StatManTN

Let's break this down since the last time Wilson Central beat Mt. Juliet (2008).

2009: Wildcats enter the game 0-6 looking for their first win of the season and on MyTV30, get trounced 35-3

2010: Wildcats enter the game 2-5, but fall in a close on 14-6. Back-to-back losses to Mt. Juliet.

2011: Wildcats look to finish the season with a win after a 2-7 stretch before that and drop their season finale 42-6. Now three losses in a row to Mt. Juliet.

2012: What could have been Central's BEST chance since 2008, the Wildcats came in 8-1 with a single loss to Beech (another close game) on their shoulders. MyTV30 game of the week and guess what happens? 38-15 loss in what should have been a much closer game. Wilson Central loses home-field advantage in the playoffs and is shut out by Brentwood the next week in the first round. Four losses in a row to Mt. Juliet.

2013: Wildcats start the season 2-2 and look fairly promising out of the gate, but lose a very close 23-18 match to the Golden Bears. The loss propelled Wilson Central to finish the year on a 4-1 tear, but would be shut out against their first opponent in the playoffs -- this time Oakland -- for the second year in a row. Now five straight losses to Mt. Juliet.

2014: A sore start to the season sees Wilson Central enter the game with a 1-3 record. End result? Wilson Central starts a comeback down 14, but can't finish it off and drops to Mt. Juliet 17-10. Six in a row against the Bears.

2015: Another chance to beat Mt. Juliet, another loss. Wilson Central comes in at 3-2 and leaves 3-3 after dropping another tough one by a score of 30-3. Seven straight losses in a row at the hands of Mt. Juliet.

2016: Wilson Central enters the game with a 5-0 record. They've never met MJ this far down the schedule with an undefeated record intact since WC/MJ stopped playing each other in the first week of the season.

In my opinion, this is WCHS's best chance at really snapping the skid against Mt. Juliet. They had the tools in some of the previous years, but just couldn't get it done for whatever reason.

There's no reason that the Wildcats shouldn't be able to win against the Golden Bears by double-digits, especially when you really dig into the stats both offensively/defensively.

But this is a rival game. You never know what's going to happen between these two teams.

If I were a betting man, though, I'd put my money on a 40-10 win for Wilson Central.

tl;dr - blah blah blah, I see Central winning big, but wouldn't be surprised if anything different happened and MJ gave Central their first loss.

Regardless of what happens, if you can come out to this game you should. It's gonna be a doozy!

StatManTN ... you have been wonderful. I re-read my original question and I can see where you might had read it like you did. No problem.

 

If you had to say what is your team's strongest attribute right now. What would that be?

You're too kind!

Strongest attribute? I'd say their mindset.

Wilson Central came into the playoffs a 4-6 team. No one gave them any chance to beat Cordova. They did.

They came into Franklin a 5-6 team. No one gave them much of a chance to beat the Rebels. They did.

They come into Whitehave a 6-6 team. Literally no one is giving them much of a chance except for the players and coaches.

The mindset that the staff has been drilling into the players over the past few weeks on and off the field has put them into a state where they're essentially asking themselves, "Why not us?"

That, my friends, is one of the most dangerous things for any football team. Much harder to beat a team that believes in itself and is willing to put in the work. Even more so once that team gets a momentum roll in their favor (like how WC did against Cordova, that was one of the biggest reasons they won).

In question number two, I was actually asking about the WRs ... not the QB, who is a fine specimen of a football player. I noticed he threw the ball to numbers 3, 10, and 23 (Jordan Wilson). Any others? Who would you say is the go-to receiver, in you opinion?

There isn't one "go-to receiver" in particular. #3 has been his main target as of late, but it's a giant reception-by-committee for WC. My mistake on misunderstanding your question

Hey StatManTN:

 

Well, if you are going to post on CoachT and you are a Wilson Central fan ... now would be a perfect time to do so. Do you have somebody that plays on the team?

 

1) Why do you think the coaching staff switched from the Wing-T to the I-Formation at the end of the season? Do you think the switch has been effective?

 

2) Non-existing passing game to now having a pretty decent one. Who is the QB tossing these new passes to?

 

3) So ... you guys are batteling fumbelitus ... LOL. It's never good to have that as a condition to your football team. You think the change in offensive philosophy had anything to do with those two recent fumbling events?

 

4) A defensive juggernaut you say? What do you attribute this sudden change of defensive prowess?

 

5) Who is that KO returner we need to avoid? Has he had many KO returns for a TD this season? Your punter can boot it 55 yards if need be? Wow ... now that's a weapon. Sounds like your special teams are pretty special.

 

if I were the WC players and staff, I'd be sky high too. Especially after beating both Cordova and Franklin. WC wasn't expected to be in the quarter-finals. I know that I would be pretty happy with these accomplishments if I were in their shoes.

 

Well ... it could be worse. You could be doing the driving yourself. Wouldn't that be aweful? I suspect riding as a passenger on a chartered bus will be a whole lot better. What time are you guys leaving town tomorrow? How many busses are you guys bringing?

