70sMemphisTiger

One of the most physical high school games I've ever seen. The Thompson kid for JCS and the McWherter kid from USJ both came to play. I think Thompson (#43) for JCS was the one who drilled #83 for USJ in the first half and nearly sent his helmet to the JCS sideline. Then McWherter nailed #6 for JCS at full speed right in front of the USJ bench. The kid never knew what hit him and staggered around for a couple of seconds. If you haven't seen Overbey play, I would highly recommend it. I told Mickey after the game that I've never seen a high school QB with the poise and game management skills this kid possesses and he's just a sophomore. Absolutely nothing rattles him. I watched the game from the USJ sideline and this kid's demeanor is the same if he's thrown a TD or an interception. He had an off night but when he had time to set up and go through his reads and progressions it was something to see. I don't plan on missing their next encounter with Milan if it happens.

All one has to do is visit the USJ website and review their required curriculum. This is not to slam on the public schools but....... for USJ to have to compete at 1.8x enrollment and then throw in their rigorous academic requirements is extremely tough. Mickey, Jim and Neill have done a great job of "coaching up" their kids this year. Jeff Morris is a very good coach and so were Bland and Tucker but face facts. Milan enjoys the privilege of being the only game in town and has done so for decades. I liken it to the JCM runs in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. Tigrett, Jackson Jr. and Parkway all fed the Cougar machine for many years but consolidation and demographic changes have killed the JCM football program. I don't see that ever happening in Milan.

Williamson County is arguably the best 5A football in the state and they beat each other up every week during the regular season. It's all tied to sheer numbers and we're still growing. Who would have believed Independence would be in the state finals after only three years of full varsity competition? After a 1-3 start, they run off 10 straight, then go down to Millington and knock off an undeated Trojan squad that demolished White Station the week before. In 5 of the last 6 years, Williamson County has produced a 5A state champion or runner-up. '02 - Brentwood (Champion) '04 - Franklin (Runner-up) '05 - Ravenwood (Champion) '06 - Ravenwood (Runner-up) '07 - Independence (to be decided Sat.)

Pound for pound one of the hardest hitters I've seen this year is Free Safety Justin Hampton, Franklin High School. In their quarterfinal loss to Independence, he was absolutely brutal.

Randy Fichtner has been offered the Receivers Coach job at Pittsburgh and will join his old Ark. St./Memphis buddies, Mike Tomlin and Keith Butler.

I think Richard Herzog would be the guy to turn things around over there. Unquestioned character and leadership skills. He's a proven winner contributing to state championship appearances at Ravenwood and Hillsboro and a wealth of college experience as well.

So how long does Joe stay there? He's done a great job turning that program around from 1-10 two years ago and will probably get a lot of attention.

If Ravenwood Def. Secondary coach Richard Herzog ends up over at Centennial HS next year, Williamson County will probably have four legit 5A contenders in the coming years. The bad part is they will all beat the devil out of each other in probably the toughest Region in the state.

It's my understanding that Chavous pulled up in the Yellow Hummer, not Fulmer. Hogsett may not be as athletic as Donald but his mean streak runs a lot deeper. And....he will not pull a Daniel Brooks.