2005 Tucker Tigers Real-Life Dynasty [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

Ben E Lou

05-04-2005, 12:15 PM

2003 Season (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=13256&page=1&pp=50&highlight=tucker+tigers)
2004 Season (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=29359)

Well, here we go. Spring practice begins tomorrow, and the elusive search for Tucker's first-ever state championship begins once again. Several key pieces were lost from last year's 12-1 team, but some big-time players return, and some youngsters should step up to the plate. Tucker's 2004 9th grade team in particular provided lots of promise for this year in beyond, finishing 6-0 with four shutouts, and an aggregate score of 179-21. A quick run-down of the key players lost to graduation:

RB/CB Brandyn Young--leading rusher and shutdown corner heading to USC to play for Spurrier
DE/OLB/TE Tavares Kearney--Nicknamed "TKO" for his habit of sending opposing QB's to the sidelines for the duration of the night, Tavares will be putting on the red and black in Athens in the fall.
DB/WR Trey Buice--Trey bounced back from his nightmare in the Dome (read the 2003 thread for details) to have a strong 2004, and signed with Ball State.
LB Chris Parker--This very bright Tiger is heading off to Georgetown.
FB/MG Hamilton Sims--5'7", 185-pound spark plug will likely be playing tailback at a small school next year..yeah, from the d-line in high school to tailback in college. :eek: Tucker has ridiculous team speed for a high school.
C Will Stewart--Will was in many ways the heart and soul of the offensive line.

We also lost two other starting offensive linemen: Marcus Brazil and Johnathon Whitman, key WR/DB's in Quinton Heard, Jarrod Slappy and Quin Robinson, and big defensive lineman Dez Williams.

RETURNING KEY PLAYERS

First off, I'm making guesses on how some of the guys will be used, but those could well change as early as tomorrow when I see where they are on the field. That being said, here we go:

QB Dwayn Harris (Sr.)--Dwayn's family moved to Tucker from Lithonia (another suburb of Atlanta in DeKalb County) after his sophomore year so that he'd be able to showcase his talent at a marquee program. He's got a strong arm, throws a very catchable ball, and is a big, strong, physical QB. He weighed every bit of 190 pounds last season, and probably can put a scare into 4.5 in the 40. He makes good decisions, and is very coachable. As of this writing, Rivals.com is reporting that he has offers from Maryland, Memphis, UNC, Ball State, and Kent. As a Junior, his stats were: 69 for 111, (62.2%), 1310 yds, 9 TD's, 5 INT's. Here (http://uga.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=37901) is his profile on rivals.com.

RB/DB Asher Allen (Sr.)--Asher is the marquee name on this team. I've already put detailed info about him in this thread (http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=35854&highlight=asher+allen), but suffice it to say here that I wouldn't be surprised if he's listed in the Top 100 prospects in the nation. He's a true stud.

FB/DB Myke Compton (Sr.)--Anywhere else, Myke would be a tailback, but Tucker has been Tailback High for the last decade. (Going all the way back to the mid-90's, every Tucker starting tailback has gone on to play in D1.) Rivals is reporting that Myke has offers from Memphis, UNC and Kent to date. I'll get more details tomorrow. Myke is probably a sub-4.5 guy, and he's strong and solid. I woudn't be surprised if I learn tomorrow that he's benching over 300 these days. I also wouldn't be surprised if he moves from FB in high school to TB in college. Rivals profile of Myke. (http://uga.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=37897)

OL/DL Jotis Head (Sr.)--Jotis is the first true stud lineman that we've had at Tucker in quite some time, and Memphis and UNC have already offered schollies to him. He was weighing around 255 at the beginning of last season, and Rivals reports that he's carrying 270ish on his 6'3" frame now. He's very athletic for a guy his size, too. I'm thinking a school fond of quick DTs will use him there. Rivals profile of Jotis. (http://uga.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=37898)

OG/MG Anthony Cloud (Sr.)--Tucker seems to always start a lineman or two who are 5'7" or shorter, but who are strong and solidly built, and Anthony is cut from that mold. Anthony is a real spark-plug: a VERY vocal player who can always be counted on to help fire up the rest of the team. He might have a shot at a small-college scholly.

WR/OLB Chad Sims (Sr.)--Chad is another fireball. He's a very good all-around athlete. Kamikaze player on special teams last year, and got some work at LB and WR. Chad's probably 6'0", 180 pounds, pretty cut, sub-4.6, and could play a number of different positions, depending on where they most need him. I suspect he'll be one of the starting WR's this year, and play either LB or SS on defense. I'm not sure who is set to be the backup QB this year, but I'm thinking that he is probably in the mix for that as well.

FB/LB Donnie Hardy (Sr.)--Donnie is a similar player to Chad, but I don't think he's as fast. My best guess is that he'll start at LB, and be the #2 FB.

LB Charles McCoggle (Sr.)--Solidly-built player who got more and more playing time as the year went along last year. He's probably right around 6'1", 190 pounds. I'm thinking that he'll start at LB, and perhaps on the offensive line. However, if some of the big ol' boys I'll mention later get it done in the weight room this summer, Charles would probably only play LB.

RB/CB Tracy Lewis (So.)--Tracy was probably the best player on the dominant freshman team this fall. I saw him working out yesterday, and he looks like he's ready to get some playing time. He's up in the 165-170 range, and I'd imagine he could get some work at WR/RB/DB.

DE/OLB Randie Bourne--Randie got a good bit of playing time this fall, and could be ready to step up. He's been working out since the season with a trainer who has trained several NFL players.

VARIOUS BIG OL' BOYS--We've got at least five players who were in the 240-280 range last year returning, none of whom got much playing time last year on Varsity. They were all more heavy than they were strong. They've been served notice that could be the key to Tucker winning it all. One of them is the son of a former NFL lineman. I'll let y'all know which ones end up looking good. The coaches must have noticed some motivation in one of them, Marquis Harris, as he has a listing on rivals. The good news for Tucker is that four of the five guys mentioned will only be Juniors next year.

TRANSFERS--Rumors always abound of stud athletes moving to Tucker. The only one I've heard from someone who would know is that a big, bad 250+ pound tight end is either moving or has already moved. If that's true, a guy like that would probably also be used on the defensive line as well.

COACHING STAFF--My understanding is that football programs in DeKalb County are only given money for 6 coaches per school for all three programs (V/JV/9th). Tucker had 14 in 2004, and I've heard we've only lost one, and are gaining three new ones. Every one of the new coaches we've gotten in the last 2 or 3 years played at the collegiate level or higher.

PRELIMINARY OUTLOOK: My best guess right now is that everything really depends on the "various big ol' boys" mentioned above. If they are diligent in spring practice and in the weight room this summer, then Tucker is one of the best 2 or 3 teams in the state. If they're not ready to be solid starters in the fall, Tucker will still contend for the Region Championship, but probably won't be much more than a quarterfinal team.

Ben E Lou

05-05-2005, 07:27 AM

Ben E Lou

05-05-2005, 01:09 PM

<table x:str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 406pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="540"> <col style="width: 56pt;" width="74"> <col style="width: 100pt;" width="133"> <col style="width: 90pt;" width="120"> <col style="width: 50pt;" width="66"> <col style="width: 110pt;" width="147"> <tbody><tr style="height: 18pt;" height="24"> <td class="xl22" style="height: 18pt; width: 56pt;" height="24" width="74">DATE</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 100pt;" width="133">OPPONENT</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 90pt;" width="120">LOCATION</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 50pt;" width="66">TIME</td> <td class="xl22" style="width: 110pt;" width="147">HOME/AWAY</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38569" height="17">5-Aug</td> <td class="xl24">Clarke Central</td> <td class="xl24">Athens</td> <td class="xl24">7:00pm</td> <td class="xl24">Away</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38576" height="17">12-Aug</td> <td class="xl24">Buford</td> <td class="xl24">Buford</td> <td class="xl24">7:00pm</td> <td class="xl24">Away</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38583" height="17">19-Aug</td> <td class="xl24">Cedar Grove</td> <td class="xl24">Avondale Stadium</td> <td class="xl24">7:30pm</td> <td class="xl24">Away</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38590" height="17">26-Aug</td> <td class="xl24">Americus</td> <td class="xl24">Georgia Dome</td> <td class="xl24">7:30pm</td> <td class="xl24">Away</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38597" height="17">2-Sep</td> <td class="xl24">Lakeside</td> <td class="xl24">Adams Stadium</td> <td class="xl24">8:00pm</td> <td class="xl24">Away</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38604" height="17">9-Sep</td> <td class="xl24">OPEN</td> <td class="xl24">
</td> <td class="xl24">
</td> <td class="xl24">
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38611" height="17">16-Sep</td> <td class="xl24">Marist</td> <td class="xl24">Adams Stadium</td> <td class="xl24">7:30pm</td> <td class="xl24">Home</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38618" height="17">23-Sep</td> <td class="xl24">Etowah</td> <td class="xl24">Etowah</td> <td class="xl24">7:30pm</td> <td class="xl24">Away</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38625" height="17">30-Sep</td> <td class="xl24">Chamblee (HC)</td> <td class="xl24">Adams Stadium</td> <td class="xl24">7:30pm</td> <td class="xl24">Home</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38632" height="17">7-Oct</td> <td class="xl24">St. Pius X</td> <td class="xl24">Adams Stadium</td> <td class="xl24">8:00pm</td> <td class="xl24">Home</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38639" height="17">14-Oct</td> <td class="xl24">Forsyth Central</td> <td class="xl24">Forsyth Central</td> <td class="xl24">7:30pm</td> <td class="xl24">Away</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38646" height="17">21-Oct</td> <td class="xl24">North Forsyth</td> <td class="xl24">Adams Stadium</td> <td class="xl24">7:30pm</td> <td class="xl24">Home</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="height: 12.75pt;" x:num="38653" height="17">28-Oct</td> <td class="xl24">North Springs</td> <td class="xl24">North Springs</td> <td class="xl24">7:30pm</td> <td class="xl24">Away</td> </tr></tbody> </table>

Ben E Lou

05-06-2005, 05:13 AM

151 kids showed up yesterday to get equipment for Spring Practice. :eek: A very reliable source told me yesterday that we'll be dressing around 90 players for Varsity games this year. :eek: :eek: :eek:We now have 167 kids out for football. Not everyone has a helmet yet, but the booster club is coming up with the cash.

Ben E Lou

05-06-2005, 05:23 AM

RECRUITING UPDATE
From the looks of things, Asher might be more heavily recruited than Thomas even, and might commit later than Thomas did. Pete Carroll from Southern Cal called Asher's dad on Sunday with a "Visit Request." Also, based on my conversation with an assistant coach from Tech yesterday, RB/DB Compton, QB Harris, FB/LB Hardy, OL/DL Head, and WR/LB Sims all will get multiple D1 offers before all is said and done. Add Notre Dame to Asher's list of written offers. Bill Lewis, I think, brought one with him to practice yesterday. Asher also has nearly 40 verbal offers now.

Ben E Lou

05-11-2005, 06:36 AM

Spring practice is rolling along very well. It looks like at least two of the "various big ol' boys" are going to make an impact this fall. Marquis Harris and Cedric Penn both appear to be stronger and slimmer than they'd been, but both are easily topping 260.

As far as the transfers, three in particular have caught my eye. The big, bad tight end from Southwest DeKalb is bigger and badder than I'd heard. He's around 6'4" or 6'5", in the 240-250 range, and is currently only a rising Junior. He's got great feet and provides a nice big target for Dwayn in the middle of the field. Another kid, whose name I haven't pick up, is wearing #24 in practice. He's 5'10-180lb versatile athlete. He could play WR/DB/OLB/RB, depending on the need. He'll be a Junior, also. Finally, there's a rising Senior lineman named Jose. Jose's not very tall, but he's quite strong and has good technique. He probably won't be a starter, but he could give some quality minutes on the o-line and d-line.

Other tidbits...

OL/DL Anthony Cloud, who grew up playing fullback, has been carrying the ball some (and looking quite good) during Oklahoma drills. Short-yardage back?

RB/DB Tracy Lewis (who is Thomas Brown's cousin, by the way), is working with the first team offense at Z. I mentioned the rising sophomore earlier, but I wanted to highlight him again, because the only sophomores to be on the first team offense at Tucker in the last few seasons have been named Thomas Brown, Asher Allen, and D.T. McDowell.

The college scouts have gotten too numerous to count and identify. With spring practices going on all over metro Atlanta, some are coming and going, just getting a glimpse at a prospect, saying hello during a break, or having a quick conversation with his dad on the sidelines. There were a dozen or so in and out of practice yesterday. Kentucky and UTC stayed for pretty much all of practice.

Note on the schedule above: the Buford and Clarke Central games are both preseason scrimmages. Cedar Grove is the first game of the regular season. The Americus game got moved to the Georgia Dome as part of an early-season showcase of big-time players called the "DeKalb County Classic." My guess is that the games against Americus and Marist have the best chances of being televised. The Marist game, as always, will be available live on internet radio.

The numbers have topped 170 now. That's unreal. It is official that we're going to dress 92 for Varsity games this year. Plus, Ballard is trying to figure out a way to also dress every freshman who works out at least three times a week this summer and misses no fall practices for the Americus game in the Dome. Smart move. In most seasons, we add 10-15 more freshmen once school starts. I wouldn't be shocked if there are 80 kids on the freshman team by the time their season starts. By comparison, most of the freshman teams they play against will have less than 30.

Speaking of numbers, Georgia re-classifies every other year. Tucker is one of the smallest AAAA schools right now, and, wtih the 2006-'07 season numbers, is slotted to drop down to AAA, as is Marist. There are some truly horrid teams in the AAA region that Tucker and Marist would be in. Their only Region competition would be one another, plus they'd have some even bigger blowouts than they already have now. The AD's from the two schools talked last week, the conversation basically being, "Hey, are y'all gonna play up? We'll play up if you play up." The plan is for both schools to petition to continue to play in AAAA in 2006-'07.

Balldog

05-11-2005, 06:46 AM

Ben E Lou

05-11-2005, 08:27 AM

When I first read there was going to be roughly 16 coaches I about crapped then I saw 170 kids on the football team!?!?!?

We only have 77 guys in our whole school district!

I can't imagine.

Does most of the schools Tucker play have that many kids playing?No. My understanding is that only two other schools in Georgia have that many kids out there--both of which are *much* larger than Tucker. Most teams we play against this year will dress 40-50 kids for Varsity games. Some will have as few as the six county-provided coaches--and that's for FOUR teams (Varsity/JV/Freshman/Middle School).

DeToxRox

05-11-2005, 02:35 PM

Five away games to start the year?

Brutal.

Ben E Lou

05-11-2005, 03:56 PM

Five away games to start the year?

Brutal.Not really. The only one of those games that is truly "away" is the first one, which is only a preseason scrimmage. Buford (also a preseason scrimmage) is maybe 15 miles up I-85 from Tucker. Avondale Stadium (regular season opener vs. Cedar Grove) might be closer to Tucker High School than to Cedar Grove High School. Either way it is only around 15-20 minutes from THS. (DeKalb County's 18ish football-playing public schools share five stadiums.) We are the "Away" team for Game 2 in the Georgia Dome only because the game was originally scheduled to be in Americus, GA--which is around 3 1/2 hours away from the T-U-C. Americus agreed to move it to the Dome as part of the "DeKalb County Classic"--a four-game set showcasing DeKalb's best public school programs. Americus is still designated as the "Home" team, but we're *much* closer to the Dome (30ish minutes) than they are. Then, in game 3, we play Lakeside at Adams Stadium, which is the "home" stadium for both Lakeside and Tucker. It is closer to Lakeside than Tucker, but it is where we play almost all of our Home games anyway, so it is very familiar to our players and fans.

I was just over at practice (came home for a sec, and headed back over in a sec). Because of Balldog's comment, I paid a little closer attention to the player/coach ratio when they were doing positional drills. They had the Freshmen on the other field doing large-group drills with their three main coaches, and then the other coaches were doing by-position drills with Varsity and JV players. No coach had more than a dozen or so guys to instruct. Nice!

Ben E Lou

05-13-2005, 02:40 PM

There may be some frustrated coaches/scouts this afternoon, if they haven't done their homework. Asher, Myke and Donnie will all be out of town, running in the state track meet today. That's three of our five likely D-1 kids.

Ben E Lou

05-17-2005, 09:01 PM

The Spring Game was this afternoon. The scouts there were too numerous to count or keep all in my head. I saw Mike Bobo (QB's) and Kirby Smart (RB's) from UGA. I heard that Willie Martinez (DB's) may have been there as well, but I didn't see him if he was. Several other SEC and ACC schools were present, along with a few others from outside the SEC. LSU was the only school other than UGA that sent more than one coach that I noticed.

The coaches split the squads for this one, rather than running #1 offense vs. #2 defense, etc. It made for more competitive matchups than in past years, but the "cohesion hit" was obvious, too. Jotis Head, who has been playing center most of the spring, injured his toe (probably dislocated it), so his team in particular *really* struggled. They fumbled 3-5 snaps after Jotis left, and also had two shotgun snaps go over the QB's head. Asher was on that team, so that really hurt his offensive production. He probably only got 6 or 8 carries when all was said and done, but he did rip off one nice run of around 30-40 yards. The most fun matchup of the day was watching Asher vs. Myke. They were on opposite teams. Both played safety and tailback for their respective squads, and were moved to the slot a few times each, so they covered each other man-to-man in those situations. Lots of good-natured smack talk came there. ;) Neither caught a pass from the slot, but Asher did pick one off that was intended for Myke, which made for some fun smack between Asher, Myke and Dwayn at the post-game cookout. If I had to name an offensive POG, it would definitely be Myke. He had 10-15 carries for 100ish yards and a TD on the day.

Celeval

06-09-2005, 12:12 PM

SD -

There was an article run recently (yesterday, I think) on scout.com talking about Asher Allen and Morrice Richardson (WestLake); implying pretty strongly that they would likely choose the same school.

You have the same thought?

Ben E Lou

06-09-2005, 12:58 PM

Ben E Lou

06-10-2005, 02:25 PM

Rivals.com releases their Georgia Top 75 today....Asher is ranked the #3 prospect in the state, QB Dwayne Harris is #37, and FB/DB Myke Compton is #48. That's a pretty impressive starting backfield...

Ben E Lou

08-05-2005, 12:18 PM

Updates...

RB/WR/DB Tracy Lewis moved up north to live with his dad. :( I wouldn't be shocked if he's back in the T-U-C before he graduates, though, so you may hear his name again in a year or two.
OL/DL Cedric Penn is looking very, very good. He's probably down around 250 now.
Jotis Head's toe injury has continued to bug him. We *really* need him to be 100% if we're going to make a run at a state title.
Asher tweaked his hammy trying to break TB's school record in the 40. He should be ready to go when the season starts, but he probably won't be playing in this evening's scrimmage in Athens. That actually probably is good for the Dawgs. UGA starts practice this afternoon at 3pm, so I'd assume that they'll be done in time to get over to Clarke Central. I'm guessing that Thomas, Tavares, Darius, and a few other Dawgs will be on the sidelines recruiting Asher tonight. :D
That big, bad TE I mentioned did move to Tucker. Brandon Lampkin is his name, and he's got great feet for a kid who is barely 16 years old and is 6'4"-6'5". He could be a real force this season.
As mentioned, the first scrimmage is tonight in Athens. I've been under the weather recently, so I'm not sure I'm going to make the drive up. We'll see.
Rivals.com released their 3-star players a few days ago. QB Dwayne Harris got 3 stars. Compton did not. Mark it down, folks: Myke will be a *steal* for whichever team signs him.

Ben E Lou

08-07-2005, 12:03 PM

Mark it down, folks: Myke will be a *steal* for whichever team signs him.
...and Compton got some very nice footage on film for the scouts at the scrimmage. :D Tucker wins 35-7 as Myke, in Asher's absence, carries the load, tallying right around 150 yards in the first half. He was breaking tackles left and right, and generally looked like a man among boys. Dwayne looked sharp at QB as well. This team is going to be very, very fun to watch this year. A Clarke Central fan commented yesterday on the UGA Boards that "I've never seen a high school team as fast as Tucker, and AA, supposedly their fastest guy, didn't even dress out!" True dat. True dat.

In next week's scrimmage, we'll be facing traditional power Buford. (ND's Darius Walker is a former Buford Wolf.) That should be a competitive matchup. It is good to play one solid team (Clarke Central) and one powerhouse like Buford before the parade of cupcakes that is the regular season commences. Other than Americus and Marist, Tucker shouldn't be seriously challenged in the regular season. Marist defeated all-world Stephenson 13-12 on Friday night. Something like 8 or 9 of Stephenson's starting 11 on defense will be D-1 kids. :eek:

GoldenEagle

08-07-2005, 12:38 PM

Ben E Lou

08-07-2005, 01:26 PM

Any word on where some of these players are leaning? I would love to see a couple end up at Memphis. I think someone like Asher is out of the equation for us but I think we could end up with a player like Harris or Compton.Yeah, it sounds like Asher has basically narrowed it down to Georgia, LSU, Florida and ( :mad: ) Notre Dame. As far as Memphis, Tim comes to Tucker games whenever Memphis is off, and he is very well-respected and looked up to by the kids there now, so that definitely can't hurt. No word really on any leanings for either of Myke or Dwayne. I had a long conversation with Myke's uncle (who Myke lives with) about a week or so ago. As of that conversation, Kent was his only *written* offer. UNC and Memphis had verbally offered. Myke is pretty wide open, hoping for some better offers, but I could see him ending up at a place like Memphis if some of the bigger schools don't wise up. To give you a comparison, he's a significantly better player than Tim was in high school, no question about it.

Dwayne is an interesting case. I had a long conversation with a Clemson scout about him one day during spring practice. Basically, he said that Dwayne is a recruiter's nightmare. :D He said that Dwayne's got the size and athletic ability to play WR, RB or S at a Top 25-type program, but because he wants to play QB in college, he presents a difficult decision to college coaching staffs. He's a little too short (a hair under 6", probably) for the Clemsons and the Georgias and the LSUs to offer him as a QB, though. His arm strength and all of that are good enough, though, according to this scout. He said, "Harris is the kind of kid that you decide not to offer a scholarship to, or only offer him as a receiver, then he ends up starting at QB for South Carolina or NC State or Maryland and beating you in the fourth quarter, and all your alumni yell and scream, 'Can you believe our coaches were too stupid to even OFFER this kid????'" This scout felt like *someone* would take a flier on Dwayne as a QB. It probably all depends on if he wants to go somewhere like Memphis where he *knows* he'll play pretty quickly, or throw his hat in the ring at whatever SEC or ACC school might decide to take a risk and promise him he can play QB.

illinifan999

08-07-2005, 01:33 PM

Just tell him to join Zook in Illinois. ;)

Ben E Lou

08-08-2005, 04:16 PM

Rivals.com released their more-in-depth position rankings today. They've got Dwayne listed as the #14 dual-threat QB in the nation. Tebow and Stafford, of course, are #1 dual-threat and drop-back respectively.

