fromthetop2

For the first time- ever- I will say this is an even matchup. Turnovers at critical times. Kicking game. Penalties. Big plays by big playmakers. Fourth quarter composure. Same old things that win most games will decide this one.

Held their own- and then some. Bruins dismantled Indy on TV 42-14. Indy's first possession; one first down, then punt. Brentwood's first possession: one play, TD. Indy's second possession; one play, interception. Brentwood's second possession: 5 plays, TD That pretty much set the tone for the entire night. Bruins pounded the smaller Indy team unceasingly the first half. Lone Eagle TD in the first half was the result of a re-punt after a procedure penalty that gave them the ball at their own 45. Second half, Eagles recover their own on-side kick, but are pushed back and forced to punt. Bruins score, and on the ensuing kick-off, the Bruins offer Indy some of their own medicine: Bruins recover an onside kick-of their own. One pass play, Bruins TD: and the game was essentially over. Bruins offense shut it down midway through the 3rd Q and starting subbing liberally. Bruins add another TD with a pick 6 from Coffey. Indy gets the last points on the ensuing KO return for a touchdown. Wilson played for the injured Krow and ran the offense very capably. While he doesn't run as well as AJ, he offers a more solid passing threat. His TD pass to Evans was a perfect throw over the Eagle DB, catching the receiver in stride. Bruins look very efficient (sans the penalties) in taking care of business. Shut down what little threat Indy offered in the run game, put a lot of hits on the Eagle QB's and kept the Eagle passing game in front of them. Offensively they controlled the line and the clock. One more challenge left before the Region Championship is awarded. Good job by the boys from Murray Lane and a cold and damp October night.

Giving Ron Crawford two weeks to scheme and prepare against a one-dimensional team is not a good bet for victory. Giving Indy one week to prepare for the option attack it doesn't see at all during the season is another bad bet for victory. Senior Night at BHS, two wins from winning the Region title; again, the odds don't tilt toward Indy. Payback for last season thrown in against a rested and healthy Bruin squad- naw, doesn't look good from an outside observer.

Went to the opener Saturday night, and no, it wasn't to see Tootoo and Avery square off. During the first period, when Toots came off the bench, I turned to my buddy and said "Something is fixin' to get started," and WHAM- he runs over the first player he sees in a white jersey. Scrum at the net with Toots and all H-E- Double Hockey Sticks erupts. Hammy's "fight" was a real side show, and definitely not one to have him tossed. Preds played good hockey all the way around. I will admit that I got a little concerned when Ellis let in the first shot he saw. . . Raised some eyebrows that they beat the B-Hawks in their home opener. Columbus, Columbus, Dallas stretch will be VERY interesting. Need to see some of the forwards start throwing pucks at the net. Best jersey I saw was a Radulov jersey with his name crossed out.

You know, looking at the Titans/Ravens game today, that was kind of ugly as well. However, no one with half a brain is going to say that these two teams aren't pretty good units. Sometimes, the competition, the stakes, the rivalry, and the expectations don't allow you to look super crisp every play. Sometimes, you just are happy to get out with a W, especially away from home. Franklin had some good teams in the Johnson era, but fell short when it counted. They definitely didn't have the superior athletes, as is most of the time with Brentwood. Their advantage was on the sidelines. They wouldn't be classified as world beaters, so lighten up on your colored "evaluation' of the current crop of kids playing the game. In this game, Brentwood had superior coaching and the grit to get it done in crunch time. What is more remarkable is that they did a lot of the damage through the air- yes, they have a long way to go to be a credible passing team- but they are getting better. They won't ever get to the Whittemore/Everson/McCurdy level. Bruins have a different group of players (their ground game might be the best in Bruin history). But, as a long time observer of both FHS and BHS, their defense is as opportunistic and tough as ever been put on the field on Murray Lane. That reason maybe alone could propel them into some playoff victories. And on the other side, maybe, just maybe, this Franklin team could be the class that earns the gold ball your crew couldn't accomplish.

