Grayson Drops To No. 2 In State With Loss

GRAYSON, GA — The high-school football season is only a week old for most teams, but the Grayson High Rams' run atop state polls is over -- at least for now.

Roswell (1-0) has taken over the top spot in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Class AAAAAAA high school football poll after Grayson lost Saturday to IMG Academy out of Florida, 26-7.

Grayson wasn't dinged much for losing the battle of nationally-ranked programs, which was televised on ESPN2. The Rams are still ranked No. 2 in this week's poll.

The rest of the top 10 in Georgia's largest-schools division is McEachern, Mill Creek, Norcross, Colquitt County, Parkview, Brookwood, South Gwinnett and Hillgrove.

Grayson turned the ball over four times Saturday in its contest with Bradenton (Fla.)'s IMG. Entering the game, Grayson was No. 2 in the USA Today national Super 25 poll and IMG Academy was No. 4.

IMG moved up a spot to No. 3 in this week's poll, while Grayson fell out of the top 25 with the loss.

The Rams' only score came when quarterback Chase Brice hit receiver Jaymest Williams on a 56-yard touchdown pass.

Grayson's tilt with IMG may be the last time a Georgia school plays an out-of-state sports academy. The Georgia High School association has made a rule change that would only let Georgia teams play schools from other states if those schools are full members of their state associations.

Sports academies like IMG, which attract top players from all over the place, tend to be independents. IMG has called the association's move into question, saying it is in good standing with its state association and operates as an independent school voluntarily.