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.

Clinton is looking for a scrimmage for August 18 or 19. Please contact Coach Shattuck at (865) 457-2611 if interested.

A Science Hill tape won't do Maryville any good - they're out of it. Oak Ridge plays SH.

Vikingpride, I am in the lockerroom and I do know what is being taught; there is no overanalyzing anything. Some people prefer moderate tempo basketball (and are successful) while others prefer uptempo basketball (and are successful). The average person watches Clinton play and assumes that there are no rules to their defense in the full and the half court; nothing could be further from the truth. It appears that the common definition of "disciplined" that is being applied is slower tempo, less trapping, more conservative basketball (nothing wrong with that); I would argue that a team can also be disciplined by playing a fast paced game and following the rules and philosophy of their particular scheme. When someone takes a shot at our program, I will defend our program. I have nothing but respect for Coach Burns and the Tennessee program and would be the first to tell anyone that it is very difficult for me to fairly assess the nuances of their program because they are not a common opponent for us; I would hope that others would judge Clinton in the same manner.

Clinton has won 10 district regular season and/or tournament titles, 3 region titles, and made two state tournament appearances in the last 8 years. They return to the substate this year after losing three players who are playing college ball; and they returned two starters. Yet, someone wants to say they are undisciplined and not well-coached?? Some teams prefer zone presses; some prefer different styles of pressing to achieve their goals. Just because someone's style of play differs from another team is no reason to tear down the opponent. I'm not sure when Clinton became the mecca of athleticism; I guess it ranks right up there with Memphis, Nashville, etc ??? (sarcasm). I also guess that this success is directly correlated to Clinton not being prepared to play?? (again, sarcasm) To each their own.

Congratulations to both Clinton and Maryville on a very hard fought game. The fact that these two teams were even playing in this game (given their losses to graduation from a year ago) speaks volumes about these two programs. Also, kudos to Oak Ridge and Powell for playing their hearts out.

I can certainly appreciate the frustration of some Maryville fans. The draw is, well, the draw. Many schools would argue that they got a bad break over the years. I guess you just have to take advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves because you never know when (or if) the next opportunity will come. Maybe this frustration of postseason problems has affected past teams??

Triple threat speaks of Maryville's past history in the region. I'm aware of the past couple years. What other history do you speak of? Sounds like a little frustration and I'm curious. Seems like Coach Nelson and staff have always done a good job.

Maryville, Halls, etc. There are a great number of teams that have gotten bad matchups in the region, but that is what happens when a state has a different tournament format. Don't like the format? Campaign for change to something more traditional. People only remember the matchup when it affects their own school; but it has happened to many schools over the years. The problem is the format - allowing teams that have lost to advance is questionable at best.

RDriesen, I am originally from Ohio and I have never gotten used to this system in TN; I don't like it, but it's what we have.

jlwright98, The kind of inflammatory title that you have used is not warranted in my opinion. Clinton has played for the district title in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2004 - winning five of those games. (Oak Ridge has had similar success). Powell played for the title in 2003 and Halls last played in 1987. I certainly congratulate Halls and Powell on their accomplishments thus far this season; both have very good teams led by excellent staffs. I would expect a hard fought game tonight. However, to take potshots at a program(s) that has dominated this district for a decade is ridiculous. I know that your insinuations do not represent the good number of Halls and Powell posters on this sight. Good Luck to all teams tonight.