CasualBystander

Thanks "BTMafia" I edited the afore mentioned post.

I would also like to comment on the "fair weather" comments we see on this thread. Indy has gone silent after all it's "Big 3" banter fell flat against Beech & Ravenwood Brentwood was ready to protest against Woodward and then he beats Dickson Co handedly. Centennial has boasted about it's arrival, and torn down other programs in the process but has been silent since Clarksville NE & Overton embarrassed them. Make a post, have an opinion, and stand behind for your claim

I maintain that I predicted Ravenwood as the potential darkhorse to win the district even back when everybody crowned Indy the obvious favorite (However these games aren't played on paper). Congratulations should be givento RHS' staff, and their commitment to expose Indy's weakness (their front 7) despite the fact that many only point to Ravenwood's WR, and to take a risk in double covering Indy's offensive threats. I completely agree with "MyHumbleOpinion" on your assessment of Brentwood, and to me it is a great testament to Coach Woodward's efficacy as a coach because he found a way to motivate and keep the kids fighting even in the fact of an uncharacteristic start to their season. They will continue to improve, and will be a hard win for any team (I also already predicted that). I do not agree with your quick death sentence of Franklin. Yes their 4-0 start is deceiving (against opponents with a combined record of 7-12), but momentum is a dangerous ting in high-school athletics and Franklin is definitely building some momentum. Once again I already stated that the Franklin vs. Brentwood game will be decisive hinge for this season for both programs. But there is some validity that Franklin could post any type of record against BHS, RHS, IHS, and CHS (from 0-4 --> 4-0). I also reserve judgment for Centennial, due to their early struggles and one-dimensional offensive attack, and they too will begin to face the meat of their schedule as well.

Franklin's 4-0 start could be deceiving because it appears to be a thin schedule so far. The combined record of FHS' opponents is 7-12. With below a 2-win average combined so far. I hold by the statement that Franklin should have handedly beaten Dickson Co., but did not, and even though good teams win games they also don't allow opponents to linger around... Franklin has been playing solid defense as of late (against mediocre competition). They play smart, disciplined football, but get out-gunned & out-athlete(d) at times (example: DCHS tailback). Franklin is potentially one of the more balanced offenses I have seen. With an ability to both run & pass in order to accumulate first downs. This "balance" is key to their success, because I do not believe FHS can line up and grind out yardage with the running game or solely depend on an aerial assault to sustain drives. Hence the one has to co-depend on the other. I am also yet to see the "big play" capability of Franklin yet this season.

What does this Shelbyville team look like?

I think games against Cane Ridge, Antioch, and McGavock could be tough tests. Passing Tournaments are not indicative of success in football! - 7 on 7 is not 11 on 11 - No threat of a running game - No pass protection of pressure in the pocket for the QB : Lineman make life a tad bit different as scoring from the 1yd line would prove

I wouldn't say "terrible", but there is a ton of wiggle-room between "terrible' and "5-1".

No I have not seen Hillsboro play, but if a team can not score from the 1yd line, how can you expect to go 5-1 over the remaining schedule...

1) Thanks for the correction on Franklin's record last year (4-6) And what if I am trying to stir the pot? Isn't that the purpose of CoachT? Due to the connection(s), and lingering attitudes & resentments the two programs have been compared, and I only thought it was fair to observe the discussion in the light of this year so far. The argument only seemed to be fueled when Franklin was struggling and Hillsboro seemed to be improving (which I don't think is fair). But I think the 7-3/6-4 record projection for Hillsboro seems a little far-fetched if you ask me....

Hogan the Rebels may be well on their way to 4-0, but I still have the matchup against Brentwood circled on my calendar as their first real test (regardless of Brentwood's record). Brentwood's win points to the system and the players are starting to gel, and they will only get better as the year progresses. Hence, circled game against Franklin. I agree with MyHunbleOpinion on the DC vs BHS matchup, unless DC throws new wrinkles into their game... Ravenwood's game against Indy is an interesting matchup, since it's their first test against comparable opposition.

As a follower of 11-AAA football for the past few years. I witnessed the parting of ways of Coach Clayton and Franklin High School, and as most of you know he went down the road to Hillsboro High School. However the story since is fraught with differences of opinion... 2012- Hillsboro posted a 6-4 regular season record (a definite upgrade over 3-7 & 4-6), and goes into the 2nd round of the play-offs (first appearance since 2009). Franklin posted a 6-4 record and missed the playoffs (First time in over 10 years). It appeared, and all "CoachT" propaganda supported the theory that the two programs were heading in different directions, and many pointed to the coaching changes... 2013- Hillsboro is 1-3 with a heartbreaking loss to Overton recently. Franklin is 3-0. Once again it appears the teams are heading in opposite directions, however the proposed rationale of coaching doesn't seem to be holding true. So I ask the question; What is going on with Hillsboro football this year?

