DownTownCharlie1

My how the tables have turned!

I will come out of retirement to send my deepest sympathies to BigEd’s family and friends. He obviously loved his team and was passionate about them. He will be missed and I am saddened for his passing. Blessings to all at this difficult time.

Spartan-

The freshman sounds awesome and I don't pretend to think we can handle him, but time will tell if he is the best football player (running back) ever.  Blance brothers and Todd Kelly pretty dang good too not to mention the kid from Lausanne plus I'm sure many others.

Sure will. Just not going to let you or anybody else keep stirring a pot because you got a distaste for our school. Ed wanted to get in a shot, so I returned the favor.  You can go on and on trying to justify, but you seem like a well educated and respected guy and know kids even players read this stuff so why keep on about it?  I don't know if it's true or not and I know rumors fly around just like the one I heard, but it cuts both ways.  The truth is you want to stick it to USJ anytime you can because of your well documented history.  Ed wants to because of the rivalry factor. So if you really care about kids and not just your Scotts Hill kids, cool the rumor mill because it's time to move on.

There's a big difference between "gossip" and discussion. If you'd like to check, I'm the guy that first linked your coach with the position at GCA. I didn't see the application form nor speak with Bradley personally, but had information that I trusted enough to put it out there, and am reasonably certain still that it happened. As far as I know Bradley didn't request that his application be kept secret, or I would have just waited for someone else to "out" it, as it's pretty well known. You on the other hand, took offense because BigEdMo was the poster, and decided to post information that you knew was false...put that rock back in your pocket or move out of that glass house that you live in.

   If you're apprehensive about losing the coach, you can probably rest easy...there is apparently some grievance between GCA and Bradley that is too well remembered for them to consider him for the position, but I wont comment further about that...someone might deem it to be gossip.

Oh good grief. I forgot all communication in the free world passes through Scotts Hill. Sheesh.

Hey no problem man-good luck to you friend

Wow-gossip my friend is a sin and that's exactly what you're doing and also stirring the pot

Heard Butler from TCA is available-give him a try-I'm sure he's looking

I will be very honest.  I have no idea what is going on if anything.  This is news to me as there have been no meetings, no rumors (other than this message board) and no problems to my knowledge.  We had one of the best football banquets I can remember and everything seems to be great.  We met about this fall and the excitement continues.  Of course, I never rule anything out and surprising things occur all the time in life, but this would be a shocker and a great loss because everyone I know here loves Coach Bradley and wants to work to make the program better each year.  

I definitely get your point. These were not your Momma's D2A teams. These were something a lot better.

 

Webb struggles with depth. I'd argue that was the reason for giving up two scores in the fourth. If Webb can get more kids to come out and play they can definitely play in whatever classification and be successful. . I believe it was 35 this year in comparison to almost double for Lausanne.

 

Get Webb's depth to 50-60 and you may see them move up. Right now they wouldn't have enough depth to play a full season in D2AA as presently constructed.

I remember we talked about this a couple of days ago... depth.  From what I remember Lausanne doesn't play alot of players both ways and in a grind 'em hard fought game like yesterday, it definitely makes a difference.  Congrats to both teams, wish I could have seen it.

Yep I agree Gray was awesome-however there were 2-3 big pass plays of 25-30 yds that Lausanne had at critical times. PLus Lausannes defense especially their DL won the game to me. Quick question as I listened to the game didn't see it-why didn't Webb run Howard more rather than spread it around so much?

Amen

Forgive me I can't resist-- the guy for Lausanne who hardly ever plays just got a sack

how are you watching?

The TSSAA has that NHFS or something like that you can pay to see.  Seems like MyVLT out of Knoxville might be live streaming, I'm not sure.  Good luck to all and hope for an injury free game.

I'm sure this has been asked and answered many times, but... since Howard is an 8th grader, can he play 5 years of high school ball?  I mean is there a 4 year max or since he is in 8th grade this year doesn't count?  I could look up and research, but I'm sure it's already been done.  thanks

Lausanne constantly run blitzes. Not sure where you got they don't blitz? Webb beat Oak Ridge with Howard catching the ball. Lausanne does not have the perimeter physicality or athletes to keep up with Howard. You guys thinking they do are going to be shocked at his speed. I didn't believe it either until I saw it.

Ok, Lausanne runs blitzes.  I should clarify and it was my fault.  I'm talking about all out every LB and maybe even a corner blitz, you know, bring the house.  Besides that, I still stand by my assessment. I still think Lausanne's defense is the strength of their team especially the line.

I think WilsonJr is hitting on a very important issue.  Lausanne does not appear to have many players going both ways.  I don't know about Webb as I haven't seen them this year. 

