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Tyler Colquitt,
OL-DL
FRiday
night
countdown
Madison County Journal
Haynes Hill,
TE-LB
Andrew McCannon,
DE-OL
August 25, 2011
First Madison Bank & Trust
Good luck,
Madison County
Red Raiders!
Colbert
5536 GA Highway 72
706-788-0039
Danielsville
210 General Daniel Avenue, North
706-795-5000
www.firstmadisonbank.com
Athens
780 US Highway 29
706-389-7979
PAGE 2C — THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011
FRIDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN
2011 SCHEDULE
Date
A. 26
S. 2
S. 9
S. 16
S. 23
S. 30
O. 14
O. 21
O. 28
N. 4
The 2011 Red Raiders
Opponent
at Flowery Branch
vs. Salem
vs. Winder
at Loganville
vs. Habersham
at Apalachee
vs. Rockdale
at Clarke Central
vs. Cedar Shoals
at Heritage
— all games at 7:30 p.m.
2011 JV SCHEDULE
Date
Aug. 25
Sept. 8
Sept. 22
Sept. 29
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
Oct. 27
Opponent
MCHS 9th
Franklin Co.
@Clarke C.
Alcovey
@Hab C.
@Flowery B.
@N. Oconee
Time
5:30
5:30
5:30
6:30
5:30
6:30
5:30
2011 9TH GRADE SCHEDULE
Date
Aug. 18
Aug. 25
Sept. 1
Sept. 8
Sept. 15
Sept. 29
Oct. 13
Oct. 20
Opponent
MCMS 8th
MCHS JV
@N. Oconee
@Banks
@Jackson
@Alcovey
Hab C.
@Flowery B.
Time
5:00
5:30
5:30
5:00
5:30
5:30
5:30
6:30
2011 MCMS SCHEDULE
Date
Aug. 18
Sept. 1
Sept. 10
Sept. 15
Sept. 22
Sept. 29
Oct. 8
Opponent
Time
MCHS 9th 5:00
Hab C.
5:00
@Hart Co.
6:00
@Franklin Co. 5:00
West Oak, S.C 5:30
Elbert Co. 5:00
@Stephens 6:00
COACHING:
Head coach:
Randell Owens
Seasons: 8th
Record: 34-38
Playoffs:
2005 (7-4), 2006 (8-3)
Last year: 1-9,
defeated Winder, 22-16
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
30
32
33
34
35
40
51
Player
Trey Carruth
Staquavious Mack
Marquez Henson
Kardashian Johnson
Trae Burton
Keidrick Curry
Wesley Johnson
Michael Burden
Malik Freeman
Andrew Lindsey
Alex Jordan
Caleb Owens
T.J. Skelton
Bo Hardman
Forrest Lane
Chase Cabe
Cody Harbin
Tad Wilson
Xavier Duncan
Trey Adams
Clint Barksdale
Oliver Espinoza
Joey Sandres
Chris Newton
Tanner Gordon
Hayes Hill
Caleb McCain
Willie Blevins
Bryson Barton
Dustin Howard
Drew Daniel
Tyler Colquitt
Position
RB/Rover
WR/DB
FB/DB
RB/DB
QB
RB/DB
QB/DB
LB
WB/Rover
WR/FS
QB
TE/DE
QB/FS
TE/FS
DB
RB/FS
WR/DB
WR/DB
RB/LB
TE/LB
SB/Rover
K/P
K/P
WR/DB
WR/DB
TE/LB
WR/DB
WR/Rover
RB/DL
OL/LB
OL/LB
OL/DL
Grade
12
11
9
11
12
11
10
11
9
10
12
10
9
11
10
10
12
10
10
12
10
10
10
10
12
12
12
10
11
10
11
11
No.
