Bellsburg2

40 minutes ago, WestTNBuc said:

I gotta ask, which team in the past 5 years are better?

I would argue the ‘20 and ‘21 teams had more overall weapons and better QB play. Last year’s team very similar to this year. This team is pretty one-dimensional and if they see a team with a “dude” or two, they’d be pretty easy to scheme up. Bruins just didn’t have that dude this year. 

5 hours ago, ReitzFan said:

sounds like someone is having a "momma he wont stop touching me" moment this week. Karma bites back hard. Ha Ha. 

I'll also add that your bracketology is in error. In D2A, the W#1 has a fairly easy path to Cookville. W#2 would have to go thru M#1 in second round and most likely E#1 in semis. I guess we will decide who goes where in week 11. Im certainly not going to come out and say we will win, but I sure dont believe our friends on Country Club Lane will win the rest of their games by a half time running clock like you think they could.

See you on the hardwood. 

Congratulations to JCS. Your W was most impressive. 

I’ll type slow so you can understand. Every single one of my criticisms was of our own play (see: last week’s post regarding self-reflection). No doubt JCS was the better team, doesn’t mean I don’t wish we could have done a few things differently. And by “challenged” I mean playing a team with a pulse. West region can lull you into a sense of security. In my opinion, this JCS team might be the 2nd or 3rd best they’ve had in the last 5 years and all bets are off when the playoffs come calling.

I certainly expected going into the game that JCS would put up points and USJ would have to answer. Only one of those things happened. JCS used multiple weapons, but Mosley was the one we had zero answers for.  Transfer portal hurt us on that one, leaving us short a guy with the size-speed combo to lock him down like last year. Even when other guys scored, it was a result of committing too many resources to covering 23.
 
Offense was just sad. Three turnovers and a couple of drive-killing penalties along with a great defensive game plan from JCS led to a big goose-egg on the scoreboard. We tried a lot of different looks, even went under center, and just couldn’t find a way to sustain a drive. If there’s a bright side, the special teams play was vastly better than last week. Unfortunately most of that effort was punt team and kickoff return team.

Path to 10-0 is paved for JCS as they will see a running clock (maybe by halftime) in every game remaining. They probably won’t see a challenge until semifinals. That’s the good and bad side of D2-1A.

3 hours ago, ReitzFan said:

Of course there were missed calls on both sides. For the most part, I thought the game was well officiated. My only grip was when a USJ tackler ripped one of our kids helmets off in front of the USJ bench. TCA was flagged on the same play for a hold and USJ was not. Should of been off setting penalties. There was no question when looking at the replay in the booth but still missed by the stripes. You listed some "ifs" that had USJ accomplished those things it would of been a 3-4 score USJ win. Well let's  look at a few of the other "ifs". We can both agree that if USJ does not hold TCA on 4th down late in 2nd inside the 5, TCA scores and its a tie game. Then, after holding y'all on downs, we move down field and score. Even with the missed xpt, TCA would of lead at the half. "if" we don't fumble on the 30 earlier in the qtr after a huge reception, it's likely we would have scored as TCA was moving down the field easily on a drive. Those two "ifs" go the way of TCA, we go into the half with a 2 score lead instead of being down by a point. "If" TCA does not jump off sides on 4th down when you were going to punt, your third score does not happen and we still lead. Assuming the rest of the second half plays out like it did, then TCA would have won the game. Neither your "ifs" or mine happened and the game ended the way it did. In HS football, "ifs" are played out in forums by washed up folks like you and I. USJ executed their game plan well for the most part, your offensive line opened up holes for your RB to get 200+ yards.  Y'alls  defensive scheme holds our back to only 82 yards on the night.

In my opinion, TCA was their own worse enemy with all the missed tackles on the night along with not punching in a score inside the 5. Throw in a turnover deep inside Bruin territory on a drive where we might have scored.... You see where Im going with this. The bottom line is that you won by what you did. If our "ifs" go our way, we win the game but that didn't happen. Sadly, "ifs" dont count for you or I. By the way, you may have been right about the KO return. He gave the "appearance" of the knee touching the ground but the replay was not conclusive. Ref was close and didnt make the call you desired so I assume the ref who had a better  angle and was closer got it right. Appearances can be deceiving but I can see your point. 

I give you guys credit, you played better than I thought you would. Y'all  have certainty earned the right to be 3-0.

 

Notice my ifs were USJ mental mistakes, not “momma he won’t quit touching me”. See the difference between self-reflection and excuse-making? 

Blah blah blah. This is a “rivalry” game and both teams get up for it. I’ve had a kid on the field for the better part of a decade. There’s jawing on both sides and playing to the echo of the whistle. I didn’t see anything outrageous on either side, and plenty of penalties called to keep things from escalating. I also saw a kickoff fielded with a knee on the ground that resulted in a TD and several other very iffy calls. I thought TCA fought hard and their play calling was excellent, particularly in the first half. But in reality, if USJ avoids dumb penalties (false starts, illegal shift) and their special teams were halfway competent this is at least a 3-4 TD game.

