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Flossie, Kim's just a really good guy that goes out of his way to pat all the guys on the back for a job well done. And believe me, he's just as proud of his sons as I am mine, as a sportswriter though he can't really show that bias. Hey, I know that upset thing isn't likely, but I wish it was. These guys down here have worked so hard through so much.... they just have to take it one day at a time. Each week is like a new season, new team because of injuries and trying to make adjustments to them. At Catholic Friday, we played roughly 15 players, most of the others were hurt or just not ready to play in that game. Catholic played 60. Nothing against them (a totally class act), but our guys were done at the end of the 1st, totally worn out from playing against constantly rotating opponents. An example: only 1 lineman rotated 1 time the entire game. There was no one to take their place. Anyway, my point is Krich is the only sportswriter anywhere to give this team a lick of credit. For that I will be always grateful. Kim, thanks.

Thanks pujo, I really do wish you all the best, except for around the 21st of Nov. If the planets line up and the world almost comes to an end, we might just be taking a trip to the mountain right about then. Okay, so I'm not holding my breath. But I sure would like a crack at Greenback again. Be nice to throw a monkey wrench at them there flatlanders (even if they are some pretty good guys)!

Most Rushing Yards by a Quarterback in a Season 1055 Mark Byrd Cloudland 2002 1042 Tate Rogers Franklin Road Academy 1985 From the TSSAA website. I guess that makes Mark the record holder doesn't it?

flossie I'll take up for krich. I'm definitely not a Highlander fan. BUT, I recognize talent when it is in front of me. Krich is the same, he tells the truth as he sees it, what better example can he be for his sons? Don't worry about him supporting the Rangers, he's a diehard fan. All the boys know him and know he cares about them. As far as the lander bandwagon being for landers only, that's more than a little narrow minded. Can't those of us from NE TENN root for a successful team because we are tired of the constant bashing we receive from the rest of the state? Can't we just root for a team that works hard and earns their way? Nobody is trying to wreck the lander train, we really do wish them well.

If I'm not mistaken, I've seen his grades quoted in the 3.8 -3.9 range. That should not be a problem. I really feel only his size hurts him. His speed is without question as is his ability. The bigger schools just may not be the place for him. I'm sure Frankie Debusk at Tusculum knows exactly what a talent he is and will go after him. With Cody Baugh at QB and Byrd at receiver, pretty potent combo I think.

Ausdan, Just a few pounds! That would add a little more momentum and power to all that speed. Make it real tough to bring you down. Jeff, 11 of those guys are seniors. The center and left tackle are juniors, the guy that played quarterback is a senior, but he is really a receiver (the leading one), 87 is a junior. Both running backs are sophomores. Only one freshman on the team this year, so it's loaded with junior and sophmores. I really with the quarterback had been able to play. Would not have changed the outcome, but would have made it much more competitive. Dusty is much like Dack, fast, mobile, and a very accurate passer, with a good arm. He was the one on the sidelines on crutches. I hope that we can make you all feel as welcome up here as we felt down there. Good luck and bring home the ball!

Well, I said I might change my mind. The way I see it right now, Cloudland's line would allow them to run all over Catholic early. No offense guys, but they are just that big and mobile. But, I think Catholics speed at depth could pull it out for them. Austin, Dan and Dack are every bit as fast as Benfield and Horney, but Byrd might just fly on them for a while. So I think the outcome would definitely be close, but Catholic might just pull that one out. Then we would have the whole public/ private thing going and I just really don't want to get one of those started.

