Week 10 – TFR Cherokee County Football Previews

Posted on October 23, 2019 by admin

Only three Cherokee County Football teams are in action this week, but all three games have playoff implications. In Region 4-7A, both the Woodstock Wolverines and Lassiter Trojans come into the game needing a win to keep slim playoff hopes alive. Lassiter has struggled to get consistency on offense…Can the Wolverines capitalize this week for their first region win? In Region 6-6A, the Sequoyah Chiefs will host the Sprayberry Yellow Jackets for homecoming. Sprayberry has not beaten the Chiefs in 9 tries. Is the 10th time a charm? Meanwhile, just up East Cherokee Drive, the Creekview Grizzlies will host the South Cobb Eagles. The Grizzlies certainly shouldn’t be looking past South Cobb this week. The Grizzlies can ill-afford a slip up this late in the season. Please make sure to get out and support these young men on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading.  Comments and discussion are always welcome!

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Both Woodstock and Lassiter come into this week’s game in search of their first region win. A loss by either team would for all intents and purposes, eliminate them from the post-season. Woodstock has been close to big upsets over the last two weeks with one score losses to county rivals Etowah and Cherokee. The Wolverines have struggled to punch the ball into the end zone in some games and are averaging just over 14 points per game.

 

Their opponent, the Lassiter Trojans have had even more trouble scoring points. Coach Thom is just beginning his rebuilding process, so we knew there would be growing pains coming into the season for the Trojans. Quarterbacks Mitch Storm and Brayden Lind have taken most of the snaps for the Trojans. The duo has combined for 764 yards through the air. Shai Valencia leads the Trojans in rushing with 281 yards. We don’t believe that Lassiter can score enough points to outlast Woodstock this week. We like the Wolverines by 13.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Sequoyah Chiefs and Sprayberry Yellow Jackets enter Friday’s game both needing a win to keep their post-season hopes alive. The Chiefs got a win against South Cobb last week to stay in contention. Jaden Mitchell has been the workhorse on offense with 494 yards on the ground and 4 rushing TDs, while Miles McGee leads the Chiefs in receiving with 18 catches for 301 yards. Sequoyah’s defense has been respectable, allowing only 15.1 points per game. Sequoyah has not lost to Sprayberry since November of 2009, which spans 9 games.

 

But this Sprayberry team is coming off of one of the best team defensive performances all season, as they shut down Dalton’s all-world running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, holding him to 93 rushing yards and no TDs. (Gibbs entered the game last week averaging just above 260 yards per game.) Perhaps that blue print for containing Gibbs will work for slowing down the Chiefs rushing attack. While Sprayberry’s defense was stout last week, they are still allowing 24.5 points per game. This week should let us know if Sprayberry is a contender or a pretender. We think the Jackets are riding high, and if the win out the remainder of the season, they’ll secure the 3rd seed. Look for the jackets to spoil homecoming for the Chiefs this week. Jackets by 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

It’s homecoming week on Owens Store Road and the Creekview Grizzlies host the South Cobb Eagles. Things got interesting in the region standings with Sprayberry’s win over Dalton, but we know that Coach Williams has the Grizzlies focused on the task at hand this week. Everything is in front of Creekview and if they win out, they will be headed back to the post-season. The Grizz got all they wanted last week from a gutsy River Ridge team, edging their county foe on a goal-line stand. Creekview is averaging 25.1 points per game while the defense is allowing 20.4.

 

Meanwhile, South Cobb has been eliminated from post-season play, but could play the role of spoiler. But before they can think about an upset, the defense will have to find a way to stop Creekview’s Ethan Dirrim and Brody Rhodes. South Cobb is allowing 46.5 points per game. That’s a number that does not bode well for them coming into this game. They will need to force turnovers to keep this game close. We just don’t believe that’s in the cards. We think Creekview will be refocused this week. We like them to roll this week. Grizzlies by 25.

 

Posted in 2019 Game Previews, Week 10 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week 9 – GHSA High School Football Poll

Posted on October 20, 2019 by admin

Our GHSA High School Football Poll has been published. There were no new changes to our 7A poll, but McEachern did take control in Region-3 with a big win over Marietta. Meanwhile, the Grayson Rams put themselves in the drivers seat in Region 8-7A with a 3-point win over the Archer Tigers.

In 6A, perhaps the biggest surprise was the Sprayberry Yellow Jackets getting a big win over Dalton. The loss drops the Catamounts from this week’s poll. The Mays Raiders come in at No. 10 this week after their region win over Creekside. They have a big matchup this week, as they face South Paulding. (We have South ranked at No. 9 this week.) In 5A, the only ranked team to lose was the Kell Longhorns as they were defeated by the Carrollton Trojans. The Trojans now have the inside track for the region title. The loss dropped the Longhorns to No. 10 this week.

In 4A, Cartersville asserted their dominance as they downed Sandy Creek to move to 8-0 and the season. That win makes the Canes the favorites in Region 5-4A. Sandy Creek slips to No. 5 this week. Meanwhile in Region 7-4A, Marist downed Denmark while Blessed Trinity edged Flowery Branch. The losses drop Denmark to No. 9 and Flowery Branch to No. 10 this week.

