CoachDadNoMo

Sorry, I duplicated that last and can't figure out how to delete the dupe.

Ah, true that, but both players, as well as West's dismal record this year were affected by poor coaching decisions. One boy got to play most every game, but there was nothing in the middle, and certainly nothing up top to capitalize on his heroism out there. The other didn't get to play very much, resulting in the same situation. That is not opinion. That is fact. We have lots of video that would prove my point. (Also, Jack and Michael were adversely affected too by these decisions in that a team that would've, could've, should've done a whole lot better this year than they did, did not. The team had plenty of talent and ability though.) You can sign me "MadDad" though if you wish. I don't mind.

Two more great juniors at West that don't get the attention that they deserve are Michael Mixon, (huge at sweeper - don't even have to think about it when he is in, he will be there every time with the little plays or the big plays; a joy to watch him work), and Mark Hipshire, (a very talented center midfielder with great vision and good decision-making ability - if he is in, he cements the two halves and if he had been played more the West team would have definitely had a different record this season).

Portland played West's VR squad, and they did win 2-0. I missed getting to see the game, but I understand from other fans that the West boys bucked up and hung with them after going down 2-0 early. Looking forward to the Knoxville JV/VR spring tournament soon so that we can see all of the "up-and-comers" play each other. West Varsity squad played Heritage and won 5-0. Nothing to write home about. Everybody got to play, nobody will be too tired or banged up tonight.

Akula21, I guess what I am observing when I watch Farragut play West is just a small, subtle difference, and at least on one occasion, (yes, I know there were also other extenuating circumstances, but), they were able to capitalize. It seems to me that Farragut is more afraid to loose to West than they are to not win, if you can follow my drift. (We've seen it all too often with a certain team clad in orange whenever they have to play a certain team from south of the Georgia-Florida border.) That little bit of nervousness betrays Farragut's confidence, and the West boys are a scrappy lot. If one way isn't working for them, they just try to figure out some other way, and Farragut doesn't quite know how to deal with the situation. Not throwing down or anything, but that is just how this one fan in the stands observes things to be. Farragut usually can prevail. But if a team can rattle another team even a little bit, that gives an opportunity for lightning to strike. If people don't believe that, I would humbly submit France-Brasil as a prime example. Sure hoping to see that happen with the West boys and Farragut myself! Now, on to Bearden tomorrow night! That should be a barn-burner, win, loose, or draw.

Yeah, that seems about right. I hope for the former myself for the West boys - they have had a great start to their season. Of the two great teams that West plays in the annual "battles for West Knoxville", both Bearden and Farragut each have their own styles of play, but the key difference in the two games is that West can get inside the Farragut players' heads and take them off of their game. Bearden on the other hand is unmoved by West. They will live or die by their game, come what may. They are not intimidated by West in the least. Still, of the two big games for West, I feel better about the West boys' chances of pulling off the upset against the Bulldogs at home this year.

...and Farragut has beaten Bearden a few times too. So now you have two teams that can rattle your team to worry about, that's all. Good luck with Oak Ridge. I hope nothing happens to distract your team before the big game this week.

ucsoccer is accurate (and fair) in his assessment of West and some of their nagging inconsistencies on the field. I didn't get that he was being particularly mean-spirited, and truly, I wish that the Rebels would fix some of these problem areas; first touch, play up top, and playing for the call, etc. Perhaps next year they might find a center midfield that can fix a couple of these, I hope so. However, as I said, the boys are a scrappy bunch, and if they are not having success one way, they will find some other way to get after an opponent. That is why I enjoy watching them play - to see how they will figure out how to beat an opponent. They are getting much better at doing that, more confident that they can do it, and, as I watch them, they improve as each season progresses. They are definitely peaking when they need to (again) this year, so who knows? Personally, I would have much rather seen Farragut come to play them as Bearden - they already know how to get inside the Admirals' heads and take the Admirals out of their game. Bearden will bring a similar style of game as West plays, and yes, they probably are a bit better at that style of play than West is, but West is becoming comfortable and confident with their game. So, it will come down to a monumental test of wills and heart. Who can play the game all the way from start to finish will prevail, but it should prove to be a very exciting and entertaining show. For sure this time around West won't be watching Bearden's tail lights speeding off into the distance at the end of the evening. It'll be more like a head-on collision.

West does have some decent depth from the bench, but the important thing to know is that they are a scrappy bunch, and beginning with the district playoffs last week, every player that has stepped out on the pitch is giving a strong, positive contribution. Haven't seen them all play so well together all season as they did this past week. It is high time for the rematch with Bearden. They could most certainly take this game. West will be up to the task, and now they know what they need to do to beat the Beardens and the Farraguts. It ought to be worth the price of admission.