52
53
55
56
58
59
63
64
66
69
71
72
75
76
77
81
83
85
Player
Donavon Allen
Steven Resby
Troy Tittle
Dustin Howard
Levi Crumley
Blake West
Andrew McCannon
Matt Bauhcum
Austin Dean
William Kenney
Shamari Newton
Matt Pieper
Harley Whitehead
William Faulkner
Chase Boyett
Zack Runyan
Osman Torres
Wesley Wright
Position
OL/DL
OL/DE
DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL/DE
OL/DL
OL
OL/DE
LB
DE
Rover
Coaching staff
Head coach: Randell Owens
Assistant coach, defensive coordinator: Mike Haynes
Offensive coordinator, QBs and RBs: Chris Smith
Special teams coordinator, safeties coach: Sam Austin
Defensive line: Jamie Sims
Defensive ends: William Trimier
Defensive corners: Brent Bird
Outside linebackers: Tyler Berryman
Wide receivers: Marty Tate
Offensive line: Randy Colquitt
Tight ends: Nick May
Videographers: Caleb Brooks, Jacob Kytle and Caleb Seymour
KICK
OFF
GOOD
LUCK
SANDERS
Madison County
Red Raiders
to a great season!
FURNITURE
Hours: 9-6 Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.,
10-5 Wed. & Sat.
1697 South Elm Street
Downtown Commerce
335-3189
Good Luck
Madison County
Red Raiders
On A Wonderful
Football Season!
Grade
11
12
12
10
11
12
12
10
10
10
11
12
11
10
10
11
11
11
Gold & Silver Exchange
293 Steven Tanger Blvd., Suite 313
Commerce, GA 30529
706-335-4045
THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 — PAGE 3C
friday night Countdown
The
Friday Night Countdown is over
By Zach Mitcham
[email protected]
F
or many Madison
County Red Raiders,
football never left.
There was winter weightlifting, spring practices, summer
seven-on-seven passing drills,
camps and the August days of
cracking pads in brutal heat.
That work, that sweat equity,
is all part of the game — part
of the long countdown to fall
Fridays.
That countdown ends
tomorrow (Friday), when the
Danielsville squad will finally
run through the season-opening banner at Flowery Branch.
That means it’s time for woodwinds and drums, pom poms
and cheers.
Football on Fridays carries
its own character, something
different than the games on
Saturdays or Sundays, both in
the atmosphere and the games
themselves.
Red Raider head coach
Randell Owens offers this
assessment of game planning
at the different levels.
“High school is totally different from college and the NFL,”
said Owens. “In the NFL, here’s
my system and I’m going to
draft or trade for people to
run my system. In college, I’m
going to recruit players that fit
my system. Paul Johnson ain’t
going to recruit the same kind
of folks that Mark Richt is.
Paul Johnson might take linemen that might get passed over
by most D1 schools, because
he needs mobility.”
Owens said high school football requires coaches to shift
schemes to suit available personnel.
“In high school, you scour
the halls,” said Owens. “You
recruit what’s there, the best
you can get that’s there. And
then you sit down and say,
‘What system can I use that
best utilizes the talent available
to me and the practice time
available to me?’”
Madison County, which finished 1-9 last year, is aiming
for improvement in the brutal
Region 8-AAAA, which features stalwarts such as Clarke
County and Flowery Branch.
So what’s the plan of attack?
Well, Red Raider fans can
expect to see a mix of offensive
game planning in 2011, some
standard, drop-back, pro-style
attacks when one quarterback
is in the game, and a more
option-oriented attack when
another is behind center.
“If Trae (Burton) is in there
at QB, we’ll run the option
game,” said Owens. “With
Alex (Jordan), he can’t run
the option, but he’s got pretty
good experience seeing the
field. That’s two totally different guys and we’re trying to
mesh it to fit the system and
the talent.”
Owens said both quarterbacks will get playing time.
Of course, Burton won’t just
line up behind center. The athletic senior will touch the ball
at running back and receiver,
too. He’ll even serve as the
team’s punter.
“He’s going to be on the
field a good bit working somewhere,” said Owens. “Is he
quarterback, wingback or do
we have him flexed out at wide
receiver?”
The Red Raider backfield will
also include Keidrick Curry
at running back. Trey Carruth
will get carries. Others who
may get some action include
Staquavious Mack of the Grey team is tackled by members of the Red team during the annual Red vs. Grey scrimmage Thursday, Aug. 18, at Red Raider Stadium. Zach Mitcham/staff
Malik Freeman at wingback
and slotback and Marquez
Henson at fullback.
