starman

An awesome display by the young guns from Stoney Creek. 86-44

Unaka destroyed North Greene last night 86-44 at North Greene which is considered a tough place to play. You look at their record they are 4-8 but the schedule is brutal. They shot over 50% from the field and started 3 junior and 2 sophomores. I want to thank all the negative posters on Coach T for getting them fired up and the University High player who said in the paper that he thought this would be the year the kingpin Unaka would be unseated. Maybe, but you better come to play and play well. It was fun to watch our rivals leave shaking their heads. I will take 4-8 agaist top notch quality opponents than 6-0 against cupcakes anytime. Where ole where can cacadeltoro be.

It is time Coach Kenneth Chambers gets credit for the outstanding job that he has done with the Lady Ranger basketball program. Playing a line-up that consists of mostly sophomores he has taken the Lady Ranger basketball program to another level. They have only two seniors no juniors on the varsity but could very well start 4 sophomores and a freshman in their line-up. Keep up the good work coach, you have a special group of players and very look very well coached. Teams will take notice after that awesome performance against Cosby Tuesday night.

I must reply to this thread because I feel the need to do so. I admire Coach Ensor for the schedule he plays. If we had played the schedule that some teams do we would be undefeated. He chooses to play much better teams so his team will be tournament tested when the end of season rolls around. The last two games at Sulllivan East and Cosby they have played very well. The have breakdowns at times but you do that with two juniors & three sophomores on the floor with only one Senior on the team. You can see them starting to progress. We pushed the panic button last season when we were well below 500 at Christmas. You back a wounded dog into the corner and soon he will come out and bite you on the rump. This will be the case with Unaka. Around the middle of January and early February wait and see how they are playing. With the schedule they are playing a good season would be 12 wins. But I will make a prediction. They play their tails off every night. Call me crazy but I plan on going to Murfreesboro to watch them play. I have confidence in this group of kids and I predict great things for the Rangers by seasons end. I would rather go 10-20 and go the the Boro than to go 20 - 5 and be ranked in some fan poll and stay at home. Be patient with this group, they played awful against Happy Valley. But the last two games have been a complete turn around. Support this group. They are a very good group of kids. [Edited by coachtdog on 12-12-02 12:28P] [Edited by coachtdog on 12-12-02 12:30P]

A postive supporter!

You see Cacadeltoro got his feelings hurt so now it is time to take it out on "basketball," pure and simple. Just look at the name and last reply. Very sad. I really thought our fans, and community was close knit and supportive of all Ranger teams. But I am seeing a side that make me sick to my stomach. Don't knock the Hampton & Cloudland fans for cheering for the South Carolina team last year. It was all in fun. But some of our elite are carrying a chip on their shoulder just because some player or players get a little recognition and they can't seem to stand it. Our team played 2 juniors, 3 sophomores, 1 senior yesterday. Give these kids a chance. And be more positive toward them. If you can't say anything good about them then don;t say nothing at all! [Edited by coachtdog on 11-20-02 2:06P]

Do us all a favor Cacadeltoro and stay at home. You disgrace your profession. Bottom Line!

They defeated South Greene by 12 scoring over 80 points in the game. Cody Collins did not play because of an ankle injury. They ran the press to perfection and played like the Unaka teams of past years. The passed the ball well and hit the open man yesterday. It was a totally different team than the previously two outings and against a very good opponent. If they come out and play like they did yesterday with the hustle, heart and aggressiveness they displayed, they could be a very good team as the season goes on. Coaches lit a fire under them and they responded to the challange.

Thanks for the good mark, I feel unworthy of such. It was Sullivan North they played not North Greene. I think they beat North bad at North last week but lost yesterday to them. I don't think they are any problems with the Rangers just some disgunted about playing time. Heck we all have been spoiled up here for many years. It will be a dogfight this year for top honors. I think the league is more balanced this season. Cloudland will be good as will University High and North Greene. Unaka will surprise people. But they will also struggle at times. I swear sometimes they play very well and at other times their youth begins to come out. They are times when they play 3 sophomores and 2 juniors alot. They are much better than they were in camp this summer but they have miles to go. I really feel like Donald will do his best coaching job with this bunch. They just need to play and not worry about making mistakes.

