First things first…

I would like to add my thanks to everyone down in Moultrie and Colquitt County for an incredible time. The hospitality, warmth, and atmosphere for the Valdosta game was absolutely amazing and we can’t wait to come back down to south Georgia for another ball game. You tell people that it’s a different animal down there and, until they see it first-hand, they may not believe you.

But it IS a different animal and it’s always cool to experience!

Until next time… a tip of the hat to all of you!

Now, on with the column… and to the theme expressed above…

Let’s start with a few names and see if you’re as surprised as some other people…

Clarke Central, Jackson, Milton, Cedartown, Douglass, and West Forsyth all made their statements last week by taking care of Gainesville, Peach County, Cherokee, Haralson County, Decatur, and South Forsyth. Who had all those games going the way they did…??? Show of hands…

That’s what I thought you’d say…

So, let’s get on with all the other stuff that stunned us over the weekend…

First stop is the coast where Ware County, a pre-season favorite in 5A, took it on the chin for the second week in a row. They had won 34 straight region games before losing last week and, then, came South Effingham.

Here’s Ken and the gang with the highlights..

WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather

In the east, Washington County, Thomson, Liberty County, Burke County, Metter, and Savannah Christian are all trying to get toward the third season. Matt and Nathan are taking the whirlwind look at the region play as all they try to solidify positions for the post-season.

Down south, it’s a trip into “The Locker Room” with Jake where Region 1-6A is half-way done, Brooks and Fitzgerald are battling in Region 1-AA, Clinch and Turner highlight action in Region 2-A, and Bainbridge takes on Dougherty… 

WALB.com, South Georgia News, Weather, Sports

One final note from the south- a tip of the hat to Berrien and head coach Ed Pilcher. They got their first win in the series with Thomasville- dating back to 1960- a 35-22 win that creates a three-way tie for fourth in Region 1-AA.

In central Georgia, Northside knocked off Warner Robins, 58-14, for their highest offensive output in the 52-year history of the series. Northside remains at the top of the GPB Poll in 5A as the defending champ. According to the folks at the Georgia High School Football Daily, Northside had never scored more than 44 in the series and the Demons never scored more than 41.

The staff at the Macon Telegraph has the look for us…

Now, it’s time for the blatant promo portion of the column…

This week, GPB Sports visits Woodward Academy for the first time as the War Eagles host Sandy Creek and we anticipate the return of Elijah Holyfield at the tail for the home team. And, I say this not knowing one way or the other, but the Fighting Patriots are preparing for his return. So, we will, too…

Be sure to check in with Jackie, Mark, Matt, Sam, and myself at 7:00 for the “All-Access Pass” with kickoff shortly after 7:30. Follow us on the GPB Sports app, GPB.org/sports, Facebook (GPB Sports), twitter (@GPBSports), Snapchat, or any other place I can think of to make sure you don’t miss any part of the game.

Play it safe, everyone… I will see you at the stadium!