dog11

Here is an objective view from a Cookeville fan. I love Cookeville and can't stand it when they lose so I am always full of critizism for our boys......and coaches. Just like last week the team they played ran for the most part 2 plays out of the wing-t. They would line Nenly up in a 3-point stance right behind the qb and went straight up the gut...either to the left or right of the center and they would gain on average about 7 a carry just from that. Then the other run they had was where they faked it to the fb and ran the sweep around the end with one of the backs either left or right and got at least 5 everytime on that one. But other than 3 long pass plays(1 on a beautiful play action that caught CHS completely off guard) and when they put #4 in at qb and ran qb sweeps with him. That was pretty much their whole offense and once again this week as was the case last week with the underneath slant the coaches failed to make any adjustments. Granted Cookeville missed way too many tackles and the fb broke quite a few there should be no way that that kid should have been able to run up the middle all night and get almost 300 yds. What baffled me was that CHS was in the 4-3 most of the night...why....(one of your best linebackers is hurt and the other is going both ways all night). And when Cookeville passes more than their opponent you would think that the other team was just running crazy...well...they were...but yet we were in a spread out defense when they were running right up the gut. They still have a whole lot of people going both ways and that is just killing both the defense and offense...mainly it is slowing down what is one if not the fastest defense in the region. Ledford is without a doubt a playmaker. Someone who runs a 4.5 and can throw it 60 yds can't help but be one. However, he didn't make the best of decisions last night. On two of his INT he through it well ahead of the reciever down the field like you are suppose to.....only problem is that they played a deep cover 2 or 3 zone everytime he dropped back and he missed some receivers out in the flat that would have given him a first down. I think one of the reasons for the INTs was the fact that CHS trailed the whole night and were looking for a big play that would lift their spirits. Unfortunately that play never came. However, it did come for Coffe Cty when Paxton fumbled on the CCHS 30 with 5 left in the 3rd down by 6. They were really wearing down that defense on that long sustained drive and would have punched it in if not for the fumble. CCHS gets it back and goes right down the field like it was an offense only practice...turns the game around and never looked back. Also CCHS was probably twice the size of every CHS player at every position. It was not the game you wanted to see if you are a Cookeville fan but it's exactly the game you wanted to see if your a Coffe County fan. BUT.....just like Sadler said...the same exact thing happened last year. However this year will be twice as hard given the strength of Lincoln and Franklin Countys. There will only be a cause for concern if the same thing happens next week against Lebanon at home. In two weeks you get beat by both the pass and the run...now all the adjustments should be made and it should be back to the winning track. Tough loss but the season has only begun...good luck next week. GO CAVS

No No....the Cavs weakness is not running D..it's passing D. Cookeville always has and always will be a good run defense team since they run a 5-2 and the line is just big and quick enough to create holes for the good sized, agile backers and D backs. Their problem as of this week is going to be to try and stop the pass. They gave up 210 yds passing to 60 russing. If CCHS just runs the ball all night then Cookeville will win pretty handily because the Cavs will score at least 20 the way their offense is. I antisipate Coach J working on that pass D a great deal this week and will have them ready for the Raiders. Cavs-35 Red Raiders-24

