accarp2614

I love the Kitty Cats, but does anyone know when was the last time they won at Harriman. I don't know why it is, but OS struggles at HHS. If they can overcome this, they could win. ACCARP

I don't think success depends on Dan for OS. It certainly would help, but I don't blieve it is crucial for OS to win. I do believe that OS needs a strong game from Carter, West, and Wampler in order to win. If anyone noticed last time, Shannon did a great job of knocking down open looks. In fact, I don't remember him missing one. However, when Carter guarded him man to man, Shannon had a hard time finding the basket. So, with Carter on Shannon, Wampler and West will have to guard the other tall guy (don't know his name) from Wartburg. If they do a good job boxing out and make him leave his feet they could be successful. However, If they stand around and do not make him move, he will dominate down low (offensively and defensively). On offense for Os, they need to single out Carter on Shannon, especially going from a high to low position. Carter is much more physical and could get Shannon into early foul trouble. Wartburg needs to do what they did last time, great ball movement to the open guy to knock down the jumper. The most important key, I believe, for the game is dicipline. Wartburg, as funny as it sounds to me, is 10X more disciplined that is OS. In fact, last game was fun to watch because it seemed as though some of the OS players were more concerned with making sure they were not going to be embarrassed or called out by a WHS player so they did stupid things. (more or less this means dumb fouls, bad shot selection, bad passing, and yes the almighty Technical Foul). I agree that WHS is a tough place to play, but OS has woon there before, so I don't see that being a huge deal. All in all, it should be a great game. The last thing to mention is mental toughness. How well can OS reapond to Wartburg who has beaten them twice this year (close games) and twice last year (one being for the district championship). I think Wartburg has the edge for now. I mean with a three game win streak over OS, playing at home, and the better ability to run the floor. However, I am not counting OS out, but, they will have to play the smartest, most unselfish, most disciplined basketball they have all season. This is the time for teams to be peaking... we will see who is further along tonight.

Does anyone know if there has been a make up date for the OS/Sunbright rainout game from a while back... ACCARP

I am pretty sure that the 4 teams included are: OS, Clinton, Sweetwater, and Rockwood. ACCARP

Not so fast my friend. Although your predictions are bold, they may be a little inaccurate. I think that east Tennessee wii have its fair share of gold balls to raise up after the weekend is over. I think that BBS will repeat in 1A, I think that Alcoa could win the 3A championchip so obviously I think they will win also, I think Fulton will repeat in 3A. I also believe, after watching them play against the #2 team in the state last weekend and winning 49-0, that Maryville will recapture the 4A crown. I believe that 5A will be taken by Riverdalr, but no matter what, it will stay in Middle Tennessee. I could be wrong, but we won't know until late Saturday. ACCARP

I want to say congrats to both Coalfield and BBS on a fine year. However, as far as my predictions go, I think that Coalfields season ends in Chatt. I believe that BBS is too fundamentally sound in all positions, as well as so well coached that I just don't believe they will allow Coalfield to get anything going. I think BBS will probably win by about 20. ACCARP

First of all, I want to say congradulations to Alcoa on an impressive victory. Second, I want to say congradulations to Rockwood on an outstanding season of which they only lost to one team. I think that for Alcoa now, its put up time with all this post game trash talking. Last year, they were embarrassed by a Lipscomb team who also got embarrassed by a Huntington team a week later. This year, Alcoa must avenge a loos to the same team who beat them by 49 a year ago. I realize that in ways both teams are different and the same, but like I said, its put up time. Then Aloca, if they win, will have to play eother the defending state champs or a team who feels they should have been there instead. I really hope Alcoa does well, but its by far not over yet. ACCARP

Clarkrange started strong, but OS came through with some good defense, consistent offense, and a couple of calls that went their way to take a 4 point lead at the half. The second half was much of the same with Os getting a 7 point lead only to have it trimmed to 1 as time expired. ACCARP

Bottom line is that it goes through Maryville in week 3, followed by Hillwoood In the boro. ACCARP

I remember playing in "The Hole" in Smith County. It was one of the coolest fields I have played at. ACCARP

