TankTalk

When Harriman was absorbed by the Roane County School system, several...and I mean several students saw it as an opportunity to go to another county school. Most lived in an area that made the schools easy access to them and others just changed. Don't know for sure why, but I am pretty sure this is why Harriman has the county's highest population...and lowest school enrollment.

Both have good football quickness and defenders don't tackle them...they just eventually go down when enough players are riding their back. Both from the same region, Lindsey is also a heck of a great linebacker. I really enjoy watching them both play. I know Latham has really worked hard this summer so he can end his career on a high note, after a sub-par season last year in which he was riddled with injuries and missed many quarters of action.

Sequoyah: August 6, Rockwood, HOME, Time TBA August 13, Copper Basin, HOME, Time TBA Aug 20, First quarter, Loudon Jamboree, against Copper Basin Sweetwater: August 6, 3-way with Catholic and Marion County, HOME, 6 p.m. August 10, McMinn Central, AWAY, 7:30 p.m. August 13, Walker Valley, HOME, 6 p.m. *Coach Rhodes is attempting to schedule one more scrimmage. Aug 20, 3rd Quarter, Loudon Jamboree, against Lenoir City Tellico Plains: August 13, Rockwood, HOME, Time TBA Another scrimmage is scheduled, but I was unable to get the info yet. Aug 20, Playing Polk County in Loudon Jamboree

All very good points about Lenoir City. However, according to those famous "sources," LC will opt to move to 5A and play football, instead of taking a beating by the 4A move. They feel the move to 5A would actually put them in a better position to have more success in the regular season. Now, we all know how sources go, but these are pretty solid.

When someone gets their hands on a schedule for this jamboree, please let me know. Either post it, or email me at: Tank-Johnson@comcast.net Thanks!

I did some digging and discovered that Jones is indeed playing football this season for Sequoyah, which is great news. As for who is recruiting him, I have no idea on that, but have no doubts that he is a DI prospect easy. 6'3", incredible hands and verticle leap and just enough speed to get seperation, Jones could write his own ticket. He has been playing AAU hoops, which is why he didn't get to do a lot with the team, but I am sure he will be ready to go by week 0.

Well, wouldn't surprise me if I am wrong. I know one of the coaches told me he did not participate in any team activities, including the spring practice. Whether he has decided to play or not, I have no clue. I would hope that he would. But I would also hope that he would put in the sweat and work the rest of the team has put in, leading up to the season.

Sadly enough, that is the case Brian. He is a special talent and could be a DI receiver. However, he is pretty dang talented in basketball as well.

Not to make light of a terrible situation, but you really have to feel bad for that .5 guy. Can you imagine...you are already a .5 and now you have to lose your job! I am praying for the best ELA, because the amount of cuts they are talking about would wipe out some of the "smaller" sports, taking yet another good alternative student/athletes would have in hopes of getting away from all the bad things they could be getting into.

That's the thing about this region...you just really know. Last year, I remember most people not thinking Alcoa's young talent was quite ready, but they proved most wrong. Sweetwater is having an impressive off-season and working very hard. They have a lot of pride down here and last season was a dissapointment, despite a fairly nice flourish at the end. The "stars" are taking leadership roles, which is something I think was missing last season and everyone is working extremely hard. The freshman class has some real gems in it and could be a key in the long run, due to helping with depth. Is it time for week zero yet??

Same two as last year, Harriman and Wartburg. I am pulling the "slight" upset trigger and saying that Harriman knocks off Wartburg for the fifth slot.

No way we could go back to three classifications. The lure of teams in the playoffs with 1-9 and 2-8 records is too much for the TSSAA to pass up. Oh, and the loss of money could be a part of it as well.

I am really looking forward to a great season by Sweetwater. I don't like putting pressure on a team, but they are improved in every single aspect of their team...a team that showed steady improvement with each game last season after a slow start. Of course, Alcoa gets my nod as the region favorite, but if they think Sweetwater or any region team is going to lay down and let them steam-roll them, they are in for a very rude awakening. The key will be the line play. The offensive line is much quicker and technically sound this season, which will allow them to get to linebackers and open even larger holes. Last year, I don't know if a linebacker got touched which meant Latham and others would get their five or six-yard burst, but that was it. This year, could be different. This line and running game will be able to line it up and bruise people, especially if they go with the Blomstrom and Latham backfield like they have been working with. The big-play is something people think Sweetwater will be lacking this year with the departure of the flamboyant, yet dangerous Jam Ferguson. That just isn't true. Jeffery Moore can motor and he shouldn't have to worry about being tossed into the QB position as much as he was last year. He really had to gear himself each game to worry about way too many positions. This year, he will be able to let his athleticism take care of his game. Young Mason is looking very solid at quarterback and the 'Cats have a couple of great targets in Moore and tightend Upton to toss it to. A freshman, Craig Latham, is blazing fast and very strong. He is going to open some eyes in his initial campaign on the high school level and add yet another long threat to the Sweetwater arsenal. Defensively, the Wildcats are going to be much better in my humble opinion. Malachi Blomstrom, the Presley kid (who would hit anything moving), Ricky Monroe, Upton, Moore, and countless others are going to make up quite a solid defense. Depth in the defensive line could be a concern, but I think they will be fine. As for special teams, Sweetwater is going to be in good shape as well, as their kicker will be returning and I hear a couple of other soccer kids could be pushing him for that duty. I have left out some outstanding names, and I am sorry for that. Overall, I think it has the potential to be a special year for Sweetwater. I know most of the "experts" think the region is already in the bag. However, most of those same experts didn't even have Alcoa making the playoffs last season when the pre-season polls came out. They play the games on the field and thank God, that time will come soon enough.

