TraderB

Gerry, I watched Melrose play many times this year.....I happpen to agree with you about Melrose's QB dilema: Madison is too short to be QB. Yet, I believe that he is fully capable of leading Melrose to the 4A GOLD BALL next year...if--IF the offense is tweaked a little bit!! Melrose doesn't NECESSARILY need to change QB's or junk its spread offense in favor of an option. In fact, the spread seems to very suitable, given Melrose's dizzing array of offensive playmakers. They just need to incorporate more QB running plays (option would be good), and short passes, IMO--assuming they're gonna' keep Madison @ QB next year! Afterall, Madison did lead Melrose to the 4A title game and, very nearly, the gold ball! Melrose lost only 1 game all year (by only 1 pt !!)....this is why I don't see a problem keeping Madison @ QB. No need to overhaul the offense. Nothing is really broken...not really. That said, Melrose coaches MUST face the fact that Madison is a better scrambling QB, than a passing QB. His lack of height inhibits his ability to consistently find open receivers (this was painfully OBVIOUS, vs. Maryville). He's definitely not a drop-back, pocket passer. He's most effective as a QB when he's on the run, moving around finding open running/passing lanes. Thus, if they're gonna' keep him @ QB, then need to tweak their offense to utlize Madison's best assest, while minimizing his liabilities. Gerry, here's a bit of irony for you: Melrose's offense was NOTICEABLY more potent, with Wilson (backup QB/starting WR) at QB!! This was very clear for all to see, when Wilson filled in for an ailing Madison (35-0 win vs. Ridgeway), 3 or 4 weeks ago. Simply put, Wilson is a MUCH better passer! Now, let me set the record strait--this is NOT a knock on Madison! Madison was an effective QB for Melrose! I've got NO problem with leaving Madison @ QB. I'm simply pointing out MY observations. In fact, Madison and Wilson both bring something positive to the position. So, you just can't go wrong with either guy. Wilson just happens to be a more natural QB--he's taller, a more gifted passer, has a stronger arm..and can scramble! Here is what Melrose NEEDS to do: FIND A KICKER! Quick. Fast. In a hurry! --TraderB

Papa Chois, Congratulations again on Maryville's win. FYI... I understood fully where you were coming from, with your pre-game assestment. I knew that it was just your opinion-- to which I fully respect. I enjoy playing devil's advocate sometimes, that's all. I just wanted to "muddy the waters, to cause (hopefully) the Maryville faithful to feel a bit nervous about the outcome of the game with Melrose--you know, to have a bit of doubt...to stop and THINK--"what if..." As a Melrose fan, I certaintly had my concerns about how our squad would fare against Maryville! So, I admit, I sorta' kinda' needed to have some sort of reason to BELIEVE that Maryville's win was NOT a foregone conclusion--that Melrose actually COULD win that game! Anyway, Papa Chois, you're a gentleman and good sport. It was fun talking 'bout the game, without the clutter of "smack talk." Thanks for the well wishes--Melrose will be back. We'll see ya'll next year... Best of luck to your squad as well. --TraderB

