CoachingFromTheStands

Having watched both teams, Alcoa wins this one big. Athletically Red Bank matches up well on paper, however the game is played on the field. 

Red Banks offense vs Alcoa's defense:

Red Bank is not very dynamic nor do they have a lot of schemes to cause issues for talented defenses. They have hurt teams because they are athletic. RB doesn't throw much oddly enough, with the WR they have you would think they would cause defenses more issues by being balanced but they don't. As 10R mentioned the bad tackling by Loudon giving up a big run, Alcoa will not allow that to happen. This will force the RB coaches to adjust and as good as a staff as they are I don't think they are good enough to adjust on the fly and attack a team like Alcoa through the air. Opinion Coach Nix and company will only allow RB 7 or less before the 4th quarter at most.

Alcoa's offense vs RB defense:

RB has some talented young men on defense and the potential is there, having watched RB against SW and Loudon they made stops but they allowed those teams to move the ball more than they should have. They don't play with the energy and effort as a State Championship team. Alcoa's offense seems to prepare and play like they are playing Maryville every week which credit should be given to the staff for this. Finding a way to motivated players to gonall out all the time regardless of opponent is impressive. They scheme like they are always the underdog regardless of the talent difference. They will execute often and put up 49+ today.

Special Teams:

Alcoa will get a punt block or recover a bobbled punt today setting them up for a 2-3 play offensive drive for a score. 

Coaching:

If RB somehow keeps the game close like GP, halftime adjustments will go to Nix and Company and make the 2nd half lopsided. The Alcoa staff is loaded with knowledge and talent that prepares unlike other staffs given their constant success. It isn't a knock on RBs staff at all, but Alcoa is on a different level when it comes to preperation and scheming. Not many teams scheme and prepare like Alcoa which is a main reason they are always successful. When you prepare year round and have a standard like Alcoa does and add in talent, you get a championship program. They win all phases of the game from offseason to inseason. 

It is unfortunate for the Lions but their season will come to an end today which is nothing to be ashamed of. 

Final 52-10 Alcoa.

I would prefer to be wrong and eat crow at the end of the night because 3A needs Alcoa to lose once in a while to another 3A team, I just don't know if this is the Alcoa team that will be the one that gets beat. 

2 hours ago, 32hammer said:

A very true statement many won't say. Rankin is a good coach, but how many times has he been forced to really out coach other coaches to win? Could he have beaten this years Alcoa team had he coached at Austin East, Kingston, Pearl Cohn, Loudon, GP, or any of the other schools? Did he leave Riverdale because he knew what was coming with the other schools? Could he have turned the Cleveland program around? This isn't a knock on Rankin because he does have his wins and championships, but some only see wins and act like Alcoa isn't always loaded.

So you're saying that out of the 400 plus wins Coach Rankin has never had to "Out Coach" another HC? That's not a logical statement. I believe some of Coach Rankins strengths as a coach is the off season prep, the consistency of developing a program, the discipline and efficiency of practice and the high standards that the staff set for even minor details. So yes, he does outcoach other  coaches at least 90% of the time but the key is he does it year round and year to year.

Has he out coached some? I'm sure he has. There are plenty of programs that work hard in the off season and even if they were to work twice as hard as Alcoa would never be able to compete. That being said, in the last 10 years Or even 15 years can you think of any games he has really had to out coach a team? One where people are like Alcoa is about to get beat by double digits. I can not. The true test is usually Maryville. Even when Alcoa has the athletes on paper, Maryville usually finds a way to win the ball game. The discipline and coaching is just that good at Maryville. Now I agree planning and preparing kids has a lot to do with it and having Nix on staff is truly a blessing to the program and the kids. That man has a gift. 

 

He has an outstanding supporting vast of assistants, a community that supports the program which allows them to have great facilities. Winning and good facilities really help bring in transfers. That is true

"Alcoa has won four straight state championships, and I’m ready to get one because I’m tired of losing,” Would you want a kid to move in and play on your team that did not want to win a state championship or one that was not tired of losing

Everyone wants athletes to play for them. Things sometimes just seem a little strange, such as people getting jobs and positions just opening up at the perfect time. Could be coincidence who knows. 

 

Now I don't think Rankin is the one going out convincing kids to play for Alcoa the program and championships sell itself. True

 

However the people talking to others about their kids would be people not directly involved with the program. I have worked with and talked with numerous parents who have had conversations about jobs and cheaper housing if they want to be in the area and the kids play ball. Never Believe it. 

That is perfectly fine for you not to believe. It was all word of mouth, and that means it could all be false or have some truth to it. 

The TSSAA would never investigate or penalize Alcoa. That would ruin their image and show their lack of competence to regulate and manage a system properly. The chance to showcase a coach or program with so many wins across the country would really look bad if he was found guilty. Or they aren't investigated because they are not guilty of anything

Now for those Tornadoes that will get defensive, I apologize if this hit a sensitive spot. I am just looking at this without blinders on. Not sensitive, but it does come across as trying to devalue the years of  hard work the kids put into being as successful as they are. Everyone wants an excuse for the reason Alcoa has been as successful as they have been and its easier to make unfounded accusations than accept the truth.

