CSM

The sentiment espoused by the HC fan base thus far is magnificently similar to that which was coming from the West fans before their Powell game. I'll bow out of this debate before my entrance and let Panther football speak for itself.

Good game West. Keep us updated in this thread on your injured player's status.

I'm sorry if I came off that way. My point was that there were 3 more times Powell did make it to the end zone, and if they eradicate their fouls, the numbers look even brighter.

This may not be the place but according to www.knoxnews.com, Mobley committed to Kentucky today or yesterday. Back to the game. I think we all can agree this is a tough game to call, as there aren't very many reliable avenues through which to compare the teams. The only common opponents were Austin East (28-7, Powell) (21-8, West) and Lenoir City (26-34, Powell) (29-45, West). I think it's also worth mentioning Powell had 3 TDs called back in their LC game. Sure, they weren't points but they were visits to the end zone. So idealistically the score could have been 55-26. But of course it wasn't. Powell has 550 points for where West has 400. Powell has 166 points against where West has 211. Granted, West does play in a tough district, but A-E, Hardin Valley, and Oak Ridge are not easy opponents by anyone's standards. Powell averages 42.3 ppg while West has 30.8.(The National Avg. according to unapproved website is around 27 so kudos to both teams.) Tougher district again, sure. Take the numbers how you will. To wrap up, the Panthers are on a mission. They were snubbed in the playoffs last round by a team they thought they could beat (indeed they did beat AC with a rather large point difference earlier in the season). And they are determined to not let it happen again. Mobley is ~350 yards from breaking the state rushing record. That will add a lot of drive to his performance on Friday. I think the Powell team's psyche is what will be fueling a win this week: the workhorse RB wants a state record, and the team collectively does not want another 2010 playoff ending. I think with the home field advantage, and cool heads Powell should win, again, by 12.

I pick Powell in this game. A good amount of the starters have been starting on varsity for 3 years. Most notable the backfield, #2, #5, and #17. Most teams find the answer for #2 early in the game (powell's first offensive drive), but get tripped up when the ball is handed to #17 and ran for any number of yards. If the 2 backs weren't enough, the QB puts up more than his fair share of yards. I've also noticed he's began acting as a lead blocker for his RBs when needed. The Panthers also have a seasoned WR corps with #9, #17 and #11 (who also has a good arm at backup QB). If the running game isn't clicking, #5 or #11 have no problem throwing it down the field or short. Also, the Powell OL have been able to control the line of scrimmage all season and have played a large role in the running game. Powell's defense is solid. #32 and (possibly) #13 are out for medical reasons, but the last 2-3 weeks have shown the Panther defense adapt and overcome. If Powell secures an early first quarter lead and maintain it, they should explode in the second half as they usually do. I'll try and stay away from a point prediction, but I will say Powell by at least 12.