Geppetto

Tough question!! It should be known that I am no expert the subject. However, I have seen the difference by attending track meets during the years. I have watched what ones have considered fast football players run against actual track guys. The results were not and have not been in favor of the fast football player. Let it be known that this is not a jab at football players by any means. I think a fast football player, for the area and what I have viewed over the last few years, would perhaps run a 4.8/4.7 40yard dash at best and be placed in the "fast" catagory. I think for one to be placed in the fast catagory in comparison to track guys, there need to be at least a 4.4 40 yd dash time. A sub 4.4 would be appropriate to fit the mold of "FAST". So my point is, If given the pick between 4.4 vs 4.8, which would be yor first choice to give an opportunity. I dont feel the surface, sport and/or equipment are factors in the equation. I think all the formulas for speed is given prior to birth. For example, the 4.8 guy can perhaps work hard an may someday run a 4.78. The 4.4 guy runs effortless and does not have to work hard. If the 4.4 guy has great work habits, I feel there is potential for 4.3. With this being said, how many times have you heard one say "if he had more speed he would be a division 1 player. The fact of the matter is, if you don't have speed and utilize it on both sides of the ball i.e. Florida, LSU, USC etc. you have been left behind in the "2 yards and a cloud of dust" format of old school football. I do realize that high school coaches work with what they have. However, when the fast guy/guys come along, it is fun to watch. I have only been in the area for a few years and I have seen only one player (football) that I would catagorize as "track speed". I watched Bristol play Morristown West a couple of years ago and a player on this team, can't remember his name, i think he was wearing #3, litterally made the Bristol team look silly and insigificant. He actually ran around the field at his leisure and there was nothing Bristol could do about it. The down side to this player/game was the fact that the coaches took him out of the game early and I only got to see very little of what I was there to see. His "track speed" dictated the game before Bristol could get their bus turned off. Again, no expert on the subject, just my version of the difference in track speed and football speed. I saw that crawdad offered a name that may contend for the fastest back, Steele. I saw him run at a track meet at Kingsport. The kid was pretty quick. However, he got beat by about 2/3 steps by a kid from Bristol. If this was Sheppard, I agree with you prediction.

Thanks..just wondering. It seems Bristol is suppose to win all the trophies in the individual contest (running, throwing, punting etc). I was wondering if Kingsport had anyone that could change these predictions. Also, does Sheppard run track. How fast is this guy? I'm asking because I feel there is alot of difference between football speed and track speed.

Will Kingsport be participating in the jamboree??

My knowledge goes back only a few years. How long has this guy been at Bristol as compared to other Bristol coaches? The way I see it, If you take out East, Central, Johnson County, Bristol Va., Volunteer etc., raise your expectations and issolate on Kingsport, South, Johnson City, Greenville, Morristown West etc., (The big guys, and/or the guys that set the bar each year)look outside of the walls of Bristol HS, I think your winningest coach stats will get a little fuzzy. Hense, You win the tallest midget contest.

I have to give my opinion on this one "If Bristol had the talent South has had since 05 that Stubbs would have won the state by now". I'm going to flip that quote...If Bristol had the coaching that South has had since 05 they would have won the state by now!!!!! If you look at talent position by position for these two teams, I feel there is no comparison. The South coaching staff has the ability to find the football players with heart and determination that are willing to commit themselves to a common goal (WINNING). The South players have bought in on the concepts sold by their coaching staff. I saw, during the 07 and 08 seasons at Bristol, A tremendous amount of talent and athletic ability not being utilized. I mean absolutely wasted!! Pure raw speed and receiver ability waisted in Wilson, A tremendous athlete in Young untapped. The big fullback ( I can't remember his name) under utilized, A great running back in Sheppard who was basically thrown out in the middle of the ocean with out a life jacket every game, big strong lineman on both sides of the ball that have no understanding of fundamental football. I'm sorry, But I have to disagree. If you are not happy with your coaches, Perhaps Bristol fans who agree with me would like to offer a trade. However, I expect you to disagree with me. And you should, because, to my point...WASTED TALENT

How about East Tennessee? Is there any East Tennessee Ridge Runners out there. Mountain Lakes Conference to be specific. I have been reading about the distance domination, however, there has to be a need for speed. Is there any one out there that can produce some RPM's in the MLC. Last week, trying to get a little taste of my need for speed, I attended a meet at Tennessee high school in Bristol Tennessee. I was very impressed by a kid who ran the 100 m and 400m in very cold and wet weather. I saw some potential RPM,s. I enjoy spending a day at the track. It does not matter which event as long as it is competitive. I just wanted to see if there are any names out there to lock in on as the season unfolds.