Coach Gore at MHS is a great coach, and is putting in more work on a daily basis than just about any other coach in the state. There is a ridiculous amount of talent at MHS, but converting talent into a "program" is a long road. Coach Gore has issues with kids consistently attending practice, battling grades, and a thin coaching staff. Bodies within the school does not equal success on the field. Rutherford County schools (such as Riverdale) are experiencing what Williamson County school say with the creation of Centennial, Ravenwood, Summit. Brentwood historians would point to a BHS team that used to dress out a sizeable army on Friday nights before Ravenwood was birthed. Indy has survived the previous few years with a thin roster and declining student population due to Summit's activation. Franklin fans would point to last years dismal performance as the final result of CHS' winning the re-zoning battle. Rutherford County is diluting the talent pool with too many programs, and everybody will feel the ebs and flow of the zoning changes over the next few years.

In a way I miss the vehement, arrogant, vicious smack-talk that used to populate these boards.

I think it was a simple opinion. Franklin has an offense that can pass (#10,#4, #85, #13) and run (#23, #11). Meanwhile DC was one dimensional with their running game. However, their adjustment to a spread option rather than the T option was a wrinkle they could have went to more consistently.

IHS's validity as the Titan/ Favored of this district will be tested and take more tangible shape over the next few weeks as the following happens: - Competition thickens - Coaches attain more film & info on IHS's attack - Injuries & Depth Also don't forget that teams like BHS, CHS, and FHS always bring their respective "A-Games" when they play each other. So Indy will get everybody's best shot. I wouldn't under-rate how big a target VW (trash talker, cocky, already injured, all over twitter) has put on his own back...

I have a few observations from the Dickson Co. vs Franklin game. I know Franklin fans are happy to see a good 2-0 start to the season, coupled with a good win to open the district schedule. But in my "casual bystander" opinion, FHS was a much better team than Dickson Co. on Thursday night, yet they allowed DC to stay in the game. Let's not forget without a blocked punt, and a 47-yard FG Franklin looses this game (against a weaker opponent). Hopefully Thursday night was not a sign of an under-achieving FHS team, but I think it may be... Franklin faithful are pointing heavy to this #10 at QB, but I did not see that "X factor" from him on Thursday night that warrants the hype. I saw a controlling defense and a 2 back-offense that should get praise before a QB with 2 interceptions (But then again Franklin has always been home to "giving the QB more honor than he deserves")

Franklin vs Dickson Co. Independence vs. Summit (Another Indy "W") Brentwood vs Centennial Ravenwood (BYE) Somebody has to leave the BHS vs CHS game with a "W" right? I'm going with Brentwood, because Centennial isn't Blackman! And CHS' offense is 1 dimensional at best (It's amazing how "Great" a coach Rector is without a QB even with all those "athletes...) By way we are still waiting here from Cougar12345 and the rest of the Rector Cult since the games actually stated counting... The Dickson vs Franklin game is interesting to me. Dickson is coming off a close game which was lost due to turnovers, and they will be looking to make up for that loss against FHS, and Dickson always plays tough and physical. Franklin played a great partial game, but gave up a ton of late points to a similar offense to what they will face Thursday nights.

Sounds like Franklin struggled to hold the lead in the 4th there Mr. Hogan. What happened late? Because they don't give out .75Wins for winning 3/4 of the game. It will be nice to see district play open up, and to see how Franklin responds on a big stage. Will this be the first big game Win of the Webb era? Or will it be a replay of the last big stage against CHS which resulted in a front page write up the next day....

What are the predictions for tonight: Franklin vs Clarksville NE Centennial vs Overton Ravenwood vs Clarksville Independence vs Marshall County

Blackman decided to attack the inside linebackers of Brentwood, and also Brentwood big #77 was worn out from playing both ways. The interior 5 of BHS were tested, and found lacking...

After getting a chance to watch pieces of the Brentwood game last night. I believe things are not as dire as Bruin fans would have many believe. Brentwood played a tough Blackman team after a tough loss to CPA, and they fought hard and gave Blackman everything they wanted for 3 quarters. Coach W's scheme is putting Brentwood in a chance to win games, he is getting his best players involved consistently. Brentwood may not be the Titan they were last year, and they may have murderer's row for a schedule, but I see them being a tough win for anybody on their schedule.

Crawford was a good at knowing his personnel. He also had a very capable staff (Hester, Gore), and their expertise has been recognized by other programs. It helps when you have 3 head coach potential minds in the office. Hence their X&Os always matched their kids very well. But I honestly think that Brentwood always had consistently tremendous down linemen, and they will make any scheme look effective. Many have pointed to BHS' lack of size & movement upfront and that will impair a spread, triple option, or a pro-style offense. As the size comes back, so will the effective potency of Brentwood's defense & offense. The question is: will Brentwood develop and employ its size properly (because big bodies don't do it alone -- ask Ravenwood over the past few years).

That would imply that they have at least one trophy case already filled.... Other than the Franklin helmet (which they now own)... That's a lack luster trophy collection

I would also really like to hear from the Centennial faithful who have so ardently professed their arrival as a "top 10" team...

Wow Now we have Brentwood supporters coming out of the wood-work to flesh out the BHS program. Also I know Brentwood has gone after select kids from other school's zones and may have had to "sell" a program change to influence their enrollment... Coach Crawford's program was a perfect fit for his time at Brentwood. It just seems that working hard all year, playing smash mouth in the trenches, hard nosed defense, and a disciplined triple option attack is not as appealing as it's once was....