December 2017 Todays
Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017
In The Sports Report
Two of the state’s top boys basketball teams are from Central Georgia, but it took winning games in a tournament at Allatoona for Warner Robins and Upson-Lee to play. How that came out and the high school hoops scoreboard are in This Week’s Coverage.
There’s a Falcons-are-the-Falcons column in Opinion, and Reading/Viewing Material – a burly selection – coming later Sunday
Weather
Cooler, with a high in the mid 40s and mostly cloudy, low under 30. This will continue for awhile, Thursday's low getting beneath 20
Big game for the Falcons
Atlanta hosts Carolina at 4:30 p.m. in a large and relevant NFL game.
Win, and Atlanta is in the playoffs.
Lose, and Carolina might be NFC South champs.
New Orleans and Carolina are in, and the division title and seeding are at stake. The Saints take on Tampa Bay, which is 4-11 but not bad.
The Falcons are a 3.5-point favorite.
Reading/Viewing Material
MVPunter? Welcome to Longhorns football
http://www.dailytexanonline.com/2017/12/28/dickson-earns-texas-bowl-mvp-in-career-finale
Doesn't mean the 'Horns can't get cocky, and mocking
Oh, Mike Leach, Mike Leach, Mike Leach
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/5-thoughts-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-football/
Schiano ready to talk football, not Vols football
https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/schiano-not-time-yet-talk-about-dashed-tennessee-deal
Panthers-Falcons: Cam is a talented enigma
http://www.myajc.com/sports/football/analytics-the-running-cam-newton/4V77YlrFmOPULE0QwMItQM/
Fagan, Walker, Phillips and Owens made the all-tournament team, Fagan taking MVP honors
Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017
In The Sports Report
A place to be Saturday night is Allatoona High, where a pretty burly high school hoops game will tip off at 8:30 p.m.
The state’s undefeated and top-ranked Class 5A team plays the state’s undefeated and top-ranked Class 4A team, and defending 4A state champ and winner of 47 straight games.
Alas, two power programs that are less than 60 miles apart will go at it in a likely-to-be-talked-about-for-awhile showdown two hours away when Warner Robins faces Upson-Lee in the Lake City Classic tournament.
Tipoff is 8:30 p.m.
The rest of the area’s basketball results and schedule is up in This Week’s Coverage. Reading/Viewing Material to come.
Weather
A nice day of nearly 60 degrees followed by a freezing night of around 30 degrees.
Friday, Dec. 29, 2017
In The Sports Report
Some basketball tournaments wind down Friday, others set things up for Saturday.
That’s the case in Allatoona where a possible showdown awaits two of the top teams in the state, who happen to be from Central Georgia.
That and the area’s most complete look at scores, details and schedules is in This Week’s Coverage.
A host of Central Georgians were in all-star games Thursday, and we have a review.
Reading/Viewing Material to come.
Good day for Mercer
Mercer's women knocked off North Carolina on the road while the men rolled Kennesaw State at home. In This Week's Coverage.
Weather
High of 54, low of 34, sun will be in and out. A little warmer Saturday.
Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
In The Sports Report
It’s a good day to be inside watching basketball, and there are area options: at Mary Persons, Baldwin, Tattnall, and Northeast. Scores and schedules in This Week’s Coverage. In other areas, Warner Robins and Upson-Lee won in Allatoona.
Cold and wintry no biggie? There’s football, with one set of the week’s all-star games, four at Freedom Field in Warner Robins starting at 11 a.m. Who from Central Georgia is in that game, and others? Only place in the area to find out all that is in This Week’s Coverage.
Weather
Full-blown football weather, if you’re in the north. The high will be around 45, cloudy, low around 31, and little chance of anything until after midnight.
Reading/Viewing Material
Oklahoma, Georgia want focus and balance before Rose Bowl
https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/oklahoma-georgia-want-focus-and-balance-rose-bowl
Mercer men back home to host Kennesaw State; tickets deal
Jacob Eason ready, if need; after that ...
It's not been a quiet month of bowl prep at LSU
Snitker feels a lot better with these decision-makers
https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/brian-snitker-confident-in-braves-front-office/c-263432632
But many folks aren't feeling better about that Braves stadium
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2017/dec/26/braves-stadium/459959/
Need a bowl guide? Here's ... well, you know (another one, a little dated)
https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/watch-every-bowl-game-yes-there-reason-why-each
* * * * *
Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017
In The Sports Report
ICYMI: Take a peek back at This Week’s Coverage to get caught up on basketball schedules, all-star football games, all-state teams and basketball scores.
Post-holiday content to resume.
Weather
Not exceptionally nice. Some morning rain, high near 50, low in mid 30s. The good weather returns on Saturday, with a sunny high in the mid-50s.
Good hoops action at Mercer
They haven’t been conference rivals since Mercer bolted the Atlantic Sun for the Southern Conference, but a visit by Kennesaw State still amps things up a bit.
The Bears host the Owls at 7 p.m. on Thursday, while the Mercer women are at North Carolina.
Mercer’s men are 6-6 and on a two-game losing streak, by 10 to LaSalle and by one to Alabama. Five Mercer losses have been by 10 points or less.