What's that sound coming from the Franklin side? Silence? Crickets chirping? Crow being served up fat and cold? Visions of an undefeated waltz interrupted by the sudden stopping of the band (wagon)? All those preposterous and outlandish predictions now shriveled into embarrassment? All the chest thumping and visions of glory- now looking pretty silly and overdone. The only sound you DO hear is the cheering from across the field. How did it happen????? Coaching and heart, coaching and heart. Again. /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" /> /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" /> /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" /> /roflol.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":roflol:" border="0" alt="roflol.gif" />

Your right about the years- the nurse missed my meds that morning. /blush.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":blush:" border="0" alt="blush.gif" />

Getting into the playoffs is one thing; who you match up against in Region 5 is another. While Region 6 used to own the other region for a number of years, the last two years haven't been as kind (particularly 2005). Then, if you matchup well against Region 5, then you come back around and play Region 6 again. That would be your toughest game until the semis.

Its kind of funny when you have visitor stands, and then you play a team that doesn't, and the visitors start sitting on your side- until they realize that they are surrounded! I've seen too many near fights mixing them all up. Brentwood's visitor side is actually the old home side- and seats are better and have better site lines. That is because when the school board finally relented and added additional bleachers, they purchased visitor bleachers for three schools. They didn't read the request correctly, as Brentwood requested HOME bleachers (which is a different configuration). Then, when they finally were installed, the school attempted to get the system to change them out- only to find out the manufacturer had filed for bankruptcy. So much for "low bids." The track surrounding the field just gives kids a place to run during ball games.

This probably shouldn't be a thread, but a personal e-mail between a few friends. /blink.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":blink:" border="0" alt="blink.gif" /> The Preds have their own little soap opera with an immature budding star who's actions have lost the locker room, because he essentially "quit" on his team. This, and Sully's Permanent Rehab stint, has left a huge hole in the scoring department. Throw in Zid's departure from defense, this team had to find people who can score. Secondly to me, is the Preds have to work the Power Play. Notice, I didn't say re-work because that would impy it was working at one point. Ellis has to grow into the full-time starter. The division, with the exception of the Blues, has improved. Even the Blue-Jax have gotten better. Time to step up, step up the excitement, and play some hockey. I will challenge everyone who has never been to a live NHL game, do yourself a favor and take in just one this year. You can't say you are "into sports" unless you do, IMO.

Wilson County? Lebanon, Wilson Central, and Mt.Juliet?

Maybe it was good fortune that Kerry had to play today in the wind tunnel at Cincy. No way on this planet could Vince have strong armed a throw even semi-accurately in those conditions. We've seen what he can do in ideal conditions, and his ball flutters. They would've fluttered to the other team all day long. Titans would have lost this game if they didn't have Kerry throwing perfectly timed fastballs in to the receivers. Next up the Texans!

Well, VY spoke for a few minutes after practice today to the assembled media. Not the hardest hitting questions (another reason for him to thank his lucky stars he's not playing in Philly), but in summary: He talked to McNair and McNabb (and went to McDonalds and ate a McChicken?) and they advised him on how to handle things; He wants to play football; He is a leader (said about 6 times) He is a competitor (said about 40 times) He is a role model, a team player, he got down on himself, needed some time to clear his head (never been booed, never been hurt); He's OK, don't worry, he's gonna be a football player because that's all he's ever wanted. The Monday night incident? "That's just Mom being Mom (or Manny being Manny). She always wants to know where I am, I guess." Sounds all peachy and wonderful and a big misunderstanding /dry.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=" Beautiful Vince- now show us Leadership, show us Maturity, show us Commitment, show us Poise. Dont ever do this crup again. Beg forgiveness and understanding from your home boys. Read Michael Whitlock's column.

This is not looking good for Vince. This makes the second time in his career he has contemplated quitting professional football. He is not handling the criticism and pressure that comes with the position; however, he should thank his lucky stars he's not playing in a major market or in Houston- the level of criticism in this area has been mild. With his apparent "quitting" during Sunday's game, he needs to take some time out and get his stuff together. His mother's comments are what a mother should do, but her claim he is being persecuted doesn't hold water. Where he stands with his teammates inside the locker room and with his coaches is a whole 'nother story. The list of Texas Wonderboys not cutting it at the top level (Ricky Williams, Cedric Benson, VY) is rapidly catching up with USC wide receivers who are college-only wonders. That being said, the Titan's sign another Texas QB-VY's predecessor Chris "I thought Tennessee was racist" Simms as a back-up/successor to VY (the hand of Bud Adams here?). Too good of a team have this saga drag them down- I hope.