The Jenkins Warriors are the newest entrant into the 3A poll. They beat Beach going away this past week. Hart County drops from the poll after a 7-point loss to Monroe Area. In Class 2-A, The Bleckley County Royals make their debut into the 2019 poll while Fitzgerald falls from the poll after a loss to Thomasville. The Top-8 teams in 2A remain unchanged.

The Manchester Blue Devils suffered a one-point loss to region foe Brookstone, while Bowdon fell to Christian Heritage. The losses drop Manchester to No. 10 and Bowdon to No. 9. Meanwhile Commerce slips two spots after a loss to Hebron Christian. Finally, in A-Private, Savannah Country Day comes in at No. 10 and makes their first Top-10 of the season. A loss by Aquinas made way for the Hornets. The rest of the A-Private poll remained unchanged.

Polls are fun and can provide for spirited and healthy conversations and debates. We welcome any and all poll feedback.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Top - 10 Polls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week – 9 GHSA Football Previews – Eight Greats Around the State – Part 2 of 2

Posted on October 17, 2019 by admin

This is Part II of our GHSA Football Previews called Eight Greats Around The State. In Region-6 Class A, Christian Heritage will host the Bowdon Red Devils. Can Bowdon’s stingy defense keep the Christian Heritage offense in check? In Region-7 4A there are two big matchups between the top four teams. First, Blessed Trinity hosts Flowery Branch. The Titans got a big win last week but face a big test as Flowery Branch comes in undefeated. Can Blessed Trinity slow down the Flowery Branch ground game? The other matchup features Denmark and Marist. The Danes were edged by Blessed Trinity last week, but there’s no time to  feel sorry for themselves as Marist comes into the game undefeated. The Ware Eagles are a perennial power and seem to be clicking on all cylinders. Will the Danes get revenge this year? Finally, we take a look at  a big matchup in Region-5-4A as Cartersville hosts Sandy Creek. Both teams are ranked in the top 3 in most polls and each have been dominant on defense. Can Sandy Creek dethrone the reigning Region champions? As always, please feel free to share and comment.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Christian Heritage Lions will host the Bowdon Red Devils this week in a Region-6 Single A matchup. The only blemish on the Lions record is a 7-point loss to Darlington. Otherwise the Lions have been pretty darn good. The defense is allowing 9.1 points per game, while the offense is averaging 34 points per game. Gage Leonard leads the team in rushing with 494 yards while Ethan Smith has run for 384 yards. Christian Thomas has passed fro 881 yards and 9-TDs. Ben Hermann and Solomon Locke lead the defense in tackles.

 

Meanwhile, the Bowdon Red Devils are 6-0 for the first time since 2013. The Red Devils are averaging 20.3 points per game on offense, but their defense has been pretty stingy, allowing only 8.6 points per game thus far. Bowdon’s best win this season was their 6-point victory over North Cobb Christian. Gage Stephens leads the Bowdon offense with 964 rushing yards. Bowdon is certainly vastly improved from last season, but we like Christian Heritage at home this week by 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Blessed Trinity Titans will host the Flowery Branch Titans this week. The Titans edged region foe Denmark last week and have another tough test this week. The Titans have a potent one-two punch at running back with a healthy Elijah Green and talented freshman Justice Haynes. The Blessed Trinity defense is allowing 14.3 points per game, while their offense is averaging 26.3 points per game. Defensive end Grayson Gilder made a living last week wreaking havoc in the Denmark backfield.

 

The Flowery Branch Falcons have had to retool their offense after losing senior quarterback Elijah Gainey to a season ending injury in their scrimmage. The Falcons are now averaging just over 290 yards rushing per game. Jaizen Ellingham and Chandler White lead the way on the ground for Flowery Branch. The Falcons defense is allowing 8 points per game and has recorded three shutouts. However, we think Blessed Trinity is a little more battle tested at this point in the season. This game should be close again. But we like the Titans by a field goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Denmark Danes look to get back on track this week after a heartbreaking loss to Blessed Trinity last week. Denmark’s high-powered offense is averaging 44.6 points per game led by dual threat quarterback Aaron McLaughlin and wide receiver Ze’vian Capers. Capers is one of the most talented receivers we’ve seen this season and is a mismatch for most secondaries. While McLauhglin has a big arm and is tough to bring down in the pocket. The Danes defense is allowing 7.3 points per game and has four shutouts to their credit.

 

The Marist War Eagles enter this game undefeated and are one of the favorites to win the Region. The run first Ware Eagles are averaging 39.1 points per game. Quarterback Connor Cigelske has rushed for 641 yards and passed for 801 yards. He has accounted for 21 TDs as he is the straw that stirs the drink for the Marist offense. Defensively, the War Eagles are allowing 6.8 points per game and themselves have three shutouts. If the defensive front can get pressure on McLaughlin, the War Eagles might be able to mitigate Capers effectiveness on offense. This game should be much closer than last year’s contest, but we still like Marist by 10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

This might be the defect Region Title game as two of the top teams in Class 4A face off at Weinman Stadium as the Sandy Creek Patriots visit the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes. Cartersville features one of the best defenses in Class 4A as the Purple Hurricanes are allowing only 5.4 points per game. They have two shutouts and have also held two  other teams to just 2 points. Offensively, Tee Webb powers a unit that averages 32.1 points per game. Webb has passed for 1,358 yards and 14-TDs. The Canes have rushed for 890 yards on the season. Devonta Ross leads the team in receiving with 22 receptions for 525 yards and 5-TDs.

