BlueQB12

Wouldn't flat out domination be nice. There are not many teams that have that luxury. But, if we did things would be a lot easier.

You're right about that. Probably could count on one hand the number of high schools that have that ability,starting with Alcoa and Smyrna. Both had big,dominant lines. Strength being the key,but knowing how to apply that strength is just as important. I don't believe you can teach too much technique. There is a saying that practice makes perfect,and repetition brings improvement. As these young men get stronger,the technique will be more noticeable,and the offense more successful. Even as young as the linemen were this past year(even you have to agree X-knocker) they were improved over past efforts. Still a ways to go,but they are getting there. It will continue to take harder work than they have ever known to compete and be successful,but I believe they are willing to put in the work and effort,and that will show next year on the field. From my viewpoint,they improved tremendously this past year,and coaching has to receive at least a portion of the credit. Saw John-Ray's car yesterday,again I have to say thank you God for sparing him. Man,that car looks bad.

Hes back in school today.He had a concussion and is real sore.Has to go to his own doctor today,but it seems like every things okay.Thanks for all the support and prayers,it was a little scary for us this weekend.I was like coach Gregory though,how can you concuss something when theres nothing there to concuss.Hope my son reads this and gets a laugh,hes needs it, he has no car now,But he can be thankful he has his life.Anyone that has a kid driving,make them come out here to the lot and look at his car,maybe the sight of it could help save a life or a serious injury.One parent called me Sunday and said he had just heard about it.Said he seen the car and the 1st thing he asked me was,how serious is JOHN RAY.I said hes got a concussion and is sore ,but that seems to be it.He said how did he make out of that car and i said the hand od GOD had to be on him.

Thank God! Glad to hear he is alright.

Experience is great here. I might be wrong, but this may end up being the strenth of the team. These guys really were playing well at the end of season. If they will continue working hard and improving this could be a very solid Oline. We do need to see some of the younger ones to step up. Depth could be a issue if we don't stay healthy. I hope they all really do hit the weights, we need to get stronger. Also think there is a few incoming freshman who are good looking linemen. I don't know about Vonore, maybe blueQB12 does. I did watch Madisonville a couple of times and I think the Arp kid looked very good. He's a big tall boy who likes to get downfield and hit. Wonder if he is going to be playing here? The pettit kid also could end up being a good lineman. I saw his dad at the Meigs game, he seemed really fired up about his son playing at Seq. GO CHIEFS!!!

I don't really know how many will try to play in high school from Vonore. Could be as few as 1 or as many as 8,but they will all need to work out hard and get much more aggressive,as well as learning better technique. GO CHIEFS!

Does anyone know if Matt Williams has any plans on playing football this season? When you set back and think about it, theres many types of combinations we could use to run the ball. White, Breeden, Carson, Zitsch, Jubar, Stewart and Owen, this should be some good competition. I dont think Madisonville is sending any runingbacks to the high school this season, does anyone know if Vonore had anyone coming in?Does anyone know if Matt Williams has any plans on playing football this season? When you set back and think about it, theres many types of combinations we could use to run the ball. White, Breeden, Carson, Zitsch, Jubar, Stewart and Owen, this should be some good competition. I dont think Madisonville is sending any runingbacks to the high school this season, does anyone know if Vonore had anyone coming in?

Vonore should have a couple,Noblett and Cardin if they can get off the skateboards long enough.

If he is a proven coach than why isn't he the head coach? Is it because he is not a local guy. What was wrong with the other AD. How long was he the AD?

Are you new to the area?

He is not working out with the Baseball team so that might be true.

He is not playing baseball to concentrate on football. He did NOT like sitting the bench,so he is already working to improve his skills and knowledge of the offense. As much as he likes baseball,improving in football and earning playing time is more important. As far as the kid from Loudon,there is one considering the move. A lot has to be considered and decided upon before it happens,but it is likely. Probably have to sit for one year,but that has not been decided yet,and it is only being talked about at this point. He is a QB and a good athlete with a great attitude from a good family that wants the best for him. Eligibility issues are the question right now,so I don't know what they will decide to do,if anything. He would definitely push the returning QB's.

