ehsfootballrules

Coincidentally, both injuries occurred on the exact same play

Old habits die hard... You just haven't seen it because most of it is in the bottom of the pile or away from the play. EHS should expect a street fight, especially if the score gets out of hand.

On a similar note, Jefferson was invited to the Jeff Fisher Show tonight, I believe as player of the week or something along those lines. He will be attending, along with his Offensive Linemen who he invited to come with him. It's refreshing to see someone with his talent who realizes that they can't do it on their own, and shows his appreciation to those around him.

I didn't realize that Father Ryan and BGA were "the Little Sisters of the Blind." Last time I checked, they are a perennial powerhouse and an undefeated team respectively.

It really is a shame that EHS hired a great educator, a devoted public servant, and an impeccable human being.

I definitely agree with you that the risk of the students was rewarded. There were some incredible opportunities given to the Class of '08, but immediate success in football simply wasn't one of them (or at least no one thought it would be).

In response to all of the people saying Ensworth scheduled a lot of weak opponents: You are right. However, I think that there is a significant reason behind the decision that is not being mentioned. Games are scheduled as a home and home series, so this year's schedule is the same one that EHS played last year, with the only difference being the venue. Last year, EHS' team was filled with players from the school's first ever senior class. They took a significant risk in coming to the school, and they certainly weren't able to compete at a high level in their first few years. Also, the Class of 2008 played a large role in EHS' move up to the upper part of DII. As a result, I think that Coach Bowers felt a responsibility to those players to guarantee them some level of success. EHS wasn't expected to compete like they did last year against the likes of MBA, Father Ryan, BA, etc. so I think Bowers wanted to make sure that the Class of 2008 would have some victories to show for all of their sacrifices. The only problem with that was that now this year the current team is stuck playing the same schedule which was pretty weak early on in the year.

That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard

I guess that explains why MBA's coaching staff is full of Bowers' former players...

Actually she goes to Lipscomb, but otherwise, your statement is entirely correct.

Do you honestly think that anyone on here believes that you go to Ensworth?

I'm glad someone appreciated that... Good point about EHS' O-line. They have guys that have been starting since they were freshmen, and overall they are a tough, physical group. Expect the big boys up front to have a major impact for the Tigers.

I would definitely carpool if possible, because parking will be a nightmare.

I don't think that the loss to MBA last year broke EHS' season. I think that the reason they seemed like a different team was that they lost Jefferson for the season, which obviously was devastating. That having been said, the Big E had a great year last year, much better than expected. They got a big playoff win at Christian Brothers, but then they ran into a great BA team in the semis. This is going to be a very tough game for both teams. It will be physical, and it will be emotional for everyone involved. It will be a great atmosphere. Both teams have shown the ability to win close games, and both teams will be excited for this contest. Both teams have suffered major injuries as well. Expect both teams to be ready to play. MBA has a clear advantage when it comes to depth. They simply have more guys to choose from than EHS. EHS however, seems to be slightly more talented than MBA this year. Ensworth's OL and DL are very underrated, and they should be able to take control of the line of scrimmage. Jefferson and Opoku Darkwa are extremely talented backs who can score on any given play. That having been said, I think this game will come down to a crucial 4th quarter. Games like these are often decided by experience, and for the first time ever, this advantage goes to the Tigers. The Big Red lost most of their starters, while EHS only graduated a few key players from last year's team (#66 and #37 come to mind). I expect EHS to come up big in a pressure situation late in the game, whether its a late TD, or a big stop on D. Tigers 27, Big Red 24

There are actually more stands than there were for the Ryan game last year. They have put in stands behind the fence of the scoreboard end zone, as well as getting bigger stands on the visitor sideline. That having been said, I still don't think there will be nearly enough seats, so anyone who is going to the game should be ready to watch the game on their feet.

I agree that Knox Webb did lose focus, but EHS looked flat even after the unfortunate injury. Does anyone have an update on that player's condition?

First of all, he doesn't have an ethnic name. Second of all, he's bigger than that. Back to the important topic. EHS as many have pointed out, has not been tested this season. That changes tomorrow night. McCallie is a good team, but I don't think they match up against the Tigers. I wouldn't be surprised if McCallie jumps out to an early lead, because EHS looked flat against Knoxville Webb. But even if McCallie gets up early, EHS has a veteran team with great coaches, and they are certainly capable of coming back and regaining control of the game. All that having been said, EHS by at least 14.

An MBA fan who respects Ensworth?????? That's very refreshing!

One thing to keep in mind about the EHS schedule: Games are played as a home and home series, so the agreements come as a two year deal. All of the games on the schedule are the same opponents from last year; a year in which EHS wasn't expected to compete with the better teams of DII. As a result, they had to schedule some easier games than they will from here on out. I certainly believe that Knoxville Webb is a much better team than Stone Memorial though, so it might not be quite as comfortable as the last few games. EHS still wins big though.

Did it ever occur to any of you that maybe, just maybe, these "recruits" as you call them are good students as well? I know for a fact that all of the players to whom y'all have alluded work hard in the classroom, and would no longer have the opportunity to be at Ensworth if they didn't. Ensworth has a number of students on financial aid who don't play any sports, and yet they still have the opportunity to get a great education. Not all financial aid at Ensworth goes to athletes. Now, I'm not saying that athleticism has nothing to do with the allocation of financial resources, because that would be naive. I am however saying that there is more than meets the eye with the STUDENT athletes in question.

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