If I'm Webb, i'm woried about 2 players for JP2. I think he's a corner, either #18 or #23. One of the 2 is an absolute terror if he touches the ball. The other is #8. He is a good running back who, as it looked to me, could really explode to the hole, as well as break away after he gets loose. If Webb can do this, their chances of winning will be much greater. ACCARP

I do agree with those earlier, #1 Gulmier is one of the toughest, hard nosed backs that I've seen in a while. I think he should definitely be up for the Mr. Football award. As far as the game is concerned, I think that if OR comes to play, they will win by about 40. However, if they struggle with special teams like they have recently, as well as give up a ton of yards passing on one side of the defense, they may be in for at least a more competitive game. We'll see Friday. ACCARP

No, sorry, I love to see Maryville win just as much as the next guy, but their is a limit I think. I do not think they could beat Riverdale or KDB. I may be wrong , but we'll never find out. However, "giving Riverdale the beating of a lifetime".. wow, I'll never hear that. ACCARP

I'm truly sorry to hear that, it happened like that at our school just this past year. Prayers from Oliver Springs. ACCARP

Rocky Top is the best, it is unlike any other fight somg in the nation. True, Ut does play it like 50 times a game, but it never seems to not fire up the crowd. Plus, they usually use it to welcome the other team's players into the stadium. ACCARP

As long as OS loses to Sweetwater, and Harriman doesn't beat Rockwood in combination with a Wartburg loss, they are in. I can only hope against hope. ACCARP

Where in the world was De La Sal on that list? ACCARP

First of all, I have no clue about Soddy, but I do know they lost to a team in OHS that was dominated by Oak Ridge last Friday. However, I know that will have no affect on the game Friday. Oak Ridge is a tremendous team who is well coached along with a good bunch of athletes. The only thing they lack to be a great team is adequate special teams play. When I saw them, they were at best. There is really no excuse for it eithr. So, if OR's special teams come ready, I think it will be ugly. If they don't, it will be a dog fight. ACCARP

...OK... two words and then I'm out... Ugly, fast. ACCARP

I think I'm the first OS fan to respond. Nothing would excite me more than to see OS pull this one out, but I know that R-wood has a lot of factors working for them this time. However, OS does get the role of underdog and possibley, maybe, hopefully, the chance to pull the upset special. Still yet, OS would have to play a very good game on both sides of the ball, as well as get some help from rockwood as well to put them in the position to win. OS has a great challange ahead of them in trying to contain Rockwood's speed, talent, and strength to a minimum. If OS can get the ground game going early, they may have more success on offense than in past OS/Tigers games. However, if Rockwood is able to move the ball at will up and down the field at will, then it could be a long night for the bobcats. We'll see friday night. ACCARP

No running game in the east? You must not be too familiar with Dustin Lindsay. I think if Alcoa continually gets better, they will no doubt be in the 4th round since essentially they will have to beat one of their region teams to do it (rockwood) in which the regular season they beat 35-0. The next task will be either Tyner, g-pasture, or Lipscomb. I certainly think they will hold their own, whether they are victorius or not is another story. Only time will tell. ACCARP

I have "heard" a lot about milan in the last 2 years, and allegedly, they were better than hunnington last year. however, its their time to put up or, well you know. i have never seen them play, their obviously good to have beat the state champs in the regular season last year, but they have to stick it out through the playoffs to be cnsidered one of the best. good luck to all. ACCARP

Well... go Smith County, from a fan in OS ACCARP

don't forget now that OS usually has one or 2 drives that they establish the run well and pound it out. So if OS gets the run and passing game both to be effective, it could be a tough night for wartburg. ACCARP

I wouldn't put in the 2A private powerhouses at a lock just yet, it seems there is a school around knoxville that, as for now is kicking butt and taking names. In fact, their only loss came to some nameless 4a school... what was it called? Oh yeah, MARYVILLE. And as a matter of fact that game was a lot closer than 14 points until a certian point in the 4th. Alcoa has been there before in 2000 and would have been there again in 2001 if a blocked punt had not of happened against the eventual state champs- Goodpasture. I'm not saying Alcoa is a lock either, but expect them to make some noise come November. ACCARP