Dack, This is one you don't have to feel bad about the score. Our guys gave it their all, they were just outnumbered, outmatched, and out coached. There I said it. I really like our coaches, they are great guys, but when you go to some of these schools and see the staff and how they coach the boys all the time, you can see some of our shortfall. Not their fault, just what they have to work with. You were asking about the breakdown of players: I was really impressed with your ability to read a defense, you have a great football head on your shoulders. That is much more important in a QB than skill, however, you have a big dose of that too! Austin is a great back, good speed, and great vision, just need to pack a few pounds on that frame! Dan is the best kicker I've seen in that last few years, and a pretty fair everything else too. How did so much talent end up in one family? Alex Smith is not bad at all, tell him he is the only person yet to take down 46 one on one. Usually takes 3-5. By the way, still haven't heard anything about his brother,5, and how he is. They were thinking possible concussion last I heard. Bentley is a very good linemen, good head for the ball. D-line is a little soft like I said earlier, but I see a huge potential there. They have great speed, but if they run into some big guys that can move, they may have a little trouble. All of our big guys played every snap, on top of coming off some pretty debilitating injuries, so it is not a good comparison. I think Bentley is every bit as good as Jordy Harrison up at Happy Valley, and several are touting him as a DI-A prospect. The rest of the team, down to the managers can be summed up in one word, SPEED. The DB's, well, it's hard to do anything against someone you can't out run or out jump. Ormsbee (87) is the only one we had that stood a chance. You are right, he is a player. Dack, on a personal note: Thank you, I noticed that when the teams got together at the end for the handshake, you stopped my son and patted him on the shoulder and told him he played well. That meant alot to him, he was really down on himself about the game, his knee is not healed, and he only has two more games then it's all over, so he was wanting to play well for the rest of the year. Guys I have to say one thing. I'm NOT raising the spectre of the public/private thing here, that really is not my intention, because as I said, this is one class group. But where do you get those kids? I just looked at your enrollment, it's very close to North Greene's. Is there something genetic going on, or what? There is no way if I took every boy in NG and put them on the field that I could come up with the speed Catholic has. Every single player on the field ( all 60) was faster than all but our fastest. Catholic has alot to be proud of, you have great facilities, great campus, but most of all, you have great community support. Thank your lucky stars for that. I wanted to personally congratulate all of you Friday, but you were having such a good time with your families! That's just the way it should be. I did meet one of your coaches and talk to him, I'm sorry I didn't get his name, he was the African-American coach that I saw taking such care with the guys, you are truely lucky to have him, he does a great job. Dack you dad did one heck of a job Friday, I saw him coaching each player as he came off the field, excellant job. I was just amazed at the whole experience. I was expecting a group of snobs that didn't feel we had any place to be there (my own high school experience with private schools) and nothing could be further from the truth. We were made welcome, treated well and with great respect. I didn't hear anything derogatory even when the ambulance interrupted Senior Night activities for so long, not an experience we would have had at most public schools I tell you. Good luck the rest of the year, and pop it to Webb!

Geez, how do you sum up 63-0? It was an old fashoned spanking. Not unexpected. But delivered with absolute professionalism and class. Catholic has one heck of a program. The facilities rival Tusculum College here in Greeneville, the coaching staff, well, can we get some just like them? This really was a mismatch, Catholic dressed 60 (I counted) and North Greene dressed 25 (the most in school history). Every Catholic player played, while only 15 NG players played. Some doubts were expressed about the Catholic offensive line on this board, forget it, they are a well oiled machine. The defensive line is a little softer, but the backers and backs make up for it. I can't say enough about the Catholic coaching staff, the entire game, the assistants weren't just watching the game, they were coaching the kids. The organization was perfect, everyone knew where he was supposed to be and when, even with all the subs. All I can say is "Hats off to Catholic" you truely are a class act!

Big Red and ground round you all may be right, Catholic might be able to take Cloudland. I've not seen them in person, and like I said, my opinion may well change tonight. I'm looking forward to the trip. Some friends from Chuckey-Doak have had a lot of very nice things to say about the Catholic campus, field, fans, and team. Just try to take it easy on these ol country boys... their eyes may be dazzled by the lights of the big city. Bythe way, do we need to park along the field with our lights on so we can play so late at night, or do you have them fancy lights up on poles?

