bleachercoach

From what I was told Kingston was outplayed and outcoached. Did they not know that LA ran the option before they played them? The "new" offense must not have been clicking on all cylinders for Kingston. How many turnovers did Kingston have? Did hear that the QB for LA was outstanding. This definately puts a different face on the whole region. I believe this game will end up determining who will get that #4 spot for the playoffs. Puts alot of pressure on those yellow jackets to win out in the region. Sounds like Catholic is head and shoulders above everyone else and everyone else will be fighting for 2-4. This region could come down to the last week to settle the last remaining spots. What has TSSAA done? Made the toughest region even tougher!

BBallTN- you got one of the initials correct. It's D.A. Now you should know who I am! Gosh, it took you long enough! Sorry to hear about Cox. Goose- I'm in agreement with you about Johnson. Nobody can argue about his effort. Just wish the family member that continues to post on here didn't put so much pressure on him by making some of the statements that he/she has made. I believe Johnson will get better, but I also believe this will be a problem that will stay with him for the rest of the year. Teams are going to go after the ball everytime he runs it. As I'm sure Livingston has been practicing all week. Haven't seen Livingston play, but still think the secondary for Kingston will be exposed as their weakest link on the defensive side of the ball. I would be very surprised if Livingston was able to run on Kingston. I also think you will see Kingston open up their offense a little more this Friday night. Should be a good game. I've opted to go to the OS/Scott game, due to the drive. But will be wishing my old buddy RCPatriot and the Kingston team, my best. RCPatriot- yes, I'm an idiot! But, I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. Can you tell? I didn't mention my opinions on any of the coaches in the post!

"but we both love to see Kinston get beat" Why is that? Shouldn't you both be supporting all the county teams? I think that's a said statement! Keep your alligence to your alma mata, but why not pull for all the county teams when they aren't playing each other? By the way its Kingston, not "Kinston". Then again, maybe you were talking about Kinston, NC, and if you were, I'll retract my support statements.

BBALLTN, stick with the OR and Harriman post. And, for gosh sakes, stay off the TV!!! thumb Don't you have a car or two to sell?

Harriman in an upset! From the info I'm receiving, Kingston is looking towards Livingston. Harriman has too much speed for Kingston. If Goins is allowed time, and the receivers can catch (last year!), Kingston's secondary will get burnt all night. Could be a high scoring game. Of course, turnovers will be a key. I'll take Harriman in the upset by 8! Going to be a long season for those Yellow Jackets!!

how did the scrimmage go against Kingston? Any truth that Kingston tried to show a new offense (different from the same old predictable one), and it got stuffed? Heard Beardens defense was "flying" all over the place. Sounds like it's going to be an up year for Bearden this year.

AEroadrunner, In reply to your previous smack about Kingston's offensive line: It doesn't matter how big the hole is, you still have to hold on to the football. He didn't get all that yardage last year by himself! 1400 yds (?). Must have been a halfway decent line to get that much yardage. Mark it down. With no injuries, this will be the best line Kingston has had for some time. I think Kingston and A/C are the sleepers in this region. Maybe I should say, was.

I agree with Marshall and Lindsey. You would have to add Gulmire from OR also. Although, I believe OR is going to pass more this season, than they have in the past. What about Cobb from Fulton. Bet he'll get more carries this year than in the past. Watch out, train coming through!!

TMoney2006- If Johnson could hold onto the football he might be able to make a run at this title. The statement about a questionable line, give me a break. That questionable line gave Johnson the holes, sometimes cracks maybe, to run through. Two things Johnson needs to concentrate on this year; 1) learning how to be a team player and leader. It aint't about him. It's about the TEAM! 2) HOLD ON TO THE FOOTBALL!! Otherwise, he'll be another good football player that had the talent but nobody wanted his attitude, lack of work ethic, and ball handling skills. Of course, his current coach could do something about all of that, but won't.

You will get a better response with a written (typed) letter. If you start the letter out "Dear Coach", it will probably find the trash. Have all your information together regarding the school you are sending the letter to. Such as, coaches name, school address, team name (mascot), etc. Some coaches will reply with a letter and probably information on a camp they will be hosting. Others will just send the camp info., and some pass the info. along to the admissions office to reply. I would say that approx. 95% will reply, in some fashion, to a personally typed letter. You'll get approx. 50% response from an email and even less from a form letter.

region 1/2 had tryouts yesterday for the players that were at state. Which, by the way, was the fair thing to do, just shouldn't have been put off so late. I know, it was scheduled for last week and got rained out. CBG- do you mean that the players that had the tryout at CN should already know if they made the team or not? I know several players that are waiting to hear if they made the team or not before they make other showcase plans for that same weekend. Why not just post the names on the TBCA or TBR website? This way the players don't pass up another opportunity for a different showcase if they don't make the Worth showcase.