 

The Sandy Creek Patriots have also put together an impressive season as their defense is allowing 8.5 points per game. The Patriots have one shutout to their credit. Offensively, Sandy Creek is averaging 43.1 points per game. They have crossed the 40-point threshold in all but one of their games to this point. Brian Branch is threat at both receiver and in the secondary. Cartersville has not lost a regular season region game since October 21, 2011…that’s 50 consecutive wins. We believe this is the year that streak comes to an end. Patriots by 4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Game Previews, Week 9 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week – 9 GHSA Football Previews – Eight Greats Around the State – Part 1 of 2

Posted on October 16, 2019 by admin

This is Part I of our GHSA Football Previews called Eight Greats Around The State. Region races are certainly starting to heat up at this point in the season. Our first preview features the Marietta Blue Devils against the McEachern Indians. The High powered Blue Devils look to defend their home turf and get a leg up on the region. In Region 8-7A, the Archer Tigers and Grayson Rams battle for Region supremacy this week. Can the Archer defense keep Grayson in check? In a rare mid-season non-region game, the Hapeville Charter Hornets host the Allatoona Buccaneers. Both teams pride themselves on defense, but could it be the offenses that shine this Friday night.  Over in Region 7-5A, Kell hosts Carrollton. With a win, Carrollton would be sitting pretty in the region standings. A Kell win makes things more complicated. Can the Trojans get a big win on the road? As always, please feel free to share and comment.

 

Key:

 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Marietta Blue Devils and McEachern Indians will face off in a big Region 3-7A matchup. If Marietta is going to win their first region title since 2005, they will need a strong showing this Friday from Harrison Bailey. They senior quarterback has passed for 1,817 yards and 18-TDs. The Blue Devils are a  pass heavy offense, but Kimani Vidal has rushed for 545 yards and 8-TDs. The Blue Devils are averaging 33.1 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 18.8 points per game. B.J. Oujulari has recorded 10 sacks for the Marietta defense.

 

Meanwhile, the McEachern Indians come into the game unbeaten. They picked up a big win, albeit controversial in some eyes, over Hillgrove last week. The Indians defense is only allowing 10 points per game this season. McEachern is a little more balanced on offense but still averages more yards through the air than on the ground. Carlos Del Rio has passed 998 yards and 10-TDs while running backs Jordan Simmons and Christian Mason have combined for 539 yards and 13 rushing TDs. McEachern should be the most difficult defense that Marietta faces in region play. But we think Marietta has enough offense at home this week. We like the Blue Devils by 6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Since 2011, the Grayson Rams and Archer Tigers have won the Region Titles in the Regions they have competed in. This year’s game should determine the region champion again, although we are still early in Region play. The Tigers two losses have been by a combined 4-points; and one of those games was weather shortened. The Archer defense is allowing 11.5 points per game. The Tigers are averaging 30.8 points per game on offense. As a team, they’ve rushed for over 1,100 yards and 17-TDs.

The Grayson Rams bounced back from their first loss of the season last Thursday with a big win over Shiloh. The Rams are averaging 29.1 points per game. C.J. Dixon has passed for 1,267 yards and 13-TDs. Lafayette Gurvin Jr. continues to lead the team in rushing in Phil Mafah’s absence with 654 yards and 7-TDs. The Rams are allowing 16.6 points per game on defense. Grayson is 1-1 against ranked teams in 7A this season. While this is a road game for the Rams, we think they get the best of Archer again this season. But it will be a little closer than last year. We like Grayson by a touchdown.



 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Hapeville Charter and Allatoona will face off in a non-region contest. Both teams are ranked in their respective classes. Hapeville has won five straight games since their Week-1 loss to Cedar Grove. In their five wins, the Hornets are outscoring their opponents 261-26. The offense is averaging 46.1 points per game, while the defense is allowing 8.6 points this season. Marcus Powell leads the team in rushing with 623 yards and 10-TDs while Nae’Sean Dickerson and Rico Powers Jr. have combined for 23 receptions 520 yards and 5 receiving TDs.

 

Their opponent though is a defensive minded team as well. 6A Allatoona is allowing 13.8 points per game and their two losses have come by a combined 5 points. The Bucs are averaging 30.6 points per game this season. Dante Marshall has passed for 906 yards and 10-TDs. As a team, Allatoona has rushed for 870 yards and has shown a very balanced attack. Asante Das is the leading receiver with 619 yards and 8-TDs. Kicker Jude Kelley is averaging 45.1 yards per punt and has also connected on 80% of his field goals with a long of 54. This game should be very competitive, but we like the Allatoona to wear down Hapeville. Bucs by 9.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Carrollton Trojans and Kell Longhorns will meet in a game with significant region standing implications. Kell’s only loss was a one-point defeat to Rome a month ago. The Longhorns defense has been stingy, allowing only 9.6 points per game. They have recorded two shutouts thus far. Offensively, the Longhorns are averaging 31.5 points per game. Talented Freshman David Mbadinga leads the way for the Longhorns in rushing.