Ok folks lets talk about whats coming up this year, this week we can talk about the quarterback position. Elisha seems to be the front runner for the position, but he will have to work hard to keep the position. With a year of experience under his belt, I really look forward to seeing him run the offense. Now maybe it was me but when I watched Rogers play the QB position with the JV it almost seemed it was a different type of offense. I know Rogers can really sling the ball with great accuracy and he seemed to run the option very nicely. Now I'm hearing there is a new "horse in the race", well I shouldn't say new he's been here before, word is thats Fritts is coming back out in the spring. This kid has got great vision of the field, but I'm not exactly sure if he can run the option. I thought he looked great last spring running the offense. With his height he would make a big target at the wideout position, from watching him play basketball he could out jump most cornerbacks in the league. Speed may be a issue, not sure if hes got speed. Does anybody know if spring practice was scheduled around baseball this season, if not this may be issue with football. I'm not sure but I think all three play baseball, is there incoming freshmen QB's?

Folks please remember that we are talking about young men and they do not deserve to be bashed on here. I for one, am really looking forward to the upcoming season and trully believe the playoffs are in sight for this team, I think its a very reasonable goal, now lets hear what you guys think about the Quarterback Position. GO CHIEFS!!!

Last I heard,they were trying to work around baseball,starting end of April into May because of this very issue. Hadn't heard about the Fritts kid,except the coaches I talked with said every kid would be welcome whether they played this year or not. Both returning QB's have weaknesses to work on,but I feel this position will be improveds next year. These 2 guys know how to work hard to excel,and I know they will be working hard. GO CHIEFS!

Well put good to hear a first hand experience. I want you to know RED, WHITE AND BLUE your son's efforts before his injury were very much appreciated. I think with his effort he helped fire that team to a very good performance in the Sweetwater game. And in that game was some of the hardest running I had seen in years. And that hard running and good faking helped us to score those three touchdowns against GP. He will be missed.

Absolutely,he will be missed. Hope to see him on Saturday's in the future. I know what you have posted is true,I heard G-P's coach himself tell his defense to watch that big horse fullback almost every play. Good luck to Caleb!

Hey, I have been playing nice recently. I think we do not see eye to eye on the being positive. When you get on here and are excited about playing with a team. I see that as sugar coating, and if everybody is happy with that then how will we ever take it to the next level. That is how I see it.

The way I see it,there is a huge difference in being excited and being happy with the results. As I said before,no one is happy to just compete if there is a competitive bone in there body. You always want more,or where is the drive to succeed? Personally,I don't see any sugar coating,just the realization this team can compete,and the future is brighter because of that. The next level,and the next,and the next is the goal,and positive reinforcement pushes toward that. I am excited for what the future holds for this team,because I see many positive things that can happen for them if they continue to work hard. That is how I see it.

All thoughts can not be positive, to improve some attention has to be paid to the negatives, the negatives or weaknesses must be improved in order to be successful. If we are always positive then that can lead to being content and that is not good. I believe there was too many people that were content after the Polk and Meigs games. They were just happy to play with them for 3 quarters.

Trust me,sir,I don't think anyone is content at this point. There is a great difference in paying attention to negatives and weaknesses and being negative in our attitudes. If anyone has any question about the weaknesses,check out what Fulton is doing to Pearl-Cohn. We have a long way to go to compete with the best in the state,and I certainly acknowledge that. To be positive, to me,means to keep encouraging players and coaches alike to push to be the best they are capable of being. After last year,you better believe I was content to play with Meigs and Polk for 3 quarters. That in itself was a great improvement. No one denies the progress,nor the work that remains. Just for you,and so you can know where I stand(and I already know it doesn't matter),personal attacks on anyone on a chat board are negatives we don't need at any time. Everyone knows where you stand,so please don't go there again. A lot of the boys read this too,and that is why I say positive is the best policy. Besides,how does anyone enjoy anything being negative all the time?

20 seniors would be nice! Something seems to happen when kids become seniors. They seem to turn it up a notch. Also believe this will be a good senior class, alot of good kids in this class who have been with the program for 4 years. Alot of hard workers with good attitudes who will set a good example for the younger players. This is how good programs are built. Really looking forward to watching this team continue to improve. Really be nice to see those numbers around 60 or higher come fall.

