DarnRef

1978 --- Trousdale County over Brentwood Academy 24-21, best high school game I have ever witnessed!

I'll make one point, and make it very clear....if you have never worn the stripes, you have little right for your gripes! Its a tough job guys and no official on the field gives a crap about one team over another...just call em like you see em, if you see 'em!

I thought there was something strange about you Del, now I Know!!!

Hey Del, So you know this guy you are going to debate (or teach)? I had fun meeting you last year...even though you didn't realize who you were speaking to. Still think you Grundy guys were shamed at Macon Co. , but its a new day!!!

If you were to pose this question to the coaches themselves, without a doubt one name that would be mentioned across the state is Clint Satterfield of Trousdale County. From a standpoint of pure football expertise, they don't get any better. Even when his teams lack in athletic ability, you better beware. He is a mastermind at exposing superior opponets weaknesses and motivating his team no matter who they are playing. Had Trousdale not made the jump to 3A from 1A 3 years ago, there would be more gold balls in the trophy case. Even at that, they still managed to make the semi-finals in 3A in 2001 and 2002 as the smallest school in the division. At some point in time, I would wager that Coach Satterfield will be teeing it up in the college ranks. Several have mentioned Rankin. No doubt about it, he is a good coach. But he sure did not want to play against Satterfield during his tenure at Smith County. He's not alone in that category though. Many coaches would rater not play Trousdale whatever the classification, because it will be a hard fought contest every time.

He's Baaaackk!!! Yep, its the poetry writing stupid ref back for another year of fun. Queenie, do you have the grill clean and warming for a tasty treat of "night chicken"? After seeing the chickens in action at a recent scrimmage, I think it may be a rough year for the little hooters. But never fear, the unruly Tiger on the ridge is rolling swiftly downhill after his lofty pearch last year. He will probably go into hibernation another 40 years like before. Hey Del, pleasure to finally meet ya last year. You are much nicer in person...especially when you don't know who you are talking to. (ha ha) I still contend the boys from Grundy got a home cookin' at Macon last year....some of the most absurd officiating I have ever witnessed. But that was then, we pick up and move on. I look forward to another season of spirited conversation. And I promise to keep it clean Queenie......cheeseburger please!

Enough....I have had enough of this "Ref badgering" I was an official in one of the state final games (luckily one that received at least good remarks in the previous posts) I can tell you that in my 14 yrs of officiating, the state final experience and the honor of being selected to work this event is by far the highlight of my officiating career. I was not, nor was anyone on my crew, selected because of membership in the "good 'ol boys network" as many would claim. We all worked hard to get to this game and I speak for the crew in which I was a part of...we took great pride in working this event. Yes, there were mistakes made in the finals, ...bad ones. The inadvertant whistle is an ultimate no no at any level, at any time. I know that official wanted to crawl off the field when it happened. I felt for him. If you officiate long enough, it will happen, you just hope it doesn't happen at a time that affects the outcome of the game. But it simply amazes me, the amount of ignorance that comes from the "Friday Night Quarterback" fan who thinks that the rules of football are universal for Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday. Not only are there a multitude of differences in the rules between these levels of play, but there are several changes in rules every year that the popcorn munching, beer guzzling, 60 pounds overweight, remember when I played in the 60's, football fan simply doesn't know about. But to hear them talk, or in this case post on a message board, they know and SEE it all. Let me tell you something folks, until you don the stripes, leave work two hours early to make your game, miss putting your kids to bed, you don't have a point to argue in my book. You can fuss and groan all you wish, but until YOU decide that this "officiating problem" is a problem that YOU can help resolve...(I highly suggest trying it yourself) then don't parade those that are giving it their best shot. Can the officiating be improved? Certainly. Just like in any other walk of life...there is always room for improvement. Hey, even the refs at the professional level learn something every time they step on the field. And oh, by the way, they do get a second chance, in slow motion, review in many cases. Not exactly the same for Friday or Saturday games huh? I strongly feel that one's success in officiating is largely determined by the pride exhibited not only on the field but off the field thru diligent study of the rules. You must be a student of the game. You won't see every single infraction called because it doesn't directly impact the play...and therein lies a mastery of the game by a good official. They know the rules and the intangibles that go with every snap of the ball. So, in summary. If you have had enough of the "bad officials" and think you can make a difference, (after you thoroughly study the current rulebook and lose 40 lbs.) then come join us. Might I recommend you start at the Jr. Pro level to get a feel for being on the field and to thicken your skin from the countless four-letter prefixes and suffixes that every grandma and grandpa will add to your name. Do it, and you will be surprised at the difference it will make in your perspective of the game.

