Former44

Farragut was in this game right until the end. Having just taken the lead, Farragut was off the field - forcing a West punt on the ensuing possession - when the muffed punt just absolutely killed Farragut’s momentum; and, it gave the West offense a second opportunity. To West’s credit, they took advantage of the turnover. You just can't give good teams additional opportunities. Dropped passes by open receivers that had big-play potential didn’t help either. I was also disappointed that Farragut didn’t rotate more on the defensive front. I know #45 wasn’t dressed. However, why didn’t #44 play after the first series? Was he injured? I don’t recall a single DE substitution after the first or second series. Farragut did well with the quick-hit run game. It was counter and delay action that allowed the West defensive speed to close on the C gap stuff - including the inside zone cutback where I thought West also maintained good leverage.

As Farragut fans, I think we have to credit Bradley Central for making the Admirals look slow at times throughout the game – coupled with perhaps one of the more inexperienced teams Farragut has fielded in several years, i.e., occasional missed run fits, bad angles, over-pursuit, etc. Inexperience notwithstanding, Bradley Central has several special athletes and special athletes are going to make plays – that is a dangerous football team. Overall, based on what I have observed thus far, I think the defense has a chance to be pretty solid – they just need reps. I thought they really flew around, played hard and produced takeaways in the second half. I was actually pleasantly surprised at Farragut's overall speed on defense. I thought the secondary (aside from maybe needing to do a little bit better job getting off blocks) did an outstanding job for the most part, particularly in coverage. Having seen him play last year, I knew White had wheels, but Foody is FAST! He broke up a couple of big deep balls in coverage.In addition, on one of the Bradley Central breakaways, Foody gave chase from the other side of the field and he was closing the entire way – I can see where he might be a deep threat on the other side of the ball as well. Farragut has struggled to run the football against West for the last several years. As well as the Farragut offensive line played on Friday night, the West defensive front will be a monumental challenge. At the same time, I believe Farragut must stay committed to the run or Wilkinson will be the one running (for his life) when it comes time to throw the football. I do agree with you... West is scary.

Yes, that is tough news, particularly so close to the first game.

The two QB's, Gavin Wilkinson and Jake Evans, had differing skill sets. I'm sure many thought Wilkinson, with the superior arm talent, should have gotten all the reps. However, Farragut likely would have lost multiple games in 2017 and 2018 had Jake not come off the bench to spark the Admiral offense - via the zone read and his superior running ability - when, quite frankly, the passing game was floundering (2017 Bearden and 2018 Science Hill readily come to mind as a couple of examples if I recall correctly - but there were more). Jake didn't have the zip Gavin possesses, but he was an accurate passer as well. With respect to the backup quarterback this year, he is a sophomore and he has good wheels and he throws a really nice ball. I think he is going to be an outstanding player. As far as physical running backs go, Farragut has actually had a pretty good list of them, dating all the way back to 2007 when they first implemented the spread offense – Sterling, Purty, Freeman, Fain, Thomas, Hardin, Carter. Not only were they physical runners, but I can't tell you how many times I saw more than one of those guys literally de-cleat someone in pass pro. I hope someone can step up and fill that role this year. Matt White has looked very good when he has gotten the opportunity and I imagine he will look even better when he is able to play without the protective wrap on his hand. At the same time, I can't help but find it somewhat bittersweet that White's move to RB virtually guarantees that he will spend less time at defensive back where I believe he had five interceptions in 2018.

I alluded to this on another thread, but I saw #8 Purcell play both TE and RB in games as a freshman. At RB he was a bruiser (both running and pass pro) and, at that time, appeared to have good instincts and vision. I remember thinking that another “Cooper Hardin” was on the way. I know how valuable Purcell is on defense , but I can’t help but be curious if he could help the team with a few carries on offense. Perhaps the coaches have already considered it. At any rate, it was just a thought.

Farragut's offensive line is considerably behind O lines from the last several years at this point. Of course, that is to be expected as there are several new faces. Farragut will need to see improvement and also build depth here. The running game has struggled. Some of the struggles are clearly attributable to inconsistent OL play, but this will be the first time in several years that Farragut enters the season without a proven RB (Fain, Thomas, Hardin, Gibbs, Carter). Finding that guy will be key, IMO. The defensive line is completely new as are the inside backers. I think both can be solid... with more reps and the right combinations on the field. Based on observations from the spring, two scrimmages and the jamboree, this will definitely not be the most talented team Farragut has fielded over the last several years; however, if they can stay healthy and build depth as the season goes on, I think they can have a solid team. Overall, this team is less experienced than Farragut has been in quite a while and they will need some young players to step up.

