heisman20

From a player I would think that you may get different answers then from a parent. I can tell you as a parent 2 coaches stand out in my mind. First Bart Bredar, Asst Coach at Mercer. He taught my son control, integrity and the ability to never stop reaching for dreams. Even after graduation that hasn't stopped. He saw something in my son others failed to see and then made him grow into this. Lastly Marty Jaggers at Mercer comes to mind. My son only had him for one year but in that one year he gave him confidence and the chance to prove himself. As a parent I will never forget that during a play-off game of his senior year he had a torn ACL and was unable to play in the last 6 games. Marty had him dress for the game that became the last. He set up a play so he could run in his last touchdown of his high school career. There are not many coaches at that moment in time would have been thinking about something such as this and what it would mean to this kid and his family. He allowed Brandon Scheller to go out with dignity. Now that's caring. As a family we will never forget this act of caring.

Seems to me that the school could and should pay some on the rings. There was extra money made on play off games that took place at Mercer that I am sure that wasn't in the budget since no one knew for sure where the play offs would be played till the end of the season. These players worked hard to acheive this championship and the school benefits from it, just seems like some of the funds could be found in that system to pay for them.

Where ever Chris Lewis goes he will be a success. He is a great player, student and just all round great kid. Morehead is lucky to have him

Mercer allowed last year texas holdem tourney. There is awhole set of rules that the state mandates that includes licenses that are paid for $25.00 by the boosters. There are many many more rules. The chariable gaming web site tells all the requirements.

Great finally that understands it's 2006. Both teams are not this Titan Team

Not sure I agree but that what opinions are for. Agree that Russell was the best team on the field last year regardless of reasons why it was that way the fact is they won. I would have loved to seen these two play prior to BOTH teams injuries and seen who came out on top. I think people would have been great surprised. But it's this year not last and the thread keeps going back to the past. It's the present time and there is no way to know what would have happen without the merger. Botton line is it's here the Titians are still playing and if people were not crying over this it would be some other reason of why one team or another should or shouldn't be in the title game. If I were Russell team and fans I would take it as a personal goal to beat the Titan team instead of whinning about why they should not be there. If I were the Titan crowd (As I am sure they are doing) I would want to continue as they have all year as not a Harrodsburg team or a Mercer team (Stop Comparing) and play football that wins games.

I think you underestimate Jaggers and Company. They were not a crappy team last year and this year you add the experience that those players had last year under Jaggers system. Anything is possible. But then no one will know now will they?

I don't think any Mercer fan, player or whatever used this as an excuse. The comment was made because a Russell indicated that Mercer was not that great last year and the point being made was with those 3 not 1 players being out impacted that ooutcome of that game. They still may not have won but they would have had a better chance. The point trying to be made is that when Jaggers came on board he took a team that no one thought would be worth a dime and made them believe that they could win. Fate was against them and they could not stay healthy which is a fact not an excuse. But... last year is over and we need to Again I repeat not compare the two or I mean 3 teams (Don't forget Harrodsburg's last year's team which no one compares with this year). These Titians have worked hard to mesh and become Champions so let this year be the new era of football in the small town of Harrodsburg.

Back to the question at hand is would Mercer be in the final game without Harrodsburg influence? Don't underestimate Coach Jaggers and what he can do with a team. Last year no one thought Mercer had a chance to win anything and they had a great season... No not one that took them this far but still better then what most thought. I know football is about injuries and it could happen to anyone but to say Mercer would not have been where they are now without the 3 ACL tears that put some of their top players out is the unknown. But remember Mercer had beat H-burg 2 years straight. So the best thing to do is not compare the two teams they both have great players and this is why they are where they are along with Jaggers and company's coaching. For the most part the parents, coaches and players have not focused or so it seems on which school contributed the most but focused on what can be done together. Of course they are going to be better then the Mercer team last year and the Harrodsburg team. They have been able to Merge 2 teams with great players on it into one. Jaggers stepping up and making it all work.

Not sure what game you watched last year not the same one I did. The what ifs (like being healthy) is a part of football. 3 starters 2 that went both ways one of which had over 800 yards in 5 games as well as a starting safety that was a team leader having ACL tears did have an impact on that game, but that goes along with it. The two Mercer teams should not be compared they are difffent and this one stayed healthy along with having great talent to get them where they are this week.

Understand what you were saying just wanted to point it was H-burg's board who decided to disolve not Mercer's they only agree to accept the school system. If the board of Mercer had refused it would have went to public vote which was my understanding. Of course most football parents and players are glad because look at the team Jaggers was able to put together. He has the ability to pull it off like no other coach could. He does a great job

They could not have stuck with H-burg in 1 A due to the fact H-burg school was disolved into the Mercer school system.

Griffin stepped in last year after Scheller (Senior) had a ACL MCL tear that had him out after game 5. But up to that point he and Walker carried the ball most of the time. Both had around 800+ yards at game 5. Too bad a healthy Mercer team could not have finsihed last year to see how far they really could have went. 3 senior starters with ACL injuries. But that's football for you. Always a what if. Walker and Scheller both started defense and offense. ALthough I don't think you can compare the teams and shouldn't.

I agree won't get 8 best