Who is the best in East Tn.

[compusatman]

comp,

 

I repectfully disagree. Not sure where you get that. Last year's passing game was really just a game of 1 on 1 catch. Don't misunderstand, they did what they did well last year. The '09 airforce will be more explosive and there's a renewed excitement at South. It will start with maybe the smartest field general QB South has had. He may not be Curt speedwise, but noone else in East TN has been, but I'd venture to say he's brilliant in running the O. He's smart and sees the whole field well. He's accurate and QB1 will use all his receivers. QB1 believes in his WR corp and they believe in him. He will find the WR that is open. I'd look for him to also check to the mismatches and will air it out, or look to the open crossing route from the back side. The passing game will be harder to cover in '09. Also, overall, the WR corp loses nothing speedwise or in quickness. '09 WR1 and WR2 will be a wash or faster this year. It is TBD who the WR3 and WR4 will be, but I have heard several names that would be solid and fast. It will be fun again this year.

 

Satch...you know I love you! And I too understand the inteligence quotient for QB1. He will utilyze all he has at his disposal. But...many dog Bradley for thinking he was better than Curt and that would be a tall order...one that doesn't need discussing and maybe he wasn't the rocket scientist that the Saint is however, he had the uncanny ability of making the long ball a game-in game-out play after play success.I just don't think anyone can take that away from him. He threw the ball time and again 60 yards in the air and put it on the money. It was not an anomaly it was his forte'. I said it before spring practice began and he made it happen all year long...starting in the first game. Now, I agree that he did not see the field which was his bone in the filet. But he ran with abandon and played hurt. I am one of his advocates. He knew what was a crowd pleaser and knew how to use it. Like so many other QB's if you dropped his ball then he did not look your way...period. Mistake? Maybe so but put yourself in his position. Curt did the same thing. Now could he read D's like Curt and the Saint? No! But he posessed something that neither of them had and that is confidence in the long ball. Could Curt throw the long ball? Of course! But it was not his bread and butter. Why? Because he played the game...the whole game. The Saint proved himself in 2nd half after 2nd half in '08 so we know he he has it. Bradley lived for the long ball end of story. He handed of to the Dr. only because the play called for it otherwise he would have gone for the jugular every play. He was exciting to watch. Was he the reason we lost to Greeneville? No! The Dr. was the reason.

 

The Saint will go down as one of the best QB's to lead the Rebels into battle and he will leave no facet uncut but he does not have long ball ability. Imo he won't need it because he will pick D's apart much like Curt did. And as well as Curt and Bradley he can run and play hurt. He is a different QB...not worse or better just different. His forte' is not the long ball. His forte' is the whole game. He will work it like calculus. And I believe in him. I also believe in #1 as I was his advocate all through the '08 season here on T. And I would like nothing more than to see him fulfill his God given talent and haul 'em in with no one within smelling distance of him...and I will be in the stands to see just that. I think we all know that there is a difference between the Junior and Senior year and he will benefit from just that. Was his demise in '08 Bradley's fault? Possibly. A good general will develop his warriors by instilling confidence instead to instill fear and failure. But we are talking about HS here. Bradley had one year and he knew he had to share that time with the Dr. I can't crucify him for not being a player coach. I mean EVERY team we played put 7...8...sometimes 9 in the box to try and stop the run but no one ever stopped the long ball. No one. Say what you will. He had his faults. And sometimes they were glarring i.e. intentional grounding. But he had the touch for a one year go for broke gunslinger. The '09 O explosive? Yes. The '09 air game explosive? Yes. The '09 O a triple threat? Yes. The '09 deep air game go for the jugular explosive? Not gonna happen.

[vikingT]

THS will be improved from last year on offense and defense. The defense seems to rebuild every year with success. Having several returning starters will help their cause. I'm sure South will be loaded and ready to go also as well as DB and Science Hill. It will be interesting to see who has the most talent and can do the right thing with it. Sometimes the team with the most talent doesn't ever get the train going. Being a Viking fan I am counting on Stubbs and company to pull many rabbits out of the hat this season and GET IT DONE! They have a tremendous senior class and a couple(?)that will have played varsity for 4 years. That should help make for a seasoned O and D. Looking forward to it! Anyone have any ideas on who will shine this year for THS, South, DB, and SH?

