tbp0137

Tech currently has Josh Symnotte with the Miami Dolphins, Corey Chamblin with the Tampa Bay Bucs, Troy Grant with the Texans, Jahi Henley in NFL Europe (rep by Saints I think) and DJ Bleisath was the player in the Hula Bowl who will sign. Tech has had four DBs in the leauge in the last three seasons. From extensive experience, Carson Newman cannot stay on the same playing field as Tech. Whether you feel Tech is mediocre (which they were last year) or not, their level of competition far exceeds D2s. The only thing close to a D2 opponent last year was IAA independent Valparasio, Tech beat them 66-10. This is apples and oranges. Tech plays Iowa State, they get beat. Tech plays CN, they win. Is it fair, no, it's called scholarship distibution.

BDP...when did you guys start calling your offensive coordinator Footie? Now, "footsie" I've heard, but this is news...pray tell. :confused:

lgw711: I'm not new to the boards, and I'm not complaining about your strength of schedule, and I went to your last game and sat on the visitor's side. I also am not crying about anything. I would just like to invite you to keep running that trap so that Portland and other region opponents can paste this stuff on their weightroom walls (or all over the school like some other team) and use it as motivation as we "think about next year". By the way, you are not 1a, I don't care about your enrollment, you guys regulate your team #'s anyway and chose to move up to 3a, and you've done a nice job...just don't classify yourself as 1a and think everyone is going to 'ooh and ahh' at you. Thanks for your comments again...we'll take that advice you gave. In the back of your mind, remember that the pasting you refer to has been on both sides of the fence, or better yet, just keep thinking you're that much better going into next year's game.

I didn't feel like reading through all of this because I don't have a week to play with, but I would like to respond to a few things. Scooby: I think you are an intelligent person for the most part, I just think you may be trying too hard to draw some of your own conclusions on some topics, and being a little to blatant about others. For example, don't assume that I'm hung up on Portland not making the quarters this year, I quit being hung up on that when they fell one point short. Also, (and this may be my fault), don't assume that I think just b/ce Smith's qb was reinstated automatically gave them a W...I do believe it helped their casue tremendously...who wouldn't want the qb/fs they've had all year not to start (besides the St. Louis Rams). To be honest, I now wish I hadn't made the original post, b/ce the last thing I want to be labeled as is an excuse maker. I do not in any way fault Smith County for the actions they took to reinstate their player...TSSAA is a different story... that, as Antwan said (is water under the bridge). As for Trousdale and the cancellation, I think you can read b/tn the lines there, and I believe it's so obvious, it's not worth arguing over and even mentioning other than in joking. Antwan: The only slight contrast of opinion on that particular game between my first post and Antwan's response was in fact, about the game itself. I think Portland would have won that game THAT night had they converted on that possession in the first half...however I came right back and noted that the Smith County D had something to do with that. To be honest Antwan, I believe you did not even see the Portland team in week ten, and I think they would tell you that. It is a compliment for me to tell you and backs a lot of what you said about the turnovers thing concerning Portland...they gave you just about their best 48 minutes and you moved on...that, to me, is more confidence-building than blowing out a team that didn't show up. Granted it isn't for the opposing team to decide which team they would like to play, but you understand what I am talking about...it falls under the definition of battle-tested. Finally, that's the thing about playoffs and something to remember as you travel this week, you don't have to be the best team all year, you just have to be the best team that night! Best of luck and thanks for the comments at the end of your post...did you see a high soaring eagle last night? Spinhead: If you don't like reading long posts b/ce it hurts your head or for whatever reason, here's a suggestion...don't. As for the "get a room" comment, how would you like to join us? I would love for you to not miss out on anything. Do you not understand that people can be civil and get things accomplished...b/ce if you don't, I can swing the other way as well.

