MACON, Ga. — The high school football season is underway and we have already had some instant classics on Football Friday Night. The team at 13WMAZ gathered around the table to discuss the hot topics heading into week 9. Lehgo!!!
Have we ever seen the running back spot this deep in Central Georgia? There seem to be about 8 to 12 guys that are putting together monster seasons from that spot.
Frank: I think what makes this group stand out is not only the quantity but the quality of the group. Duke Watson and Nick Woodford are elite-level players, with Aaron Davis, Ahmad Gordon, Antone Johnson, Jessie Bell and Micah Welch not far behind, and I'm sure I'm leaving somebody out.
Marvin: All the years run together at my age, but this definitely has been a breakout year for the running back! From Baldwin's Micah Welch and Perry's Ahmad Gordon to the HoCo tag team tandem of Ryan Taleb and Amir Thomas, Mary Persons Duke Watson and Northeast Raiders Nick Woodford, just to name a few. Every Friday night, these backs showcase the diversity to run and catch the ball at an elite level. They are definitely making FFN easy to host this season!
Connor: Whether you're watching on Sundays or playing Madden, it feels like all anyone wants to see today is big throws and big catches. But man, has it ever been exciting to watch what some of our top recruits are doing on the ground this year? Establishing the run has proven to be a successful strategy for many teams in Central Georgia this year, including Perry, Baldwin, Northeast and Mary Persons. If it isn't broken, don't fix it!
Justin: I am not sure I have ever seen anything like this. As running backs have continued to be devalued at the top levels, this has been the exact opposite here in Central Georgia. They have been the focal point of their teams, and even on teams where passing is emphasized, we have seen breakout performances from guys like Ryan Taleb at Houston County. Duke, Nick, Ahmad, Micah and many other guys are showing folks why this position still has a ton of value.
Many of these region games have built-in rivalries; what makes those region rivalry games so special?
Frank: The fact that the schools have played each other so many times and built up a rich history of football memories. Also, current players have grown up watching these games and are well aware of the tradition surrounding the matchups.
Marvin: Growing up facing guys from rec ball and middle school to travel ball and now at the high school level makes it a fun "game" of bragging rights and competition. Some of the guys you face were once teammates or have been opponents for years. The Central GIAA rivalries span generations and have great memories from over the years. The "Backyard Brawl," or the border wars between Bleckley and Dodge Counties and the inner city Warner Robins (Houston) battles, make the game special. You can't have a football season with a rivalry game!
Connor: When I think of rivalry games in Central Georgia, the one word that always comes to mind is "tradition." Naturally, when you play the same teams year after year, these teams become familiar with each other and thrive on the competition. Whether it's a non-region city rivalry like Northside/Warner Robins or a region rivalry like we'll see this week between Baldwin and Perry, those games are why we get out to the field on Friday nights.
Justin: These games already have a lot on the line when it comes to bragging rights. Toss in seeding for the playoffs and, in some cases, getting into the playoffs on the line, and you have the makings of some pretty awesome games. The atmosphere is tough to beat.
It's hard to believe we are heading into the 9th week of the season already; the playoff picture is starting to take shape. What team do you see making a surprise run at a region title?
Frank: Upson-Lee is a sneaky 6-1 and 1-0 in Region 2 - 3A. The Knights should beat Jackson this week, which would set up back-to-back battles with Mary Persons and Peach County to decide the region championship.
Marvin: Upson Lee is 6-1 under head coach Justin Elder and has a serious shot at it.
Connor: Don't you dare count out the Wilkinson County Warriors! First-year head coach Terrell Holt has his team humming off to a 2-0 start in region play and atop the region standings as we head into week 9. It's a packed region with Hancock Central, Johnson County and Glascock County also all in the mix, but a JoCo loss to Bacon County last week has opened the door for Wilco. They're gritty, determined and a hard-working bunch, and I give the Warriors a great shot at winning out the rest of the way.
Justin: Not sure if it would be a surprise now that we have seen how good they've looked so far this year, but Mary Persons is my pick. The Bulldogs are giving me similar vibes to Northeast, where they just play solid football all over the field with a star-caliber running back with one of the top coaches in the area, Brian Nelson.
Favorite Halloween Candy or Fall treat?
Frank: Solid yes to Candy Corn, with Reese's Cups running a strong second.
Marvin: Spice cake
Connor: Kit-Kats. Simply the best. I'll follow that up with Twix and Snickers as close seconds.
Justin: Let's roll with Starbursts. But I am with Frank on the Reese's Cups as a strong second.