By Sam Crenshaw
I wish that I could say that I saw it coming, but I can’t.
After watching Sandy Creek dismantle Creekview at the Corky Kell Classic, I got the feeling that it could be another one of those seasons for the Patriots. Since Chip Walker succeeded his father, Rodney Walker, in 2005 Sandy Creek has won 3 state championships. With all due respect to Eagles Landing Christian, Griffin and Creekside, Walker’s Patriots have been the “Beast Of Atlanta’s Southside”.
Last Friday night, “The Beast” got shocked on it’s home field as Jonesboro visited Tyrone and came away with a 17-15 victory. The Cardinals trailed 13-0 at halftime only to see coach Tim Floyd’s crew stage a 4th quarter comeback. When asked about his team coach Floyd said, ” I kinda wish that we could fly below the radar for a while”.
Sorry Coach.
When you beat “The Beast” in Week 2 the spotlight will find you. Let’s see how the Cardinals do when the represent Clayton County against Westover in Albany this week.
Elsewhere, Georgia lost 3 out of the 4 games in the annual Chick Fil A Battle Of The Borders at Hallford Stadium. Coconut Creek downed Marist, Hillandale outscored Cedar Grove and American heritage topped Stephenson. Tucker was the loan Dekalb County winner, besting Tallahassee Godby 51-38.
Top ranked Archer continues to impress with a 26-10 win over Peachtree Ridge in a nationally televised contest. Grayson shutout Gainesville 34-0, while Mill Creek smashed West Forsyth 51-13.
At 2-0 Mill Creek faces a big test this week at Dacula. While many see Archer and Grayson as the best teams in 8-AAAAAA, I say keep an eye on the Falcons. They are my pick for region darkhorse.
After opening the season with a blowout win over Carrollton, Kell fell to Lassiter 27-9. The Trojans are 2-0 and bound their backyard brawl with Walton this week.
If you want to go and catch high school action this week, the headliner is in Powder Springs where Buford will come to call on McEachern. There will be Division 1 prospects all over the field with scouts and recruiters camped out in trees to watch. Get there early if you can.
Etowah and Cherokee will tangle in a pair of 2-0 teams. Down in Fairburn, Creekside will host Carver-Columbus on the Reservation. Elijah Holyfield is expected to make his college selection Friday then lead Woodward Academy against St. Pius.
Lovett is 0-2 after losing to Westminster. This week Lovett hosts Marist, while Westminster welcomes Augusta’s Laney for the “Battle Of The Wildcats”.
The best game in Buckhead will be Landmark Christian at Pace Academy both teams are 2-0. This could be a breakthrough season for the Pace team that is coached by former New England Patriots star Chris Slade.
Enjoy the games and don’t forget to tune in the “High School Football Power Hour” Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m. on SportsRadio 92-9 The Game.