USJ struggled against UC last year and I understand the Golden Tornadoes return much of their squad this year. Bruins are much smaller in the trenches than they have been in recent memory and struggled to stop the run early against Peabody. Coaching staff made adjustments (a novel concept on McClellan Road) and the defense was noticeably better in the last 2.5Q.  I have to think Pritchard will scheme up UC pretty well on defense. Bruins missed some big opportunities in the passing game that I expect to improve with more reps. No shortage of talent, just young small and inexperienced.
 

I expect this to be a close one into the second half, but the size difference may indeed wear USJ down as the game goes on. Not ready to make a score prediction yet.

Is the NCS QB your grandson or something? I think Don King did less promotion for Tyson back in the 80s. 

During this DII-A stretch, USJ has played in the semifinals each of the 4 years. The games on the road at undefeated NCS (2019) and undefeated DCA (2020) were two of the best planned and executed games I've seen the Bruins play in recent memory and both were dominant USJ wins. USJ hosted DCA in 2021 their semifinal and got steamrolled by the eventual champs. Here's to hoping Stroup has his boys focused and continues his road warrior trend on Friday night. If both teams commit to stopping the run, I think USJ will have a slight advantage as long as Pettigrew continues to take care of the football and use his multiple weapons.

The Sawyer Brown Road Eagles are going to take the Country Club Lane Eagles to the woodshed. NCS by 3+ TDs.

Congrats to GTFan on your wizard-like score projections in 3 of the 4 quarterfinal matchups. FCS/DCA must have been a real dogfight. Looking forward to watching the film.

Initial thoughts on the playoff matchups for the first round.....

DCA and MTCS will roll against overmatched West opponents.

JCS might get a little fight from Columbia Academy, but I suspect the Eagles have too much offensive firepower for the Bulldogs.

Clarksville Academy and Lakeway should be a decent game. Lakeway is a little tough to read on paper and I haven't seen either team play yet. I'll have to track down some film from both before I could make a prediction.

TCA vs TKA should be the best game of the week. TCA has scored 42+ in 4 of their last 5 games. TKA defense has been stingy at times this year. I'd give the West TN version of the purple lions the nod by a TD or so.

Just trying to get the conversation started. Anyone have any insight to add?

*you’re 

17 minutes ago, Tornado82 said:

I didn’t say anything disrespectful about USJ. I said we are conditioned well as liberty was not. Yes cramps occur often in this weather. You can quote the previous scores all day long. All I was saying was it’s going to be a battle unlike the previous years. USJ is always good. I may not agree with the private school rules but there is no doubt the talent is there. 

Already weaving excuses into your trash talk. Good move.

USJ didn’t learn much last night against Liberty. No need to elaborate. The Bruins have 6 or 7 solid DL to rotate and change up looks. They will definitely need strong LB play as well. Zero reason not to put 8 in the box Friday.

Good night for football. The weather (esp for 8/5) was perfect. Peabody has made some nice upgrades to al already great facility. It was good experience to play a scrimmage with refs, downs, and a clock. I thought the teams were well matched. Both were big and experienced in the trenches. Both teams gave up big plays that led to most of the scores. USJ lost a 3x all state kicker and the young replacements looked promising. Peabody is still looking for a kicker, and those PATs were the difference in the game. 

Best of luck to the Golden Tide in the upcoming season. Here's to hoping we are both still playing when Thanksgiving comes around!

7 hours ago, Playerscoach said:

You quoted me about the OL/DL and skill players. My comment was about the players for Goodpasture and Hardin county not USJ. Watching the players from both those teams  on film it is my opinion DCAs kids play with more physicality and speed plus they likely get back their 310 OG this week. 310, 285, 270, and 280 is very big for D2A. 

I can tell you that 19, 7, 3, and 9 are legit very very fast kids with the fastest track guy on the team is actually the kicker. Goodpasture and Hardin county did not compare to that group of fast and talented players. I mean, you have six track guys all in that 4.5 range with again the K being a sub 4.5 guy. 
 

Since you saw the NCS game you saw the DCA defense hold them to 100 yards of total offense and the OL/DL both get pressure and protect. With the DL playing three and rotating 3 depth is not an issue plus two fast and talented 225 lb LBs behind them helps against the run. 
 

Both teams have to cover and tackle well every play or it could be catastrophic. Will be a fun game for sure. 

… Trying to decide whether to believe your opinion or that of the 23 D1 coaches who have offered Kaydin Pope of Hardin County. For. His. Speed. With SIX 4.5 track guys, I’m starting to wonder if you guys should make the trip or if we should just mail you the trophy? We locked down Pope. Here’s to hoping the coaches can find a way for us to compete Friday. 
 

Also interesting that we didn’t run into you guys at the state track meet last year. None of the guys that Tabor (USJ) left in the dust in the 100M or 200M were wearing DCA uniforms. Are you sure you’re timing them right?

