FootballDad

Thats GVK's ride. You know me, I'm a truck kind of guy.

Yum Yum....

They're just on loan from Duncan Automotive....Marty Duncan's got a real good detail and touch up man If you liked those momma & daddy cars, you should see the ones the players drive

Read Option was the call (according to my info ), made the wrong read and kept it...from the bleachers it looked like giving the ball would have resulted in the winning score...but its a bang bang decision. Tough call for an under experienced QB on a team that primarily passes the ball. In retrospect I'm sure CRB wishes he had taken the decision out of the QB's hands and just made it an automatic give...but in defeat there are always play calls that a coach would like to have back, at least there were for me. I know in the past C.High pulled the ball when the call was a give and he walked into the end zone for the score, but he was a very experienced and skilled QB. I agree that we had something going with the running game, kudos to the offensive line for opening up those holes, once again, they aren't asked to do that very often and I thought they did a very good job of it Friday night, along with #4. But, we gave up 2 fumbles (one resulting in a 92 yard TD return) and a pick 6, so I still contend that the turnovers are what was our demise, not the play calls. I think #34 can be a nice running back to compliment #4 if given the opportunities. CAK is going to have to improve the passing attack or rethink our scheme and start developing a game plan with a more versatile running game. The loss of #6 as our speedy deep threat certainly hurt us and I'm not sure if he will be able to return to receiving duties or not. If not, then I believe changes are in order.

Understood... just one of those decisions that didn't work out for us...but IMO there were several other issues with that game that resulted in the defeat that were more significant. But I fully understand your argument and it has merit.

True...that is one of those maxims of the game...but I would have done the same thing, so I can't be critical of the decision. The penalty gave CAK the ball first and goal inside the 5 yard line. The play call was a conservative off tackle run and the kid just didn't hold onto the ball. Sure, in retrospect I would make a different decision now, but based on where the ball was placed after the penalty I understand his decision. As far as the maxim goes...I've seen the same decision pay off in other games. Secure the football is a much more important maxim than this one. Regardless, close losses like these sting just a little more. I'm hopeful that the team and coaches will learn from this game and get prepared for a tough test against your Spartans. The wing T teams always give us fits and we have to find an answer to losing our deep threat receiver. I'm sure there will be a good crowd on hand. Good news is that we have saved a lot of gas money in this two week stretch of neighborhood football, ha.

A stinging loss for CAK. Kudos to the Warrior defense, they shut the Irish out, with both regulation scores coming on offensive turnovers, and a goal line stand in the OT, holding Catholic to a field goal, but it wasn't enough to pull out the victory. Congrats to the Irish on the win. CAK is going to have to find some offensive consistency in order to right the ship.

I haven't seen any Alcoa teams before R.Cobbs Sr. year, but the 2009 & 2010 teams mentioned above were scary good, especially for 3A !! In 2010, IF you got past the mountainous OLine, and IF you got past the bulldozer playing FB, then you won the opportunity to tackle the train!!! That team blew you up on the scoreboard and buried you on the field. CAK was good enough that year to have won state (loss 14-3 in playoffs at Alcoa) if not for Alcoa having one, if not the, best team of all time.

Agreed. I believe CAK is quite capable of winning, but first they must get over the mental block that we always seem to have when playing Catholic or Webb. If the guys will treat it like any other game and not play tight, then I believe the Warriors can give the Irish a run for their money.

bah bah..... Its an important game for the Warriors for sure. Its been a long while since CAK has lost 2 games in a row, but if they don't play well Friday that is exactly what will happen. They certainly had their opportunities to beat Powell last week but just didn't get it done. There were way too many mistakes and miscues against the Panthers to secure a victory, but I believe most of those can be corrected this week in practice. It may take a little while for the Warriors to find themselves with so many newbies in the lineup. #6 is a serious deep threat and #4 is proving to be a tough runner. The D is scrappier and a bit better than I thought they were going to be, but they still have a lot of improving to do. For CAK to win against the Irish they have to get consistently good play from the QB position. The young gun pulling the trigger right now has been hit and miss, making great plays followed by some misreads and errant throws. I believe he will eventually get there, but it may take a while longer. Coach Bradley puts a heavy burden on the QB and it just takes time for it all to click. The receivers are going to have to help a little more as well, but they seem to be improving on making yards after the catch. There is always a lot expected from the CAK offense, hopefully they will deliver against Catholic. This should be a tough game for both teams.

