Eric55

Hold on everybody, and let's not all get down a whole new season starts today. I think (my opinion is worth nothing) the boys just had an off night. Unfortunately, that happens with teams. They had some banged up a little and were missing at least 1 starter and just had a let down after the big win at Marion. Again, as bad as we may hate it (and I hate to see them lose as much as anyone), I thought they just had an off night and will get things turned back around, healed up, and be ready to go next week. Remember Livingston Academy 2 years ago, they were either 5-5 or 6-4 (can't remember exactly) and won the state. Marion in '90 (their first state title, they had been runner-up twice) they went 7-3 and did not win the region because they lost to Sequatchie that went 10-0 and lost in the 2nd round. Anything can happen and like I said, a whole new season for us starts today. As far as the problems with some fans, I was sitting with my wife and son and could not see or hear anything until the officials walked over to the fence and escorted someone out. I don't know what happened, but because it was a school official some action should take place. Because I don't know what happened, I could not say what should occur, but I am going to assume that the proper people will find out what did go on and will address it in an appropriate manner. Let's not all get mad and down, and let's focus on supporting the team, and leave the other discussions about problems some may see, or think should be addressed, for another time and place instead of on a message board that is about high school football. Please no offense intended in any way, just my opinion.

Hey Warrior4ever, I will be the spoiler of your trivia of elementary ball. The record he is talking about was the Charger's best record and a bowl win in 1979 (I think they called it The Harvest Bowl, I will ask my folks to make sure of the name). The other record was that team was coached by a woman. My mother was the head coach that year because my brother John was in 8th grade and no one would coach them. She was the head coach and my dad and a few others helped her coach the team. I was obviously pretty young then and can't remember who all helped but I think Alfred Terry, Poss, and Jr. Wheeler helped as well. That could be wrong I would have to ask to be sure and could have left someone out, if so, sorry. I can't remember much about that season except my Grandfather passed away during the season and the whole team showed up in Crossville for the funeral which was the day they won the bowl game. So that group of boys will always be special to our family...that is the same bunch that went to the quarterfinals of the playoffs in '83. Anyway back to the subject of the thread, I think this will be a good game, but my heart bleeds blue and I believe we pull this one out by 7.

My heart goes out to the Pickett family. May God touch each one of this family in a special way and may the Great Comforter camp round about you. Our prayers go up for you and the entire Grundy community.

Wardawg, don't let things get under your skin and take your focus away from business. I know you well enough to know you won't, but sometimes it helps to know there are folks out there supporting you in your efforts. You did a great job in West TN and looks like you have already made huge improvements to Central's program. Good luck the rest of the way through and know there are many of us over here pulling for you every week. Also, tell your little Bro good luck Friday with Upperman... I have obviously not seen Cannon play but it sounds like he really has them going in the right direction. As for the battle of the "Warriors" I think it will be a close one all the way through, but in the end I think Bledsoe will pull this one out.

Sparta Boy you must really have an axe to grind. I played for Coach Brown his first year at Bledsoe (it was my Sr. year so I only played for him 1 year). We had been down for a few years prior to him coming and it took him a few years to really start winning, but a few things were certain. We were in shape, disciplined, played hard, and would hit. Coach Brown has done a good job everywhere he has been and is a class act. I have a great deal of respect and appriciation for he and his wife. My name gives who I am away to the folks around Bledsoe County, but since people on this thread don't know (or care) who I am my name is Eric Swafford (not that it matters any I just don't like to see people bash others and not tell who they are...that is just me). Good luck Clay County this Friday and the rest of the way through. Go get 'um coach!

I have seen Stone and Bledsoe. I think this game will be closer than most on here do. Stone's program is still in a building stage as this school is still very new and they could be better than their record reflects because they do play in a tough region. At the same time, Bledsoe is alot better than their record shows. Stone probably has more team speed, and Bledsoe is more physical. Stone is playing at home, and Bledsoe generally does not play in stadiums this size which could be a distraction. All in all I think it will be a good ball game to watch and I am looking forward to it. I know most of the kids and parents involved as well as the coaches and teachers. So here goes my prediction... Sorry Stone fans Bledsoe County wins this one on the road by 13 with the final score 27-14.

I rarely post on here, but I will about this game. We can win this ball game tonight. I sat and watched the game last week with my father, son, and wife and watched our boys take things to a whole new level. They played far and away better than they have all year and I never doubted we had that one all night. Colvard, Thurman, Watson, Brummit (I think is the kid's name), and I could go on and on played like champions. The offensive line looked much sharper and they ran to the football on defense with intensity. I am sure I am leaving some names out, so forgive me but I am excited about the game tonight and the rest of the way through the schedule. I think we have a very good chance to end up 6-4 and win a playoff game or two. Let's all be there tonight, make some noise, and help support our boys as the seniors win their last home game.

Coach Barger ( I will not address you by your first name on here) like you I think everyone that knows me knows who I am by my screen name. Don't let things like some of the postings on here get you distracted. No matter what call you make or what your record is there will be folks in the stands that obviously know more than you do. That is a given and you know that. I have not gotten to see your Lions this year, but will be over in a few weeks and I am looking forward to it. No offense, I hope that is the only game you lose from here on out (you understand). Remember there are alot of us over here pulling for you and wishing you all the best in the world. Just take care of business tonight and don't let others get in your head. I know you won't, but sometimes it is good to hear from those that are behind you. Tell your folks I said hello, and your big brother good luck tonight from me. For those of you from Cannon... My name is Eric Swafford, I have known Coach Barger his entire life. I have known his parents and oldest brother my whole life and his older brother and I played football for many years together. I say that to say this... You all are lucky to have someone of this man's quality and integrity working with your young people and if you will get behind him and what he is trying to do...he will build you a program and help these young people become fine young men. And isn't that what it is about!

