hablogarbaje

My first post in forever and a day. Where does one begin? First let me say in response to a previous post in this thread that I could care less about the past history of these two schools. Everyone knows that we have not beaten them in years. Everyone knows that not only have they beaten us, they have beaten us badly. Everyone knows about their playoff experiences,- going all the way to the state finals a few years ago. Yes Cloudland has been a football school for many years and Unaka has not. But you know what? Friday night on the field none of this matters. This is here and now, which is what is great about sports. Always a chance at redemption, always room for improvement. And that is why the post I am referring to is assenine. Read it carefully and you'll find that it takes place in two different tenses. He reminds Unaka what they've got coming while making an implied reference to what Cloudland has always had. Now why could that be? Anyway, I don't have time to fool with a person who responds to a one-sentence topic starter thread with that kind of crap and drivel. Moving on. About the Fritz article. When I read the first few sentences I was immediately wondering one thing. Why. Why the deviation from the standard, oh-so-insightful, pre-game analysis complete with final score prediction? Was his crystal ball broken, or did he decide to stop being a sports writer and try his hand at an editorial? Was he trying to set the stage and turn up the intensity of the game by writing this? If so, he should really try to get out and about more, because that won't be necessary. Perhaps he had a deadline and a bad case of writers block and decided to plagarize half of what I've read on Unaka football threads here? Perhaps he thinks Unaka needs to be brought down a notch? Heck I just don't know. But I do know this: you crossed a line, Mr. Fritz. And here's why,- there is no relevance to your assertions. It would be different if coaches were doing interviews bragging about their success and making inflated predictions about where this team is heading. No one has done that. It would be different if Coach Ensor had tried to secretly schedule more wins so that the Rangers would suddenly look mightier than they are. He did not do that. In fact, it was very publicly done. Unaka started playing schools that it could better compete with last year. In fact, they lost to both Hurley and Twin Springs last year. You see, the idea was to play games and compete, build up interest, and then try to elevate the level of play, and yes- in that particular order. The first and second have been accomplished. The third doesn't happen overnight, but they are working on it, and moving in a positive direction, IMHO. What Mr. Fritz did, without using the first bit of slanderous language, was to insult not only the coaching staff, school and community, but, most importantly, the boys that play. Their accomplishments were downplayed by Mr. Fritz and all his schedule analysis of single A schools from Oakdale to Richmond. You see, Mr. Fritz, what you (and so many naysayers on this board) don't understand is that although playoffs and state championships deal in absolutes, that success for a struggling program is relative. We had a very small core group of players just a couple of years ago who played despite the criticism, scrutiny and losses,- and there was plenty of each. A decision was made PUBLICLY to schedule more competitive games. Last year the Rangers were 5-5. They improved and this year they are 7-0, thus far. That is huge. Huge to all? No. But to these boys, this school and community? Without question. It is a taste of success, and success breeds success. Honestly, other than perhaps some kid on this site trying to stir the pot, has anyone from Unaka predicted State Titles or going deep in the playoffs, or otherwise extreme predictions? No. Some of the boys may believe that (I hope they all do because someone without dreams is destined to be small), but they don't voice it. They are just thrilled to be competing with their opponents, in significant numbers, and making strides. On a side note, Mr. Fritz, if you are really going to waste your time telling about single A rankings in Virginia, then you could at least point out that they have a three tier classification system there and not a five tier one. Have you ever actually seen top notch single A football in Virginia? It's no slouch. Appalachia used to be one of them. About ten years ago. They're not what they used to be either. At any rate, stick to what you know (game analysis and predictions), or start lobbying the TSSAA to start a BCS type of system. As for our schedule, well, in one sense I am inclined to say that it is of no concern or consequence to anyone and that they should apply for a different job if they wish to have a say in it. But I will refrain from stooping to that level. So I will say this, because I haven't read where anyone has mentioned it here. Football schedules are made out on a two year basis for the most part. You know, the home and home thing. I would look for a few changes next year if I were a betting man. We couldn't cancel on our obligations for this season. But come to think of it, why would we have? Like I said above, we were only 5-5 last year! Looks like someone should have done a better job padding schedules. Those sneaky football coaches.