Ben E Lou

08-09-2005, 09:16 AM

AP PRESEASON TOP TEN--CLASS AAAA

1. Warner Robins (16) 160

2. Statesboro 122

3. Rome 107

4. Ware County 94

5. Tucker 90

6. Griffin 69

7. Northside-Warner Robins 46

8. Marist 44

tie Salem 44

10. Lee County 22

Others receiving votes: Northwest Whitfield 16, Thomas County Central 16, Washington 14, Westside 8, Creekside 7, Baldwin 6, Bainbridge 4, Douglas County 3, Heritage 3, St. Pius X 3, Jones County 2.

Ben E Lou

08-13-2005, 06:19 AM

More kinks got ironed out in last night's 14-7 win over AA power Buford. Dwayne in particular looked very, very good. He showed off great escapability against an athletic defense, good running power as he broke several tackles in the backfield and on scrambles, and accurate passes, including a perfect bomb, thrown about 50 yards in the air, that hit the receiver dead in stride, but was dropped. Compton had another good night running the ball. It looks like we're still trying to figure out the center position, though. One of the candidates snapped a ball over Dwayne's head in the shotgun tonight, and we had one bobbled snap. The good news on the line is that Jotis Head (he of the bad toe) looked very good tonight, and showed few signs that the toe was still bothering him. He's really stepping up as a vocal leader of this team, too. As far as blocking at the point of attack goes, having Jotis, Anthony Cloud, and Cedric Penn up front in particular gives us a very, very formidable bunch. If one or two more guys can step up, we'll be in very, very good shape. Asher dressed last night, but I don't think he played. It was a little hard to tell who was who until I moved to the sideline in the second half, because we were wearing the Atlanta Falcons' practice jerseys from a couple of years ago last night. Former Tiger Brandyn "B.Y." Young has an uncle who is the equipment manager for the Falcons, and B.Y.'s uncle hooked us up. :)

According to Ballard's post-game speech to the team, Cedar Grove is much improved from last year. We'll see if that was just a little coach-speech. My best guess is that they might have some better athletes, but they probably don't have the resources to get the players cocahed up to Tucker's level. I don't expect the opener to be close.

Ben E Lou

08-13-2005, 06:26 AM

Ah. no surprise here, but Double-A will be named one of the AJC's "Super 11" tomorrow--the 11 best Seniors in Georgia. Also of interest to those who have followed the last two Tucker seasons, Statesboro QB David Cone is also on the list. He has committed to Michigan.

Here's a link to Asher's Super 11 profile:

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/highschool/super/2005/allen.html

http://www.ajc.com/local/images/pixels/clear.gif
 <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top">
</td></tr> </tbody> </table>  http://www.ajc.com/sports/highschool/super/2005/images/super1105a.gif http://www.ajc.com/sports/highschool/super/2005/images/s11allen.gif  <table class="mainnews" id="mainnews"> <tbody><tr><td class="left-vertical"> http://www.ajc.com/sports/highschool/super/2005/images/s11allen.jpg (http://lpe.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/2005/highschool/super11/) JENNI GIRTMAN / AJC

Grandma, how you doin'?

With a 1400 SAT score under his belt, Tucker's Asher Allen is only menacing the schools unlikely to sign him. Super 11 photos (http://lpe.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/2005/highschool/super11/)

JUST THE FACTS

Did you know...

As a junior, returned four punts for touchdowns, caught 18 passes for 383 yards for five touchdowns, ran for 626 yards on 46 attempts for four touchdowns, returned one interception for a touchdown and had 81 tackles.
Bench presses 350 pounds, squats 440, power cleans 280. Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.
</td> <td class="right"> ALL ABOUT ASHER

Position: Cornerback
Vital statistics: 5-11, 185 pounds
Scholastics: Qualified 3.4 GPA, 1400 SAT
Colleges: Georgia, Florida, LSU and Georgia Tech lead the way.
If I weren't an athlete, I'd probably be: A head football coach or an ESPN sportscaster
My ideal car: 2004 Black Impala. That will be my graduation gift.
Favorite team, player: Chicago Bulls, Champ Bailey
Favorite actor/movie role I would like to play: Shawn Wayans in "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood." He was just so funny. The best was when he was with his grandmother and she called him a punk and tried to hit him and he reacted and threw her across the room.
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

DeToxRox

08-14-2005, 03:18 PM

SD -- Can ya fill me in on Cone?

I am a huge Wolverines fan and I am interested in someone whos seen hims thoughts

Ben E Lou

08-15-2005, 07:16 AM

SD -- Can ya fill me in on Cone?

I am a huge Wolverines fan and I am interested in someone whos seen hims thoughtsWell, Cone is an interesting case. His team runs an *OLD*-school wishbone. When I say old-school, I mean as in before the triple-option. Yeah, they run a wishbone with no QB keeper or even fullback option. If I had to guess, I'd say that 80% of the time, they give it to one of the two halfbacks, 10-15% of the time to the fullback, and they pass 5-10% of the time. I haven't watched the 2003 finals against Marist, but apparently they ran the majority of the time in the 2nd half even though behind 20-0 at halftime. So, even though I've seen him twice in person, I can't really say much about how he is as a passer. They threw some in their final drive against us in 2004, but he wasn't particularly impressive. That being said, I subscribe to two different recruiting services, and both had articles over the summer about him being very impressive at summer camps. He's listed at 6'6" most places I've seen, and I'd say that he's at *least* 6'5", maybe even a true 6'6".

Ben E Lou

08-15-2005, 07:18 AM

The AJC released their preseason rankings in this morning's paper:

<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr><td align="left">CLASS AAAA</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 1. Warner Robins (14-0-1), at Houston Co.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 2. Statesboro (14-1) at SE Bulloch</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 3. Tucker (12-1) at Cedar Grove</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 4. Griffin (11-2) at Heritage</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 5. Northside-WR (10-2) at Peach County</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 6. Rome (12-1) Murray County</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 7. Washington (11-2) Douglass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 8. Ware County (12-2) at Coffee</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 9. Creekside (10-2) at Alexander
</td></tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 10. Marist (10-2) at Benedictine
Others to watch: Bainbridge, Heritage, Gordon Central, Mays, North Clayton</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

Ben E Lou

08-15-2005, 07:19 AM

Nice to see a little love for a metro Atlanta team this year, after leaving Tucker inexplicably UNRANKED to begin 2004. I'm still somewhat miffed about that obvious slight.

DeToxRox

08-15-2005, 11:08 AM

Well, Cone is an interesting case. His team runs an *OLD*-school wishbone. When I say old-school, I mean as in before the triple-option. Yeah, they run a wishbone with no QB keeper or even fullback option. If I had to guess, I'd say that 80% of the time, they give it to one of the two halfbacks, 10-15% of the time to the fullback, and they pass 5-10% of the time. I haven't watched the 2003 finals against Marist, but apparently they ran the majority of the time in the 2nd half even though behind 20-0 at halftime. So, even though I've seen him twice in person, I can't really say much about how he is as a passer. They threw some in their final drive against us in 2004, but he wasn't particularly impressive. That being said, I subscribe to two different recruiting services, and both had articles over the summer about him being very impressive at summer camps. He's listed at 6'6" most places I've seen, and I'd say that he's at *least* 6'5", maybe even a true 6'6".

Excellent, thanks.

One last Q .. Does he have potential to be a TE?

I am assuming he can't be a statue running the wishbone but ya never know.

Ben E Lou

08-15-2005, 11:22 AM

One last Q .. Does he have potential to be a TE?I seriously doubt that. He's pretty skinny. 6'6", 201 pounds.

<script language="javascript"> var m=0; </script> <script language="javascript"> var sVideo = ""; function openGallery(aKey) { pop=window.open('/prospectgallery.asp?pr_key=' + aKey,"Gallery","height=500,width=450,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes"); } function openHelp(lSport) { pop=window.open('/aboutrankings.asp?Sport=' + lSport,"Help","height=600,width=450,resizable=no,scrollbars=yes"); } function openVideo(lSport, SID , lPm_key) { pop=window.open('/prospectvideo.asp?Sport=' + lSport + '&SID=' + SID + '&pm_key=' + lPm_key,"Video","height=500,width=370,resizable=no,scrollbars=yes"); } var k = 1; </script>  <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="2" height="16"> Logout (http://uga.rivals.com/logout.asp) | New Search (http://uga.rivals.com/prosearch.asp?Sport=1&Year=2006) | Favorites (http://uga.rivals.com/favorites.asp?Sport=1)</td> <td rowspan="2" align="right" bgcolor="#d1d2d4" height="46" valign="top" width="152">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase05_rdclogo.gif</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="nav" width="100%"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td class="nav" height="30"> David Cone</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> <td class="nav" height="30" valign="bottom" width="164">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/p_20062.gif</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3" height="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>  <script language="javascript"> var k=1; </script> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="230"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="20" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#d2d2d2" height="20" nowrap="nowrap"> Pro-style quarterback</td></tr></tbody></table>Statesboro (GA)
Statesboro

Height: 6-foot-6 http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase04_eventsr.gif (http://uga.rivals.com/cpevent.asp?Key=7907)
Weight: 201 pounds http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase04_eventsrsmall.gif (http://uga.rivals.com/cpevent.asp?Key=7907)
40-yard dash: 5.12 seconds http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase04_eventsrsmall.gif (http://uga.rivals.com/cpevent.asp?Key=7907)
Bench max: 240 pounds
Bench reps: 12 http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase04_eventsrsmall.gif (http://uga.rivals.com/cpevent.asp?Key=7907)
Squat max: 300 pounds
Vertical leap: 27 inches http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase04_eventsrsmall.gif (http://uga.rivals.com/cpevent.asp?Key=7907)
Shuttle time: 4.5 seconds http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase04_eventsrsmall.gif (http://uga.rivals.com/cpevent.asp?Key=7907)

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="81">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase05_sparq.gif</td><td align="left" width="100%">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif57.5 http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdbase04_eventsrsmall.gif (http://uga.rivals.com/cpevent.asp?Key=7907)</td></tr></tbody></table>

</td><td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td><td bgcolor="#000000" width="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td><td valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="20" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td class="outerbar" nowrap="nowrap"> RIVALS.COM RANKINGS</td><td class="outerbar" align="right">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/help.gif (javascript:openHelp(1);)</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr height="1"><td colspan="4" bgcolor="#ffffff" height="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td></tr><tr height="34"><td bgcolor="#ffffff" height="34" width="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td><td bgcolor="#d2d2d2"> http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td><td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td><td bgcolor="#000000" width="34"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1" height="34" width="34"><tbody><tr><td class="nav" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr height="1"><td colspan="4" bgcolor="#ffffff" height="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td></tr><tr height="1"><td colspan="4" bgcolor="#d2d2d2" height="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="nounderline" valign="top">Position Ranking: NR
Previous: NRRivals.com preseason Georgia Top 75 2006  (75) (http://uga.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1178)

</td></tr></tbody></table></td><td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="1">http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/spacer1.gif</td><td bgcolor="#d2d2d2" valign="top" width="152"><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" width="152"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#000000">http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/Camper/PHOTO/DAVIDCONENIKE1150.JPG</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody> </table>
Looking at those numbers above from the NIKE camp he attended, and compared to the NIKE camp in Atlanta on 5/8, where there were 15 TE's attending, Cone would have stacked up:

...13th in the 40, with several kids in the 220-240 range running sub-5.0's.
...T10th in bench reps
...9th in vertical leap
...7th in shuttle run speed

Generally speaking, at a camp that small, he'd need to be in the top 5 in multiple categories to be considered a serious prospect.

I am assuming he can't be a statue running the wishbone but ya never know.Don't be so sure. I'm not sure you're following me. It is *not* the wishbone of Oklahoma from the 80's. They *never* run the option play. All he does is turn around and hand the ball off. He didn't look like he had much mobility at all when we played him. Those numbers in the 40, shuttle, and verticle leap indicate much more of a statue than a mobile QB.

digamma

08-15-2005, 11:28 AM

Ben E Lou

08-15-2005, 11:38 AM

Oh, SkyDog, you're selling Statesboro short. They have the one QB play-action option. You remember, the play Cone broke about a 25 yard run on the first time they ran it. And then, when they tried to run it again, Brandon almost broke him in half.Hehehe. I remember that play well. They also ran it once last year, and Tavares almost broke him in half on that one, too.

Detox:

The play that our sarcastic friend is mentioning is really a trick play that they tried twice in 2003 against us, and once in 2004. Cone fakes the handoff to the left halfback, I think, and the play looks to be going off of right tackle, the LHB following the FB and RHB into the hole. This is what they do the vast majority of the time--one halfback following the FB and the other HB off the opposite tackle. However, on this play, Cone fakes the handoff, then just stands there a good 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage for a couple of seconds holding the ball behind him, and finally takes off down the left sideline when just about all of the other 21 players on the field are in a big pile somewhere near right tackle. If the defense is duped (like ours was the first time they saw it) Cone is running by himself until someone breaks free from the pile and runs him down. If the defense is not duped (like the other two times they ran it), it is a 10-yard loss and a potential injured QB, because the backside OLB (Brandon Lang in '03 and TKO in '04) has an unimpeded path to Cone.

DeToxRox

08-15-2005, 12:01 PM

Gotcha.

Thanks for all the info, SD.

Appreciate it.

Ben E Lou

08-15-2005, 06:12 PM

Scout.com released their 100-player rankings for the state of Georgia today. They're not as high on Tucker players as Rivals.com. Asher came in at #13 in the state, Dwayne #47, and Myke unranked. Yeah, unranked. Unbelievable is more like it.

Ben E Lou

08-16-2005, 04:27 PM

MY 6-AAAA PREDICTIONS FOR THE SEASON

REALER THAN "REAL DEAL" HOLYFIELD...

1. TUCKER--This team looks *loaded* this year, especially on offense. It is going to be *very* difficult for teams that aren't full of top-tier talent to stop a Tucker attack that will have *EXTREME* versatility this year. Asher and Myke can run with power up the middle. They can run with speed to the outside. They're stronger than most teams' defensive linemen, and quicker and faster than most DB's. Ditto Dwayne, who can run over most LB's, run around most DB's, and, oh yeah, happens to also have a D-1-level strong and accurate arm. Lampkin, the new TE, is a stud and a big target at 6'5". The only slight concern is at WR, where we'll have plenty of speed, but not much experience. Still, most defenses simply aren't going to have the talent to have any hope of stopping Tucker, and with a large coaching staff, Offensive Coordinator Patsy Gliatta only has to focus on calling plays to exploit the weaknesses of the better defenses we'll face. Tucker is a threat to win the whole shebang.

PREDICTION: 10-0 (8-0 Region) regular season

Best-Case Scenario: State champs

Worst-Case Scenario (barring major injury troubles for this category for every team): 2nd in Region, loss in state Q-finals or Dome

Playoff Chances: 100%

2. MARIST--The War Eagle option attack is still run to near-perfection, and they're still good enough defensively, too. They defeated AAAAA power Stephenson in a scrimmage, and look to be a state championship contender again this year. As was the case in '03 and '04, a Tucker-Marist state final is not out of the question. The Region title will be decided on Friday, September 16th, at Adams Stadium, when Tucker and Marist square off. The top four teams from the Region make the playoffs. The brackets are already drawn up. If the seedings hold, the winner of Region 6AAAA will play the winner of Region 2AAAA in the Quarterfinals. Statesboro will win Region 2AAAA, without question. The 6-AAAA runner-up should be the favorite to make it at least to the q-finals as well, where they'd probably be playing either Sandy Creek or Creekside. In all honesty, right now it looks like the #2 team in the Region will have an easier road to the semis in the Dome than the #1 team will, but that could change as the season develops.

PREDICTION: 9-1 (7-1)

Best-Case Scenario: State champs

Worst-Case Scenario: An emotional Pius team wins rivalry game, dropping the War Eagles to 8-2 in the regular season, and a loss in the state Q-finals.

Playoff Chances: 100%

PLAYOFF CONTENDERS...

3. NORTH FORSYTH--I'm going with the word I've heard that North is returning a good core of players from last year, and that last season's 6-5 playoff season with help build excitement and dedication up there. Forsyth is one of the five fastest-growing counties in the *country*, and a lot of the growth is in the northern part of the county. This sounds like a program on the rise to me. I don't think they'll seriously challenge the Big Two, but I'm thinking they're the best of the rest.

PREDICTION: 7-3 (6-2)

Best-Case Scenario: Win both non-region games to finish 8-2, and catch a flat Marist or Tucker and play with them for a half. Win one playoff game.

Worst-Case Scenario: Losses to Pius, Chamblee, Etowah, Hiram (non-region), Tucker and Marist. They finish 4-6 and miss the playoffs.

Playoff Chances: 70%

4. CHAMBLEE--Chamblee features, believe it or not, ANOTHER stud running back who lives in Tucker. Jr. Roddy Jones grew up playing in the Tucker Youth Football League. He's in the magnet program at Chamblee, but rumors continue to swirl that he's going to transfer back to his home district next year when Asher and Myke are gone. He attended the Tucker spring game this year, and didn't rule out the possibility, although the word is that his mom wants him to stay at Chamblee. At any rate, Roddy returns, along with most of the starters from last year's 4-6 team. They're a long way from Tucker and Marist, but last year's young squad played everyone else in the Region pretty tough.

PREDICTION: 7-3 (5-3)

Best-Case Scenario: Upset win at North Forsyth on 10/14 propels them to 8-2 record. Avoid getting blown out in first round of the playoffs.

Worst-Case Scenario: After two opening wins against cupcakes, the young team is riding high emotionally, then gets blown out by Marist and goes into a tailspin against Etowah and Pius the next two weeks. End up going 3-5 in the Region.

Playoff Chances: 55%

5. ST. PIUS X--The Golden Lions started off 7-0 and ranked in the Top 5 in the state, but were exposed as pretenders by Tucker and Marist, losing to the Big Two by a combined 69-17 score. They then bowed out in the first round of the playoffs and finished 8-3. They probably have the third-best coaching staff in the Region, but they graduated nearly all of their big guns from last season.

PREDICTION: 6-4 (4-4)

Best-Case Scenario: Run the table against Chamblee/North/Etowah and go 8-2. Avoid blowout in first round of playoffs.

Worst-Case Scenario: 0-3 against Chamblee/Etowah/North gives them a 4-6 finish

Playoff Chances: 45%

6. ETOWAH--They caught a flat Tucker team the week after Marist, and rolled to a 14-0 lead before falling 34-14. They finished 4-4 in the Region, 4-6 overall. They blew out Central and North Springs. They're a decent, but not great team, with several key players returning, but they lost some, too.

PREDICTION: 3-7 (3-5)

Best-Case Scenario: Etowah wins 2 of 3 against Pius/Chamblee/North, wins one of two tough non-region games, finishing 6-4 and earning the 4th playoff spot, but gets blown out in round one of the playoffs.

Worst-Case Scenario: They go 0 for 3 against the the other "playoff contender" teams, and Lakeside upsets 'em, too, for a 2-8 Etowah finish.

Playoff Chances: 25%

BOTTOM FEEDERS...

7. LAKESIDE--Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The Vikings won it all in '91, made it to the championship game in '96, but lost in a scrimmage to hapless Druid Hills last week. Trust me when I say that is really pathetic. LHS only has around 50 kids out for football this year--that's Varsity, JV and Freshman combined. :eek: Still, they have a few athletes on the team. QB Rob Pope, a kid I know pretty well, grew up starting at QB in the TYFL, so he's no slouch. The problem is that he's really only got one decent lineman, Anthony Buda. They've got a few pretty good athletes, one of whom will be the primary ball carrier, but his name escapes me at the moment. Rob started at QB, and also at point guard on the B-ball team, as a sophomore and is a very good athlete, but he can't do it all by himself. I don't expect much improvement from last year's 2-8 record.

PREDICTION: 3-7 (2-6)

Best-Case Scenario: LHS pulls upsets of two of the four "playoff contenders" and finishes 5-5 (4-4).

Worst-Case Scenario: They're even worse than I thought they were, and finish 1-9, only defeating hapless Avondale in their opener.

Playoff Chances: 5%

8. FORSYTH CENTRAL--They haven't done much of anything since joining the region, and went 1-9 last year, only defeating North Springs. Tucker and Marist both could have probably put up around 100 against Central and North Springs had they tried.

PREDICTION: 1-9 (1-7)

Best-Case Scenario: LHS is worse than I thought they were, and Central also wins against both of the bad teams they play in non-Region action, for a 4-6 (2-6) finish.

Playoff Chances: None.

9. NORTH SPRINGS-- The Spartans finished 1-9 last year, and were the worst team I saw last year. North Springs is in an area that is becoming more and more transient lately, and I have a feeling they'll get worse before they get better. As recently as 2002, North Springs presented a challenge for even Tucker and Marist, but no more.

PREDICTION: (0-10) (0-8)

Best-Case Scenario: They defeat non-Region foe Berkmar, and then Lakeside and Central in Region play, for a 3-7 (2-6) finish.

Worst-Case Scenario: They can't even compete with Central and Lakeside, getting beaten by at least three TD's in every game this year.

Playoff Chances: None

Ben E Lou

08-16-2005, 04:38 PM

And...my predictions for this Friday night for 6-AAAA teams.

Chamblee vs. Wesleyan
Wesleyan has a new coach this year and I've heard he likes to throw the ball. This squad should be no match for Roddy Jones, though.

Chamblee 28, Wesleyan 13

Etowah vs Sequoyah
Etowah threw a scare into Tucker last year, and is said to have a pretty good group of returning players, but Sequoyah is a state power in AAAAA.

Sequoyah 24, Etowah 7

Forsyth Central vs. North Forsyth
Central has consistently had one of the worst teams in the Region, and I've heard nothing to think that won't be any different this year. North will probably challenge for a playoff spot.

North 31, Central 6

Lakeside vs. Avondale
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. LHS has fallen on hard times. However, Avondale is so bad that they lost by 30 to Druid Hills last season. Their new coach isn't going to help 'em that much. LHS still has some athletes.

Lakeside 28, Avondale 7

Marist vs Benedictine
Benedictine is an AAA school who went 2-8 last season. They should have no hope of competing with the War Eagle juggernaut.

Marist 42, Benedictine 7

North Springs vs Berkmar
North Springs was AWFUL last season. Truly awful. Six of their 9 losses were by 4 TD's or more. Berkmar isn't really a good team, but they're better than North Springs.

Berkmar 24, North Springs 6

Pius vs Hiram
Pius was exposed as a fraud by both Marist and Tucker last year, and lost most of their top talent. I don't know much about Hiram, but Pius only beat 'em by seven last year. That's all I need to know.

Hiram 24, Pius 14

Tucker vs. Cedar Grove
I did a little snoopin' around, and it turns out that Ballard may not have been blowing smoke, after all. Cedar Grove returns most of their starters from last season, and is sure to be improved. Still, this Tucker team is loaded. I don't see a non-top-tier team stopping this offense on a regular basis.

Tucker 38, Cedar Grove 14

Ben E Lou

08-18-2005, 03:27 PM

The AJC previews the 6-AAAA teams in DeKalb County...