KSU is 3-9, thanks in large part to a get-a-check schedule that includes losses to Butler, Hofstra, Florida State, Washington and Texas Tech. The Owls have also lost to Georgia Southern, Seattle, Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech.
Kennesaw State has yet to manage a winning record since joining Division I in 2005-06, and the Owls are on their four head coach in that span.
Mercer leads the series 15-6.
Georgia College’s women and men are off until Saturday when they host Flagler in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
Fort Valley State’s teams visit Lemoyne-Owen in Tennessee. Middle Georgia State’s men visit Jacksonville on Thursday, and the women are off until a Jan. 4 visit to Mobile.
Reading/Viewing Material
For your Christmas enjoyment. Keep a hankie nearby
Eagles running back helps Wilmington's single moms for holidays
And in non-Christmas readables ...
Column, Chattanooga Times Free Press, year in review (wasn't all that hot)
Holland, Mercer becoming a perfect fit
http://mercerbears.com/news/2017/12/24/mens-basketball-holland-finds-the-right-fit-with-bears.aspx
USCEast women's hoops coach Staley tough, a battler, has been since youth
Homerism affecting normal sports writing (and on-the-air “reporting”)
https://www.si.com/tech-media/2017/12/20/sports-media-reporting-objective-journalism-fans
All in Clemson's family
https://clemson.rivals.com/news/all-in-foundation
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Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017
In The Sports Report
One thing Santa brought was a load of stuff to do this week, from basketball tournaments all over, including at Mary Persons, to all-star football games at Freedom Field, Henderson Stadium, and Mercer.
Got the always-updating hoops schedule - send tournament info to centralgasports@gmail.com - and the Central Georgians in all-star games in This Week’s Coverage.
Coming Tuesday afternoon, some Reading/Viewing Material, including more feel-good Christmaslike items.
Weather
Sunny and a hair warmer, quality outdoor weather, low of upper 30s. Thursday’s all-star football weather isn’t as nice, with temps in the low 40s and a 50 percent chance of daytime rain, as well as at night with sub-freezing lows.
Monday, Dec. 25, 2017
In The Sports Report
Well, the Falcons lost. And were occasionally fascinating in the process.
Taking, for the most part, the day off in terms of posting – well, there’ll be some updating of the prep basketball schedule - but work is being done and there’ll be some readables Tuesday.
Of course, one never knows if a column may crop up around dinnertime, maybe an Alumni Update.
Reading/Viewing Material is pretty much good stuff for Christmas. We’ll delay the normal roars until Tuesday.
Weather
It sure looked like it wanted to snow on Christmas Eve, but, um, too warm. Stays that way on Christmas, with a high of 53 and mostly sunny, low of 35. Highs for the week average around 50, lows in the 30s, rain Wed-Friday.
Reading/Viewing Material
For your Christmas enjoyment. Keep a hankie nearby in some cases.
Mark Richt with message to dying UGA fan
https://twitter.com/Loyal_To_The_G/status/944657916673560576
Devonta Freeman is leaving darkness behind
Ex-Tech FB player basically a walking miracle
Falcons' Matt Bryant pays tribute father
USC, Helton there for cancer-stricken fan
https://www.si.com/college-football/2017/12/24/clay-helton-usc-trojans-fan-cancer-texas
(Not sports) Skid row to a conservatory of music
Cam Newton remains an enigma, often a good one
https://twitter.com/Panthers/status/945134528179220480
(Non-sports) The gift of new hope
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-met-christmas-kass-1224-story.html
The Braves offer a different - method of delivering - Christmas message
https://twitter.com/Braves/status/945086995960942592
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Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017
In The Sports Report
Read and retweet while catching up on all the area players in next week’s all-star games, in Central Georgia and Atlanta. Dozens of Central Georgia schools are represented.
There are two all-state teams out, Recruit Georgia and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Sports Report has all of the area honorees, in This Week’s Coverage.
And maybe the only list of basketball scores, plus an early look at Wednesday’s schedule – tournament hosts need to send schedules to centralgasports@gmail.com, as to all area basketball coaches.
Check back later for what else might be available to kill time once you’re ready to chill out.
Weather
High of 64 and mostly cloudy, low of 53 and a shower or two. We’ll hit the 70s this week.
Check the remote control batteries
Big, burly day in the NFL.
Well, OK, it’s a big, burly day in Atlanta and New Orleans.
The Saints are 5.5-point favorites over the Falcons in their 1 p.m. game on Fox.
New Orleans is no doubt anxious for the rematch, won 20-17 by Atlanta on a penalty-filled Dec. 7 Thursday night game.
A Falcons win keeps them in the hunt for the division title, and a loss keeps them on the bubble for the playoffs. Carolina, a game up on Atlanta, hosts Tampa Bay, which can’t be counted out despite being long ago eliminated from the playoffs, having single-digit losses to Atlanta, Detroit, and Green Bay the past three games.
And next week, Carolina’s visit to Atlanta could be for the division title or for a playoff spot.
The other 1 p.m. game on local TV is of note, since Buffalo remembers Rob Gronkowski’s remarkably cheap shot on Tre’Davious White three weeks ago.
