The G.A.S. Pump (Oct 26)
Time to fill ‘er up at The Georgia Amateur Sports (G.A.S.) Pump, brought to you by LocalReplay.com. Enjoy our daily look at amateur sports headlines from around the State of Georgia. Click on the following links to find:
High School Football
Athens/Augusta Area
Player of the Week: James Cole | augustachronicle.com
Cole had 11 carries for 147 yards and touchdown runs of 11, 18 and 57 yards in a 57-21 win against Griffin Christian. He caught one pass for 44 yards.
Schools brace for shakeup | augustachronicle.com
Reclassification will become a bigger story in the days ahead. Both Evans and Greenbrier are expected to move to Class AAAAA next fall when the area’s Georgia High School Association teams are realigned yet again. Cross Creek and Hephzibah have both been named by area coaches as two schools who might move up in class, too.
Beyond his control | onlineathens.com
They are simple movements. The blink of an eye, the rolling of a wrist and a jerk of the head. For Charlie Williams, these effortless actions are all beyond his control.
Devils to host No. 4 Habersham | waltontribune.com
Habersham Central, which provides the opposition for Loganville tonight at Red Devil Stadium, has an offensive lineman who stands 6-feet, 8-inches tall and weighs in at 320 pounds, a runningback (Taveres King) who has verbally committed to the University of Georgia, a 300-pound defensive end, a linebacker who will be playing at Oklahoma next season, two other Division I prospects and an offensive line that averages 290 pounds.
First place in region is on the line | waltontribune.com
Grayson High School coach Mickey Conn stops short of calling tonight’s meeting with Brookwood “the biggest game in the program’s history.” However, it would be hard to find another meeting since the school opened in 2000 which meant so much. “It’s a big one, but I don’t know if I want to put that much pressure on ourselves,” said Conn. “It’s kind of neat to be in the position of playing for a shot at a region championship.”
South Gwinnett tries to remain in hunt | waltontribune.com
South Gwinnett continues to contend for a playoff spot in Region 8-AAAAA. The Comets currently sit in a three-way tie for third place in the league with Berkmar and Parkview, all with 2-2 marks. The top four teams qualify for the postseason. Any hopes of maintaining that position probably hinge on a win at Shiloh tonight.
Atlanta Area
Maxie’s Weekend Predictions | ajc.com
AJC high school sports editor Darryl Maxie predicts the state’s football winners and losers for the weekend of Oct. 26-27. Winners are listed in bold.
Football fights cause GHSA concern | ajc.com
For two weeks in a row, fights have ended high school football games early. First, it was Luella-Union Grove, resulting in 10 suspended players and triple-digit fines for both teams. Then, it was Glenn Hills-Thomson, where a smaller, but still alarming, altercation led to one suspended player.
Key metro matchups: This weekend’s best games | ajc.com
Dunwoody needs the victory to keep its playoff hopes alive. The Wildcats are 5-2 overall and 2-2 in Region 5-AAA Division B. Dunwoody is tied with Grady and North Atlanta for third place in the subregion. The Wildcats play Westminster next week.
State Best Bet: LaGrange-Carver (Col.) | ajc.com
LaGrange coach Steve Pardue had to do something this week he rarely has done for nearly seven seasons — lift his team’s spirits after a loss. His Class AAA top-ranked Grangers carried a 58-2 region record since 2000 into last week’s game against Shaw, and the improbable happened with the Raiders pulling off a 25-16 upset. Now an even bigger challenge faces LaGrange, which plays the new top-ranked team, Carver-Columbus, on Saturday.
Metro Best Bet: Milton-Roswell | ajc.com
When you are the defending co-champion in the state’s highest classification, your season is usually put under the microscope. Roswell has learned this season that every loss is magnified and every victory is critiqued. While Roswell has been living under the watchful eye of the fans in this football-crazed state, Milton quietly has been making some waves.
Colonels are ready for the Dogs | dailytribune.com
Last year, the Cedartown Bulldogs went 0-10 for the first time in at least 60 years. This year, Cedartown has been anything but a doormat, posting a 4-3 overall record and a 3-1 mark in Region 6-AAA. The Bulldogs knocked off Cartersville, 41-35, in double overtime at Weinman Stadium last week and are in a three-way tie with Sandy Creek and Carrollton for first place in the region standings.