REGION 6-AAAA

Chamblee Bulldogs

• Coach: Brent Miller

• 2004: 4-6

• Returning starters: LB/TE Kelvin Davis (6-1, 190, Sr.), QB Jason Barcus (6-1, 170, Sr.), DB Elliot Tarplin (5-11, 170, Sr.), WR Barry Huntley (6-0, 175, Sr.), LB/FB Josh Williams (5-10, 180, Sr.), RB Roddy Jones (5-9, 185, Jr.), OL/DL Art Miller (6-1, 255, Sr.), OL/DL Ivan Sharpe (6-0, 230, Jr.), LB/OL Chris Parks (5-11, 200, Jr.), LB Osagied Uzzi (6-1, 220, Sr.), DL Taylor Loftely (6-0, 235, Soph.), OL/DL Rick Toerney (6-2, 230, Jr.), OL/DL Amir Nga (6-4, 250, Sr.), OL/LB Justin Smith (6-2, 290, Sr.), TE/DE Nicolai Scharzkopf (6-4, 190, Jr.).

• Outlook: Miller is in his second year at Chamblee and is ready to reap the fruits of the growing pains of last year, when 18 out of 22 players were first-year starters. The Bulldogs return all but three starters, including tailback Roddy Jones, who led the county in rushing last year as a sophomore. Every member of the offensive line benches 300 pounds or more.

• Chances of making the playoffs: Decent.

Lakeside Vikings

• Coach: Bill Harris

• 2004: 2-8

• Returning starters: WR Jake Baker (5-9, 170, Sr.), DL Anthony Buda (6-2, 222, Jr.), DB Thai Ford (5-6, 160, Sr.), TE/LB Mike Gandy (6-1, 210, Sr.), DB Dwight Hooker (6-0, 175, Sr.), DB Marwin Hooker (6-2, 180, Jr.), LB Ty Huff (5-10, 190, Jr.), DL Ladarrius Jackson (5-11, 222, Jr.), OL Archie Japaridze (5-11, 215, Sr.), TB Branden Little (5-7, 160, Sr.), QB Rob Pope (6-0, 175, Jr.), OL Kevin Roden (6-3, 280, Jr.), LB Brian Salino (6-2, 190, Soph.), OL/DE Ivan Yavtushenko (6-2, 220, Sr.).

• Outlook: Lakeside is ready to avenge last year's performance. The Vikings were young and inexperienced, but the growing pains appear to have subsided. Lakeside returns all but three players from last year. Harris has turned his attention to the offense and plans to run some option. He has two QBs, Rob Pope and Dwight Hooker, who can score from anywhere on the field. The roster has 85 players and lots of speed.

• Chances of making the playoffs: Decent if the Vikings stay healthy.

Marist War Eagles

• Coach: Alan Chadwick

• 2004: 10-2

• Returning starters: WR/DB Jason Garofalo (5-9, 160, Sr.), RB/DB Matthew Husak (5-8, 175, Sr.), RB/DB Wyatt Middleton (6-2, 190, Sr.), RB Preston Lyons (6-1, 203, Jr.), OL Patrick Holloway (6-3, 250, Sr.), OL Michael Gann (6-3, 240, Sr.), TE Gamble Cleveland (6-1, 195, Sr.), DB Gary Marshall (5-9, 165, Jr.), DL Brent Ducote (5-10, 185, Sr.), DE Taylor Rhett (6-2, 196, Sr.), P Keegan Keel (6-2, 180, Sr.).

• Outlook: Marist has made the playoffs 22 straight years and should have no problem doing so again this season. The War Eagles were hit hard by graduation, but still have Chadwick and a veteran staff. Lyons may be the team's top offensive weapon, while Marshall will be a first-year starter at quarterback.

• Chances of making the playoffs: Excellent.

St. Pius Golden Lions

• Coach: Paul Standard

• 2004: 8-3

• Returning starters: LB/FB Nathan Shaffner (5-11, 215, Sr.), DB Kevin Cone (6-3, 190, Sr.), PK John Charles White (6-2, 185, Sr.), DE/FB Tyler Fish (5-11, 200, Jr.), DT-OL Shawn O'Toole (5-11, 235, Sr.).

• Outlook: St. Pius is coming off two of the best years in the program's history, posting an 18-6 record with two playoff appearances. The Golden Lions lost 32 seniors, including 18 starters. It would seem the Golden Lions would be rebuilding, but they have a lot of young talent that could surprise.

• Chances of making the playoffs: Fair.

Tucker Tigers

• Coach: Bill Ballard

• 2004: 12-1

• Returning starters: QB Dwayne Harris (6-0, 197, Sr.), WR/OLB Chad Sims (6-0, 197, Sr.), RB/DB Asher Allen (5-11, 193, Sr.), FB/SS Myke Compton (5-10, 195, Sr.), FB/LB Donnie Hardy (6-2, 200, Sr.), OL/NT Anthony Cloud (5-9, 235, Sr.), OL Jotis Head (6-2, 260, Sr.).

• Outlook: Tucker has received a ton of preseason publicity due to having five players who already have been offered scholarships, including Allen, with his 50 offers. After the high-profile players, Ballard will be counting heavily on a lot of inexperienced but talented players. Harris threw for 1,310 yards and nine touchdowns last year.

• Chances of making the playoffs: Excellent.

Projected standings

1. Marist

2. Tucker

3. Etowah

4. Lakeside

5. Chamblee

6. St. Pius

7. North Forsyth

8. North Springs

9. Forsyth Central

digamma

08-19-2005, 10:46 AM

Let's get it started!!!

Ben E Lou

08-19-2005, 01:42 PM

Let's get it started!!!Preach the Word! I just got back from the high school. The boys are pumped and focused, and there's excitement in the air. They seem very much ready to roll.

Ben E Lou

08-19-2005, 03:13 PM

Coaches Poll Released, Tigers ranked #2.

<table height="444" width="416"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td rowspan="2" class="xl22" style="border-bottom: 0.5pt solid black;" align="center" height="64" width="66">No</td> <td rowspan="2" class="xl26" style="border-bottom: 0.5pt solid black;" align="center" height="64" width="270">School</td> <td rowspan="2" class="xl22" style="border-bottom: 0.5pt solid black;" align="center" height="64" width="1">W-L</td> <td class="xl22" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">Last</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 12.75pt;" height="17"> <td class="xl23" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">Week</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 36pt;" height="48"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">1</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Warner Robins(3S-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 24pt;" height="32"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">2</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Tucker(6-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 24pt;" height="32"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">3</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Statesboro(2-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 48pt;" height="64"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">4</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Northside-Warner Robins(3S-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 24pt;" height="32"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">5</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Rome(7S-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 24pt;" height="32"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">6</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Griffin(3N-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 24pt;" height="32"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">7</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Marist(6-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 36pt;" height="48"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">8</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Ware County(1-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 24pt;" height="32"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">9</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Heritage(8-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 36pt;" height="48"> <td class="xl24" style="border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" x:num="" align="center" height="37" width="64">10</td> <td class="xl25" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="269">Washington(5W-AAAA)</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="1">0-0</td> <td class="xl24" style="border-left-style: none; border-left-width: medium; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: medium;" align="center" height="37" width="64">--</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Ben E Lou

08-20-2005, 12:31 PM

REGION 6-AAAA RESULTS FROM FRIDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 19TH

Tucker 42 Cedar Grove 13
(My prediction was: Tucker 38, Cedar Grove 14)

Asher is still recovering from his hamstring injury, and played offense only tonight, but on the first play from scrimmage, he touched the football for the first time in three weeks, and carried it 18 yards. For the night, Double-A carried 13 times for 85 yards, and Myke had 12 carries for 102 yards, and we came away with a 42-13 victory. Dwayne had a solid night overall, and perhaps a new star was born: Dwayne's little brother, sophomore Derrick Harris, had several nice plays on the night, including a punt return for a TD in which he showed off some nice moves and speed. Overall, this was an encouraging night, primarily because:

1. We didn't play *nearly* as well as we think we're capable of. We made quite a few glaring mistakes that should be corrected as the season goes along.
2. Cedar Grove was clearly a team that had improved from last season quite a bit.

Taking the above into consideration and the fact that we *still* won 42-13, I can only be encouraged. Cedar Grove had some success in the second quarter when they switched to a 5-WR set, but our coaching staff made some nice halftime adjustments and held the Saints to 3 points in the second half--very late in the fourth quarter. The secondary will, of course, improve dramatically on its own when Asher is able to get back there again. We'll be replacing a Junior who has never started before with one of the nation's best. Plus, getting some young guys some valuable experience back there should help us in the long run. Cedar Grove definitely had its share of good athletes, particularly out in that 5-WR set, so it was a good experience for our corners.

North Forsyth 16 Forsyth Central 7

(My prediction was: North 31, Central 6)
By all accounts I'm hearing, this one was stunningly close. Central actually LED 7-3 with 2 minutes to play, but North threw a TD pass, then ran back an INT for a TD on the desparation final drive. There's some indication that North was missing some key players due to injury, so I'm not sure what the closeness of this one means in the long run. The middle part of Forsyth County is, like the northern end, a very fast-growing area, so it isn't terribly difficult to believe that they got a few new move-ins and stepped it up a notch. We'll have to see.

Sequoyah 24 Etowah 14
(My prediction was: Sequoyah 24, Etowah 7)

Closer than I would have expected, but to be honest, it sounds like I didn't do my due diligence on Sequoyah. Yes, they're usually a 8-2, 9-1 team in AAAAA and ranked #9 in that classification, but a little more research this morning reveals that even their own fans are saying that they lost a lot from last year and expect this to be a rebuilding year. I'm not going to read too much into Etowah playing them close.

Berkmar 23 North Springs 6
(My prediction was: Berkmar 24, North Springs 6) :D

If the AJC is to believed (which is ALWAYS a crap shoot...they mis-reported the Tucker score this morning...), Berkmar dominated this one from the start. Sounds like, as expected, North Springs still sucks.

Hiram 21 St. Pius 3
(My prediction was: Hiram 24, Pius 14)

This one apparently came as a bit of a surprise to many, but not to Ol' SkyDog. ;) However, I must admit to having a trusted contact who is very close to the Pius program who told me to expect them to drop into the middle tier of the region this year.

Marist/Benedictine - Sat.
Marist head coach Alan Chadwick and several of his minions were at the Tucker game last night. That's the kind of intensity this rivalry has, and the reality of the competitive balance of this Region.

Lakeside/Avondale - Sat.
I'll probably be checking this one out tonight, but I'm not expecting much. Two LHS two-way starters were actually with me at an all-night lock-in on Friday night. Yeah--they stayed up all night the night before their opener. Several THS players were there (Compton, both Harris brothers, Randie Bourne, Donnie Hardy, Chad Sims, and a few guys who don't play often and haven't mentioned in this thread.) They were *stunned* that the LHS players were there the night before a game.

Chamblee/Wesleyan - Sat.
Chamblee's stud RB Roddy Jones was sitting in the Tucker section last night. He looks like he's gained 10 or more pounds of muscle from last year. He's going to be a beast. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the Rivals 100 next year. Clearly, he needs to transfer to his home district to get the kind of exposure and day-to-day competition in practice that would help him take it to the next level. ;)

Ben E Lou

08-21-2005, 04:45 AM

REGION 6-AAAA RESULTS FROM SATURDAY NIGHT, AUGUST 20TH

Marist 36, Benedictine 8
(My prediction was: Marist 42, Benedictine 7)

No real surprise to see the War Eagles roll.

Lakeside 42, Avondale 0
(My prediction was: Lakeside 28, Avondale 7)

It is hard to tell much from this one. LHS won 36-0 in last year's opener over Avondale, then proceeded to go 1-8 the rest of the way. That being said, QB Rob Pope really looked good running the option last night, and RB Brandon Little showed some nice speed. The Tucker players and coaches who were there all thought that Lakeside looked better than last year, and better than we thought they'd look. They could move up from the "bottom feeder" category to "playoff contender." The jury could stay out on this team until at least September 9th, though. They play a weak Stone Mountain team next week, then face Tucker the next. A big win against Stone Mountain and a big loss against Tucker wouldn't really tell us very much, either.

Chamblee 26 Wesleyan 20
(My prediction was: Chamblee 28, Wesleyan 13)

All I got on this one was a score.

NEXT WEEK
Tucker vs. Americus-Sumter--Rumors of serious problems down in Americus look to have been confirmed by them opening with a 35-0 loss. Tucker will probably embarrass them in the Dome.

Paulding County at Marist--Paulding lost a close game to a mediocre Cedartown team last week. Mediocre doesn't beat Marist.

Woodstock at Etowah--Etowah plays their second game against a AAAAA team. It is Woodstock's opener. Last year's game was pretty close.

Chamblee vs. Dunwoody--Dunwoody is Chamblee's natural geographic rival. Dunwoody, though, has dropped down to AAA, and got blown out by Chamblee last year. No reason not to expect the same this year.

Blessed Trinity at St. Pius--Blessed Trinity went 2-8 last year, but opened with a win over a team that had spanked 'em last year. They could be much improved, and may just give Pius a game this year in what will be only their fourth year of playing a full slate of games. Pius has owned 'em 88-11 overall in the last three contests. This is probably the most compelling matchup involved a 6-AAAA team next week, and it isn't exactly a thrilling-sounding one.

Hiram at North Forsyth--Hiram beat Pius 21-3 on Friday night, so this could be a real measuring stick game for North.

North Springs at Dalton--No reason not to expect pretty much a repeat of last year's 37-10 Dalton win.

Dawson County at Forsyth Central--Dawson beat Central 13-0 last year. FCHS surprised many last week by nearly beating North.

Lakeside vs. Stone Mountain--Stone Mountain got spanked by Redan. A 2-0 start could really get the Lakeside faithful pumped up for the Tucker game.

Ben E Lou

08-21-2005, 02:49 PM

Looking back over some results from past seasons, I noticed a couple of things worth mentioning.

1. Tucker has a current 18-game regular season winning streak.
2. The last time the Tigers lost a Region game to someone other than Marist was in 1999. :eek: That's also the only time in the last 19 years that we've missed the playoffs. Starting QB Gene Pate was injured for most of that season, and we went 6-4.

JonInMiddleGA

08-21-2005, 03:31 PM

Ben E Lou

08-21-2005, 03:39 PM

I'm just glad you got through Week One relatively healthy. Pretty bad weekend for QB's, with Griffin & Cherokee both losing their starters to broken legs (I sure hope the one in Griffin somehow sounds a lot worse than it was, I can't remember too many players being airlifted from a game, even with a compound fracture).Yeah, I heard about the airlift thing. Scary.

I forgot to mention some fireworks that occurred in the third quarter of the Tucker game that we may be reading about in the AJC later this week. The game was played at Avondale stadium, which has a fence wayyyyyyy too close to the sidelines. (Adams and North DeKalb, the other two we play in a good bit, do not have fences between the players and the track.) An Avondale player was trying to get to the near sideline, and our young CB who starter in Asher's place was trying to cut him off. They got to the corner at the same time, and the CB, who was running almost completely East-West, pushed the Avondale player with his full momentum behind him. The contact was on the field of play, so it was completely legal. However, with both players already moving quickly, the force of the CB's shove slammed the Avondale kid into the fence VERY hard. An Avondale coach reacted to the play and shoved our kid--a HUGE no-no. He was immediately ejected, and I'd imagine we'll be hearing more about this little incident.

Ben E Lou

08-21-2005, 07:08 PM

Updated AJC rankings for week 2...

CLASS AAAA
1. Warner Robins (1-0)
2. Statesboro (1-0)
3. Tucker (1-0)
4. Griffin (1-0)
5. Northside-WR (1-0)
6. Rome (1-0)
7. Ware Co. (1-0)
8. Creekside (1-0)
9. Marist (1-0)
10. Thomas Co. Central (1-0)

Compared to last week...
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="1"> <tbody><tr><td align="left">CLASS AAAA</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"><td align="left"> 1. Warner Robins (14-0-1), at Houston Co.</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 2. Statesboro (14-1) at SE Bulloch</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 3. Tucker (12-1) at Cedar Grove</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 4. Griffin (11-2) at Heritage</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 5. Northside-WR (10-2) at Peach County</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 6. Rome (12-1) Murray County</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 7. Washington (11-2) Douglass</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 8. Ware County (12-2) at Coffee</td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#e2e2e2"> <td align="left"> 9. Creekside (10-2) at Alexander
</td></tr> <tr> <td align="left"> 10. Marist (10-2) at Benedictine
Others to watch: Bainbridge, Heritage, Gordon Central, Mays, North Clayton</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="left">
</td></tr></tbody> </table>

digamma

08-21-2005, 08:00 PM

Ben E Lou

08-24-2005, 09:26 AM

Are you sure Tucker didn't sneak into the play-offs as the #4 seed in 99? I have to admit I'm completely blanking on that season, but I don't recall a play-off miss.I'm going to have to double-check. I can't find that info online anywhere, so I'm going off of memory. I might have an old football program around somewhere that could help shed a little light, or ask around. I'm 99% certain that was the season that Gene got hurt. I'll try to remember to ask his dad some time this week.

Man, I'm ready for Region play to start. I can't recall a less-compelling set of non-region games than the ones this weekend, although it will be fun to win one in the Dome.

Ben E Lou

08-25-2005, 06:48 AM

From today's AJC coverage of DeKalb County high school sports...
Tucker: They've got the power

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/25/05 Online sales

If you notice a lot of people walking by the ticket office and straight to the main gate at Adams Stadium this year, it's not because they are getting in for free. DeKalb County Athletics has formed a partnership with TicketAnnex.com for the online purchase of tickets for football games at Adams this year. The new program could be extended to all five stadiums in 2006. County athletics director Charlie Henderson said in a statement: "Fans will be able to use credit cards [and] avoid the long lines at game times."

 Dome memories

A trivia question: Who was the first player to score a touchdown in a high school game at the Georgia Dome? It was Southwest DeKalb's Roscoe Harris in 1992. It was the first year of prep football at the facility, and the Wildcats were eventually edged by Newnan in the kickoff classic. Southwest DeKalb coach Buck Godfrey recalled: "Newnan was ranked No. 1 in the state, and we started 14 sophomores for that game."

Big 16 football power ratings

Class AAAAA-AAAA schools: 1. Tucker (Coach Bill Ballard keeps telling everyone that the Tigers are very young after a few big-name players but no one is buying it); 2. Marist (big road win at Savannah Benedictine); 3. Stephenson (no shame in loss to Brookwood); 4. Heritage (no shame in loss to Griffin); 5. Redan (this year's dark horse?); 6. Lakeside; 7. Salem; 8. Columbia (pulled off one of state's biggest upsets against Southwest DeKalb); 9. Chamblee; 10. Southwest DeKalb; 11. Cedar Grove; 12. St. Pius; 13. Rockdale County; 14. Stone Mountain; 15. Lithonia; 16. Miller Grove.

Little nine power ratings

Class AAA-A schools: 1. McNair (smooth transition under new head coach); 2. Decatur (plays two Class AAAAA schools in next three games); 3. M.L. King; 4. Towers; 5. Dunwoody; 6. Clarkston; 7. Druid Hills; 8. Cross Keys; 9. Avondale.

Who would've thought?

Chamblee has arguably the area's most talented player in junior tailback Roddy Jones. However, the Bulldogs went to the air in the second half of the come-from-behind win over Wesleyan, with quarterback Jason Barcus throwing two touchdowns in the third quarter.

Not according to form

St. Pius lost to Hiram 21-3, the first season-opening loss for the Golden Lions in five years.

Big-time blockers

Linemen always seem to get overlooked, so it's good to hear Salem coach Frank Caputo praising two of his blockers in the 22-18 win over Spaulding. Cesar Ortiz graded at 87-percent with one pancake and four knockdowns, while Brad Lester graded at 80-percent and had two knockdowns.

THEY SAID IT

"That is kind of early, but it's OK. We want to be the opening act for [the Classic], and then one of the closing acts for the state semifinals in December."

— RODERICK MOORE

McNair coach, on playing at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday in the Georgia Dome

BY THE NUMBERS

1-6: Record of area teams in games played in the Georgia Dome over the past two years. The only winner was Marist; the private school went on to capture the 2003 Class AAAA championship.

5-4: Record of DeKalb's first-year football coaches last week. Winners were McNair's Roderick Moore, M.L. King's Corey Jarvis, Redan's Ronnie Fleetwood, Towers' Tony McKee, Decatur's Michael Tanks.

Ben E Lou

08-25-2005, 06:50 AM

A spotlight on Dwayne today from the AJC...

TUCKER'S DWAYNE HARRIS

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 08/25/05 We know about Dwayne Harris as a football player. He's the senior quarterback for No. 3-ranked Tucker. Now we learn about:

• The celebrity he most resembles: People say I look a little like Michael Vick. I don't think so, but I probably play football a little like he does.

<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="175"><tbody><tr><td>http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/03/90/97/image_1797903.jpg (http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/0805/MEDIADAY20_2.html)
RENEE' HANNANS HENRY
(ENLARGE) (http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/0805/MEDIADAY20_2.html)
</td></tr><tr><td class="caption">
</td></tr><tr><td>http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/04/90/97/image_1797904.jpg (http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/0805/HSGENIUS3.html)
Harris
(ENLARGE) (http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/0805/HSGENIUS3.html)
</td></tr><tr><td class="caption">
</td></tr><tr><td>
</td><td width="5">http://www.ajc.com/shared-local/images/1pix_trans.gif</td></tr></tbody></table> • His dog: I've got a pit bull named Missy. She likes to go walking and watch movies with me.

• His car: I drive a 1995 Mazda 626. I didn't fix it up any because it already had a CD player. Most importantly, it gets me from point A to point B.

• His dream car: Lincoln Navigator.

• His favorite movie: "The Longest Yard." That was so funny when Adam Sandler stole his wife's car and wrecked it.

• His favorite TV show: "Wild 'N Out" with Nick Cannon. He has a lot of celebrities on there, and they tell jokes off the tops of their heads.

• If he was picked for a TV reality show: I would like to be on MTV's "Real World." They seem to have the most fun.

• His favorite singer: Monica. She is cute, and I like the way she sings. She sings about unique and different things.

• His favorite outfit: White T-shirt, blue jean shorts and sandals.

• His pet peeve: My mom is always asking me to take out the trash, go to the mailbox and vacuum the living room floor. I don't like doing any of those things, but I have to.

• His best friend: Brittany Allen. I've known her since kindergarten at Stoneview Elementary. I can talk to her about anything.

• His favorite home-cooked meal: I love fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. I don't get it enough. My mom cooks it about once every two weeks.

• His favorite fast food: The McDonald's double cheeseburger for a dollar.

• His worst part-time job: One summer I cut grass for my uncle. It was so hot. He's tried to get me to do it again since then, but I passed.

Ben E Lou

08-26-2005, 07:35 AM

When I first read there was going to be roughly 16 coaches I about crapped then I saw 170 kids on the football team!?!?!?

We only have 77 guys in our whole school district!

I can't imagine.

