Taxes, pollen and the Walton girls tennis team winning a state title, three undeniable rites of Spring it seems. Last week the Walton Lady Raiders, coached by Roberta Manheim and led by Emily Zabor, one of nine seniors, won its 147th straight match and its eighth straight state title. The program set the Georgia high school sports record for consecutive game/match winning streak earlier this year and showed no signs all season of letting that streak come to an end. The closest any opponent came was Peachtree Ridge in the early rounds of the playoffs, but Walton still claimed a 3-1 match win.
Coach Manheim recently spoke about the streak, calling it surreal. “I can say we haven’t lost a match in eight years, but I’m not sure the full impact is there.” Manheim says she recently received an email from former Raider Cameron Ellis that she shared with the team. “Cameron graduated four years ago and is getting ready to graduate (from UGA) having had an extremely successful career.” Ellis was a freshman who helped Walton start the streak eight years ago. “Cameron’s email is what it’s all about for me,” revealed Manheim. “To make a positive impact and help create memories for these girls that will last a lifetime.”
And perhaps that is why Walton is so successful: the girls aren’t playing against an opponent but rather for themselves and with a theme that Manheim does her best to drive home every year. “Before every match I say the same thing to them, ‘One point at a time, one game at a time, one set at a time, one match at a time,’ and that’s what we’ve done, 147 times.” The Lady Raiders also pick themselves up in the rare cases they find themselves down. Against Peachtree Ridge in the third round, the Lions roared out to an early lead and led several matches before Walton rallied. Zabor, the number one singles player for Walton, faced the prospect of losing to Peachtree Ridge’s No. 1 but rallied and took a 6-0, 7-6 victory by digging deep. “Peachtree Ridge was our biggest challenge this year and last,” admitted Manheim. “We knew it was going to be difficult going there and it was. I always tell the girls that what has happened before doesn’t matter, what is ahead makes no difference, all that is important is what is in front of them right then.” Zabor and the Lady Raiders focused in on the match and truly nothing else mattered.
“If they do what they can do and have done over the last four years, the record will take care of itself, and that’s exactly what they did,” said Manheim of the emotional win over Peachtree Ridge and the subsequent title clinched a few days later.
Zabor is one of nine seniors that will depart, leaving Manheim in a familiar position that she faced four years ago. “Seven seniors graduated (four years ago) and everyone thought the streak would end then,” said Manheim. “Here we are four years later with nine seniors graduating.” Walton will lose all seven of its starters and will return two rising juniors and one rising sophomore from the current roster, but Manheim realizes that the support system will still be in place come next season.
“The parents, the girls, the people who I have had the privilege to work with along the ay are what make it all worthwhile. If it weren’t for them, there would be no streak.” The coach also credits the principal, administration and the community for supporting the team over the last eight years. “There is a certain level of respect at Walton for the accomplishment. I think it’s prestigious to be a part of the girls tennis team.”
Manheim, despite having never lost as a coach, deflects all credit for the streak and instead heaps the praise onto her present and past players. “I am most definitely going to miss these seniors and their parents,” said Manheim. “They have been not only amazing athletes and individuals, but so supportive of me and the program. The streak really belongs to them.”
What will the future hold for the Walton girls tennis program? Will the streak continue? Can Manheim rebuild/reload on the fly to make it to win No. 148 and eventually get to title number nine in a row? “While the eight state championships are big, the tennis program at Walton has always been successful,” said Manheim. “There were state championships before I started coaching and there will be many more when I leave, but the undefeated record is something that no other team in any other sport has accomplished.” Manheim has never lost as a coach and if I were a betting man, I wouldn’t wager against her any time soon. She has proven she can turn out a winner year after year, with freshmen starting or with seniors dominating. A new chapter will start in 2012 but expect the resolution to read just the same as the past eight.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Maryland, GT lead for Brookwood's Nick Tompkins
It isn’t often that a junior tailback runs his team all the way to a state title in Georgia’s highest classification yet goes relatively unnoticed along the way by major college programs. For Nick Tompkins, those major college programs are finally starting to notice as the Brookwood two-way standout is now up to fifteen offers with two ACC programs in front of everyone else.
“It all happened really fast,” said Tompkins about all of the attention that has suddenly shifted his way after several other notable rising senior Georgia running backs have pledged to schools ranging from Alabama to Florida to Auburn. “Georgia football is really competitive.”
Tompkins was a force in the backfield as his high school team won the Georgia Class 5A state title in 2010, though it is his work in the defensive secondary that had several schools interested early on. Wisconsin, where Tompkins’ father played, and Stanford have both offered Tompkins as a cornerback/athlete, but Tompkins says he likes running back better. “I feel like I’m most effective at running back.”