Reading/Viewing Material
Delaware roster enough for Florida State to be bowl eligible
Ted Turner: It's Atlanta Braves, not Marietta Braves
Need a (belated) bowl guide? Here's one of many
https://sports.yahoo.com/forde-yard-dash-bowl-edition-220535403.html
Need a Final Four guide? Here's one of many
http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/21651564/ultimate-college-football-playoff-preview
Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017
In The Sports Report
Upson-Lee wins again, and has to work hard and come back to do it. Westside and Khavon Moore win in South Carolina, and Central’s girls get good W not far from home. Scores, details, and the schedule – more than anywhere else ‘round here - at This Week’s Coverage.
Christmas means all-star football games season. Who in Central Georgia is playing where next week? The only collection of local names and games in the area is up at This Week’s Coverage.
Weather
Want nice shopping weather? It’ll be in the low 70s, but rainy. Sunday is almost as warm, but less wet. On Santa’s delivery day, high around 50 and sunny, low in the 30s.
Reading/Viewing Material
Some folks just don't like Alabama
https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/fitzpatrick-no-4-bama-some-people-just-dont-us
Falcons' injury update
It's hard out there for an SEC coach, thanks to Saban
Wanna bet on whether you can bet in more places soon?
Friday, Dec. 22, 2017
In The Sports Report
First area media Thursday to tell people who made two all-state teams?
The Sports Report.
And point out the players of the year from here?
The Sports Report.
And tell you who all from Central Georgia made those teams?
The Sports Report.
And highlight the area kickers on those teams?
First area media to report Lyn-J Dixon’s college choice?
The Sports Report.
Most comprehensive –and objective – coverage of Peach County’s GHSA visit?
The Sports Report, and Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
And the most comprehensive, hyperbole-free, accurate, and objective look at the Peach County-Calhoun game?
The Sports Report.
First full list of area players on the early signing day?
The Sports Report.
And only Central Georgia media to have a list of high school basketball games?
The Sports Report.
No sound bites and cheering and hyperbole, but information, and context.
Coming Friday: Updating prep basketball scores and schedules, and who is in a few upcoming all-star games.
Reading/Viewing Material coming Friday afternoon.
Update, 1 p.m.: Reading/Viewing Material updated. A look at local all-star games up at 1:30 p.m.
Weather
Still warm, cloudy, high of 67, low of 56. Next three highs: 73, 62, 54. Next three lows: 49, 34, 32. Rain coming on Saturday.
Reading/Viewing Material
Sooners are, yes, aware of UGA's RBs
http://www.ajc.com/sports/college/oklahoma-aware-challenge-georgia-running-backs-pose/Z7npisBS0Sbwz0ATvrzVVM/
Dick Enberg was 82
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-dick-enberg-obit-20171221-story.html
Braves still working on things
http://www.myajc.com/blog/jeff-schultz/braves-improvement-needs-start-with-the-ghost-ownership/qHN9H8y1zts1mo0uFvyAUJ/
NFL remarks lead to Papa John's boss resigning?
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/12/22/572779230/papa-johns-ceo-steps-down-following-controversial-remarks-on-nfl?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Louisville hoops recruit speaks
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/21838155/brian-bowen-center-scandal-led-rick-pitino-firing-says-know-bribery-scheme
* * * * *
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017
(Oops: when one shuts computer down without saving, stuff doesn’t get saved, or posted)
In The Sports Report
The first early signing day came and went, and now we all have more than two months to rave or grouse about who didn’t get signed. Central Georgia is sending players, so far, to two of the four playoff teams, along with Georgia Tech, Florida State, Troy, Samford, and Louisville, among others. In This Week’s Coverage.
The state’s colleges had a pretty good day, especially Georgia. Check out onlineathens.com, AJC.com and ESPN.com for general analysis.
The oblong ball for high schools is packed away, and roundball is in full force. The Bear Brawl starts Thursday, and Veterans also hosts the Shane’s Rib Shack Classic. Schedules, as available, are up for the next few days. This Week’s Coverage.
Previous content/column on Peach County and the GHSA have been pushed back to the weekend, with any updates coming here.
Reading/Viewing Material to be updated Thursday, including some recruiting stuff.
Weather
A bit cooler, high of 60 and low of 48, chance of rain about 20 percent. Friday: 67/55, 10 percent. It stays above 50 daytime until, tentatively, about New Year’s Eve.
Reading/Viewing Material
Column: Early signing dampens both days
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/news/20171221/cecil-hurt-early-signing-just-dampens-both-days
Column: Georgia has a QB problem, and that's good
https://sports.yahoo.com/signing-phenom-justin-fields-georgia-might-qb-problem-203238128.html
Most prospects take advantage of early day
https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/majority-top-prospects-capitalize-early-signing-period
Scott Frost: don't bail on assistants
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21829092
Is Kirby the new Nick? (a hair dated)
https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-hopes-found-nick-saban-190521643.html
Great story on Clemson assistant and future head coach Tony Elliott
https://sports.yahoo.com/georgia-hopes-found-nick-saban-190521643.html
What the bleep happened at Florida State this year?
https://collegefootball.ap.org/article/scott-frost-bringing-7-ucf-assistants-him-nebraska
* * * * *
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017
In The Sports Report
The first early signing day is Wednesday, and a good number of Central Georgians are expected to sign. But many players will wait and see how things shake out, plus see if their stock can rise a little bit with postseason games. To be updated during the day at noon, 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. This Week’s Coverage.
