Dawgfan88

I agree, Pujo. I saw alot of silly mistakes, namely the off-sides penalties. Time will help with that, as they get used to being out on the field for the whole game. I think the new QB will be a good one, he also just needs some experience. But wasn't it great just to see football again?

Well, how does one start? The youth and inexperience showed quite a bit tonight. I also think some super-conservative play-calling ( possibly not wanting to tip their hand too much in a jamboree) played a part as well. I think , perhaps, they didn't really show up with the right mental attitude, while Cloudland came ready to play. I know it's WAY early, and only a scrimmage, but I can see many things to work on, and some good things to come. There is talent on the team, they just need time.

Does anybody have any idea what the lineup will be for the jamboree friday night? Like who plays who, what time, etc.?

Hey Pujo! Wow are we talking football already?!?! I know that Hampton got to play a lot of players the past few years, much to the dismay of many seniors. That actual-game-time experience will likely be the salvation of this years' team, as so many will have graduated from that powerhouse team we've had for the past few years. I think they open at Johnson Co. (groan) and then host Oneida (double groan). What a way for a young team to open the season! If people will be patient, I think they'll round out into a fine team, but we'll see. Here's hoping!

Well, once again Hampton had one and let it get away. A one point lead with less than a minute and on the line for a one-and-one, what happens? a missed front end and quick trip down for Grace results in an easy lay-in and the lead which they don't relinquish again. Props to Grace, they played well, and have fine players. The environment was what sectional play should be: LOUD. As for Hampton, they played hard, never gave up and almost pulled it off. I was very pleased with the Hampton crowd that made the trip down to Knoxville, I'm sure the guys on the team appreciated the turnout. It's a shame, really, that someone had to lose that game, it was easy to see that both were worthy teams to makeit to the Boro, but of course, only one can make it. Good luck Rams, you'll need it with Union City lurking in the State. Thanks Dogs, you've had a very good season, you seniors have been a joy to watch and root for during your time at HHS.

Well, from what I've seen and heard, most people from the small-schools anyway, see private schools as rich-kid schools, with much deeper pockets to get first-rate facilities. I know not all privates recruit, but a privilaged family with a talented kid can send that kid there and afford it, where public schoold have to make do with the talent that they have in their district. This may or may not be the case with Grace, but you asked what the deal is, and I think that covers it. I also, from my own personal experience, have discovered that some of the most disrespectful, rude and overall redneck fans have been from so-called "Christian" private schools. I'm hoping that Grace will be different from others I've had to endure, and give some hope that some Christian schools are actually Christian, not only when they're in church.

I know having the sectional at home is a big advantage, but remember last year: both home teams in this round lost. I hope Hampton plays as hard as they did in the second half of the region final, they'll have to. I know Grace is an exceptional team, they have speed all over. Hopefully this will be a great game, I know Hampton really should have won the last time these two played, they led the whole game only to play stupid the last three minutes of the game. I also hope the Hampton fans make the trip to support the Dogs, they're gonna need the support. Go Dogs!

Well the curse is over! The Hampton players finally said enough is enough and will play for a region title! The Dogs lead the vast majority of the game, and pushed the lead out enough to make Cloudland have to play catch up, which is not their strength. Dustin Milhorn played an outstanding game at the point, with a couple of huge threes and open shots to his credit. The key was get ahead and stay there, make Cloudland play from behind. Several times against the full-court press when the Landers had everyone in the frontcourt to harass the ballhandlers, the Dogs simply threw it long and deep over the top and got several lay-ups and fouls at the other end. I'm so happy for the seniors on the team, they really deserve a shot at a longer run in the tourneys, and it's been a while since Hampton has been able to play for a region title. Cloudland had a great tourney run once again, hats off to them, they played hard.

