though the Norcross boys have found their footing in region play (7-6, 5-0). The girls meanwhile dropped an early season game to McEachern and fell to No. 2 behind the Indians in the Score Atlanta rankings. ... McEachern meanwhile is ranked No. 4 in the latest ESPN Rise Fab 50 national poll and is led by a trio of Score 44 members. ... Robert Carter of Shiloh has been dubbed one of the Big Three in Georgia’s Class of 2012, but Carter may not even be the best player on his own team. Sophomore Trayvon Reed measures out at 7-feet and he was dominating recently against South Gwinnett. Reed scored 14 points, pulled in six rebounds and swatted away five shots in a victory over the weekend. Shiloh was recently No. 1 in the Score Atlanta poll but is now behind Milton. The Eagles are rolling now that Charless Mann is eligible to play and suiting up for coach David Boyd. Milton was forced to forfeit several victories from early on in the season, but with Mann teamming up with Evan Nolte, Tevin Glass and Shaq Johnson, this Milton squad will be tough to defeat. ... The Wheeler boys have been impressive this season and it starts down low with Charles Mitchell. The post player has been dominating this year and the offers have started pouring in for the 6-foot-9 big man. ... Finally what is in the water at North Cobb and Mill Creek? Both programs have both their boys and girls teams ranked in the top ten. The Mill Creek girls have won nine straight while the North Cobb boys have clamped down on defense, allowing a region-low 52 points per game.
Weekend ponderations on the GaHSBBall landscape
The Miller Grove Wolverines were on ESPN2 Saturday night, facing the No. 1 team in the entire nation Simeon. The Score Atlanta Class AAAA No. 1 team fought hard but ultimately fell 59-56 after not getting a good look at the end of the game. The loss was the fifth straight for Miller Grove, a stretch that began with a loss on ESPN to Powerade Fab 50 No. 3 Oak Hill. Tony Parker notched 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to help Miller Grove rally from down 35-20 at halftime to take a 44-43 lead in the fourth quarter. The Wolverines eleiminated many of the turnover that forced the early deficit to spark a 24-8 run to start the second half. ... Robert Carter of Shiloh has been dubbed one of the Big Three in Georgia’s Class of 2012, but Carter may not even be the best player on his own team. Sophomore Trayvon Reed measures out at 7-feet and he was dominating recently against South Gwinnett. Reed scored 14 points, pulled in six rebounds and swatted away five shots. ... The Brookwood/Parkview rivalry and the battle of Five Forks-Trickum moved to the hardwood over the weekend and the two schools split Saturday night. The Parkview girls tallied 12 steals and forced 27 turnovers in a 52-25 victory over the Lady Broncos. Marrisa Madneldove had 16 points in the win. Meanwhile the Broncos boys redeemed the girls squad with a 55-43 victory. Kendall Joseph sparked Brookwood with 14 points while Parkview was paced by Andre Chatfield’s 13 points. ... Lakeview Academy Seth Vining notched win No. 714 Friday night with a huge win over Tallulah Falls in his 1000th game as a varsity head coach. Vining has won four state champions though Zac Taylor of the Gainesville Times believes that this may be his best team at Lakeview.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Playing Psychologist Doesn't Win Games
Thanks to JCole for the inspiration for this entry
Blair Walsh had put together a stellar career entering his senior season at the University of Georgia. The kicker was on pace to set the school and SEC scoring records and become a high (for a kicker) draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Then his senior season started and he was not very good. Walsh missed kick after kick this year, to the point that head coach Mark Richt actually let Brandon Bogotay kick a few field goals and extra points late in the season. Against Florida, Richt twice went for 4th-and-long situations because of Walsh’s struggles, err I mean because the team needed seven, not three.
Walsh ended up breaking former Georgia kicker Billy Bennett’s career SEC scoring record with 412 points, but his struggles on the year (21-of-35 on field goals) left many Georgia fans cringing and clinching whenever he trotted onto the field on fourth down.
Richt tried to play psychologist all season when he continued to send Walsh out there, trying to get his senior kicker through the rough patch by having him simply kick through it. That didn’t seem to work. After the Georgia defense came up with a big stop in the first overtime session, Richt was playing psychologist again, running for a minimal no-risk gain on first down and squaring the ball up for a 42-yard attempt on second down. He wanted to send Walsh out a “hero,” as though none of the Bulldog Nation would remember his year-long struggles if he made that kick.
Of course it missed, and after squeaking the second attempt in in overtime No. 2, he was called on to extend the game in overtime session No. 3 from 47 yards out. I know the popular sentiment is that kickers have just one job: kick it through the uprights, but I don’t really blame Walsh for missing in overtime No. 1 or having his last attempt blocked. Nope. I blame Richt.
