Thoughts from G-Day....
I thought G-Day would be exactly what it was. I didn't think Caleb King would go off and he didn't, but then again Knowshon only rushed for 68 yards last year on 11 carries. Matt Stafford and Knowshon both got more work than I thought they would. Matt looked solid and he made a few throws that were quite good. The TD throw was good (but our lack of defense was scary there) and that 35 yard laser he threw was VERY impressive.
But the guy that impressed me the most was Logan Gray. At this point, why is Joe Cox the number two guy? Because this is his fourth year in the system? The guy certainly led UGA in the Colorado game, but come on. Gray was a PLAYER out there today. He ran and made a few guys miss (Buck Belue hit it on the head when he called him Charlie Ward-like) and his TD throw was RIGHT on the money in a window ABOUT the size of the football. The safety was there and the CB was there, but the ball was just better. Wow what a throw that was.
On D, Asher Allen got beat a few times. If he wants to be a shutdown corner, he needs to step up, but he will be fine. Overall, I like it when the game is low scoring, that means the D is ready, but our first team Offense looked good and you KNOW the D will be ready. They weren't allowed to really go after the Offense, for fear of injury, so I think it will be ok.
I did get a little worried when Vince Vance went down with 70 seconds to play. Hopefully he is alright.
Overall, the line will find a Center and a leader by South Carolina (they have two games to get ready) and Matt and KM will rock and roll, I think. People say UGA needs to find a DE to replace Howard, I say let them come in waves. Instead of one guy getting the 12 sacks, have 3 guys getting four. I know it would benefit everyone if One guy stepped up as he might command double teams, but when you have THAT much talent, play them all. Keeps them fresh. And I DO like our defensive secondary. Between PMill, AA, Evans, Knox, Cuff, Jones, Byrd and Banks, I think they are ready. And the linebackers will be studs too.
Boy I am excited. COME ON AUGUST!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
A refreshing Change
Note: this was the cover story in this week's Cobb Prep Section of Score Atlanta. It was edited, and this is the director's Cut, I guess. I did like though how they switched around part of my story in the final edition, but here is my version. If you'd like to read the final product, visit the www.scoreatl.com link at the bottom of the page.
These days it seems high school students are doing everything possible to act older. Students are even following some famous or infamous celebrities and sports stars by running afoul of the law. Others seem to want to mimic the prima donnas and steal the spotlight by making it all about them. Therefore it is refreshing knowing that for one school, kids are bucking that “me-first” attitude and giving back to the community that gives them the spotlight.
At McEachern High School, the athletic teams are helping lead the school’s charge in charitable works. Multiple teams over the past school year have reached out and given back to the community. Athletic Director and former Football head coach Jimmy Dorsey realizes that his school is special. “We’ve been pretty fortunate to have some great kids come through here over the years.” Before retiring he had coached many of those kids on the gridiron, and those he didn’t coach he still influenced as athletic director. The school has fantastic facilities on its sprawling campus, and instead of selfishly keeping it only for Indian athletic programs, Dorsey and school officials allow the county to hold exciting events there. Just in the last few months the school has held the Cobb Senior Bowl, a junior wrestling tournament and the Cobb County Track and Field Championship.
But what makes McEachern truly special is not its facilities, but its students and coaches. The girls volleyball team and coach Patty Craven are big examples of this. Coach Craven and her girls joined up with Lassiter and Harrison High School for “Dig for the Cure.” This tournament benefited the Breast Cancer Foundation and the team raised over $1000 according to Coach Craven, with the event in full giving $8000 to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. When asked about this generosity though, the humble Craven was quick to share credit, saying that McEachern’s effort was “just a fraction of the work done by [Harrison’s] Clay Taylor.” The schools wore pink shirts during the tournament and the girls involved said they had a great time for a good cause. Coach Craven summed up the event saying “we feel very fortunate to be involved and have plans to be more supportive next year. Now that we know some different ways to get our school involved, we will be more successful in the future.”
