LocalReplay Preview: The Kell Powerade Classic
August 31st, 2007 Posted in Georgia, High School Football
[Credit: www.gadome.com]
The Kell Powerade Classic promises to deliver some quality match-ups for the highly anticipated start of Georgia high school football. As we approach kickoff, LocalReplay is bringing you insight into each game, along with our bold predictions. Be sure to visit our photo and video coverage of the Kell Powerade Classic - highlights will be posted Sunday night.
Stars Mill High School v. Cherokee
The Stars Mill Panthers come into the Classic extremely focused under the leadership of coach Mike Earwood. Earwood said of the event, “It’s obviously a big event. We try to treat this game as another football game. The facility that we play in makes the game what it is. Our players get excited to play in a facility which hosts the Falcons and the SEC Championship. The environment makes it worthwhile.”
With history on their side, the Panthers will try to continue their dominance of the event led by a solid rushing attack and strong quarterback play. In last season’s classic, the Panthers dominated the game from the onset, winning by a final tally of 35-7.
On the opposing sideline, the Cherokee High School Warriors are looking to exact revenge. After a disappointing season finishing with a record of 6-4, the Warriors will lean on the leadership of seniors Zack Thompson and Jake Hester.
All eyes will be on Cedric Chambers as he looks to become one of the next great safeties to come from Cherokee High school. Chambers told the Ledger-Enquirer he has to keep focused on his game after changing from corner to safety, “It’s not a third or a half of the field anymore, it’s the whole field,” Chambers said. “I just have to keep my focus and read everything that is going on.”
There will be no shortage of talent on the field. When watching the action on Saturday, make sure to have a program on hand to check out these star athletes.
It’s hard to argue with Stars Mill’s success last season, but Cherokee returns a ton of talent, and has definitely matured since last season’s loss.
Prediction: Cherokee wins 28-21 in a see-saw barn burner.
Parkview vs. McEachern
The second game features two programs with storied histories. Parkview has had 7 players on the AJC’s Super 11 list. McEachern is led by Jim Dorsey who has a number of very impressive seasons on his coaching resume. Both teams bring a lot to the table and it will be interesting to see who will come out on top.
Parkview will be looking for leadership after the loss of Michael Winston to graduation. The role of team leader will be on the shoulders of Josh Pinison, who will take over as starting running back. Head coach James Tigue told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Pinsion will have no problem taking over as team captain. “He’s the guy we look at to lead the way this season,” Tigue said. “I think what happened Saturday was a one-time thing. He did the same thing last year where he started the season a little slow and came on strong at the end. I expect the same thing this year. He put in more miles and was healthier this summer than he has been in previous years.” The team will rely heavily on his running ability to come away with the victory.
McEachern is seething after the 34-0 beatdown they took last season from the Parkview Panthers. Look for this team to be much improved with a number of starters back from a team that finished last season very strong. All seems to be quiet along the Indian front as the team has not spoken about their upcoming game. Apparently they want their play to do all of the talking.
Prediction: It looks as if Parkview is back on track. Last season was no fluke against McEachern. Both of these teams have great players, but Parkview will be too much for the Indians. 35-21, Parkview takes it.
Warner Robbins v. Camden County
This one could be the biggest mismatch on paper. Warner Robbins is in the top ten in a number of publications across the country. After finishing last season one victory short of the title, the Demons are looking to close this season as champions. A lot of their success this season will depend on strong offensive line play led by senior Ronnie Bailey.
“He’s a big boy,” Warner Robins coach Bryan Way told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Way was a former offensive lineman in the late 1970s for the Demons. “But he’s extremely athletic. Playing basketball and baseball helps. We’re able to pull more off the line because of the speed and athleticism. He’s just an outstanding player.”
Camden County will look to match up with the Demons using their rushing attack, which was shut down last season by Warner Robbins en route to their 27-7 victory over the Wildcats in the playoffs last season. Willie White and Ernesto Herring return as the players to watch out for on the Camden County sideline. White is a very talented wide out who should be in on a lot of big plays. Herring is a strong inside presence that will aid the running game, and should create a number of holes. Head Coach Jeff Herron wants a win badly because he wants to win the region, and start a playoff run.
“By winning the region, you’ll get a No. 1 seed and you’ll have a chance to play at home in the state tournament, and that makes a big difference,” Herron said to the Savannah Morning News.
Prediction: As good as Camden County is Warner Robbins is that much better. 35-14 Demons.
Roswell v. Brookwood
The nightcap features two teams that know each other well. Roswell defeated Brookwood 10-9 last season on their way to a tie in the state championship game. This continues the common theme of the night: avenging last years lopsided results.
Brookwood has no returning starters on defense. In spite of their youth, the coaching staff has a history of being well prepared. Coach Mark Crews will be working hard to have his team in shape as they were during last seasons successful run in the playoffs. There will be a lot of pressure on the new players to step up in order for them to have a chance against the defending co-state champions.
Roswell is ranked number 11 in the country, and returns a boatload of talent from last season. Coach Tim McFarlin is known around the state for his innovative game plans as well as his motivational techniques. The Hornets have all of the necessary tools in place to make a run back to the state title game and possibly win another title.
This game will be hard fought as both teams are very physical and like to play smash-mouth football. But don’t underestimate the passing game, as both teams know how to get the ball down the field, and get in the end zone quickly.
Prediction: Roswell 28-21.
Remember to check back here for photo coverate from the Kell Powerade Classic. We will post news and results from all of Friday’s and Saturday’s action here, and will post highlights Sunday evening.
[Where: 30303]