Another case exposing the lack of common sense from some state athletic associations. www.usatoday.com/sports/preps/football/2003-11-11-missouri-byrd_x.htm

Greenbrier has an excellent offensive line that block very well. I don't know much about Covington, but from everything I've heard....I predict a win for Covington. Covington 27 Greenbrier 20

Well, well, well.... Mr. Foil (or is it Miss/Mrs.?) I guess you are the grammar authority huh. I am not going to stoop as low to post something on a football message board to address someone's grammar, but Foil, I speak for all from TC that you can kiss our @$$. (typo intended). Now for football, For those Falcon fans, one word of caution....when you have the big head and you aren't watching out, you just may get bitten in the rear. Yes, you have superior atheletes, yes, you have great team speed, but the upset bug has been in Macon county's corner all year.....and oh by the way....they are pretty darn good. On paper you win this one handily, but that is why they play 'em. This MC team is inspired and appear to have the football gods on their side. Just keep on talking about how they shouldn't even be on the same field and you just may get a taste of "bigmouth crow". Last year, you put your entire season on the line on one play for a two point conversion. You made it by half-a-yard at Trousdale County so I guess that makes you world beaters. Oh excuse me, you did get drilled the next week, so you are human. At this point, I cannot predict against the Tigers because every time I think they don't have a chance, they rise to the occasion. So I give my support to the Tigers....I hope you put your doubters to rest

Queenbee, Just for the record, I wanted you to notice my prediction. Not many times will you see ol DarnRef predict a victory for the "mighty night chickens" p.s. Can your cheeseburgers compete with those awesome steak sandwiches at Macon Co????

Now this post is quite humorous. Macon County talking about someone "Waiting till next year"?????? Heck guys, you have waited...literally.... all your lives for your first playoff victory. Now all of the sudden, you have this newfound success, and either you don't know how to handle it or you are so excited you lose sense of reality. This game will be difficult to top last weeks game against Grundy, but it will simply because of the meaning of the game and the history of the two schools. Much like last week, the team that gets the breaks will walk away with the victory. ( I think MC used most of their nine lives last week....several breaks) Therefore my prediction is as follows: The little night chicken, goin out of the valley and up Hwy 10, That blue tiger talkin smack, they say they will beat you once again. Dat chicken is mad, his feathers ruffed, beating them twice??? Macon...its gonna be tough. So I give my prediction, and Friday go hence, next weeks trip to the east, the trash talkin' tiger watch from outside the fence. Smith County 27 Macon County 19 Good luck to both, and oh.......Macon County you want respect???let's see you do this again.....NEXT YEAR

Del and all Grundy fans, First of all, it was a pleasure to meet the infamous DelTavian in person....we have had many interesting, hmmmm, conversations. (All in good fun) And yes I do agree with Del, from my vantage point on the field the first fumble was CLEARLY covered by Grundy, absolutely no doubt. The second fumble Del refers to I did not have as clear a view, but I do strongly feel as though the two GC players who jumped on the ball first did have possession. According to three of the refs, they all had joint possession by MC and GC, in which their call would be correct. I still haven't figured out how they reached that conclusion By the way, I am completely unbiased with regards to these teams. But this was one terrific ballgame. It was a pure demonstration of what high school football is all about. I hated to see either team lose. Stopping the clock was the right call by the ref there at the end of the game. Questionable calls will always be a part of the game and you must overcome those obstacles along the way. GC, you were a class act and I wish you guys the best for your program. Again Del, it was a pleasure to meet ya. Please don't leave these message boards because the Jackets are out of the playoffs. You always add fun and a little spice to the conversation. Besides, if you leave I don't know who I'll argue with.

Again Del, Another post we agree on Safe trip....and good luck

One thing is for sure, as we begin Round Two, The state title of "talkin' smack," goes to you guys in blue. The state champs on the field??? Probably not, But take it one game at a time, and you just might have a shot. You say you want respect, for the Tiger of blue, I must say you have to earn it, you might try giving some too. Yes, your season is one for the memory book, your road of success in the past...quite short, build upon this season win or lose, And the tiger won't be a "W" on every coaches' preseason report. Grundy save your time and money, don't even make the trip, If in fact talking smack relates to the score, Macon leads the game before it starts...by at least 54. Don't get me wrong...I wish you the best, I know you don't want a face full of humble pie, If you do get past this Yellow Jacket, That panther and owl are waiting....to dot you in your eye! Go Region 4!!!!!