The basketball teams got into the spirit of helping at Christmas time as the boys team, led by assistant coaches Michael Taylor and Mike Thompson helped Varner Elementary with the annual Reindeer Run. The team joined the Indian Track and Field program, which had done the event the previous three years. Some of the work included helping the kids stretch, warm-up, and some players even ran with the kids, giving them support and high-fives. Coach Taylor went as far as to say that he thinks his athletes enjoy the experience more than the kids do. “We have some great kids who know what it means to be a role model for the younger ones,” said Taylor. The girls basketball program, spearheaded by head coach Phyllis Arthur came up with a new way to celebrate Christmas. The team decided to adopt a family and each player and coach donated $10. With the money, the team went on a shopping spree for the family. Said Coach Arthur, “The young ladies learned how hard it is to shop for young people as well as the value of giving.” In total, the four coaches plus the middle school teams along with the JV and Varsity helped provide the families with a memorable Christmas. The haul included bikes, cell phones, shoes, coats, toys and a PS3. “These young ladies are extraordinary and McEachern is proud to call them their own, and I am extremely proud to say that I know them,” said Arthur of her team’s efforts.
Some of the students even go out on their own to reach out to the community. Track star William Wynne may one day be racing in the Olympics and basketball standout Darrius Garrett will soon be playing at the next level, but both took time last summer to spend an afternoon speaking to nearly 250 kids about the importance of staying in school and staying out of trouble. The focus of their message was grades, not gangs and it was part of an outreach mission trip. These two along with many other students at McEachern are showing that giving is just as good as getting. In an age where many adults are acting like immature kids and many kids are following their lead, there are some students acting like responsible adults. I hope more students choose their path.
These days it seems high school students are doing everything possible to act older. Students are even following some famous or infamous celebrities and sports stars by running afoul of the law. Others seem to want to mimic the prima donnas and steal the spotlight by making it all about them. Therefore it is refreshing knowing that for one school, kids are bucking that “me-first” attitude and giving back to the community that gives them the spotlight.
At McEachern High School, the athletic teams are helping lead the school’s charge in charitable works. Multiple teams over the past school year have reached out and given back to the community. Athletic Director and former Football head coach Jimmy Dorsey realizes that his school is special. “We’ve been pretty fortunate to have some great kids come through here over the years.” Before retiring he had coached many of those kids on the gridiron, and those he didn’t coach he still influenced as athletic director. The school has fantastic facilities on its sprawling campus, and instead of selfishly keeping it only for Indian athletic programs, Dorsey and school officials allow the county to hold exciting events there. Just in the last few months the school has held the Cobb Senior Bowl, a junior wrestling tournament and the Cobb County Track and Field Championship.
But what makes McEachern truly special is not its facilities, but its students and coaches. The girls volleyball team and coach Patty Craven are big examples of this. Coach Craven and her girls joined up with Lassiter and Harrison High School for “Dig for the Cure.” This tournament benefited the Breast Cancer Foundation and the team raised over $1000 according to Coach Craven, with the event in full giving $8000 to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. When asked about this generosity though, the humble Craven was quick to share credit, saying that McEachern’s effort was “just a fraction of the work done by [Harrison’s] Clay Taylor.” The schools wore pink shirts during the tournament and the girls involved said they had a great time for a good cause. Coach Craven summed up the event saying “we feel very fortunate to be involved and have plans to be more supportive next year. Now that we know some different ways to get our school involved, we will be more successful in the future.”
The basketball teams got into the spirit of helping at Christmas time as the boys team, led by assistant coaches Michael Taylor and Mike Thompson helped Varner Elementary with the annual Reindeer Run. The team joined the Indian Track and Field program, which had done the event the previous three years. Some of the work included helping the kids stretch, warm-up, and some players even ran with the kids, giving them support and high-fives. Coach Taylor went as far as to say that he thinks his athletes enjoy the experience more than the kids do. “We have some great kids who know what it means to be a role model for the younger ones,” said Taylor. The girls basketball program, spearheaded by head coach Phyllis Arthur came up with a new way to celebrate Christmas. The team decided to adopt a family and each player and coach donated $10. With the money, the team went on a shopping spree for the family. Said Coach Arthur, “The young ladies learned how hard it is to shop for young people as well as the value of giving.” In total, the four coaches plus the middle school teams along with the JV and Varsity helped provide the families with a memorable Christmas. The haul included bikes, cell phones, shoes, coats, toys and a PS3. “These young ladies are extraordinary and McEachern is proud to call them their own, and I am extremely proud to say that I know them,” said Arthur of her team’s efforts.
