papa chaos

Looking forward to a good game Thursday night. FBE - If you want a seat, you better get there early. I think that the seating is probably similar to if maybe slightly larger than the home side at Alcoa. Also, when I was there, a great deal of it was roped off presumably for season ticket holders. It didn't look like a fair half/half split, and I know how the Rebels bring a crowd. Regarding the game... I've only seen Catholic play once, and that was against WB. I'm sure KC supporters will say (and I'm sure there's some merit to it) that the weather and playing conditions served as factors in that game. BUT what I saw from Catholic was a very big O-line that protected a very slow developing offense. The whole team looked lethargic, undisciplined and slow to me. If Maryville can contend with the big KC lines, they'll be fine in this one.

My observations on the game: - I was immediately surprised that OR didn't bring a bigger crowd - Holy crap...I had NO IDEA that OR QB is a soph...wow, that's scary. He's got game. - MHS left a lot of points on the field - MHS QB missed by inches on several huge plays - More drops than I've ever seen from MHS receivers - OR defense is FAST...tons of plays that looked like nothing but space and opportunity closed down quickly - If Blade had Hillsboro talent out there, he'd have blown that game wide open Great beginning to a great rivalry. Go Rebels!

This is a game I've wanted to see for years. What time is kickoff?

Well Alcoa congratulations in advance on an undefeated season and another state championship.

can the F5 keep up this pace? It sounds like they're just running wide open...unless they get tired I don't see why not.

APB - Are you getting video? All I've got on the feed is audio...

We fight over everything here in Blount County...don't get us started on who's better at photoshop I have it on good authority that at least 40% of the kids in Alcoa's computer classes are not licensed to use the graphics software there anyway and are doing so illegally...kidding, kidding!! Geez!

Fight on for William Blount, our Alma Mater true. Let's give a cheer for all to hear. Just look for the Orange and Blue (fight, fight, fight!) We'll march on to victory. We'll do it if we try. So fight, fight, fight for the Governors, The pride of William Blount High! 'Nuff said! Good luck Govs!

Well ladies and gentlemen... I can't believe it, but it's almost game time! I've been pretty disappointed in the lacking quality conversation over all these pages, and I think this great rivalry deserves a little bit better than that. I wish that in reading this whole thread I had learned more about the two squads. As it is, I'll go ahead and throw some thoughts out there with the disclaimer that I'm definitely less informed this season that I have been in a number of years...and maybe ever. Here's what I've got: Offense - Alcoa is always explosive. I'm hearing that their O-line is even better than usual, and able to sustain long drives in addition to the quick score threat that the offense always poses. I know that Maryville is only bringing back a handful of starters...fortunately one of those is the QB, correct? So, AHS breaking in a new gunner is a disadvantage, but they do have one game under their belts and that typically represents a nice learning curve. Pluses and minuses both ways, but overall advantage: Alcoa Defense: Again, I'm hearing that MHS only returns a handful of starters. However, I think Rankin is a little more predictable that GQ, so they'll have a better idea of what their up against (pretty creative way to look at lots of first time starters right...that you don't know how to prep for them?). In the past, this is the side of the ball where Alcoa has lost these games (in my opinion). They've either tired, given up the big play or just not been able to stay with the usually more than potent Rebel attack. Even so, from what I hear, I think the slight nod still has to go to Alcoa I don't know nearly enough about either of the special teams to make any claims on that front. Intangibles: Home-field goes to Alcoa Motivation goes to Alcoa...it's been awhile since they won. Pressure goes to MHS...with all these young guys no one would be shocked at a loss so they can play loose Coaching goes to Maryville even though both are great coaches So, if it's going to happen, I think this is the year. I'm glad I don't have money on it, because I could never bet against the Rebels...but I think now might be a wise time to do it. I noticed that the Knoxville paper has picked Alcoa to win...AGAIN...no surprise there. They actually have MHS ranked behind 2 other teams right now. I'm glad that will get settled on the field. Also all the guys on the radio seem to be leaning toward the Tornados. Best of luck to both teams. Tonight is just one of many that I'll be cheering against Alcoa this season, but I do hope for a great game...and I hope I'm able to make it there. Anyone hearing any estimates on attendance or know what time the gates open?

Here's a link: http://www.ihigh.com/greatamericanrival ... 11669.html Is this audio-only or video as well? I'm still not sure if I'm going to be able to make it to the game.

Papa Chaos - long time, no see. Zach Witt is the starting quarterback for William Blount he is a Junior, he hurt his foot early in the season last year which kept him out of a lot of games. Zach Owens (the sophomore you're talking about) is probably a third string, he does not fit the offense that Coach gregory has implemented at WB. Josh Burton would likely be a second option if Witt is unable to play. Hey Blountfan! It's been a busy summer, and I can't believe football season is already started....but I'm baaack!! And glad to be here! Thanks for the info on that situation. I really hope to see WB exceed expectations this year and get back in the mix.

Opinions are one thing, but that was a pretty bold claim. Is it your opinion that Alcoa would have won the 4A state championship game last year had they, rather than Maryville, been playing in it? I'm not about to get into the 40% fray, because I don't think it matters.

What's the WB quarterback situation this year? I was talking to my mom after the SC game, and I asked if that same kid who was starting last year as a freshman was playing QB again this year. She told me that there was someone else playing ahead of him. Can anyone enlighten me a little bit? I thought that Freshman last season had big time potential, and I was looking forward to see him back this year with a year under his belt...

