cherokeefan

If you will read ALL my posts you will see that not all Cherokee were happy with Friday night's performance. Yes we had some guys that played very dirty. And I hate that the coaches allowed it. They have allowed it all year long. BUT...my last post was made after talking to my son and was told several things that just aren't seen from the stands. So, my feelings still remain that I was embarrassed at our coaching staff and several of our guys. (ESPECIALLY #51 whose nickname is personal fouler (his last name is fowler). Having such nickname would be a slap in most players face...but not his.) But not all OR players were as clean as some of you are making it out to be. So don't tell me to get over myself when I am the 1st Cherokee person on here agreeing that our team has some players that play way too dirty. Worry about your next game instead. Good luck in round 2.

I agree blitz. I have even said in previous post that some of our players did not play fairly, however, after talking to my son and reading recent post I'm beginning to see that some of this stuff went both ways. Our guys did have some late hits and the refs were terrible, but there were a few things the cats did as well. 1 example...Just like the above post throwing the Cherokee helmet on the ground...that was a terrible hit the refs did not call for McMinn. Rather than the OR player helping our man up and handing him his helmet, he walks away and throws it. We lost, OR was the better team, coaches allowed too much on the field as well as the refs, but OR should also acknowledge that a handful of your players acted the way several of ours did.

As a Cherokee parent, please know that I agree with you 100%. I am also embarrassed that our coaches allow so much from the players. But, some of parents do teach our kids to play with respect & love for the game.

McMinn's sophomore QB played very well tonight. He did have a couple errors but overall he is NOT the reason McMinn did not come home with the win. OR out played McMinn hands down. They were better coached and better disciplined. Personal fouls game after game after game after game shows a lack of respect for team mates, a lack of respect for the game and a lack of respect for the coaches. Personal fouls have been a problem for this team all year long and it seems to be obvious that it has gone unnoticed hence the ejection of our QB against Bradley. One player is proud to have a nickname because of his 10 personal fouls this year. This team has done great things this year and I am very proud to come home as district champs. It's just very disappointing to hear a coach say his offense was affected by the passing plays because of a new QB. We had receivers give up tonight. Three different times 2 separate WR quit running. That is not the QB fault. We tried running #2 all night long. Didn't work. Good season Cherokees. Keep your heads up.

Yes, McMinn was stunned Monday. However, last night we were a different team! The win was great. Mcminn over SD 4-1.

true dat!!!! well said

I guess you are right, maybe I should clarify what I consider to be a "close" game! Being a Cherokee, we have had CLOSE games!! 2 and 4 points wins that were nailbiters...along with an OT to win Region, and 4 OTs to lose district!! So, after a few games like that...this Central game was a cake walk, ha! That being said, I believe the Chargettes will take it all this year! I sure hope so!!

62 48. GO CHARGERS!! The game was never close.

