Morton

I posted this in the 3/4AA thread, but thought it was worth repeating, in a different version. TSSAA's desire to make everyone happy and give all schools an equal playing field has devalued the elite talent of this state in terms of football. Tennessee ranked as one of the lowest in the country for football talent out of high school. This is because TSSAA has strangled football programs from having year round football like they do in Ohio, Texas, Florida, California, and even Georgia. All out of fear of offending the rural/small town football fan that thinks their high school is getting short-changed at an opportunity for a state championship. Doesn't TN have EIGHT gold balls every year between D1 and D2? This is ridiculous. Some states still only have ONE. Does that Gold Ball in AAA really matter, when you couldn't play the 6A team and see if you could beat them, and I content that most of the top teams in all the top four divisions could compete with each other. The problem is that D2 schools have to abide by the same rules, so their players do not play spring ball, or summer elite camps, etc.... Private/public players BOTH suffer as a result. It is really unfortunate that exceptionally talented football players that could be five star recruits in another state are at minimum three star in the state of Tennessee because of TSSAA. This is the difference between a scholarship to a big academic school versus a junior college. Mind you.. TSSAA is just trying to make everyone happy, which is impossible. I look at schools they have lumped into AAAA for playoffs that population-wise should be AA at best, just because they have had success in the past. TSSAA is killing the state of Tennessee's reputation and the potential of our future athletes by six gold balls in D1 and two in D2, and by not allowing year round football. Allow these athletes to develop and have futures and the opportunities they deserve versus making them all suffer for the egos of some parents. Open the borders on counties and let their be powerhouses. It would be the best thing for these athletes futures, and would certainly stop this whole poor me syndrome on this site. Put the publics in one, put the privates in another, and let them play year round. Two gold balls.. One public, one private, and let the cream of the crop go on to playing on our TV Saturdays and Sundays and give back to their communities HERE IN TENNESSEE!!! Ready for the backlack... bring it...

Why the dead period? This is ridiculous!!

TSSAA has handicapped Tennessee football players from even competing with Florida, Alabama, Texas, etc.. for scholarships and looks from big NCAA schools because of all the rules/limitations placed on playing football in Tennessee. Don't we have SIX gold balls now? That is ridiculous!!! As a UT fan, it is embarrasing the talent this state produces. This is because every parent wants their child who plays football to have an 'opportunity' to win a gold ball. So much so, that a successful football program that is 2A population-wise, gets bumped up to 4A, so that they will not win. The rural/small schools want the urban/private schools to feel their pain to make an even playing field. This only hurts the kids that could have college educations and careers from football. The kids cannot play spring ball, have multiple dead periods, etc... You wonder why these other states have more kids going on to play NCAA and NFL? They don't have the TSSAA squishing their potential and dreams. Wake up Tennessee, and model your football programs so that the kids with talent, are not handicapped when it comes recruiting time. I know what you are thinking.. go private, play D2. Unfortunately, TSSAA makes them abide by the same rules as D1. If you ever want to see the elite players in this state go to the next level, quit handicapping them.

I would love to see Clarksville Academy pull it out... Well balanced team, and very tough defense. I guess we'll see...

I have been a follower of this district for a long time, and I just have to say that CPA's coaching is so much better than the rest of this district. DL has so much talent and athleticism, but every coach in 10AA knows how to prepare for DL, because nothing has changed in 20+ years. If they don't get points on transition, then it is the same motion play with either someone cutting to the basket or a three point shot. Hmm... not too tough to defend... especially if you press, and force them to a 1/2 court game. The DL/CPA game was game was great, and both teams played there hearts out. CPA always has the edge. I'm guessing CPA's basketball coach is not the coach of any other sports program - right? DL really needs to look at their girls basketball program, and make some changes if they ever want to get back to the Boro. East Lit and Hume Fogg are getting ready to be dominant programs with coaches that want to prepare their players for the next level (CPA has been there for two years, and I only see them getting better). Good luck CPA!!! Hope you kick tail, and go far in the state tourney!

