Pudding

I don't hate private schools at all. I applaud you and wish all kids were as blessed as your children have been, to have the means, or have hard working parents such as yourself who make sacrifices. I wish I could have sent my daughter to a private school, but I had not the means or the ability to grasp at the opportunity. Regardless, I do not begrudge those that do. I can't blame them. The issue that I have is that you and I, and the entire state knows fuzzy math is used to allow Catholic to skate the edge of the rules with the athletic clasification, when you should be playing up with the other big boys in Private. Don't feed us how expensive it would be for you to travel in all sports. Public schools have scraped together and done it for years. I do applaud you for creating and growing this educational mecca (pun intended), but with the good comes the bad, and with the pluses there are minuses. When you become this juggernaut of education and facilities, somehow you are allowed to push back on the same natural progression with your sports programs. Should not every aspect of your school grow together, instead of you being allowed to push back in this one area, solely for trophies at a lower level. Assuredly the school uses it's finances to expand its academics, to become this "top 50 school". Does it not, can it not do the same for athletics. The Catholic leaders and coaches know a jump to the big Privates, would mean instant mediocrity in most every sport, especially football, and would result in a drop-off of athletes who want to come there, attending on someone else's dime and floating cash. So could Catholic put the funds into Athletics if they jumped over to D2: yes it can and it honestly you know there is already the money there for it, but yet, Catholic has chosen the easier path, the past of least resistance, big fish / little pond, the cowardly walk. So you know, the enemy of great is good. You guys chose to be good fish. You have all the means and tools to be striving to be great. Good fish.

"Cheating" is out of line. Is "Stacking the Deck" considered cheating?

Spot on, redzebra. Everything zebra said ^ I call BS on anyone saying Catholic can't afford the travel expenses. Come on, anyone who says that is just embarrassing themselves. Catholic is loaded. I've been there and seen the place. Compare that to the public county schools in the state driving 3 hours on an old school bus. Catholic is flat out scared to play in D2. The whole state is shaking their heads at your cowardice. I hope no public schools will play you unless they are required to due to being in the same region or conference or whatever. I hope you guys have to drive to Memphis to find an out of conference game. I'm sure it will be on your big private buses and maybe you can get the pope to chip in for the meals. SMH I'm not drinking Q's kool-aid either. The TSSAA has not exactly been known for being mistake free. You should be forced to go D2 in every sport. Stop trying to justify your position, and stop and think about the public schools that have buckets scattered throughout the inside of the school when it rains, that have to play you all. Those kids can't help that they have not been born into, or given the opportunity to attend the big private school. Wow, you just aren't going to get it.

I completely agree, DandDD. You stated this better than I probably did. I tend to be, well blunt. But hey, I thought you were a Volunteer Falcon fan.

Agreed. The dark Knight is wise.

Sshsfan, no I wasn't at the GreeEville game. I saw that one coming and went to watch Boone Friday. So, if you are correct, and I suspect you are, the South coaches are a bunch of children. To hold a kid in bad graces, over something that happened lady year, is so darn shallow and childish. If they allowed the kid back on the team, he should be given equal opportunity to compete. I hope 'holding grudges' isn't a life lesson they are teaching their boys. That's just weak. These guys would cut off their nose to spite their face. Well at least all the favorite sons are playing, huh? Wow, I have to say, I expected to get slammed for my last post. I expected someone to 'put me in my place' and tell me how off base I am. Maybe even compare me to WacoJacko, whoever. I guess old Puddin' struck oil. I asked a buddy who has a kid that plays, SR who doesn't get on the field much, why on earth their AD doesn't step in to end the petty favoritism and generally apathetic manner of the head coach in dealing with these problems. Please, I know this isn't all the coaches. I am told there's a couple goodin's, but they are not given much of a voice. I asked him why on earth would they not ask previous OC Jordan to come back and call the plays at least, and demote the OC to freshman team extra point holder coach or something. His response, "Thick as thieves, they are over there." There you have it. I truly hate to see this for the Rebs. You were great to watch in the past.