Quit playing psychologist and go win the game. Don’t try and redeem your kicker. Ram it down the Spartans’ throats and build up your momentum for 2012. Go to the air to Malcolm Mitchell or Tavarres King for a game-winning touchdown. Win by six.
I am not sure why Richt chose overtime with so much on the line to give Walsh a shot at redemption, but with a stacked team in 2012, let’s hope the psychologist stays at home and the coach with the killer instinct comes to the sidelines.
Blair Walsh had put together a stellar career entering his senior season at the University of Georgia. The kicker was on pace to set the school and SEC scoring records and become a high (for a kicker) draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Then his senior season started and he was not very good. Walsh missed kick after kick this year, to the point that head coach Mark Richt actually let Brandon Bogotay kick a few field goals and extra points late in the season. Against Florida, Richt twice went for 4th-and-long situations because of Walsh’s struggles, err I mean because the team needed seven, not three.
Walsh ended up breaking former Georgia kicker Billy Bennett’s career SEC scoring record with 412 points, but his struggles on the year (21-of-35 on field goals) left many Georgia fans cringing and clinching whenever he trotted onto the field on fourth down.
Richt tried to play psychologist all season when he continued to send Walsh out there, trying to get his senior kicker through the rough patch by having him simply kick through it. That didn’t seem to work. After the Georgia defense came up with a big stop in the first overtime session, Richt was playing psychologist again, running for a minimal no-risk gain on first down and squaring the ball up for a 42-yard attempt on second down. He wanted to send Walsh out a “hero,” as though none of the Bulldog Nation would remember his year-long struggles if he made that kick.
Of course it missed, and after squeaking the second attempt in in overtime No. 2, he was called on to extend the game in overtime session No. 3 from 47 yards out. I know the popular sentiment is that kickers have just one job: kick it through the uprights, but I don’t really blame Walsh for missing in overtime No. 1 or having his last attempt blocked. Nope. I blame Richt.
Quit playing psychologist and go win the game. Don’t try and redeem your kicker. Ram it down the Spartans’ throats and build up your momentum for 2012. Go to the air to Malcolm Mitchell or Tavarres King for a game-winning touchdown. Win by six.
I am not sure why Richt chose overtime with so much on the line to give Walsh a shot at redemption, but with a stacked team in 2012, let’s hope the psychologist stays at home and the coach with the killer instinct comes to the sidelines.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Georgia State basketball is on Fi-yah!
With all of the struggles for the nomadic Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the rebuilding Georgia Bulldogs, the Georgia State Panthers are quickly becoming the state’s best college basketball product. Last night the Panthers traveled to Richmond and took down 2011 Final Four participant VCU 55-53 in a key early CAA conference game. The Panthers used a matchup zone to limit the Rams to just 27 percent shooting, switching between a 3-2 and a 1-3-1 to force 10 turnovers by the Rams.
Jihad Ali led Georgia State with 17 points while grabbing 11 rebounds as the Panthers posted a school-record 11th straight win. The Panthers improved to 3-0 in conference play (11-3 overall) in coach Ron Hunter’s first season on the bench. VCU fell to 11-4, 2-1.
Leading scorer Devonta White was held scoreless in the first half, but the Panthers still led at intermission. White would score 14 points in the second half, including a pair of three-point bombs to help Georgia State jump out to a nine-point lead. Josh Micheaux chipped in eight points, six rebounds, three blocks, four assists and a pair of steals. James Fields was clutch at the line, going 4-of-5 from the charity stripe. VCU tried to mount a late comeback but was turned away. It was the second victory in the Panthers last three games against the Rams.
“Our team played hard and left it all on the court,” said Hunter to Georgia State’s website. “I am just happy for my players. They have worked hard and they deserve this win.”
Georgia State’s 11-3 start is the best start since an 11-1 beginning to the 2000-01 season. After beginning the year 0-3, the Panthers have caught fire. The streak started Nov. 18 at home against McNeese State. The Panthers gave Hunter his first official win with a 69-50 decision thanks in large part to White’s career-high 23 points. The Panthers dominated the second half, a trend that has continued throughout the amazing run. Over the last 11 games, the Panthers have outscored opponents by 106 points in the second half, 403-297. Before last night, the Panthers had not been outscored in the second half until VCU edged them 28-27.