Boosted back a day to Wednesday, a follow-up on the Peach County visit to the GHSA office in Thomaston, with more of Chad Campbell’s presentation and some analysis. To be in This Week’s Coverage.
Weather
Power-bill-saving weather continues, with high around 71, low around 53, and a pretty good chance of wetness. Average high in the upper 60s for the next several days. Suddenly, Christmas Day has gone from upper 60s to a high of 47, low of 24. There shan’t be snow.
Mercer missed upsetting Alabama by thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much
The annual “surprise” of a power-5 or power team by Mercer will have to wait until perhaps the NCAA Tournament or next year, since Alabama survived nearly blowing a late lead before holding on 80-79 Tuesday night in Huntsville, Ala.
Mercer lost a seven-point second-half lead, and trailed 80-72 with 27 seconds left, but pulled to within one on Demetre Rivers’ 3 with two seconds left. Alabama turned it over, and Mercer had a second left. Ria’n Holland got a good look, but his deep jumper was barely short.
The Bears, 6-6, have lost 79-70 to Colorado, 84-60 to Tennessee, 83-81 in double OT to Memphis, and 95-85 to LaSalle. They are now off until Dec. 28 when they host former Atlantic Sun rival Kennesaw State, followed three days later by a visit from ETSU.
But Gardner’s 300th career win was an easy one for Mercer’s women
Mary Persons alum KeKe Calloway’s career high of 26 points led Mercer’s women to a 74-53 romp over South Carolina State Tuesday for head coach Susie Gardner’s 300th career win.
Mercer, 10-2, resume non-conference play on Thursday at home against Howard, and then visit North Carolina on Dec. 28 and Charlotte on Dec. 30, part of a five-game road trip that finally ends in mid-January. Mercer’s not home again until Jan. 18 against UNCG.
* * * * *
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017
In The Sports Report
Peach County head coach Chad Campbell spoke to the GHSA board of trustees surrounded by about 40 supporters, coaches, staff and players.
As expected, based on GHSA rules, no actions were taken, leaving the Trojans no less frustrated. Story, link to full story, and videos from the day in This Week’s Coverage.
More on Campbell’s presentation with analysis coming Tuesday afternoon.
More Reading/Viewing Material to catch up on Tuesday as well.
Update, 12:15 p.m.: Here's some reading material, albeit a hair dated in some cases, but still relevant.
Update, 11:45 p.m.: Moving the Peach County-GHSA follow to Wednesday.
Weather
More December golf and tennis weather, if it doesn’t rain. High of 67, 20 percent chance of wetness, low of 56, higher chance of rain. Warmer and rain on Wednesday.
Reading/Viewing Material
Wofford's Ayers leaves massive legacy
Taggert has early specific plans for Florida State
New York amped to get Stanton
Life with Jameis, Koetter and the Bucs deteriorating? (A week old, still fits)
Better late than never for the degree, for Tech's Smith
* * * * *
Monday, Dec. 18, 2017
In The Sports Report
An Alumni Update - and they’ll start picking up – covers Peach County, Perry, Mary Persons, John Milledge – take a peek at that one – plus Macon County, Washington County, Northside, Tattnall, and Dooly County, from colleges to pros.
Coming Monday around dinnertime: Peach County meets at 1 p.m. with GHSA officials in what is more of a discussion than appeal, and may not take long. And some columnizing, perhaps in the morning, perhaps in the early evening.
Weather
High of 64, 20 percent chance of something. Low of 48, a little less chance of something. Warmer day and night Tuesday, about a 20 percent chance day and night.
Ready for some football?
New Orleans and Carolina won on Sunday, as did etroit and Dallas while Seattle and Green Bay lost. Atlanta is at Tampa Bay Monday night, and all but clinches the wildcard spot with a win. The Falcons then visit New Orleans on Sunday and Carolina on New Year’s Eve.
Soooo much can still happen.
Reading/Viewing Material
Some items are a little dated, but better late than never.
Carolina Panthers go from investigation to on the block
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article190267379.html
Sports Illustrated’s Media Awards
https://www.si.com/tech-media/2017/12/17/sports-illustrated-media-awards-best-worst-2017-tony-romo-espn
Tarkenton liked Fromm before the season started
NFL Network suspends Faulk, others
https://sports.yahoo.com/donovan-mcnabb-marshall-faulk-others-133302184.html
And taking it to the next level ...
Sporting News taps Smart
Patterson moving from Mississippi to Michigan
* * * * *
Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017
In The Sports Report
Central Georgia products were all over football fields, college and pro on Saturday. It’s time for the latest Alumni Update, coming Sunday afternoon.
And the first of a few columns addressing the controversies and subsequent reactions start on Sunday afternoon.
Update, 7:15 p.m.: Good yard work weather, short birthday gathering, etc., leads to pushing things back to Monday, which will also include coverage of the Peach County appeal/meeting with the GHSA.
Weather
High of 64 and mostly cloudy, low of 53 and a shower or two. We’ll hit the 70s this week.
Check the remote control batteries
It’s a huge day for the NFC South.