Not going to get into all that racial bs that bluedevil threw in there. I am of mixed race and consider myself black when I have to check one of those stupid boxes. I am one that hates the racial stereotypes. I know you did not mean it in a negative manner, Mr. bluedevil, I'm just not getting into it. As far as the original conversations about Sullivan County: The Central program was killed years ago and is beyond bringing back. From a previous basketball coach who highly discouraged his players from playing football (shades of Warren, and Buck at DB). A lot of coaching changes, including a middle school coach... not good for the program and keeping players in Blountville. East ebbs and flows, with average talent. They are a bit of an anomaly to me. They tend to swing up and down as much as any area school, from playoff good to will-they-win-a-game bad. A ton of coaching changes hasn't helped. North competes well at their level and yes, Norris has found a boring offense that wins games until he gets far into the playoffs. If they were across the state line they'd be world beaters in Virginia. SW Virginia schools are very similar in offensive approach from what I've seen. That being said, he finds wins. Norris should be the new school HC and be able to pick his staff. South on the other hand has had a ton of talent since around 2004, with a few seasons where it was slim. I don't care what you say, Talent will win games. They always managed to have 2 or 3 good classes there at a time as well. That's huge. Carter was no Saben when he was at South. He just had a ton of talent, and knew it was dropping off a cliff when to got out. Now at Science Hill, he once again has a lot of talent. Heck, almost anyone could have coached those 2007-2009 South teams and won. Mucho talent. The perfect storm has hit Sullivan South right now. They started season with a two lesser and thinner upper classes and depended on the sophomores at a lot of skill positions. There are some talented players in each class, just not many except the sophomores, in my opinion. The freshman class won't help, and the undefeated middle school team, we shall see. Heard they are small. Then come the injuries: the Jr quarterback who was 90% of the offense and the offensive coach ran him like he was 220lb Curt Phillips, both LB/Full Backs (only running back is the Ford kid that returns kickoffs and the Offensive coach hasn't played), the soph safety with a broken arm, then the two sr WRs who honestly have dropped as many as caught. To be fair, the little sophomore receivers have dropped a ton of balls too, every game. Stack on top of that, two coordinators who will not switch out their players and try different players. If a kid is being picked on every single week for at least 2 long td passes, well just keep doing what your doing I guess. - Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Why on earth are they not playing the sr Ford kid at running back and cornerback, that ran back the kickoff and runs hard when he gets to play at the end of games. Not playing your best players? What's up with that you wonder? How long should a coach go when there is zero pocket time for the quarterback? Is there no one that can block for a few seconds? How long do you stay on the same path when no one seems to be able to even tackle. Word is, the offensive play calling coach is way above his head. Is Hayne calling the shots, lineups, plays? I have no allegiance or tie to any local school so I have no issue spreading rumors I hear. Rumor is OC plays his favs and family favs, and Haynie does nothing to curb it, even after another coach called him out on it (another reason to hire Norris at the new school). hmmm, interesting, huh? Then again, I may be full of crapola, and you are welcom to call me out on it and tell me I am wrong. I could be full of it. Then again...

Wow, I expected a little better game. Congrats Devils.

Falcon faithful, this could be the year for you vs Sullivan South, imo. They're young, have a few key injuries, and have THE worst, most predictable play calling I have ever witnessed. The current Reb staff has killed South football. I hate to see such a rich tradition die. If this staff had been at Church Hill, you guys would have ran them off already. Haha

I only used part of your quote. I dont want to spend three hours reading your all's long posts. But, FridayNightLights is correct. A muffed punt, just like a muffed kickoff, that goes back into the receiving team's endzone in high school ball, is a Touchback. Should have been DB ball on the 20, not 6 pts for Oak Ridge. I know it looks odd because the punt was muffed and knocked backwards so far, but the kick was never possessed by the receiving team. The Oak Ridge zebras just missed it. #truth&a2014handmedownrulebook.

I really hate to hear this. He is a tough kid and carried a lot if the Indian hopes.

Exciting game. Enjoyed my annual visit to J Fred. Glad I picked this one over SH game. I admit, I was surprised as many were. I thought the Indians were better than this. And ponder this: what would you all do without the qb carrying everyone?

Low scoring? Sevier County will score 50.

Closer game than expected, is my prediction. DB by 14, but it will be a late td to put it at 14.

Mo East by 17.

On the positive tip, how can South turn it around? How did the "lost sophomores" as it was put, do in 7 on 7 this summer?

sshsfan, you are a gentleman. That's a very generous statement. No way any changes will be made in regard to who is calling the plays though. Good ole boys system. jhilts, you're correct as well. From what I hear, if it weren't for the Rebel QB making plays with his feet, they might have been under 100 yards total offense at TN High on Friday. Did any of the WRs have a catch? I heard there was a bunch of drops, mostly the seniors as well.. Then it was dive, dive, dive. Why on earth don't they get Curt Phillips to come in and call the offense? I heard he is back in the area.

blazer, this is by far the worst coaching ever at South too. Gotta keep that in mind. The South coaches are just coasting until the school closes because the new school will have North's Norris at the helm. The play calling is horrible. Middle school football. Even with 3 or 4 more years of South left, they need someone else calling the plays to give their young kids coming up a chance. #middleschoolplaycalling

Wow, what a game! So glad I chose to attend this one this week. Very hard played game. Congrats to players on both teams. I've seen this matchup 2 years in a row now, and I still believe SH has the more athletic team, but Elizabethton is tough and won't back up. It's a good thing for Carter that he has had better athletes at SH and also when he coached at South, because Witten would outcoach him if the teams were dead even in talent. Hope there were no big injuries and good luck to both teams next week.