Meanwhile, the Carrollton Trojans are in search of their first region title since 2011. While a win this Friday won’t guaranty that, but it will put the Trojans in the drivers seat for the Region 7-5A title. Sophomore quarterback Myles Morris has passed for 1,333 yards and 11-TDs. The Trojans offense is pretty balanced between the pass and run. As a team, the Trojans have rushed for 1,350 yards and are led by Mecose Todd and Brandon Marenco. Sophomore Terrell Carmichael leads the team in receiving with 14 receptions for 398 yards and 4-TDs. The Carrollton defense is allowing 13.5 points per game. This game should be one of the best in the state this week. We think Carrollton will have just enough to edge the Longhorns. Trojans by 2.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Game Previews, Week 9 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week 9 – TFR Cherokee County Football Previews

Posted on October 16, 2019 by admin

All six Cherokee County Football teams are in action this week as teams they jockey for position in the region standings. In Region 4-7A action, the Woodstock Wolverines will host the Cherokee Warriors. Woodstock cannot afford to fall too far behind in the standings, while a win by the Warriors would almost certainly lock them in to the post-season. In Region 6-6A, the Sequoyah Chiefs will be back on the road this week as the face the South Cobb Eagles. Sequoyah cannot afford to slip up on the road. Have the Chiefs solved some of their turnover issues? Etowah is certain to get a stiff challenge from the Walton Raiders and their talented young quarterback Zak Rozsman in their 4-7A matchup. Both teams sit atop the region with no losses. Etowah would find themselves squarely in the driver’s seat for a region title with a win this week. Meanwhile back in 6-6A, River Ridge will make the short trip over to Creekview. The Grizzlies need  a win to avoid any calamity in the region standings. While a River Ridge loss would in most scenarios, eliminate them from the post-season. Can River Ridge win their first game against a county opponent? Please make sure to get out and support these young men on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading.  Comments and discussion are always welcome!

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 


 

The Skinny

 

The Woodstock Wolverines look to get back into the playoff hunt this Friday night as they host the Cherokee Warriors. Last week, Woodstock gave Etowah all they wanted but fell short at the final horn. Woodstock’s quarterbacks have combined for 850 yards passing and 8-TDs, but have also thrown seven interceptions. The Wolverines offense is tilted a little more to the pass, but expect for the Warriors to see a good dose of V’ontae Hampton and Willie Grier to keep them honest.

 

Meanwhile the Cherokee Warriors got a big boost last week with Ebony Jackson joining the team. He scored on both sides of the ball with a pick-6 and on a 95-yard touchdown reception. The Warriors picked off Roswell four times last week en route to a big region victory. We sound like a broken record talking about the Warriors defense, but they have been pretty good most of the season. In all of Cherokee’s victories this season, the defense has forced turnovers…in their two losses, they did not force any. That stat is very telling. We think the Warriors force two turnovers this week. Cherokee by 10.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Sequoyah Chiefs got back into the win column this week with a win over River Ridge last week. The Chiefs got big plays from their defense and recorded their first shutout of the season. Sequoyah will certainly need to continue to work on limiting turnovers going forward. Jaden Mitchell continues to lead them in rushing. But he also forced a turnover last week and returned it for a touchdown, showing some of his versatility on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs are averaging 19.6 points per game on offense.

The South Cobb Eagles begin their “Cherokee County” stretch of their schedule this week. One more loss would officially eliminate the Eagles from the post season. They have had an extremely challenging schedule with 4 of their losses coming at the hands of ranked teams. South Cobb is averaging 14.5 points per game while their defense is allowing 41.5 points per game. If the Eagles can turn the Chiefs over, this game could get interesting, but even still, we like the Chiefs by 17 this week.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Etowah Eagles host the Walton Raiders this Friday night. The Eagles sit atop the region and barring some wild surprises, we expect Etowah to be in the post-season. Quarterback Dalton Miller continues to lead the county in passing while Jackson Manns leads the county in receiving. They also have three reliable backs in Klivert Many, Nick Maddox and Remington Adams. The Eagles offense is averaging 28.8 points per game. The Etowah defense is allowing 27.2 points per game.

