Cherokee County Week-1 Game Previews

Posted on August 15, 2018 by admin

The Skinny

The Cherokee Warriors and North Forsyth Raiders will clash for the 7th time on Friday night. Cherokee is looking to bounce back from a tough 2017. The Warriors welcome back Garrett Miles from a non-football related injury last season. He could prove to be an electrifying back for Cherokee. Both Cherokee and North Forsyth will be breaking in new quarterbacks this season. The Warriors will need to slow down the pass-happy North Forsyth Offense. Nicky Dalmolin and Charlie Aiken could present matchup problems for Grant Mogelnicki and the Warriors secondary. North Forsyth also returns their leading rusher from a year ago, Bryson Trigg. If the Warriors can turn the Raiders over and slow down Trigg, they might be able to walk out of North Forsyth with the win. We just think the Raiders return too much on offense. Cherokee keeps it close, but we like the Raiders by 10.

The Skinny

 

These schools are separated by just under six miles, but this will be the first time these two schools from opposite sides of the City of Woodstock will clash. The visiting Knights will be thrown into the fire this Friday. River Ridge lost all of their scoring to graduation in 2017. They will be breaking in several new skill players. Chico Ward and Kofi Reeves Miller have been mainstays on this team. Look for them along with Chase Tomlinson and Trenton McAllister to battle until the end. Etowah returns All-Region running back, Nick Maddox. They also trot out one of the best offensive lines in Cherokee County. We probably don’t need to talk much about the Etowah defensive line, but they are pretty stout as well; led by Dalton Nicolai and Cole Milovanovic. We think Etowah will flex their muscle and win this one by three scores.

The Skinny

Woodstock will be looking to for some answers this week when they take the field against North Cobb. No need to dwell on the losses to graduation from last season, it’s now time for Dean Braxton to showcase his talents under center. Braxton will have the luxury of offensive tackle Trevor Stephens anchoring the offensive line. They Wolverines will need to find a go to receiver or two. North Cobb’s trademark early in 2017 was their defense. They’ll showcase a pretty darn good running back on offense in Christian Singleton. The Georgia State signee rushed for over 1,300 yards out of the North Cobb spread offense last season. The Wolverines will probably get a steady dose of Singleton. We think Woodstock might just not have the experience this early in the season to contain Singleton. We’ve been wrong before, but we like North Cobb by two touchdowns this week.

The Skinny

 

The Battle of the Bears renews its rivalry this Friday. It’s been all Creekview in the previous six meetings. The biggest question might be whether or not the new turf will be installed and ready for Friday night. The Creekview Grizzlies return a talented roster that will be highlighted on offense by workhorse running back, Cade Radam. Radam Rushed for over 1,300 yards last season and had eight 100-yard games. He’ll have an impressive offensive line creating the way as well. Cambridge will be breaking in several starters at the skill positions, but Ridge Polk returns for the Bears. Polk had over 900 yards receiving and 13 TDs. We will see how the Grizzlies secondary matches up with Polk. Cambridge will be trying to spoil Creekview’s home opener but we think the Grizzlies will be able to matchup with Polk and win the seventh consecutive in the series. We like Creekview by three scores.




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Conversations With Coaches – Adam Carter – Creekview Grizzlies

Posted on August 15, 2018 by admin

In our final preseason installment of Conversations with Coaches, we spend a few minutes with new Creekview Grizzlies head coach, Adam Carter. Coach Carter inherits a Creekview team that has missed out on the playoffs the last two seasons. We talk to Coach Carter about some of the challenges he and the team face this season. Coach Carter clues us in on some of the players that he’s expecting big things out of this season. We talk about his expectations and he even plugs what some people these parts might call, the best student section in Cherokee County. Tune in as we talk Creekview football with Coach Carter.

 

 

In case you missed it, you can check out our Creekview Football Preview here: Creekview Football Preview

Please remember to visit our segment sponsor HilStrides(https://www.facebook.com/HilStrides/). Make sure you tell them you heard about them from The Turd Ferguson Report!

Please feel free to share and follow us on Twitter: @turdfurgesonrpt and on the web at https://turdfurgeson.com

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Laney Wildcats Football Preview

Posted on August 14, 2018 by admin

The Skinny

 

Coach Rodney McFadden enters his fourth season as the head coach for the Laney Wildcats. Laney missed out on the playoffs last season, but had qualified for the post seven in the previous seven seasons.

