JNewman

It is incredibly difficult to beat a good team twice in the same season. It takes a very special team to do it. The 2018 Germantown team IS a special team though. Back in week 1, I picked who I thought would be in the semifinals in every classification. In 6A, I had Maryville playing Oakland and Ravenwood playing Germantown. All four of those are still in play. I also picked Germantown to finish 15-0. I live in East TN. I know way more about the Knoxville area teams than anywhere else. But I have had my eye on Germantown for the last few years. I picked them (back in week one) to win 6A. This should be a good one. But I still think Germantown has the kind of team that can beat a good team twice. Picking Germantown by 4.

I can't say this for every classification, but in 5A---with the 4 games we have this week---I don't see any blowouts. It would not surprise me at all if all 4 games are decided by less than 10 points. If Crockett can travel to Central and pull off a win (amount doesn't matter)---that would be a statement win (NOTE: It will also be a statement win should Central win it). It will be either team's biggest win of 2018 to date. And who know's---come December---it could've been the game that started the winner on their road to the 2018 state championship! As far as anyone trashing either of these two teams---I think that would be a huge mistake. These two teams should've earned everyone's respect. If you are in the quarterfinals and have won at least 10 games thus far to date---anyone who overlooks you does so in error. Anyone who trashes you is not doing so from a point of reason---but rather emotion. I like the prediction Stockton4182 made. 28-21. That score would be one either team could take pride in. Losing to a team who makes it to at least the semifinals by a single TD is nothing to be ashamed of. Personally---I think it will be even closer. Whoever wins will win by less than 4 points. I would not be shocked to see this one won on a blocked kick, successful 2 point conversion, field goal, or late go ahead touchdown after trailing. Flipped a coin and it came up Central. So I will pick Central 32-29

I tend to lean torward it being low scoring as well---with each team's defense playing a significant role in frustrating the offense. But weather will play a factor in the flow of the game as well. so will emotions. When you get a two teams like this in action, something always gives. Under normal circumstances, I would agree on the defense winning out (over the offense). But when it's win or go homes, "normal circumstances" go out the window. Agood offense vs a stingy defense---where both are trying to make big plays (in high school) usually (not always---but usually) results in minor mistakes here and there. and when it's an offense that can generally take advantage of those little things--it most often does. Ultimately though---whether it's a 7-3 outcome or a 66-62 one--the end result is a four point win either way. Low scoring or high scoring---I think it will be the first time in a while that Central gets properly tested. That aside for the moment, Coach Rosser came to Oak Ridge with Coach Blade and was the offensive coordinator in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He knows how to prepare his teams and (unless he's changed a lot)--generates such great rapport with his players that they are willing to go that extra mile to impress him. Like coach Gaddis of Oak Ridge and Gay Rankin at Alcoa, Rosser is a "player's coach." As long as Central has a little bit of talent and steady class size each year, Central will always be in the conversation. They will never have to "rebuild." I hope that Oak Ridge and Central can get back into the same region again. When I was playing, this was hands down the best rivalry. I am hoping that both advance to next week and get an opportunity to meet on the field. If they do, I suspect that THAT alone could be all the motivation each needs to reschedule this game yearly. But for now---at least for another week for certain---I will be cheering on the Bobcats. If I get my way, and Oak Ridge advances in Quad 2 while Central defeats Crockett, for the first time in a long time---I will be cheering against the Bobcats. But just for a week. Because if it's Central vs Oak Ridge, I will be heading to Cookeville next Saturday regardless of who wins that one--- to either watch my Wildcats play---or my Bobcats play! I will be very sad if neither makes it past their opponents this week.

I suspect that the 4th round will be Knox Central (11-2) at Oak Ridge (11-2). But I would not put money on it. It could just as easily be David Crockett (13-0) vs Catholic (9-3). Or other variation. Think back to the last time that Quad I & II in 5A had four teams that were so close on paper. I just don't think there will be any blowouts in 5A this week. Not in any of the four games left. If I were predicting this game, I would put it around 35-31. I know that Central has been blowing teams out the last few weeks, but Crockett is simply too good to be utterly destroyed. Defeated? Yes. destroyed? No. A lot of the reason I think many are quick to write Crockett off is due to historical issues and specific games. Daniel Boone was destroyed by Central last week. Boone played Crockett close. Those in the Knoxville area may be unaware of how huge the Musket Bowl is for these two schools---and also why you can't base anything on it. I would argue that Crockett is significantly better than Daniel Boone this year. But it was a huge rivalry game. Crockett and Central are both good enough to find themselves in Cookeville. It would be difficult (as either's road doesn't get any easier from here on out). But regardless, I would not bank on there being any more blowouts or lopsided scores. The teams left are too good.

