TankTalk

You drew first blood! Eating you up??? Once again, you need to get your facts straight.

And you can have last blood ... mainly because, it's so important to you.

Bah, you aren't worth my original response to your latest internet tirade.

I will say this, you have no idea about the situation between me and my former "friend." He would never have been on that Wednesday night show if it wasn't for me, making money that he turned his back on me for.

Did the innocent one tell you he received about $600 for the Saturday show? How many times has he appeared? Yeah ... but I am the shallow one.

If you have a personal problem with me, drop the safety of your keyboard and come talk to me man-to-man. No, that's not bravado ... that's me saying that I settle disputes in a mature manner, and if I have a problem with someone, I have enough of a set to say it to their face. The last time I saw your face, you were eating me up, saying how much you enjoyed the show.

Talk about shallow ...

Once again you have chosen to reply to a post of mine that was directed toward someone else, and had nothing to do with you. The "clueless" remark was about this situation, not his sports knowledge. I also stated that most if not all were happy with Brads work, not channel 12. I don't take this message board as serious as you make it sound. Next time you choose to attack me, at least get the facts straight.

I'll tell you what is shallow though, having a life long friend, then because of a disagreement that does not even involve that friend. He finds out by an e-mail no less, that he is no longer needed, because of a lack of chemistry! That my friend is shallow!!! I have chosen not to respond to any of your post since our "internet battle", just willing to live and let live, but, in this case I felt a response was warranted! If you choose to disagree with me on a subject, that's fine, but, if you feel you must attack me or my post, then expect a response, or as you call it "internet battles!!

 

Brad, I wish nothing but the best for you and channel 12.

To say SF is "clueless" because he doesn't share your point-of-view is rather shallow. I have known him for MANY years (way before I came to the Oak Ridger) and I would venture to bet he knows more sports than you and I combined. He is, however, a bit misguided and needs to be shackled from time-to-time. It's probably that roane county raising ... you know how us Roane Countians can be sometimes.

I have seen you get in "internet battles" before on here, even with me once, and you shouldn't take a message board so seriously ... life is too short.

I will say this, saying that EVERYONE in Oak Ridge is happy with channel 12 would be like me saying EVERYONE in Oak Ridge is happy with The Oak Ridger .. making EVERYONE happy is simply impossible.

But I, like you, know and support the heck out of Brad ... I have seen first-hand how hard he works.

Trust me Brad, most, if not all Oak Ridgers and the surrounding area know how much you mean to them and their programs. Keep up the good work!! The problem with the Friday night show is not with you, the station, or the sponsors, just with a couple of the "co-hosts". Just ignore ridger reporter, he is clueless!

You know Brad ... we could have done without a mention of the Chicken Man.

His chicken head is swollen enough. (grumbles about making a 51-year old man that wears a chicken on his head a local celebrity)

Hey SF, why the heck do you have ... reporter in your name? Shouldn't you be down at the press stacking papers up?

Leave it alone, Oak Ridge gets wonderful coverage on channel 15 on Wednesday night with David Clary. I have a few more weeks to do this Saturday show, don't get me whacked from that! Plus, no matter what, Brad's hands are kinda tied in some situations ... like I have said many times.

Well, nothing like getting back from lunch to see my name being used to get an opinion across. It's even worse that he used my computer and told me didn't log out to do so originally!

I want to apologzie to Brad, he knows how I feel about his performance. As for SF, if you do this garbage, use your own computer. What happened with me and Wednesday night, has nothing to do with this situation.

Brad is a great guy and he works his butt off for channel 12. He is really in a tough situation, without going into detail, and doesn't get to decide who is on the air or not, in some situations.

One show ... where a knucklehead or two made some bad decisions about their on-air content shouldn't force a few to hold a grudge against the entire channel. He does all he can and has a good handle on what is good for the community.

But Brad and even the owner should realize you could put three monkeys and a tamborine on the air Friday night and it's going to be the most-watched show the channel has. It really represents the channel and you all build it as the biggest thing you have. That's why the owner should be a little more selective about who does it.