Westtn, I'm a Melrose fan. I was at the game. Maryville was the better team, yesterday, IMO. They outplayed us. The outcoached us. They deserved to win. As for the QB observation...I agree. Madison couldn't see the field well enough to hit optional receivers. In fact, midway thru the 3rd qtr, several fans and I were discussing this very thing! We concluded that the coach should have inserted the TALLER, superior PASSING QB, Wilson, to replace Madison(nothing personal). Maryville was stuffing our running game. We needed to open things up more, with the pass. We did not. Madison was missing (not seeing) many open receivers. Our coaching staff did not adjust to this development. You see, this was the FIRST time all year long that ANY team had shut our running game down and consistently as Maryville. This was obvious to all of us. Thus, this was the first time Madison's inherent weakness was exposed: he's too short (again, nothing personal) to be a QB. I think the coaching staff held out hope that sooner or later Cooper or Madison would break one for a TB, as usual. In fact, Madison was actually playing true to his season-long form (except, he didn't scramble as much). All the while, being mindful that QB Madison had led them successfully to an undefeated season and a berth in the state final. Well, Maryville did not cooperate. Sure, Maryville outplayed us yesterday. They outcoached us. Yet we STILL had a golden opportunity to win that game. Our coaching staff just did not make enough adjustments on the offensive side of the ball, to take advantage of that opportunity (see my earlier post # 310, pg 20). For the record, I'm NOT criticizing Melrose's coaches! Im NOT saying that Coaches LOST the game (they don't play; the PLAYERS do). I KNOW that you don't get to be 14-0, and lose only 5 games in 4 years by having lousy coaching. I'm just stating my opinion of what I observed at the game. I'm simply saying that, IMO, Melrose's offense got too conservative... Tell me... am I the ONLY person out who thinks that Melrose BADLY needed to make some sort of adjustments to open up its offense, last Saturday? Am I? Am I surprised at this lack of offensive adjustment? No! You see, Melrose's play selection/decision-making has OFTEN been out of sync with the "eb-n-flow" of the game---ALL YEAR LONG, IMO! Yeah, it pains me to have to say this but...that's just what I observed. Maryville was just the first team good enough to expose Melrose's weaknesses. That's why they're state champs....deservedly so, IMO. Lastly, it's disappointing to lose the way Melrose has, these past 3 years (1pt losses, each). One just can't help but wonder... just how many Gold Balls Melrose would have--if they had a decent kicking game? --TraderB

TraderB here... Congratulations to Maryville--2004 Class 4A State Football Champs. Congratulations to Melrose. Great season. Maryville, you beat us fair and square. NO EXCUSES! The best team won this ballgame. Overall, you outplayed us. You outcoached us, IMHO. My hat's off to you, Rebels. Briefly, here are my post-game observations (I'm interested to know your post-game thoughts, as well): 1) Your Coach gets my coach-of-the-Year award..... Offensive mixture kept our defense on its heels. When Melrose clamped down on that short passing game, he went to that QB option, amongst other schemes....Defensive scheme kept our offense in check--no game-breaking big plays. Good job there. If Maryville had lost, say, 12 to 7, he would get my BONEHEAD coach of the year award!! Maryville fans, tell me...Why on earth did he NOT attempt field goals on those 2 occasions, down in the red zone (6 pts potentially...)? I really couldn't figure that out! I thought ya'll had a decent FG kicker--don't you (as you know, Melrose does NOT have a kicking game...never has...)?? 2) Your offense excuted like a well-oiled machine. Your defense surprised me, somewhat (I never figured they'd contain our speed as well as they did). 3) Melrose's coach gets Grade C+ ..... He made great defensive adjustments, after 1st qtr...Man, your QB "nickeled-&-dimed" us TO DEATH, with those short passes! IMO, His offensive play selection was poor--TOO conservative! If was as if he was playing "not to lose..." He did NOT adjust his schemes, to take advantage of what was available/effective. He ran on 1st down way, way too much. It was NOT working--all night long! He didn't utilize enough schemes to take advantage/get Melrose's speed out into the OPEN field. The play-action pass was DEFINETLY setup, IMO; rollout, short passes/designed scrambles would also have been a plus. 4) Melrose's defense--it did it's job. Our offense just couldn't pop that big play (credit, Maryville), when we needed it. Anyway, great game. Of course, I'm disappointed that Melrose did not win. It was a great season, anyway. Again, congratulations to all you Maryville fans. It was fun discussing the ins-&-outs of these teams, beforehand.