With respect to the Greeneville @ Farragut scrimmage, I thought both offensive lines clearly struggled at times. Greeneville's initial drives were plagued by penalties, while a couple of Farragut drives were similarly plagued by dropped passes. Neither team did very much offensively until Farragut scored on the busted coverage in the post. As a matter fact, both teams had multiple minus yardage plays during the scrimmage with Farragut's coming almost exclusively in the run game. The Farragut touchdown on the go route was a thing of beauty. #47 for Greeneville is a very good player and was limited, for whatever reason. #20 for Farragut is clearly hampered by a rather large protective wrap on his hand – I understand it is precautionary and that he will be able to play without it next week. From the perspective of a Farragut fan, a few observations about the 2019 Admirals: Farragut has a lot of new faces this year. Coming into the season, I must confess I expected to see #8 and #1 at DE, perhaps (more than anything else) because each had played there in the past; nevertheless, I thought that would make for a formidable defensive front. Consequently, with those two guys playing on the outside, Farragut has an entirely new defensive line and entirely new inside linebackers. I thought the new defensive line played much better in the second scrimmage. They were able to get consistent push and multiple pressures on the QB. I also thought the ILB combination was much better, sans a missed fit here or there, in the second scrimmage. I know that #21 will be used some at RB – he runs hard and physical, particularly in short yardage – but his speed and physicality is NEEDED at ILB in my opinion. I would also be interested to see #9 get some reps at ILB; from what I understand, he is physical and one of the strongest players on the team. Farragut must find some way to run the football more effectively, in my opinion. I'm a big believer that you can only go so far if you can't run the football, and Farragut has struggled to run the football in the spring and in fall camp. Obviously, the most important component is consistent offensive line play. At the same time, I can't help but remember how monumentally Farragut struggled running the football in 2016 until Cooper Hardin became the feature RB (ZERO chance at a Championship without that move) . Hopefully, #20 can be the answer; at the same time, it is a bittersweet move – losing his speed and experience at WR AND CB. I would be really interested to see #8 get some reps running the football – à la Cooper Hardin. If recollection serves me, he ran the ball quite well as a freshman and he would obviously be a beast in short yardage situations… running or blocking (just a thought).

Nope. I am not a parent nor do I have any family on the team. I won't make a similarly uninformed deduction like yours and conclude that you are the parent of a starter. I simply made a comment regarding my continued observation and bewilderment at Farragut's apparent unwillingness to substitute more freely on the defensive front and subsequently conveyed an opinion on a message board that I thought might be beneficial to the team. Furthermore, my post was limited to one position group – the defensive line. Perhaps you should take the time to read my post a little more carefully. What I saw against Bearden, and also in the second half against Science Hill, was a defense that could not get off the field on third down as a result of missed tackles and missed opportunities – even in favorable down and distance situations. Any reasonable person who's ever been around this game knows that missed tackles are often a direct result of fatigue, and I saw visible signs of fatigue on the defensive line in both of those games. You proffered a statistic regarding the Admirals' total points allowed; here's a statistic for you… Bearden doubled Farragut's time of possession. Not only is it difficult to play sound two-gap defensive line technique when tired, but it is most assuredly difficult to keep offensive lineman occupied and off of linebackers if one is gassed. This effect is further compounded when a no-huddle offense goes three-and-out, placing the defense right back on the field. I agree that the standard of play cannot drop off considerably. However, it is awfully difficult to build depth without giving meaningful snaps to second team players. Moreover, I believe players are much more susceptible to injury if they are fatigued. Farragut will occasionally substitute at a defensive end position; but at Nitro, very little, if ever, during a game. Every team is only one play away from playing a backup, and that is a particular challenge in a 30 front defensive line where each linemen could readily face a double team on any given play. Take last year for example, Farragut was forced to play a 185 lb. freshman at defensive end and had only one healthy Nitro against Dobyns Bennett due to injuries. By the time Farragut played Maryville in the playoffs, they had lost all three Nitros (Anthony Lawson, Nolan Davis, Keenan TerHark) and had to start that same aforementioned 185 lb. freshman at Nitro alongside two defensive ends with a padded club protecting arm/wrist injuries. I think the Admirals have some good football players on the defensive front; I just think they could be considerably more effective if they were fully rested and at 100%. Ultimately, the decision is up to the coaches, and I will be the first to admit that I'm not at practice every day. At the same time, if Farragut wants to advance in the playoffs against quality football teams, following a grueling regular season, I think a regular rotation at defensive end and Nitro positions will only serve to make the defense better – and I think they have the player depth to accomplish that.