I believe if we keep everything positive the numbers will continue to go up,even when we disagree. Kids are the same as everyone else,positive thoughts usually bring positive results. Keep up the good work EVERYONE! GO CHIEFS!

The first person i ever heard bring up the middle school Idea was coach meadows. I heard the man say it himself. That if we ever want to see this program get to the level we want, one of the things that needed to happen was a middle school program.

You're right,warchief. This idea is nothing new. Several folks have talked about it for years,almost as long as Sequoyah has existed. I'm curious about the region 4 teams,if they have a program like this? I believe if we are to take the next step to being competitive,this is a must. The positives of combining the 7th and 8th graders on the field far outweigh the negatives,if the support could somehow be found in middle school as it is in high school. Like Bill49 said,egos would have to stay at the house.

Yes, I like defense, but I like good, tough, and stingy defense even better. I would like to see a more aggressive approach took with outside LB's, yeah, they made a lot of tackles, but I want to see those tackles being made at the line of scrimmage not 7 or 8 yards down the field. I believe teams noticed that and attacked us off tackle. what do you think

From G-P all the way through Meigs,off tackle was the bread and butter for the teams we played. You are absolutely correct,and I believe that will be a point of emphasis,as well as stronger play from d-tackles and ends. I don't think we will see much of the 3-5 next year,if at all.

Yes, not having both QB's will hurt, but it could also be great for depth. I know it would help with O-line and D-line it would give some guys an opportunity to get in a lot of reps. As far as the parents go, man that is just the way I feel. I know it angers a lot of people that I feel that way. I let it rest during season so not to distract anyone. You guys talk about what you want to on this message board, and so do I, But make no mistake about my intentions I want this team to be competitive.

There is a lot of other things that could be worked on this spring,but I think coach will place an emphasis on defense for the most part. Stops need to come more often than this past season. They got better,but there is much room for improvement. Competitive sounds good to me,and I think they're getting there. A lot of work to be done,but this team shows a good work ethic.

Fast girls, hot cars and dope are a few things that cause alot of problems. Idle time is the devils workshop. It take alot of hard work and disapline to play sports nowadays. Its easier to be seen and be popular ,so to speak ,doing the dumb junk out there. Anything worth anything takes hard work. Most kids choose the easy way out. You can be popular failing school, there are groups that thrive on it. Its alot harder to be an honor student and not quite as popular. Parents give children away to much leeway this day and time. This is one of my favorite sayings, if you don't expect anything out of your kids, that probably what you are going to get.Nothing. Kids arn't self motivated creatures. It starts at the top. People just need to take the time to work with their kids and expect something out of them. The Lord provided them with a set of parents for a reason. Kids at a very early age start trying to do things to get noticed ,they want attention alot of parents ignore there little accomplishments, so they learn another method, they will do anything to get attention ,good or bad. You have to se the little things they do and pat um on the back. They starve for it. In short ,people just need to take the time to be with their children and let they know daily how much they love um. They will do anything to make you proud of them. Its in their nature from the time they're born. I make my kids earn things and pat um on the back when they do it. I'm tough in ways, but I do it out of love . I expect alot and so far I've got alot. with Gods help, hopefully it will continue. In my opinion ,its all about priorities. My #1 priority is my kids. I could care less about the rest of it.

Great post with a lot of truth. I'm like you,I expect a lot from my kids. Many would probably call us too hard,but I was raised to earn what you receive,which is how I am raising my kids. One is 18,the other 15,and so far-so good. The tough love my parents gave me is much appreciated today!

yeah, nice avatar for you too. of course there is hunting, fishing, cars and girls, and.... nowadays.... video games! Where you from Blue? I seen you were a 3 sport athlete. I am from South Pittsburg and did the same. Went to college for baseball, but then quit that. It became a job, instead of fun. But anyways, what team you follow? Good Luck!

I'm from Vonore and I follow Sequoyah. Our coach started his coaching career at South Pittsburg several years ago,so I have followed you guys from afar for many years.

I don't see these kids playing baseball as it interfering with spring practice, with a year under them now they should be able to recover from ten lost practices in the spring. I personally hope they can't make it, due to still playing baseball. Maybe those kids can help field a very competitive baseball team. Good luck to those kids and any others that choose to play another sport.

