Week 10 – GHSA High School Football Poll

Posted on October 27, 2019 by admin

Our Week-10 GHSA High School Football Poll has been published. In 7A, Lowndes continues to roll as they downed Camden County 45-13. The loss drops Camden out of the poll and makes room for Mill Creek at No. 10 this week.

In 6A,  the Lee County Trojans won in an overtime shootout against Valdosta 53-50. The two swapped places in the poll as Lee jumps to No. 2 while Valdosta falls to No. 3. Meanwhile, the Mays Raiders got a big win over Region foe South Paulding 28-7. South Paulding drops from the rankings with the loss making way for the Stephenson Jaguars at No. 10.

In 5A Bainbridge was downed by No. 1 Warner Robins. The loss drops the Bearcats from our poll this week. Their loss also made way for undefeated Riverwood, who comes in at No. 10. This week.  In 4A, most teams held serve, with the exception of Flowery Branch. The Falcons could not solve the Marist triple option this past Friday night. The loss drops the Falcons from the Top-10 and makes way for the undefeated North Oconee Titans at No. 10.

There were no changes to the 3A poll. In 2A the Swainsboro Tigers beat Vidalia 21-9. That loss by Vidalia drops them from the poll this week and the Thomasville Bulldogs return to the Top-10 for the first time in several weeks. The Bulldogs have bounced back from a slow start and have put themselves in great positions to claim a region championship.

In Class A-Public, Bowdon fell to Darlington. That loss drops the Red Devils to No. 10 this week. In a top-5 matchup, the Irwin County Indians shutout the Wilcox County Patriots to retain sole possession of the region lead. The loss dropped the Patriots to No. 6 this week. In Class A-Private, Christian Heritage edged North Cobb Christian 21-20. Christian Heritage remains at No. 6 while North Cobb Christian falls to No. 10. Otherwise, there were no substantive changes to the poll.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Week – 10 GHSA Football Previews – Eight Greats Around the State – Part 2 of 2

Posted on October 24, 2019 by admin

This is Part II of our GHSA Football Previews called Eight Greats Around The State. As we mentioned in Part-I, a lot is at stake this week as the region picture starts to become clearer as we enter the final stretch of the regular season. Our first preview features Irwin County versus Wilcox County. The Indians have not lost a regular season region game since 2016. The Patriots are a formidable opponent, but can they derail the Indians perfect season?  In Region 2-2A, Kade Youmans, the defending region player of the year, leads the Swainsboro Tigers into Vidalia with a chance to get one step closer to repeating as region champs. But don’t expect the Indians to just lay down for Swainsboro. Vidalia has a pretty stingy defense, but will it be enough this week? The Marist War Eagles go on the road to take on Flowery Branch. The War Eagles are in the middle of a 3 game gauntlet in which they face the top teams in the region. They will have their hands full with the Flowery Branch rushing attack. But can the Falcons defense keep the War Eagles in check? Finally, the Jefferson Dragons are looking to stay in sole possession of 1st place in Region 8-3A. Monroe Area got the best of Jefferson last season, but the Dragons are red hot and don’t show any signs of slowing down. Will the Dragons get revenge this week? As always, please feel free to share and comment.

 

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 


 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Irwin County and Wilcox County face off for the 28th  time this Friday night down in Ocilla. This series has been one of streaks and currently Irwin County has a six game win streak over Wilcox. The Indians might boast one of the best backfields in the state. Players such as Kam Ward, Gabriel Benyard and Garland Benyard have picked up the slack during DJ Lundy’s absence. However, with the return of Lundy, this group is looking like a team of destiny. The defense has only surrendered 22 points all season, with three shutouts. That’s an average of 3.6 points per game. Yikes!!!

 

The Wilcox County Patriots represent the biggest test for Irwin County left in the season. The Patriots come into the  game with only one loss, a 6-point setback to Clinch County. (A game that Wilcox lead by 12 points at one point.) They are led by Desmond Tisdol, who makes just as many plays on offense as he does on defense. Quarterback Noah Hollingsworth is not a one trick pony, as he can beat the defense with his arm and his legs making the Patriots much more challenging to gameplan for. The Patriots are allowing 9 points per game themselves with four shutouts to their credit. We definitely expect this game to be closer than last year’s matchup. But we think Irwin County is just too deep. We like the Indians by two touchdowns at home.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Swainsboro Tigers and Vidalia Indians will meet for the 74th time this Friday night. The teams first met back in 1925. Last year, the Tigers edged the Indians and claimed their first region title since 2010. Vidalia dropped their first game of the season to 3A Appling County, but since then has won six straight. They are averaging 25.4 points per game on offense and allowing 13.4 points per game on defense.