I look for Webb to run their well-disciplined, precise offense with a little variation depending on where the talent is that particular year.  If it's at RB this year, then look out-- however Lausanne has a really good defense, but it appeared to be geared toward pressuring the QB without blitzes and playing good pass coverage as opposed to straight up run defense.  Then again, I didn't see Lausanne really load the box either to stop the run.  Lausanne has a really good QB who appears to improvise some and their RB really is special even though he's just a sophomore. I think Lausanne's defense is as good as I've seen in a while (remember I haven't seen Webb).  Then again, all the talk about Webb's RBs may mean solid chunks of yardage without a lot of 60 yard long runs as Lausanne's DBs can close quickly.

In my mind, this game is a toss up because of off tackle runs by Webb and the middle LB of Lausanne (6-5 230).  If Webb let's Lausanne get into a run and gun rhythm, it's really hard to stop.  If Lausanne loads the box especially with a combination and rotation of starting OL and DL on defense which I haven't seen them do, I think they have the athletes to hold the outside.  Can Webb throw very well?  If it's strictly run, then I think Lausanne wins after halftime adjustments, but if Webb can mix it up, Webb wins.

Sorry for the rambling.  I think it's going to be a great game.

I'm not trashing them and not accusing anyone of cheating.It appears they have found a provision in the bylaws and are using it to their advantage. Not Lausanne's doing it's the TSSAA.However I think it's unfair and should be changed. In addition I watched the aforementioned player the entire game in person and he played the first play from scrimmage so I don't know how you define starter. FInally the co op school isn't some tiny 100 student school somewhere in the sticks-it has 549 students and obviously some are pretty good at football.

While I understand people's frustration with the fact that Lausanne co-ops with Power Center, it is foolish for everyone to act like most of their team does not go to school at Lausanne. They have one player who gets meaningful playing time (doesn't start) on defense, none on offense, and 2-3 on special teams. Clearly this is an advantage but it is not as if they have "city school athletes with private school coaching" as you say.

 

As for the actual game, I believe it will be a great one. Personally, I believe Lausanne pulls it out but will not be shocked to see it go the other way. Lausanne has played multiple other wing T teams this season (obviously none as good as Webb) but they have at least seen which can't hurt. I also believe that others on the board underestimate Lausanne's team speed. Clearly Webb will have the fastest guy on the field but I think after that it is a push. I'll go Lausanne 34 Webb 31

And I will have to take issue with your statement as I personally spoke with one of Lausanne's coaches and per him, #2 goes to PCA.  As you know, he not only starts on defense, but is one of their premier defensive players, plays special teams and played a little offense if I remember correctly.  Not my words, the coach's.  Don't know how many others fall into this category.

I'm no expert but will give a quick opinion. I think Lausanne will be the team to beat if they maintain their current roster and continue their current philosophy which is almost like a college using Juco transfers to raise their talent. For instance their QB transferred in last year from Olive Branch 6A school and since out of state did not have to sit out a year. Many players have recently transferred in and per the coaches many more want in. They also have one of their best players from the charter school they co-op. If this continues and I believe it will unless administration changes, they will be very tough year in and year out as they will go anywhere to get athletes and the pool of kids is huge in Memphis. SG and ECS get kids too but just doesn't seem to be as pervasive in recruiting as LAusanne. FACS is a good team but not as strong historically and Harding is strong but again has some up and down years. Northpoint had almost 30 seniors last year so it was a good year. In my opinion if the Memphis schools collectively recruit like Lausanne the state title may stay in Memphis. Although perhaps many schools after the same athletes may spread the talent out instead of concentrated at one school. USJ will have its work cut out no doubt about it. We have the QB back, couple RBs, decent OL, top WR- offense should be ok due to more time in CRB's system but defense might not be as good. Will definitely miss Trey Smith and other seniors who contributed a ton on and off the field. Just a great group of guys-going to miss them all

Ed-yes we did and lost to Northpoint who then lost to St G in finals

GoVols-thanks very much for the support over the past season. Your comments and assessments have been very positive and spot on. I also think the world of D2 ball will be different for teams coming from D1 and in fact, D2 has evolved from where it was just 3-4 years ago. Lausanne case in point. Will be difficult for teams to excel with only own school middle school players maturing into high school players. How many will be the question-some schools will bring in only a few while other schools bring in almost an entire team. While not at the level of the big D2AAA schools D2AA,at least the consistent top schools, will have to become mini versions of the big schools and some already have. Interesting times. Take care and good luck to you and CAK

Oh well we can all go over the top from time to time. Good luck with SG as we have Lausanne and they are loaded plus rain at game time.

I must admit I almost spit water all over my phone when he said ST Georges looked like a good middle school team. Those middle schoolers are commits to Navy, Yale, and Arkansas just to name a few. Their line last year averaged probably 260-270 lbs with Jacob Still former UT great Eric Still's son at 6-1 291 playing at Arkansas State now. NCS I hear is pretty good but all of those teams would give you more than you want.

I had no idea about the Lausanne thing-wondered how they got so good so fast