Red Raider receivers will
include Cody Harbin and Caleb
McCain. Freshman T.J. Skelton
will likely get on the field.
At tight end, Hayes Hill will
share time with Bo Hardman
and Trey Adams.
“They’ll all work at tight end
and won’t come off the field on
defense,” said Owens. “We’ll
rest them on offense by rotating them.”
Up front, the Red Raiders will
have Tyler Colquitt at strong
guard, Andrew McCannon at
center, Austin Dean at strong
tackle and Chase Boyett at split
tackle. Others who will likely
get time on the offensive line
include: Levi Crumley, Blake
West, Matt Bauhcum, William
Faulkner, Harley Whitehead
and Shamari Newton.
On the defensive line, Matt
Bauhcum will start at tackle,
with Tyler Colquitt starting
at noseguard. Bryson Barton,
Troy Tittle, Austin Dean and
Blake West will play in the interior, while Matt Pieper, Steven
Resby, Shamari Newton,
Andrew McCannon and Chase
Boyett will likely see action at
defensive end.
Trey Adams and Hayes Hill
will start at linebacker for the
Red Raiders with Michael
Burden and Dustin Howard
also vying for playing time.
Caleb McCain will return at
cornerback, with Cody Harbin,
Kardashian Johnson and
Staquavious Mack also in the
mix at corner.
Bo Hardman will start at
safety, with Tad Wilson, Chase
Cabe and Andrew Lindsey seeing action. Trey Carruth and
Keidrick Curry will play at
rover.
Sophomore soccer play-
ers Joey Sandres and Joey
Espinoza are competing at the
kicker position.
“The sky is the limit with
them, but they’re starting from
scratch,” said Owens. “They’re
both athletic kickers. The biggest thing is getting the snap,
hold, kick combination — getting it kicked before the rush
gets there.”
And that rush officially starts
tomorrow.
Madison County and Flowery
Branch will kick off at 7:30
p.m. in Flowery Branch, when
that long Friday night countdown will finally hit zero.
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PAGE 4C — THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011
FRIDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN
The Jr. Varsity Red Raiders
No.
3
5
7
8
10
11
12
14
16
21
28
32
35
37
45
50
Player
Marquez Henson
Javonte Griffin
T.J. Skelton
James Willis
Trey Pass
Cordre’ Hunter
Malik Freeman
Garrison Harris
Trey Watkins
Cordelius Lumpkin
Rashawn Gresham
Deonte’ Muldrow
Jamarius Witcher
Josh Martin
Hayden Colquitt
Tristan Cartlidge
Position
FB/DB
FB/LB
QB/FS
WR
SB/FS
WR/DB
WB/Rover
FB/DB
WB/DB
WR/DB
SB/Rover
LB
TE/LB
TE/LB
TE/Rover
OL/DE
No.
51
52
53
54
56
57
58
60
62
63
65
66
68
74
75
78
Player
Eric Smith
Christian Dean
Montaga Maddox
Christopher King
Noah Bolton
Phillipe Claytor
Christian Shupe
Jalyn Howard
Tanner Garrison
Brian Perren
Vince Hix
Richard Ortiz
Neal Bulla
Casey Angel
Colt Whitehead
Simean Freeman
MCMS Mustangs
Position
OL/DE
OL/LB
DL
OL/DL
OL
LB
OL/LB
OL/DL
OL/LB
OL/LB
OL/DE
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL/DL
OL
OL
No.
1
3
5
7
10
11
12
14
15
16
17
18
19
21
23
25
27
29
31
33
35
37
41
43
45
50
51
52
Player
Mi’Keyvion Lawrence
Trey Trimier
B.J. Minish
Cade Hancock
Sam Bartlett
Ryan Moon
Cameron Stevenson
Keith Gantt
Zach Kerns
Alex Sims
Trey McGuire
Courtney Stevenson
Ethan South
DeAundrey Robinson
Hunter Black
Dewitt Wood
Anthony Gaston
Blake Darnell
K.J. Burton
Austin Horne
T.J. Heard
Michael Nix
Rusty Nelms
Alex Sosa
Brandon Hand
Colby Chandler
Jordan Wiley
Blaine Little
Grade
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
8
7
7
7
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
8
7
8
7
8
7
8
8
8
No.