In order to get back to the post season, the Wildcats will have some voids to fill. We asked Coach McFadden about the biggest challenge he and his team face this upcoming season.

“The Quarterback position,” he said. “We will be replacing a 3-year starter so it has turned into an open competition for the starting job.”

While the Wildcats are getting the quarterback position situated, they do return a one-two punch in the backfield featuring Jordan Stringer and Jarvis Washington. Stringer, who played both running back and defensive end last season, was honored as a First Team All-Region selection as a defensive lineman in 2017.

 

 

Chris Tennyson, a Second Team All-Region selection last season, will anchor the offensive line for the Wildcats.

On defense, Maurice Page will join Stringer on the line. Page himself was a First Team All-Region selection in 2017. Theron Foreman and Chad Welcher also return to help bolster the Wildcats defense. Foreman earned First Team All-Region honors last season, while Welcher was Second Team All-Region.

While there are no particular games on the schedule, we have to imagine outside of the region contests, the game against Hephzibah should be a pretty big one for Laney.

We asked Coach McFadden how success would be defined for his team this season.

He said, “Week to week improvement as a team (and) competing for a playoff spot.”

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Conversations with Coaches – Tyler Wynn – River Ridge Knights

Posted on August 14, 2018 by admin

Like many teams across the state, the River Ridge Knights will be looking to fill several holes with the losses of graduation. In today’s podcast, we talk to Coach Wynn about some of the challenges that the Knights will face this season. We also talk about players that stand out on the field and in the community. Coach Wynn also tells as about what it means to be R-E-A-L for him and within the River Ridge Football Program.

 

 

 

In case you missed it, you can check out our River Ridge Football Preview here: River Ridge Football Preview

Please remember to visit our segment sponsor HilStrides(https://www.facebook.com/HilStrides/). Make sure you tell them you heard about them from The Turd Ferguson Report!

Please feel free to share and follow us on Twitter: @turdfurgesonrpt and on the web at https://turdfurgeson.com

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2018 Class 2A Region Previews

Posted on August 13, 2018 by admin

Our 2A region previews are listed below. You’ll find players to watch, key games and our predicted region finish. Please feel free to comment if there are any corrections that need to be made. Thanks for reading. Please feel free to share.

Short Take

 

Thomasville looks to be primed for another deep run into the playoffs this season. We believe they will hoist another region trophy this season. We think that Brooks County will give the Bulldogs all they want on October 5th, but the Thomasville should prevail.

 

Short Take

 

We don’t expect for anyone to be upset that Benedictine has moved on to Class 3A. We believe the region will be more up for grabs this season, but we give the nod to Toombs County. Swainsboro, Vidalia and Jeff Davis should be in the mix all season long.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

Dodge County is our pick to win region 3. We expect for Washington County and Dublin should battle it out for the number two seed in the region.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

We expect a little bit of a drop off from defending region champ, Screven County. With the addition of Hephzibah coming down from class 4A, this region just got a little tougher. We are buying in to the Hephzibah hype, but Jefferson County should be the class of the region in 2018.

 

 

Short Take

 

We have region 5 as a two-horse race, between Heard County and Callaway. The two teams will face off on October 19th, and we believe this game will decide the region champion. Heard County gets the nod for as region champ.

 

Short Take

 

Graduation took a toll on Hapeville Charter, but we still expect the Hornets to be on top of the region. Douglass and KIPP Collegiate, shouldn’t be too far behind this season. Don’t be shocked if one of these two teams sneak up on the Hornets this season.

 

 

Short Take

 

Rockmart is our pick here for to repeat as region champ. The Yellow Jackets return several weapons for an offense that averaged over 40 points per game last season. Pepperell, Chattooga, Model and Coosa should be in the mix for playoff spots. Gordon Central should be much improved and are our dark horse to qualify for a playoff spot.

 

 

Short Take

 

Rabun County is our pick for to win the region again this year. Elbert County could be a team that challenges Rabun County, but we just think the Wildcats return to much for the Blue Devils, or anyone else to unseat them.

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2018 Class 4A Region Previews

Posted on August 13, 2018 by admin

Our 4A region previews are listed below. You’ll find players to watch, key games and our predicted region finish. Please feel free to comment if there are any corrections that need to be made. Thanks for reading. Please feel free to share.

