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Varo, on the new rules changes for those privates opting to stay DI, the changes do not go in effect until the 2017 season. The new rule is basically this, in addition to the rule that no varsity player 9-12 may receive any need based financial aid, in 2017 no sibling of any varsity player may receive need based financial aid, nor can they (the player, the sibling, or the family) do any "work study" (like mowing the campus lawn in the summer) for tuition or pay. To T$$AA there are no such words as recruit or scholarship. Those words can't be uttered on the private side OR the public side. The descriptive phrase is "need based financial aid." So, yes, the new rule will affect several varsity players at any private school starting in 2017 where their siblings were receiving financial aid or work opportunities before. Of course, CA will play by the rules as always.

Yes CA lost a lot of leadership, individual talent and skill position expertise in Thompson (WR), Garrison (RB, SS,K,P,returner), Primm (FB, LB), Thurman (FB, LB), Williams (O&DL), Mastalerz (RB,LB), and even 1 yr player Harris (O&DL). Those 7 may be the most accomplished class in CA history and will be near impossible to replace as individuals. However, this year's CA team, while void of star power, is going to be very solid. The overall team speed on defense has increased. No one is going to run on CA very well this year. Definitely not on the edges. There is a lot of meat in the middle too. Starting D line averages 240-250. LBs are very athletic, and they have a little stinger at strong safety. Success may be found in a passing game, but the D backs are a year wiser. The offensive run game will move the ball. I don't see anyone in 4A stopping it. The FB weighs 230 lbs and loves to grind. And the stable is overflowing. The passing game will probably be used sparingly. They can't throw up a prayer this year and let Thompson haul it in, but they have some solid and quick receivers. QB Johnson has to up his game with zip and accuracy, and he works extremely hard on it. Scrimmages and jamboree did not show me anything special in the passing game. I'm waiting patiently for the FRA matchup now that Fayetteville took care of business last week. Special teams will definitely take a hit this year. Kickers and punters are going to have to learn to kick it away from the danger, and they are going to have to do something they haven't had to do for three years...cover kickoffs. I believe this will be the "little team that could" and will fight Fayetteville for district. No one else will come close. To add a little flavor, I believe CA and Fayetteville will play twice this year.

Thanks for the updates. I've no doubt WC will be ready when it counts. Good luck this season. Hope we get to meet up in Dec.

I'm not going to make tonight. would like your summary on the scrimmage 89 if you have time later. here or on your WC2016 thread.

We'll see what CAs D backfield can do against most likely the no 1 pass attack in 1A. CA starters were not there for the Spring scrimmage. Anxious to see if they've got anything for PR.

I mean no disrespect to WC, or the rest of the West. I have been close and involved in CAs losses to NCS the last two years, our wins over WC the last two years, the scrimmage this year, the whole 9 yards, and Greenback is at the least equal to WC this year. It would have been an epic battle, but WC is/was not better than Greenback.

Peabody was able to play street ball and have get away with it until they ran into an equally athletic team coupled with power and discipline. After playing Greenback last night, they also have those three traits that NCS possesses. The two best teams are playing. I don't think it will be decided until the 4th qtr late.

Hats off to Greenback. They deserve it. And they won with class too. Good luck next week. Great run CA, made history for the school. It's great to be a CA dawg!

Absolutely beautiful drive out of Lenoir City into Greenback. A great night for football in TN!

Happy Thanksgiving to the Bulldog and Cherokee nations. Looking forward to watching you put on the field all your hard work, commitment, and dedication. Enjoy the day like there is no other!

easy...just follow the rules; like we do now.

we'll probably choose to stay D1

I think you are correct, but I'm not 100% sure

money is no object

Probably so. That way publics can only belly ache about open enrollment then.

this post reminds me...what poster is it that always talks about the teams that worked on their "fastness" lol!

Yes sir they do. That's why the vast majority of us drive cars and trucks with 200k on them, change our own oil, repair our own appliances, have three different color shingles on our roofs, nonmatching kitchen appliances, and still have linoleum on the bathroom floor. Not complaining. It's not a chip on our shoulder. It's not a badge of honor. Because we still pay our taxes to support our local public schools. Just pointing out that most of us are not much different than each other. We want what's best for our kids. I'm certain I'd like you if we met.

Interesting, those are the same reasons why some choose the private route when they feel there is no good public school like Greenback (academics and athletics) to go to in their neck of the woods. And if they went to a good 5A or 6A close by, they might not even get in the game one snap.

He's in good company with two of the top 4 scorers in the state coming to GB Friday.

Semifinalist...didn't make the finalist cut; that went to Rice-WC and Winn-Dresden, but a good argument can certainly be made that he should've. He won't care if he can get a gold ball instead.

I heard one or two parents did, but I'm sure no one with admin or coaching did. I don't feel that way. It's all about the boys, not us. I look forward to coming to GB. I've never been there before. I know the place will be electric and of course has a storied program. It is great to go to all these different high school venues. I love history, and here's a little for the CA travelers from Wikipedia (for lack of a better/quicker source). In 1876, Lorenzo Thompson established Thompson's Stand, a general store located a few miles east of modern Greenback. In 1882, Thompson applied for federal post office. He initially hoped to use the name "Thompson's Station," but the name was already in use. After several other names were rejected, Thompson settled on "Greenback," a name inspired by the local Greenback Party politician, Jonathan Tipton. I wonder if it was the same Thompson's Station in Williamson Co that was already taken?

Yes, it is like they put Middle TN in a hat and blindly draw them out and drop them alternately in a bowl. But I think it must have to do with population census and enrollment as to what path the line is drawn north to south.

thanks Bigby, we appreciate the support! Sometimes I think Marion does that to fire up the boys!

Congratulations to this young Pirate team. They gave it all they had, and have nothing to hang their heads about. After the game they showed us all how to take a loss. All great kids, and they'll be back. Feel bad for seniors, esp. No 7. Fine young man to meet. Met a lot of great Pirate fans tonight too. For CA this is a hump we finally made it over. So much blood, sweat and tears, but very little time to revel in the win. We are on a mission and still have work to do. True to our theme this year, RISE Bulldogs!

Signing out. Go Dawgs!!