Hi all. On paper, Catholic holds the advantage on the offensive line. Their O-line is probably the best we've seen. If not---it's definitely top 3. As far as skill players---it's pretty even. Catholic has the best QB and probably the best receivers. But Oak Ridge's DBs are more than a match for them. As far as overall TEAM speed---OR has a significant advantage there. The Wildcat defense will frustrate Catholic more than anyone they've played (including Fulton). Both teams have adequate kicking games---but neither are stellar. Last year's game was rough because we the Wildcat's starting kicker had to go out of town and did not play. His absence was noticeable in that game. Since OR's kicking teams have had to make the stop (rather than the ball going into the endzone 75% of the time)--it would not have such a profoud impact this year. Last year's Catholic team was a truly special bunch. A "team of destiny" if you will. Not taking anything away from the 2018 bunch (as they could inevitably win out and hoist another trophy in December)---but this year's Irish have sort of snuck in quietly under the radar. Last year's quarterfinal match up between these two was (in essence)---the de facto State Championship. Had it gone the other way, Oak Ridge would've ended Central's 2017 8-6 run just like Catholic, and most likely won the title game (same as Catholic). That is not necessarily the case this year. Whoever wins the quad will be facing a far better foe than last year in the semifinals. When we look at it---Quad 1 and Quad 2 anyway (Catholic, Oak Ridge, Central, David Crockett)--OR, Central, and Crockett are all MUCH improved since last year. Catholic isn't quite as potent as last year. Ultimately though---and I have tried to tell people this repeatedly---high school football is unique. Having the most D1 prospects or the absolute best QB---or the absolute best Wideouts, etc... actually means very very little. Especially this late in the playoffs. I won't suggest that the 2018 edition of the OR Wildcats is the best ever fielded. But they are the best team Gaddis has had since he returned in 2013. OR has more weapons than anyone left in 5A (including Catholic). The fact that Catholic lost their QB and struggled against teams they should've dominated is rather telling. And for the first time in a while, the Oak Ridge players are on the same page as the fans. They believe in themselves and don't get easily rattled. Last year, by the 4th quarter, Catholic was sucking wind. They were unable to impose their will on Oak Ridge because Oak Ridge was so fast and so physical. You throw in the fact that they are still fast and physical AND believe they can get to Cookeville---that should be very scary. I would not place too much stock in the Fulton vs. Catholic game last week. That's a true rivalry. OR is a new opponent for both. Last year was the first ever meeting between the two. And the first time OR and Fulton had played since 2007. What I am saying is that IF games were played on paper, neither Catholic nor Oak Ridge would be playing this week. I expect this game to be quite close---with the game being decided by whichever team wants it more on the last drive. Don't know who it will be. It's not an easy one to pick. I do think Catholic will need to have the lead at halftime in order to have a chance. OR has been a second half team all year. And they are peaking. AND---most importantly---they are focused. They didn't care who it was they would be playing as they want revenge on either. And that makes for good stuff. Regardless of how this game turns out, if it were up to me---I would be fighting to schedule this game next year. The fans got along great last year, the players were not excessively chippy, and the stadiums are relatively close. I know this is Catholic's last year in the public schools division---and they will have all new region games to play---but either of these teams taking an "L" against the other will not impact their season in any way. It's win/win.

