volfan911

Re: UT recruiting instate athletes that are poor students...from the names I can recall in recent years like Will Bartholemew, John Finlayson, Trey Teague, Chad Clifton, Jabari Greer, etc. these kids are not exactly dumb. I know Bartholemew and Finlayson were academic All-SEC while there are plenty of names I'm forgeting. Unfortunately, sometimes the best athletes aren't exactly the brightest students (not to stereotype by any means) but that's the way it is sometimes. If a kid is a great athlete, of course UT is going to go after them regardless of their grade situation in hopes of getting him to go to a JUCO and transfer. Since UT relies little on the JUCO ranks, that's not a valid arguement on your part. Only 1 starter on the team came from a JUCO from my recollection (Julian Battle). Volfan911

BTW, Fred Sparkman, according to Unapproved Website, doesn't have UT on his list of favorites. I doubt they are pursuing him very hard with prospects like Daniel Brooks and Q. Williams in state this year. They are also going after a couple big time LB's from Virginia. Volfan911

If the byrd kid is 5'10 180lbs, he's big enough to play big time SEC ball right now. That's not particularly small for a DB. Jabari Greer is only 5'10 180lbs and he's a darn good cover corner. I would imagine if some think he's too small, then he's probably a true 5'7" or 5'8" as that's just a bit short. Rashaad Fason, a safety for South Carolina is only 5'9" and he's pretty short for a DB, but he's still a quality DB. Anyways, 5'10" is plenty tall enough if he has the speed, strength, and willingness to hit. Volfan911

The Jackson Sun has really shown a lot of support for Crockett County the last couple of years. We are very close to the Jackson area so they have a lot of customers in Crockett County. They had a great write-up on Artis Pitts Friday followed up by a big front and back page write-up on their win that night. Dennis Seid usually has a lot of good things to say about the Cavs and Coach Pratt. Volfan911

I don't buy that. Crockett stopped itself with a holding penalty deep in Milan territory on their first drive. It's not like Crockett played it's best football. I believe they had two missed field goals as well. That's 13 points right there. If Crockett had punched the ball in towards the end of the game when they had it on the Milan 10 yard line, it would have been an uglier score at 31-14. I know it hurts to lose when you're a fan of a great program, but Milan was not the better team. Their offensive and defensive fronts had nothing on Crockett County's. The 7-10 notion is not accurate in my opinion. When I look at both teams and consider the athletes each have, I have to go with Crockett County. Both have great coaches, Crockett just had too much speed. Milan basically got ran over and were it not for the onside kick and the blown coverage on Crockett's part on the ensuing play, the score would have suggested a blow out. Volfan911

First off, I'm not downing Covington. They have a very good team even without their #1 RB. I just think it's funny that since they've been more of a traditional power than Crockett, they get more respect statewide. Crockett defeated Covington and nearly won the state last year. They're undefeated and have just as good of a team as they did last year. I just don't think Covington is quite as strong as they were last year while Crockett is. Therefore, I feel that Crockett should be ranked higher. I'm really just making a point that polls are nowhere near objective. It's not that big of a deal, I just felt like pointing that out. Volfan911

I have a hard time believing that Covington is the best team in West Tennessee. Crockett County has really started playing some great football and I don't see any team in this area stopping them. They will likely go undefeated this year and hopefully they'll face Covington in the playoffs to see who's the best. Covington's best RB is out for the season and that's a tough blow when you have to replace a D1 prospect. Crockett's tandem of Pitts, Williams, and Tyus is the best overall in the state in 3A IMO. Sorry for the rant, just felt like addressing the situation that we face every year - Covington being ranked as the best team in West Tenn. It will all settle itself out in the end here in the West...just like it did last year. Volfan911

two weeks ago, I would have said Milan by a touchdown, maybe two. But Coach Pratt's teams ALWAYS seem to gel at some point during the season and carry their momentum all the way to and through the playoffs. Last friday, in my opinion was a milestone for the young O-line of Crockett County. They were beating a very strong and good sized McNairy team up front all night. I was having my doubts about the O-line play early on this year (i'm just a healthy skepticist) but I think this line, with it's youth, could end up being a very dominant one. Volfan911

