cwp76

Totally agree. Whoever had the ball was on his own because blocking was nonexistent.

I wish there was some kind of way to weed out the bad refs, because frankly I think some of them just don't really care if they do a good job. At my grandson's middle school game recently we had a ref who called "walking" constantly.....but at least he called it constantly on both sides lol. I can live with that, if a ref is consistent. Looks like we play you guys next Friday....should be a really good game! Hopefully the game will be decided by the players and not the refs!

He was a heck of a player. I think he DID shoot one from nearly half court, and it did go in lol. My grandson and I were guessing he is a junior or senior. Just out of curiosity, I looked at their team record, and the team had 2 losses by one point, and tonight's loss by 2 points, so they've had some bad luck with the close games. Oak Ridge has a lot of talent, imo. They just need a little shooting practice, and I'm sure the football players are still catching up. If the big guy, Middleton, gets rolling he will be unstoppable.

I'll try to answer, although I'm no expert (just a grandma lol). Actually Oak Ridge played well EXCEPT for missing quite a few layups that almost went in, but didn't, and foul shooting was mediocre. Defense and ball handling was really good. One kid on Halls made nearly all the points and hardly ever missed, and he shot a lot of 3's. Last but not least, the officiating was horrible. Everything OR did was a foul. Several times fouls were called (against OR) with virtually no contact. However, if OR had made all the layups and close shots they missed, they would have won by double digits. I don't mean that as a criticism to the players - everybody misses shots - but tonight they probably missed more than they normally do.

Haven't read the other comments, but just wanted to say congratulations to Coalfield on a great season. I've gotten to know quite a few people there because my grandson played baseball with a Coalfield team, and I love the way the community backs each other up and are just really nice people. You guys should be very proud of such a great season and being runner-up in the State tournament! Way to go!

I thought it was a terrible call also. I couldn't see the last play of the game, but when I heard the OR stands cheering, I knew we had held them. Supposed to be warmer next Friday, so that may help.

We're going to freeze tonight. Hope the Wildcats play good in the cold.

never mind

I think it's just a rumor that snowballed. I believe tuition to Oak Ridge is over $6000 per year, and that is for anyone who doesn't live in the city, so that's not likely to happen. Anyway, it seems to just be a rumor. Plus, the distance between Rockwood and Oliver Springs would make for a REALLY long bus ride/commute for some kids. Very impractical.

Thanks for the responses to my question about Gaddis!

Gaddis must be a pretty good coach. Think he'll stick around for awhile? I have a grandson in middle school, and I hope Gaddis is still there when he plays.

You said it well. When my son played (2001, 2002) they just kept moving the ball slowly down the field until they were finally in the end zone lol. And then when the other team had the ball, they stopped them in their tracks. People just flat couldn't score on them (well, not much anyway), not that we scored a lot either, but a little can win a game if the other team is zero. Pretty sure we beat Rockwood once 3 - 0, and the next year 7 -6. That's why I keep harping on needing a good defense, bc that's what won games for us back then. Did I mention we beat Alcoa 30 -0, my favorite of all. OS was 2A then, and we did go to the 3rd round of the play-offs. We were the smallest team in 2A and did very well. Ok, sorry about the trip down memory lane. I have also heard that some of the coaching staff may leave next year....not fired, just their own choice.

What you said is true. I have only been to 2 or 3 games, including the first one that they won. The offense looked okay, but the defense is not good, and I don't understand what the problem is. I'm looking forward to the comments and opinions after the game this Friday. I have heard some attitudes are bad, but that may or may not be true. Again, I'm not in the loop, and only one person told me that comment. Also, I've heard there is someone who wants the coaching job. I do feel bad for the current coach, and hope he can turn it around, especially if he is just having one bad year. There is definitely some negativity. I'm trying to be careful not to just repeat some random rumor. Oh, and yes, there are some good upperclassmen players. I'd like to see how well they do if their defense performs the way it should.

There are at least a few good upper classmen that I have seen....I've gone to a few games when OR is away....maybe just not enough older ones? Then you look at Oakdale who is having a hot streak (or was) off the back of just a few good players, so who knows. I'm curious to hear other's opinions also. Also, I could add that I heard someone say that the defensive scheme is geared more toward college, and really fast players. So, maybe they need to change that? edited to say I don't mean to imply Oakdale only has a few good players, but they had some that really stood out.

I used to be an OS fan, but now I only follow it occasionally. What I hear is pretty simple....it's very young, with a lot of Freshman playing both sides of the ball. Give it a couple of years, and they should do pretty good because there is a lot of talent in the Freshman class and this year's 8th graders. I still can't believe how bad the defense is....is it just because the players are young? I don't know. I'm curious to hear other's opinions. edited to add that I agree, the program is not what it used to be.