mvs_bwood

First of all, to the Franklin players: Congratulations. You are a great team and I'm sure that you are great kids who deserve all the success you are seeing. Now go represent Region 6 for all the guys that won't be playing this Friday. It's been a rough weekend trying to process the events of Friday night. It's hard not to think that there should have been a different outcome. For those who are foolish enough to think that this game determined who was the better team once and for all...get real. The way I see it, it's 1-1. Unfortunately we can't meet again for best of 3. And to those who are saying it should have been a shut out, well, it wasn't. "Trick" plays are part of the game and defenses have to defend against them just like anything else. P.S. - we didn't even score on that play. It was simply a third down conversion. But I'll give credit where credit is due. You stopped the run which is something that no other team was able to do this season. It's too bad the offensive coordinator couldn't adjust. It seems to be a playoff trend. We make a premature exit due to continuously running it up the gut even when it is clearly not working. As soon as it was determined (early) that the Rebels were shutting down the run, we should have gone to plan B. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be a plan B. Instead we waited until the final drive to start passing (too little, too late). Say what you will about not having a true passing qb, but AJ has proven that he can connect on short passes that significantly open up the running game. Those players, especially those seniors, deserved better than what they were given on Friday. Period. You have a team that has played with heart and determination and did everything that you asked of them all season, and you essentially set them up to fail? Maybe it's time for a change... Bruin Defense: You are amazing! Don't let anyone tell you any different. Thanks so much for such a great season. You are the top D in the state in our book!!! To those of you who will play at the next level, we will be following you and cheering you on wherever your path may lead! Coach Crawford: Thanks so much for your dedication to this team and these boys. You are largely to thank for the successes of this season. The kids are lucky to have a man of integrity and class leading and shaping them. May God continue to bless you and your family in the future. Finally, to MY Bruin: Where to begin? You are a champion in every sense of the word. If guts and determination won games, you would never have to feel the pain of defeat. Your skill is certainly evident, but your heart outshines your skill every time. Watching you play for the past 13 years has been so much fun! Thanks for the great memories! We can't wait to see you make many more for the next 4 years. But while your achievements on the field have been numerous, it's who you are off the field that makes me truly proud...a man of God, a loving son, brother, uncle and friend, and a selfless giver and servant to others. Your future is so bright it's hard to see what lies ahead. But no matter what path God leads you down, know that we will always be beside you cheering you on and wanting nothing short of everything for you! Always keep your focus on what is truly important and you will continue to be blessed and in turn be able to bless others. I love you more than you know and am so proud of you!!!

I couldn't agree more...it's "fans" with screen names like buckfrentwood that really put an ugly blemish on this fabled rivalry.

Grizzley: I don't know what you think all this is going to accomplish. Why don't you let the boys prove themselves on the field Friday night. No one needs to be calling out individual Franklin players on these boards. It doesn't help at all. We think we're the best, they think they're the best. We'll find out Friday who IS the best. Leave it at that!

I think (I HOPE) that td's post was in response to cougarally's ridiculous, rambling rant born out of either extreme frustration or insanity...take your pick. Let the record show that it was not a Brentwood fan who started throwing the financial blows. I can't apologize for the "elite" comments though...I actually agree. This isn't regarding social class or finances...it's about football. It's hard to argue that Brentwood's program is a perennial powerhouse. Even in "down" years, the Bruins manage to make their way to the post-season. Our players are very talented and dedicated...not in a flashy, "look at me" way but it works. Maybe Brentwood doesn't have a "star", but it's working...the Bruins play as a team. After all, sometimes star players are sitting at home come championship time... Bruins: Congratulations! It may not have been pretty at times, but you came out on top. Continue to work hard this week and remain focused on your goal. Finish the job, guys! We believe in you!!! Go Bruins!!!

Pops, wasn't it just last week that you were starting threads for brentwood because the fans weren't "interested" enough to start one themselves. Now this week brentwood is cocky, arrogant, and elitist. Wow, what a change in one short week! Why don't we call a spade a spade and admit that all the folks who are offended by the confidence that brentwood plays with are simply intimidated.

Really? REALLY? Give me a flippin' break! Here's a project for you "sportsguy"...why don't you go to every thread on here that in any way involves Brentwood and see how many "cocky" Brentwood fans you can find. Here's a hint...you won't find many. If anything, Brentwood has kept it's head down and played football this season. In fact, there are posters from other WilCo schools that are bothered by the lack of participation on the boards by Brentwood fans. You want cocky? Try Franklin or Centennial. Seriously. CHS 2007 - normally you seem to have a good grasp of what is going on. Not this time. Here's some change for the clue bus...your defense had NOTHING to do with Brentwood having "17 whopping passing yards in week 0". In case you missed the memo, the Bruins aren't a passing team! We completed 0 passes against Antioch and their defense is just a hair better than the Brentwood Blaze, ok? Bruins - No matter who shows up to play for CHS tomorrow night, you hold your destiny in your own hands. Put your heads down, go to work, and get the job done! Go Bruins!!!

