PackOfWolves

I said it is one factor, not the only one. We have more quality athletes now than we did a few years ago. This is a result of going to middle school games and scouting talent. The coaches recruited the smart ones that qualified for the Optional Program. If they just relied on what came to the school, it wouldn't be pretty right now. At the end of the day, you do have to have some talent, coaching alone is not enough. Yes, we have had some exceptional players through the years, but those players needed some more help. So, numbers do help you, statistically, obtain a greater number of quality athletes. Not all cases, but most. That is not say that coaching is not a huge factor, because it is. It is the greatest factor in my opinion, but it sure does help when you have a lot of quality athletes on your team.

I understand what you are saying and in many ways agree, but it does make a difference in some ways. For example, let's talk about depth. I smaller team can ill afford injuries, because more than likely there are no adequate backups. Like someone stated that out of your 100, 40 may play...so what if you are starting with 40. How many do you think are good enough to really play? Not saying it is the ultimate difference maker, but does have an affect on some teams. There are other factors as well, quality of athlete, coaching (HUGE), toughness of individual (Trezevant), etc. All are factors, I'm just saying you can't totally negate numbers as one of them.

East baby! It should be a very good game. This game goes a long way with playoff seeding. We don't want to be in the same spot we were in last year. 8-2 and the 5th seed in the playoffs. Ridgeway was 5-5 (plus we beat them head to head), but they got the 2 seed because they won their District. So this is the goal. Get that 1 Seed. Going to be tough, but can be done!

BHS, As much as you don't want to admit it, numbers do matter. This is why we have classes based on enrollment numbers. You have a big pool to pull from so statistically speaking, you should obtain a greater number of good athletes. Plus, you all have the perfect set up. You have great little league programs in Whitehaven and middle schools. If I'm not mistaken, some of the High School coaches help at some of the middle schools. Also, when your numbers are greater, you have a lower number of players playing both ways. This means fatigue is less likely to set in. An athlete that has played 50 plays will more than likely be more effective than on that has played 100 going into the fourth quarter. In addition to this, when you have numbers, you can run a more efficient practice. You can work on offense on one field and defense on another at the same time. This garners more repetition, which helps in fewer busted assignments, more disciplined play, etc. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule, but your numbers will eventual catch up with you. At 617, East has to make a big decision on what we will do by 10/22. But stop fooling yourself by saying your numbers don't give you an advantage. That's what caught up with Trezevant against Southaven. They eventually got worn down late in the game.

We streamed some games last year, but decided against it this year. They are trying to train the students so we can stream all games next year. Sorry.

You make some good points. I see the numbers just came out for the new classifications. It should be interesting to see who moves up by Oct. 22. I know we have a big decision to make in regards to moving or staying. It is a delicate balance to make sure your program is viable to the point that you want it. In my opinion, there are too many High Schools in the city. It waters everything down. There should not be any 2A or 3A schools here. Our smallest High schools should start at 4A. Charter schools are killing the system. Consolidate resources and strengthen support. IJS. What are your thoughts?

All I can say is do as Maryville has done. Dominate your area and win a LOT of State Championships (They have 10 since 2000). At the end of the day, that what really matters, who wins the Gold Ball. They have done this over a long period of time. So their body of work merits their ranking.

KWC, I do understand your point, and mind you, I'm on the outside looking in. From our perspective, in recent years while trying to build our program back up, we decided to play some of those games. We felt that in order to build our fan base back up and prestige so to speak, then we had to play against certain schools. We didn't have the fan base (like you do) to dictate terms, but we felt we would eventually get to a point where we would be able to. It has helped us to attract better players, better assistant coaches, and increase fan attendance. Now we are in a position to do that I believe, so it will be interesting to see what East comes up with the next two years. In saying that, in order to get to the point to dictate terms, you must just make the game happen regardless and beat them. Then you hold ALL the cards. You say you are not strapped for cash, so give the people what they want. Go to Batesville and beat them. Play Hoover or whoever else wants some. Get your national ranking up, and then I'm sure you won't have a problem scheduling some of the bigger named Southern schools. May even attract some ESPN games. I would love to see a Memphis school ranked in the top 25 nationally in all publications. In order to do that, you have to play other top natioinal teams. Just staying in the Memphis area is not enough, that is, if that is you alls ambition. But like I said, I don't know the inside scoop. Just giving perspective from an outsider.

Dude you are funny, you love to live in the past. Like I said before. East - 1 State Championship. Whitehaven - 1 State Championship. Get another one! Then maybe you can talk to me about when we got ours. We got ours first, what took you so long?! See how stupid that sounds, sounds like you with that dumb argument you make.

No BHS, you are wrong! Some people just love competition, but you probably wouldn't understand that. I don't see us as a program that is struggling for money. Our kids don't want for anything. We have one of the best, if not the best weight rooms amongst city programs, our uniforms are nice, we have a good booster club, our former players help a lot, and we have our own training room that is staffed. So money is no issue for football at East. We just enjoy the competition. It is no fun bashing the heck out of lesser schools week in and week out. Plus, I don't think our kids would receive as good an opportunity to attract schools for scholarships if we move down. That's the main reason Coach doesn't want to move down. Plus we do pretty well with you big schools, so we are ok.

Nobody is doubting that...and you guys should be. You all have the best talent in the city from top to bottom than anyone else. You all want to be praised for things you SHOULD be doing. I believe people become annoyed with Whitehaven because you bash other programs while not having much more success than anyone else. At the end of the day, you all have just as many State Championships in football as we do. We have a lot of kids in school, just like you. We love competition. In reality, we should be a 3A school. There are less than 600 students at East, but we choose to compete with the best of the best. So, we feel very accomplished to be playing the best schools in the city and beating them, but don't get me wrong, it is not enough. We do it for the same reasons you do, the Gold Ball. Nothing less! Back to you, we in the city EXPECT for Whitehaven to be elite, but we want to see you play the South Panola, MUS, Hoover type schools on a regular basis. Then I am willing to guarantee that everyone would sing your praises.

