Former44

You are correct admiral23, it was Jordan Freeman. I agree with respect to Barnett. He clearly appears to be the most elusive of the skill players. Although he did get more touches against Oak Ridge, I think he is still underutilized especially when you consider he does not play defense. I would like to see him used more in Jet motion and in the backfield. There is no doubt in my mind Fain would block his heart out for Barnett if he were motioned into the backfield. Although some feature backs don't like that role, Fain has always impressed me as a true team player; he also plays hard and physical. In addition, I would like to see Phillips on the read option and speed option a bit more. I know everyone loves to see the ball in the air, but the kid has outstanding feet. In the long run (no pun intended), I think it would open things up for him through the air. A jab step is much more effective if the defense is concerned about Phillips taking off. Coincidentally, since you mentioned Maryville's play calling, I thought Maryville's diversity with respect to getting the QB loose on the read option was a major deciding factor in that game.

I never blamed "it all" on play-calling. Those are your words, not mine. I prefaced my entire post by writing, "... play-calling at critical situations, which I contend contributed to coming up short on the scoreboard." Yes, that was a solid drive by Oak Ridge, which was aided by a 15-yard personal foul penalty against Farragut as I recall. Farragut (I will not diminish the accomplishments of the kids by using terms like "we", as I was not on the field) was certainly well into the process of returning the "down the throat" favor AFTER the Oak Ridge drive you mention; that is the very reason I found the 1st & 9 play call so ill-conceived. At any rate, it was never my intention to take away from the accomplishment of the Oak Ridge kids. They played a great game. They also achieved the greater number of points at the end of the game, which is ultimately the primary goal of any team. At the same time, it was my intention to lament what I believe were obvious shortcomings in Farragut's offensive play calling, particularly during certain game situations, that did not provide Farragut's kids with the best opportunity to be successful.

You are correct. I shouldn't be surprised... but I keep hoping.

Hard fought game. Congrats to Oak Ridge. I am going to vent a bit of frustration over Farragut's offensive play-calling at critical situations, which I contend contributed to coming up short on the scoreboard. 1) On three separate 3rd down opportunities (3rd & 7, 3rd & 3, 3rd & 3) in the red zone – two inside the 10 yard-line – with 2 downs to convert either a first down or TD, Farragut threw 3 third-down incompletions. Down 21 and 18 points, with a QB that was still struggling to find any rhythm at that point in the game – not a single 3rd-down run call in 4-down territory. Thankfully, someone finally woke up and put Farner in to lead on a 4th down run for 1 TD. Nevertheless, with the missed FG, Farragut got 10 points out of a possible 21 points on three excellent scoring opportunities. Furthermore, in my opinion, there was another questionable 3rd-down call on the first series, and it led to an interception and subsequent Oak Ridge score. Phillips, a first-year starter backed up deep in his own territory, should never have been placed in a position to make that throw – particularly from reverse boot action. I find the play call even more difficult to understand when one considers that Farragut has a punter that can easily flip the field. 2) This one is especially difficult to understand. Trailing 28-24 with 5:50 left in the game, already having driven rather easily from your own 20 yard line deep into Oak Ridge territory against a gassed Oak Ridge defense, Farragut throws an interception over the middle on 1st down & 9. In my opinion, that is a RIDICULOUS play call. Inside the Oak Ridge 35 yard line, with 5:50 left on the clock, against a tired defense, why are you throwing the football at all – especially on 1st down? Why aren't the coaches RUNNING THE FOOTBALL and CHEWING UP THE CLOCK to stick it in the end zone and go up 31-28 – leaving Oak Ridge little time on the clock to go 80 yards (King most assuredly would put the kickoff in the end zone)? Did the coaches forget that Fain, if not for a spot downfield holding penalty (thus the 1st & 9), just took it to the house on the previous play? Did the coaches forget that Phillips went 39 yards untouched on the read option on the previous possession? I'm sorry, but that is horrible/untimely/poor percentage play calling against a visibly gassed defensive front - no matter who the opponent might be. Either team could have won this game. In my opinion, there were several offensive play calls that assured that only one team could win. The Farragut kids were getting the job done. I just don't feel the coaches did their best to put the Farragut kids in a position to win. I can't help it, that is just the way I see it.

42-14 really doesn't provide a great deal of room for discussion. I think Farragut's only real chance is to invest in the power game early and often, and hope to wear Oak Ridge down. That would be tough with a healthy Doucette and Gbendah, very difficult without them. If Farragut tries to get "fancy", and gets in bad down and distance situations, I fear it could turn into a track meet.

Not good.

I agree. Oak Ridge will be a very difficult match-up for Farragut. The Oak Ridge backfield will be very explosive and difficult to contain (it reminds me somewhat of the '07 Andrew Martland/Andre Sterling backfield at Farragut – only faster). I would like to see Farragut play "keep-away" from the Oak Ridge offense by playing 4-quarter, physical, smash-mouth/ball-control football. I would like to see some diversity in the run game, mixed with a little play-action. I would like to see 2 Tights with Farner in a TE/H-Back role (Arnett could spell him occasionally on D; he got a pretty good push on the double-team at DB). The Farragut defense will most assuredly need some help from the Farragut offense.