[compusatman]

THS will be improved from last year on offense and defense. The defense seems to rebuild every year with success. Having several returning starters will help their cause. I'm sure South will be loaded and ready to go also as well as DB and Science Hill. It will be interesting to see who has the most talent and can do the right thing with it. Sometimes the team with the most talent doesn't ever get the train going. Being a Viking fan I am counting on Stubbs and company to pull many rabbits out of the hat this season and GET IT DONE! They have a tremendous senior class and a couple(?)that will have played varsity for 4 years. That should help make for a seasoned O and D. Looking forward to it! Anyone have any ideas on who will shine this year for THS, South, DB, and SH?

 

Look for Ryan Mitchell to put the peddle to the metal at SHHS. As well as Shephard at THS. And CS at DB? I'm sure everyone will pack the box in anticipation of his purported super stardom. Which will give DB a chance to showcase the Roop/Steele combination. And of course South will be no slouch with Bobeye Taylor in the backfield with Jordan Castle as sidekick and Aaron St. Clair running the show with fast legs at WR in Ashton Zanoni ("Z") and Seth Watterson not to forget vetran TE Ty Garvin. I also look for Daniel Boone to make an impact. It has the makings for a very exciting debut of the new Big 8.

[compusatman]

Southers would like to have a preview of Knox West for '09. Not knowing much about them we would like a recent historical report.

[vikingT]

Look for Ryan Mitchell to put the peddle to the metal at SHHS. As well as Shephard at THS. And CS at DB? I'm sure everyone will pack the box in anticipation of his purported super stardom. Which will give DB a chance to showcase the Roop/Steele combination. And of course South will be no slouch with Bobeye Taylor in the backfield with Jordan Castle as sidekick and Aaron St. Clair running the show with fast legs at WR in Ashton Zanoni ("Z") and Seth Watterson not to forget vetran TE Ty Garvin. I also look for Daniel Boone to make an impact. It has the makings for a very exciting debut of the new Big 8.

 

 

 

 

Don't know much about Mitchell of SH and I'm sure CS will be bigger and faster. I for one hope THS will load their gun with more bullets bearing other names besides Shepard. He will be bigger and faster but can't do it alone. Don't know much about B. Taylor either. Haven't seen him carry the ball much. Does he play defense? Look for Harmon, Tallman, Pendleton, Carlos S., to play to the top of their skills this year. I think Daniel Boone will be competitive but not a main threat this coming season.

[compusatman]

Don't know much about Mitchell of SH and I'm sure CS will be bigger and faster. I for one hope THS will load their gun with more bullets bearing other names besides Shepard. He will be bigger and faster but can't do it alone. Don't know much about B. Taylor either. Haven't seen him carry the ball much. Does he play defense? Look for Harmon, Tallman, Pendleton, Carlos S., to play to the top of their skills this year. I think Daniel Boone will be competitive but not a main threat this coming season.

 

Yes, I think everyone looks for Harmon to spread wings. There are some names at THS that are synonomys with hard core football and I believe Pendleton is one. On the other hand, Tallman might need to get a spare set of lungs before the season begins. I'm sure however that Stubbs will make sure he is in shape this year unlike last year. Bobeye Taylor is a 5'7" cannonball. He is not unlike Taylor Fletcher in his agility but brings his unique style to the table. Open field blocking technique leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to stopping someone of his small stature which is why he acceled on special teams. For '09 look for him to be an Offensive Specialist only. Ryan Mitchell was the fastest back South saw last year by a substantial margin. However he was just that...a track guy. If he learns RB technique then look out. He came from Virginia High and even though football is not their forte' they just got a very high profile coach. So I would not place all my bets on the notion that he will stay at SHHS. Most probable but not guaranteed. He will be a Junior so if he acquired a skill set then the "Toppers will have a quarter horse.