The Hardin County tandem of Kaydin Pope (31 ypc) and Seth Garner (19 ypc) have combined for 1350 yards and 22 TD through 6 games with a sophomore QB. It's very tough to scheme them both. Pope has multiple SEC offers and Garner is committed to Memphis for baseball.

I expect a high-scoring game. I've seen most of JCS's games on film and they have a lot of offensive weapons. #23 will be a problem for teams for years to come. Their punter may be the most well-rested guy on the team, but the downfall of the offense seems to be turnovers. This could be a deciding factor in the game. I suspect the front 7 of the Bruins will be the best JCS has seen all season.

USJ was certainly glad to have #25 back last Friday. I'm not sure many teams in II-A will have an answer for him when he's firing on all cylinders. He's averaging 13.2 yards per touch and has 11 TD in 3 games. Bruins will have a clear advantage in the kicking game. The key for USJ will be keeping their heads on straight. This is a rivalry game that will be heated before the opening kick, but if the Bruins play their brand of football, they should win by 2 scores.

Friday night's loss was tough, but hopefully a learning experience for the Bruins. Big plays have been a problem for this defense going back to even the preseason scrimmages. All 4 TDs Friday night were busted coverage or missed tackles in the secondary, and this has to be cleaned up. I believe the only time Goodpasture snapped the ball on their side of the 50 was after they recovered a muffed punt. I agree that the trenches are our strength, but the LB corps rotates 5-6 kids that pursue the ball well. The UC running attack against the Bruins run defense will tell the story of this game. USJ will put up points as long as they protect the football. Im looking forward to this matchup.

#3 is quite the traveler…

7th -Northeast

8th -USJ

9th -JCS

10th -Northside

11th- Milan (“moved”=eligible)

Good ball player with the dreaded disease of “daddy doesn’t think he’s getting the attention he deserves” 

Both teams will get better as the season progresses. Milan got out-coached tonight. If you have an SEC talent in West TN HSFB, he needs the ball in his hands early and often. Doesn't matter how you do it, just do it. Either he's not as advertised, or he is criminally underutilized. Milan got murdered on special teams. Unnecessary penalties both ways, but thats expected in week 1. It would be interesting to see these teams face off in about 8 weeks with some of these details ironed out, but I guess we will never know. Peabody will see another "SEC talent" next week, but I imagine the big uglies will have him running for his life. I guess we will see if he is a dual threat as advertised.

Due to developing schedule changes, the Bruins will be headed to Due West Avenue to face the Cougars this Friday night. This will be the first football meeting between the two schools. USJ has had a solid preseason and returns the bulk of a stout OL/DL that has anchored the DII-A runner up each of the last 2 seasons. Bruins have a new face at QB but he has some familiar weapons at his disposal. It will be a short week of prep for both teams. Anyone have insight on Goodpasture?

17 hours ago, Tide21 said:

There are players on usj’s team from surrounding counties and kids transfer in every year. If this wasn’t the case there wouldn’t be a d2.  There hasn’t been a kid to transfer to Trenton in years. 

Have you guys thought about trying out the double wing offense? A few of your starters, including the QB, ran it when they played for Medina Middle. I realize people end up different places for different reasons, but you can take that “these kids were all born and raised in Trenton” fairy tale elsewhere and see if anyone buys it.

Trenton has another very good team and an outstanding program. Iron out a few wrinkles and you could be lifting yet another Gold Ball in a few months. But excuses and passive-aggressive insults of a team that allowed you 36 total yards of offense in 2 quarters won’t get you any closer to that goal.

A few thoughts on the conversation…

1. You could count on one hand the number of kids in TNHSFB that could “dominate” USJ’s #50 and none of them live in Gibson County, injured or not.

2. There is lots of talk about the O line struggles for the tide, but take some solace in the fact that USJ returns a very seasoned front 7 with 3 all-state players. You guys might not see that again this year.

3. I hate to disappoint the “private schools recruiting” gurus, but the majority of these seniors played together on the USJ 5th grade team years ago. In fact, I would wager that we have a higher percentage of 8 year players than the Tide system.

Varsity teams played a long half with downs, kicks (not live), etc. USJ won 17-7. Peabody had 1 first down, never crossed the 50, and scored their only points on a 70 yard pick 6. The trenches were a battle, but USJ wore them down as time went on. JV teams played a similar time but with less structure. Trenton had another pick 6 and both teams had a safety, so it ended 8-2. 

You are correct that DA had no choice but to move up and they should be fine ultimately from a competitive standpoint. That may not be the case for next year as they lose 16 seniors that make up the bulk of their starters, so the timing is unfortunate.

The upper half of the A teams and lower half of AA teams have very similar enrollments, but they had to draw a line somewhere to keep 3 divisions. If you look at the numbers, the big jump really comes between all of the AA teams and LA/CPA/Webb. For reasons I can only imagine, they slid in under the cutoff and avoided the bump to the big leagues.