blazeburnin

It was several pages back... Edit: you pretty much did too....do you read your posts?

So you have a problem with kids running their mouths, but are willing to go "Adrian Peterson" on your kid? I hope you are just being tongue-n-cheek and not serious. As to the players playing....they are playing the best players they can that give them the best chance to win. Even Oakland put Jones on Defense Friday. There might be 100 on the sidelines, but there is no where near the depth to support playing more kids than that in that type of ball game. The opening of all the high schools has spread out the number of "players" but the success of football in the county has increased the number of "participants". As to the Freshmen dressing and playing....I hate to break it to you but that has happened most every year. You do realize that Shad started 2 Freshmen on one of his State Championship teams. Every year a handful of the Freshmen get to dress out and if they are good enough they will get some reps. They will be mop-up reps or special teams reps, but it only helps the future.

Unfortunately there is no appeals process for this stuff. Or at least that is what Blackman was told last year when they had to have a player sit the first round of the playoffs after the Bowling Green debacle. Same thing...kid got 2 unsportsmanlikes - gone next week. TSSAA said there was nothing they could do. They wouldn't even look at the film.

I have debated posting on this all weekend. First off, I really wish they wouldn't put playoff games on tv in the first place. The earlier talk about the atmosphere not being to the level that it usually is was a result of it being a little cold and most people that would have come to the came decided to stay home on the couch and watch.....can't say I blame them. As far as the game. Oakland won, and you can't say much more than that. They made the plays they had to and shut Blackman down when they had to. Add to the fact that Blackman kept shooting itself in the foot with drops, mental errors and penalties and you have the result we saw. Now to the "extra" stuff. For people to sit and just watch that game either on tv or in person and not have a clue about anything involved with these 2 teams to call these kids thugs etc, is completely clueless. I guess I could come to where you are and throw an unsportsmanlike flag on you for calling a 17 year old kid a thug. These 2 teams played one of the best high school games I have ever witnessed 13 weeks ago. These kids know each other very well and for 3+ months all they have talked about back and forth is the opportunity to play each other again. With the lone exception of Hoover, they have stayed perfect in that task. When Friday finally got here, the lid blew off all of that pent up angst and build up. Would I have liked to see a clean game that looked like the game 13 weeks ago, sure....but that was never going to happen. These kids are not professionals, they are emotional 17 year old kids. The penalties were most definitely out of hand. You would think that they would see that one of Oakland's best players got tossed early and settle it down. Nobody is blaming the officials for throwing the flags because they were most definitely warranted, but I do believe the game got away from them very early. I wish the TSSAA would let the same refs that have officiated the games all year to work a game in the playoffs if two teams from the same district are playing. There is no need to bring in refs from West or East TN if 2 teams from the same county are playing each other. I don't think they were ready for that kind of intensity, and think guys that were used to it could have handled it better. If you've ever had a brother, you would understand. These kids fought like brothers all night. And at the end they behaved the same way brothers would after a fight. I'm not sure what the cameras showed about Jennings, but I can assure you he shook hands after the game...goodness, 2 of his future teammates were on the other sidelines. By the way the game went you would think these 2 teams would have been going at it in the hand shake line, but that is not what happened in the least bit. There were hugs, hand shakes and well wishes. Blackman players were telling Oakland to go win it all and Oakland players were consoling the Blackman players. These kids are still friends and have played either with or against each other for at least 6-7 years. I just love all the holier than thou crap that some people spew when they don't know what they are talking about. I'm glad your lives are perfect and you guys never make mistakes. Overall, it was a sloppy game, and it was such a shame given what was on the line.

I guess I was wrong. I thought the Maryville takeover of this thread would have happened sooner. I love the Maryville program and have the utmost respect for GQ and what he has done there. However, some of you guys are the most insecure fans I have ever seen of any team at any level!!!! I love how they have crucified that ref that made such a horrible call that caused them to lose, so I guess you guys are giving Smyrna the game because there was an equally horrible call at the end of that game. But I guess that was a good call, right? Then they have to jump all over and deny schedule strength when taking into account those games. Riverdale lost their QB and unquestionable leader and best player on the team the week before. siegel almost beat them with a QB that was playing on 1 ACL, but none of that matters. If healthy, they definitely lose to Siegel and Riverdale is a dog fight. But I do understand that injuries are a part of the game, sadly. They also don't have an answer to not playing somebody tougher out of district......oh but the tried to get Ensworth to come to their place, but those spoiled little brats expected a return trip to Ensworth - so that didn't happen. They have also turned down a 2 year deal with Blackman. And to the poster several posts ago that said 12AAA was a better region.......I just don't have an answer. WOW. Nobody is denying that Maryville is the top of the ladder in TN public schools.....nobody. That's why it kills me when they have to hijack threads that have nothing to do with them. So what if somebody said Maryville doesn't play a strong schedule. Don't get your panties in a bunch and go polish the trophies, and enjoy winning by 4 tds tonight.

