CheckerboardEndzone

Been around these parts a long time... Don't post consistently. Posted before the Ooltewah game, and I've posted since. Sometimes I just can't resist calling out the nonsense. ...but you can check the history. I posted plenty during the semifinal year, and last year too.

This is a very reasonable post... Thank you, Alt, for this moment of sanity.

There's Maryville in that region, then there's everybody else. Like someone else said...the rest are pretty competitive with each other. Not sure if that means they're all good or they're all equally "ok". Seems the Tri-cities teams didn't dominate like they're accustomed to this year and Bradley had an easier go at it than was expected. To me, that says the rest are kinda down...so easier to have some success in that environment. No need to get the big head just yet... The "hardest" region in the state is more likely the one with the Murfreesboro teams in it...more quality teams top-to-bottom...but believe what makes you feel good. And before you throw around the word "dominate" in reference to the county...don't forget this is the first year in a while you've beaten both teams in the county...and you didn't "dominate" either of them. Don't get too comfortable. WV is better and Cleveland is improving. They will both be different teams next year with a lot of their teams returning with another year of experience... Don't forget where you came from. This year, Bradley would be middle of the pack in their old group, at best.

Talk about a fairytale... Keep on dreamin that dream, Bear-man. My comments have nothing to do with our win last night... I'm a realist. We've struggled mightily this season like we assumed we would. We didn't come out of the gate pretending we'd be contenders like some folks. Scoreboard don't lie. Bears always find a way of making themselves believe they're better than they are... Get on board the hype train!

Da Bearz...

Probably nursing a crow-eating hangover... Nope, he'll be here soon enough, spinning this into a positive and blaming everything from the officials to the parking situation. Crow...tasty crow...

Dear "king": yer crown is busted

Could be an emotional trap game, but White is not good this year. They've won only 2 and against lesser opponents. Every loss, except the one to Cumberland (ouch) has been lopsided. Raiders have figured some stuff out. With a playoff game on the line, they win this one on speed alone. Good luck Big Blue!

The hype train ran off the tracks in Blount County... No surprise at the outcome. Only surprise is those who believed Bradley had a chance. Quarles will not be denied, and had the defensive game plan polished to stop Bradley's one-dimensional offense and expose their defensive weaknesses. That's why Maryville is where they are every year. Welcome to the 32, boyz.

Nice win for our Blue Raiders. Gonna finish the season on an upward note, even without the playoffs. The future is bright. Most of the playmakers will return next year with a year of system experience under their belts. Watch out... Countdown is on... PA, your Owls get to play exactly 3 more games. Better make em count.

Oh my goodness... Good morning to all the "big boy football" folks. Somebody check on PA. This is just too good...

Go Raiders. Senior night and last home game this year. Get em next year...

This one will not be close for long. Rhea picks their score...decisive or beat-down.

Cleveland has a future. They have some exceptional young talent. Keegan Jones, Skyler Davis, Micaleous Elder, Jordan Hickey, Darius Howard are all FR/SO contributing on varsity this year. Unfortunately, they don't have the supporting cast to allow them to shine. The future is bright. They just need to grind through and take their lumps on the way to get there. This'll be a long year. Hard to take after having a few good seasons, but it is what it is...

Cleveland has work to do. Need improvement before they'll contend for much Soddy is undefeated but won't stay that way. They're better than before but still not upper-tier for this district/region White County is what we always claimed they were while Rhea was over there whoopin' up on them and claiming to be king of the mountain district. Walker Valley will end up pretty much like usual...high hopes, decent potential, but flat down the stretch McMinn seems to improve weekly. Their offense is pretty one-dimensional, but it's working for them. Owls/Rhea will be the contest of the season, I think. Too bad it's this early. Flip a coin...depends on which version of each team shows up. Slight advantage goes to the home team.

This one's over. Raiders too little, too late. Some bright spots, though. Found a new offensive weapon in the freshman RB. Usual other suspects were productive. Pass defense held Copeland in check Just gotta protect the ball, play cleaner, and avoid negative yardage situations on offense. This young team will be special once they mature. Too bad it rained so hard. Bradley wasted water running sprinklers all day for nothing. ..

Of all the people to talk... I'm sticking with that prediction and throwing Walker Valley in there with them. The season is young and the cream will rise.

Biggest surprises of the week...the losers or the winners? I gotta say Soddy surprised me the most. The rest kinda played out as I thought it might.

Haters gonna hate...especially when they're stingin'...

Hard to know much about either team based on who/how they played last week. From what I can tell, it may be pretty even matchup. Cleveland needs some refinement in their offense. Hopefully they learned a lot against a good opponent they can use to improve. They have some talent if they can just find ways to exploit it. EH always comes to play, especially at home. Cool environment...should be a close one. I'll take Cleveland in a squeaker.

I'll take Bradley. Both teams were very fortunate to win the games they did against their county rivals. McMinn still seems awfully one-dimensional. I give Bradley the edge due to their experienced and mobile QB. Bradley by 14 (if uncle ref doesn't come loaded for Bear...)

Never Veer, the Raiders are Heer! #LOV

Heck yea! Strap 'em on and let's get this party started! Last night's exhibition was a nice warmup... I think I would cheer for Hitler's boys against the Eagles. Always good to see them with less points on the board, "big boy football" or not. Across town, hoping for a 0-0 tie, or maybe 100-100 in 16 overtimes. IT'S FOOTBALL TIME BOYZZZ!!!

Yep, saw that coming with the huge graduating class of '15. Mixed blessing, all those injuries last year. Lots of younger kids got experience and confidence. The new veer offense may look a little choppy at first, but this may be one of the fastest Raider teams in a long time. Defense will keep games close while offense finds an identity and a flow. Gonna be fun to watch, I think.

This is the truth... Good things come to those who wait.