I will tell you one thing about CPA.. they are very well coached. There were teams in their district that probably had more athleticism and talent, but their coach had them prepared for every game with the perfect game plan to frustrate their opponents. They are very disciplined players that listen to their coach, and do not make many mistakes. They have a balanced attack of strong inside play and reboundind, and are very productive from outside the arch. They are tough to defend. Man-to-man opens up the lane, and zone opens up the three point game. I've always rooted for one of their arch-rivals, but I must say it is nice to see this group who has persevered and worked so hard to make it this far. I've gotta pull for CPA! Make Nashville proud girls!!

I think with Jamie Webb back at DL, things are looking like a strong push through the rest of the season and the tourney. She makes Lipscomb well balanced. Great inside with Bridges, and incredible 3 point shooting by Salfley, Webb is the triple thread (great D, offense, and leadership). Looking forward to seeing these lifelong friends make it happen their senior year!!!!

Congrats to Kelli Cowan on her 1000th point!! Congrats to Jamie Webb on a 22 pt game! I think the top dogs are definitely CPA, East Lit, and David Lipscomb. I think East Lit's win over CPA was crucial for them in the standings. CPA is a mental team, and now East Lit is in their head. Dr No is right that DL gives up leads, this is because they never keep the starters in the game when they get a good lead. Lipscomb is all about giving all the girls an opportunity to play. This leads to a set of five on the floor that are not used to playing together in practice, much less in a game. While the varsity playing time is good experience for the younger players, it means no huge wins and sometimes losing games they should have won. This was DL's problem last year. The players were never able to get into a rythym because of too many substitutions. Mind you.. they have a solid program every year, so maybe losing a few games is worth the playing time for the younger girls. Remember.. this is nothing but standings for the tournament. My money is on Cowan and East Lit, but I'd love to see DL keep improving. CPA.. super experienced and some veterans that are used to winning. Great year for 10AA. I like the competition and make-up of this new district. Great parody and games the fans are really enjoying. As usual.. refing is subpar, but it is high school

I'm in the dark also Dr. No. I know that Lipscomb and CPA have had success against the publics. I think CPA has the edge, but Lipscomb will give them a fight every game(just like last year). Lipscomb is returning two starters (Bridges and Woods). Webb might as well have been a starter, because she probably has as much playing time as the starters last season. She is excellent and can play any spot on the floor. I'm guessing she'll be at the 4 spot as a starter. I think HFA is going to suffer without Bagwell. CPA has two great seniors, and are probably the best coached team I saw last year. I'm doubting that has changed. This is always an interesting district, and I'm excited to see what happens this year.

Great Win Lipscomb!!!

No posts on this volatile district the past few years... Last year, CPA won it, but with close competition from DL, FRA, and Hume Fogg. With FRA moving on D2, Hume-Fogg Bagwell-less, and DL graduating a crop of seniors what are your thoughts?

Gotta say I agree. I think that CPA/Bolivar is a toss-up. CPA's coaching is some of the best in the state, so they will be prepared. I am going to take a chance, and say Upperman beats McMinn. It is a close one, but I think Upperman may have the edge.

I have watched several district and region games this year (boys and girls) in different divisions. The reffing was just HORRIBLE when the local team was in the game. I'm glad that MC and DL had Spring Hill refs. It HAD to be more unbiased than some of the craziness I have seen this year. I watched a 1A game last night that was laughable. It sounds like both these teams could make it to the Boro. Let's hope TSSAA pulls out the ref A team!

Thanks for the details. I heard an audio-version on a phone call from someone who attended, and I heard it was a great game. One of those games where no one should have lost. Looks like the fans were the winners - huh? Again... good luck to both teams. Hope you meet again at the Boro!!!

Would love more details about the game?? DL and MC had such a great football rivalry, I'm sure it has carried over to bball. Three of DL's starters had their sites set on that football state champ ring. I'd love to see one of these teams make it all the way. Details???