It all started for me this year on a hot Friday afternoon at North Gwinnett high school and ended at the Georgia Dome.
Blowouts, mismatches, upsets and heartbreakers, I got to see it all in 2008. There were those few games that really stood out to me and I would like to share with you my choices for games of the year.
1) ECI vs. Bremen- It may be single A but the atmosphere was second to none. In a knock down drag out of game played in the rain and cold, it was what high school football is about in Georgia. Watching the Bremen kids in tears laying the field reminded me of how much passion these coaches and players feel for the game.
2)Camden vs. Newnan- In a game matching the state's number one ranked defense vs. South Georgia power Camden County the stadium was slammed full one hour before kickoff. It must have taken Camden ten minutes for it's 120+ players to take the field. Also left the stadium thinking I watch a future NFL player in Newnan's Alec Ogletree.
3)Calhoun vs. Pepperell- This game had it all on the line. Region championship and Calhoun's long 60+ region game win streak.I knew the game was being hype, but to see Calhoun's side completely full before their team arrived says something about the fanbase.Very close and physical game in front of over 6,000 people.
4) North Gwinnett vs. Byrnes SC- Nobody gave North a chance vs. the number one team in the country and all their "FIVE" star recruits. North took a two touchdown lead into halftime,but could not hold off Marcus Lattimore in the second half. Mike Tamburo showed he can play with anybody and showed alot of heart in a tough loss.