[Okay, several things I think will be important in the game: Papa Chois 1. I don't think the Rebel offense can be stopped. That being said, they'll score more than Melrose has given up in one game this year. Melrose, I don't think, has a lot of experience playing from behind. Couple that with what seems to be a relatively unproductive offense and you're in trouble. 2. The Rebel defense will hold. They may give up a few, but they will be good enough for the offense to cover. 3. Experience. I've got to give the edge to the Rebels just because they've been there before. They've played the best from out West in their careers. Melrose cannot say the same about the East. Therefore, I think that MHS is less likely to be surprised and shellshocked at whatever they find the level of competition to be. Not saying Melrose will be surprised or shellshocked just stating that I believe MHS is LESS LIKELY to be. 4. Discipline. I'm not saying that Melrose does not have discipline, but I've never seen any program as disciplined as the Red Rebels. "When the team is up against it, and the breaks are beating the boys," I'm counting on the Rebels to respond with authority. I'm counting on them to play just like they always do and thereby to prevail. I'm counting on them to stick to the game plan and to persevere with belief and faith. And, ignorantly perhaps, I'm counting on Melrose to abandon the one that brought them to the dance and act in desperation. 5. Coaching. There simply are NONE BETTER than those at MHS. They will have the team as prepared as possible. Melrose, I'm sure, will be prepared as well. But I cannot believe they will be more prepared. Having said all that, my final prediction for this season is as follows: Maryville Red Rebels - 31 Melrose Golden Cats - 17 I hope that Melrose is all their fans have told us they are. Good luck to all. 825466389[/snapback] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ papa chaois, You've drawn a very BOLD conclusion and raised some interesting points.... Question: Have you seen Melrose play? If so, then I think that you're in a unique position to provide a CREDIBLE review. As such, I'll take your analysis @ face value. If, on the other hand, you have NOT seen Melrose play... I think that your conclusion, while enlightening, is suspect--AT BEST. It is based on a FAULTY premise--a series of ASSUMPTIONS. There is a 50/50 chance that your analysis may turn out to be accurate (COINCEDENTALLY). Meanwhile, I would like to offer a rebutal, simply to illustrate the FALLACY of your position: 1) "...Rebel offense can't be stopped...they'll score more than Melrose has given up in one game this year." QUESTIONS: -- How do you KNOW that the Rebel offense CAN'T be stopped? -- Is it because they have not been stopped all year? -- Is this notion being reinforced by Maryville's recent anialation of Tennessee (more on them, later). Afterall... if Maryville can put up 49 points on an undefeated, semifinal opponent... POINTS: -- Do you KNOW that Melrose's defense can NOT shut down Maryville's high-powred? Afterall...Melrose has allowed the FEWEST points of ALL 4A football teams... -- Do you KNOW if Melrose does not MATCH UP better vs Maryville's type of offensive schemes (and personnel)? -- Have you considered the POSSIBILITY that Melrose's defense MAY actually be the ONE defensive unit that CAN stop Maryville's high-powered offense? -- Is it not COMMON (and accepted) knowledge that DEFENSE wins championships, not HIGH-POWERED offenses? CONSIDER: a) 1/28/01 -- Baltimore 34 NYG 7 2/03/02 -- N.E Patriots 20 SL Rams 17 c) 1/26/03 -- Tampa Bay 48 Oakland 21 * d) 1/18/04 -- N.E. Patriots 24 Indianapolis Colts 14 * = conf. champshp QESTION: What do ALL these SUPERBOWL games have in common? ANSWER: The team that had the better DEFFESE (going in) WON. The team that had the high-powered offense (going in)LOST. 2) "...Rebel defense will hold...(Melrose's) relatively unproductive offense..." QUESTIONS: -- How do you KNOW that the Rebels defense can hold Melrose? POINTS: --Do you KNOW if Melrose's offense is not MORE productive vs. Maryville's defensive personnel? --Have you considered that Maryville's defense may not MATCH UP well against Melrose's offense or personnel? 3) "... Experience--edge Rebels..they have been there before..." -- your first point about "experience" is bona fide--many of Maryville's players have, IN FACT, been to the championship game before. That experience is DEFINETLY a plus. -- Your point about..." Maryville's played the best from west...Melrose can't say the same about the ease.." lacks credence. QUESTIONS: --Has THIS Maryville TEAM played THIS Melrose team? --What does THIS (west) MELROSE team have to do with past (west) teams --What does Maryville's past performance vs OTHER West teams have to do with current performance against THIS west team? Papa Chois, I will not go into specifics relative to your other points about discipline and coaching. I will simply ask the SAME basic question: How do you KNOW? Please allow me to tell you what I DO know: DEFENSE usually wins championships. High-powered offenses usually do NOT... My PREDICTION: Well... I simply do not have enough BONA FIDE data on which to base an intelligent prediction about this game--there are simply too many UNKNOWN factors that could determine its outcome! Papa Chois, I APPRECIATE your taking the time to provide your assestment on the game. It was very interesting and entertaining, indeed. I would like to offer up this cautionary note, however: Conclusions drawn upon faulty data are a fallacy and, therefore, lack merit. A classic illustration of this unerring principle can be seen with Tennessee High School Football rankings, most noteably BEFORE 11-26-04. Tell me...are we to believe that the Tennessee Vikings (no offense, Tennessee fans) are REALLY the 2nd best 4A team in the State of Tennessee? I mean...really? Thanks for your prayers of a safe commute, Papa Chois. You're a classy individual.... I look forward to a great game between to top-notch squads. Good luck to BOTH teams (of course I'll be pulling for the Golden Wildcats). --TraderB