Clearly you didn't see the Brentwood/Ravenwood game. Brentwood lost to RHS because they came out and played like HALF the team that has played every other game this season. Not to mention the 6, count 'em, 6 15-yard penalties they incurred. For anyone to think that Brentwood lost for any other reason, is insane! So if by interesting you meant incorrect and ill-informed, then yes, you are in fact keeping it interesting. Here are some interesting tidbits - Common opponents: BHS v. Dickson County 28-7 (2nd string in early in 2nd half) CHS v. Dickson County 44-41 BHS v. RHS 14-17 CHS v. RHS 44-28 BHS v. Siegel 31-17 CHS v. Siegel 22-20 BHS v. FHS 24-21 (W) CHS v. FHS 14-35 (L) BHS v. Columbia 34-7 CHS v. Columbia 35-26 BHS v. IHS 42-14 CHS v. IHS 37-28 BHS v. Northeast 34-0 CHS v. Northeast 27-0 Brentwood had 328 points against all opponents versus Centennial's 313. Brentwood only allowed 111 points versus the 240 points CHS's defense gave up. Clearly Brentwood's offense is at least AS effective as CHS's and in terms of defense...well, there's really no comparison. I will leave you with one more fun fact. Franklin's defense gave up 79 points against Region 6 opponents. Brentwood D only gave up 73 against Region 6. Let this leave no doubt that the Bruin defense is a force to be reckoned with. Go Bruins!!!

Hey Pops-Thanks so much for your concern, but maybe the Bruin supporters have realized that a bunch of talk on a message board doesn't win you games...see the Franklin/Brentwood thread. Oh, and to address another of your posts, Franklin didn't "let" Brentwood hang around all night. The Bruins controlled their own destiny. Take a page from other Franklin fans and own up to the fact that Brentwood played better football for four quarters that night. Good luck with Hunter's Lane Friday... As far as Brentwood vs. Antioch, Brentwood all the way. I think the Bruins can hold their own against an "athletic team."

Well, not to take anything away from AJ, but he doesn't play on defense. Brentwood seemed to hold their own tonight, also. Get well #4.

Okaaaay...I don't follow your logic. What's your point?

Ok, I'm sorry. I was under the mistaken impression that a "Valuable Player" would be one who consistently produced a desired result...which for a football team would be a WIN. I am well aware that Centennial has won 5 consecutive games. Congratulations. But you have some significant giants to slay before you will get the true respect you feel you deserve. When all is said and done, if Centennial continues to win, Chaz very likely should be the region MVP. However, this talk is a little premature given the schedule played to this point and the games left to play. Again, I mean no disrespect, just trying to interject a little reality into the thread. Carry on... Go Bruins!!!

First and foremost, Congratulations Bruins! You did what they claimed couldn't be done and you did it with class and poise. Way to play! I want to address someone's comment about an injury on the Franklin sideline with Brentwood fans still on their feet. As a fan I can tell you that from the stands, we were not able to see the injured coach. No one had any idea that there was an injury until our own players took a knee. We respect you all and would not want to see anyone hurt. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Franklin: You are a great team and we know we will see you again in the playoffs. Until then, good luck! Brentwood: You were the better team Friday. It wasn't a fluke or a blown call that won you the game...it was hard work and dedication. You knew that you could win and you played like a team and it showed in the final score. Continue on this path and you will be tough to beat. Seniors, you hold your destiny in your own hands...Finish what you started! Go Bruins!!!

I thought this was a thread about who has a chance at state...why are we talking about Centennial? CHS2007 - Let me start by saying that I really do respect you on this board. I am certain that Chaz should be Centennial's MVP. However, region-wide I think there are other great players who bring a lot to their team AND get the job done on Fridays against all caliber of teams. I don't want to take anything away from Centennial's recent successes, but a true MVP gets the W for his team every (or almost every) time. Go Bruins!!!

Classy...

Um...pardon me, dwg. When exactly did the Bruins prove that they can't compete. I haven't missed a game, yet somehow I missed that. What's that you say? The Ravenwood game? Oh, well, here's a heads-up bud...the team that played Ravenwood isn't the team you'll see Friday night. So if you KNOW anything going into this game, KNOW this...the Bruins will not roll over for any team. Brentwood will fight all night. IF you beat Brentwood, it will be a hard fought win. Franklin deserves the respect that they are getting. They've proven that up to this point, so I won't argue. However, don't discount this Bruin team. Don't think that Crawford won't have them ready. Don't think they don't have the talent or the leadership to take care of business. Just don't. Grizzly - I'm going to suggest that you refrain from calling out individual players on Franklin's team. It just adds fuel to their fire, similarly to the way Brentwood can feed on being considered two touchdown underdogs. Bruins - As you take the field tomorrow night, know what you have to do. Put your heads down and go to work. Moments like these are what you have prepared for all year. Make every down count. And when the lights go out, win or lose, KNOW that you are loved and supported immeasurably.

