joenmsusa

3. The whole situation could have been avoided if the 3rd baseman hadn't stormed down the line and took the player out. Correct and I missed that. Another that should be sitting.

Been waiting on the video. Consider this an outsider's look, as I approach this as the only evidence a jury might see. The runner should have avoided contact and did not. Given the "MLB mentality" he may have thought he was going to the Pete Rose of this generation (on the field at least). BUT--he came in with both elbows chin high and that looks malicious. The cather, in my mind, is clear, even with his feet/cleats in the runner's belly. Appears to be more defensive or an issue of physics as he falls than malicious. BUT--he came up escalating the intensity of the issue, initiated the post-play physical contact and created the brawl. Both appear to be running that jaw. The catcher's continued demonstrative request for further physical confrontation after the situation was contained brings additional sanctions, in my mind. Runner and catcher should be dismissed; players that left the dugouts or their positions on the field to participate (even is just standing around heckling) should face a standard two-game suspension. Each school should be on extended (1 year) probation with zero tolerance. Now, that's what I see in the video. One man's opinion. BUT--I don't have the entire investigation, context of the event in the whole of the game nor the past record of the teams and schools, so two years of no post season may be justified. Finally, and many will see this as a cheap shot--it's NOT intended that way, it is Memphis/Shelby County. Like it or not, the history of the area, specifically recent history, attaches itself to all schools. Sad day for the kids not involved. Wonder if the schools had ruled the runner/catcher permanently ineligible for athletics before the sanctions if it would have made a difference. If they were both seniors that suggestion would seem to be moot.

First game: Ravenwood 18, Brentwood 12 NOTES: 30 runs, 27 hits, 12 errors between the two teams. Second game: Ravenwood 13, Brentwood 4 Brentwood at Overton Monday night, 7 p.m. McGavock at Ravenwood, Monday, time TBA

Two items: 1) Euverard is a done deal. 68-61 overall. It is what it is and we shall see what it becomes. 2) Eliminating football. I doubt there is a school, public or private, where there are not staff members that wish football and/or every other athletic endeavor were a thing of the past.

Wonder if they will be interviewing Pat Anderson and David Heath....

I have been reading with interest because, though I have no direct connection with MBA, I have always respected the way they presented themselves. More importantly, I had the opportunity to work with Coach Owens and Coach Bennett from a media standpoint and found them to be principled men of character. Saying that, the issue of MBA leaving the TSSAA is a conversation I never had with either. Having grown up in Nashville, I am a bit ashamed to admit ignorance to the event. Can you fill in dates, reasons, etc., that caused MBA to pull away? Just from an historical standpoint, I'd be very interested. Thanks

In what is surely considered an upset, Centennial stopped Independence 7-6 this afternoon, scoring three times in the bottom of the seventh. Shocker? Or just an indication that District 11-AAA may be more balanced than expected?

Thanks.

I will not name names...no need and not what I'm after. BUT, a few stats I found interesting: Only 12 officials were used to call the 21 total games in four days. Most worked multiple games in a single day. Six officials called six games. Of the six, five averaged more than 37.8 total fouls per game, more than one per minute. One in particular had an average of 45.8 PF's called per game while another official with five games in the tourney had an average of 40.4 calls per game he worked. The twenty-one game tournament averaged 37.7 PF's per game or one every 51.0 seconds. It's easy to say, "don't foul" and normally I would agree. But these were, hopefully, the 24 best teams in the state. Are they really hackers? A games appear to be most consistent, while calls in the AAA brackets went down the closer to the finals. In AA however, one semi-final game had 50 and the finals had 55 calls. 55 PF's or one every 34.9 seconds. In such a "physical" game, not one technical, not one angry reaction by a player, not one coaches warning. And yes, there are two common denominators in there. My experience this year has been 24 or less calls is average in a regular season game. More importantly, it really did seem as though some of the officials were more concerned with being seen and appearing to be "in authority" than letting the kids and the game, within the rules, have center stage. I'll say it again--great officials are never remembered (or discussed) by fans.

Working on something and need info: Which district/region? Thanks

Yank: Looking at the offical boxes for the entire tourney, 12 officals were assigned to work the 21 total games. That's an average of about five games each over three days, not counting the games official's served as "back up" at the table. Strikes me as too many. We're in agreement on a lot of points and, as a numbers guy, I'm working on a matrix that I think will show some consistency between specific offials and heavy PF totals in a game. A note to start: Total fouls called in championship games: A=34, AA=55, AAA=29. For the tourney, the averages by round: Quarter-Finals: A=33.5, AA=33.75, AAA=41.0; Semi-Finals: A=37.5, AA=42.3; AAA=38.0. 30 or more personal fouls were called in 19 of the 21 games for the week. Looking back over some notes, it appears 24 or less is the average PF calls per game over the regular season/play-offs up to M'Boro. I have great respect for the guys who go out night after night and put themselves in the position to be second guessed by we grandstand officials. But every game I saw this week appeared to be one with a single official intent on being "seen" and "perfect" and in the process, the other two officals had to help with "make up" and "pay back" calls. Great officials are never remembered by the fans.

