True, but it is in stark contrast to the margin of victory from last years team. Going from winning by blowouts one year to to losing squeakers the next is hard on morale.

 

 

Losses like this might be the hardest ones to take...but, considering that, I think the morale is very high. There weren't many dry eyes amongst the boys last nite, even amongst a couple coaches, but 25 minutes later, out in the parking lot eating, all you could hear was talk about getting after this week and playing Boyle.

 

Best of luck to you all up there in Flatwoods. Classy in everything you all represent as a football power in this state.:thumb:

One great year doesn't put Mercer in the same class as any of the above mentioned teams. Though a play here and a play there, Mercer could maybe be undefeated. Those teams have done it for decades.

 

I realize that.....wasn't testing or questioning that fact. At the sametime, I think one would be foolished to think this Mercer County Football program won't eventually be considered a very good and respected one for years to come. All of those schools mentioned had to start somewhere, at a some point. Mercer County is trying to get to where some of those schools are, and I for one don't see any reason why they shouldn't try to immulate those mentioned before.:thumb:

Losses like this might be the hardest ones to take...but, considering that, I think the morale is very high. There weren't many dry eyes amongst the boys last nite, even amongst a couple coaches, but 25 minutes later, out in the parking lot eating, all you could hear was talk about getting after this week and playing Boyle.

 

Best of luck to you all up there in Flatwoods. Classy in everything you all represent as a football power in this state.:thumb:

 

Thanks!

 

I guess that some may or may not realize that talent like Mercer had in the backfield last year in Jackson and Ford does not come by very often. Ask Russell with Clark and Gross and Belfry with Jones and Howard. Talent like that is tough to replace.

 

I was just hoping that the boys did not get down on themselves because of the spectacular start they had as Titans. The first year running the table and starting of the second year on that same not. Then to lose several by very slim margins can be a tough pill to swallow for a young team and coaching staff.

But a loss is a loss!

 

 

A wise coach once said "sometimes a team learns more about themselves in a loss, than a victory!" With the new format...just get to the playoffs and peak in week 12!

 

I didn't read were anyone put the 2 year old program up there with elite schools in the state...yet.

Thanks!

 

I guess that some may or may not realize that talent like Mercer had in the backfield last year in Jackson and Ford does not come by very often. Ask Russell with Clark and Gross and Belfry with Jones and Howard. Talent like that is tough to replace.

 

I was just hoping that the boys did not get down on themselves because of the spectacular start they had as Titans. The first year running the table and starting of the second year on that same not. Then to lose several by very slim margins can be a tough pill to swallow for a young team and coaching staff.

 

 

You're right about the young part, but they are growing with every practice, every snap, every game. This coaching staff has been through the ups and downs, either together or at seperate places. Not counting Marty Jaggers, you have 2 former head coaches at the either the high school level and/or the college level on staff. Bill Mason was very succesful as the head man at Nelson County from 2001-2005, Donald Wayne Smith was the head man at Harrodsburg in '98 and '99, then the head coach at Lafayette in '00 and '01..then became the head coach at Kentucky State University from '02-'04. Then you also have Keith Brown who has been a longtime assistant at Harrodsburg, very knowledgeable as well...among others.

 

All of these guys have been through the battles as players in HS and college, along with a few of their other young assistants who played all through high school/college, won at both and excelled at both levels. Thanks for your support!

You're right about the young part, but they are growing with every practice, every snap, every game. This coaching staff has been through the ups and downs, either together or at seperate places. Not counting Marty Jaggers, you have 2 former head coaches at the either the high school level and/or the college level on staff. Bill Mason was very succesful as the head man at Nelson County from 2001-2005, Donald Wayne Smith was the head man at Harrodsburg in '98 and '99, then the head coach at Lafayette in '00 and '01..then became the head coach at Kentucky State University from '02-'04. Then you also have Keith Brown who has been a longtime assistant at Harrodsburg, very knowledgeable as well...among others.

 

All of these guys have been through the battles as players in HS and college, along with a few of their other young assistants who played all through high school/college, won at both and excelled at both levels. Thanks for your support!

 

It wasn't a knock on the coaching staff being young. I just meant that as a group they have not been together very long. At Russell Coach McGlone has been there for 30 years and some of his assistants has been there 20. They are to the point that they don't even have to discuss much because one knows what the other is thinking.