I hope you're right.

I completely agree that the passing game was the problem last year. I don't think anyone who watched a single game last year would disagree. However, your assessment that the OC did the best with what he had... Well, if that was the best he could do, heaven help us. The offensive playcalling was mediocre at best. There were kids on that field who can catch a pass and one that could throw it to them. AJ was never given any real opportunity to show what he could do. It seemed as though every incomplete pass would result in keeping the ball on the ground for the rest of the game. Nevermind the fact that throwing the ball, even if it results in an incomplete pass or even an interception, keeps the other team guessing at what play you might run on any given down. There were times when we needed one score to win the game with minimal time left on the clock, yet we continued to run it up the middle. Give me a break! The Hunter's Lane game comes immediately to mind. It's the playoffs...do or die time. Go big or go home. And we just keep stuffing it up the gut? Tell the seniors that were crying their eyes out on that field that night that it was the best playcalling he could do with what he had. Maybe, just maybe, if the qb we plan on utilizing in actual games could get some reps this spring and summer, we might be in a little better shape. It's true that we don't have the benefit of the QB/WR match ups of the past, but we are going to HAVE to make something more happen with what we've got. And the coaching staff is as responsible for making something happen as the players on the field.

No one is arguing that Indy didn't have a great season last year. Let's face it, they made it to the 'Boro which is more than I can say for any other teams in the region. However, I think anyone who is familiar with 6-5A could tell you that Indy lost a lot of talent last year. Not to discount the kids that are still there, but I think there were some key losses and holes that will be tough to fill. Surely you can agree with that. I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that you don't know too much about Brentwood football. Let me clue you in on something. What you saw last year may not have looked like much (especially in the shadow of great Bruin teams that have come before), but what it was is actually quite phenomenal. Maybe what you couldn't see was the horrible mismanagement of the offense and how the Bruin defense, nonetheless, held up and held off many opponents (I should note here that we will be losing few, if any, key defensive players). Maybe what you couldn't see was how the offense still managed to put points on the board even when it seemed like the plan (via the playcalling) was to do exactly the opposite. Maybe what you saw was a team that didn't know who would be starting at what positions until week 1 of the season or who would be at qb until even later in the season. I don't expect you to know all of this as an outsider. But I thought you should know so you could give credit where credit is due...those kids. They played their hearts out and I was very proud of them each week given the circumstances being what they were. As I mentioned in my previous post, I don't know what the future holds. All I have is my little prediction. Come fall, we'll see how it all plays out. I, for one, can't wait!

For the past couple of seasons, I've been thinking that 2008 would be the year for Brentwood to return to dominance in the region due to the young talent maturing. So, I'll just go ahead and throw it out there...my prediction is that Brentwood will be Region 6-5A champs this year and make it deep into the playoffs. Keep in mind that this is before seeing any spring practices or scrimmages, and I could be eating crow in a few short months. But, there you have it. As for how the other teams will shake out, I think Franklin, Ravenwood and Dickson County will round out the top 4.

I have no predictions, but I do have a message for the Bruin players... Think about the 1st round game last year at Hunters Lane. Remember how it felt to walk off that field knowing that you should have been advancing to the next round. Remember how awful calls and a horrible clock person played into that loss. Remember that tonight when you play this game. Don't let it get close enough for these things to matter this time. Play your hearts out!!! Go Bruins!!!

Clearly Indy plays with this same attitude. There were some blatant late hits that were "overlooked" by the refs. I would definitely say Indy got the edge with the officiating Friday night. All these things aside, Independence won and they deserve the credit. Enjoy it Eagles. Should we meet again, the outcome will be very different. Good luck in the playoffs and congratulations on your region championship (given that you beat Columbia this week).

Not sure if you actually attended the Brentwood game or not, but I would hardly say Centennial "shut down Brentwood for no receptions last week". I'm certain that you haven't been paying the closest attention to the Bruin offense this season, but suffice it to say that Brentwood shuts themselves down for no receptions. This is not a passing offense and it has nothing to do with our opponents. Just wanted to clear that up... Good luck tonight!

Brentwood's defense is very strong. Independence has the edge on offense. Both teams were counted out early in the season. Both teams want this badly. It's really too close to call. Go Bruins!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations, Bruins! Despite a HORRIFIC call by the absolutely inept officials, you stuck to the game plan and got the win. This one will go down as one of the most exciting in this legendary rivalry. Now you are really rolling. Keep up the good work and we'll see you in the playoffs come November!

There are no words.... Great game, Blackman. Good luck against Smyrna.