Although I do not post often, I will say a couple of things about the upcoming game and the one this past Friday and everyone knows who I am by my name. I thought the first half we won easily regardless of being tied. I sat with my son, wife, father, and nephew and we all thought we had that one in the bag. I thought we looked good the second half with the exception of a few plays, which is going to happen. On occasion, players will miss assignments or make mistakes... it happens to teams on Sunday afternoons so it is sure going to happen to teams on Friday nights... these players are kids. Some say the team is not is shape...that is hard to tell when you have kids having to play both ways (which happens with small schools in rural areas) against kids only playing one way which most of Tyner's players did. As far as Upperman, I have not seen them...my oldest brother did in a jamboree and said they were an average football team that has some athletes and a good QB, but were not real physical...that we could beat them if we play hard. Again, I have not seen them, but it should be a good game to see and I hope my schedule allows me to be there. I am probably going to offend someone, and I do not mean to at all, but for those that think my father would post on here under a screen name, you should get to know him a little better. He hates the internet, does not like computers at all, will not get one at home, and only e-mails because he has to at work. He even refuses to check voice mail on his cell phone. Again, please do not take offense. I rarely post on here and only get to read on occasion, but I obviously care about BCHS, and the future of Bledsoe County. Not only because of the position you all have allowed me to hold, but also because it is where I have chosen to raise my family. My prediction for the score: Bledsoe 21 Upperman 13

As anyone on here can see I very rarely post here, but as a proud member of our community and former player (not a very good one) I just thought I would put my 2 cents in. I realize there are some folks upset with the administration and the coaching staff. As long as I can remember, that has been the case. I know it is not easy for them to please everyone and at times it is not easy to please anyone. That is no different in Bledsoe County than in other counties that I am aware of. We are only 1 game into the season, it is still early. I know every game counts, but today starts a new week and regardless of whether anyone is happy with the current situation or not, it just is what it is and I believe we all need to pull together as a community and support each other and the kids as much as possible. I am proud of our community and I know everyone else is too, so let's pull together and make it the best we can. I would also like to say a couple of things about the Little Blue program. My son plays, and I am trying to help out with the coaching of his team (trying is about all I can do), and I have not heard anyone being anything but positive about the kids, parents, facilities, or support from the community. I had one individual that is heavily involved that said this "we try just to do what is right for the kids and everything else just takes care of itself". I thought that was pretty good words to use in any situation. I guess I say all that to say this... Let's all pull together to make this the best football season we can for the kids of this community and GO BIG BLUE!

Warrior2024, glad to see that you are bringing your team over for the jamboree. I am sure it will be very exciting for those kids, it is certainly something to see and be a part of. Good luck and tell the same to your older brother for me.

It has been almost 17 years since I played my last down, but it seems like yesterday. I remember our center that I played beside from 2nd grade standing on the sideline beside me as we watched the clock hit the last 10 seconds. I will never forget he grabbed my hand and said I can't believe its really over. I remember taking that long walk off the field and taking my helmet off for the last time. I even remember walking out of the dressing room and seeing my Mom and knowing that I could never play the game I loved so much again. I can even remember placing my bag in the trunk of my parents car and slamming it shut, and even the next morning and feeling like a part of me had died. There really is nothing like it in the world and I am so thankful that just this week my son got to start playing. It is just little blue of course at his age, but I know soon enough it will be to him what it is to all of us... it is not just a game, it is a part of us that no one can ever take away, it is a part of who and what we are. "God gives us memories so we can have roses in December"

Care about Bledsoe or not, really does not matter. (although that was funny) With the dramatic improvement Bledsoe made last year, the group of players that they have this year, and the increasing community support that is behind them... Bledsoe County will once again be a factor in the Valley. Good Luck Warriors and Go Big Blue!

Warrior4ever, I would agree with you that the '83 team was the best, but I do think the '86 team was a close 2nd. I have read many of your posts and you obviously have studied and watched football here for a long time and you actually get what it means to be a "warrior". Vpender, I know our kids are going to be playing together and hopefully we can all work together and teach them a little about the game and to have some fun playing it. See you on Monday, and let's have a good year and start building this next generation of Big Blue Warriors.

Coach you left out Marty Swafford that played tight end on the '90 team and Richard Smith started at gaurd that year and the next. It is not hard to figure out who I am on here as my name gives it away. I wish you all the success in the world this season. Of course we played together a several years and as with your coaching (yes, I check your scores every week to see how you are doing) when you played you left it all on the field. Bledsoe Co. Warrior, you are a class act and it was a pleasure playing with you and I appreciate the work you are doing with the young people now. I have watched the Big Blue all my life and am proud that I got to wear the Blue and Gold and am excited that my son is starting to play next week (Little Blue or course). I have seen coaches that had much success and some that did not. I do think it is a little early to judge how well Coach Roberson will do and as we all know, he played on one of the better teams ever at BCHS. I guess we will know in the coming weeks if the kids are prepared, but I have watched many of these kids grow up and watched many of their parents wear the blue and gold as I was growing up and I do believe they can win some ball games and make us proud. I for one am excited about this season and can't wait for it to get here. Coach Barger, best of luck to you this year we are all pulling for you. Tell your little Bro. good luck as well and I will be pulling for him every week but 1, sorry (and I do understand blood is thicker than water).