basketballisbest

It won't mean much until regions one and two battle it out with each other. It does appear, in spite of all the rhetoric on here, that R2 is a little stronger than R1, simply in head to head competition where they have won 3 of 4 games this year, the only loss being Oak Ridge to Dobyns Bennett--not much of measuring stick since OR is down this year. Best guess in order who will likely come out on top and advance, from my perspective: Dobyns-Bennett--I still think they are the best team in the east Ooltewah--you can't count them out; they're undefeated; play at home all the way Farragut--tough defensively; and if they balance out their offense can beat anyone Sevier County--under-rated team with the ability to knock anyone off McMinn County--can be explosive, but very inconsisten; great improvement Bearden--best year in a long time; just not able to contend with the big boys Willam Blount--getting DB in first round; could win; but I don't think they will Science Hill--worst team in the east in the playoffs; Owls better not look past them

Okay, I was wondering when someone would start this thread. And it is hard for me to bring myself to even comment. This one is going to be ugly from the opening kickoff. I know anything can happen on the football field, but Soddy Daisy just doesn't have anything to bring to the battle. If they couldn't score on Oak Ridge or Farragut, what would make anyone think that they will score on Ooltewah. Oak Ridge only had about 45 yards after the first drive of the game. Farragut could not move the ball on the ground against the Owls, and Soddy does not have a passing attack. All of this simply spells doom. Benny Monroe will have an opportunity to rest a lot of his starters. Playing all of the seniors (I believe I counted 17 on the roster) is not going to be a problem. Many of those who have seen little playing time will get the chance on Friday, and this one will still be about 35-0. I sure hope Soddy improves next year, because it would be nice to see the Chattanooga side of region 2-5A more represented. This is a good rivalry that needs strength on both sides. Sorry, but that is all I think this game will provide--that is maybe a look to the future.

Very hard to predict. I am thinking that Sevier has improved greatly since the beginning of the year and so has McMinn. That will probably be the most exciting game of the first round. But I have to give the advantage to Sevier because it is home. So my first round would be: Dobyns-Bennett over William Blount--probably closer than the DB fans would want it to be. Blount's defense is stout and will make this a very close game. DB will win it in the air in the end. Sevier in a close one over McMinn by 3. Farragut over Bearden by 10. Ooltewah over Science Hill by 14. 2nd round: DB over Farragut Ooltewah over McMinn That of course is dependent on the first round games which are full of potential upsets. With the exception of the Ooltewah/Science Hill game, I think that none of the other games could be a surprise. After that it's anybody's guess in all the rounds.

Losing comes in multiple ways. Sometimes you lose on the field to a better opponent. Other times you lose to someone, because you beat yourself. Then there is losing in life. It seems that if we are not on top anymore, we tend to complain about all that is going wrong. Football, although very fun, is not worth trashing everyone else in the process. This doesn't just apply to football, it applies to all sports, to politics, to the business world, and unfortunately even in our churches. Somehow we need to get a grip on things and start cherishing the more important things in life. As the infamous Forrest Gump said, "And that is all I have to say about that."

Grad and ImaOwl. I agree wholeheartedly. I was very surprised to see this team win so much, let alone an undefeated season (don't want to overlook SD, but I would be even more surprised if they could pull an upset next week). I think I had predicted 7-3 for Ooltewah this year, but their young kids have really stepped up. These two regions are going to really battle it out in the playoffs. But a good team has to win these close ones, and Ooltewah has found a way to do it. But it would be very hard to say they have dominated. Great year and they should be very proud of what they have accomplished!

Again, Grad. I think the guy just sounded a little frustrated. I believe his comments are more a reflection of the frustration they are experiencing regarding a season that is far below their standards. Sometimes people take their frustration out on others, even though the frustration comes from another source entirely. I really think that is the case here. From what I have heard Ooltewah was not on top of their game, especially in the first half. What a lot of people don't realize is how young the Ooltewah team is as well. They have some strong leadership, but they have a lot of sophomores and juniors playing every week. This will be a team to contend with for several years to come. Even their freshmen team is overwhelming their opponents every week. But I do fully expect Oak Ridge to be in the mix again next year. They will be tough to beat; Ooltewah better be glad they have them at home next year.

You are right. Houston was missed by accident. Actually, they are my first honorable mention. Can't believe I left them out. I'll add them.

