VolViking

The Top 4 would have been set if Jefferson Co. had beat Sevier Co. as expected. That would have secured bids for KDB, CC, JC & Karns. However, due to the upset the Smokey Bears are still alive, and with wins over Bearden & South Doyle, they could knock Jefferson Co. out. BUT if the Cougars lose BOTH of their last 2 games, and Jeff Co & Sevier Co win out, the whole mess goes to a complex tie-breaker system. Simply put, the Cougars MUST win one of their final two games to be secure or hope that Jeff Co or SC slip against Bearden or a fired up South-Doyle team. Of course an upset of the Tribe this Friday and the Cougars would be poised to be the #1 seed!

Not only is this going to be a great event because of the magnitude of the game itself, but it is also going to be special because of two class programs battling it out for the Region 1 5A championship. This is my rookie season on CoachT (usually a VolQuest or Gridscape poster), but I must say of all of the good interaction among the fans of the respective schools, the "Tribe" fans are the class act. Not to sound too sentimental, but this game has the story-line of a Rocky movie. The #1 team in the State playing the underdog of underdogs. Nobody outside of the Cougar Nation is even giving Campbell Co. a chance to even stay close in this contest between a perennial state power and the usual cellar dweller of the region. However, those of us who know the young men that make up this special Cougar team BELIEVES in them. Even more importantly, the Cougars believe in themselves. Will the Cougars have an answer for the potent offensive attack of the Indians? Will the ONE HEARTBEAT of the Cougars be enough to overcome the 78+ roster depth of the powerful #1 team in the State? Do the Cougars have enough left to "go one more round"? Only time will tell . . . BTW, in regard to the humorous comments about the Cougar's sprinkler system, it appears a Higher Order may be taking care of the field - it has been pouring rain tonight and the forecast calls for 80% tomorrow and more the rest of the week. I'm glad I have my BIG ORANGE poncho!

Thank you for your kind comments regarding the up & coming Cougars. The link to the Tribe's sports information is also appreciated. Our Cougars may be huge underdogs this week, but we'll be there in force to cheer these valiant gridiron warriors on!

If you like Mexican food, you really need to try El Publitos (sp?). It is located less than 5 minutes from the high school, has excellent food, moderately priced and fast service. As far as the game info, CCReceiver08 summed it up pretty good. The Cougars offense has really developed into a double threat. If the opposing D stacks the box to stop Chris Johnson, we utilize the passing attack with a very good group of receivers led by Josh Allen and Eric Summers.

Whoa there CougarAlum. If memory serves me correctly, there was a coaching merry-go-around happening at the time Marlow transferred. Perhaps I am wrong, but we need to welcome any and all Cougar fans to the fold. Let by-gones be by-gones and let's ALL get behind the young men & coaching staff who is making OUR community & alma mater proud! Win, lose or draw, these Cougars have done so much - let's enjoy it!

Wrong again Mav. The Cougars hosted West in a pre-season scrimmage and the West D couldn't contain Chris Johnson or move much against the Cougar D. Granted it was only preseason, but the Cougars did match up very well with West.

I like your thinking ChrisB5+, but how are the Cougars already in if the scenario as JC4 describes plays out? The loss by Jeff Co to Sevier Co messed up a solid lock for the Cougars since Jeff Co. owns the tie-breaker over the Cougars. Please explain how the Cougars are already in? Thanks!

Good comparison on EARLY season action Mav. Now about about some RECENT "connect the dots". Jeff Co beat the Cougars EARLY 35-0. HOWEVER, the Cougars beat Sevier Co. AT SC by 8-0 RECENTLY. Sevier Co. beats Jeff Co. 38-21 at Jeff Co LAST WEEK. Kingsport DB beat Jeff Co. 14-3. Now taking in consideration the RECENT action and the equation for improvement, how do you connect the dots now Mav?