Does most of the schools Tucker play have that many kids playing?More on numbers. I saw Ballard yesterday, and he was telling me when I could pick up my sideline pass for the Georgia Dome tomorrow. Then, he chuckled and said, "You should have heard my conversation with [DeKalb County Director Of Athletics] Charlie [Henderson] this week. He 'bout choked when I told him we needed 47 sideline passes. He told me that no other school had asked for more than 10 for non-coaches. We'll have 30 of y'all down there with us." http://www.fof-ihof.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif (javascript:emoticon(':shock:'))

digamma

08-26-2005, 11:34 AM

More on numbers. I saw Ballard yesterday, and he was telling me when I could pick up my sideline pass for the Georgia Dome tomorrow. Then, he chuckled and said, "You should have heard my conversation with [DeKalb County Director Of Athletics] Charlie [Henderson] this week. He 'bout choked when I told him we needed 47 sideline passes. He told me that no other school had asked for more than 10 for non-coaches. We'll have 30 of y'all down there with us." http://www.fof-ihof.com/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:emoticon%28%27:shock:%27%29)
If there's a return trip to the Dome in November, he's going to need one more.http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

Ben E Lou

08-26-2005, 06:02 PM

Predictions for this week...

Tucker vs. Americus-Sumter--Ballard wasn't coachspeaking last week when he said that Cedar Grove had improved, so I'm going to believe his comments that Americus-Sumter is bigger than us, and almost as fast. Apparently last week's game wasn't the blowout it looked like. They had a buttload of turnovers. Still, Tigers win, but let's say, 28-14 Tucker.

Paulding County at Marist--Paulding lost a close game to a mediocre Cedartown team last week. Mediocre doesn't beat Marist. Marist wins 35-3

Woodstock at Etowah--Etowah plays their second game against a AAAAA team. It is Woodstock's opener. Last year's game was pretty close. This one will be too, but Etowah squeaks out a 17-14 win.

Chamblee vs. Dunwoody--Dunwoody is Chamblee's natural geographic rival. Dunwoody, though, has dropped down to AAA, and got blown out by Chamblee last year. No reason not to expect the same this year. Roddy runs for 200+ yards as Chamblee wins 31-7.

Blessed Trinity at St. Pius--Blessed Trinity went 2-8 last year, but opened with a win over a team that had spanked 'em last year. They could be much improved, and may just give Pius a game this year in what will be only their fourth year of playing a full slate of games. Pius has owned 'em 88-11 overall in the last three contests. This is probably the most compelling matchup involved a 6-AAAA team next week, and it isn't exactly a thrilling-sounding one. Pius wins 17-13.

Hiram at North Forsyth--Hiram beat Pius 21-3 on Friday night, so this could be a real measuring stick game for North. Look for them to win at home 21-17.

North Springs at Dalton--No reason not to expect pretty much a repeat of last year's blowout. Dalton 42, North Springs 6

Dawson County at Forsyth Central--Dawson beat Central 13-0 last year. FCHS surprised many last week by nearly beating North. Let's go with homestanding Central by a 10-7 count.

Lakeside vs. Stone Mountain--Stone Mountain got spanked by Redan. A 2-0 start could really get the Lakeside faithful pumped up for the Tucker game. I'm heading out the door for this one in a few minutes. I'm going with the Vikings. Lakeside 21, Stone Mountain 10

Ben E Lou

08-27-2005, 06:09 AM

WEEK TWO--Friday Night Results

Paulding County at Marist--Paulding lost a close game to a mediocre Cedartown team last week. Mediocre doesn't beat Marist. Marist wins 35-3As expected, the War Eagles rolled. FINAL: Marist 42, Paulding County 14

Woodstock at Etowah--Etowah plays their second game against a AAAAA team. It is Woodstock's opener. Last year's game was pretty close. This one will be too, but Etowah squeaks out a 17-14 win.Not sure what to make of this one. Woodstock came out in the opener and apparently didn't have any kinks to work out. They spanked Etowah. FINAL: Woodstock 41, Etowah 6

Chamblee vs. Dunwoody--Dunwoody is Chamblee's natural geographic rival. Dunwoody, though, has dropped down to AAA, and got blown out by Chamblee last year. No reason not to expect the same this year. Roddy runs for 200+ yards as Chamblee wins 31-7.I mis-read Chamblee's schedule. They are OFF this week. The Dunwoody game is next Friday. :p

Blessed Trinity at St. Pius--Blessed Trinity went 2-8 last year, but opened with a win over a team that had spanked 'em last year. They could be much improved, and may just give Pius a game this year in what will be only their fourth year of playing a full slate of games. Pius has owned 'em 88-11 overall in the last three contests. This is probably the most compelling matchup involved a 6-AAAA team next week, and it isn't exactly a thrilling-sounding one. Pius wins 17-13.Apparently, Blessed Trinity still isn't up to being competitive with their larger-Catholic-school rivals. Pius rolls. FINAL: Pius 31, Blessed Trinity 7

Hiram at North Forsyth--Hiram beat Pius 21-3 on Friday night, so this could be a real measuring stick game for North. Look for them to win at home 21-17.North took an early lead and hung on for the win. Pius comes to town next week for a matchup that will help sort out the teams in the middle. FINAL: North 24, Hiram 21

North Springs at Dalton--No reason not to expect pretty much a repeat of last year's blowout. Dalton 42, North Springs 6This one was closer than expected. I don't know if Dalton is a little down, or if North Springs has improved. My guess would be the former. FINAL: Dalton 24, North Springs 6

Dawson County at Forsyth Central--Dawson beat Central 13-0 last year. FCHS surprised many last week by nearly beating North. Let's go with homestanding Central by a 10-7 count.This one wasn't really even close. Central must have been pumped up to play rival North last week. FINAL: Dawson Co. 26, Forsyth Central 0

Lakeside vs. Stone Mountain--Stone Mountain got spanked by Redan. A 2-0 start could really get the Lakeside faithful pumped up for the Tucker game. I'm heading out the door for this one in a few minutes. I'm going with the Vikings. Lakeside 21, Stone Mountain 10This was a fun game to watch. My buddy QB Rob Pope looked quite good, both running and passing. His days are starting to pay off. Dat white boy got some MOVES! ;) LHS had a couple of costly turnovers, including a play where a DE got in the backfield on a draw play and actually TOOK the ball from Rob at full stride, and went all the way for a TD. Still, the Vikings prevailed. Rob made the play of the night, though. In a shotgun, the ball was snapped well over his head. He went back around 8-12 yards to get it. It looked like his first instinct was to fall on it, but he decided to pick it up. Two LB's and a DT were converging on him, but Rob showed some nifty moves, made all three of the bruthas miss, and broke out containment toward the line of scrimmage. JUST before he got to the LOS, he noticed that a receiver was standing 15 yards or so behind the secondary alone. Rob never hesitated; while still running forward at full speed, he threw a perfect strike that turned into a long TD. He released the ball less than a yard from the LOS, too. Very nice play. We'll see how he looks next week against Tucker, but from what I've seen the last couple of weeks, this kid might just be playing on Saturdays before all is said and done.

Tucker is in the Georgia Dome this evening.

JonInMiddleGA

08-27-2005, 10:48 AM

Also worth noting on the 2nd weekend of the season, #2 Parkview lost at home to unranked Norcross 14-6. Parkview is a perennial contender in the state's largest classification (and the alma mater of Jeff Francouer). The game turned on a controversial play as referees said a punt bounced & hit the foot of the Parkview return man who let the ball go over his head hoping for a touchback. Norcross thought they downed it at the 1, instead, they had posession at the 1 which they stuck in for a lead that held up for the next 21 minutes. The loss is Parkview's 2nd straight at home in "The Big Orange Jungle" dating back to last year's title game loss to Lowndes County.

Ben E Lou

08-27-2005, 09:52 PM

I'd been keeping one bit of info quiet, but Rivals.com was there tonight, and there's already an article posted about it, so I can do no harm by telling about it here now.

Asher dislocated his shoulder in practice on Wednesday. He was in a sling tonight, and is going to miss the Lakeside game next week. We're off the next week, and he should be back for Marist.

At any rate, Compton got the start at tailback and punt returner tonight, and he completely dominated the game. He ran back one punt for a TD, had two TD runs from scrimmage, had yet another punt return TD called back due to an illegal block, and also blocked a punt. (I think he sold concessions and did a dance number at halftime, too. :p ) Scott Kennedy, head of Scout.com's prospect rankings for the state, was there. I got the pleasure of telling him that Myke was the most under-rated player in the state. He said, "Normally, when people tell me that, I disagree, but I can't really argue with you after what I heard about last week's performace and what I saw tonight." Scott took a good bit of video, including a couple of his big plays, and also did an on-camera interview of Myke after the game. He told us to look for an article soon. Looks like Myke might start gettin' some love now. :)

The other two players who stood out were Dwayne and Derrick Harris. "Big H to Little H," as it is now being called, was workin' tonight. Little H caught two TD's from Big H tonight, including one frozen rope that split a couple of defenders. I think Derrick had two other catches as well. Great night for him. As I mentioned in comments on last week's games, this sophomore is looking like something special.

The final score was 41-21, but it was nowhere near that close. The argument was settled in the second quarter, when we took a 34-0 lead. A-S's first TD came against a defense with a hybrid of Varsity and JV players, and the other two came against all JVers, with even a few Freshmen sprinkled in.

Former Tigers Thomas Brown, Brandon Lang and Tavares Kearney joined us on the sideline, along with Thomas's roommate, UGA safety Keelin Johnson. TKO had his knee surgery this week, and will miss the season. He confirmed that it was the same injury that bothered him on and off while at Tucker. I also got to hear his side of the story regarding all that junk with the TA.

Ben E Lou

08-27-2005, 09:57 PM

Ben E Lou

08-28-2005, 03:50 AM

Brother-to-brother scores big for Tucker

The Harris family had a good time at the Georgia Gridiron Football Classic at the Georgia Dome on Saturday night. And when the Harris family is having a good time, so is Tucker.

The Harris brothers teamed up with tailback Myke Compton to dismantle Americus-Sumter 41-21.

 Dwayne Harris, a senior quarterback, hooked up with his sophomore brother, Derrick, for touchdown passes of 14 and 30 yards. Meanwhile, Compton scored three touchdowns as Class AAAA's No. 3-ranked Tigers (2-0) made it a rout by halftime.

"I love having my little brother," said Dwayne Harris, who is being heavily recruited by several ACC programs. "This is like us being in the back yard. When I'm in trouble, I know he'll be there. I know how he plays and how he runs. We have a lot of chemistry."

Tucker scored on its opening possession by marching 76 yards on seven plays. A 25-yard run by Compton and a 34-yard option keeper by Harris set up Compton's

5-yard touchdown run.

On their next possession, punter Joe Rioux's wedge shot put Americus-Sumter (0-2) on its own 1-yard line. Tucker bottled the Panthers up and took over on Americus' 32. Moments later, Dwayne Harris found Derrick on a wheel route for a 20-yard score.

Tucker deflected the Panthers' next punt. On the next play, Compton broke outside and sprinted just inside the pylon for a 22-yard touchdown to make it 20-0. He finished with 118 yards on 10 carries.

After Compton's 72-yard punt return for a touchdown was wiped out on a holding call, undeterred Tucker struck big again. The Harris-to-Harris combo worked for a 30-yard score on the same route they had executed earlier. They connected on four passes for 73 yards.

I don't think I've commented on P Joe Rioux (pronounced like "Rio") in this thread. Joe was the starting QB for the JV team as a freshman, but was injured in practice, his right (throwing) elbow getting shattered. He's had three or four surgeries on it since then, but it'll never be quite the same. He was cleared for football midway through last season, and considered coming out and punting for us then, but decided not to. (Gotta wonder what difference he might have made in the Statesboro game...) At any rate, Joe kicks a great ball. He usually gets it to turn over and has good hang time. The coffin corner punt was executed just perfectly. Joe put it up there with great hang time, and Myke (who else?) was standing there on the one-yard line waiting for it on the first bounce. Joe's also the holder for FG's and XP's. He could prove to be a *very* valuable asset to us this season.

Ironically, had it not been for Joe's injury, I have to wonder whether or not Dwayne would have transferred to Tucker. I know that part of the reason that Dwayne came in was that we had no one waiting in the wings to take over for D.T. Had Joe remained healthy, I'm fairly confident that he would have been the QB-in-waiting.

Ben E Lou

08-28-2005, 04:04 PM

A look at Myke Compton. (http://www.younglifenorthlake.com/fofc/compton.wmv)

Ben E Lou

08-28-2005, 04:25 PM

A look at Big H (And #5 Little H)
(http://www.younglifenorthlake.com/fofc/dwayne.wmv)

illinifan999

08-28-2005, 04:36 PM

That juke that Dwayne put in on the first option in the video was nuts.

digamma

08-28-2005, 10:16 PM

What was the Dome crowd like?

Ben E Lou

08-29-2005, 04:23 AM

What was the Dome crowd like?Our crowd was pretty good. More alumni showed up than I would have expected. Crowds for some of the other schools (especially Towers) were pathetic. The Americus-Sumter crowd was pretty low. With the mercy rule getting enacted, our game was over early. I rode with the team, so we were out of there well before the Stephenson-Southwest crowd could have been expected to be there. I'd imagine there would be a good crowd for that one.

digamma

08-30-2005, 12:19 AM

Ben E Lou

08-30-2005, 05:35 AM

I wonder what the county's bottom line ended up being on the deal. Great opportunity for the kids--and maybe that's what it is all about--but without knowing the details, I'd guess it may not have been the best idea from a business perspective.When we left the tunnel and saw the sparse crowd from the game before us, someone said, "Welcome to the Only Annual Georgia Gridiron Classic." Let's face it, with the low level of football and interest at some of the DeKalb schools, an event like this only works with SWD, Stephenson, Tucker, and maybe Lakeside or MLK. They'll never get Marist to come unless they give 'em a nice compensation package. If they could get fairly-nearby teams will strong followings to play against those four DeKalb teams, as they did in the "DeKalb Football Classic" at Memorial Stadium a few years ago, it might work. Something like:

Stephenson vs. someone like South Gwinnett--strong following, but didn't play in Kell Classic
Southwest DeKalb vs. Griffin
Lakeside or MLK vs. Creekside
Tucker vs. Warner Robins or Northside-Warner Robins

A schedule like that would draw very nice crowds, be *great* for exposure, and would probably *still* be profitable after paying the non-DeKalb schools. I just don't see Charlie Henderson having that kind of vision and flexibility, though.

Ben E Lou

08-31-2005, 08:52 PM

Heh. There must not be many good games around metro Atlanta this week. The AJC named Tucker-Lakeside the Game of the Week.

Tucker major test for Lakeside
At 2-0, Lakeside has already won as many games this year as it did during the entire 2004 season.

How good are the Vikings? They'll find out where they stand among the state's and region's elite Friday. Lakeside plays No. 3-ranked Tucker (2-0) in a Region 6-AAAA battle at 7:30 p.m. at DeKalb-Adams Stadium.

 It is one of DeKalb County's oldest rivalries. Lakeside leads the all-time series, at 22-15-1, but is coming off a 44-0 loss to Tucker last year.

"We were so young last season and we took a lot of lumps," Lakeside coach Bill Harris said. "This year, we are a year older, a year stronger and a year wiser.

"Tucker is a great test for us. We'd like to keep it close and have a chance to win in the fourth quarter. However, if we have the same thing happen as last year, then we'll just go back to the drawing board and start over."

Tucker has had little go wrong this year. The Tigers won their opening two games against Cedar Grove and Americus-Sumter by a combined 83-24. They appear to be vulnerable to overlooking Lakeside for the showdown with Marist on Sept. 16.

"I can assure you that we are not overlooking any team, especially Lakeside," Tucker coach Bill Ballard said. Lakeside is a rival game to us, and our kids will be ready to play."

Two years ago, the Vikings were one of the area's biggest surprises, posting a 6-4 mark in Class AAAAA. It was the team's first winning record since 1997.

Lakeside had eight seniors sign college scholarships, which made the transition tougher than expected when the program dropped down a classification last season.

"I knew we wouldn't be as good as the year before, but I didn't think we would be 2-8," Harris said. "However, if you look closely at our games last year, with the exception of Tucker and to some extent Marist, we were in every game until the fourth quarter."

GAME OF THE WEEK

• What: Lakeside vs. Tucker

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday at DeKalb-Adams Stadium

• Records, rankings: Lakeside is 2-0 and unranked, while Tucker is 2-0 and No. 3 in Class AAAA. This is the Region 6-AAAA opener for both teams.

• Last meeting: Tucker won 44-0 in 2004.

• Three things to watch: 1. Will Tucker overlook this game for the Marist game in two weeks? 2. Can Lakeside junior Marwin Hooker continue to put up big numbers? He had two touchdown catches, 12 tackles and one interception last week. 3. Will Lakeside quarterbacks Rob Pope and Dwight Hooker be effective throwing the ball?On the three things to watch...

1. Not a chance. DeKalb just broke up its split-feeder system last year. The current freshmen at Tucker went to 6th and 7th grade in middle school at Henderson WITH kids from Lakeside. From freshmen to seniors, the kids on the Tucker teams *know* the Lakeside kids, which makes them want to beat 'em much more than anyone else. Perhaps when the current 7th graders are Seniors, Tucker might overlook Lakeside. Not now.

2. M. Hooker is a decent player, but not great. He might make a play or two against Tucker, but he won't shine.

3. Rob has pretty good escapability, but he hasn't faced a pass rush anything like Tucker's since....last year's game against Tucker, and we know how that one turned out. I love Rob to death; I just hope he doesn't get hurt. If Harris calls 7-step drops without blocking the back-side guy, Chad Sims will annihilate Rob just like Tavares did last year. D. Hooker is not a legit QB. He had one good drive against Stone Mountain last week, but LHS's hopes rest on Rob, and on RB Brandon Little.

My thoughts on this one...

The Lakeside players and crowd will be *FIRED UP* for this one. I've heard that their students are convinced that they can win. The atmosphere will probably be pretty electric at the beginning, but that will probably change pretty quickly. Having seen LHS's last two games, it is clear that they have no answer for Myke or Dwayne. Rob and Brandon are legit players for LHS, and he might be good for a couple of TD's, but that won't be enough. Even without Asher, Tucker's offense is way too high-octane for Lakeside. Look for something along the lines of a 42-14 win for Tucker.

FACT THAT THE PRESS ISN'T MENTIONING...
2004 Varsity: Tucker 44, Lakeside 0
2004 JV: Tucker 45, Lakeside 6
2004 Freshman: Tucker 41, Lakeside 0
2004 Middle School: Tucker Middle 24, Henderson Middle 6

So, seriously, why do they think that Lakeside is going to magically close the obviously-massive talent gap and play a close game against Tucker? I don't get it.

JonInMiddleGA

08-31-2005, 09:27 PM

So, seriously, why do they think that Lakeside is going to magically close the obviously-massive talent gap and play a close game against Tucker? I don't get it.

Because it's not much of a game of the week if you look at it that way ;)

And it's pretty obvious that the paper is catching a lot of flack for their role as the unofficial p.r. machine for the Gwinnett County schools, so they had to find something to take the heat down a notch.

Ben E Lou

08-31-2005, 09:45 PM

Because it's not much of a game of the week if you look at it that way ;)

And it's pretty obvious that the paper is catching a lot of flack for their role as the unofficial p.r. machine for the Gwinnett County schools, so they had to find something to take the heat down a notch.Good points...and they deserve the flack. There are now two sections on high school football online: Gwinnett and "Metro."

Ben E Lou

09-02-2005, 04:03 AM

I went to the Tucker vs. Lakeside freshman game at LHS yesterday. Tucker was up 29-0 when I left at halftime. Rob Pope may be forgotten soon around these parts, 'cause now Tucker's got our own fast white boy at QB. I look for Chris Beck to take over as starter in '07. He's a first cousin of former Tucker QB and current Clemson Tiger Gene Pate.

A somewhat-humorous comment came during the game. LHS's varsity finished practice during the game, and walked past us standing on the track. OL/DL Anthony Buda, probably their best lineman, came up and said hello. As mentioned earlier, he was at the Dome on Saturday night. After the general pleasantries, I asked, "Well, big game tomorrow, you feel like y'all are ready?" He leaned over to me and whispered, "I think I'm the only one on the team that knows."

Ben E Lou

09-02-2005, 03:58 PM

Finals yesterday...

FRESHMEN: Tucker 49, Lakeside 0
JUNIOR VARSITY: Tucker 35, Lakeside 0

Ol' SkyDog's Region 6-AAAA Predictions For Week 3...

Tucker 42, Lakeside 14--Myke Compton may run for 200 yards tonight.
North Forsyth 24, St. Pius X 10--Raiders make an early-season statement at home as they push toward a second consecutive playoff appearance.
North Springs 24, Forsyth Central 17--North Springs is a bad football team, but they usually have a few athletes. Central is just a bad football team.
Marist 35, Etowah 14--The Was Eagle juggernaut rolls on, with their eyes set on Tucker on 9/16.
Chamblee 28, Dunwoody 14--Roddy Jones is just sick. Remember his name. Chamblee wins against non-region geographical rival Dunwoody.

Ben E Lou

09-02-2005, 11:07 PM

Just got back. Lakeside actually led Tucker tonight...

...for about 20 seconds. ;)

LHS did a good job of driving it down the field with short passes in the opening possession. They scored a TD, but a bad snap on the extra point left the score at 6-0. The kickoff was returned to around the 35. One toss sweep to Myke on the first Tucker play from scrimmage, and 65 yards later the scored was tied. McClure hit the extra point, and Tucker never really looked back from there. Compton probably had 15ish carries for 180ish yards on the night as the Tigers rolled 37-6. Dwayne had a bit of an off night, but he did hit Derrick on a jailbreak screen for a TD pass, and ran for another TD.

In other Region 6-AAAA action...

Marist 35, Etowah 7
Chamblee 24, Dunwoody 7
North Forsyth 22, St. Piux X 19 (OT)
Forsyth Central 14, North Springs 12

JonInMiddleGA

09-02-2005, 11:31 PM

Really nice Game of the Week pick huh? ;)

Good job t.c.b. by Tucker.

Ben E Lou

09-03-2005, 08:36 AM

Really nice Game of the Week pick huh? ;)

Good job t.c.b. by Tucker.Yeah, it was such a Game of the Week that the AJC didn't bother to send a reporter to the game, nor did they do any writeup whatsoever (not even one sentence) as a recap. Nice job, nimrods. http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/mad.gif

Ben E Lou

09-03-2005, 10:24 AM

Scott Kennedy, head of Scout.com's prospect rankings for the state, was there. I got the pleasure of telling him that Myke was the most under-rated player in the state. He said, "Normally, when people tell me that, I disagree, but I can't really argue with you after what I heard about last week's performace and what I saw tonight." Scott took a good bit of video, including a couple of his big plays, and also did an on-camera interview of Myke after the game. He told us to look for an article soon. Looks like Myke might start gettin' some love now. :)...and now Rivals.com has jumped on the Compton bandwagon. I just noticed today that he was named their nation-wide "Hidden Gem Of The Week" after his performance in the Dome. Rivals has now bumped him up to two stars. Scout.com still has him at one.

Ben E Lou

09-03-2005, 02:02 PM

Asher committed to the Dawgs this morning.

AlexB

09-03-2005, 07:04 PM

digamma

09-03-2005, 07:10 PM

Patrick Pass is the only player currently in the NFL. Check SkyDog's other thread entitled Tucker Tigers: The College Years for updates on current college players.