Wonderful news! Thank you for the update!

Farragut established Carter early, which they failed to do against Bearden, and it certainly paid dividends with play-action and the passing game. Corum was HUGE in this game on both sides of the ball. He nearly had a third INT that would have gone to the house after doing a tremendous job diagnosing a screen. Really have to hand it to the Admirals offensive line... they came ready to play. Thoughts, prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery to the Hardin Valley player that was injured.

Absolutely. If he was getting starter reps in practice... LOOK OUT!

Wow. Oak Ridge looks even more dangerous with 14 at QB. Get 13 on the field at the same time and that offense looks SCARY.

I agree the Admirals could use the TE more effectively. Farragut has a very good TE in Keathley. He has good hands and he is a physical runner after the catch. Early in the season he appeared to be a focal point in the offense; but lately, for whatever reason, he hasn’t been targeted as much. #18 is the backup QB and, quite honestly, I wish he would get a few more reps at that position. Although he doesn’t have the big arm that Wilkinson does, his mobility brings another dimension to the offense that I think is very often lacking. Furthermore, he is an accurate passer and he throws a nice deep ball as well. I would like to see #20 targeted more as well. He has good hands and big play speed. He is way underutilized IMO.

From the perspective of a Farragut fan, I hope the Admirals decide to introduce Kyle Carter to the offensive game plan a bit earlier and more often than they did against Bearden. Farragut also had 3-and-out possessions in the second half where Carter was running strong - but got ZERO touches ; I just don't understand that. I heard someone say during the game that he had been nursing a nagging injury, however he certainly ran hard and looked great in the second half. Hopefully, the open date gave he and a couple of other key players an opportunity to get completely healthy. I would also (still) really like to see Farragut substitute more freely on the defensive front... but I don't expect it. I don't know what I am missing, but it seems to me that the defense couldn't help but benefit from a rotation of fresh players at all D line positions, particularly in a 30 front. However, I suppose the coaches feel like a couple of those kids are better fatigued than the backups are when fresh. I am not sure why A. Johnson doesn't get more dedicated reps at Nitro... if for no other reason than to give TerHark an occasional breather. In 2016, the rotation at Nitro paid obvious dividends in the second half, especially in the playoffs.

If someone already mentioned this, I apologize in advance. Didn't this game look like two teams playing their first game, rather than the fourth?

Thank you, Willie. I would also like to thank both you and SS for your kind comments regarding the passing of former Farragut player Lee Van Dyne. Although I didn't know Lee or his family personally, I know there will be some heavy hearts on the Farragut sideline tonight – not only for Coach Courtney, but for several of the assistant coaches who either coached or were teammates of Lee when he played. I know we will all keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

Sorry SS. I have been so busy with work and my two youngest children that I haven’t had time to post, or even to read for that matter, on the board very often. Farragut has a lot of new faces, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Admirals have played several LB and DB combinations. I would like to see a little more of a rotation in the defensive front as well, particularly with this warm weather. #60 Johnson hasn’t gotten many reps at Nitro, but he has been quick off the ball and disruptive when he has played; I think he could be a key substitution with respect to getting penetration and impacting the quarterback. I think it would be interesting to see both he and TerHark on the field at the same time – in addition to some 3-technique or bear front 3-0-3 looks (probably not a good idea tonight though, LOL) depending on the opponent and down/distance. The Admirals also have some new faces on the offensive line as well. They have played well so far, but tonight will be a different (and highly motivated) animal. I think Farragut is much improved in the kicking game, which was a bit of a struggle last year. Oak Ridge, without question, will be far and away the most talented team Farragut has played so far – certainly since the preseason scrimmages. The Wildcats have so many weapons, Farragut will have to tackle well in space. I also think Oak Ridge will be really fired up, much like Farragut was last year with Oak Ridge being the only loss in 2016. Coach Gaddis is one of the best motivators in the game, IMO. The Admirals will have to come ready to play tonight. I think this will be a close game that may very well come down to the team that wants it the most. Taking care of the football will be a premium – this game could easily hinge on a single turnover. From my perspective, with a long run of region games approaching, I just hope both teams can get out of there without injuries. Last year, Oak Ridge was one of the last games Farragut was healthy – particularly with the onslaught of injuries on the defensive front that ensued. So, here's to a great game tonight with ZERO injuries on either side.