I don't know why you wouldn't call Woodward. I'm not saying they haven't or won't, but if I were them, he would get a call.

It will more likely be something like 0-10 Warren Co (I don't know how good they are...just example purposes) traveling all the way to 10-0 Maryville. That is quite a trip and considerable expense for some programs that might not have the resources. I know that you can play up the David vs Goliath angles but at some points kids are realistic.

True, but the IB program doesn't kick in until you are already in school there. Soph. year maybe, but it used to be Junior year. The thing is, all you have to do is say you are wanting to be in the IB program, and you have your zone exemption. When it comes time to apply/get admitted, if you don't have the grades or scores then you don't make it in the IB program. However, they don't kick those kids back to their original zones if they don't qualify.

Hmmmm, apparantly I struck a nerve. I am VERY well aware of the zoning rules, thank you. What do the zoning rules at Blackman have to do with you? 1) I have a clue 2) I have and love my life Your mindless drivel has been the waste on these boards for far too long. My advice to you. #1. Actually pick a team, and support that team. It's ok to cheer on the other county schools as well. #2. Quit posting your inflamatory, antagonistic crap that nobody but you wants to hear. Instead post positive messages in support of whatever team you choose in step #1. Thanks and have a nice day.

Where have I not cheered for district teams playing outsiders in the playoffs. I don't remember saying anything like that...but whatever makes you feel better about yourself. I would have felt bad myself if I had cheered for Lavergne all those years and then trying to work up the courage to cheer for good old Stewie.....I guess that was even too much for you as that one didn't last long. Good luck to your son, daughter, neighbor, or whoever it is that goes to Oakland now.

Don't get so defensive.....so you've pulled for 3 teams now. No biggie, it's a free country. I just find it funny. You start off as a Lavergne fan, then you are the biggest (maybe only) Stewie (as you call them) fan on the board, and now you are magically an Oakland fan. I wonder if there are any players on Oakland's team that were at Stewarts Creek last year, and just maybe had an older brother that played for Lavergne......might be a good research project for somebody with more time on there hands than I do.

So you are pulling for a team you are openly admitting that cheats?

Guys, you have to take Grizzlies for what he is.....an instigator. He is not an Oakland fan or a Blackman fan. His main purpose is to stir stuff up. That being said, I do think Rutherford County has a great chance to sweep this round.

Smyrna had 2 losses their first championship and 3 losses the second one. Google is your friend.

Well, when his teams have been both Lavergne and Stewarts Creek pulling for his opposing teams is quite rewarding.

I hope you are kidding around. Hoover is extremely good. They have lost 2 games, yes, but those were agains 2 national powers. They lost to Miami Central by 3 at home, and went to Ga and lost to Colquitt County. Playing at home is a huge factor here. I am honestly hoping for a good, hard fought game with no injuries. If we win, I will be thrilled. If we lose (by whatever margin), the focus immediately shifts to the playoffs. I honestly think we either win or we get blown out. If the score starts to go south late in the game, I think the starters will come out then the score could get worse. If it's a close game, I think we can pull it out.

???????? How does Murfreesboro control national recruiting rankings? I would love to hear this. We can't even get our local team to recruit any of our kids!!!