 

The Swainsboro Tigers are also riding high coming into this week. The only blemish on their record was a Week-3 setback to Dublin. In the 5 games since that loss, Swainsboro has outscored their opponents 194-26. Swainsboro has been pretty balanced on offense this season. Kade Youmans has passed for 1,186 yards and 17-TDs, while the team has rushed for almost 1,200 yards on the season. The Tigers are averaging 34.8 points per game on offense while the defense is allowing 10.7 points. We have a feeling this game will be low scoring with two stingy defenses going toe to toe. We like Swainsboro to edge Vidalia this week by 4, perhaps with some late game heroics by the defending region player of the year.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Marist War Eagles will travel to Flowery Branch to take on the Flowery Branch Falcons. This might be one of the toughest regions in Class AAAA with the likes of these two teams, Blessed Trinity and Denmark sitting atop the region. Flowery Branch was edged last week in overtime by Blessed Trinity. We have mentioned before how the Falcons have had to reinvent themselves after losing starting quarterback Elijah Gainey in the scrimmage back in August. The Falcons boast one of the best defenses in the region, allowing only 9.7 points per game, while averaging 33.1 points per game on offense. Jaizen Ellingham has been the bellcow for the offense, rushing for over 670 yards and 12-TDs.

 

Meanwhile the War Eagles are again looking like a serious contender for the state title this season. Under coach Allen Chadwick, the War Eagles have not missed the postseason. Connor Cigelske led the way again in last week’s victory with 121 yards passing, 135 yards rushing and 1-TD. Lincoln Parker added two rushing TDs as well along with 73 rushing yards. The Marist defense is allowing only 7.7 points per game with 3 shutouts to their credit. Last week, they kept the high-flying Denmark Danes in check and even scored a defensive touchdown. That’s enough to convince us that Marist should win this game convincingly. We like the War Eagles by 17.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Jefferson Dragons are looking for their first region title in 3 years. Standing in their way is last season’s region champ, the Monroe Area Hurricanes. The Canes dropped a region game to Morgan County, so this is a must win for them to force a three-way tie atop the region. They are lead by dual threat quarterback Selation Straughter Jr. who has passed for 1,141 yards, rushed for 621 yards and accounted for 13-TDs. Danarius Hendricks leads the Canes in receiving with 30 receptions for 446 yards. Monroe Area is averaging just over 28 points per game, while the defense is allowing only 12.8 points per game.

 

Meanwhile, the Jefferson Dragons seem like a team on a mission. After falling to 4A Oconee County in week one by 1-point, the Dragons have reeled off six straight wins. Only one of those has been close. ( A 5-point victory over Hart County.) In region play, the Dragons are averaging 54.7 points per game, while their defense is allowing only 12 points per game. The Dragons have done most of their damage on the ground. Malaki Starks leads the team in rushing with 436 yards and 5-TDs, but quarterback Colby Clark has also rushed for 434 yards, passed for 373 and has accounted for 17-TDs. As a team, the Dragons have rushed for over 2,400 yards. We believe Monroe Area will get points on the board this week, but not enough to outscore Jefferson. We like the Dragons by 13.

 

 

 

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Week – 10 GHSA Football Previews – Eight Greats Around the State – Part 1 of 2

Posted on October 23, 2019 by admin

This is Part I of our GHSA Football Previews called Eight Greats Around The State. A lot is at stake this week as region pictures start to become clearer as we enter the final stretch of the regular season. Our first preview features a clash of titans in Region 1-6A as Valdosta hosts Lee County. These two teams have won the last 3 state titles in class 6-A. Will the Wildcats avenge last year’s drubbing at the hands of Lee County? In Region 5-6A, the Mays Raiders host upstart South Paulding. The Spartans have come from out of nowhere this season to challenge for a region title. Will their aerial assault give the Raiders secondary trouble this week? In a rematch of the 5-A state title game, Bainbridge hosts Warner Robins. The Bearcats have dropped their last two games and things don’t look so peachy with Warner Robins coming to town. Can the Bearcats stop the bleeding with a big win this week? Finally, in Region 2-4A, Mary Persons hosts West Laurens. The West Laurens Raiders look to be a serious contender for the region title this year. But we know Mary Persons won’t go quietly into the night. Is this the Raiders year? As always, please feel free to share and comment.