Thanks....same to the Panthers

Congrats to Powell on the victory...and congrats to the Warriors for fighting back after being down by 3tds. Both teams were a little sloppy tonight. CAK made some critical mistakes along the way, one of the most costly ones was a personal fowl after having stopped the Panthers deep in their own territory. Still CAK came within inches of pulling off the upset. The deep pass to #6 for CAK came up big several times tonight and that part of the offense looked good along with mixing in some running plays. Both teams still have a lot of improving to do but it's early in the season. Despite all the mistakes, penalties and missed tackles, this was an exciting game to watch. Good luck to Powell the rest of the way and I'm sure my Warriors will work on our mistakes and get better....but the schedule isn't getting any easier next week. Just keep working hard boys and the rest will take care of itself.

All the others have given you good parking advice, just try to arrive as early as possible, that should help some because CAK fans tend to get there a little late. If Powell brings their band they will fill half of the visitors bleachers by themselves, so getting there early may help you find a seat. If you can't find a seat I would suggest walking up to the practice field on the hill and watch from there, its really a pretty good view. For the Panther fans bringing little ones, there is a large playground right beside the stadium they can use. Just heard that we have our new play clocks installed and running, so that will be something new for us at the stadium this year. I hope they work better than our PA system does...ha. Hope you and all the other Panther fans have a good experience at CAK, but not on the playing field..

I am rooting for Karns to eventually turn things around. I felt the same way about South Doyle for years...who like Karns...had been a whipping post for a long time. But now Clark Duncan has them going in the right direction, and they have started putting respectable teams on the field. Duncan practically ran every one off and almost didn't have enough players to field a team, but once he washed away the old "defeatist" mentality and instilled some discipline and hard work, it started to improve. (Of course he was the AD as well so he didn't have to worry about his job as much). He didn't win a lot of friends along the way either, but he is the type of coach that Karns needs to find...an old school, tough nosed, good football coach who knows what it takes to be successful. A "Coach Carter" type of coach for those of you who saw that movie. It can be done...but it not only takes the right head coach, but it takes the right assistants as well who are willing to buckle down and see it through for the long haul. No need to be a grumpy, old man that ticks everybody off, but a firm, dedicated, knowledgeable guy that values the area rec league teams as well as input from others and has enough enthusiasm and personality to get the kids to want to come out and play. Oh well, sorry...end of sermon Congrats to HVA for their early successes and wishes for continued success. Encouragement to Karns fans who probably feel like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness...things will get better, I'm just not sure how soon. It looks like you do have some young talent on the team and moving to 5A will eventually help out. Good luck Friday

I've been accused of that a time or two. When I coached, some of my assistants said that I made Johnny Majors look innovative and Lou Holts braggadocios... it doesn't hurt to play possum occasionally. But honestly...this years CAK team has nice potential to be a solid team, but its unrealistic to expect them to live up to what we've had over the past 3-4 years. It will be tough for the Warriors to win this game, but I'm sure they will give it a good shot.

Uncharacteristic drops by receivers and missed opportunities due to errant passes helped keep the CAK passing attack last week to a low altitude by CAK standards, but it was still good enough to win comfortably against an opponent that was not up to the level of what we will see in Powell. Like others have said, this game can go either way. I like CAK's coaching and their offensive scheme will give most teams trouble. Looks like the Warriors have a nice running threat to compliment the passing game, but they just don't use it all that often. Defensively, CAK looks improved, but certainly not dominating. They will be challenged to handle the speed of the scat back for the Panthers and the athleticism of the QB. The depth of the Panthers may help, but CAK is a platoon team and that should minimize the depth disadvantage they face. Cliche....turnovers,penalties and special teams may be the difference in this game All who wish to attend should get there early, the stadium is small and parking is limited.

The Panthers certainly aren't flying under the radar as far as CAK is concerned. While I'm not big on putting too much emphasis on the classification of the school, its still an eye opener when a 3A school plays a 6A school, especially when Powell will have as many players on the sidelines as CAK's football team, cheerleaders and band combined. This game will have a completely different feel to it for Powell than the Fulton game. Fulton was big, fast, physical and experienced. Not only did the Falcons win big, but they physically punished the Panthers as well. (We know all about that style of play from our annual clashes with Alcoa). CAK is not that type of team. We prefer to be finesse with our passing game and have precise execution. The Warriors main goal is not to mash your mouth, but rather to duck and miss your swings until you are all swung out, then pile on the points in a hurry. Don't get me wrong, our little ole scrawny boys will mix it up with you, we've learned to survive those kinds of skirmishes from our Blount County & Polk County friends, but its not the Warriors preferred MO. After last weeks game revealed that we have quite a bit of improving to do in our passing game (by CAK standards) I'm certainly concerned about CAK being able to hang with a big, fast and deep squad like Powells. But I expect CAK's passing attack will still be good enough to give the Panthers some trouble. While I expect that Powell will eventually wear CAK down, I wouldn't be surprised for the Warriors pull off an upset. Coach Bradley and staff will have a good game plan I'm sure. This should be a good game to watch with such contrasting styles.