RebelRaider, Melrose's offensive woes ("weakness" is NOT an accurate description of Melrose's offense) have been the DIRECT result of (untimely) penalties, and turnovers. Those miscues resulted in numerous big-plays being called back, plus several T.D's being wiped out! IMO, Melrose can't afford these type of errors vs Maryville. When Melrose does limit its penalties (mainly), it tends to put lots of points on the board. As for the matchup this Saturday...I'm simply gonna say, I'm expecting a hard fought, CLOSE game. The best team WILL win.

TruRebelPlaya, You raised some interesting points about Melrose. I'd like to provide a correction, however, just for the record: Melrose beat JCM 20 to 13, not 14 to 12, as is shown on this website! I KNOW. I attended the game. I agree with most of what you said with this exception: I really don't think that Maryville will score 4 TD's vs Melrose. If they do, then yes -- I believe Maryville will likely win. Melrose's offense is very capable of scoring lots of points, but shoots itself in the foot, OFTEN! If this happens VS. Maryville it'll likely result in a long ride back to Memphis, for us.

Yeah, KWC, I read that story. The recruiting contradictions are somewhat puzzling. If Greg Hardy is considered undersized, then one has to wonder what on earth these college coaches are looking for. If it were my team, I'd jump at the chance to take one line backer like Grey Hardy, who plays with tremendous passion and determination, than a hundred 6'2, 240 lb super-specimen linebackers that are "the right size" but play with no heart. I'm not familiar with those UT LB's. I'll say this about Hardy, though: wherever he plays collegiately...it's a safe bet that he'll get bigger. Sure, he ain't gonna get any taller but, given his quickness, athleticism and field vision, these strengths should trump any perceived lack of size, IMO. I too would love to see Hardy (along with Oher and Cottam) stay home and play for the U of M. Hey, there's no shame in wanting to see one's home town College do well! If local players can get the job then, then "why not," I say. For now, we can only hope that Mr. Hardy will prove his mettle and, at least, help Melrose bring the GOLD BALL back to Memphis. --TraderB