This one will not be pretty. Heritage will not be able to move the ball against a good William Blount defense. And this will be a game where WB's offense will shine; they will be able to run the ball and throw the ball at will. WB-- 41 H-- 7

Great post! Couldn't have said it better myself. This is gonig to be fun to watch!

1. Dobyns-Bennett (9-0) 2. Gallatin (9-0) 3. Ooltewah (9-0) 4. Riverdale (8-1) 5. Ridgeway (9-0) 6. Franklin (8-1) 7. Sevier County (8-2) 8. White Station (8-1) 9. Dickson County (7-2) 10. Wooddale (8-1) Honorable Mention: Houston (7-2); Smyrna (7-2); Farragut (6-3); McMinn County (6-3); Ravenwood (6-3); Millington (6-3); Arlington (6-2); Cookeville (6-3); Brentwood (6-3); Bolton (6-3); Lebanon (6-3); Bearden (6-3); LaVergne (6-3); Lincoln County (6-3); Science Hill (6-3); Independence (6-3); Germantown (5-4); William Blount (5-4); Hendersonville (5-4); Hunters Lane (5-4); Antioch (5-4) These are also the probable playoff teams with the exception of a couple who have losing records.

Interesting all of my top 19 won this week, and 21 of the top 25 won. So here goes: 1. Maryville (4A) -- 9-0 2. Dobyns-Bennett (5A) -- 9-0 3. Gallatin (5A) -- 9-0 4. Ooltewah (5A) -- 9-0 5t. McCallie (DII-AAA) -- 8-1 5t. Riverdale (5A) -- 8-1 7. Brentwood Academy (DII-AAA) -- 8-1 8. Alcoa (2A) -- 7-2 9. Red Bank (4A) -- 9-0 10. Ridgeway (4A) -- 9-0 11. Goodpasture (2A) -- 9-0 12. Evangelical Christian (DII-AA) -- 9-0 13. Knox Catholic (3A) -- 9-0 14. Franklin (5A) -- 8-1 15. Crockett County (3A) -- 9-0 16. Hillsboro (4A) -- 9-0 17. Melrose (4A) -- 8-1 18. Morristown West (4A) -- 9-0 19. Jackson South Side (3A) -- 9-0 20. Knox Fulton (3A) -- 8-1 21. Maplewood (4A) -- 8-1 22. Sevier county (5A) -- 8-2 23. Knox Central (4A) -- 7-2 24. Dyersburg (3A) -- 8-1 25. Houston (5A) -- 7-2 Honorable Mention: White Station (5A) -- 8-1; Dickson County (5A) -- 7-2; Sullivan South (4A) -- 8-1; Springfield (4A) -- 9-0; Wooddale (5A) -- 8-1; Houston (5A) -- 7-2; David Lipscomb (3A) -- 8-1; Friendship Christian (1A) -- 9-0; Smyrna (5A) -- 7-2; Baylor (DII-AAA) -- 7-2; Station Camp (3A) -- 9-0; Farragut (5A) -- 6-3; McMinn County (5A) -- 6-3; Christian Brothers (DII-AAA) -- 6-3; Rhea County (4A) -- 6-3; Cleveland (4A) -- 7-2; Covington 3A) -- 7-2; Johnson County 4A) -- 7-2; Tennessee (4A) -- 7-2; Ravenwood (5A) -- 6-3; Pope John Paul II (DII-AA) -- 6-3; Millington (5A) -- 6-3; Arlington (5A) -- 6-2; Carter (3A) -- 8-1; Fairview (2A) -- 7-2; Harding Academy (DII-AA) -- 7-2; Knox Webb (2A) -- 6-3; Other undefeateds: Gatlinburg Pittman (2A) -- 9-0; B.T. Washington (2A) -- 9-0; Lewis County (2A) -- 9-0; TN Temple (1A) -- 9-0; Cascade (1A) -- 9-0; Jo Byrns (1A) -- 9-0; Coalfield (1A) -- 9-0

I did listen to a little of the post game report, and you guys are right, it was a little critical of the Owls. (You have to admit--the Owls were not exactly potent in the first half.) The guy leading the postgame report tried to keep it balanced and positive. I would just chalk it up to frustration for a very good football program who just suffered through a pretty bad season. I've seen the Ooltewah people storm the field after a win and gather on the field a number of times. He probably doesn't realize that. Also, Ooltewah is in new territory. This is the first undefeated regular season team in almost 50 years. That first group of Ooltewah players had an undefeated season in their first few years--at least that is what one of them told me. Back in those days they didn't have playoffs--just a mythical champion, so we'll probably never know how good they were. All of the Ooltewah fans have a good reason to celebrate--it looks like they will enjoy that undefeated season at the hands of Soddy Daisy next week. Congratulations to the team and all of the Ooltewah parents and fans.

