Hubbard

Coffee County to Science Hill = 253 miles

A little surprised the band would travel that far. It is band competition season. They were in ATL last Saturday I believe. If they travel, sure is an expensive 15 minutes.

They may have spent it all on facilities and the band! Geographically, they are in a tough spot. They did play Oak Ridge, while a 5A school, is a very good program. I don't think it is reasonable for them to play MidTn teams during the regular season.

Probably just people that point fingers and over react.

The cost of travel has to be considered with some of these trips. I think the Riverdale-Franklin would make a good and reasonable game. The same is probably true with WC-Lebanon.

DB has to have the one of the best, if not the best, facilities in TN.

This is very entertaining. I can relate.

I not sure that anyone has suggested calling the TSSA or the media was reasonable. I have suggested that over reacting to an over reaction is just as silly.

Am I mistaken in thinking that the SH coach came from South? If he did, I thought he did a great job there. I think you hit on the key to many high school football games - emotion. That is why I indicated that the 1st Qtr is important for DB to still be in this game in the 2nd half. If Blackman lacks the emotion because they think they have more talent (and do) and if DB plays like they have something to prove (and do), then DB has a shot. However, if DB accepts that they are a 1-and-done playoff team, they might as well not get on the bus. I'm not sure I can get over for the game but I hope it is an exciting one.

90warrior, what are your thoughts on replacement candidates or is it too early to know?

I have heard that and, obviously, you most likely have seen that weak defense. Why did SH not score more?

Not until that guy who flipped me off apologizes to me by golly! Now, I am offended that you are offended so that makes me in the right! Ha!

Well, get past the WC folks now.

DB has some disadvantages coming into this game. Obviously, the 5-6 drive down is not the usual commute to an away game (although it's getting closer with the Super 32). Does that have an impact to the mental aspect of the game? The DB players expensed a lot of emotion playing their rival last week. How well has the coaching staff helped these guys get back on track and focused on Friday's game? Have these players bought into the "one-and-done" stigma? It is probable that Blackman, as a team, has more talented players than DB. DB will need a strong 1st quarter, either by play or by luck, to be in this game in the 2nd half.

I think we all should apply your last suggestion to this situation. Don't you?

I think we agree that the over-reaction of a few is more in the wrong than the sign. However, be careful not to behave with the same over-reaction. Trying to make unrelated analogies and claiming to be tougher than others is not the answer. Everyone calm the emotions are be just as guilty as others that have over reacted. For everyone claiming to have thick skin, we sure are getting a lot of panties in a wad over this.

Hey guys, I agree with the premise that our society is getting "softer" just like our generation was "softer" than our fathers' generation. In the end, it's our job to do more than point it out. Make sure you are doing something other than complaining about. And, I'm not suggesting that you are not.

Blaze, you agreed that the sign was in poor taste. It seemed you agreed with the school admin addressing this with those that participated. I hope you agree with the practice of making amends. It is not going to hurt those involved to write an apology letter. An act of humility is a great offset to an act of arrogance. Yes, I think getting the media involved was vengeful and wrong. I think it was an attempt to "right" a "wrong" at the expense of some teenagers that don't always make the best decisions. It was more egregious than the sign. To all, don't let the media attention cloud your judgment of appropriateness of the school's action. Also, in both situations, don't use a broad brush to characterize a school based on the actions of a few.

I just don't see a HC change being made at DB unless Graham initiates it. The "powers" are more concerned with having a great band and facilities than addressing the football program. While most everyone is frustrated this season, no one is going to take the job away from Graham. He is too well respected as a person to be the one that demands his removal. Again, he may decide that it is time to move on from coaching. Best of luck to DB in the playoffs. The Blaze is going to be quite a challenge for the defense.

I really hate to hear that. You want to tell the winning team congrats and best of luck in the playoffs. It is sad that students make that difficult to say. I trust the sign has been addressed with those who participated.

Do you really think the age of the coach is the issue? I guess its time for Quarrels and Rankin to retire as well. But wait . . .

DC, I think what you really wish is to no longer live in the trailer with your mom. Seriously though, you have to respect the kids that put in the effort it takes to play football even when they know their efforts will not result in a winning season. That shows much more character than relishing in another's struggles. I hope the Pioneers can keep this coaching staff and continue to build on the steps made this year. My hat is off to the players, staff, parents, and community that have supported this program.

Oakland 28 Smyrna 21 Blackman 52 Warren Co 7 Siegel 42 Coffee Co 7 Riverdale 21 Cookeville 17 Whitehaven 21 Cordova 10 Beech 21 Hillsboro 20 Marshall Co 35 Page 28 Centennial 28 Henry Co 17

Haywood 7 at Oakland 21 Sequatchie County 14 at Warren County 7 Knoxville West 14 at Farragut 17 Daniel Boone 21 at Morristown East 20 Franklin 17 at Wilson Central 20 Montgomery Bell Academy 21 at Brentwood Academy 28 Gatlinburg-Pittman 24 at Cosby 20 Trezevant 7 at Memphis East 28