FlyBy

GWAVE is having issues. Gallatin has one of the greatest football histories in this state, but they are no longer what they once were. Over the last several years, the Super Seven has fielded the best teams in the state. Other schools have had more talent, but talent doesn't put W's on the board.

How many of you get tired of hearing how great a team is going to be year in and year out from a bunch of song birds only to find them not fulfilling expectations every dang year? I have my list, but I'd like to see yours. So, tell us who sings a big song before week zero only to be crying after the Clinic Bowl?

I didn't get to see the race, but I assume that Jeff decided that he had wrecked Sterling enough. Do you think we'll see Gordon turning right a little more often if he keeps that up?

A whole lot of good points on this thread. I saw Maryville in the 4A Title Game and BHS in the 5A Title Game. From my perspective, Hillsboro seemed to be playing a better game that night than Maryville, but Maryville answered the call like great teams do and found a way to win. I also saw the BHS game vs Brentwood Academy. To the best of my memory, BHS played pretty well against Brentwood Academy, but couldn't put together a complete game. I think a lot of BHS's problems against Brentwood Academy are mental. I don't think they believe that they can really beat them. Now that they have added a State Title to their belt, they would come into that game believing in themselves a little more. It would be tough for me to bet against this year's MBA team simply because of their determination and understanding of the game. I watched them all year long. They were impressive early at DB, but returned to the midstate and looked pathetic. I honestly thought that this would be a very long year after the BGA game. It was an unbelievable growth process to watch this team turn into a Championship team over three or four weeks. I have never been as proud of an MBA team in my life than this year's squad. To get to the point, I think that MBA could have taken BHS, but what a great game it would have been between Maryville and MBA. It's hard to pick between the two. Both have solid fundamental players, and both have a couple of exceptional athletes. The key is that they both have a command of the concept of the game. Each player understands his role and the absolute necessity to play fundamentally sound football. Each player understands his reads and responsibilities, and as a result, puts himself in the right decision to make the play. It's a toss up between two great programs filled with tons of high school football history. FlyBy is ready for the fall.

Knock'em dead Wes! Good things happen to those who make it happen and to those who deserve it. From what I've read from you, you deserve it and you'll make it happen! "It's amazing the harder I work, the luckier I get." FlyBy

Yep Dingo, I just puked! I hear Simon and Garfunkel singing I think. Wow! This is pretty deep; I don't know if I want to wade into this one. You know I tend to shy away from conflict. Thanks for the heads up! I'll look into this one a little more so that I know of what I speak before I speak. FlyBy

Thanks Sequatchie! Come on 40! It will be interesting to see how Sterlin' does coming off of his injury last year. The 40 looks like it's in good shape again this year. Green, Green, Green Keep diggin' FlyBy

We're good to go Dingo! Thank you. I return the same respect to you! I am one of the most guilty parties, but I would like for us all to refocus our attention to the issue at hand. Where is high school athletics headed in the Great State of Tennessee?

Dingo, I think you are reading way too much into my messages. If I have communicated poorly, I apologize. I have stated that I believe that many smarter kids than I have graduated from other schools in the local area. Having said that, I still believe that MBA provides the best over all educational opportunity in this area. If that is what you mean by being arrogant, then you are way off base. I have made more than one negative statement about BA on this board; however, I have also made positive comments on that institution as well. As I stated before, I apologize if I have been communicating my position poorly, and I shall eat my words if that is the case. Before you make accusatory statements, be sure that you have all of the facts. Assumptions can be very misleading. Do not take any of my statements out of context. As I said before, I apologize to you and to others for any harsh statements that are out of character. FlyBy

100, I agree with your assessment of the old BA teams. They were awesome. There is nothing more enjoyable to watch smaller, slower, and weaker teams whip a stronger team. I remember being there every Friday night watching Hoover, Hockaday, Johnston, Wyndham, Adair and those boys just tear the heads off of their bigger and stronger opponents. That is why I am enjoying this MBA run so much. The parallels between the teams are pretty scary. Those BA teams played with heart and desire; they played like underdogs every Friday night. FlyBy

Good stuff Dingo! Going forward we shall debate our causes in better tone. Agree?

It is all up to the student as you say 100.

My apologies Real Eagle. We do have two excellent institutions of which we can all be very proud. Forgive me for my insensitive statements. This is a sensitive subject for many. Being passionate about both education and football, I can say too much sometimes. With the lone exception of Dingo(not that he is a BA supporter), I hope that I did not offend the rest of you BA guys too much. I am FlyBy

I think Dingo and I have said enough to each other, RRR. He has taken this way too far. His desire to stir the pot is out of control. He takes things out of context needing to prove himself to be far superior to a lowly MBA boy like me. I respect WesVols' statements and opinions much more than I do Dingo's. In his own way, Wes is far more mature for his approach to discussion. Wes comments out of concern for his view, not for underlying purposes. Wes recently jumped me for what he considered to be good reason. I respect that from him, because he was standing up for something in which he believed strongly.

Dingo, See you next week! FlyBy

Beautiful itzme. LOL!