Well to start off I talked to Turner and he told me it was a BROKEN rib and they were going today to see how long it would be before he could play. Morgan Toline also reinjured his shoulder but it probably won't sideline him for next week. Buckner's injury was mearly cramps so no real concern there. The concern is that the Cavs just let Sparta climb right through window of opportunity. The pass defense was unbelievably bad. The fastest secondary in the region and were smoked all night. Even worse, Sparta only threw 2 routes. The fade and the underneath slant. They ran that slant play at least 5 times for a first down and 1 of their touchdowns. Every time they dropped back it was 1 of those 2 routes and the Cavs never stopped them. I think if Sparta were to have thrown the ball maybe 10 more times instaed of giving it to the lone fullback in the backfield with 3 recievers split out mixed in with some QB draws that they gained about 8 yds each time they would have won that game by 2 touchdowns. Make no mistake about it I am a Cookeville fan all the way but talk to any Cookeville player and they will tell you it was a disappointing win and they were fortunate to escape with 1. They knew that they could have blown that game away but they just slacked a little on defense and it almost cost them a win. And what on earth was that punt on 3rd and 20. They could have atleast ran the ball got a few more yds and ran a good 30-45 seconds off the clock. That ended up costing them the lead and almost the game. Co-players of the game were Ledford and Paxton. What a pass and catch with 2 minutes left. Paxton had probably somewhere around 80+ yrds on the ground and 50 through the air. Ledford threw for about 80 and ran for about 20. He was also like 5-7 I think. And 1 was a beautiful throw on the run across his body for a first down. Been a couple years since we've had a running/throwing QB. I only wish Coach Joslin had a little more faith in the passing game. But oh well, we will see next week what kind of team we will be this year. I saw that Coffee Cty had over 450 yds of RUSHING offense and thats with having probably one of the top 5 OBs in the state, and its in Manchester next week. SHEWWW. As for Cookeville/Sparta next year.....only in your dreams will it be this close. Just look at the skill positions. Most of Sparta's are seniors...most of ours are juniors. Next year will be worse than last year in Sparta against Cookeville.

I hear that the Baylor/McCallie game has to be moved to a saturday where something like 10,000 fans come to see. Sounds like you could call that a rivalry.

Ooops...sorry for that screw up...just misinformed...well heck...with that big bat in the lineup I think the edge will have to go to Riverdale then.

Since this season has come to a close...I'm ready for next season...So just looking ahead to next year in 7-AAA.....What are the boro teams bringing back next year. I know Riverdale's #1 will probably be Underland after losing Smith and Marcum..who are going to be the other starting pitchers...they lose Alexander but they bring back the great catcher Watson and the outfielder Jones....who will be their other good position players and hitters. Oakland brings back Robinson (I think) is that good junior pitcher and I think they bring back that closer who threw pretty hard...I'm not all that familiar with who's what class at Oakland...the only position player that I'm positive they return is super soph Watson behind the plate...say..how many homers did he have this season...I heard as many as 17 at the end of the district tournament...so who else will they return in the field. Blackman will definately have the pitching edge for next year with Price and House AGAIN leading the staff...who else will they have to back them up...I know they lose remarkably fast Ahmir Watkins so who will be their hitting threats next year. And honestly..I don't have one clue about Siegal...I'm not even sure how to spell it. Will the other teams lose anything to them by the division line. Have they found a coach yet? What side of the boro is it on anyway?...Looking at the non-boro schools...there ain't much...Warren County lost some good hitters but returns most of their pitching staff..maybe all, not sure..they do have a solid sophomore class coming up to help. Cookeville lost a lot of everything...something like 10 seniors...quite a few good pitchers and hitters...they do return Alcorn on the hill...but he's probably the only solid one they got...they still have Adams and Turner there to hit but thats about hit. Lebanon was young this year with Allison and Forrest being the only big name seniors to go. They will return Cherry on the hill..who else will anchor their staff...and who will be their power threats next year. White County lost their big three..Rogowsky, Clouse, and Robinson...they have Peterson on the mound and not sure who else..who will they turn to to provide the pop next year. As far as preseason rankings for next year It is pretty even so unless there are any big transfers or some unknowns develope pretty quick in the summer here is the way I see it... 1. Oakland 2. Riverdale 3. Blackman 4. Siegal 5. Warren County 6. Cookeville 7. Lebanon 8. White County Just one man's opinion so please don't shoot me...all information on the teams and any opinions would be appreciated

There weren't all that many given out. For the freshmen team...Brian Philpot got pitcher of the year...Gary Lamb got defensive player of the year...and Brandon Crossman got offensive and player of the year...For the varsity...Michael Alcorn and Brady Adams got first team all-district as well as Michael getting pitcher of the year and Brady getting defensive player of the year...Tyler Turner got Rookie of the year...and Adam Militana got offensive player of the year.