I agree the two freshmen on Hampton's team are stars in the making. Hughes in particular has unbelievable potential. I wondered why Ward didn't play much in the district match-up with Cloudland, I think he would have made a big impact in a very tight game. For the past several years, Hampton has had, by FAR, the most talent in the whole district. Cloudland, however, has been the best overall TEAM. One would think that with all the outside shooters that Hampton has on the roster, that a 2-3 zone wouldn't be a hindrance. However, each player doesn't seem to want to take the shot, so the ball gets passed around repeatedly, doing the defense's job for them. All the while, the inside is cut off by the inner three of the defense, and Bentley gets frustrated. All this is fine and dandy, but if the outside shot starts falling, then Hampton has them where they want them. I expect this to be an all-out battle tuesday night, and I would be shocked if it's otherwise.

tonights game was the exact opposite of the first time these two teams played. The game stayed tight for about three quarters, but after Cloudland closed to within 34-33, the Dogs just took command. I believe the run was 24-2, and that was the game. If Hampton had come out and looked like they did @ Cloudland, I personally would put my foot up their butts, every single one. Thankfully, they spared themselves that embarassment. Every team has bad games, but they just didn't compete or even try hard @ Cloudland. There's no excuse for that. Tonight was a different thing altogether. They played hard, even if they didn't always play great. They seem to have gotten over the bad feelings and problems that prompted the 3-game skid earlier in the season. If they continue to go like this, they could quite possibly make a good run in the tourneys, we'll just have to wait and see. As for now, I'm just enjoying the moment. Go Dogs!

I know it's early yet, but has anybody heard anything on where the District and region 1-A tournaments will be held this year? I haven't a heard a peep, and I've been asked by several.

Well the Dogs pulled in a BIG win tonight, in spite of not playing a game in two weeks. Boy, did the rust show early on in the game. As the game progressed, however, the Dogs started getting back in the flow. There was a lot of movement and action all game long, as it stayed close most of the night, with Hampton pulling away late. It was great to see Jarred Irick back in action, as his football turf-toe injury kept him out all the first half of the season. Bentley was a monster in the paint, as UH had absolutely no answer for him. I think the Dogs depth played a role here, as UH seemed to run out of gas just when they needed to make a push the most. All in all, I'm very happy to get this win over a very good UH squad, those home conference games are so important. As for Hampton peaking too early, no way. The football players are just now starting to be able to handle a basketball properly now, and Irick, a very tough player, is just now playing again. I see many great things ahead for this team as long as they keep their heads on straight and play each game one at a time. Go Dogs!

Well this game should be worth the price of admission. Both games last year were down to the wire, with Aaron Woodacre being the difference for UH. Both teams have shot out of the gate strong this season, so this has the makings of a classic. It's unusual for such an important conference game to be so early in the year, as the winner gets a leg up in the championship race. I expect a huge crowd for both sides, so better get there early!

Hampton 61, Johnson Co 52. Not too shabby for a A team, huh?

This was a great game to watch. Hampton controlled the game the the entire night, then let it slip away late. I feel shot selection and impatience played huge roles in Hampton losing the game. Bentley inside should have been the first option in OT, as Grace had no answer for him all night. However, as Grace totally destroyed Cloudland the night before, I was very happy with how Hampton handled the pressure that Grace applied. Grace has to have the fastest team I've seen on the ball court in years. Hampton's freshmen looked very good again, only a few mistakes here and there, but against a team like that, they get magnified. I'm glad this is an early season game, I feel that Hampton will learn from it and look ahead to possibly meeting this team again. I think Hampton will make a LOT of noise this season.

First of all, a big congrats to boith teams to making it to the finals. That said, I think the best team in TN 1A took it home. As a Hampton fan, I was really impressed with the talent that South Pitt put on the field. The back Robinson was an unstoppable force. If we had to lose, at least we lost to the best team in the state. Congratulations to the S. Pitt Pirates, you guys had an amazing year.

It's so refreshing to read a quote with common sense! Thank you! Unicoi has a great team, I daresay they'll win the Watauga again this season. It seems like everyone on the team can shoot the three. The game thursday was typical of Unicoi/Hampton. The game was intense, tight, and physical, it just seemed that Hampton wanted it more at the end. Possibly Hampton's depth came into play as well, as Coach White went 10-11 players deep into his bench. When all of that depth gets the football rust shook off, this team will be a real handfull for teams to face. It's been a while at Hampton since we've felt so optimistic about our chances in the season, but this seems to be a great year in the making, hopefully no injuries will bite us in the butt before it has a chance to happen. Go Dogs!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank the players and coaches for a season to remember. 13-1 is an incredible year, and I really coudn't be prouder of them. It's been great to see the fans turn out in the numbers they did all year, at home and on the road. One last time: THANKS GUYS! You were an amazing bunch to watch!