Ok, I said I wouldn't go see the Rebels after watching their scrimmage in Bloomingdale. But I broke down and went, expecting a backyard battle that these teams have had thought the recent history. Not my best choice. My observations: 1) Wow, the tiny corners need to get a lot better, fast. 2) The South defensive front did not play well. Gotta disagree with mr crawdad on that. The big Boone qb had all kinds of time to throw to the wide open wideouts. When the qb tan a draw or scrambled, it looked like the red Sea parting. Mo pressure. They did stop the run, comin right at them; I will give then that. ILBs played well imo. 3) May be the worst high school play calling I've seen for any school this level. What on earth happened to the old South offense? Hey Coach Hayney , Jenkins knows you are about to run the dive for the 60th time. Middle school play book. 4) Jenkins obviously was well prepped for this South team. Packing it in and daring them to throw on single coverage. But Reb coach keeps running that dive, right into Boones strength. Flats woups have been open. Slant and corner routes would have been wide open. 5) South did not contain on the ends or corners. Ends were hooked by OL anytime the Boonies wanted to go around end. What are you guys teaching now? Lol 6) South O line has to give the qb a pocket. QB scrambling elimitates two of the four WRs. Only two routes to consider on the scramble. 7) Boone WRs did a great job blowing by the tiny corners and making the catch and securing the ball. Where was the Reb safety = no help. 8) South can't tackle very well, especially dbs. 9) The Gray folks I sat with were very polite. A lot of sportsmanship shown by both sides that I saw. 10) South food was good. I had a burger and that carmelcorn. Yum. Boone, dont start thinking you are better them you are. Keep working from an underdogs position. South needs to work on a lot. They need to switch up the defensive lineup. They need to find a new guy to call plays. Honestly, go find one now.

Ok, I said I wouldn't go see the Rebels after watching their scrimmage in Bloomingdale. But I broke down and went, expecting a backyard battle that these teams have had thought the recent history. Not my best choice. My observations: 1) Wow, the tiny Rebel corners need to get a lot better, fast. 2) The South defensive front did not play well. Gotta disagree with mr crawdad on that. The big Boone qb had all kinds of time to throw to the wide open wideouts. When the qb ran a draw or scrambled, it looked like the Red Sea parting. No pressure. They did stop the run, comin right at them; I will give then that. ILBs played well imo. 3) May be the worst high school play calling I've seen for any school this level. What on earth happened to the old South offense? Hey Coach Hayney , Jenkins knows you are about to run the dive for the 60th time. Middle school play book. 4) Jenkins obviously was well prepped for this South team. Packing it in and daring them to throw on single coverage. But Reb coach keeps running that dive, right into Boones strength. Flats woups have been open. Slant and corner routes would have been wide open. 5) South did not contain on the ends or corners. Ends were hooked by OL anytime the Boonies wanted to go around end. What are you guys teaching now? Lol 6) South O line has to give the qb a pocket. QB scrambling elimitates two of the four WRs. Only two routes to consider on the scramble. 7) Boone WRs did a great job blowing by the tiny corners and making the catch and securing the ball. Where was the Reb safety = no help. 8) South can't tackle very well, especially dbs. 9) The Gray folks I sat with were very polite. A lot of sportsmanship shown by both sides that I saw. 10) South food was good. I had a burger and that carmelcorn. Yum. Boone, dont start thinking you are better them you are. Keep working from an underdogs position. South needs to work on a lot. They need to switch up the defensive lineup. They need to find a new guy to call plays. Honestly, go find one now.

Gunner, im not a "Raider fan". sshsfan, I've never been a Rebel homer either. I have no ties to this area or any schools. I admit I have followed South closer since the Phillips days and for several years after. They were so wide open and fun to watch. North was just run left, run right, and I didn't watch so much. I try to watch the matchups that interest me. So, sshsfan, I haven't given up on anyone. It's your team. I do wish they played a lot more downfield, and I wish the Rebs coaches hadn't found Gate City's playbook. Yawn. My poorly worded thoughts, were not abut the kids, make no mistake there. They were an observation of of the coaching. I'm told there's a ton of talent there. Just not being used it seems. I do wish the Rebs and Raiders a good 2016. I just don't think I want to attend their games and watch, as I said, Gate City.

Got me Pal's and stopped by after work to see the Rebels scrimmage the Golden Raiders. No doubt in this old geeser's mind who should be coaching the new Sullivan County school when built. The Raiders laid the wood to the Rebs. Norris outcoached the Rebs, big time. Does Upward have football now? Wow, how the schemes at South have fallen off the table. Worst play calling and execution in the history of the school. The Raiders running and throwing and three steps ahead of the Rebs all night. Congrats Raiders. Congrats in finding another gear as the writing is on the wall for schools combining. The South coaches seem to be just giving up. As I plan out my Friday nights this year, doubt I'll make it over to see the Pactolus boys.

I've heard more than one person state, you guys need to find a RB or two. With that said, how is your receiving corp looking? WRs senors or do you have any rising juniors or sophomores that are expected to be players at some point? I can't remember, do you guys throw to a TE? If so, do you have any in the system that are promising? I can't wait for the season to get going.

True, blazer. You also might want to point out that South completely held out their QB who was the bulk of the South offense in the past year, South had several players still in baseball, soccer, etc, and a large percentage of the starters in this scrimmage were still freshman (sophomores in the fall). Plus, Coach Clark nor Coach Haynie are trying to "win" anything. They are experimenting and trying to implement what they've been working in a live situation. Soooo, woo hoo Kingsport won. Assuredly there must be a >.500 season in the cards for 2016. Maryville is getting nervous.