hornsby6

Had a new announcer last year.

The school board and superintendent need to go to a truthfulness seminar. The only thing the school board gives to the football team is payment toward a few coaches. For years the booster clubs raised the money to pay for uniforms, bus trips, meals, and supplements for a few extra coaches. They won't fund anything, yet love to complain when they find the unpaid parents working this in addition to a "real" job and raising at least one child. Riverdale and the other schools may have not crossed every "t" and dotted every "i" but, no wrongfulness found. Even want to complain that the parents give a coach a gift at the end of the year (bet Gill got some gifts when he coached at Smyrna).

The current playoff system rewards mediocrity. I do not doubt that some of the best football is played in and around Murfreesboro. However, look at what these teams had to do to get teams to play them. Oakland went to a playoff team in Kentucky. Riverdale went to East Tennessee. Smyrna played Ensworth. For years these teams played Cookeville, Warren County, Coffee County, Lebanon, Wilson Central, etc. However, why would any of these teams play a good team when they can have a fighting chance against a lower division team. So what happens is the good teams knock each other off as do the weak teams. Unfortunately one of the weaker teams now is rewarded for a non-quality win, while a good team is penalized for a quality loss.

If we go by number of select players, Siegel is the clear winner. They can start a select player at probably every position and have more on the bench. They will have the strongest midfield with Ryan Stroh, Jeff Sedghi and Connor Dugosh. Ryan is the best set piece kicker, while Jeff could be MVP if he does not get down on himself. Preston O'Neal appears to be in the doghouse but is their best scoring threat. If he gets on the field, he can make things happen with his speed and pressure. They should have a very solid defense with experience in the back with Benjamin Todd and Alex Galloway. Losing a multi-year starter at goal will hurt, but can be offset if Stroh and Sedghi help on defense also. If they win it will be through scoring by the midfield. I predict they will win, but have had difficulty in the playoffs. Riverdale comes in close second place with an experienced team and a coach that gets a lot out of his players. Coach Ali's son will be a force as he is getting older. Higgs will be their scorer along with his little brother. If it comes down to coaching, they may eke ahead. They will have a lot of select players. Oakland will be the darkhorse. I pick them a surprise third. They probably will have the best keeper. They will be very small, but don't let that fool you. Connor McCollom is their best player and he is not tall. Oakland has a few select players and a couple of foreign exchange students that will keep them in the game. One of their starting midfielders is experiencing some knee issues. If he is out for the season, they will really be hurting. Jeff Boynton can hide some weaknesses with his enthusiasm and conditioning. They will be in the best shape in the district. Tied for fourth will be Blackmand and LaVergne. Bill Vice is a very knowledgeable coach but losing Ryan Zeeck will be a huge loss. They will probably have a harder time scoring than Siegel (last few years it was feed Ryan Zeeck and play solid defense). LaVergne lost Ali so that will be as big a loss for them as he could control the middle of the field and score. Between these two teams, the one that gets chemistry going the quickest will jump ahead. Smyrna, sorry, but you are bringing up the rear. Apparently some players do not appreciate the tough approach of their coach. If they listen and too many do not quit, they could score some upsets. Last year at least two select players quit because he was "too hard." Bill knows his stuff, he just needs to get a core group that will listen and play they way he demands.

