smookie

I am sorry about my dumb statement, but think about this logically. Unless this game for Rhea and Cleveland held major ramifactions for Cleveland then play the stars the entire game. Why would you risk a starter like Barber in a game that doesn't mean much to Cleveland for playoff positioning. Gee whiz use a little common sense and see the light at the end of the tunnel. The ultimate goal is to be healthy as you can be in going into the playoffs, and have everyone ready to go.

Hmm... Central has not gotten that second place finish exactly. Depending on the outcome of tonight's game Rhea vs. Cleveland then Central will know if they are going to have a second place finish and host a playoff game. If Rhea wins Central is 3 and goes on the road next week. If Rhea loses then Central can claim that 2nd spot. Yeah they may tie for second place in the region but TSSAA tiebreakers will regulate them to a 3rd place spot in the playoffs. I cannot see Cleveland playing all their better players much at all tonight at Rhea County in a game that doesn't matter much to the playoff positioning. Why take a chance tonight and let someone get banged up over a meaningless game for Cleveland. When this game means stay home and host or go on the road.

Question if Hillian was ejected from last week's game against Hixson. Then he should be on the sidelines for tonight's game against RB correct? Flashback to last years game where Hillians kick pulled out the win for the Pounders. Who will take over in his place?

A few quick notes on tonights game: 1. Central's star running back Michael Davenport is running on one bad wheel. Two years ago he tore his ACL I believe against Soddy-Daisy running back kick-offs. He had surgery and finished that season on the IR. Two weeks ago against Tyner he was cut block on that same bad and experienced some swelling. The following week he was taken in for medical treatment to have his knee drained. Then against Brainerd last week his knee took another shot and the swelling return. During practice this week Michael did not take many snaps in the hopes of letting his knee rest. 2. The post say Red Bank gave Cleveland all they want are good, but isn't this the same Red Bank team that had Central on the ropes last season. And then lost on in the final seconds on a long field goal by Hillian. Red Bank may not have the talent these two programs have but the have good coaches that constantly stress fundamentals and techinque. Where as both the Pounders and Raiders are speed teams. They let their speed compensate for technique. 3. No disrespect but the absences of Brent Hayes in the middle of the Central defense is huge loss. Adam Medlock is excellent defender, but he in all reality is a outside linebacker, who defend from the outside in. I don't believe in two weeks you can teach a outside lineback to come inside and take on blocks from tackles, guards, and full backs. As an outside linebacker his main job is to force the play back inside to the pursuit. He excels at that. 4. This is a different Cleveland team than what we have seen in the past. This team should not be based on points scored but other stats. Yes they are 5-1 and mayebe they have not put the usual 30-50 points a game, but if you look at their numbers they have become a ball control team. They have basically lead in time of possesion in every game they have played this year. That means your defense is on the field, and that your offense is parking by the water cooler. The best defense is a good offense. One that can keep the ball long periods of time, and keep your defense off the field. This offense is getting done, but not like most people think it should be done.

How does Central claim to be runner up then in the 4A region last year anyways? Lets check the TSSAA site. hmmm..hmmm... yes... I see it now... Last years standings: 1. Cleveland 2. East Ridge 3. Central 4. Hixson Now if you really had finished second you would have hosted a playoff game last year at home, but you didn't you were on the road against Knoxville Central. Now if you want to claim you tied East Ridge for second then I think most people would give you that due to tiebreakers and things like that. If memory serves me correctly Central lost to Cleveland and ER Cleveland lost to ER ER had two loses in the region I just do not remember to who though.

This message is soley directed at Purplepounderfootball. Before you make anymore negative comments about a ex-central football coach you better make sure you have all your facts in order. Let me give you a little bit of information on this topic. First the current Central coach only had the opportunity to work under the former head adminstrator for 1/2 a school year. Where as the ex-central coach had to work for him for at least 6 years. In those 6 years he did not have the same chances as the current coach given to him. For instance did you know that Central only had one weight training class a day for several years and that it was open to the general student population?? Bet you did not know that. The current coach's first year at CHS he had three classes out of three that where wt training and guess what all of the football players got in there. Go figure that for yourself. Lets see then his second year there the current coach got 2 out of 3 classes wt. training and a majority of his players got in those classes. Then guess what again his 3rd year at CHS was basically like his 2nd year. So it does not take a genius to figure out that if adminstration is going to support you then amazing things happen in athletics. I could go on but I think you get my point but having the office get behind the coach and support what goes does wonders.

1. Cleveland 2. Rhea County 3. Red Bank 4. Hixson 5. Central 6. East Ridge 7. Brainerd

In last friday's 4-25-03 Free Press a interesting article about Chattanooga football was there. Well one of the statements made by one of the Chattanooga Coaches was down right disgusting. In response to his team on the rise in 4a this coach stated that "It's like getting a good looking girl on the couch and closing the deal." If I knew how to transfer this article to this site I would but I am computer illiterate on those issues.

To be a high school coach it takes a lot. Obviously knowledge of the game would be very valuable, but you can pick it up on the run as you go. One of the biggest things you have to have is to be able to relate to kids. If you cannot relate to them, if you cannot get your message across to them, then all the knowledge of football you have is about useless. Being a good teacher of the game is critical. You got be patient with kids too, just because you understand and get it doesn't mean they do. Being a teacher at the school too is really a positive thing, because these kids you want on the gridiron, need someone they can depend on at school all the time. Not to mention you get to know your athletes on a different level. Plus insurance and liability for your school system is huge if your not a certified teacher.

Yes there will be some surprises for Coach Jones though only. Just keep your fingers crossed that he will get through May.

Well Springfield is looking for some coaches and quite possibly Coach Jones is considering going back and being a hero there to!!

I agree with you Central will not defeat Cleveland anytime soon. In Coach Jones two seasons with the Pounders his teams have been soundley defeated 49-7, and 51-0.

The problems are head coach related, and could be resolved this May.

The odds of Central winning region 4-4a are really not all that good. They have interal problems that cannot be mentioned here in good confidence. Last years team won the key games to get in the playoffs. Yeah they will probably make the playoffs, but they have some off the field issues that if they come to light will really hamper them this season.

You must be a big fan of Coach Jones to show him such praise.