Atlanta sits until Monday night to visit Tampa Bay (Falcons are 6-point favorites), and much of the division playoff scenario will be cleared up or muddled even more by then.
New Orleans hosts the New York Jets while Carolina welcomes Green Bay.
Odds are with New Orleans (9-4), a 16-point favorite, and Carolina (8-4), a 3-point favorite. Green Bay (7-6) is in the wild card hunt, New York isn’t.
NFL.com currently projects Atlanta as a sixth seeed, Carolina a fifth and New Orleans a fourth. Philadelphia has clinched a spot and is a likely No. 1 seed with Minnesota next.
Seattle has an 8-5 record, as does Atlanta. The Falcons win that tiebreaker, as they do with Detroit (8-6), next in line.
Reading/Viewing Material
Want to catch up on the GHSA finals?
Class 7A
Class 6A
http://highschoolsports.blog.ajc.com/2017/12/15/lee-county-28-coffee-21/
Class 5A
Class 5A
http://highschoolsports.blog.ajc.com/2017/12/15/rome-38-warner-robins-0/
https://www.centralgasports.com/this-weeks-coverage-1
Class 4A
http://www.northfulton.com/stories/blessed-trinity-defeats-marist-for-4a-state-championship,122723
http://highschoolsports.blog.ajc.com/2017/10/20/marist-25-blessed-trinity-24/
Class 2A
http://highschoolsports.blog.ajc.com/2017/12/15/hapeville-charter-35-rabun-county-23/
Class A public
http://highschoolsports.blog.ajc.com/2017/12/15/clinch-county-21-irwin-county-12/
* * * * *
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017
In The Sports Report
Rome got going. Warner Robins didn’t. There wasn’t much complex to Friday’s GHSA Class 5A championship game. That and the box score in This Week’s Coverage.
Coming Saturday, er, Sunday: The first of a few columns addressing the many issues of the past eight days regarding these championships and how adults did and didn’t handle adversity, among other things. Topics include replay and championship location. First posting around dinnertime.
Reading/Viewing Material coming later (all delayed when one “saves” and doesn’t “publish”).
Weather
Warming up to near 60, low in mid 30s. Some rain Sunday, mid 60s but a nicer lower in the 50s. Rain for a few days.
* * * * *
Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
In The Sports Report
Championship Weekend, Part II is upon us.
And here is where by far the most comprehensive coverage – information, stats, analysis, all not of the cliché and sound-bite area - of the game resides.
There’s plenty to ponder for Rome and Warner Robins, kicking off at 7:30 at McConnell-Talbert.
Carrollton head coach Sean Calhoun is 0-2 against the finalists, and has some quality views on the teams, and what the difference likely will be.
Everything you need to know about tickets and parking and all that is up to date, as per Thursday evening with great conversation with WRHS principal Chris McCook.
There’s a look at Rome’s season, week by week, and a breakdown schedule strengths and analysis.
All in This Week’s Coverage.
Coming Friday: a final preview of the game, and capsule with prediction; a graphic with the starters, and perhaps some columnizing as a brutal 7-day period comes to an end. Maybe more. One never knows.
Reading/Viewing Material to come in the afternoon.
Weather
It’s gotten more football as the week as progressed. Daytime high is 55, but it’ll be around 42 and clear at kickoff, winds under 10 mph. The drive-home weather at around 10:30 p.m. will only be a few degrees colder, with the wind-chill about 35.
* * * * *
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017
In The Sports Report
Warner Robins, the city and the school, and The Mac set for the stage of a lifetime; with ticket info (posted Wednesday afternoon). This Week’s Coverage.
Another look at Rome’s season, week by week, en route to 51 points a game. This Week’s Coverage.
From Tuesday: Big change is no big deal for Demons, some video chats. This Week’s Coverage.
Recently: Peach County’s appeal set; Column: The Call was part of a convoluted scene, setting up over-the-top reactions (Loughdmouthings);
Coming Thursday: Carrollton and coach Sean Calhoun played both Rome and Warner Robins, and Calhoun offers some thoughts; Dillon Braunstein moved positions between, but remains a leader for Warner Robins.
Update, 9: 45 p.m.: Principal Chris McCook and Co. are set for Friday's game, and ticket sales - how many should be left? - and a packed Mac. In This Week's Coverage. Carrollton head coach Sean Calhoun's thoughts as the common opponent have been moved to Friday, and joined by more gameday coverage.
Weather
Mostly sunny, up to low 60s, low of 36. Updated kickoff weather: High of 57, low of 28.
Reading/Viewing Material
Falcons Nation mourns loss of Nobis
The First Falcon is remembered, and remembered, and remembered
Macon County's Roquan Smith adds burly honor
GHSA faced tough decision over weekend: safety or football?
* * * * *
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017
In The Sports Report
The Class AAA championship game remains news.
Peach County officials will meet on Monday with the GHSA in Thomaston regarding a missed call with more than three minutes left in Calhoun’s 10-6 win on Friday. This Week's Coverage.
From Sunday: Peach County to appeal final minutes of Class AAA championship game. This Week’s Coverage
Column: Much more to The Call, and one-sided hyperbolic-heavy reaction is over the top for what happens every week. Loughdmouthings.
