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We will play. The three that were announced were staff in the school system that tested positive during fall break. They did not return following protocol. Gordy isn't getting off that easy.

WHATS GOOD OLE BUDDIES! PANDEMIC PA JUST DON'T HAVE MUCH TO SAY ABOUT DEM OWLS. THEY WAIT TILL THEY GET TO 6A TO BE NOT SO GOOD. WHAT CAN PA SAY MY TRASH TALKIN IN THE PAST WAS THE TRUTH! WE HAD SOME STUDS THAT WOULD GIVE YOU A RUN FOR YOUR RECORD UNTIL YOU STEP ON DEM ANKLES. WE JUST DON'T HAVE IT THIS SEASON. THE ONLY TEAMS THAT WE HAVE A SHOT AT DEFEATING IS DEM GOVS OF COURSE AND DEM SANDBAGGING BLUERAIDERZ! GOOD LUCK TO ALL PA BOUT TO GO INTO FREE AGENCY.. #LOP

Man I stay away for a bit and this mess starts again . Another reason why I limit my time on here nowadays. Drama is not my thing, loyalty to my alma mater is. Go Pirates!

Lose by 1 or 51 the L looks the same

You and Tom and a few others are good people and we (GB) know that.We also know who the a##s were who did the wrong.If you would have been at the game and I understand completely why you werent you would have seen the sign the team ran thru and it was a Roy saying,so yes the kids read it and made a vow to send the Pirates home and all that crap just fueled their fire.The way they trashed very good people is unforgivable.This is typical of the ones I speak of and the 2 or three others that fed their ignorance.I will agree with BPM tho I know of a couple who tried to reel them in but for the most part the fan base just let those two idiots keep going.No other fan base on here would do that to any other team.All this stuff that is being posted ALL of us have known for sometime but just let it roll.Then dumb and dumber show up and start again.

I understand how GB felt last year. Accusation after accusation. It gets old and ruins the T for us good posters. Even though I didn’t say anything to GB, I apologize for the crap you all had to endure by a few on here. It sucks. The adults are the reason for talking crap, not the kids. I just hope none of the kids read all this crap.

There's a little known Prep football show on every Thursday at 6:00 PM also. You should check it out..

I agree for the most part. Very lazy! Also, he stays very focused on the metro schools and all the Division II schools, but gives very little coverage to anyone else. He tweets about the food on his grill almost every day, so that's his ultimate focus obviously.

I checked the TSSAA website yesterday on enrollment numbers since there had been discrepancies from the original report. I didn't find any changes. And I don't think there will be nor should there be any changes posted until the TSSAA can verify by cross checking every school's enrollment numbers with the state office. I for one think it was a mistake to release the report without it being absolutely official. And on the other hand, I, like so many other folks, want my news and information yesterday. We want everything instantly and therefore have lost whatever patience we may have had.

I truly hope that does not happen to Region 4. I don’t like the idea of 4 hour drives to watch a 2 hour games. Plus that has 8 teams in Region 5. While other regions only have 4....

Lawrenceburg and Tullahoma are going to have some long road games.

Parker is a great kid who is an extremely hard worker....he has been blessed to stay injury free and have a great career and it is not over yet. I am as big of a Coach Hunt fan as there is and not because he is a great coach (which he is), but because of what he stands for and from everything I have seen he walks what he talks, any parent would be blessed to have him coach their kid for four years. Hope Parker and his team are able to finish things off with another gold ball. Good luck the rest of the season!!

No ,thank you guys!! I appreciate the fine compliments. You know...gov91 says kids mirror their parents.. I think I done fine. I had help along the way from a great coaching staff and phenomenal fan base. It’s great to be a Mighty Maryville Rebel!!!

enjoy my thoughts on this huge game Devil and Clone fans. Best of luck to both groups of young men.

I might be wrong, but I believe the Jailhouse comments are because that is the center of our county and the jailhouse is located in Jasper. Just my thoughts.

The ridge line that separates Halls (north) from Fountain City (south) I believe is called Black Oak Ridge.

I just hope our young’s guys get in some tomm night. My son and his friends are hoping to get to play under the lights!

Yes ole grasshopper is in the know. Heck I even heard tell the boosters have a different replacement captain in mind than the one on staff. Of course they gotta swing the right $$$ his way and get him in on the real estate game they’re running first.

Hateful much? I don’t know where they would go, but I know Heritage will play up to 4A and WH will probably do the same. These Regions were just a guess by a Tennessean Sports Writer. No way there will be 10 teams in that Region.

