utvolzfan

Sweet science I watched the OR game..it was as much a confidence and a toughness issue as anything else, especially the line play. Maryville was just tougher, not tremendously more talented. That's obviously just my opinion but I've watched a lot, I mean a lot of football.

If you are going to quote me and repost..quote my entire post so it's not taken out of context. I said "talent" ie athleticism and football ability, speed, size etc. I that's a toss up. It's all the other stuff.

Based on the things I have seen so far..Bearden has as much or more talent than Maryville..however, the Rebels have superior coaching, scheme and are a lot more disciplined and make far fewer mistakes..I pull for the dogs but if we could stay within 2 scores I will be amazed. Maryville by 28. Ok Dawgs, prove me wrong! Woof Woof!

I tend to agree with the majority of the posts on this topic albeit maybe in bit more toned down and not so "personal" fashion. My take is that this year the game choices were not as strong and I agree Packer comes across as a know it all and is often disrespectful and condescending. What I found most interesting is the post referencing how he "drove sponsors crazy"... Maybe that's why he wasn't back at Bearden for a game and the Dawgs usually have their rivalry game with Farragut on TV. Food for thought.

Ok this may be a rant but I can't resist. First, thanks to LC, their fans were gracious and the hospitality was awesome. I really loved the new stadium upgrades and their speaker system is clearer than the one at Neyland. Just a nice facility with nice people. I was appreciative of the pre-game prayer as well. As for the game...where do I start?. I think I underestimated LC. If they had kept Patrick and T Hall watch out, even so they have a good team. Their kicking game is strong and their punter especially will play on Saturday's. The spread gave Bearden fits with swing pass but they didn't have a strong RB..he was quick but not quite big enough. this particular game was a mess..a disaster really that exposed issues for both teams as the season progresses. First of all Bearden is probably the most undisciplined squad in the past few yrs not as far as assignments go but just penalties. right now no player or captain steps up to control his teammates. Bearden's O-line is their weakness..they let a LC push them around a lot and it kept Waters, Wall and the other RB's from getting a lot going. Bearden still insists on not putting Waters at TB enough which is a mystery to me seeing what he's done in other games in limited carries and the fact it takes 3-4 guys to tackle him? Wake up coaches. the Bearden qb was running for his life a lot too. Forced at least 3 passes and got picked. Both teams had turnovers galore. I lost count. Bearden will lose 3 if this isn't fixed soon. There is a tendency to have motion penalties from the set they run. LC to me had a better kicking game but lacks a difference maker at RB and returner. I see LC winning some games and making it to second round barring big injuries. Bearden is at a crossroads even at 5-0. They need to decide if they want to be a disciplined group or not. They could lose to Maryville, West, Farragut and maybe Catholic if the penalties, fumbles and forced passes don't stop..and if the play calling doesn't get better on offense. Go Dawgs

Well if the Dawgs give up more than 17 I'm gonna be very worried about the rest of the season. I'm not saying that LC doesn't have a good offense it's just that I feel West, Maryville and probably Farragut and Catholic are even stronger on offense. Now I have not seen the Panthers play this season but last year they seemed to be able to move it well against us in the air, not so much on the ground.

Really looking forward to this game. This was a fun game last year and I expect another good ballgame this year. Bearden played better against Rhea than any other game this season and seem to be improving weekly. There is still concern about our pass defense but pressure up front could help the secondary. Also need to improve kick coverage. What do the LC fans think about their squad so far..?strengths and weaknesses?...

Best game of the season for Bearden..Rhea had no answer for Waters and line played very well. Really entire team played well minus a few penalties. Still concerned about the pass defense and the kick coverage. Rhea is bettr than the score indicated. 49-7. Lenoir City is up next and they look to be pretty good.

What are the strengths of Rhea Co out of curiosity? I remember you guys tackled well and seemed fundamentally sound but lacked a big offensive playmaker. Did anyone move up from 8th and start as a freshman or did anyone transfer in or make big off-season gains?

Bearden enters this game 3-0 with an improving qb and a rushing game led by Waters and Walls. The defense has played well against the run but there have been gaps in the D on the ground and in the air at times. The penalties Bearden has suffered(4 Td's called back the last 2 games) and numerous other fouls would get them killed by Maryville, West or other strong teams. What type of team does Rhea have this season. Last year Bearden won but Rhea had a lot of heart. Let's hear some chatter from Rhea Co folks.

Bearden 2-0 but we have some weaknesses..what do the William Blount folks have to say about their squad?