Warner Robins players and coaches talk about going from the bummer of not playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium to playing at home. In This Week’s Coverage.
Coming Thursday: Dillon Braunstein is polite and even-keeled off the field, but the senior is a two-player and all-the-way vocal leader for the Demons.
More on the game on the way.
Coming Friday: a graphic with the starters for both teams, an updated advance on the Wolves and Demons.
Reminder: catch up on all sorts of stories with the recent Reading/Viewing Material, ranging from local to national.
Update, 4:30 p.m.: The city, the school and The Mac are set for the stage of a lifetime (and ticket issues). This Week's Coverage.
Weather
Fabulous football weather continues, with high around 53, low around 38. Updated kickoff weather: Low 50s at kickoff, decreasing chance of rain, drive-home temps in the low 30s. Dress warm, bring gloves, don’t forget Chapstick.
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Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017
In The Sports Report
From Monday: There are changes in locations and logistics for the 12 remaining state title competitors, but the goal remains the same. This Week’s Coverage.
From Sunday: Peach County appealing human error in Friday’s 10-6 loss to Calhoun in the Class AAA state title game. This Week’s Coverage.
There is so much more to The Call in Friday’s than a ref waving a pass incomplete, whether people want to believe it or not, or can handle it or not. Loughdmouthings.
Coming this week: More on Warner Robins-Rome, and some hoops.
Weather
High of 54 and mostly sunny, low in half in mid 20s.
Houston County’s Hill decides
Houston County offensive lineman Trey Hill, who transferred from Macon County after his sophomore season, committed Monday night to Auburn.
Reading/Viewing Material
Casey Hayward went from family to football recently, starred with both
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Monday, Dec. 11, 2017
In The Sports Report
It will continue to be a week of debate in Georgia high school football, and soon it may involve the locations for championship games. This year, six of eight will be at home sights. Check out the new schedule.
Column: Friday’s controversy with Peach County and Calhoun is nowhere near as simple as most are making it, especially utilizing some objectivity. If you used “horrible” and “worst ever” and “atrocious” and “robbed” and so on, best to skip this viewpoint. In Loughdmouthings.
ICYMI: Peach County is in the process of appealing to the GHSA, and an online petition seeks replay for championship games. A review of the controversy with video and picture examples. In This Week’s Coverage.
Weather
Better again. Sunny and a high of 60, low of 41. Nice the rest of the week. New kickoff weather update: 50 percent chance of rain, high in low 50s, low in low 30s. Not as good a forecast as just a day ago.
Reading/Viewing Material
Peach County wants to be heard, but …
Baseball hall makes calls, but not to a beloved Brave
Former Georgia Tech kicker kickin’ it in NFL (and other Georgians helped the Chiefs)
Philadelphia Eagles crushed by injury to Wentz
Will NFL deal with Payton’s choke gesture?
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Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017
In The Sports Report
There was no state championship football on Saturday, thanks to weather, which wasn’t the only storm to deal with.
Peach County will appeal to the GHSA an apparent incorrect call by an official with more than three minutes in Friday’s 10-6 Calhoun win. A petition with change.org has been started and signed by more than 9,00o people.
This story, in This Week's Coverage, is likely to be updated at some point Sunday. The championships rescheduled story has been updated, and the full stats book has been added to Friday's game story.
Coming in the next few days, columns addressing that game and accompanying reaction (it’s long and detailed, to be posted Sunday), criticism of the GHSA, and one view on state championship locations.
Coming this week: more on Warner Robins as it gets ready for Rome’s visit to McConnell-Talbert.
Update, 9:45 p.m: The column on Friday's Peach County-Calhoun game - there is much more to it than one call, which may have robbed the Trojans only of the lead - is finally up. It's long, and with still addressable aspects not addressed.
Weather
Better.
Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017
In The Sports Report
Friday’s game story on the will-be-talked-about-for-awhile Peach County-Calhoun game is up, with video of the controversial play. (Update Saturday: The full stats book has been added)
Also: a to-be-updated story on the weather changes, which were great news for Warner Robins. And we’ll see where the stay-inside day goes.
Weather
About like Friday. High of mid-40s, low a little lower, under 30. Things pick up with a few days of 50s/30s, and get better later in the week.
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Friday, Dec.8, 2017
In The Sports Report
Championship weekend is upon us, and Central Georgia has two teams carrying the region’s banner.
All success starts up front. Warner Robins’ Sam Bish and Peach County’s Camron Woolfolk talk about their co-big and not-so-big nasties that have led the way for two explosive offenses, and about their teams.
Take a look at both games, with strength of schedule, the coaches, and what it’ll take to get that trophy. More to come Friday pre-kickoff, including video from head coaches Chad Campbell and Mike Chastain.
Already posted: a game-by-game look at Calhoun and Rome.
Reading/Viewing Material to come in the afternoon. And there’s so much.
Weather
Not exactly the continuation of Chamber of Commerce weather. Except for the Dakotas and Montana.
The drive to the dome – old habits die hard for a nice name instead of a money-making name – won’t be good for either Peach County nor Warner Robins fans. Three hours before the Trojans’ kickoff: Rain, 39 degrees, 90 pct. Chance, 97 pct. Humidity. Three hours before the Demons’ kickoff: Rain, 41 degrees, 90 and 92 percents.
