otis

Having been directly involved in football contests with both of these schools, I can speak with an informed opinion. White House players and coaches play with class and are sportsmanlike. Northwest was the most out of control, unsportsmanlike team I've seen in several years. Their coaching staff allowed NW players to taunt, curse, and run their mouth continually.

Ryan's lack of success can be at least partially attributed to choosing to compete in D-II when the first split occurred. Due to swelling enrollment, Ryan admits only Catholic students (and don't get all of them). They can't compete because they play by a different set of circumstances. Many of their opponents will enroll and provide aid to any superb athlete. I'm not condemning their opponents, just saying the playing field is not level.

Ryan can't compete with the other D-II private schools because they do not seek out and recruit players from all over middle Tennessee. Heck, they even get robbed by other privates within their parochial system. Ryan has an excellent coaching STAFF. Kurt left because he could not win with the hand he was being dealt. As for Ryan's reign, historically, Ryan has been ultra competitive and overall very successful. Also, in years past, Ryan recruited on the same level with their private and public opponents. This is no longer true. After the split occurred, Ryan took the wrong turn. They can PLAY with any team similar in talent. They can't or don't RECRUIT on the same level as their current opponents. Blaming the coaching staff at Ryan is like blaming Vandy's current staff for their woeful season.