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I feel confident about Science Hill's running ability and their defense. The backs differ in style, and each one can hit the hole and make something happen. Their defense has been playing very well since the end of the Bearden game, and I think that they will match up favorably with the Karns spread. Hopefully we can match up to that QB too, I'm hearing that he is pretty good. Is he as good as Davenport, from South? He made his 1st varsity start against us didn't he? He played pretty well that night.

Good post! Looks like Karns is tougher than most expected, can't wait for the game.

As a Science Hill fan, I try to see most of the Topper's games. I looked at DB's schedule, and the only team that I have seen play that I could deem similar to CC would be Jeff Co. Before anybody gets bent out of shape, let me say that CC is a classy group of players and coaches, and they play a sportsmanlike game, no matter what the score is. CC is a stubborn running team, much like Jeff Co, and they don't have the tools on offense to play from behind, much like Jeff Co. CC's QB was 0-6 with 1 or 2 picks I believe, but he had a rushing TD set up by an 80-85 yd option keeper (The PA called it 81 yds, the Johnson City Press called it 86 yds). They are going to live and die on the option. Their QB is the coach's son, and he played as good a game as you could ask in terms of running the option. He isn't fast, he won't run anyone over, but he is very smart with his reads, and can find running lanes that compensate for his athletic ability. They threw it once in the 1st half and that was picked off, and they wouldn't throw the ball again until obvious passing situations in the 4th qtr. Campbell County has some decent skill players, Tyler Albright was leading the conference with 981 yds rushing and 14 Tds before the SH game, but not enough depth. Alot of their players play both ways, and with DB having a fantastic running game, CC will eventually get worn out. 3 or 4 drives of CS #32, and CC will most likely run out of gas. CC plays gritty but honest, and they will show some heart and character; however, the depth issue will be too much to overcome and the Tribe should take this one going away.

The Indians will overwhelm Campbell County on offense. They've simply got too much for Campbell County to match up with. Key on Chris, and Ashlon and Derrick will make you pay. Jamie is a player, and he makes an impact at any position that GC asks him to play. Justin is the lightning to Chris' thunder, and I haven't even gotten to talk about the defense yet. This is a special DB team, and Campbell County just doesn't have it. CC will battle, but they don't have the depth to compete for long. A slow start for DB, due to the long drive, will probably be the best advantage CC has, and that won't last through even half of the 1st Qtr. Big win for the Indians, can't wait to see you guys in Johnson City. Good luck to both teams.

Attention: Calling all Karns fans! I repeat, ALL KARNS FANS! Stats, key players, offensive and defensive strategies, what is Karns doing this season? We've seen them go from 100% undercenter, pound it 3 yds and a cloud of dust, to the spread over the past few years. I've learned to expect something new from Karns everytime we play, so what is it this year?

I know that firsthand. We made the drive down my junior year. Coach Bowles hardly let us talk the whole way down, and most of us slept. A QB by the name of A.J. Tucker scored the game winner on a 15 yd called sneak in the 4th. It's definitely a crappy drive, and most of us were exhausted by the time we got there. Last season, focus on the long trips was comical, it just didn't happen. If Coach Smith can reel the guys in and keep them focused on the task at hand, then hopefully we can pull it out. Karns has shown real improvement over the course of my career, even though their record doesn't point that out. Karns has really been battling people, and they'll defend their homefield well. Anybody got any info on Karns? Key players? Stats? I haven't seen Karns live this season.

Science Hill comes into this one with a 6-2 (3-1) record and they are 3rd in the conference. A win over Karns should cement a playoff spot for sure. Karns has had some rough breaks similar to the Science Hill of last year, and they could easily be sitting in a position to challenge for the conference if a few more plays had went their way. It was noted in today's Johnson City Press that Karns had 1 more 1st down than Dobyns-Bennett last night (17-16), and that is no small accomplishment. The Beavers beat the Toppers last season, with help of 2 Topper fumbles that were returned for TDs. Science Hill graduated alot of seniors last year, but the juniors and seniors of this season's team have been a great unit, and have shown much improvement from last season. What's to expect from Karns when Science Hill makes the lengthy drive to Knoxville this week?