 

Meanwhile, the Walton Raiders are in what many would consider a rebuilding year after they lost several skill players to graduation. The Raiders broke a two-game losing skid last week with a win over Lassiter. Kendall Stokes led the way on the ground with 116 yards and 5-TDs. However, in their three losses this season, the Raiders have only scored 5.6 points per game. A healthy Stokes makes this an intriguing game. We think this game is going to be nip and tuck, but we like Etowah by 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Creekview Grizzlies are back in action this week as they host the River Ridge Knights after a bye week. Last time out, the Grizzlies got a big win region win against rival Sequoyah and have positioned themselves for a playoff berth if they continue to win the games many presume they will. The offensive line is led be Clemson commit John Williams. Williams and his line mates have paved the way for 914-team rushing yards this season. Dual threat quarterback Brody Rhodes leads the way on the ground with 369 yards and 3-TDs. He’s has also passed for 905 yards and 10-TDs. Ethan Dirrim (30 receptions, 519 yards, 8-TDs) and Andrew Cloy (19 receptions, 243 yards, 2-TDs) lead the Grizzlies in receiving.  In their 4-wins this season, Creekview’s defense is allowing only 14.5 points per game. Lake Bowman and Cale Williams lead the team in total tackles, while freshman Isaac Hubert leads the team in sacks with 7. Speaking of sacks, the Grizzlies have recorded an impressive 32.5 sacks this season.

 

Meanwhile, River Ridge looks to be on the outside looking in regarding the playoff picture in Region 6-6A. The Knights could not capitalize on some opportunities this past Friday and fell to Sequoyah. Amehre Morrison continues to lead the Knights in receiving and rushing. River Ridge has a relatively balanced attack, but they are only averaging 14 points per game. River Ridge is still looking for their first win against a county foe, but we don’t believe that happens this week, we like Creekview by three touchdowns.

 

Posted in 2019 Game Previews, Week 9 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week 8 – GHSA High School Football Poll

Posted on October 13, 2019 by admin

Week 8 has come to a close and our GHSA High School Football Poll has been published. Most teams have begun their ever-important region schedule at this point of the season. There were no changes to our 7A or 6A poll this week. Despite Allatoona falling to Harrison, the Bucs remain at No. 7. In our 5-A poll, Riverdale jumps into the Top-10 for the first time this season. Meanwhile, Dutchtown drops 3 spots after their loss to Jones County while Bainbridge fell two spots to No. 8 after their loss to Veterans.

In 4A, Blessed Trinity blocked a 51-yard game winning field goal attempt by Denmark as time expired to edge their region foe. The win has the Titans back up to No. 5 while Denmark falls to No. 6. Cairo drops to No. 10 after a 6-point loss to Carver-Columbus. Carver Columbus makes their poll debut at No. 9 this week.

The Jefferson Dragons got a big region win over Hart County. The loss drops Hart County to No. 9, but otherwise there were no new teams into the poll this week. In Class AA, Vidalia downed Jeff Davis and comes in at No. 10 this week.

Lincoln County makes their debut in the poll this week at No. 10 in Class A Public; while Aquinas makes their debut at No. 10 in Class A Private.

Polls are fun and can provide for spirited and healthy conversations and debates. We welcome any and all poll feedback.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Top - 10 Polls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week 8 – TFR Cherokee County Football Previews

Posted on October 10, 2019 by admin

Cooler weather now abounds in Cherokee County, but we are starting to enter the heat of the playoff race. Just like last week, five of the six county teams are in action this week and our Cherokee County Football game previews are here. The battle of Towne Lake takes place this Friday night at Etowah. The Eagles look to go 2-0 in region play and  would almost guaranty a playoff spot with a victory. Can Woodstock pull the upset. Rivalry games can be quirky, you know…Meanwhile, River Ridge will host Sequoyah. The loser of this game will likely find themselves on the outside looking in for the post-season. Can River Ridge win their first game against a county opponent? Finally, Cherokee hosts Roswell. The Warriors have lost two straight games and now, the Roswell Hornets, (our pick to win the region title), comes calling. Can the young Warriors rebound this week? Please make sure to get out and support these young men on Friday night. As always, thanks for reading.  Comments and discussion are always welcome!

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Battle of Towne Lake is the 3rd oldest rivalry game in the county, and the Etowah Eagles hold a one-game lead in the series. Last week the Eagles got a big victory as they downed Cherokee in overtime. (It was Etowah’s second consecutive overtime game.) Quarterback Dalton Miller racked up 210 passing yards and 4-TDs against Cherokee but the Eagles were held to 87 team rushing yards. Miller has been steady for the Eagles under center this season while Jackson Manns has been his primary target. The Eagles are averaging 29 points per game while the defense is allowing 28.3points per game. I win this week would almost ensure the Eagles a spot in the post season.

 

The Woodstock Wolverines are coming got their first win of the season two weeks ago and had a bye last week. Walker Ormsby and Robbie Roper have both taken snaps under center this season for the Wolverines, but the offense has struggled at times averaging 15 points per game on the season. Meanwhile, the defense is allowing 22.2 points per game. We know that the Woodstock secondary can be challenging to throw on with David Daniel and Andrew Bartolero patrolling the defensive backfield. Despite some of Woodstock’s struggles offensively, we think they will top their 15-point average this week. We just don’t think they can outscore the Eagles. But rivalry games can be quirky. We like Etowah anyway by 11.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Sequoyah Chiefs will make the short trip down East Cherokee drive to face county foe River Ridge. This is a must win game for both teams with regards to staying in contention for a playoff spot. In River Ridge’s 2 wins, they have outscored their opponents 83-7 and in their 4 losses, the Knight s have been outscored 158-20. River Ridge will need to get super sophomore running back Amehre Morrison cranked up against the Chiefs defense. He is a home run play waiting to happen.

