MunfordTiger

Sorry for the delay but I was trying to get over the debacle in the 'boro... Sad, sad game there. I promised to give you a report on the visitors side and the seats were really nice. The rain was tough but its football in the south so sometimes you get wet. Liked the extra width (don't like why they fit me better) and the ability to walk out through the little tunnel deals was a smart move since folks tend to congregate on the end near concessions. The game was about what I expected. Munford had one of their offensive line starters that played limited time (2 series) because of the flu. They had opportunities but it was one of those nights for the QBs, just couldn't put it in the right place. Defensive effort was OK but they were on the field a lot of the time. Same situation as Hardin County, dig a hole that is very hard to overcome in the second half. Trojans looked OK, not great but as usual their defense swarms the ball and regardless of speed they still have a solid run game. Not saying they aren't good but there were numerous mistakes that affected their drives. Need to do somethng with the kicking game since that can really haunt you in close games. Good victory since anything on the Win column is a good thing. Officials were inconsistant and that made for some bumps in the flow of the game for both teams. I won't go any farther here because I thought they made some questionable calls on both sides. All in all, it was a fun night and I think Munford is building. They aren't the same one dimensional team as past years and hopefully they can get the passing game (I do agree the short ones were effective) in form for the rest of the games. Based on the posts it appears Millington limited their practice time, do they not go in the gym when it rains? I know Munford did but also got some outside time during the week. Good luck to both teams for the rest of the season.

Yea, when you turn the ball over and get penalties at all the wrong times (there is no such thing as good time) it makes a difference. I think the team will be ready and will play hard but the story will be written based on mistakes. Munford must limit them in order to make it a 4th Qtr call. I haven't seen Millington play and it sounds like they had a few against Bartlett early so if that holds true then the Cougars must take advantage. That's the beauty of high school football, you just never know till they play it out. Let me second that GO COUGARS!!

Thanks, I got that impression from the articles and that would make sense. We don't get much news on this end of the state about him and will be watching for results on Friday night. Good Luck!

Thanks to all the Millington posters, it sounds like a normal Trojan team (good) with a little less speed (not lack of but heck those Srs last year are a hard act to follow). Munford could use DeAndre Purdy to offset some of that but he's making an impact in Knoxville and so we move on. Munford runs a spread offense but have a pretty good mix of 2 back sets. Can't say they have a real bruiser running back but they will keep pushing until they are down. Both QBs can run and throw although they seem to be a little streaky on any given night. I agree about the Seniors at Millington and their freshmen year. There are usually a few freshmen that impress you but it was extremely hard to pinpoint just one from that team. Hardnosed, quick and very aggressive that night. I don't find it hard to believe folks would be questioning them only because of the losses early in the season, they are wrong for doing it. I know the Trojans have been undefeated and so on for the past couple of years but, as I said earlier, those losses were to two of the best teams in the region if not all of the SouthEast. It is a shame that folks look at the scores and losses and not the opposition. We'll see you Friday night and I hope it is a great game with no injuries or other distractions!

What's the latest on DeAndre Purdy at Farragut? We had him at Munford and he moved to Knoxville for his JR and SR seasons. I see his press clippings but never hear much about him on the posts. Is there a reason?

Sounds like you were holding back on me... why #31?

Thanks cam6, I remember the Millington Freshmen team that would be Seniors now. They were pretty darn good and imagine not much has changed. Coming out of the gates into those first 2 games would be pretty humbling for most teams. MUS and OB may have their best teams this year. Both of the Munford starting wide-outs are about 6'3" and athletic. Have OK speed and can make some throws look better than they really are but can also misplay some basic throws. The back ups may not be as tall but they make up for it in quickness. Again, not overwhelming but effective when we get the ball close enough to them. I expect to see folks watching from the street (again) and look forward to good game. Let's hope you are right about players and fans keeping their heads on straight. See ya at the M&M bowl!

OK, from now on what happens in Bartlett stays in Bartlett! I attempted to give some feedback on Munford so turnaround is fair play. Who should we be watching on the Trojan Defense and Offense? Haven't really seem much of them other than short highlights so fill us in!

