There was a word that was stuck in my head this week as I saw the “end of season” national rankings pop up all around the country from all the random polls that news and information agencies attach their name to...

Merriam Webster helped me out here...

"Bunk 3 of 4 noun (2): bunkum, nonsense"

I will, readily, admit that some polls out there come from places that are truly unexpected and without explanation. I will also readily admit that it is very rare that I use this space to raise a hand to something I see.

I’m just preparing you for something at the bottom of this page...  It doesn’t apply to what I’m about to write this very second.

For all 13 champs, it was a pleasure to watch all of you come out on top of each of your title games and navigate the seasons as you did to get through the last game of the year.

From Hebron Christian, Carver-Columbus and Harris County that won with first-year head coaches in established programs, the ducking and dodging had its moments, I’m sure. I just hope everyone understands nothing happens immediately when continuity and rhythm are concerned. You handled it well.

For Pope and Blessed Trinity, having to go the extra time to achieve a goal, it was an absolute joy to see you come out the other side in some of the most competitive game action I have seen close-up.

For Worth County and Creekside, it was the first time in a while you won the last game of the year. I know what that means to your communities to finally do something you haven’t- it means the world (and then some). I imagine the town of Sylvester hasn’t come down to earth and south Fulton County has something to say.

For Thomas County Central, Sandy Creek and Buford, there were a few years between game 15 wins. To see your programs show as you did on national stages, was a testament to your seasons and to your pedigrees that you have established.

For Bowdon, you’re in very rare air now. Enjoy what you’ve built and know that everyone will continue to watch and learn from you going forward. Make sure you take a breath in every now and then to see what it looks like from the history you’ve built.

For Greenbrier, who went from one end of the schedule to the other as a champ, and North Oconee who gets to take a trophy to the case for the first time as a champ, there’s a lot to remind you about the struggles that you went through that you’ll carry on the field as much as off the field.

To the teams you faced in your respective title games, you have my profound respect. To take every battle fought and lesson learned to get to the last game of the year, you’re all amazing to see grow as you do...

I can’t wait to see your collective futures.

To the other 400-plus schools I get the chance to follow through your ups and downs -- whether it be through a text to a coach or a column and phone calls that I try my dead-level best to translate I’ve written on my legal pad -- I can’t thank you enough for your patience with my questions as I parachute in to tell a story.

I would ask that you enjoy your holiday season with your family and friends -- knowing full well you’re probably drawing up plays and gap schemes on napkins, paper plates or legal pads during all the football we’ll all see on TV this time of year.

I know that weight training and multiple sport activities won’t stop any time soon. And I know stopping and catching a breath when things slow down may be a tall order. That’s a relative time frame, I know...

Don’t let a loss get you down too much and don’t let a win hang over you too long, either. Someone is working just as hard as you can to not only catch up to you, but pass you on the metaphorical road to improvement.

Be comfortable in who you are and let those that love you be a part of the pattern- making sure the circle stays tight...

We’ll be back covering all of you very soon...

Oh... the whole “bunk” thing...

Outside of the GPB Poll we put together during the season, I really don’t look at all the ones that are out there for high school football ... and this is probably the reason.

One national poll had a Georgia state champ in a higher classification at No. 47 -- none higher than No. 4. That same team picked at No. 47 was ranked No. 11 in another poll entirely.

One poll had a Georgia state champ ten full spots lower than an opponent it beat by 42 when they put 70 in a home game early this year. Does this mean that high school football has to worry about quality losses and things like that now?

Like I said, bunk...

Focus on yourself and don’t get caught looking as everyone else wants to get back at it- sooner rather than later.

Play it safe, everyone... We’ll be back at it before you know it... And thanks to the 128 other folks that helped put the title games on GPB as flawlessly as you did- all season long.