fevercoach

BigG, Having read the past two threads, I ask why you are so quick to reprimand the comments of Rock when his comments always get back to the real question of what is wrong with the Smyrna program, and why you never say anything to the mother whose comments inflamed the whole discussion by blaming Pete? I will come out and say that I did know Pete and would consider him a friend, but I will admit that I did not approve of the way he would conduct himself on the field at times as he allowed his emotions to get the best of him, but it is rare that I have not seen any coach do this, but the question is always how far do they go? Now, getting back on the topic...I really am interested in hearing why Smyrna has taken such a dramatic downturn this year. When Pete decided to leave, I was very interested in the position but decided not to apply. However, I am ready now to enter high school coaching and would be definitely interested in Smyrna High. Looking at the schedule, it appears that the competition has been tough this year, but in the the past, they seemed to win some of the big games. So is it just competition? Is the talent level down a bit? I know they graduated some really top players in Jareathea Adams and Julie Wood. Or is the coach struggling to implement her style of play? I will admit I do not know the coach or her qualifications. Thanks.

How do you know that this is Pete? Personally, I read that post, and I think the person brings up some legitimate questions. Smyrna High has been a quality team for many years, but they seem to be struggling in regards to results. I know that they have some quality players, so the question of why they are struggling is very legitimate.

I am glad to see this thread take a much better turn because some of these issues can be quite interesting. I will interject a couple of thoughts in some of the newer comments. First, the comparison between Anthony and Sutton is too difficult to see a clear winner because both players are of quality, but they bring different things to the table. Anthony is excellent out on the wing. He's crosses are excellent sharp, well placed, and difficult to defend. His left foot is superb on the shot and is very dangerous on the back post or a dropped ball. He still needs work on his transition, but I was very impressed with his progression this year. He really worked hard and improved his game. Sutton on the other hand is more suited for a central role in that he has great moves and vision. Sutton is the classic playmaker, but I give him credit for his work ethic in winning the ball. I thought he and Grant Wood were the most dangerous players I saw for '89 this season. So, I think in there respective positions it is hard to compare the two because they are both very good at what they do. Putting them outside their areas and comparing would be interesting. Second point, respect is earned and not given. If you want respect, you must go out and take it. No more needs to be said here. To feverfan, I would have liked to see a game, but I have been too busy coaching, and I never got a schedule. The Spradlins told me were to look, but I never had the time. I have been too busy at work. It's unfortunate Joe is in goal. He will work very hard, but he is best suited for the field. To be honest, I have not seen a game, so I can not comment on how I think things look in the back. Honestly, I have no idea who Woosley, Martin, Hatfield, and Maynard are as far as names go, since none of them have played for me. I might recognize their faces though. Who is TB? Once again, I would make the prediction that if HHS and JP2 played this year it would not be a close game. HHS has too many weapons plus excellent goalkeeping. However, I do think some of the HHS players are not playing what is best suited for their style and that hurts the overall team. I don't think you can get away from the 3-4-3 though. In two years, I think it would be a better game, but HHS I believe has the advantage on paper based on the players. The key will be in the goalkeeping, and that goes to HHS. If I was going to put numbers on it, 6-1 HHS this year, and 4-2 HHS two years from now. Having said all of this, it really does not matter because anybody can beat anyone on any given night. But, it's a great discussion.

Ok, another post. Who cares what division a team is in college? The impressive point is the college not the division. I have seen division 1 teams that are god awful and division 3 or NAIA teams that are brilliant. Sewanee(D3) beat Lipsomb and Belmont a couple of years ago. I would be more impressed if Lindsey Wilson(NAIA) was recruiting a player than a lot of D1 institutions.