 

Short Take

 

We like for Cairo to bounce back and claim the region title this season in Region 1. However, we don’t believe it will be easy. Americus-Sumter should run neck and neck with the Syrupmakers all season.

 

 

Short Take

 

Mary Persons looks to be at the head of the class in Region 2. We anticipate that West Laurens and Spalding to battle it out again for second place this season.

 

 

Short Take

 

Burke County is our pick for region champion in Region 3. Thomson should be nipping at their heels also season long. We expect that Baldwin will have some say in this before the dust settles on November 2nd.

 

 

Short Take

 

Woodward Academy is our pick this season to top Region 4. Last season, Eastside gave them all they wanted. If Eastside is going to hoist the region title, they’ll have to find a way to get past Woodward in College Park on October 5th. Don’t count out Salem, either. We believe the Seminoles have enough talent to challenge both Eastside and Woodward.

 

 

Short Take

 

We are drinking the Troup County Kool-Aid this season. We go out on a limb and think Troup will be able wrestle away control of the region this season from Cartersville. We expect Cedartown and Sandy Creek to round out the top four.

 

Short Take

 

We like the Ridgeland Panthers to repeat as region 6 champions. They should face some stiff competition from Pickens and Southeast Whitfield. Can the Panthers new head coach pick up where Wesley Tankersley left off? (We think so.)

 

 

Short Take

As if this region wasn’t difficult enough, Flowery Branch was re-classified this year and now joins the fray. We expect the Blessed Trinity Titans to claim the region title this season. You can never count Marist out, either. Denmark, the newest Forsyth County school will also compete in region 7.

 

 

Short Take

 

St. Pius is our pick to once again hoist the region title at the end of the season. While it may not be a run away this season, the Golden Lions should have enough fire power to keep Madison, Oconee and Stephens County at bay. Stephens County is our dark horse.

 

 

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Conversations with Coaches William Harrell – Hephzibah Rebels

Posted on August 13, 2018 by admin

The Hephzibah Rebels enter the 2018 season with some holes to fill on both sides of the football. Coach William Harrell is in his 3rd season at Hephzibah and is holding his rebels to a high standard. Coach Harrell was honored as the Region Coach of the Year in 2017.  This year, the Rebels drop down two classifications, but there are still some question marks for the Rebels. Tune in as Coach Harrell gives us an in-depth preview of the Rebels for the upcoming season.

 

 

In case you missed it, you can check out our Hephzibah Preview here: Hephzibah Football Preview

Please remember to visit our segment sponsor http://www.yourganizeit.com Make sure you tell them you heard about them from The Turd Furgeson Report!

Please feel free to share and follow us on Twitter: @turdfurgesonrpt and on the web at https://turdfurgeson.com

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2018 Class 7A Region Previews

Posted on August 12, 2018 by admin

Our 7A region previews are listed below. You’ll find players to watch, key games and our predicted region finish. Please feel free to comment if there are any corrections that need to be made. Thanks for reading. Please feel free to share.

 

Short Take

Colquitt County appears to be the usual suspect here to win the region. While the Packers finished third in the region last season, they return plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to make another deep run into the state tournament. Our surprise, which might not be a surprise, will be Camden County. We think the Wildcats will improve enough to return to the playoffs in 2018.

 

 

 

Short Take

The Pebblebrook Falcons are in the midst of a resurgence. But we believe this is still Westlake’s region for the taking. We know we aren’t going out on a limb with the top four teams here, but these look like a safe bet. It’s up to East Coweta and Wheeler to prove us wrong.

 

 

Short Take

 

On paper, there really isn’t much reason to doubt that Marietta is the best team in the Region. Hillgrove and McEachern should have enough talent to make things interesting. But we believe there is just too much offensive firepower for most teams in the region to keep up. But if there’s anyone that will give Marietta  a test, we believe it will be the McEachern Indians, who have a talented but raw sophomore at quarterback who’s looking to step in to the limelight himself.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

This region should be Walton’s for the taking. They return a very talented quarterback and receiver tandem. Probably too much for any region opponent to keep in check. The real battle will be for the last three playoff spots. We like Etowah, because they return an experienced back and a pretty good offensive line. We expect Woodstock and Roswell to be somewhere in the mix come late-October.

