JKerrBdaMan

A friend told me that Knox Carter's field is referred to as "the Swamp" for its marshy conditions along the creek. It is about 150 years old (at least).

Central has been getting no respect in preseason posts and what few reports that I have heard. Yes they lost some good players, but they also "cut their losses" so to speak in a few players. Helton will throw for over 1000 yards, as well as throw at least 12 TD passes. This kid will have another dynamite year, and if the O-line pans out, he could have a record year. David (Day Day) Gaston will likely be the surprise of the KFL if he stays healthy. Had 80 yard TD romp last year, as well as other big gainers. While Maryville probably will win the region again, look for the Bobcats to at least finish a strong second once again. Powell will be decent, but the Bobcats have the "mojo" working on the Panthers

I disagree (with part of what you say). Huber is a very polite kid, and he is a nice sized, but slow, average player on either side of the ball when talking D-1 recruits. But, I think he would be a great player for a Carson-Newman, or a Maryville College. Also, part of his problem at Central (supposedly) was that there was constant interference from his dad. (Although I am sure he too like a lot of parents have overinflated views of their child which is understandable). Central must also reload with coaches as they no longer have D. Smith, Brad Parker, Andrew Brown, and possibly Kelly Robertson. This will be a tall order to replace these coaches, but I feel that the remaining nucleus can get the job done (Helton, McMillan, and Heck). Bobcats will be 8-2 at worst in 2004.

......and from Halls and Webb as well.

My guess is the Rebels will have a new drainage system before 2005. This kid is pretty good, but the process is getting WAY out of hand with these high school players. When will someone have the nuggets to stop all of it? I feel the pain for those (athletic and non-athletic) kids who have waited on that waiting list forever at Maryville H.S.

Does anyone know if Murphy has hired a writer named Chad Brown? Chad went to Knoxville Central High (class of 2001) I have heard that he was writing for Murphy's book, which is BTW a good publication in my estimation.

The only problem John Paul is that (supposedly)Burnette's dad tried to convince Coach Helton that Zac would be in a much better position to get his hands on the ball if he played receiver. Coach Helton's reply was something like ..."he touches the ball everytime the ball is snapped, so why would he need to move to receiver?" The point being is that there can only be one sheriff (QB)in town, and off broadway it ain't gonna be Burnette. Lots of luck at Maryville, but be advised talent goes 3 and 4 deep over there, as opposed to smaller levels of depth in K-town "What often appears to be promising, may in fact turn out to be deceit"--Tennyson

The region will go like so: 1) Maryville 2) Central 3) Halls 4) Carter 5) Powell 6) West 7) Clinton Maryville has too much firepower, people are underestimating the Bobcats, Halls will be much better, Carter will go as far as Brett Stanton will take them(which is great considering they don't have much at receiver), West must reload, Clinton will surprise a few people, and Powell is a transfer or two away from being a great team.

How unfortunate ......that free agency has now spilled over into secondary athletics. I had heard that he was exploring his options. Who will be the next to make a radical move?

With less than six weeks until the start of football practice I still have not heard where the Burnette kid from Halls will wind up. Does anyone know? I heard as late as last Friday that Maryville has now become the leader for his services, but I sure thought he was going to Powell. He can be a great one, but I sure hate to see him go to Blount County because I think Halls has some potential (or as the great Dewey Warren says..."Potentially they have lots of potential.")to be really good in the next four years. I sure hope that Burnette can get somewhere and be happy, because it looks like the Knox Co. school board is about to end the days of players choosing where they want to go to school.

Let me preface my comments by saying that I know the Memphis Commercial Appeal is primarily concerned with teams in their area. However, it seems as though the News-Sentinel covers the sport no matter who wins, and the winner of the event is given their due coverage. I was appalled(notice I did not say Appealed) at the blatant lack of East Tennessee coverage that was presented in the local Memphis paper. East Tennessee was well represented in the Bluff City, but yet the Memphis paper certainly did not reflect as such. As someone stated earlier, the KNS sent six reporters and a photographer who was everywhere. So...don't tell me it cannot be done Commercial Appeal. Congrats News-Sentinel, you kicked the Memphis Commercial Appeal's behind in this reader's eyes. P.S. Halls finished as the state runner-up, yet I am shocked we did not get a front page story from the Commercial Appeal on Sunday about how Germantown finished in 6th place.

