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2 | Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 20 CONTENTS CAN’T MISS SHOT OF THE THIS WEEK WEEK... Starting In Kalland’s Korner, Robby predicts the Hawks back in the Lineup 4 playoffs despite the absence of . Publisher/Editor I.J. Rosenberg ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR DJ Galbiati Blalock Senior Managing Editor Stephen Black Ricky Dimon crows about the Falcons’ franchise-best start Asst. Managing director Fletcher Proctor 5 in this week’s cover story. SALES & Marketing MGR. Chris Love Business manager Marvin Botnick The volleyball playoffs are headed down the stretch, and BEAT WRITERS 7 Chris Lionetti (UGA), Brian Jones (GSU, KSU), Stephen Black writes about two of Atlanta’s best programs. Craig Sager II (Falcons), Robby Kalland (Hawks), Joe Deighton (Gladiators), Fletcher Proctor (Braves), Ryan Caiafa (Tech) In our prep notebook, we break down the latest news from 8 the softball and volleyball playoffs. STAFF WRITERS Ricky Dimon, Sean Conway Team Scoop INSIDE AT SCORE TO ADVERTISE IN SCORE ATLANTA: and Voices Score Atlanta is looking for new sales associates 404.256.1572 COVER design by DJ Galbiati blalock as well as writing and graphic design interns. JUMPING JACKETS: Cover Photos courtesy of Trey Schwartz and For sales positions, e-mail IJ Rosenberg at wide receiver Jeff Greene couldn’t hold on Copyright 2012 Score Atlanta Publishing, LLC. All rights re- Jimmy cribb/atlanta falcons served. Score Atlanta is published every week on Fridays. Views [email protected]. For writing in- to this pass from Saturday at Bobby

expressed in Score Atlanta are not necessarily the opinion of ON THE ternships, e-mail Stephen Black at sblack@ Dodd Stadium, but Greene’s Yellow Jackets Score Atlanta, its staff or advertisers. Score Atlanta does not 6 Score List - Numbers scoreatl.com. For graphic design internships, knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or adver- were able to rout Boston College 37-17. Tech tising nor is Score Atlanta responsible for the content or claims e-mail DJ Galbiati at djgalbiati@scoreatl. of any advertising or editorial in this publication. No content (ar- 12 GSU, KSU, UGA, Tech com. Feel free to call 404-256-1572 to speak moves on to face BYU Saturday on the Flats. ticles, photographs, graphics) in Score Atlanta may be used for with someone about any of these positions. Photo courtesy of Jon Barash. reproduction without written permission from the publisher. 13 Braves, Falcons, Gladiators, Hawks

www.scoreatl.com | 3 columnists

Score personalities such as Dave Hunter first six weeks. The NFL decided to alternate and myself, Fletcher Proctor, will also make the Falcons’ schedule so they never received appearances on the station. two home games in a row. And just for the the record, these professional teams are all play- NO APOLOGIES ... ing by the same rules. They have the same cap The Atlanta Falcons are 6-0 for the first and salary floor. They must spend a certain fletch time in franchise history, No. 1 in seemingly amount of money, so to say the Falcons are every single (meaningless) power poll con- taking advantage, please. They aren’t Georgia cocted by ESPN, yahoo, CBS and Fox and Tech facing Middle Tennessee State ... wait, Score Atlanta returning to the radio alone in first place in the NFC South bya bad example. wide margin. For some reason, though, many As far as the Falcons not having a sig- By Fletcher Proctor people in Atlanta have yet to fully embrace nature win this season, how about blowing the Falcons. doors off Peyton Manning on Monday Night arlier this week 92.9 The Game made its with fresh sports personalities such as Randy Radio shows have taken calls from peo- Football with ESPN begging for the Bron- Edebut on the FM dial, bringing sports talk Cross, Rick Kamla, Jerome Jurenovich, Ja- ple trying to shoot down THE BEST START cos to win so they could beat the “Peyton is to the masses. Score Atlanta has entered a ra- mie Dukes, Kordell Stewart, Ovie Mughelli, IN FRANCHISE HISTORY, making claims dio deal with 92.9 The Game to bring high Bob Neal and Dennis Scott all set to contrib- Back” drum. Nope. Matt Ryan wouldn’t let it school content to the new FM sports talk sta- ute to the station. The morning show features that the schedule has been weak and the Fal- happen. He also wouldn’t let the team lose to tion throughout the year. Now that the Game Cross, the 49ers legend, Kamla of NBA-TV cons are without a signature win this season. Carolina or Washington or Oakland. has made the switch to an all-sports format, and local radio personality C.J. Simpson. They will claim that none of this matters be- Embrace this team. This regime has Score will be right there to not only provide The midday slot is occupied by Jurenovich, cause it is the regular season. They say the made franchise history with back-to-back the station with daily reports, but also a Fri- a Braves and Hawks analyst, and Dukes, for- true measure of success will only come in winning seasons, going to the playoffs in day night high school football scoreboard merly of 680 The Fan and the NFL Network. January and February. consecutive years and now with the best start show and wrap-up show on Saturday morn- The afternoon drive show features Stewart, While I must agree with the final point, in franchise history. Playoff success is sure ing. Score will also help out with recruiting the former Pittsburgh Steeler and Baltimore I have to strongly disagree with the first two to come, so why not embrace this incredible content and shows. The biggest contribution Raven, along side radio talents Carl Dukes points. Unlike UGA and Georgia Tech, the start and live in the moment? We don’t often may come during the playoffs when Score and Rachel Baribeau. Dukes comes to Atlanta Falcons do not choose their schedule, the NFL get incredible stories in Atlanta; why not take provides the station coverage, including at the from Houston while Baribeau jumps up to At- does. The NFL decides when the Falcons will advantage of one when it comes along? Georgia Dome for the championships. lanta from Birmingham. Mitch Evans will run go on the road and when. The NFL decided to Proctor can be reached at The lineup for the new station is packed the overnight shift. give the Falcons the AFC West in four of the [email protected].