FOOTBALL TIME in Alamo!!! This should be one of the largest crowds ever at Cavalier Stadium tonight. We couldn't ask for better weather as the skies have cleared and a sunny, breezy afternoon should help dry the field. Deep down, I was hoping the rain would linger through the game which would slow Milan's passing attack and make the game come down to ball control and rushing. However, I think Crockett's DB's made some big strides last week when the Cavaliers smashed McNairy. They certainly have some athletes in the secondary in Earnest Williams and Artis Pitts - the two leading rushers, both of whom will end up being all-state performers. It still will come down to who makes plays. After seeing Crockett's line come together last friday, I have a hard time seeing how Milan will be able to consistently stop them from putting together long, clock eating drives which kill defenses. In the end, I think Coach Pratt pulls this one out in a close one 24-21. But if Milan makes a couple of mistakes, it could get ugly like it did last week against McNairy. Any other predictions? Assessments? Volfan911 [Edited by volfan911 on 9-27-02 2:21P]

What are some of your opinions on the outcome of this game. This, along with Huntingdon/Westview, will be the game of the week in West Tennessee. Crockett is still without a victory when facing the bulldogs. Last year, Crockett Co. took a more talented, but less prepared team to Milan and got beat. In '00, both teams were very even and it was a nailbiter right till the end. The teams are pretty evenly matched in my opinion and I look for it to come down to the wire once again. Volfan911

I have to agree that last year, Crockett County got outcoached that game and outplayed (which goes hand in hand in my opinion). Nothing against Crockett's staff as they've done a great job. I just didn't think the team and coaches did a very good job that night last fall. But Crockett hasn't been bigger. I played against McNairy in 99-00 and they had us beat in the size category. The past couple years have been about the same. Volfan911

Should be a hard fought game. McNairy has the size advantage while Crockett certainly wins the matchup in speed. It will be tough for McNairy to stop All-State RB Artis Pitts and future All-State back Earnest Williams. Should be the first test for Crockett's defense as the Bobcats will throw some as well as rely on a strong running game. Look for Earnest Williams to make his presence known in the secondary. The kid was phenominal in the state championship game as a sophomore last year and is picking up where he left off. Good luck to both teams. Volfan911

Thanks for giving Crockett the respect they deserve, CoachT. I can't understand why they are only ranked 10th in the Prep Performance rankings. They were state runners up last year and were being touted as being one of the top few teams in the state again this year. IMO, until they lose to a lesser team, they should be in the top three or four. I'm well aware that polls are meaningless and rarely objective. But it still irks me sometimes to see my guys at Crockett get shafted in some of the polls. Volfan911

What is up with Crockett County falling out of the top 10? They are the state runners up and they're getting jack for respect. They beat a Lexington team with a VERY good RB (whose father was a starter for Tennessee at LB) and plenty of other young talented players. Lexington will be a state contender in a year or two. So why does Crockett fall so far with a win? I know it's a silly poll, but still if UT fell out of the top 10 for a lackluster performance over MTSU, some of you Vol fans wouldn't be too happy would you? Volfan911

I wasn't there but I spoke with a couple of people that were and here's what they had to say: Earnest Williams (5'11 180lbs Jr - Crockett Co.) did a great job running the ball and looks to be living up to the hype. This kid will play in the SEC one day if he chooses to. Artis Pitts (5'9 185lbs Sr - Crockett Co.) looks like he'll be an All-State back once again this year. The Crockett O-line is young, but pretty talented and did a good job against a bigger Northside D-line. Typical Crockett Co. O-line - smart, technically sound blockers. Senior QB Drew Bailey reportedly had a very good day throwing the ball and seems to be solid with short to mid range passes. Sophomore QB Tyler Mosier will be vying for playing time this year but Bailey made a good case for his well-earned starting position. Overall, according to what I was told, Crockett County looks to be a state contender again this year if not a favorite to make it back to the BC/BS bowl. They beat a solid 4A team yesterday and I think they'll be capable of beating any team they face next year in 3A. Crockett County will scrimmage Westview Friday in Martin. Volfan911

chargerman, i'll be at the crockett co./westview scrimmage next friday. look for earnest williams #30...he could be the top prospect in the state next year. Volfan911

JCM really isn't that bad. I guess since I've seen worse that makes Roth Rock not look too rough but i agree that it is rough to a certain degree. Volfan911

One word: Melrose The descrption of Austin East earlier in this thread seems to sound very similar to the atmosphere at Melrose, but I can't imagine any place being worse. Just a rough place to be and riding through the Memphis ghetto is depressing to any attempt of getting pumped up on the bus ride. Players had to get down in their seats for fear of someone shooting from the road. Kind of takes the spirit out of high school football and competition. Volfan911 [Edited by volfan911 on 6/30/02 5:14P]