Devalue not at all. Without a doubt them young men work hard. You could see it this year by how #1 was able to move people at his leisure. This isn't an excuse why they are successful. When you have the best players on the field regardless of how they ended up at the school, they work hard, and have good coaches they will win. 

 

This is not the only program in the area to take advantage of transfers. True. Alcoa has had Middle school players that transferred to other schools and ended up being all state players for that school

 

Like I stated before, Alcoa offers a lot more than other schools which helps it sell itself. With open enrollment as well, unless TSSAA makes major changes to the system, Alcoa will continue to win.

Most schools in Tn are open enrollment

 

Once Rankin is gone, Nix will take over and his energy and ability to see the game and make adjustments will only continue the trend. 

This is all just opinions and observations. I understand my opinion will change nothing and this whole piece was probably a waste of time. Still fun to have discussions, even if I don't post often. Nothing wrong with open minded, polite discussions.

I'll end with these facts. RIverdale hasn't won a title since he left and didn't win before he got there.

Was there not a zoning or split in Rutherford County shortly after he left that took athletes away from Riverdale?

Since 1991 every kid that played four years for coach Rankin earned a state champion ring- That's 30 years!

Rankin has won 11 state championships in 14 yrs at Alcoa and is 10 points away from 14 straight.

As I asked before, in those 14 years, how often has Alcoa been the underdog or had less athletes than the opponents? When has anyone ever felt by looking at stats or the players on paper Alcoa would lose? Now I get there is family ties through Alcoa and the bloodline of Alcoa greats continue to live up to the Alcoa brand, which is a major part of the success of Rankin.

Alcoa won 7 state championships without Rankin in 35 yrs, yet have won 11 more in the 14 years he has been coaching there.

In the 90s and the 80s the playing field was more level than it has been in the last few years. The competition was harder for teams in those days as well. Alcoa is a great team and continue to produce great athletes that work hard. That is fact. Which is the main reason he is so successful. 

 

How is that not great coaching?

Don't get me wrong he is a good coach. But I do not believe he could have the same success at other schools in the area. I also don't think other schools in the area love their football the way Maryville and Alcoa do. The support is tremendous and for that, no-one can blame him for staying at Alcoa and continuing to win. Like I have stated before, the facilities, coaching, history of winning, and support of the community is why I believe athletes want to be there and one of the main reasons they are so successful. 

Watching them play this year multiple times, the odds are likely they will win state the next few years. The upcoming youngsters have skill and regardless of bias, there will be more transfers coming in that make a big impact. Not 5 star but athletes that are better than the majority in the area. 

 

On 12/10/2019 at 10:43 AM, bigdawgtn said:

rankin is a great coach but also a by product of extreme talent. He was winning at riverdale so all the schools coming and and bailed out before he could lose all his talent. Goes to Alcoa and i am sorry most decent coaches win with that talent. Now with that being said i have met the man a few times and i like him and i do thing he is a great coach.

A very true statement many won't say. Rankin is a good coach, but how many times has he been forced to really out coach other coaches to win? Could he have beaten this years Alcoa team had he coached at Austin East, Kingston, Pearl Cohn, Loudon, GP, or any of the other schools? Did he leave Riverdale because he knew what was coming with the other schools? Could he have turned the Cleveland program around? This isn't a knock on Rankin because he does have his wins and championships, but some only see wins and act like Alcoa isn't always loaded.

He has an outstanding supporting vast of assistants, a community that supports the program which allows them to have great facilities. Winning and good facilities really help bring in transfers. One transfer was quoted saying such

"Alcoa has won four straight state championships, and I’m ready to get one because I’m tired of losing,”

And that transfer is an outstanding play maker.

Now I don't think Rankin is the one going out convincing kids to play for Alcoa the program and championships sell itself. However the people talking to others about their kids would be people not directly involved with the program. I have worked with and talked with numerous parents who have had conversations about jobs and cheaper housing if they want to be in the area and the kids play ball. 

The TSSAA would never investigate or penalize Alcoa. That would ruin their image and show their lack of competence to regulate and manage a system properly. The chance to showcase a coach or program with so many wins across the country would really look bad if he was found guilty.

Now for those Tornadoes that will get defensive, I apologize if this hit a sensitive spot. I am just looking at this without blinders on. This is not the only program in the area to take advantage of transfers. 

Like I stated before, Alcoa offers a lot more than other schools which helps it sell itself. With open enrollment as well, unless TSSAA makes major changes to the system, Alcoa will continue to win. Once Rankin is gone, Nix will take over and his energy and ability to see the game and make adjustments will only continue the trend. 

This is all just opinions and observations. I understand my opinion will change nothing and this whole piece was probably a waste of time. Still fun to have discussions, even if I don't post often. 