Cookeville made a bid based upon a set number of championship games in Cookeville. Guaranteed money was offered to get T$$AA to go there. T$$AA will not give up the guaranteed money, so 6 classes won't be reduced even though that is the number for other sports. But the real problem is the selection process. How can 3-7 Coffee County go while other teams with better records stay home? Lincoln County with a 5-5 record is going to the playoffs and if you look at some of their scores it would not take long to realize they do not deserve to be in the playoffs. Scheduling cupcakes is the way to go under the current system (either that or be in a district with numerous classes represented). Teams are rewarded for playing lower division teams and "weak sisters". I looked at Franklin High School's schedule and noticed they played only one team with a winning record, Brentwood, and they lost that game (their other loss was to a 5-5 team). The top teams are having to travel further to schedule games because closer teams will not schedule a top team. Riverdale went to Knoxville to play a playoff-bound team bypassing Cookeville, Warren County, White County, Wilson Central, and Lebanon High Schools. There is no incentive for any of these schools to play a good team so these weaker teams pad their schedules with similar teams and lower division teams. Oakland High School had to travel to play an undefeated and top ten team from Kentucky (luckily for them Kentucky football is pretty weak). Ensworth played both Smyra and Oakland to get the games in while there are a lot of 6A teams between these schools. With the districts being re-drawn, the "old" rivals from the prior districts are reluctant to play good teams even if they are close and a lot of fans are likely to attend. So, here are my suggestions: 1) Teams without winning records do not go to the playoffs; 2) Districts are limited to one class (if we are going to have 6A, why put them in a district with a 5A team); 3) Pair up two districts and each team will play a set number of games from the other district (this will truly limit travel if adjoining districts are paired). If a "weak" division is soundly defeated by a stronger division, then there may not be any "automatic" qualifiers from that district with losing or 50/50 records. I hate to say this, but the SeaGulls from Murfreesboro would have easily placed first or second in many districts in the state, but are staying home because they got beat by Riverdale, Oakland, Blackman, and Smyrna (all top teams, but they were 4-1 outside the district). You will get some other rivalries established and lesser travel by the "top" teams. How can T$$AA believe the current system is working?

We have had some rain so the field is wet. There is no sun and little wind and no warmth so it is not drying too much. The weather is getting cold and will be in the 20s Friday night. The ball gets hard and the fingers get numb on passing and catching. Smashmouth football favors the Patriots. Oakland 21 - Franklin 7. May have to drive my car to the game

Too close to call. Whoever shows up with their "A" game will win, especially if the other team only comes up with an "A-" game.

Unless you are a parent of a player, who cares? Two teams going no where fast.

If anyone thought Oakland had a tough schedule so far, you ain’t seen nothing yet (I know it is not proper English, but I grew up on Bachman Turner Overdrive). Christian County could be the best team Oakland plays all year (and before anyone gets mad, this is not to be negative against any of their opponents). They are probably the most athletic. Here is my unofficial scouting report again gleamed from numerous spies I have placed throughout the Southeast area. Christian County Kentucky is ranked in the state of Kentucky (unapproved website has them #9, Louisville Courier-Journal places them #4 in 5A, Bluegrass Preps has them also #4 in 5A). They are undefeated and 8-0. They had a tune up game against the Ohio County Eagles last Friday and won by a close score of 71-7 (yep, right at 1.5 points per minute which is quicker than it would take me to do 100 yards). They have beaten at least one Tennessee team, Clarksville High School, early in the season although not near as dominating. Their defense is somewhat porous allowing just over 14 points a game, but this team does not seem to care as they are averaging about 35 points per game on the offensive side of the field. The defense is fast and fly for the ball but might get knocked on their butts if pushed and might fall for counterplays or run action passes (simple sweep to the outside will probably have 11 players alongside the running back). Their offense is clearly high-powered averaging about 150 passing yards per game and about 200 yards on the ground. Their quarterback, Anthony Hickey, is the real deal (might be even better than the I Train, got to see him in person) leading the team through the air with 9 touchdown passes and only 1 interception. But, he is also their leading rusher with just over 92 yards per game and 7 touchdowns on the ground. He is a tremendous athlete and getting more looks on the basketball court (has offers already from Western Kentucky, Oklahoma State and Murray, and wanting Duke and UK, but you can see more of him at: ). I guess it does not take a rocket scientist to determine who on that team needs to be stopped. Oakland needs to tackle #3 whenever we see him! An ideal strategy is to have Darius McAdoo mark their quarterback. If their quarterback goes to the bathroom, I would want Darius to be in the next stall. I will, however, let the coaching staff prepare the game plan, but stopping their quarterback will probably be the deciding factor. They are also very motivated as they remember getting beat at Oakland last year. While working the chain gangs last year (gotta do my public service), I heard their coaching staff comment on more than one occasion that Oakland has to come to their place next year. Well, next year is here and they are cooking up some revenge stew. If Oakland does not come with their “A†game (and not just one half like they have done some this year), we will have some unhappy players and they will be eating that stew. Oakland can win, but the players need to be ready. It would not surprise me if their are more Oakland fans despite the 100 mile drive.Prediction: Oakland 28; Christian County 14.