Not going to copy and paste the entire list, but going to add a few names from the Sweetwater team, since that's where I work. Linebacker: Malachi Blomstrom. A hard worker and should be one of the top tacklers in the region, again. Also filled in for Latham a lot last year at fullback and did an outstanding job, including rumbling for close to 100 yards in the first quarter against Alcoa. Wide Receiver: Jeffery Moore. A dazzling player that makes things happen. He sometimes dances a bit too much on returns, but has the ability to break long ones at any time. He will be one of the best receivers in the region, with Mason getting very comfortable at the quarterback position. In addition, Moore will be one of, if not the best cover corner in the region. Lineman: Ricky Monroe. The motor doesn't quit, on either side of the ball. This kid is tough and really started shining at the end of last season. He will have an outstanding senior season. Don't really have to say much about Dustin Latham, except this. He is really working hard this summer, something that may not have happened as frequently in the past. He seems to have a determination to go out with a flourish, capping a brilliant career with a stellar senior season. He is one of the hardest runners I have had the privilage to cover and I expect a DI scholarship with the smoke clears. Many don't know about his soft hands and overall vision. He is very dangerous, especially when his mind is made up to punish people. Speaking of Latham, a smaller version will see a lot of playing time this season. Craig, Dustin's cousin, is a freshman who has all the potential to carry on the fantastic tradition of athletes in Sweetwater. Expect him to make an impact this year and break many long ones...he is flat-out quick and dangerous in the open field.

According to similar cases in the past, that sounds about right. Of course, each case is handled different but you can guarantee that the fine will happen...we all know that. However, there have been similar things take place that nothing has happened. It all depends on who is involved and how politically entrenched they are. Some people may be putting the wagon before the horse, since all we have to go on is some internet chatter. Folks are checking into the validity and circumstances of it.

I am sure the wheels of justice are spinning.

Del, I have to really disagree I like looking at diffrent teams from around the area and state. I get alot of info out of Murphy's book that enhances this website. I love CoachT.com but I will also visit and post on Murphys Website but for info you can't always have the internet every where you go or I can't. I like reading books every now and then so I can take it with me and share it with others! I have been getting the Magazine since 1994 and I when it is released its a sign that HS Football time has arrived. I don't think its totally wrong to say that without that magazine and what Murphy Fair has done for HS sports in Tennessee that this website might not exist. Murphy helped build a fan base that helped a site like this. Wait a second. Along with calling him the guru of high school football, I have to also give him credit for THIS website? And on what day did he create this? And Murphy didn't build a fanbase. He was just smart enough to realize the already established fan base would be a great place to make some money. I think it is ludicrious to give him credit for bringing fans to this website or to the game. Heck, it's all personal opinion. Obviously MANY people enjoy his book and what he does in Middle Tennessee. Anytime anyone brings a little more spotlight to our hard working athletes, I will give them a pat on the back, no matter how much money they have made off that sweat. Personally, I have not bought one of his books because I noticed that it is basically four or five stories where names and numbers are plugged in. It wasn't personal enough for me and I found it to be totally useless. I am glad so many do enjoy it and it helps so many out.

Brian, do not spread such propaganda against the "guru" of high school football! Without his timely, informative and in-depth articles, we sportswriters wouldn't have a chance during football season!!

What I found hilarious about the BOC's decision was when they cited a reason they didn't vote for it was because a majority of their members said they were not in favor of it. What about when more than 60 percent said they wanted a total public/private split a year ago? They didn't listen to their members then. I liked and disliked the Z-plan but was excited about the possiblity of better gates and more exciting rivalries being re-visited.

While I think Alcoa will be the best team in their region and will probably make the semifinals, their line would need to improve 200 percent to even compete with a team like Maryville. It was a glaring problem last season and any team they faced in 2A with any running game at all, was able to eat up huge chunks of yardage.

I know which team will display the most class and represent their school the best. It will be the same team that probably wins by a few touchdowns.

Bah, I would just write that the head coach overruled me and called the play...

I still say you let the sports editor be your O coordinator....

Since an event in the middle of the state seems to offend so many in Memphis, I guess the rotation is the only thing that really makes sense. Of course since it makes sense, it probably won't happen.

Goose told me he hated Rockwood and wished they lost every game...then I showed him my class ring and he took it back.