Not sure if anyone answered completely Jeffery6---but here is how it is decided in the second and third rounds. First---seeding. The second round will never have two #1s, 2 #2s, 2#3s, or 2 #4seeds playing. So the higher seed gets the home game. However---round 3 COULD (and often does) see two teams seeded the same. When this happens, the next step is to use the 4th round process and odd numbered host in odd years and even in even years. While Central is 10-2 and David Crockett is 12-0, they are both #1 seeds as they were both Region champs. Record plays no role at all in these anymore. Central won region 2 and David Crockett won region 1. It's 2018--so the #1 seed that hosts will default ro region 2. The only way that Crockett would've gotten this game at home would've been if any team other than Central advanced. Sorry. To make matters worse for Crockett---there is no scenario where they get another home game. Regardless of who wins in Quad 2 (Oak Ridge or Catholic), that 4th round game (should Crockett beat Central) will be played at either Catholic or at Oak Ridge. Ironically (perhaps), if the 4th round was done like round 2 (and sometimes round 3)--the game would have been played at either Central or Crockett because both Oak Ridge and Catholic came in as #2 seeds.

42-0. Running clock for entire second half. Rhea County was not a good team. I expected a bit more considering all of the smack talk. I love smack talk. But I also think you had better be able to back it up. This was the first time Rhea was shut out this year. Up until tonight---35-20 to Cane Ridge and 30-12 to Catholic were the biggest blowouts Rhea suffered this season. SMH

Hi all. not sure if it's been mentioned yet. A clip from the end of a Rhea County game (not sure which one TBH) was shared on the "Coaches Corner" (Oak Ridge call in show). In it---the play by play announcer is commenting that Rhea County will be travelling to Oak Ridge in the first round. He went on to proclaim that, "[Rhea County] has owned Oak Ridge the last several years....even defeating them when they [Oak Ridge] had Tee Higgins."---etc.... etc... Slight problem. Oak Ridge and Rhea County have only played one time in the last decade or two. They have played a total of 9 times ever. Oak Ridge won 8 and Rhea County won 1. That one Rhea County win (over Oak Ridge) came in the 2014 quarterfinals by a 35-21 score. That Rhea County team went 13-1. I am not sure if the radio announcer was confusing Oak Ridge with someone else---or if he was an idiot simply making up something. As for the fans thing---when Rhea County travelled to Oak Ridge back in 2014---they brought a huge crowd. Now literally---there were more Oak Ridge fans---but not by much. It wasn't the biggest crowd ever there---but it was very big. Rhea County fans really love their teams. They follow them incredibly well and that is something Rhea County should take pride in! As for biggest crowd ever---that would be Dobyns Bennett in 2004. There were nearly 10,000 people there to watch that game---and it was close to 50/50 (same as Rhea County). This was a 3rd round rematch between the 11-1 Wildcats and the 12-0 Indians. DB had won the regular season contest and had some excellent momentum coming into that game. The final score was either 24-14 or 28-14 in favor of the Wildcats.

Fulton supports their team. Last year was a bit wonky for a plethora of reasons. In fairness---no one in Knoxville gave Oak Ridge a chance---so many thought it was in the bag. Why sit in the cold? Another was that it was the dedication ceremony where they honored the mother of the slain kid and retired his jersey. That said--way more than 200 fans showed up. But it was less than expected. I suspect that many more will travel to Oak Ridge and it will be a packed house (for a Thursday game anyway). As for the earlier comment (from someone else)---that inexperience will get the best of Oak Ridge---just a reminder---this is week 11 of the season. Unless there are injuries---there is no such thing as "inexperienced" after playing 9 games LOL. This game will be a good one. I expect Fulton to start fast and be up by a couple scores at the half. I expect it to be tied up midway through the fourth. Expect a doozy of a game everyone!

I'm not sure the right question is "who can win this game?" The right question is: "Can either team beat the other twice?" Because that's what it's going to come down to. I won't be shocked if one of these ends up being the Region champ and the other ends up in Cookeville. Both 1-1 against the other. It's going to be a shame if these two aren't in the same region next year and can't pick the other up. It has all the elements there for a magnificent rivalry year after year.