Grizzlies maintain torrid offense | cherokeetribune.com
The Creekview football team has been balanced between the run and pass all season and generate an average of 37.6 points per game. The Grizzlies (6-1) will likely score that many points Friday night when they host Mt. Zion-Carroll, a team that’s still looking for its first victory. “We’re not going to worry about (Mt. Zion-Carroll),” Creekview coach Al Morrell said.
Playoffs on the line for Tigers, Eagles | rockdalecitizen.com
Tonight’s game between Eastside and Alcovy has more implications than the right to claim the Newton County championship. It could mean a trip to the Region 8-AAAA playoffs as the two square off at 7:30 p.m. today at Homer Sharp Stadium. While Eastside has a better overall record at 5-2, compared to Alcovy at 2-5, one team will leave at 2-2 and in third place in the Region 8-AAAA South standings.
Seminoles look to keep spotless region record | rockdalecitizen.com
Salem and Heritage square off tonight in a battle for county bragging rights.
For Salem (6-1 overall, 3-0 Region 8-AAAA South), a win means the Seminoles stay undefeated in region play and win the annual Conyers Cup Championship. Just as important for the Seminoles is what lies ahead — a home game in the Region 8-AAAA playoffs on Nov. 9 and an 8-AAAA South championship game next Friday against Cedar Shoals at Evans Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, Heritage (2-5 overall, 0-3 Region 8-AAAA South) is hoping to upset the Seminoles and notch its first subregion victory.
Key games as region football schedule winds down | thecitizen.com
East Coweta has a significant edge over Region 4-AAAAA rival Hiram in both average points scored per game (34.4 to 18) and average points allowed per game (8.8 to 18.3). Plus, East Coweta has been near unstoppable since losing its season opener, having won seven consecutive games. The first-place Indians have been led by Tim McGill, Mac McKnight, Christian Flavin and Ryan Gates.
Allah’s transition into a Rebel with a cause | timesgeorgian.com
Malik Allah is not what you would call a prototypical quarterback. When the defense is barreling down on the Haralson County senior, one thing’s for sure - he’s never going to slide in hopes of avoiding the contact. No way. In fact, he welcomes it. Only, he would rather dish out the hits if it came down to an either/or decision. Quarterback? Or defensive animal?
Macon Area
Falcons, Royals fighting for playoff lives in 4-AA test | courierherald.com
Three weeks ago, the East Laurens Falcons and Bleckley Royals were two teams headed in different directions. The Falcons were 2-3 headed into their matchup with then No. 8 ranked Dodge Co., while the Royals were 4-1 and facing a much lighter test in Toombs Co.
Irish playing for seeding against Toombs County | courierherald.com
The Dublin Fighting Irish know they are in the playoffs. What they have left to do is figure out how high they can get in Region 4-AA. The Irish could get a chance to play for the region title depending on what happens when they host Toombs County this Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
West Laurens looking to keep momentum against Northeast | courierherald.com
West Laurens head coach John Pate said the next two weeks in Region 4B-AAA are going to be a “dogfight.” But he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself talking about the future. He wants to focus on his Raiders (4-3 overall, 1-2 region) who will host the Raiders from Northeast-Macon. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
It’s Irish Week at GMC | unionrecorder.com
The Georgia Military College Prep varsity football team faces off against its biggest rival of the season tonight, hitting the road to take on Aquinas. The Bulldogs and Irish had numerous heated contests over the years.
Trojans look to rebound | unionrecorder.com
The John Milledge Academy varsity football team plays host to region foe Mount de Sales, and the Trojans will try to rebound from two tough region losses. Two weeks ago the Trojans lost to Tattnall, and last week they fell to Riverside.
Savannah Area
Clash of the Region 3-AAAAA titans | savannahmorningnews.com
With an offense that includes the area’s top running back, it’s easy for one to overlook the Jenkins defense. Operating in the shadow of University of Florida-bound Franklin Green, the Warriors’ defense has been nothing short of spectacular this season.