After a 55-47 win at Samford for win No. 2, the Panthers whipped Liberty 72-50 at the GSU Sports Arena. Ali was on fire in the second half as once again the Panthers dominated the second frame. Georgia State scored 35 in the second half to pull away with the win. Neither South Carolina State nor FIU offered much competition for Georgia State before the Panthers entered league play against William & Mary. Hunter’s zone defense set a conference record by giving up just 34 to the Tribe in a 66-34 win. Georgia State thrashed Rhode Island before heading out to Utah for a game against the Wolverines of Utah Valley. The Panthers needed every point they could find in the 71-68 squeaker. Micheaux contributed 12 points and eight rebounds while White and Ali added 17 and 16, respectively. Georgia State clobbered Georgia Southern by 20 before coming up with a huge 58-44 conference win over Drexel, one of the preseason CAA favorites. The Panthers snapped the Dragons six-game winning streak before ending VCU’s eight-game streak last night.
“We respect everyone in our league, but at the end of the day, we feel like we are a good basketball team too,” said Hunter.
Over the course of the streak, the Panthers defense has shut down the opposition to just over 51 points per game. Through three Colonial Athletic Association games, Georgia State has surrendered a hair over 43 points per game.
The Panthers are also getting it done on the road this year, winning all four of the team’s true road games. The only losses this year came on a neutral court in Seattle at the World Vision Classic.
Now Georgia State will visit former Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt and his George Mason Patriots this Saturday in Fairfax, Va. Georgia State will need to limit GMU’s offensive rebounding as the Panthers gave up 16 to VCU and 13 to Drexel in its previous two games. Should the winning streak continue, perhaps Hunter and his squad will see a few more votes come its way after the Panthers showed up recently in the “others receiving votes” for the College Insider Mid-Major Poll.
Jihad Ali led Georgia State with 17 points while grabbing 11 rebounds as the Panthers posted a school-record 11th straight win. The Panthers improved to 3-0 in conference play (11-3 overall) in coach Ron Hunter’s first season on the bench. VCU fell to 11-4, 2-1.
Leading scorer Devonta White was held scoreless in the first half, but the Panthers still led at intermission. White would score 14 points in the second half, including a pair of three-point bombs to help Georgia State jump out to a nine-point lead. Josh Micheaux chipped in eight points, six rebounds, three blocks, four assists and a pair of steals. James Fields was clutch at the line, going 4-of-5 from the charity stripe. VCU tried to mount a late comeback but was turned away. It was the second victory in the Panthers last three games against the Rams.
“Our team played hard and left it all on the court,” said Hunter to Georgia State’s website. “I am just happy for my players. They have worked hard and they deserve this win.”
Georgia State’s 11-3 start is the best start since an 11-1 beginning to the 2000-01 season. After beginning the year 0-3, the Panthers have caught fire. The streak started Nov. 18 at home against McNeese State. The Panthers gave Hunter his first official win with a 69-50 decision thanks in large part to White’s career-high 23 points. The Panthers dominated the second half, a trend that has continued throughout the amazing run. Over the last 11 games, the Panthers have outscored opponents by 106 points in the second half, 403-297. Before last night, the Panthers had not been outscored in the second half until VCU edged them 28-27.
After a 55-47 win at Samford for win No. 2, the Panthers whipped Liberty 72-50 at the GSU Sports Arena. Ali was on fire in the second half as once again the Panthers dominated the second frame. Georgia State scored 35 in the second half to pull away with the win. Neither South Carolina State nor FIU offered much competition for Georgia State before the Panthers entered league play against William & Mary. Hunter’s zone defense set a conference record by giving up just 34 to the Tribe in a 66-34 win. Georgia State thrashed Rhode Island before heading out to Utah for a game against the Wolverines of Utah Valley. The Panthers needed every point they could find in the 71-68 squeaker. Micheaux contributed 12 points and eight rebounds while White and Ali added 17 and 16, respectively. Georgia State clobbered Georgia Southern by 20 before coming up with a huge 58-44 conference win over Drexel, one of the preseason CAA favorites. The Panthers snapped the Dragons six-game winning streak before ending VCU’s eight-game streak last night.
“We respect everyone in our league, but at the end of the day, we feel like we are a good basketball team too,” said Hunter.
Over the course of the streak, the Panthers defense has shut down the opposition to just over 51 points per game. Through three Colonial Athletic Association games, Georgia State has surrendered a hair over 43 points per game.
The Panthers are also getting it done on the road this year, winning all four of the team’s true road games. The only losses this year came on a neutral court in Seattle at the World Vision Classic.
Now Georgia State will visit former Georgia Tech head coach Paul Hewitt and his George Mason Patriots this Saturday in Fairfax, Va. Georgia State will need to limit GMU’s offensive rebounding as the Panthers gave up 16 to VCU and 13 to Drexel in its previous two games. Should the winning streak continue, perhaps Hunter and his squad will see a few more votes come its way after the Panthers showed up recently in the “others receiving votes” for the College Insider Mid-Major Poll.
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