I agree with you. I think this is going to be a great game...I'm not confident in making a public call either. However, I have been watching the Vikings quiet a bit this year. They had a very slow start but have continued to show great improvement the last several weeks. This team is filled good athletes combined with good speed. I think the slow start was due to the fact.... the coaches did not know how to spread the wealth around the field and/or use the speed on the field. I will say, it takes a good game plan and sideline organization to implement the vast amount of talent and speed into a game plan. Also, I think the Vikes were confident they could go into the game one dimentional and depend on the o-line and sheppard to get the win. As of late, It seems the coaches have realized the wealth of talent on this team, and more importantly, the speed!! I will boldly say, if the Vikings create a good two dementional game plan... (running game strengths, combined speed and skill at the wide out position) to keep Greenville on their heals, Greenville may be a little surprised at what they have wittnessed at game end. If the Vikings get tunnel vision and do not spread the wealth and/or utilize their speed....The Vikings may be a little surprised at what they have wittnessed at game end. If both teams play to their potential (minimal mistakes, and turnovers) I have to give the Vikings the edge. I say this to say....I think the Vikes have more ability/speed (if used) at the right positions to make the big plays. Big plays, IMO, will be the determining factor in this game.

Yes. He told me she was overrated.....One and done...One and done

Where was your girlfriend that night? Hint..Hint

Things happen!! Look forward to him bouncing back in a big way this Friday.....like all great athletes do. I am sure he will!!!!

Thanks. Nice observation!! I also agree with Bearslayer....I think Young is the best cover guy the Vikings have. However, I don't think twice is a "fluke. I will call it a match up that the opposition knew they could exploit. It goes back to the old saying, "Speed Kills". I would loved to have been there to see the passing game. Looked as if the Vikes found some opportunities through the air also. Does anybody know what kind of speed the Devils have at the receiver position and the arm strength of their quarterback? Hopefully the Vikes will continue to get the ball in the air. I'm sure Shepard would appreciate the thought of a two dementional offense. Thanks.

Didn't make it to the game Friday. However, Congrats to the Vikings. I heard it was a great game. I was just wandering what you meant by your comment....Was the Vikes in cover 2 Friday? Is that the reason for the touchdown passes? How was the tackeling in the secondary?

Don't keep up with the information as closely as you, obviously!!! I have no dog/dogs in the hunt. I pick and chose the game i want attend on fridays based on who is playing and where the game is. However, I appreciate your information even though it didn't answer the questions that were asked. And really,! It only takes a trained eye (I kind of like that one myself...trained eye) one play to figure out why a play did or did not work..... Which was my point LBB (little boy blue). The Vikes never got any thing fixed even though the things i spoke to happened over and over again. I must say, if 8 of these guys are watching 50 hrs. of film they are wasting their time. About me consulting with local football programs.....I like trolling for walleye....don't have the time!! However, I could probably get you off those drums (I still say it is the flute) and turn you into a pretty good player. I probably will not be at the game on Friday because I have another in mind a little further down the road. Good luck!!! GO VIKINGS!!!! Do you like Little Drummer Boy better then LBB?

Go blow your horn somewhere else little boy blue!!! You obviously do not understand the game of football. You didn't answer my question about the blocking schemes. I bet you (little boy blue) know the notes on a flute.

Morristown West!!!!! Can you stimulate a few more brain cells. Let's talk football. What are your thoughts on all of the seal blocks that South had much success with?