From what I saw at the game- the sulking after the interception and predicatable cascade of boos; the dismissing of advice and counsel from many, including Albert Haynesworth, the taking off of his helmet and sitting down; the defense bailing them out and his "reluctance" to go back into the game (either he wasn't watching the game and knew the defense had gotten a three and out- or he wasn't going to play, i.e., "quit" on his team), to him going back into the game ("tight hamstring?") and getting hurt- all I can say is: Vince, grow up. Or, if you can't get beyond that it's not all about you- take off that "C" on your jersey until you think you can deal with being a leader- and not just in your opinion. Here is a serious thought- with his athleticism, his size, and his speed- does he have any hands? As a wide receiver, he won't have to have the burden and glare of being a QB in the professional league and the resulting pressure. The Titans need an athletic receiver who can make plays after the catch- they don't need an immature pouter who wishes he was back in Austin, all safe and secure. Big crossroads in his early career.

Congratulations to the BRU Crew for a workmanlike dismantling of the Smyrna Bulldogs. For some of you,this was some real payback for the last few years. Others remember when BHS was always beating Smyrna. Either way, you've taken down the two-time defending 5A champs. Yes, I know things can change dramatically from year to year in high school ball, but the facts remain that Smyrna wears the crown until the end of the year. Defense- wow. You guys are real studs,and the O-line and ground game keep getting stronger and stronger. Coffey is growing up and becoming the player he can be. Great game plan- great victory- but,shades of Bill Whittemore could we work on the daggum passing game a little? Keep working hard and improving- big big games coming down the road soon!

Congratulations to the Raptors for breaking the jinx! In the 80's and mid-90's there was no way a WillCo team was going to beat BA. Around the end of the 90's, both Brentwood and Franklin improved their programs and gave kids who once thought the only place to play football in WillCo was to go private, another option. Ravenwood and Indy came on the seen and saw success as well. Since then, the games have gotten progressively closer- often times hinging on just a kick, a pass, a tackle, or a penalty that always seemed to go BA's way. Not after last night. Now, the area publics have local kids staying in the neighborhood and playing ball. BA's players, meanwhile, have come from further and further away from the neighborhood. Heart? Maybe, but there is a lot to be said for representing your own turf, winning for your neighborhood. Hopefully, this will be like when Roger Bannister broke the 4:00 minute mile- 91 people did it the next year. On BA's side- don't go down to Prattville and embarrass the state. WAY TO GO RED TAIL HAWKS ON THIS HISTORIC VICTORY! DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD /rolleyes.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":rolleyes:" border="0" alt="rolleyes.gif" />

Again, an opinion, but one that has been shot down as implausible because of the sum involved. We are all left to wonder what the facts are. I guess the general public will never know. Maybe Ronnie Carter could answer this one.

This will be a much bigger test for Brentwood than last week, this time vs. the defending 5A champs. While I don't think Smyrna has the incredible individual talent they've had the past three or four years, they still will be more talented than Centennial. Defense will be more tested, and the offense will be asked to do more this week. Kicking game will be very important in turning around field position. A good crowd will be on hand, and this will be a slugfest. While its out of region, the winner will feel they've accomplished something against a good team. The loser won't have to panic, but will use this test as a benchmark. Brentwood 17 Smyrna 16.

Maybe Centennial played "up" to the competition, and will take this experience and prosper. The Brentwood coaches know what they need to do- and expect- from the team this early part of the season. Consistency, minimizing mistakes, and making plays will breed confidence that will get them where they want to be. The team knew that Centennial has never beaten them- as did the Cougars. It was extra motivation for Centennial, and for Brentwood I know for a fact that the coaches didn't stress that point. The pressure of the first game out was enough. I'll take it that they know what they're doing. . . Bruins got the expected W- and now it's on to the next game and challenge.