Umm....OK....Throw whatever you want up there #### but they're still gonna hit it...Riverdale wins 10-3 en route to another bout with Oakland then a trip to state.

I'm pretty sure that Wade wouldn't diss himself? He is so full of himself it's not even funny. So i'm gonna have to check a NO by that assumption. Thank goodness! [Edited by dog11 on 4-30-03 10:09P]

I want to know how in the world Wade Bilbrey is getting such good reviews. I mean are you kidding me. He has to be one of the most wild and inconsistent pitchers out there. Sure he is a sophomore and can hit 91 on the gun but if you can't get it over the plate it doesn't do you any good at all. In my opinion he has had a horrible season and one to soon forget. I also found out that he will be having orthoscopic surgery after the season and is already done for this season and for the summer. Well, with that being said, the Cavs have one last shot to prolong their season. After losing to Sparta again on senior night they will host Lebanon on Thursday at 5:30 in that play-in game to see who gets to face one of the boro schools. Good luck Cavs and hopefully you will feel like getting the job done when your season is on the line.

Well it's about time...The bats finally came around for the Cavs. In the five games this weekend they scored 7,6,12,11,and 8 runs and went 4 and 1 in the tourney finishing 3rd and winning 3 straight for the first time this season. In the first game against a team from Illinois they took advantage of some errors and some timely hits to come away with the win 7-5. Wade Bilbrey almost blew the win when he walked 4 in the 5th with a 5-0 lead but was saved by the good closing job of Drew Edgington. In the second game against White House sophomores Wes Griggs and Evan Dyer toed the slab in a good all around performance by both but was to no avail as White House was just too much offensively and won 9-6 with a Cav last inning rally comming just short. In a night game against Upperman the Cavs threw their ace Michael Alcorn who except for the 2nd inning where he gave up 4 runs was dominate and almost unhitable as the Cavs rolled 12-4. This game really awoke the sleeping bats of the Cavaliers. Jay Sandlin, Adam and Brian Militana, and Tyler Turner as they did the whole tournament really raked in this game. This afternoon against Davidson Academy it continued. Adam went 3 for 3 with 3 doubles including one 2 feet from the top of the center field wall and Morgan Toline and Tyler Turner had some big hits as well. Robbie Adams also pitched a wonderful game for his first win as he shut down an offense that had been killing the ball the whole tournament and saw the Cavs swing the sticks behind him and they won 11-1. In the third place game against Franklin County Barritt Steakley went the full 7 only gave up a few hits and some walks and won 8-2. Morgan Toline again had a good game as it was his speed this time that made some noise. Tyler Turner and Lee Williams had solid performances and 2 RBI apiece if I remember correctly. The Cavs are back in action for a big district matchup with Blackman on Tuesday down there and Wendesday in Cookeville. [Edited by dog11 on 4-19-03 9:42P]

hey howboutthemcavs I'm curious...I have heard some things about Robert Netherton. Is it really true that he was throwing 97 his senior year and topped out at 101 trying out for the pros, but because he was an alcoholic, ruined his career? And add Todd Martin to that list. Before it's all said and done he will go FAR. [Edited by dog11 on 4-12-03 10:03A]

Evan Dyer from Cookeville

Buckner will be a senior, not a junior. Merideth sounds like he is a hoss. Best of luck to him and the Blaze next year. [Edited by dog11 on 3-30-03 9:08P]

Well, he has visited the school and principle and if he wants the job he has already been guaranteed it. But he is not sure if he will go yet or not.

No doubt about it....David Price-Blackman

I'm pretty sure that if you have seen Farragut play that u will say that they are at least #2. Deffinately not #4.

Crossman and Adams are two very talented guys who if they stay the course will end up being two great players at Cookeville.