 

It looks like the big 4 all have a star RB, a premier QB, and valued WR's which to me sounds like the best D making the strongest team.

[SatchUmp]

Satch...you know I love you! And I too understand the inteligence quotient for QB1. He will utilyze all he has at his disposal. But...many dog Bradley for thinking he was better than Curt and that would be a tall order...one that doesn't need discussing and maybe he wasn't the rocket scientist that the Saint is however, he had the uncanny ability of making the long ball a game-in game-out play after play success.I just don't think anyone can take that away from him. He threw the ball time and again 60 yards in the air and put it on the money. It was not an anomaly it was his forte'. I said it before spring practice began and he made it happen all year long...starting in the first game. Now, I agree that he did not see the field which was his bone in the filet. But he ran with abandon and played hurt. I am one of his advocates. He knew what was a crowd pleaser and knew how to use it. Like so many other QB's if you dropped his ball then he did not look your way...period. Mistake? Maybe so but put yourself in his position. Curt did the same thing. Now could he read D's like Curt and the Saint? No! But he posessed something that neither of them had and that is confidence in the long ball. Could Curt throw the long ball? Of course! But it was not his bread and butter. Why? Because he played the game...the whole game. The Saint proved himself in 2nd half after 2nd half in '08 so we know he he has it. Bradley lived for the long ball end of story. He handed of to the Dr. only because the play called for it otherwise he would have gone for the jugular every play. He was exciting to watch. Was he the reason we lost to Greeneville? No! The Dr. was the reason.

 

The Saint will go down as one of the best QB's to lead the Rebels into battle and he will leave no facet uncut but he does not have long ball ability. Imo he won't need it because he will pick D's apart much like Curt did. And as well as Curt and Bradley he can run and play hurt. He is a different QB...not worse or better just different. His forte' is not the long ball. His forte' is the whole game. He will work it like calculus. And I believe in him. I also believe in #1 as I was his advocate all through the '08 season here on T. And I would like nothing more than to see him fulfill his God given talent and haul 'em in with no one within smelling distance of him...and I will be in the stands to see just that. I think we all know that there is a difference between the Junior and Senior year and he will benefit from just that. Was his demise in '08 Bradley's fault? Possibly. A good general will develop his warriors by instilling confidence instead to instill fear and failure. But we are talking about HS here. Bradley had one year and he knew he had to share that time with the Dr. I can't crucify him for not being a player coach. I mean EVERY team we played put 7...8...sometimes 9 in the box to try and stop the run but no one ever stopped the long ball. No one. Say what you will. He had his faults. And sometimes they were glarring i.e. intentional grounding. But he had the touch for a one year go for broke gunslinger. The '09 O explosive? Yes. The '09 air game explosive? Yes. The '09 O a triple threat? Yes. The '09 deep air game go for the jugular explosive? Not gonna happen.

 

 

comp,

 

I am talking about this year's team, this year's QB and WR corp, in reference to your comment. I still think you're wrong. We'll see I guess. The long ball will still be there and QB1'09 will hit it. KK did make miraculous catches last year and was often covered pretty well too. It was KK's magic. This year, #1 will be open up the deep routes for QB1 and provide a larger window, the question will be, will he quit thinking so much and bring it in.

 

Why will QB1 hit the deep route in '09? You said it yourself he will play the "whole game". He will pick the D apart with precision and identifying the mismatches then hit the the deep routes when they are open. He also has the heart of a lion and thinks like a Manning. I am talking about the '09 QB having an amazing ability to be the field general and team player that you need the QB1 to be. He will gather his team to him and they will be one. I was talking about the positive things South will gain this coming season. I wasn't talking about last year's qb, but you brought that up and started calling out his every weakness, and then turned and defended him from your comments. Hey if he still needs defending a year later, have at it. I'm not pointing out his weaknesses and I don't feel inclined to defend him either. His body of work stands for itself. It is what it was. I'm plugging the QB1 now, and not discussing QB'08 or QB'07, they've moved on to the college game. The only comment I had about last year was the "1 on 1 game of catch". Am I wrong there? No, and you cannot deny it. I'm not sure what you were watching but hows about giving KK some credit. I do give KK the credit for the long game as he could bring almost any prayer down and score. Don't want to hurt anyones feelings, but dang, give credit where credit is due, comp. ---> KK.