Guys---Oak Ridge is in a different place than Powell is. Powell's only true loss of the year was to Fulton. They've won all of their other games. They had to forfeit 6 games which resulted in a dismal record for them (playing an ineligible player). I'm sorry---but you can't go by scores in other games to determine outcomes. Oak Ridge and Powell do not match up well. Oak Ridge has too much team speed and doesn't get intimidated. Oak Ridge's sole loss this season is a 20-14 loss to Farragut. Give Powell a few more years and they will be in the mix proper. But right now---Oak Ridge and Fulton are gearing up for potential championship runs in both the region AND for a 5A state title. Powell is not. Oak Ridge won't be looking ahead to next week. They know how good Powell is. I suspect it will be pretty close in the end because both teams want to win. But Oak Ridge is simply too loaded. Too much team speed. More than anyone Powell has faced all year (including Fulton). Oak Ridge won this game 42-6 last year before going over to Fulton and winning 21-12. The last time that Oak Ridge lost a region game was in 2015 (to Farragut when Farragut was in 5A). The team that hands Oak Ridge a region loss AT Blankenship is going to have to be a pretty special team. All time: Powell has beat Oak Ridge twice. Once in 2010 and the other in 2011---on their way to championship game in 5A. Oak Ridge has won every other contest. Fulton last beat Oak Ridge in 1967 on their way to their first undefeated season (minus a tie I think). Oak Ridge has won the other 16 games (or could be 14). Of the two teams---if I were betting on Oak Ridge winning one and losing one--I would put my money on it being Fulton who knocks them off. As for Clinton---I was at that game. It was not as close as everyone seems to believe. Yes---Clinton appeared to have a chance---but OR played like a well oiled machine. They did not panic when they made mistakes and lead the entire game. I saw a Clinton team that Clinton fans should be proud of. They are going to be good in a few years too. If the district teams were to remain the same the next two years---I think Clinton and Powell will be playing for more than just an outside shot at a playoff sport. And it could be Oak Ridge and Fulton fighting for a playoff spot. But I sort of doubt it. Nonetheless though---this area has some good football to look forward to the next few years!

Yes! As a former player and lifelong fan of Oak Ridge---I would LOVE to pick up Alcoa! It's win/win! It's a game where we can both benefit regardless of outcome---and let's be honest---both teams travel WELL! Packed house at both places. That is the game I want to replace Sevier County with. My own personal first choice.

I agree on Greenback defeating Coalfield in the end. But I think it will be a lot closer than 56-14, 42-7, 42-00, etc.. It is a big rivalry game. In all honesty, it is probably Coalfield's biggest game each year. Banged up or not, Coalfield will bring their A game and play to the best of their abilities. And so will Greenback. Greenback plays for 4 quarters. If you want to beat them, you also have to bring your best for every play---for 4 quarters. Here's the thing. If Coalfield comes in believing they can win, and Greenback comes in expecting to annihilate Coalfield, this game could end up going the distance (even with key players missing). That is not an issue in professional sports or College sports for the most part. But it is common in high school sports---particularly football. Greenback 24 Coalfield 13

Who would win between Greeneville and Alcoa? That's easy. High school football fans in TN would win. Ultimately though, it would not matter who literally won as it could potentially be the two best teams in all classifications period. #1 vs #2. That said though---I would put my money on Alcoa TBH. That is not in any way intended to suggest that Greenville could not beat Alcoa or that Alcoa is th better team. It simply means that Alcoa has an edge when it comes to playing high profile games against intense rivals. And they are not prone to make costly mistakes. True---like any other team---they do make mistakes. But they recover quick and don't generally allow whomever they are playing to take full advantage of them. That, and let's be honest for a minute---Alcoa plays far better teams year in and year out. Greenville seldom plays teams that can give them a proper challenge until the playoffs. It's not entirely their fault that the teams they play aren't better. And I am not suggesting that they load up their schedule with cupcakes or anything like that. I'm merely suggesting that Alcoa plays a couple of teams capable of not only competing with them---but also capable of beating them. However---none of that is really that important in the long run. It's actually hard to say who would win. I would also caution everyone. Right now, it does appear that these two teams are the best of the best. But a lot of that hinges on how good the teams they've beaten actually are. There is still a lot of football left to play, and it's still to early to say who truly is the best of the best. But at this moment, I personally have no problem proclaiming that these two teams are truly special---and quite possibly the two best in TN period. If it were up to me, I think I would be doing everything to schedule this game each year. Both teams tend to just reload every year. So yeah---the winner overall would be us.

My daughter is an eighth grader at Norwood. She will be sitting in with the Clinton High School Band during the game. Norwood and CMS bands will be taking part. So instead of an Oak Ridge game---she and I will be at this game. (Had it been any team other than Karns---she would've probably found a way to get out of the band thing LOL. She's sneaky that way---and LOVES OR football.) If Clinton can move the sticks and play decent defense, they could play with West I think. West has a stellar defense and good enough offense. I had a look at Clinton's schedule from here on out. With the exception of Karns, they only have beasts left to play.