Wait a minute BHS, now I have to take exception to that. You sound as ignorant as the fool that started this thread. One or two exceptional players does not make a good football team. You should know that. It was not that long ago when you guys had two back to back 5-5 seasons, and let's not forget that you all just started going deep into the playoffs. Let's not act like you all have be the best in the city for the past 20 years. This year's team and last year's would have beat Vaughn's and Kimbrow's teams. Also, Kimbrow reaggrevated a high ankle sprain against you guys his senior year and did not play in the playoff nor did Hebert Moore (same year) because he got chop blocked in the same game (knee injury) and did not play. Still should have won the game though. Nick was not a good QB, sorry! Exceptional basketball player though. Last years team lost to the eventual state champion by 3 points. That was probably the state championship game in reality (ask Henry County), it just so happened to be played the second round. This was the same team that beat both you and Ridgeway last year (Please no excuses, don't want to here about losing your QB...We lost ours week 3, we lost our starting RB week 4, and so on). So let's kill the bashing and talking about the past. Each team is different from year to year. This is 2014. This game will decide the District Champion (in the toughest district in the state, imo). Let's focus on the 2014 Tigers and Mustangs, because the past results mean nothing. Both teams come into the game with a purpose. It should be a great game.

I hate to sound like a homer, but how is Memphis East not even considered for the top 5. We were 9-3 last year with losses to White Station (6A Semi-finalist), Central (6A Third Round), and Henry County (5A State Champion) by a total of 10 points. Beat Whitehaven. Beat Ridgeway by 12. And this was without having our starting QB for 8 games. 7 Returning starters on Offense. 6 Returning on Defense. And good young talent to go with those guys. Come on!

kwc Turnovers!! We had a pick six in the first half. We then fumbled on the 5 going in in the third. We came back the next series and fumbled on a good drive. Our fullback backs into the QB as he was throwing a fade that looked like it would have gone for a touchdown, but instead fell way short resulting in an interception. The last drive we just ran out of time. On there 25 and the QB took a sack with 9 sec left. Heartbreaking! We ARE sick, cause if we win that game it looked very good that we go to state. Well, getting ready for next year.

visionaire: Yes, we played a sloppy game versus Millington. This is what kept the game close. This is not a fashion show though. Those kids just find a way to win. We beat both Melrose and Ridgeway already, by double digits. One thing I can say, these players don't get shaken when adversity strikes. They have been responding all year. It's game day. We will find out in a few hours. Good luck to both teams! Go Mustangs!

Well, East lost it's starting and backup QB vs Overton (3rd game in). The starter for the year. We lost our starting tailback for the year vs White Station. Our best DL was out for the last 3 games before this game. Our starting corner is out for the year. So, I'm sorry if we don't want to hear about injuries being an excuse. Plus, 3 TDs were called back, two were questionable calls (in my opinion), but we will take the win in the end. Give the kids credit. 800 students vs 2000 students. 150 FB players vs. 50. Why have any excuses at all?

I guess you guys didn't realize that East already played Central week 2!

DB @ East to MSU

KWC I understand where you are coming from. If you look at the stats vs. Olive Branch, we had 5 picks and 15 penalties. We had more yards and won on time of possession. We had a QB issue to work out that we believe is just that, worked out now. It will be interesting to see how things shake out in the coming weeks. Still waiting to see how good Mitchell is. They have not played a quality opponent yet. I think they will beat Fairley though. The test will be next week vs. Melrose. Yes, District 16 AAA is the SEC of Tennessee High School Football.

KWC You think that Memphis East is a cupcake team? Lol, only time will tell. They have a lot more athletes than people think. I will let the upcoming weeks speak for themselves. October 1st will not be an easy game for the Golden Wildcats! But, I know this is about week three. We will talk again soon.

That is the best case scenerio for the 6A schools, I just don't see them finishing 1 and 2. There will be, in my opinion, a 5A school in one of the top two spots this year. Mitchell was 3A last year and lost badly to two 4A teams (Melrose & Fairley) and was shutout by Whitehaven (5A). Just something to think about, but that was last year.

This will be a tough District. I think it is a real advantage for the 5A Playoff teams that come out of here. They will be battle tested for the playoffs. You have some really good 5A teams that would do well in 6A in my opinion. Who do you think will emerge out of this pack as the district champion and playoff teams. District 16 - AAA 5A Hamilton Melrose Memphis East Mitchell 6A Central Whitehaven White Station Here are my predictions: District Championship will come down to the Memphis East vs. Whitehaven game. Memphis East wins of course! Playoff Teams: 5A Memphis East Melrose 6A Whitehaven

I must say that Henry probably will win. I'm pulling for the region, but it doesn't look good. We (East) just made too many mistakes in the game. We missed two picks for touchdowns. We missed easy tackles and blew assignments. The offense struggled. Parker was off tonight with option reads and throwing. Hey, it was a good run for us. Coach says we will be much better NEXT year. Good luck to Henry and Melrose. Represent the West as we gear up for next season.

I'm hearing through the grapevine that Eric Watson has been cleared to play this game. If it is true, I don't think he will make much of a difference. He has been out too long. We will see at 7PM though.

Well, they have things that they hang their hat on for sure. Coach wants his teams to be multi-faceted. They have to have the ability to adjust.