Dingo, Stan, or whoever, You seem to have forgotten that I grew up a poor kid hanging out with you lowly public school kids as you continuously refer to yourself. Much to your chagrine I'm sure, I do not think myself to be greater than anyone else. I think I have been pretty clear about that. I consider myself to have been greatly blessed to have received teh opportunity that I did; therefore, you should be able to see why I am so fond of the Hill. It means a lot more to someone of my lowly stature than it means to the boys that grew up in the Meade. My references are to MBA as an institution and to its graduates of which I am one. I have in more than one instance stated that many more academically gifted students than I have graduated from BA and public schools. Your problem with me is solely based on the fact that I believe that MBA prepares its students better. Why is that such a problem for you? Are you that emotionally unstable or insecure? I know you are not, but I want to give you more credit than thinking that you just want to stir up trouble or show the CoachT world how impressive you are. Please advise. In reference to the Spitfire, you make a solid case. I must admit, I thought you would go there thinking that you would "get under my skin" for not choosing a US plane. Good choice, and yes the 51's with tanks did provide the good guys with the ability to escort the bombers deep into Germania to protect them. The 109 was a solid plane as was the FW 190, but both had their weaknesses. The Corsair flies in my office. It is my favorite fighter of the era. What a beautiful design! If you will leave your issues aside, we could get along well. How mature are you? Here's to many a successful FlyBy for our boys in the Gulf!

This rivalry could become the greatest rivalry in the state if they would let it. That's even coming from me. I have supported BHS the last few years because of where I live, and I have enjoyed watching their program grow into the force that it is. I think I was as excited about BHS' State Title as I was about MBA's. FlyBy agrees, get this one on the schedule every year, but make it late in October! FlyBy

Hey Stan, How are you and Dingo doing?

Dingo, The question has no right or wrong answer. It is an answer based on opinion much like the statements made on this board. Feel free to include the Hurricane and the Spitfire in your analysis which would mean that you can start with the Battle of Britain and before if you like. FlyBy

Good Lord yes. Let's end this crap. As itzme said, I did not start this argument. I did, however, take it to another level. If I offended you, I offended you; it was not meant to be taken that way. Wes, I think that is great that you love your school so much. It should be that way. Yes, you will receive an excellent education; because, it is there to be had, and you are strong and determined enough to go get it. Gentlemen, Sometimes discussions are painful, sometimes discussions are easy. Sometimes life is painful, sometimes it is easy. I touched on some sensitive issues; some of you got very upset. Look, I do not agree with the BA's actions; and when I see or hear someone comparing an MBA to BA, I'm going to speak up. I have stated several times that I think BA is a good school and that it is the perfect choice for some kids. You are not going to get me to say that it is equal to MBA or McCallie in educational opportunities, because it is not. If that is condescending, then so be it. You are beginning to sound like a herd of democrats wanting everything and everybody to be equal. Life is not that simple. Have incredibly gifted students who are much smarter than I graduated from BA--------absolutely! Does my way have to be the only way for everybody? Of course not! People, it is what it is. BA is good for some, and MBA is good for others. FlyBy

itzme, I read your pm. Dingo, Which allied fighter aircraft represented the biggest challenge for the Axis powers in WWII?

itzme, Why does it not reflect well upon me if I speak my mind not what is politically correct? I have said time and time again that BA is a good school. For some children it is the perfect place for their education.

Dingo, I shake at the mere mention of your name. Go make another million. Here's an offer: if I bore you, don't read my posts. Wes, You state you know people who have attended both. Well, I am one who has attended both; therefore, I contend that I know a little something about this discussion. I am calling upon personal experience to make my statements not what I have heard. I have many friends with BA ties, and we do not discuss this. I went to MBA to get the best education available to me; I received just that. I went to BA originally to play football. I still have many friends associated with the school. If you look earlier in this thread I said that BA is a good school, and it is just that. I know the great coaches and teachers that are there and used to be there. Some of those folks I admire and respect very much. I do not agree with the things of the past like the Tito situation in which a kid was used solely for his football abilities. My contention has been from the start that MBA gives no free passes to athletes academically. It is what it is people. I only speak of things that I know. I am FlyBy

Why did you go there? Your post was fine until you brought up MBA. Why does MBA have to appear in a BA Post every dang time. Youngster, there are so many differences in the schools that it is impossible to list them all here. No, no one would be talking about MBA in the same manner if we had been playing in lesser divisions and winning state championships. There is a significant difference in the schools which will continue to debated for years to come. For people needing the spiritual influence and for athletes who need "help" either financially or academically, BA is the place for them. For young men who want the best education available in this area, MBA is the place for them. At MBA, one must make the grade; there are NO exceptions. We also play a little football, very sound and "smart" football. If you want to play ball and praise Jesus, then BA is the place for you. If you want to be challenged in the classroom and on the athletic field as well, then MBA it is. By the way, a few Christians go to school there as well. Hey, BA is a good school, but it is what it is. Be comfortable with that. You do not have to try and drag us into this with you. We are very happy with who we are whether we're kicking you tails or not; because, football does not define who we are. Almost 150 years of leaders have walked our halls striving to embody the ideals of "Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete" creating a pride and tradition unequaled in the surrounding area. FlyBy