I have been thinking all week-end that the Cougars had secured a play-off berth after their victory at Science Hill. However, after taking into consideration Jefferson Co.'s loss to Sevier Co., it appears there are still 5 teams competing for the 4 slots. The Cougars finish up against Kingsport Dobyns Bennett and at Karns, while Jeff Co & Sevier Co.'s final 2 games are against South Doyle & Bearden. Someone correct if I am wrong, but a Cougar win in either game OR an upset loss by Jeff Co or Sevier Co locks up a playoff berth for the Cougars. If all 3 teams end up at 4-3, a tie-breaker will be imposed where Jeff Co. holds the edge over CC, Sevier Co. over Jeff Co. and CC over SC. Could get very nerve-racking. Karns is the wildcard having to play at Science Hill Friday and then host the Cougars for the regular season finale. The Cougars SIMPLY need to beat the Tribe and lock down the #1 seed Friday!

JKar, I was guilty of proclaiming the Cougar DEFENSE would not give up 28 points. Your were right and I was wrong. Crow isn't so bad with lots of ssalt & ketchup. However, I must point out 1 TD was a very long punt return and another came after Campbell Co. fumble a Kickoff, giving the Hilltoppers the ball on the Cougar 15. To answer a question from another poster asking if Campbell Co. is one dimensional, QB Brance Stiner was unofficially 18 of 26 for 234 and 3 TDs. Chris Johnson rushed 15 times for 91 yards and 2 TDs, again unofficial.

A Maverick & Beaver teaming up . . . that is priceless!

My guess is that Nick Lane, a 5'8 189 Jr. will step in some at LB. He has been on the field alot this year, either at LB or DB.

The Cougars HAD a potent attack until QB Brance Stiner received an injury to his throwing hand in the Science Hill game. They have some very good receivers and Sr. MLB Brian Slover will step in at QB against the Indians.

Larry Napier is getting better every game and will definitely put the pads to a ballcarrier. Oscar Byrge is in the PrepXtra Top 10 in tackles. Will have to look over the depth chart to see who the other possible LB may be, because I don't think Napier has played LB all year. Against KDB, the Cougars may play some nickel and they do have some headhunters in the secondary.

Campbell Co. (4-1) has already clinched because they own the tie-breakers vs. Sevier Co. (2-3), Science Hill and the rest. Jeff Co. (2-3) appears to be the bubble team needing help with a Sevier Co. loss because the tie-breaker goes to Sevier Co. The way I understand it, if CC, JC and SC all end up 4-3, the Cougars & Bears will be going to the dance. Hopefully someone with more knowledge of the playoff scenarios will chime in, because I am not absolutely certain.

It would be easy to pick Kingsport Dobyns Bennett in a rout considering the football history of the respective schools. But there is an intangible that keeps working Campbell Co.'s way this year. Plus it will be Senior night, and barring horrible weather, the stands will be packed to see if the Cougars' special season has one more surprise left. KDB high-powered passing offense vs. the stingy Cougar defense is the major key to this game. IF the Cougars defensive front can get pressure on the KDB QB, who knows? Too many unanswered questions at this point to really make a prediction. How will the Cougars respond to achieving their first ever winning season & play-off berth? Are the Cougars content? Will QB Brian Slover be able to keep the Cougar passing attack hot and at the same time maintain his high level of play in his vital role in the Cougar D? Will the Cougars be in awe of #1 ranked KDB and think they are defeated before the ball is even kicked-off? Will the Cougars be able to shake off the bangs & bruises from the games so far to be in a position for a possible upset? So many of the Cougars have to play ironman ball, it wears on them, but they keep responding in a way that few would think possible. I see the Cougars bringing their "us against the world", ONE HEARTBEAT mentality to this game and being ready to compete. This team plays with such heart and intensity, that anything is possible.

You are correct JC4Life. Jeff Co. needs help with a Sevier Co. loss to either South-Doyle or Bearden to break in the Top 4. After that, Jeff Co can move up in seedings with the Cougars losing their last 2 games. That would drop Campbell Co. down to the 4th seed, Jeff Co. 3 with Karn #2 and KDB #1.