LONG-DISTANCE SUCCESS ... vide a Jamal Crawford-like scoring qual- The Hawks have replaced Johnson’s and ity back to the Hawks, who lacked a bench Williams’ three-point production with a bevy threat last season. Williams, who will play of sharp-shooters who will be able to take ad- mostly off the bench, has the ability to score kalland’s vantage of those open looks. Kyle Korver was in bunches, as evidenced by him leading the just seven made three-pointers behind John- Sixers in scoring despite not starting. Wil- son, putting him 10th in the NBA. Korver did liams is one of the best pure scorers in the korner make 118 threes on just 271 attempts for an league and has an incredible ability to create incredible 43.5 percent shooting from three. his own shot when plays break down, even Anthony Morrow was tied for 19th in more effectively than Johnson. Williams will the NBA (with Ray Allen) in three-pointers give the Hawks the ability to rest their starters Hawks embark on season without Johnson made and his 106 makes came on 286 at- without having a drastic drop-off in scoring. tempts for a shooting percentage of 37.1 With Williams along with the other shooters, By Robby Kalland percent from distance. Morrow also was on this year’s team should avoid the lulls in of- fensive output that plagued last year’s team he made a number of ranked 10th in the league in three-pointers a bad team that was forced to try and shoot moves this offseason including trading made (125), but was ninth in three-pointers their way back into games, so his percentage when the starters would come out. Ttheir lone All-Star from 2011-12, Joe John- attempted (322). His volume of shooting left should go up from getting better attempts. This year’s squad will have defensive son, and former second-overall pick Marvin him at 38.8 percent from behind the arc, his struggled with the liabilities on the wing, but the Hawks have Williams to acquire mostly expiring deals best season from distance as a Hawk, and Nets last season, shooting just 28.3 percent made adjustments to improve pick-and-roll that will leave them with approximately $40 three-pointers accounted for 33.2 percent of from three, but the Hawks expect Stevenson defense and are utilizing their speed better million in cap room next season, pending the his points for the season (375 of 1129), the to play more like he did on Dallas in 2010-11 on defense. Teague and Smith are two of the cap number. Despite the apparent rebuilding highest percentage in his Hawks career. Wil- (the Mavs’ title season) when he was asked league’s best thieves, and Smith can erase de- phase that the Hawks are in, they still remain liams also shot a career high 38.9 percent to be a defensive presence and provide of- fensive mistakes at the rim with his blocking a threat to earn a solid playoff seed in the from three last year and 30 percent of his fensive spacing, the same role he will play and ability to alter inside shots. The Hawks’ Eastern Conference. For the first time in his points came from behind the arc (174 of 579). for the Hawks. That year DeShawn shot 37.8 defensive ranking will drop from last year three years as head coach, Larry Drew has a This improvement came from an in- percent from three and an incredible 73.6 when they ranked sixth in the NBA in points roster that fits his motion offense and desire creased number of corner threes taken by the percent of his points came from distance. against, but their offense will improve from to move the ball. Hawks, which were often created off of pen- Those three, plus rookie John Jenkins, the 17th-best in the league to be one of the With Johnson, the Hawks did not move etration by Jeff Teague. The Hawks’ offense will provide more three-point firepower than most potent, which in turn will bring their op- the ball as quickly as they will this year be- will be even more predicated on pick-and- last year when the Hawks were fifth in the ponents points per game up. This team is not cause of Johnson’s preference to run slower rolls and Teague (or Lou Williams or Devin league in three-point percentage. a title contender right now but can absolutely sets and play on the ball in isolation sets. Harris) facilitating from the paint this season, earn a No. 4 or No. 5 seed in the East. Johnson’s production last year came largely which should produce a lot of open threes and NEW ROLES ... Kalland can be reached at from his growth as a three-point shooter. He high-percentage corner-three opportunities. Williams was added to the team to pro- [email protected].