Dou(g), Just thought I would provide some insight on the "severe incident". The practice game was being filmed and was reviewed by all concerned. There was clear evidence (supported by the Referees) that Munford did not instigate the "incident". Not a great day for any of us and not something that the coaching staff wanted in any way. I know there was some messages posted on this board with a slant regarding the start, etc... Its not something I would even typically respond to but thought it should be noted based on this post. Since I don't know what happened at the Millington/Bartlett game (heard stuff only), I don't feel like it is my place to pass judgement or comment. Football is an emotional game that is tied to controlled violence, it sometimes gets out of control and it is critical that referees, coaches and fans do our part to help.

Advantage is definately with Millington considering home field and overall talent. Much respect for their coach and program over the past few years. The Munford Team really doesn't have a single star you would note. Their defense is lead by a number of seniors and what they lack in size is made up by their hits. They play extremely hard and the linebacking core is pretty good. I would suspect you'll see 54 (LB & C on Offense) in on a lot of plays and 84 does well on the defensive end. Coach Bennett has them swarming to the ball and the effort is always there. Offensively, they are adjusting to a new style (anything that doesn't include a run exclusively is new) and approach. This bunch moves the ball typically (3 games is not much to base it on) but will have a mistake at times (penalty, turnover) that holds them from scoring. Line is not super big but pretty athletic and many of the players play on both sides of the ball. They have multiple running backs and other skill positions (Wide outs, etc...) that are athletic and dependable. Not necessarily going to wow you but run hard and don't quit. Kicking game is good on both punts and FG teams. We have a few mis-kicks but on the whole they tend to deliver. I do appreciate the effort these guys put forth. They came back from 14-0 in the jamboree to beat Haywood County 14-15 and had chances against Hardin County (those mistakes showed up). They do not quit and even if the results aren't great, it won't be for lack of effort. To sum it up: Scrappy, confident and willing to do everything possible (legally) to win. Not superstars, maybe a fringe D-1 prospect but work together as a team. As you can tell, we are proud of them regardless of the score. Not details but enough for message board. See you Friday Night!

Thanks visionaire, it has been a tough holiday start for the MHS students. The teacher was well liked and his father is considered part of the high school fabric. It is a real tragedy and we appreciate the thoughts. On the other part of your note, no harm done or considered. We really appreciate the support the Trojans get and are working to build our following back after a couple of questionable years. This Friday will be a great one and hopefully we won't see too much impact from the recent Flu bug. Should be fun and I can't wait to try out those new seats!

Is that why Fulmer was fired last year? His choices were part of his problem or more importantly the kids choices caused his demise. Based on the Police reports from the past few years I would say the ones that got there may not have had all those considerations. Kiffin is brash and young, I do agree that the talent being recruited in TN will hear these words from the other side. I think it is interesting that in one post there is a concern as to why TN kids don't immediately want to play for their "State" school and another post that makes it clear their "State" school could care less about them unless they can produce wins. Not sure why his statements have created a stir when they simply reflect a pretty common mindset in Knoxville. If he wins with CA, FL, TX or talent from Mexico it won't matter as long as he wins. Kiffin will do fine under this scenario for a period of years (or get fired) and there is no such thing as a "State" school when it comes to football recruiting.

Wow, MarkH are you saying I'm an old guy? Interesting and I never thought about the connection. I guess that is why they play that awful Rocky Top and dress like Alabama. Not here long enough to remember the Munford Tigers but know folks that played there then.... I'm a Memphian that moved out to the country (way before Willy and Memphis political scene changed) and loving it. Go Cougars/Tigers and anything local!

Dou(g): No problem and we look forward to it, I'll try to give an update on the seats. I'm sure the kids are looking forward to it and the first 2 games for the Trojans has put some focus on every game for the rest of the year. It was impressive to schedule those 2 teams and it is clear that Millington played the best of the area. Based on the MUS win at South Panola, it says volumes about stepping out to play them. Good luck and I'll only promise to be there and on the visitors' side. I have quite a few friends with Trojan ties and so it will be fun.

Can't add any insight about West but I can tell you we miss DeAndre P! He seems to be doing great and the west end of Tennessee (Munford at least) is rooting for him. Question is, can anyone keep him from running crazy? Question: Is DeAndre playing any defense or just offense and kick returns? Good Luck!