Wisconsin is still in the hunt but has told Tompkins he would be considered an “athlete,” not running back. “They (Wisconsin) were only going to sign one running back and they gave that to another back,” Tompkins revealed on Monday’s Official Visit. “They want me to come up for an official visit.”
Arkansas and Clemson are two others that have shown early interest, but Tompkins wonders if those schools are really interested. “I don’t get the feeling with those coaches that they really are recruiting me, that they really want me.”
Two schools do seem to really want Tompkins though, one being the hometown school of Georgia Tech. Unlike at Clemson and Arkansas, the Georgia Tech coaching staff has built a very strong relationship with Tompkins. “I like what I could do in that offense as an A-Back.”
Tompkins hinted that the coaches have talked to him about running the ball and going out to catch passes out of the backfield. “They want playmakers. I have great vision and great breakaway speed.”
Maryland received a visit last weekend from Tompkins and he came away very impressed with the Terps program. “I really liked that visit,” Tompkins gushed. “I went to the spring game and went to breakfast with coaches and some of the 2011 commitments.” Tompkins admitted that it was “nice to be around players that could be your teammates.” He noted he will continue to follow Coach Randy Edsall and his program this year.
Maryland and Georgia Tech are “up there right now,” in his top two and Tompkins wouldn’t add who was in third place, or even if there was a third. He did say that he would definitely consider the Georgia Bulldogs if Mark Richt and company offered. “I’d try to get on campus though.”
Tompkins is one of the hottest names in recruiting these days as he is a key player at the important low supply/high demand position of running back. He knows he has plenty to work on with ten months to go before National Signing Day 2012. The back says he plans to hit the weight room hard this summer and will work on his route-running. “I want to work on my lower half, try to add more power.” Tompkins also plans on ending the recruiting process this July with a pledge. This summer will be a busy one and two ACC programs are hoping the summer ends with his pledge.
“It all happened really fast,” said Tompkins about all of the attention that has suddenly shifted his way after several other notable rising senior Georgia running backs have pledged to schools ranging from Alabama to Florida to Auburn. “Georgia football is really competitive.”
Tompkins was a force in the backfield as his high school team won the Georgia Class 5A state title in 2010, though it is his work in the defensive secondary that had several schools interested early on. Wisconsin, where Tompkins’ father played, and Stanford have both offered Tompkins as a cornerback/athlete, but Tompkins says he likes running back better. “I feel like I’m most effective at running back.”
Wisconsin is still in the hunt but has told Tompkins he would be considered an “athlete,” not running back. “They (Wisconsin) were only going to sign one running back and they gave that to another back,” Tompkins revealed on Monday’s Official Visit. “They want me to come up for an official visit.”
Arkansas and Clemson are two others that have shown early interest, but Tompkins wonders if those schools are really interested. “I don’t get the feeling with those coaches that they really are recruiting me, that they really want me.”
Two schools do seem to really want Tompkins though, one being the hometown school of Georgia Tech. Unlike at Clemson and Arkansas, the Georgia Tech coaching staff has built a very strong relationship with Tompkins. “I like what I could do in that offense as an A-Back.”
Tompkins hinted that the coaches have talked to him about running the ball and going out to catch passes out of the backfield. “They want playmakers. I have great vision and great breakaway speed.”
Maryland received a visit last weekend from Tompkins and he came away very impressed with the Terps program. “I really liked that visit,” Tompkins gushed. “I went to the spring game and went to breakfast with coaches and some of the 2011 commitments.” Tompkins admitted that it was “nice to be around players that could be your teammates.” He noted he will continue to follow Coach Randy Edsall and his program this year.
Maryland and Georgia Tech are “up there right now,” in his top two and Tompkins wouldn’t add who was in third place, or even if there was a third. He did say that he would definitely consider the Georgia Bulldogs if Mark Richt and company offered. “I’d try to get on campus though.”
Tompkins is one of the hottest names in recruiting these days as he is a key player at the important low supply/high demand position of running back. He knows he has plenty to work on with ten months to go before National Signing Day 2012. The back says he plans to hit the weight room hard this summer and will work on his route-running. “I want to work on my lower half, try to add more power.” Tompkins also plans on ending the recruiting process this July with a pledge. This summer will be a busy one and two ACC programs are hoping the summer ends with his pledge.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Brian Jones' top ten uncommitted GA rising seniors
Brian Jones of Score Atlanta fame provides The Official Visit with a top ten list every week. Here is a spoiler for tonight's list. For our breakdown, tune in to Sports Radio 790 The Zone tonight from 8-10pm.