Central is returning a few good players and should have a top 4 team this year, but taking on a team of Science Hill's caliber early in the season spells trouble. The Cougars get better as the season progresses, but Science Hill takes this one 65-47 with the play of Josh Odem, Chris Smith, Detric Hancock, and Jamison Hamilton being the difference in this one. Also, can someone help me? Is Isaac Kinley returning to the basketball team this season? That was mentioned in the Johnson City Press when they did a spot on Isaac for the football team a few weeks ago.

Last year's center had a timing and location issue with the different snap counts that Coach Smith used. Good game Toppers! Way to come out and defend the homefield! I left when the Toppers had recovered another fumble and were ahead 26-7 with 2 minutes to go. Good job to the offensive line! You guys had your way out there. Armando, Ryan, and Moses all had standout efforts at tailback tonight. Isaac! Way to put the offense on your shoulders with the absence of Gray, Wes, and Corey. Isaac had a huge game running the ball. He had 2 or 3 rushing touchdowns. R.J., Jordan, Seth, Will, Jeff, Bo, Josh, Caleb, Zach and the rest of the D, great game, that's exactly what we needed! I like that Coach Smith found a place on the field for Pritchard, as he was returning kicks. Kicking game could use work because our holder is injured. Timing wasn't right with Isaac and Brandon, and in a close game, that can be the difference between a win and a loss. Other than that, the guys put together a collective effort for 4 quarters, and that is much appreciated. Campbell County, you guys fought very hard, your QB is very good at running the option. Great efforts from your line! You guys are a classy group that never quits. Good luck to Campbell County on the rest of their season. Picks: 6-2 (3-1)

Thanks for the indepth description. I knew all 5 of these guys were on the line this year and that Rentel and Williams also look to have an impact on defense, but your description was much better than mine. I'm proud of Lindsey stepping up, Joel had the benefit of an older brother who played on the line, and he has also learned well. I went to church with Andrew Chaudron who was a sophomore JV lineman who dressed varsity my senior year before I left for college. You won't find a harder working lineman. He's not the best out there, but he generally does a good job and will get better in the offseason. This is a junior dominated team, and even though Isaac, Larry, and a host of seniors will be gone, when they get Gray, Wes, and Corey back next season, the sky is the limit. Coach Smith had his rocky 1st season, but he has shown tremendous improvement as their record states. They look to double last season's win total with a W tonight.

Top to bottom it is an entirely new unit. All 5 of last year's starting linemen graduated, but the guys we've got upfront this year are much more solid than last season's group. We've got two OL who will also play defense, and the other 3 got their experience playing JV last season. What looked to be a disaster at the beginning of the season has actually turned into some solid line play, much improved from last year.