 

 

Key: 

TFR – Turd Ferguson Report

NR – Not Ranked

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Valdosta and Lee County will tangle this week in a game that should determine the Region 1-6A title. Last season, Lee earned their only win in the series with a resounding 63-7 beat down of the Wildcats. The Trojans had been humming along early until a shocking loss to 3A Peach County. Lee County is still averaging 38.1 points per game while their defense has recorded three shutouts and is allowing only 9.2 points per game.

 

Meanwhile, the Valdosta Wildcats are looking not only to avenge last season’s loss, but also get a stranglehold on the region title. The Cats last won the region title in 2016. Consequently, that year, they also won the state title. Valdosta is averaging 40 points per game while their defense is allowing 18.5 points per game. This game features two of the top quarterbacks in 6A in Lee County’s Kyle Toole and Valdosta’s Tate Rodemaker. The game has all the makings of a knock down, drag out brawl. We like the Cats to win this week. Valdosta by 4.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

While there is still a lot to be decided in Region 5-6A, the winner of the Mays-South Paulding game might just secure the region title. Since their week-1 loss to Kell by 5 points, the Mays Raiders have been on a tear; reeling off six consecutive victories. While the Raiders are average a healthy 29.5 points per game, it has been the defense who has stymied most of their opponents, allowing only 11.7 points per game. Weapons on offense for the Raiders include senior receiver Zaire Thornton and senior running back Tyree Nelson.

 

Meanwhile, South Paulding, who had gone through some growing pains over the last three seasons finds themselves in the thick of a race for the region title. The Spartans have done most of their damage through the air this season. Quarterback Austin Seymour has passed for over 1,800 yards and 23-TDs. His top two receivers are receiver Parker Self (61 receptions, 982 yards, 12-TDs) and tight end Miles Campbell (34 receptions, 405 yards, 7-TDs). Together, this trio has helped power South Paulding’s offense to average 36.5 points per game. We think this game should be a back and forth battle. We like Mays to edge South Paulding by 2.

 

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Bainbridge Bearcats started off the season red hot, but have dropped their last two games. This week, they will host the Warner Robins Demons in a rematch of the 2018 state title. Bainbridge has been pretty stout on defense, allowing 13.1 points per game. Quayde Hawkins has passed for 1,125 yards and 9-TDs while Rashad Broadnax has rushed for 718 yards and 8-TDs. Deyon Bouie continues to lead the secondary with 3 interceptions this season as a sophomore.

 

While a win this week by Warner Robins won’t necessarily avenge last season’s state title game, it will move the Demons one step closer to a region title. Warner Robins is averaging 33.5 points per game. They are led by junior quarterback Jalen Addie (1,383 passing yards, 16-TDs), junior running back Jalen Rutherford (660 rushing yards, 3-TDs) and senior wide receiver Marcayl Jones (25 receptions, 474 yards, 2-TDs). The Demons defense is only allowing 13.5 points per game. We don’t believe that the Demons will get to 33 points this week, but we do like them over the Bearcats. Warner Robins by 9.

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

For the last four years, the Region 2-4A title has gone through Mary Persons. The Bulldogs have not lost a region game since 2014. This season they are still undefeated in the region, but have a serious challenger in the West Laurens Raiders. The Bulldogs are averaging 28.7 points per game, but their defense is allowing 28.2 points per game. William Stewart leads the way at running back with 541 yards and 6-TDs, while quarterbacks Malikk Harris and Logan Hickman have combined to pass for 816 yards and 10-TDs.

 

If you were wondering when the last time Mary Persons lost a region game, it was in fact to West Laurens on November 7, 2014. A win by the Raiders this week will not guaranty a region title, but it will certainly boost confidence over the last two weeks. Quarterback A.J. Mathis has passed for 1,425 yards and 14-TDs while Brent Car has caught 51 passes for 807 yards. D’Eryck Jackson leads the team in total tackles with 62 and has 5 sacks. As a team, West Laurens has tallied 36 sacks on the year. Daniel Dorsey leads the secondary with 4 interceptions. West Laurens is averaging 36.8 points per game while the defense is allowing 13.1 points. We think this game will be close and we don’t expect for West to score 36 points, but we do like them by a touchdown this week on the road.

 

 

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

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