Well, I very likely could be underestimating the Owls, but if you want to be objective, most of the Owl fans are overstating their strengths, probably to a much greater degree than I am underestimating them. I still think they are a young team; I have had the opportunity to see them play, and they are not a dominating team. They have had some much better offensive teams in the past, and they have certainly had better defenses. The thing that is impressive about this team is that they are balanced--maybe not dominating on either side of the ball--but balanced and consistent. They don't make a lot of mistakes, and surprisingly, they are doing this with an awful lot of youth. If anything, I probably overestimated Oak Ridge. They are apparently weaker than I had imagined. Yes, that is possible, but you tell me... do you think that is going to happen? Science Hill will be trounced by Dobyns Bennett. Yes, pretty dominating, but is that because Ooltewah is really that good, or is it more because Oak Ridge is far weaker than anyone could have imagined?

It looks like these two regions are going to be pretty competitive with one another. This should be really exciting! Almost anything could happen as they square off with one another.

Congratulations to the Cavs. Another good season, during a rebuilding year. Good luck in the playoffs!

It looks like it will be this way for the playoffs (with predicted records after the final week of the regular season): Region One: Region Two: 1. Dobyns-Bennett (10-0) 4. William Blount (6-4) Region Two: Region One: 2. Farragut (7-3) 3. Bearden (7-3) Region One: Region Two: 2. Sevier County (8-2) 3. McMinn County (7-3) Region Two: Region One: 1. Ooltewah (10-0) 4. Science Hill (6-4)

Congratulations to Sevier County. Looks like you have sewn up the second seed in Region One. Great season!

I agree; this is just a down year. Every school will eventually run into one of these years. I fully expect Oak Ridge to be back next year with a vengence. They play a lot of young players and the experience they have gotten this year will go a long way to a very successful year next year. I believe Oak Ridge will be one of the main challengers in the region next year, and will be back in the playoffs.

I agree, if they are going to win this game, they must come in with an "attitude". If they don't, they will give life to an Oak Ridge program that is down and will be enjoying senior night. The old saying goes like this, "you let a team you are supposed to beat stick around and they will stick it to you." Oak Ridge will be no pushover for the Owls; the Cats are young as well, but they have some really good athletes, and they don't want to lose on their home field.

I'm talking about the rest of the state had no idea that Woods would be this consistent. From the couple of times I have had to see them play, I would agree that he probably should have started in front of his brother. Pretty big talk to say no one can run against their front seven. Riverdale is not "nobody." Ask McCallie.

Well, I'm not from either of these schools, and in fact did not attend hs in TN, but I know this, I wouldn't believe any rumor spreading around on here. It's like a gossip column. Best just to ignore these things and talk about football.

I would say you are right about how surprised Monroe probably is about this year. Most anyone with a head on their shoulders would not have predicted what we have seen this young Owl team do so far. I'm only saying that this is a young team; they are playing a traditional 5A power who is not as strong as normal and is fighting their playoff lives. Oak Ridge has much more to play for and they are at home. That is not to say Ooltewah does not have a lot to play for, but a little adversity may spell a little doom for a team as young as Ooltewah is. One thing they really do have going for them is a very cool-headed QB in Woods, who is maybe the biggest single surprise in 5A football this year. This is just an upset ripe for the making. That's all I'm saying.

lovehsfootball, you may be right and more power to the Owls if that is the case. I have coached sports for a number of years and I know a little about how young people respond. Hopefully, your Owls will have the maturity to play beyond youthful inconsistencies. If so, they will probably win; and I do believe that Ooltewah is getting a lot of respect they didn't get in the past because of coach Monroe. One has to admit that there were a couple of times this year against Cookeville, William Blount and Farragut, that these Owls looked like they were not going to pull it out. On the other hand, good teams win those close games, and no teams seem to go through a season playing it perfectly. Good luck to both teams!

If Lebanon is going to stay with Riverdale, they will have to score and score a lot. My best bet is Riverdale by 35-21.

Great game for middle TN. I would have picked an upset in this one, if the game was at Dickson County, but since it as at Franklin, I'll go with the favorites by 7.