However, I also know it's not easy to find people to come up there late Friday night and do a three-hour show, no matter how good the pizza is! Trust me folks, if anyone SHOULDN'T support channel 12 at times it's me. I do, however, because it is still a community outlet to get athletic programs more publicity and I really like Brad because I respect people that work so hard at their craft.

I'm going to take the tape to Ron Berry, owner of BBB, and let him take a look at it and let him make the decision on what he wants to do. I'm sure that we lost some viewers Friday night. But then again, some people called in in support of the views of the guys on the show, so again, it's a lose/lose situation. You take them off and the people who enjoy the show as is, get's mad. You leave them on and the people who disagree get's mad!

 

I just hope this doesn't keep you from watching OTHER shows on Channel 12, cause my kids depend on people like you watching the shows and supporting our sponsors!!! This has been my LIFE for the past 10 years and I hope for the MOST part what I do at Channel 12 is positive.

Last year, when Oak Ridge played at home, I would stop by and help out ... but I wasn't really part of the show. That didn't last the entire season, due to the fact that the hard-working people who were doing the show last season, and myself, just didn't share the same sports philosophy.

I thought Tank, Goose and a guest ( a few different people ) did the Friday night show last year. Your right I may be thinking of Wednesday nights last year. However I don't ever remember the Friday night show ever being like it is this year. You have invited us to come be a part of the show. Frankly thats what several others and myself attempted to do Friday and were hung up on. You also suggested to call Gridiron breakfast to get my points across. That would be very unfair to Tank and his show. I have done what I wanted to do and hope the powers that be there at BBB step up and do the right thing. Those guys were so pompass Friday they had a lady call crying if that isn't enough to provoke a change then it does become a reflection of the channel and the sponsers of that particular program. Sorry Brad thats just how I see it. I dont want to come be a part of the show I want to watch the show and call in if I have a comment. Good Luck you really seem to be a stand up guy and I regret you being caught up in this and having to be the one who seems to be taking the heat.

Hey, I love that channel ... Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon!

No seriously, I didn't get to watch the show, was doing something more important. I would guess there was a lot of emotion tonight, with Oak Ridge losing its second-straight, coupled with the fact some people ... in Anderson County and surrounding areas get a major rush out of Oak Ridge losing, things got a bit out of hand.

Local channels should be positive no matter what. I know, personally, the past few years that I was on the air there, I would make a point to try and build up the Clinton program through the rough times (by the way, congratulations to coach Shattuck and the Dragons tonight).

I could never use my "15 minutes of fame" on a local TV channel to trash, put down or get joy from the shortcomings of kids playing a game. However, I didn't see what happened, just know I got a few phone calls about it for some reason. My wife got mad!

It was 27-6, not too close for an absolute war.

Everyone read this guy's comment. He knows everything. He's sitting here questioning William Blounts running game, and praising OR's passing game having read the last ten posts about how Connor Gulmire is hurt, and theres a gigantic question mark playing quarterback this week. And have you not forgotten that it was an absolute war last year bw these 2 teams at OR when OR was oh so much stronger than what they are now. And it is not Baskin and Walker u have to worry about, it is Walker and Walker. . on both sides of the ball.

Shhh, I am working over here.

Oak Ridge has no chance now, after the stunning McMinn loss, the quarterback being young and inexperienced, replacing a senior that was finally starting to shine, the Wildcats could be in for a long night.

The past is the past, William Blount players know they have this one in the bag, I heard they are gearing their JV up because they will be getting playing time in the second half ... I just heard that from someone, who had a cousin, who was a trainer for a team that scrimmaged another team last spring.

It does not matter how banged up OR is or how tough of a season they are having. I have a very difficult time believing that WB would be favored on paper. WB has never beaten OR and is 1-2 in the region and have lost 3 straight. I would still favor OR (although small) just on the mental aspect alone. I hope I am wrong.

Connor is a warrior and after he gets "cast" up, will be a huge asset on defense. His play at cornerback last year was stellar.

As for the QB situation, normally it would be David Irby. Circumstances are such that young Tyler Clark will get the start at quarterback this Friday night. Paul Bingham would normally be on the QB depth chart, but his play at tailback is too crucial for that move. Jared Stephens will be backing up Clark.

Things look bleak, Oak Ridge's backs are against the wall and now this, coupled with several key players missing Friday's game, make this assignment look overwhelming.