Patrick graduated from Tucker in 1996 and went to Georgia. He played minor league baseball along the way, before giving that up to concentrate solely on football. He was drafted by the Pats and has hung around their organization. He's a back-up running back and fullback (but the Pats don't use the fullback very often). He does have three Super Bowl rings though.

AlexB

09-03-2005, 07:36 PM

Aha. Gotcha. Cheers for the info, Digamma.

Patrick Pass is one of those guys that really should have worked on being a QB just bacuse of his name. Much like Joey Goodspeed it's an opportnity lost. At least Quentin Jammer had the right idea, playing CB!

I take it Pass was a standout player at Tucker, but at HB?

JonInMiddleGA

09-03-2005, 11:54 PM

I take it Pass was a standout player at Tucker, but at HB?
from http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=571
Patrick Pass was born on Dec. 31, 1977 in Scottsdale, Ga. ... Drafted by the Florida Marlins in 1996, and played at Melbourne (Fla.) in the organization’s rookie league that year ... Elevated to Class A Utica in 1997, playing until he had to report to Georgia’s fall camp in August ... Again played in the Marlins minor league system in 1998 ... Gatorade Circles of Champions Georgia region Player of the Year, adding All-American honors from USA Today at Tucker (Ga.) High ... Two-time all-state Class AAA pick by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution and the Georgia Sports Writers Association ... Also earned all-south, Journal-Constitution Top 50 and Macon Telegraph Sweet 16 honors ... Named DeKalb Neighbor Player of the Year ... Three-time All-DeKalb County choice ... Named DeKalb Offensive Player of the Year by the DeKalb Touchdown Club ... Team captain, scoring 13 touchdowns as a senior ... Holds the DeKalb County career-record by rushing for 5,046 yards ... Also excelled in baseball ... Voted Mr. Tucker High by his classmates ... Majored in sociology at Georgia.

Ben E Lou

09-04-2005, 03:47 AM

SkyDog: if it is information that is close to hand for you, I for one would like to know how the ex-Tucker players are doing at college/the pros... (apologies in advance if the answer is Peyton Manning or something!) but are there any ex-Tucker players playing in the NFL?As has been mentioned, Pass is in the NFL. At this point, it looks like one alum, Memphis MLB Tim Goodwell, has a shot at getting drafted after this season, and if UGA DT Darrius Swain can get his butt in gear, he could be a star. Here (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=41716) is a link to the "Tucker Tigers: The College Years" thread, where I'm tracking the former Tigers.

AlexB

09-04-2005, 06:11 AM

Thanks SkyDog. You said you road with the team, so do you offer a support role along the lines of your church group work?

Ben E Lou

09-04-2005, 06:45 AM

Thanks SkyDog. You said you road with the team, so do you offer a support role along the lines of your church group work?Well, Tucker can't have an "official" team chaplain, but the players have an optional pre-game devotional talk that they can choose to attend on game day. There is a church right across the street from the high school. I am one of the two regular speakers at the pre-game devotional. That particular church isn't quite as connected to the Tucker community as the organization I am; most of their members live across the county line (which is like a mile and a half away) and therefore their kids go to other schools. Point being, the youth pastor of that church is the other regular speaker at the devotional, but he doesn't usually go to many away games, so I end up riding with the team to a good number of those. (That's no slight on Jeff, the guy from the church. If I were in his shoes, I'd be focused elsewhere, too. He only has about 5 kids from THS and TMS combined.)

Basically, at the games, Jeff and/or I are available if kids want us. (I was called out of the stands three years ago by a parent awaiting an ambulance with his kid, who lay there almost dying from a ruptured spleen. I can't say for certain that the two events are related, but ever since then, there's been a least one youth ministry person on the sidelines with the team.) Plus, quite frankly, with many of the kids on the team coming from rough home situations, Ballard wants as many adult males who care as he can get in their lives.

P.S.--I don't do the traditional "church group work," that you may be thinking of. Here is a discussion (http://dynamic.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/showthread.php?t=39201&highlight=younglife) that further explains what I do.

Ben E Lou

09-04-2005, 08:27 AM

A few more pics of players...

http://www.younglifenorthdekalb.com/malibu2k5/malibu2k5p005.jpg

In foreground, WR/DB Derrick "Little H" Harris (in maroon shirt) and RB/FB/DB Myke Compton.

http://www.younglifenorthdekalb.com/malibu2k5/malibu2k5p004.jpg

(L to R) LB/DE/TE Donnie Hardy, Derrick Harris, and DE/LB Randie Bourne

Ben E Lou

09-05-2005, 01:37 PM

A little out of sequence, but I just ran across this recap of Week 2.

05 - Week 2 <hr size="1"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="47" width="577"> <tbody><tr> <td class="arttext" height="47" width="570"> Americus vs Tucker
By John V. Brown (4SHOT Sports)
Aug 27, 2005, 17:30
</td> <td class="arttext" align="right" height="47" valign="top" width="7"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Tucker Tigers maul Americus<o:p></o:p>

Georgia Dome – <st1:place><st1:city>Atlanta</st1:city>, <st1:state>GA.</st1:state></st1:place>

<o:p> </o:p>

<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="261"> <tbody><tr><td>http://www.4shotsports.com/artman/uploads/americus_tucker1.jpg</td></tr> <tr><td>QB Dwayne Harris of Tucker gets ready to shake Maurice Mann of Americus-Sumter.</td></tr> </tbody></table> When your best player is injured, one might not expect to be at maximum potential. But don’t sell that to the Tucker Tigers as they totally demolished the Americus-Sumter Panthers in the third game of the Georgia Gridiron Football Classic at the Georgia Dome by a score of 41-21. By the way, the game was not even that close. <o:p> </o:p>

Super 11 prospect Asher Allen was injured and not dressed. No problem! Myke Compton and brothers Dwayne Harris and Derrick Harris put on a show that left me in awe of the total team talent and execution that the Tigers displayed.

<o:p> </o:p>

The Tigers, ranked No.3 in Class AAAA got a stellar performance from Myke Compton who is supposed to be

<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="254"> <tbody><tr><td>http://www.4shotsports.com/artman/uploads/americus_tucker2.jpg</td></tr> <tr><td>Americus QB Nate Samas tries to elude the rush of Eric Hall.</td></tr> </tbody></table> Asher Allen’s understudy (hmm) with three touchdown’s. The brother combo of QB Dwayne Harris and WR Derrick Harris hooked up for two beautiful scores on their own. <o:p> </o:p>

The Tigers were at full throttle from the outset as they marched, ran, trampled or whatever you want to call it down the field on their opening possession. <st1:city><st1:place>Compton</st1:place></st1:city> was spectacular as he scored from five yards out to give the Tigers a 6-0 lead. <st1:city><st1:place>Compton</st1:place></st1:city> earlier on the drive made a beautiful 25-yard run that had the crowd buzzing. Harris, who is smooth as the other side of the pillow at the QB position dazzled the Dome crowd with a 34-yard option keeper that put a couple of Americus defenders on the seat of their pants with what looked to be an Allen Iverson crossover dribble on the synthetic turf. The only miscue on this drive was the missed PAT, but their would be no more of that.

<o:p> </o:p>

The second period was a display of total domination from every facet of the game for the Tucker Tigers.

<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" width="196"> <tbody><tr><td>http://www.4shotsports.com/artman/uploads/americus_tucker3.jpg</td></tr> <tr><td>WR Derrick Harris of Tucker strolls to glory after catching his 2nd td pass.</td></tr> </tbody></table> The Harris brothers’ got into the act as the Tucker offense took great advantage of excellent field position. Big brother Dwayne threw a perfect strike to his little brother Derrick from 14 yards out to give the Tigers seven more on the board. <o:p> </o:p>

From that point on the rout was on. The brother combo would strike again in the second period. This time it was from 30 yards out on virtually the same play. Then their was Compton, who electrified the crowd with a beautiful 53 yard punt return for a score. <st1:city><st1:place>Compton</st1:place></st1:city> would add another touchdown on a 22 yard run to give the Tigers a 34-0 halftime lead.

<o:p> </o:p>

Times were hard for the visitors from <st1:city><st1:place>Americus</st1:place></st1:city> but they never gave up as was evidence by their hard nosed play in the second half. QB Nate Samas was a gamer all evening long as he was pressured by the Tucker defense. Samas would lead the Panthers to their first score on the opening drive of the half which was culminated by Curtis Johnson on a 5 yard run.

<o:p> </o:p>

Game Day Players (GDP)

<o:p> </o:p>

Tucker – Myke Compton (GDP); Dwayne Harris (GDP); Derrick Harris; Donnie Hardy; Jotis Head; Eric Hall.

<o:p> </o:p>

<st1:city><st1:place>Americus</st1:place></st1:city> – Curtis Johnson (GDP); Maurice Mann (GDP); Nate Samas.

Ben E Lou

09-08-2005, 06:22 AM

Since the AJC didn't bother to do a writeup on their "Game Of The Week" :rolleyes:, I present this poorly-written article on Tucker-Lakeside from 4shots sports. I guess it is better than nothing...

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="577"> <col width="570"> <col width="7"> <tbody><tr> <td height="47" width="570"> Lakeside vs. Tucker
By Larry Williams/4SHOT Sports
Sep 2, 2005, 19:30

</td> <td valign="top" width="7">

</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Tucker sinks “Vikings” ship!
Compton a Tiger on the loose

Adams Stadium – Atlanta, GA

<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" width="264"> <col width="264"> <tbody><tr> <td width="264"> http://www.4shotsports.com/artman/uploads/05fb_lakesidetucker_asherallen_mykecompton.jpg

</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="264"> Tucker is 3-0 and not quite at full strength, just wait to Asher Allen (#21) jions Myke Compton (#29) in the Tigers backfield.

</td> </tr> </tbody></table>It was a playoff atmosphere as the big crowd entered Adams Stadium for the backyard rivalry game between undefeated Lakeside high School and 3rd ranked (4SHOT Sports rankings) undefeated Tucker High School. Once a power in high school football the “Vikings” from Lakeside have had to take a backseat the last few years to their backyard foe and state powerhouse the Tucker “Tigers”, but this year they felt like it was their turn to make a statement.

Lakeside came out and made an early statement, a pass from QB-Rob Pope to WR-Jake Baker picked up 13-yards and a first down out to the 33-yard line. A few plays later the combo hooked up again for 36-yards to the Tucker 34-yard line. Facing a third won and goal from the 3-yard line Pope found TE-Mike Ganty cutting back across the endzone for the touchdown. The two-point conversion failed making the score 6-0 with 8:52 left in the first quarter.

<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" width="276"> <col width="276"> <tbody><tr> <td width="276"> http://www.4shotsports.com/artman/uploads/05fb_lakesidetucker_brandolittle.jpg

</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="276"> Lakeside RB-Brandon Little tries to split tucker defenders Cody Davis (#20) and Tristan Carter (#45).

</td> </tr> </tbody></table>The “Tigers” aren’t ranked 3rd in the state for no reason as they quickly answered back when running back sensation Myke Compton busted loose for 64-yards and a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. The PAT by K-Steve McClure gave Tucker a 7-6 lead.

The touchdown fired up the “Tigers” defense, a big pass rush by SS-Cody Davis resulted in a sack by teammate LB-Randie Bourne that led to a Lakeside punt. Tucker QB-Dwayne Harris started showing why he is considered one of the best all-around quarterbacks in the state, scrambling for 7-yards and a first down on the 49-yard line. RB-Jarvis Reid almost busted loose breaking several tackles on his way to a 24-yard run. A few plays later Harris dazzled the crowd with a beautiful 19-yard touchdown run that took a lot of air out of the “Vikings” sails. The PAT by McClure made the score 14-6.

Still feeling the heat from the Tucker defense Pope through an errant pass that the “Tigers” DB-Chris Simpson picked off. Needing to do something to slow down the “Tigers” onslaught Lakeside DL-Alex Cody sacked Harris who had a man open deep down field. On third down and thirteen Harris hit his younger brother WR-Derrick Harris with a screen pass that the sophomore turned into a 16-yard gain and a first down on the Lakeside 20-yard line. Compton ripped off 18-yards to make it first and goal as the first quarter came to a close.

<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" width="213"> <col width="213"> <tbody><tr> <td width="213"> http://www.4shotsports.com/artman/uploads/05fb_lakesidetucker_mikeganty.jpg

</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="213"> Lakeside TE-Mike Ganty scored the "Vikings" only TD of game.

</td> </tr> </tbody></table>On the first play of the second quarter the Lakeside defense came up with a big play when DB-Dwight Hooker intercepted a Harris pass in the endzone. Tucker DL-Jotis Head is a big-time player and he made a big-time play when he shot down the line of scrimmage and dropped the Lakeside ball-carrier for a loss of 5-yards as the “Vikings” offense was once again forced to punt.

Compton continued to rip up the Lakeside defense ripping off runs of 26 and 12-yards to put the ball on the Lakeside 11-yard line. A few plays later Harris ran a quarterback sneak to score. McClure kicked his third PAT to make the score 21-6.

Lakeside RB-Brandon Little didn’t see a lot of daylight but he ran the ball tough all night as he returned the kick-off out to the 40-yard line. Tucker’s defense really started teeing off on Pope putting the “Vikings in a third down and twenty situation that they were unable to convert.

<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" width="212"> <col width="212"> <tbody><tr> <td width="212"> http://www.4shotsports.com/artman/uploads/05fb_lakesidetucker_randiebourne.jpg

</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="212"> Tucker DE-Randie Bourne goes head over heels while sacking Lakeside QB-Rod Pope.

</td> </tr> </tbody></table>Lakeside didn’t need to add any fuel to the fire the Tucker players were already displaying but they did when DL-Alex Cody tackled Harris and held him down a little bit longer causing him to bend his ankle a little. Harris had to be helped off of the field. Chris Simpson replaced Harris at quarterback. A 17-yard run by FB-Tristan Carter gave the “Tigers” a first down. Compton then struck again busting loose for 35-yards and his second touchdown of the game making the score 28-6.

What makes Head Coach Bill Ballard’s Tucker teams so tough is that they never let up and they didn’t in this game as they went on to finish off Lakeside by the score of 37-6 to remain undefeated at 3-0, Lakeside looses for the first time this season dropping to 2-1.

Players of the Game (Game Day Players in Red)

Tucker:

RB-Myke Compton, SS-Cody Davis, QB-Dwayne Harris, DL-Jotis Head, RB-Jarvis Reid, DB-Chris Simpson, DE-Randie Bourne, Offensive Line (Charles McCoggle, Jotis Head, Anthony Cloud, Nick Welch, Cameron Reed)

Lakeside:

WR-Jake Baker, DL-Alex Cody, DB-Dwight Hooker, TE/LB-Mike Ganty, RB-Brandon Little

digamma

09-08-2005, 07:50 AM

Go "Tigers."

Ben E Lou

09-12-2005, 08:36 AM

WEEK <s>THREE</s> FOUR RECAP

EDIT: Oops! The spirit of Reggie Ball possessed me there when I posted this thread.

Was out of town for the weekend, but I've talked to a coupld of people about the results. Here they are.

Lakeside 37, Forsyth Central 13--I am told that this one wasn't even this close. LHS led around 24-0 at the half and coasted. They may be just be a playoff team.

North Forsyth 35, North Springs 14--That score doesn't tell me all that much. NF hosts Lakeside this Friday, and much will be revealed then.

St. Pius 23, Etowah 6--Hmmm. Etowah is now 0-4. After losing to North Forysyth, Pius really needs to go 2-0 against Lakeside and Chamblee if they want to secure a playoff spot.

Marist 34, Chamblee 14--The War Eagles look like they're ready for the War this week.

It isn't out of the questions that the winners and losers this week will determine the playoff positions for 6-AAAA. It isn't at all hard to picture the following scenario:

1. Tucker-Marist winner
2. Tucker-Marist loser
3. Lakeside-North Forsyth Winner
4. Lakeside-North Forsyth Loser

Of course, there's still a lot of football to be played, but the games this week have huge playoff implications.

IT'S TUCKER-MARIST WEEK!!!

{Checking to see if I have any eligibility left...}

digamma

09-12-2005, 08:15 PM

Ben E Lou

09-13-2005, 07:39 AM

Once again, the Tucker-Marist game will be broadcast on the web at www.gaprep.com (http://www.gaprep.com). It's a Marist broadcast, so you have to listen to them talk about how bad the officiating is (in other words, they didn't pay them enough), how it's almost unfair what an athletic advantage Tucker has (in other words, we grew the grass longer and watered the field to slow them down), and how Coach Alan Chadwick may walk on water (in other words, there is standing water on the field from their gratuitous watering of it).And if you're in metro Atlanta and looking for a little less biased take...

Media Contact:
Matt Stewart 770-559-7800

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2005

Comcast to Televise Marist vs. Tucker

Atlanta – Comcast will televise the Marist War Eagles vs. Tucker Tigers @ Adams Stadium for week five of its 14-week, 2005 Chevrolet High School Football Game of the Week broadcast schedule.

The game will be televised live in Atlanta on CSS (Comcast Sports Southeast), Comcast Cable Channel 45, Friday, September 16th at 7:30 p.m.

Marist is 4-0 on the season after beating Chamblee 34-14 Friday night. The War Eagles are ranked eighth in this week’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution AAAA Top-10. Marist also has victories over Benedictine, Paulding County and Etowah, and have won each game by no fewer than 20 points.

Tucker is 3-0 on the season and was off this past weekend after opening its schedule with wins over Cedar Grove, Americus-Sumter and Lakeside-DeKalb. The Tigers have won by an average of close to 27 points. Tucker is ranked third in this week’s AJC AAAA Top-10. This game will likely decide the Region 6-AAAA Championship. The Tigers were a 9-7 winner in last year’s match-up at Marist.

The Chevrolet High School Football Game of the Week will also be simulcast on SportsRadio 790 “The Zone” (WQXI-790 AM).

CSS Sports Anchor Matt Stewart is now in his eighth consecutive season as play-by-play commentator. Chuck Oliver of SportsRadio 790 “The Zone” has taken over full-time color commentator duties this season after appearing in a number of broadcasts in 2004. Chris Cotter has rejoined the broadcast team as sideline reporter after several seasons working Atlanta Thrashers games on radio.

###

Ben E Lou

09-14-2005, 06:25 PM

Cross-town rivals to lock up in intense region battle

Wednesday, September 14, 2005 7:03 PM EDT
E-mail this story (http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/articles/2005/09/14/328/8529.eml) | Printable Version (http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/articles/2005/09/14/328/8529.prt)

<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="288"> <tbody><tr> <td class="photo-right">http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/content/articles/2005/09/14/328/8529.jpg</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="photo-right" align="center" width="288">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> By Calleb Obumba

DeKalb Neighbor Sports Editor

Two of DeKalb's heavyweights, Marist and Tucker will clash Friday, in a game that will most likely determine the winner of Region 6-4A.

The stands of Adams Stadium will be swamped, as thousands of fans will be ready to see the highly anticipated match-up between the two perennial powerhouse schools.

The tale of the tape is the usual, both teams are undefeated and ranked in the top 10 in the state. Tucker has owned this heated match-up, winning three out of the last four games between the War Eagles. <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td class="photo-right" align="center"> 

</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

Both coaches, who respect each other, look at the game as a challenge for their players.

"Our kids look forward to this game. It's going to be interesting to see how they respond to this early test," said Tucker coach Bill Ballard.

"This is going to be a great measuring stick for us to see how good we are," said Marist coach Alan Chadwick.

The No. 7 War Eagles (4-0, 2-0) have been dominating their opponents, led by a rushing attack that has been wearing and tearing teams, scoring an average of 37 points per contest. Even though Marist has looked flawless at times, don't expect coach Chadwick to toot his horn.

"We have been making progress, but we need to be more consistent on both sides of the ball," said the veteran coach

Fullback Preston Lyons has rushed for over 100 yards in three out of four games, while running backs Stan Hoover and Michael Husack have been a one-two punch for the unstoppable wish-bone offense.

The defense led by defensive tackle Michael Gann, linebacker Wyatt Middleton and corner back Jason Garofalo has been a dominant force for the Marist's swarming defense. <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width=""> <tbody><tr> <td class="photo-left">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="photo-left" align="center" width="288">
</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

The No. 3 Tigers will enter the game fresh off of a bye week. Tucker (3-0, 1-0) has sent teams to the locker room early in their first three games. The Tigers have outscored their opposition 120-30.

Dewayne Harris, the Tigers dual-threat quarterback has been a headache to his opposing defensive coordinators. Harris and his brother Derrick have been a deadly one-two combo. The two connected three times this season for touchdowns.

However, the Tigers impact player this season has been Myke Compton. Compton, who plays running back, defensive back and returner, has scored five touchdowns this season, leading his team to blowout victories over Cedar Grove [42-3], Americus [42-21] and Lakeside [37-6].

"I call him [Compton] our throwback player, because he will give a 110 percent effort at anything you ask him to do," said Ballard.

In addition, the Tigers will receive a boost on both sides of the ball, as standout running back and corner back Asher Allen will return to the line-up, after sitting out the last game from an injury.

Other players to watch will be defensive lineman Jotis Head, and line backer Donny Hardy. The two must team up to stop the Marist's balanced rushing attack.

Ben E Lou

09-14-2005, 06:41 PM

Check out this PDF at the Marist site. Good stuff.

http://www.marist.com/media/sp/pdf_athletics/Tucker_Notes.pdf

Ben E Lou

09-14-2005, 07:32 PM

http://www.younglifenorthdekalb.com/fofc/tuckermarist02.jpg
http://www.younglifenorthdekalb.com/fofc/tuckermarist01.jpg

Ben E Lou

09-15-2005, 04:43 AM

There's a nice writeup on Asher Allen in today's print version of the AJC. The piture and the writeup take up nearly a half a page in the main sports section of the paper. For some reason, it is not online, so I'm re-creating the writeup here. The text is as-is. Formatting is as close as I could get it to the paper's in this environment.

Allen 'great example of a student-athlete'

The vitals: Allen, a 6-foot, 197-pound senior cornerback/running back, will lead No. 3 Tucker against No. 8 Marist on Friday night.
Accomplishments: Allen is one of the nation's top prospects, ranked No. 73 overall and No. 5 at cornerback by Rivals.com. Allen committed to the University of Georgia after receiving more than 50 scholarship offers. He missed the past two games with a separated shoulder but has been cleared to play Friday night.
His coach, Bill Ballard, says: "Asher is a great example of a student-athlete. He excels in the classroom and on the football team. He is a leader for us."
Allen says

On his shoulder: "It feels good. If I didn't feel 100 percent, I wouldn't be playing. I could've played in those other games, but I sat out as a precaution. I'm ready to go."
On sitting out: "It was hard, but our team found out that we were more than just one player. There were a lot of people who watched the games who watched the Myke Comptons and other guys who really played well together as a team. For me, I'm just a small part of the puzzle. It was hard to watch, though. I wanted to be out there with my boys. All I could do was to encourage my teammates through the game."
On staying in shape with the injury: "The big thing was that I couldn't get contact on the shoulder. I still ran springs, did conditioning drills and went through the plays to keep my timing down. I'm in just as good of shape as I was before the injury."
On Tucker's 3-0 start: "We expect to do well every year at Tucker. We always have high expectations, and I think it's good that our program has reached that point of excellence. No one is acting selfish on our team. We have great chemistry this year."
On playing Marist: "They have a great team every year. Marist has won state championships. They are very disciplined and well-coached. There always seems to be a lot on the line when we play. It's like a playoff atmosphere because it's so intense."
On committing to Georgia: "It felt like the right place. I like Coach Mark Richt and the defensive coordinator, coach [Willie] Martinez. Georgia plays big-time football and they are a top 10 team every year. If you have a school like that in your state, why would any player leave the state?"
On being such a good student (3.4 GPA and 1400 SAT): "My parents made it very clear from the start that grades come first. If I didn't make good grades, then my parents wouldn't let me play sports. I didn't always like that when I was younger, but now I really appreciate it as a high school senior."
THE FAVORITES
A list of some of Asher Allen's favorite things:

Outfit: "My UGA shirt, some black shorts and flip-flops."
Movie: "Don't Be A Menace to Society." "It's a parody of 'Boyz in the Hood.' I've seen it more than 30 times."
School subject: "Math. I like doing the problems and coming to an answer. I've always done well in math."
Fast food: "Chcken wings and fries from Zaxby's."
Car: "A 2003 Jeep Liberty."
Vacation spot: "Home. I like to kick back and relax. I haven't been on a real vacation in a long time."
Ice cream: "Cotton Candy Explosion from Bruster's."

