Here’s a question for you: When was the last time that Valdosta lost three of its first four non-region games?
There are a few seasons that stick in my mind, but I don’t have a definitive answer. It might be the 1-9 season from 2006. But when Wayne County, who hadn’t won at Bazemore-Hyder since 1954, and Tift, who hadn’t won in Valdosta since 1993, do what they have done this season, it does make your head turn.
But, I look at it this way: Expectations are high all over the state every year, especially for storied programs.
With there being three seasons (in my mind, anyway) — non-region, region, and playoffs — you always try to use the first one to get you ready for the other two on an upward curve.
For those people looking at their favorite teams’ win-loss records with a furrowed brow, just keep an eye on your team when you get into region play. A lot of teams in the past have had records that weren’t too percentage-friendly going into region play (Colquitt and Clinch come to mind recently.) or even the playoffs, but they made appearances late in the football season because they figured it out.
There’s still time.
Now, on to those who have taken advantage of the early part of the season.
With the numbers the offense is putting up with Michael Barrett at quarterback behind the “Sons of Thunder,” Lowndes is off to a staggering start. You know head coach Randy McPherson is pleased with his bulldozing front lines.
A couple of other teams — Colquitt, Lee County, Coffee, Warner Robins (AND Northside), Jenkins-Savannah, Taylor County, and Macon County — have had great starts too.
(Okay, I admit, that’s more than a couple, but you see where I am going here.)
This is shaping up to be one of the more wide-open and balanced runs to a title at the Georgia Dome (in most of the classifications) that we have seen in a long time.
So, dear reader, here’s your question for this issue: What’s been your early-season surprise?
Could be a team, a player, a coach for doing something that might have been a surprise (pleasant or just out-right shocking) as we have passed the non-region part of the schedule.
Let us know through any of the In The Game platforms that you’re a part of, and if one is missing, join it and let us know what you’re thinking. You can always do the same with me on Twitter (@OSGNelson), Facebook, Instagram, or through any of the GPB Sports platforms as well.
It’s hard to believe that we’re already so far into the season, but as always the slow part of the season is always the offseason. I will always maintain that there are four seasons here in Georgia, and they’re not the four you think: It’s “Football,” “Spring Football,” “Recruiting,” and “National Signing Day.” And, remember, we’ve got two of those now.
Play it safe, everyone. I’ll talk to you soon!
Written by: Jon Nelson
