Borodog

The chances may be remote, but according to the experts Columbia should have lost to Smyrna, Blackman and Riverdale. Will they go all the way? Probably not. But, unfortunately, if you're looking for a sure thing--Blackman and Riverdale are two of the teams with no chance. Go Columbia! One Warrior is pulling for you.

Because the guidelines for nomination instructed coaches to consider a player's 4-year career, Taron certainly merited considerations. Since he started as a sophomore and was named a junior all-American last year, it's difficult to argue with his inclusion. The greater struggle is the limit of 2-3 per team. For teams like those in Murfreesboro with so many fine athletes, some deserving young men will surely be left off. Riverdale had Kenyon Buford named to the Tennessee-Kentucky game and Stephen Britton, Taron Henry, and Cortez Lawrence named to the Shrine game, but had Mr. Football finalist Emmanuel Oglesby and 1st Team all-stater and team MVP Brian Campbell excluded. I don't envy those making the selections.

Those that can compete. Those that can't "wittness".

Congratulations Columbia. Best wishes at State.

Riverdale over White Co. 5-1 just in case anybody wanted to know.

Link to 5A Team http://preptalkonline.Unapproved Website/content.asp?CID=180033 Link to 4A Team http://preptalkonline.Unapproved Website/content.asp?CID=180031 [Edited by Borodog on 4-11-03 10:49P]

Shane Rollins and Brian Campbell

Bobby Knight and Dean Smith, two of the all time greatest college basketball coaches, have radically different courtside personalities. Bobby Knight is famous for his fiery, sometimes extreme behavior; but no one takes his teams lightly. Riverdale's Coach Arman is loud and intense, but he gets a lot out of his team. I can understand how Riverdale's opponents might not like his coaching style, but he's trying to win soccer games, not a popularity contest. Personality aside, Arman knows soccer, and so far this seasons, Riverdale has exceeded my expectations considering the personnel issues they've faced.

It will surely be a physical game. If few or no cards are given, I believe Tullahoma will win. If cards are issued early, then Shelbyville may have the edge. I saw the Riverdale-Tullahoma game earlier this season. The Tullahoma team worked very hard and played very aggressively. There were a tremendous number of fouls called but very few cards given. Each time Riverdale went on the attack, it was stopped with a foul, and Riverdale was never able to establish any offensive continuity. Unless the officials issue cards early, it will be a challenge for any team to play ball control against Tullahoma. If Shelbyville has speed up front, they'll probably have to play balls to space behind the Tullahoma defense to have many scoring opportunities.

Some coaches win because their programs have been fed by excellent players from travel teams or strong middle school programs. Riverdale is 5-1 without having used the same starting line-up in any of their games. Before the season even began, their starting goalie each of the last two years decided to take a year off. Then, in the first few games, they lost two starters to injury, one for disciplinary reasons and have had others miss games due to illness or other activities. Still, Coach Arman has kept the team working hard and competitive. I don't know what the balance of the season holds, but so far this season, Coach Arman has done a great job of coaching his team.

Riverdale came out flat and stayed that way. They seemed to expect White County to just roll over and play dead, and they didn't. White County played with great enthusiasm and heart, but shouldn't challenge the stronger teams in 7AAA. Riverdale hasn't used the same starting lineup all season-they've had multiple injuries, illnesses, diciplinary absences, etc. For a team without great depth, that is tough. Against Tullahoma, Riverdale played without 4 regular starters. Coach Arman has done a great job thusfar of keeping them competitive each game. By the way, he didn't go ballistic at the game, but did argue strongly a very suspect red card.

I think bringing the Smyrna team to the game was a pretty sharp move. It allowed them to deal with their frustration in a controlled atmosphere - the Riverdale SRO and assistant principal kept a close eye on the happenings. Hopefully, everyone will now be able to move on and focus on the balance of their schedule. In allowing his team to come to the game, I think the Smyrna coach did the responsible thing in being their himself. And though the team was boisterous, he kept them from getting out of hand. Had he not been their it could have gotten ugly. Also, congrats to the Columbia coach, team and fans. I was concerned after reports from the Smyrna game. Under difficult circumstances, you showed composure and sportsmanship.