Ben E Lou

09-15-2005, 06:23 AM

Some snippets from the DeKalb section of this morning's AJC (sections with no info on 6-AAAA were removed for this thread):

Prospect watch

Entering the season, scouts were split over whether Tucker's Myke Compton was big and fast enough enough to play at the major college level. With Asher Allen out for four games with a separated shoulder, the 5-foot-10 and 197-pound Compton has flourished at tailback and earned praise from scouts, according to coach Bill Ballard. Allen, who committed to Georgia over 50 other scholarship offers, said he is targeted to return to action this week.

Playoff chase begins

North Forsyth is surprisingly holding down first place in Region 6-AAAA. However, the Raiders have yet to play Tucker or Marist, which are the region's other undefeated teams. Although the season has yet to reach the halfway point, Lakeside coach Bill Harris feels that Friday's game against North Forsyth may end up deciding his playoff chances. Chamblee coach Brent Miller said losing to Marist last week does mean a loss of the team's goals for this season: "We don't base our season on the Marist and Tucker games. We got to keep up our effort every week and win the games that we're supposed to win."

Getting defensive

There's the old saying in football that "defense wins championships." Let's look at some of the area's top defenders from last week:

• Salem's Brett Keenan has a torn ACL but has been allowed to play until the pain becomes too great. Once doctors perform surgery, he will need six months to recuperate. The safety had one caused fumble, recovered another one, and made an open field tackle to prevent a touchdown in the win over Loganville.

• Chamblee's Elliott Tarplin blocked a field goal in the loss to Marist, and safety Micah Anderson had 15 tackles.

• Marist defensive lineman Brent Ducote had two sacks.

• Hayes Burrow of St. Pius X recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown in the win over Etowah.

• Avondale's Greg Boyd blocked a punt and Antonio Scott returned an interception 65 yards for a touchdown in the win over Cross Keys.

• Rockdale's Jawaan Washington returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown in the loss to Heritage.

• Sanchez Brown of Druid Hills had one sack and two tackles for losses in a loss to Towers.

Big 16 schools power ratings

Class AAAAA-AAAA schools: 1. Marist; 2. Tucker; 3. Stephenson; 4. Columbia (a win this weekend could vault Columbia into state rankings); 5. Salem (so much for rebuilding); 6. Chamblee; 7. Southwest DeKalb; 8. Lakeside; 9. Redan (went back to drawing board in off week); 10. St. Pius X (capable of beating anyone if taken too lightly); 11. Heritage; 12. Rockdale County; 13. Miller Grove; 14. Lithonia; 15. Cedar Grove; 16. Stone Mountain.

Ben E Lou

09-16-2005, 04:53 AM

Tucker-Marist a critical duel

By MICHAEL CARVELL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 09/16/05 When Marist coach Alan Chadwick got up to speak at the DeKalb County football media day in July, he said with a straight face that his team would "be lucky to go 4-6 this year."

It was a surprising statement from a coach who has one of the state's all-time best winning percentages with a 227-36 record in 20 years at Marist.

 The War Eagles are 4-0 and ranked No. 8 in Class AAAA entering the showdown with No. 3 Tucker (3-0) at 7:30 tonight at DeKalb's Adams Stadium.

When asked about his infamous words on a hot summer day, Chadwick said he was just joking around or being "facetious" as 21 of his coaching peers looked on. However, Chadwick says he did have some legitimate concerns — and still does — as the War Eagles prepare to play one of their biggest rivals.

Since 1998, the winner of the Marist-Tucker game has won the region championship, and more importantly, home-field advantage in the state playoffs. This year's game between the top private and public school in DeKalb is expected to have the same importance.

"We're a young team, especially at the skills positions," Chadwick said. "We had a decent nucleus of players, but also a lot of question marks. We weren't sure the guys we plugged in were going to do what we wanted them to do."

Chadwick also said he had concerns about the improved competition in Region 6-AAAA: "I thought going into it, there were three teams a lot better than last year. And it still remains to be seen."

When asked to remember Chadwick's July predictions, Tucker coach Bill Ballard chuckled earlier this week. He has had a close-up look at Marist for years and expected this season's team to be just as good as any.

"[Chadwick] tries to downplay his team every year. He is worse than Vince Dooley when it comes to playing down his team's possibilities," Ballard said. "But I guess that's good. You don't want to give your opponent any type of ammunition. And I think he respects all of his opponents."

It is easy to see why the War Eagles have been described as a "bunch of no names" this year. Marist lacks the star power of the past two teams that included Anderson Russell (signed with Ohio State), Chris Davis (Duke) and Sean McVay (Miami-Ohio).

DeKalb County has 10 players on the list of the state's top 75 prospects, including three from Tucker: cornerback Asher Allen (No. 4), quarterback Dwayne Harris (No. 38) and tailback Myke Compton (No. 50).

The list does not include any of Marist's 22 seniors, although defensive Mike Gann, the son of the former Atlanta Falcons player by the same name, is drawing interest from North Carolina, and junior fullback Preston Lyons may be one of the state's top prospects next season.

"I'm not surprised to be 4-0; that's where we expected to be right now," Chadwick said. "I'm pleased with our effort and focus, but there are still several areas which we need to improve upon."

MARIST VS. TUCKER

• When; where: 7:30 p.m. today, Adams Stadium, Atlanta.

• Rankings: Marist is 4-0, 2-0 in Region 6-AAAA and ranked No. 8; Tucker is 3-0, 1-0 and No. 3.

• TV: Comcast Sports Southeast

This rivalry is so close and so fun, it is ridiculous. I went to the Freshman and JV games yesterday at Marist. Both freshman teams came in undefeated, and they played a classic, hard-fought battle. Tucker led 29-22 late, but Marist scored a TD with around 40 seconds left. They then called time out and went for two. They ran the option right. The QB read the DE properly and kept it. He got the ball, oh, 18 inches from the goal line before he was hit as he stretched for the conversion and fumbled. Tucker recovered, and then recovered the onside kick to preserved the 29-28 win. I had to leave the JV game midway through the second quarter. Tucker led that one 12-6 at the time. I haven't heard yet how that one came out. The point, though, is that this will continue to be an outstanding rivalry between two evenly-matched teams who are the undisputed top two for quite some time.

QB Dwayne Harris, FB/DB Myke Compton, OL/DL Anthony Cloud, LB Donnie Hardy and DE Randie Bourne all were there by the end of the freshman game. They seemed very, very excited and focused. Dwayne commented that the Tucker-Marist game last year was the only game in his high school career where it got so loud that he actually was having trouble hearing and being heard. (He transfered to Tucker before last season, so last year was his first Tucker-Marist game.) Pretty raucous for a high school crowd, I'd say. ;)

The disagreement will be settled beginning at 7:30pm. Tucker's head basketball coach is heading up a tailgate starting at 4:30, and the we figure the joint will start filling up around 6:15 or so. I hope to take some pics and video to help capture the scope and atmosphere of this rivalry game.

Ben E Lou

09-16-2005, 04:57 AM

Oh, and since Patrick Pass was mentioned in this thread, I should point out that Trey Pass, nephew of Patrick, is one of the stars of the 9th grade team. That's probably another name worth remembering. Also, that fast white boy that I mentioned who is QB'ing the Freshman team, Chris Beck, is looking more and more like the real deal each week. I was out of town most of last week, but his mom and the 9th grade coach both told me an identical story at different times yesterday: Last week, against Stephenson, a snap in the shotgun went over Chris's head. He went back, picked it up, put a couple of jukes on, and then took off and ran for a 70+-yard TD untouched.

Against Stephenson.

Wow.

Dat white boy run so good...

I repeat. This happened against Stephenson. :eek:

(For those not from Georgia, Stephenson is generally considered the team with the most speed in the state of Georgia. Tech QB Reggie Ball and UGA RB Kregg Lumpkin are recent grads. They have ridiculous speed. Nobody, but nobody, runs for a 70-yard TD against Stephenson. That just doesn't happen.)

I was talking with Dwayne and Donnie about Chris yesterday, and they said, "Oh, just call him Vick. We don't call him by his name any more. He wears #7, too." Dwayne apparently has been working with Chris some. I noticed the two of them talking a good bit at YL Monday night, and Dwayne said with a grin during the conversation yesterday afternoon, "Yeah, I'm trying to teach him a few things. Get him ready to take over and keep this thang goin' for me." I doubt that Chris will be big enough by next year to get significant varsity playing time, but I see him as the starter as a Junior. He never played football until last year as an 8th-grader, and he was named starting QB of the Tucker Middle Tigers after only 3 or 4 days of practice, a position he never relinquished. He grew up playing soccer, and was very good because he was (surprise) by far the fastest kid on the team. You can't coach speed. Look out, Matt Jones, Chris Beck is gunning for you. ;)

Ben E Lou

09-16-2005, 05:19 AM

FWIW, Pius added seven players to the football program, mostly freshman, due to Hurricane Katrina transfers. They added a stud, apparently, in RB/DB Ronald Cousin (http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=43400). According to the AJC, Cousin has a schollie offer from Miami.

Ben E Lou

09-17-2005, 05:36 AM

Ben E Lou

09-17-2005, 05:51 AM

For these rivals, it’s titles or bust

By Curtis Bunn| Friday, September 16, 2005, 11:27 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

http://www.ajc.com/custom/blogs/prepsports/mugs/curtis_bunn.mug.jpg
So Marist and Tucker battled it out Friday night at Adams Stadium, a game that annually weighs heavily in Region 6 AAAA playoff positioning and holds a special place to both communities.

Blah, blah, blah.

For these programs, Tucker in particular, essentially it’s championship or bust. The regular season is a necessary distraction, a process that has to be endured.

In the end, though, it is what happens in the playoffs that make the season. The Tigers and War Eagles represent two fine, well-coached and consistent programs. Their seasons are not made by a victory against the other, no matter how important the game is to the postseason seedings and the communities.

They play for championships. Marist has two state titles, the more recent one captured in the magical 2003 run. En route to the title, the War Eagles finally defeated their nemesis, Thomas County Central, which had knocked off Marist five times in the playoffs, three in the state semifinals at the Georgia Dome, twice in overtime.

It was all set up for Tucker to meet Marist in that championship game, but the Tigers were felled by their nemesis in the semis, Statesboro. Tucker lost in overtime in ‘03 and had to endure a long regular season for a chance to finally handle Statesboro in the playoffs.

That chance came on Nov. 19, 2004, at the site of Friday’s clash with Marist, Adams Stadium. Once again, Tucker was dismissed in cruel fashion, losing 15-14 on a field goal as time expired.That night began the long wait for the playoffs and another opportunity at redemption.

To get that shot, though, the Tigers must get through the tortuous regular season. By the looks of things, if Friday night was an indicator, they are primed to be in stellar position for another extended run.

How Tucker continues to come up with such outstanding athletes year after year is remarkable. Quarterback Dwayne Harris (two touchdown passes, one rushing score), receiver Chad Simms (two touchdown receptions), running back Myke Compton — just a trio of the super players on the roster. The sensational running back and cornerback Asher Allen, coming back from a shoulder injury, impressed in his limited duty Friday. But he re-injured the shoulder in the second quarter and did not return.

No worries. The Tigers are stacked with talent on both sides of the ball. They were too big for Marist, too skilled, too good.

At the half, Tucker led 14-3, a margin that was far more significant than it appeared. For all its fundamental excellence, the War Eagles were not physically able, during the course of the game, to hold up against the relentless attacking of the Tigers.

But the lessons learned in meeting Tucker, however hard, certainly will advance Marist’s cause. Hardly is there a team around the War Eagles will have to face that will be as difficult to defend and tough to elude. So, even in defeat, Marist nets a gain.

Meanwhile, for Tucker, the convincing victory against a tough rival was tasty, but not sweet. Rightfully, the Tigers have a championship-or-bust mentality. Sweetness comes with a state title — and whipping Statesboro along the way.Bunn pretty much hit the nail on the head. Pius, with their new transfer, North Forsyth, who put up 42 against Lakeside last night in a surprise, and Chamblee, with stud RB Roddy Jones, should make Tucker break a sweat and perhaps make the starters have to play 3 quarters, but that should be all for the rest of the season. Tucker should run their regular season winning streak to 26 games without much of a problem, and should dispatch the first playoff foe or two without much more of a problem (especially if Double-A is back). Then, if I'm reading the bracket right, Tucker-Statesboro IV will take place on November 18th.

Ben E Lou

09-17-2005, 11:54 AM

WEEK FIVE RECAP

Tucker 27, Marist 24--As has been said before, this one pretty much assures that Tucker will finish #1 in the region, and Marist at #2, meaning Marist will probably have to go on the road for the second round of the playoffs.

North Forsyth 42, Lakeside 20--This is a shocker to me. North has never handled speed well, but obviously they handled LHS pretty well. I'll have to get the scoop on what happened later on. North plays Marist in two weeks, and will probably enter that game at 6-0.

Chamblee 14, Etowah 0--Looking at the scores of their games, it is likely that Etowah is the best 0-5 team in the state. Etowah is now virtually eliminated from a shot at the playoffs. Chamblee plays Pius next week, and that one now has a pretty good chance of determining the #4 seed.

St. Pius 42, North Springs 21--No surprise here. Pius appears to be making a move for the playoffs.

Forsyth Central won a non-region game against a new school.

2005 Football Region Standings: 6-AAAA

<table id="Default1__ctl0_grdList1" border="1" cellspacing="0" height="80" rules="all" width="405"> <tbody><tr class="DGHeader"> <td>School</td><td align="center">Region</td><td align="center">Overall</td><td align="center">Reg Pct</td><td align="center">Overall Pct</td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="140">North Forsyth
(http://www.gasports.com/?template=5&web=1&year=2005&sport=1&school=235)</td><td align="center" width="60">4-0</td><td align="center" width="60">5-0</td><td align="center" width="60">1.000</td><td align="center" width="80">1.000</td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="140">Tucker
</td><td align="center" width="60">2-0</td><td align="center" width="60">4-0</td><td align="center" width="60">1.000</td><td align="center" width="80">1.000</td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="140">Marist
</td><td align="center" width="60">2-1</td><td align="center" width="60">4-1</td><td align="center" width="60">0.667</td><td align="center" width="80">0.800</td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="140">St. Pius X
(http://www.gasports.com/?template=5&web=1&year=2005&sport=1&school=310)</td><td align="center" width="60">2-1</td><td align="center" width="60">3-2</td><td align="center" width="60">0.667</td><td align="center" width="80">0.600</td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="140">Chamblee
(http://www.gasports.com/?template=5&web=1&year=2005&sport=1&school=61)</td><td align="center" width="60">1-1</td><td align="center" width="60">3-1</td><td align="center" width="60">0.500</td><td align="center" width="80">0.750</td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="140">Lakeside</td><td align="center" width="60">1-2</td><td align="center" width="60">3-2</td><td align="center" width="60">0.333</td><td align="center" width="80">0.600</td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="140">Forsyth Central
(http://www.gasports.com/?template=5&web=1&year=2005&sport=1&school=121)</td><td align="center" width="60">1-2</td><td align="center" width="60">2-3</td><td align="center" width="60">0.333</td><td align="center" width="80">0.400</td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="140">Etowah</td><td align="center" width="60">0-3</td><td align="center" width="60">0-5</td><td align="center" width="60">0.000</td><td align="center" width="80">0.000</td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="140">North Springs
(http://www.gasports.com/?template=5&web=1&year=2005&sport=1&school=239)</td><td align="center" width="60">0-3</td><td align="center" width="60">0-5</td><td align="center" width="60">0.000</td><td align="center" width="80">0.000</td> </tr> </tbody></table>

Senator

09-17-2005, 03:06 PM

GO Etowah!!!

digamma

09-19-2005, 08:36 PM

Nice new unis for the War Eagles. I mean, they still look like crap, but they added a little color. I'm impressed.

Ben E Lou

09-21-2005, 07:21 AM

Asher's injury is a grade 3 separation. Look for him in the playoffs. With him out long-term, look for some other offensive changes, too. More on this on after Friday's game. ;)

Ben E Lou

09-24-2005, 11:05 AM

Interesting week in 6-AAAA. First off, in what was considered to be the most important matchup of the week, Chamblee spanked Pius 35-10. Meanwhile, somehow Lakeside managed to lose to North Springs. This turn of events now gives Chamblee a pretty clear inside track to a playoff spot, and virtually clinches a playoff spot for North Forsyth. The scores...

Tucker 42, Etowah 21. For the second consecutive year, we played a very, very uninspired game the week after a win over Marist. In the past five seasons, neither Tucker nor Marist has played well the week after a win over the other. We led 23-0 before the first quarter was over, but even that lead was helped tremendously by 2 Etowah turnovers in our territory. We pretty much did a sleepwalk the rest of the way. We'll really only have one practice (Wednesday) next week due to school being called off Mon. and Tues. I suspect that the boys are gonna run a good bit.

Chamblee 35, St. Pius 10. Once again, the AJC did not send a reporter to cover the DeKalb Game Of The Week, so I'm left to reading message boards and talking to people to find out what went down in this one. My understanding is that Roddy Jones had a good number of yards, and that Chamblee also threw two TD passes. They'll be riding high next week, hoping to spoil Tucker's Homecoming game.

Marist 64, Forsyth Central 0. The flip side of the letdown for the Tucker-Marist winner has been this: dating back to 2001, the last five teams who had the misfortune of playing the Tucker-Marist loser the following game lost by an average score of 44.6 to 7.2. :eek: There's nothing more serious than a pissed off Tiger or War Eagle about to blow out your ass, apparently. ;)

North Springs 20, Lakeside 13. Unbelievable. Just when it looked like LHS was starting to get things turned around, they hand North Springs their first win of 2005. After a 3-1 start, it appears that 3-7 isn't out of the question for the Vikings.

North Forsyth beat a non-region patsy 24-3.

UP NEXT WEEK...

Chamblee tries to spoil Tucker's homecoming, and Roddy Jones hopes to show off in front of the folks he played park ball with. Roddy will get his yards, but Chamblee will fall short.

Lakeside travels to Pius in the Battle Of Teams Clinging To An Ever-Thinning Playoff Hope. The loser of this one, while perhaps not mathematically eliminated, is virtually 100% assured of packing up the equipment after game 10.

Forsyth Central and Etowah face off in the Battle To Avoid Last Place. Etowah gets their first win of the season in this one.

I don't like upstarts, unless my team is the upstart. Never have. Probably never will. Here's hoping Marist gives them complete bitch-slapping next week and reminds them that they have no place among the big boys.

North Springs is off, giving them two weeks to prepare for Marist. It won't help.

Ben E Lou

10-01-2005, 12:23 AM

Chamblee and North both led in their games against Tucker and Marist, respectively, but both succumbed in the end by a TD after being shut out in the second half.

Tucker 28, Chamblee 21 (Cha 21-7 at the half)
Marist 21, North Forsyth 14 (NF 14-0 at the half)

Dang it! I prefer that upstarts be beaten like they'd stolen something, but it is good to see both of them put in their places in the second half.

Up next: Pius and N.O. transfer Ronald Cousins.

I'll give more detail on the Tucker game tomorrow. I'm too tired to get into it much right now.

Ben E Lou

10-01-2005, 08:41 AM

Chamblee came out rockin' last night. They're a pretty good football team. We had a key turnover in the first half, but otherwise, their 21-7 halftime lead was pretty much self-manufactured. We were driving for a chance to score when the half ran out. Roddy played both ways nearly all night long for them, and had a very good game. He is, as I've said, the real deal. I'd look for him to be a Top-20-or-better back in the nation as a Senior, perhaps a member of the Rivals 100, even. I'd go so far as to say that if he'd chosen to attend his home district (Tucker) rather than go into the magnet program, Tucker would be virtually unstoppable this year. Dat boy run so good...

Anyway, enough of the Roddy platitudes for now. The THS coaches and players went through a real gut-check at halftime, and were found worthy. Dwayne, Derrick and Myke led the way on offense, and the defense shut 'em down in the second half. A fairly balanced diet of Compton runs, Big H to Little H passes, designed runs for Big H, and scrambles got us two TD's in the third quarter to tie things up. The difference-maker came on a third and five or so in our own territory with the score knotted at 21 about midway through the fourth quarter. Gliatta called good ol' toss sweep left to Compton. (I will ALWAYS root for a team that runs the toss sweep on third and five.) Myke found a crease, and that was all he needed. BAM 28-21 good guys. Ol' SkyDog was singing a little "California Love" on the sidelines ("In the city...city of Compton...we keep it rockin'") as the stadium rocked. Tucker 28, Chamblee 21.

One thing is becoming clear to me: without Asher, this is a Region Championship team, but probably not a State Championship team. When we lost Thomas in '03, we still had enough talent to make a strong run at the title without him (and probably would have had him for the finals had we not had five turnovers in the semis). I don't see us making a run that deep without Asher. He is scheduled to return for the playoffs, but what is unclear to me is what kind of shape he's going to be in with nearly two and a half months off. Of course, the 17-year-old body is remarkably resilient. Let's not forget Andrew Childers returning to the starting lineup in the playoffs after nearly dying during emergency surgery to remove a ruptured spleen in early September. Only time will tell us what will happen with Asher.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:34 PM

Tucker's in a battle tonight. Up 14-10 in the fourth quarter, but St. Pius is driving deep in Tucker territory.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:35 PM

St. Pius scores.

Tucker blocks the PAT.

16-14 Pius with a little under six minutes left.

Tucker will have to drive for the win in a heavy rain.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:41 PM

Tucker is at the 50 with just under three minutes left.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:44 PM

First and goal at the five.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:45 PM

Tucker to bring on the field goal unit on fourth down. :22 left.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:48 PM

Nevermind. GOING FOR IT ON FOURTH AND GOAL IN THE RAIN.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:49 PM

TOUCHDOWN TIGERS!!!!