4 | Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 20 COVER STORY

FALCONS FOOTBALL … year, they were 6-2 and tied atop the confer- Samuel L. Jackson once asked, “What ence with the New York Giants. Thriller after do Falcons do?” The catchy answer, as we thriller was won: 27-24 in overtime at New falcons all know, would be to say, “Falcons rise up!” Orleans, 16-14 over San Francisco, 39-32 The correct answer, however, is “Falcons over Cincinnati, 27-21 over Tampa Bay, 26- football play mistake-free football and win turnover 21 over Baltimore…. The list goes on. battles.” Ultimately, however, that season ended That’s what this team has always done in painful fashion as Atlanta went down in under Mike Smith and that is exactly what it’s flames to Green Bay in its playoff opener, 48- Falcons lead NFL at 6-0 despite struggles doing again in 2012. Atlanta has committed a 21 at the Georgia Dome. The 2008 and 2011 shockingly-low (even by its lofty standards) campaigns were not quite as successful but By Ricky Dimon 18 penalties through six games. No other also not entirely different. Solid regular sea- team in the league has been flagged fewer sons led to playoff berths, but the Falcons lost than 31 times. Its 152 penalty yards are also at Arizona and at New York (the latter by a best in the NFL and more than 100 fewer than score of 24-2), respectively. all other 31 squads. This year’s squad has to have postseason The Falcons have also forced 17 turn- success on its mind, because that is the miss- overs (fourth most in the league), including ing piece of the puzzle in the Ryan-Smith era. 10 interceptions. Thomas DeCoud is tied for Yes, it’s hard to believe, but the Falcons have first in the NFL with four picks and he leads never won a playoff game with Ryan as quar- it with five total takeaways. Asante Samuel terback and Smith as head coach. chipped in against the Raiders with a criti- “The hallmark of a good team is when cal pick-six late in the fourth quarter. The you go out there and win games when you Falcons’ plus-10 turnover differential is third haven’t played your best,” Gonzalez told the best in the league behind Chicago and New team’s website after beating Oakland. “We’re England. They also finished third in that cat- 6-0 and we got a bye week so we have to clear egory with a plus-14 mark in 2010, the year our minds a little bit because we gotta play they compiled an NFC-best 13-3 record. better football.” What’s different about this year’s squad The Falcons need to do it this Sunday at is a more dynamic, pass-happy offense under Philadelphia, but they really need to do it next new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. Ryan January. is averaging the sixth-most passing yards per Photos courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/At- game (292.7) and his quarterback rating is lanta Falcons. Dimon can be reached at fourth best in the league (98.8). Tony Gon- [email protected]. zalez is leading the NFL among tight ends in receptions (43) and yards per game (71.7) and he is tied for fourth with four touchdowns. tlanta sports franchises have been most by any quarterback in his first five NFL White and Julio Jones have compiled average known to be pretty good in the regular seasons. Three have already come in 2012. numbers by their standards, but they’ve once Aseason. The 2012 Atlanta Falcons can’t be Starting from his own one-yard line trailing again delivered their share of memorable mo- called “great” until they make some serious Carolina by one with 1:09 remaining, Ryan ments; among others, White with his leaping, headway in the playoffs, but they are a lot heaved a 59-yard pass to Roddy White that twisting grab against Carolina and Jones on better than “pretty good.” Right now, in fact, led to a last-second . At Washington, his toes in the front corner of the endzone they’re perfect. the Falcons scored 17 fourth-quarter points against Washington. The Falcons reached their bye week un- to erase deficits of 10-7 and 17-14. Against So far, however, the expense of Air At- blemished in the loss column. Their 6-0 record Oakland, Ryan led a 43-yard drive in 40 sec- lanta has been an anemic rushing attack. Tra- is good for an outrageous four-game lead in the onds that resulted in a winning field goal on ditionally one of the best running teams in the NFC South and a less insurmountable one-game the game’s final play. league, Atlanta is 29th in that category at 86.5 advantage over Chicago in the conference. Responsible for those kicks to cap off the yards per game. frantic drives is, of course, none other than “We just have to execute better, and that’s MATTY ICE … Matt Bryant. The 37-year-old connected from all 11 guys on the field,” running back Michael Although Mike Smith and company may 40 yards out against the Panthers and from 55 Turner told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. not have dominated their first six contests, no against the Raiders (the second longest of his “That’s mainly what it is. We know that we team ever has to apologize for being unde- career) to keep Atlanta undefeated. Bryant is have the ability to do it. We have to not take feated. If these Falcons want to make amends 13 for 14 on field goals this season and 75 for things for granted and go out there and still do for yet another season of giving their fans 84 in his career as a Falcon. the things that we’ve been coached to do.” heart attacks, well, that would be fair. “He has been clutch,” Ryan said during But all’s well that ends well and the two his press conference after the Oakland game, PLAYOFF peak … Matts have once again showcased a flair for speaking of his fellow Matt when he could just This sure has the same feeling as 2010, the dramatic. Matt Ryan has engineered 18 as easily been referring to himself. “He seems when the Falcons won the division and game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or not to let anything affect him. He is really men- earned home-field advantage throughout the overtime, most in the league since 2008 and tally tough. He has been huge for us.” NFC playoffs. Heading into a Week 9 bye that

www.scoreatl.com | 5 our thoughts

Georgia-Florida Showdown Falcons-Eagles Showdown Josh Smith’s Ceiling The results of the World’s Largest This is a game that NFL fans in Hawks’ general manager Danny Ferry essentially cleared the floor Atlanta have been buzzing about Cocktail Party will define the Bulldogs’ for the dynamic forward enter- season. A win means the Dogs are for a long time. Last year the Fal- ing the prime of his career. Last likely headed back to the Dome for the cons beat the Eagles in the Dome year, Smith set career highs in second year in a row to play in the SEC 35-31, taking control after Mike points (18.8 per game) and re- Championship and can claim to be the bounds (9.6 per game). Without Vick left the game with an injury. Thumbs up TO best program in the East. A loss means Joe Johnson (but with a healthy Al this team is once again solid, but not But the Falcons have not won in Horford), it’s Smith’s time to take cocktail parties spectacular. Philly since 1988. his game to the superstar level.