10. Josh Harvey Clemsons – OLB, Lowndes
9. Jason Croom – WR, Norcross
8. Deion Bonner –S, Carver-Columbus
7. Joe Harris – OL, Lithonia
6. Geno Smith – CB, - St. Pius
5. Ricky Parks – TE, Callaway
4. Jordan Jenkins – DE, Harris Couunty
3. Jonathan Taylor – DT, Jenkins County
2. Greyson Lambert – QB, Wayne County
1. Vadal Alexander – OL, Buford
10. Josh Harvey Clemsons – OLB, Lowndes
9. Jason Croom – WR, Norcross
8. Deion Bonner –S, Carver-Columbus
7. Joe Harris – OL, Lithonia
6. Geno Smith – CB, - St. Pius
5. Ricky Parks – TE, Callaway
4. Jordan Jenkins – DE, Harris Couunty
3. Jonathan Taylor – DT, Jenkins County
2. Greyson Lambert – QB, Wayne County
1. Vadal Alexander – OL, Buford
TheFletch: New time for Official Visit, New Show for Soon-to-be-Famous
It may have been one of the biggest upsets in Georgia professional sports history but football rules so believe it or not the NBA playoffs were pushed to the back burner last week. During one two-hour stretch last week, the Atlanta Hawks finished off a first-round NBA playoffs upset of the Orlando Magic while the Atlanta Falcons traded four picks for the right to swap first round picks this year with the Cleveland Browns and select Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. While the Hawks was probably bigger news nationally, the city of Atlanta seemed more interested in the Falcons draft-night trade. Immediately after the Hawks finished off the Magic at the Highlight Factory, a quick check of Twitter revealed that most of the Atlanta sports media was still buzzing about the trade for the right to pick Jones.
The next day seemed to confirm that football rules Georgia and Atlanta specifically. The AJC’s website had the Falcons’ move above the Hawks’ victory on the front page and several sports radio shows had Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff on to discuss the pick. The Rude Awakening had the Falcons general manager on to talk about the big move and 680 The Fan’s Chuck & Chernoff had Dimitroff on within the first six minutes of the show. Chuck and Chernoff led with the Falcons trade and then discussed the draft for a few minutes before even mentioning the Hawks big win. The Zone’s Pollack & Bell likewise had the draft on the brain as the new Falcons’ flagship station secured an interview with Julio Jones right off the bat of the drive-home show’s first hour.
Not all of the entities went this way however. The Rude Awakening, despite having Dimitroff on did spend a very early segment discussing the Hawks and the huge playoff-series victory though the first call taken did switch the topic to the trade.
Score Atlanta’s website also led with the Hawks in the headline banner and featured a game-recap as well as a column on the series win. Of course we also covered the Falcons’ trade as we recognize that people live and die with football.
So how will this trade be viewed as the Falcons gave up all of those picks in order to get the chance to draft Jones? The viewpoints have certainly varied in just one week. Some hosts have argued that the Falcons gave up far too much in order to get a wide receiver for an already-loaded offense while the defense still has holes (Perry Laurentino of 680 The Fan). Others believe that this trade made the Falcons more explosive and the team is striking while the iron is hot (Jeff Schultz of the AJC). Mel Kiper Jr., of ESPN gave the Falcons a C+ while Toddy McShay questioned the trade for Jones. The AJC’s Mark Bradley though came to the Falcons defense, giving Atlanta an A and NFL.com’s Steve Wyche also praised the Falcons move.
It seems funny that a draft-night trade would be given just as much, if not more coverage than a huge playoff upset victory, but that is the day and age we are currently living in. The NFL lockout is given daily updates like it was a hostage situation, and to some people it is. They love their football and nothing else matters. While I live football, I do consider myself a well-rounded sports fan, and I was watching as the Hawks finished off the Magic, nearly blowing a huge lead in game six which would have sent the series back to Orlando. I read the story from Jeff Schultz of the AJC and I tend to agree with him when he, before game five, put a potential Hawks upset of Orlando in the top six postseason moments/upsets in Atlanta professional sports history. While the Atlanta Hawks simply won a first-round playoff series, something it has done for the last two seasons, this one felt different, perhaps because the team for the first time in several years DIDN’T win more games than the season prior and this time wasn’t favored to win round one. Everyone was already making plans for a Chicago/Orlando conference semi-final matchup, but the Hawks wouldn’t let that happen, winning game one in Orlando and dominating the Magic en route to a date with Derrick Rose. The upset win sparked interest in Atlanta and finally gave some of the critics a little bit of crow to eat and force the networks to dig up some positive stories on the Hawks…at least for a while.