2 point conversion no good. Tucker leads 20-16 with :16 left.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:51 PM

Pius ball at their own 35. :13 left.

digamma

10-07-2005, 08:56 PM

And the final....Tucker 20, Catholic Lite 16.

Go Tigers!

primelord

10-09-2005, 01:37 AM

How do we not get an indepth update from Ben on this game?

SirFozzie

10-09-2005, 06:29 AM

Ben's probably got racking pneumonia from the rain ;)

Ben E Lou

10-09-2005, 06:50 AM

How do we not get an indepth update from Ben on this game?'Cause he had an all-night lock-in immediately after the game, and therefore basically all he did on Saturday was sleep and watch the UGA game. :p

As they say, rain is the Great Equalizer. Add to that injuries that kept three defensive starters out of this one, and you end up with a close one. Pius is a well-coached team that has done well against everyone else in the region in the past except Tucker. They have not our speed and quickness at all. Well, on Friday night, our guys were unable to plant and cut very well. It rained from Thursday afternoon on in Atlanta, and there was a steady moderate-to-heavy rain for nearly all of the game. Pius is a little bigger than us, so they were able to win the battle at the line of scrimmage a little more often than we were. However, Dwayne made some great plays with his arm and with his feet, just enough to give us a lead.

In the fourth quarter, we led 14-10 and had the ball in our own territory. Compton ran straight up the middle, and broke free into the secondary. He ran over the free safety, and had nothing but wet field in front of him. He looked to have a game-clinching TD. However, as he veered toward the sideline, it looked like he tried to shift the ball into his outer hand, and that sucker just squirted right out. Pius recovered, and drove it for the go-ahead TD. Myke blocked the extra point.

We got the ball back after the kickoff with 5-6 minutes to play, and just came out in the I and did some power running with Compton, mixed with a QB draw or two, getting us into Pius territory. With a minute and a half or so to play, Dwayne and Myke made a highlight-film play to put us near paydirt. It was 2nd and long, and Dwayne appeared to bobble the snap. It looked like a broken play that would put us in big trouble. Dwayne was JUST about to be dragged down for a 5-7 yard loss when he noticed Myke standing behind him and off to the side. He managed to twist his body around before he went down, and make an ugly-looking pitch to Myke. 25 yards later, Myke was hauled down by his face mask, and the penalty set up the first and goal at the five. It took us four plays to pound it into the end zone against the bigger Pius team, but we managed to do it. Dwayne got the sneak on fourth and goal, and the win was sealed. As far as going for the field goal there, on that wet field and with a wet ball, I liked the call when it was made. As wet as the field and ball were, hoping for a good snap, good hold, AND good leg-plant by K Steve McClure felt like a lot to ask.

Here's the very brief AJC writeup. You'd think when their #3 team in the state nearly gets upset by a .500 team, it would merit more, huh? :rolleyes:

Tucker 20, St. Pius 16: Myke Compton and Dwayne Harris were all Class AAAA's No. 4 Tucker needed to stay unbeaten at 7-0 and 5-0 in Region 6-AAAA. Compton carried 21 times for 160 yards and Harris ran for 86 yards and three touchdowns, including a 1-yard score in the fourth quarter ).

Ben E Lou

10-09-2005, 06:56 AM

Ben's probably got racking pneumonia from the rain ;)After spending a game standing in the rain, then staying up all night with 120 middle school kids, SWMBO is pretty much 100% sure that I'll be getting sick soon.

Ben E Lou

10-09-2005, 07:20 AM

I will say this: our boys have shown great character in the fourth quarter the last couple of weeks.

Around the rest of the region, the favorites all held serve, but games were much closer than anticipated, probably also due to the rain:

Marist 27, North Springs 7
North Forsyth 12, Etowah 7
Chamblee 24, Forsyth Central 14
Lakeside was off.

Looking at those scores of three games that all should have been blowouts helps put the Tucker-Pius game in a little more perspective.

NEXT WEEK
Tucker at Forsyth Central--Tucker should win this by >5 TD's, although I'd imagine that anyone with the slightest injury will sit this one out for us. Marist hung 64 on these boys.

Etowah at North Springs--Winner of this one avoids any chance of finishing last in the Region. Etowah should take this one by 10 points or so.

Marist at Lakeside--Most of LHS's best players were at YL on Thursday night. I now have a pretty good idea why they folded up the tent after the Tucker loss. Most of their top players seem to believe that they don't have a prayer against Marist, even with the entire off week to prepare for the option. With attitudes like that, they won't have a prayer.

Chamblee at North Forsyth--This is definitely the Region 6-AAAA game of the week. If North wins, they actually would still have a shot at finishing first in the region by upsetting Tucker. Chamblee can pretty much lock up a third-place finish in the Region with a win. In all likelihood, the winner of this one finishes third in the Region, which could prove to be important for advancement in the state playoffs. Region 6's #3 plays Region 5's #2 in the first round. Region 5 is looking pretty unimpressive this year, and there's a decent chance that whoever finishes #3 in our region will be able to grab a first-round playoff win, which would give nice momentum for either the North or Chamblee program going into next season. Further, the winner of that first round game will likely play Region 7's #1 team, and Region 7 isn't looking too good, either. It certainly appears within the realm of possibility for our #3 to win that game, too, and make it to the q-finals. That would be a HUGE boost for either program. There could be a lot riding on this one.

Ben E Lou

10-09-2005, 07:39 AM

Oh, I guess I'll comment on my thoughts for the Chamblee-North showdown next week. I haven't seen North play this year, but based on past experience, I don't see them shutting down a strong and fast back like Roddy. Bulldogs over Raiders.

oliegirl

10-11-2005, 10:49 PM

This is totally off topic, but I'll post it anyway...I was thinking about you the other day - I am Spirit Wear Co-Chair for my son's school/PTA and we used Patricia's Spiritwear for our fall stuff, I was over there picking some stuff up and was right in front of Tucker High School! If you don't know where they are (and I am sure you do), they are right off First and Main next to the bank :) Next time I am there I'll wave to you!

Ben E Lou

10-14-2005, 08:33 AM

We're still pretty banged up on defense. Starters Chad Sims and Cody Davis are Doubtful at best for tonight, and of course Asher is still out. That being said, there's little chance that Central will give us much of a game tonight. However, we *really* need Chad and Cody next week against North.

primelord

10-15-2005, 02:00 PM

*cough* update *cough*

digamma

10-15-2005, 02:13 PM

41-7 Tigers.

Ben E Lou

10-15-2005, 02:17 PM

Injuries or no injuries, we're a much, much better team than Forsyth Central, and demonstrated it on the field last night. Myke Compton led the assualt with 12 carries for 152 yards and 2 TD's, and an interception return for a TD. Dwayne threw some crisp passes and had a handful of impossible escapes from the pocket, and the Tigers rolled 41-7. The Forsyth Central faithful were really marvelling at Dwayne. Elsewhere around the Region...

WHEN YOU GOT A HOSS, YOU RIDE HIM!!! Chamblee gave North Forsyth large doses of Roddy left, Roddy right, and Roddy up the middle en route to a 24-20 come-from-behind win. He had 38 carries (and keep in mind that we're talking about a 48-minute game, not 60) on the night. :eek:

In the most meaningless game of the night, Etowah beat North Springs 31-7. Finally, Marist whupped LHS 42-19.

CURRRENT PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. TUCKER (6-0)--We've got it virtually locked up now, even if North Forsyth can pull off the upset next week, because the Raiders now have two losses, and there's pretty much zero chance that Tucker loses to North Springs in the finale. By virtue of the win over Marist, we'd win a tiebreaker with them in the event of the upset next week.

2. MARIST (6-1)--By my cipherin', Marist cannot fall to #3, even if they lose their finale against Pius. At worst, they'd finish 6-2 in the Region. The only others that could get to 6-2 are Chamblee and North, and both already lost to Marist.

3. CHAMBLEE (4-2)--Just like the two above 'em, it would take pretty much a miracle for Chamblee to drop any lower than this slot. They're extremely unlikely to lose either of their two final games: Lakeside and North Springs. They'd have to lose one of those AND North Forsyth would have to upset Tucker for N.F. to slip into #3. Ironically, although the Bulldogs are now in *much* better position than North, Chamblee hasn't officially clinched a playoff spot yet. If the wheels were to completely came off the bus, and they lose both games and Pius wins their last two (including the finale against Marist), St. Pius X technically COULD sneak in, but that's very much a long shot.

4. NORTH FORSYTH (5-2)--I didn't look carefully enough to notice that the Raiders went into last night having already clinched a playoff spot. They've only got one game left now: Tucker. A loss to the Tigers only drops them to 5-3 in the Region. The only team below them who can finish 5-3 is Pius, and North already disposed of Pius this year. As mentioned above, they have very little chance of climbing to #3.

We've got North for Senior Night next week. Last year, the game couldn't impact playoff seedings, so the Raiders completely tanked it, sitting out nearly all of their best players--injured or not, I'm told. While mathematically they *could* climb to #3, realistically it is highly unlikely. I wonder if they'll bother to play next week. :rolleyes:

Ben E Lou

10-15-2005, 02:18 PM

*cough* update *cough*Heh. I'd already started working on the update when you posted this. ;) I've been busy all morning and into the afternoon, between giving the newly-arrived Diplomacy game a run-through, and final preparation for my first middle school club meeting of the year, which is tonight. My bad. ;)

Ben E Lou

10-21-2005, 12:11 PM

We've got ourselves a big one tonight. North Forsyth is comin' to town, and they think they can derail the Tiger express. The good news for us is that at least two of our key defensive starters, Cody Davis and Chad Sims, will return. Chad's return is particularly timely, because North's QB also plays cornerback. Chad is a VERY big and physical receiver for high school. He's up to 6'1", 205 pounds. Hopefully Chad's blocking for running plays will help wear down their QB.

Just so y'all know, I won't be posting an update tonight. I've got a leadership overnight, and we're planning on leaving from the stadium. I'll be posting the score and my impressions some time late Saturday afternoon.

Ben E Lou

10-22-2005, 03:45 PM

I LOVE it when upstarts get reminded of where they belong in the natural order.

Tucker 49, Wannabes 7

Their QB was quoted in a North Georgia newspaper article saying something along the lines of "When we played Chamblee, they smacked us in the mouth, and we smacked them in the mouth. Tucker's a finesse team. They'll lay down when we smack them in the mouth."

Ha!

We dominated this one all night long, and I'm not sure that P Joe Rioux saw the field, other than to hold for extra point after extra point, until the fourth quarter. Dwayne put up some stupid numbers: 7 for 10 for 228 yards and 3 TD's. He hit Compton on an 80+-yarder, and OL/LB-turned receiver Charles McCoggle for ANOTHER 80+-yarder. Charles caught a bomb that was actually tipped by another receiver. He was trailing the play, and when the ball popped in the air, he snagged it in full stride and took it to the house.

For the first time this year, we played a complete 4-quarter football game against a decent opponent, and the results were awe-inspiring. This was a very, very good win for the Tigers!

Ben E Lou

10-23-2005, 11:43 AM

In other 6-AAAA action...

Chamblee 31, North Springs 8
Pius 32, Central 0
Etowah 21, Lakeside 14
Marist was off.

This week's results serve to render all results next week meaningless as far as playoff implications go. All four teams and seedings are now set:

1. Tucker
2. Marist
3. Chamblee
4. North Forsyth

Blade6119

10-23-2005, 12:48 PM

What year is roddy by the way?

Ben E Lou

10-23-2005, 12:51 PM

What year is roddy by the way?Roddy is a Junior, and he is going to be BIG-time next year.

digamma

10-24-2005, 12:11 PM

It's looking like Tucker will be in the quadrant of death again this year.

The first round play-off match-up looks to be a fairly easy test against Southwest Dekalb, a historically strong school (Quitsey Carter is an alum) that isn't as good this year.

The second round game also appears to be manageable. It looks like it will be Rockdale County (assuming they win against either Murray County or Gordon Central). Against any of those teams, Tucker should have a significant advantage in terms of speed and athletic ability.

Then, it gets interesting.

The top half of their quadrant features Statesboro (we all remember them) and most likely Warner Robins. Warner Robins had been ranked number one in at least one of the polls all season before being knocked off in overtime this past weekend by their arch-rival Northside Warner Robins (also a top five school). The good news is this game would be at "home" for Tucker--though last year's game against Statesboro was at home also.

Win that one and the Dome game is likely against Lee County, a south Georgia school, just outside of Albany. They upset perennial power Thomas County Central 42-41 Friday night.

Marist would get the easier road to the Dome again, facing Salem in the second round and Creekside in the quarterfinals. I don't know anything about Salem, but I could definitely see Marist winning that one. Creekside usually has pretty good athletes and puts together a really strong team every several years. That could be a war. Of course Creekside will likely have to get past either Ware County or Thomas County Central (two South Georgia powers). They play this weekend and the loser falls into that quad. The winner of that game gets to play Northside WR in the second round--another case where the easier path to the Dome may go to the loser.

One more week of regular season play!

(Ben, correct anything I have wrong--I'm not sure of some of the region's tie breakers.)

primelord

10-25-2005, 11:42 PM

Any update on Asher?

Ben E Lou

10-26-2005, 02:16 AM

Any update on Asher?Great question, but not one I'm really willing to discuss publicly. Keep in mind that he has spent 7 of our 9 games in street clothes on the sidelines. Only one other person with no responsibilities during the game has spent more time on the THS sideline this year: me. As a result, we've talked a ton this year, and some of that needs to be confidential, but do the math on the information that is available to the public:

1. He is graduating at the end of this semester, and enrolling in a Top 10 college program in just a little over two months.
2. Tucker has never won a state title, and clearly has a better chance to do so with him in there.
3. The injury has recurred once, and is the kind that could happen again.
4. Tucker's team doctor is a shoulder/knee specialist, and his "6 weeks until fully healed" opinion is well-respected.
5. The hit against Marist where he re-injured his shoulder was a clearly a bad decision by him. He led with his bad shoulder when he could/should have led with the other one, or simply pushed the kid out of bounds. Instead, he just UNLOADED on him with a bad shoulder.

What would you say it all adds up to?

Ben E Lou

10-26-2005, 02:21 AM

Ben E Lou

10-28-2005, 11:29 AM

Tonight, Tucker beats the crap out of North Springs in a meaningless game. As has been mentioned, all four Region playoff slots are set and can't be changed by anything that happens this weekend. I may even leave this one early, to be honest. If it is anything like last year, Ballard will call off the dogs to some extent as early as the second quarter. We started fair-catching all their punts at that point last year, I think, so the offense could get to actually get on the field. If we don't do that, Myke and Derrick could easily have a least couple of punt returns for TD's each by halftime. If we haven't put up 35 by halftime, then we're not playing hard.

The only other 6-AAAA games are Marist-Pius and Chamblee-Lakeside. Marist-Pius could be interesting, as Pius, now that Ronald Cousins is playing a good bit, is probably the best #5 seed in the state of Georgia, and this is a rivalry game.

Ben E Lou

10-28-2005, 11:30 AM

Oh, tonight is Bill Ballard's 50th game as Head Coach. He'll run his record to 46-4 during that time. :eek:

Ben E Lou

10-28-2005, 09:39 PM

Just got back. I left a little early as it was quite cold out there, and Myke had asked for my skull cap, leaving me wiht one cold, bald head. We were up 40something to 13 early in the 4th quarter when I left, but the mercy rule had been activated, so those 9-10 minutes left probably didn't yield much more scoring, if any at all. Myke ran a kickoff back for a TD, and had an 80-yarder on a toss sweep (Are you listening, CMR?) on the first play of the second half to finish his and Dwayne's work for the night.

Marist beat the crap out of Pius, and Chamblee did likewise against LHS. I talked to someone who was at Chamblee-LHS in the car on the way home, and he said that Lakeside basically quit in the second quarter. Geez.

Ben E Lou

10-29-2005, 04:08 AM

Latest bracket update....

http://www.younglifenorthlake.com/fofc/bracket.jpg

wbatl1

10-29-2005, 08:58 AM

Is SW Dekalb gonna play Marist or Tucker? I heard both on the high school football show last night. Either way, that game will be a fun one.

Ben E Lou

10-29-2005, 09:11 AM

Is SW Dekalb gonna play Marist or Tucker? I heard both on the high school football show last night. Either way, that game will be a fun one.Going on the assumption (a pretty safe one) that Washington wins tonight, it would appear that SW DeKalb will fall to the 4th seed in that Region, by virtue of their loss to Columbia. That being said, when there's a Region split into sub-Regions, like 5-AAAA is, it is up to the Region's coaches to pre-determine how the playoff seedings will be determined, and I'm not familiar with that Region's procedures. What is for sure is that if Washington wins tonight, Washington and Mays are the subregion champs, leaving SWD and Columbia second in each sub-region, with one loss each. It would make sense that the two subregion champs get the #1 and #2 seeds. After that, my assumption is that since Columbia beat SWD, they get the #3, and Southwest is #4.

Ben E Lou

10-30-2005, 06:51 AM

Still nothing "official-looking" anywhere, but from conversations I've had with those who should know, it looks the first round (6-AAAA vs. 5-AAAA) will be as follows:

1 Tucker vs. 4 SW DeKalb
2 Marist vs. 3 Columbia
3. Chamblee vs. 2 Mays
4. North Forsyth vs. 1 Washington

I'm thinking our top 3 teams should be considered the favorites, and that North has a chance at an upset, too.

Ben E Lou

10-30-2005, 07:40 PM

PLAYOFF GAMES INVOLVING 6-AAAA TEAMS

Region 6#1 – Tucker Tigers 10-0-0
Region 5#4 – Southwest DeKalb Panthers 6-4-0

Tucker
Scoring Offense: 36.8
Scoring Defense: 14.8
Scoring Differential: +22.0

Tucker vs. Playoff Teams: 3-0-0
Tucker 27 Marist 24
Tucker 28 Chamblee 21
Tucker 49 North Forsyth 7

Southwest DeKalb
Scoring Offense: 20.2
Scoring Defense: 11.8
Scoring Differential: +8.4

Southwest DeKalb vs. Playoff Teams: 0-4-0
Southwest DeKalb 7 Columbia 21
Southwest DeKalb 0 (AAAAA) Stephenson 6
Southwest DeKalb 16 Washington 19
Southwest DeKalb 10 Mays 30

Series Record: Tucker leads Southwest DeKalb 7-3-1
1966 – Southwest DeKalb 13 Tucker 9
1967 – Tucker 21 Southwest DeKalb 13
1978 – Tucker 15 Southwest DeKalb 13
1979 – Tucker 28 Southwest DeKalb 7
1980 – Tucker 7 Southwest DeKalb 0
1981 – Tucker 3 Southwest DeKalb 0
1982 – Tucker 14 Southwest DeKalb 13
1983 – Tucker 7 Southwest DeKalb 7
1983 – Southwest DeKalb 14 Tucker 10
1984 – Southwest DeKalb 28 Tucker 6
1985 – Tucker 13 Southwest DeKalb 10

This game features DeKalb County's two winningest programs of all time. They're the only two teams with >400 wins. SWD is a traditional powerhouse with state titles in their resume. Their Head Coach, Buck Godfrey, is a legend who really should have retired 5+ years ago. It has been a little sad to watch the Panthers recently. The game has clearly passed Buck by. It is a testimony to something, perhaps just plain ol' bad luck, that Tucker owns so many wins against SWD but no state titles. The Panther supporters still come out in droves. Tucker should win this one fairly handily, but expect a packed house and an electric atmosphere as these two marquee-named programs do battle.

Region 6#2 – Marist War Eagles 9-1-0
Region 5#3 – Columbia Eagles 8-2-0

Marist
Scoring Offense: 35.7
Scoring Defense: 11.0
Scoring Differential: +24.7

Marist vs. Playoff Teams: 2-1-0
Marist 34 Chamblee 14
Marist 24 Tucker 27
Marist 21 North Forsyth 14

Columbia
Scoring Offense: 23.7
Scoring Defense: 14.7
Scoring Differential: +9.0

Columbia vs. Playoff Teams: 1-2-0
Columbia 21 Southwest DeKalb 7
Columbia 23 (AAA) M.L. King 25
Columbia 14 Washington 19

Series Record: Marist leads Columbia 6-1-0
1980 – Marist 24 Columbia 20
1980 – Marist 21 Columbia 20
1981 – Columbia 24 Marist 10
1996 – Marist 21 Columbia 0
1997 – Marist 42 Columbia 0
1998 – Marist 47 Columbia 0
1999 – Marist 51 Columbia 0

Obviously, Columbia struggled mightily against Marist when they were in our Region. There's not a lot of reason to believe that they'll give them much resistance on Friday night, either.

Region 5#2 – Mays Raiders 8-2-0
Region 6#3 – Chamblee Bulldogs 8-2-0

Mays
Scoring Offense: 27.6
Scoring Defense: 12.5
Scoring Differential: +15.1

Mays vs. Playoff Teams: 2-2-0
Mays 16 (AAA) Westlake 15
Mays 7 (AAAAA) Douglass 20
Mays 7 Washington 12
Mays 30 Southwest DeKalb 10

Chamblee
Scoring Offense: 26.5
Scoring Defense: 15.4
Scoring Differential: +11.1

Chamblee vs. Playoff Teams: 2-2-0
Chamblee 26 (AA) Wesleyan 20
Chamblee 14 Marist 34
Chamblee 21 Tucker 28
Chamblee 24 North Forsyth 20

Series Record: 0-0-0
First Meeting

This one is an upset in the making, I think. I don't see Mays having an answer for Roddy.

Region 5#1 – Washington Bulldogs 8-2-0
Region 6#4 – North Forsyth Raiders 7-3-0

Washington
Scoring Offense: 19.8
Scoring Defense: 8.7
Scoring Differential: +11.1

Washington vs. Playoff Teams: 3-1-0
Washington 0 (AAAAA) Douglass 2
Washington 12 Mays 7
Washington 19 Southwest DeKalb 16
Washington 19 Columbia 14

North Forsyth
Scoring Offense: 21.6
Scoring Defense: 18.6
Scoring Differential: 3.0

North Forsyth vs. Playoff Teams: 0-3-0
North Forsyth 14 Marist 21
North Forsyth 20 Chamblee 24
North Forsyth 7 Tucker 49

Series Record Since 1980: 0-0-0
First Meeting

North has struggled against teams with good speed, and Washington (a virtually all-black school inside the Atlanta city limits) has plenty of it. That being said, Washington is probably the least-impressive-looking #1 seed in the state this year. I think the Bulldogs win this one by 2 or 3 TD's, but if North can take an early lead, look out.