NBA preseason Aaron Murray and big games Philadelphia Fans No offense, literally and figuratively. The Georgia quarterback is While the outcome of the Falcons-Eagles We complain about the NFL pre- accumulating some serious season, but ignore the start of the numbers as the Bulldogs’ quar- game is yet to be decided, one thing is NBA calendar. Why? Because the terback, but he needs a win certain at Lincoln Financial Field on Sun- rosters (if not the rotations on most Saturday to cement his legacy. day: the Philly natives will be rude, crude squads) are virtually set, and fans He may blow past Eric Zeier and socially unacceptable. No, they have football plus the baseball play- and David Greene in the record don’t still use the jail below the stadium, offs. We don’t normally talk about books, but he needs his moment but it’s there. Win or lose, those people Thumbs down this, but the NBA preseason needs to on the big stage to reach legend- be shortened or at least spiced up. ary status. will find a way to be a collective disaster. TO bad behavior Score crunching TRIVIA SANITY List the NUMBERS QUESTION AT LAST BY BRIAN JONES by ricky dimon “All it is is fuel for the fire and While Matt Ryan is basically its given me motiva- COCKTAIL PARTY: It’s that time when Atlanta’s lead in the NFC South, 1.5 tion to go out there and give 100 Georgia fans make their way to Jackson- games larger than any other division second on the Falcons’ ville for the Georgia-Florida game. The 4 lead percent. And that’s what I did Bulldogs enter as underdogs in a game all-time passing yards today. You can ask any of my they must win to claim the SEC East title. teammates. I was upset today at 1 Can Georgia pull off the upset? Unfor- Teams out of 52 that have started 6-0 practice today any time the ball tunately, I don’t see the Dawgs winning 24 to eventually reach the Super Bowl list, what quarterback Saturday. came my way I tried to knock is comfortably in BACK IN ACTION: One team I can see Mike Smith’s win total after his the [expletive] out of him.” winning this weekend is the Falcons. The 50 next one, which will give him the first place with Falcons are looking to go 7-0 while the franchise record - Georgia linebacker Michal Philadelphia Eagles are a team looking to avoid dropping below .500. The Falcons 23,470 yards? Gilliard on how he responded to 2 will win thanks to the extra rest from their Wins, compared to no losses, for Shawn Williams’ comments that bye. They’ll put a number on Michael Vick 13 Eagles’ coach Andy Reid coming Answer on Page 14 he shouldn’t be playing. and company. off a bye MAKE IT TWO: After a dominating per- formance against Boston College, Georgia Turnovers committed by Michael Tech looks to win its second consecutive 13 Vick this season, most in NFL game when they host BYU on the Flats. The Cougars are looking to bounce back 3 after a suffering a tough loss to Notre Wins for Georgia in its last 14 diary of a recruit A senior at Centennial High School, Chase While the trip to the Ivy League schools during the Dame. I don’t think that’s going to happen. games vs. Florida, including last Rosenberg is in his first year as the team’s summer and attending their camps has helped, I 3 season’s victory starting quarterback under a new head coach have realized I have to be extremely proactive ESPN DOES COBB: If you haven’t and new spread offense. He continues his pur- throughout the process. heard, ESPNU will be in Marietta on Fri- suit of playing football for a strong academic The schools that I have been in constant con- day to broadcast the Walton-Milton game. Rushing yards to which Georgia institution and is still awaiting his first offer. tact in addition to Georgetown have been This will be a very interesting game be- -19 limited Florida in last year’s game When you start off the season 0-5, you Princeton, Penn, Yale, Dartmouth, Brown, Ford- cause both teams are fighting for the No. wonder if any college coach is going to take ham, Davidson, John Hopkins and Amherst. My 4 2 seed in Region 5-AAAAAA. Milton is Years since Georgia has pulled off interest in you. But with a lot of help from my coach, Jeff Carlberg, has really stepped looking to finally get over the hump and coach, two big wins including one up for me and talked to almost all beat Walton. 22 back-to-back wins in the Cocktail Party that has been called perhaps the the schools and got some inter- biggest upset in the state so far esting responses. Fordham has this season and a highlight film already received a commitment FEED ME MORE: The WWE will make Will Muschamp’s record in the that I feel very good about, it is from a quarterback so while they its return to Atlanta on Sunday when the Cocktail Party (as a UGA player and getting to be a busy recruiting are still interested, it is unlikely I pay-per-view Hell in a Cell invades Philips 0-5 Florida coach) season for me. will be in the Bronx next year. Yale Arena. The main event is WWE Champion My strategy all along has told my coach they like me a lot but CM Punk defending his title against new- been to play football at a top aca- a lot of it would depend on my ap- comer Ryback. If you haven’t been to a Impact the Cocktail Party has on demic school and next week, one plication, grades and test scores. 5 of the Georgetown coach is fly- Princeton told him they continue to WWE event before, you have to check it mil Jacksonville, according to the mayor out because it’s very entertaining. $20 ing down to watch my practice. follow me and are very interested.

