kickgrass

I agree that defensless goalies need to be protected from reckless and/or dirty play from attackers, but the majority of the time the GK is the one who initiates contact. Their job is to get to the ball at all costs and the good ones will. Come heck or high water and too bad to the attacker in their path. That's one reason the GK is usually the biggest player on the field. Proper technique and a ref who calls the game the way he/she is supposed to helps protect GKs, but it is a physical game and attackers are supposed to score...GKs are supposed to keep them from scoring. I've heard a lot of complaining about attackers making contact with a GK when that keeper is fumbling the ball or they get to it at the same time. More often than not the keeper comes out on top of that contact scenario. The rules will never be changed (course who knows what the TSSAA will do, they are the only ones that allow a coach to be carded or substitutions on corner kicks), the refs just need to make the calls as needed, both ways...for and against GKs.

raptor, is that a result or prediction? I thought the game was to be played tonight.

Just for clairification, that was Brentwood Academy that TSSAA was fighting in court, not Brentwood High School.

Noooo bapride we know that you wouldn't just toot your keepers horn. Tell us more were they collapsed diving saves or kicked directly at her?

I've seen a lot of the teams that are still in play and I think Hendersonville has the best overall team. They have good midfield play w/ Marcella and Sherri Vanes, excellent speed up top, and big strong fast skilled defensive players. They are the most physical team I've seen this season play great defense and can score on set plays. They are not a dirty team but they beat on you the entire game. Most teams can't handle that for 80 min.

I would love to hear your reasoning behind this statement. My observation is that while some schools have very qualified coaches, that others have coaches that (bless their hearts) don't really know the game, but get out there and try so that the school can field a team. These coaches don't really know how to best improve the play and for the most part don't really have the time required to teach kids to play the very difficult game of soccer. That the players that play club ball are dedicated to learning the game and essentially play year round. By having club teams in some of the rural areas the kids can get better technical coaching and develop. This it seems to me would only serve to level the playing field. If you checked into it, you would find that very few of the successful High School teams have more than 5 players from the same club team. But, all of the successful teams are loaded with club players. So developing club teams in these areas that have historically struggled would improve their chances of success and serve to raise the quality of play throughout Tennessee.

These posts from the MC supporters and players illustrate to me that they understand what High School athletics are supposed to be about. Play your very best and both win and lose with grace and respect. I must say I'm more impressed by that than the 14-0-1 regular season record. After a season of hearing mean spirited players, coaches and most especially fans it's truly a breath of fresh air. Well done ladies and especially coaches, that sort of thing generally comes from the top down. Props to you soccerstar2279 I think you hit the nail directly on the head.

This post started with asking for thoughts or predictions on an upcoming game (which very few were willing to make) then a few crows from the winners and a lot of congratulations from the losers. Then all of a sudden it turned into this mudslinging over a bus horn. What's up w/ you folks?

I too would like to relay congratulations to Ravenwood and Franklin. Franklin wanted it more last night and they got it. Good luck in the state. Franklin had #19 that was not to be denied and Brentwood had no-one that would or could step up and be that for them. I've known Charlie West for a long time, as he said to my dejected Brentwood daughter following last nights game "I've known you since you were waddling around in the backyard with a #3 ball, and I'm proud of you". That's awfully nice words from an opposing coach. Charlie's a class act all the way and I'm very happy for him and his girls for getting over that District 11 AAA hump. Good luck to Ravenwood and to both our 11 AAA teams. I know they will represent.

District 11 AAA: Centennial 10 ; Overton 0 Brentwood 10 ; Hillsboro 0 Franklin 8 ; Hillwood 0 Ravenwood 3 ; Independence 2 (2 OT) Semi-finals: At Brentwood High School Wednesday 5:00 Centennial vs. Ravenwood 7:00 Brentwood vs Franklin

Brentwood - Franklin in a District 11 AAA semi-final: This is one of the great rivalries in TN High School sports. The schools are about 10 mi. apart, 2 consistently strong teams and the games are always important. This should be a great game. Brentwood won the regular season match-up with a goal in the last minute. There will be no love lost and none of these players want to end their season. The game is at 7:00 Wednesday night at Brentwood High School, Centennial will play Ravenwood in the other District 11 AAA semi-final at 5:00 at Brentwood also. If you like soccer and want to be entertained plan to be there. Anyone with thoughts or predictions?

Bruin I never said that playing keepaway was demoralizing, I said it was humiliating. I also didn't say that it was a reason to continue scoring. I was saying that it was not a good solution to the situation. I agree that teams should not run the score up, I also agree with Big G that 11-0 does not really qualify as "running up the score". I've seen scores a lot higher. I like plans like the one that Big G has to get some constructive work for the winning team.

The TSSAA pays travel expenses for the State Tournament? What does that include?

Big G those are some excellent ideas. Your players get practice taking longer range shots and working on crossing balls in the air which may help your team down the down the road. So something constructive can be gained. Well thought out. I don't think there is anything wrong with teaching players that value of good sportsmanship. Soccer Gypsy one touch is basically keepaway, it seems to me that there may be more chance of injury because: the passes would likely be less accurate, resulting in more 50:50 balls, which in turn results in more contact.