 

The Chiefs were hurt last week against Creekview with four costly turnovers inside of the Grizzlies 35-yard line. One of those turnovers was returned for a score. The Chiefs will need to minimize those mistakes this week. Offensively, the Chiefs will attack with the Wing-T. Look for Jaden Mitchell, Aidan Moore and Sean Hayes to get the bulk of the carries for the Chiefs. On defense, Christian Kirby, Jack Blackmon, Christian Hodgins and Myles McGee will be tasked with slowing down Morrison and the Knights. Sequoyah is allowing a respectable 18 points per game, and they gave up the lion’s share of those points to Dalton. Need we remind everyone that River Ridge has never won a game against a county opponent? Is this the week? We are going to put the Chiefs on upset alert…but do expect them to pull this game out in what might be one of the closest contests in the rivalry. Chiefs by 1.

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Cherokee Warriors look to bounce back from last week’s overtime loss as they host the Roswell Hornets this week in another pivotal Region 4-7A battle. It was the second consecutive loss for the Warriors and this week it doesn’t get any easier. Last week A.J. Swann passed for 267 yards and 3-TDs but, the Etowah defense held the Warriors to 22 yards rushing. On the season, Swann surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, passing for 1,124 yards and 9-TDs while Keith Adams, Jr. has rushed for 510 yards and 5-TDs. Adarrius Harshaw (25 receptions, 332 yards, 3-TDs) and Landon Ergle (20 receptions, 275 yards, 3-TDs) lead the Warriors in receiving. Meanwhile, the Warriors defense has now gone two weeks without recording a turnover. Braesen Parker (73 tackles, 4 sacks) Brandon Byrd (65 tackles) and Patrick Dahlen (65 tackles, 3-INTs) lead the Warriors on defense.

 

This will be the first region game for the Hornets. They were off last week, after shutting out Wheeler back on September 27th. The Hornets have recorded two shutouts this season and are allowing a paltry 6.5 points per game. Offensively, the Hornets should present a balanced attack against the Warriors. Savion McCrary and Nnamdi Orjioke will lead the Hornets rushing attack while senior signal caller Ethan Roberts will look to get the ball to receivers Marquis Willis, Jacob Jarrett and tight-end John Copenhaver. While the Hornets area averaging 31 points per game on offense, we think this one might be a little lower scoring. We like Roswell on the road this week by 7.

 

 

Posted in 2019 Game Previews, Week 8 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week 7 – GHSA High School Football Poll

Posted on October 6, 2019 by admin

Week-7 is in the books and our GHSA High School Football Poll has been published. There were no changes to our 7A poll this week. Meanwhile, in 6A, the only Top-10 team to lose was Coffee, as they fell to Godby High out of Tallahassee. The loss drops the Trojans down to No. 6.

In 5A, Bainbridge lost to 7A Tift County. The loss drops the Bearcats down to No. 6 this week. Buford continues to impress and has jumped to No. 4. while Wayne County is back into the poll after Griffin’s loss to Starr’s Mill dropped them from the poll.

Sandy Creek had a big win over Troup this week in a Top-10 battle in Class 4A. Troup’s loss drops them to No. 10 this week. There were no new entrants into the poll. The 3A poll remains unchanged this week. However, in Class 2-A, Hephzibah lost to Jefferson County, which paved the way for Fitzgerald to enter the poll at No. 10 this week. Hapeville Charter downed Dougalss in a Top-10 battle in Region 6. The loss dropped the Astros to No. 9 this week.

The Class A Public poll remains unchanged. While in Class A Private, there was reshuffling in the bottom five, but there were no new entrants this week.

Polls are fun and can provide for spirited and healthy conversations and debates. We welcome any and all poll feedback.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Top - 10 Polls | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week – 7 GHSA Football Previews – Eight Greats Around the State – Part 1 of 2

Posted on October 3, 2019 by admin

This is Part I of our GHSA Football Previews called Eight Greats Around The State. As we take a look at some of the previews for Week-7,  we noticed that some of the best games are in Class A-Private this week. Our first preview features the Darlington Tigers and Christian Heritage Lions. The Lions are looking to break through and finally get a win against Darlington. The winner is sure to get a big boost in the GHSA Class A-Private power rankings. In Class 4A, Troup and Sandy Creek face off in region play. These are certainly two of the top three teams in the Region. Can Troup get the offense rolling again against a stingy Sandy Creek defense?  Hapeville Charter and Douglass face off in a Region 6-AA battle. Can Douglass knock off the reigning region champ? Over in Region 8-AA, Union County will host Elbert County. Will it be another big night for UC quarterback Pierson Allison? Or will Elbert slow down the Panther express? As always, please feel free to share and comment.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Two of the top teams in both Region 6 and Class A Private will match up as The Christian Heritage Lions travel to Rome to take on the Darlington Tigers. For Darlington, Kolin Rogers has rushed for 491 yards and 10-TDs, while quarterback Griffin Brewster leads the team with 512 passing yards and 6-TDs. The Darlington offense is averaging 39.4 points per game while their defense has two shutouts to their credit and is only allowing  8.6 points per game.