 

I also never said Bradley thought he was better than Curt. I dont want anyone relating that comment to me. Your post is the first place I heard that. I seriously doubt he thought like that anyway. He cared about his team and his season. In fact, I never even heard that. I never said he "wasn't a rocket scientist" either. You can keep those comments as well or give 'em to someone else - not mine.

 

I'll tell you another place you're wrong, my friend. The Spin Dr. was not the reason the Greeneville game was lost. Heck, he was THE reason South was there. I've seen every South RB from before J Wingfield to Oz, to the Spin Dr.. Oz was great at RB but better at def Back and Wingfield was a flash. I'll take the Dr. everytime. I think he's the best RB to put on the Columbia Blue and Grey. Period. Certainly the most crowd electrifying. Without the Dr. they would have never gotten the 4-peat. Had he been healthy his sophomore year (first game broken bone) and been given proper carries before the Maryville game his junior year (where he went over 100 yards by the way), he would have been the top in All-Time South RB stats as well. Without the Dr. they would have lost 3 or more games last year. Again, credit where credit is due. The Dr. never got the amount of praise and attention from colleges that he deserved either. The University of Charleston got a steal. If you don't want the title, I'll take it. You can call me the "Spin Doctor's #1 Fan".

[SatchUmp]

Yes, I think everyone looks for Harmon to spread wings. There are some names at THS that are synonomys with hard core football and I believe Pendleton is one. On the other hand, Tallman might need to get a spare set of lungs before the season begins. I'm sure however that Stubbs will make sure he is in shape this year unlike last year. Bobeye Taylor is a 5'7" cannonball. He is not unlike Taylor Fletcher in his agility but brings his unique style to the table. Open field blocking technique leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to stopping someone of his small stature which is why he acceled on special teams. For '09 look for him to be an Offensive Specialist only. Ryan Mitchell was the fastest back South saw last year by a substantial margin. However he was just that...a track guy. If he learns RB technique then look out. He came from Virginia High and even though football is not their forte' they just got a very high profile coach. So I would not place all my bets on the notion that he will stay at SHHS. Most probable but not guaranteed. He will be a Junior so if he acquired a skill set then the "Toppers will have a quarter horse.

 

It looks like the big 4 all have a star RB, a premier QB, and valued WR's which to me sounds like the best D making the strongest team.

 

 

 

I think Mitchell from Science Hill was pretty elusive myself. Not just a "track guy". Against South the plays where he showed speed were misdirection plays where the D was overran things. He did make the most of the opportunities to turn on the jets. Maybe he seemed to be a "track guy", but I think he just has good football game speed. Yes, he will need to work on RB technique somewhat. As far as football guys on the track go, Mitchell would be behind Shepard of TN High and Watterson at South. Bobby at South probably next. CS from DB behind these guys.

 

Mitchell won't leave SHHS. Just ask his dad, he's on the SHHS sideline in a Topper polo every Friday night. Good guy.

[SatchUmp]

Back to the thread topic...

"best in East Tn"

 

If you include all of East TN, I think it may come down to Knox Catholic and Sullivan South in the newly created 5A.

 

In the new 6A, DB is still tops of Northeast TN until they are knocked off their throne. In the same train of thought, in all of East TN, Maryville is tops of the new 6A, even with the jump up a level. (Alcoa may still give them their tightest game.)