There are always rumors surrounding why good teams year to year do not play. And each side of it proclaims that their team has reached out to such and such team "many times"---but that the other team is too scared to play them. I played for Gaddis the first time around. He isn't afraid of any team. Scheduling conflicts may arise where two teams do not have an open date to coincides. That is almost always the case when two solid programs can't play. (Sorry Murvul and Alcoa. Oak Ridge isn't askeered of you LOL. Some fans may be. But that's how it goes. And neither Maryville nor Alcoa are afraid to play OR. C'mon guys! Really?). As for who I would like. In addition to losing Sevier County (from the schedule), I would like to also drop Hardin Valley. Karns is a region game (or I would LOVE to drop them too!) Fulton may not opt up next season (5A)---but regardless---that's a game we need to play every year. So---in order that I would prefer---should we only need to replace Sevier County. 1) Alcoa. Gary Rankin and Joe Gaddis know each other well. They ran into one another a few times back in the 1990s when Rankin was at Riverdale. 2) Maryville. Nothing against the Scott Blade era Wildcats. But a Blade led team vs a Gaddis led team are two different animals. OR and Maryville played 6 times the four years Blade was head coach at OR (2009-2012). Maryville won all six. Of those 6 contests, Maryville blew OR out 3 times. The other three were a bit more contested. Problem was---none of those Oak Ridge teams honestly believed they could win against Maryville. That plays a huge role in a high school game. The goal during the Blade era was to only lose to Maryville twice (Once in the regular season and once in the playoffs. A potential win was simply not fathomable). A Gaddis led team would not think that way. So yeah---I would like to see Maryville back on the schedule. And even if Oak Ridge cannot beat the Rebels---I am fine with that. The difference between the 2009-2012 era now is why I want this one. I would rather see the Wildcats getting off the bus ready to win than getting off the bus to lose. Just my opinion on the matter. 3) Greenville. Granted---next year's Greenville team may not be as potent as the last few. But Greeneville is always good. 4) Oakland, Blackman, or any really good Rutherford County team. 5) Cleveland, Ooltewah, Bradley Central, Rhea County, or any good Chatanooga area team. 6) Any good team that runs formations we are likely to see late in the playoffs. Classification and history do not matter for this.

Just to clarify regarding the supposed Hardin Valley having an impact conspiracy, Farragut was a middle of the road team for decades prior to 2007. Around 2003/2004, Farragut got to where they were winning more. In 2007, Farragut was able to field a really special team for 3 straight years. Really special. No. Farragut was never a "juggernaut." From 1969 to 1992, TN only had 3 classes. Farragut was in AAA all of those years (at least once they began as a football program anyway. Not sure on the year they opened). I have Farragut season records as far back as 1991. In 1991 and 1992, Farragut came in third or fourth in their disctrict (4-AAA). Only the top two teams went to the playoffs in those days. Farragut Oak Ridge (by comparison) 1991 7-3 14-1 State Champs 1992 7-3 5-5 1993 10-2 11-3 1994 9-2 13-1 1995 11-3 10-2 1996 3-7 12-2 1997 5-6 8-4 1998 8-4 10-3 1999 6-4 12-1 2000 7-4 11-2 2001 2-8 6-4 2002 5-5 9-3 2003 5-5 12-2 2004 9-3 12-2 2005 10-3 13-2 State Runner up 2006 9-4 5-5 2007 11-2 8-3 2008 11-2 4-6 2009 10-3 7-4 2010 7-5 9-5 2011 7-4 9-4 2012 3-7 10-2 2013 6-5 7-4 2014 4-6 12-1 2015 10-2 10-2 2016 14-1 SC 8-3 2017 9-3 10-3 2004 to 2009 was a pretty great run for Farragut. One they had never really had before. Not for that amount of time anyway. Prior to 2005, 1993-1995 was their only "steak" where they were pretty powerful. There was something far more important that happened in 2009 than Hardin Valley showing up. The TSSAA reclassified everyone. Farracgut had been in Region 2 5A with Oak Ridge for several years (also had Ooltewah, Soddy Daisy, MicMinn County, Bradley Central, and a couple others). In 2008 vs 2009, Farragut changed opponents, classes, etc. Now they had Maryville, West, Bearden, Catholic, Lenoir City, and a couple others from 2009 until 2012. In 2013 through 2016, Farragut got put in 5A witha much friendlier region/district. That 3-7 team in 2012 saw Farragut play 6 district champions and 4 teams that played for a state title the year before. They lost to Maryville and Fulton (that was going to happen anyway). They lost Region champs Oak Ridge, Dobyns Bennett, and one other I can't think of at the moment. Looking at their schedule in the preseason--they only had 5 winnable games. They sort of gave up in the last two weeks and lost to weaker opponents. They should've gone 5-5 based on who they played that year alone. Farragut is on year 4 of what could be another great run. As for Hardin Valley, their impact on Farragut football (if at all) was minimal at best. The 2005 through 2009 years weren't the "standard". They were the historical anomaly. Much like the 2006-2009 years were an anomoly for Oak Ridge.