RebelRaider, you have misinterpreted my comments. Let me see if I can clarify things: I did NOT say that Cooper HAS to get yardage all on his own. I said that he DOES get a lot on his own. This does NOT mean that Melrose's OL does NOT open up holes for Cooper. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. The point is this: Melrose's OL CONSISTENTLY opens up holes for Cooper. No, they don't do it EVERY time. Nobody's OL opens up holes ALL the time (if someone says so, then they're simply not credible. They're just blowing smoke...). On those occasions when the hole is not there, then Cooper has shown an uncanny ability to pickup chunks of yards, anyway! My original comments were intended to illustrate Coopers talents as a runner, acknowledge the competence of Melrose OL vs all types of defenses, and...to do so in an INFORMATIVE manner, without sounding boastful, arrogant, cocky, etc. Now, will Cooper gain 200 yards VS Maryville? Frankly, I doubt it. I suspect that he will get his share of yards, though. Here's a more important question: Who's gonna win the 4A Championship-- Melrose or Maryville? I don't know. If the game is close, however, Maryville's kicking game will LIKELY enable them to win it. Otherwise, Melrose has more than enough skill and "weapons" on both sides of the ball to actually win it. --TraderB

No offense taken, FBE. I respect your position. The team should always come first, I agree. In this case, though, I really think the TEAM's best interests are STILL being served, regardless of who's the QB. Everybody's happy. I'll explain, in a minute... First let me state clearly...Melrose is NOT a one dimensional offensive team. They run or pass with EQUAL proficiency. Basically, they seem to take advantage of what the defense gives them. As for the QB situation....There could be, in this case, mitigating circumstances that led to coach Ingram's ultimate decision to leave Madison @ QB. I honestly do not know. Here's my speculative "take:" You have 3 key positions of which to consider placing Madison (RB, WR & QB). First, Madison is a definite playmaker. He needs to be on the field as much as possible. He is an effective QB, lightning quick but may not have good "hands" enough to play WR. Cooper is an Outstanding RB, period. You can't move him--no way. WR Wilson is the "wildcard..." he can BOTH catch and pass very well. So, given all this ...what's a coach to do? My GUESS is that coach Ingram decided that while Madison may not be as pure a passer as Wilson, he DOES have skill as a passer. Let me repeat, just to be clear--Madison is no slouch. He is an effective passer! Couple this with his raw speed and cat-like quickness...he's downright DANGEROUS! Leaving him @ QB (vs Wilson) has NOT hurt the team. He's proven that he can get the job done, and then some...Melrose's 14-0 record would appear to vindicate the coach's decision, in this case. In conclusion, FBEmeritus, I truly believe that Melrose's QB situation is a bit of an abberation, @ the high school level. Sure, I'm still convinced that Melrose's offense would be more potent offensively with Wilson @ QB. I just wanted to illustrate why it was probably was a non-issue for coach Ingram... At the end of the day, though, Melrose's TEAM can WIN with either Madison OR Wilson as QB, obviously. Coach Ingram knows this. He knows his personnel. Given all this, I really don't think that the all important "team-first" concept has been undermined. --TraderB

RebelRaider, If I had to put a finger on Melrose's "strongest point," I'd have to say it's overall defensive SPEED and COHESION. They're quick off the snap, make good reads and swarm to the ball, while maintaining good defensive discipline. Tell me, specifically, what are some things (both side of the ball) that distinguish Maryville and make them such an outstanding team? --TraderB

Melrose has played vs. mediocre and talented defensive lines, alike. Melrose's OL does hold its own but, to be honest, Cooper gets a lot of his yardage on his OWN! Cooper is very fast and shifty (like QB Madison), which makes it difficult to get a good hold on him--difficult to "wrap up." He has good field vision and changes directions on a dime. Thus, even when a defender get a bead on him, he often squirts away. --TraderB

FYI... Melrose has two capable QB's but does NOT play a 2 QB "system"--they do NOT switch QB's, throughout the game." Madison is the starting QB. Wilson is the BACKUP QB and starting WR (not RB, btw). Wilson played QB only ONCE, all season (to my knowledge; 35-0 win vs. Ridgeway). That was ONLY beacuse Madison was out, due to a foot ailment. Here's the irony here: Wilson has made some big-time catches for Melrose this year but, IMO, Melrose's offense is far more POTENT with him as the QB (he reminds me of a young Steve "Air" McNair)! Yet, he prefers...rather, he INSISTS on remaining @ receiver....Let me make this crystal clear, though--Madison is, without a doubt, an effective and very DANGEROUS QB. --TraderB

Mostly 4 WR's + 1 RB.