Some of the students even go out on their own to reach out to the community. Track star William Wynne may one day be racing in the Olympics and basketball standout Darrius Garrett will soon be playing at the next level, but both took time last summer to spend an afternoon speaking to nearly 250 kids about the importance of staying in school and staying out of trouble. The focus of their message was grades, not gangs and it was part of an outreach mission trip. These two along with many other students at McEachern are showing that giving is just as good as getting. In an age where many adults are acting like immature kids and many kids are following their lead, there are some students acting like responsible adults. I hope more students choose their path.
Braves fall in extra innings, but triple switch pulled off!
The Braves lost to the Pirates last night, but the craziest thing about the 10-inning affair was the triple switch that happened in the top of the tenth. With only two pitchers left in the pen, Bobby Cox went to righty Chris Resop with two runners on and and no outs. He got an out, then Cox called to the bullpen for his last pitcher, Southpaw Royce Ring, but Resop didn't leave the field. Instead, Matty Diaz left his leftfield spot, Resop went there and Ring came in as pitcher. After Ring struck out Adam LaRoche, Cox went to the mound, and brought Resop BACK to the mound and sent Gregor Blanco out to left field. Resop was able to pitch again because he had technically stayed in the game. I have not seen that happen in quite a while. But the Box score would have had Ring coming into Diaz's spot in the lineup and Resop would keep his spot at No.9, then when Blanco came in, he took Ring's spot in the lineup and it was in essance, ANOTHER double-switch.
WOW
But the Braves blew several chances last night to put this game away and they dropped to 1-3 on the season and the Mets are in town. Yesh. But Hudson is on the mound tonight, Glavine tomorrow and SMoltz goes against Johan on Sunday. Should be a classic game Sunday. But the Braves are throwing their best three pitchers at the Mets and hoping to take the series. I would think if Smoltz can get some juice from the home crowd Sunday (and I think he will) this could be a Braves' sweep. But I guess let's take it one game at a time.
Big Tex is STILL Strugg-LING...I guess MAYBE spring training matters a little more NOW?
And Huddy, we need 8 strong tonight as the bullpen is taxed.
PS, tune in tonight after the game to 790 the Zone for a special edition of Extra Innings.
WOW
But the Braves blew several chances last night to put this game away and they dropped to 1-3 on the season and the Mets are in town. Yesh. But Hudson is on the mound tonight, Glavine tomorrow and SMoltz goes against Johan on Sunday. Should be a classic game Sunday. But the Braves are throwing their best three pitchers at the Mets and hoping to take the series. I would think if Smoltz can get some juice from the home crowd Sunday (and I think he will) this could be a Braves' sweep. But I guess let's take it one game at a time.
Big Tex is STILL Strugg-LING...I guess MAYBE spring training matters a little more NOW?
And Huddy, we need 8 strong tonight as the bullpen is taxed.
PS, tune in tonight after the game to 790 the Zone for a special edition of Extra Innings.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Just when things can't get any better.....
I knew today was going to be special, first show of Extra Innings tonight, get Braves beat with Score Atlanta (and in the process get taken off WNBA's Dream), but then I see THIS in the AP wire....
They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block. The Boston boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in the 1980s and early 1990s, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour. The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multi-platinum album, "Hanging Tough."
The group released a new photo Wednesday and reportedly will appear on the Today show Friday morning — the same time an unmarked countdown clock on http://www.nkotb.com ends.
"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.
Wahlberg said he was convinced to get back together with his former bandmates — Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood — when they decided to record new music. Wahlberg said he wrote 80 percent of the new material with McIntyre and Jordan Knight.