6 | Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 20 ing ahead to whom they may face deeper in some unfinished business from last season.” BT, Harrison search for state gold the playoffs should they advance that far. The Hoyas’ lone loss to a Class AAAAAA “We set lofty goals for ourselves at the squad came in mid-August against Walton. By Stephen Black beginning of the year and now in the home Since, they have been dominant in the state’s stretch, it’s really just a matter of keeping largest classification. Despite their near-perfect or volleyball squads throughout the state 2008. However, the Titans defeated the War those same goals in the forefront of their play, however, Taylor thinks his team can still Fof Georgia, this is the most important Eagles on Oct. 2 in convincing fashion (25- minds,” said Stevens before heading into the improve in certain aspects of the game. time of the year: the state playoffs. Through 12, 25-17). playoffs. “The captains have done a great job “Our team is working on being more the state finals on Nov. 5, Georgia’s best will “We don’t know who we’re going to see setting that tone for the team.” aggressive in every phase of the game,” said square off to determine the champions in the again,” said Stevens. “We’ve gotta take it one Class AAAAAA No. 1 Harrison has Taylor. “Passing and controlling the pace of state’s six classifications. match at a time. I’ll be honest, I don’t really a similar outlook as the Titans. Coach Clay the game as well as finishing plays. Minimiz- Class AAA No. 1 Blessed Trinity is a root for or against any other teams, we take it Taylor’s program dominated Class AAAAA ing unforced errors is a focus in our workouts. program with high hopes of winning the state one match at a time and just try to prepare for last season before being upset by Walton in We do not look past our current opponent and title. Coach Paul Stevens’ Titans have two that opponent as best as we can and go forward the state finals in five sets. The Hoyas had lost the brackets make it difficult to do anyway state championships in their history, 2006 from there.” just one match all season to a team from their since you don’t really know how teams will (AAA) and 2010 (A-AA). But Stevens’ squad Taking it one game at a time is a chal- classification last year before the upset loss in perform and who will advance.” will face a gauntlet in the playoffs should it lenge for programs like Blessed Trinity. The the finals. This year, Taylor’s squad (47-6) is Taylor’s team plays Rockdale in the sec- advance to the finals. Titans are 52-2 and have lost just one match motivated by unfinished business. ond round while Blessed Trinity will take on Blessed Trinity happens to be in the same to a team from the state of Georgia, a 2-1 loss “Our team is very focused and business- Cartersville. classification as state powerhouse Woodward on Oct. 6 to Class AAAAA No. 4 McIntosh. like,” said Taylor on the eve of the playoffs. “Our Photos courtesy of Blessed Trinity Academy, which has won eight state cham- Stevens has the task of keeping his team fo- practices have been productive, but also light- and Harrison HS. Black can be reached at pionships since 2001, including three since cused on each and every match, and not look- hearted and fun. The players feel as if they have [email protected]. high school sports GPB TV GPB.org Sandy creek vs. carrollton st. pius x vs. blessed trinity Class AAAA power programs collide Pius battles Titans for playoff position By Stephen Black By Fletcher Proctor ome rivalries were meant to be. It took a son. Meanwhile, opponents have only been able lessed Trinity and St. Pius X are two pro- HEAR THEM ROAR ... Swhile, but Carrollton and Sandy Creek seem to run for an average of 109.9 yards per game. Bgrams that boast respected head coaches St. Pius X coach Paul Standard has been with headed down that road. Despite being two of the Carrollton outscores its opponents 42-16.7. capable of inspiring their teams in big games. the Golden Lions since 2001 and recorded win No. top programs in Class AAA in recent years, the However, Carrollton does shy away from Blessed Trinity’s Tim McFarlin’s Titans have 100 against Towers in September. The Golden Li- Trojans (5-2) and Patriots (7-0) have only faced tossing the pigskin around the ballpark. Trojans played under the lights of GPB.org, WSB, Com- ons have dropped just one game this year, a seven- each other three times in history. One of them quarterback Will Hesterlee has thrown just 39 cast and now once again in the GPB.org webcast point loss to Thomson on Sept. 14. Fullback Ryan was a hotly-contested state final in 2010 that passes this season, completing 16 of them for Braswell has paced the attack this season, record- Sandy Creek won 14-7. 276 yards and four scores. Meanwhile, Carroll- of the week. In his second year with the pro- Both programs have rich tradition and both ton boasts five rushers with more than 100 yards gram, the man who led Roswell to a share of the ing three touchdowns against North Oconee and have been regularly appeared deep in the play- on the ground this year. Leading the way is Trey 2006 state title has Blessed Trinity in a strong a school rushing record 283 yards against Cedar offs. Chip Walker’s program has won at least 11 Chivers with 641 yards and eight touchdowns. position to host a playoff game. Blessed Trinity Grove. Braswell has been joined in the offensive games every year since 2008 while making the had won five straight games entering last night’s backfield by junior running back Brandon Mitch- playoffs each year since 2001. Further west in POWERFUL PATRIOTS … game against McNair - the result was not avail- ell and quarterback Jack Spear. Spear is a threat Carrollton, Rayvan Teague’s squad has won 10 Sandy Creek has a few players highly sought able at press deadline. with his legs as well as his arm. Nick Ruffin and or more games all but once in the past eight sea- after by SEC programs. Junior wide receiver De- Senior quarterback