The return of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Sports Central XL was official this past Tuesday as the internet’s best Georgia high school webcast spent an hour discussing some of the top stories involving the Peach State’s spring sports. If you missed the show, you can watch it on-demand anytime at www.gaprepnews.com or at www.gpb.org/sports/xl. There will be two more webcasts this year as the spring championships continue. The next webcast will be on May 17 and the final show of the year will be May 31.
Finally the Official Visit has been given a new time slot on Sports Radio 790 The Zone. The show still airs Monday nights but has been pushed back an hour and now airs from 8-10 p.m., following John Michaels’ new show Football Night in Atlanta. Be sure to tune in this Monday from 8-10 as Scott Janovitz and Fletcher Proctor interview some of the top in-state talent as well as break down the week’s recruiting news. In regards to Football Night in Atlanta, the “Soon-to-be-Famous” John Michaels will add this hour-long show five nights a week to his ever-growing airtime at 790. The show will focus on the NFL, with Michaels broaching relevant topics and taking phone calls and texts. Michaels has worked his way up at 790, starting as an intern and it is nice that The Zone has rewarded his commitment to the station.
Can You Believe He Said That
“Do you think Madison Avenue wants a Memphis/Atlanta Finals? That will never happen. It will always be at least one big market.”
That was national sports radio host Peter Brown on The Sporting News Radio last week talking about how the NBA always seems to get one big market in the NBA Finals for television numbers. He mentioned Atlanta several times as a small market, I guess not realizing that Atlanta is the No. 7 TV market in America. Atlanta is suddenly a small market? Probably the fifth biggest market currently in the playoffs. Gimme a break.
The next day seemed to confirm that football rules Georgia and Atlanta specifically. The AJC’s website had the Falcons’ move above the Hawks’ victory on the front page and several sports radio shows had Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff on to discuss the pick. The Rude Awakening had the Falcons general manager on to talk about the big move and 680 The Fan’s Chuck & Chernoff had Dimitroff on within the first six minutes of the show. Chuck and Chernoff led with the Falcons trade and then discussed the draft for a few minutes before even mentioning the Hawks big win. The Zone’s Pollack & Bell likewise had the draft on the brain as the new Falcons’ flagship station secured an interview with Julio Jones right off the bat of the drive-home show’s first hour.
Not all of the entities went this way however. The Rude Awakening, despite having Dimitroff on did spend a very early segment discussing the Hawks and the huge playoff-series victory though the first call taken did switch the topic to the trade.
Score Atlanta’s website also led with the Hawks in the headline banner and featured a game-recap as well as a column on the series win. Of course we also covered the Falcons’ trade as we recognize that people live and die with football.
So how will this trade be viewed as the Falcons gave up all of those picks in order to get the chance to draft Jones? The viewpoints have certainly varied in just one week. Some hosts have argued that the Falcons gave up far too much in order to get a wide receiver for an already-loaded offense while the defense still has holes (Perry Laurentino of 680 The Fan). Others believe that this trade made the Falcons more explosive and the team is striking while the iron is hot (Jeff Schultz of the AJC). Mel Kiper Jr., of ESPN gave the Falcons a C+ while Toddy McShay questioned the trade for Jones. The AJC’s Mark Bradley though came to the Falcons defense, giving Atlanta an A and NFL.com’s Steve Wyche also praised the Falcons move.
It seems funny that a draft-night trade would be given just as much, if not more coverage than a huge playoff upset victory, but that is the day and age we are currently living in. The NFL lockout is given daily updates like it was a hostage situation, and to some people it is. They love their football and nothing else matters. While I live football, I do consider myself a well-rounded sports fan, and I was watching as the Hawks finished off the Magic, nearly blowing a huge lead in game six which would have sent the series back to Orlando. I read the story from Jeff Schultz of the AJC and I tend to agree with him when he, before game five, put a potential Hawks upset of Orlando in the top six postseason moments/upsets in Atlanta professional sports history. While the Atlanta Hawks simply won a first-round playoff series, something it has done for the last two seasons, this one felt different, perhaps because the team for the first time in several years DIDN’T win more games than the season prior and this time wasn’t favored to win round one. Everyone was already making plans for a Chicago/Orlando conference semi-final matchup, but the Hawks wouldn’t let that happen, winning game one in Orlando and dominating the Magic en route to a date with Derrick Rose. The upset win sparked interest in Atlanta and finally gave some of the critics a little bit of crow to eat and force the networks to dig up some positive stories on the Hawks…at least for a while.
The return of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Sports Central XL was official this past Tuesday as the internet’s best Georgia high school webcast spent an hour discussing some of the top stories involving the Peach State’s spring sports. If you missed the show, you can watch it on-demand anytime at www.gaprepnews.com or at www.gpb.org/sports/xl. There will be two more webcasts this year as the spring championships continue. The next webcast will be on May 17 and the final show of the year will be May 31.