Breakdown: From the 1970s until 2005, Farragut was only ever able to beat Oak Ridge 3 times. 1993 was the only year Gaddis lost to Farragut his first time at OR. From 2006-2011, Farragut won every contest. 2012-present, Neither team has been able to get a win on the road. 2012, OR won, 2013=Farragut, 2014=OR, 2015=Farragut, 2016=OR, 2017=Farragut. Farragut's only streak in the series came from 2006-2011 when they won 6 in a row. Since then, they have won every other one. To believe that the 2006-2011 streak hold any more importance than the 1983-1996 one is rather silly. The seniors for both teams were in 4th grade when Farragut was "winning every year." Since 2014, every kid who has graduated from either school holds a 2-2 record against the other. For the seniors at OR, Farragut leads their personal series 2-1. Also worth mentioning, Farragut won the 5A state championship in 2016. They went 14-1. Guess who gave them the one loss! There is no streak. This has become the best rivalry for either school of late. First---when Farragut finally started winning some, then when Oak Ridge got back on track. The only "streak" in play (if you want to call it one) is the home team winning. But here is the thing. It doesn't matter who wins. Does anyone think that Farragut's state championship run was in any way diminished by them losing to Oak Ridge? No. It wasn't. When Farragut blanked OR for the first time OR was shut out since 1993, did Oak Ridge roll over and give up? No--they won the next 8 straight. This is a fun game for both communities. It's a nonregional game. It's just bragging rights for either school---that has traded back and forth for 7 straight years. 2011=Farragut 2012=Oak Ridge 2013=Farragut 2014=Oak Ridge 2015=Farragut 2016=Oak Ridge 2017=Farragut 2018=? (I'm betting it'll be Oak Ridge... Call me crazy hahaha)

When Gaddis returned to Oak Ridge in 2013, he discovered that the Wildcats were in good shape---but not great shape. It was a lot different than when he came in 1988. That 2013 season was the only "rebuilding year" Oak Ridge will have under Gaddis. We ended up losing 4 games that year. The two district games we lost were Anderson County and Campbell County. For AC--it was the second win over OR in school history. For CC---it was their first and only win in school history. The next year---Campbell County brought most of that team (that beat OR in 2013) back. And they lost 24-8 to Oak Ridge. 2015 and 2016 saw Oak Ridge pound the Cougars pretty badly. Last year, Campbell County caught Oak Ridge at the exact right moment of the year and had their best opportunity to get Oak Ridge for a second time in school history in the 2017 season. That did not happen. They won't get that same opportunity this year. Having to play a good Oak Ridge team at Blankenship is not an easy task. The big thing to remember though is that Farragut comes to Blankenship next week. And they didn't just win last year---they embarrassed the Wildcats. I don't honestly think Farragut was better than Oak Ridge overall---but they definitely were the night we played! That could play in Campbell County's favor. The seniors on this year's teams were in 7th grade when Campbell County stunned Oak Ridge (2013). That can play a factor. These Seniors have never lost to CC and the seniors at Campbell County have never beaten Oak Ridge. I worry that the Wildcats could be looking ahead a bit and get caught off guard. But I don't think it's enough for the Cougars to get their first ever win over OR at Blankenship. OR: 35 CC: 14