 

In Northeast TN... the D-B throne thing again... This may be the year for Science Hill, South or TN High to get over that hump. South better come to play Science Hill this year and don't assume the Toppers will want to loose three years in a row. Same for the Vikings. The South/TN High, South/SHHS, TN High/SHHS games may be toss ups this season. D-B is still a bit of an unknown. Common sense says they will be down, based on the performance of this class in JV and prior, but Coach C always seems to own all of I-81 going east.

[vikingT]

Yes, I think everyone looks for Harmon to spread wings. There are some names at THS that are synonomys with hard core football and I believe Pendleton is one. On the other hand, Tallman might need to get a spare set of lungs before the season begins. I'm sure however that Stubbs will make sure he is in shape this year unlike last year. Bobeye Taylor is a 5'7" cannonball. He is not unlike Taylor Fletcher in his agility but brings his unique style to the table. Open field blocking technique leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to stopping someone of his small stature which is why he acceled on special teams. For '09 look for him to be an Offensive Specialist only. Ryan Mitchell was the fastest back South saw last year by a substantial margin. However he was just that...a track guy. If he learns RB technique then look out. He came from Virginia High and even though football is not their forte' they just got a very high profile coach. So I would not place all my bets on the notion that he will stay at SHHS. Most probable but not guaranteed. He will be a Junior so if he acquired a skill set then the "Toppers will have a quarter horse.

 

It looks like the big 4 all have a star RB, a premier QB, and valued WR's which to me sounds like the best D making the strongest team.

 

 

 

I look forward to seeing B. Taylor this coming season and see what he can do. Although, I will only have an opportunity to see these other players when THS plays them. Pretty hard to make a fair assessment of abilities by watching one game. Not sure what you mean about Tallman. From what I've seen he has one of the hardest jobs on the field-playing every down and blocking every play. If you're referring to South-THS game last year I recall my son telling me he had bronchitis that week and wasn't well. Shouldn't sway your opinion of his talent as he is being looked at by many colleges due to his size and speed. I think I know who Mitchell is now. Fine athlete. Looking forward to the upcoming season and anxious to see how it all plays out.

[compusatman]

comp,

 

I am talking about this year's team, this year's QB and WR corp, in reference to your comment. I still think you're wrong. We'll see I guess. The long ball will still be there and QB1'09 will hit it. KK did make miraculous catches last year and was often covered pretty well too. It was KK's magic. This year, #1 will be open up the deep routes for QB1 and provide a larger window, the question will be, will he quit thinking so much and bring it in.

 

Why will QB1 hit the deep route in '09? You said it yourself he will play the "whole game". He will pick the D apart with precision and identifying the mismatches then hit the the deep routes when they are open. He also has the heart of a lion and thinks like a Manning. I am talking about the '09 QB having an amazing ability to be the field general and team player that you need the QB1 to be. He will gather his team to him and they will be one. I was talking about the positive things South will gain this coming season. I wasn't talking about last year's qb, but you brought that up and started calling out his every weakness, and then turned and defended him from your comments. Hey if he still needs defending a year later, have at it. I'm not pointing out his weaknesses and I don't feel inclined to defend him either. His body of work stands for itself. It is what it was. I'm plugging the QB1 now, and not discussing QB'08 or QB'07, they've moved on to the college game. The only comment I had about last year was the "1 on 1 game of catch". Am I wrong there? No, and you cannot deny it. I'm not sure what you were watching but hows about giving KK some credit. I do give KK the credit for the long game as he could bring almost any prayer down and score. Don't want to hurt anyones feelings, but dang, give credit where credit is due, comp. ---> KK.

 

I also never said Bradley thought he was better than Curt. I dont want anyone relating that comment to me. Your post is the first place I heard that. I seriously doubt he thought like that anyway. He cared about his team and his season. In fact, I never even heard that. I never said he "wasn't a rocket scientist" either. You can keep those comments as well or give 'em to someone else - not mine.

