Sullivan South Offseason Thread

[2Rebels]

Some are starting to sound like disgruntled parents when others are just trying to talk football.

 

How does this sound for proving no spot is guaranteed from week to week....9 players played/started at defensive back...watterson, haden, zanoni, shanks, rowland, riddle, shipley, hutchins, wagner and medlin. That certainly looks like the coaches are looking for the best to me.

 

If you are suggesting our LB core needed work...you are off your rocker. Oh yeah, the qb choices looked good also. The line was mostly full of seniors. Rbs looked solid as well. Let's see, I'm still trying to see your issue.

 

By the way, who I am or what I know has nothing to do with me responding to whiny parents about our team and coaching staff. If the coaching staff has proven anything, it's that they have a great deal of integrity, fairness and character...so find something else to pick at. We will see what kids want to earn a spot next year by their offseason workouts, spring drills, and practices leading up to game one.

[Pudding]

Playing time....? Since none of you/us know what goes on Mon - Thurs, do we really have a clue? NO.

 

On talent, this '09 group and last season's Rebels were extremely talented, but they are done now. Take Curt off the field before the past two seasons, and I don't see any more talented groups than the last two. I DO HOPE next year's team finishes as well; is as succesful in the W coloumn. We will see. But we all know South loses allot with this group. We'll see if the 2010 Rebels can fill their shoes. Let's all hope so. If I were a player next year, I would welcome the challenge. Call me an underdog and an overacheiver. This current group were "overachievers", as someone called them previously, are overachievers ONLY because of #1 what they had to deal with, with losing Jake, and #2 the constant numerous injuries. The injury bug really latched onto this current group, or they may have been a great deal better. I mean, you had players such as the starting QB St. Clair miss a bunch, Phillips hobbled off and on and missed games, Long finished with a broken hand I hear, the two fastest players on the team by far in Riddle (hand) and Watterson (shoulder) missed games and were never 100% at the end. I personally would want to congratulate their toughness and character. I can't talk toughness without mentioning next year's QB Haden too. How many rolls of tape do they have to use on the kid? And he never quit. As for next year's team, we WILL see. I have to honestly confess my concern, but as I said before, hopefully they will take it as a challenge. It's been a long time since South was seen as an underdog.

 

I expect another great season next year, and look forward to catching som game in Death Valley. Now go have some pudding. Everybody like pudding.

[jhilts]

I'm done with this. Whiny, disgruntled parents? I am not a parent of a current player. I have relatives that will go through South and know a few of the players.

 

All I have said here is that all young men who suit up should get a fair shot. How can reasonable people argue with that?

 

The ones on here, that have the stars picked out for next year and in bold print say that they know who should ride the bench are typical water cooler coaches who have no clue or parents that think their sons have a vested right in their position.

 

If any of the new players and the transfers (that I hear may very well take some of these starting spots) for South visit this site, and I hope you do not, let me say this: I believe you will get a fair shot next year. I do not believe any of the above posters have a clue or influence as to who will get playing time and who will not. South needs your help and will welcome you with open arms if you are willing to work hard.

[VolmanScott]

Random thoughts on the south football program:

 

Congratulations to the team and coaching staff on an outstanding season. Dealing with personal tragedy and perservering to earn a berth in the state semi-finals was inspirational to all involved with the Rebel program. I'm certainly in no position to speak for Jake's family, but I believe all this team has done collectively and individually, honors Jake to the highest degree. May God continue to bless us in the memory of #54.

 

As for the Columbia game: slow start offensively for us set the tone. No excuses but overnight travel is a different routine for high school teams and may have left us a little outside our comfort zone. Defense played well enough to win. The interceptions were costly and seemed to me to be more on our WRs than on our QB. Columbia appeared to own the line of scrimmage in this one. I wonder if another offensive formation may have helped us generate a better running attack. Great plays in a game of few offensive gems were the fly route to Seth and the early screen to Clint. A couple of nice pass break-ups by soph Hutchins.

 

On who plays and why: I believe this coaching staff does a very good job of evaluating talent and placing players where they will help the team win games.Each position coach has input in who plays or doesn't at that particular position. QBs typically do not play defense because of fear of injury and probably because Coach Carter likes having them close by while the D is on the field to discuss what is working or is not. CP played defense not to bolster his stats for honors or scholly bids ,but because the schedule got tougher at year's end and because the play-offs are win or go home. He was simply a superior athelete that needed to be involved on that side of the ball to use his speed and aggressiveness. The notion that any of that was done to pump him up is hogwash.