 

Christian Heritage also comes into this game undefeated. They are led by sophomore quarterback Christian Thomas, who has passed for 615 yards and 6-TDs. Gage Leonard has rushed fro 459 yards and 5-TDs and also caught 13 passes for 176 yards and 2-TDs. Evan Lester leads the team in receiving yards with 225 and 3-TDs. The Lions got their first shutout in their last outing and are only allowing 5 points per game on defense. If there was ever a year for Christian Heritage to beat Darlington, this might be one of their best chances…but we like the Tigers at home in another close game…Tigers by 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Troup County will get another test in Region 4-4A as the Sandy Creek Patriots come calling on Friday night. Troup continues to be led by quarterback Kobe Hudson (999 yards passing, 558 yards rushing, 17-TDs) and Tre Williams who has rushed for 723 yards and 8-TDs. The Tigers leading receivers are Zy Varner (10 receptions, 325 yards, 5-TDs), Marquavious Kelley (10 receptions, 193 yards, 1-TD) and Luke Purnell (12 receptions, 136 yards, 2-TDs). The Tigers are averaging almost 320 yards on the ground per game and averaging 45.2 points per game on offense, while the defense is allowing 25.4 points per game.

 

Meanwhile, head Coach Brett Garvin has the Sandy Creek Patriots moving in the right direction this season as the Patriots are undefeated coming into their region opener. The storyline for the Patriots this season has been their defense. Sandy Creek is allowing 5 points per game on defense. Meanwhile, quarterback Matt Williams has a couple of talented receivers in Brian Branch (Alabama Commit) and Ahmad Jackson who will definitely put pressure on the Troup secondary. This game could certainly be a slugfest this year. We give the nod to Troup at home, but not by much…Tigers by 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Hapeville Charter will host the Douglass Astros on Friday night. While we are only at the midway point of the season, this game could decide the region champion or at least give the winner an inside track to the region championship.  The Hornets again have a plethora of talent on this year’s squad. Quarterback Jeremy Stephens has passed for 603 yards and 5-TDs. His top receivers include Na’Sean Dickerson (7 receptions, 195 yards, 2-TDs), Jaquez Smith (9 receptions, 144 yards, 3-TDs) and Rico Powers Jr. (6 receptions, 123 yards, 2-TDs). Meanwhile Marcus Carroll has rushed for 372 yards and 5-TDs. Defensive lineman Robert Lee has recorded 8 sacks on the season. The Hornets are allowing 9.7 points per game.

The Douglass Astros are 5-0 for the second consecutive season. They have done most of their damage on offense in the run game. Quintavious Lockett has rushed for 715 yards and 11-TDs, While quarterback De’Andre Watson has passed fir 356 yards and rushed for 395 yards and accounted for 15 total TDs. Dre Towns is the Astros leading receiver with 175 yards and 3-TDs. Douglass is averaging almost 300 yards per game on the ground. If the Astros can use their ground game to keep the explosive Hornets offense off the field, this game could get very interesting late. We think Hapeville is still the top dog in Region 6. Hornets by 10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Union County Panthers host the Elbert County Blue Devils in beautiful Blairsville on Friday night. Union County quarterback Pierson Allison, one of the top passers in the state, has thrown for 1,553 yards and 18-TDs with no interceptions. Running back Jonah Daniel has rushed for 798 yards and 10-TDs, while Kyle Morlock (21 receptions, 528 yards, 6-TDs) and Sawyer Drake (27 receptions, 465 yards, 6-TDs) lead the Panthers in the receiving statistical categories. The Panthers are averaging a very healthy 53.8 points per game on offense.

 

We suspect that the Elbert County Blue Devils will be the toughest opponent to date for the Panthers. Elbert’s only losses were to North Oconee and Hart County; two teams that are ranked in the Top-10 in various polls in their respective classifications. The Blue Devils are averaging 35.8 points per game and quarterback DJ Ardister is a dangerous weapon as well in his own right. We just don’t believe that the Blue Devils can outscore Union County. We like the Panthers by 17 this week.

 

 

Posted in 2019 Game Previews, Week 7 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Week – 7 GHSA Football Previews – Eight Greats Around the State – Part 2 of 2

Posted on October 3, 2019 by admin

This is Part II of our GHSA Football Previews called Eight Greats Around The State. As we take a look at the previews for Week-7,  we noticed that some of the best games are in Class A-Private this week. Our first preview takes us to Middle Georgia as West Laurens and Howard look to get a leg up in Region 2-4A play this week. Next up, we take a look at one of those Class-A Private games as Prince Avenue Christian hosts Athens Academy. Prince Avenue has been without their quarterback for the past month. Can they do enough to keep Len’Neth Whitehead and the Spartans at bay? In Region 5-A-Private, Wesleyan travels to McDonough to face the ELCA Chargers. Both teams were beaten earlier this season by Holy Innocents. This game should settle second place in the region and also give a boost to the winner in the Class A power rankings. Finally in Region 4-6A, The M.L. King Lions will face the Stephenson Jaguars. The Jaguars have not been as prolific on offense as we’ve seen in the past. Is this the season the Lions break a 6 game losing streak to their county rival? As always, please feel free to share and comment.