Great job, Rangers! The game on Saturday could not have been more perfect if had been scripted. Everyone in the Ranger Community is proud of you all. Excellent job! Your hard play, discipline, and class has payed off. Congratulations, you deserve it.

Exactly. That is why arguing about it is just silly. If the classifications had no purpose, then we would have an at-large tournament.

Wrong. The first poster was correct. It has the long A sound in the middle. You-nay-kah.

We had it moved up there for the sub-state game. It was all part of the master plan. What is all this going on and on about the score keeper (talking about several different posts here, not just the one I quoted above)? Did he shave some of your points or something? The only thing I am aware of is that he failed to start it one time. And here's the thing about that,- Wartburg was behind. It was to your advantage. If there is more to it, then perhaps you should be more specific instead of all this "blah blah blah blah blah scorekeeper blah blah blah blah blah blah blah refs blah blah blah blah blah blah homecooking blah blah." This is a bit infuriating. You're a little ticked because of several things in the game, and I'm not taking issue with that. It's part of playing games (being emotional, mad, etc.), especially high stakes ones. But to come on here and insult the area, the Community, and the facilities, all in the name of giving us a lecture on how to have class is quite hypocritical on your part. I just love it [sarcasm] when folks get on here and act like they personally have never been rowdy at a game, nor have they ever seen a game in their neck of the woods where anyone has gotten rowdy, while on other parts of this very web site there are entire threads devoted to "who has the craziest/rowdiest/loudest fans". I guess when the argument works for you it is okay to use it? As for class, I'll tell you who did have some Saturday night. In fact, they had plenty. That was the Lady Rangers. They didn't talk, rant and rave, or any of that garbage. They just played. And won. I'm sure this post will incite some colorful responses, but that is not what I'm after, and frankly I could care less. Just spare us the lectures. I just can't stand to hear all this sensationalized bull without finally saying something.

What a ridiculous statement after a 500 word post. You're on CoachT critizing people for talking about games on CoachT. Turn off your computer if you don't want to read opinions about games that were and will be played. "People need to stop 'Coacht-ing' like game [typo] are decided here." Perhaps you misunderstood. I was talking about the way people bicker back and forth about the outcome of games, both past and future. I did NOT say people need to stop posting. The last five words are the key here. But....think, say, do whatever you like. I have not been beligerent in a single post, nor will I. But I think I will turn my computer off now because I have much to do.

No re-read necessary. I got all that the first time. The "chicken" part was the only part I politely took issue with. I guess I was supposed to say "thanks" for the "smart" part?? As for the TSSAA sending a clock keeper,- take that issue up with them. Unaka has no more to do with that than you do. In fact, I even alluded to the possibility of the TSSAA doing that in my previous post, I just didn't elaborate on it because it is a non-issue. I have no gripes to air here. Cosby fans are upset,- that is a given. A question for all open-minded individuals out there: how many "terribly officiated" games have you seen that would have been "excellent jobs" done by referees if your team had just made a couple of more shots or free-throws, had one less turnover, etc., etc....No one has blamed refs here, but I am making a parallel. In a game this close with this much emotion, people will find a target to release their frustration and anger on. It's not a new thing, EagleEye, so I am not taking issue with you. I really don't care. The boys from both sides fought extremely hard. People need to stop "CoachT-ing" like game are decided here. The games are played, so a lot of people get their feathers ruffled. As for the gold ball comment, well I probably shouldn't even respond, but I will say this: next week Unaka will be in Murfreesboro to play FRA. The brackets are selected at random, which means that there is no way to order them by seed. This implies that the elite eight is just that,- the top eight teams in the state. Will we win the gold ball? I certainly hope so but I'll have to tell you next week. Will anyone who is currently at the house win it? Nope. Say whatever you want. I won't go any further down this path of arguing about history. I'll leave with this,- Cosby played a great game. They have a very good team. Best of luck to all of them. Rangers,- congratulations. You deserve what you have earned.

Just wanted to take a moment and wish the Lady Rangers the best of luck in Murfreesboro this week! We are very proud of you!

Nobody at Unaka knew any of those officials. They are from a neutral location. How could they (or why would they?) be biased for our girls?? It all sounds like sour grapes to me.

