silverandblue09

This entire situation makes me ill. To all you that have debated this over the years, you were right. As a part of the GCA family, I have 2 children that attend the academy and we are loyal followers of GCA athletics, this is a sad day for our family. I'm proud of Coach McKamey and all the guys who put in such long hours to accomplish what you have accomplished. The TSSAA report lists only one player in its report. Were there more? If so, the report would have named them, and they did NAME the player, which was not needed (in my opinion). One is all it takes. I have read that the penalty was so severe because of the "lack of institutional control" and the TSSAA needed to send the message loud and clear to GCA that this will not be tolerated. I'm concerned about the 99% of remaining athletes that are there under the rules and pay their own way to the school. Those are the athletes that are going to suffer. I've had a few good discussions with you guys, you can take your shots at us. I can assure you that nothing that is said here will ever equal the pain I have in my gut over this. My pain is not because we got caught, its that we allowed this to go on in the first place. Because of a few stupid decisions that came from the TOP, this has caused our school a huge black eye. I hate it for the kids, and I hate this for all the GCA family who are out in the community talking about how good it feels to be a part of such a great school. I hope everyone will be there April 8th for the "Ask Ron" Q and A. The message needs to be sent that this should NEVER happen again. Tuition keeps this school alive, and he needs to understand that. RAM PRIDE! and that hurts to say that.

Good point Dline, I haven't thought about the tenure of the staff as a possible weakness ( as far as reaction to certain situations, penalties, etc.) I think your point is valid. I'm sure we will continue to see changes with the team, and I'm sure we will see changes this year regarding penalties and discipline. All of these guys get on here and bash Randy, saying he's a bad coach / person, etc. They don't know Randy on a personal level, he's a good man and will continue to cultivate and grow our team into a powerhouse. Congrats to the All State RAMS. Glad to see the Frank brothers made it together. They are both class acts and great kids. Glad Minga got in there as a sophomore, he really grew into a great player as the year went on, I look forward to seeing Davis and Jake lead this defense next year and punish offenses. Nice job RAMS.........the 2010 season has already started, its game week for the next 8 months. Go to youtube and search "Alcoa 2008 workouts" and see what it takes in the off season to build a championship.

Grace Christian Academy games are streamed live at www.gcasports.com

That's a good Post OP. I totally agree with you and the South Pitt faithfull that this ( TN ) is Mr. Robinson's neighborhood. He should win Mr. Football in Class A. I do however take exception to your post regarding late hits delivered on the QB. He didn't pass the ball during our game and was never hit late from my vantage point. The hit that put him out was a hit within the play and unfortunatly put him out for a couple of plays. So please don't over dramatize his injury as dirty play. He came back in and rubbed a TD in our face, congrats to him and the Pirates, but the hit was legit, look at the tape. Mr. Robinson, you are the real deal. PLEASE keep your head on straight and make yourself something special with your athletic ability (get your college degree first). As a former QB, I've never seen someone throw the ball as effortlessly as you do. Keep working hard, I want to see you on Saturday's. Nice job, sorry you got hobbled for a couple of plays against us. Win YOUR championship next week and lead YOUR team to victory. Good luck. It was a pleasure watching the 2009 Pirate team.

Congrats to all of the South Pittsburg Pirates. You guys are in a different league. We don't have single A teams that are that complete around east TN. You guys have an incredible team top to bottom. #11 is the fastest back I've seen in high school. You guys ran the ball so well that you didn't have to throw it, which disappointed me. I watched T. Robinson warm up, he throws a beautiful ball, just wish we could have seen him in action. He's got such an effortless motion and great touch, he's a special player. As for #5. He made me eat my words (taking up for him earlier in the thread). I won't make that mistake again, thank goodness I won't have to, he's gone, senior, see you later. He did a great job all year controlling himself, until tonight. He should have been ejected for his personal foul in the 2nd half. I apologize for the play of this individual and the lack of control over him by our coaching staff. He's been trouble since day 1, I'm glad he's gone. Congrats to all of you South Pitt folks, you are truly a great team, the best I've had the opportunity to see in high school football. I sure hope you guys give a ton of credit to the offensive line, all 5 of those guys are All Stars. Until next year CoachT friends and foes.................See you again in August.

Your right, Williams has had issues in the past of "playing after the whistle". You and others should know that Eric has made a huge improvement as a person and player over the past year. I won't get into specifics, but he's been thru a lot, and needed to make a change in his attitude. This year, I'm pleased to say he's one of our leaders, and has had 0 issues that you referred to above. He's turned a corner as a person and as a player. I can say I am very proud of the way he's carried himself this year. I couldn't say that last year about him. Go get some tonight Eric, you and the Seniors deserve this shot. Make the most of it. Dominate every play, let's shock Tennessee High School Football tonight! Good Luck RAMS......RAM PRIDE!!! He is going to get it alright The pirate ship is fixing to set sail in T minus 1 hour and 30 minutes.....beware.....I think the feel for this game tonight will be much like SP's other games against bigger competition....Grace will move the ball on their first possession until Coach Wilson can get a feel for them and then it will be lights out.....beware of an onside kick at the opening kickoff!!! I hope they kick it to us....nobody has yet in the playoffs...it would be nice if Malcolm got a chance to return one for once Not likely that you will see our kicker kick it deep, as I'm sure your coaches saw on film. Onside kick to start is unlikely. I have a question that hasn't been asked this week. Have you guys played anyone this year that lines up and runs 3-4 different offenses at you? I'm not talking about offensive formations, but lines up and plays 3-4 completely different offenses in one game? We run about every offense there is in the book, except wishbone, and you might even see that one tonight. Just thought I would try to get a football question in. And powerpirate, what time is the team leaving and when do the expect to arrive at GCA? Do you know the schedule? Thanks.