 

 

Short Take

We believe that this will be a two-horse race ultimately between Milton and South Forsyth. The South Forsyth Eagles do get hit a little bit with the opening of Denmark High, but we think they’ll play well enough to be in contention for a region title. The October 12th matchup with Milton should go a long way in determining the region champion.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

North Gwinnett is the defending 7A state champion. This region is no cake-walk, but we think that North Gwinnett will bring home another Region Title. We expect for Mill Creek and Mountain View to contend for the 2nd spot in the region. Peachtree Ridge and Discovery should be improved, but not enough to make the top four this season.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

If there is a trend in Region 7 it would be the youth movement. Brookwood, Norcross and Parkview are perennial powers. We give Brookwood the edge this season over both Norcross and Parkview, but it won’t be a run-away. The last two games between the Panthers and Broncos have been decided by a total of 4 points. Meadowcreek had an amazing run in 2017, but lose one of the best backs in the state to graduation.

 

 

Short Take

 

The Grayson roster is littered with talent on both sides of the ball. We expect the Rams to get the best of Archer this season. We really believe that this is a two-horse race. And it should be decided on October 12th.

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2018 Class 5A Region Previews

Posted on August 12, 2018 by admin

Our 5A region previews are listed below. You’ll find players to watch, key games and our predicted region finish. Please feel free to comment if there are any corrections that need to be made. Thanks for reading. Please feel free to share.

 

Short Take

 

We expect Warner Robins to be right back at the top of Region 1 when the season ends. We expect a shift in power below Warner Robins. Look for Harris County and TCC to be improved over last season. October 19th should be a big date in the region which will answer a lot of questions.

 

 

Short Take

 

We expect for Wayne County and Ware County to be at the top of the class this season. Quite frankly, we’d be shocked if either of them had a region loss come their November 2nd contest. We gave Wayne the nod again. But we won’t be surprised if Coach Stephens has the Gators ready to reclaim the top spot in the region.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

We like Griffin to lay claim to the region title this season, but it won’t be a run away. Starr’s Mill has to replace a lot of talent from a season ago. We think Whitewater could be a team that challenges the Bears. Our sleeper team is McIntosh. They’ve got a pretty good signal caller under center. While McIntosh won’t surprise folks in Peachtree City, they could be a surprise team for the rest of the state.

 

 

Short Take

 

Jones County and Stockbridge are our picks to battle for the top spot in Region 4. We think that Ola is a team on the risen this region. But ultimately, we believe the region will be decided by the November 2nd game between Stockbridge and Jones County.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

Wa believe Arabia Mountain will be right back on top in Region 5 when the dust settles. We don’t expect for Miller Grove or Southwest DeKalb to go quietly into the night. Look for these teams to battle it out all season long.

 

Short Take

 

The Carver Panthers are our pick to top Region 6 this season. They return perhaps the best running back in the region and we believe that will be just enough to edge out Banneker and Jackson.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

It’s no surprise that we selected Rome to be on top of Region 7. They are also our pick to repeat. Perhaps their QB does not get as much press as he should, but I’m sure that the Wolves signal caller is just fine guiding his team to victories. Carrollton has a couple of outstanding linebackers and will probably present the biggest challenge for Rome on September 14th. Hiram is our sleeper team here to make the playoffs. While we have them finishing outside of the top 4, they’ve got a senior quarterback and could be re-energized with a new head coach.

 

Short Take

 

Buford looks to be best in class again in region 8. They look to be the closest thing to a sure bet outside of Rome and Warner Robins. We believe Clarke Central and Cedar Shoals will be battling it out for second and third place. Loganville gets our nod to round out the top four.

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TFR Pre-Season GHSA Football Top-10 Rankings

Posted on August 12, 2018 by admin

Each Sunday, we will release our Top-10 poll in each classification. Polls are fun and can provide spirited and healthy conversation. We welcome all poll feedback each week.

The schools that top the TFR pre-season poll in each classification are: Grayson (7A); Lee County (6A); Rome (5A); Blessed Trinity (4A); Greater Atlanta Christian (3A); Hapeville Charter (2A); Irwin County (A-Public); and Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy (A-Private).

Week one should really give us a good indication of where these teams stand out and who we may have overlooked or over-ranked in the pre-season. Most teams have compelling arguments to be in the poll, but ultimately, it’s the region standings at the end of the season that determine a birth in the post season. With that said, please enjoy the poll.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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