I don't have a lot of time, nor do I have a great deal of interest, although there is a marginal amount here, b/ce it is my favorite region. My point is that I have revealed my sentiments on the game, and you know each other well enough not to care about my keys to victory, but one thing I will weigh in on. I gave my take on the qb situation. (Smith/Portland). I am the last person to make excuses, in fact, I always want to beat a team with all their arsenal in normal weather, etc. so there is no questions following the game. Although I can't control the weather (I'm not the game director in Trousdale...just a joke), I did toss around the notion of even printing anything concerning the qb situation at Smith County. But after writing it, I felt like I got my point across in an objective manner, which is all I wanted it to be in the first place. Anyone that was at that game could understand the logic of saying he was definitely the difference maker on that particular night (or at least so I've heard). However, I make no excuses because Smith County beat Portland 14-13, and that means they advance, not to mention the fact that I believe they are a solid, respectable program with great fans and atmosphere. Let me say this as a projection for the future and a summation of the past. Portland should have won that game in the first quarter with the turnover on downs that would have put them up 14 points, but I'm not into ifs. They didn't score, and that had as much to do with the Owls' D as the Panthers O. I said all that to say this. If Portland plays like that every game next year....with that kind of intensity and CONFIDENCE, then....but your programs still have earned the right to focus on this year, and for that I say congrats and best of luck. One last comment...pick your poisions very carefully concerning controversy. Coach Perry and his staff will not tolerate it. There are policies and procedures that are to be strictly adhered to, no exceptions. If anything I think that this years' quitting epidemic only proved that. There were some that thought they were above a particular aspect of the program...they found out quickly they were not...and were free to make the decision to no longer play the game for that program. Cut and dry...now, if they stirred controversy following their decisions, that took place outside the confines on the program, and really didn't have any merit simply because of that fact. Anyone that was on the lockeroom following the final game knows this...the people that wore purple and white that night were the people that were supposed to be...that paid the price and followed the criteria...and for that, they should be commended.

I knew someone took that jacket! If you see them again, introduce yourself! That's very considerate on the Plus offer, how about this...Christmas promises to be good to me, and I'll be around on here until close to that time, at which I'll pledge the new membership. I would very much like to continue to talk to you guys, and as fanman mentioned, short from schemes and the magic potion /fountain of youth-type stuff, we have a lot more to talk about I'm sure. It's enjoyable to chat with people with a feel for the game as well as a polished sense of humor I might add! Best of luck at Watertown...I mean Trousdale! And find my jacket for me

Coach T Plus is an option I hadn't yet thought of...I might just do that...job must come first, since that does require income, and I have none of which to speak at the moment. Thanks for the comments concerning he Portland program...as for Coach T post...that puzzles me. I assume those were in response to my original post and if they were in any way negative, thanks for the clean up. However, I do wish I would have caught them for myself, curious as to what they may have referred to. Best of luck this week...queen must be a magician to have kept those meatballs from getting soggy Friday night! What makes you think I was at the game...I had to play in Nashville the next day.

Congrats to a well coached Smith County team, this was a great high school football game. The next statement I make may sound bitter, but it is not meant to be because had I been in the shoes of the staff at Smith County I would have done the same thing...I think this ball game was won on Saturday or Sunday of last week. Whomever made the appeal to TSSAA to reinstate the qb took a major step in winning that game. I realize it takes 11 people to win or lose at any time, but of the 11, #3 was the MVP of the Smith County team Friday night. I will go as far as to say that without him (on that particular night), they would not have scored. Realize, the conditions would have a lot to do with that and Portland's D had a lot to do with that but regardless, the qb made the key plays. To Portland: build on a performance like that, never be satified with coming close, and you will be back next year...I am proud of the football team that played on that field Friday night, and I echo the sentiments of Danwastheman concerning the seniors. Having said that, I have made some good friends on this board from Carthage and I attribute that to them being respectful, kind, enthusiastic, and generally in love with the game of football...and have had a great time chatting with them. I can finally say that I am pulling for the Owls next week...whether that be on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday...whenever they decide to play you . Your players should know they are not invincible, in fact, they are very beatable although they have a solid program and great backing. Best wishes to both teams, however the Owls have won me over for the time being. Keep in mind to those that I frequently talk with on here, if there is a time in the near future where you no longer hear from me (which I hope is more near than far) then realize I have finally accepted the privelege and challenge of being a part of a program myself...and naturally would not want to detract from their (and my) cause of ultimately achieving the same goal I set for myself nine years ago, winning a state title. Until that time, I'll be around...got a little more football to play myself. So, Fan, Antwan, and Queen-it's been fun, and best of luck in whatever you do "Success is a journey, not a destination...and I'm just packing my suitcase."