 

I do not understand the talk of trying to combine the two little league teams, I personally like it the way it is. Other schools have seperate little league teams that still combine to have successful high school teams. If you are truly interested in turning the high school program around, then we need to find out why the kids in the school now are not playing football. Our senior class consisted of six kids, when they were freshman how many were they, I am willing to bet there was more than that. I will go a step farther and say of those that did not play this year, how many could have had a huge impact on the outcome of some games. I know you lose some kids to grades and some for other reasons. But they are a lot of kids that are not playing in high school that played in LL. And I also believe that at the high school level we need to put the parents back on the bleachers, that is my belief I know I will get ripped for it. But, that is how I believe.

I don't know much,but I do know Coach Summey was concerned about both of the QB'S maybe not being there for spring practice,which was why he was trying to figure when would be the best time to have it. He also said he supported the baseball team and did not want to interfere with their season at all. As far as the parents viewpoint,that is your belief to which you are entitled. One question,is that only at Sequoyah,or should Tellico's offensive coordinator take a seat also?My belief,without "ripping" you,is that you have a deep personal thing with Doc,and it would be best for you guys to face-to-face settle this instead of posting on a message board.

Some kids don't play because their parents won't let them. Some don't have the time to put into any school functions. I noticed that many of those "big" kids (which really doesn't matter in smaller schools because speed, quickness, and good coaching are equally important) have to work because their parents don't have the money to support them. But also, as someone else said, it comes down to laziness and don't want to be disciplined.

Cool Avatar! Also,there is hunting and fishing and cars and girls and.......

If Moser and Rodgers both play baseball, would they be allowed to participate in spring practice?

Coach was telling me the other day he was trying to find a way to work spring practice around baseball,but he didn't know anything for certain at that point. I don't know if he and coach Gregory have reached a conclusion on that yet or not.

Burnout of athletes may not be the only issue, but it is a huge issue. Successful programs in Tennessee High School athletics all have high expectations in the off season. It's the nature of the beast. Yeah, kids may be different now than 20 years ago, but so are the expectations we place on them.

 

Recent changes to the TSSAA calendar are intended to address this issue, but the bottom line is that coaches and parents who want to work their kids year round will find a way. TSSAA nor anyone else can legislate good judgement.

 

Another twist makes this an even greater issue. The smaller the school, the greater the need to have your good athletes playing 3 sports (fall, winter, and spring). This gives those three-sport athletes virtually no off-season, EVER, especially summer. Summer for three-sport athletes tends to become a nightmare of practices, camps, and weight training.

 

I don't know the answer. Quality programs are great, and kids grow from being a part of great programs. It's just too easy for ALL OF US to let it get out of balance. Coaches have to win, parents want their kids to be the best they can be, administrators love to see quality, but someone has to be the bad guy and say "No More."

 

I don't know who I feel worse for, the kids trapped in the cycle of success, or those who never get to play on a quality program....

I was a 3-sport athlete at a small school,and perhaps you are right,kids are very different now. I never one time considered it a nightmare or endless. For me,the priviledge of playing ended way to soon. Like you,I don't know the answer,but we played simply for the love of playing(without any video games to interfere),and no one can make a kid love to play ball. We learned to love it by playing together growing up in our backyards. You don't see that much anymore,either.

I believe your info is a little off. I don't know about vonore but in Madisonville this past year all the sports were to the good. And unless i am wrong basketball done the best.

The Vonore LL had a very good year financially,once all the bills are paid and some needed new equipment are bought,we still should be plus money. I would find it very hard to believe either LL would leave a new middle school team out on their own to sink or swim. That is one reason I think we should approach the commissioners of each league with this idea and let them gauge the interest of the parents as a whole organization. If the parents absolutely would not be for it,then we would be wasting our time. As far as who would coach this team,I think a good place to start would be the coaches who put together the combined team of a few years ago. Also,I agree,Warchief,I thought our uniforms this year looked great,as good as or better than any I have seen so far.

I don't believe anyone on here would support not being able to field the smaller teams. Were talking about fielding a combined middle school team/ or jr. team, and still being able to have a place for the 3 smaller teams to play. It kinda goes hand & hand. Now can this be done? we don't know. Thats what was meant about exploring the options.