Agree. It’s a brutally bad projection. Brutal and unfair. Dumb.

I’m guessing they won’t put them in the Chattanooga region in 4A because of the time change. To me that would make the most sense, except for the time difference

I was adamant about not giving Jasper any gate money since they wouldn't reschedule our game that was canceled. They hosted Bledsoe that night. The Pirates didn't have a game so I ventured to Frog Bottom for the first time. I saw a very good contested region game. I believe I made the right decision.

Logistically looks to be best option!

Z-Plan as well, I think it works much better than the current set up for the playoffs. Also, region champions do get to be automatic qualifiers (which doesn't carry any weight because chances are they will be automatic qualifiers anyway). But, this is my catch. Teams have the option of playing on Friday or Saturday nights. Why? If we struggle so much with attendance, and the TSSAA is coming out saying that they aren't making as much money in the playoffs as years past, then let teams have the option of playing on Saturday. What are the pro to having teams playing on Saturday? More fans (potentially) which means more money (potentially). It also increases the option of fans that are traveling 2+ hours for a playoff game because of work issues. The only con: a “shorter”’ week if you win and advance. A change I am lobbying for in the playoffs (but also in regular season). I want to see the overtime move back to the 25 yard line, just like they do in college. I think it's better for the defense and gives them more freedom. It also tells the offense that you have to get 2 first downs before you can score. In addition, more emphasis to special teams. It'll create havoc, but in a good way. Oh by the way, high school playoff games are 2 and a half hours anyway, does staying there 15 more minutes kill you?

Betsy 24 Greeneville 28

In 99-00 seasons Springfield was in the upper Cumberland region. Livingston, Dekalb county, York, and Macon county.......very long road trips

I second that

Oh didn't MC ex head coach go to GA some where to take a job, so it would make sense if you play his team, I think he went to Coosa high I believe.

Mo East and West are both suffering from LOFT. The kids in the JR and SR classes, when in middle school, only won games against other Morristown schools. The new private school will not help matters. if DB plays well, they name the score. If they sleep walk like they did against Jeff, it will be less.

I think he’s talking and WH and Heritage lead. Us Pc folks know how y’all get down lol

Great kid.

Chuckey-Doak is in the same county as West Greene and South Greene. Happy Valley is in the same county as Hampton. I’d say Johnson County, Hampton, Happy Valley will be together. Not sure if the Greene County schools will be in district 1 or 2. If one of them gets sent to 2 it would be West Greene.

I’ve been told certain politicians have taken particular interest in the football program lately. . . Their spouse as well. Nice to see community support like that