I must say....last week was a vey intertaining week on Coach T. Looks like the Vikes had to eat a lot crowe & crowe Sauce. Perhaps there are some that may be attempting to swallow their last bits. I hope it is all gone becaues a big week is comming fast. In retrospect, I felt the Vikings has a great opportunity to be the 08 conference champs. Howerer, once again, South appeared to superior team. This was Validated by the fact that when the final horn sounded they had more points on the board then the Vikings. I say this to say.....the Vikings should not hang their heads. They played very heard and with a lot of heart. In addition, they never gave up. I am disappointed because I came to see a great football game....a game filled with great fundamentals, techniques, execution, and game planning. However, all I got was the same dancer in the same old shoes. The same things that have been displayed all season long. Below is one of my post that I copied over from the Central Game. Please read....The Vikings were beat before they lined up for the first play..... If you are seeing the games and not merely watching them, there are still some major problems that will be exposed in the very near future. This is what i am seeing: Very little on offense except one observation...alot of receivers running down field wide open. The quarterback does not see the field. He is focusing on one person. If that person is not open, he does not have enough confidence in the O-line to go through the pregression process thus he takes off running leaving receivers wide open. On defense, linebacker play is not up to par.....The inside linebackers are not reading their keys an/or carrying out their responsibilities. They are still reacting late instead of attacking their gaps. Also, they are not getting their pass reads quick enough to get in their drops areas thus allowing for week underneath coverage. Outside linebacker play has been suspect. Thery are not geting in good contain position i.e. keeping their outside shoulder free to push the runner back inside allowing the inside backers to do their job. They are making tackles, however, they are making them down field after they have compensated for the poor technique. And last, the secondary just don't get it. But, I am not going to write these guys off. I hope the light bulb will come on in the very near future. What do you guys think? I saw the above stated issues consistantly happening all night long. In all fairness, I feel the players need to be put in a situation to be successful, compete and win. I did/do not see this happening. I saw fustrated players playing hard and with a lot of pride with no chance of winning based on preparation. Last, I must give props to the South coaches for a well executed ballgame. This was a well prepared team that followed through on their game plan. I have visions of a big win vs. Morristown East. However, ??????????????

You're correct. Perhaps an overreaction. However, after reading through the post again and trying to understand your reply, I still feel there is still some arraogance implied. Mostly, I do not want the Vikes revisit the same outcome as end of season last year. Central has not had a good year. I expect them to come into this game with alot of emotions. If you have ever experienced, as a player, playing against a highly emotional team before, you will understand. I think the Vikes need to jump on Central from the first play and keep applying the pressure for 48 minutes with minimal controllable mistakes. As VikingT stated, these are teenagers. I am implicating the fact that over the last couple of weeks, this team is playing up to it's potential with the ability to get alot better over the next couple of weeks. I feel they need can have much success against South and spend some time in the playoff brackets. However there has to be a reminder, a string around their fingers if you will, thus allowing them to control their destination. From the perspective of the fan, yell as loud as you want. Fans do not execute, players do!!

Welcome back TN Vikes. The Vikes have raised the bar for the last couple of games, congrats to you. I have not posted the last couple of weeks, however, I have kept an eye on all of the postings. Props to the offensive and defensive line play. These guys have been playing well. They have dug in deep and presented some positive results. line coaches are doing a great job keeping players fresh with subsitutions. And in addition, with getting multiple players in the game, the level of play has not declined. Great Job!! However, reading these post I see that a lot of you are obviously reading about how great the Mighty Vikes are (becomming pretty cocky). I feel the main focal point is to keep the kids focused on the day to day practices and week to week games. The Vikes are acting like they have not had this type of success before. Remember, the big picture i.e. the oppportunity for a conference champiomship and the opportunity to win some playoff games. Let me restate that...the opportunity for a state championship!!! That sounds a little better!!! If you are seeing the games and not merely watching them, there are still some major problems that will be exposed in the very near future. This is what i am seeing: Very little on offense except one observation...alot of receivers running down field wide open. The quarterback does not see the field. He is focusing on one person. If that person is not open, he does not have enough confidence in the O-line to go through the pregression process thus he takes off running leaving receivers wide open. On defense, linebacker play is not up to par.....The inside linebackers are not reading their keys an/or carrying out their responsibilities. They are still reacting late instead of attacking their gaps. Also, they are not getting their pass reads quick enough to get in their drops areas thus allowing for week underneath coverage. Outside linebacker play has been suspect. Thery are not geting in good contain position i.e. keeping their outside shoulder free to push the runner back inside allowing the inside backers to do their job. They are making tackles, however, they are making them down field after they have compensated for the poor technique. And last, the secondary just don't get it. But, I am not going to write these guys off. I hope the light bulb will come on in the very near future. Now, back to the positive side!!! Again, Props to the big guys in the trenches. O-line...Dig in and keep creating monster holes for the running backs. Some of the holes created this weak were unreal!! D-line....make the plays up front and keep the opposition out of the secondary. D-backs..get your heads in the ballgame and make some things happen....no excuse for poor tackeling or missed tackels at this point in the season. Somebody needs to get these D-backs coached up!! Fans....help these players stay focused on the immediate task. Act like you are use to winning....Act like you have been here before!!!