The ride home: not much different, no better. Check those side and alternative roads.
Falcons survive Ryan impersonation of Brock Osweiler
Matt Ryan threw three interceptions, the Falcons outgained the Saints, who lost a number of players to injury, and Atlanta still need a poor decision by Drew Brees and quality interception by Deion Jones to win 20-17 Thursday night.
Saints let it get away.
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Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017
In The Sports Report
Take a look at the season of Calhoun and Rome, who Peach County and Warner Robins take on Friday. Some interesting games for the Yellow Jackets and Wolves.
Coming Thursday: all football success starts with the offensive line, and the Trojans and Demons have the depth and ability to be balanced, and be in the finals; Loughdmouthings on, well, we'll see. The buffet of topics - Giants, coaches, UGA, coaches, etc. - is full.
Coming Friday (or late Thursday): game previews for Calhoun-Peach County and Rome-Warner Robins, plus assorted, you know, actual information - names, stats, analysis and all sorts of nuggets. Information is good, and this is the spot for the most information on Central Georgia's two finalists.
Update, 10:45 p.m.: Sam Bish at Warner Robins and Camron Woolfolk at Peach County have helped burly offensive lines lead explosive offenses into state title games: This Week's Coverage.
More coming tonight and early Friday.
Update, 7 p.m: Some technical difficulties are delaying posting of the Peach County and Warner Robins offensive line stories, and Loughdmouthings (which may mean tripleheader on Friday). Will update here upon each posting.
Weather
Rain most of the day, high of near 50, low of near 40. Friday’s bouncin’ to the Benz weather isn’t as good, with a high around 41 and precipitation. Umbrellas, gloves, and burly jackets for the walk from parking to the dome.
Saints and Falcons on Thursday night
Somehow, the Falcons – who scored nine points at home last Sunday, opened as a 1-point favorite over New Orleans.
And they still are, no doubt to the shock of the same Falcons’ fans who wouldn’t take that bet.
Kickoff is 8:25 p.m. on NBC.
Here’s the NFL gamecenter.
And a preview from the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
And from the AJC.
Reading/Viewing Material
Tennessee set to hire coach with eight years of Division I coaching experience
Steelers' Shazier back in Pittsburgh
His teammates are miffed about NFL's odd disciplinary moves
Roger Goodell signs contract extension for big, big bucks.
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Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017
In The Sports Report
Coming Wednesday, a look at the weekly results for Calhoun and Rome, the opponents for Peach County and Warner Robins in Friday’s GHSA title games. Loughdmouthings on the Giants mess and overreaction has been pushed back, along with high school notes, and will make appearances in the afternoon and evening, with perhaps more.
Weather
Look for intermittent rain throughout the day, especially the afternoon, with highs around mid50s. The low is around 42. Next few days, highs between 43 and 51, lows crashing down t0 below 40 Thursday and below 30 for three nights.
Reading/Viewing Material
World finding out what some of us knew about Fromm
Remember that time on Signing Day when Roquan was to wear blue?
Ex-Atlanta front officer Coppy apologizes
Kamara giving the Saints more than they expected
Cabral back in Statesboro with Georgia Southern
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Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017
In The Sports Report
Coming Tuesday: A look at the New York Giants disaster and over-reaction to Eli Manning's "benching" in Loughdmouthings, and a short high school notebook, plus a general TBA.
And there’s still plenty of Reading/Viewing Material from Monday.
Coming throughout the week, more on Rome-Warner Robins and Calhoun-Peach County in the state championship game, including a full pregame package on Friday with the most info on the two games anywhere in Central Georgia.
Weather
A call-in-sick-with-this-nice-weather day, temps int the mid-70s, mostly cloudy. Low around 48 with some rain.
Reading/Viewing Material
Northside alum back on NFL roster
Oklahoma running back in trouble
It was a fairly brutal night of football with the Steelers and Bengals
Gronk gets suspended for a game for cheap shot
More college football players are graduating
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Monday, Dec. 4, 2017
In The Sports Report
A little late, but the Sunday Evening Quarterback is up, and a boatload of reading material is set, covering Roquan Smith, Jake Fromm, Georgia-Auburn, the Falcons (sorry), the Big Ten’s field turf hero, Kennesaw State still winning, Reinhardt’s in a championship game, and more.
Weather
Partly cloudy, high around 70, low around 52. There, just saved you time worrying science or the weather in Indiana.
Macon County’s Smith takes national honor
Folks have been raving about Roquan Smith for awhile, and now he has some hardware to display.
Georgia’s junior from Macon County, a day after winning the MVP of the SEC Championship, was given the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.
He is the first player from Georgia to win it, and did so with 60 percent of the first-place votes and 40 percent overall.
More below.
Mayhem outshot, outscored
Troy Passingham was one busy goalie.
Macon’s keeper faced 52 shots and saved 48, but the Mayhem lost 4-1 to Pensacola on Friday. The Mayhem managed only 21 shots.
Macon is on the road Friday and returns home Saturday against Birmingham on “Coat Drive Night.”
Reading/Viewing Material
Butkus Award goes to UGA's Smith, pride of Macon County
And speaking of the SEC championship MVP
UGA postgame video, including Smith
Then there was the trophy presentation
In bad news for the Bulldogs ...
