passandcatch

Jefferson County re-loads in the 2006 season with above average talent at every position. But pitching will be the key issue for the Pats, determining whether they will make a run at the state playoffs of merely finish in the middle of the IMAC. Story can compete on the mound against the best the state has to offer, and Crouch will carry the offense on his back. Morristown West is back as a force to be reckoned with, returning Bridgewater, Hazelwood, Enix, Bacon, Wild, and a few others who took center stage as the stars of last year's team. Morristown East took a major blow losing their biggest offensive weapon, in Basile, but still return a few solid hitters along with an intelligent and very effective ace, Marshall. Greeneville took essentially a knock-out blow with all the players they lost last year. They still could compete somehwat, but it's a 3-team race. I'm labeling Jefferson County as once again the fornt-runner because they simply have the best line-up and the best hurler.

The fact is, though, that these are kids U is dealing with. They don't have life figured out and are going to make stupid decisions. That is the point where they need wisdom and guidance from that of a teacher or coach, not "you're just wrong"

In response to Ole Dad, I agree that discipline is an element needed for success. That said, the four players did not get dismissed because of disciplinary reasons. "I dont like how you do things," struck coach U as a personal offence. Instead of telling these kids that they need to respect authority and make them do his famous lame dogs or Auburn miles, he angirly dismisses them. How can one discipline if the one which he is trying to discipline isn't around to be disciplined? All he showed the kids let go, the remaining kids, and the community, is that it's okay to run away from problems instead of working through them. For you coach U fans, I can agree that starting a petition like that is a bit childish, however, high school is when teenagers are supposed to make that transfer into adults. If not given the right direction, the transformation is a difficult one. Saying "you're wrong" and that's it doesn't show kids why they are wrong and how to change and grow as an individual. If they don't know why they are wrong, they can never get it right.`U's heart is in the right place, but good tactics and social skills are lacking. It seems like he's saying that only the kids who are already morally correct in everything they do should receive more discipline. This is ironic to me because as Christians, we don't just sociate with people who are already Christians. How would anyone get saved? If Christians just say "you're wrong" and leave it there, no one will experience Truth and will think he himself is correct.

ANYWAYS.....I feel like Jefferson County got the offense somehwat clicking at the end of the game against Oak Ridge and can hopefully continue its' progress. Defense still struggles, giving up chunks of yards at a time; however, Karns cannot seem to hold onto the ball long enough to reach the end zone. I see this game in the Beaver's hands.

Jefferson County has a snow ball's chance in you know where against the Wildcats. The youth of the Pats will disable them to compete on either side of the ball. However, playing a football team with as much prestige as Oak Ridge, this game will be a good learning experience for this inexperienced bunch. Good luck, Pats. Please don't let this one get ugly too soon

It's pretty cool how patsandman knows all of the kids who quit individually to know why exactly they quit. I know of at least three who would still be playing if....well we all know the story. Anyway, Jefferson County moved the ball somewhat against West and should moreso against CC. However, the Pat's D is young and small allowing the Cougars to pound the pigskin also. Special teams determines this one.

The Patriots make the trip to Burke Toney heavily disfavored. Overall talent is lobsidedly in West's favor. However, a rivalry is a rivalry and Euverard and company have too much pride to let this one get out of hand early. West wins but fans get their money's worth.