TheRebel

Yes, he has been split out. I'm just saying that I'd like to see him utilized as more of a vertical threat in the passing game. Not criticism, just an observation. I think the Mercer staff did a great job with the last drive and finding a way to get it done.

As odd as it sounds, Boyle might very well be 5-5 at the end of the regular season but a serious threat in the playoffs. I hope the players realize the magnitude of the schedule they're up against and how this will make them a better 4A team come playoff time if they keep their heads and morale up.

I think Jordan Yeast has shown himself to be a capable runner. However, I'd like to see us utilize McCloud more as a receiver and take advantage of his speed. Why not split him out and throw the fade to him every now and then and give his speed a shot in some one one one situations? At least this might take an extra man out of the box to provide coverage help.

Administrative support is key. Tom Mills was the superintendent at Boyle when Chuck was building the program. His role in the building of the program should be mentioned as well. As a former coach, he understood the importance of athletics in the overall scheme of district success. He understood what a source of school and community pride could come from a successful athletic program. He supported Chuck in his early days when his "break 'em down and build 'em back up" philosophy of getting every ounce of potential out of his players must have been questioned by more than one parent or community member. It's no secret that I think Chuck Smith was one of the top coaches in the state during his tenure in high school ranks. But, let's not forget that Chuck's style had NOT worked at Campbellsville just a few years prior to his coming to Boyle. The players did not take to his coaching style and he actually had to cancel games because they didn't have enough players left to play. Some teams take to that style and some rebel. It sounds like last year's squad had a bit of rebellion. There's a fine line between passion and madness and Boyle fans would be wise not to rush to judgment. Chuck's style worked wonders in his first year at Boyle when they went 7-4. But it also misfired the second year when they went 2-8. Things also went south in 1998. But I think we all know what happened from 1999 - 2003 after the players, parents, fans, and administration stayed the course. I'm telling you, Chris Pardue is a winner and the people of Boyle County would be wise to stay the course and realize that he has an unforgiving schedule but that they couldn't find a better person to lead their team.

People forget that Chris Pardue was a big reason that Boyle won the 5 state championships that they won. Chuck will tell you that he trusted Chris completely with the offensive game plan and regarded Chris as a co-head coach in many regards. I have coached with Chris and his knowledge of offensive football, game planning, and ability to make game adjustments is as good as anyone in the state. Boyle had some great talent come through in those five years, but I also think that Chris' offensive system contributed to their accomplishments. Of course Chuck Smith is missed. Any program in the state would miss a coach of Chuck's caliber. That's why I'd be surprised if he's not in the Kentucky high school football hall of fame one day as a coach. No one else has won five state championships in a row. Outside of the Louisville 6A privates, I don't know of anyone in the state who would want to trade schedules with Boyle. Boyle is in the unfortunate situation that only the in-state powers want to schedule them. There are no out-of-district cupcakes on their schedule.

Here are a few things I noticed: 1. The missing breakaway speed of Jackson and Ford was evident with Mercer having to sustain drives. 2. I liked the running of Yeast, McCloud, and Griffeth. Yeast is a powerful runner that will run over you. Griffeth runs with good balance. McCloud has nice speed. 3. Short demonstrated a nice touch on several of his throws. One of the TD passes was particularly nice how he lofted it over the defender and dropped it right into the partially-covered receiver's arms in stride. The other TD pass was also caught in stride in the back of the end zone. The passing game looked suprisingly well and I'm glad to see that because we're going to need to pass effectively to compete in 5A. 4. Short is also a mobile QB that presents a threat to run and scramble when pressured. You also have to leave enough defenders in the box to account for him. 5. Defense looked solid. Jury is still out on whether we are that good on defense or if Russell County was that average. Another game or two should help tell the tale. 6. I like the concept of the shotgun stuff because it makes the QB a running threat on any play. The wishbone was more effective Saturday, but I hope we stay with the shotgun stuff and keep polishing it. I think we'll need it to compete against the 5A powers. 7. Overall, offense was rusty, but it's still early. I remember thinking it looked rusty at the beginning of last season (scrimmages), but then it started clicking and improved throughout the season.

If any school (5A and under) has a tougher schedule than Boyle I'd like to see it. The competition should help ready them for the playoffs, but can morale survive until then? I hope so. Go Rebels!

Mercer 41 - 6

I didnt' make it over to the scrimmage Friday night and was wondering how it went. Anybody got a report?

I don't know for sure, but I would imagine it has something to do with the restructuring of the class system and things just falling that way for Mercer to host Boyle first under the new 5A system.

So let's hear some pre-season discussion of how the Titans are looking this year and what we can expect.

Sounds a little bit like Mercer County's indoor practice facility, training room, turf practice field, locker room, running track, and weight room. They renovated an old warehouse and it sits right beside their practice field and game field.

He serves up a mean pizza at Giovanni's too!

X's and O's are no substitute for Jimmys and Joes. Great talent makes coaches look smart.

I think this past Super Bowl (with Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy) highlighted the role of a coach with character. Also, the movie "Facing the Giants" really puts the role of a coach in focus. It is an opportunity to influence young men, through the game of football, and teach them lessons that will hopefully stick with them throughout life. David Buchanon strikes me as such a coach. If you think about the big picture, not many people are even going to remember who won a championship in a certain year. However, the moral character, role modeling, and positive influence a coach has on a young man's life will matter forever.