Ok since I have coached most of the kids on the Hendersonville and Pope John teams, I want to give my opinion and hopefully put an end to some of this rubbish. First, let's answer the original question. I have two good reason why PJP has not been scheduled yet. One is that if public school team lose to a private school that would only encourage kids to attend the private school. Looking at the PJP rosters, you have kids from Hendersonville, Gallatin, White House, Nashville, etc. Public schools can not compete as far as getting kids out of their districts. Second and this may be more important, this is PJP first year as a varsity sport. Many times teams schedule home and away series that last at least two years for non-conference. Plus, you add districts and tournaments, and the schedule can fill up very quickly. I am sure there is some maximum number of possible games. Now addressing the repsonses that have gotten off the original subject, who would win if they did play. For the girls, it was a dominate year by Hendersonville and PJP. I think PJP would have beat everyone except for the possibility of Hendersonville, and that would have been a heck of a game. I would pick Hendersonville based on depth and most importantly goalkeeping; however, I was not impressed with the Hendersonville style of play. They had too many good players not to play with more possession. The most impressive player on that team to me was Amy Teal. She was the rock of the team. No doubt Andrea was a great player, but Amy was very underrated. Now, this year I think PJP would be the better team and probably the year after. The key on the girls side in a couple of years is who Allison will play for. In my opinion, she is the best young player in TN. On the boys side, Hendersonville would beat PJP and I think it would not be a close game. I would give Gallatin the edge. Beech and Station Camp vs. PJP would be a good game. I think those teams would give PJP a fight. Now, the arguements over who has who are silly. Whoever said that Xander is all Hendersonville has does not know the game. And the person who said that Keller is the only player for PJP does not know what they are talking about. Both teams have quality players other than those two. How do I know? Because I coach them. You can call me biased, but the state values my opinion as an ODP coach, so I think I a little knowledge of what I am talking about. Looking for the future for both teams, Hendersonville has the edge. In the junior year, PJP had only 1 player that I know of playing at the select level. Most of the Hendersonville juniors played. As far as the '88 team goes, we were about 50/50 between the schools as far as starters. At the '89 level, Hendersonville has the top four kids in my opinion at that age. Looking at the players, I must give Hendersonville the edge, but PJP will have a fine team. The most critical spot were H'ville wins out is goalkeeping. There is not a better keeper in the area than Jordan, period. Considering the GK is the most important player on the field. H'ville edge is too great. Addressing an earlier part of this paragraph in addition to Xander, H'ville has Jacob Stanfill, Daniel Kelly, Mark Griffen, Micheal Bolt, Cameron Eades, TJ, Jordan, Zack Bolick, Ryan Sinks, Sutton, etc. That does not include some good players who are on the JV this year who I think will make major contributions next year like Cory Sanders, Zac Townsend, Dede, Logan Wood, Grant Wood, etc. For PJP, you must include Joe Liyana, Kollan Spradlin, Tim, Jeff Girten, Anthony, Brian Orgain. The big question is were you put these kids on the field. A backline of Joe, Keller, Kollan, and Jeff would be amazing. On the other side, I think some kids from H'ville are not playing positions best suited for them. I'll let the debate continue.

CmAn01, While I will agree that the overall officiating in Tennessee is not as up to par as it should be, the instance you refer to was the correct call. In soccer, there is no such thing as a continuation rule. If the whistle blows, that is the end of the half or game and no goal can be scored at that time. However, the ref can add extra time if he or she desires. In this case, it appears that the ref should have allowed a couple more seconds to see if the ball would go into the net. But, he did not and the whistle was blown; hence, end of the half and no goal. I hope this clarifies the situation.

Gentlemen, Let us return to the subject of the thread instead of addressing a bitter player. Nolan, I have a lot of respect for you for apologizing for your team. However, it is unnecessary. My team was not a group of saints that night either. A team who is wild and out of control reflects on the coach more than the players. It is human nature to get wild and out of control if allowed. It is upon us coaches to require that our players play in an appropriate manner. As I tell my players, we are to be physical but clean, and according to the rules that is allowed. I try to keep my players under control because emotion will destroy the mental focus required to play this game; however, it can be difficult at times to keep their heads on straight, but that is my job as a coach. Back to the subject of the thread if the new coach of the Dragons focuses the team, I believe the talent is more than there to repeat. But the problem with being the champ is that everyone is gunning for you, and with the quality of the teams in this tournament, there will not be an easy game. Good luck to all.

Soccernut, If you are saying that Jonathon is not a consistent threat because he was not around, I can agree with that. If you are talking about his play when he is there, you are very mistaken. Jonathon is an outstanding player who can dominate defensively. I would love to have him on my side.

Titansfan, First, just calll me Chris. I think everyone can figure out who I am. I will agree with you that TNFC still will have a load of talent, but losing Jonathon and Brian will hurt because you lose two stud players. We were in the same boat losing Micheal and Keller. Unfortunately, we did not have the depth to play at the highest level this year. Hopefully, we will get a good turnout at tryouts. Back to the topic, losing two of your top players will hurt any team. With this info, I will switch to Dragons retaining their title.

Having coached against nearly all the teams involved in the tournament, here is my analysis. HFC Fuego is the most imporved team in this age group in the state; however, I do not think they are ready to make a run against TNFC, MFC, and Dragons. Assault seemed too have problems like my team in having enough players to play, but when they did they had some good results. However, I think it would be tough this year to win the tournament. Clarksville is extremely physical, but again so will be TNFC, MFC, and Dragons. Diadora Impact was a very good team, but not in the top three in my opinion. Also, I thought they were D2?Knoxville Stars is my darkhorse. They are a very talented, composed, and well coached group of players and could beat any of the teams in the state on any given day. MFC is a very disciplined and talented group of players. Their coach keeps them on a short leash and does not accept anything but the best. However, I am surprised at their results at MIT. But perhaps they bounce back at state. Dragons can be one of the most explosive teams in the state with Nolan being an amazing player; however, the night we played them they seemed to be one of the wildest groups I have ever seen in soccer. I understand that their coach could not make the game and perhaps that was why they fooled around. To win state against so many quality teams, a team must be disciplined to win. TNFC has the talent, depth, and coaching to get the job down. Their question marks will be who does Brian play for in state, and whether Jonathon plays in state? If both Brian and Jonathon play, I feel like TNFC will have too strong of a backline with Jonathon and Keller, and the attack of Micheal and Brian is an excellent combination. So here is how I see it: Semis: TNFC MFC Stars Dragons Finals: TNFC Dragons Champions: TNFC Good luck to all teams. Hopefully, I could add my team to the mix next year.