TruRebelPlaya

I am sure you are right about Maryville not being competitive with some of the best Texas teams. Also, as a Maryville fan, I would like to see them play some big teams from other states. However, I don't think that is the goal of the program, and I don't know that it should be the goal of the program to gain "National Respect." If it were the desire of the program to do that, I'm sure that Quarles is the perfect coach for taking Maryville "to the next level." As it stands now, I think everybody is fine to just be the best in the state.

I completely understood your point. Maybe you didn't get mine. Point 1. Yes. Maryville still would have won against Ravenwood playing the same way. Maryville was never behind. They turned the ball over twice which resulted in immediate scores to make the game close towards the end. They "shot themselves in the foot" but only after it was too late for Brainerd to catch up even with those fumbles returned for TD's. Maryville just wins, and statistically dominated that game. You say "one bad game in 5A playoffs and you go home" I'm saying that Maryville is a good enough team in any classification to overcome a bad game whether they play Alcoa or Ravenwood. Just because you don't have a dominant team in 5A doesn't mean that the competition is a higher level than 4A. Point 2. It is elitist Brentwood area arrogance and ignorance to assume that some 4A schools do not have the same support in all the things you mentioned. Or in your terms, there is a higher percentage of 5A schools etc. Based on what? A survey of all 5A schools within a 10 mile radius of Nashville? These things are found across the state in every classification, and I would say are evenly distributed if you could even measure them. Point 3. You didn't respond to my criticism that your premise is flawed. How do you know that your regional 5A schedule is any tougher than Maryville's? Is assuming so "an objective look at the schedule" I told you why I think Maryville could easily compete in 5A - their recent success against all teams, including a good 5A team that they dominated. I know why you think the way you do. No 5A east team has won state in a while. But 4A is better in the east than is 5A. It really does come down to an East vs. Mid and how the classifications are set up. Just remember that while in 4A half the regions are in East Tn, half the regions in 5A are middle TN. Statistically that means you will always have a 4A East team in the final, while in 5A there is a smaller chance for an East team to make it, and a larger chance for a Middle TN team to make it. Look, I'm not the one wearing the tinted glasses. I said earlier that there is no way to know who the best team is for sure. But I see a lot of 5A, Middle TN and Div II "arrogance" that is largely unfounded. It wasn't a Maryville person who started this thread as far as I can tell. I have given logical reasons why (imho) Maryville is the best. But it is just an opinion. You are the one who makes claims without backing them up. I've seen good 5A teams play, and believe me, the level of competition is on par. Have you seen Maryville play?

Ravenwood didn't exactly blow out anybody during their playoff run did they? Every team has a down game at some point. The POINT IS . . .when Maryville has a down game, they still Win. It seems when Ravenwood has a down game, they lose. I congratulate them on their obvious tenacity and clutch performances. Perhaps an even better indication of a good team is what they do after they lose. In this case, Maryville responded to the bad Brainerd game by soundly beating two teams who were both undefeated. As far as the other things. Maryville has the best coaches in the area. They have booster money. They have community support. They have an outstanding weight room. Who needs talent to chose from when you can develop it better than anybody? They have incredible depth, as seen in their free substituion in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Finally, your premise is only valid about making a claim if you assume that 5A is inherently, definitively, and measureably better than 4A. In Middle Tennessee, Maybe, in East TN, definitely not. And even if Maryville moved up and won in 5A three years in a row we STILL wouldn't know who the best team in the state is by the above standard.

unapproved website has a compilation poll that averages out all polls nationally. Although its nice to see Maryville at #12 in the Tony Poll, I put more stock in the compilation, which has Maryville at #21 or 22. And even that's only if you put stock in ANY high school football poll. The only thing I can say for sure is that Maryville has been the best team the past few years in 4A. We can't even say for sure that they are the best team this year until after the game is played Sat. I think, based on what I've seen, that they probably are the best in the state. However, I haven't seen some other teams, and it is very possible that they are better. As far as 5A . . . It's ridiculous to keep harping on 4A and heralding 5A as the "big boys" Remember the William Blount game? It wasn't even close, and probably could have been much worse. That was the same WB team that beat DB, that played Ooltewah and Farragut close in the regular season. That Ooltewah team that escaped WB barely lost in a road game to a team playing in the 5A final. I will concede one point, I think the level of competition in 5A is higher than week in and week out. However, Maryville is so far above the competition they've played that I still think they would be better. You would see some closer games, but not necessarily less wins. As luck would have it, Maryville will probably see a decline in talent or coaching changes around when we move up. Then we'll have to hear "see we told you so..."etc. I think that the Maryville team this year and the champions in past years could easily compete on the state level, probably much stronger than the other 5A east teams.

The schools are only a few miles apart. Maryville and Alcoa merge together so close that there's no obvious boundary between the two. But I really think the reason for so much mutual respect is that the game between the two doesn't count for anything. The games early, its a heated rivalry, but no matter who loses both teams still have a chance to go out and win state. Also, I think that it takes a truly great team to recognize greatness in another team, and the way both these schools consistently represent Blount Co is great and recognized by both teams.

