3A Quarterfinals: CAK at Alcoa (The Annual Rematch)

[RonMexico3]

I will elaborate, but I'm inclined to wait until Friday to do so here. While I doubt the Alcoa coaches lurk about on this place looking for information on injury reports for lowly opponents like CAK, I'm reluctant to take the chance that something I say here early in the week might find its way to Tornado coaches and assist in any way, however slight, in preparing for personnel or formations they're likely to see on Friday night. Remind me later in the week and I'll give you a more detailed rundown when it's too late to matter to Alcoa coaches. At this point, my general assessment is there's some positive news injury-wise, and some negative. The Warriors who are healthy enough to play better prepare themselves to play on both sides of the ball and grind out every play until the horn blows and if they do, they have a chance to give the Tornadoes a challenge. My gut tells me this game is likely to be more competitive than the regular season encounter.

 

Take the hockey way out.........they are day to day with upper body and lower body injuries.

[lawnman]

If memory serves, this is the smallest roster they've had in recent years, with somewhere between 75-80. In most recent years, I have seen rosters in the 80-90 range, perhaps in the 90-100 range at times. One of the Alcoa supporters can give you more detail if they elect to.

Wow didn't realize there roster was that large.I wouldn't know how to act if we had that many players.

[Govolsknox]

I will elaborate, but I'm inclined to wait until Friday to do so here. While I doubt the Alcoa coaches lurk about on this place looking for information on injury reports for lowly opponents like CAK, I'm reluctant to take the chance that something I say here early in the week might find its way to Tornado coaches and assist in any way, however slight, in preparing for personnel or formations they're likely to see on Friday night. Remind me later in the week and I'll give you a more detailed rundown when it's too late to matter to Alcoa coaches. At this point, my general assessment is there's some positive news injury-wise, and some negative. The Warriors who are healthy enough to play better prepare themselves to play on both sides of the ball and grind out every play until the horn blows and if they do, they have a chance to give the Tornadoes a challenge. My gut tells me this game is likely to be more competitive than the regular season encounter.

 

Yes, that is the reason I phrased the question the way I did; I understand. I thought there might have been something obvious on film that I just missed at the game, that might be able to be discussed. I agree about players being ready to play both ways. Nothing to hold back for.

[Throwdeslant]

A school without borders or tuition is a great advantage to have.......Rankin has chased them all his career.

[Warriors2011]

A couple of times in the last several years I have counted approx. 94-95 boys dressed out for Alcoa games against CAK. Wonder why it's considerably smaller roster this year? I hadn't really noticed this year's numbers. Even with the lower total, Alcoa is still by far the largest team we play.

 

If memory serves, this is the smallest roster they've had in recent years, with somewhere between 75-80. In most recent years, I have seen rosters in the 80-90 range, perhaps in the 90-100 range at times. One of the Alcoa supporters can give you more detail if they elect to.

Edited November 17, 2015 by Warriors2011

[JohnnyLawrence]

Not as many open scholarships. , GVK.

[BRPro]

Here is what I learned while talking with Trump last night.....he didn't really come right out and say it directly...the politician that he is....but....he said CAK will win by a point....basically on a failed two point conversion attempt by Alcoa. Plus....there is a hockey game Saturday night which would be an excellent time to enjoy free tickets and digest my steak!...and it's Princess Night!

Edited November 17, 2015 by BRPro

[BRPro]

A couple of times in the last several years I have counted approx. 94-95 boys dressed out for Alcoa games against CAK. Wonder why it's considerably smaller roster this year? I hadn't really noticed this year's numbers. Even with the lower total, Alcoa is still by far the largest team we play.

 

 

But here is what I am interested in knowing....numbers aside, why is this area not more of a hotbed for talent? No denying Alcoa is a machine....so is Maryville and Fulton. CAK is impressive too....but not what I would call a football school. I don't know what a football school is...but its the same schools every year....and like the commercial says...these guys are good.

