realredpride

The game calling wasn't that bad, not like last week. We made mistakes, and they did not. I do think we were the better team but not on this night. We made too many mistakes, and they made very few. Both teams were of championship caliber.

rumor mill: Gaddis has been contacted by three different shools with openings. I hope the community wants to keep him here. No, we didn't make it to state, but we are growing each year. I think two years in the semi-finals is quite an accomplishment in just four years. Are we ready to let him go? I, for one, hope not.

Great game. I wish it could have turned out the other way, but congratulations to the Panthers. Now go get Maryville. Patriot players, especially seniors, and coaches, I am so proud of you. I know how you must hurt, but hold your heads high. You are still the greatest in my book.

Are your ready for some BIG RED FOOTBALL? I'm leaving for the game now, and I am a basket case. I hope we do this. Either way, I am proud to be associated with Henry County football. I'm ready to be part of the twelfth man team.

I'm not trying to be argumentative or a smart alec. I don't think our pregame activities make us look like rednecks. I think they just show how much we support our team. It is great to be in a one-high-school community where almost everyone gets behind the team. I do hate it when we get on here and talk about how we are going to beat a team that we have never played. I want to win as much as anyone (you just have to trust me on that), but we never know until the game is played. It's almost like being a little kid and being afraid to say something because you might jinx it. I can't even say st..... cham......! Go Big Red! No matter what happens, I am proud of our team and proud to live in Henry Co. There are lots of great people here.

It lasted too long (don't want a delay of game penalty) and seemed to fire up Melrose more than HC. There is a possibility of a fireworks show after the game (hopefully).

No pregame fireworks! That's a certainty.

I, for one, hope all of Maplewood thinks about us like these posters do. Keep on thinking we are not worthy to be on the field with you. Keep on thinking we can't stop your offense or score on your defense. You keep thinking like that, and you will be thinking while we play for another week.

I have kept very quiet lately because I live in the present (unlike some of our fellow posters). That is not a criticism of them. I just have always had a hard time predicting a win or a loss. The game can go any way on any given night; just look at some of the college games lately. I also think I am more nervous about games than most people (I believe you, prophet, and Yanker may be the only ones who understand that about me). I have seen Maplewood and have tremendous respect for their talent. They are big and fast. I also think we have an OUTSTANDING team. I think (nothing against the other coaches) that we are an extremely well-coached team with one of the best coaching staffs around anywhere. I think this year's team believes in themselves, not because they are cocky but because they work so hard and have managed, with one exception, to pull themselves out of any adversity to win and to dominate on many occasions. I want this badly. I would love to win Friday night and have a chance to watch this bunch go to state. GO BIG RED!

Hey, Yanker! Again, I am sure you have had to decline the helicopter offer. You and your dad travel safely. Do you know anything about Maplewood? (Boski, I am asking Yanker, not you).

Remember, this cockiness is not team members or coaches.

I know that the two head coaches get along well and have respect for each other. I know the Melrose players and the HC players were very respectful to each other after the game. It was great to see Lamar and one of their players hugging at the end. I know I have fun at Melrose and just take the wayward smoke, key holding, and taunting as part of the fun of the atmosphere. I hope a couple of bad apples on both sides don't ruin this up-until-now friendly rivalry. I do know that the worst call of the game was the one Red Warrior described. I read the Commercial Appeal where someone says the tape should be reviewed. My understanding (who knows? it could just be a rumor) is that it is going to be, but for that bad call against HC not for any whining by a couple of Melrose fans. And, yes, it was a neutral group. Concerning the horns, there is no rule about artificial noisemakers, including bands, in the TSSAA rule book. It is up to the referees. If one is stopped, all should be stopped. Someone complained about the stands being too small (I think they said not like the ones in Memphis). I apologize if you were uncomfortable, but the fans have no control over that. Besides, most Memphis teams bring no one. I think Egypt had about ten people and Fairly had maybe twenty plus band. This game is over. We need to worry about Maplewood and get ready for them. If any Melrose fan was mistreated by an HC fan, don't hold it against all of us. We are good people.

I have tremendous respect for Maplewood and what their coach has done in turning the program around. I know they are big, strong, and fast (yes, I have seen them). However, Henry Co. has the same. Just a few years ago they were everybody's homecoming. Now they are going into the semi-finals for a second year in a row. Either team can win this game. No matter how much mouthing we do on here, our team will respect Maplewood. GO BIG RED!

I reckon it is. Let me guess, your team will be sitting at home this Friday night, huh?

A speechless Yanker? It can't be. I am amazed by two things: you on here on Saturday and your prediction. I have seen the film. The lateral call was a close one, but the guy who got it fell completely to the ground. This isn't the pros. The ball should have been dead there. So in the real world, you were right on the money. Did your dad have a good time? Will you be back Friday?

Just read the previous posts.

Way to go Henry Co. I am so proud of you. Thanks for your support, VG. I hope you and your dad had a good time, Yanker.

Congratulations, Maplewood. I guess Hillsboro can stop running its mouth about what they will do to Henry Co. this year.

I'm not shooting any messenger, here. I hope we win. I know how good Melrose is. I think they have the motivational factor that we scored 35 points on them at the Mound last year. Nobody does that. I think their defense has improved over last year; it is basically the same guys. I think our offense has improved more than their defense has, though. However, everybody says defense wins games. I just hope for the victory. We will treat our visitors with respect as we were treated at the Mound. GO BIG RED!

Thanks, Golfendude. We have our hands full tonight. In Melrose's last seven games, they have outscored their opponents 226 - 12. I'm really nervous.

Hey, Drew, Did you read in the paper where the Melrose fan called in to a talk show complaining about our pre-game, how we were showing off, over the top, etc.? He then said Melrose did all of their showing off on the field. As far as I know, none of our players have been involved in either planning or executing the pre-game. Speaking of executing, that's what we have to do tonight. No matter the outcome, I am proud to be part of the BIG RED NATION! Dig deep, Patriot players. Yanker, I surely have missed talking to you. You and your dad, as well as all of our visitors, travel safely.

I think it is unrealistic to think we can top someone of his celebrity stature. I was just as happy with the Veterans Day salute, but is sure was impressive to have Hank Jr. on our field. I would like to thank him even though it is doubtful he will ever read this.

Why do you put the band before your team's win? And why don't they just perform at halftime like all other bands instead of stopping the home team's celebration? I went to see a football game.

It's pretty sad when the crowd yells more for the opposing team's band than they do for their team who won. Also, even though I would have liked to have watched the band, I left. They told us to get off our field so that they could perform. I am proud of you, Patriots. Now we have to get ready for an unbelievable Melrose team.

I'm not sure he is doing any song. I really don't believe the halftime thing will happen. It doesn't matter to me. Proud and honored to have him there.