bigredone83

Sorry I have not figured out how to post correctly. But the comments of EastTnref are wise as are those of Valleysoccerdad. Three issues that can be beat into the ground. First of all there is a reason we have Div II, that is for the private schools, as some of them have trouble following the rules of the public schools. Secondly, we can agree that clubs develop players who are on well stocked travel teams and get to play against very tough competition. That means the family of the player must have money, as soccer is not a blue collar sport in this country. Families with money send their kids where? Yep, private schools, and then these private schools will hang out in AA and beat up on the poor rural kids and small public schools whose kids are mainly AYSO as they do not have the money for travel. These young athletes are learning about the game, and also very quickly learn to hate the game when they have to play those kids in the privates, as there is no comparison. I love the relegation idea, but that doesn’t work for the very reason that was stated. One champion never happens. The state will have as many champions as they can, as that is what outs the money in their accounts. In short, I don’t believe we are really interested in developing the game in this country, as we do not reach into the blue collar ranks where we could find the next Rooney or Dzeko. Albeit, we play the sport so some of our better off parents can brag about Susie or Jimmie. Our club systems need sponsorship so that everyone can play, but we can’t get the clubs on the same sheet because those same parents are still controlling everyone. If we could get all the quality kids playing on the same team, the sponsorships would come as the influence is gone. As it is, we will never see that in our lifetime. We are already feeling that outcome as the women’s U17 team was eliminated last year by the Canadians, a very sad day for US soccer, which all starts here in the high schools. So yes, I hate it when the private schools brag about state championships in AA. My hats off to catholic, who joined the AAA and has done very well.

Right on EastTnref, well stated

Ok, here we go again: Houston over Ravenwood Franklin over Catholic I suspected the early departure of Bearden, one dimensional offense that gets stymied by quality teams.

agree, great program even when they played AAA. But again, too many privates. They should go AAA or to Div II where they really belong.

I would take a stab at this one as well, but must back off. Private schools bagging in AA just ain't right.

I will give it a stab: Ravenwood over Bearden (Bearden has played suspect in the last month) Houston over Soddy (Soddy over-rated) Catholic over Collierville (Collierville over-rated; Catholic not deep enough, but get a win here) Although difficult, Bearden/Collierville coaches old college buds, so Collierville will be well prepared.) Franklin over Oakland (Oakland luck has run out.)

Ah, there lies the 2nd most important question-what is right. The first question is how do I find finishing?

Scheduling is everything. It is a must to see different parts of the state on your seasonal approach. That way no surpises and you get the players accustomed to seing a tough schedule.

Looking at who is left and how they are playing, I am going to say that the eastern side of the house, Region 1 and 2 will not go very deep into the playoffs. No solid commitment from up north, while the Knoxville contingent is struggling. The sometime powerful Dogs of Bearden seem more occupied with individual records then moving on as a team. While I felt strong about them early, if they get to the state, I would guess a first round exit. Catholic will not be deep enough to compete with the AAA teams. A sad day for the east. Farragut a former contender, but as always, same old weakness. Oak Ridge, well based on the turmoil of upper classmen versus lower classmen, coupled with parental interference, has set the stage for their future demise. Look for HVA and West to become new powers within the east.

I agree. It is bad enough when a player gets tagged with missing a PK, but to mention a name with a tragic loss like this is tough. Own goals happen all the time. Recent ECL action showed that players who makes lots of bucks are doing the same thing.

And I have heard uglier-just kidding

got it

Big G takes all the fun out of everything. Hey, little brother does not need protecting. We are all pulling for him. Soccer is soccer

That is why it is always good to get opponents to sign the state contract. It is sad to see coaches cancel as that is not teaching young adults the right way, and sends the wrong message to your players. When you cancel you basically say you do not have the confidence in your team. What a shame to teach this so early in life. As far as kids reaching milestones, that does sound a bit selfish.

Great result for OR, tough tie for Bearden. The next two weeks will be interesting. But with the exception of the last two years, Bearden has always shined

Is Siegel struggling or is Smyrna that good this year?

well stated.

Not bad for a non-coaching poll, but do believe Bearden deserves to be ranked higher. Bearden should win the region and West should be the runner-up. Nothing coming from region one.

I was not knocking Houston by any means. I merely stated that once you get in the saddle, it is harder to come down. Houston HS had a chance to play Bearden in their tourney, I guess that would have solved it on the field. Memphis has many excellent teams in both genders.

Well stated. But we will all know at the end of october which poll had merit. The west is much stronger this year and teams such as OR and DB from last year have dropped off a bit. I think in the middle we see some action, but I think the pendulum has swung back to the west were it was for years.

i have been out of the area for awhile, but when I lived in ET, I recall that the soccer coaches vote the eurosport poll, while mjhubs poll is done by a non hs coach. I guess what I am saying is that if the eurosport poll is not good, than you have no one to blame but yourselves. It is tough to knock a team out of first, it generally takes a loss. But if you take a look at the records of the teams played (combined w/l) of Bearden 93-77-27, while Houston is 50-48-14, one would summize that Bearden may deserve the better of the rankings. On the other hand, Soddy's teams have a combined lost/win record that shows more losses than wins, so certainly they may be ranked to high. Strenght of schedule should have much meaning. Not knocking the coach t poll, but again, not being completed by the coaches.