D-B was very talented. Oak Ridge will be the same. I think Farragut will improve as the season progresses. There are a lot of new faces. If the OL can dial up the NASTY side, the offense could control the tempo while a young defense comes of age. I know that Farner is now playing DE; his size is going to be missed on the inside at linebacker, particularly when it comes to stuffing a fullback or pulling lineman. Fain's size and speed are also going to be missed outside on defense now that he is the number 1 RB. It is unfortunate that there is not more depth at RB, so that Fain would be available for some reps at OLB or DB. Personally, I would love to see what Barnett could do at RB, but I know one doesn't learn that position overnight. The tackling MUST improve to compete with Oak Ridge. The LB's MUST get off blocks. The WR blocking must also improve. It is obvious that Farragut wants to run between the tackles. Although there is nothing wrong with that, it would be nice to mix the power run game with an occasional toss sweep or speed option type of play to challenge the perimeter of the defense. I thought the toss sweep looked pretty good against Alcoa in the scrimmage (there was one particularly nice gain that was nullified by a penalty), and it helped to open up the inside run. Barnett is a good athlete, and he obviously has big-play ability. He was one block away from breaking 2 kickoff returns for TDs against D-B. He has demonstrated some speed and the ability to make people miss. I would like to see him get more touches on offense, e.g. fly sweep, reverse, or motioning him into a RB slot. He could also be utilized as the trailing back on the option. Jetton could similarly get additional touches when the QB is not on his A-game.

Thank you. I assume #72 and #77 are 2 of the 5 guys you alluded to, since they played at Alcoa. Do you know the others that are expected to be available for DB?

Can anyone update the status of these Farragut players? Will any of them be available for the D-B game? #64, #74, #75 still out. Is #60 LB Henningson still on team? #25 LB played in Rhea Co. scrimmage, but I did not see him at Alcoa. #51 DE went out early and did not return. I noticed #2 RB Gbendah wearing a soft cast. RB depth looks thin; has #15 played any RB?

Some observations from the scrimmage: Overall, I would say the scrimmage was a draw. There was quite a bit of situational stuff at the start. It was difficult to evaluate the Farragut offense. Unless I am mistaken, 5 total offensive linemen were out (#64, #72, #74, #75, #77), including 3 starters. Can anyone update their status? I thought Fain showed good burst and vision. Gbendah appeared to twist his ankle, so he was only available for a few series; he runs hard, but he still appears to struggle with the exchange/mesh from time to time. I thought the Farragut defense looked a step slow against a Rhea Co. team that, with the exception of a quick tailback, was not particularly fast or athletic. I did not see #60 Henningson. Has he changed numbers? Is he injured? #15 showed good quickness and athletic ability. It would be nice if he could lock down one of the corner positions. From what I have observed, he has been somewhat inconsistent at corner. I think he has big-play potential on offense as well. Before all is said and done, I think the Farragut defensive line has a chance to be quite good.

How could Patrick have the OPTION to stay at Lenoir City if his legal guardian leaves Loudon County (e.g., to pursue another job)? Does he have another LEGAL guardian and/or parent living in the Loudon County school zone; if not, wouldn't Lenoir City be in violation of TSSAA regulations and subject to forfeiture of all games where Patrick participated?

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If I remember correctly, Francis took over at QB late in the Maryville game; West's offense subsequently improved steadily. I think this will be a great game. Both QB's have good wheels, but they have also thrown some INTs in big games. I look for a mistake in the passing game to be the difference.

I'm not sure where you get your enrollment figures, but Farragut's enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year was 1784. Similar numbers were expected this year. Due to rezoning, for the purpose of populating Hardin Valley, Farragut's enrollment has not been aboove 2,000 since 2007.

I agree. Whitney and Wrinkle will be tough to replace on defense; they just kept getting better every week. They lose a couple of good linebackers, but they also have some really good ones returning. Johnson will be missed at DB - I think he is going to make someone a quality FS in college. O-line could be outstanding. I heard someone say Dockery started the season while still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery; I believe he will be be one of the best in the state with a full offseason in the weightroom. Doucette could go down as one of the best Centers ever at Farragut (I would have to put Bart Snyder up there as well). It would be nice to have a home run hitter in the backfield that can also make that first guy miss, but a physical back that can bring it and also pass block would be nice as well. I got to thinking about how good this 2011 team could have been with players like Callahan, Boyd, Haynes, Landguth, Hannay, etc. I know you have to play with what you got... it was just a thought. Hopefully, Farragut can build that kind of depth in 2012.

I couldn't agree with you more. With a back as special as that, you can still be "balanced"... you just run him left, right, and up the middle. He will take care of the big plays. He will have some 1 and 2 yard runs, of course, but they will eventually be followed by 60 and 80 yard runs.