Spencer McManes can Michael Sikorski are threats at receiver. Ruffin ex- sons while making the playoffs an astounding marre Kitt was a Georgia commitment until recent- make all of the throws and uses his big frame celled at running back one year ago but has played 24 times in a row. ly while senor defensive back Shaquille Wiggins is some at receiver after standing out at various 7-on- to bull the ball into the endzone on any short- 7 camps over the summer. As far as state titles, neither program is still with the Dawgs. Senior offensive lineman Alan yardage situation. Earlier this season against needy. Carrollton has won seven, the last coming Knott is committed to South Carolina. Defensively, Nick Glass is not just one of Decatur, McManes plunged into the endzone the St. Pius X playmakers, he is also one of the in 1998. Sandy Creek captured state titles in 2009 Like Carrolllton, Walker’s club prefers to twice, both from short distances as the opposing and 2010. It is safe to say that these two programs run the ball, but quarterback Cole Garvin will try nation’s top juniors. Glass has committed to UGA will have something to say about who wins state to hook up with Kitt in the passing game. In a defense could not stop him. The diminutive Tim and has helped the Golden Lions hold four op- gold in AAAA this season as well. 42-6 shellacking of Alexander on Oct. 19, Garvin Mertz is outstanding at find holes and slithering ponents to six points or fewer this season and to completed six passes to Kitt, including one for a through, and the defenses can rarely get a clean four straight wins entering the Woodward Acad- TROJAN TRACKS … touchdown. Rushers Eric Swinney and Delvin shot at the sneaky back. Finally, Milton Shelton emy game. Sikorski is also a force on the defense, Under Teague, Carrollton has run the ball Weems each ran for touchdowns in the rout. may just be a freshman, but he already has “the picking off two passes against North Oconee. and run it well. The Trojans are averaging 265.9 Dimon can be reached at look” of a great running back and could really Proctor can be reached at yards per game through seven contests this sea- [email protected]. blossom under McFarlin. [email protected].

In other action from Tuesday, River Ridge In Class AAAAA, defending state cham- took out Cross Creek to move on in the Class pion Northgate will play No. 8 Loganville in AAAA state playoffs. The quarterfinals appear- another interesting quarterfinal matchup. The PREP ance is a first for River Ridge. Calhoun fell in Vikings (29-8) are ranked No. 4 and are com- the Class AA playoffs as Lovett swept the Yel- ing off wins over Harris County and Effingham low Jackets out in three sets at Calhoun. Finally, County. Northgate fell in the Region 4-AAAAA NOTEBOOK Sonoraville won its 17th straight match in a tournament to No. 1 Union Grove. sweep of Beach. Sonoraville has not lost to a Speaking of Class AAAAA’s top-ranked team from the state of Georgia this year. team, the Wolverines will take on No. 7 South Playoffs soldier on in volleyball, softball Paulding. Union Grove (27-6-2) is in search of ELITE EIGHT … By Stephen Black & Fletcher Proctor its first softball state championship and has lost The state softball quarterfinals commenced just four games since August. Meanwhile, the Thursday in Columbus between the top eight t was a tough night Tuesday for defending Spartans (26-10-1) enter the quarterfinals on a teams in the state from six different classifica- bit of a tear, having won seven of eight postsea- Ichampions on the volleyball court as two pro- tions, including two brackets for Class A (public grams saw their hopes of repeats dashed. Three- son games, including state playoff sweeps over and private). The teams matched up will play Salem and Forsyth Central. time defending champion Pope fell in four sets best-of-three series to determine what teams go Five-time defending AA champion Buford to McIntosh at Pope’s Hound Pound. McIn- to the semifinals, which take place Friday. tosh’s Breana Jones had three solo blocks, 16 One of the juicier quarterfinals matchups is now in Class AAA and has not seemed to kills and nine assisted blocks to pace McIntosh. takes place between No. 2 East Coweta and No. 3 have skipped a beat. The No. 1 Wolves (28-3) Pope received 14 kills from Rachel Reynolds Lassiter. The Trojans (30-5-1) dispatched Brook- dropped a game in the second round to Franklin and 16 from Sydney Darden. After dropping the wood in the first round and Peachtree Ridge in County, but rallied to win the last two games and first two sets 25-21, 25-17, Pope took the third the second. Meanwhile, the Indians (31-3-1) have the series. Coach Tony Wolfe’s squad takes on set 25-21, only to drop the final set 25-20. This not lost since Aug. 21 and are 25-0-1 since. No. 3 Jackson (26-8) in the quarterfinals. is the first time since 2005 the Greyhounds have Defending Class AAAAAA champion Col- No. 1 Wesleyan (27-9) is the only metro failed to make the state quarterfinals. Pope was lins Hill will be challenged by No. 8 Harrison, school still playing in Class AA, and will face ranked No. 2 while McIntosh was ranked No. 4. which comes out of a tough Region 4-AAAAAA No. 6 Vidalia in the quarterfinals. The other defending champion to fall was that sent three teams to the quarterfinals. The The Class A private school bracket includes Class A No. 7 ELCA. No. 4 Savannah Christian fifth-ranked Rams (23-8) have won the last three Pace Academy, Eagle’s Landing Christian and took out the Chargers 25-22, 25-19, 15-25, 25- state championships in the state’s largest classifi- Mount Pisgah. The latter two squads face each 16 to advance to the third round. Sydney Harper cation. The Hoyas (22-11) have swept Tift Coun- other in the quarterfinals. led the Raiders with 14 kills while Chandler ty and Rockdale in the state playoffs, while the Photo courtesy of Collins Hill HS. Black & Ewaldsen had 11 kills. Rams have eliminated West Forsyth and Milton. Proctor can be reached at 404-256-1572.