Being on the chain gang, there are a lot of things that happen that most in the stands do not see. Some are close to comical. As an example, during one part of the Blackman/Oakland game, some players looked like they might get into a little tiff. An Oakland coach was seen coming onto the field to separate the Oakland player. At that time the Blackman head coach came about 20 yards onto the field and was yelling, "They have a coach on the field" while he was also well onto the field. As for at least one Oakland player mouthing things to the Blackman coaching staff, it happened. A Blackman coach was claiming penalties were being missed by the referees and targeting a specific player. The Oakland player responded to the Blackman coaches. Let's be honest, Coach S was not going to get a call after the fact (if it was missed, it was missed). He was working the referees to get a call in the future (I am sure only the small minority of coaches have not done this). While calling on the referee about a foul by an Oakland player, the player responded with an arm motion in essence to be quiet. Was that disrespectful, probably. Is it really right for a coach to target a specific player for a foul within yards of that player, probably not. But, in the heat of the moment, people need to have a thicker skin. Instead of focusing on the side aspects of the game, consider this was a very good game between two good teams that went to the wire. Blackman won. The game is over. There might be a rematch. How was the Oakland dog????? Make sure everyone knows you got your free dog and drink when you gave a fair assessment of the Blackman team (I did not ask strategy questions as I would expect everyone but a preacher to lie about that. )

This should be close. I have seen both teams up close and personal. Had two heart attacks watching their games against my "O". A clear toss-up. Neither team has a clear outstanding player that can change the game (although Blackman may claim the I-train, they did not win against Oakland with him, the rest of the team came through and it will take a whole team for either to come through with a win). Each team has some good athletes. Both teams have outstanding coaches. The team that shows up with the best attitude will win. There is no way anyone can say with definite clarity that one team is better than the other. That is why the game is played on the field. My guess quadruple overtime win by the team in blue that starts with the letter "B".

I am assuming you are indicating bLACKLUSTERman is highlighted in the DVD series. No one can accuse Oakland of having a cupcake schedule. Ensworth, Christian County KY (perennial power), and Brentwood make up part of Oakland's out-of-district schedule. They should all be in the playoffs and highly ranked. Lincoln County is on both schedules and historically been very good although weak the last few years. Blackman has not yet defeated a 6A team with a winning record. That is the fallacy of the current playoff schedule. Some districts are very weak and won't play anyone they think they might lose against since a win is a win even if against a losing program or lower division team. The historically good teams are having scheduling difficulties. Riverdale is having to play Knoxville Farragut. Smyrna playing Ensworth. Blackman luckily has been viewed as a less strong team so they get to schedule Station Camp, Cane Ridge, Tullahoma (5A team), and a few weak sisters. That is not to say that Blackman does not have a good team. If Oakland does not play their best, Blackman can win. If they both play their best, we need to cover the eyes of any children as I expect a huge battle on the line of scrimmage. May the best team win!

You forgot special teams. You have the best returning kicker in the District. I am on the chain gang so you have to hit me up before the game or during half-time. But, I will buy you a World Famous Oakland Dog. If you can get on the sideline, we will "trash talk" during the game. See you a week from Friday.

I guess Patton's daddy has no intention of giving us a true story. If the running back had ankle surgery, we would probably have read about it. Over 1000 yards already is a pretty good stat. Linebackers have historically been a strength. Returning kicker is pretty good. Anyone else able to give a fair analysis?