You're right,no one wants to do away with the smaller teams. It seems to me if these other teams are considering middle school ball(f-ball and b-ball)we need to look into it also. It might be hard to get a 10 game schedule at first,and maybe if enough kids participate,have a J-V schedule with the middle school team so everyone will have a chance to be on the field at some point getting experience. If it is a successful venture,eventually the numbers would probably call for that anyway. Food for thought,but we definitely need to chew on it for a while. I would suggest the LL commissioners get involved now to discuss this and see if it would be possible.BTW,what do the teams in Blount and Knox county do as far as the smaller teams? Are they totally separated?

I don't see how you could pull one age group out of a 4 age group league and stay in the league. I don't know of a league around here that would be a good fit for a situation such as this. It seems that the only way to do it would be all or nothing. Combining the younger teams would give each age group about 40 - 50 players. That wouldn't allow much play time for the B, C, and D string players and would limit the amount of instruction each player got in practice. I think the best solution would be for one of the coaches to visit each school for one practice per week and give tips and pointers on what would help them adapt to the high school ways.

 

We do have a lot of "good folks" in each area who are capable of teaching these kids how to play football, especially if they had the support and guidance of some of the high school coaches. Volunteering to coach little league teams is an excellent way for a parent to spend more time with their child and give them instruction on the field that just can't be given at home without pads and partners. Taking away volunteer parent coaches (at this level) would be a step in the wrong direction but would be a good idea for high school.

Just a thought,form another league. Invite some of those who are thinking about leaving the league already. Like I said,just a thought. I definitely would not be for combining all 4 teams for the reasons I stated before. As far as the coaches visiting practices,well and good,but they have a lot on their plate already. This is something so-called adults should be able to work out if it is the direction decided,regardless where we live. Anyway,just something to think about,another way to help. Pursue every angle,some may run true,some may not. We owe it to the kids to look at every one just to see if it would help or not. That doesn't mean this is going to happen,but I feel does need to be considered for our kids advantage.Enough from me supposing,any thoughts from anyone else on this?

Like I said things would have to be worked out. But the idea of both towns combing the athletes, whew, should be some great teams!

There is no doubt a lot to be worked out. I kind of like the idea of just the jrs. together,mainly because there seems to be a lot more players on the younger teams,it would be hard to get enough playing time for them all. I wouldn't want it to be one play per game as it is for one team in the conference. As far as who would coach the jrs., surely we could get enough cooperation for it to be worked out. As someone posted earlier,it's about those kids on the team,not one certain person or town or parent or color....Sequoyah sounds good to me for a team name. After all,isn't that what we are shooting for? If some teams are leaving the conference,now would be a good time to see what could be done. If the 2 jr. teams were combined,they could play with one group one week,the other group the next. That way,each LL would feel included with not much gate loss. Look at this years teams. Those 2 together,players in correct positions,could have been dominant. To me,it is definitely something that needs to be looked at and considered closely before an absolute yes or no answer can be given. Myself,I would like to see us give it a go.

I use to have a different opinion about this, but the more I think about it the more I believe your probably right. Making this happen would be a tough sell in these two towns. I think the High school coaches would have to get involved, along with some folks from both towns who's thought of mind is clearly doing what is best for the high school program through the feeder program. Not saying we don't have good folks in our youth programs because we do. I just think we would need to find head coaches who don't have kids playing and are willing to work closely and learn from the high school coaches. What do you think BlueQB12. GO CHIEFS!!!

This has been my opinion for probably the last 2 years. The more I learn about teams around us,the more I believe the kids need to be put together earlier. I know there are enough good coaches combined in both leagues to make it successful. The only drawback(if it is)would be finding another league to play in. I think it would be wise to talk to other teams in the league now,and possibly some nearby,to either form another league or join another. The quicker the kids together can work to learn the system,the more effective it will be. I know as far as Vonore is concerned,to many players have to play a position they would never play in high school because of size or strength. In my opinion,practices would be better also,with more depth to work with. It would really take a lot of cooperation and laying aside old differences,not to be brought up again,which is how it ought to be anyway. Look at a few years ago,when the combined team played Farragut and whipped up on them. I would definitely be for it. Going one step further,what would be wrong with cutters and juniors combining their teams? Any head start would have to help,considering how far behind our whole region is.