 

It normally takes a bit of time for everything to come together the way they want it to. 06 was a magical season. One to remember. But it is tough to build off of.

Bottom line ... Mercer County is playing a schedule much tougher than the one they played last year with a team that is less talented than the one they had a year ago. It isn't like Jaggers and his staff suddenly got stupid, although it seems a few losses have stirred some unrest in Titanville.

 

I still see no reason why Mercer can't win the district title in November.

Sounds like this was a great game. Congrats to Hopkinsville and we'll see you Titans next week.

I totally thought Mercer was better than what they are...Hopkinsville is a pretty weak football team.. I am very surprised at how much Mercer has struggled this year....:confused::confused:

I totally thought Mercer was better than what they are...Hopkinsville is a pretty weak football team.. I am very surprised at how much Mercer has struggled this year....:confused::confused:

 

Since this is a thread in part about what to say, you could say, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

I totally thought Mercer was better than what they are...Hopkinsville is a pretty weak football team.. I am very surprised at how much Mercer has struggled this year....:confused::confused:

 

Raiderbird...

 

Mercer is a good team, Hopkinsville is a good team (they always have, always will...they might not have a Artose Pinner, Curtis Pulley, Ricky Abren, etc., but they are very talented.) Hopkinsville took a 5 1/2 hour bus ride to play you all, at your place, against probably the best team you all have had since the Lorenzen/Smith days when you all were ranked nationally.

 

I'm just going to let you know, but you all, HIGHLANDS, are on another level, it's almost absurd how ridiculously good your team is this year. The Bluebirds from Ft. Thomas get my vote for the best team in the state, all classes. Your team is THAT GOOD.

 

You all are a different kind of monster, deciding whether or not a team is very good when compared to you all isn't exactly the best of measuring sticks. Best of luck to you all this season!

Bottom line ... Mercer County is playing a schedule much tougher than the one they played last year with a team that is less talented than the one they had a year ago. It isn't like Jaggers and his staff suddenly got stupid, although it seems a few losses have stirred some unrest in Titanville.

 

I still see no reason why Mercer can't win the district title in November.

 

 

Thanks for that positive note! :thumb: You have to take one at a time...but, I feel the same way!

It wasn't a knock on the coaching staff being young. I just meant that as a group they have not been together very long. At Russell Coach McGlone has been there for 30 years and some of his assistants has been there 20. They are to the point that they don't even have to discuss much because one knows what the other is thinking.

 

It normally takes a bit of time for everything to come together the way they want it to. 06 was a magical season. One to remember. But it is tough to build off of.

 

 

I didn't mean for it to sound like that's what I thought you you insinuated, in no way...sorry for the mix-up.:thumb:

Raiderbird...

 

Mercer is a good team, Hopkinsville is a good team (they always have, always will...they might not have a Artose Pinner, Curtis Pulley, Ricky Abren, etc., but they are very talented.) Hopkinsville took a 5 1/2 hour bus ride to play you all, at your place, against probably the best team you all have had since the Lorenzen/Smith days when you all were ranked nationally.

 

I'm just going to let you know, but you all, HIGHLANDS, are on another level, it's almost absurd how ridiculously good your team is this year. The Bluebirds from Ft. Thomas get my vote for the best team in the state, all classes. Your team is THAT GOOD.

 

You all are a different kind of monster, deciding whether or not a team is very good when compared to you all isn't exactly the best of measuring sticks. Best of luck to you all this season!

Thanks for the kind words...:thumb::thumb: This years team still has a long way to go.....:thumb::thumb:

I'd say 4 losses by a total of 12 points is hardly reason for "derailment." The titans appear to be playing well...just not good enough...but each loss they have had a chance to win/tie.

I didn't mean by stating we're trying to get things "back on track" that the train has totally derailed. It's just hard to adjust to the lack of success this year compared to the awesome season we had last year. True, last year was a fairy tale of a year... perfect record and state championship. I in no way thought we would duplicate that this year, but did believe we would possibly be 6-1 or perhaps 5-2 right now. Not 3-4. And while we have 4 losses by a total of 12 points, what does that really count for? A loss is a loss. I haven't jumped ship on this team at all! Just disappointed. I want to see Mercer build a program and not just win games. I hope we continue to improve and build on creating a tradition of success.