I am curious if it's the same one from Concord Christian.

http://www.concordchristianschool.org/m/academics/ms-faculty.cfm

A few rumors here in Blount County going around. Anyone able to comment on transfers and the staff?

Would this person happen to coach at a school with blue or orange as their colors?

This is why the game is played on the field and not on assumptions (myself)<<<<<<< or paper. So far curious to see how this one finishes. Goodjob so far Jackets.

Unless AE has a flu going around or some injuries, they should win by 14+. Not to take anything away from Kingston, but I believe AE is at least 14 points better. That's why they play the game though, upsets happen and people are proven wrong(myself). Has there been any changes to the game because of the incoming storms?

That is what I thought as well, but Cummings made it some what difficult for people to remember that, which i believe caused some minor issues with the last coach. Hopefully they bounce back and the kids and community still stay involved and supportive pf the new coach while he tries to build the program back up. But what will people say if they aren't? Before it was you can't bring a 3a offense to 5a ball, Brwon was successful at M.West, will they bash him as hard for not being successful or will they give more support through hard times? Hopefully we wont have to find out and maybe Bearden got that much better and this last game was just a bump in the road, but this next game will be against a team much better than Bearden, so West better get things fixed and ready to go quick.

Not a very good performance against the Bulldogs tonight. Any insight? I know its the first game, but West has athletes and a new coach.

There hasn't been much talk since the new head coach took over. How are things going?

As of now coacht has 7 of their games listed.

Aug. 25 Hillwood

Sep. 1 Montgomery Central R

Sep. 8 at Greenbrier R

Sep. 22 at White House Heritage R

Sep. 29 White House R

Oct. 6 Macon County Homecoming

Oct. 13 at Springfield R

Not sure how accurate or if anything will change from that, but it does take ypu through the majority of the season.

Not much has been on here about West since the new head coach was announced. How is the offseason so far and how is the staff and kids adapting to another new coach?

I wonder why it took them so long to decide what most consider the inevitable. That could have been roughly 2 months he had the players preparing and getting to him and his expectations. Either way, I am glad it is set in stone so the program can move forward.

That is correct. Cardwell is known to some of the admin. I believe the new coach will be announced Tuesday. The coach from out west starts practice Monday I believe if he doesn't get it. Happy Easter Redskins... Your new coach is.... And the wait continues

Ive heard it wasn't even between them ywo, it was Harig and another coach from out west. I haven't heard who they decided yet or even if they made a decision.

The cupboard being bare was just an excuse. From everyone I have talked to, the line from 2 years ago was fairly experienced and strong and had alright talent at the skill positions. They let a 2-8 Mcminn Central score 66 on them. Being realistic, the problem has mostly been with coaching and preparation. The recent coach didn't have the resume that should have qualified him for that position. Why he got it, I am unsure. Maybe they rushed getting a new coach in, maybe he had connections, or maybe he just said the right things in an interview, or maybe the administration really didn't care that much and put someone in the position that would take a certain amount of money and fill a teaching spot. Either way it seems that since the last coach left, the kids and the football program has not been a priority. Both hiring processes have proven that in my opinion. But I also have no connection with anyone that might have information. I go by runors here, word of mouth, and results.

They sure do. Which is why this is such an issue. Why it took nearly 2 months to start interviews is beyond me. Thats 2 months of building relationships and establishing the culture and expectations rather it is Harig or not. I've not heard anyone speak of whats actually occurring with the players this offseason while they wait. I just hope they aren't too distracted by the hiring process. Hopefully this week will be end it and the players can get ready for what the new coach has for them.

It should be, but as mentioned before if rumor is correct, they have another interview today. If that is true, it would be hard to announce it like most schools normally do, with the new head coach coming in to talk with the players, unless the interview today is who they plan to go with. In that case it would not be Harig.

A factor? Does that mean he actually wants it? Did he not turn it down last time?

Did he actually apply or is it one of those offers without him applying for it?

What seemed to be a promising announcement for a Head Coach has been pushed back again. Runor has it, that they pushed it back for another coach to interview. Not sure who the next interview is, but for them to continue to push it back makes me wonder if they are trying to find someone other than Harig??

I thought thw school board voted yes? Either way, I found this link and it has 5 different scenarios for combining schools and how much they believe would be saved yearly.I could see them combining to create a 2 or 3 school system.

http://www.roanecounty.com/content/pitch-would-combine-high-schools

I have heard a few people mention that a new coach should be announced some time next week. Not sure of the coaches wanting the position besides Harig. Any chance someone with a good resume applied?

I understand it is the same questions over and over. But will the new coach have to find a completely new staff? Even if it is the previous head coach, what are the odds he cleans house or brings everyone back? That could take a good amount of time as well. Throw that in with the hiring position and bring in coaches to fill teaching vacancies (if there are any) and then trying to find volunteer coaches to invest a lot of time. If people have been interviewed it has stayed very silent. Which is both good and bad.