Nope, no player of mine on the team, but maybe one day my oldest will try football

As for your questions:

1) They had to do something offensively, nothing was working and the Wing-T just wasn't producing any more. I think the change has been highly effective

2) A young man by the name of Blake Meadors

3) To be honest, I don't. I know they've been working with all the backs for weeks on holding onto the ball. I know, it's fundamentals. However, when there is a breakdown on fundamentals, it's time to revisit those.

4) They've always been a strong defensive team, especially against the run. They have some of their better athletes double-shifting on offense and defense, which has been one of the reasons they've done better -- in my opinion that is.

5) Devon High, Jordan Hooper and Jordan Wilson. All three are very dangerous on special teams.

I think we're leaving around 11? Probably two busses for the trip down. You're right that it could be worse and I could be driving, however I'm just excited to be tagging along for the trip. It's been a very special postseason so far and I'm happy to be a part of it.

As for being hyped? I'm more realistic than most. I know WC is going to bring heck with them tomorrow and are going to go toe-to-toe with WH. I don't know what the final score is going to be, but I know it's going to be a fun matchup to watch

Hi peeps,

Been a while since I posted, but stat guy here for WC and just thought I'd touch on a few things:

1) WC has played predominantely in the I-Formation since after their loss to Franklin in Week 7 (or Week 8, stupid Week 0 garbage). Last two weeks against Cordova and Franklin has been exclusive to the I.

2) Passing game was literally non-existent in the entire regular season, however has been so much better in the first and second rounds. Going back on my numbers (and some weeks I'm missing due to a technical glitch), but WC's QB didn't connect on consecutive completions until the postseason.

3) Running game has been battling fumbles since their 42-21 loss to McGavock which started them on a 1-5 stretch to close the season. Since then, it's been much better. However, WC has had two timely fumbles in the last two games -- both coming LITERALLY on the goal line push into the end zone. The Cordova game would have been 35-9 and the Franklin win wouldn't have come down to a last minute 2-point conversion interception.

4) Defensively, WC has been a completely different team in the postseason. I can't really explain it any other way. A team that was prone to allowing long rushes and multiple pass completions in a row has flipped the table and playing lights out (except a some momentum-built runs and extremely poor officiating against Franklin). Outside of that fourth quarter last week, they've been a defensive juggernaut.

5) On special teams, they easily have the ability to break the long return if they need to. Plus, they have a kicker who can punt the ball 55+ yards to flip the field if they need to. They've also blocked a kick in each of their playoff games so far.

This game against Whitehaven may be one of the toughest games they've played in school history. They've never been to the state semi-finals, but the confidence I've seen and heard in and among the players/staff is sky-high right now.

Mentally, they seem prepared. And this is the playoffs. Who knows what to expect, right?

Either way, I'm not looking forward to a six-hour total bus ride back and forth tomorrow, but I think it's going to be a heck of a football game.

Lack of composure was a big deal in this game

Bingo. Tough way for those seniors to finish. Next year will be fun to watch, though

Yes, I believe those 4 do a great job. But I believe thats possible because the other 2 players you left out in the middle are taking on most of the offensive line (the job that gets no recognition)

Well, I don't leave people out on purpose and we all know that both offensive and defensive lines are usually the un-sung hero's during gamedays. However my response was just a response to the comment about linebackers being on their game.

Anyone who follows (or has followed) WC this season knows not to be worried about whether the line is on their game or not

Hahaha yeah ive heard a few folks say they would be able to run through their line as well. Linebackers need a big game. I know Indy has a pretty good run defense from what i saw in a scrimmage. Idk how many good defenses they have faced

I think that Coombs/Givens/Reed/Crutchfield have the middle/ends contained, interested to see if the D-Line matches up against Brentwood's O-Line.

Hey, the single-wing, when run the way it's supposed to be, can be a very effective offense. And our guys seem to be executing it very well at this point in the season. I hope your prediction holds true.

You executed it very VERY well against WC, confused them all game long.

I picked Portland to pull it out and I'm sticking to that pick, lol

Best of luck

I was at both WC-Portland and WC-Centennial games and I can tell you this:

Portland is better at running the ball. Centennial is better at passing the ball.

Both have suspect defense, however Portland knows how to actually play defense better than Centennial in my opinion (no offense to Centennial fans).

That being said, as long as Portland doesn't hock up the lead in the second half, they'll come out with the win. Centennial is a tough first round match-up for them, but Portland has that crazy single-wing offense so it could be enough to confuse Centennial long enough for Portland to take a lead and sit on it.

My prediction: Portland 24 - Centennial 21

even in the mj game, the scoreboard is confusing. they had 400+ yards of o, but had 5 t.o's, 2 in the redzone. If they turn the ball over, brentwood will win. but wc is a team that NOBODY wants to see in the first round,

 

If it was a rematch again, I still say mj pulls it out. but lets not think about that now, lets take care of one game at a time then have fun!

WILSON county!!

You're 100% correct. The stats made it look like Wilson Central dominated Mt. Juliet on both sides of the ball.