Dauber: Intuition is not one of my strong suits. Thank you for the congrats, Samford will not be able to get their scoreboard to light up again until next yr...great for our offense, bad for our defense. I'll bet you were referring to Bill Bates (Tennessee/Dallas), would it surprise you that was the first autograph I ever received? Thank you also for the kind word, I have to hustle, not athletic enough to go any speed but full! Queenbee: You never know? tbp0137 (who really doesn't know either)

Dan: That question has an easy answer...no sleep. Jon Gruden does it, so why not? My girlfriend has threatened to throw the computer away, but she knows how devastating that might be. One things for sure...a couple of things that you mentioned are about to be narrowed down...then I might sleep again...thanks for the support! Dauber: Fun is in winning...although we have found common ground on the issue of 1A pr*vate schools (can't spell entire word for fear of thread removal)...although you may never see the likes of that kind of return to dominance (BA) because they'll be in their own league (if the vote holds). I really hate that As for Trousdale, I don't doubt for a second that they work hard, because there are teams with equal talent that doesn't put forth the work and doesn't reap the benefits...conversely, there are teams with a lot less talent that doesn't always get to taste the cake. I guess the moral of the story is play the cards that are dealt, just stack it a little by hard work and dedication. I can agree with you on all the other comments, and if you keep talking about that Tech experience, I'm going to unravel your idenitity (I think I already know)...my chicken nuggets are getting cold...give me another topic in the meantime, this gettting too nice

Operation cover-up underway? Sneaky,Sneaky...

Mr. Dauber: It's more than a game, it's a lifestyle. I'm not angry at all, I'm just adament about stating facts and disspelling fiction. I'm sure 66 people did sign up on day one and as always when they saw what kind of dedication it took 3/4 of them went back to the house. It happens every year, but hey, this game (lifestyle) isn't for everyone. I have no complaints whatsoever about the kids from DCA, I just wish Portland could have that same luck...that's two more transfers than Portland has had of late. And I'm certainly not bashing programs, Trousdale County is amazing about getting quality out of so few #'s. Although they do traditionally have more talent than Portland...but that's not a complaint or excuse, it's just the cards that are dealt. My original anger on this thread, if you trace it back, is that someone with obvious disregard to the Portland cause got on here and made a statement that was entirely too bold. Just like the 17 yr. old kid did a year ago...but boys will be boys. Animosity is only triggered by stupidity on this board, not ignorance. So, if it takes getting straight to a point and not dancing around issues to snuff out that stupidity then so be it...you all can call it whatever you wish. I am in love with the game of football and am loyal to my team as should you be. But, if you "toot" that horn, as with anyone that loves and cares about something, then you must know that i will defend it at any costs. By the way, thanks for the vocal support, and please believe that the person that you supported is the same person that is passionate about the game of football until I pass on. My bristles are non existent...I shaved this morning! Fanman: Howard is actually not as bad as people made it out to be. Portland faithful said they were almost as hospitable as anyone they have played this year. Notice I said almost, I would never take away you guys' trophy!

I wish I knew who a lot of people on this thread were..some, I would say thanks on behalf of the city of Portland for being so gracious in their comments...to dcdbcrazie or whatever, I would say you are a talking contradiction. You can't say you meant no disrespect to Coach Perry and have a line like (thank goodness for Gallatin)-which, if you have any intelligence whatsoever you can read b/tn the lines about what that meant. Also, justn1p has had too many dead-on posts for you to question his statistics. Although Coach Perry is indeed a Westmoreland alum, he was at Gallatin in 1979 as an assistant to the freshman team. It was a very short stint but nonetheless, he was there. I thought justn1p was being polite by including him, no matter the situation. I would really like to know who you are Mr. crazie, I could give you a whole new perspective on that word