Great effort by both teams, it was a hard fought game. The season ended much like it began for the Admirals. This game was very reminiscent of the Dobyns-Bennett game – one Farragut turnover deep in the opponent’s territory, and back-to-back Farragut turnovers in their own territory. Minus 3 in turnover margin is a tough hill to climb against a good team. What a great job by young Mr. Phillips at QB. I was really pleased someone woke up and got Jetton some snaps at receiver. He had a MONSTER game (5 receptions for over 80 yards – 2 critical 3rd down conversions which kept scoring drives alive – and an excellent job of downfield blocking, especially on Johnson’s long run, which set up another TD). Why it took so long to get this kid on the field in some kind of capacity as a receiver, I will never understand. In my opinion, he should have been targeted as soon as Madison Brown got hurt; it is impossible to overlook his talent. The sky is the limit for this kid. Anyway, I know one thing for sure. I guess it won’t cause any harm if I continue to make a few suggestions in the future. Thank you to a great group of Seniors. I really enjoyed watching you play.

If it was a “scripted†substitution, I must confess I understand the decision even less. I know hindsight is 20/20, but I think any reasonable person would conclude that it was a questionable coaching decision, especially given the circumstances at that particular point in the game. If Farragut was up by 7 or more points at the 40 yard line, I could maybe see that as a more suitable situation to get Jonathan some snaps by design. I also think it would have put him in a better position to succeed and build confidence. However, all things considered: 1. Down 7-0 in a critical region game 2. Deep in your own territory 3. A West defense jacked-up after a getting turnover on the previous possession and subsequent score Replacing the starting QB with a backup who hasn’t taken any meaningful snaps in a game this season makes absolutely no sense to me. Could there possibly have been a worse time for a designed rotation? I don’t get it. At any rate, I am just glad the KIDS were able to overcome it. They gave much too strong an effort to have such a decision cost them the game.

Good post. I really can't understand why the speed option has disappeared entirely from the playbook(I just saw the Vandy QB go to the house untouched running speed option from 2 Tights). I know there was a costly mistake against DB. However, that usually means you practice it and get better, rather than drop it completely.

Over the next 2 weeks: 1. To take pressure off the inside run game, Farragut MUST work diligently on some type of perimeter run to force the opposing defense to defend the C and D gaps. (At the very least, force them to acknowledge that C and D actually exist!) Perfect the speed option. Big plays will result (inside and outside) for Rule, Johnson, and Fain. This could be especially effective from the unbalanced set with two backs – split the field in half – the defense would not be able to determine play direction so easily from formation. (Remember Cody, on the pitch, thumb under – throw that thumb at your target!) 2. If Farragut is going to run 2 Tights, I suggest getting #18 Jetton some snaps at TE. This offense needs a TE that is rangy enough to run the seam route and catch the football, but also physical enough to block from 2 Tights (a la Madison Brown). If the defense knows the TE can hurt them in the passing game, it will make him an even more effective blocker. I know Jetton is crucial to the defense, and I wouldn’t want to wear him down, but I truly believe 18 could help the team getting some snaps at TE. In addition, a big play threat back at TE will certainly make it a lot tougher to Safety double the WRs.

All 14 of West's points came off back-to-back turnovers committed by Farragut deep in their own territory. It was reminiscent of the second half against DB. However, I don’t blame King for the pick 6. The coaches should never have put him in that position (i.e., coming off the sideline cold and winging dangerous passes while backed up in your own territory). Furthermore, if Rule was benched for a series solely based on the bobbled snap turnover on the previous possession, I have to question that decision as well. Maybe there was some other reason(s). At any rate, King could have been eased into the game more effectively in my opinion. The subsequent pick 6 could have cost Farragut the game. This team must get a grip on penalties and turnovers. A little help from the coaches wouldn’t hurt either.

Two solid teams. West will be arguably the most talented team, top to bottom, Farragut has played. They are an entirely different animal with Francis at QB. The defense will need to be gap sound and take away the dive. The LBs will need to aggressively attack the QB against the veer and force the pitch. I expect to see the three-step drop and sprint out. I did not like it that 18 wasn't on the field late against McMinn. He makes plays. Maybe he was cramping or something. The Farragut offense must play physical. Receivers must sustain blocks in the run game. 3rd down conversions will be HUGE in this game I think.

I truly hate to hear that. Madison Brown has been an integral part of the Farragut team since his sophomore year. As far as the team goes, #18 Jetton seems to me a likely candidate to get some snaps at TE. He has good size and speed. More importantly, judging by his interceptions, Jetton seems to have good hands. Finding someone who can fill that “go-to guy†role, especially over the middle, will be key. Madison Brown was very reliable getting open and catching the football, so his shoes will be extremely difficult to fill.

That is great news! He is a tough kid, and an excellent player. I am really happy for him, especially with it being his senior year.