It was a great trip. Won one and lost two and the other was rained out. Tough week upcomming starting with Wilson Central on Monday. Then home and away with Oakland on Tuesday and Wendesday. Then the Warrior Classic in Rutherford County starting on Thursday and going through Saturday. It's going to be a tiring and busy week. Hopefully they will get the district started off right with some wins.

Cookeville has some good ones. Tyler Turner©, Rich Froning(2B), Morgan Toline(OF), Evan Dyer(3B/OF/P). All of them have good arms, good bats, and lots of speed.

I don't like their chances very much. Hopefully it will still be a good game, but I'm pulling for the Golden Eagles. They have had a great season and it is only fitting that they end it right. Just too bad they couldn't get revenge on Oak Ridge. Good luck to both as they battle for the title tonight. Shelbyville by 8.

In the first game against Antioch it was pethetic. Antioch threw a babe ruth type pitcher throwing about 73 and the Cavs got only about 6 hits and were shut out. Barrett Steakley threw a great five innings for the Cavs giving up only one run in the first. I think they only had like 3 hits. It was just a nonenthusiastic game all around for the Cavs as seemingly no one could stay back and hit it. That was one that they will hopefully quickly forget. In the second game they played a great Mt. Juliet team and lost 3-1. Wade did a decent job for his first varsity start, but made some costly sophomore mistakes that probably cost them the game. They unfortunately had to go up against Vanderbelt signee Stephen Shao who threw a complete game and he was in lesser words "dominant". The Cavs had over 10 strikeouts as a team and only like 3 hits. They are back in action on Saturday @ 12:00 at Mt. Juliet again but not sure who they will play.

After seeing Shelbyville storm through their district and region with extreme blowouts I don't see anybody comming close to what they are bringing to the boro. Except for maybe Oak Ridge in the finals. If those two make it I would anticipate a spectaculae game of epic proportions. And whoever said they would beat them by 20 is kindly mistaken. Oak Ridge is pretty good themselves, but I do see Shelbyville winning it all. Good luck to all the teams

I don't play for a Murfreesboro school but I do play for a school in 7-AAA. And I have yet to see Smith this year, but last year he beat us 3 times with a complete game 2 of those. He is a great pitcher and to say that he has no enthusiasm would be a false proclamation. He has great stuff and a good head, so I don't think anything is wrong with him. Was he not the one who pitched the 10-0 shutout of Lincoln County? As to the Riverdale team. I know they lost a few good players but just like a factory they brought in a few more. They should be a very good team this year and probably win the district and in my opnion go to the state. Plus they have one of the best coaches in the state in Buddy Powers. Good luck to you guys this year.

Yeah...Michael Alcorn pitched extremely well. His curveball and splitter were working all night and his fastball was just good enough. I think he had about 8 or 9 strikeouts in 5 innings of work and only gave up like 4 hits. He did a great job for his first varsity start. And how about Drew Edgington. He came in and closed it down with not only his first varsity performance but the first pitching performance of his career. Great job Mike and Drew. The hitting for the Cavs also really, I think, broke through last night. I am pretty sure that everyone in the lineup reached base, even the subs. There were baserunners on every inning due to the massive 13+ hitting effort. Robbie and Brady Adams, Barrett Steakley, Tyler Turner and Drew Cook all had exellent performances at the plate. Officially there was 1 error but it was on a tough play so I wouldn't really count that. Other than that the Cavs played flawless defense the entire game. Hopefully they can continue what was started there last night. As they must play a really tough Mt. Juliet team and Antioch on Thursday. Also, praise goes out to Wilson Central. Although the score might not show it, the game was relatively close untill the 7th. They played a good game and are a good team. They are just very young and inexperienced so I wouldn't count them out just yet. They also lost the Parker kid to an injury and he was basically the leader on that team and now he is out indefinately. So keep him in your prayers and let's hope he can return this season. Just a good coaching performance and good sportsmanship on both sides. Good luck to both this season.