These are the kinds of statements that make me angry. For whatever reason, whoever Maryville is playing tends to think it's okay to assert that Maryville never beats anyone. Of course, it will mean nothing to you that I'm at the MHS games watching those opponents while you're at the Alcoa games. Of course it will mean nothing for me to say that in having seen both Alcoa and MHS's other opponents over the years that I think Alcoa would suffer the same fate at the hands of other, larger schools that they do against Maryville most years...nevermind the fact that you don't actually have the luxury of having seen these teams play in person (and, yes, I'm making the assumption here that you're actually going to Alcoa's games and seeing them play). There's a flaw in logic there. For many an Alcoa fan it has gone like this: Maryville is the best in 4A. Alcoa is the best in 2A. Alcoa only lost to Maryville, so they must be better than all the other teams that Maryville beats as well. (And yes I understand that those classifications have changed, so please not that I spoke in the past tense intentionally.) That reasoning doesn't work. I won't say that no Maryville folks have made any outlandish claims on this thread, but you can read through all 50+ pages and this will be the first post you've seen from me. I'm disappointed in the way the discussion of this great rivalry has deteriorated this season. We're usually better than this. I'm looking forward to a great game, but I don't know if I'll be able to make it in person. Does anyone know if there's a way to watch it without going? TV? Internet?

I just heard the news...wow! OR couldn't have made a better hire. Congratulations and welcome back to the big time!

Well, it's pretty much all been said, but I guess I just want to say it again. First of all, congratulations to Hillsboro. You deserved to win the game, and you did what you had to do in order to accomplish that. You are champions, and you are worthy. There is no team that I would have preferred to hold that Gold Ball other than Maryville. I didn't feel like I was watching Maryville during this game. They never started clicking, and made untimely mistakes. This is very uncharacteristic of an MHS team. Hillsboro had great field position all night. Credit their special teams, but also the MHS D for not allowing them to punch their tickets to paydirt more than once. Unfortunately, that was all they needed. Maryville, hold your heads high. You have accomplished much, and no doubt have learned many lessons that will serve you well in life. You are champions, and we are proud of you. Moreover, thank you. Thank you for representing our community so well on a national stage. Thank you for giving us something to love and follow and to entertain ourselves with every Friday night. What you have been a part of is special. And for those of you who will be back next year, so will we. The era hasn't ended by any stretch of the imagination. Hillsboro, enjoy your championship. You've earned it.

Great. Good for Alcoa. Why don't you take that junk down to the 2A thread where it matters and we'll see you on the field next year to remind you why it's such a stretch for you to find a "victory" over us to savor.

I heard that HHS would be practicing on the MTSU field this week. If that's true, then I think it does favor the Burros, fan attendance notwithstanding. And if years past are an indicator, then I do expect us to have a larger fan section.

I will be surprised if either team reaches 30. This is not the most potent offense Maryville has fielded during this run by any stretch of the imagination. This group is meticulous, but less explosive. It is quite a departure from some of the things we've seen GQ run in the past. However, it is still very effective but less likely to break big numbers against a stout defense. Likewise, I've not see too many offenses in my years watching high school ball that I think would hang 30 on this defensive group under coach Gaylor. I'll say that if either team scores 30, that team wins.

I hope no offense will be taken at that opinion. I certainly mean no disrespect to the HHS coaching staff. The only person on that staff I'm familiar with at all is Coach Blade, and I have the utmost respect for him. Having said that, I feel strongly that I would be remiss in my judgment to not favor the 4 time defending state champion coaching staff that convincingly won the only head to head matchup they have had with Coach Blade and the staff he brought with him on that day.

Well, it's almost here and I'm ready for the game. However, as is my custom leading into a matchup of this magnitude, I have taken some time to crunch a few numbers to see what they'll tell us. Here's what I've found: Offense: Maryville scores an average of 34.29 points per game. Hillsboro scores an average of 35.07 points per game. Pretty evenly matched in this category, although the slight edge goes to Hillsboro by less than 1 point. Defense: Maryville allows on average 8.07 points per game. Hillsboro allows on average 13.50 points per game. The advantage here goes to the Rebels, by a field goal and a safety. Strength of schedule: Maryville has played 6 teams with winning records this season. The Rebels are undefeated in those games. The combined record of MHS opponents is 79-78. Hillsboro has played 7 teams with winning records this season. Hillsboro lost two of those games. The combined record of HHS opponents is 88-69. Quantifying this part of the analysis is most difficult. Nonetheless, it appears that Hillsboro has had a significantly tougher schedule this season. However, the net impact of that fact is mitigated by the 2 losses. The Prediction: It is interesting to note that the 2006 scenario leading into this game was very similar to this year's in terms of statistical comparison. The key difference that year was that Maryville's schedule strength was higher and that both teams were undefeated. My formula predicted a 32-22 MHS victory in 2006, and in reality the final score was 35-10. This indicates that my strength factor was (and my still be) flawed and that I do not take into account the intangibles. My formula this year predicts the following: MHS: 24.20 HHS: 24.64 While I cannot calculate the intangibles, I think the following: Coaching - advantage Maryville Experience - advantage Maryville Venue - advantage Hillsboro Will the intangibles push the Rebels over the top? Your thoughts?

I know of a few... But that's really just a waste of energy. Alcoa will name its score.

Great question. Thank you for asking. The reason I didn't list them has something to do with the delineation between what you called "Upper East Tennessee" and what I referred to as "the NET." I'm not exactly sure what constitutes those geographical regions, although I am vaguely familiar with the TSSAA regions. For the purposes of this analysis I didn't consider Motown West as part of "the NET" because at that time they played a number of Knoxville schools and Maryville during the regular season which considerably strengthened their schedule.

I appreciate the offer, but I've been offline since prior to this time yesterday...let me get caught up.

Nice...I can appreciate that response.