Thanks. I've just always wanted to see Melrose play on artificial turf (A.T.), given their overall team speed...seems I'm gonna get my wish (Melrose's field is just plain ol' grass--severely worn down grass, might I add). Anyway, since the weather forecasts calls for "partly cloudy" skies Wed thru Sat. (i.e. "fast" track) this will make for an even more intriguing matchup with Maryville! Questions, for anyone: 1) What adjustments (shoes, schemes, etc) are often dictated, if any, when going from grass to A.T.? 2) Other than a faster surface, what other ways does A.T. tend to affect/alter a game, if at all? Thanks, --TraderB

Melrose runs a wide open, SPREAD offense (they do NOT run the "wing-t"). QUESTION: Is MTSU's football field artificial turf or real grass? --TraderB

I concur, KWC. Congratulations are definitely in order for Mr. Hardy! FBEmeritus...looks like your QB is the real deal, also. Congratulations. I think that we're in for some serious fireworks, come Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing both of these MR. FOOTBALL winners (and their teams) in action, plus a great injury-free game. --TraderB

Thank you for your report, Opperman. I honestly thought that I would get a more intelligent, SINCERE asessment. No further comments. --TraderB

I've watched Melrose well over 20 times, over the past 3 years. Click on this link, to read my review (orginally posted 11-25-04): http://boards.coacht.com/index.php?showtopic=87682 Could you please grade Maryville in a similar way, for us Melrose fans? Thank You. --TraderB

Great summary, Dandy82. White House has an excellent team, great fan support...overall CLASS act! You all represented Nashville (?) well. I've never seen a visiting team bring that many fans (what, 14 chartered buses or so?) to the 'Mound! Very impressive. I apoligize for the disrespectful actions of those overzealous fans. Congratulations on a great season. I hope you'all had a safe trip home. --TraderB

I mean no disrespect, MaryvilleRebels, but could you (or any other knowledgeable Maryville fan) someone please provide us Melrose fans with some SPECIFICS about the dynamics of Maryville's football team, both positives AND negatives. I appreciate your zeal for your team. At this point, however, I'm more interested in learning about it's TANGIBLE attributes. Thanks... Good luck to BOTH squads! These kids have all worked hard to EARN a spot in the 4A championship. It's too bad that somebody has to lose... I just pray for an injury-free game. --TraderB

Here's a copy of my earlier post, regarding Melrose... Could you please grade Maryville in a similar way? Thanks. Melrose plays a wide open, spread offensive scheme-- 4 receivers, 1 RB. Defense = 4-3, I think. Lots of speed and playmakers on both sides of the ball: OFFENSIVELY: Grade B... Melrose is mistake-prone but, otherwise, difficult to contain. Numerous speedy skill players.....Young QB (Madison) is effective, but not a pure passer; very shifty, unpredictable, dangerous and difficult to sack..... Starting receiver/backup QB (Wilson) reminds me of a young Steve McNair. He's actually the better QB! He prefers to play receiver, ala (relative, former Melrose, current SF 49ers receiver) Cedrick Wilson. Played extremely well last week, filling in for Madison (out with foot ailment). I wondered... Where on earth have they been hiding THIS GUY, all year long!! Man, he was impressive. Crisp passer; mobile... one other prolific reciever, with "mad" skills.... RB Cooper. MR. Football candidate. DEFENSIVELY: Grade A+.... Very solid. Plays very cohesively. MLB #52 is the leader. They call him "Baby Ray (as in Ray Lewis)." Secondary is good, overall. Has not given up many big plays; closes well on the ball. lots of interceptions.... SPECIAL TEAMS: Grade B+..... Playmakers galore. Routinely makes silly, unecessary, behind-the-play illegal blocks. KICKING GAME: Grade F.... Horrific!! Appx 40% PAT's... No FG's... Punter erratic. THE COACH: Grade C+.... Coach is OK. Makes good use of his personnel. OVERALL decision-making/play selection is often unsuitable--not in sync with the ebb & flow of the game. THIS TEAM vs. LAST 2 YEAR's TEAMS: Grade B+......This year's team in NOT as good as either of its squads, from the last 2 years! Defense is better than BOTH of 2 previous squads! Offense is not as explosive; it's erratic & mistake-prone. Starting QB not as efficient. I hope this helps give you a better idea about the Melrose Golden Wildcats.