Wow, looks like I got behind on here in a hurry! Didn't mean to ignore you guys. Ranger, it's good to hear from you too. Keeping things going up on the creek? Tough night with Cloudland, but, well.... I understand. Enjoy the week off and finish it with a bang! AusDan, your question about how you would match up with Cloudland. From what I've seen so far, I think Cloudland would prevail. It would be close, and I may well change my mind after tonite, but that's just my opinion at this point. They just have so many weapons, both sides of the ball. And the line play is just incredible for a school that small. Starting 11 against starting 11, I'd put them up against anyone in the state. Other schools have depth that would give them a fit, but their starters are just that good. AusDan, you two, McFadden, Iishi are quick, but Byrd is sudden. Benfield may be just as fast, Horney is a starter anywhere else. Chrisman, well Mr. Football runner-up nuff said. Lunsford may even be better. Gibbs and Sheets and company can knock most anybody off the ball, at least long enough to take them out of the play. Your team speed might wear them down, but by them you'd be in the hole score wise. So I think it would be close, but I'd have to pick CHS. Sorry, I just try to be honest, and I'd say the same about most teams in the state. I think you all have a fine team, and will go very far if not all the way, but this CHS team is special. Those 11 seniors are just too good, if the school changed it's name to Maryville, no one would doubt them. I just get so tired of folks on here complaining that they don't play the best competition. I know for a fact that they cannot get any of the really good schools in the are to play them. A 5a school has no incentive to play a 1a school you know. Anyway, I've talked your ear off, good luck tonite, see you at the game.

67, I look at it like this. Every young man that steps on the field deserves respect for the effort put forth. Every young person is on the road to becoming an individual that we all have to deal with in life. Isn't it easier to support that young person and encourage them to do the right thing from early on? From what I've been told about your team, I believe that is what is going on there. Your coaches, parents, and administration have developed in you a respect for others, a truely Christrian outlook that shows in the way you play. For that you should thank them every day, for it will make your lives so much better as a result of that upbringing. Yeah, I know I'm talking like a dad, but I can't help it I am one. I do look forward to tomorrow night and the contest. I know, and the NG team knows that barring a miracle they won't win. But, they can be true winners by playing hard, not quitting, and behaving like gentlemen. I'm sure there will be some that lose their tempers, but I assure you it is only with the emotion this game we all love brings out. These really are some of the finest young men I have ever met. Like most parents I don't tell them that nearly often enough, but over the years they have earned my admiration and respect. Not trying to brag on them, but they get so little praise in our community, that I don't like to let a chance go by. Ben, strap it on, tighten it up, cause the Huskies is comin' to town! Good luck boys, and may God keep you safe!

That's the latest Ormsbee. The third. His oldest brother set all the school and county QB records, and made the team at Tusculum. The next was our running back last year, 1282 yards: all time season record, and then he set the career record rushing also. He's living out his dream in the Marines at Camp Pendleton. Both were all conference and all county, and I believe all state (but I'm not sure on that one). Now Matthew (87) is the first reciever and is doing a great job. If Lunsford's statement about Byrd is correct, then Matthew is the only person to catch a pass on Byrd this year. He's also the fastest guy on the team, and a pretty good guy all around. Oh, and as far as the future he's a junior, and there's more Ormsbee's coming, BIG family. Could get interesting at NG. Kind of a talented family like yours. I think our guys are excited about playing you too, they only have 9 games this year because several teams dropped them (I believe you added them late). Don't quote me, but I was told it was out of Region 2, but not sure.

I'm not going to pretend to know the intentions of these boys or the details of what happened. I'd just like to touch on some of the things said here. Is theft a prank? I think it has to do with intent. Did the helmets get returned immediately, without force? Should a school settle for an apology? Was it heartfelt, or remorse for getting caught? Also, some schools are so limited that if they lost 3 helmets, someone sits the bench. Our school has 2 helmets that fit my son, the other is used by another player. What happens if one of those 2 disappear? Someone sits the bench. Both are seniors, with colleges looking at them. Could destroy any chance to play later. Our weightroom was broken into several years ago, most of the equipment stolen. The team finally got a weightroom back this year, after 4 years. Even if it was a "prank", it could still have been extremely harmful. That's my point.

Now we know the secret to Cloudland football! Genetic manipulation and selective.... uh....procreation to produce the perfect football players.

