BigDog7

Someone asked how many finals for CBHS. This is the fifth in a row and six out of the last seven. Of those six, they have won one. As a die-hard Brothers fan, I'm pulling hard for them to go all the way this year. Of the five final losses, two have been to Father Ryan, so don't look for them to be intimidated. Congrats to both teams for getting there, but Go Brothers!!

In the Battle for LeBonheur charity games in Memphis on Tuesday night: Collierville and MUS tied 1-1 in crazy wind conditions. Nightcap was CBHS over White Station 2-0 in the crazy rain that followed the wind. In the end, the winners were once again the kids at LeBonheur Children's Hospital and the John Talley Neurological Cancer Research Fund. Thanks to all four of those teams and the players and coaches for being a part of something much bigger and more important than soccer! /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

Ned, I was also at the game, although my last one graduated from CBHS last year. I want to pass along an observation on Maryville's coach. Late in the game, a Maryville player bumped a CBHS player on the far side near the sideline. It was nothing major, no dirty play, but the CBHS player ended up down on the track surface. I could hear M'ville's coach admonishing his player that there was no reason for anybody to get hurt and to knock it off, in so many words. That was a class act! I don't know your coach's name, but I really appreciated his sportsmanship and concern for the players early in the season. Best of luck this year! /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

CBHS 2 Hendersonville 0

I just noticed on CBHS website that CBHS and Hendersonville play on 3/20 at CBHS. Should be a great match and provide some interesting early season results.

Never viewed it as boo-hooing, not at all. Just wanted to let good coaches know they do make a difference, and it is appreciated by good parents. I'd make a side bet that the "urinators", if not already, will be working for your kids someday!

Amen to that!! Been on both sides of the same statement . . .

Dins8, I think it depends upon your definition of winning. If it's the score of a single game, or championship and in the context of the original question, I think we're all agreed on speed, technical ability, and more speed. I like to think of the definition of winning more along the lines of John Wooden's. He defined it as every player getting the most out of his ability every time down the court. That is a very tall order, but he said if you do that, the W's and L's will take care of themselves. That requires G's 10. I also define the game as not ending at the end of a high school or college career, it's when we all have to make that final accounting. It sounds like you are a coach, so please know I respect and appreciate the value of your's and G's profession. You are a key figure in the lives of young men when they don't necessarily believe or want to hear from their parents! I encourage you to always tell your kids they can beat the powerhouses, but to also challenge their definition of winning. During my playing days (not in soccer, we didn't even know what that was), we never got out of the county playoffs, and I've been on the wrong end of some major a-whippings. But, I was also involved in a couple of "Miracle" games. They do happen. I'm quickly approaching 50 and I can say I've had people metaphorically "urinate on my field" many times since high school. However, I can definitely say that based upon God's grace and the lessons I learned playing sports in high school, I've had more than my share of W's. So, this post is to say thanks to guys like you and G and all the other coaches. But, moreover, to help you realize that whether you get your brains beat out or you dust somebody else, y'all are powerful influences on what the score will look like 25 years from now. If it gets frustrating, just review your definition of winning. And, to quote "Coach" Miagi in Daniel's championship match against the Cobra Kai's - "It's okay to lose - it's not okay to be afraid". Respectfully, BD7

Several years back, I saw an interview with whom I believe is one of the greatest coaches I have ever seen, John Wooden. This was during the time when players and whole teams were threatening to "walk out" and other such nonsense because they didn't like the coach or his style. They asked Coach W about team discipline, etc. and he said "Coaches today have the greatest tool readily available to them to manage their players. It's called the bench. In the end, they all want to play." He then went on to tell the now famous story of Bill Walton showing up with a beard on the first day of practice, knowing there was a strict team rule against facial hair. He told Coach W that based upon his personal beliefs and convictions, he was going to wear the beard. Coach W told him "Bill, I respect a man who stands up for what he believes. We're going to miss you." The next day, Walton shows up clean shaven. I've never coached at the high school level, but I've "coached" plenty of my own teams in the business world. If you have a problem player, you bring it to their attention, make it clear what the expectations are and that you want them to be a part of the success (an important point). If they don't come around, you terminate them. I've never failed to see the rest of the team come together, pick up the slack, and normally operate much more effectively. I've watched John Calipari do this with the Memphis Tigers basketball and not only has he reinvigorated a program, but he has made the difference in the lives of a lot of young men.