 

Are they just that well coached?...coaches getting the best out of them? Why dont we see more D1 and pros?....from any of these schools?..I truly think these kids are awesome. Its like Canadian Junior hockey leagues which are feeders to the NHL.

 

And i realize i could just be ignorant...but the media doesnt keep us aware if they are there. I know the two at UT from CAK. Our media should help us boost the talent we have in TN....

Edited November 17, 2015 by BRPro

[Warriors2011]

My best guess is that racial demographics are the major driving factor to explain what you've observed. Well over 50% of all Div. I college football players are African-American. There simply aren't many, if any, schools in East Tennessee that are majority African-American. I'm not sure that Fulton is even majority African-American. If, statistically, a significant majority of all Div. I roster spots are likely to be taken by African-American players, and most "football" schools in East Tennessee are not majority African-American, this area is not likely to ever be regarded as a recruiting "hotbed." If you look at the areas in GA, FL, etc., that are regarded as recruiting hotbeds, the minority population is much higher percentage than anywhere in East TN.

 

But here is what I am interested in knowing....numbers aside, why is this area not more of a hotbed for talent? No denying Alcoa is a machine....so is Maryville and Fulton. CAK is impressive too....but not what I would call a football school. I don't know what a football school is...but its the same schools every year....and like the commercial says...these guys are good.

 

Are they just that well coached?...coaches getting the best out of them? Why dont we see more D1 and pros?....from any of these schools?..I truly think these kids are awesome. Its like Canadian Junior hockey leagues which are feeders to the NHL.

 

And i realize i could just be ignorant...but the media doesnt keep us aware if they are there. I know the two at UT from CAK. Our media should help us boost the talent we have in TN....

[BRPro]

dang....good answer...thank you.

 

I want to applaud all the parents that have or ever had a kid on that field.  It's amazing to me the rigors they go through.

 

I'm not going to get on a soapbox...but the kids at CAK truly blow my mind.  I know the academics they, and their parents have to endure....and to me, to even see them having the time to do something like this....much less compete at the level they do...is truly awe inspiring.  I'm having to spend two hours a night already.....it's beyond rigorous.  Kudos to all the parents and what you have gone through.  

 

As for Alcoa and others......with their detractors....it's just upsetting to see anyone try to take away from the awesomeness they have achieved.  I love it all.  I admire Alcoa football....Milan...and all the other programs.  Much respect. (I don't even know who Liberty is....but we will lay a beat down on them if necessary!)

[BRPro]

dang....good answer...thank you.

 

I want to applaud all the parents that have or ever had a kid on that field.  It's amazing to me the rigors they go through.

 

I'm not going to get on a soapbox...but the kids at CAK truly blow my mind.  I know the academics they, and their parents have to endure....and to me, to even see them having the time to do something like this....much less compete at the level they do...is truly awe inspiring.  I'm having to spend two hours a night already.....it's beyond rigorous.  Kudos to all the parents and what you have gone through.  

 

As for Alcoa and others......with their detractors....it's just upsetting to see anyone try to take away from the awesomeness they have achieved.  I love it all.  I admire Alcoa football....Milan...and all the other programs.  Much respect. (I don't even know who Liberty is....but we will lay a beat down on them if necessary!)

 

My best guess is that racial demographics are the major driving factor to explain what you've observed. Well over 50% of all Div. I college football players are African-American. There simply aren't many, if any, schools in East Tennessee that are majority African-American. I'm not sure that Fulton is even majority African-American. If, statistically, a significant majority of all Div. I roster spots are likely to be taken by African-American players, and most "football" schools in East Tennessee are not majority African-American, this area is not likely to ever be regarded as a recruiting "hotbed." If you look at the areas in GA, FL, etc., that are regarded as recruiting hotbeds, the minority population is much higher percentage than anywhere in East TN.

 

[BCsportsfan]

Take the hockey way out.........they are day to day with upper body and lower body injuries.

Like you'd know you sissy soccermom....this is football.