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www.scoreatl.com | 11 COLLEGE SPORTS BULLDOG TECH BEAT BUZZ Gators await Dawgs in Jacksonville Jackets beat Eagles to get back on track By Chris Lionetti By Ryan Caiafa fter leaving Lexington with a victory, the an elite level to ensure that the Gators do not fter losing their past three games, the Georgia tion, this newly-inspired defensive unit, led by 12th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs will head have success running the ball and dominate the Tech Yellow Jackets jumped out to a big lead Kelly, will need to continue the trend against a Ato Jacksonville this weekend to face the third- line of scrimmage. Aon Boston College early and never looked back tough stretch of opponents. ranked Florida Gators. Possibly the biggest While the defense has been inconsistent en route to a 37-17 win last Saturday at Bobby The remaining schedule includes North game of head coach Mark Richt’s career, a all season, there have been no explanations for Dodd Stadium. The Jackets’ offense was once Carolina, a surging Duke team and, of course, the Georgia win would put the team in the driver’s the team’s play seven games into the season. again dominant, gaining 563 total yards, with 391 finale in Athens against the Bulldogs. Up next, seat for the SEC East crown. However, a loss That was until a captain of the defense made his of those coming from the dynamic rushing attack. however, is another good opportunity for the would eliminate the Dawgs from further con- thoughts public. While Tevin Washington added two more Jackets to continue to build defensive cohesion tending for the division title. “We’re playing too soft as a defense,” said rushing touchdowns to his total, giving him with Brigham Young University serving as the “It’s a game that is going to be a tremen- Shawn Williams Monday night. “That goes for 15 on the season, it was Vad Lee who emerged homecoming opponent at Bobby Dodd Stadium. dous challenge for us, we know that,” said Richt the D-line, linebackers, corners, safeties, every- as one of the brightest spots for the offense. Lee at his Tuesday press conference. “They are an body. We’re just not playing with the same atti- threw for a touchdown and rushed for another McCAMISH PAVILION OPENS ... outstanding football team and very talented. tude we were last year. I don’t know what it is.” score. He also added 89 passing yards and 62 With the men’s home opener They have a lot of momentum and confidence Williams’ comments echoed through the right now, and those are tough teams to beat. We locker room on Tuesday afternoon and generat- yards on the ground in some of his most exten- against Tulane just over a week away, both the have our work cut out for us.” ed different emotions among teammates. Richt sive action of the season. men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted Jack- addressed the situation in his press conference Perhaps even more impressive than the et Jam this past Saturday, giving the fans their first CHARMIN SOFT … and believed that it could provide a “spark” this outstanding offensive numbers Tech posted opportunity to see the new McCamish Pavilion. Florida has been propelled by a stout de- week. He called Williams a “passionate player” was the Jackets’ inspired defensive perfor- The women’s team has planned several fense and a physical run game. In short, the but wished the comments were not made in a mance. Georgia Tech played its first game special events for its home opener, which takes Gators play smash-mouth football and the Bull- public setting. with Charles Kelly as interim defensive co- place on Nov. 11 against Tennessee. The team dogs will need to hang tough to pull off the upset ordinator and the team responded by holding will recognize legendary former Tennessee in Jacksonville. JONES RETURNS … the Eagles to just 32 rushing yards and 1-for-9 coach Pat Summitt and Lin Dunn, who coached A year after being one of the elite defenses Linebacker Jarvis Jones missed last week’s on third-down conversions. the WNBA’s Indiana Fever to the WNBA title in the nation, the Bulldogs’ defense has been game due to an ankle sprain but pronounced him- Paul Johnson’s team finally proved it could this past weekend. The team will also celebrate much-maligned and incapable of stopping the self as “fine” to reporters. He also said that he has get it done against a team the Jackets were ex- the 20th anniversary of the Jackets’ 1982 Wom- run. Despite being one of the SEC’s worst units, not been fully healthy since the Missouri game. pected to beat, unlike in previous games such en’s NIT Championship. Kentucky racked up 206 rushing against the Lionetti can be reached at as the loss to Middle Tennessee. As the season Caiafa can be reached at Dawgs. The defensive line will need to play at [email protected]. progresses with the Jackets still in bowl conten- [email protected]. PANTHER owl PROWL outlook Panthers fall to Villanova, lose Russell Owls ready to make noise in A-Sun tournament By Brian Jones By Brian Jones fter getting a big win against Rhode Island don’t have an explanation. I don’t have an excuse.” he soccer team concluded its regular season par to finish 33rd and 38th, respectively. two weeks ago, the Panthers looked to make The Panthers will travel to Harrisonburg, Va., Tlast weekend with games against Florida Gulf The men’s golf team won the Pinetree In- Ait two straight when Villanova visited the Georgia on Saturday to face James Madison at 3:30 p.m. Coast and Stetson. The Owls fell to FGC 1-0 be- tercollegiate title at the Pinetree Country Club Dome. The Panthers were unable to slow down fore bouncing back with a 3-0 win over Stetson. on Tuesday afternoon. Jimmy Beck won his Villanova’s attack as the Wildcats prevailed 49-24. RUSSELL OUT … The Owls finished the regular season with first career title with a seven-under 209. He is The Panthers had a good day on offense in The bad news turned worse Saturday after a 10-7-1 record and a 6-2-1 mark in the At- the fifth Owl to earn medal individual honors. the Panthers fell to the Wildcats. The team suffered lantic Sun Conference. That record was good “I am very proud of what the team and I running 70 plays, two more than the Wildcats’ 68. enough to earn the No. 3 seed in the confer- was able to accomplish this week,” Beck told Georgia State also gained 309 total yards. Albert another blow when players and coaches found out ence tournament. They will face North Florida ksuowls.com. “Finishing under par as a whole Wilson led the Panthers with six catches for 104 that running back Donald Russell will be out the Saturday at KSU Stadium. this week was a feat in itself, and it shows that yards and five kick returns for 174 yards. rest of the year with an MCL sprain in his left knee. The last time KSU faced North Florida, this team is capable of accomplishing anything “Albert plays his heart out on every play, he’s An injury like that usually takes 4-6 weeks to heal, the Owls won 4-2 two weeks ago in the teams’ we set our minds to do.” just a great player. It was too little, too late and but the Panthers have just three more games re- only regular-season meeting. Katrina Frost that’s too much of a repetitive story,” said Panthers maining on their schedule. scored two goals while Danielle Gray and Ni- SPECIAL GUEST … coach Bill Curry after the game. “We’re just better Russell’s injury figures to hurt the offense cole Calder each had a goal in the win. The volleyball team will be in for a treat than this and that’s the part that is so painful.” moving forward. He rushed for 665 yards this sea- Tickets will be $6 for general admission, this Saturday when ESPNU broadcaster Phil The Wildcats jumped on the Panthers early son and was the leading rusher in the conference but students, faculty and staff will be able to Bush will be a guest announcer for the Owls’ and often, holding a 35-10 advantage at halftime. entering the Villanova game. Curry said immedi- watch the game for free. season finale. The Wildcats rushed for 353 yards, including 132 ately after the game that if Russell’s injury was Bush has worked more than 17 seasons at yards from Kevin Monangai and 87 yards from serious, they would use a trio of running backs GOLF UPDATE … FOX SportsNet South, CSS and Sun Sports. the rest of the way. With Russell out, Travis Evans The women’s golf team took part in the He has hosted ESPNU Sportscenter and has John Robertson. Robertson also completed eight Las Vegas Collegiate Showdown and finished covered ACC and Conference USA basketball of 11 passes for 96 yards, two touchdowns and one will likely see the bulk of the carries. He rushed 13th out of 18 teams. The Owls finished the tournaments. interception. nine times for 16 yards and one touchdown in the 54-hole event with a 60-over par 924, 30 shots “The athletes tell the story with their “Obviously, we didn’t learn what we should Villanova game. The Panthers will also use Ros- behind champion Indiana, which carded a 30- play,” Bush told ksuowls.com. “The goal of have over the last couple of weeks, culminating last evelt Watson and Parris Lee, who have rushed for over par 894. Kaew Preamchuen led the Owls any good broadcaster is to simply help the weekend with a reasonable performance,” Curry a combined 112 yards this season. with a nine-over 225, good enough to finish viewer to maximize their experience.” added. “Today, a good Villanova team pushed us Jones can be reached at in 20th place. Ines Lescudier and Ket Pream- Jones can be reached at around all day. There really aren’t words for it. I [email protected] chuen recorded final round scores of two-over [email protected].