Finally the Official Visit has been given a new time slot on Sports Radio 790 The Zone. The show still airs Monday nights but has been pushed back an hour and now airs from 8-10 p.m., following John Michaels’ new show Football Night in Atlanta. Be sure to tune in this Monday from 8-10 as Scott Janovitz and Fletcher Proctor interview some of the top in-state talent as well as break down the week’s recruiting news. In regards to Football Night in Atlanta, the “Soon-to-be-Famous” John Michaels will add this hour-long show five nights a week to his ever-growing airtime at 790. The show will focus on the NFL, with Michaels broaching relevant topics and taking phone calls and texts. Michaels has worked his way up at 790, starting as an intern and it is nice that The Zone has rewarded his commitment to the station.
Can You Believe He Said That
“Do you think Madison Avenue wants a Memphis/Atlanta Finals? That will never happen. It will always be at least one big market.”
That was national sports radio host Peter Brown on The Sporting News Radio last week talking about how the NBA always seems to get one big market in the NBA Finals for television numbers. He mentioned Atlanta several times as a small market, I guess not realizing that Atlanta is the No. 7 TV market in America. Atlanta is suddenly a small market? Probably the fifth biggest market currently in the playoffs. Gimme a break.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Peachtree Ridge wins 5A boys T&F title, Carrollton too
The 2011 Georgia High School Track & Field championships featured many compelling storylines, ranging from football freak Ray Drew of Thomas County Central winning the discus despite a foot injury to Peachtree Ridge’s sophomore sensation Josh Brickell dominating the 3200 meters to a show of brotherly love in Class A. For Brickell, the title was his second of the three-day championships after he claimed the 5A 1600 meter event as well. Drew meanwhile was trying to set a state record in the discus, an event he hopes to compete in at the University of Georgia. Drew’s fling of 183’ 7.000 was the best toss of any classification.
The biggest drama was saved however for Saturday’s finale. Future UGA wide receiver Justin Scott-Wesley helped Mitchell County claim the 400-meter relay and Scott-Wesley wasn’t done there as the senior won the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.76, and finish second in the 200 meter dash. Mitchell County was able to rally from tenth to finish second. Athens Christian held on to win the Class A crown with 50 team points, a five point win.
In Class AA, Saturday saw Jackson (Atlanta) make an early run at North Oconee with a third in the 400-meter relay and a second place finish in the 400 meter dash. CJ Moore of Buford raced to a win in the 100 meter dash but North Oconee’s Ian Wraga finished second in the 800 meters. Elbert County meanwhile battled to take the lead midway through Saturday’s action with a second place in the 100 meters and a win by Valdon Cooper in the 110 hurdles. Elbert County would post a fifth place finish in the 1600 relay and a fourth in the 300 hurdles. Elbert County beat out North Oconee 57-51.
Carrollton of 3A put a little distance between itself and the rest of the pack early on Saturday with Broderick Snoddy, a future Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket football player anchoring the 400-meter relay squad to a second place finish. Snoddy would finish second in the 100 meters behind Westover’s Reginald Lewis. Tamaric Johnson of Stone Mountain claimed both the 200 meters and 400 meters. Carrollton’s Jonathan Jones helped Carrollton keep the lead with a win in the 110 hurdles before also taking the 300 hurdles. Carrollton’s fourth place finish in the 1600 relay would ice the 3A crown.
Pope was holding on for dear life to its Friday night lead Saturday in 4A as Dunwoody charged at the Greyhounds with a seventh place in the 100 meter dash and a second place in the 800 meters. Clarke Central recorded a second place finish in the 400 meter relay and a second place in the 100 meter dash with Quenshaun Watson starring in both events. Watson finished third in the 200 meters. Jeremy Hughes was also outstanding for Clarke Central. Dequadis Tucker won both the 100 and 200 meters for Carver (Atlanta), earning his team’s only points. Clarke Central (36) would hold off Alcovy (33) and Kell (32) to take the 4A title.
In the highest classification, Peachtree Ridge held a slim lead after day one and was on top following Friday’s action. Saturday saw Lassiter and Mill Creek edge closer early on as Trojan Alexander Reese won the 400-meter dash and 200 meters and Mill Creek picked up a few points with a nice finish in the 400 relay. Akeem Hunt of Newton helped the Rams edge McEachern in the 400 relay. Torri Tillman proved to be the “fastest man in the state” at the highest classification with a win in the 100 meter dash before finishing second in the 200 meters. Brookwood used a win in the 110 hurdles and second and third place finishes in the 800 meters to make its presence felt. South Gwinnett won the 1600 relay, but Peachtree Ridge (62) would outscore Mill Creek (46), Parkview (42), Brookwood (41) and Lassiter (36) for the 5A title.