Yes. He might have played it in Middle school or something, but last year was his first varsity QB game action. I hate getting into the stat debate. I don't know Upton's stats. If you could post them I would be very interested in seeing them. Do you realize that Blackman's offense is a predominately run based offense? He doesn't have to throw it that much, but when he does he puts his team on his back. Against Indy, they were down 28 points with 11 minutes to go in the game. They came back and scored 29 points in those last minutes to win the game. In the game, he threw for 350 yards with 4 tds, and rushed for 100 plus another td. If they asked him to throw it a bunch, he is more than capable, but that is not what Shad asks of his offense. He wants to run the ball and control the clock. The Metro thing doesn't hold a lot of difference for me. The privates take a whole lot from us too (Corn Elder, Ferby, Jalen Ramsey, just to name a few). If you have talent and can play, colleges will find you. A ton of players have gotten scholarships out of Metro...and a ton of really great players have come out of Metro. Do you know who the staff of 247 is comprised of? It's all of the core guys that made Rivals the "more respectable source". Rivals is a shell of their former selves. Plus, they also rate guys that go to their camps/combines higher. Politics is the only reason he is rated so low on Rivals....11th in the State, don't think so. But if you want to go on Rivals, Upton is the 29th recruit in the state. So you attribute that difference solely on the fact that he plays in Metro? I know and can appreciate the fact that you are defending and supporting your guy. I get it and have no problem with it, but any person looking objectively can see which is better.

I can say it, and I will say it......Jennings is a better "runner" AND "thrower" than Upton. I am not discrediting him because he is at a 3A school. Jennings is better, period. That's not a knock on Upton. He should go on and have a nice career at MTSU, but he is not on Jauan's level. And to clarify something for you - http://247sports.com/Player/Jauan-Jennings-31595 He is the #6 Dual Threat QB in the NATION!!! He is ranked that high, because he is that good.

Where do I begin? I'm not going to insert myself into comparing between the PC QB and Upton. Upton is a nice player, for sure. I hope you aren't implying he is better than Jennings just because he had better "numbers". Watch the film, then compare. I have a feeling your answer will be pretty obvious.

I was just picking at you. I know those 2 teams you guys brought down here were very young. As far as our Silver Ball, it resides at Hendersonville High School. Maryville beat us fair and square, but Hendersonville just got lucky being on the West side of the bracket. But that's the way the cookie crumbles. Hopefully we can make a better run this year and end the drought. As far as arm goes, we'll just have to agree to disagree. Last year, I might have agreed with you, but he has improved so much in the throwing area. http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1534240/highlights/157135375 Take a look at his film....especially the first throw on it, and then the 4:00 mark is just ridiculous - rolling left, throwing off 1 foot and flicks it 50 yards on the spot for a TD.

No he's not. They have shut the QB recruiting down. Justin King is a RS So Linebacker listed at 6'2 245. He was recruited as a linebacker not QB. Not sure where you are going with that. There So you've spoken with the staff have you? Because there is this little rule about a coach mentioning a recruit to the media until they have signed. So if you heard a coach say it, you must know one personally. You say he has been mentioned several times as a safety.....who are the ones doing the mentioning? My guess would be some "media" and message board posters. This staff has told him he would play QB, so that is what I am going on.

First off, Smyrna has a couple gold balls in their case as well. Second...seems like I remember Pearl Cohn coming down to Blackman a couple of times here recently. How'd that turn out? If you watch Jauan's film then tell me you think P-C's QB is still better, then I don't know what else to say to you. I wil say your running back is very special, and your QB is good, but not on Jauan's level. He is the number 6 Dual Threat QB in the nation for a reason!

I stand corrected, you are right. Brain cramp, I guess. Thanks for clearing that up...comment has been removed.

HAHAHAHA!!!! You know times have changed when you hear Riverdale fans complain about "zone jumping". Please release these names and have the TSSAA look into it. Funny part is that all of the members of the Oakland staff that came from Riverdale learned it from WHO? If you can't win/recruit at Oakland with the IB program, you aren't trying. Bottom line is Riverdale fans got spoiled for 10-15 years and are having a hard time adjusting. They have seen the addition of 3 new schools that have affected their zones (although SC was minor). These schools have over 5500 students total in them. It is hard for them to accept that this had a HUGE impact on their talent pool. Rankin saw it, every other school saw it, but Riverdale fans choose not to see it. Rankin might have squeezed another run out those first 2 years he left,but we'll never know. Riverdale has a good coach, but nobody will ever be acceptable after Rankin and his success. He won a championship at Hillsboro, but he didn't do it at Riverdale so it doesn't count. The landscape in Rutherford County has changed, and will never be the same. Imagine their moaning when Rockvale High opens in the next 5-10 years further taking the talent pool away. There will never be a run like that in this county again. Maybe a 2-3 year spurt, but 10-15 years is in the past.