Big test for BA as Trinity comes to town | statesboroherald.com
Over 3,000 yards and over 300 points. That’s what the Trinity Christian School Crusaders, the defending Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Class AA state champions, have done so far this season. And one young man has accounted for over 60 percent of those totals.
Colby Jackson is his name.
Devils face rival Rebels | statesboroherald.com
Buy a program tonight, you might need it. Statesboro travels to Effingham this evening in a game pitting two teams alike in more ways than one. Both the Blue Devils (6-1, 5-1 Region 3-AAAA) and the Rebels (3-4, 3-3) run the same offense and defense, wear the blue and white and are fighting for their playoff lives.
Valdosta Area
Little guy, big plays | albanyherald.com
Albany State players occasionally joke with Rams cornerback Terry McGhee about his size. And they don’t have to think of anything original because coach Mike White has the most clever line.
Packers seek upset of Lowndes | moultrieobserver.com
Before tonight’s Colquitt County-Lowndes football game at Tom White Field at Mack Tharpe Stadium, the members of the 2007 Class of the Colquitt County Hall of Fame will be introduced. Four of the inductees – Greg Bright, Tony DeRosso, Parks Hughes and Christopher McCranie – played for the Packers in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Wildcats battle Trojans | valdostadailytimes.com
Second place will be on the line tonight, when the Valdosta Wildcats host the Coffee Trojans. Barring a collapse, Lowndes probably has the Region 1-AAAAA championship wrapped up. So the Wildcats (6-2, 3-1 region) will be going for the next-best thing.
Lowndes on road to face Packers | valdostadailytimes.com
Lowndes came out of the Winnersville Classic with a victory, placing its playoff destiny strictly in its own hands. The path to the playoffs and a Region 1-AAAAA championship continues today as the Vikings travel to Colquitt County. After facing a strong Valdosta team, Lowndes (6-1, 3-0 in Region 1-AAAAA) will need to continue to keep its focus against the 2-5 Colquitt County Packers.
Valiants take on No. 1 Warriors | valdostadailytimes.com
Tonight Valwood Stadium will host what very well could be the GISA 3-AA game of the year, as the defending region champion and state runner-up Valwood Valiants (6-1) play host to the top ranked GISA Class AA team in the state, the Brookwood Warriors (7-0). “We’ve got a mighty tough task this week,” said Valwood head coach Mike Patrick on Thursday.
High School Volleyball
Athens/Augusta Area
GWA wins first region title | waltontribune.com
The George Walton Academy volleyball team has won its first-ever region championship. The Lady Bulldogs will advance to the Georgia Independent School Association state tournament in Augusta this weekend as a No. 1 seed. The first two rounds will be played today. GWA is matched up against Atlanta Girls’ School.
Atlanta Area
The Lady Canes are battle tested | dailytribune.com
The Cartersville Lady Hurricanes will come into Saturday’s AAA sectional volleyball tournament with a lot of confidence in hand. After a season full of tough matches, the Lady Canes know they can compete with any team in the state. The Lady Canes will have a chance to prove themselves beginning at 4:30 p.m. against Region 3-AAA’s No. 3 seed, Glenn Hills, at Riverwood in Atlanta.
Athlete of the Week: Katie Battani, Creekview | cherokeetribune.com
Creekview setter Katie Battani has come up big for the Lady Grizzlies this season, helping guide the school to its first state tournament appearance. Battani logged five blocks, three kills and 11 assists Saturday when Creekview claimed the No. 3 seed in the Area 5AA/A tournament and head coach John Edwards said the junior has great intensity on the court.
Volleyball teams hope to win 3 Saturday | gwinnettdailypost.com
For 12 local volleyball teams, the hope is for a long day Saturday. The state volleyball sectionals pair down 32 teams in each classification to the Final Four in one day Saturday at locations across Georgia. Teams must win three in-a-row to advance. “We would love nothing else than to spend the entire day (playing volleyball),” said Brookwood head coach Brian Welsch, whose team begins play at 3 p.m. against Pope at Roswell.