53
55
56
58
60
61
62
63
64
65
68
71
72
75
76
80
81
85
Player
Sebastian McCullough
Logan Childers
Mason Mallard
Hunter Chandler
Jonathan Hix
Sam Perdue
Chris Strickland
Chandler Austin
Bradley Pass
Austin McDaniel
Grant Bulla
Wyatt McBride
Jason Baxter
Keeven Wilhite
Aaron Jones
Josiah Fouche
Chase Miller
Brandon Fagan
Grade
8
7
8
8
7
7
7
8
7
8
7
7
8
7
7
8
8
8
Coaching staff
Head coach: David Yeary
Defensive coordinator: Wayne McCarty
Offensive coordinator: Jackson Russum
Assistant coach: Jeff Davis
Manager: Jared Wiley
Madison County Middle School eighth grader Cameron Stevenson (#12) greets
MCHS junior varsity players after an Aug. 18 scrimmage.
The Garden Patch Greenhouse
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GO, RED RAIDERS!
THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 — PAGE 5C
FRIDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN
MCHS varsity cheerleaders
The Madison County High School varsity cheerleading roster includes: Meaghan
Adams, Miranda Bidinger, Kristin Bradshaw, Madison Byrd, Breana Croya, Macy
Dalton, Autumn Edwards, Ciedra Fisher, Kayla Haley, Autumn Hall, Brittany
Menefield, Cailin Mercardante, Candace Payne, Katie Jane Phillips, Katelyn
Reeves, Kathryn Reeves, Kadi Schell and Chelsea Strickland.
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The Madison County High School junior varsity cheerleading squad includes: Kiana
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Ford, Katelin Graddy, Madison Hoxit, Nicole Jordan, Kayla Lumpkin, Catherine
NeSmith, Audrey Peck, Shelby Pieper, Kassie Schell and Madison Sosebee.
GOOD LUCK
MADISON COUNTY
RED RAIDERS!
We wish the
RED RAIDERS
a safe and
successful season.
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PAGE 6C — THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011
friday night Countdown
DRUM MAJORS Amber Hull
Courtney Braswell Kimberly Hunsinger
Victoria Hurteau
Maura Clifton
Alex Jones
Dennis Kieft
WINDS
Zachary Klimek
Sicilia Aparicio
Zach Larkins
Matthew Barber
Jessie McClain
Rebeka Barrett
Ashley McLain
Suzie Berman
Danielle Moon
Aubrey Bullock
Brandon Morgan
Kidron Bullock
Destinee Parten
Ben Chandler
Alex Perry
Kayla Christian
Melissa Christian Dalton Redick
Tyler Christopher Sarah Reese
Ciomara Richardson
Isabella Citvaras
Kimani Richardson
Parker Citvaras
Heather Rick
Lauren Clifton
Mayra Salas
Katie Cooper
Daylan Schubert
Wendy Cress
Keidis Smith
Jessica Davis
Rebecca Eberhart Mustaine Smith
Tryston Smith
Paige Fassett
Hanna Snelling
J.S. Fielding
Madison Sosebee
Mariah Goolsby
CJ Southwick
Maryalice Hall
Maureshe Stephens
Josh Hoetzel
MCHS Band and Color Guard
2377 Homer Rd. • Commerce, GA 30539
(Hwy. 441 South of Tanger Outlets)
706-335-2800
Sale Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Service Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Best Wishes For A Safe &
Successful Football Season
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Gina Strickland
Leslie Threlkeld
D’Andre Turner
Alysa Vasquez
Olivia Vasquez
Robert Whitfield
Modesty Wilhite
Alex Williams
T.J. Woodyard
PERCUSSION
Isik Benson
Seth Coder
Bryson James
Andrew Jones
Jacob McCannon
Zach McCannon
D.J. Patton
John Samuel
Charles Shedd
Trevor Thrift
Aaron Vaughn
Travis Vaughn
Daniel Walker
COLORGUARD
Layla Bailey
Destin Blalock
Haley Bowles
Erika Bragado
Samantha Bridges
Abbi Darwin
Jennifer Davis
Jana Dove
Rachel Eberhart
Ashley Haley
Kayla Hamby
Ashley Herring
Sydney Hoetzel
Celeste Jordan
Kathryn Jones
Sariah McLain
Patricia Mejia
Bethany Nunez
Molly Pulliam
Jazzmyne Self
Jennie Smith
Katie Smith
Leah Smith
Anna Tolbert
BAND MANAGERS
Jeffrey Sexton
Drew Felt
THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 — PAGE 7C
FRIDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN
MCHS band to offer patriotic production
By Zach Mitcham
[email protected]
Madison County High School
band director Nick Golding, a
Navy veteran, knew that 2011
was the right time for a patriotic
halftime show.