Last season, the Toppers came out flat against the Cougars. If guys weren't sleeping, there was alot of playing around on the team buses, and alot of guys were not mentally prepared. Campbell County fought, scrapped, and made the big plays when it counted. The Toppers? They essentially lost their season that was already in doubt, a QB, and alot of confidence. However, that said, I simply cannot see Campbell County coming to Johnson City and beating the Toppers. The last time that they beat the Toppers at home, they scored 4 Tds in a row when most of the Topper crowd had already hit the road thinking that we had the win in the bag. CC also had a man in the backfield by the name of Chris Johnson. I still haven't forgotten about him, he was electric. The thing is, this Topper team knows what is at stake. They know that this game can make or break their season, and Coach Smith is going to make it seem like the USC Trojans are coming to town. With 3 WR's done for the year, Coach Smith will hopefully rely on the legs of Isaac Kinley #5, Armando Canepa #2, and Ryan Mitchell #23. These guys have been getting the job done consistently on the ground, but lets not forget about big Larry Smith #1 (6'6) either. Find me a defensive back who can stop him on the fade consistently, and I'll find that kid a college scholarship. Enough about the offense, lets talk D. I hope the weather is rainy and chilly, because there are some mean kids who will play better in these conditions. #51 Jeff Green is this year's Aaron Trent, #45 Logan Honeycutt got time as a sophomore last year, established himself, and he eats up most ballcarriers. The scary thing is, he will only get better. A transfer #32 Bo Delgraccio (spelling?) has been kickin butt and takin names. He's the nasty type that SH hasn't really had in years past. #86 Zach Jordan is a 3 year starter who is enjoying his senior campaign and is looked to for leadership. Josh Lewis #44, is the smallest nosetackle in the state, but he plays big and thats what matters. #58 Will Rentel, #42 Jordan Alexander, and #54 Seth Williams always bring the heat on the defensive line, look for them all to have solid efforts. The secondary, techically, should be suffering from the loss of #7 Wes Forbush and #8 Corey Macpherson, but #4 Daniel Norris plays the most pressure packed position when in the game on offense (QB), so playing corner is easier on him. From what I've seen, he is more than able. #3 R.J. Jackson, a transfer who played JV last year, had 4 picks in his 1st JV game, and after struggling early this year in man coverage, and a suspension issue, he had a pick in his 1st game back at the CB position and took it 100 yds, unfortunately it was called back. One more player left in the secondary: #5 Isaac Kinley. Isaac, a 3 year starter, has been moved around alot. He can't be labeled as a position player because he has been a WR, RB, and CB in his career, and this season the workload has increased as he is the QB/RB though Armando and Ryan get their carries, the punter, and the starting FS. He also returns kicks. The only thing he hasn't done is poor the water and tape his teammates ankles. If the field is slippery, Isaac will have a field day. He is the most balanced player I have ever seen, there have been countless moments in his career when I figured he'd be down, only to have him stick a hand out, get himself upright, and keep getting the yards. Campbell County will compete, they will score, and they will play good D, but they won't get the W. The W is what counts. Toppers by 7. Don't underestimate the Cougars guys, this is a good team coming to Johnson City and they're going to hit. So hit harder.

This thread is staying silent... does somebody know something that I don't?

The hook and latter was just the last nail in the coffin. Sure it was a huge play on 4th down, and I doubt they would've won without it, but at the same time, I look at how CC bounced back from a couple big turnovers when they were in scoring range. Their defense came out and stopped our O, and when they got the ball back they continued to be aggressive and take shots downfield. A high powered offense vs. a good defense? Look at the Super Bowl that featured the high powered offense of the Oakland Raiders vs the defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Raiders still haven't recovered from that loss... so I'd be careful before you give the Toppers some bulletin board material. They're playing at home, they're not looking past CC, and they need this win. With 3 WRs done for the year with ACL injuries, Isaac is going to be running alot more this Friday, and he is tough to stop. Armando Canepa has been in a bit of a slump offensively, but Coach Smith hasn't been calling his number as much either. BTW, our top WR is still out there and at 6'6, he doesn't lose jump balls. The worst thing that happens to Larry Smith #1 on a jump ball, is an incompletion. He pulls it in, and we're guaranteed 20 yds at least. He won't wow anyone with his speed, but his soft hands and size make him a more than easy target for Isaac to hit. On defense, we always have a strong D, and with Coach Smith's scheme that involves constant movement, we're going to draw somebody on a false start. If that doesn't happen, you better hope its a running play or your QB is going to learn the names of #51 Jeff Green, #42 Jordan Alexander, #58 Will Rentel, and #45 Logan Honeycutt in a hurry. Good luck, but Toppers by 7 on account of they are playing at home and don't have to make the strenuous drive to Jacksboro.

Earlier in the season I stated that Ash has always had the ability, but he never worked at it while at SH. The coaches simply couldn't get it out of him, and catering to him didn't help either. He's got the size and talent to play either of his sports at the college level, but he could be so much better if he had grown up in DB's system with their coaches pushing him. GC has obviously gotten him playing like he wants to be a part of a team and GC deserves great credit for that. Ash was a guy who at times was a pain to play with, but in the end, most of his teammates at SH were happy to have him on the field. For every bad play there were usually 2 good ones. That's not a terrible ratio, but could be better. I'm glad that he found a school where he fits, and I'm glad he's doing well over in Kingsport. If I were in his position going into my senior year, I may have transferred to Boone because I live in both the SH and Boone school zones. Ash is a good kid, and I don't think anyone is bitter for his transferring, his family made a great decision and ppl in the Topper Nation that know Ash personally support his move and hope that he makes some noise at the college level. Good luck against Karns, keep everybody healthy for your visit to Johnson City in a few weeks. As long as we beat Karns and CC, we can only finish 3rd behind Bearden and DB. We take care of business in the next couple weeks, and the boys will finally be able to focus on beating DB, and only DB, instead of worrying about where they will be seeded in the postseason. Also, I can't wait to see how Charlie Morgan utilizes Ash on the basketball court. The Big 9 will be an adventure this season.