Lefty I think you are correct. Based upon last year, Independence is a #1 seed on their side and a #1 seed will not play another #1 seed in the semi-finals. So if Ravenwood beats Independence: Ravenwood will play Centennial in the semi-finals and Franklin will play Brentwood. If Independence beats Ravenwood: Franklin will play Centennial and Independence will play Brentwood. I

Big G I'm curious as to what types of things are in you plan(s). I don't see how you go to goal, and still shoot without running up the score. Are the girls instructed to miss the shots? I'm not trying to take you to task, just honestly curious.

This debate has been discussed for a long time. I think that the best a coach can do is empty his/her bench early in the game. Let the 2nd team players play full out for a while to get some constructive work for them and then place some sort of minor restrcitions, tell the players to not try to humiliate the losing team (fancy dribbling around and through them, nutmegs, fancy chips, etc.), put a stop to any trash talk and show the losing team some respect. Most of the girls on these better winning teams at some point during their playing careers (club or school) have been on the receiving end of a big time woopin, and they need to be reminded of how that felt. I have discussed this with my daughter a few times and she feels that it is much more humilating and frustrating to have a team play keep away instead of scoring a few more goals. So get beat 15-0 or have a team just play keep away from them for 3/4 of a game. Which one is going to generate more frustration/anger, generate more pushing, shoving hard tackles out of frustration that could cause injury? Just keep it respectful, I think that's the key, regardless of the score.

In District 11 AAA, Since Centennial beat Brentwood and Franklin and are the #1 seed in the district they would have to be the favorite, but I don't think it would be a huge surprise to see Brentwood or Franklin beat them and win the District tournament. It's all about who brings their A game for 3 games in a row. The darkhorse would be Independence, they have some very good players and have shown that they can play with and beat top teams during the course of the year. They are a very dangerous team on the attack. I f they can score early and get a lead they could be very hard to come back on. Would not be a huge surprise to see them advance. They must get by Ravenwood in their 1st game to likely take on Franklin in the 2nd round. The final Standings as best I know (not sure exactly how reagular season games with Independence count so I'm not including them on the "strong" side results. It wouldn't change the seedings anyway because of head-to-head results) "Less Strong Side" #1 Independence Not sure about the rest, they however must faced crossover games in 1st round. "Strong Side" #1 Centennial 3-0-0 #2 Brentwood 2-1-0 #3 Franklin 1-2-0 #4 Ravenwood 0-3-0 At this stage it's all about survive and advance. Ain't got to be pretty, just has to be a Win.

I'm w/ you bapride it is entertaining. I sure hope the team I pull for doesn't dominate any games like that.

My mistake, Jamie Loftis was named to the NCSAA (National Christian School Athletic Association) All american squad last year. Sorry about any confusion.

Couldn't say about the residency question. She has never participated in the ODP program. One example of ODP not having the best players in the state. She is also an outstanding basketball player.

One girl that I don't believe has been mentioned in this is Jamie Loftis at DCA. She is in the 11th grade, All State as a freshman and sophmore and NSCAA All American last year as a sophmore. She plays club ball for Cobra 90 (newly renamed Nashville Metros FC). I've seen her play club ball for years and I sure would want her on my team. She's probably the hardest working player I've ever seen. Very athletic, excellent soccer skills, superb leader, great speed and quickness, and big big heart. She usually plays midfield.

Hoya and Big G it's unfortunate that the TSSAA's rulemaking process is not as well thought out as the responses and objections that you 2 have formed. I think this rule is ridiculous for any sport. If kids want to put in the effort to play their chosen sport year round, then good for them and they deserve the success that will follow. The rub will come when the High School basketball coach (example) wants his players (who are also outstanding soccer players) to play basketball in the spring instead of club soccer. But, those situations will sort themselves out on a case by case basis. I for one do not wanty my daughter playing in scrimmages that do not have certified (paid) refs calling the game. There is enough questionable play that goes on with refs calling the game, I can only shudder at what might occur without them calling the games. It's not worth it to take that chance.

I agree soooo much with the last several posts. I tried to make some of those points in an earlier post. For most good players at the U-16 through U-18 divison 1 club levels and good high school players (which most of them will be) if they still love the game and want to take on the challenge in college there is a place for them. No doubt that ODP gets players looked at, which is what you want, but the school and coach needs to fit the player. For what they want in an education. The right place may not be SEC, ACC or one of the other big schools, but the smaller Div 1, 2 and 3 NAIA opportunities in TN and south in general are outstanding. YOu can actually compete for a National Championship. Last years NAIA National Champion was Martin Methodist in Pulaski, TN. Or unless you are a truly elite player as very few are maybe 2 or 3 in TN, you can sit the bench for a couple of years and bust your hind end in practice and wait your turn. It just boils down to what is right for the individual. ODP is not the be all to end all and the players are good but they are not the best in the State. Too many are just not interested in that program.

Looks like it will be another wild and wide open District 11 tournament. Centennial is sure getting hot at the right time. This tournament should be a war. Can't wait to see it.