Has Duncan from Lenoir City signed anywhere?

Any unsigned 2005 senior college prospects?

Sam Cummings, Jason Eble- Harriman Charlie Seivers, A.J. Kirby- Webb Rob Catapano- Farragut Freshman- Pigeon Forge Larsen- Halls

Sam pitched a great game. Some timely hits by Harriman and a few miscues by Trousdale. Nice game Harriman. Keep it going!!!

CardinalFan, You are absolutely incorrect in that statement. I'm going to assume that you were joking!!! Loudon left their bats in Loudon. Thompson didn't have his stuff today. Loudon looked very nervous. Tonight should be interesting.

DL- you helped me make my point. Over half of the scouts are gone after Sat. Don't get me wrong, I think this showcase is a wonderful thing for TBCA to put on for these kids. Just think it can be tweaked somewhat. Heck, we all know that these kids have to pay $300-500 normally for a showcase, and most of those showcases don't get the attention from scouts as this one has. As I mentioned before, I think too many kids are getting left out that, because of their team not having a good year, or not having a coach that will promote them as he should, aren't going to make the team because of slots being filled from players still in the playoffs. pccoach- if a summer coach is worth his "salt" he wouldn't deny his players the opportunity to tryout or go to the tournament. Additionally, who is being punished more by over half the slots being filled from teams in the state tourn., or the ones that rip the cover off the ball at the tryouts and don't have a chance in #### making the team? As has been mentioned for the last several years. I've seen it happen the last 4 years myself. I've even seen kids make these showcases that don't tryout and their team isn't even in the state tournament. If these situations are going to continue, put the monkey on the H.S. coaches back and only take nominations, rather than giving these kids false hope that come to tryouts. As I mentioned above, this showcase is a great opportunity for these kids and TBCA should be applauded for their efforts. But, some changes need to be made. Either promote this showcase as an All Star team picked by the coaches based on nominations or season stats, or make everyone go through the same process to be invited. Such as tryouts. No exceptions. The current system is leaving too many gray areas.

no the tryout doesn't cost anything, nor does the showcase. Catsbackr, I completely agree with you on this one. I have also witnessed the same exact things you mentioned. My understanding of the purpose for the Worth showcase is to help these kids be seen by scouts. If that is the case, why would you allow freshman, or to be sophomores, a spot on the team. Make this a junior and senior only showcase. Now, if you are trying to put together an "allstar" team like the Sunbelt, that's a different story. I bet if you ask the scouts in attendence what they would prefer to see, they would tell you current juniors, and graduating seniors that haven't already committed to a college. I may make a note or two about a sophomore that stands out at the showcase, but I'm definitely not going to give him as much attention as I would a junior or graduating senior. Nor do I want to go and see kids that have already signed/committed to other programs, or kids that are already on the "radar". IMO, this is mainly an allstar game of players that most of us have already seen or heard about. Very few times has there been those "surprises" that we come to see. On the flip side, I have seen some kids that have had great seasons, and have "bad" outings that hurt them at this showcase.

Was out of town, but heard the Rockwood and Harriman game was a "nail biter"? Congrats to both teams for a great season. Good luck to both in the sub-state tomorrow. Hope to see everyone in Memphis!!

maybe wrong, but, I don't think players from teams still in the playoffs have to come and "sign-in". They only need for their coach to notify the coaches holding the tryout that they are interested and some stats for the coach to go on. Just my experience. May have changed. I have heard that there will be limited spots available. As is the case each year. "X" amount of spots will be left open for players from those that are currently in the playoffs. Which is always unfortunate because I believe they should all tryout. I suggest that they move the showcase after the H.S. season is over. This way everyone that is interested can tryout and the coaches choosing will be more apt to pick those that have good tryouts, versus those that are recommended by a coach and have seasonal stats that may influence the procedure. This argument has been here for yours and I doubt that this situation will change. Real shame for some of these kids that didn't make the playoffs, but are good enough to play in the showcase, and won't get the chance. Happens every year. Another suggestion would be to exclude those that make it to Memphis. Most of the same scouts will see them their and it will give those that are not getting much attention because they aren't on a Farragut or Halls, to be seen at MTSU. The Sunbelt teams can still be chosen like they have always been, and will be. Just think of how many more kids will get noticed with this kind of opportunity. Most of those going to Memphis have already been noticed, or will be. Food for thought.