Not to put words in anyone's mouth, but the Brentwood "plan" for the 1st game, was to keep the ball on the ground, keep field position, don't give up big plays on defense, and then take advantage of the opponent's mistakes. With the exception of one run, Brentwood did just that. I would imagine the thought process was with Centennial, it was just a matter of time before something would break. And it did- both major mistakes by Centennial resulted in Brentwood touchdowns. Then the Cougars lost hope, and the last touchdown series was evidence the game was over. Playing it close to the vest worked fine for the first game. As the offense matures and gets more confident, the points will appear. Putting up 28 and giving up only 7 the first game is a good start. I wouldn't say this is the best Centennial team I've seen, but it is much better than the last few years. No matter if your team won or lost, every team will go back to the tape and see a need for a ton of improvement this week.

Observations- Centennial has some strong running backs, with Scales being the most dangerous. With out him, the Cougars would pose much less of a threat. Outside of one long run when Brentwood lost contain, there wasn't much yards gained- but they ran very hard. Passing game was very inconsistent, and pretty much boiled down to quick throws to the flanker (with one being an almost costly lateral). Good kicking game, but the launch of the ball over the punter's head and subsequent booting out of bounds swapped field position at a critical time. After Brentwood went up by two scores with the fumble recovery, the Cougars had all the air let out of them. Defense looked adequate, but wore down. Brentwood starts with Defense, continuously bottled up Centennial on most possessions. Very tough tackling and opportunistic. Pass rush would've resulted in more sacks with a less mobile QB. Offensively, the Bruins started strong, but didn't adjust well when Centennial packed the defense in- they continued to pound away at a tough middle of the Cougar line. Field position dictated the game. Passing game is improved over last year- but still has a long way to go. Dropped balls and misfires are keeping this phase of the offense from being a factor. Good stable of backs. Game of field position and turnovers, which the Bruins took advantage of with scores. In sum, it was trench warfare and Brentwood did enough good on both sides of the ball to claim victory. Centennial will have success this year- as long as Scales is in the picture.

As a long time observer of this situation, I really think the issue that clouds everything is inequality of resources, coupled with some myopic views that color the ability to see the larger picture. Too many administrators, school officials, and coaches tend to think that their particular competitive situation is the "norm" and true for all, and must be addressed above all others. The facts as I see it are: - Some public schools are not affected athletically at all by private schools - Some public schools are affected tremendously by private schools - Not all public or private schools place the same emphasis on athletics, or a particular sport - Not all private schools are giving scholarships or financial aid to prospective athetes, but those that do uniformly place a heavy emphasis on athletics - Public schools have a wide swath of policies concerning transfers or open zones. What is defined as open zoned in one county or school system does not have the same definition in another - Some public schools are very liberal on these matters, some are very restrictive - Private schools each define "recruiting" differently, with some targeting athletes, while virtually all have to do some form of recruiting of students to fill their rolls -Public school systems define "recruiting" differently as well. What is "winked at" in one system, in another the same activity would get people fired immediatly. Now, the biggest differences in the systems, IMO: - Some public schools are very well off financially, most are not. Private schools have much easier access to funding, and do not have to disclose this resource. Tuition increases are easier to pass than tax increases. - Public and private schools all have different rules for hiring and paying coaches. Some public schools contend the head coach must be a teacher or have a teaching certificate, others aren't as restrictive. Generally, private schools are not burdened by this restricition. Private school coaching salaries are not subject to any sunshine laws, public schools have to be more open. Generally, private school coaches are better paid than their public counterparts. -Supplements for all systems come from well-healed booster clubs or individuals. The deeper the pockets, the better the situation. Summary: No one set of rules can apply to all. With that reality, this cobbled together system, while cumbersome, allows each school or system to function as they want- and to provide an athletic structure that most find comfortable .

So, was the "lighting" so bad that no one could see? What about the stadium lights?

Don't scoff, but one sure fire method is yoga. Trying it one time will show inflexible you really are. A another great one is Ta'i Chi. Lap swimming also promotes flexiblity in the hips. The key is to stretch the muscles while you are making them stronger. Pilates also helps. The problem of blown out hamstrings,knees, etc. in my opinion is the overdevelopment in strength training of one group of muscles and not as much attention to the opposite group (abductor vs. adductor, quads vs. hams and buttocks and so forth). Couple that with insufficient warming up and cooling down, and a lack of flexibility and presto you've got problems.