Hughes setting unique standards for Cyclones' football Douglas Fritz 51 min ago 1 of 2 Elizabethton’s Parker Hughes, left, ranks in the top 10 nationally with 12 receiving touchdowns this season. Parker Hughes (front) is an avid and competitive dirt-bike racer. (Contributed) Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Save Staying grounded is probably one of the hardest things to do for a teenager, especially when things come naturally in the air. Parker Hughes’ athleticism allows him to soar above defensive backs as a touchdown- machine receiver for the Elizabethton Cyclones’ football team. And his love of dirt-bike racing keeps his nerves steady when the wheels are 15 feet above the track. But at the end of the day, Hughes seems to have a knack for keeping things in perspective. Cyclones’ head football coach Shawn Witten said Hughes is a unique athlete and person. “Guys like Parker don’t come around often,” Witten said. “It’s not just the type of football player he is. It’s the type of person. He has that ‘It factor.’ People gravitate to him and he has a great personality. He’s a likable kid. He’s intelligent and he works hard. He’s very appreciative about the things he has.” SPONSORED CONTENT Heartbreaking News Confirmed For Robin Roberts By Today News Hughes credits others for his success. “It’s definitely the coaching we have here at Elizabethton,” Hughes said. “I think they have played a big role. And it’s the God-given ability to make plays. I’ve been blessed with size. And it has been hard work on my own time. There have been times at 6:30 a.m. and times late at night, dedicating my life to sports and getting better — just working hard.” Hughes is plenty good at football. He has scored at least two touchdowns in each of Elizabethton’s six games this season, totaling 14 on the year. He leads the entire state with 12 touchdown receptions (among teams reporting stats to unapproved website), a total that ranks in the top 10 nationally. Hughes is second in the state with 132.8 yards receiving per game. And his per-catch average of 26.6 is second among players with at least 10 receptions. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Hughes has enough speed with a solid frame to attract the attention of schools from Power Five conferences — even though COVID-19 has presented a difficult recruiting challenge for the Class of 2021. “I think people are missing out on Parker because of the unusual year,” Witten said. “He will be a steal for somebody. He does too many things. He’s a very blessed kid. His body is not like an ordinary kid. He’s too strong and too physical not to do things at the next level. It’s really unfortunate he missed out on coaches coming to spring practice, and not being able to get on campuses in the summer, and not being able to go to camps.” Hughes said he understands the challenges he faces, things that could hinder him from getting to his dream school, Virginia Tech. “I want to play college football,” Hughes said. “It’s a big interest of mine, and it motivates me. Football players can’t go on visits, and there’s the stuff with (current college) players coming back because they get another year of eligibility. Colleges aren’t wanting to offer guys in my class as much.” Hughes said he talked to Hokies’ running back coach Adam Lechtenberg, so at least he has his foot in the door in Blacksburg. Coastal Carolina has been on Hughes’ trail, along with Appalachian State. ETSU, VMI and others have also expressed interest. Most of those schools see Hughes as a receiver, but his skills as a safety also have college eyes cast his way. His four interceptions this season are tied for the sixth most in the state. “I’ve been playing defense since my freshman year,” Hughes said. “It’s always something I enjoy, making big tackles. Ever since I got bigger and stronger, defense came to me. I wouldn’t say I like it more than offense, but any way I can help the team win.” MOUNTAIN ROOTS Perhaps there will always be a touch of mountain folk living inside of Hughes, who grew up in the hills of Carter County. His mother lived in Hampton, but he spent plenty of time with his grandparents in Roan Mountain. Hughes was bigger than most kids, so gravitating toward athletics seemed like a natural thing to do. He was good at basketball and then added football to his repertoire. As a seventh grader, he played varsity on the middle school basketball team and started in football for Hampton. Hughes said he looked up to Bulldogs’ high school players like Coby Jones in football and Stanley Valentine in basketball. “I wanted to be like Coby,” Hughes said. “He was the best player. He inspired me a lot. Stanley inspired me, too.” Before Hughes’ eighth grade year, he faced a tough decision, made it, reversed it, and made it again. Hughes said he has been influenced by his family through the years — including stepdad Daniel Greene and his grandparents — and Greene was prodding Hughes to make a difficult decision to move over to the city school. “It was definitely tough,” Hughes said. “I had a lot of close friends at Hampton. They were real sad I was leaving, and I was, too. It really took a lot out of me. I decided to go, changed my mind, and then changed it again. I was worried, but it worked out good.” Hughes said he had to adjust to things at Elizabethton. “The players who were here showed us,” Hughes said. “They set the standard. We had to get in the weight room and be physical, fast, and strong. We have been dedicated to it and we improved every day.” A TOUGH OFFSEASON Elizabethton’s perfect run to the Class 4A state championship in December should have paved the way for good preparation for a chance to repeat. Then COVID-19 intervened. “It was definitely tough for us seniors,” Hughes said. “Having the 15-0 season and knowing we would have so much pressure to be as good as we were, you want to set a standard for the younger players that you can capitalize off a season like that.” The Cyclones have navigated the adversity well, winning their first six games on the field and adding a COVID victory to move to 7-0 last week. Coming up Friday, they face league rival Greeneville on the road with the Region 1-4A title at stake. These teams played two dramatic games last season with the Cyclones winning twice to end Greeneville’s run of two straight state titles. “Greeneville has a great program,” Hughes said. “They were hit with adversity and had a tough time with COVID, but they are playing good football now. We will have to give our best.” THE BLOCK In the Cyclones’ third game of this season, it looked like they were headed for a loss to Daniel Boone. They led by two points with the Trailblazers lining up in the final seconds for a potential game-winning field goal from chip-shot distance. But Hughes saved the day. He sprinted off the edge and blocked the kick. “We practice special teams all the time,” Hughes said. “But going and blocking a kick, you don’t practice that. I looked at the ball and saw it move, and used my speed to get around the outside. It was my God-given ability and I used that to block it. It was definitely one of the best things I’ve done. It’s one thing you don’t see much. It was good times.” WHEELS UP Hughes got on board with dirt-bike racing when he was eight years old. He started with 55s, before moving up to bigger bikes. Because of his physical size, Hughes tended to tower over his bikes. “It did look a little different,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve always been bigger, but because I’m stronger I can control the bike a little bit better.” He now rides a Kawasaki KX250F. Hughes said he doesn’t focus on the dangers of racing. “It’s dangerous but it’s fun at the same time,” he said. “Playing football is dangerous, too.” Hughes is good at racing, posting competitive finishes at places like Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville. ACADEMIA AND THE FUTURE Hughes said he didn’t have the classroom focus he needed as a freshman at Elizabethton. It was like dropping a couple of passes on the football field as his report card got dinged with a pair of Cs. “I really focused on it the past couple of years,” Hughes said. “Right now my GPA is 3.2. My academics have been good, and I’m a good kid in class. I don’t do stuff you don’t want to see from an athlete.” Hughes said his college career path is open ended at this time. “I would really like to be a coach,” he said. “I think that would be cool. I’ve also thought about criminal justice, business, sports management and physical therapy.” STILL PLAYING Despite the uncertainty for the 2020 season because of the pandemic, Hughes and his teammates are still playing as Week 9 approaches. “I think we are blessed in Tennessee that we have been able to play,” Hughes said.