Melrose plays a wide open, spread offensive scheme-- 4 receivers, 1 RB. Defense = 4-3, I think. Lots of speed and playmakers on both sides of the ball: OFFENSIVELY: Grade B... Melrose is mistake-prone but, otherwise, difficult to contain. Numerous speedy skill players.....Young QB (Madison) is effective, but not a pure passer; very shifty, unpredictable, dangerous and difficult to sack..... Starting receiver/backup QB (Wilson) reminds me of a young Steve McNair. He's actually the better QB! He prefers to play receiver, ala (relative, former Melrose, current SF 49ers receiver) Cedrick Wilson. Played extremely well last week, filling in for Madison (out with foot ailment). I wondered... Where on earth have they been hiding THIS GUY, all year long!! Man, he was impressive. Crisp passer; mobile... one other prolific reciever, with "mad" skills.... RB Cooper. MR. Football candidate. DEFENSIVELY: Grade A+.... Very solid. Plays very cohesively. MLB #52 is the leader. They call him "Baby Ray (as in Ray Lewis)." Secondary is good, overall. Has not given up many big plays; closes well on the ball. lots of interceptions.... SPECIAL TEAMS: Grade B+..... Playmakers galore. Routinely makes silly, unecessary, behind-the-play illegal blocks. KICKING GAME: Grade F.... Horrific!! Appx 40% PAT's... No FG's... Punter erratic. THE COACH: Grade C+.... Coach is OK. Makes good use of his personnel. OVERALL decision-making/play selection is often unsuitable--not in sync with the ebb & flow of the game. THIS TEAM vs. LAST 2 YEAR's TEAMS: Grade B+......This year's team in NOT as good as either of its squads, from the last 2 years! Defense is better than BOTH of 2 previous squads! Offense is not as explosive; it's erratic & mistake-prone. Starting QB not as efficient. I hope this helps give you a better idea about the Melrose Golden Wildcats. Lastly, I fully understand your doubts about this year's Melrose team, given last 2 Semifinal losses to Hillsboro (1 pt loss, each time). Don't read too much into that, however, EITHER way... I attended both games. Hillsboro had great squads, but Melrose's lack of a kicking game, (mainly PAT's) determined the outcome of BOTH of those games! Melrose was literally INCHES from winning BOTH of those games.... Heartbreaking, yes. That's the way it goes, though, especially in the playoffs--small deficiencies are often exposed in a big way. Good luck to both teams. I'm looking forward to a great game. --TraderB

While I believe that Germantown (GHS) is vulnerable & may lose to Franklin (FHS), I would not be so quick to predict a "beating (blowout)." I saw Germantown play 3 times this season: Early on, I felt that they would be lucky to win 6 games this year, especially after they collapsed vs whitehaven and got wollped by Christian Brothers! After I saw them play Collierville (my Alma Mater), I realized that they had improved DRAMATICALLY from earlier in the year-- their offense seemed more cohesive, as if it had finally found it's identity; their defense (still) bent but didn't break, as it did (IMHO) earlier in the year. I'm now convinced that this year's GHS team might surprise a few people, just like they surprised me....GHS is playing solid football right now. They have always been one of the top 2 or 3 programs (and a bit cocky @ times, IMO) in the Memphis/Shelby County area, and have fared well VS Middle/East Tennessee teams. Further, GHS eliminated FHS last year, en route to the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! Because of this, the Red Devils probably BELIEVE that they can beat ANY TEAM in Tennessee. More importantly, they likely BELIEVE that they will beat FHS again! For this same reason, one has to wonder if there isn't that small seed of "DOUBT" in the back of the Rebels minds... I don't know who will win the game Friday night between GHS & FHS. I do know that the mind is a very powerful, "magnetic" thing... Regardless, I expect another COMPETETIVE game between two excellent teams. Good luck to both squads. -- TraderB