Hey guys...I have not been on for a couple of weeks. However, after reading all of these long and tear jerking love letters, I see that it has obviously been an interesting week. After a brief process of thought, I believe I have the answers: a) gather all players, parents, coaches, Grand Mothers, Grand Dads, former Viking players, school psychologist, and any one else that fits in the loop... once every one has gathered you should have just one great big group hug. Perhaps you should also call the newspaper to capture this Kodak moment. /cool.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="B)" border="0" alt="cool.gif" /> contact Dr Phil to bring be there for those whom have been emotionall scared for life by the mere push of a button. c) identify the mentally unstable ones off the field and place them in the appropriate care.... d) after you are sure everyone in attendance is mentally sound, validate some game rules that I will impose upon you 1.) all coaches must wear ear plugs instead of headsets thus eliminating the possibility of fan noise harming their ears. 2.) escort coaches to press box and line up all individuals stated above to give coaches individual hugs an a bon-bon 3.) All players remove their football uniforms and replace them with clean white soccer uniforms...Austrailian SILK!!! 4.) Players must not touch the ground... These uniforms cost a lot of money. 5.) The scoreboard must be turned off (no winners)...there are already to many emotionally scared instances. Dr. Phil cost a lot of money. 6.) In the visitors locker room...a wide screen will be supplied for fans to watch movie The Bridges of Madison County..If in fact you can get a copy.... I understand the coaches have rented all copies. Nevertheless, Out of Africa is still available. 7.) after the festivities end there will be hot green tea for those that were not overly stressed, for those who just couldn't bare the mental and emotional torture, Dr. Phil will still be around. 8.) Get the game started, but first, and I for got, we must get the cheerleaders. Remember, no one touches the ground. Got to get the girls involved. 9.) Game must last no longer then 20 mins, give or take depending on the weather conditions. 10.) All games must end with a final group hug. Don't forget to get the coaches....The Bridges of Madison County can turn one into an emotional wreck... the hug will be paramount for these guys. 11.) I wanted to stop at #10, however, I forgot to implement one last thing, the ball must be yellow...yellow is a vey calming color!! Rule for Friday night: coaches must wear pink, all fans that yell at a coach dressed in pink will be immediately escorted from the field by bearslayer .

How funny, Dudley Do Right is doing some coaching, imagine that!!!!! I aperciate the fact that you recognized the fans pay their money and spend money while at the game thus putting money back into the program. Be that as it may, we all are at the game for entertainment. It is our choice to entertain and or be entertained in the fashion to which we chose. You did make a couple of statements that lets me know you have at least, at some point in time, learned a little bit about the game. As I said before, the secondary is horrible. I see no evidence that it will get any better any time soon with the personnel at hand. Remember, I stated that the present personnel is playing their heart out but with no positive results. I can see Pendelton being an asset upon his return...but I thought he played strong safety last year? I don't remember Greene from last year so I am going to write this scenerio up as speculation at present time. In the secondary, I think we need to shake the bushes a litter harder an find these guys some help. I would almost guarantee they are there if you have enough confidence to explore. I mean, it can only get better or remain status quo. If, in fact, the Wilson kid is as fast as you guys proclaim, why is he not on the field constantly. I say this to say....A speedster on the field at all times can change the thoughts of an offensive coordinator if used properly. If you go over the top to him enough, the secondary has to honor the threat...pass or run. This means weaker corner support and perhaps the disengagement of linebackers if some playaction is used. I think Shepard would like this. Just so I do not hurt any feelings, I am not questioning Wilson's speed. His speed was obvious when he returned the ball and switched directions. Actually, that was probably the most exciting play for me all night. I just loved the fact that there is someboby out there that can break it big at any time against any body. I would like to see him get the ball 10 - 15 times just to see what he can do. Again, I bet Shepard would like this. Basically, if he is that fast..."just give him the d_ _ _ ball". Another response to your post...have you ever heard of zone blitz or man free. You don't have to be in M/M to blitz. However, I am glade to see you were not bear hunting for humans in this post. Boys just want to have fun!!!!!