 

On why there is not more game participation for player development: I have been somewhat critical. this is what JV games are for however we rarely get to play them unless against SH,TN HI, or D-B. In the past, I felt Coach Carter left 1st teamers in too long with games well in hand. Personal preference I guess in how sharp you feel your unit needs to be. In fairness this year there were simply not many opportunities, Volunteer and Central being the only 2 comfortable leads to play others. I believe George Quarles is a good model for a lot of high school coaching methods,but especially in this area of knowing when a game is in hand and then playing 2nd teamers for the future. Margins of victory are not as great perhaps but they seem to do a great job of reloading.

 

On coaching changes: This coaching staff will be the same for spring ball. The SH AD is looking. The Rebel staff like all of us is wondering how many years we have with "things the way they have been".South enrollment is sure to decline,but reclassification could be a good thing(see Greeneville's gold ball campaign and no D-.

The current talent level is good enough to continue to challenge for championships over the next 3 years. Anyone suggesting that the talent level has dried up at South is greatly misinformed. this coaching staff is very close.They enjoy one another and work together well. Coach Weston is close to retirement but don't be surprised if he doesn't stay on beyond his time. He is all football and brings a toughness to the team that is needed. We are very fortunate to have these men together as a staff.

 

Next years team: QB is solid in part to Aaron's issues during the season. Heath proved he is more than able and he should get off to a fast start in his SR. year. Backup QB will be a big issue in spring ball and that will be settled then. A transfer may still be a possibility. Whether Rogers or Weaver, both of these will be starting at another position on the team as both are too valuable as athletes to sit. Coach Haynie is a master at developing linemen and will have his work cut out to build around Solt and Hyder. Linebackers will be of interest too as players like Phillips and Garvin are hard to reload. Griggs should lead the way. Defensive backs look good with all the experience that was gained this year. Hutchins,Wagner and Rowland will lead the way. The kicking game should only get stronger with Fenyves having a good year as a soph.

 

Next year: a goodteam but a tougher schedule. I look for Knox West to be solid at QB with Francis back. Greeneville tough with Spradlin and Story back, Daniel Boone even better with bothQBs back and what was a heavy JR.laden team,Central improving,Dobyns-Bennett back where we expect them,SH much improved,Volunteer better,Gate City much better as they also were JR heavy, and Crockett and Tn Hi to be significantly worse. In general a more challenging gauntlet than we faced this year.

 

Good luck Rebels in 2010 REBEL NATION

 

Excellent post CD.

[VolmanScott]

I'm done with this. Whiny, disgruntled parents? I am not a parent of a current player. I have relatives that will go through South and know a few of the players.

 

All I have said here is that all young men who suit up should get a fair shot. How can reasonable people argue with that?

 

The ones on here, that have the stars picked out for next year and in bold print say that they know who should ride the bench are typical water cooler coaches who have no clue or parents that think their sons have a vested right in their position.

 

If any of the new players and the transfers (that I hear may very well take some of these starting spots) for South visit this site, and I hope you do not, let me say this: I believe you will get a fair shot next year. I do not believe any of the above posters have a clue or influence as to who will get playing time and who will not. South needs your help and will welcome you with open arms if you are willing to work hard.

 

I'm working on a 5* QB recruit right now. Give me time. I hope to have him committed by the Christmas break. We'd like to have him in camp for spring practice.

[2Rebels]

You are done. Heck, you started it.

 

I think I've been clear...your starters will be proven and picked between now and next season. At least that's how SC and the staff have done it before. I'm sure they have some preconcieved notions of the frontrunners due to performance this year and that's to be expected.

 

I do hope some of our lineman who've quit in the past come back out this year. I think we lost tons of experience in that spot. Work out hard Rebels and let's try to keep the winning tradition going!!!

[Rebeltothecore]

Crawdad, 2Rebels and Jhilts---I tried to read your posts but I'm just confused. Pls help this old man out by clarifying your main Point. There seems to be 2 points----1) too many players playing both ways and deserving players not getting their "fair" chance ---and 2) the coaches already know who the starters for next year are going to be and some deserving players will not get a "fair" chance.

And then there are those who dissagree with these opinions.

 

Have I identified the issue accurately?? Can you clarify where each of you stand on these points?

Afterwards, I'll voice my opinions.

[crawdad]

Crawdad, 2Rebels and Jhilts---I tried to read your posts but I'm just confused. Pls help this old man out by clarifying your main Point. There seems to be 2 points----1) too many players playing both ways and deserving players not getting their "fair" chance ---and 2) the coaches already know who the starters for next year are going to be and some deserving players will not get a "fair" chance.