I'm from Memphis & have watched the Melrose Golden Wildcats (MGW) 20+ times, including ALL its playoff games, over the past 3 years. Here are my (UNBIASED-- I'm just a fan of H.S. football) thoughts on upcoming game with WH, Melrose's team and its fans: Melrose will win 19 to 13. Why? Melrose APPEARS to have a better defense than W.H. I know nothing about W.H., except what I've read on this forum, so I can't speak to specifics. The consensus seems to be that they are a solid, disciplined, & well-coached team. Its offense seems to do its job. DEFENSIVELY? Well, therein lies the problem, IMHO: WH's defense has given up way too many points, along the way! This is mainly why I think they'll lose to MGW...unless MGW has 2 or more turnovers and gives WH a short field. MGW's defense will prove to be the difference in this game...It's the primary reason that MGW can compete witn ANY team in the state of TN, regardless of class, region, etc. This year's MGW team in NOT as good as either of its squads, from the last 2 years (If they had a kicker, they would have beaten Hillsboro BOTH times) Yet, this team will do what those other 2, MORE TALENTED squads couldn't do: advance to the 4A finals. The reason is DEFENSE! This year's squad has an ever better defense either of those 2 squads. Of course, the kicking game is STILL non-existent! Yet, It likely won't be the deciding factor vs WH. MGW'S offense is NOT as consistent or as explosive (by a LONG shot) vs the last 2 years squads: its offense is erratic, mistake-prone and commits absolutely too many DUMBFOUNDING penalities. They manage to find a way to score enough points to win, however, thanks to the improvisational skills of Cooper & Madison. Contrary to previous posts on this forums, MGW really has NOT been seriously challenged this year. Here's why: In wins vs Ridgeway (their FIRST meeting), Dyersburg & JCM, those games were close ONLY because of MGW's achillies heel: too many (untimely) penalities & turnovers!! Yeah, I know it's all a part of the game... My point is that MGW soundly OUTPLAYED all 3 of those teams! It had turnovers deep in its OWN territory, along with TD's, long punt returns & (multiple) big runs called back -- in EACH of those games! Neither of those teams could move the ball consistently, all night long! Ridgeway got wiped out its 2nd mtg vs MGW. Why? MGW did NOT pickup silly, drive-ending penalties... Dyersburg was the beneficiary of SEVERAL MGW fumbles (as MGW was heading in for scores), plus illegal-block penalties that (occured 30 or 40 yards BEHIND the play) prevented scores... JCM was beneficiary of MGW fumble @ its own 2 yard line (6 pts JCM). Plus, a MGW NEGATIVE punt back to its own 25 yd line or so (another 6pts JCM). In conclusion, while I think that MGW will beat WH, I will state categorically this fact: If MGW picks up any of those silly, drive-ending penalties (i.e. blocking in the back....some 30 or 40 yards BEHIND the play) or commits more than 1 turnover they will LOSE !! Given WH's (seemingly) suspect defense, I really feel that this is the ONLY way that they'll beat Melrose. Oh, I almost forgot... The Melrose fans (mainly guys) that sit on the visitor's side act EXACTLY like they were described, earlier!! Trust me, it was NO EXAGGERATION!!!!!! Bring your own DIET drinks, unless you want to just drink water! Also, arrive early, so that you can park as close to the stadium as possible. You want to try to avoid parking way back up those dark, side streets. Leave your valuables AT HOME, put them in the trunk BEFORE you get to the area or take them with you into the game! My car was broken into earlier this year, @ one of their games ( I was parked along one of those poorly lit side streets)!! --TraderB