Hey Mike, You are right, a mid-term exam is more like it. I am equating Catholic to Cloudland to the guys I talk to. A lot of speed, maybe not such big linemen, but very well coached. These guys do seem to be a class bunch, I've been monitoring their progress this year since the schedule came out. I'll be sure and try to to find Grishom and say hi from you. The game is at Catholic, which is a pretty good excuse for me and the missus to spend the weekend in the "big city". Staying healthy is the key, the injury bug has been pretty bad for all of us lately, fortunately most of our guys are pretty healthy. We lost Dusty Neil with a broken leg, and Allen Guinn to multiple torn ligaments in the knee. Those were two big losses for us, had to completely restructure the offense. But, those are the challenges that life gives us, and it's a great lesson in perserverence for the players. Oh ???, are you a player or just someone that likes to mouth off? If a player, let one of the guys know how bad they are, they will be happy to adjust your attitude. Football is about so much more than wins or losses, don't lose sight of the real world.

AusDan: I'd already scoped you two out! Players like you get attention. In fact, my son came home after watching the film and told me just how impressed he was with both of your performance. 'Course I've been keeping up here so I was able to give him the old "yeah, I know"! Good luck the rest of the year (except for Friday of course! ).

Well man, just to participate in such camps is a neat thing. And a true 4.9 or 5.0 is not slow by any means. I think the best 40 my son has had was just before the first MCL, and he had a 5.1. He's around a 5.6 now after his second MCL on the same knee. Still not too bad for a lineman his size. So, which one of you is the fastest, you or the AusDan bros?

He scored 4 td's on our boys this year. All 4 were broken plays, 3 he had linemen and LBs chasing him out of the backfield. All 3 of those were over 30 yards. Key to beating him. Don't play him! Last years game Byrd is running full out toward out MLB, stops, turns, spins, and passes him before he can get a hand on him. Now he did all this without breaking stride, and withing 5 feet of the LB. The kid's body control and vision is incredible. The only thing I can see that will hurt him going D1A is his size. Remember, Byrd intercepted Chris Leake twice at the UT camp, and came in second to him in the 40. No, I'm not a Cloudland fan, but Byrd is a great kid that deserves the credit. By the way, I hear you are making a little noise yourself this year. You're going to take it easy on us aren't you?

Yeah Dack, I kinda caught on to that! I do look forward to seeing you play, I've heard some great things about you. My father has an office just off Cedar Bluff, so the rumor mill gets all the way up here. Just please oh please tell me you aren't as fast as Byrd from Cloudland! That's one QB no one was catching. See ya, I would say good luck, but you know how it is...... I'll just say I pray no one gets hurt and everyone has a great game. Till Friday....

Hey 67, When you line up, shake hands with 68, that's my little 'ol boy. Take it easy on him, he's kinda undergrowed. All kidding aside, I have watched most of these guys growup from the time they were in kindergarten. Several have played together the last 11 years or so, and have become quite close. I look forward to seeing you on the field, I really like putting faces with names on here. Oh, and derision, think of it as a snide remark. I'm sure good-naturedly put forth. And reciever and quarterback unless I miss my guess at thier identities. See you Friday,

Hmmm..... an honest question from a lineman, and derision from a QB and a receiver. Interesting. 67, when you look across the line you will be looking at a pair of tackles in the 6-5 320 range. (By the way, a hint. They get really, really angry when someone goes for the knees.) Not real fast but quick enough. A middle linebacker that does get a little intense at times. It's a beaten-up, banged-up team. Lost 9 starters to various injuries 3 weeks ago, some are back, others never will be. They will play hard, and clean. No cuts or chops. Play them fair and don't run up the score unnecessarily and you'll leave there friends. Expect a 4-3 on defense, but if they see you are going to pass, they will bring the house. Offense, well, it's hard to say. One of the nine was the QB, and the coach is known for his unorthodox offense. Good luck, and I'll be watching for you on Friday. Who knows, I might get a decent pic of you and get it posted on here.

Thank goodness you are no longer a sportswriter. Your bias was overwhelming last year and has gotten no better. Picking on a kid who can't even defend himself because he's not on here? That's pretty low. And, even though I'm NOT a Greene Devil fan, I saw the game last year. Baugh didn't lose it, a silly mistake did. Overrated, hmmm.... full ride to the school of his choice, under the coach of his choice.... yep, I guess that's what YOU would call it. But since you're from Mo'town (yeah right), I wouldn't expect anything else from you. You are the only redneck here.

Jordy Harrison, big lineman from Happy Valley. Quietly doing a great job for the warriors.

Need to add one more: Guinn, RB, Unaka: quick, good reads, and alot of breakaway speed.