Weird game tonight. Bearden 38-7. First half Dawgs immediately started having their way but had Td's called back and numerous penalties..kept East in it until the half. A few really questionable repeat calls but whatever. I think 4 total TD's called back. Bearden moved it at will in 2nd half and rolled. Many many on offense contributed. On D Waters was a beast with 3 tackles for big losses. Dawgs got three int's. QB not as sharp tonight..connected for some nice gains but threw into heavy coverage and East defenders dropped 3 sure int's. I'm still feeling like Bearden hasn't been tested and I believe they have weaknesses on certain defensive alignments and they have crazy offensive play calling. Like passing on 4th and 1 at 1yd line and getting sacked after running it down East's throat until the 5. Next week vs William Blount.

Ok, Bearden played a solid week one against a very average at best Hardin Valley. Most starters watched the 2nd half. I've heard East isn't as strong as they have been but I know the game is at East and there is pride Hamblen Co. What do the East fans think? Last years game was very competitive.

Went to Bearden vs. Hardin Valley week 0. Hardin Valley periodically moved the ball but just didn't have the athletes, the depth or frankly a very good scheme, not that the Bearden offense is all that creative either. Bearden has a solid qb who threw it well except for one ill advised pass and scrambled well too. He was able to connect well because Bearden threw at the right times and because Hardin Valley had below average coverage. Additionally, Bearden used Walls, Davenport and Waters at RB. sometimes Waters blocked at FB. He only had two carries but one was a 30 yd TD and a third carry went for 40 yds but was called back due to a hold completely out of the scope of the play. Bearden's defense basically shut out HV with the Hawks scoring their only TD on the game's last play against 3rd teamers. Bearden's 4-3 looked pretty good but they gave up a few runs and short 30 yd drives. It appeared HV schemed away from Waters a lot and that gave other LB's and their other DE many opportunities. Griffen Delong looked good and Isiah MCDaniel had a pick. On special teams Bearden pooch kicked a lot which is horse crap but eventually they started kicking deep as game went on. Dawgs had good kick coverage and made their only FG attempt. HV may win a few games but not against anyone with athleticism or strong defense..they just can't move it much. All in all a good week zero for the Dawgs.

Is Najee Ray still at HC or did he graduate and go play somewhere? I thought he was one of the most electric playmakers in the state last year.

Understand he is actually living in the West HS zone and it's definitely a grades issue.

Teams in Cookeville tonight were Bearden, Alvin York, Cookeviile and Father Ryan. YOrk is a AA team and were outmaned. Bearden and Father Ryan played hard against each other. Bearden has a better offense than last year but still it was just a scrimmage, a lot of rough edges but more positive energy and the team seemed energized and had unity. another scrimmage next week vs Morristown West and then Jamboree at Neyland Thurs night.

I believe there is a multi-team scrimmage this Friday night in Cookeville that Bearden will be at. Does anyone know of other teams besides Cookeville that will be there?

Did not see the scrimmage live but was told Bearden ran the ball very well, especially Waters. I would like to hear about how the defenses were perceived on the whole for both sides.

Come on folks, 400 plus page views but zero comments.. Surely someone follows this program???

Bearden loses a few Sr's but will have Waters back at Tailback as well as their QB. A few key freshmen will probably make impact as Sophs as well. Let's hear from some folks within that programs circle as to what they think. What about the McDaniel kid..Terry's son I think. Dad was All-Pro..how is he doing??

Opps I meant he is enrolled at H Valley.

He is enrolled at Webb but if he goes to LC he would be far enough away from Webb to meet eligibility to not have to sit out a year from what I understand.

Apparently Najee does have legit speed. Timed at 4.5 you say..hmmm What I also noticed and why I started the thread on Najee is because I saw a FOOTBALL player with speed in pads not just a clocked 40 with incredible ability to cut and change directions..Lokks better than Devrin does regarding lateral ability. Remember, Tyran Mathieu camped at TN and was interested and from what I understand we didn't push to get him. I also remember going to an Alcoa vs Mcallie game in Alcoa a few years back because I wanted to see Warren and BJ Coleman. When I left I was thinking man that Cobb kid is a real player..We all know what happened there. I know it when I see it. Najee has it.

I was fortunate enough to watch the Henry Co. vs Powell 5A Championship game. Najee Ray, HC's QB has difference making speed, lateral quickness and cutting ability. I have no idea what class he is in but I think he would be a strong return guy, possibly a WR or a CB. Hopefully Dooley knows who he is. Just sayin.