12 | Oct. 26 - Nov. 1, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 20 pro sports HAWKS FALCONS HAVEN BEAT Hawks struggle in early preseason Falcons rested, ready for Eagles By Robby Kalland By Craig Sager II he Hawks started the preseason with a win spacing the floor with multiple shooters. Lou ollowing the dome-rocking, fourth-quarter citing moments that filled these first six weeks. Tover the defending NBA champion Miami Williams has proven himself to be more than interception and touchdown by Asante “We will enjoy the bye week, but we Heat but have since dropped three straight games capable of filling the scoring void left behind FSamuel and Matt Bryant’s 55-yard game-win- will also enjoy getting back to football after a on the road to the Spurs, Grizzlies and Pacers. by Joe Johnson (who averaged 18.8 points per ning field goal in Week 6, it was finally time week off,” said Samuel. The losses came by a combined 14 points, but game last year). While Williams may not score Atlanta gave up over 100 points in each. The as many points due to more scoring options on for the NFL’s hottest team to enjoy a much- The players are now looking to continue defense was the concern coming into camp, and the team, he ought to have more PRFs (points needed week off before preparing for its next moving forward when they travel to Lincoln Larry Drew has been focused on improving the responsible for) because he will operate as both list of challenges. At 6-0, Atlanta remains the Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Ea- defense throughout camp. The Hawks struggled a facilitator and scorer. NFL’s only undefeated team and is off to the gles on Sunday. Both of Samuel’s Super Bowl through the first half of their fifth preseason game Damion James has also been surprisingly best start in franchise history. rings were with the Patriots, but he will have against the Hornets but made some adjustments effective at the small forward spot and looks “I am very happy with our guys and what a homecoming this Sunday in Philadelphia, on the defensive end that carried over from the to have earned himself not just a roster spot, we did as a team these first six games,” said where he spent four seasons. second half of that game into their next game but also some quality playing time. James has Mike Smith. “We made a lot of mistakes of- The Eagles are 3-3 this season and like against the Mavericks. Atlanta became more ag- played nearly 20 minutes a game in the pre- fensive, defensive, special teams and coach- the Falcons are coming off a bye week. It’s gressive against the ball handler on pick-and-rolls season and leads the team with 6.7 rebounds per and used their speed to their advantage by not game. James, at 6-foot-7, would be the only true ing, but we were able to overcome all of that.” always been a struggle for Atlanta to get a switching, but pressuring then recovering back to small forward on the roster. He plays a brand of win in Philadelphia, and with this .500 Eagles their man. The chemistry has improved which has basketball that endears him to the coaches, who R AND R … squad, it’s hard to know what kind of team helped as they learn each other’s tendencies and reward players that crash the boards, make hus- Before the players iron out those mis- will show up. The Falcons have a four-game are getting better at working as a defensive unit tle plays and play physical defense. James will takes, the focus last week was to take the lead in the division right now, and a win this and playing total team defense, something they not start most games, as Drew will likely rotate week off to get recharged both mentally and week will not only keep them on their best- will have to do being a smaller team without a DeShawn Stevenson, Kyle Korver, Anthony physically before getting back to the weekly ever start, but will also push more space be- shutdown defender on the perimeter. Morrow and Josh Smith at the starting spot de- groundwork. tween them and the rest of the NFC South. pending on matchups, but he, along with veteran “It’s a good thing that we have some time The goal in the regular season is to win the OFFENSIVE POWER ... Anthony Tolliver, will see the floor with the sec- off because we have a long list of guys who While the defense has struggled, the of- ond unit to provide a defensive presence with so division and seal a first round bye. This week fense has been as advertised. The Hawks con- many shooters and smaller guards. are banged up right now,” said Smith. the Falcons can inch closer to these goals. tinuously pressure opposing defenses by push- Kalland can be reached at The bye week gave the entire organization Sager II can be reached at ing the pace and attacking the basket while [email protected]. time to reflect and enjoy all the clutch and ex- [email protected]. CHOP Presented BY gwinnett SHOP gladiators Beachy begins long road back Glads begin season with “snarl” By Fletcher Proctor By Joe Deighton njured starting pitcher Brandon Beachy has also posted 21 stolen bases (No. 21), six triples t has been a bit of a strange beginning to the The win earned the Glads a much-needed begun throwing again as he tries to return (No. 15), a .479 slugging percentage (No. 22) Iseason for the Gwinnett Gladiators. The Glads two points. Greenville is ahead of Gwinnett by one Ifrom Tommy John surgery. Beachy had posted and 158 hits (No. 21). The winners will be an- have posted a 1-2-1 record and sit in last place point in the division standings. While it is early in one of the National League’s lowest ERAs at nounced during the World Series. Andruw Jones in the ECHL’s South Division just one week the season, division games are always important 2.00 through his first 13 starts when he went won the award in 2005 with the Braves. into the 2012-13 campaign. Gwinnett leads the and this was a big early win for the Gladiators. down with the right elbow injury that required league in penalty minutes with 112, which may reconstructive surgery. Typical recovery time is FRESH BLOOD ... be an early indication of what kind of a squad BLOODOFF ARRIVES … 12-to-18 months, which could see Beachy re- While he will likely not see any time with this will be. Last year’s team was high-scoring There has not been as much movement in turn just after the All-Star break. Atlanta this upcoming season, the Braves’ and quick to the puck, while this year’s team the AHL and ECHL during the early portion No. 10 prospect according to MLB.com, Nick looks to have a snarl in its game. of this season because of the ongoing lockout REWARDING WREN ... Ahmed, has been sparkling thus far in the Ari- of the NHL. However, Gwinnett did receive a The Atlanta Braves made the 2012 Na- zona Fall League. The 22-year-old shortstop FROM BEHIND … nice addition to the team when forward Evan tional League playoffs, winning one of two wild prospect has gone 5-for-9 as of Monday after- The Gladiators showed more than just a Bloodoff was assigned to the Gladiators from card spots before falling to the St. Louis Car- noon after a 3-for-3 day for the Phoenix Desert snarl on Sunday against Greenville. The team the AHL’s Portland Pirates. dinals, who would advance to the NLCS. The Dogs. Ahmed drove in four runs in the game, showed grit and determination after coming Bloodoff played the past five seasons in trip to the MLB postseason was the second in a 13-3 win over the Peoria Javelinas. He also back from down 3-0 to win 4-3, earning its first the Western Hockey League with the Kelowna three years, and the team rewarded executive managed 40 stolen bases and 84 runs as Lynch- win of the year. Forward Joey Haddad started Rockets. Last year was his best season, scor- vice president and general manager Frank Wren burg won the Carolina League’s Mills Cup. the rally with his first goal of the season at the ing 22 goals and adding 22 assists in 72 games. by extending his contract through the end of Julio Teheran is the No. 1 prospect in the 13:45 mark of the second period. Bloodoff posted 103 points (56 goals, 47 assists) the 2014 season. Two key members of Wren’s Braves’ system, followed by catcher Christian Two goals in just 35 seconds by Casey in 280 games during his junior career. staff, Bruce Manno and John Coppolella, also Bethancourt, 2012 first-round pick Lucas Sims, Pierro-Zabotel and Chris Clackson gave Gwin- The 5-foot-11 forward was originally draft- received title bumps. Sean Gilmartin, J.R. Graham, Zeke Spruill, nett the go-ahead lead at the 16:07 mark of the ed in the sixth round of the 2009 NHL Draft by Braves right fielder Jason Heyward was Joe Terdoslavich, Alex Wood and Edward Sal- third period. Clackson scored the winning goal, the Phoenix Coyotes. It remains to be seen how nominated as Atlanta’s candidate for the Na- cedo. Teheran is the Braves’ highest-ranked but he also spurred his teammates on by win- long he will remain in Gwinnett. Much of that tional League Hank Aaron Award, which rec- prospect in the top 100, checking in at No. 24. ning a vicious fight in the middle of the third pe- decision will depend on whether the NHL gets ognizes each league’s best all-around offensive Bethancourt is No. 53. riod. The 6-foot-6 forward finished the game by back to work in the near future. performer. Heyward finished 14th in the NL Proctor can be reached at tallying the “Gordie Howe Hat-Trick,” which is Deighton can be reached at with 27 home runs and 10th with 93 runs. He [email protected]. a goal, and fight. [email protected].

www.scoreatl.com | 13 SCORE MORE TRIVIA ANSWER Steve Bartkowski is the Falcons’ all-time leader in passing yards with 23,470.

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