I think it's funny how about 2 months ago, some of you same rockwood people were bashing coach lane because he wasn't practicing enough, was only thinking about going to Roane State to coach, giving up on the team because it was suppose to be a down year, etc. Now, he does what he has always done, and your back on the bandwagon! Some of you rockwood faithful were trying to run him out of town during the middle of the season because he was trying to better himself, career wise, by going back to school to get his masters's, and to possibly move on to coaching at the college level. The move to Roane State didn't work out for the immediate future, but don't be suprised if others aren't knocking on his door when he get's that masters in his hand. I predict that when that happens, some of you will be ready to 'hang' him again! David Lane, as has been already noted, is a good man and good teacher of the game. He has taken a program that was suppose to be having a down year, due to many underclassman having to step-up, and again, made Rockwood a contender. He is well known for teaching the mechanics of the game to each player on his team, not just the one's that can help immediately. He loves teaching the game and that is what set's him apart from other coaches in this area. He gives his heart and soul to the game and his players. I have known him for quite some time and have never known him to let the "doubters" bring him down. Actually, he thrives off of it. So, those of you that have "turncoated" and are now back on the Lane wagon, let this be a lesson to you. He really doesn't care if your with him or not. He's going to complete his mission, with you or without you. Best of luck to Coach Lane and Rockwood baseball!

As mr. rcpatriot has requested, I will move on. But, before I do, Mrs. "Coach", I have never been "malicious" as you say when speaking of your husband, personally, or from a coaching position. The statements I have made are justified based on what I have experienced throughtout the years when my son played for him and since that time. When a coach is making the same bad decisions year after year, and it is obviously not being looked at by the school administration, something needs to be done. Is it fair to those kids that are wanting to play ball at the next level, but aren't getting the instruction or the leadership to help them move to that next level? Alot of his players, past and present, have dedicated themselves to doing what ever it takes to getting to that next level. I don't think he has that same dedication. Mrs. "Coach", I apologize if I have hurt your feelings. My intentions are only to voice my opinion on your husbands coaching abilities and his dedication. Not to attack him personally. I appreciate, as I'm sure your husband does, your defense for him. I wouldn't expect anything less. I promise rcpatriot, now I'm moving on. Surely you have some thoughts you would like to share on this subject?

KHS142, some of your comments I would agree with, some I don't. Let me start by saying that I mainly look in this area for players that have the ability to play at the next level. I refer them to a couple of schools that have contracted me to "birddog" for them. I have made it no secret what I do, but do keep my identity disclosed only for professional reasons. To address my knowledge of Kingston baseball. Yes, I do know the "coach", and am, have been, and will be, critical of some of his decisions. As I have been with other coaches on here. I have walked in their/your shoes. I give my opinions, as well as your can. You can like them, or dislike them. That really doesn't matter to me. What does matter is the fact that the talent that this coach has been given is not, and has not, been elevated for those that aspire to play at the next level. I have seen him leave pitchers in far too long. As he apparently did at the district tournament. I do know that he changed a batting order that had worked for the last week of regular season play, in the first game against AC, that produced 2 hits. Am I a fan of his, obviously not. For many years I have watched the same things happen, that most coaches wouldn't get away with. I will say that some parents were of the opinion that he wasn't playing the LC game to win. I wasn't there, just heard those comments. Other than leaving the pitcher in for too long, I don't know where they justify those opinions. Just stating what I was told. You obviously don't appreciate the observations that I have made, or the comments from parents that I have relayed on this forum. I can respect that. I don't know where the hypocritical part is coming from, but that's alright also. I'm pretty thick skinned and would think Bruce is too. By the way, I graduated from Harriman H.S. in the mid-70's. Played a little college ball, A ball, coached at a JR. College, now semi-retired. Had two kids, girl and boy, play sports at Kingston. Yes, my son played for Bruce. Thought at that time he lacked the knowledge to teach and manage the game, and still do. Do I like him as a person, yes. Just don't think his intentions for coaching are what they should be at the h.s. level. I'm going to move on for now. Kingston's season is over. I'll be at the Rockwood/Harriman games this afternoon and will critique those coaches and athletes as well.

Sorry! I was at Farragut. Did I get bad information on the game last night?

Missed the game between LC and Kingston, and AC and Loudon. Spoke to a few parents from Kingston. All said that once again, coach left a pitcher in too long and it cost him. Actually, cost the team. Said the lefty did all he could do, but ran out of gas in the 5th inning. I believe it was 3-0 LC going into B6 when Kingston tied the game 3-3. LC pulls starter, Kingston opts to stay with obviously tired pitcher. Top of 8 LC hits solo homerun to go ahead. Kingston pulls pitcher. Kingston loses game. If the above is correct, why would you not pull the lefty when the game got tied 3-3? If my information is correct, Kingston still had Adams, Ashcraft, Gurney, and Piper, that they could have brought in to attempt to save the game. What ashame! Congrats to LC for advancing. Looks like Kingston got out coached for the second time in two nights! Shame on you Bruce.