 

I'll tell you another place you're wrong, my friend. The Spin Dr. was not the reason the Greeneville game was lost. Heck, he was THE reason South was there. I've seen every South RB from before J Wingfield to Oz, to the Spin Dr.. Oz was great at RB but better at def Back and Wingfield was a flash. I'll take the Dr. everytime. I think he's the best RB to put on the Columbia Blue and Grey. Period. Certainly the most crowd electrifying. Without the Dr. they would have never gotten the 4-peat. Had he been healthy his sophomore year (first game broken bone) and been given proper carries before the Maryville game his junior year (where he went over 100 yards by the way), he would have been the top in All-Time South RB stats as well. Without the Dr. they would have lost 3 or more games last year. Again, credit where credit is due. The Dr. never got the amount of praise and attention from colleges that he deserved either. The University of Charleston got a steal. If you don't want the title, I'll take it. You can call me the "Spin Doctor's #1 Fan".

 

Satch..as far as '09 is concerned, I have been blowing the '09 horn on here since the winter. And as far as #1 is concerned I was saying in the stands in '08, "Give it time you guys, he just needs confidence." The pressure on him was relentless. Primarily, the pressure he put on himself. He will shine in '09 I feel. And yes, KK was a wonderful WR. I would never take that away from him. He had to work to catch many of Bradley's balls but only in circumstances when there was a DB present. In my view Bradley threw it where no DB had a chance to touch it and yes it was a stretch for the WR to haul it in. Better that way than to throw short and expect a jump ball contest. Besides, he knew KK could do it. I say it was a calculated risk and not an overthrown ball. It's a tightrope statement to say either way that Bradley put it in his hands or that KK pulled it in. I feel it was a very complementary partnership. I mean after all they were both All State. Now if the Saint can throw the long ball, and I'm not talking about 45 yards, then I haven't seen it. I look forward to witnessing it. As far as the rest of the Field Generals duties he will shine. He understands the O and will make split second decisions which will result to success in pressure situations. He proved that in '08. As far as the 1 on 1 thing I think it was the quantified risk. It was the percentage choice and no one ever seemed to compete it. I would have liked to see him spread it around but what works works. I feel the same could be said of the Duece. He could have been utilyzed more in key situations. The same for the Dr. in '07. That is just the way it was and is. #1 and #2 will be the go to people in '09 and that is a fact. I think the difference in '09 is the Saint will have the calculative ability to change horses in the middle of the stream and not get wet. It will be exciting and I can't wait to see it probably as much as you...AND Dali Lamma. And concerning the Dr., I can speak freely under the circumstances and I my view you can't give him the credit of getting us there without giving him the responsibility of taking us further. Call it straight out. The fact is we won the game and we all know it. But when we didn't it required us to dig deep for something extra. It was a fateful call on Stacy's part. A call he says he would make ten times out of ten. It was four plays in a row. Call it fate...but you can't call another name. It's motivation for another day that's all.

 

Didn't mean to burn the sauce just felt the need to support Bradley's mentality. And as far as lamenting on past years I find it difficult to describe one without referencing to the other. We have been blessed with wonderful athletes in Stacy's reign and they have been unique each in their own way. Just because mine is gone doesn't mean I'm done. It's just too entertaining to watch what Stacy and Co. are producing year after year. I feel just as proud of one group as the other. After all it took them all to make each other. /thumb[1].gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":thumb:" border="0" alt="thumb[1].gif" /> Rebel Nation.

[BatmanDB]

Don't know much about Mitchell of SH and I'm sure CS will be bigger and faster. I for one hope THS will load their gun with more bullets bearing other names besides Shepard. He will be bigger and faster but can't do it alone. Don't know much about B. Taylor either. Haven't seen him carry the ball much. Does he play defense? Look for Harmon, Tallman, Pendleton, Carlos S., to play to the top of their skills this year. I think Daniel Boone will be competitive but not a main threat this coming season.

 

 

Taylor is a hard kid to tackle. He makes up for his 5'7'' with great strenth and very good speed.You have to get your pads down on runners like him and hope you can get a hold of him.I've not seen CS in a couple of months,but he has great work ethic and will be ready to go.