Wow! Our freshman team must have cloned 40 new players. It is doubtful that there are even twenty on the freshman team right now...don't get on here and say something so ridiculous so that the rest of your arguement falls on deaf ears. Yeah, boy we have so many athletes to choose from...a sleeper community to Nashville? Trousdale is just as close to Nashville as Portland. And to be fair about the whole situation, ask Smith County people who they think has more athletes, not just this year, but year in and year out. Is Portland's talent level down...yes. But that just goes to show you how amazing the last five or six years have been...with not much more talent than what we have now, we've built a program based on hard work all year around...don't dare claim that we have this wealth of talent out of Nashville coming in. We didn't have any tailbacks from DCA (just a shot in the dark) move in and make an immediate impact in one year. As for the welcome to 3A, I believe Hartsville blew that one out of proportion...remember it was one 17 year old kid that made that statement and before you knew it everyone in Trousdale County had their their own T-shirt and after the win at Portland last year there have been several new ones that have crossed my path. If they used that as motivation, great...it worked...but it isn't the prevailing view of the Portland community. Get somewhat of a clue as to what you speak of before spouting off neurotic statements that have no merit. As for MICHblue, if you are truly from Portland, then you know the answer to that question. And how professional of you to state my first name on this board (you should go into private investigating that was so brilliant of you to figure that one out). If you want to challenge my knowledge of the game, be my guest...I'd love to put your mind at ease on that one. Otherwise, take my advice from the first post and stop bringing attention to something that you have no control over. Queenbee: Thanks for the support of the Eagles and in general...I'm never going to win popularity contests because I don't sit back in the corner like some of these cowards, but it's nice to know some people still think like me

I don't think MICHblue is even from Portland...if he is he needs to tone his optimism down about ten notches, and never begin a thread with those words...I like being under the radar and wouldn't start a thread like that if Portland were 11-0. They have to play perfect football to beat a heavily favored Smith County team, and most likely would have to do that for two more weeks. But a word to the wise to all you that have poked your comments in on the Panthers this season, not very smart...people have good memories around those parts. And yes, for the guy that wants to blow the train horn, I'm sure you'd like to do that again. I'll bet you're even sitting at the gas station right now during your twelve hour shift remembering when you played ten years ago, and thinking of ways to be classless to your opponents. But you keep running that mouth and providing the bulletin board material and SOMEDAY it will get shoved back in your face...the train horn thing won't seem as funny then.

Del, don't pick Portland to win...you didn't pick them against Howard and they won, you may be the opposite of your jinx on your team, and a lucky charm for the Panthers. Portland has had a lot of trials to overcome this season, but "kiddies" they are not. As for the Smith County faithful, what is this appealing thing all about...you may not be able to discuss it on the board but I'll find out anyway so just use your best judgment. Congratulations Portland, congrats to Smith as well...by teh way, the Golden Eagles won a shootout today...not a good defensive effort but in our situation I'll take an 81-80 win from here on out! Will talk more later.

You guys are super people that are very gracious...I hope that you contine that success in the postseason...I wish that there were more for us to talk about than Portland's fans, but that was also very kind and true as they are deserving of some gratitude on my behalf as well. As for this board, to be totally honest, its sort of hard for me to keep getting on here b/ce I am a competitor and cannot satnd to lose, and it kills me when I have to keep getting on here and getting reminded of it. I do enjoy talking with you guys, however, so I will be on here periodically. But, I wanted to say that b/ce I didn't want you to think I was just a fair weather fan and only got on here when Portland wins. It's actually the other end of the spectrum, I just can't stand to lose! Best of luck this week!

Fan: The infirmary works miracles at TTU, and I am finally ridding myself of that cold...as for the back, it even has seemed to let it up on me a little...which is very encouraging considering both my beloved football teams are struggling at the moment. Antwan: Thanks for your comments on the game. It hurt bad to lose, always does, and I personall have never been on a losing team, and don't want to start and end it with this season...but (Tech) has a chance to run the table, if we can EVER get healthy. I was encouraged by our defensive effort against a great offense, it was a great effort and reminded me of my first couple of years here...hopefully we as a team can respond this week at SEMO. Queenbee: Don't let the small staure fool you, I'm at least a two burger guy, esp. if I like what goes in, and I bet your "special burger" would be on my good list...I wish I could be there, too...it tears me up to have to miss high school football but I may make an appearance in the near future if the cards fold just right. As for Portland: My heart goes out to them right now. It seems like last year, when we had more depth and experience, we didn't have any injuries and never turned the ball over, and this year we've been banged up and the ball is bouncing every way except into our hands. I will say that there has only been one football game this year that Portland did not play with all-out effort and intensity and I dn't think it' s any secret who that was. Of course, most times this year after a Portland loss the opposing team has had a Super Bowl Champion celebration at midfield. Which, I can fully understand when it has been some time since one team has beaten another, that tends to be the case. I tell this: if I was a young player, I'd etch that in my memory for the offseason. As for Smith County, they are a very sond football team which can be proud of their demeanor that their community, coaching staff, and players carry...they should be very proud of what they have accomplished since making the move from 2a. As for this game, Portland must play a complete 48 minute without the turnover bug biting...at least them. I think you guys are smart enough to know that if that happens, then yes, the Panthers can put themselves in position to win a big game...but that will, at the least, be what it takes to do that Friday night. I think it will still be a great atmosphere for football, and I would be shocked if the Portland fans didn't travel in big #'s. Lastly, something I thought I'd never say...GO LA!

