osunut2

I totally agree. I think the first 2 rounds in Ohio are played with home-field advantage, but the regional finals, state semis, and state finals are all played on neutral fields. They are able to do it in Ohio because they play Division II, III, and V playoff games on Friday nights, and Division I, IV, and VI games on Saturday night. Ohio also has a number of large stadiums to play in as well (Nippert Stadium and Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Dayton Welcome Stadium, Crew Stadium and Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Paul Brown Stadium in Massillon, Canton Fawcett Stadium, Akron's Rubber Bowl, Toledo's Glass Bowl, etc). Tennessee would probably only be able to have semi-final games on a neutral field if they wanted to. I don't know if we have the facilities to accommodate that many more games at large neutral stadiums here.

Behind or underneath?

Red Bank got the scare they "needed" against Powell. Playing a weak schedule definitely hasn't helped them either. I would be surprised if they took their foot off the accelerator this week. The effort that Powell showed last week will be in the back of RB's minds. Red Bank wins by 14.

Looks like we were all wrong about Powell giving Red Bank a battle. Anyone have any news about this one?

As harsh as that seems, there is truth in that. However, that's part of the flaw in the playoff system here in Tennessee. Powell/Cleveland/Rhea County (for example) have not been that good this year, but they are all playoff teams because we don't use a power ranking system. However, even with a power ranking system, in a year like this where both regions 3 and 4 are down, there still aren't a lot #5/6 teams from other regions that would be better choices.

I agree, region 4-4A has two excellent teams in Red Bank and Brainerd, but aside from those two, it's been a very down year for the rest of the region. Cleveland and Rhea County haven't been that impressive, and the rest of the region has really struggled.

I just hope they don't lay an egg down at Red Bank like they did last year. The Panthers have got to find a way to play some defense, because they've fallen asleep defensively the last two weeks. If Kier Houston gets comfortable early in this game and has the chance to both run and pass, they will score some points, just like they did last week. I don't question the ability of the offense and defense, but I do question the consistency of the offense and defense.

I totally agree. On a side note, if the Clinton City school system consolidates with the Anderson County school system, will it have any effect on the Clinton football program?

They just need to implement a power ranking system like a lot of other states use. In Division I, you could still have 32 teams per classification make the playoffs, if the money is that important.

I heard from a friend something about the offensive coordinator leaving, but it was unconfirmed at the time, so I have no idea what's going on.

I agree. I sat with a lot of Clinton fans on Friday night, and they all were talking about the rumors that he may play for Maryville next year.

Neither of these teams have played a very difficult schedule. However, Red Bank has rolled all of their opponents by at least 2 TDs this season. The Lions have played 3 teams with winning records (and won all 3): Brainerd (7-3), Cleveland (7-3), & Rhea County (6-4). The Panthers have played 4 teams with winning records (and lost all 4): Maryville (10-0), Anderson County (7-3), Halls (7-3), and West (6-4). I don't really see Red Bank having any trouble against Powell; they shouldn't have too much trouble until the quarterfinals, assuming both Red Bank and Maryville get to that point. I just don't think there are any teams, outside of Maryville, that can challenge Red Bank early in the playoffs. I'd like to know what the Red Bank fans (and other Chattanooga fans) think about their chances. Playing a weak schedule has to come into play at some point in these playoffs, since it's tough to get a beat on just how good the Lions are.

Yeah, I predict a very similar outcome compared to last year's matchup with Red Bank.

Clinton wins this was a crazy game, 35-34. Both of these teams moved the ball at will, but it was a handful of Powell mistakes that cost them the game. They missed an extra point in the first half (which was the difference), plus they fumbled twice in the red zone. Clinton fumbled twice as well, but was able to retain possession on both fumbles. The Dragons also threw two interceptions in the end zone - one was called back because of a rouging the passer penalty on the Panthers and the other was ruled a trap (very questionable). Clinton won this game in the end because they minimized the mistakes, and Powell did not. Kier Houston had a monster game for the Panthers, as did Hazelhurst for Clinton.

As long as West takes care of Central, Powell makes the playoffs, regardless of their outcome against Clinton. The only way Powell misses the playoffs is if Powell loses and Central beats West.

You gonna be there tomorrow night powellfan?

Thankfully, ESPN radio showed up just in time here in Knoxville.

First of all, I think most people on here would admit (and have admitted) that Powell has turned some heads this season, especially when you consider what people were saying before the season started. To say that you guys haven't gotten any respect isn't true. You haven't gotten the same respect that you've had in that past, but that's what expectations do. Teams earn respect by winning, no matter what the expectations are. Given the circumstances coming into this year, you beat the teams that you needed to beat, plus you beat Central which is always a big win. I may be a Powell backer, but this isn't your "typical" Clinton team. Saying that you would be more threatened by "5th grade girls" is exactly why people are picking Clinton in this game. If you don't take these guys seriously, you will get beat, and you could be sitting at home next Friday. That's the same attitude that the Michigan players had before they were beaten by Appalachian State. Clinton isn't going to the playoffs, and I would expect them to throw everything they have at you, including the kitchen sink. That being said, I'm a football realist, and I was very skeptical about this year, back in August. You guys proved me wrong, and that's one thing that I'm happy to admit I was wrong about. I believe in you guys, and I'm proud to call myself a Panther fan. Go Panthers, and don't tread lightly!

I guess I'm thinking about those times when he lined up as a "corner" in a passing (nickel) situation. I stand corrected, although it's easy to see why he appeared to be lined up as a corner. You still haven't answered my question though. Who, in past 5-6 years, has been a better linebacker/DB at Powell (excluding Huber)? I'm just curious to know who you would pick.

Even I have to step in a disagree with you. Jordan Allen has been a pleasant surprise this year, particularly on defense. In addition to playing wide receiver and running back, they've used him as a linebacker and in the defensive backfield (as both a safety and a corner from time to time). He has looked very comfortable, particularly at linebacker and safety. Against Halls, he had one of his best games, and might have been the best defender on the field that night. I'll agree, he might not be the best player they've had in 6 years, but he's definitely one of the better players they've had in the past 6 years, particularly on defense. Can you name another linebacker/DB from the past 5 or 6 years at Powell that's played better than he has this year? Baron Huber comes to mind, although he was a Central transfer, but I can't think of anyone else. Powell's defensive strength has almost always been the D-line, not the linebacking corps or the defensive backfield. So before you go removing someone's "credibility," I'd love to see your answer/credibility.

Just a side note, but Jarnagin is only the interim principle at Hoover. He has publicly stated that he isn't going to be the full-time principal there.

That's what scares me. Powell has a lot more to lose in this game, and Clinton could surprise a lot of people in this game. The Dragons are a much improved team this year.

Do you know which linebacker? Not having Clemons at RB really hurt them against West last week.

As a Powell fan, this game scares me. Clinton has shown a lot of positive things this year despite their record, although they've won more games this year than they have since 2001 (when they won 3 games). This is a game that I think Powell should win, but at this point I just don't know. Powell looked helpless against West. West is a very good team, but the Panthers have to understand that a win guarantees them a spot in the playoffs. A Clinton win would not surprise me here though. I'm going to take a shot a say that Clinton gets their biggest win since their 2001 upset over Cherokee HS. Clinton wins 20-17. Which injuries for the Panthers are worth noting?

They should just do what they do in a lot of other states - implement a power ranking system that determines which teams go to the playoffs. In Ohio, it encourages teams to schedule tougher non-region opponents, and no one argues who's schedule was tougher/weaker.