I would say that is a reasonable prognosis this early in the season Mav. Happy to read about T.Hicks making such a nice come back this past Friday night after such a horrific accident last year. Good luck to AC the rest of the way, enjoy the fireworks but keep the "moo's" to a minimum

I think that the only advantage CAK may have is if the Panther players are full of doubt after such a huge loss. If that is the mindset then if CAK has some early success it could cause some problems for Powell. The Warriors passing game is still trying to gain altitude. They have good potential, but still a long way from being at their high flying best that we have been spoiled with for the past 3-4 years. Powell presents tremendous challenges for CAK in many ways.....especially in the physical and depth aspects of the game. I suspect this will be a good matchup...hard to predict the outcome. I would have loved to see this matchup the past 2 years. It's an important game for both teams. Panther fans get there early...CAK has a nice but small stadium compared to what you are accustom to and the parking is very limited. Try a grilled burger...they're good as far as stadium food goes.

Ha ha....the Alcoa faithful will get a giggle out it. For the past few years we've had our CAKe and eaten it too, so we can take a few pokes from our Milan friends.

I waited awhile for someone on the 6A board to start a thread about this game...but since that hasn't happened I will start one on the 3A board. CAK & Powell have been 2 of the most successful programs in the area for the past few years, with CAK winning state in 2011 & 2012 and Powell getting to the finals in 2011 and semi-finals in 2012. Powell is coming off a disappointing performance this past Friday night but it was against one of the better teams in the state (Fulton). CAK is coming off a win against one of the less successful D2 schools (Franklin Road Academy) but it was a valuable experience for all the new starters who have virtually no experience. What are your thoughts about this matchup between 3A CAK and 6A Powell?

Congrats to the Warriors for notching the first victory of the season. A 3hr bus ride, a young team with limited experience, playing on turf, against an opponent we knew very little about, so it was nice to come back home with a 25 pt. victory. My first observation is that we have a great deal of work to do considering the competition we will be facing most of the year, but this team showed some potential. The defense and the run game actually looked to be ahead of the offense and passing game right now. We have been spoiled by off the chart offensive production for the past 3-4 years with incredibly talented players. Now we have to be patient and allow these youngsters to develop. I thought #4 and #15 both stood out on offense and #78 and #9 both made a lot of plays on defense. others made some nice plays as well but those players stood out to me. The kicker also showed off a strong leg on kick offs and punts. Overall a nice win to build some confidence...but in order for us to compete with the schedule we have this year the passing game must improve with Coach Bradley's system so dependent on it. This team will be a work in progress most of the season but I saw some potential last night. Go Warriors and good luck next week against Powell.

Ha.... Actually I'm one of those old timers who doesn't think freshman have any place on a varsity football team due to the physical deficiencies they face when competing with upper class men. I prefer to see them play on a freshman or JV team for a year, then work their way onto the squad as a sophomore. However, at CAK, we don't have that luxury since we typically only have about 50-55 players, including the freshmen! Occassionally you will get that rare kid who is just so big or fast that they can compete with the older guys, but not often. So when I say these guys are good enough to play as freshmen I'm saying that in the context of our program at CAK. Even at CAK that is almost impossible to do at the QB position due to the complicated offense and how much he is asked to do - but C.High probably could have pulled it off if we hadn't been blessed with a couple other guys that weren't too bad themselves.

I believe Charlie was a sophomore when he started at safety, so even more impressive that this kid is starting as a freshman. Although I will point out that C.High was good enough to play as a freshman, but those teams were a bit deeper and didn't need the freshmen to play except for D.Howell at receiver and that was primarily due to injuries. Each team has to stand on its own merit, but this team is taking a respected program down to Middle TN to play a D2 program that we really know nothing about. I hope after the game that we can bring that same respect back home with us. Good luck Warriors!