Atlanta and the Rest of Us? Part 2
Previously, I did a study of the top two classifications in Georgia that analyzed and challenged the saying “there’s Atlanta and there’s the rest of us”. (FIND IT HERE)
Now to culminate the study, I analyzed the bottom five classifications from the year 2000 to 2015. These classifications include AAAA, AAA, AA, A (Private), and A (Public). This study includes state championships and playoff appearances.
Here is what my study shows,
Playoff Appearances: (AAAA, AAA, AA, A Public & Private)
Atlanta Metro Schools: 412 – 25%
Non-Atlanta Metro Schools: 1,246 – 75%
State Championships: (AAAA, AAA, AA, A Public & Private)
Atlanta Metro Schools: 21 – 38%
Non-Atlanta Metro Schools: 35 – 62%
From the year 2000 the non-Atlanta schools have absolutely dominated the bottom 5 classifications. Non-Atlanta Schools have a 3-1 advantage in playoff appearances and own two-thirds of all state championships won since 2000.
However the A bracket is the most heavily dominated by Non-Atlanta teams. Here is a look at the disparity between Atlanta and Non-Atlanta Schools as it pertains to this classification.
Playoff Appearances: (A Public & Private)
Atlanta Metro Schools: 100 – 20%
Non-Atlanta Metro Schools: 412 – 80%
State Championships: (A Public & Private)
Atlanta Metro Schools: 5 – 25%
Non-Atlanta Metro Schools: 15 – 75%
The A classification has 118 total teams between the private and public schools. Of those 118 teams only a total of 39 schools are Atlanta Metro schools. This gives a decided advantage to non-Atlanta Schools when it comes to playoff appearances.
However, Atlanta area schools are sitting in fertile talent ground as college scouts would lead you to believe. With the “talent disparity” between Atlanta and non-Atlanta schools then surely the Atlanta schools would close the gap in championships, right? Well the answer is no, and the stats are jaw-dropping. Non-Atlanta schools enjoy a 3-1 championship ratio winning 15 titles since the year 2000. (Reminder Single A football was split to private and public schools in 2012 thus giving us more than 1 single A champion every year.)
Once again the numbers show in a major way that non-Atlanta schools are superior. So the question must be asked again. Is it really Atlanta and the rest of us? The answer is no, the numbers show that non-Atlanta schools are dominant in every area with the exception of recruiting. However this goes to show that games are not played on paper.
Small town Georgia Friday nights are once again undefeated. We live it, we breathe it, we bleed it, we love it and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
August 18th where are you?!
All Tidbits and Information:
Since 2000: Buford is the class of the entire state with 10 state championships (2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Since 2000: Clinch County is the class of South Georgia football with 4 state championships (2002, 2004, 2010, 2015) (Lowndes Co, Camden Co and Charlton Co are all tied for second most with 3 apiece)
Since 2000: South Georgia schools have won 26 state championships over all classifications
By: Zachary Pine
Atlanta and the Rest of Us? Part II
GHSA Football
In The Game Sports Network/June 2016
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