I definitely commend R.J. and Moses on their efforts Friday night. They both should've been on the field somewhere since this season started. Also, I'm proud of #1 Larry Smith for taking the receiving game onto his shoulders with a transfer (Ashlon Adams) and 3 starting WR's injured. He still had 6 catches for over 50 yds. 53 yds maybe? #12 Tyler Pritchard is our 3rd string QB who should look to get his time in the secondary. The kid has the mechanics and the fundamentals to play QB, but he can hardly see over the line. He played a lil WR Friday, but the secondary is where he belongs. He is fast, smart, and though he is small, not afraid to hit. Also, he's playing with a chip on his shoulder because Norris slipped in and got some of his JV PT last yr as a freshman, and Kinley and Norris both took QB from him this season. My advice, get with Coach Overbay, start working with the defense more, and maybe play QB and CB his senior year as he is only a junior. We're too loaded at QB this year, and with Norris coming back next year, he'd have to win the job next season. He can make a lot more of an impact on defense and special teams. I found out that offense wasn't my forte, so I worked on CB and special teams and got on the field. Not saying that TP isn't an offensive player, because the kid can flat out play, but his size makes him more likely to contribute as a DB or WR. More likely a DB, he didn't look like he was familiar with WR play when I watched him Friday, but that's to be expected when you only practice at QB. Also, Seth Franklin #18 did a great job filling in for Corey. He showed maturity and got up to play against a Jeff Co secondary that easily had the size advantage over him. He was sticking blocks and getting after it. I'm alot more confident about our injury situation after seeing our backups play Friday. One problem SH doesn't have is depth. At one point, 3 wrs and 2 qbs were unavailable Friday, and we were still moving the ball downfield. Hopefully we'll have everybody back that is expected (#6 Grayson Janeway, #7 Wes Forbush, and #8 Corey Macpherson are all done for the year) and we can beat Campbell County at home, then worry about Karns. After Karns, DB comes to JC and we get to see how good we really are.

I totally agree in that the conference would be decided between DB, SH, and SS. Boone would beat up on Crockett, Central, and Volunteer, but they aren't at the level that DB, SH, and SS play at. Also, would TN High be part of this conference? If so, IMO, I don't see them finishing higher than 3rd ever. Forget DB, SH and SS would pose enough problems for the Vikes and Boone might even be able to sneak an upset. The current classifications are not good for traveling. As a college student in Johnson City, it's hard to find the gas money to drive to Jefferson County, Bearden, Campbell County, and Karns, but these are all conference teams and I travel to see my boys play whenever I can. Plus, I'd like for us to play Boone again, we haven't on varsity since my freshman year in high school. Other than Boone, South, DB, and TN High though, I can't see anyone in the proposed conference giving us a run for our money and preparing us for the postseason. East, Central, Crockett, Volunteer? They would just have to take their lumps from DB, SH, SS and TN High, then hope that the better teams beat up on each other and open up a postseason berth for a weaker team to step in. Not downing anybodies team, JMO and I think that alot of ppl might agree.

Figured that we'd have more traffic on this board, this is a pretty big game in the region

The O-Line has definitely stepped up this season. All 5 starters graduated last season, and 3 of our starting O-Line never had varsity experience before this season. The other 2 play both ways and have to be in some serious shape to work in the trenches that long. Turnovers have improved greatly this season, but Coach Smith reverted back to last season when he made a couple horrible 4th down calls in the JC game. Our kicker missed a FG coach? So what? That's the 1st one he's missed in 2 years as a starter, you've got to give him a couple more chances when you're in a position to put some points on the board. Add 3 potential FGs and the INT TD that got called back (That was some track star running from R.J. going 100 like that!) and SH walks out of JC with a 28-0 win instead of a lackluster 12-0 victory. Losing 3 of our top skill players for the season has forced us to run the ball more instead of opening it up with the passing game. Running is less of a turnover risk than passing, and that has showed this season. The guys run the ball, get some yards, and if it's not there punt it away and play some defense. That is working well this season for the Toppers, as their defense has been playing very well. The JC shutout will only give them confidence. Is there anyone for CC who is simply a match-up problem ala Devrin Young, Chris Sensabaugh, Patrick Miller, Christian McFall type of guy who carries the team? We look to #5 Isaac Kinley to lead our O, D, and special teams and he is our standout guy until proven otherwise. Our whole team runs through #5 and he's been getting the job done as of late.

