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(VIDEO) 2016 Football in Review: Disappointing end can't mask incredible campaign

Posted 5:17PM on Monday 19th December 2016 ( 7 years ago )

Let's go ahead and get it out there, the 2016 season did not end in glory. Going a second straight year without a state championship for any teams in northeast Georgia certainly proved disappointing.

But by no means does that equate to a substandard or forgettable 2016 high school football campaign overall.

In fact, this fall provided some of the more remarkable prep girdiron moments of recent memory -- and, as we've finally had a chance to exhale, we'd like to take a few minutes to recognize the extraordinary players, games, and settings that made 2016 what it was.

With that in mind, we present our annual AccessWDUN Sports/Friday Game Night year-end football awards. First off, do yourself a favor and watch the highlight reel above. Video producer Seth Chapman's piece proves some jaw-dropping exploits of northeast Georgia's gridiron greats guaranteed to get your blood pumping. You can also scroll through our photo gallery by clicking on the picture to the left, which contains some impressive stills from a number of dedicated and gifted photographers.

Now that you've done that let's get on with the superlatives: (Editor's note: This list is an amalgamation of the views of the sports department and what we witnessed this campaign -- it is by NO means some end-all, be-all, simply our humble opinions. If you feel we missed something or disagree, feel free to email us: [email protected].)
 

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS

There were a plethora to choose from this season, some incredible performances, some stellar games and even a few completely off-the-wall. Let's start with the man-made instances... And there was a huge one that changed the entire complexion of 2016 -- one that happened in the last few days.

WHAT WE'LL MISS MOST ABOUT 2016

BIGGEST SURPRISES

There were plenty of teams that we expected to take steps forward in 2016, and many of those did -- Habersham Central, in its second season under Benji Harrison, put together its best season in five years and flirted with the postseason, imbuing plenty of confidence in Mt. Airy. Apalachee also halted a 12-game losing skid in Steve Sims' second campaign. And Jackson County also managed to fight its way into the state playoffs for the first time under Brandon Worley (in his second year). But there were a handful of programs that presented complete question marks heading into 2016. And these five shocked us in a good way.

GAMES OF THE YEAR

UNSUNG HERO

This category is reserved for those players who put up impressive seasons but maybe did not get the recognition they deserved due to various factors...

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

OK, this is a tricky category, because some people want to talk about the best player as an MVP, while some just want to make it about accomplishments. As far as we're concerned, these players are a mixture of each -- and are also the guys that wowed us pretty much every week.

FIRST TEAM

HONORABLE MENTION

 

TEAMS OF THE YEAR

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST IN 2017

How about everything... There are so many storylines to follow: How will Banks County, Chestatee, East Jackson, Lumpkin County and North Forsyth build on last year? Can Jefferson, with its standout running back and quarterback coming back, put itself right back in position for another run at the Final Four/championship? Can Gainesville, one of the programs in the area, regain its swagger after a -- by its lofty standards --  mediocre season? How will new coaches effect the programs at Flowery Branch, White County -- and, of course, Buford? With Fisher and some talented receivers coming back, will Rabun County continue its assault on Class AA? Can Mill Creek break through to a title shot? Will 7-AAA offenses be even better next year with this year's experienced youth coming back? The storylines are myriad -- is it August yet?

Buford's Joshua Blackwell (9) breaks up a pass in front of a North Springs receiver in the first round of the playoffs.
White County's Kaleb Crane (22) tries to pull away from a Chestatee tackler.
Commerce's Cole Chancey (5) runs through the Taylor County defense in the second round of the state playoffs.
Kolton Brumbelow (16) tries to elude West Hall's Ashun Favorite (5).
Gainesville's KD Smith (20) scores in front of Habersham Central's Garrett Kinsey.
Jefferson's Colby Clark dives toward the goal line in the Dragons' win over Stephens County.
Mill Creek's Joe Thomas, right, stiff-arms a McEachern defender in the state quarterfinals.
North Forsyth's Simon Holcomb (6) leaps with Milton's Joseph Charleston for a pass.
North Hall's Kyle Bacus (27) runs away from the Lumpkin County defense.
Rabun County's Kolby Blalock (23) celebrates with teammate Bailey Fisher.
Stephens County's Jackson Bell runs through the Oconee County defense in the Indians' win.
West Hall's Tyrese Osborne, left, leaps while Johnson's Kylan Curry grabs hold for the tackle.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/12/481100/bvideo-2016-football-in-reviewb-disappointing-end-cant-mask-incredible-campaign

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