“I thought that if we were ever
going to do a patriotic show,
this would be the year, the 10th
anniversary of Sept. 11,” said
Golding.
So, the MCHS band will
perform “Heroes Fallen, Not
Forgotten” during halftime on
Friday nights this fall.
“It’s a three-movement show
that pays tribute to those who
gave the ultimate sacrifice, all
the way from the Civil War up to
today,” said Golding. “And then
also remembering those who lost
their lives in the Oklahoma City
bombing and the World Trade
Center attacks.”
Golding said the first movement is called “Shades of
Shenandoah”
“It’s about the letter Abraham
Lincoln sent to Mrs. Bixby on the
loss of her five sons in the war,”
said Golding.
The band director said there
will be 8’ by 4’ printings in the
back of the field, which will
be covered with curtains and
unveiled throughout the show.
Images include Lincoln, Arlington
National Cemetery, the Marines
raising the flag at Iwo Jima, John
John Kennedy saluting his father’s
casket, Martin Luther King Jr., the
Vietnam War, the Oklahoma City
bombing and the 9/11 attacks.
After the fireball image of the
9/11 attacks, there will be silence.
“Then, we’ll unveil the Statue
of Liberty and the band will play
‘Amazing Grace,’” said Golding.
The band director said the students are handling the production
well. Beyond the music and the
on-field choreography, the production is a learning lesson for
MCHS band members in other
ways.
“We had several war vets come
speak to the students and we
showed the kids an hour long
documentary on Sept. 11, because
we felt like they needed to have
some perspective to be able to
understand who we were paying
tribute to and who we were honoring,” said Golding. “Some of
them told me after they watched
the video that they had never
seen the planes actually fly into
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the building. It was very moving
for them.”
The band director said there
will be 97 band and color guard
members on the field this year,
the largest roster in Golding’s four
years. This includes 13 seniors
(eight on wind instruments, five
on percussion). Kara Taylor, the
new chorus director at MCHS, is
serving at the color guard instructor.
Golding said the summer practice went very well, with no one
quitting, despite the heat at the
lengthy July camps.
“This is the best band camp
we’ve had in my four years here,”
said Golding. “I definitely feel
like they’re farther along than
they’ve been at this point of the
year than before. I’m so thrilled
with this group.”
Madison County High School band members perform
Aug. 18 at the Red and Grey game.
GOOD LUCK
Madison County
Red Raiders!
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(706) 353-8349
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PAGE 8C — THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011
friday night Countdown
Opinion
Opinion
Being loud and proud — win or lose
Finally! The countdown to kickoff
is about to hit zero days and the time
we have waited for all summer is
just about here. It’s like Christmas to
us sports nuts as our favorite time of
the year is approaches. Football! If
it’s high school football, college or
professional that gets you excited,
it’s finally here.