Now Fromm is the 'Mailman'?
And he finally got to talk to the world
Georgia-Auburn notebook
Fans are worried about Gary Danielson's brain and eyesight after observation
Clemson-Miami was quite the snoozer
Wisconsin six points short of a playoff bid, lose to Ohio State
But at least nobody tripped, thanks the most famous facilities worker in America
So, about that playoff decision for No. 4 ...
The Falcons turned in another flat and baffling performance
Minnesota defense 'scared' Matt Ryan?
Tarkenton fires up Vikings in visit to Atlanta, where he lives
Tigers didn't have the same juice in rematch with Georgia
Auburn grades from Saturday
The Gus Bus staying at Auburn for Jimbo Fisher money
Don't look now, but Kennesaw State pulls off upset, nears FCS championship game
And Reinhardt is in the NAIA championship
Arizona State will try-to-win-the-games with Herm Edwards
Giants problems increase with Geno-Rex feud
Eli plans to keep playing, defends McAdoo
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Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017
In The Sports Report
The Saturday Afternoon QB was moved to the Sunday Afternoon QB so all could focus on College Football Playoff Saturday, which was necessary, considering everything.
Before that, look for new Loughdmouthings on the aforementioned playoff and who that fourth team should be, posting to come in the 10:30 a.m. range, a full 90 minutes before the announcement of who joins Clemson, Georgia and Oklahoma.
And after the Falcons-Vikings, a belated collection of Reading/Viewing Material, of which there’ll be plenty.
ICYMI: Early Saturday Loughdmouthings on Georgia-Auburn, and plenty more; full Friday previews for Warner Robins, Mary Persons and Peach County, and capsules with predictions; some prep notes here and there; Casey Hayward’s brother dies in crash, and the story-filled life of J.T. Thomas; Georgia Southern makes a title change.
Update, 9 p.m.: The playoff-related Loughdmouthings were posted around 11:15 a.m. The Sunday Evening Quarterback – another full day of newsy football, eh? – is posted, and some Reading/Viewing Material will be ready before bedtime. Post-midnight update: OK, Reading/Viewing Material ready before you woke up.
Weather
Nice. Yard-work nice, around 70 daytime, upper 40s at night.
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Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
In The Sports Report
Who’s heading to the Dome? And yes, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a dome. Also full championship information and map.
Coming Saturday: The Saturday Afternoon QB takes another closer look at Friday’s Central Georgia games, with some general notes.
Also planned for Saturday: (belated) Reading/Viewing Material, and a batch of Loughdmouthings (Eli Manning-gate coming Sunday).
Update, 8:30 pm.: Loughdmouthings were posted in the early afternoon. In tribute to College Football Playoff Saturday, and the game in Atlanta, today's other content has been pushed back to Sunday. Yes, wise move.
Weather
High of 71 and mostly cloudy, low around 50.
Good morning
Tennessee still doesn’t have a head coach. Jimbo Fisher won’t coach in today’s Florida State game.
Saturday’s Soap Opera of Football
12:30 p.m., FOX
TCU vs. Oklahoma, Arlington Texas, Big 12 Championship: TCU tries to avenge a sound 38-20 thrashing on Nov. 12 in Norman, and in the process, make people very, very happy in Tuscaloosa, Columbus, Auburn and Athens, among other places. Line: Oklahoma by 7.
4 p.m., CBS
Georgia vs. Auburn, Atlanta, SEC Championship, CBS: Will Georgia’s offensive plan be one geared toward success rather than treading water? Can Auburn have another fundamentally sound game? Line: Georgia by 1 (was Auburn by 2.5).
8 p.m., ABC
Miami vs. Clemson, Charlotte, ACC Championship: A quasi-home game for Clemson, loser to Syracuse, against Miami, a loser to Pittsburgh, for probably a spot in the final four, if you’re Clemson, or Miami if the Canes dominate like they haven’t in a long time against a good team. Line: Clemson by 9.5.
8 p.m., FOX
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, Big 10 Championship: Never have so many SEC fans who have spent the past several years ripping the Big 10 been so focused on a Big 10 game, and how the undefeated team is an underdog to a two-loss team. Line: Ohio State by 5 (was OSU by 6.5).
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Friday, Dec.1, 2017
In The Sports Report
The semifinals are here, and Central Georgia has Warner Robins, Mary Persons and Peach County still alive.
Posted: Peach County has some payback in mind for its visit to Greater Atlanta Christian. A trio of future NFL players is in Warner Robins’ way. Coming Friday: Mary Persons is off one of its best games of the season, and is at home for a semifinal for the first time in awhile against Blessed Trinity, which eliminated powerhouse Cartersville in the second round.
Coming Friday afternoon is some Reading/Viewing Material, as well as an update on the latest to turn down Tennessee. Orrrrr the hiring of Mike Leach or Kevin Sumlin. … Or not.
Weather
Overnight rain followed by clouds, afternoon sun, temps around 70. Kickoff: partly cloudy, low 60s, 90 pct. Humidity. Ride home: Around 55 degrees, 10 percent chance of something, 100 percent humidity. Pure December weather. For parts of Mexico.
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