But ... who knows. It's high school football and despite William Blount being an even bigger favorite on paper now, they will still line it up and Oak Ridge will try their best and never give up.

You are right ... it's just an opinion.

Tank,

I appreciate your candor but I disagree. I would have (my opinion only) made the other team lose the game and gone with the percentages. This is an easy statistic for you. What are the percentages of PAT's made by OR this season? What are the percentages of passes completed? What percentage of the completed passes went for 3 or more yards. So what percentage of passes attempted were completed for 3 or more yards. Just guessing here but you can fill in the numbers but I would guess the percentage of making the PAT were at least 3 times greater than making the 2 point conversion with a pass. The reason they make you start going for 2 after 3 OT's is because most coaches are smart enough to make the other team lose and not give the game away. Just my opinion so each of you is entitled to your own.

 

Ole Dad

At the time, I was for the decision.

My thoughts, Oak Ridge was a team looking for an identity and confidence. When you have a program like they do, going for two sends a statement.

If it worked, it looks like a gutsy call and the coach is applauded. It didn't, some fans now point fingers and say "I told you so."

I liked going for two, I didn't like running a play everyone knew was coming, but I am far from a coach and probably the person with the least amount of football knowledge that gets to stand on the field on Friday nights.

This game is where? Home Team has a huge advantage. Question to Tank Talk...

Why do you think that Stevens went for 2 in OT last week? Don't you make the other team screw up in OT? That's the way I learned it.

 

Good luck to the Wildcats

Kat,

At this point, I will be lucky to even attend the game. I want to apologize to all the Oak Ridge fans and readers out there ... this week could be the worst coverage they have ever received since I have been at The Oak Ridger.

I have no assistant and with my "issues" this week, I am doing all I can ... I hope I don't disappoint. I think McMinn has the best running back in the region, I think they are dangerous and I still think this Oak Ridge team has a lot to prove. I haven't been able to do much research for this game ... but here's to a great game and one that everyone comes out healthy.

Tank, what do you know about the Kees?

 

BCR, I know that Cherokee started the year off with about 8 returning on defense. And that they have struggled with turnovers. McDermott is a 6-2 215 pound back (or something close to that) with speed and power, and he will be hard to stop. I'll call you tonite with my Monday night report. The freshmen and JV games are quite an adventure.

 

What about Hooterville? No seriously, we know Ootlewah has a good team, we're just trying to get ready for McMinn. What do you know about McMinn Owl? What's their secondary like? I think we'll have to throw it well to win.

I don't know anything, except I always think of Steve Grogan when I see them play.

Tank, what do you know about the boys from Dandridge?

I can't honestly say I do. But (there's that but thing) mistakes, bad tackling, not holding your assignments, can make players that shouldn't hurt you look like all-Americans.

ORidgeKat, TankTalk:

 

Do you see much of a threat from these guys other than from the running back and maybe the QB?

By the way you fanatic, wear your make-up Saturday night, I am taking your picture.

Some people on here need to remember the word fan comes from the word "fanatic". We have some people who are very passionate about Oak Ridge football and it's rich tradition, and that's a good thing! We also have probably unreasonably high expectations and don't like to lose. People should be able to come on the T and discuss what they think are problems or issues facing the team without being attacked. Just because someone points out something they don't like or agree with that is going on or not going on, that doesn't mean they are calling for the coach to be fired. Others may want a different coach. Not me, I'm with Stanton and his staff all the way, don't even know how "fire the coach" got started. Coaches coach, fans criticize, that's the way it works. Fan = Fanatic!

 

Now then, let's go win this region, starting tonite with HHS. see ya'll at the Ship

Well, this team certainly makes mistakes, much like Oak Ridge has of late.

By the way, I have no idea about injury situations with Heritage, most of this is pre-season knowledge after talking with coach Rewis.

On offense Heritage returned six starters from last season. Their leading passer is Dylan Morgan, he has tossed four tochdowns and five picks. His completion percentage is a tad over 50 (all of this according to second-hand information, by the way.)

