osunut2

I agree. I don't see Bearden overlooking anyone this year. This is a key game for Halls, even though it is a non-region game. They haven't lived up to the "hype," and they need a win against a good opponent. The good news for Halls is that they finish with South Doyle and Lenoir City, so the next 2 games after the Bulldogs (Clinton, Powell) will be huge. If they find a way to beat Bearden, Halls may gain the momentum they need for that stretch run. I think expectations really derailed this Halls team, at least to this point. There are still plenty of games remaining, but how can you not look at their situation and wonder how they are 2-3? The way they lost to Maryville probably has a little bit to do with it, because I don't think this team has really recovered from that. Sure, they beat Central (and Gibbs), but they still look like they haven't quite clicked yet. Maybe the expectations were too high. Maybe their heads are still down, especially after the loss to West. There's no real way to know for sure. The good news for Halls, though, is that if you can beat Clinton or Powell (or even win both), you will more than likely make the playoffs. On another note, I agree with HB - Bearden has a very strong Sophomore class. I got to see Bearden's JV squad against Karns last night, and they look very very good (Bearden won 42-12). They have an excellent run/pass balance, and their QB (Kyle Reimer), might actually be better than their varsity starter (Ryan Potter).

Good point, Kier has been a bit erratic at times this season, particularly in his last 2 games. He's got a great arm, and we've seen that in every game this year, but he's missed a lot of open receivers (particularly against Karns and Maryville). That has to change. He can't beat teams single-handedly with his feet. He has gained a "pass first" mentality, which is a good thing, but he has to start hitting more of those open receivers. I don't think Powell has the ability "outscore" AC. The Panther defense has to get some stops. Other than their win against Lenoir City, the defense hasn't looked very good. Campbell County and Maryville moved the ball at will against them, and Karns did their best "Arian Foster/Jon Crompton" impression (until the 4th quarter). Kier's best "game" so far was his 4th quarter performance against Karns. He had some nice plays against LC, but I have yet to see him match that kind of performance for an entire game. The schedule doesn't get any easier from here on out, but the good news is that spots 2 through 4 in the region are wide open. A win is not a must, but Powell needs to show some improvement on Friday, if they want to make the playoffs.

I agree, AC should roll. The Mavs have looked very good this year, while Powell is still struggling to find an identity. Kier Houston looks great, but he has very little help surrounding him. The Panther defense has been awful this year as well.

Shame to hear about the horrible officiating.

What was the final score?

What was the final score?

45-6 with 1:30 to play...

45-0 with 7 minutes to play...

Maryville leads 38-0 with 6 minutes left in the 3rd.

A word to the wise. If you want a decent seat, make sure to get to the stadium by no later than 6:30, maybe even earlier.

Here's a novel idea. Let's "crow" about it after it actually happens. Until then, enough of the smack talk. Maryville is still an excellent, well-disciplined team, while Powell is still figuring out the "team discipline" part on the field.

I'm not goin' near that. However, I am ready for the game tonight! Go Panthers!

You took the words right out of my mouth!

Some people just enjoy the spotlight a little too much, no matter how crap-tacular their story is.

I hope I didn't hit a nerve... I'm about as humble of a fan as they come. Let's face it, I've heard about every negative thing there is to hear about Ohio State over the past "x" years, so have fun coming up with something new. I support my team win or lose, just like you'd support your team. For some dumb reason, you'd think I'd have figured out who your team is by now, but I can't seem to sift through all of this banter.

Actually, he's been sensitive all week, what with telling us about his "life story" and all. I'm curious to know when he's actually gonna get the call from Steven Spielberg.

Don't watch any South Park huh?

You guys need to start a new thread, or talk about this week's game.

Excellent first post Panther4life. My sentiments exactly.

I agree, I think this is a dangerous game for both teams. I think it's very possible that the wheels will fall off for the loser after this game.

Who would have thought that LC would have the better record of these 2 teams. Strange...

Ugh, I'm a Powell fan, and I'm all for positive thinking, but jeez, every week someone gets up and wants to be the first to say that 'their team' will be the one to knock off Maryville, and the same thing happens every Friday night. Powell should be thinking about playing a complete 48-minute game, then we'll worry about an upset. They haven't shown anything that makes me think they can shock Maryville. Kier Houston is a great quarterback, but for Powell to beat Maryville, he has to duplicate what he did in the 4th quarter of that game for an entire 48 minutes. That alone, though, isn't enough for Powell in a game like this. In addition to the Panthers playing a complete 48-minute game, with few penalties/no turnovers, Powell would have to take advantage of every mistake (if any) Maryville provides them. We've seen it throughout Maryville's streak - they are disciplined. They don't make a lot of mistakes, and that's why they are the champions that they are. Even when they've made mistakes in these games, no one has been able to fully take advantage. Add in the fact that Powell doesn't even have a place kicker, and I just don't think Powell has what it takes to win this game. I think it's very possible that the Panthers could keep it within 2 or 3 TDs, but they'll have to play better this week versus last Friday, just for it to be that close.

Powell wins 22-15. A pretty bad game for 3 quarters, and then both offenses came alive in the 4th. Karns made a lot of silly mistakes throughout this game (a lot of dumb penalties and dropped passes), but Powell couldn't capitalize. Yet another tough loss for the Beavers. This game could have gone either way, but it definitely came down to the team that made the least number of mistakes. Powell played the game nearly penalty-free, but they looked very discombobulated on offense for 3 quarters. However, once they got going in the 4th quarter, it didn't take them long to score. Kier Houston is one heck of an athlete. He'll have to settle in much more quickly next week against Maryville. The Rebels would have put this game away by halftime, given the way the Panthers played early. I still can't believe that Powell doesn't have a placekicker. How is that even possible? Is there not someone in that school who can kick an extra point?!

Powell leads 14-8 with 5 minutes to play in the 4th

Powell leads 8-0 with 11 minutes to play in the 4th