Since my youngest graduated from CBHS last year, I'm not as tied in as the past, but will offer these observations. Houston did lose a very large and talented Senior class. They will be competitive in this area, but not dominant as in the past. I think they will find tough going at the state level. They do have an excellent goalie in Will Powell, though. If he stays focused, he could carry them further than people expect. CBHS can, once again, go as far as they let themselves go. They have a very large and talented Senior class, followed by a talented Junior class, followed by a talented Sophmore class, etc. They lost a small group of Seniors from last year in what was probably the least talented of classes for CBHS in a while. However, that group of Seniors were the best leaders they have had in a while. Hence, their performance last year. This year, JJ certainly bears the responsibility of being the leader on that team, but there are others that must step us also, i.e. Devin Character. If they do, they will be hard to beat. If not, there are plenty of teams that can knock them off at the state level. St. Benedict may be the surprise D2 out of Memphis this year. Now, about settling games with PK's . . . (just kidding, G. That can of worms won't be opened again by me) /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" />

My bad. I stand corrected. Thanks!

If it's D3, then probably academic scholarship. They don't give athletic scholarships in that division.

Not to worry - Dr. J is all show and no go! I've seen him play golf . . . /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" /> Trying to figure you out rockytopreigns - should be easy given only one or two Big Orange fans in this part of the state!

Gotcha' JA!

On paper, Dr.J, I would have to agree. However, I don't have to look back but to 2007 to see a Baylor team of "no names", as was reported, scrap together and end up beating a loaded CBHS team for the championship. That same CBHS team graduated 11 Seniors and 9 starters, causing some to question their capability in 2008. I think they showed well this year. Houston does graduate some very talented Seniors, but they will return a very capable Senior goalie in Will Powell and some good athletes looking for their chance. It should be interesting.

And to think I've never taken the time to understand hockey, nor watch it! I still don't understand the significance of that dude throwing an octopus onto the ice. Maybe I'll try that next year if someone goes to PK's! /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" /> Your final point is well made!

Wow - what an excellent and well written insight from a player's perspective! Thank you for taking the time to compose your thoughts and respond so credibly. If I've marginalized Father Ryan's victory in any way, you have my sincere apology. That was never meant to be the case. You are absolutely right - you played the game under the structure established for both teams. It was a great battle and the players on both sides left it all on the field. You have my respect for your efforts, my congratulations on your win, and my best wishes for future success after high school! /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />

The only reason I will even respond to this is the sore loser comment. Hopefully, anything I've posted would be interpreted as being a gracious loser. If you will take the time to go back and read all the posts, you will see the discussion is about an idea, not a specific game. And, it has been an interesting thread. The remainder of your post is your perspective and, as with everyone's, I respect your right to your views. However, as you grow older, hopefully you'll realize that personal attacks in a public forum, particularly without any facts, only detract from any credibility you may have or hope to develop.

In a season of great ones, I will go with CBHS v Houston in the Battle For LeBonheur to kick off the season for the following reasons. 3. It renewed a great rivalry. 2. There were 1,200 people at the game, complete with band and cheerleaders. 1. It did something great for the kids at LeBonheur Children's Hospital and, when you think about it, puts all this stuff about winning soccer games in the proper perspective.

Good input from all perspectives. My youngest has just graduated, so I no longer have a dog in the fight. But, I do enjoy a good debate! Best wishes for a good Summer for all. Go Cardinals . . .