I had intended to post a couple of thoughts about the game, but some recent news seemed more important to share with Farragut fans and area high school football fans alike who might want to know and remember fondly: Lee Van Dyne, a standout WR for the Admirals from 2007-2009 who holds the all-time reception and reception yardage records at Farragut, passed away unexpectedly last Monday. He was just 26 years old. I didn’t know Lee, but he was a tremendous athlete and I certainly enjoyed watching him play on Friday nights. Although he was one of the most dangerous receivers in the area, I will always remember how he unselfishly and admirably stepped in at QB while Reese Browning was recovering from a fractured tibia suffered in a spring scrimmage. May God bring peace and comfort to Lee’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Farragut had several starters unavailable due to baseball and a couple injured. RB Gibbs also did not play. I think it is safe to say both teams had an opportunity to get some good work in for young players. Gibbs did play in the Walker Valley scrimmage.

Great win for the Admirals against a very good Science Hill football team. The QB is a special player, and he is surrounded by some outstanding athletes. Have to hand it to the Farragut coaching staff. They shook up a few things on the offensive and defensive lines and I thought each definitely benefitted. The offensive line came up huge and both backs ran really hard (great to have Carter back). The Admirals must clean up the penalties and mistakes for what is sure to be a challenging regular season stretch - another touchdown wiped off by a penalty, followed by another high snap that resulted in horrible down/distance and killed a potential scoring drive. However, given the quality of the opposition, hard to complain about getting out of there with a win.

QB is a question mark for the Admirals. Wilkinson was injured during the West game and did not return. I do not know what his status is for Friday night. Travis has only played one series (Oak Ridge) since the first scrimmage of fall camp. In addition, RB Carter did not play against Jefferson County or West. Hopefully, he will be back Friday; we have missed his physicality the last couple of weeks. I thought #22 Harmon ran hard and physical during the spring at RB, but he has yet to play there this season. Would love to see Andrew Williams get more reps at WR, particularly on the outside a la DeVault last year. He is tall and fast like DeVault, and he proved himself to have big-play ability during Collins' absence. Would love to see him on the field WITH Collins. More importantly, Farragut will need improved play at the line of scrimmage to win this game IMO.

Thank you. I know you guys are disappointed, but I thought this game was much closer than the final score. This game easily could have been tied (or thereabouts in either direction) going into half. I actually came away impressed with the Oak Ridge defensive front and inside backers. I saw a couple of technique issues at times in the down linemen imo, but nothing that can't be fixed. I thought they not only occupied gaps, but they were actually in on a lot of hits. In fact, given what you guys were committing on the backend, I was a little disappointed in Farragut's inability to run the football at times when you guys had no more than 5-6 in the box – it was frustrating. It is tough for any team to overcome -4 in the turnover category, especially with two of them occurring in the red zone – man, that is so deflating. Turnovers, along with dropped passes, really hurt you guys as well. I saw at least a couple of dropped passes that would have converted first downs, along with a couple that were set up – but thrown short – that might very well have converted first downs. It is just my opinion, but I think #2 needs to be more involved in the run game – perhaps more designed runs from QB draw, boot and reverse boot, midline, etc. Good luck the rest of the way. I have a feeling you guys will get it turned around.

Two great communities with outstanding young people having the time of their lives! Here's to a good game with ZERO injuries!

LOL

Man, if the game is half as competitive as this thread has been the last couple of days, we may be in for a 7-overtime thriller... and that is just from the Oak Ridge bleachers!