Yes I have a life and I do work a job, two as a matter of fact and I work very hard at both. When I get off of the afternoon I spend time in the nursing homes, hospitals, etc praying with the sick and sometimes don't get home until late at night. I take the time to watch my kids participate in sports and spend quality time with my family so laying on the couch in not an option I have. I also take the time to volunteer, serving on the board of directors at the Boys Club and as President over a youth baseball league. I coach a youth basketball team and enjoy working with kids at the young ages of 10-11. It is vital for them to gain knowledge of basic fundmentals that will help them later in school ball. I am not ashamed of my identity or who I am. Not one time in my post have you ever read where I have singled out some player being better than another including the one mentioned. It does take a team to be successful, but you have to have an identity on that team. I coached for years and I played sports in college. I only state my opinion and if that makes me a bad person then so be it. I am glad that my son has had the opportunity to play for such coaches as Donald & Johnny Ensor, Richard Thomas, Mike "Acie Ensor" and Steven Long. They have been nothing but postive for him. The school is excellent and the faculty has been wonderful. I chose to keep my son in school at Unaka although I live out of the school district after we moved to the city. I have invested a great deal of time and travel to keep him in school at Unaka. I am greatful to Aaron Dugger for his help getting players that were not old enough to drive back and forth for the past two seasons. Am I proud of my son, you're dog gone right I am. But I am also proud of Josh Jones, Daniel McInturff, Cody Collins, Derek Cline, Chris Arnold, Rusty Holstclaw, Thomas Guess, Tyler McCann and others. These are good kids who are very special young men. I believe in these kids and support them to the fullest. They are all good players. I have been told I was crazy by some for sending him there but it was by far the best decision that we have every made. I am proud of Unaka, not only for its athletics but for its school as well. I am also proud of who I am and what I represent. I am #2 a proud dad, lover of basketball but most important a born again Christian, which I am most proud of. So it you want to bash me on here BBall freak feel free to do so. Let the whole creek know who I am. And if you feel you need to bash me in the future, feel free to do so. I don't try to coach the team nor will I ever. Our coaching at UHS is second to none. My post are only opinions, just like that of 1000 of other posters on here. [Edited by coachtdog on 11-19-02 10:31A]

They lost by 11 but played pretty well. Volunteer is loaded with talent. Could be a very strong team by Christmas time.

Who is in the Christmas tournament this year at Hampton? Is the Laurenburg South Carolina team going to be back? And have they drawn for it yet?

I too have watched the Rangers and I think it is much too early to make any predictions but I have my thoughts about this years team. 1. They are going to have to play their tails off because they are small and must use their quickness as an advantage. When you are small you must out hustle your opponent. 2. They need to learn to box out and keep the other team off the board. They try to rebound standing straight up and this is a no no when you lack size. 3. They need leadership. This comes by way of respect. It does not mean you must be a Sr. or Jr. or the best player but it must be a player that their teammates look up too. Rusty & Cody must be leaders on this team and play like their is no tomorrow every night. They have two seasons of varsity experience as freshman & sophomores so they no the system and must make the others buy into it. 4. They must get back on defense. They are trying to crash the offensive board, yet in doing so are getting burned for easy lay-up because no one is getting back on defense. 5. Their press is ineffective. The off side men are getting beat back on defense because they are extended their press to far up in the backcourt. 6. Get the ball inside. In order to do this on their offense you must hit the man when he flashes open, but some seem to hold the ball then pass, giving the defensive man time to recover. Rusty can score but I feel his strengh will be to create opportunities for other players. Cody must shoot the ball more and look to score. 7. Respect the coaches and play their tails off for them. We are blessed with a wonderful staff, you guys need to realize that and give them your all. Fans remember this is a very young team with only one senior. They will get better as the season goes on. I remember last season when we were like 3-7 and people wrote us off but we finshed at 25-11. I believe in these kids and I think they will respond to the challange. They play a brutal schedule but not one time have I ever heard them complain. I think their is too much pride to accept anything other than perfection. It's a long time before Mid March. I do agree with the previous poster that games are won on the floor and not on the net. Right now our coaching staff has worked extra hard with this group. Now it is time for them to step up and perform at that next level.