Ben E Lou

11-02-2005, 07:30 AM

<table id="Default1__ctl0_grdList1" border="1" cellspacing="0" height="80" rules="all" width="526"> <tbody><tr class="DGHeader"><td>Home School</td><td align="center">H</td><td align="center">Predicted
Score</td><td align="center">V</td><td>Visitor School</td><td align="center">Score</td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="180">Baldwin (2-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td align="center" width="60">14-26</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td width="180">Ware County (1-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="180">Creekside (4-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">23-16</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Upson-Lee (3N-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="180">Dalton (7N-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">14-12</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Habersham Central (8-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="180">Douglas County (4-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td align="center" width="60">23-39</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td width="180">Warner Robins (3S-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="180">Griffin (3N-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">29-8</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Sandy Creek (4-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="180">Lee County (1-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">33-15</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Wayne County (2-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="180">Marist (6-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">34-15</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Columbia (5W-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="180">Mays (5E-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">22-22</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Chamblee (6-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="180">Northside, Warner Robins (3S-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">35-2</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Haralson County (4-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="180">Rockdale County (8-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">28-25</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Murray County (7N-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="180">Rome (7S-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">24-18</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Madison County (8-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="180">Salem (8-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">21-15</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Gordon Central (7S-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="180">Statesboro (2-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">24-14</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Bainbridge (1-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="180">Thomas County Central (1-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">46-15</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">Effingham County (2-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGItem"> <td width="180">Tucker (6-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">31-14</td><td align="center" width="20"></td><td width="180">Southwest DeKalb (5E-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr><tr class="DGAlternatingItem"> <td width="180">Washington (5W-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="20">X</td><td align="center" width="60">17-17</td><td align="center" width="20"> </td><td width="180">North Forsyth (6-AAAA)</td><td align="center" width="60"> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Picks courtesy of Ken Massey, publisher of one of the computer rankings used in the College BCS

...So Massey has Tucker and Marist picked to win handily, and Chamblee and North both having shots at an upset. I'll stand by my comments above: Chamblee wins, but I just don't see North handling Washington's speed. Tucker and Marist win by 2-4 TD's each.

Ben E Lou

11-03-2005, 03:53 AM

GAME OF THE WEEK

Tucker vs. S.W. DeKalb
Neighbor schools strangers on field

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/03/05 Tucker and Southwest DeKalb are 8.1 miles apart, but the two schools have not played a football game against each other since 1985.

For the first time in more than two decades, the two longtime area powerhouses will meet, this time in the first round of the Class AAAA playoffs at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Adams Stadium.

<table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="175"><tbody><tr><td>http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/03/45/02/image_1902453.jpg (http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/1105/DSC_0017.html)
RENEÉ HANNANS HENRY / Staff
(ENLARGE) (http://www.ajc.com/highschool/content/sports/highschool/1105/DSC_0017.html)
</td></tr><tr><td class="caption">Tucker tailback Myke Compton has carried most of the load for Tucker's offense this year with fellow senior Asher Allen out because of a shoulder injury. The Tigers were 10-0 in the regular season.
</td></tr><tr><td><table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" width="170"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center" bgcolor="#cccccc" width="170">
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td><td width="5">http://www.ajc.com/shared-local/images/1pix_trans.gif</td></tr></tbody></table> "Yeah, when you sit back and think about it, it is kind of odd that Tucker and Southwest DeKalb haven't played in so many years," Tucker coach Bill Ballard said. "I guess a lot of it has to do with Southwest DeKalb being in a larger classification than us.

"They've spent most of their time in Class AAAAA, while we were in AAAA. And before that, when the state was divided into four divisions, Southwest DeKalb was in AAAA, while we were in AAA. So we just weren't in the same classification; therefore we both played different schedules.

"And then, when you look at playing someone as a nonregion game, there are still 18 DeKalb County schools playing football, so you can't play everyone."

Even though Tucker hasn't played Southwest DeKalb during Ballard's tenure, the coach said he is well aware of the Panthers. He also considers longtime Southwest DeKalb coach Buck Godfrey one of his mentors.

"Coach Godfrey and I talk from time to time," Ballard said. "He is a man with a lot of wisdom."

Asked about not playing Tucker in 20 years, Godfrey said he was unsure of the reasons: "I hadn't really though about it, but that is a long time. However, the logistics of this county are so out of whack . . . it doesn't surprise me."

Tucker, the No. 1 seed from Region 6-AAAA, completed the regular season 10-0. Southwest DeKalb (6-4) was the No. 4 team from 5-AAAA.

"Southwest DeKalb was not the reward we wanted for winning the region," Ballard said. "When you look at their season and take a close look at what happened, they could've very easily been a No. 1 seed. They are definitely not a typical No. 4, no sir."

Tucker was expected to contend for this year's region championship, mainly because it returned such senior standouts as quarterback Dwayne Harris and tailback Myke Compton. However, Ballard said, winning the region was tougher than it looked because the Tigers were forced to insert younger players because of injuries.

"We have six sophomores on defense," Ballard said. "We knew we were going to be young, but not that young. However, this team has gotten better as the season progressed. The close ballgames served us well. We now know how to fight and come back if we are behind."

At Southwest DeKalb, Godfrey and his staff have been watching film of Tucker and feel good about their chances on Friday.

"I think we match up pretty well with them," Godfrey said. "Tucker is a lot like many of the teams we play: They make big plays on offense and really attack you on defense."

GAME OF THE WEEK

• Who: Tucker vs. S.W. DeKalb

• When, where: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Adams Stadium

• Records, rankings: Tucker is 10-0, ranked No. 3 in Class AAAA; S.W. DeKalb is 6-4 and unranked.

• Last meeting: Tucker won 13-10 in 1985.

• Series record: Tucker leads 7-3-1.

Ben E Lou

11-04-2005, 01:30 AM

Tucker goal: Get Buck to stop here
Game against Godfrey's Panthers first since '85

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/04/05 Tucker's Bill Ballard will go against one of his coaching mentors in Friday night's opening round of the state playoffs.

No. 3-ranked Tucker (10-0) plays unranked Southwest DeKalb (6-4) at 7:30 p.m. at Adams Stadium in the Class AAAA playoffs. Southwest DeKalb's longtime coach is Buck Godfrey, who has been at the helm of the Decatur school since 1983 and has 211 career victories.

 This is the first meeting since 1985 for the schools, which are 8.1 miles apart."We've never played each other since I've been at Tucker, but Coach Godfrey and I talk from time to time," Ballard said. "He has a lot of wisdom to share."

Ballard was named Tucker's coach in 2002, and he said after a particularly tough loss he got a personal letter from Godfrey, offering encouragement and suggestions.

"That really meant the world to me, that he would take time out and do that," Ballard said. "Coach Godfrey really is a living legend. It's mind-boggling when you think about the positive impact he has made on the lives of thousands and thousands of young men over his coaching career."

When asked about his correspondence with Ballard, Godfrey said, "That's just the coaching fraternity. I admire any coach that does things the right way, and they do a lot of good things at Tucker."

Tucker enters the postseason with an undefeated record for the fourth time in the past five years. Tonight's game could see the return of Tucker's Asher Allen, who is rated the state's No. 4 prospect and has committed to the University of Georgia. The two-way starter at cornerback and tailback missed most of the regular season with a separated shoulder.

With Allen on the sideline, Tucker's offensive load has been carried by tailback Myke Compton (1,214 yards rushing, 14 touchdowns) and quarterback Dwayne Harris (1,158 yards passing, 10 touchdowns).

The 6-foot, 205-pound Harris has gracefully handled the pressure of following in the footsteps of former Tucker great D.T. McDowell.

"Dwayne is an excellent quarterback; he can throw it as well as run it," Ballard said. "He is truly a student of the game. He knows where everyone should be on offense and defense on every play."

Harris always like spreading the ball around, throwing to 12 receivers this year, including his younger brother, Derrick, a sophomore. The older Harris has scholarship offers from Boston College, North Carolina and Southern Mississippi, among others, and says he has no early favorite.

digamma

11-04-2005, 10:50 AM

Aside from my interest in Tucker, this game has additional sentimental value to me. I was weened on SWD football. My grandfather was principal there until just before I was born and my mom taught there in the late 70s and early 80s. Some of my earliest memories are going to SWD games one night of the weekend with my mom (she was the cheerleading sponsor) and to Shamrock or Walker games the other night of the weekend with my dad.

Two SWD games stand out in particular. One was the Todd Rampley fog game. Rampley was a hot shot quarterback recruit from Peachtree High School. He ended up going to Georgia Tech where he backed up John Dewberry in the mid 80s. His claim to fame there was stepping in after Dewberry got suspended prior to the All-American Bowl in 1985 and leading Tech to a win over Michigan State.

So, Peachtree and SWD played in an early round play-off game. Both teams were talented, but SWD was favored and was a favorite to win the state title. It was supposed to be a shoot out. The game was played at Memorial Stadium. A fog rolled in early in the game and for most of the game you couldn't see the field from the stands. That took away almost all of the offense. Rampley led Peachtree to the upset 10-7.

I also remember traveling up to Clarke Central one year to watch a state quarterfinal play-off game between SWD and CC. This was when Clarke Central was absolutely loaded (as was SWD). The atmosphere at Clarke was everything you read about Southern high school football. Packed stadium. Redneck fans who live and die with the team's success. I don't remember the game being very close, and SWD was again on the short end of the stick.

Early, I was definitely fascinated by SWD, Buck Godfrey and the Panthers. Cedric Stallworth and Steve Davenport are still my two favorite Georgia Tech players of all time.

Of course, I grew up, learned a little more about ol' Buck and the luster wore off.

GO TIGERS!!!

primelord

11-04-2005, 04:42 PM

Any web casts of this game tonight?

digamma

11-04-2005, 05:00 PM

Probably not until the quarterfinals.

digamma

11-04-2005, 08:19 PM

text message from SkyDog:

17-0 SWD, 3rd qtr.

digamma

11-04-2005, 08:49 PM

Tucker ball. 4:28 left. Trailing 17-2.

digamma

11-04-2005, 09:01 PM

And that's the final score.

We have to wait till next year again.

primelord

11-04-2005, 09:30 PM

Ugh. That's disappointing. I will be interested to hear what happened. Did Asher play?

Ben E Lou

11-04-2005, 11:40 PM

Man, I don't even know where to begin. Random thoughts.

Deep down, with all the youngsters playing on this team, I felt we weren't a state championship team. Still, I thought we could have made it at least into the third round.
Turnovers will kill you. We turned it over at least five times, maybe six. Hard to remember 'em all. Twice we turned it over in the red zone, and another time we turned it over in our own territory, directly leading to a SWD touchdown.
Our coaches did a solid job, but I have to give the devil his due: Buck Godfrey put on a coaching clinic at Adams Stadium tonight. That brutha was ON. SWD exploited our weaknesses in their first drive of the game for a TD, then it became a field position war for a bit. Rioux punted 'em DEEP in their own territory, down to the 2. SWD ran a couple of plays for three or four yards. Then, on third and six and it looking like we'd get very good field position, the sumbitch called a quick kick. The flanker took a pitch deep and kicked it. That sucker rolled all the way down near our 30 yard line. Later, with the game on the line and faced with a fourth and inches at their own 20something yard line in the fourth quarter, they lined up to go for it. Everybody and his cousin was thinking "hard count, take the delay of game. No way he risks us taking over deep in his territory." Guess what? Yeah, with our defense watching the ball and back on its heels avoiding jumping offside, their QB ran a sneak for 2 1/2 yards and the first down. Word on the street is that Buck hasn't coached a game that well in nearly a decade.
Asher did return to action tonight. He played only on offense and definitely provided some sparks. His biggest play was a return of the free kick after the safety all the way to the SWD 20 with about 8 minutes to play. It really looked like we were going to score a momentum-changing TD and come back. Three plays later, though, inside their 10, we fumbled it back to them. :mad: I'm really, really glad he's gonna be a Dawg. He graduates at the end of this semester, and will be in Athens two months from now. :)
I can't begin to express how gutsy a season that the Myke Compton, Dwayne Harris, Jotis Head, and Anthony Cloud had. Those four seniors in particularly carried this young, young team.
I'm not sure about next year yet. A lot of that depends on the QB situation. However, 2007 is looking very, very promising. When the current crop of sophs are seniors, and Chris Beck is junior QB (or someone emerges even better than him), look out, state of Georgia.
Tonight was one of the most bizarre nights in my 25+ years of following high school football in Georgia. NINE of the 32 #1 seeds were dispatched. Someone posted at a high school football message board that in the past 5-10 year, no more than three #1 seeds have lost in the first round in any given season. In AAAA, not only three #1 seeds fall tonight, but big, bad Warner Robins got beaten as well. Utterly stunning.
At some point soon, I'll post about next year's hopes.

JonInMiddleGA

11-05-2005, 12:17 AM

A brutal night with the turnovers, sorry things came to such an unexpected halt.

It was indeed a wild night statewide:
In AAAAA - #7, #8, and #10 are done
In AAAA - #3, #4, and #5 all lose at home
In AAA - #1 and #4 are finished
In A - #2 is knocked out
Only AA managed to keep most of the top teams alive, with only #6 Vidalia losing.

Like you, I've got 20+ years of following the playoffs & can't remember too many nights where the first round saw this many surprises among the top teams.

digamma

11-05-2005, 12:07 PM

I think this is the first season since the fall of 1990 where I haven't been to at least one Tucker game.

Next season will be different, as it will be the first season where I don't really have any connections to the players on the team. If Ballard and company stay, I'll still have relationships with the coaches which is significant, in and of itself, but it will still be quite strange.

JonInMiddleGA

11-18-2005, 10:16 PM

Final scores from the Elite Eight round ...
In AAAA
Statesboro 31
SW DeKalb 0

Baldwin 31
Marist 14

Northside-Warner Robins 14
Rome 2

Griffin 28
Dalton 14

Next Friday 11/25 - at the Georgia Dome
Baldwin(#2 from Reg.2) vs Northside (#1 from Reg.3) 6pm
Griffin (#2 from Reg.3) vs Statesboro(#1 from Reg.2) 9pm

-------
Other classifications (since I've mentioned a few of these teams & a few people might recognize at least 1 or 2 teams)

Class AAAAA
Lowndes 38-0 over Central Gwinnett
Brookwood 28-19 over Starr's Mill
Stephenson 20-14 over Parkview
Dacula 10-7 over #1 ranked Camden County
Final Four will be
Lowndes vs Stephenson & Brookwood vs Dacula

Class AAA Final Four
Dougherty vs Shaw
LaGrange vs Peach County

Class AA Final Four
Grady vs Calhoun
Greene County vs Charlton County

Class A Final Four
Washington-Wilkes vs Bowden
Lincoln County vs Johnson County

Of these ... Lowndes, LaGrange, and Charlton are defending state champions ... LaGrange is looking for their 3rd straight title & 4th in 5 years ... Johnson County is looking for their first championship since 1979, when they won behind a running back you might remember: Herschel Walker (they won tonight at Herschel Walker Field btw) ... Washington-Wilkes hasn't won a title since 1967, but that pales in comparison to Calhouns (1952) & Grady (1953, coached by Erk Russell) ... Peach County has never won a state football championship, neither have much newer schools Dacula & Stephenson

JonInMiddleGA

11-26-2005, 12:51 AM

Results from the first day of semi-finals at the Georgia Dome ...

Class AAAA
Charles Rock scored early on a 6-yard touchdown and Statesboro played solid defense, beating high-scoring Griffin 7-0 in the Class AAAA state semifinals Friday night.

The Blue Devils (14-0), who lost against Warner Robins the title game last year, will face Northside-Warner Robins (14-0) for the division crown. Northside defeated Baldwin 28-7.

Statesboro's defense held Griffin star Bobby Rainey, who rushed 32 times for 102 yards, to just 3 yards a carry.

The Bears (12-2) came into the contest scoring 34 points a game. But Griffin had trouble against Statesboro, who also shutout Southwest DeKalb in the quarterfinals last week.

Turnovers hurt the Bears before halftime.

Griffin had a successful drive going until Jaudon Butler picked off Wade White's pass at the 20-yard line. On the next possession, Sidney Harris made a tough catch at the 5, but then lost a fumble on the ensuing play.

Rock, who had the game's only score in the second quarter, ran for 25 yards on 11 carries. His TD run was set up by Statesboro quarterback (and Michigan signee) David Cone. On 3rd & 9, Cone glanced to his left to fool the secondary for a moment and quickly turned to his right to fire a screen pass to Sharrod Natson, who ran 36 yards to the Griffin 11. A couple of plays later, Rock ran 5 yards up the middle for a touchdown.

Class AA
Calhoun was paced by 5'10" 180 lb RB Adam Urbano & advanced with a 42-20 win over Grady. Urbano scored four times, rushed for 185 yards (3 TDs) on 20 carries and caught two passes (1 TD) for 61 yards.

Calhoun will host defending state champion Charlton County, who advanced with a 34-33 win over previously unbeaten Greene County. Back to back missed PAT's (first a block, then a shank with 2:00 to play) doomed the Tigers.

Class A
Lincoln County is headed to their 17th title game in 34 seasons under head coach Larry Campbell after a 48-21 dismantling of Johnson County. The Red Devils now look for another championship, battle-tested by their first 0-3 season start since 1955.

JonInMiddleGA

11-26-2005, 12:07 PM

Results from the 2nd day of semifinals at the Georgia Dome

Class AAA
Quarterback Antonio Henton ran for two touchdowns and threw for two others to lead Peach County to a 35-17 win over LaGrange in the Class AAA semifinal at the Georgia Dome.

Henton, who has commited to Ohio State, scored on runs of 6 and 8 yards in the first half. He threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Duranzo Brown and a 10-yard touchdown pass to Chris Slaughter.

Dougherty also advanced to next week's title game by beating Shaw 30-14.

Class AAAAA
Brookwood wins the all-Gwinnett County semi-final 23-14 over Dacula & earned the chance to face defending state champ Lowndes County who returned to the finals with a 14-0 whitewash of Stephenson.

Class A
Washington-Wilkes nipped Bowdon 18-14 and will now face Lincoln County in the Class A championship game.

JonInMiddleGA

12-02-2005, 10:32 PM

Class AAAA
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/13315871.htm
STATESBORO - Josh Rich kicked a 29-yard field goal with 6.9 seconds remaining Friday night to lift Statesboro to a 13-10 victory against Northside the GHSA Class AAAA state championship game at Paulson Stadium.

The win completed a perfect season for the Blue Devils (15-0), who were making their third straight appearance in the title game and fourth in five seasons. The loss was the first of the season for the Eagles (14-1), who lost in the AAAAA championship game in 2001.

Rich's kick, his second of the game, came after Northside fumbled following a pass reception with less than two minutes remaining. The possession came after the Eagles had stopped Statesboro near midfield after the Blue Devils had blocked David Grayson's 39-yard field goal attempt.

Elsewhere tonight
Class A
Lincoln County gave Coach Larry Campbell his 10th state championship & his first in a decade with a 25-0 shutout of region rival Washington-Wilkes. Campbell started at Lincoln County in 1972 and has a 389-68-3 career record & is the winningest coach in Georgia history.

Security was expected to be heavy for a game being called "The Battle Of Armageddon," which goes along with the normal "The 378 War." The two schools are only some 18 miles apart on Highway 378 and who started playing each other in 1922. The loss for the Tigers is their sixth in a title game since 1985, although never before to Lincoln. With tonight's result, the all-time series between the two stands at 31-31-6.

Ben E Lou

12-20-2005, 06:09 AM

Ben E Lou

12-20-2005, 06:19 AM

TEAM AWARD UPDATES FROM BANQUET LAST THURSDAY

(These are the ones I can remember. I don't remember all of the official names of the awards, though, and I forgot to bring my program home.)
"Little Man With A Big Heart"--Anthony Cloud
Weight Room--Myke Compton
Venable Lineman Award--Cameron Reed (He was wearing a pin with a picture of Billy and Bill on it, too, and I'd venture a guess that Cam wears that pin more than any other current student at Tucker. Fitting. Cam is a pretty quiet kid who pretty much just brought his proverbial lunch pail to practice every day and got the job done.)
Captains--Jotis Head, Anthony Cloud, Myke Compton, Asher Allen, Donnie Hardy
Kelly Cofer Award (top student/athlete all-around Tucker Tiger...considered most prestigious award given at banquet)--Donnie Hardy

Ben E Lou

01-10-2006, 06:24 AM

COMMITMENT UPDATES:

Asher Allen-->UGA (He finished high school this semester, and practiced with the Dawgs on Saturday.)
Donnie Hardy-->Miami (OH)

Jotis Head-->Undecided
Myke Compton-->Undecided
Dwayne Harris-->Undecided

We'll probably have a small handful of other players get full or partials at smaller schools come late winter/early spring, but those are the five that are potential D1 materialMyke has stated both to the press and to folks in Tucker that Maryland is the clear favorite.

Dwayne's CMU visit, scheduled for this weekend, is off. His stock went up after starring in the state all-star game a couple of weeks ago, and some of those recruiting him as an "athlete" are changing their tunes at the 11th hour. This could get interesting.

I haven't talked to Jotis since the kids came back from Christmas break, so no update there.

Chas in Cinti

01-31-2006, 08:33 AM

Hey SD...

Just saw Brandon Lampkin (http://www.indiana.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=40726) named as an UGASports.com Elite 11 Honorable Mention for 2007... Since my Hoosiers are listed as a team of interest... can you give me some general comments?

Thanks!

Chas

dacman

01-31-2006, 11:03 AM

Chas in Cinti

01-31-2006, 11:12 AM

They must have an asst with some good GA ties...

-Chas

Ben E Lou

01-31-2006, 11:13 AM

What's up with this?

2005 Ball State Commitment list
...
RB Nick Wedlow, 5-10/185/4.63, Statesboro (GA)
OT Andre Ramsey, 6-4/291/5.4, Cordele (GA) Crisp County
G Roger Morris, 6-4/331/5.78, Jonesboro (GA)
CB Trey Buice, 5-9/175/4.4, Tucker (GA)
CB Ronald Warner, 5-9/170/4.4, Newnan (GA)
S Marcus McClure, 5-10/180/4.5, Rome (GA)
...

2006 Ball State Commitment list
...
WR Eulas Taylor, 5-10/175/-, Sandersville (GA) Washington County
OT Lance Helton, 6-5/330/5.4, Sandersville (GA) Washington County
DE Justin Woodard, 6-2/210/4.65, LaGrange (GA) Troup County
ILB Spain Cosby, 5-11/218/4.6, Villa Rica (GA)
S Brandon Houston, 6-2/195/4.5, Cartersville (GA)
ATH Terrell Johnson, 6-0/185/4.5, Cartersville (GA)
...

What's the draw for a bunch of GA boys for Muncie, Indiana?:confused:First off, Ball State recruits Georgia HEAVILY. I see them around Tucker as much as anyone else, so they get build relationships with coaches, and now that they're got a pipeline established, they can point to other kids from Georgia who are there. Plus, they're smart. They don't go after kids that would go to the SEC and ACC schools nearby. I'll point to Trey Buice's recruitment as an example. Trey was a captain, a hard-working kid, but didn't have the size to be a top-tier player. Throughout his high school career, Trey watches college coaches lavish Thomas Brown, Brandyn Young, Asher Allen, D.T. McDowell, Myke Compton, Dwayne Harris, etc. etc. etc. with attention, phone calls, and early scholarship offers. He works as hard as any of them, is as much of a team leader as any of them, but he's gettin' no love, no scholly offers, nothing. However, while the TV cameras and rivals.com analysts are taking pictures of Rodney Garner talking to Asher Allen, the Ball State coach is on the sidelines, out of the limelight, talking to Trey. In Trey's case, Ball State was the closest-to-home D1 schollie offer that he had (and he only had two, I'm fairly certain, but he was good enough to play a good bit as a true freshman). I'd imagine Trey's story is similar to some of those other guys'.