Earlier on in the week, Peachtree Ridge held the early lead in Class 5A after Matt Morris won the pole vault while Brickell won the 1600 meters and Torri Tillman outjumped Newton football standout Akeem Hunt and Norcross’ Malcolm Davis. Mill Creek was nipping at Peachtree Ridge’s heels after Thursday with Parkview, Lassiter and Norcross in third place. Cobb County had its own standouts after the first day of “Field” activities with Kell’s Jordan Chambers clinching the Class 4A shot put and Hillgrove’s Jabari Hunt-Days winning the 5A shot put. Allatoona’s Scott Lewis won the 3A shot put as Cobb tallied five state titles on Day One. Lassiter’s Cedric Stadom won the 5A discus and Whitefield Academy’s Cameron Thornton won the Class A 1600-meter run. Pope was in the Class 4A lead after the first day.
In a classy gesture, Josiah Jenkins let older brother Josh Jenkins win the Class A 3200 meter event as it was the elder’s final chance at the title. In any case, the one-two finish helped Athens Christian hold the Class A lead after Friday over Darlington, Whitefield Academy and Athens Academy. Wesleyan’s Wes Ayres did manage to set a new record in the pole vault with a height of 14; 7.00”. Jeremy Blue of Schley County also set a record in the discus with a throw of 167’9.000” for Class A.
In Class AA boys, North Oconee led Albany and Elbert County after the second day thanks in large part to Tripp Hurt’s win in the 3200 meter event. Hurt had previously won the 1600-meter run, beating out teammate Ian Wraga for the victory. Albany shared the lead after Thursday. Carrollton had a slight lead over Westover in the boys 3A title picture after the second day of competition. North Hall’s Cody Barger won the 3200 meters just a day after winning the 1600 meters. Barger’s time of 9:07.120 was the best time in the state. James Dwyer of Class 4A Dunwoody recorded the best 1600 meter time at 4:15.380.
The biggest drama was saved however for Saturday’s finale. Future UGA wide receiver Justin Scott-Wesley helped Mitchell County claim the 400-meter relay and Scott-Wesley wasn’t done there as the senior won the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.76, and finish second in the 200 meter dash. Mitchell County was able to rally from tenth to finish second. Athens Christian held on to win the Class A crown with 50 team points, a five point win.
In Class AA, Saturday saw Jackson (Atlanta) make an early run at North Oconee with a third in the 400-meter relay and a second place finish in the 400 meter dash. CJ Moore of Buford raced to a win in the 100 meter dash but North Oconee’s Ian Wraga finished second in the 800 meters. Elbert County meanwhile battled to take the lead midway through Saturday’s action with a second place in the 100 meters and a win by Valdon Cooper in the 110 hurdles. Elbert County would post a fifth place finish in the 1600 relay and a fourth in the 300 hurdles. Elbert County beat out North Oconee 57-51.
Carrollton of 3A put a little distance between itself and the rest of the pack early on Saturday with Broderick Snoddy, a future Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket football player anchoring the 400-meter relay squad to a second place finish. Snoddy would finish second in the 100 meters behind Westover’s Reginald Lewis. Tamaric Johnson of Stone Mountain claimed both the 200 meters and 400 meters. Carrollton’s Jonathan Jones helped Carrollton keep the lead with a win in the 110 hurdles before also taking the 300 hurdles. Carrollton’s fourth place finish in the 1600 relay would ice the 3A crown.
Pope was holding on for dear life to its Friday night lead Saturday in 4A as Dunwoody charged at the Greyhounds with a seventh place in the 100 meter dash and a second place in the 800 meters. Clarke Central recorded a second place finish in the 400 meter relay and a second place in the 100 meter dash with Quenshaun Watson starring in both events. Watson finished third in the 200 meters. Jeremy Hughes was also outstanding for Clarke Central. Dequadis Tucker won both the 100 and 200 meters for Carver (Atlanta), earning his team’s only points. Clarke Central (36) would hold off Alcovy (33) and Kell (32) to take the 4A title.
In the highest classification, Peachtree Ridge held a slim lead after day one and was on top following Friday’s action. Saturday saw Lassiter and Mill Creek edge closer early on as Trojan Alexander Reese won the 400-meter dash and 200 meters and Mill Creek picked up a few points with a nice finish in the 400 relay. Akeem Hunt of Newton helped the Rams edge McEachern in the 400 relay. Torri Tillman proved to be the “fastest man in the state” at the highest classification with a win in the 100 meter dash before finishing second in the 200 meters. Brookwood used a win in the 110 hurdles and second and third place finishes in the 800 meters to make its presence felt. South Gwinnett won the 1600 relay, but Peachtree Ridge (62) would outscore Mill Creek (46), Parkview (42), Brookwood (41) and Lassiter (36) for the 5A title.