I sure hate what has happened (the late season collapse) to Coach Delmonico, because he sure is a nice guy. However, this has been a developing trend for some time now (even when they went to the CWS in 2001) If he is dismissed, one name that I keep hearing is that of Garth Iorg. Now......I know he doesn't have any collegiate coaching experience, but he has played the game at the highest level, and would be very fundamentally oriented. As far as Corbin, he certainly would be a great choice but I doubt that he would leave Nashville at this juncture. I have also heard that the top Georgia assistant might be interested. Anyone know anything about this?

Although the bats were silent last night, look for the Lady Bobcats to come out smokin' tonight. Kandice Irwin pitched a pretty decent game, however the Lady Panthers just "hit where they ain't" last night. Look for a better defensive performance this evening. Finally, it was rumored (and I have no confirmation of this) that one of the Powell fans was sitting around the backstop tipping off the Powell hitters about what pitch was coming. We'll see if that happens tonight, and if it does I would be disappointed. If you can't beat somebody on your own merits, what good have you done? That aside, the Powell girls played really well, and are to be commended. Tonight should be fun, and I predict both teams will meet yet again in the postseason.

At the Knoxville West Invitational, Knox Central posted some excellent numbers winning the Boys 4X100, and the Boys 4X200. Also, Cassen Jackson looked like a man running against boys in the 100 meter dash. Knox Central will no doubt have an excellent shot at either the 4X 100 or the 4X200 regional championship, if not a state title.

Kandice Irwin is the "real deal" in the Knoxville Interscholastic League. Without a doubt, she is the best pitcher in Knoxville, although her teammate at Knox Central is very good as well. Also, Powell has a top-flite pitcher.

I heard the coach at Powell may be giving it up. Any truth to the story? If so, I'll bet I could name you at least 4 coaches who will apply for that job simply because of the good program that they have developed over there. I know one coach who seemed interested that called me to ask if I knew anything about a vacancy.

Many good choices in this district, however the "Leo Durocher" of this league for 2004 I think has to be Danny Sharp (Karns). A close second would have to be Coach Polston at Halls, whom I think is probably the favorite to win the tournament(lots of pitching). Coach Cox(Central) is laying the foundation for a great future at Central, but it probably won't happen in this tournament. Again, lots of good young coaches in this league!!!

Watch out for the Bobcats in the District tournament. They are gaining some momentum, and some confidence, as some of those sophomores(and Jrs) have really begun to play really well. Would not want to face them early in tournament. See ya G!!!

For all of those people who have not seen Kandice Irwin pitch.......you have missed a treat. The freshman pitcher leads the district in K's, and will no doubt re-write every record at Knoxville Central High School before her career is finished. Lots of velocity, and an arm that is tireless. College coaches are already taking notice.

Don't know if anyone is interested or not, but Central's team was suffering some big losses earlier in the season when these players were eligible to play. All except Mr. Bowman who found an interest in playing pick-up basketball instead of "Takin care of Business" as someone has said. So......to say that the Bobcats have lost all hope for the season is a stretch. (Looks like they beat Campbell County on the road yesterday) Yes their teammates have been let down by their choices, but I really don't see that big of a void.

Without a doubt Zach Conner will go down in history as one of the best players to come through here. With it being "trendy" to quit and give up on the situation, I think it reveals quite a bit about the character that this young man possesses. I think he would certainly agree that Coach Lambert (as well as Coach Allen) have really been two vital elements to his success. In addition, it is nice to see all of the people that have been instrumental in his development outside of his high school coaches. The Conners will certainly be missed (both Zach and Dad) next season, as good scorekeepers are hard to find. Good Luck Zach wherever you go to college. I know you will be successful.

For the most part I agree with the choices. While Fersner is certainly an outstanding player, I would have thought that Vibbert would have been the MVP of the district. The tournament at Karns should be the most wide open I can remember in the past few years, with the exception of Central. Lambert is doing the right things, but as the old saying goes "Rome wasn't built in a day." My pick to win the district tourney is 1. Clinton 2. Oak Ridge 3. Karns 4. Halls

I find that the guy at Knox Central does a decent job, and creates nice effects with selection of music. Also, He will NEVER play anything that is unacceptable or that has not been screened.

who cares???? If you quit (regardless of circumstances)you pay the price.

I agree. If anything, I did hear his name mentioned for one of the McMinn schools back in February. However, I have not heard anything since.