Zmann

avidfan - maybe Collierville didn't choke as much as Halls peaked at tournament time. They had the PR going into the tournament and the Memphis Press even stated there was anticipation to see Farragut in the finals because Collierville had a "good draw" with the other teams in their pool. They had a great record and beat some very good teams ... but not when it really counted! They sure did leave a lot of folks wondering if West Tennessee baseball was that bad or East Tennessee baseball was that good! Maybe the image that the East Tennessee teams had for the West TN teams has been tarnished quite a bit the last few years with Farragut and now Halls joining them in shutting them down ... Munford, Germantown, Collierville. It looks like East TN teams are trying to (and succeeding) in elevating their game to Farragut's level. Best of luck ... its easier said than done ... Coach Pharr is a Class Act with few peers.

Not at all ... I'm a fan of Polston's (he's done terrific with that team!) ... just calling them as I see them. Halls hasn't played as good as some in the tournament ... just a little better than the ones they played. Farragut and Munford have played better ... didn't you see the last game between Halls and McGavock? Halls won because their errors didn't lead to as many runs as McGavock. But that's baseball. Why do you think there's all this uproar over pool play at state, region and district formats?

Hey folks let's not forget ... did anyone predict Halls, of all teams, being here this year? I can't imagine. It should show you that numerous factors go into getting this far ... and talent is just one. Coaching, fundamentals, dedication, LUCK, practice, enthusiasm, motivation, selflessness, etc. You never know ... on any given day when a kid has is best stuff he could be unbeatable ... any kid. It's what makes high school ball at any level great! I'd like to think Halls has set a great example for other teams next year.

sure - Farragut - were you serious??

There are are number of factors that worked in favor of both teams getting to the finals. Halls is not as good as Munford - period. Anybaseball person can see that. The draw Halls received was favorable. Farragut's pitching depth and defense got them to the finals over a very tough Munford team (twice). South Doyle, Maryville and Dobyns B. could just as easily been in Halls place but their coach led them thru the regional and state minefield expertly. Baseball is a game of inches ... let's appreciate the game for what it is. Root for your team but respect the individual strengths and fortunes of both these finalists.

we're lovin' ya OPP!

... like I said ...

JohnnyK - I love your enthusiasm for your team, and yes, the outlook is bright for Halls next year. But let's be realistic this year. Farragut still has to beat (again) another strong Munford team ... arguably the second best team in the tournament. It will and will still be able to come back and handle Halls, hopefully they won't be too overconfident having pasted them in the past both at Halls and at Farragut. Halls will have lots of enthusiasm and hopefully will be there for the Admirals. You want folks to agree with you that Halls will be here again next year? Some will but I bet you hear Kingsport DB, So Doyle, Science Hill, Oakland, Riverdale, Houston, Munford, Colliersville, and Germantown more. These last 5 or 6 teams have built a tradition of competing at the state level and year in and out they are usually here. Best examples are Oakland and Farragut. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but Admirals were runners up in 98, 99, 01, 02, champs in 03, and a strong candidate for 04 champs. (Still were region champs in 00.) Somehow I get the feeling you're gonna see them again next year as you suggest ... they have a tradition of excellence. It's always amusing to hear fans state "wait til next year". It usually means they lost this year. Enjoy this tournament - Halls has gone way beyond their (and obviously your)wildest dreams - Polston deserves Coach of the Year no matter what happens from now on.

Everybody CHILL ... its McCallie all the way ... they even played Farragut tough

It won't be too much different if Larsen "waits" and pitches against Farragut. If it does happen, and Farragut stomps them again, Halls fans will just say he was tired after his great outing on Wednesday. Don't forget, Waldrop is "waiting" for the Saturday night game as well. Hall's offense is no match for Farragut's and even its best pitcher is no match for Farragut. Farragut has the team to match up well against some of the best JC teams in Tennessee. If Farragut doesn't score a lot of runs its not good pitching against them ... its the fact they're probably so tired from hitting so much up till then! Now, you gotta figure Halls will be playing Collierville again Friday. They don't have the pitching depth to win without either Larsen or Lockwood. So look for either one of them to be needed. In which they won't have much left for the championship game if they get to it. I really hope they do. Polston has done a terrific job this year (especially during tournament time) and, even if they don't win a state championship, should strongly be considered for AAA Coach of the year. They got to State more because of his coaching skills than his players' skills.

Opperman - you're going above and beyond ... thanks for all the info from Sowell and Gagliano ... we realy appreciate you!

looks to me like an all knoxville final ... Halls vs. Farragut Halls - 2 Farragut 11 (see how they fared in previous meetings)

I've seen both Price and Waldrop ... how anyone can say Waldrop's "probably not as good" is beyond me. Yes, I'd want them both on my team but it appears when things are clutch and consistency is always at a premium you're going to go with the stats, performance, and work ethic of Waldrop ... if you look beyond just having a live arm.