Chris Mooneyham

The Mooneyham Poll, 680 FNF and our weekly preview for September, 25…

Coming up this week on Life University’s 680 The Fan Friday Night Football Game of the Week…

The Milton Eagles (3-1 record/ ?? in AAAAAAA) visit the Roswell Hornets (?? record/  in AAAAAAA).

This week provides one of the most intense rivalry ballgames in the state of Georgia. Plus, it will be the final game for each of these teams before beginning region play next week.

Milton is a bit of a mystery, or unknown, team to many across the state. The best way to understand the Eagles is to dive quickly into the last few seasons of performance. In 2014, they were senior loaded and an absolute state championship caliber squad. This was certainly the best team in program history. In 2015, they lost a good bit of that talent and finished with a 4-6 record; missing the playoffs. Last season, all the major impact players from the greatest year in program history were gone and they started seven sophomores. Still, that team gave us a sign of things to come as they rallied from a 2-5 record to reach the playoffs and end their season at 5-6.

In 2017, former West Forsyth head coach Adam Clack (4th season; 23-13 record) has taken the reigns on Birmingham Highway and found a roster with good, young, experienced talent. The “man-to-keep-tabs-on” is junior defensive back Joseph Charleston. Already a four-star for next season, and considered a consensus top ten safety in America, he has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State; just to name a few.

The man you may not know now, but will in two years, is offensive tackle Paul Tchio. At 6-foot-6, 320-pounds, the sophomore has already earned an offer from Kirby and the Dawgs. Finally, don’t fall asleep on junior quarterback Jordan Yates. He is one of the top twenty or so dual-threat hurlers in the state and is starting to get looks from FBS teams as an athlete.

The “most uncertain team of the preseason” label belonged to the two-time defending state runner-up. On the one hand, Roswell lost a crop of talent that is staggering. The Hornets lost right around 20 guys who recorded starts the last two years and 10 of the team’s 11 leading tacklers were seniors. And like Milton, that core of talent formed perhaps the greatest team (s) in program history. It could be argued that graduation from last year took away five of the top twenty-five greatest players in program history; which dates to 1950.

On the other hand, over the last three years, the men from King Road have been so dominant they were able to play a slew of youngsters. Senior Tyneil Hopper, who is a top-50 rated player in the state, is back to continue the Hopper family legacy at Roswell. As is Kamonty Jett, who carried the football forty times versus Central Gwinnett a few weeks ago; and rushed for 227-yards and three scores in the win. North Carolina prep star Cordell Littlejohn has transferred in to take over behind center. New head coach Matt Kemper (10th season; 52-46 record) has seen his new team begin 1-2 entering their most intense game of the season.

Make sure to join us live beginning at 7pm on THE FAN 2, 1230 AND 106-3 FM AND THE FAN 3, 1340 AND 103-7 FM.

 

AAAAAAA

  1. Grayson (4-0)
  2. Lowndes (5-0)
  3. Archer (5-0)
  4. Walton (5-0)
  5. Mill Creek (4-1)
  6. Colquitt County (5-1)
  7. Tift County (6-0)
  8. Brookwood (3-2)
  9. North Gwinnett (4-1)
  10. South Forsyth (5-0)

Honorable Mention: North Paulding (5-0), McEachern (3-2), Lassiter (4-1), Marietta (4-1), Parkview (2-2)

This week we will focus on which regions are dominating the rankings in each classification. Region 1 has been tremendous. Lowndes, Colquitt County, and Tift County make up a strong threesome contending for the top spot. Region 3, with North Paulding, McEachern and Marietta will threaten the top ten all season. Meanwhile, when Grayson and Archer meet on October 13, it could be for the Region 8 title, and the number one ranking.

 

 

AAAAAA

  1. Lee County (6-0)
  2. Tucker (4-1)
  3. Mays (3-1)
  4. Northside-Warner Robins (4-1)
  5. Harrison (3-2)
  6. Dalton (3-1)
  7. Douglas County (5-0)
  8. Winder Barrow (5-0)
  9. Alexander (3-1)
  10. Alpharetta (3-1)

Honorable Mention: Coffee (3-1), Hughes (3-2), Allatoona (2-3), Lanier (3-2), Northgate (3-2)

Lee County, Northside and Coffee represent a stout Region 1. Although, in a way, the region is down because Houston County and Valdosta are down. There is no race however, when it comes to the best region in the class. Douglas County, Alexander, Mays, Northgate, and Hughes, from Region 5, will be in and out of the rankings all season.

 

 

AAAAA

  1. Rome (4-0)
  2. Stockbridge (4-0)
  3. Buford (2-1)
  4. Carrollton (4-0)
  5. Jones County (5-0)
  6. Warner Robins (5-0)
  7. Starr’s Mill (5-0)
  8. Bainbridge (4-1)
  9. Carver-Atlanta (4-1)
  10. Clarke Central (4-1)

Honorable Mention: Kell (2-3), Villa Rica (4-1), Wayne County (4-0), Flowery Branch (4-1), Griffin (4-1)

Region 7 is, narrowly, the best region in this classification. Carrollton, Rome, Kell and Villa Rica are either a defending state champ, a rebounding state power, a current state power who is down just a bit, or an emerging team with one of the top running backs in the state. The best one-two punch is in Region 4, where Stockbridge and Jones County will settle the region title and a top five ranking.

 

 

AAAA

  1. Cartersville (5-0)
  2. Thomson (3-0)
  3. Blessed Trinity (5-1)
  4. Marist (5-0)
  5. Jefferson (4-1)
  6. Ridgeland (5-0)
  7. Woodward Academy (4-1)
  8. Sandy Creek (3-1)
  9. Burke County (5-0)
  10. Troup (5-0)

Honorable Mention: Mary Persons (3-2), Eastside (4-1), Southeast Whitfield (5-0), Heritage-Ringgold (5-0), Cedartown (4-1)

First, your Cartersville win streak update: now at 35 wins in a row, the Canes are tied with Northside-Warner Robins, in 2006-08, for the tenth longest streak in state history. They also play in a pretty good region, where Sandy Creek, Troup, Central-Carrollton and Cedartown have combined for 15-wins.

 

AAA

  1. Cedar Grove (5-0)
  2. Peach County (4-1)
  3. Greater Atlanta Christian (4-1)
  4. Crisp County (4-0)
  5. Calhoun (4-1)
  6. Monroe Area (5-0)
  7. Union County (4-1)
  8. Bremen (5-0)
  9. Morgan County (4-1)
  10. Jenkins (4-0)

Honorable Mention: Pace Academy (2-2), Westside-Macon (2-3), Lovett (2-3), Dawson County (2-2), Adairsville (3-2)

Interestingly, there are a couple of regions in the running for best in the class. Although, none are extremely good. The title, by default almost, goes to Region 5. Cedar Grove, Pace Academy, Lovett and Westminster make up the best “top four.” Still, that will surprise, or upset, some people because Lovett is 2-3 and Westminster is 1-4.

 

 

AA

  1. Benedictine (5-0)
  2. Callaway (5-0)
  3. Hapeville Charter (4-1)
  4. Screven County (4-0)
  5. Rabun County (4-0)
  6. Jefferson County (5-0)
  7. Thomasville (5-0)
  8. Brooks County (4-0)
  9. Elbert County (4-1)
  10. Dodge County (4-0)

Honorable Mention: Heard County (5-1), Toombs County (4-0), Swainsboro (4-1), Fitzgerald (1-3), Pepperell (3-2)

Best region in AA? You tell me. Region 2 is a candidate. Benedictine, Toombs County, Bacon County and Swainsboro are this year’s “top four.” Vidalia is down, but a member of this region, with Metter and a resurgent Jeff Davis squad. The best “top two” is a real horse race between Region 1 (Brooks County/ Thomasville), Region 4 (Jefferson County/ Screven County), Region 5 (Callaway/ Heard County) or Region 8 (Rabun County/ Elbert County).

 

A Public

  1. Manchester (5-0)
  2. Irwin County (4-1)
  3. Macon County (3-1)
  4. Commerce (4-0)
  5. Emanuel County Institute (4-1)
  6. Charlton County (4-0)
  7. Taylor County (3-1)
  8. Clinch County (3-2)
  9. Mt Zion-Carroll (4-0)
  10. Marion County (4-1)

Honorable Mention: Turner County (3-2), Pelham (4-1), Trion (4-1), McIntosh County Academy (1-2), Johnson County (3-1)

No debate this time. With Charlton County, Irwin County, Clinch County and Turner County, Region 2 is head and shoulders above the competition. There are a couple of regions with really good one-two punches. Manchester and Marion County, Macon County and Taylor County, Trion and Mount Zion-Carroll are pretty good combos.

 

 

A Private

  1. Eagles Landing Christian Academy (5-0)
  2. Prince Avenue Christian (5-0)
  3. Wesleyan (5-1)
  4. Stratford Academy (4-0)
  5. Athens Academy (4-0)
  6. Mount Paran Christian (3-1)
  7. Fellowship Christian (3-1)
  8. Tattnall Square (4-0)
  9. Mount Pisgah Christian (4-1)
  10. Mount Vernon Presbyterian (5-0)

Honorable Mention: Darlington (3-2), Aquinas (2-2), Calvary Day (3-1), First Presbyterian (3-1), George Walton Academy (3-1)

Of course, this is a skewed conversation when it comes to the Single A classification. So many regions have both private and public schools. In fact, only two regions in the classification are exclusively private schools and only four regions have all public schools. So, which of the two in “private only” wins the label? Good question; it’s very close. Region 6 features Mount Paran, Mount Pisgah, and Fellowship Christian. Meanwhile Region 5 deploys ELCA, Wesleyan, and Mount Vernon.

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Published by Chris Mooneyham

Chris Mooneyham is a twenty-year broadcast veteran employed or freelancing for multiple companies across America. Currently he is a co-host, play-by-play person and guest anchor for Atlanta’s sports leader, The Fan 680AM/ 93.7FM; and its sister stations on The Sports X. In the Fall, Chris serves as the Sideline Reporter for Kennesaw State University football. He also works as studio host, play-by-play announcer and content producer for The Fan’s coverage of Georgia High School football. Come the Wintertime, the focus shifts to the National Lacrosse League 2017 World Champions, the Georgia Swarm (play-by-play). When Spring rolls around, the Atlanta native delivers the play-by-play for the Emory University baseball team, a two-time national finalist. All throughout the year, Mooneyham is a lead play-by-play person for the NFHS Network’s high school sports coverage and over the last decade was honored to call state championships in nearly every sport. A Kennesaw State graduate, Chris holds a Communication degree in Media Studies and a Minor degree in Film Studies. He is also a two-time graduate of broadcasting school (Connecticut School of Broadcasting-1998/ Atlanta Broadcast Institute-2008).

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