Pantherman85

I hope you're right Jacets. Lot's of injuries on both sides still I think.

One of the oldest rivalries in East Tenn. takes place this week, Battle of the Bridge between Lenoir City and Loudon. THis is the "bragging rights" game for Loudon County. ANy thoughts?

Loudons QB did not play this past Fri. LC's starting QB did not play either. Not sure if either one will play in the Battle of the Bridge or not.

This was arguably the most exciting LC game I have seen in years. I think the coaches have the players believing in themselves. Luckily LC's schedule is softer on the front end which will allow them to gain some confidence. The schedule does get brutal in mid-season (Andeson Cty., Powell, Halls, Maryville). LC has alot of injuries right now too (3 starters out, 3 other players out with injuries ) and hopefully will be even stronger when they return. Great win for the LC Community.

Solomon, I don't think anyone realistically expects the Panthers playing late into Nov., however, as the post by noonesfool states, if you know Football, you won't evaluate this team by wins and losses. I think all we want to see is improvement which would actually be just competing in some of their games. Wins would be icing on the cake. Give it a few years for the Middle School program to get going and I think Lenoir City will start playing in November again...

2AFootball you may be right, however, I think LC will improve as the year progresses. They have a complete new coaching staff, many of which have only been around for a month or so. The players are working hard and will only get better as they learn Coach Zeller's system. It may be a long year again, however, I do think LC will at least be competitive in some of their games and may even pull out a few victories. We'll see....

After a couple scrimmages, I think it's obvious the Panthers weakness is in the trenches, especially O-Line. They have good skill players, as was displayed at the 7 on 7 passing scrimmage, but you have to block to allow the skill players to do anything.

I was at the scrimmage and you are correct about the line for LC being weak. They must protect the QB and open better holes for the RB's to get anything going offensively. LC does not have much size to speak of on the O-Line and is going to need to utilize quickness instead. I thought Sweetwater looked pretty good and has some good skill players as well.

I haven't seen them with an O-line . Just saw the 7 on 7 passing scrimmage at Maryville College. They played 4 teams and scored 18 TD's and looked pretty good slinging the ball around. As you and I both know, the rubber meets the road when they put pads on and have to block/tackle.

It's always great to see the local players wear the Orange. It's a dream come true for most of them and means more than it would to an out-of-state recruit. Too bad Tenn. does not have enough top notch HS talent to complete a recuting class at UT. Good luck Mr Revis.

I wish we had more speed and size, but I do think the kids are buying into Coach Z's program. I think we have lost at least 9 lineman from last years team which could be good or bad, depending on how you want to look at it. Although we will be extremely thin up front on both sides, I think we have some good skill position players. Our schedule is brutal as always though. The new Middle School program should pay dividends in the next few years.

As a Lenoir City fan, I attended the 7 on 7 to watch the Panthers at MC. THey looked much better than at this time last year, although, this only includes skill position players. I'm not sure what their O-Line and D-line are going to look like. Alot of attrition on both. We played Chattanooga Baylor and I thought they looked good as well.

I must say Lenoir City looked much improved over last year yesterday in the 7 on 7 Passing Scrimmage yesterday at Maryville College. I know this does not include any lineman , which may be the achille's heel of the team this year. As far as skill position players go, I think LC will be much improved.

Great to hear good things about Coach Zeller. We hope he can turn things around here at Lenoir City.

How did you all like Coach Zeller when he was at Greeneville?

Kevo, I see Greeneville was in the playoffs most of the years he was the coach. What happened in 2004-05??

He should be able to run his program his way. Like any program, there are many parents at LC who think they should be assistance coaches. I am sure Coach Zeller knows how to deal with them based on his experience. He is inheriting a team that returns there entire group of WR's and a strong armed QB that was a back-up last year. However, most of the starting offensive linemen graduated (except 2 I think?) . Not alot of size but hopefully Coach Zeller will be able to adapt his offense around the talent he inherits. Glad to hear he is excited about LC. I think LC will be excited to have him as well. Any idea why he left after 2006 and why there are no stats on the Greenville web site from 2006?? Was there a fallout up there between Coach and administration or players??

Not much of a hint but I understand. Sounds like a good coach that has won 60% of his games. If the kids look up to him and respect him, that would be fantastic! We'll wait on the official announcement....

C'mon KEV-O, let's start a good rumour. At least give us some hints (what state , area, experience, etc..) As for Rebel, I don't think ALL LC fans wanted Coach WHite gone. He was respected by many and seemed to be a really good person. The Maryville job should be a good move for him. Some Coaches are not made to be Head Coaches but make great assistants. We wish him nothing but the best and appreciate what he did for LCHS.

I would have to totally disagree with that statement. I think Coach Fulmer and his staff have done alot to build a rapport with the HS in TN. THey have recruited them heavily and some of their best players have come from within the state.

643- I can't speak for everyone but will be glad to offer my opinion on your question. First and foremost, I think LCHS supporters would like to have a coach that is a disciplinarian and treats the players with respect while demanding and earning their respect as well. I think they would like to see a coach that would instill some team spirit and comradarie among the players. A coach that takes the approach that he his teaching 16-18 year olds not only football but life lessons as well. A coach that adapts his offensive and defensive philosophies to the talent he has on his team. A coach that can take the talent he has and compete with most other teams. As far as expectations, I think most people realize you can't completely turn a program around and win 7 or 8 in 1 or 2 years, but you should be able to be competitive in some if not most of your games. What do you think?

In my opinion, I would answer this by asking, "what does it take to be successful at any high school program?" Lenoir City is not any different than anywhere else. THe talent pool may be different than say Fulton, Maryville, Central, Alcoa, but I think a GOOD coach can be successful anywhere if they instill discipline and know how to coach 16-18 year old kids. THis community is hungry for a winning football program. Looks like a great opportunity for the right person if you ask me.

Around here it would be "pick your poison". If you are 3A , you might be able to win some more games but you still have to play Fulton, Austin-East (we beat Fulton in 2004, the last year we were in the playoffs) or in 4A you get Maryville, Central, Halls, West, Powell. It will all change in 2009 when they adjust the regions. Rumor is , Lenoir City may be in a Region south of Knoxville (Cleveland, Chattanooga, etc..) I think this is a great job for someone that would like to build a program. Most people know it's not going to happen overnight and would be patient with a new coach as long as progress is made.

I am very certain that the community would be supportive and is hungry for a good football program that is disciplined and competitive. I also think the administration will offer the support that is needed to be successful. To take a program that has only won 1 of it's last 20 games and make them competitive would make someone look like a "hero". I think most people are realistic and understand ROme wasn't built in a day and just want to see improvement. Outsider, insider, I don't think it matters one bit as long as it's the right person for the job. Tell your friend to contact the athletic director and put his name in the hat. GOod luck!

I agree FLMS, the Vols should definitely take Sterling . I think he would do great at UT and I was thinking the same thing, he reminds me of Travis Stephens too.