Our expectations are always high
at this time of the year for the boys
wearing the pads. More than likely
those expectations will not be met
by season’s end. I for one don’t necessarily know if I have high expectations for my team, Clemson, or if
they are just high hopes. While my
hope that the Tigers will end up
playing for the conference championship and a BCS bowl game, I realize just hoping for a decent season is
more of a reality. For Georgia fans
your expectations are much higher,
hoping that the Dawgs will return to
the place they open the season in a
few weeks, Dome sweet Dome. An
appearance in the Dome’s SEC title
game and a trip to a BCS bowl game
and possibly a national title are what
the people in red and black hope for
at season’s end.
As for the Madison County Red
Raiders, their season kicks off Friday
night at Flowery Branch. Are your
expectations on a high level for the
Raiders or are you just hoping for
a decent season? Madison County,
already in a tough region, will face
off against very tough competition
in teams such as Flowery Branch,
Rockdale, Loganville, Salem,
Apalachee, and our friends from
Clarke County: Cedar Shoals and
Clarke Central. Some of the questions entering this year’s campaign
include: are there any soft spots in
this year’s schedule? How will the
Raiders respond to our expectations?
What will be the keys to success for
our guys in red and grey? Why are
the coaches doing this or that?
All of the questions and expectations we have held inside, regard-
Sports
talk
By Dallas Bordon
less of the teams we follow, are
all usually answered within the
first three weeks of the season. As
for the Raiders, we also hope and
would love to see them take a trip
to the Dome for the state semifinals.
But are those hopes of making an
appearance in the Dome that far out
of reach for Madison County? We
will know right away as there will
be little room for error in a tough
upcoming season for Raiders.
As for the fans who have the
high expectations or even those that
would just be happy if we beat the
much-hated Clarke County teams,
will we still be there to support our
team if things turn sour? Over the
summer I have heard a few complaints about lack of fan support
not necessarily in numbers but in
noise. Some have compared Raider
stadium to a graveyard due to the
quietness of the crowd. There is
nothing wrong with having high
expectations. But will the unmet
expectations of our teams cause us
to just be a bunch of cardboard
cutouts that attend the game only
because our kids are playing and no
other reason? Or will we be there
with the same hype and making the
same noise as we were at the start of
the season? Will we still support the
coaching staffs or will we question
them if we get off to a 1-2 or 1-3
season? I am guilty of all the above
just as some of you may be. It’s on
the job description of being a fan
right? It’s just what we do. But the
question remains: does it do any-
thing to help the team?
Just as Texas A&M considers its
crowd and student body as the 12th
man, this should be the same feeling at Madison County not just in
football but in other sports as well.
In college or professional sports, a
winning team will sell the tickets
and fire up the crowds. Lose two or
three games and we tend to feel the
season is a loss and out the window
go our expectations. Regardless of
the outcome of the first three games
of any team we follow, the guys on
the field will demand our respect
and support.
Negative fan opinions or some
who see school sports as too political will affect the kids involved. As
a result, they don’t play together as
a team, win as a team, or lose as a
team. Those problems are everywhere from the large cities to the
small towns schools. You’ve got to
respect those kids who can play
through adversity and any negativity
that follows the game from the other
side of the fence.
As football season prepares to
kick off Friday night, it’s time for
the Raider faithful to get loud and
proud and support the Raiders and
Mustangs. The first three games
usually set the tone for the season,
but even if our teams stumble out of
the gate our version of the 12th man
will always be needed. A friend and
former Raider player summed it up
best with this post on my Facebook
page, “The Raiders ain’t ever lost….
only run out of time sometimes.” On
the other hand, I always like what
Larry Munson echoed when in the
lead late, “Run you stupid clock!”
My prediction of records after the
first three football games: Raiders
1-2 (defeat Winder Barrow),
Mustangs 3-0, Georgia 2-1 (lose to
South Carolina) and Clemson 2-1
(lose to Auburn).
Dallas Bordon is the former
sports editor for The Comer News/
Danielsville Monitor.
The countdown to the
end of prognostication season
What’s longer: football season for football under Gus Malzhan. And whatever they lose
on offense, they’ll make up for with improved
prediction season?
Every year, the summer soothsayers talk non- defense. This is traditionally a program that
stop about what will happen in the fall. Finally, responds to naysayers quite well and performs
the mouths quick yapping and the pads start poorly when they’re hyped.