I think it's important to keep in mind that we have played some very potent offenses this year. And while Catholic has put up some great numbers on offense---they have also given up loads of points too. Catholic has scored a whopping 423 points this season. But they have given up more points than most teams have actually scored with 320. Oak Ridge by comparison has put up 270 points while only allowing 159. The teams Catholic has played (with the exception of their three losses) were predominantly high powered offenses with porous defenses. This game will not be a high scoring affair. Oak Ridge's defense is more than capable of going toe to toe with Catholic. I would take a team of solid high school players that play as a single unit over a team made up of all stars who don't play as a unit. There are a plethora of reasons why sportswriters have pointed to Catholic as an unstoppable force. But that doesn't make it true. I will say this though---if Catholic's defense was half as good as it's offense---they would very likely be 11-1 or 12-0. As an aside---you would be astonished at how many people refused to believe me when I suggested that Oak Ridge had a better record. Over half thought Catholic was 12-0. Don't write off Oak Ridge just yet. I know the tendency to see this as a "David vs Goliath" match-up is there---but that is not the case. Just like with Fulton---the thing many still believe is that Fulton was the superior team---had Oak Ridge beat in all facets---and that because of blind luck---the Wildcats "shocked the world." The reality is---that wasn't an upset anymore than beating West was. And it's not an "upset" no matter who wins tomorrow night. This won't be a high scoring shoot out where Oak Ridge has to try to outpace Catholic and go score for score with them to have a chance. There will be points scored---but it won't be 40+ put on OR. Oak Ridge has far too many weapons of their own and too many variables playing in their favor to assume that Catholic will be able to walk all over the Wildcats. Catholic is a very good team. But defense wins the day in this one. Oak Ridge by 5.

I hope not! I have been looking forward to seeing him play.

Not sure if it was addressed or not. Oak Ridge runs a 3-4 defense. Although---at times---they bring a linebacker up on the line and a safety/corner up---effectively stacking 8 guys in the box. Normally---this would leave a defense susceptible to specific passes. But Oak Ridge is so fast that it offsets and masks perceived weaknesses. They also give up certain plays allowing an offense---particularly one that is explosive---to pick up chunks of yards. What this does is force an opposing offense to call plays they may not have considered to take advantage---and effectively keeping them from running what they are best at. Catholic has played some quality teams---but every team on their schedule was all about offense. In every situation, Catholic's offense was having it's way with defenses that could not go toe to toe with them. Teams with an explosive offense tended to get into shoot-outs. And in a shoot-out, Catholic is going to win most of those games. In addition to the psychological aspect, Catholic will have to contend with the field as well. The field is literally a mess. This effectively helps both defenses and hinders both offenses. I could be wrong---but I don't think this will be a high scoring affair---at least not like the Maryville or Soddy Daisy games (49-48 and 49-42). And last weeks Fulton/Catholic game had some things that only apply to that particular match-up and no others. So we can't go on scores. Doing the score comparison thing can be easily manipulated. Example---Soddy Daisy. Catholic's defense gave up 48 points to SD while Oak Ridge gave up only 7. There are mitigating circumstances that tend to get disregarded when comparing/contrasting that renders such an endeavor pointless. Regarding the upcoming contest, both teams will be tested. But where Catholic has been able to have their way with most team's defenses, that just isn't the case Friday. This game will basically be decided by how well Catholic's defense does at shutting down Oak Ridge's passing game---rather than the other way around. I expect a lower scoring contest than what Catholic is used to---possibly even being a case where the winning team only puts up 21-28 points. It could even come down to extra points being the deciding factor. Whichever teams comes out on top though---they will have earned it methinks....

Hmmmm. I think I will skip ahead to the third round match ups that I think will come to pass. I am not as confident on the QUAD 2 and 3 picks as I am with Quad 1 & 2. Quad I Round 3: Sevier County @ South Doyle Quad II Round 3: Fulton @ Oak Ridge Quad III Round 3: Gallatin @ Beech Quad IV Round 3: Clarksville NE @ Henry County I know Catholic and Beech are everyone's favorites---but I don't think either makes it to Cookeville. I think Beech finishes at 13-1 while Catholic finishes at 8-4. I also have a feeling that the 5A state championship will be decided in the Quad 2 quarterfinal game---regardless of who it is. My gut says it will be a rematch of the week 11 contest between Fulton and Oak Ridge. .