I've only seen Cookeville in person 4 times the last two years, but was very impressed. They were by far the most skilled team I saw play. Taking nothing away from Riverdale, the loss in the playoffs a couple of years ago was an aberration. Cookeville came out flat and several Riverdale players had career games. Had they played 10 more times, Cookeville would have likely won them all. That being said, if this is indeed a rebuilding year for Cookeville, there will be a lot of teams looking to take advantage of it. Teams like they've had the last couple of years are the result of good programs and coaching, so I expect them to be good again; but because the other teams believe they can play with them now, it could be a challenging year for them.

After a 0-0 first half, Riverdale scored 4 goals to defeat Franklin County 4-0. Brian Campbell scored 2 to run his total to 6 in their two games this year, while brother, Tyler Campbell had 10 saves in the shutout. [Edited by Borodog on 3-15-03 4:19P]

Riverdale 5, Shelbyville 1 Shelbyville played well much of the game, but failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Riverdale didn't play that well, but did capitalize on their chances. Memphisone is correct in that speed was a significant factor. Brian Campbell, #7, was able to get behind the defense repeatedly and scored 4 times. Travis Copen, #4, also used speed to score a goal. The teams were much more evenly matched than the score indicated. I agree, Shelbyville showed good sportsmanship. [Edited by Borodog on 3-15-03 11:27A]

No doubt Williams is a talent. With his size and speed, he COULD BECOME one of the best receivers the state has ever seen. Before crowning him king, however, we'll have to see how he fares against top defensive backs. I saw him play against Riverdale--that can't be used as a benchmark. He was matched up against a 5'10" sophomore cornerback who played on a badly sprained ankle. When he had that matchup, he looked all-world, but when this cornerback left the game late in the 3rd quarter and the starting safety was moved to cover Williams, he didn't catch another pass. By the way that safety isn't known for his size and speed. I can only wonder what success Williams would have had against Taron Henry had he not been injured.

http://www.taca.net/2003asfb.htm

This reply was posted in response to one that was evidently removed after I posted this. It suggested that the major problem was parents who expected coaches to hold their students academically responsible. Congrats to the parents of those signees from . . . * Central-Merry (6 signees) * Brentwood (4 signees) * Melrose (9 signees) * Fairley (7 signees) And condolences to the parents of those non-signees from . . . * Blackman (0 signees) * Oakland (0 signees) * Smyrna (0 signees) Certainly, your point has some validity; but if its the main problem, Rutherford County has some of the most apathetic parents in the state. How very sad. [Edited by Borodog on 2-7-03 9:50A]

Considering the success of Rutherford County's high school football programs, it seems odd that so few players have been signed to play collegiately. I've heard of only 4 (2 in Div. 1, 1 in Div. 2 and 1 in Div. 3). I know others may still be talking with schools, but signing day has come and gone-it can't be that many. When I read that JCM had 6 players sign, it makes me wonder . . . Are our county coaches so good that they can win with so little top-level talent? :confused:

http://www.rhs.rcs.k12.tn.us/sports/footba...ifting_meet.htm

All classes were printed in the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal today. They're listed about half way down the scoreboard section. http://host1.bondware.com/~sports/news.ez?..._key=1040176722

The 5A Team is listed on the Riverdale football page. http://www.rhs.rcs.k12.tn.us/sports/football/home.htm

Anderson, Britton, Buford, Campbell, Hathaway, Oglesby, and Thomas from Riverdale.

I see on the TSSAA site that MBA and BA have open dates they're looking to fill on August 29 of next season. According to Riverdale's schedule they do as well. Wouldn't either of those matchups fill up this board?

No Daniel Brooks, Steven Jones, Kenyan Buford, Emanuel Oglesby, or Blake Foster (just to name a few). All were either Mr. Football finalist or are ranked as top prospects in the state. Based on your post, do I assume JCM, Brentwood, Riverdale and Ooltewah didn't participate in 5A nominations and elections? Can't do that! Two Brentwood players were named.