Monday Mor, er, Afternoon Quarterback: Central Georgia's polls
The third week didn’t offer much clarification for Central Georgia.
Peach County appeared to play over its head – based on the first game with many new faces - against Northside, then got smashed by an elite Lee County team, more smashed than expected.
Northside didn’t make the typical strides after a rough week, and lost at home, so the Eagles are tougher to figure out than most thought. They have two weeks as a solid favorite to settle down and pick it up.
Perry and Westside played the expected tight game, but neither has necessarily established a full identity.
Soon enough, Howard, Upson-Lee and perhaps Perry will be that much closer to challenging Veterans for the fifth spot. The reality is that it’s hard to imagine the other four ranked teams stumbling enough to fall out of the top five in Division I.
One never knows.
The area’s Class A group is off to a very pedestrian start, so much so that a school that just resuming region play may be more competitive with the established programs than expected. Ditto another team that entered this year 14 games under .500 the past five season, yet is undefeated.
It’s safe to expect, though, some balancing to emerge here shortly in Class A, although Sports Report poll-wise, there’ll be a half-dozen teams or so trying to squeak in the final few Division II spots.
Top 5
Division I (6A-5A-4A, 11 schools)
1. Warner Robins
Having a week off so early after two wins can stifle momentum, but it gives Warner Robins a chance to work on some consistency. The Demons are a heavy favorite entering Baldwin, but then have a whopper at home on Sept. 14 at Colquitt County, a game that’ll better give an idea about the Demons.
2. Jones County
Picking against the Greyhounds last week was tough for a reason, and the state saw why. There was the thought that this would be a noticeably better team after four or five games, but taking care of business like that at The Mac against Northside – even as we all wonder about what the Eagles are – is pretty salty.
3. Mary Persons
So much for the concerns about cracking 40 points. Goodness. The Bulldogs are outscoring opponents an almost stupid 50.1-9.7. And the worst whippings have been dispensed to Class 6A programs. That little visit to The Valley in two weeks is looking miiiighty interesting.
4. Northside
Eagle Nation is frenetic, in a tizzy. Criticism, alive even during a state championship season, may be at an all 21st-century high. First 1-2 start since 1997 and losing at home to a lower-classification team will do that. They’re solidly favored for two weeks – 0-2 Class 5A Whitewater and 0-3 Class 4A Baldwin – before taking on Warner Robins.
5. Veterans
It’s huge for a young, in-transition program to win despite the offense and special teams giving up points, as was the case against Baldwin. The defense deserved to have a two- or three-touchdown win on its resume. Being 3-0 is clearly good, but there’s still not a quality win for the 5A team yet.
Top 5
Division II (3A-2A-A-Other)
1. Peach County
It was a head-turning trip south for Peach County, following an eye-opening win with an eye-opening loss. Difference in classifications and Lee County’s resume notwithstanding, it was a humbling experience for Peach County. Alas, the Trojans are still the top Division II team in the area, but figuring out by how much is up for more debate.
2. Dodge County
And there was that win over a 4A playoff team in an old-school, strap-it-up football game. Odd how the Indians have West Laurens’ number. Winning by double figures at the Shu is impressive.
3. Dublin
The Irish went on the road, and came back to win despite being outgained and completing only one pass. Yes, the air attack will have to be of more impact, but Dublin’s defense came up with two stands to hold Swainsboro to field goals.
4. Washington County
Moving up a week with Friday off is no big deal, shows the fun and unpredictability of things. With another larger-class opponent awaiting, the House of Pain will be the Location of Loud (or something like that) this week.
5. Westside
The Seminoles remain a little bit of an enigma, and are still searching for consistency, some of which they should already have.
6. Dooly County
The Bobcats lost by one to AA Fitzgerald, which got the lead early and had to hold off Dooly County. The Purple Hurricane are still in a rebuilding mode, so this is one the Bobcats will put in the “a good win that got away” column.
7. Mount de Sales
The Cavs had an odd win, but they’ve not had many odd wins in recent years. That’s the sign of a team taking quality steps forward. Granted, they can’t afford to have to grind that hard against weaker teams, but progress is progress. And, yes, they’ll need more balance on offense as the schedule toughens.
8. Bleckley County
A nearly double-digit win is always nice, but the Royals know a 9-point win over Telfair should’ve been double that. Bleckley County is getting plenty of offense, and balanced, with QB Zach Lassiter (553 yards) and RB Nykeem Farrow (490 yards), but the defense is giving up a few points.
9. GMC
The Bulldogs were off, and the schedule stays extremely friendly this week with a visit to first-year program ACE. GMC should at least match its pair of 35-7 wins and enjoy its ranking, because region play is coming, and things tend to change.
10. John Milledge
The GISA makes its first appearance, thanks to Stratford’s stunning thumping, Tattnall’s loss to a GHSA rookie, and a general lack of oomp from Bibb County’s schools in this division. The Trojans are young, yes, and may fall right back out in a week, but things look pretty good so far.