Nope, I didn't so can't comment. Would be hard pressed, though, to think there is one out there quicker than LT! No offense intended to Craigmont....

TechLife: Great game and congratulations. Your kids really are that good. May be the quickest high school team I've ever seen in 30+ years of playing, covering and watching. Thought it was tough, physical, competitive...everything you'd want in a state championship match-up. Safe travels home with golden globe! Nate: Congrats to you. You called it early. Too bad such a good team has such a self-important, negative fan on the boards. Now go gloat and maybe, just maybe, Santa will bring you a life in December. As for officiating...I think we've found common ground. But it was consistently poor by one in particular, without regard to jersey color. They let the big guys beat each other to death underneath and then started calling touch fouls up front. Made no sense to me either way.

Techlife--kind of what I figured. I'm sure they will be a few "Nates" on our side of the floor. Guess we'll both have to overlook the few. Good luck today to both sides. Hopefully it'll be a safe, competitive game. Hate to see either side, having gotten this far, to have to lose but, even if it is the Eagles, let's hope for a positive contest.

Hello, Nate. Glad to know where you will be and what you will be wearing. My name is Joe and I'll be wearing red and I'm not bald yet. Guess you lost your class with your hair. Liberty, on paper, is indeed a strong favorite. Congratulations. But that's why they play the game. I have faith most of the Liberty fans will be more sportsmanlike, no matter the outcome. "...Liberty will take it off and beat you with it." That's the kind of talk that would make me cheer for a democrat over Liberty. Now, I'm laughing my *** off.

Bet you weren't saying that the first quarter when Bolivar was in the double bonus. Come on...the one official must be the Mayor of Bolivar. Great game. The Bolivar kids can play. Two good teams well matched. Tale of two halves...EL looked scattered in the first half, better in the second. Great game. Don't spoil it with sour grapes.

One more add for you. Paige Cassady, catcher, Centennial to Vol State. Paige was at BGA her first three years.

You're right, RTB. Bet Mcgavock and Overton, for two, would argue, as would Hillsboro. Besides, as a product of Metro schools and football, the "glory" days are gone. There will be anomolies of very good teams, but as far as top to bottom, the best days are in the past. Just a fact, Big 4 or Little 4....

Well, just in case.... The Early Bird Play Day fell to weather. At this point, there is no make-up date, but with Charlie working and planning, you never know. Thanks to all who were hoping to participate!

New schedule for Sunday, March 5 at Fly Park: 11 a.m. Centennial v. Brentwood Brentwood Academy v. Station Camp Franklin v. Harpeth Hall Blackman v. Lawrence County Nashville Christian v. Page 12:45 p.m. Centennial v. Brentwood Academy Blackman v. Franklin Station Camp v. Harpeth Hall Lawrence County v. Nashville Christian Brentwood v. Page 2:30 p.m. Centennial v. Station Camp Brentwood Academy v. Harpeth Hall Nashville Christian v. Franklin Blackman v. Brentwood Lawrence County v. Page 4:15 p.m. Centennial v. Blackman Franklin v. Brentwood Academy Station Camp v. Lawrence County Harpeth Hall v. Page Brentwood v. Nashville Christian

Overnight rain and a forecast for more have forced officials to postpone the Centennial Lady Cougar Softball Play Day for today, Saturday, March 5, 2011. The event has been reset for tomorrow, Sunday, March 6 at Fly Park on the east side of Franklin. Gates will open at 9:30 a.m. and play will begin at 11 a.m. The fields were in fantastic shape last night before the rain began and officials with the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department indicate that they should be in very good condition tomorrow. A full schedule of matchups will be posted later this morning. Admission is $5 and special concessions will be available, including special receipe hot chili, healthy chicken sandwiches, coffee and hot chocolate. From I-65 travel east on Highway 96 (towards Murfreesboro) and take a left on North Chapel Road (about 2 miles +/-). Entrance to the park is about one-half mile on the right.

Rain date is Sunday.

Being an East fan, and having a great appreciation of White House, I would liked to have seen this game. And a 13-12 finish would NOT have me asking for my money back. Credit the Blue Devils for doing whatever necessary to have a chance to win. It almost worked. Remember, East had beaten WH a couple of weeks ago by double digits in a "standard" game. I see ALOT of games every year in all sports. It's hard enough to qualified personnel now. To add a shot clock to high school basketball would be just another burden to all schools, some who just can't do it. Congrats to the Eagles and a good job by the folks who bring breath and life to BDP!

[/quote Probably shouldn't assume anything. Crony I think that's what I said. This is a real bee in your bonnet, isn't it. What happens if they meet again next week?

Cow Palace...dirt floor...kept waiting for some who complained about officiating to say it was the venue's fault. Everything I saw was done well by the hosts, from parking to concessions to competition area. Hate to see "my tax dollars" given away most of the time, but I'll support this decision every day. And by the way, I was only an observer, and have no connection to the organizers. Glad so many did enjoy the trip. Hope y'all come back to see us, ya hear?