marcvols

Ole Dad, That prediction doesn't say too much about your Cats b/c I'm sure Coach Stevens was glad he had his varsity for the whole 4 quarters last Friday.

yeah but can those cats adjust?

Ole Dad, Actually, the "Ron Brown Rule" refers to the late 80s when only one team from each "district" made it to the playoffs. Clinton missed the playoffs a couple of years there when they had 9-1 and 8-2 records (yes O-R was the hump they couldn't get over). Ron Brown was right to point out the unfairness of the system when there were teams from other districts making it to the playoffs with lesser records. The T$$AA chnged it to four teams per "region" when they went from 3 to 5 classifications in the early 90s.

No Possum, Dead period is still in as well!

The TSSAA has proposed drastic changes for all sports for 07-08 and it appears the greatest changes will effect football. Among the proposals: Fall Sports- "End of school until July 15 - No practice; no open facilities; voluntary weight training and conditioning permitted as long as open to all students and not sport specific." "Practice begins July 15 - - 1st week (football) - No pads - No scrimmages or work with another school until August 1" "End of season until close of school - No practice; no open facilities; voluntary weight training and conditioning permitted as long as open to all students and not sport specific." "January 1 until close of school - 10 days of practice within 15 school days; no scrimmages." "June and July (until July 15) practice has been removed ffor fall sports (football, girls' soccer, volleyball, golf, cross-country). This would eliminatecamps in these sports in June/July but would permit them to beginning July 15. It also eliminates 7-on-7 leagues or camps in football in June/July." This is absolutely unbelievable - it's as if the governing body wants its biggest moneymaker to sink into complete mediocrity. If this passes, you'll see a mass exodus of quality coaches to neighboring states as well as greatly diminished opportunities for Tennessee student athletes.

Oskie, Not only would Coach Gray leave Oak Ridge High, he would be a GREAT addition to the Wellness/PE or Social Studies program at Bearden. He's definitely the kind of teacher/coach that any administrator, present company included, would and should welcome with open arms.

Oskie, I would expect that you would take Eldridge - you're from AC and it only makes sense that you would give your support to your coach. This was never an either/or comment or suggestion. I also don't think it is fair to either Coach Eldridge or Coach Lockard to make such a comparison, particularly when it comes from another coach. Both do excellent jobs, and both are good fits for the type of players they have.

Over the last five years, opponents shoot 35% against Clinton. Once again, I think most coaches/teams would take that. Their scores are usually high because the number of possessions in their games is usually high. This occurs because of the tempo created by the press. I am making no personal attacks on anyone on here. I am simply showing the record of Clinton under Coach Lockard. Coach Lockard does a fantastic job with his kids and several have been rewarded with the opportunity to play at some college level. Most don't realize that each year Coach Lockard has several players from opponents that request his assistance with game tapes/highlights and phone contacts for college purposes. I know personally that he has helped kids from Halls, Karns, and Oak Ridge in the past. Some don't like his fiery demeanor, but Chris coaches for the right reasons. Coach Eldridge does a fine job and has had some excellent teams of his own in the past few years. I believe he had a team with six or seven seniors on it (that were returning lettermen) in the last couple years. But, basketball is a tournament sport - that is where it counts - and the Mavs have not had the tournament success that the Dragons have. That does not mean that ACHS has not had some excellent years with multiple district titles of their own. Unfortunately for them, they have been unable to get past that point.

Chris Lockard's success at Clinton speaks for itself. To say or imply otherwise is simply foolish. 2000-01 22-9 District Tourney Champs 2001-02 24-8 District Champs, District Tourney Champs 2002-03 14-16 2003-04 26-11 District Champs, District Tourney Champs, Region Champs Substate Champs, lost in first round of State Tourney 2004-05 19-15 Region runner-up, Substate runner-up That's an overall record of 105-58 in five years of coaching. I believe they are currently 14-7 this year and right in the thick of their district race. Has their been talent - yes, but last I checked I don't think anyone has ever mistaken Clinton for Memphis or Nashville (or even the Tri-cities or Cleveland for that matter). Do you think that Coach Lockard might have something to do with developing that talent? (I would think that most educated basketball fans already know that answer). Just because Clinton plays an unorthodox style does not mean that their is not a method to their madness. Sure, it's not the halfcourt deliberate style that some seem to prefer, but they are well-coached at what they do. I would also bet that their are a lot of coaches that would take the success that Coach Lockard has had in his first five years and run with it. I am in no way trying to demean any other coaches on this site. But the numbers also do not merit personal attacks on Coach Lockard. Keep up the good work Chris!!!! P.S. I believe there was a controversial block/charge call at AC two years ago that some would argue cost Clinton the game. Most coaches would tell you that these things usually even themselves out over time.

Ask Riverdale's free safety who should've won.

How about: 3-3..... at least we're undefeated in fraternity fights!

I'll say it again, Maybe Bob was right.

I repeat, maybe Coach Davies is right. This team plays with no emotion and I personally don't see a leader on the field. I believe this lack of leadership is magnified by the QB situation. I think that there are several players on this team that are playing for themselves only. Oh well, I'm a diehard, but the last several years have been difficult; they are just not that fun to watch right noe. Even when they win, it's ugly.

Maybe Coach Davies was right.

Central Their base offense is a slot I, but you will see trips and double slot from them. They are extremely difficult to defend because they have super athletes at all the skill positions. They introduced the gun last year which made them even more versatile. They try to get the ball to the flank in a variety of ways. You'll see just about every kind of screen imaginable: bubble to the slot, bubble to trips, x-under, and traditional middle/tailback screens. They also run the veer. Their QB is outstanding - a four year starter and a coach's son. He can beat you every way imaginable - running, throwing, and even on defense from a safety position. He's not big, but he is extremely elusive. Some teams try to make him stay in the pocket and throw because he is most dangerous out of the pocket - but believe me, he can throw it well. On defense, Central typically plays a 5-2, cover 2 in the secondary. Again, not usually really big, but extremely fast. In the past, they rarely come out of the cover 2. Bell Co. Big and physical with a good young QB who I believe is also a coach's son. They'll run out of the wishbone and I. It is power football at it's finest - they'll lull you to sleep and hit you with a counter play for big yardage. They don't throw often, but when they do it is usually for big yardage. You'll see trap, blast, power lead, toss sweep, and counter. They usually don't run much veer, but with their current QB (only a sophomore) maturing, I wouldn't be surprised to see some veer. On defense, they have run a 6-2 in the past, but they drop the weakside end into the flat on alignment. They have also shown a 40. They graduated two stud LB's from a year ago so they MAY be vulnerable there. They cover your offensive linemen and let their LB's make plays. Obviously, they are usually in a cover 3. Bell Co. is usually one of the most fundamentally sound football teams that one will ever see. They block and tackle extremely well. They take care of the football and they don't make stupid penalties. These two teams are polar opposites. Central scores via the big play (look out on all kick returns) while Bell Co. likes the time consuming drives. In my opinion, Bell Co. is the type of football team that could give Central fits. I believe this game is a toss-up and the game is in Kentucky. Good Luck to both teams. It should be an outstanding game.