The biggest issue is whether Blackman can respond to being tested. There is no doubt that Oakland has had some tests they passed (Riverdale, Ensworth, and Brentwood). Blackman has had one legitimate test and they lost to the Smyrnee Bulldoggies. The remaining opening schedule was weak, weak, weak (Tullahoma, Lincoln County, Cane Ridge, Station Camp, and the SeaGulls), either a losing record or lower division team. OK, Patton's Daddy, tell us about the Smoldering Embers of Blackman as you got a pretty good analysis of Oakland. We know they have a running back, anything else? Weak at linebacker (just kidding there)?

Four votes for the Lower Antioch Woolies? And no one will tell us why they think they will win. The Pass Happy Wolverines have two wins over Cane Ridge (everybody beats them) Ravens and Franklin County. Lost by large margins to Riverdale, Blackman, and Brentwood (average giving up 32 points per game). While their offense is respectable, they are giving up close to 250 yards per game on the ground with over 100 in the air. Grooms is a good quarterback and they have some decent receivers. But their line has had problems on both sides of the field. Hard to win if you can't block and stop the run. If you are going to vote for LaVergne, tell us why. Oakland 35-LaVergne 7 (LaVergne scores in the fourth quarter after Coach Mac calls off the dogs and put in the freshmen). Watchman, #20 is Buddy Mitchell

About 6'2', black, 220, looked like an athlete,

Scheduling is done two years at a time. But, should a victory over a lower division team even count? At least play 6A teams if you are there. Oakland plays Lincoln County and although they are not good his year, have more championships than probably any top level team outside Rutherford County. Rutherford has a big problem as no one will want to play anyone here other than LaVergne and Siegel. And the third best team here will probably have more losses and be a better team than most district champs.

I guess we can trash talk and the other team does not see it??? Naw, I will do it on the "real" message board.

Hope the game sets up as anticipated. Both teams have perfect records, Lincoln County is 0-4, while Oakland is 5-0. After playing three playoff-probable teams, Ensworth, Riverdale, and Brentwood and another game against a hated rival, Siegel, Oakland could use an easy game. Anyone, does Lincoln County have anything? They had a decent looking prospect last year, but he got lost among the weaker players. Prediction: Oakland 42, Lincoln County 7 (and they score 10 plays after the final horn and Oakland has left the field).

The system is broke. Should 6A teams be permitted to pad their schedules with "weak sisters" and teams from lower classes? The good teams are having to play each other (it is great to see Brentwood v Oakland, Riverdale v Farragut, or Smyrna v Ensworth), but give me a break when that win counts as much as Blackman playing the Station Camp Cupcakes or Siegel playing Hillsboro. They need to not count wins against lower division teams. Regions should only have teams from the same classification. I know sometimes you cannot know for sure how strong a team may be two years down the road but some teams really had cakewalks into the playoffs (I don't think Blackman had two wins over winning teams last year, their schedule this year is maybe even weaker).

Station Camp has won one game the last two years against 6A teams, and that was against Lebanon - 'nuff said. They have won one game this year against a lower level opponent. Something needs to be done with the inequity in scheduling. Oakland and Riverdale are having difficulty finding teams willing to play them. These teams are playing other playoff teams. The teams not thought to be as good, often play down a level or play cup cakes and pad their schedule. Wins alone should not weigh as much when deciding who goes to playoffs. Blackman should put up enormous yards and points. Station Camp is WEAK. Prediction 42-7, and Station Camp scores 10 plays after the final horn and Blackman leaves the field.

Half of the people doing postings apparently forget to realize the schools are populated by kids. Yes, immature individuals not generally legally responsible for their actions. Some of their actions appear to be impulsive and not well thought out. Likewise, generalizations fail if exceptions can be found. Are all Siegel students bad because a few got caught painting a building? No. Likewise, does anyone think the "powder gate" incident was an attempt by Oakland students to injure a Siegel player (guess what, LaBron James does it and a Siegel soccer player did it before their games)? No, Oakland players were on the same court. It seems that a few of the posters might even be less mature than the inhabitants at the schools. Keep it about the game and don't make excuses. Oakland dominated and deserved to win. Siegel clearly lost. What the students wore in the stands, did in a basketball game, or painted during extracurricular activities is irrelevant.

Oakland will win unless Kevin Dyson suits up.