Earlier on in the week, Peachtree Ridge held the early lead in Class 5A after Matt Morris won the pole vault while Brickell won the 1600 meters and Torri Tillman outjumped Newton football standout Akeem Hunt and Norcross’ Malcolm Davis. Mill Creek was nipping at Peachtree Ridge’s heels after Thursday with Parkview, Lassiter and Norcross in third place. Cobb County had its own standouts after the first day of “Field” activities with Kell’s Jordan Chambers clinching the Class 4A shot put and Hillgrove’s Jabari Hunt-Days winning the 5A shot put. Allatoona’s Scott Lewis won the 3A shot put as Cobb tallied five state titles on Day One. Lassiter’s Cedric Stadom won the 5A discus and Whitefield Academy’s Cameron Thornton won the Class A 1600-meter run. Pope was in the Class 4A lead after the first day.
In a classy gesture, Josiah Jenkins let older brother Josh Jenkins win the Class A 3200 meter event as it was the elder’s final chance at the title. In any case, the one-two finish helped Athens Christian hold the Class A lead after Friday over Darlington, Whitefield Academy and Athens Academy. Wesleyan’s Wes Ayres did manage to set a new record in the pole vault with a height of 14; 7.00”. Jeremy Blue of Schley County also set a record in the discus with a throw of 167’9.000” for Class A.
In Class AA boys, North Oconee led Albany and Elbert County after the second day thanks in large part to Tripp Hurt’s win in the 3200 meter event. Hurt had previously won the 1600-meter run, beating out teammate Ian Wraga for the victory. Albany shared the lead after Thursday. Carrollton had a slight lead over Westover in the boys 3A title picture after the second day of competition. North Hall’s Cody Barger won the 3200 meters just a day after winning the 1600 meters. Barger’s time of 9:07.120 was the best time in the state. James Dwyer of Class 4A Dunwoody recorded the best 1600 meter time at 4:15.380.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
An Early guess at Georgia's 2012 draftees
With the 2011 NFL draft now in the books and several Georgia Bulldogs moving on to professional careers, (assuming the lockout ends and AJ Green, Kris Durham, Clint Boling, and the rest of the ex-Dawgs do get to strap on the pro helmets) which Georgia Bulldogs could be hearing their names called during the 2012 draft? Despite recent struggles in the win-loss column, Mark Richt has still been pumping talent into the pro game and the 2012 NFL draft will certainly include a few names from those who recently suited up at Sanford Stadium for G-Day.
The offensive line will be a good place to start as two or possibly three linemen could go on to the NFL. Cordy Glenn would have been taken this year if he had decided to leave Athens, but assuming Glenn stays healthy he could see his value increase as he should protect quarterback Aaron Murray’s blindside this upcoming season. Glenn has experience at guard and at right tackle and will be able to add full-time LT to his resume.
Ben Jones the center and spring leader of the offense will also likely go relatively high in the draft. He isn’t the biggest player on the team but he directs the offensive line and plays with a nasty streak while holding his own against some of the best athletes in the college game.
Trinton Sturdivant is a wild card as he will be rehabbing this year from yet another knee injury. Sturdivant could return to the team if the NCAA grants him another year’s eligibility but likely he will simply gear up for a team willing to take a chance on him. If rehab goes well, someone could take a chance late on a mountain of a man that was a freshman All-American in 2007. While it may be risky to take a lineman with three knee surgeries, is it any more risky than taking a punter with your seventh round pick?
Tight end Aron White is another potential draftee whose size and pass-catching ability might net him a selection on the second or third day of the draft. White has shown nice hands and while he may not be a Tony Gonzalez clone, he could certainly be a second TE in a system that values pass-catching ends.
On the defensive side of the ball, Brandon Boykin decided to return to college for his senior season, and the cornerback/return specialist could be drafted simply for his ability to return kickoffs. Boykin has several 100-yard kick returns to his name, and he is a glove at cornerback just like Paul Oliver, Tim Jennings and Tim Wansley were under Mark Richt.
On the defensive front line, John Jenkins could very well follow Terrence Cody and Nick Fairley as previous junior college-to-SEC-to-early round standouts, if his 2011 goes as everyone in the Bulldog Nation hopes it goes.