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

If there was ever a year that traditional region power Mary Persons could be knocked off from the top of the hill, this might be it; and both West Laurens and Howard have just as good a chance as any program to do so. West Laurens hosts Howard as both teams come in with identical records. West Laurens has a pretty balanced attack and is led by quarterback A.J. Mathis (1,006 yards passing, 8-TDs) and running backs Daniel Dorsey (284 yards, 4-TDs), Christian Covin (260 yards, 2-TDs) and Shonta Burney Jr. (256 yards, 3-TDs). Brent Carr is the team’s leading receiver with 31 receptions fro 564 yards. D’Eryck Jackson leads the Raiders in total tackles with 50 and is second on the team in sacks with 4. The Raiders have recorded 25 sacks on the season. The aforementioned Dorsey also leads the defense with 3 interceptions.

 

The Howard Huskies have won four consecutive games after dropping their first of the season to Jones County. They have done much of their damage on the ground. Jeremiah Kelly leads the way with 498 yards and 4-TDs while Javarsia Meadows has added 324 yards and 8-TDs. Quarterback Jaylon Clark has passed for 556 yards and 7-TDs. Meadows is also the Huskies leading receiver with 21 receptions for 258 yards. Jason Parham leads the team with 36 total tackles and also leads the team in interceptions, with 2. We are impressed with the direction the Huskies are moving in and it looks like this could shape up to be one of the best season’s in school history, but we think West Laurens gets revenge from last year’s game this week. Raiders by 9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Athens Academy Spartans will travel to Prince Avenue Christian in a battle of top Region 8 teams. The host Wolverines are currently playing without starting quarterback Brock Vandagriff who has been out with an injury. Freshman quarterback Lucian Anderson has stepped up in his stead and passed for 465 yards and 6-TDs. Landon Owens leads the team in rushing with 454 yards and 5-TDs while Logan Johnson (20 receptions, 359 yards, 4-TDs) and Zac Dyer (14 receptions, 366 yards, 5-TDs) lead the Prince Avenue receivers. Tyler Payne and Davis Ridings lead the team in total tackles with 49 and 46 respectively while Shane McCormick leads the team in sacks with 5.

 

Athens Academy has won the last three games in the series. The Athens Academy defense is allowing 8 points per game while their offense is averaging 43.5 points per game. Len’Neth Whitehead is a star on both sides of the ball at running back and linebacker for the Spartans. Palmer Bush has a dangerous weapon in Deion Colzie at receiver. We like the Spartans this week again, but it should be a close contest. Athens Academy by 4 on the road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

While Holy Innocents is almost certain to lay claim to the Region 5 crown, ELCA and Wesleyan are battling for positioning in the Class A private power poll. ELCA’s Keaton Mitchell is one of the state’s top running backs with 811 yards and 17-TDs on the season. Quarterback Gabe Wright has passed for 718 yards and 10-TDs. Justin Robinson has been the Chargers leading receiver with 19 catches for 247 yards and 4-TDs. The ELCA defense is allowing 13 points per game. Deion Fisher leads the team in total tackles with 43 and interceptions, with 2.

 

The Wesleyan Wolves opened the season with 4 straight wins before falling to Holy Innocents last week. The Wolves are led by sophomore quarterback J.C. French (646 yards passing 11-TDs) and fellow sophomore running back Griffin Caldwell. Josh Aspinwall leads the team in total tackles with 43. The Wolves look to have a strong young nucleus, but we believe the Chargers have too much firepower this week. We like ELCA by three touchdowns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The M.L. King Lions are undefeated through four games for the first time since 2012 when they went undefeated in regular season play. This week they host the Stephenson Jaguars. The Lions have had a lot of success on the ground. Dual threat quarterback Jacobi Haynes (715 yards rushing, 472 yards passing, 13 total TDs) and running back Michael Fearn (325 yards, 3-TDs) lead the King offensive attack. De’Ouandre Moore is the leading receiver with 12 catches for 332 yards. Linebackers Colin White and Jomel Robinson lead the team in total tackles with 43 and 34 respectively.

 

The Stephenson Jaguars have won the last six games in the series. In those last six matchups, the Jaguars are only allowing the Lions 7.3 points per game. Offensively, Deondre Jackson has rushed for 447 yards and 8-TDs. Ryan Ingram has also chipped in 167 yards and 1-TD. The Stephenson defense has been pretty stingy, only allowing 12.5 points per game. Tommy Smith leads the team with 40 total tackles and Javier Morton leads the Jaguars 2 interceptions. We think the Stephenson defense will do enough to keep them in the game for 4 quarters, but we like King by 3 this week in a low scoring battle.

 

Posted in 2019 Game Previews, Week 7 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment