November 20, 2011
Editor’s Note: Brandon Brigman, a sports writer for the Daily Post, writes a blog every Monday called “The Blitz.”
I'm still impressed with Dacula.
I know at the beginning of the year there was high expectations for the Falcons with a 30-member senior class.
I didn't even have the Falcons projected to make the playoffs this year.
Little did I know.
We've reached the quarterfinals of the Class AAAAA state playoffs and Dacula is still alive. I still think Grayson is the county's best hope to bring home a AAAAA state championship, but at this point I wouldn't be surprised to see Dacula make it to the Georgia Dome.
The Falcons held off a very good Newnan squad in last week's 31-21 victory. I don't know if running back/quarterback Rocky Capobianco has an official fan club, but I'm ready to run for club president. Rocky turned in another impressive night on the ground with 162 yards. That puts him over the 1,300-yard mark for the season, which is good for sixth all-time in Dacula's nearly 50-year history.
As good as Rocky is, he won't be the best running back on the field in this Friday's game.
Walton's Tyren Jones leads Class AAAAA in rushing with nearly 2,000 yards. He also has an impressive 34 touchdowns this year, including 10 in the playoffs.
Jones, a junior, will be the best running back Dacula has faced all season.
Walton is also the most talented team, other than Grayson, that Dacula has seen. Jones is one of several high-profile players on the Raiders' team.
Walton has Zack and Daron Blaylock, who are committed to Kentucky and the sons of former Atlanta Hawks player Mookie Blaylock. Offensive lineman Harrison Davis is the son of John Davis who played on the Buffalo Bills' Super Bowl team. Center Grant Radakovich is the son of Georgia Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich. Receiver Koty Richardson and defensive end Koty Allen have picked up Division I offers.
Dacula has risen up this year beyond my expectations. I just hope than can continue to do it the next few games.
Check out this video of the Dacula choir doing its best impression of the Atlanta Falcons and Samuel L. Jackson commercial of the slogan Rise Up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXBhcA...
Grayson back in quarterfinals
Grayson has reached the Class AAAAA quarterfinals for the fifth straight year. The Rams will host West Forsyth on Friday.
I know what you're thinking. Who is West Forsyth?
The Wolverines are in their fifth-year of existence. They reached the playoffs for the first time last year and lost to South Gwinnett. They were the No. 2 seed out of Region 6-AAAAA, which is probably the weakest region in the state.
Despite the weak regular season play, West Forsyth is 11-1. The biggest win came last week over the very talented Hillgrove.
To reach the quarterfinals in Class AAAAA, you have to be doing something right. But I still think this is a game Grayson should not only win, but win convincingly.
The Rams have the best player in the state in Robert Nkemdiche. He's not only a menace on defense, but I've seen very few teams stop him on short yardage plays.
Buford continues to roll
I've been pretty quiet about Buford lately. Mostly because the Wolves haven't played the toughest competition.
I think that will change on Friday. Buford will get a tough game against Elbert County. The Blue Devils have second-year head coach Sid Fritts, who has led Rome and Vidalia to deep playoff runs the last 10 years.
Buford has won 15-straight playoff games at home, but I think this will be one of the tougher games for the Wolves in recent weeks.
'Like' The Blitz on Facebook
'Like' this blog entry on the Gwinnett Prep Sports Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/gwinnettprepsports) to enter to win a Blitz T-shirt and free chicken biscuit from Chick-fil-A.
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