JRC

MLReb: I think you are seeing a conspiracy when none exists. I agree that the 2 dominant families (M and play a big role when it comes to Basketball and to a lesser degree, Baseball, but neither family is connected to the football program at present. They don't have family members on the team or coaching and neither family has historically played a significant role with football. I like John Reid and I believe him when he says it came down to money. John is about John first and foremost.

Alcoa and Maryville have played many classic games down through the years. Which games do you remember and why? Two games I remember personally are two I played in many years ago. Both games took place during the long losing streak Alcoa had to Maryville during the 70s and early 80s. The first one was the 1980 game that Maryville won 3-0 at Maryville. The second one was the 1981 game at Alcoa that Maryville won 14-11. In the 1981 game both teams were underfeated (the game was the 5th game of the season) and ranked #1 in their respective classes. With less than a minute to go Alcoa had the ball 4th and one on the Maryville 3 yard line. Maryville made the defensive stop and then ran out the clock.

MLREB -- Were you the one jumping on someone previously about spelling? Look at your post above. Should be "think", "called", and "hypocrisy". GovMan -- Good post. I was impressed with WB's intensity and excitement the other night.

That was true back in the 60s and the 70s but no longer. The aluminum company has shuttered most of their plants and has only 2 active ones left. They haven't hired on a regular basis in 30 years. Most of the present Alcoa players are the sons of former Alcoa students and often the grandsons of former Alcoa students. I bet that is true of the Maryville football team as well. Once you experience the tradition and the community spirit/support enjoyed by both Alcoa and Maryville you don't leave it behind and move away unless you have no other choice.

I am very much looking forward to the Alcoa/Maryville game. I have no doubt that it will be a great game, one destined for the history books. I agree that if Alcoa doesn't beat Maryville this year, and I will believe that they will, that it will be a few years before they get another chance. However, I am ok with a victory against Maryville every few years. For a 2A team to ever beat a 4A powerhouse like Maryville, if only every so often, says alot about the Alcoa program. That being said, do you think we can skip spring and summer this year and move straight to August?

In 2006, look for some really special seniors at Alcoa. Such as Dustin Lindsey and Brandon Warren. Don't forget about Jamal Walker and Stubblefield. In the class of 07 look out for Justin Ridenour, he is a big threat to other schools. He actually had a crushing bucket near the end of the Maryville/Alcoa game.

It looks like you are off to a good start. We appreciate the Alcoa section and hopefully, can provide you with some material for it.

GovMan: I have to give a big AMEN to your sermon above. Right on target.

Mr. Abbott: Thank you for the overview of the integration process. Rebelsman: Thank you for sharing your experience. I don't want to get sentimental but your story really spoke to me. I was in pre-school when Springbrook burned down. I lived in the neighborhood and remember being awaken in the early morning hours to go and watch the school burning down. That is one of my few memories from that young age. Apparently, a lot of progress in race relations took place after the riot in the early 70s and the time I got there in the late 70s. During my years at the high school I can't remember any race incidents. I had several black friends and we occassionally socialized together outside of school and sports. My two oldest sons have been in the Alcoa system many years now and have never experienced any racial conflicts. I had vaguely heard about the riot but not much specific information. It sounds like that event was a turning point for the Alcoa system and the entire community, one that forced both races to come to a consensus and move forward. We need someone to write a history of Alcoa City Schools. Mr. Abbott: I am going to nominate you to take this on.

I agree 100%. Coacht is a bargain at $1 a month. It is worth far more than that. Mr. Abbott: You mentioned in an earlier post about how Alcoa was integrated back in the 60s. Give us an overview of how this happened. Was there a set process they followed? How many years before the black high school completely shut down? Were there any problems? Thanks.

We have a guy at ALCOA that dosen't even play football that runs a 4.3

State list: should be most of the ALCOA football team! Yeah! And don't even say we're no good!

GO ALCOA WRESTLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

The other night our girls played AE in a basketball game. The girls team isn't half bad but the thing that hurts them the most is turnovers. I'm not trying to bag on the girls from our school but they made a lot of stupid passes which didn't allow us to score to much. Kara Harris is a great point guard and Chelsea McClure is a good defender but can also score at needed times.

Best juniors. No question it has to be b. warren and duck. Both excel in football and now after bringin' home the title on the grass they're ready to show some game on the court. If u came to the alcoa and ae game the other night u would have seen b.warren dunk one after bein' fouled by an ae player. Better get used to it cuz he's gonna be shakin the rim on all ya'll.