"I had no interest going out on a nostalgia tour and singing the same material," said Wahlberg, 38.
But he added, "We absolutely will do the old songs for sure."
Producer Maurice Starr formed the group in Boston in the 1980s, hoping to recreate the success he had with another teen group from the city, New Edition.
At the height of their popularity, New Kids sold out world tours, marketed millions of dollars in merchandise and spawned a Saturday morning cartoon.
The group disbanded in 1994. Wahlberg has acted on television and in movies, while Jordan Knight, McIntyre and Wood released solo albums. Jonathan Knight became a real estate developer.
Are you freaking kidding me? I saw these guys in concert when I was in 3rd grade. Yep6 guys in the entire Richmond Coliseum. Me and NKOTB. That was OK though. I liked Hangin' Tough. There music was aspirational, as Julie Cooper would say.
If they come to Atlanta, am I going to see them? Maybe. Who am I kidding. I missed out on the Spice Girls, of COURSE I am going to see NKOTB!
They may be pushing 40, but the New Kids are returning to the block. The Boston boy band New Kids on the Block, which sold 70 million albums in the 1980s and early 1990s, has reunited and plans to release a new album and go on tour. The reunion comes 20 years after the release of the group's multi-platinum album, "Hanging Tough."
The group released a new photo Wednesday and reportedly will appear on the Today show Friday morning — the same time an unmarked countdown clock on http://www.nkotb.com ends.
"The fan response to this has been incredible," band member Donnie Wahlberg told the Boston Herald.
Wahlberg said he was convinced to get back together with his former bandmates — Joey McIntyre, brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight and Danny Wood — when they decided to record new music. Wahlberg said he wrote 80 percent of the new material with McIntyre and Jordan Knight.
"I had no interest going out on a nostalgia tour and singing the same material," said Wahlberg, 38.
But he added, "We absolutely will do the old songs for sure."
Producer Maurice Starr formed the group in Boston in the 1980s, hoping to recreate the success he had with another teen group from the city, New Edition.
At the height of their popularity, New Kids sold out world tours, marketed millions of dollars in merchandise and spawned a Saturday morning cartoon.
The group disbanded in 1994. Wahlberg has acted on television and in movies, while Jordan Knight, McIntyre and Wood released solo albums. Jonathan Knight became a real estate developer.
Are you freaking kidding me? I saw these guys in concert when I was in 3rd grade. Yep6 guys in the entire Richmond Coliseum. Me and NKOTB. That was OK though. I liked Hangin' Tough. There music was aspirational, as Julie Cooper would say.
If they come to Atlanta, am I going to see them? Maybe. Who am I kidding. I missed out on the Spice Girls, of COURSE I am going to see NKOTB!
Mel Kiper JR? More like Fletcher Proctor THE ONLY
With the No. 8 selection in the 2008 WNBA draft, Atlanta selects… We will find out Wednesday as the league holds its draft at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida. The franchise holds the No.8 overall pick, after trading down from the four spot. The team will also pick once in the second round (24th overall) and once in the third (32nd overall pick). Last week the team made one pre-draft move, signing Stacey Lovelace, previously of the Washington Mystics. Lovelace has averaged 5 ppg for her career.
But with the draft set for Wednesday, I would like to offer a mock WNBA draft. Move over Mel Kiper Jr., Fletcher Proctor I is in town.
Los Angeles has the first pick and I see the Sparks taking Stanford guard Candice Wiggins. Wiggins is six feet tall and will give LA the floor general the team lacked last season, thanks in large part to injuries. With the second pick, Chicago should select Rutgers Guard Essence Carson to add backcourt scoring, something the team could have used last season. Carson should complement the Sky’s strong post players. With the third pick, the Minnesota Lynx will likely get the best player in this draft class in LSU’s Sylvia Fowles. The Lynx’s biggest need is the frontcourt and Fowles and current star Seimone Augustus put fans in the seats. Defending Eastern Conference champion Detroit will get another playmaker in Candace Parker from Tennessee. CP3 should get some important minutes early and could help Detroit win its second title in three years. Houston will likely take Maryland Guard Crystal Langhorne to run point and score from the backcourt. Center Nicky Anosike from Tennessee should give Washington a strong post presence and New York will break Atlanta’s heart by taking UGA product Tasha Humphrey at No. 7.
