sdtrojan

SD is one of the smallest 6A schools in the state however that being said, there are a lot of potential players not playing or at least providing depth. The next statements will probably cause an uproar but a big part of the problem is a lack of emphasis on the football program at the school which I don't understand. Just look at last week - homecoming. The game itself was almost an after thought. All week long there were activities that did very little to build up the fever toward the game and instead distracted from the game. During the game, the band played or did not play with no reference to the events on the field. The cheerleaders do very little actual leading of cheers. The number of fans that simply stand around and do not participate in watching or cheering is astounding. With all that lack of emphasis on the football program at a football game is it a surprise that a lot of boys do not feel that the hours spent in the weight room and in the heat after school is worth it. And other schools seem to be able to find positions for coaches - what do we have 2 who are at the school? This is a lack of support and shows in the facilities and the willingness to sacrifice. I'm not saying the football program has to rule the school (i.e. Signal Mountain) but there is a balance that can be struck. There is so much positive to say about the program - the academics of the football team exceeds the male population of the school as a whole and the discipline issues are lower. That can be attributed to the boys, the coaches and the parents. The feeling of being a team and being part of something will stay with these boys forever. Until we come to the realization that we have to support the program and make it the priority in the fall, then we need to be content with 4-6 seasons, pleased with 5-5 and excited by 6-4.

Are you already predicting the 2011 score? I don't think Edwards will be a Blue Raider next year.

The TSSAA generally relys on the schools to look into themselves and report back (not always but generally). They also will generally will only investigate if another member school brings an allegation.

All the playoff games are supposed to start at 7 local time so it is central. Minimize the turnovers and this could be one of the best games in the state Friday night. Here's hoping the trip back is a happy one.

I'm not really sure who you are saying had the tougher schedule. Let's all just agree that the current playoff system is broken. Anything that makes the BCS look like a fair system has got to be screwed up. Just remember that TSSAA takes 50% of the gate for ALL playoff games to try and figure out why it is set up the way it is. Anyway, getting back to the game Friday - remember that kickoff is at 7:00 not 7:30 like usual. I don't know much about Lincoln County but Soddy Daisy has been a streaky team this year and if we follow up the game we played against Cleveland with a similar performance we will win.

Most people do not even know what's in the 1st amendment. It states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances" You are absolutely correct. The free exercise clause is almost always forgotten. I challenge those people to go to the Jefferson Memorial in Washington and read some of the quotes from Jefferson about God and Prayer and Morality. They'd probably demand these be sandblasted off the walls. The Supreme Court is not the be all and end all for what is right in this country. If it were up to the Supreme Court we'd still have slavery in this country - See Dred Scot case. The power rests with the people. We the people have a right to pray. I challenge everyone across Tennessee tonight to stand up and pray at every football game in the state.

They'll eventually come after you too sad to say. Football is fun but what's happening in this country is down right sad and serious. Let's stand up tonight together before the game as one and say we've had enough and will pray together for our young men and our country. Go Trojans and Go Eagles!

Your passion shows and you do a great job. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks.

It absolutely was a compliment. It was an extremely well researched and written piece. So well, I thought it was professional. If he's not studying journalism, he ought to consider it. The young man writes better than most of the so-called "professionals". He should get all the props he can. He does a great job. Too bad the rest of Rhea County fans can't be as professional or positive. Geesh.

This reads like a newpaper or blog article. Can you tell me where it was published?

Yes I am and the people calling for 28-35 points are unrealistic or haven't been following the two teams. As in every game - those who make the least mistakes win. When SD puts together a complete game, they will be hard to handle and I think this week is it.

SD pounds the rock and shortens the game. Final SD 19 RC 6.

You know I agree that so many times the people in the stands at all levels think they can make better calls when they don't know all the facts but at least Soddyman didn't call out any kids. To single out a couple of players like you did is worse.

Absolutely! I do have to admit I hate homecoming week. It should be about the game and it ends up being about everything else. There is so much to compete with their attention.

There's not a coach anywhere who has time this time of year to be "stalking" anyone. Mobley is good but he didn't even start at Soddy last year. We're far better off with Edwards. He has great vision and and even better attitude. Cleveland vs. Red Bank is over. Time to move off this thread.

After 2 weeks of being underdogs against rivals this is the classic "trap". Soddy comes out flat in the first quarter but slowly turns it on and wins 25-6 (still need help in the kicking game). You can tell they are having fun. It's good to see.

Pre-season scrimmages can't be used to predict at any level. In the NFL the Colts have the worst pre-season record over the last 5 years but the best regular season record. With that being said, as usual it comes down to who makes the fewest mistakes. Red Bank will pack in the defense to try and stop the run. If Soddy can have a credible pass threat to establish the run, they will take it. Their line is one of the best in the area in a while. It won't be a blow out but Soddy takes it.

Maybe Ooltewah was flat. But Soddy Daisy flat out dominated them. O-Line was blowing holes in their defense that made it look easy. No other way to really put it. They have played like a real team the last 2 games. Congratulations to Coaches for great game plans. Since Orr took over defense they have been lights out. Offense is starting to click - O-Line dominated, running was crisp. To think they're only hitting on about 6 cylinders. When they get it all together, this will be a team to remember.

Soddy Daisy will play loose. Soddy Daisy will play aggressive. Soddy Daisy will not be afraid to make a mistake. Soddy Daisy will play as a team. It will be a great football game. Whoever makes the least mistakes and capitalizes on the other's mistakes will win. Soddy Daisy by 4 in a game to remember!

Not comparing the 2. Hixson isn't even in Ooltewah's league. Just stating that SD played a lot better against Hixson. They will have to improve if they want to beat Ooltewah. However if they can play with the same freedom and intensity it will be a game. If they play uptight like they did against Science Hiil, the Owls will have a big night.

Where the heck do you get a line on a High School football game? Las Vegas? IF the Trojans play loose with nothing to lose like they did against Hixson, they will give Ooltewah all they want and more.

Well they played much better. Much more aggressive and looser. They finally weren't afraid to make a mistake and get killed for it. Orr did a good job taking over the defense. Still have stuff to work on, but the most important part this was the first time I saw them play as a team. Keep improving and we will have a good year. Go back to the way it was, it will be a very long one. Way to go Trojans!

You're right. They need to finish. Inside the 20 too many times with not enough points. The defense keep the score down but they still gave up over 400 yards. The score was low because of SH errors as much as anything. They played way too soft on the last drive. They should do much better this week.