Any reasonable person would have to stop short of calling it home cooking because until the TSSAA starts sending a fourth official to keep the clock, it will continue to be customary that the home school keep the clock. I am not saying that the home team should be able to tamper with the clock. I AM saying that just because a home team keeps it doesn't mean it is tampered with. What happened was not complicated. Cosby ran an inbounds play where the out-of-bounds player throws the ball to another player who is out-of-bounds along the baseline, which as everyone knows is perfectly legal. The clock was inadvertently started on that pass, because from the far end of the gym, (which is where I was, although not up top), it was appeared that the ball had been inbounded along the baseline. No attempt at foul play was made. The 3 seconds were restored. The only misfortune here is that the confusion leads to all this speculation and venting, but that's just the nature of competitive sport, so que sera sera I guess. And to the poster who said it was "chicken" to hold the ball I would say this: Unaka was taking a good bit of time working for a good shot anyway. So with nearly 1:30 left to go it was not unlikely that Cosby would not have the ball in their front court again until there was less than a minute to play. Now with the game tied and no guarantee of making your next shot I ask what would you do? I think that if we had taken a shot rather quickly and missed that Cosby would have held for the last shot, which was not a desirable situation to be in. It was a gutsy call because a lot of things can go wrong in minute and a half. The boys executed it well. To Cosby,- congratulations on a great season and best wishes. To the Rangers,- Way to go! We are all very proud! You just refused to go away, didn't you? Excellent. Now focus on the task at hand.

Let's put all of this arguing in perspective here with a little hypothetical situation. Suppose some very passionate fans/players from two schools have a heated debate on an internet message board over the potential outcome of a district championship game that is going to be played. Now these fans aren't just your average fans,- they go about this debate like the game itself is hinged on it. So they continually throw verbal puches in a frantic effort to win all argument and hopefully earn a better seed in the regional. Oh what's that you say? This site does not determine the district championship? Oops! My bad. I thought that it certainly must judging by the way people pour their heart and soul into these silly debates. The problem, you see, is that regardless of who has the best insults here, the best match up arguments, the best references to past records both home and away,- it all means about as much as a San Francisco marriage license,- nothing. What consolation will it be to you if you feel like you put everyone on coachT in their proper place only to have your team lose the game? A very insignificant one I assure you. So be there, buy a ticket, because the grand argument is tonight. The rest is quite silly. Just my humble thoughts on the matter.

wow, and we haven't even seen the first lousy call yet. seriously, i think we should tone it down a bit. there is going to be plenty of time for all of this when it rolls around. when the time is right, i'll even get into an argument or two myself. but this is just silly. like i've said quite a bit already,- time will tell. we'll see. but i do have to know one thing: flossie, why do you spend so much time arguing with the kids on this board. i, along with many other adults, have adressed numerous comments to you with no reply. is there a particular reason for this or are you just easy to cross-up?

and the check continues to balloon out of control. we shall see is all i can say. predictions are just that. they are of no value. time will tell.

keep adding zeros to the end of that fat check you're writing. we'll see if you can cash it.

flossie, to be honest with you it is hard not to misinterpret your posts if your intentions were what you say they were. one minute you're bashing your hometeam for lack of heart and dedication, which i don't think anyone bought. then, you're bashing the other county schools for not providing enough competition, which i KNOW no one bought. so which is it? you can't have it both ways. by the way, i know that carter county provides school buses for away games, so if you want better competition then go get it! unaka and hampton are the only county schools you play, with unaka being the only conference game. that leaves you nine to play with. you wanna play hampton, fine. that's got a great tradition. but you don't have to play them twice like you often have done. now that leaves you eight to play with, so go get you some of whatever it is you want. i assure you that it's out there somewhere. that's my solution to your little problem. but for the record, i still don't buy it. if you want to wait for someone else to help you win a title then go ahead and get comfy cause it will be a long while (never). i'm not saying the other schools won't improve,- they will. i'm saying that titles are about your determination, dedication, heart, and ability, not that of your opponent. it's just not a championship caliber argument, this idea of "it's everybody's fault". i never once heard jim kelly, thurman thomas, or marv levy say that the AFC just didn't provide them with good enough competition when they failed four times in row against four different teams to win it all. sorry if this is a bit long. one last thing. i was not implying that the landers have a losing attitude, or a lacking attitude. in fact i have never heard anything like this from anyone but flossie. i don't want anyone to misunderstand what i'm saying. this is just to him.