Unaka should have been invited back this year because they were a fan favorite at last year's tournament. They defeated Gate City and Tabernacle Baptist from the Bahamas last year and the fans support was very large. Put on their resume a state tournament appearance last season and they were very worthy this season for an invite. I like to see Science Hill and Kingsport DB, in the tourney but East, Boone, etc gets old every year. Just see if Elizabethton gets invited back next season. They lose 4 starters. I am glad Unaka got the opportunity to play last season. They are one of few Class A schools to have played in the tourney and Aaron played really well but so did our other players. Looking ahead they may get invited back next season with only one senior on this years team. This team could be one of the best in the area next season. Unaka plays in a very good Hampton Christmas tourney this year with some good teams. Hancock County, Johnson Co. and the South Carolina team can compete with any of the teams at the Arby's. Toss in a very good Cloudland team and the Hampton Bulldogs who are always tough at home and you have a great tournament in the making. Throw in a trip to the Bahamas for the Unaka basketball in late November and I don't think any of the boys mind missing the Arby's this season. [Edited by coachtdog on 11-18-02 2:53P]

I applaud Coach Poe and his ability as Head Coach of the Toppers. He has done a remarkable job replacing Coach Pitts. Coach Poe is a good man and discipline is a must on his teams. He is a very good judge of talent and knows the game very well. Expect the best from the Toppers. If your Coach works hard the players will also. Coach Poe is a good example of hard work and dedication. For every player that quits they usually are others waiting just for an opportunity to take his spot. Players must learn to respect the decision of the coach. They must try to work hard and get better.

In order to win one must realize who your go to men are and see that they get the ball. Since this post is from an unhappy player who's playing time is probably less than what you think it should be let me suggest the following. Coach Ensor has made is a habit winning winning 20 or more games every year and he knows what is best for this team. Chambers and Collins should be the leaders on this team. They have played varsity since their freshman season. You say that Unaka looked better at Carver. Teams were undisciplined and played out of control for the most part including Unaka. I suggest you buy into the system that Coach Ensor has installed or you might have a hard time getting minutes. This team is young but can be good as the season goes on. Ball handeling must improve. Your strength this season is in your inside game. Defense needs to step it up and boxing out is a must. Decisons are made for a reason. I will say that Unaka is very fortunate to have a coaching staff like they do. Sub-state two years ago, state tournament last season. A team this season that has only one senior. The future looks bright for Stoney Creek and I for one don't see things changing in the near future.

Powell Valley is like 7up compared to Pepsi Cola with Powell Valley being 7 up and Pepsi Cola being Cloudland. "NEVER HAD IT, NEVER WILL" I am sure we will see no more post on here about football after next week. It is going to be cold and rainy tonight in Roan Mountain. If lucky, you might throw for 75 yards. I predict that Cloudland will rush for 400 yards and the final score will be whatever the Landers want it to be. And if you think for one minute that your basketball team is going to take you to the promise land because you started 5 sophomores think again, because you can't beat Hancock, Unaka or Cloudland in that sport either. And baseball has not been invented in Speedwell yet. There are much better odds on you going to Middlesboro and buying lottery tickets and winning than you winning the football game tonight. As Blaize says, That's my opinion and I am sticking to it. [Edited by coachtdog on 11-15-02 8:41A]

Why would they move up to 2A when they opted to drop 2A schools from their football schedule for next season. This was done because of lack of numbers. They are nowhere near the number of students required to play at the 2A level and the numbers are down since the last count by the TSSAA was taken. They have had success in basketball and baseball at the 1A level and girls softball and basketball are very successful too. I look for it to be no different in the years to come.

It wouldn't make any difference if you all put Eddie George in your backfield, because Byrd will give a performace Friday night like none has ever seen and I am not a Highlander except during post season time. [Edited by coachtdog on 11-13-02 11:42A]

How can you vote on an award if you have never seen that individual play. This American General Award has no merit whatsoever. If you have never seen that player just don't vote period. As for comparing Healy to Byrd, I have seen both play. It's would be like me saying my dog is smarter than yours. The point is no one knows it's just a matter of opinion. The thing I like about Mark is that if Cloudland had a Chinese Checker team, I am sure he would be First Team All State. He excels in everything he attempts.

