Baseballmad

This year is at the half way mark and no one is running away with style points except for Maryville. Even SD has a outside chance. But it looks like West, Halls, Clinton and Powell will fight for the three places available. Every school has potential and every school is vunerable. It will lead to a exciting finish.

It starts this week. Halls D will rise up and we will take a close game away from home. We will see two of the best Sophomore runningbacks in Knoxville go head to head. It should be a good game.

I was just reading the Clinton Maryville thread and a clinton fan was saying this is the weakest 3-4A has been in years. I think he may be right I still don't think Maryville looked that strong. So far Halls, Central, Powell & West haven't won a single game after two weeks. In fact the only two teams besides Maryville that have a victory are perennial cellar dwellers South Doyle and Lenoir City what a mixed up year this is so far.

How does your point system work? I'm glad Halls is still #3 proving we have faced tough programs.

No but it will be a lot closer than 26

Good positive post. We are fortunate to have the backs we have Waggy, Gibby and Mclaughlin even Pixley. We are loaded at runningback and they will be a force the rest of the year.

Don't be. The frustration will be over next week when we humble Central finally after how many years? They got took to the woodshed the first two games. Campbell Co. crushed Powell with over 300 yards rushing. We should win out from here. SC had minus yards rushing. Also, you have to have individual acheivers with a team emphasis if you don't you won't get far. So you can't have one without the other if you want to go deep in the playoffs. I agree with Ironman you have to test the seniors and if they don't respond then let the underclassmen have their chance.

Dowdy seems to be the best passing QB of the two. Turner has the most experience and perhaps runs the offense the best he will be missed the most not only on offense but as a Defensive back. I'm wanting BJ back to help in the secondary I hope Seiver Co. doesn't have a passing game this year. Didn't Helton graduate last year? We have to do better running the ball than what the Shopper was saying 15 yards the whole second half that wasn't right was it? We need someone to step up big time.

I agree I don't think they quit they were wore out. I know every one has preached conditioning and weight training about his team and they did look awesome the first quarter but no matter how much talk is talked it's the intangibles like the heat, opponent and self belief that has to be put into the mix. I have to admit I was dissappointed not with the kids but with the same plays over and over again. Once Gaylor reconized this it was turn out the lights. I agree it got us into the fourth quarter but little else. We didn't seem like threatening after the first quarter. The interception by McFalls energised us but after a fumble and missed field goal then it went downhill. The big question is the offense if we get behind were in big trouble plus having to play two way players our fourth quarters will be promblematical. So not as good a result as we all hoped but the good news is we have many more games to play and we still look like a very good team. I do feel like Maryville is very vunerable this year. They just don't look like themselves but their coaching staff is A-1.

It's going to be a great game and most of the media are aware of it. I think it is the Comcast game of the week. I can't wait. Come early for a good seat or a place on the fence.

I agree it's hard to not to go with GQ and the dynasty 60 straight has been a awesome run. But all runs must come to a end and I just don't think we are the underdog this year. Halls have some very talented players with experience. KJ is a excellent coach and will get that little bit more out of them. Remember Halls only lost by eight points last year to a awesome Rebel unit at Maryville. This is a new year and with the Rebels losing their starting QB and the Halls defense improving dramatically from last year I see the Red Devils in a very strong position. Most people may believe it wil be a shock if Halls wins but I won't. To many talented players graduated last year from Maryville, most notably on offense to not make this game very interesting from a Halls perspective.

24-14 Halls. Why????.................... Halls defense is stronger this year. The running game looks very good all thru preseason. Maryville losing their #1 passing Qb is also tilted to Halls favor. Home field advantage and the Red Devil fan not to be underestimated.

Call me stupid but I got that good feeling Halls will win a win by two touchdowns. I think the Halls running game will be hard to stop. 24-14 to the Red Devils. Burnette, Shiver, Douglas & Clendenon gone the offense can't be as potent this year. Checking in with some local sources from Blount Co. this will be a rebuilding year with many unknowns. I like our chances.

Halls last year when they had healthy receivers averaged only 73.4 yards on 10 attempts with about 5 completions. It's just not their game. Kitts pretty much carried the offense. I agree with Ironman I can't see them getting themselves in a hole by losing yards to QB sacks and turning the ball over. I have to believe 90% run starting out until they get in the groove of every game. Anyway the running game looks that good this year.

Halls lost their most prolific receiver last year and so they must find a good go to guy this year. Unfortunately, receivers just don't grow on trees at Halls not like runningbacks. The two touchdowns Dayton scored against Maryville were unbelievable and supercharged the game I can't see that happening this year. But I can see a close game and Halls can win just running the football.

Ironman your posts are very much appreciated in content and validity. You never have been a cheerleader and been over the top on were we stand. You are always looking for improvements and border mainly on the conservative thats how it should be for a team like Halls to want to acheive. There is no doubt the players will give it their all when the friday night lights are turned on. Some here tend to post either to negatively or way to out there to be believable. I think you have it right on the CAK scrimmage...................it's just a scrimmage would have could have or should have it's all hypothetical. If we are weak in the secondary I'm sure the coaching staff is on top of it and will work the players harder in practice to firm it up. Especially against teams such as Maryville,Central,Clinton and Powell that may throw at least as much as they run. So lets take a deep breathe and just enjoy the prospect of another good year for the program. Go Red Devils.

I am encouraged that the offense was scoring. Sounds like the running game is coming along. I don't put much emphasis on 4A-2A stuff who cares. I think the coaching staff has it all figured out and getting as many new faces in as possible. I'm glad they are rotating QB's. With Turner used as a safety playing both ways and his injury track record it's always a good idea to have a experienced backup. Also Dowdy looked pretty good throwing the ball last year.

That has to be our strength on offense Ironman. Offensive line play and the good depth at running back. If there is a bright spot for Garrett it has to be he is just a junior and he has his senior year to look forward too. It's the senior injuries that works on me it's such a big dissapointment to the player and family involved. Still like someone noted earlier as much as we pass which isn't very much. Waggoner could split wide and we still have Johnson and Bright. Defense looking better and a solid ground game we should still be playoff bound and give them Rebs all they want.

Good news about Garrett Gresham toughing it out. Still with a broken thumb I can't see him catching to many balls especially the way Turner throws them. We need him badly as a DB though.

Ironman Has me worried on the injury situation those names he mentioned contained my picks for playmakers this year.

Me to. I don't see any playmakers rising to the top just yet. Defense seems to be better but the offense has been a dissappointment so far. I know everyone is working hard and in years past scrimmages haven't shown the real abilities of the team. Injuries are causing some problems to.

What I'm hearing from Dragon land with the four Oak Ridge transfers is that Clinton will have ahigh scoring offense. They should be not overlooked.

Just looked at the News Sentinel today and noticed Zack Zabowski is done for the season. I hope it doesn't ruin his senior year in BB.

Brandon Johnson Halls. He is a player. Played hurt a lot last year and has speed to burn. Great safety prospect. When this year is over everyone will know who he is.

Will Zabowski get a look at receiver or DB?