I have tried to stay on the positive side during these tough times of the season. However, the only way I could be positive is by staying quiet. Hense, there have been little adjustments thus allowing for success when the vikings play against the big boys i.e. real 4A programs. However, THS does not usually see these teams until playoff time. So if you want a big pat on the back for pushing around teams that should be playing in single A conferences, have at it. Just remember what is waiting for you on the other side of the tunnel. Enough of this for a minute!!! I've heard alot about the injury reports during the year. However, the Vikes continue to win. First, I want to give some recognition to the players that have stepped in and played their hearts out to keep this team above surface. WELL DONE GUYS. The problem is you never hear who these guys are. These guys should be in order to get some ink for a big story. Does any body know the name/s of the players who is keeping the ship sailing ? Now, back to you Bearslayer. It seems every time something is said about the coaches and/or coaching mistakes/decisions you come riding to the rescue. Perhaps you should change you post name to Dudley Do right . You always seem to ride to the rescue at the last minute!!! I feel like you crossed the line in this post!! If you have a problem with Cap it should stop at that. Burns, Whitcher and Stubbs are all big boys. Let them fight their own battles big boy. However, the big bearslayer choses to pick on a 20 year old kid and use him as an example to get a "one up" on a fan who pays the same amount of money to attend the games as everyone else. With this being the case, Cap has the right, within appropriate guidelines, to voice his opinions whether they are positive or negative. However, I feel he presents some very solid questions that perhaps should be entertained. In addition, you have questioned his football knowledge. The fact of the matter is that you exposed your own lack of knowledge. It validates the fact that you attend the games, but, you do not see or watch them. By the content of you post, you must spend 48 minutes taking names of those who say anything negative about the coaches. I, also, find it unnecessary that shepard has to tote the rock 30 - 40 times a game when there is other outlets of talent and speed on the team. I can only imagine how this kid's body feels after the games. Also, This has to be the worst secondary in the history of the school. I bet if you asked the real coach of the d-backs to stand up, he would crawl under his seat. I bet if you asked the real play caller to stand up, the d-back coach would be exposed because the playcaller would push him out of the way making room for himself under the same seat. Cold hard facts: In the field coaching, there has always been and always will be criticism of knowledge and coaching decisions. The attendance of these games cost money to which the schools seem to never turn down. If you want to control the fans, put your money where your mouth is and buy all of us a ticket. More so then that, I usually eat some popcorn, pizza, and throw down a couple of soft drinks. Who does this money support? Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sure you have the answer!!! I suggest, for the coaches, if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. And for Bearslayer (Dudley Do Right), check your heart, It seems a bit tender to be looking for bears.

