oldbones

Noticed a lot of discussion here about Cookeville's field so I wanted to give a little background that you may not be aware of. The current Cookeville High School was built on an old airport site. During the construction process the old asphalt runway was never removed, dirt was just filled in on top of it. What this means is that the football field and much of the baseball outfield have asphalt just a few feet under the grass preventing it from draining properly. As a result it takes a long time to dry out. It also makes it difficult to maintain a good stand of grass. The coaches do the best job they can with what they have to deal with. The good news is that I saw the field last night and it is much dryer than it was for the Bradley game and footing should not be a big factor for either team. Unfortunately it is going to be cold but not much any of us can do about that. This is a huge game for both teams as it's not only a playoff game but a rematch of a great game last year. Best wishes for a clean, injury free game to both teams.

So what's your projection?

Judging by your screen name, I guess such a comment is to be expected but there is a big difference between making too many key mistakes and laying down. Cookeville was just simply outplayed by a better team but they didn't quit.

I agree Mt. Juliet was the better team and if both teams had played their best game they still would have come out on top. However, if Cookeville had not made the mistakes it made early in the game the score would not have been so lopsided.

Just to clarify, the question was referring specifically to Signal Mountain HS. I think even the folks defending SM really know deep down that if this kid were not an excellent football player it is highly unlikely (not saying impossible)that he would be attending school there.

Are there any fat, slow, uncoordinated kids getting "hardship" status?

I remember two years ago when we played at Tech and if were'nt for some big special teams plays by Cookeville, the game could have gone either way. Hopefully WC will get fired up about what used to be a big district game and rivalry and rise to the occasion. Nobody likes a lopsided game.

I couldn't agree more. Our school does not practice full speed, all the way to the ground tackling. We hit and wrap up and that's it. Coach's philosophy is that by the time they get to the high school level they should know how to tackle. Problem is many of them don't. The kids that played rec league and middle school ball at least got the fundamentals and can tackle better. Unfortunately there are a lot good athletes that don't play football until their freshmen year and they never get a chance to learn the basics. Also the kids that can tackle need to continually work on the fundamentals to avoid picking up bad habits. The skill of tackling is defintely on the downhill slide in HS football and many kids have no idea what a form tackle is!

You're maybe right unless Riverdale plays like they did the first half against Siegel. If they do, the Cavs could get the win.

Game time is at 7:00.

I really thought this one would be closer then it was. The first couple of series WC looked very strong then it was just like that team disappeared and another team that couldn't really do much took their place. I know there is some really good athletes on the team so what seems to be the problem down there?

I agree it was a great game. The Jets are clearly an improved team and your QB is a tough and shifty runner. The field position that special teams gave up certainly was a big part of the game. As a CCHS graduate from way back that has lived in Cookeville for many years now, it's good to see the Jets turning things around. Good luck the rest of the season.

Well said!!

Looks to me like UCfootball was just giving his opinion but if you want to rely on the comments of others to fire up your team, have at it!

It will be closer than it has been in recent years but think the Cavs will get the win. Think the margin will be 14 points or less.