JCM should be pretty good this year. Coach P.A. Pratt, head coach of my alma mater, Crockett County, told me they are forming a new school sometime within the next year or two in Jackson and that they will be getting some kids from JCM which should cause them to move down to 4-A. I think JCM will be able to compete much better in 4-A. They have some talent on the offensive side this year led by a WR whose name escapes me at the moment and obviously will be led on the defensive side by Brooks. They should be alright but I think they'll be a power in 4A Volfan911

Rivals lists Quinton Williams (the LB from Memphis East) as a running a 4.6 and I think that is likely accurate. People get crazy with fourty times and ironically, a fourty time isn't always that important. Things such as "game speed" and "closing speed" and that crucial "first step" are what really matter and the college coaches can see that for themselves by watching the kids play. Of course, it doesn't hurt a kid's recruitment if he turns in a blistering 40 time at camps and combines. But at an inch taller and about 15lbs heavier, I got to go with Brooks. He' reportedly just as fast/quick if not even faster or quicker and he's got good size for a middle linebakcer. However, I think Williams will be a very good outside linebacker in college. But who knows how these kids will develope after being on a college weight program. Williams could easily bulk up to 235lbs and be an inside backer while Brooks may grow an inch and get up to 260lbs and be a force at DE. Who knows? Comparing inside and outside linebackers in like comparing tackles and ends. They are pretty much two different positions that require certain skills and in some cases different size (i.e. you would generally want your bigger LB to play the middle to plug up holes and your smaller, typically quicker LBs to be on the outside so they will be in better position to rush the QB or pick up receivers) JMHO. I mean, who would you say was better - Leonard Little or John Henderson? They both played on the DL but at different positions; see what I meant? They were both awesome in their own right. Both Williams and Brooks are both very talented athletes who have GREAT potential and bright futures ahead of them. I just don't know if you can really say one is "better" at linebacker than the other right now. Which sort of goes against my first post in this thread (I picked Brooks as the best). I hope they both go to UT and become all-americans one day Volfan911 [Edited by volfan911 on 6/20/02 1:53P]

I would have to say that the Brooks kid from JCM takes this one. A 6'3" 230lbs beast on the field with a fourty in the 4.5 range - scary. He's the only LB UT is really going to be after or at least he's the top one their after so far in state, and he may be the top LB their going after overall. Unless Earnie Simms is considered a LB. Have any of you heard of Simms? The kid is a walking freak of nature. High school kids should not be built like him - it should be against the rules. He honestly is built better than most if not all NFL running backs. He's listed on practically every recruiting site if any of you would like to see a picture of him. He's from florida, btw so UT doesn't have a great chance of getting him and since his father played for FSU, he'll likely go there if you ask me. But UT should be in the running as he's listed them in his top 5 I believe. Volfan911 Volfan911

Everyone always tries to say "well, if this had happened, or if this had only gone a certain way", it all boils down to who won and who lost. Granted, there are times when excuses are legitimate - like a ref blowing a call in a major way, but nothing like that happened in the CC/AE game. Crockett had its chance at the end to score a TD and kick a PAT to go up 28-27 but they couldn't make the drive to score. AE had a very good team, but I still think the best team in the state was Covington or Portland - both of which got put out before the finals obviously. The best teams don't always win. Every great team has days when they don't "gel" or whatever you want to call it. If AE didn't come out ready to play, that's no fault of anybody's but their own. Coming ready to play is a part of being a great team. So that's no excuse. Luckily, they had the talent and coaching to fight through an alleged sluggish start. I actually thought that CC didn't really have a chance since they never faced anyone with a great passing attack all year and, playing in west tennesse, pretty much defensed the run all the time as most teams around here do. I didn't expect the CC secondary to play as well as they did, but sure enough, there were just enough busted coverages to allow the AE qb to find a seam and hit his target for a big gain or TD. It was a great game and I'm proud of my Cavaliers for making their first trip to the state championsip. To the Cavalier players of next year - I would like to challenge you all to work hard and make it back to Murfreesboro. Don't let everyone telling how good you are go to your head. Talent alone won't get you anywhere, you have to listen to your coaches and work hard in the offseason if you expect to win championships. There is one player in particular that has a chance to be really special and you know who you are. Keep your head straight and do your best and you may even suprise yourself how far you might go. Volfan911