Whichever tailback starts for TN High will have a good night and send Betsy home with a 10 pt. loss. High scoring game, with TN High's depth prevailing over Elizabethton.

It could also determine how SH actually plays in the playoffs. It seems like this is a Campbell County team on a similar tear to the of the Vanderbilt Commodores. We've got traditionally bad teams playing well this year, and SH had better come to play. After putting beatings on CC their sophomore and junior years, last years seniors expected to win as soon as they got to Jacksboro. They lost the game, their pride, a QB quit the team, and the meltdown was solidified. I'd like to see a better offensive output this week. We're suffering from injuries in our wideout corps, but we've got the personnel to switch to our productive ground game and roll out on play action. JC's fullback got whatever he wanted against our defense, so we could be considered suspect against the run. Inconsistencies in tackling have killed us this year. On a good note, we've got some backups who can play and make up for the injuries. Junior #18 Seth Franklin is not physically ready, and would be playing JV if not pressed into duty by Corey Macpherson's absence, but Seth matured alot last night. He played almost 3 full quarters at wideout. He wasn't thrown to, but he was sticking his blocks well and running very clean routes. R.J. Jackson, #3 a senior, transferred and played JV last year. The coaches knew they had something when he had 4 picks in his first JV game. Well, pressed into duty at corner last night, he picked one off and ran it back 100 for a TD that the refs somehow managed to call back. What does Campbell County have this season? I remember last year's CC team as an underated, athletic unit that stole a W out from under SH before Johnson City even knew what happened.

After a confusing win at Jefferson County, thanks to some odd calls by the refs, what's to expect when the Toppers come home to host the Campbell County Cougars? SH suffered another crippling blow as junior WR/DB/KR-PR Corey Macpherson went down with an ACL injury. Last season, everybody was healthy and we were losing, now everybody is hurt and we are winning. 3 starters- 3 knee injuries: Grayson Janeway #6, Wes Forbush #7, and Corey who is #8. #18 Seth Franklin, a junior with no game experience, got it together quick last night and stepped up in Corey's absence at wide out. Also, Corey's replacement on defense, #3 R.J. Jackson, ran a pick back 100 yds before halftime to put SH up 18-0 but the refs somehow figured out how to take the points off of the board. Is there anybody around who can fill me in on what Campbell County is doing this year? Living in the Johnson City area, Jacksboro is a pretty good drive so I haven't seen CC play yet. Who should we look for to make plays for CC when they come up to Johnson City?

I hope that this turns out to be a good game. I don't want to drive up to Jeff Co. from Johnson City to see a waxing one way or another. I don't think that Jeff Co will sit back and take a beating either, but too much speed is key for us. Hopefully, if it is a beatdown, some of our guys who are going to be filling in for the injured will get some game experience without pressure. That way they can ease their way in and get ready to play the big ones. This is my last post until after the game so GOOD LUCK TOPPERS! HIT SOMEBODY! Science Hill: 35 Jeff Co: 20 Picks: 4-2 (1-1)

Who's sitting tonight? I could probably guess, but I'd like confirmation before I go shooting my mouth off. With Greyson and Wes done there are already some issues at skill positions. What is up with R.J.? I know there was a suspension there before, but if we could get him back, our secondary would be improved because Corey wouldn't have to play both ways. R.J. could play CB for him, it's all up to Coach Overbay though. As for WaCo, I liked your pick /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" /> very clever.

Wow I must be psychic. Somebody got the thread closed again. Forget JC/DB. It's over, DB won, JC lost, it can't be changed. Lets talk Toppers at Patriots for once.