•ACC champion: Miami. Well, they have
smacking.
That said, here’s a little bit more yapping, a few Jacory Harris…OK, I’m kidding. I guess they’ll
actually play football this year, but the scandal
last-minute predictions:
•Madison County (4-6): The Red Raiders in South Florida is shocking. And now everyone
will improve on their 1-9 finish last season. If the realizes that the NCAA needs to send a message
Madison County offense finds a rhythm, the team to help rein in all this corruption in the game.
Prediction: Miami gets the death
could reach .500 and even
penalty, because NCAA president
exceed that. But Region
Mark Emmert finally gets too
8-AAAA is super stout
From
tired of all the criticism about the
and wins won’t be easy.
the
NCAA turning a blind eye to the
The Region 8-AAAA
seedy side of the sport … Oh yeah,
champion will be Flowery
sports
the football — Florida State grabs
Branch, Madison County’s
desk
the ACC title.
opening foe. That team
•Pac-10 champs: Probably
finished 10-2 last year and
Oregon,
but I’m going with
has new weapons this seaBy Zach Mitcham
Stanford. They have Andrew
son. They’re a good pick
Luck, who passed on being the
to win the Class AAAA
number one pick in the NFL draft
state title.
•Georgia (8-4): This is a very vanilla pick. to remain a Cardinal.
•Big 12 champ: Oklahoma State. The
Predicting 8-4 is essentially saying, “not that
good, not that bad.” But this will be a wild 8-4. Cowboys have a lot of firepower. This will be
Look for Georgia to start 2-0, surprising every- their breakthrough season.
•Big East: South Florida proves that it will be
one in the Dome against Boise State and against
South Carolina. Then, welcome the hype and a the team of the future in south Florida.
•Big Ten: Nebraska steps on the stage and
top-10 ranking. The Dawgs won’t handle this
well and will fall to Mississippi State at home takes the crown as Ohio State buckles.
•National champion: Nebraska. It will look
and Tennessee on the road. They’ll fall again to
Florida (how can you pick anything else?), then like old times with the Cornhuskers finally back
they’ll drop their second-straight game against on top.
•Atlanta Falcons: They’ll get to the playoffs,
Auburn. After a four-game winning streak
against Auburn, shouldn’t you expect Auburn to finishing 10-6. They’ll lose in the second round.
•Super Bowl champs: New England. The
return the favor? So, will Richt return in 2012?
Well, the debate will rage on during 2011, with Patriots are always talented and due for another
the team doing better, but still not meeting the crown under Tom Brady.
OK, there’s a quick wrapup. Thankfully, we’ll
expectations of rabid fans. My prediction: Richt
soon see the truth on the field. The countdown to
returns.
•SEC champion: Auburn. Many pundits are the end of prognostication season is almost over.
(P.S. The guys on the front of this section
picking the defending national champions to finish next to last in the SEC West. But the Tigers didn’t realize during the photo shoot that they
return Michael Dyer and plenty of talent. They were standing on Soldier Field in Chicago.)
Zach Mitcham is editor of The Madison
won’t be as potent offensively as they were with
Cam Newton. But they’ll still move the ball County Journal.
Now Enjoy
2 Great
Locations
Gina Belle’s
Cafe
9523 Hwy. 98, West
• Commerce, GA
(Midway Between Commerce
& Ila - Next to Food Mart)
706-336-6892
OPEN 7 DAYS 5am - 2pm
Gina Belle’s
Restaurant
530 General Daniel Ave., North
Danielsville, GA
(Across From Madison County Hardware)
706-795-0288
Hours: Mon. - Wed. 5am - 2pm
Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 5am - 9pm
Sun. 5am - 3pm
Come and enjoy our hot biscuits and breakfast!
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Serving Daily
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Come and
enjoy real
home cooking
just like your
grandmother
makes!
We have a delicious variety of
entrees and vegetables
everyday to wow your taste
buds! Everything we make is
from original recipes which are
time tested and full of flavor!
Catfish & Shrimp
Served, All You Can
Eat On Friday &
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Gina Belle’s
Restaurant