FlyBy

This is very disappointing to read. Back in my day (and that was a long time ago), Stratford had great athletes and fielded some very good teams. One of the best games that I was ever involved in was the Stratford-MBA game in 1986 at MBA in the monsoon with Joe Campbell (MTSU) and Bernard Womack (I think) leading the way for Stratford. We were very fortunate to beat them that night and move on to Gallatin in the second round of the playoffs. Do whatever it takes to get the kids out there. Good luck, Spartans.

As I understand it, a video archive is in the works.

I am sure that no one in Nashville would have wanted to watch the MBA-BA game on a chilly November night when BA was trying to avenge its one loss and MBA was undefeated. If only the teams could have had some D-I talent then maybe it could have drawn some local interest.

Let's kill this thread. It is going nowhere now. Congrats to both MBA and BA on great seasons!

Correct. That is why we ignore and move ahead.

To all, As I stated in an earlier post. Leave this young fellow to himself/herself. Ignore him/her, and he'll/she'll go away.

I agree. In my years of being around HS football. The '99 MBA team is the most dominant that I have ever seen. The match up that I wish we could have created would have been the '99 team against the Byrnes team that pasted MBA at Vandy ( I forget the year). BA's team in '80 or '81 with Austin at the helm as a Senior was one of the best too.

100, we are on the same page. I was simply recommending to the Big Red Dog that there is no need to speculate on the outcome of a Maryville/MBA contest. With the schedules that teams like BA and MBA play, going 13-0 in this division speaks for itself. MBA is the best team in the State, much like BA was last year... Let Maryville be proud of what they accomplish; they should be. George has built a 4A dynasty there! For Maryville fans, that is stated in complete respect not in a condescending tone. I know how people tend to take statements on this board the wrong way; don't do it with that statement.

No need to go there BRD. Maryville has a fine 4A program. I have tons of respect for George and what he has built there. We all know that Maryville has been the dominant 4A program for several years; there has been much speculation as to how Maryville would compete against MBA or BA. In a single game match up against either BA or MBA, it would probably be a close game. The difference in what makes MBA and BA better over all programs is the schedule they play. Not only do MBA and BA play a much tougher conference schedule than Maryville does in 4A East TN; their out of conference games are against the best that 4A and 5A have to offer. As BA found out when it moved up from 2A and ultimately into D-II, playing quality opponents every week takes its effect on a team. Your starters are playing much deeper into the game each week, and you lose more of those starters to injury throughout the season resulting in much greater challenges as the playoffs arrive. Maryville has a fantastic program, but it does not compete at the highest level in the State; therefore, it will continue to dominate 4A ball and know that as good as they are, they still do not compete against the best the state has to offer.

Amen! Congrats to both teams on being the best in the State and representing their schools most appropriately. Two great defenses. Congrats to McGuigan and Potter on great seasons! Well done gentlemen! Well done!

Just ignore him like all of the rest of us do. He amuses himself. Those of us that have been around a while can take a shot at each other from time to time, but we still respect each other's opinion. He, on the other hand, has proven that his thoughts and comments are worthless. Just let him post and laugh at himself while we actually discuss topics from a level a tad bit higher than his. His signature says all we need to know. Ignore him, and he will go away. Back to the game...

Since the split, what is the record in games between the two? From memory, it seems that MBA has the lead in head to head competition; is that accurate? In the State Championship games head up, I believe that MBA has the lead as well. I think it is safe to say that BA has always been the favorite, except the 2 years with Ingle at QB. I believe they have always been favored because of the talent level and depth; I can't say that I've called it any differently. MBA always seems to answer the bell in the big games, especially when they are the underdog. Once again, the Big Red will be the "dog" in this one, because Chris Jordan is back. We'll see if they can answer yet again. Roll Red Roll! FlyBy

With respect, Ensworth's and Ryan's Defenses are not at the level of BA's and MBA's. Anyone attempting to guess the outcome of this one is doing just that, guessing. As witnessed in the first game, these two are very evenly matched. Injurues hurt both in the first game, but both appear healthy for this one. Will Chris Jordan wear MBA down? Will Waddey, Vinsang, and that O line do the same to BA? My guess is that this will come down to protecting the football and the kicking game. This is too close to call.

Defense, and a lot of it, is going to happen.

Well done Eagles! Next week should be a great game! Congrats to Ensworth on a great season! Does anyone question whether they belong anymore?

Solid effort tonight by the Big Red. Well done, gentlemen! Congratulations again to Father Ryan on a great season! It is very nice for this game to be back where it belongs. For all of you trash talkers on this board, the student-athletes on the field conducted themselves a lot more maturely than you on this board. Next week's match up is entirely appropriate. MBA and BA have proven themselves to be the two best in the State of TN. It should be a great game. Here's to a hard fought and injury free game! FlyBy

No one is talking ball security here. One of BA's biggest weaknesses has been putting the ball on the ground. You don't have to lose the fumble for it to play a big role against you. For the past several years it seems, BA has had a tendency to put it on the ground. The ones they haven't lost are still drive killers. The saving grace has been that defense, and it is dang good. BA is not alone, Ensworth had similar issues at MBA this year, but their defense played very well and kept them very much in the game to the end. If Ensworth is plus 2 in turnovers, this game comes down to the last possession. If the TO column is equal, then BA adds another score late to make it a two possession win. Just my thoughts...

DS2001, Thanks for a strong post. You would be a solid addition to a mature board that discusses appropriate topics related to the game. Obviously, the post on the first page has been largely ignored. Thanks again for an insightful and appreciative post for the efforts that have been put forth by the student-athletes at Ryan! I agree that it is great to have this rivalry back where it belongs as the best rivalry in the State of TN. I congratulate the school, the administration, the coaches, and the students on building the program back to where it belongs. Here's to a safe and hard fought game on both sides! May the teams win and lose with the character that has forged this great rivalry, not that has been displayed by outsiders on this board. Go Big Red!

I think that is banned in both FL and TN. Are you going to make it to this game on Friday?

I'm assuming that your discussion of a game from the 70's would date you to that era of MBA football. I consider myself old, especially on this board, and I played in the 80's. Therefore, you are ancient!

There is a good chance your work here wins a literary prize this year. Well stated! Maybe I can work with CoachT to create a site for us old guys so that we can leave the trash talkers here and actually discuss the games, the teams, and the issues surrounding HS sports. FlyBy

Have you watched any of the BA games online this year?

Having watched both play several times this year, I think it will be closer than that. I think BA will pull it out late with depth, but it will be closer than BA would like it to be. This should be a great game. Good luck to both!

And the purpose is...??? A whole lot of people weren't able to enjoy the games tonight thanks to the decision by the TSSAA. I simply do not understand. Don't give us the "it will take away from the gate" excuse. The TSSAA needs to think a little bigger... As this site demonstrates, people from all over the country want to follow their schools; keeping a fan in NY or LA from watching the game is ridiculous. The real issue impacting the gate or lack there of is the result of the travel created by the TSSAA's re-classification. The travel negatively impacts the amount of support the visiting team can bring, and to add insult to injury, the TSSAA then refuses schools the ability to stream the games back to those who could not attend in person. This justs in..., you could partner with the schools and charge for the streaming just like you do with the gate. There are many options TSSAA; just give us back the ability to follow our teams!

Are these questions directed at me? Please elaborate.