THE VENT | 11/1 Overreactions From Friday

THE OVERREACTIONS: Sunday nov. 1

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The Overreaction, Sunday Edition. Let's get into it.

Region titles won:

Rockmart, North Hall, Jackson County, Monroe Area, Thomas County Central, Jefferson, Prince Avenue, Buford, Newton, and Lowndes. And that’s just off the top of my head.

THE RED ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

On this past week’s Behind the G podcast, Fired Coaches as well as Coach Ben Reaves had the unique honor of being described as an “attention whore.”

I mean sure, that’s fine. But if we’re going to explain why, let’s at least get the details right.

We were accused on the podcast of showing up to Milton–Gainesville wearing Milton gear and seeking attention. We were wearing Fired Coaches gear from our friends at Bakers Sports. Jay Reid wore a Milton hat. Milton invited us. Had we owned any Gainesville gear, we would have happily represented both.

As for seeking attention, we stood off to the side while coaches, fans, and some curious patrons from both programs came over to say hello. If that is considered attention seeking, then yes I am a guilty of that sin. Hand up, you got me.

We could not have been treated better by either program or their administration at City Park. That remains our experience, regardless of what was said afterward.

But taking that experience and turning it into a reason to call us out, then applying the same label to Coach Ben Reaves, was certainly a choice... And one that I think is worth the conversation considering he is a Region Coach and a peer.

Let me also be clear about Coach Santavious Bryant: first-class person. He reached out and apologized for the comment. I appreciated it even if it really was not needed, especially not from Coach Bryant, because it has literally nothing to do with him, his coaches, his program, or anyone on that staff. But that’s who he is. A professional.

It’s unfortunate when things like this attempt to cause unwanted distractions for the Coaches, but luckily for Big Red you have the right person leading the Elephants each and every Friday.

I’ll never understand being part of the joke on X Friday, then changing the tone when a microphone shows up.

JACKSON COUNTY

Back-to-back Region 8 champions. Hats off to Coach Mobbs and his staff for continuing to raise expectations in Hoschton. One more win puts him at 100 for his career. And also got called out on the Behind the G Podcast. Fun!

JEFFERSON

Exorcised their North Oconee demons Friday night. Crossing the goal line for their first points against the Titans in three seasons had to feel like somebody finally took the parking brake off. Big win. Bigger collective exhale.

LOWNDES

We give flowers where flowers are due. Massive win for Coach Adam Carter and the Vikings.

We’ve spent plenty of time questioning the non-region schedule. Showing up fresh, healthy, and ready to beat Valdosta gives that approach some justification.

Hard to argue with the preparation when you leave with the trophy.

VALDOSTA

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory is how I’d describe that one.

Hopefully, you get another opportunity to settle it this postseason. The good news? Apparently, winning your region is optional when the PSR still has you as the No. 1 seed.

Lose the region. Win the spreadsheet. Wild.

CARROLLTON

Only 48 points this week has some around the state wondering whether everything is okay with the Trojans. Others believe they were simply being considerate. We’ll continue monitoring this troubling offensive decline.

ROME

Did somebody say winning streak?! The 32 seed is within reach. Rome is burning? But maybe that is now considered heating up?

REGION 8-4A

Still drunk. Stephens County wins next week, Stephens wins the region. Stephens loses and Hart County wins, Hart wins the region. If they both lose? Draw straws.

REGION 8-6A

Currently projected to send six of its seven teams to the 32-team playoff. Some around the area have called it “the SEC of the GHSA.”

Some haven’t.

We respect both sides of this entirely manufactured debate.

BLESSED TRINITY

70-7 over Chattahoochee. Lord have mercy. Because BT did not.

EAST JACKSON

Massive win for Coach Henderson in his first season at East Jackson.

Cherokee Bluff is now a combined 16 points from being undefeated. Sometimes the stars don’t align.

Milton

8-Win Ben is now 8-1 with Roswell and the chance to win the Region Championship at home this week. But let's not give this too much attention, don't want to feed that narrative. Sad!

HERITAGE CONYERS

From 1-9 to region champions under Quincy Carter. That’s an outstanding turnaround. Hats off to everyone involved.

THOMAS COUNTY CENTRAL

Coffee made it about as challenging as anyone has this season. Still lost by 19. That’s a deeply discouraging sentence for everyone else on the bracket.

IMG

If you missed the last 12 hours on X, you missed an impressive defensive effort from the adults at IMG.

We observed that there were dozens of fans at a home football game. Coaches and supporters responded by explaining that teams are scared to play them and that they have some of the best players and development in the country. That's great! But here are two quick PR responses for you to file away for a rainy day:

“Yeah, and they’re all P4 scouts” was right there. So was, “The most devoted dozen in America.”

Instead, we got a recruiting presentation in response to a head count. We understand it’s an athletic boarding school. We also understand that attendance, competition, and player development are three different subjects. Let’s work a little reading comprehension into the offseason program. A hit dog will bark.

THE SCOREBOARD SHOW

If you missed any part of Friday’s show, the replay is available on X and YouTube. Our first guest set the tone for the evening. If you watch one segment, start there. Over 3K have already watched, replayed, and downloaded the show, and we look forward to continuing to see that number climb each friday.

We also have to recognize the sponsors who help make the show possible: QwikCut, Built To Work USA, and SkyCoach.

Each is an exclusive partner for a reason. I wouldn’t put them in front of you if I didn’t believe they were worth a conversation. Don’t settle for “it’s okay” out of habit. Expect responsiveness, accountability, and a company that earns your business. We couldn't do what we do without these partners, so be sure to show them the love.

The Week Ahead

The only bracket I see being somewhat delayed in the release is 6A due to a couple teams having to play Saturday. We will see how quick the turnaround is to decrease the lag time.

We’re also 119 follows away from 10K on X and would love to get there by Friday. We’ll be giving away a hat and some additional Fired Coaches gear from our friends at Baker’s Sports and ProGear. More on how to enter in the next few days.

That’s all I got. /