Northgate, East Coweta set for State Sectionals | timesherald.com
The Northgate Lady Vikings played in what has to be one of the toughest volleyball regions in the state of Georgia this year. The two top Quad A teams in the latest coaches’ poll (Starr’s Mill and McIntosh) compete in 3-AAAA as well as No. 7 Whitewater. Lady Viking coach Matt Trucks hopes playing against such strong competition during the season and in the Area 3 tournament will stand his team in good stead in the sectionals which begin Saturday at Woodward Academy. He’ll find out soon enough.
High School Softball
Atlanta Area
Well-timed momentum has Cherokee inching toward Class AAAA state title |cherokeetribune.com
Cherokee rode a wave of momentum that included an eight-game winning streak to make it to the Class AAAA Fast-Pitch Softball State Championships in Columbus. With their first game starting off today against Region 1AAAA champion Lee County at 2 p.m., the Lady Warriors will try to ensure that wave hasn’t crested.
No surprises |gwinnettdailypost.com
After the opening games at the Class AAAAA state softball tournament, No. 2 state-ranked Mill Creek found itself in exactly the same position as it was in a year ago - in the winner’s bracket final. The Hawks hope for a better showing this time around after winning 5-0 over East Coweta and 1-0 over No. 8 Peachtree Ridge on Thursday put them in today’s 5 p.m. winner’s bracket final against fifth-ranked Lassiter.
Buford, GAC set for showdown | gwinnettdailypost.com
As the two top-ranked teams in Class AA, it came as no surprise the Greater Atlanta Christian and Buford each won its first two games at the Class AA state softball tournament Thursday at South Commons Softball Complex.
Lady Vikings win two | timesherald.com
The Northgate Lady Vikings have had trouble defeating the Greenbrier Lady Wolfpack in their head-to-head meetings over the past few years. Northgate erased some of its frustration Thursday night with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Greenbrier in the GHSA State AAAA Softball Elite Eight. It went down to the wire as the Lady Wolfpack had the winning run in scoring position in this winner’s bracket game at the South Commons Sports Complex. Lady Viking head coach Lisa Skelton gave much of the credit to the difficulty in playing Greenbrier to their head coach Garrett Black.
Frustrating day for Lady Indians | timesherald.com
East Coweta picked the wrong time to make some uncharacteristic mistakes as the Lady Indians fell 5-0 to the Mill Creek Lady Hawks on Thursday in the GHSA State AAAAA Softball Elite Eight First round. Those mistakes haunted East Coweta, now 25-7, as it faces an uphill battle in the loser’s bracket against the Warner Robins Demonettes today at 9 a.m. The game will be played at the South Commons Complex and is a rematch of their sectional meeting last week won by the Demonettes, 2-1. ECHS head coach Franklin Deloach pointed to the mistakes as the difference in the loss to Mill Creek.
Columbus Area
Frustrating day for Lady Indians | ledgerenquirer.com
The Lady Patriots loosened their legs with a couple of laps Monday afternoon. They then warmed up their arms. Northside spent some time taking batting practice. The Patriots also worked on their defense.
Savannah Area
Mustangs split games on first day of state softball finals | savannahmorningnews.com
South Effingham beat two-time defending state champion Oconee County, 1-0, in its first game of the Georgia High School Association Class AAA state softball tournament finals Thursday, then fell to Sandy Creek, 3-0, in the second. The Mustangs will play a losers’ bracket game at 1 p.m. today. If they win that, they will play again at 5 p.m. today.
Savannah-area softball teams struggle at state finals | savannahmorningnews.com
It wasn’t a good day for the Savannah-area teams on the first day of the Georgia High School Association state softball finals at South Commons. Savannah Country Day, Savannah Christian, Bryan County and Southeast Bulloch all lost their first game on Thursday afternoon. They will all play in elimination games today.
Valdosta Area
Lady Trojans begin Elite 8 march today | savannahmorningnews.com
Just describing the moment gave Lee County coach Lynn Avery chills. Watching seven years of hard work become a reality with one line shot past shortstop will do that..
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