MeritIII

The punting game gave Alcoa 14 points - I don’t want to punt.

No players on Bearden’s team were alive the last time the Rebels lost to the Bulldogs. This may be the year that changes. But until it does , my money is on the Rebels to win.

Halls over Powell Bold prediction on that one. Strength of schedule has to account for something.

Don’t know about that - but West was over 200 yards passing and 200+ rushing yards. The young guys looked good out there - lots of play time for the back ups. The coaches I’m sure like the fact the second and third defenses played just as hard even when the game was pretty much over. Hope the injuries don’t come back to haunt us.

What happened to your record? Paper says you guys are 1-2? Did I miss a loss somewhere?

Well West is now 5-0 according to the paper - so they must not have tackled 2.

They lost talent in that redone as well. I would highly suspect the development of their youth league was part of that success.

Not all coaches are created equal.

Appreciate the posts - always a class act. Looking forward to Friday night.

I’ll take the bonafide Stars thread. Thinking this game could go either way. Both teams with lots of “new” starters. This game is pure bragging rights as it doesn’t matter for region, so it comes down to who wants it more and who makes their breaks. Knoxville teams have not found much success on the road with Maryville, so they will be fighting hard to hold the home field. We will just show up and see where it goes. Maybe I’ll see you there Stars, not sure we have ever met up at one of these affairs. Win, lose or draw - keep everybody healthy and move on to region play.

This did not age well. But I will agree - it was “special”. You may want to work on how you define “best staffs” - Bearden definitely got out coached and out played today.

So my thoughts - Passing Game - West Running Game - Even Special Teams - Bearden Coaching Staff - West times at least two Cajones- West Considering the number of kids West had starting their first varsity game, I have to give them credit for pulling it out. They made mistakes early but just flat out refused to lose.

I would hope this is not the biggest game or one of the biggest games of their career. Bearden should probably be focused on their Region games, I know West is -

Hey WFL - do you want to start the off season thread now or should I? It was a good season while it lasted.

West has lost before and we will lose again. Never know from year to year what you got until you put them on the field. Bearden’s 2022 season was better than their record when you look at who they lost to and by how much. Wouldn’t be an upset for Bearden to win, but I would be a little shocked to see the Rebels lose big and your opinion is about as good as mine. West will get better as the season progresses and will be ready come playoff time.

Better than the Rebels . West gonna have to shake off the cob webs and find their stride. Jeff Co looked like they were there to play, West not so much.

Not that anyone cares - but Latham averaged over 200 yards a game in most of the games that didn’t feature a running clock. I would be curious how many yards he could have had in games if we fed him the ball 25-30 times a game. I’m sure arguments can be made all around - but without Latham there would be no gold ball at West this year. All were deserving, but only one could win. Congratulations to Bishop.

Have to agree- it was a fun ride. You can argue points - spreads - officials- talent level - strength of schedules, but you can’t argue this team of players and coaches did not earn that title. They faced one of the toughest schedules in the state and walked away unscathed at 15-0. There are no asterisks on that gold ball. That senior class walks away with a state title and a 50-7 record (wouldn’t swear to that math). Not sure too many teams in 5A can say that.

11 was giving as much as he was getting all game. Go back and watch him bark his first TD. Both players barked all night. Two good teams - two strong willed group of players - gonna be some chirping. Glad to see West’s coaches staying composed to keep their team on task and focused for the win.

You must have a very good memory. It’s been awhile.

You know it’s bad when the TSSAA sends an apology on a game you still ended up winning.

I see this one being a little tougher on the Rebels than some others on here, but I still think we win it. Boone may be a very good team, but I don’t think they can throw anything at the Rebels that we have not already seen. If we bring our game and stay away from the stupid (see Central and or Oak Ridge games from previous playoffs) and we don’t get blind officials, I see the Rebels advancing to the Semis. If we get the officials from the Oak Ridge playoff game from two years ago, then will be dribble driving off with PA to basketball season.

Knox County - Austin East Magnet School - 3-8 record in 3A this season. Where would you recommend they play? Not sure how Magnet works in other counties, but the Magnet schools in Knox County are not really causing any issues with sports.

Going to have to take my rebels for a convincing win. Not sure the weather slows their running attack and I don’t think Mo west moves the ball consistently enough to out score the Rebels at home. I’ll see you there WFL and we can see if I am right. Crow tastes lousy - and I have had enough to not want another helping.

No one is invincible, it only takes one bad game and it’s dribble dribble drive time. Powell, Oak Ridge and Central all sent them packing in the last 3 years. Stay focused, stay heathy - survive and advance. You have the opportunity and the ability to make it to Chattanooga, do you have the focus to follow through? There are too many challenges coming from the West (we all focus too much on the East), so time to take it one game at a time. Forget round 2, it’s now round 1 and we will worry about who is next after you actually get to “next”. Truly hope they make the run, but you are one bad game or one horrible call away from basketball season.