And then there are those who dissagree with these opinions.

 

Have I identified the issue accurately?? Can you clarify where each of you stand on these points?

Afterwards, I'll voice my opinions.

I did not comment on any of these topics. For the record I mentioned players heading into next year who had proven themselves on the field this year and were returning with experience. I trust the coaching staff in in player selection completely and think they do a good job. They are with these kids year round and have a good feel for who can do what when the season rolls around. The time to prove yourself if you are moving up is offseason workouts and spring football practice.I think this coaching staff's record speaks for itself. They know what they're doing.

 

I don't care if they play only 11 if that is what gives them the best chance to be successful. I have the greatest respect for all who participate and are committed to attend practice year round. Giving their all is very important to the success of a football team and they have my utmost admiration for their work ethic and willingness to sacrifice without much recognition. If the coaches feel we have 40 players who can contribute on the field on Friday nights, I'm all for it. I think team morale is best when more contribute if the finished product is comparable.

[Rebeltothecore]

Crawdad, 2Rebels and Jhilts---I tried to read your posts but I'm just confused. Pls help this old man out by clarifying your main Point. There seems to be 2 points----1) too many players playing both ways and deserving players not getting their "fair" chance ---and 2) the coaches already know who the starters for next year are going to be and some deserving players will not get a "fair" chance.

And then there are those who dissagree with these opinions.

 

Have I identified the issue accurately?? Can you clarify where each of you stand on these points?

Afterwards, I'll voice my opinions.

I did not comment on any of these topics. For the record I mentioned players heading into next year who had proven themselves on the field this year and were returning with experience. I trust the coaching staff in in player selection completely and think they do a good job. They are with these kids year round and have a good feel for who can do what when the season rolls around. The time to prove yourself if you are moving up is offseason workouts and spring football practice.I think this coaching staff's record speaks for itself. They know what they're doing.

 

I don't care if they play only 11 if that is what gives them the best chance to be successful. I have the greatest respect for all who participate and are committed to attend practice year round. Giving their all is very important to the success of a football team and they have my utmost admiration for their work ethic and willingness to sacrifice without much recognition. If the coaches feel we have 40 players who can contribute on the field on Friday nights, I'm all for it. I think team morale is best when more contribute if the finished product is comparable.

 

Thanks for clarifying--I told you I was confused. I like what you just said. I know there are kids (two come to mind quickly---Masters and White)----who I have the upmost Admiration for. They have seen very limited playing time over the past 4 years, but have been there every practice, have gotton better and have played a huge roll in making this team better. Players like this are my HEROES, and young men like this are few.

[2Rebels]

Core, I agree 100% with what Crawdad wrote...the coaches do a fine job of finding, teaching, strengthing and otherwise preparing our team for the games. I just tried to put a few examples showing that the coaches give opportunities to all....hence the 9 defensive backs used statement and that 30 of 66 players had been utilized a fair amount this year.

 

I just then asked for the ones who disagree with that to name some current roster players who they felt were not given a fair shot to play or who could've have helped and possibly change the outcome of some games.

 

I'm just a simple Rebel lover you see

[Rebeltothecore]

Core, I agree 100% with what Crawdad wrote...the coaches do a fine job of finding, teaching, strengthing and otherwise preparing our team for the games. I just tried to put a few examples showing that the coaches give opportunities to all....hence the 9 defensive backs used statement and that 30 of 66 players had been utilized a fair amount this year.

 

I just then asked for the ones who disagree with that to name some current roster players who they felt were not given a fair shot to play or who could've have helped and possibly change the outcome of some games.

 

I'm just a simple Rebel lover you see

 

O.K., Thanks for clarifying. i just got lost in all that discussion. I'll wait for Jhilts position, now. So far we are together.

[SSReb]

Core, I agree 100% with what Crawdad wrote...the coaches do a fine job of finding, teaching, strengthing and otherwise preparing our team for the games. I just tried to put a few examples showing that the coaches give opportunities to all....hence the 9 defensive backs used statement and that 30 of 66 players had been utilized a fair amount this year.

 

I just then asked for the ones who disagree with that to name some current roster players who they felt were not given a fair shot to play or who could've have helped and possibly change the outcome of some games.

 

I'm just a simple Rebel lover you see

 

Lets not start naming names......They have enough to worry about than having a bunch of grown ups on the internet talking about them. The rebels will be fine.