Then the Dream will take 6’1 Forward Erlana Larkins from UNC. Scouts say that Larkins is a “top tier prospect,” and despite a broken bone in her hand, she still managed to average a double-double this season. Larkins will be a force on the inside as she can gather in the tough rebounds. Scouts also believe she can be successful in the league after playing at UNC.
With the ninth pick Connecticut will stay close to home and select Charde Houston, then Sacramento will round out the top ten with Matee Ajavon, a guard from Rutgers. Detroit, with its second pick of the first round will grab Maryland’s Laura Harper, then Connecticut will pick again and take C/F LaToya Pringle. Finally defending champ Phoenix will tap F Amber Holt and New York ends the first round with Volunteer guard Alexis Hornbuckle.
Yeah, Todd McShay, you can do a mock NFL first round, but who can't? Try a WNBA mock Draft. BECAUSE I JUST DID!
But with the draft set for Wednesday, I would like to offer a mock WNBA draft. Move over Mel Kiper Jr., Fletcher Proctor I is in town.
Los Angeles has the first pick and I see the Sparks taking Stanford guard Candice Wiggins. Wiggins is six feet tall and will give LA the floor general the team lacked last season, thanks in large part to injuries. With the second pick, Chicago should select Rutgers Guard Essence Carson to add backcourt scoring, something the team could have used last season. Carson should complement the Sky’s strong post players. With the third pick, the Minnesota Lynx will likely get the best player in this draft class in LSU’s Sylvia Fowles. The Lynx’s biggest need is the frontcourt and Fowles and current star Seimone Augustus put fans in the seats. Defending Eastern Conference champion Detroit will get another playmaker in Candace Parker from Tennessee. CP3 should get some important minutes early and could help Detroit win its second title in three years. Houston will likely take Maryland Guard Crystal Langhorne to run point and score from the backcourt. Center Nicky Anosike from Tennessee should give Washington a strong post presence and New York will break Atlanta’s heart by taking UGA product Tasha Humphrey at No. 7.
Then the Dream will take 6’1 Forward Erlana Larkins from UNC. Scouts say that Larkins is a “top tier prospect,” and despite a broken bone in her hand, she still managed to average a double-double this season. Larkins will be a force on the inside as she can gather in the tough rebounds. Scouts also believe she can be successful in the league after playing at UNC.
With the ninth pick Connecticut will stay close to home and select Charde Houston, then Sacramento will round out the top ten with Matee Ajavon, a guard from Rutgers. Detroit, with its second pick of the first round will grab Maryland’s Laura Harper, then Connecticut will pick again and take C/F LaToya Pringle. Finally defending champ Phoenix will tap F Amber Holt and New York ends the first round with Volunteer guard Alexis Hornbuckle.
Yeah, Todd McShay, you can do a mock NFL first round, but who can't? Try a WNBA mock Draft. BECAUSE I JUST DID!
HEY LINKIN PARK!
Shut up! I am a big fan of yours or at least I was. Why are you jumping into the political song-writing right now? Why is it you suddenly don't like GW Bush and Republicans? Is it because Green Day doesn't either?
Let's look at this logically LP. Republicans generally support/protect rich white people, mostly rich white males. You guys are....
By jumping on the liberal side, are you saying you'd want to elect a person that would LOVE to tax you tremendously on all that money you make selling your CDs? Just wondering.
Actually, if you keep releasing political music like you did on your last album, you MAY not be selling many more CDs. Not because of the message(there are plenty of bleeding heart libs that would agree with you) No because those songs SUCKED. They really did.
Quite trying to make music with a message, and just make GOOD music.