I am not a Cloudland backer during the season but I was left totally in shock at the Mr. Football selections in Class A. First of all my best wishes to the kids who were nominated, I am sure you all are very good players. But to bypass a kid like Mark Byrd for 3 years now is a totally outrage. No player across the state has done more for his team. A two time all state player, he makes the other players around him better. Byrd could have broke the rushing record 5 games into the season if his coach would have chose to play him the entire game. He has dominated all the games he has played in. The last game of the season he could have rushed for 600 yards that night if he had wanted to. He played one and 1/2 quarter. In last week's playoff game, 2 TD's rushing threw for 3 more over 130 yards rushing, over 100 all purpose yards, double digits in tackles plays on every special team, punts, probably pops popcorn before the game. The reason that Byrd was not nominated is simple. This award goes to the players who have the most sportswriters in their area. Middle & West Tennessee ia a larger area so a kid like Byrd gets shafted. Half the sportswriters never played a down of football in their life and don't have a freaken clue as to what goes on during the game. "Notice I said half Wes." you don't fall in that 50%. Byrd is an honor student, wonderful kid and plays the games as hard as anyone that I have ever saw. I just hope this Friday that Lunceford will let Mark make a statement to everyone across the state. When he racks up 6 rushing TD's and throws for five more and the lights on the scoreboard begin to explode, you get the picture. As for all you sportswriters in middle and west tennessee, you are a disgrace to your profession. If you carry 2 pencils make sure they have big erasers. It's obvious you make mistakes but one like this effects kids in general. Keep up the good work Mark, you sure have been a joy for all the fans of Carter County football to watch.

I have no ties with the Cloudland program, but for those of us who watch football every Friday night, if Mark Byrd of Cloudland is not one of the top three backs in the state, they just need to do away with the trophy. Whoever nominates these players would have to be totally out of their mind to leave Mark off. Great kid, excellent student and who has done more for their football team in the last 3 years than Mark? You writers better know that if Coach Lunceford would have wanted to pad Mark's stats he could have very easily done so. The most amazing thing about Mark's accomplishments was that he missed two games and rarely every got to play a full game because of the score. I commend the three nominees that were chosen but this is a total disgrace for the efforts that this young man puts forth every Friday night. Don't be surprised to see Byrd put up numbers that are unreal over the next few weeks. Last week 2 touchdown runs, threw for 3 touchdowns, over 130 yards rushing, 100 more all purpose yards, and this is just a routine night. Hard to imagine what the writers are watching. [Edited by coachtdog on 11-12-02 2:06P]

Can you advise me the status of Kevin Harrison injury from football. We all wish him a speedy recovery. Kevin is a great player and one I love to watch play. Don't count the dogs out as long as Kevin is on the floor.

Our thread has slipped to an all time low. Were are you hablo, rolltide ddog and others. I hope rolltide that people realize that we have some great kids at Unaka this season. I like this group of kids. They play all out and have a great deal of confidence about them. I agree the conference is up in the air this season. The one thing I like about this group of mighty mites Creekers is that they are gym rats. I am not going to make any predictions at this time other than to say that I think the Rangers are a much different team than this past summer. And Beware, last year they were well below 500 going into Christmas but a good showing at the Arby's and the Hampton tournament really made a big difference. I agree with Roll-tide. Kids that have been role players in the past must step up their game. I think this will be the case with Unaka and Cloudland. Wouldn't it be nice to have the talent that one school has? I just hope the Highlanders hurry up and bring the gold trophy back in football so we can plunge into the roundball season. It should create some excitement on the Coach T Board.

Until school administrators stand up to the TSSAA and say enough is enough, it will continue that way. At the rate that ticket prices are increasing, one can expect to pay as much for a high school playoff game as you do to a small college game. Some Southern Conference schools offer tickets for as little as $5.00 per game in certain sections. $7.00 for a high school ticket is a joke. How would you like to pay that much to see a 10-0 team play a 4-6 or 3-7 team in the first round. I would love to see high school principals and school boards for one time stand up to Ronnie Carter and his staff and say no more. No high school game should every cost more than $5.00. "PERIOD"