RedSwarm10

It was a fun game to watch. I thought the first half was eerily similar to the Milan scrimmage. But I liked the way we responded later on in the game, and I'm sure every other Patriot fan did as well. When you're a young team on the road in the first game of the season, it takes a lot of guts and will power to come back from two scores down that late in the game and go on to win by 10 points. Speaks volumes for this coaching staff as well (as if there was really any doubt). Storme looked good rushing for 3 touchdowns and also going 4 of 4 passing the ball. And how about Chase Henderson? 6 carries for over 60 yards including the game clinching score. A 10 ypc average in his first varsity game is a pretty dang good sign. Curtis did his thing in a solid 100 yard rushing effort as well. Ben Jelks is proving himself to be a very valuable weapon both running and catching the football. He stepped up big time in James Brooks' absence (will be another big plus when he returns). On defense you had the usual suspect in Dennis Tharpe Jr. racking up 14 tackles. I was impressed with Michael Etheridge and Griffin Wood on the defensive line. And who is this Zach Lax kid? I heard his name called a lot tonight. Over all, it was a solid performance and I enjoyed watching it, but still a long season ahead and a lot of growing to do yet for this team. I look forward to watching it all unfold. GO PATS

Pretty good analysis. The team is young and will get better, so don't panic over what you saw tonight. Hilliard will be fine at QB. Curtis and Henderson are not the Allen boys, but both are formidable options. I believe Donaldson could be the best receiver we've had in a while, and Dennis Tharpe Jr. has picked up right where he left off. The kid is a play maker. At this point, the lines are good, not great, but they will improve. I don't know how next week's game against Liberty will turn out, but I expect a W. The team needs it too, because the competition gets much stiffer the following week.

But I will say that Milan looks to field a very good squad this season. They did beat us fair and square, but, it was just a scrimmage, and it was hardly a lopsided one even with our 3 turnovers. Our young guys still have a lot to work on, but I expect us to be fine. You won't see any ill will from me. I wish Milan the best this season and would love to see them bring another gold ball back to the West.

About the same as I did when I made that post. I still believe we would beat Milan in a 4 quarter game. We are young this year, while you bring back nearly everyone, and you still needed 3 interceptions including a pick 6 to beat us by 1 score. I really wouldn't read too much into this.

If last season's jamboree was any indication, a bunch of you.

Thanks for the updates. Much appreciated. I've heard the team is looking very athletic this season. Friday will be the first I get to see of them in person. I've also heard that one of our most promising sophomores isn't with the team due to disciplinary issues. There any truth to this? If so I hate it, because he was a stud at Grove last season.

How did the scrimmage at Obion County go?

Saw an article a while back that covered every team in 5A. From what I remember, it said Wilson would be using an offense run primarily out of the I-formation, which typically means a more run-heavy, physical type of team. That style of football has aged like wine at the high school level, although the amount of success you have could be directly correlated with having good depth, which from what I've heard, could be a setback for Springfield this season. Given the circumstances, 5 or 6 wins and a playoff appearance could be a good way to kick things off for this new staff. And I don't think that is out of reach for Springfield by any means.

As always, thanks for keeping us all updated olddevil. What grade will this big, raw kid be in?

With the recent graduation of some very large classes by HCHS standards (2010 and 2012), the enrollment has likely dropped somewhat since the previous reclassification. Hard to put an estimate on it, but I'm expecting that number has taken a dip from the 1450 we had when enrollment numbers were last taken. My educated guess would be that it ends up somewhere in the 1300's.

Is it a foregone conclusion that it gets voted back in? To answer your question, there are positives and negatives. The positives would be an increased level in competition within our region, some much larger gates, and some more exciting football games. The negatives would be even farther travel, and a much more difficult path to another state title in the next few years, which we're all hoping for, and have a relatively decent chance of doing under the current system. The Henry County homer in me wants to keep the current system. The football purist in me wouldn't mind a return to the old system. However, I'm more of a homer than a purist, so I hope they keep the current system. Don't get me wrong, I'm certain we would still be a very good program in the state's largest class, even though we would probably be on the lower end of 5A enrollment wise. I just think we sit in a near perfect spot currently.

According to the TSSAA article, 60 percent of coaches want to return to the 5 class system. Of the few names I saw listed, most, if not all of them were from Rutherford County. James Counce (Henry County) and Anthony Crabtree (Beech) are only two examples of some coaches who would rather keep things as are. I originally didn't mind returning to 5 classes, in hopes that they would make some changes to that playoff format, but they aren't. They're wanting to return to the top 4 vs. top 4 playoff format which I always hated. I would rather keep the current system.

I expect the TSSAA to keep the 6 class format, but to separate the mixed districts into single-class regions. I just don't know if I can see them eliminating the revenue that those 32 extra playoff teams bring in. However, I would have no problem with returning to 5 classes. If they do go back to the old system, I'm curious as to what our enrollment numbers look like. Do you think we would remain in 5A, or return to 4A where we were from 2005-2008?

That is insane. How is that in comparison to your previous numbers? Didn't you guys have 70+ working out last season?

That's a huge loss, but he is a terrific basketball player.

Justin Harrell played at Martin Westview High School and Colquitt played at Bearden. And yes Scott Wells is currently a member of the St. Louis Rams. Not sure about Turner and Welch.

Golden Tate Justin Harrell John Henderson (if he's even still active) Michael Oher Dustin Colquitt

Great book. Terrible movie.

Agreed. I heard one of their best players got suspended or something, but they should still be a tough match. I bet Patriot Stadium will be packed for that one.

Seems pretty spot on to me at this point. When looking at our schedule as a whole, all of our more challenging games are on the road with the exception of Beech; Liberty, Springfield, Northeast, and Dickson County. I still have us finishing either 1st or 2nd, but it won't be as easy.

From what I hear, it's going to be a JV scrimmage on our end. Not sure about you guys though.

Sad news. Everyone please keep the family and friends of Zach French in your prayers. He was a senior on the 2011 football team this past year, and was killed earlier today in a two vehicle collision. He was scheduled to graduate this Friday. Another one gone far too soon. Hold your kids extra tight and tell them you love them every day, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. Rest In Peace.

I wouldn't call it smearing the lipstick. Turnovers are a part of the game . And hey Arlington's no joke. In addition to what you said, they annihilated Dickson County in the first round of the playoffs last year, and they return quite a bit of talent from that team and are considered by many to be a sleeper in 6A for a deep run this year. We'll be fine when you consider the fact that most of these players are just now getting their feet wet. I'm ready for Thursday .

Appreciate the updates olddevil. I liked what I saw from Colton Randolph last year in limited varsity action and also with the JV. And of course Storme Hilliard's an incredible athlete. Sounds like it could be a bit like our Najee Ray/Khalil Kendley duo from a couple years back. Luckily I'll actually get to see us in action when Dresden comes to town Thursday.

Well we just lost all 5 starters on the offensive line, along with one of the better fullbacks we've had. I'm not surprised to see our running game is having some early struggles. Just give it some time and it will come around. Especially knowing this coaching staff. As for the passing game, who's starting at QB? Is it Hilliard?