Thanks
Let's look at this logically LP. Republicans generally support/protect rich white people, mostly rich white males. You guys are....
By jumping on the liberal side, are you saying you'd want to elect a person that would LOVE to tax you tremendously on all that money you make selling your CDs? Just wondering.
Actually, if you keep releasing political music like you did on your last album, you MAY not be selling many more CDs. Not because of the message(there are plenty of bleeding heart libs that would agree with you) No because those songs SUCKED. They really did.
Quite trying to make music with a message, and just make GOOD music.
Thanks
The Bats come alive late
So the Braves won't go 0-162 this season. Thank Goodness. Actually the bats have really been at it the last two games, just Wednesday the pitching was there too.
Jair Jurrjens was nice last night. He seems to be a great swap for Edgar, though MAYBE I should wait for more than one start to see if he really is the real deal. (But what fun would THAT be?)
Chris Resop can certainly chuck the ball can't he? 98mph, 97mph. NICE.
I was a little worried though after the first few innings. The Braves had chances the first two innings to break this thing open, but only came away with one run. They more than made up for it though in the 8th.
(Sorry this blog is so scattered and random, but I saved my big shot for right here)
And one final beef I have is with Big Tex. I know you hit the home run last night. Good, I hope this jump starts you. But you admit that you are always a slow starter, and you close the season with a bang. You have also said that you don't think spring training matters that much. You don't look for success, you just look to get back into baseball form, or something like that. I've read it in the ajc and heard the announcers talk about it. Let me ask you this.....maybe if you took spring training more seriously, you could play a full successful season instead of putting up amazing numbers in about 3/4 of a season. I'd love to see you prep for the ENTIRE season. if you can hit 40HRs over the last 2/3 of the year, train hard and hit 60 over 162! Come on Mark. Big Tex. I think that if you want to blow off Spring Training like you do, then you had better come out like gangbusters and not slump the first month of the season as you "adjust." That's what spring training is for.
Again, that said, I hope you turn it on and help lead this team to the World Series, or at least the playoffs.
Extra Innings premires tonight following the Braves game. www.790thezone.com or just visit the link at the bottom of the page to listen online.
Also, be sure to look for me in Score Atlanta in two weeks as I am being moved from the WNBA's Atlanta Dream beat to the Braves' beat. So I am going to be a beat writer for the team. Don't worry though. You will still get the honest truth on this blog.
Jair Jurrjens was nice last night. He seems to be a great swap for Edgar, though MAYBE I should wait for more than one start to see if he really is the real deal. (But what fun would THAT be?)
Chris Resop can certainly chuck the ball can't he? 98mph, 97mph. NICE.
I was a little worried though after the first few innings. The Braves had chances the first two innings to break this thing open, but only came away with one run. They more than made up for it though in the 8th.
(Sorry this blog is so scattered and random, but I saved my big shot for right here)
And one final beef I have is with Big Tex. I know you hit the home run last night. Good, I hope this jump starts you. But you admit that you are always a slow starter, and you close the season with a bang. You have also said that you don't think spring training matters that much. You don't look for success, you just look to get back into baseball form, or something like that. I've read it in the ajc and heard the announcers talk about it. Let me ask you this.....maybe if you took spring training more seriously, you could play a full successful season instead of putting up amazing numbers in about 3/4 of a season. I'd love to see you prep for the ENTIRE season. if you can hit 40HRs over the last 2/3 of the year, train hard and hit 60 over 162! Come on Mark. Big Tex. I think that if you want to blow off Spring Training like you do, then you had better come out like gangbusters and not slump the first month of the season as you "adjust." That's what spring training is for.
Again, that said, I hope you turn it on and help lead this team to the World Series, or at least the playoffs.
Extra Innings premires tonight following the Braves game. www.790thezone.com or just visit the link at the bottom of the page to listen online.
Also, be sure to look for me in Score Atlanta in two weeks as I am being moved from the WNBA's Atlanta Dream beat to the Braves' beat. So I am going to be a beat writer for the team. Don't worry though. You will still get the honest truth on this blog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)