GovMan

Always better to go to either Laurel Bank or Dotson Memorial. More parking available.

I'm torn on this post. There are certainly some valid and debatable points made. I spent three years at Friendsville, then was part of the first class at consolidated WB. I do agree that a lot of natural community affiliation was eliminated. And the two schools (Heritage and WB) have struggled to build and "sustain" quality football programs. But I stop short of saying "no one has cared about" the county schools. From someone who has been somewhat invested in WB since it's inception, I've been privileged to know a lot of folks who have cared. We base a whole lot of our judgement here on the football program. And I believe the football program is headed in a good direction right now. But there is a whole lot more going on at WB right now than football. People can say what they want, and throw the rocks now, but the argument, "I'm sending my kids to Maryville or Alcoa because of academics" is becoming a reason that is harder and harder to argue. In the next few weeks, information about national Merit finalists will become public. I hope everyone pays close attention to the # of finalists from each school ... you might be surprised. And we've already seen what great strides are being made with ACT scores. This makes me proud to be an alumni, without diminishing Maryville or Alcoa in any way. It's awesome that we can say all of our schools are performing well academically. We speak of community pride or emotional connection. Well, this year's WB student section is as good of a high school student section that you will ever find. And our current Administrative Team is as fine of a group of leaders that anyone could ever ask for in any school. Do we still get mad when we "lose" kids to the city schools? Sure. We're human. Not all of us are as immature or vocal as some are though and believe it or not, NOT ALL OF US hate and despise Maryville and Alcoa. I am the youth minister to a group of kids that is 97% city of Maryville kids. And I would kill for them. But my one WB kid and my three Alcoa kids ...I'm just as proud of and love just as much. I don't think the city schools "take our kids". I believe parents take advantage of the freedom they have to send their kids where they think is best. My goal for WB is for us to continue to convince parents that staying at home, if WB is where you're zoned, is a good decision. Many know, this is coming from a dad who "chose" to keep his three kids in county schools, when they could have gone to Maryville. I never worried a minute about doing that, even though I know they would have received an incredible education and been around incredible teachers and coaches at Maryville. So yes, 32Hammer, I too at times, regret and miss what it felt like to be a Friendsville Falcon, or a Lanier Eagle, or a Porter Panther, or an Everett Bulldog. But it is what it is now, and I'M PROUD TO BE A GOVERNOR!

In the "undercard" match-up this weekend in Blount County football, Heritage travels down to the Mike White Field to take on the Governors. What do you all think? Does the streak continue for WB? Or does Heritage finally get a "long-awaited win" versus the Govs? I'll hang up and listen ...

7-0

Congrats WB!

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Except that someone else quoted the original, so it stays out there for everyone on Coach T to see.

Mr Twister, Just now catching up on this thread but ... would you happen to have a copy of Alcoa vs Friendsville from that '78 season? I was on that Friendsville team. We were both undefeated coming in, the Tornadoes prevailed 31-0 that night. I would love to be able to relive trying to block Sam Love all night.

Easy man ...just poking my friend Scots50 a little.

Make sure I get this Scots50 ... you are saying that ACT scores "mean nothing"?

You've given yourself away my friend. You're the former head coach at South Doyle, aren't you?

Alcoa Basketball is a Maryville fan? Are you sure BC?

Here's a thought ...instead of creating a thread where you can just take cheap shots at WB , why don't we actually discuss the football game? I can guarantee you that after the game you'll hear no excuses from me. I'm glad we are actually playing Alcoa. Great for our program . To get better, you've got to play better teams. This game will be a good measuring stick for our team.

Concerning WB vs Heritage. That's a running joke that ML and I have had for years. As far as some of the others that every year want to pick Heritage to beat WB ... just keep it up every year! If, and when, it finally happens, you can say, "I told you so."

Stars ... you gotta give the "2010 FBC Maryville Music Pastor Search Team" some of the credit for Guillermo !!!

ML ... three things I need to know from you: 1. Do you think the Govs can beat Heritage this year? 2. Do you think the Govs could beat Greenback? and 3. Do you feel safe parking your car at WB?

Is it Coach Duncan's contention that he did not know the two players who had joined the program were living with one of his assistant coaches?

Actually, ML, I believe I'm one of the few that actually knows exactly who I'm talking too!

s Hey Sweet Susie, Just curious ... Did you ever provide any "under the table benefits" to any recruits?

Yes, this is year two of the "chaos" concept. When Coach Wright started doing it, I wasn't sold. But after two really successful seasons, I'm on board. You will see him "tweak" it every now and then, especially late in games when there are certain players he want's to make sure are on the floor. I will say this, it is a PA Announcer's nightmare if you like to announce subs when they enter the game. At WB, I finally just gave up on that idea! Excited about the future for WB. We lost a good senior class, but overall our team is still very young. Had a freshmen and several sophomores that were key contributors this year, along with a strong junior class. Add to that, we will be getting some really talented freshmen in the program next year and it's exciting. Of course, I noticed that OR had a lot of talented young players too. That bodes well for Coach Green and her program, doesn't it?

Very impressed with Oak Ridge. They had a great "scheme" against WB and they were patient with it, and it got them a lot of easy buckets. Obviously coached well and anytime it seemed like WB girls might be getting a little momentum back, the Ellison girl stuck daggers in us! What a shooting performance from that young lady. I believe they will be a tough match up for Bearden. IF I was going to give Bearden an advantage, it would be that their post players may present more problems for OR than WB's did. The guard match up's ought to be fun to watch. For you OR fans that have felt disrespected, just remember: "You're still playing ball, most of "our" teams are not"! Good luck to the Lady Wildcats.

I'm sorry ...could you please point out where I said A SINGLE WORD negative about Oak Ridge? The Lady Wildcats played a great ballgame. I hope they continue to play well on Wednesday.

Coach Blevins to Lee University? Just a thought.

I'd have Bearden ahead of WB based on their 3-0 record against the Lady Govs this season. WB did outplay Bearden in district tournament championship but couldn't finish. I would also put Bearden and WB ahead of McMinn Central.

http://wjhl.com/2016/02/23/elizabethton-girls-basketball-team-punished-for-recruiting-violation/ Hmmmmmm .....