Looking back to the Unicoi vs. Tennessee High football game, I felt like it would be all down hill for the Vikings. Reason being, I saw was a lot of fustration and confusion displayed by the players and coaches. To explain the fustration, the Vikes eximplified the usual....delay of game, using valuable time getting the plays in, movement (off sides) from the front line etc. With this being said, I saw several of the THS players showing their fustration by mouthing at the opponents and, suprisingly, with each other. However, the positive aspects of the game was the play calling. THS, in several instances, showed they would and could go for the big play by putting the ball in the air and down field. Kudo's for the play caller. Moving forward to the Science Hill game, though THS took a pretty good "whipping" it seemed the players were more focused and the play calling continued to test the vunerabilities of the defense from the "big" play perspective. In addition, the motivation of the players was obvious, especially in the first half. The down side, as I have seen in several post, is the fact that there are no "playmakers" on the field. If in fact they are on the field, THS is not getting the ball in their hands. There is a HUGH need to get the opponents down and get them down early instead of fighting back late in the games. The fact of the matter is, if THS can strike early by putting points on the board and getting the opponents down, they have the ability to control the clock better then any team in the conference. This has been proven by their ability to run the ball and eat up up the clock. In a n earilier post, I made the statement "the product on the field is not getting it done". I think this was taken wrong. Let me explain.... Wide receivers: There is no YAC (yards after catch) it seems they catch the ball falling down, in addition, several drops. Return specialist: No threat of breaking the big play...fair catch the ball and wait on the offense to do their thing...most of the time just let the ball roll to a stop. When returned, no ability/potential to break it big. Defensive Backs: No big hitters thus making opponents cough up the ball creating turnovers. No ability to close quickly on the ball to create "oskies". I could go on but I think you get the point. These statements are by no means negative statements against towards the players on the field. I am sure these players are playing to the best of their abilities, and more importantly, playing with heart. However, as you have seen, THS can not win the big ones. I am merely saying find the guy/s who can make big plays and put the ball in their hands. If they are not there....Good Luck vs. the rest of the season. To the coaches...and I know you will agree....It is a lot easier to execute and call plays when you are up by a couple of touchdowns!!!

WOW!!! How sahllow can one be. This is so shallow it probably does not deserve a response. However, Coaching defined..... A structural process-driven relationship between a trained coach and an individual or team which includes: assessment, examining values and motivation, setting measurable goals, defining focused action plans and using validated behavioral change tools and techniques to assist them to develope competencies and remove blocks to achieve valuable and sustainable changes. Nice try Einstein!!!!!

True to your post, the Volunteer loss was devistating. It was devistating not only for the players and coaches, it in addition, it was a big blow to the fans. The game, on behalf of the Volunteer, was a great example of a good game plan/execution and and spreading the ball arount the field. The spread offense is tough to defend. It opens up the box and forces the opponents to use extra defensive backs as opposed to linebackers. However, you can use linebackers, but, most of the time the use of linebackers does not off set the speed differences of wide receivers. I was suprised that it took THS 2 quarters to figure out how to get the receivers covered. If I am remmembering correctly, the inside slot receiver was uncovered for most of the game (#3). I thing THS finally got him covered arount the 3rd quarter. I use this example to to say, Volunteer was prepared and won the game with limited talent as opposed to THS. THS needs to spread the wealth, use the 52 yards from sideline to sideline, be creative in using their talent, and not afraid to step ouitside of the box. I would rather see an aggressive offensive and defensive.... i.e. more blitzes, more cover 2 (man under) to defend the sweeps and shallow passes on defense. However, cover 2 is vunerable to the middle long ball, but, this is aggressive play. The two deep backs have to have speed to off set the vunerabilities of the deep middle. Also, bring the corners up and let them use the bump technique thus allowing for , as stated above, stronger support form the corners (read up on this coaches, It's called the Tampa 2 defense Modified/created by Tony Dungy. On offense, THS needs to get organized.....to much time getting the play in! I was amazed to see the wide receivers benched to be replaced by linebackers during the East game and line them up tight. This only allowed for # 33 of east to pin back his ears and... well...you know the rest of the story. This could have been stopped by multiple receivers lined up wide to pull linebackers out of the box (spread). This EHS defense would have been, for an offensive coordinator, an early Christmas present for the taking. He/they didn't even look under the tree. With all this said, you can win with lesser talent. This can be done by solid game planning and understanding the weeknesses and strengths of your opponents,and getting the most out of the talents on your team. With THS, it seems to be the same old dancer in the same old shoes every week. I have rooted hard for THS since moving to the area a couple of years ago. True to the fact, THS has won a couple of games. However, when the 1A and 2A schools dissapear from the schedule, will THS be prepared or will the THS fans see the same dancer once again.

Yes, perhaps you're right and I appogize. Like the old saying goes "a win is a win". However, and just remember there is another saying that goes........."I told you so". Only time will tell!!!!