Brian Slover has had that limp all season long, dating back to a pre-season scrimmage vs. Knox West. However, the kid keeps making the plays, exhibiting great leadership & bringing a strong intensity to the game. An absolutely wonderful role model for the younger middle school and little league players.

Actually we can show our excitement & composure at the same time. However, the "guru" started the smack talk, so we responded accordingly. Thanks for yur esteemed opinion there Mav . . . I would think you guys may have more to worry about than if CC fans can show class.

H.SchoolFootballIdiot, with each stroke of your keyboard, you continue to show your complete ignorance of the Campbell Co. football team. ***holes like you spout off about the Cougars not beating a worthwhile team. How about Sevier Co.? Did they not take it to Jeff Co., possibly eliminating the Patriots from the playoffs? Bottom line is the Cougars are in the playoffs - live with it. If you don't like our excitement, then after you get through with kissing your own ***, you came come on up to CC and pucker up! As far as your "old alumni friend" saying the calls went against the Hilltoppers, he must have the same type of vision the horrendous officials have. That was the worst, most one-sided called game that I have ever seen, and I have watched quite a bit of football. The Cougars recovered an obvious on-sides kick that was negated by an officials call, had a TD called back, had a 20 yd run by Johnson inside the 'Topper 5 called back, had an obvious 2 pt conversion negated, etc. What was most astounding, the side judge ruled the 2-pt conversion good, but the fat*** referee, who was behind the offense, cugged in and overruled him. The worst officiating ever. Now, don't you need to get busy kissing yourself all over!?!

If any player can step in and help the Cougars maintain their momentum, it would be Brian Slover. He is a multi-talented athlete who played QB much of last season. The young man has faced his share of adversity, losing his strongly supportive father to cancer a few months ago. He is very resilient and a strong team leader on both sides of the ball. How will he respond to having to go back to iron-man ball? Very well IMHO. He has a rocket for an arm and plays the game with an intensity not seen since Pete Rose was on the baseball diamond. He is listed in the Top 10 tacklers in the PrepXtra standings, so I can't say how having to play full-time QB will affect his overall level of play. However, if anyone can respond to this challenge, it would be Brian Slover.

Campbell Co. QB Brance Stiner broke the thubm (misspelled intentionally so the little green thumbs up guy doesn't pop up) on his throwing hand last night vs. Science Hill. According to his father, he will be out for the season as far as QB play goes. He may be able to play some DB in the regular season finale at Karns. Stiner is a major reason for the Cougars' unexpected (by non-Cougar fans) success this season. Last night was his best outing of the season, rallying the Cougars from an 18 point deficit late in the 3rd quarter by throwing missles to Josh Allen & Eric Summers, 2 TDs to Allen in the 4th. Of course the credit for the team's success is a true team effort. The Cougars are indeed playing with ONE HEARTBEAT.

So ALL the Cougars have to do is beat Dobyns Bennett next week in the Cougars' final home regular season game. I notice in the stats that KDB has a fierce passing attack, but does not appear to be a strong rushing team. What is the story there?

I am afraid it is his throwing hand, but not completely sure with all of the hoopla of the come-from-behind victory. He did not seem to be in much pain, but he did have it wrapped. I will speak with his parents later today and post an update. possumcop, I can't remember if it was you or JKar that said it, but the statement that "all homecooking is not in the kitchen" was right on in this game. Worst officiating I have ever witnessed.

ChrisBurr555555, I love your seedings, but the Cougars will have to play the game of their football lives to compete with Kingsport Dobyns Bennett. The Cougars overcame the worst officiating I have ever witnessed at any level in over 35 years of watching football to earn a come-from-behind victory at Science Hill. The physical game took its toll on the valiant Cougars with Soph QB Brance Stiner suffering a fractured hand. His status is unknown at this time. Other Cougars were bleeding, bruised and sore after this slobber-knocker of a game. It is interesting that Sevier Co. and Jefferson Co. each close out their season with Bearden and South Doyle. If I understand it correctly, with Sevier Co. winnning out, they will bump Jefferson Co. out of the playoffs.