boyfromsi

G-town 10-0, beginning of the 4th quarter.

I was speaking more of the comments others have made about privates "recruiting." I agree a solution needs to be found, but I am against a solution that changes the whole system (complete private/public separation) for the benefit of a few (very small public high schools).

Firstbase, But the basis of your argument is flawed. This is not an issue that affects that majority of the schools that compomise the TSSAA. It is only really affects the very small public schools like Coalfield. What dissappoints me is that this issue is being framed as a "private school problem." There is no problem when a private school competes withing the rules and wins. However, I agree that it may be impossible for a small rural school to compete against a metro private. Would it not make more sense for the TSSAA to seperate the smaller 1-A publics into their own class? That way you could divide the rest of the teams evenly. Of course, that wouldn't allow small-town coaches to whine about things being fair.

Because it focuses the problem on where it really is: Very small, rural schools. If that is the case, set up a class just for them without demonizing the private schools of this state.

Because you mentioned that S. Pitt would have "won it all in 3A." I was saying that S. Pitt would have been slaughtered by Huntingdon, a 2A TEAM. Finally, your advertising point just is a smokescreen in face of the fact that a small 2-A public beat the pants off of a 2-A private powerhouse. From what I saw of the individual matchups, it wasn't a fluke either.

Of course, Collinwood would not have got past Huntingdon either. As far as advertising, if you are wanting people to move to your community and then go out of your way to promote your schools then guess what? You're actually going after more students. That's not too hard to see. As far as the Nashville Privates advertising, how else are they to get students? Having been associated with private schools in the past, I can tell you that you can't ever take enrollment for granted. The moment you do, your school is in decline. That's a problem public schools will never have, unless of course, you see school choice in TN.

Atwan, Oak Ridge does advertise. Just not on TV. We do it agressively through our chamber of commerce. Perhaps if more communities put as much into their schools as Oak Ridge and other districts with excellent schools, they would have something to advertise for.

What should they do? Maybe they should do like Huntingdon and just win.

Silverpie is probably on top of this more than I but... why not form a class of only small 1-A publics and throw the privates in with everyone else and divide them equally. This might do the same as the multiplier, but focuses the solution directly on what is the problem. To me, the TSSAA paints itself into a corner by trying to make all classes equal in number. The new 1-a may be a different number, but I think the competition would be more fair.

I don't know about better, but I don't see us falling that far down anytime in the next 4 - 5 years. We have some pretty good athletes movin up.

Waco, 2001 was a down year, 6-4. I look to see us reload next year. We have good linemen returning along with 2 starting linebackers, QB, both I-fullbacks. The biggest questions will be in the defensive backfield. You will definitely see Jr. and possibly Soph starters there. Of course, it is way too early to tell at this point.

...and of course Bill, your holier-than-thou public never "recruit" either. I suspect that there is as much "recruiting" at the public level as at the private level.

I'm sorry, I don't see 71.6% anywhere from that link.

Of course, Lazarus...only privates recruit, right????

I thought the articles were the best overview of the "problem" that exists in Tennessee High School Football. Knowing now that this proposal comes from the most affected school in the state troubles me. Public policy that affects all should not be pushed from the most afflicted. Mr. Luker must be a fine man but envy is still part of his persona. Who cares if USJ has more blacktop than the city he lives in? I know he is engaging in hyperbole, but why begrudge anyone for having more that you do? Ever since I moved to this state, I still see ENVY as the root of this problem. So you can't win at your level? Just fine...change the rules. Again, from an outsiders perspective, this basic attitude does not reflect well on this state or it's coaches or administrators.

Now, if they would just do away with Div I, Div. II split.... just wishful thinking.

Actually I am very happy that common sense is beginning to take hold.

Bill, Is class envy a Tennessee thing or what? Again, I will say this until someone refutes me with the facts: Tennessee is the only state that seperates Publics and Privates simply because of the perception that publics are at a competive disadvantage. I say put em back together and let competition raise the level of play in this state. We need to purge this inferiority complex.

Oak Ridge and Riverdale is still on, come on over.

I would agree with you Maryville folks, Tyler Gaskin is the best safety in the state in any class. Superb football player. Any D-1 program gets a steal with him.

This season Indian66? Who do you play for? BTW, Scrimmages don't count. Especially this year.

If you don't like HS varsity football, then try out club soccer where everyone plays. Easily the most ignorant post of the year.

this is from #23 (boyfromsi's son) and I want to think all DB players for a great game and great hostpitality. You guys had a great season and the attitude at the end was great. No lossers here. Thank you for the support, and for my best memory as a Oak Ridge Wild Cat Sunshine#23

Catwatch! You're alive. Of course, the reason we beat Jeff Co. was just luck, not game prep....please. Look for a well-prepared bunch of hungry cats tonight at J. Fred.

by the way boyfromsi is not a player but i logged on his name #23