As I said in an earlier post on this thread, Hampton played S. Pitt a closer game than many on here expected. The Dogs were a very tough team all year, and they didn't back down. If they could have handled Robinson in any way, they'd be making plans for next week. Oh well, what can you say? They just lost to a better team friday night, but they played as hard as they could, so no regrets. I think Hampton earned respect from many who have been knocking them all season long for various reasons, from playing in a weak region, to being from the northeast, and whatever. I'm very proud of them and the season they had. What a year. Also, it was fantastic to see the fan support at a game over 200 miles away from home. Finally, thank you guys for a season to remember, it was a BLAST!

I'm really glad the other thread got closed, I was about to get really upset with all the pathetic put-downs on it. THis is a sports message board, not a commentary on what some people consider other areas to be like. I know some people just get carried away by their devotion to their school, but it got WAY out of hand. That said, I expect a closer game than many on here seem to. If Hampton's line can maintain a grip on S. Pitt's line, it'll be a war. If not, O well. If Hampton loses, the sun will still rise the next day, and I'll still be more than proud say I pull for Hampton. Those boys have accomplished more in their time at HHS than any other group in school history. True, we don't have the illustrious history of S. Pittsburg, but three straight trips to the state semis is something to be darn proud of. I haven't given up hope on this game, I just think some have belittled the Dogs too much for my comfort. I'm going to make the trip to S. Pitt tomorrow, and then see what happens. Good luck to both teams! Go Dogs!

Unlike some people on here, I'm going to keep it clean. I know South Pitt is #1, undefeated and playing at home. I also know that Hampton is #2, undefeated, and playing in the semis for the third year in a row. I really don't get where some people are saying that S.Pitt will absolutely blow Hampton off the field. The only real blow-out this bunch has suffered occured in the 2005 semis against Trousdale, the best team I've seen in many, many years. Now it may be that Hampton loses. If so, I'll be back on here congratulating both Hampton for the amazing year and S.Pitt for the victory. I'm expecting a close game, with a LOT of very hard hitting. How Hampton's line fares in the game will determine the outcome. They're very big, and surprisingly fast. If S.Pitt gets past them on offense, oh boy. If Hampton contains them, we've got a great game. Only time will tell, but win or lose, the Hampton boys have nothing to hang their heads about afterwards. To have made it this far three years in a row is amazing, and it also qualifies them as champions, no matter what some people define "champion" as. Go Dogs!

Congrats South from the other team left from the area, Hampton! let's make NETennessee proud!

To the Midway players and fans, congratulations on a great season! 11-2 is a fantastic year, you all should be very proud. The crowd for Midway was awesome, it was nice to see the visitor side packed like that. At this point in the season, it's a shame to see someone lose, they work so hard to get this far. As for the Dogs, GREAT JOB! They kept their focus, even when Midway punched them in the mouth early, and they didn't freak out. The line opened great holes all night, and gave Lunceford terrific protection. Now we can look forward to a nice road trip to South Pitt next week, a rare #1 vs #2 matchup in the state semis! How great is that?!?! Go Dogs!

State Quarter-finals! Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Unlike some posters I've read on here, I think this one will be close. There are no patsies left at this stage, and when there are only eight teams left, each game will be a war. To hear about Midways QB is sad. I hate to hear about major injuries to a kid at this point, just when things get really major. The two teams sound alot alike to me, they both like to do many of the same things, but I think the fact that Hampton being at home, Midway minus their starting QB, and Hampton's experience at this stage of the play-offs will all be factors. Of course we'll just have to wait and see, but I like Hampton's chances. Go Dogs!

Well, it's time for the rematch everyone has wanted all season. Oneida has a very talented, young team that has a bright future ahead of it. That said, Hampton is really playing at another level completely now than the first time these two tangled in the second game of the season. I don't expect a blowout, but I think the Dogs will win out. The loss of a starting QB at this point of the season is disastrous, esp. playing on the road in a VERY hostile environment. My thoughts and prayers are out to the young man who broke his leg, at the least he has another season to play. To all the Oneida fans coming to Hampton friday, have a safe trip. To all the Bulldog fans, turn out and make some NOISE! Go Dogs!