Lastly, look for both Blair Walsh and Drew Butler to get taken late in the 2012 draft as both have been among the best kickers (and punters) in the college game the last two seasons and should be again next season. The Atlanta Falcons selected a punter in the sixth round in 2011; Butler should receive a call by then.
The Georgia Bulldogs had six players drafted in 2011. Expect that mark to be shattered in 2012.
The offensive line will be a good place to start as two or possibly three linemen could go on to the NFL. Cordy Glenn would have been taken this year if he had decided to leave Athens, but assuming Glenn stays healthy he could see his value increase as he should protect quarterback Aaron Murray’s blindside this upcoming season. Glenn has experience at guard and at right tackle and will be able to add full-time LT to his resume.
Ben Jones the center and spring leader of the offense will also likely go relatively high in the draft. He isn’t the biggest player on the team but he directs the offensive line and plays with a nasty streak while holding his own against some of the best athletes in the college game.
Trinton Sturdivant is a wild card as he will be rehabbing this year from yet another knee injury. Sturdivant could return to the team if the NCAA grants him another year’s eligibility but likely he will simply gear up for a team willing to take a chance on him. If rehab goes well, someone could take a chance late on a mountain of a man that was a freshman All-American in 2007. While it may be risky to take a lineman with three knee surgeries, is it any more risky than taking a punter with your seventh round pick?
Tight end Aron White is another potential draftee whose size and pass-catching ability might net him a selection on the second or third day of the draft. White has shown nice hands and while he may not be a Tony Gonzalez clone, he could certainly be a second TE in a system that values pass-catching ends.
On the defensive side of the ball, Brandon Boykin decided to return to college for his senior season, and the cornerback/return specialist could be drafted simply for his ability to return kickoffs. Boykin has several 100-yard kick returns to his name, and he is a glove at cornerback just like Paul Oliver, Tim Jennings and Tim Wansley were under Mark Richt.
On the defensive front line, John Jenkins could very well follow Terrence Cody and Nick Fairley as previous junior college-to-SEC-to-early round standouts, if his 2011 goes as everyone in the Bulldog Nation hopes it goes.
Lastly, look for both Blair Walsh and Drew Butler to get taken late in the 2012 draft as both have been among the best kickers (and punters) in the college game the last two seasons and should be again next season. The Atlanta Falcons selected a punter in the sixth round in 2011; Butler should receive a call by then.
The Georgia Bulldogs had six players drafted in 2011. Expect that mark to be shattered in 2012.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Paul Mac disagrees with Mel Kiper Jr
Mel Kiper Jr gave the Falcons a C+ for its recent draft. The Biggest Falcons fan I know Paul Mac weighs in on Kiper's thoughts.
C+ is slightly better than average, I think he's afraid of posting a C honestly. No one's played a down yet so he's basically ranking perceived value. That's cool. It's hard to give a high grade when you don't have a 2nd or 4th rounder. That said, I totally understood what Dimitroff and co were trying to do even if I was taken aback by the trade and what they gave up. About 3 months ago you and I both said it, wow would Julio Jones be a good fit for what they like to do. Then they get Akeem Dent who helps improve depth and he's an excellent tackler. This will help take some of the pressure off of Lofton having to play every down. It keeps him more fresh. Jaquizz Rodgers is a great get where they got him. Murray and the kid from Kentucky were gone. I've liked Rodgers since he powered his way over that vaunted SC defense.
Not sure why they drafted a punter when Koenan is good, but maybe they like his versatility. All in all I'm happy. A lot of people are looking only at the negatives of Jones probably because of the picks and that he's a WR when there were other perceived needs. They needed a playmaker though, and they've got one. He plays longer than 6'3" in my opinion. Now they can go a lot of ways in the red zone.
C+ is slightly better than average, I think he's afraid of posting a C honestly. No one's played a down yet so he's basically ranking perceived value. That's cool. It's hard to give a high grade when you don't have a 2nd or 4th rounder. That said, I totally understood what Dimitroff and co were trying to do even if I was taken aback by the trade and what they gave up. About 3 months ago you and I both said it, wow would Julio Jones be a good fit for what they like to do. Then they get Akeem Dent who helps improve depth and he's an excellent tackler. This will help take some of the pressure off of Lofton having to play every down. It keeps him more fresh. Jaquizz Rodgers is a great get where they got him. Murray and the kid from Kentucky were gone. I've liked Rodgers since he powered his way over that vaunted SC defense.
Not sure why they drafted a punter when Koenan is good, but maybe they like his versatility. All in all I'm happy. A lot of people are looking only at the negatives of Jones probably because of the picks and that he's a WR when there were other perceived needs. They needed a playmaker though, and they've got one. He plays longer than 6'3" in my opinion. Now they can go a lot of ways in the red zone.
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