visionaire

If you still play the same schedule with ECS, CBHS, etc. you'll have a difficult time finding anyone willing to come take the beatings you have had in the past. Has your schedule changed? What type of athletes do you have? Do you think you have (honestly) any chance of competeting?

I heard the same thing. I'm not sure that he has ever been happy there, but I would agree that he did a good job at a place that just hasn't done very well over the years. It's a shame that one person's mistake has such farreaching consequences for others. If this is true, I wish him the best and hopefully he will land on his feet.

Panic is not a word that Melrose is familiar with. They've played a number of close games this year. The glaring facts are that they lost these. The lack of a kicking game has been the overwhelming factor. When you get in the Red Zone, you've got to come away with points! If you are forced to "go for it" on the eight because you can't rely on a kicker, you're at a tremendous disadvantage! Xpts. have also accounted for loses. (Look back over the Ingram years, and they lost potentially 3 State Championships because of a lack of a kicking game!) Melrose has a decent snapper and a reasonable good punter. This shouldn't be a problem! Melrose will have to keep Henry with a long field, create turnovers and limit the number of Henry possessions by controlling the ball, field position and running the clock. Henry should be the favorite, however, there is a mistique about Melrose football and the "Mound." There's an inate pride that goes with that maroon and gold uniform and the gold hat, that sometimes transcends reason with the people that wear them! It should be a "good one."

I can assure you that Melrose's offensive line is not weak!! East was huge and LB's stunted often. Melrose had no trouble picking up stunts as Toney was not sacked but one time. Melrose ran the ball effectively against the huge East front and controlled not only field position, but the clock. As for rolling Toney out, no need to, as the OL did a fine job of protecting. (Also, Toney is quick on his release and reads defenses quite will). East tried coming off the corners several times and Toney recognized this and went to "hot" receivers. He's quite impressive with a cannon for an arm. As for tackling, I assure you they don't use the "reach, grab, and fall down" method. They will hit you in the mouth. Ask the FB and QB from East. Both were knocked out! Melrose is not big, in fact, quite small secondary wise, but will lay the wood on backs and receivers. Good and agressive football team. Not as good as the days of old, but still GOOD!

Just got in from Beale Street after going to the Fairgrounds to see Melrose avenge their earlier loss to East. Both places were rocking! East looked nowhere like a championship contender tonight and give credit to Melrose and their defense. The big fullback for East, even though he had a few nice runs, was stoned in the second half and the option offense that East ran in their first game could not go. East looked twice the size of Melrose yet Melrose ran the ball consistently well to compliment their passing game. Melrose defenders outdid themselves tonight. The thing that impressed me was the overall team speed of Melorse defensively. East looked to have something going and suddently 5 defenders were on top of them. I saw Melrose against Brighton and they looked much more impressive tonight even though they were without 2 or 3 starters. The only thing suspect is the kicking game and I'm speaking of their kicking from placement. They missed a 23 yd fieldgoal and an extra point. Can't do that at this stage of the game. Overall, I saw a much improved team tonight than the one I saw last week. QB was on and his leadership was evident. They will present a challenge in Orangemound!!!

I agree. Fairley will bring a very athletic team into Paris with decent size and speed. Probably will be the best athletes you've faced. Fairley will score. As you said, how will they fare defensively against the Pats? I think the only thing that will stop you is if you commit the unpardonable sin of turning the ball over. This game is not going to be decided early. Mistake free second half will be the key for whoever wins.

I fully agree with you. I think that Melrose will not be denied this time against the Mustangs. I know that East is extremely good but I think that Melrose will win this one by 13 or better. As for Fairley, I know they can move the football efficiently and effectively. If what I've heard about Henry Co. is correct, then the only question I have is can Fairley stop the Qb and Fb.

Red Warrior, it seems that you, the guy from Munford and I hit on the predictions. It really was close to a no-brainer though. I did go and see Brighton get destroyed by Melrose and saw exactly what I expected. Missed the prediction by 7 though. Picked 27-6 Melrose and it ended 33-7 Looking forward to next week's showdown with Melrose and East. That should be a barn burner. You guys get Fairley. That will be an interesting matchup. Will look forward to seeing how that comes out, even though I have a fairly good idea. Congratulations on your big win tonight.

Red Warrior, I have seen all of the region 8 teams this year as well as Brighton. There is no doubt in my mind that Melrose will win tonight and will have the opportunity to win big. From everything I've heard in Memphis, I'm assuming Henry Co. is by far the most dominant team in the field of 8. As for East and Fairley, they both are solid. Both offenses have big play capabilities and the defenses are not bad. The one thing that I expect with Hardin, Brighton, and Liberty vs their region 8 opponents is that the region 7 teams will not have seen the overall team speed and athleticism that these teams will bring. I may miss all my picks, but I'm going to agree with you. Henry Co. should be the only winner tonight from your region..

I realize that pi r round and cornbread r square, however, I repeat my question and that is "Does anyone know what is going on in this particular region?"

I too see Henry playing with the Clarksville schools. My question is, what are the possibilities of Bartlett (now 5A) being put in the region with Hardin Co., JNS, Munford, Dyer County. Also, what will happen to Brighton? Will they move to a Shelby Co. region, or will the tssaa move somebody like Millington, or Bolton into the region and place Brighton in the region also so that there will be 2 6A teams here. I'm totally confused. Anybody have any ideas?

Think you will find that the Brighton D is not all you think it's cracked up to be. Melrose will find recievers open all night and I don't think Brighton will be able to say the same. Melrose by 21.

New to the boards. Love this time of the year and decided I would throw my opinion in for what it's worth. Henry County wins by 35. Book it!