Are you kidding me?? CAK would never lose. Have you seen G's forearms? The guy's a monster! /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" />

You've made my point. They are not playing the game to win. They are playing to hold out for 110 minutes. There is a difference. I would venture that you would not have as many 110 minute games if KFTM were not an option. The incentive would be to play and win by scoring goals - as it should be. I believe more games would be settled earlier, not take longer. You would only see packing it in when a team was ahead, and as I've said above, that is a very legitimate use of the strategy. I would also argue that the CBHS players were not "ready to just stop". They had FR on the ropes and would have welcomed the opportunity to continue playing. I do agree that PK's are an integral part of the game. They are the reward/penalty for a penal foul in the box, and take place during the normal course of play. They are very exciting and have an important place in the game. They are also exciting during KFTM to settle championships, but that still doesn't make them the best way to determine a championship team. I believe most players, if asked not in the heat of a tournament, would prefer not to settle the game with KFTM.

Whoa, ease up a little. While I don't care about the polls either, the guy's just giving some props!

Good points, no doubt. Across championship teams in all sports, I believe one would find both fitness and bench strength. That is part of what makes them good. A lot of time, the bench ends up being a key part of the victory. It's the totality of the team. It brings strategic substitution into the strategy of the game. I prefer to think of it as someone scoring a goal instead of giving up a goal, but regardless, even if it is walking, the game is decided by the players playing the game. A few years ago I would have agreed with you on the better team finding a way to score even if the opponent "packs it in". However, having watched it now on numerous occassions, I will say it is very, very tough! The D2 A final between St. George's and Webb was a perfect example. In what was arguably the biggest mismatch in a state final, St. George's was less than 3 minutes from going to PK's against a team it completely dominated and was clearly superior to. The statistics will validate that statement. Webb had everybody back and completely relied on a hot keeper (and boy, was he hot!! Hats off to that kid!). Going to PK's would have dramatically increased Webb's odds, yet it would have had very little to do with the team. St. George's was firing at will. I'm not knocking Webb. They are to be congratulated for their run, and I wish them well in the future. I don't know if their keeper is always that good, but he was special in that game! Just for clarification, I wish that CBHS had won four in a row. Actually, it was two runs of three. Seven of the last eight years have been in the finals, with three wins and four seconds. I do agree I think this debate will continue for a long while, but I remain in the corner of playing it out on the field.

First, congratulations to Father Ryan on winning the D2 AA this year. Well done. Second, this is not about the strategy of putting ten or eleven men behind the ball (packing it in), although it will seem that way. Third, this is not sour grapes even though CBHS finished second for the fourth year in a row. Having watched a combination of my two sons playing there over the last six years, I believe year in and year out it is one of the top, if not the top, program in the state. Fourth, my wife is tired of hearing me talk about this and finally told me to go tell someone who cares! Keeping is short, I believe KFTM should be removed as a way of settling playoff games. It encourages teams to pack it in and play for a tie, knowing the odds change dramatically if you can get to that point. I believe packing it in is a very good and legitimate strategy for protecting a lead. Last year's final saw Baylor go up 1-0 on CBHS and they protected the lead. An excellent strategy used in the right situation and they won in regulation - as it should be. In the six years I've watched state, CBHS has been eliminated three of those years in PK's. In each case, the opposition ended up, some in the beginning, packing it in and playing for a tie because they were tired or refused to engage against a better team. That is within the rules, so no problem. I just believe it does not produce a true champion. CBHS also won a quarterfinal game in PK's one year. In my opinion, that was luck on our part. To me, packing it in is not the villain, it is KFTM. It rewards the strategy, when the strategy would most likely not be used otherwise. The game is not settled by the team, and it only sets someone - a keeper or a shooter - to be the goat in the loss. To me, it is similar to shooting free throws to decide a basketball game. Speaking of basketball, those of us old enough to remember, the NCAA put in the shot clock for a very similar reason years ago. Teams would go into the four corner stall, and the game became a travesty. My suggestion, and I saw it used in SuperClubs - once with my son's team and once as a referee. Play the two tens to completion. Still tied? Go to 7v7 golden goal for five minutes. Still tied? Go to 6v6 golden goal. Keep doing that, and a team will win and it will be decided by the players playing the game - not trying to outguess each other at the PK line. BTW, neither of the two games took more than the 7v7 period. It changes the game dramatically. I plan on suggesting this to the TSSAA, but who knows how that will be taken?? Again, a sincere congrats to Father Ryan this year, BGA in 2006, and University School of Nashville in 2004. Those were all wins of which you should be proud.