It all makes since now !!!

This game will be over fast! Milan by a lot!

I believe missing 3 bigs was the difference in that one. Sorry. No disrespect to Boone, great coach, and great kids. It’s just we were pretty short handed.

I feel like this has been addressed repeatedly, but West Ridge will not be 6A in this cycle. Their official enrollment is 1448, which puts them squarely in 5A.

How long did Kreager step away from the concession stand/hospitality room to do this? No way you have 2 four team regions in 6A. West ridge is going to be 6A, knoxville schools need to be with maryville.

Yep it's funny three or four wore some fine folks out last year that did not deserve it.

Maybe Jim was at the concession stand buying up good deals on half price food before leaving the game and didn't catch the last score.

POLITICS???OH grasshopper you know more than I figured!!I guess you could say Politics has been FOOLED around with.

Ahh what I know??LOL.Be patient OP its slowly rearing its head. Using the speedway as a homeless shelter,bet the tax payers really love that one.This is just one.Hang on more coming.

Looking at region standings Heritage very likely finishes 8-2, but has to travel in round 1. That’s tough.

Sad times my friend,parents are too self-absorbed to raise the kids they brought life to and wonder why they are drug dependent and dependant on the government for the rest of their life ! Kills me when I here a 40 to 50 something year old adult complain about young adults,heck we raised em this way ! Well for the most part

TSSAA announced the state tournament will not be held at MTSU this year due to COVID. AAA will be played at Siegel high school and AA played at Blackman. Am I the only one who feels this is a competitive advantage for Siegel to play in their home gym if they qualify (they are very likely to qualify)? Seems Blackman and Siegel should swap AA and AAA to make it equal for all.

My thoughts on this game... Greeneville should grow some more or atleast know where they are for the playoffs and moving forward.The winner or loser doesn't get a gold ball. So even if a shocker occurred this week,it doesn't put Elizabethton out of the playoffs and Greeneville has to still win when it counts. I'm not that excited or deflated about the outcome either way at this point. Personally,a conference championship means nothing compared to being hot and rolling in the playoffs.That goes both ways and Betsy will be even better by playing this game.The very bottom line that has been touched on and has stood the test of football time is who wins the trenches .If anyone seen the first of last week's UT and Georgia game,they knew it would take a lot of good luck for the big Orange.I was working after halftime and the surprise Tennessee was leading.I ask a coworker who won and he said what do you figure happened.I said this without knowing at the time and still haven't seen the game.I figured they had to take chances ,made mistakes and their luck ran out, probably ugly and not talking about Georgia's Bulldog . Bottom line,Greeneville is capable but will have to grow more between now and when it counts the most.

95 - 3 0.

Coach T is like The Hotel California. you can check in but you can't check out. An Insane Asylum full of Crazy High School Football Fans.

So you're the substitute website maker now ? @Roy Dillard, I have supplanted you as the website maker and PowerP is now my substitute. Anyways, we have 3 region games left on our schedule and it's time to up the ante. Whitwell just happens to stand in our way since they are the next team up. Let's dispatch them while improving our game readiness, endurance and overall play. Last night showed me glimpses of how good we can be at times but mostly it showed me heart and determination when the chips were down. We fought valiantly and with that type of effort, there's no one that can keep this Pirate ship from sailing to the ultimate destination. We know where we're at and we know what we must do. We are all in this together. And with everyone doing their part, unselfishly, for the "P" on the helmet we will get there. GO PIRATES!!!