I believe my Grandfather once said "One time is funny, twice is silly, third is just stupid"

This is such a stupid topic. The reason there is a rotation system is to be fair to teams with the same records. I.E. Red Bank vs. Maryville and MoWest vs. Maryville, All three teams were undefeated when they played each other. If there was no rotation, either way someone feels like they're getting a bad deal. That's probably the ONLY reason for a rotation, but it is a sufficient reason. Besides traveling is fun, especially when you win on someone else's field. JMHO.

Well, I think it's unfair to Maryville. Seems ALCOA must have offered his dad a better job than DENSO. I know Maryville recruited the "heck" out of him (as CPF would say) but in the end the package ALCOA put togother was just better. Congrats to Alcoa on their "recruiting." It's scary how much good football is played in Blount County. Lets get another gold ball Tornados and Rebels

Hillsboro is the "home" team, but I'm guessing that the crowds will be about even.

Congrats to both teams. I would just point out that it is impossible for two west tennessee teams to play each other, or two east tennessee teams to play each other as well: the way the brackets are set up in an east/west split. Not trying to stir the pot because obviously the two best teams are playing, but statistically, it is just as likely for two middle TN teams to play each other as an East TN team and a West TN team.

I agree. Alcoa has shown this year that they can play with the best teams in the state. Losing a close one to Maryville, Losing to Fulton, and beating McCallie. I will be very suprised if they don't dominate the next two games.

Well, I guess that was a pretty good prediction on my part. Seriously though, Congrats to Red Bank. I went over to your side tonight and talked to some of my Red Bank friends, and most everybody over there was both knowledgable and friendly. I know games like this are tough, especially when you're undefeated and have high hopes. In 97 we got our tails handed to us by Pearl Cohn in the Championship. The next year, we took it all the way. The experience you all got tonight can only help you in the future. Good game either way, and excellent performance by Maryville.

Nice region championships. Definately something to be proud of.

If Red Bank can only hang 28 on West, there's no way they put 38 on Maryville

I think Maryville wins this one much easier than some people think. It's meaningless to compare the brainerd score and others. Every team has at least one game a season where they really underperform. Having watched Maryville football over the past years, I can't tell you how many "big games" turned out to be not so big after all - games with MoWest (all but one!), Tennessee High, Greeneville, Knox Central, Powell, Cleveland, Rhea Co., and one particularly memorable game against Red Bank with Gerald Riggs. I also remember Red Bank fans telling Maryville fans before the game that no one could stop Riggs, nobody had stopped him in two years blah blah blah. We know the outcome. A bunch of "nameless" Maryville players won the game. Maryville fans arn't cocky. I think its just when you've been in as many "Big games" as Maryville has, you really consider the only big game to be state. And we have seen some tough competition in state the past few years. Does anyone know how many undefeated teams Maryville has eleminated in the playoffs under Quarles? I would be interested to find out. Knox Central had a few years when their only lossese (2) were to Maryville. I could be wrong, but I think Maryville will show Red Bank what state champions are made of. Maryville by 21+ (this should get a rise out of some people I reckon)

I was at the West game last week. I've gone to church in Red Bank for a couple of years. The atmosphere is good. I'm not doubting that, but it isn't everything. I think you will really be suprised at the folks maryville brings.

Here's a stat I think is more impressive than the current winstreak. Starting in 2000 and continuing into the Red Bank game, Maryville is 30 -1 in all playoff games including state championships. 2000 - 5 - 0 2001 - 5 - 0 2002 - 5 - 0 2003 - 3 - 1 (loss to MoWest in the Semi's) 2004 - 5 - 0 2005 - 5 - 0 2006 - 2 - 0 (so far. . . ) I think its funny when posters talk about how pumped up their team is, how the community is behind them, how our coach is going to make sure this team plays up to its potential, etc. Don't you think every team feels that way? I'm not doubting the emotion and excitement of Red Bank, but that's not what wins the games. There have been many games where the other team was more pumped up than Maryville. I think the one thing the above statistics reveal is a mental preparation that treats each game the same . . . not different. Maryville might lose, and Red Bank might truly be the best team in 4A this year. . . but its not something that a community can just will to happen by getting excited. If anything, I think that plays to Maryville's favor. If Red Bank wins, they will have beat Maryville on the field, not because of the environment or expectations.

No one is posting the reasons that Red Bank or Maryville will win. If you all really think you will beat maryville, I want to know why. I've seen RB play. They have a good team, but not good enough based on my observation. Good defense, Ok offense. I really think they are going to have problems scoring. West had a few good stops on them, but gave them a short field. If Maryville prevents turnovers and Red Bank has to drive for every score, I don't think Red Bank can outscore Maryville. I think Maryville has better coaching. I think maryville probably even has better players. Does RB have anybody that can match up with Maples? Maryville has good discipline. Those are the reasons I think they will win. I want to know why people think Red Bank will win.