On the ground, it appears three guys carry the load with Cody Lindsey, Bryan Wigington and Justin Caines. Wigington is a returning all-conference player and very dangerous in some situations.

but all three have decent averages per carry. Caines also appears to be the primary target most of the time through the air.

Heritage opened with games they were supposed to win, downing Seymour 18-15 and then Campbell County 29-14. The opponents got tougher and Heritage just doesn't have the program where it needs to be to complete. Farragut and Maryville handed them nice spankings.

Heritage lost eight starters on defense, from a team that finished 4-6 last season. Clark Kerns (6-1, 225 sr.) and two-way lineman Jamie Lotz (6-3, 245 sr.) were touted to be leaders on that side of the ball.

I do hear that they are capable of allowing teams to have huge nights through the air, so we will see. Oak Ridge needs to maintain some level of intensity, I don't care if they are playing me and my four cousins.

Hey Tank or DCCATVOICE what do you know about Heritage? I know they have a 235 lb running back and they play their safety really deep. Can you shed any light on their strengths, weakness, etc.? Now, I'll hang up and listen to your comments.

The worst part about all of this posting stuff, is not knowing who you are debating with.

We should come up with a secret CoachT handshake or something, so we can know each other. It sure adds credibility to some posts. Maybe Coach T can sell super deduper membership cards with our posting names on it... heck something!

The back injury is from a surprising lack of flexibility by the young man, who I love watching play football and basketball. Talking with coach Stevens night before last, the first half actions were not because of the back.

He said it wasn't anything bad, just sending a message that needed to be sent. It was apparent after he got in the game, his back was fine.

He was held out of the first half, but it was not due to an injury.

His back is fine, he is ready to go.

Hey Tank, What about Jared S. was he hurt or suspended for the first half Friday night, and is he ready to go? I thought it was a little strange if he was injured to miss the first half, but suit up for the second, never seen that one before. Shed any light on that? I don't get to see your work in the paper until I come out on Friday.

Freshman and JV beat Powell on Monday. Frosh won 28-0, think the JV won 21-7.

As for Kirkpatrick, he had a slight tear of the MCL, but he will be playing Friday night. There was no damage to the cartilage

BC Ridger, some of us Ridgers get a little testy after a good butt whoopun', not used to it. Did the frosh play Monday? If so, how'd we do? I ought to be able to save you guys a seat this Friday, we'll have plenty of room in Kodgers Corner. I will not go 0-3 on seating.

Of course, some will say I haven't been here long enough to understand ... that's fine.

But know this, I have been around football and athletics long enough TO understand the impact of losing close to 30 seniors -- and talented seniors at that. I do understand that losing a game to a senior-dominated Dobyns Bennett team is no reason to turn on your coach, after trying to preach "team unity" at other times.

Do you all think the Wildcats looked at the calender and said, Doh, it's Aug. 31, guess we should get ready for the season? Funny thing ... I certainly remember spending a lot of time hanging out with them over the summer. Do fans have a right to question the coach? Sure ... of course they do, especially in a civilized manner which has been displayed. But fans can't have the best of both worlds, saying the Wildcats need to come together ... get unified ... become a team, and then drag their coach through the mud. That puzzles me.

As for the Rankin question, when the job was open, the great one called and checked on the pay. The maximum that could be alloted wasn't enough, so he didn't apply. Hard to go after football messiah when he doesn't apply for the job.

Coach Stevens, do I always agree with him? Nah. I do know, however, he has said from the beginning, with the lack of experience the team had, it would be week six to eight, before we would see what type team they really had. Looking at my schedule we are heading into week four (five if you count that week zero thing that allows some teams an off week before an important region game.) Let's do what is in the best interest of those who have worked the hardest, whether you want to believe it or not. The players ... fans should support them, cheer them on and hope that they do indeed show the improvement that will satisfy the mightly pallet of the Oak Ridge fans.

No, the linebackers still aren't Gods, compared to the Oak Ridge linebackers. Congratulations, DB earned the win, they were head and shoulders the better team.

Surely you would have to say, the OR offense put our linebackers and defense in terrible situations, with the short field.

But trust me, I have been around football long enough, picked games long enough, to be here to accept defeat. DB had much more fire, didn't make the mistakes and are clearly the best team.

And that DB band .... wow!