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Tuesday, October 2, 2007

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Early County finishes climb to the top

For the first time this year, the Bobcats are the No. 1 team in The Herald Top 7.

Colin Chmielewski

ALBANY — After five weeks of playing the bridesmaid, the Early County Bobcats can relish the view from the top of The Herald’s poll. The Bobcats (5-0), who are also ranked fourth in Class AA, have shown they have their sights set on a trip back to the Georgia Dome with a dominating defense.

For the first week, Monroe (4-1) drops down to the second spot. The Tornadoes lost to Thomas County Central (48-34) last week, and have an off week before starting Region 1-AAA play.

Monroe barely edged out rival Dougherty (2-1) in this week’s poll. The Trojans have only played once in the past three weeks, but face their strongest test yet against No. 4 Americus-Sumter on Friday.

The Panthers (4-1) have enjoyed a resurgence this year, and will be contenders in a tough Region 1-AAAA.

Also in that region is No. 5 Bainbridge (3-2), who has won two consecutive games.

Rounding out the poll are No. 6 Deerfield-Windsor (4-1), who has been unstoppable on the ground with three speedy backs, and No. 7 Calhoun County (3-2), who has featured one of the strongest defenses in the area.

TOP 7 OF ’07

No. 1: Early County (5-0)

The Bobcats have been the definition of consistent and look primed for another deep playoff run. Next: vs. Brooks County, Oct. 12.

No. 2: Monroe (4-1)

The Tornadoes should feel no shame in losing to TCC and will have a week to regroup. Next: at Worth County, Oct. 12.

No.3: Dougherty (2-1)

After playing only one game in three weeks, the Trojans should be raring to hit someone else. Next: at Americus-Sumter, Friday.

No.4: Americus-Sumter (4-1

The Panthers are enjoying a storybook start after some rough years, but face a strong test this week. Next: vs. Dougherty, Friday.

No. 5: Bainbridge (3-2)

The Bearcats’ two losses have come against the state’s best teams, while two wins are out of state. Next: vs. Forest Park, Oct. 12.

No. 6: Deerfield-Windsor (4-1)

The Knights have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this fall and will look for payback this week. Next: at Southland, Friday.

No. 7: Calhoun County (3-2)

The Cougars bounced back with a huge win against Terrell County and are in contention for a playoff spot. Next: at Pelham, Friday.

ELIGIBLE SCHOOLS: Westover, Mitchell County, Sherwood Christian, Terrell County, Terrell Academy, Westwood, Albany, Pelham, Lee County, Worth County, Randolph Southern, Southland, Randolph-Clay, Southwest Georgia Academy

The Top 7 of ’07 are voted on by The Herald sports staff; new poll released every Tuesday

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