10,000/11,000 people in Portland? What census did you take? Try 7500 at most and that is adding some from the 2000 census. I think they still fit the bill of small town, and I think since Greenbrier is considered a small town being 3A, then you are sort of contradicting yourself. By the way: Great post "rdepriest", although the username could be a little more descrete...just joking. Hope all is going well from one had-been QB to another!

Wow...two weeks in a row you've picked everyone in the county to win except Portland...maybe the Panthers can use this as a good omen...please pick Smith County to best them as well next week...and a correction...Portland has won three in a row...nice effort on the stats

Option One is head to head action, which is eliminated in the situation in which three teams are involved. Option Two is indeed overall record, and in your scenario Team A would go as the 4 seed. Whoever tells you differently, doesn't know what they speak of.

to the rumor about letting players back that decided not to play...is it true...absolutely not!

Antwan...sorry for the delay, but as you saw on the PHS/SCHS thread, I've been distracted. Livingston is indeed on a nice win streak as of late. They opened with tough non region games against DCA and Cumberland County, lost a close game with Macon County, and have since trounced on teams in region 4. I have heard a lot about this freshman quarterback, and it doesn't surprise me, b/ce since the mid 80s, it seems as if LA has produced some great signal callers. Early in the year, they established the fact that they could run the football, while lately they have gone to the air with some confidence. Having said that, I believe they will try to be a balanced football team against Portland, and I have always thought that their schemes are extremely sound. They seem to be running the option well, and as always it will be very important that Portland avoid "explosions" (runs over 15 yds, passes over 25) and that they swarm the football. I, too believe that Portland has improved on the defensive front and is starting to get pressure on opponents...this will have to increase. The team that gets up early will have an advantage in this game. As for Portland, since they are FINALLY starting to heal as a team, I am interested to see what they will do on all cylinders. Finally, Portland needs to control what goes on in the kicking game, b'ce again I believe that momentum will be important in this game. It's a must-win situation for Portland, not necessarily for Livingston. I'm excited about this matchup, I too, am looking forward to seeing which team wants to quiet the naysayers and state a claim to be a contender. Best of luck to both teams...GO big P!

I'll play, even though to tell you the truth its the worst pain I've ever had (back). I guess I can be grateful for that though since I've played nine years of competitive ball without that type of injury. But, of course, channel 4 gives us some coverage and I'm reeling...yeah, I'll play. As for Pantherfanatic, if you are a fanatic then you made the trip to Jackson County. If you are a member of the Panther football team then you also made that trip. If you have any knowledge of the game whatsoever then you know that if Portland plays LA or Smith Co. like they played Friday night, the result may be extremely different than Fridays'. It's not a knock on the team, they'll tell you the same, it's just facts. And for you to make the statement that Portland is rolling is overstating those facts drastically. Portland is getting healthier, Portland is playing harder, therefore Portland is getting better-not rolling. The best thing for you to do is either get off the board altogether, or post positive statements (facts) in regards to the Panthers, and that's coming from a fanatic.

The best matchup I've seen this week is tbp vs. "the flu" or tbp vs. back problems, and as the games progress, the flu and the back problems are putting the hammer on tbp. If he can get past those matchups, and Portland can beat LA, which I think will take a complete game to do, then maybe he can "ham" it up a little next week. But first things first... I'll be back on when it doesn't hurt my fingers to type!