That's our leader. He's a confident man and coach. I can only take these comments as Coach McKamey saying our guys are ready for the task tonight. I agree with Indian, I think you guys are making more out of his comments than you should. I think you guys are trying to pump up your team with this, and that's fine, whatever it takes. You guys have a safe ride up, our concession stand makes a pretty good burger if you're hungry when you get here. My prediction: Rams 29 Pirates 28 It's been fun reading your comments and the comments of the South Pitt faithful, what a following you guys have on here. Very impressed with the number of posts, and I'm sure we will be impressed by the number of fans you guys will bring tonight. Looking forward to a good High School football game. ITS COLD AND WINDY TODAY, DRESS ACCORDINGLY. Be safe.

Crow, due to TSSAA regulations (imagine that), our playoff games are not permitted to be streamed. You can listen to the game on 99.1 or 99.3 The Sports Animal out of Knoxville, they may even stream the game on their web site.

I saw this team last year Roy, but alot of these boys didn't play on that team, they popped up out of nowhere, it wouldnt surprise me if they don't have some new guys this week, Transfers have to sit out a year if they don't move, they may have some that transferred after their season was over last year. The Williams kid is big but not very fast,he's always liked to play after the whistle and could get some of you're boys ejected if they are not extremely disaplined. They have a great player on defence named Frank. The running back is a dandy from what I've heard, he didn't play in the game I watched last year. They have a freshman thats going to be special. Don't think they are very phyical ,but they do run alot of stuff, they also believe in tom foolery, better expect anything at any time. My guess is That south Pitt has already beat several teams better than Grace. Their fans are very nice and will treat you well, just good people. Your right, Williams has had issues in the past of "playing after the whistle". You and others should know that Eric has made a huge improvement as a person and player over the past year. I won't get into specifics, but he's been thru a lot, and needed to make a change in his attitude. This year, I'm pleased to say he's one of our leaders, and has had 0 issues that you referred to above. He's turned a corner as a person and as a player. I can say I am very proud of the way he's carried himself this year. I couldn't say that last year about him. Go get some tonight Eric, you and the Seniors deserve this shot. Make the most of it. Dominate every play, let's shock Tennessee High School Football tonight! Good Luck RAMS......RAM PRIDE!!!

Good luck to both teams. Pulling for our District 3 brothers to pull out another Road Warrior victory. Go Tigers.

Have a safe trip up powerp. Get with Tom, I think he's going to give me a buzz before the game. I'll be interested to get your thoughts on our entrance. It's not meant to be intimidating, but it's a pretty cool way for a HS team to enter the field. Tell me what you think after you get back.

I've always heard those Union City boys are sneaky. Have a safe trip up PirateTom. TO ALL PIRATE FANS MAKING THE TRIP: 1. Don't use the Ball Camp road directions. Use the directions I gave in a previous post. 2. STAY WITHIN THE SPEED LIMITS when you get close to Knoxville. The police departments were on the news and have stepped up patrols to catch speeders this weekend. 3. Have a safe trip, dress warm. Should be around 40 degrees with a 10mph breeze....COLD. Thanks silverandblue09, if all Grace Christian Fans are like you this will be a great trip. I hope we win, but even if it's by 1 point...I'm not wishing one team embarrasses the other. Thank God for all our Blessings and Go Pirates!! Thanks for the kind words, I can assure you, I pale in comparison to most of our GCA family members. They are truly good people, I'm fortunate to be a part of them. Have a safe trip up.

I received word this evening that Coach Basler had successful surgery yesterday. He's still facing serious health issues and concerns. He's still in ICU. Continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers, as well as his family. If you would like to send a card, the address at the school is : Coalfield School Attn: Shawn Basler 1720 Coal Hill Road Coalfield, TN 37719 I'm sure the cards would be greatly appreciated.

I've always heard those Union City boys are sneaky. Have a safe trip up PirateTom. TO ALL PIRATE FANS MAKING THE TRIP: 1. Don't use the Ball Camp road directions. Use the directions I gave in a previous post. 2. STAY WITHIN THE SPEED LIMITS when you get close to Knoxville. The police departments were on the news and have stepped up patrols to catch speeders this weekend. 3. Have a safe trip, dress warm. Should be around 40 degrees with a 10mph breeze....COLD.

Let's put the "trash talking" and bickering aside for a few pages. Let's give thanks for the things we're thankful for in regard to your schools / sports teams / anything relevant to this forum. We're all thankful for our families, homes, jobs, etc. I'm thankful for a Christian Academy that is growing. I'm thankful that my children are getting a great Christian based education. I'm thankful for Christian teachers that sacrifice so much to teach our children. I'm thankful for a growing sports program, for Coach McKamey and his family coming into the Grace family. I'm thankful for the expansion of our high school that will allow GCA to grow and reach more children. I'm thankful to be on the coachT football message board with a team still in the hunt. Finally, I'm thankful for a school that sits on the outskirts of a large city, but feels like we are in a small community. I'm thankful for the Grace family. And, I'm thankful for our RAMS. Have a great Thanksgiving Pirates, hope you guys will let us know what you're thankful for at your school. Thanks. Let's EAT!