I was at the West / Red Bank game, as I am also an MHS alumni in Chattanooga. I have to agree with your assessment, and maybe also add a different perspective on the same idea. I was impressed with Red Bank's defense, they seemed to hit hard and were disciplined. I was not impressed with Red Bank's offense. Often they had a short field to work with because of west mistakes, or their d's diligence. When they didn't, they struggled. Their receivers were always wide open, and I don't think it was because they are extra fast. The West D seemed confused at times and poorly coached. That will not happen against Maryville. There have been several years where Maryville didn't have but a few good players. . . but could make up for it because of the coaching, discipline, etc. Everybody contributed the same to the team regaredless of their athleticism because they work within a system. The same is not true for a lot of other good teams (like Red Bank in 2001). Sitting in the stands at Red Bank, I heard some of the parents taunting West and singing the good bye song at the end of the game. I used to do that too. . . when I was in High School. The atmosphere reeked of "we have not been here before" , even though they have. I would definately agree that it's Red Bank fans and region 4 people "creating" a hype. Red Bank can definately win. But I would probably pick maryville in this game 8 of 10 times, maybe 9. That's not being disrespectful or a homer. They just play most every game with sheer team domination. I think after looking at the Rhea Co. score, (it was 41-14 at one point) it seems that the Brainerd game was an anomoly. If anything, it shows how vulnerable a team is when they make timely turnovers, and how good Maryville had to be to not lose despite points off turnovers for Brainerd. I think if you took an average team effort for Maryville, in terms of turnovers, penalties, and big plays, they still beat a Red Bank team playing very hard.

You probably don't even need a map. Just look for landmarks. Take I-75 towards Atlanta At exit 2, Merge onto I-24 towards Chattanooga Take I-24 around the bend down the ridge until you can see lookout mountain, then stay in the right hand lane and look for Highway 27 north, towards downtown, it's a pretty big split. Take 27 across the river, and then look for the Morrison Springs exit, it's just past the Dayton BLVD exit. After you take Morrison Springs exit, turn left. you'll pass Erlanger north on your left, and then the school is just a little further on your left. Going back home, if you want to eat downtown after the game, take 27 back across the river and take the first exit after you pass the lookouts stadium (I think it's exit 3C, but not sure). Downtown there's plenty of good eating: Taco Mac, Chilis, TGIF, Sticky Fingers barbq, Buffalo wild wings (one of my favorites) and others all within a few blocks walking distance. Also, if you need parking downtown on Friday night and can't find a spot on the street, head up across market street and up a hill (towards UTC), and you'll see lots of numbered parking lots for Unum Provident. You can park there as long as you need to on the weekends.

I don't think it will be a shootout. I was at the red bank game tonight and left with two impressions: I was really unimpressed with Red Bank's offense. They had a really short field most of the time from some West mistakes and still didn't light things up. Their defense, on the other hand, seemed very physical at times. They could really lay down some licks. Towards the end of the game, I think they started wearing down a little bit and you saw the West RB getting some good gains. Also, while I wouldn't call the West turnovers "unforced" their QB really didn't make good decisions. There were several times where he should have taken a sack, but instead just chucked it up. Red Bank got good pressure the whole game. I think the key matchup is Maryville's o-line versus Red Bank's D-line. If Maryville has time, they should do just fine. I think the Rebs will have no problem containing the Red Bank offense. A lot of their yards came from receivers who were wide open, and that's not going to happen next week. I think all in all Maryville wins this one by two TD's

All the people who pronouce it Ray have it wrong. Its Ra-Hee-a, a cherokee indian word that translates to "valley of bad football" J/K Rhea fans

Funny how nobody asks the mediocre teams to go out and play the best to prove the depth of their mediocrity. And the people speculating on here arn't maryville fans. Sure, I think it would be cool to see some big out of state matchups, but that shouldn't be the goal of any team. The goal should be winning hardware. As long as they do that, I can't complain. I don't care if Maryville gets national attention or not, so long as we keep dominating Tennessee.

Glad to hear that Morristown is getting a new field. I remember some playoff games up there when the field was in terrible condition. This one should be a no-brainer. On the other hand, I'll debate the statement above. My parents taught me to read. I taught myself probably 50% of what I learned k-12. Ive had really great teachers, and some bad ones. My Wife is a first year teacher in Hamilton County. Do I wish she made more? Yes. But I really hate it when someone makes a blanket statement like "teachers are underpaid." Teachers are well compensated for the amount of time it takes to get a degree, and the skill set required to teach. There were a couple of teachers I had that I think are worth six figures a year because they push kids to do their best and maximized the school experience. I've had others that shouldn't be paid a cent more than their starting salary. Teachers should be paid like everyone else: by their results. Great teachers should make great money, while below standard teachers make below standard pay. Facts also show that in general our public schools are terrible compared to those in other western democracies. I wonder if it's because our school systems often focus on getting more money "for the kids" than providing incentives for teachers to be truly great.

Yes, Maryville beat a 4A team. But they beat a program that the year before had won state in 5A. I wasn't under the impression that we were talking specific teams, i.e. starters for a year, but whether the maryville program would handle 5A year in year out. But, if you want to do that, then that Red Bank team that was so down and out when Maryville played them lost three regular season games by a combined 12 points, and easily beat the 5A teams they played. You can't totally discount the fact that there were players, including one key player, Riggs, that had kicked butt in 5A. The Maryville game was the only game that they weren't even close to winning.