OleGreeneDevils

I was at the game Saturday with my little boy, and I just wanted to commend Maplewood - the team and coaches. You can tell they are a very disciplined and well coached team (from a composure standpoint - some mistakes were made that are certainly age and football maturity related including fielding the punt on the two that would've went for a touch back). What a fine example of sportsmanship and losing with grace. They played a very clean game and at the end they showed class and shook hands, I saw some hugs, and it made me proud of them. It's very easy to lose composure when you get beat in such a manner after having heightened expectations - It reminded me of my days wearing the Greene and White when we took a good thumping from Shelbyville in the state semifinals. My little boy commented and asked "Why aren't they mad Daddy? They lost pretty bad. Are they sad?" and it was an excellent teaching opportunity. He's only 4 by the way. I told him "of course they're angry and upset son, I'm sure inside it's killing them to lose. No one likes to lose. But it's just as important to lose with class as it is to win with class. You have to always conduct yourself with class. After all, as important as we take it, always remember it's still a game." Congratulations to the 4A State Runner-up Maplewood Panthers. I'm sure we'll see you guys in many, many great contests in years to come. And one day if it's my little boy on the other side of the ball losing to a Maplewood team, I would only hope that he conducts himself in the same manner.

Man I hope not. That game last year was one of the worst displays of unsportsmanlike conduct I've ever seen. Their coach had NO control over his players. They were trying to hit our kicker on kick-offs and PATs. Maplewood played Greeneville close last year, but this really is a totally different beast than BJ and Carmichael. As for who throws the ball first, I'm thinking it will be Maplewood. Greeneville will be pounding the rock in a wing T with Shuffler, or the Power T or I with Shuffler and Jamel Hall. If we pass it will be play action after we've established the run, and even then it will be shallow slants and screens. Go Devils! I'm looking forward to this one. I hope all the athletes represent their town and families with class, and that everyone stays injury free.

I just hope that after Greeneville is up by a few that Maplewood doesn't start acting like Trezvant. It does you absolutely no good to take cheap shots at our players when you lose. When you lose. Greeneville 52 - Maplewood 14. Let's keep this clean and classy.