Masingale commits to Tennessee baseball Tuesday, June 22, 2010 jack Slayton Sports Editor Some opportunities come around only once and often don't announce themselves in advance so the phrase "Carpe Diem" (seize the day) is a good motto to keep in mind. Just ask Drew Masingale. As a result of being prepared, the rising McMinn County High School pitcher-outfielder has verbally committed to attend the University of Tennessee on a baseball scholarship following his graduation next spring. "It all happened so quickly and came as a complete surprise - it's still a little unreal," Masingale said. "I've always wanted to play at the Division I level, but it wasn't really on my mind that I would get the chance - I didn't know if it would ever come around so we (his family) were looking at other options." But that all changed in a very short period of time. University of Tennessee coaches got their first look at the hard-throwing right-hander while he was working out at the UT facilities with his summer team, put together by former Tennessee Wesleyan College coach and current San Diego Padre scout Ashley Lawson, who has been working with Masingale for the past 18 months. A few days following the bullpen session, the assistants traveled to Western Kentucky where Masingale was scheduled to pitch. Because NCAA rules bar college coaches from initiating contact with juniors, Masingale wasn't sure what they thought of his performance. "I told Drew that if he wanted to find out what they thought, he would have to call them," said his father, Mike Masingale. "He said he didn't really want to bother them, but he eventually made the call. "Coach (Jason) Beverlin (Vols pitching coach) liked his velocity, his demeanor on the mound and the fact that he also played football - it's the kind of recruit they're looking for," he added. "They put a package (scholarship) together and made the offer. We're tickled to death." Masingale hesitated at first, but then verbally committed to the Vols while playing with Team Tennessee at the Sunbelt Junior Classic in Oklahoma. The commitment won't become official until the NCAA early signing period opens on Nov. 1." I don't know what I was waiting for - I guess it was all just a little overwhelming - but it's the SEC and UT - it doesn't get any better than that for me," said Masingale. "It's something I've been working for since I was 7-years-old. It was just a matter of putting myself in front of the right people at the right time and I'm just glad I was ready to take advantage of the opportunity." While Masingale may have had some doubts his ability to pitch in Division I, others weren't so skeptical. "I told Drew he could do it - it's a great honor for him and he's worked so hard to get where he is," said McMinn County Coach Jason Howard. "Drew has a big arm and all the tools to be successful. It was just a matter of having a good day and throwing well with the right people watching." Lawson agreed. "When I first started working with Drew, he was more into football, but I told him and his dad he had the talent to play major college baseball," Lawson said. "They weren't sure at first. The tough part was getting Drew to believe he's as good as he is. I just told them to trust me on this one - he's really come a long way in the last 18 months. "And the thing is, I don't think he's even close to reaching his potential," he added. "He's touching 90-91 miles per hour with his fastball now at 17 and has a very live arm. UT does a great job with their weight training program and I wouldn't be surprised - if he stays focused and works hard - to see him hit 94 or 95 at some point." Like the others, Lawson believes it was a case of being in the right place at the right time. "It (signing with UT) is a big deal, but it wouldn't have happened if Drew hadn't been prepared when the chance came," Lawson said. "Kids have to understand that and be aggressive early in their careers if they want to play college baseball. "With recruiting the way it is, you need to start as a freshman or sophomore contacting schools you might want to play for, get your name out there and maybe someone will take a look. That's how it works and Drew is a perfect example of what can happen." Masingale hopes to be a contributor right away at Tennessee. "I'm really not interested in red-shirting (taking a year off) or anything like that," Masingale said. "I'm used to competing and I want to go in and help the team as a freshman." For now, he's just enjoying the moment and his summer baseball season. McMinn had a disappointing spring but Masingale was named to the all-district team. He pitched a no-hitter against Wheaton Academy of Illinois, had a 5-1 victory over Walker Valley and held Bradley Central to one run in a 1-0 loss to the Bears and St. Louis Cardinals' draft pick Cole Brand. Masingale was then chosen to play in the Sunbelt Junior Classic where Team Tennessee finished as the runnerup with an 8-1 record against clubs from nine other states. He was also selected for the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association All-Region 5-6 team. "It's been a great summer so far," Masingale said. "I'm looking forward to the rest of the baseball season and then getting ready for football." And yes, he will play football - which has to be a great relief for McMinn County Coach Bo Cagle knowing his starting quarterback will return this fall instead of concentrating on baseball or risking injury. "I love playing football," Masingale said. "I'm looking forward to getting out there." And playing for The Big Orange.

Congrats are in order to Drew Masingale, player for McMinn County Cherokees. Drew is an upcoming Senior and has committed to play for the Volunteers. GREAT athelete!!! He will be an asset to the VOLS!!

WAY TO GO MCMINN FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We don't care who we are playing, we play to win. At Maryville, At DB, At Cookville, At McMinn....whatever.....and I did try to buy tickets at MCHS today....called them and was told they were already sold out.....so do expect a crowd! GO TRIBE

I agree with everything you just said. It makes me so mad that McMinn gets no credit for where they are right now! We did not get here because we are some mediocre team from "macmennn"!!!!! "Eyem jutz sayn!" (I can barely even read that dude's posts!!) Anyway, McMinn has stepped up the last few years and it's time people notice! We have the Coach of the Year, we have the QB of the year, Player of the year...that did not happen by chance. Again, will we see an upset? Don't know, but what I do know is this will be a great game. Win or Lose our kids should get the recognition they deserve!!! GO TRIBE!!!!! The streak can end tonight!!!

So very true!!!! That's exactly why I said earlier play calling may hurt us! NO disrespect AT ALL to our HC, but the experience Maryville's staff has may hurt us. In order for McMinn to even think about an upset many things will have to happen....athleticism is only one of them. OL must protect Cy. Our kicking game must be at its best, the Defense will need to play as they have the last 8 games, Tevin and Travis will need to be on fire.... Cy will need to see his rec. And of course, great play calling.....GO TRIBE