If it wasn't for 5 turnovers and a little bit of tip-drill luck for Mt. Juliet (just being honest, there were some CRAZY tipped balls in that game that ended up in the hands of MJ lol), the game COULD have gone differently.

Did it? No, so we don't worry about it. But you're 100% right. If WC turns the ball over like they did last week, Brentwood will blow them out. If not? WC takes the game outright.

I really really hope WC pulls this out, I'd love to see that rematch

I agree, just knowing the kids wc have and WILL be getting and the job the coaches have done, I believe they are turning the corner.

torn between the two.

 

anyways,

pulling for wilson county.

 

get it done cats!

From what I've heard over at WC, they've been doing their homework on Brentwood (which I would assume they would be doing anyways, lol), but I think people are really underestimating Wilson Central.

Yeah, they lost to a 10-0 Beech team and a 9-1 Mt. Juliet, but an 8-2 record (coming off a 2-8 season with a lot of the same roster) is not just a "Oh hey, we're a mediocre team with a mediocre record".

Wilson Central CAN beat Brentwood, it's just about how bad they want it. While Wilson Central's rush defense has been exemplary all season long (hiccups here and there), I'm more concerned with their pass defense than anything.

Either way, it should be a great game

This is how I got it:

Round 1

1) Dickson Co. beats 8) McGavock

4) Mt. Juliet beats 5) Independence

3) Arlington beats 6) Nashville Overton

7) Wilson Central beats 2) Brentwood

Round 2

4) Mt. Juliet beats 1) Dickson County

7) Wilson Central beats 3) Arlington

Round 3

I don't know, because a rematch of Wilson Central vs Mt. Juliet would almost be a push in my opinion. While I think MJ could repeat what they did to WC last week, I'm not sure if the kids over at WC would let that happen. That being said?...

4) Mt. Juliet beats 7) Wilson Central in a thriller 28-27

Also, IF THAT MATCHUP WERE TO HAPPEN, wouldn't it be AT Wilson Central (regardless of seeding)? Doesn't the TSSAA state that if a team plays two road games in the playoffs they HAVE to play a home game next? Or is that rule kaput?

Thanks guys, this is the best time of the season right here

Two evenly matched teams? Should be an interesting game, but neither team has EVER played each other in their histories.

Predictions?

My heart says: Wilson Central 20, Brentwood 17

My head says: Brentwood 24, Wilson Central 10

I'd love to see Wilson Central and Mt. Juliet run the tables and face each other in the quarterfinals.

What say everyone?

fixed it a little bit

 

can ridge and wilson might be flipped

There is no way Wilson Central finishes ahead of Mt. Juliet. Impossible.

If Cane Ridge moves to Quad 2 and Wilson back to Quad 3, WC gets the 8 seed and plays Dickson County

Dang, rough to hear about Crane resigning, he's a really good guy. Glad to see Lebanon go out on a winning note for him

Hendersonville and Portland should both be out now. Station Camp jumps into the playoffs. How crazy is that??? lol wow

All props out to Mt. Juliet tonight, wow they put on a show. Best of luck in the playoffs to both teams!

Also of note: If you ARE coming to this game, please get there early.

The parking lot will be full before 7pm and they will shut down the campus. Additional parking will be at Gladeville Baptist once it closes and buses will be shuttling people to/from the school

They are expecting upwards of 10,000+ tonight

Coaches from 2 SEC schools, 2 Sun Belt schools, and 2 OVC schools will be here tonight. This game is going to be HUGE

woah teddy, you looky here, I can tell by your defense if roundtree your nothing but a hugger, you prob dont play, mj all the way

Please clarify exactly how you believe Mt. Juliet will win by 28. Just curious

Will there be an Internet feed for this game?

Absolutey, audio AND video: http://wilsoncentral.ezstream.com/play/index.cfm?fuseaction=embstay&id=31157B0F86&dsplvl=brd

How does MC get a 3seed getting beat by Farragut? If SH gets beat by DB is a 6 seed and OR gets beat by Maryville and gets a 5seed this is crazy!!!

You ain't kidding. While this isn't final (of course not), this is just where things stand right now per TSSAA's website. :-/

I don't think that anyone that knows anything about football is underestimating WC's defense. They have had a very good defense ever since Dedman has been there including his D-Coordinator days. He is anexcellent coach and knows the defensive side of football. It will tough for anyone to rush agains WC, but i still dont see a lopsided win that you speak of.

Questioning the lopsided win? Yeah, that's ok I'm usually never right in my score predictions anyways lol

I just don't understand people saying that teams are going to run all over Wilson Central, it's yet to happen

Stop me if I'm wrong here, but how in the world can anyone not respect Wilson Central's rush defense now?

Rushing does not work against the Wildcats, passing has been the only successful option for any team that has come close to beating them.

NOW, the only exception there was Portland's crazy-stupid Single Wing offense that no one has seen in 60 years. Past that? Not even Hendersonville's 8 running backs could run the ball against Wilson Central. Jalen Hurd only had 70 yards against them.