croz6110

They'll be better than most expect, barring any injuries. They lost a lot of kids last year, but they played a lot of kids as well. They have more experience coming back than you would think losing 20 something seniors. Exactly how good is yet to be seen. I thought we looked good at East Robertson, but I didn't see the Westmoreland scrimmage.

Gordonsville and Smith County has been an intense rivalry. SC has won a whole lot more than Gordonsville, however, the games are usually pretty close. And, all the kids know each other rather well. In recent years, we've had a pretty good rivalry with Clay, as well. There is also Watertown, but that has waned in recent years. Since they built the bigger school, they've handled us for the most part. However, it's still a good rivalry.

I know there's a bid process, but I think it would be fair and convenient to rotate sites. Knoxville a couple years, then Martin, then Chattanooga, then Memphis, then Nashville, etc. Just going back and forth covering all areas of the state. When we went in 2012, it was very convenient being in Cookeville. However, I enjoyed going to Nooga as well. Personally, I don't buy the long drive=disadvantage argument. Most every team's routine is shot no matter how close they are.

Much has been said about the difference in athleticism between these teams. Anyone looking objectively would note that McKenzie had a huge advantage in this area. However, as I said earlier in the week Clay wouldn't quit, and they didn't. Let's face it as well, a play or two here or there and Clay could've won. Would that have been because of McKenzie mistakes? Probably, but Clay was fighting and making plays. From the stands, one could see deficiencies in both staffs. If I'm McKenzie, I'm feeding 7 and 4 constantly, with 11 mixed in. I believe if they would've leaned on 7 more. It wouldn't have been as close. Clay's time management was horrendous. Down by 3 scores with 6 minutes left, there was absolutely no sense of urgency. They wasted two timeouts due to not getting the play in. And, there were a lot of things that they had done successfully this year that they didn't do today. Most expected McKenzie to win and they did, but Clay was underestimated and proved many wrong. But it was a tall hill to climb, and they couldn't do it. The chances were there, though.

I plan on going tomorrow and was wondering... how's the parking at Finley and how long does it take to get in?

I know some have already answered this question, but here's my answer They have prepared for this season since these kids were in 3rd grade. You have some parents on staff that have worked with these kids since then. A couple of the kids were held back in Jr. High to play with this class. Lamb, Maynard, and Dickerson are good established coaches. I hear Dickerson may be done coaching after this year, and I can't help but think Lamb and Maynard came aboard this year because of the talent this year. I suspect they'll fall off a lot next year, however, they'll be better at QB.

Haven't we learned our lessons? Yes, on paper, McKenzie has the advantage, but Clay has a lot of what paper can't measure, heart. I know it's cliche, but those kids don't have any quit in them, and that will keep them in the game and possibly give them a chance to win. And, they'll be playing with a rather large chip on their shoulder due to all the predictions. Last year SP had no chance. Three years ago, Fayetteville had no chance. This year, Clay doesn't have a chance. I'm gonna leave it to the boys on the field

That's a shame. I was looking forward to watching the stream on Dale Hollow Horizon, and I refuse to give money to nfhs.

Yes.

Roy don't know what he's talking about anyway. As for the game, Clay wanted it all more. That's what's disheartening. I don't care how talented you are, if the other team wants it more, it's hard to win. As far as knowing me, there several in Celina that know me from youth football. They are as fine men as there is. I give a lot of credit to men like Stephen Arms and Jason Hamilton for where the high school program is at.

Did you ever? I left at half due to a sick kid. My assessment for the first half is this For whatever reason, we couldn't tackle Marcum. We drove the ball in the first half, but turned it over on downs, and the miffed punt was huge in leading to another Clay TD just before half. As far as after half, I can't say. Clay has been looking to this season for a while and putting all their eggs in this basket. It will pay off this year. They'll easily win next week, and their grit will keep them in the championship game giving them a chance to win.

The field looks good, but what shape is it in?

Not cocky. I said after our last meeting that I felt good about a rematch. That's what got Roy all worked up, saying I was looking past SP. I may be singing a different tune after tonight, but I'll still get up tomorrow.

They'll get #2 tomorrow.

67% are picking SC in the big ones.

The Tennessean has this game on upset alert, but not sure for who. I'm assuming they're picking East Nashville because they mentioned quite a bit of their stats, but are they picking SC, because they mentioned that EN has won their two playoff games by a combined 10 points?

I don't think the 2012 team would've faired well against any of our good teams from the 80s. It's no slight against them, but even the teams that didn't get past the semis in the 80s achieved a lot considering there was only 3 classes and many of the big privates played 1A ball. Those guys on those 80s teams didn't necessarily have the size but they were a totally different breed of football player.

I've heard conflicting stories so no sure. Although in my opinion, he's more of a loss on defense.

It's amazing how we can be blinded by our team loyalties. Clay fans think they should've won by a couple of scores. Gville fans think they should've won. The game is 48 minutes, but for some reason we always focus on one or two plays. A different play call or outcome here or there and the game could've been drastically different either way. I think Gville outgained Clay by about 80 yards the previous game, yet Clay came out on top due to turnovers. I feel that if we don't give the ball away, we'll be alright. Defensively our game plan likely needs to be a little different as Clay did more Friday to get the ball to #44, which wasn't the case in the previous game.

Yes they have. They beat him regularly when he was HC at Upperman.

I said after our last matchup that I felt good about a rematch. Being healthy was a major part of that assertion. If #5 can't go, I still think we can win, but I'd feel better if he can play. We got over a major hump last night. As long as there isn't a letdown, I still feel good.

Regardless of who wins, I hope they get to travel to Gordonsville the next week. I know Coalfield wants another shot at them. I know the scores for both teams don't reflect it, but I felt we got more resistance from Oliver Springs.

You're right. I did some investigating and saw he was a senior then. Not sure why I thought he was a sophomore.

SP fans help me out. There was a kid on the team 2 years ago, and I can't remember if he played last year or not. He was #64 and HUGE. I think he was a sophomore 2 years ago, but I was asking one SP fan and he couldn't remember him. What happened to him? I was thinking he should have been a senior this year. He would've helped.

Hopefully he can play. I know #54 for Clay has been banged up but played tonight as well.