BackValleyRally

Well, we've been out of it for a few weeks now. I expect the random RC fans who don't post regularly have stopped reading. We all know the rumor mill starts with our coaches leaving every year. As expected, I have already heard one. What coaching positions are open across the state that could potentially start the rumor that our coaches are leaving? Also, let's make this the off season thread with talk about next year and what everyone thinks will happen. Will we have another down 2-8 year, or will we reverse to an 8-2 and move into the playoffs? Have at it guys. Stay on topic...

Ah... gameday of the biggest game of the year. No matter what the rest of the season holds, a win against Cleveland keeps this season from being a total loss. Any true Rhea County fan has a love/hate relationship with Cleveland. By that I mean we love to hate them. Cooler conditions tonight. The Back Valley Boys come out fired up, ready for a battle with the Raiders. Rhea by 6.

I just hope the Back Valley Boys don't disappoint us this week. We need a win in a bad way if we have a prayer of seeing Week 11. With Rhea at home, I see them coming out with a W...

After hearing that Bearden beat WV by 44, and seeing how we played Friday night, the Back Valley Boys have a lot to work on the next two days of practice. Hopefully, the defense can contain this RB from K-town. Also, hopefully we won't have to rely on Cam's arm with 50+ pass attempts. I didn't get a chance to post on the other forum from last week, but Chris Johnson gained a whole lot of respect Friday night. He stepped up big time. Let's hope another one decides to follow him and steps up Friday night in Knoxville.

Finally, game day is here. The forecast looks pretty decent, just a bit warm. Looks like it will be in the neighborhood of eighty degrees with a thirty percent chance of isolated storms. Hopefully with the good bit of rain we've had the past couple days the field will be in good shape. Let's get behind the young 'uns early and stay with 'em all game long!

I'm shocked in that I have not heard anyone say "The claw is coming" this week

42-2? Wow. That is a little one-sided. I like the enthusiasm, but Catholic is the defending state champs. I am pretty sure they haven't lost all of their starters. And remember, we are still running that 3-5 defense you guys always bash. I would give KC a little more credit than two points, but that's just me.

In response to the rule RheaCo brought up: I have never heard of such a rule. In saying that, I'm not saying its not true; it's just an awful rule to have in place. Granted, I believe if a player starts a season, especially if he goes through all of summer workouts, he should finish. That's how I was raised, but that was many decades ago. If he wants to concentrate on basketball, more power to him. He is a decent basketball player, and I'm happy to hear that he has some small schools looking at him. As far as replacing him at Y, could they move Stone into his position? I would think JT knows the system well enough to jump right in. He is a versatile athlete who, I would think, can adapt to the role at Y really quick. Just an observation from an old man who loves the game.

I foresee a good game, but the Owls pull away late. Ooltewah 35 Tyner 14.

Where is all the chatter this group of Rhea fans have had in the past??? It's Thursday at lunchtime and nobody is talking? How full should we expect Eagle Stadium to be tomorrow night? RheaCo, how has practice went this week? I have heard from a couple players that a couple of seniors walked off the team this week. They said they didn't like their spot on the depth chart, or something of that matter. I also heard from another senior that Wilkerson quit. If I'm not mistaking, I thought he was slated to start at cornerback. Can I get a confirmation on these rumors that I'm hearing from the parents at work and some of the players? I see us coming out to play tomorrow night. Hopefully, Coach Fitz and the rest of the staff have gotten the boys ready for a tough first game. We need everyone healthy and ready to go. It would be nice to send the reigning 3A state champions back to Knoxville with an L. What do you guys think; surely you all have heard things this week

RheaCo can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Rhea returns six on each side of the ball. Last year's seniors will be hard to replace (Moffett, Brown, Revis, Walker, and even Davis), but I think Cam can step up and lead the Evensville boys through this rough schedule. We appear to be pretty young this year, I just hope we can make it through the schedule with a good enough record to make the playoffs. As the Times-Free Press preview said in "By the numbers," Rhea has missed the playoffs 0 times this decade. Let's hope we keep that trend going! RheaCo, what time is kickoff Friday? Here are directions from Knox Catholic to Bill Horton Field for you guys coming from Knoxville. http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Knoxvil ... d&2z=37332

After being silent all preseason, I have to break the silence. Powerhouse Knox Catholic comes to Evensville Friday night. How will the Eagles respond to the boys from Knoxville. I assume they have a lot of speed. Can Rhea contain the edges? I see this game as a close one, a great test early in the year. RheaCo, as always, please give us a scouting report on the Knoxville boys and also an injury report on our boys.

I know this is dreaming, but wouldn't a county team be nice. I know with DCS not being in the Rhea County School System, it could never happen. But imagine if they boys played together from sixth or seventh grade on. Sorry, I woke up. Ok. It is good to hear the SC's head coach was at practice. Maybe he will implement some of the basis of Rhea's offense/defense into his own team strategy.

Agreed. Levengood has Rhea County football in his blood. He even coached RCHS football years ago.

Being from east TN, I am kind of surprised to see that Cleveland is not in many top tens (1 I think). Cleveland is a very strong team. They have a few returning starters, and a new young coach who should bring in some hype and youthfulness to the Blue Raider Nation. Also, Rhea County hardly appears. Now I'm definitely not saying they should crack the top 5, but not being in the top ten? I think they deserve a little more credit. Year in, year out, Rhea was always in the 4A state playoffs. I know this is 5A now, but I think they can compete with the 5A boys just as well as they can 4A. Plus they are no longer in danger of being sent to Maryville now. /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" />