CincySportsFan

See, this is what I'm talking about. Wow, you've been to some Superbowls... HOORAY. You also have one winning season in the last two decades. Pick and choose where you want to brag.

But, you and I both know that if the Browns were to ever just win the AFC title (forget about the Super Bowl for right now), their fans would burn down Cleveland with all the celebration!! They'd have reached a milestone in the franchise, and would want to brag.

So, you do your boasting about what you can. In Cincinnati's case, it's the fact that we've been to two Super Bowls. It's not much...but it puts us a step ahead of some teams.

And as a fan who suffered through the 90's with Bengals...having that glimmer of hope with Palmer and crew was very refreshing. Perhaps it got a bit overdone by some people, but there's crazy fans with just about every team. Ignore them...the rest of us are a lot more reasonable!

By the way...anybody else miss the Bernie/Boomer matchups from the late 80's??? That helped make these Browns/Bengals games even more of a classic rivalry...that, along with Sam Wyche's comments!

Pioneer fans thought the drive to Shelby County was long, just wait till they head for Western KY.

It beats sitting at home this time of the year!!! I can think of a ton of fans who'd drive twice as long if it meant a trip to state!!

Congrats to the Lady Pioneers and Coach Stowers!!! Hope you can continue to play outstanding "D" in the Sweet 16!

Also, congrats to Anderson County on an amazing season, too!

Something that wasn't really mentioned here that could ultimately be a determining factor is what happens in the other conference championships. If someone pulls an upset and gets an automatic bid that puts them in, when their regular season performance wouldn't have...that'll remove an at-large spot. I don't know that UK can afford for many (if any!) of those to occur...unless they go out an win the SEC tourney (which I don't think they will).

I would say, however, that I do believe the Brown family wants a winning team and wants to have the city behind the Bengals, but they just don't know how to do it. And as long as they can put a mediocre team out on the field and make millions, they don't have any incentive to remove themselves from running the team.

Very true. Brown would like a winner, but only for what it would do to increasing his income (higher ticket prices?). What it appears he absolutely does NOT want to do, is to change the status quo...that being able to rake in millions while have an average team? I thought that when he started letting Katie take charge in more of the negotiations, that might have changed. I think the jury's still out on that one.

My litmus test for how well the front office is run...would Paul Brown, as a coach, want to work for this team?? Somehow, I think he'd say "No thanks, I'll go start a team of my own." Says something for the franchise, don't you think?

Wow...thought this one might be a little closer! SK did what I thought they could do on defense. Guess I expected a little more from SO on their end. Great win for the Lady Pioneers! Good luck in the finals!!

Lauren Hargett had a great game. She had 35 points against a tough defense.

Congrats to all the WV players on their year. Look forward to watching Lauren take her game to the next level at TMC.

Congrats to Anderson County on their great play!!

Although a relatively "newer" school, I don't think this was NO's first trip to the region. I think they made it two years ago, in the same situation, as district champs. So, in addition to what should have been said at the regional meeting, you'd think they'd have some past experience to fall back upon.

North Oldham squeaked by Gallatin 69-68 in the first match up at Gallatin.

 

I look for Maddox to have a big game and the Wildcats to pull out a 5-10 point win in the rematch pulling away at the end at the charity stripe.

I think the previous matchup will help Gallatin. They should be focused right from the start. And, if they're patient, run their offense, and don't force their 3's...they should come out on top. It will be a tough one, though. NO not going to roll over and give it to them.

Wildcats by 8, thanks to some clutch free throws down the stretch.

I agree, I think that in the 8th region if someone is known for fouling they get used to calling them even when they do not. Switch it up!

Very true. Say what they will, there are officials who come in with a preconceived notion of what a player can or cannot do. And they call the game accordingly.

HOWEVER, switching up officials can also come back to hurt you. If you've got a defender that's got extremely quick hands and can get legit strips, you don't want an official seeing that for the first time. Likewise, imagine somebody with a Jordan-esque first step. You go through the regular season getting your officials acclamated to the fact that it's NOT a traveling call on the first step. Now he (or she!) is penalized when being seen for the first time.

I don't know if it's an issue of one being better than the other. I think it's more a situation of choosing the lesser evil. Ultimately it comes down to having good officials...period. Doesn't matter where they come from.

No shock if you have seen Gallatin County play. They have been in big games before. They understand the meaning of POISE and MENTAL TOUGHNESS.

 

Maddox totally outplayed Penny imo.

I think credit needs to be given to Coach Jones and his scheduling. Yeah, they're a Class A school, and have so many conference games against teams that may not have as much talent. But, it's what he did with some of those other openings that has prepared them...Scott County, Anderson County, Shelby County, Simon Kenton, Holmes, Conner, and the 3 Oldham County schools. Not exactly a cake walk.

Even in the losses, there's still something to be gained...and that's knowing what it takes to be a winner. I think he, and the team, have done a fine job of that this year.

Congratulations again!!!

Congrats to Walton Verona on another good season.

 

Once again the region voted to keep the 8th region officials and not trade with another region. The 8th region officials are highly respected in the state whether you like them or not.

 

Each coach does have the opportunity for a number of scratches during the season and also for the post season.

I think SOME of the 8th region officials are respected...but, I think they're in the minority. Coldiron, Kellam, Asher, Knollman and a couple of others I would take against any other region's officials. But, there are others (no names mentioned here, you know who they are) that aren't worth a whole lot. And what's really bad, is when you've got 2 or 3 of them together at the same time...and unfortunately, that happens way too often.

Also, David Henson did a really nice job, D-ing up on C.J Penny I thought. He played alot of the game, and while he didn't score, he was one of the reasons Penny was held under 20.

One of those things that never shows up in a box score...but, quite often the difference in a team that advances and one that goes home. Congrats to all of the Wildcats!:thumb:

Sounds like a great game. Congrats to Coach Hicks and the Cardinals!

Maybe the 8th should have switched with another region.

I think the reason they don't, is that nobody wants the 8th region officials coming to their region! Besides, some coaches hate playing a game like this in front of officials that are seeing them for the first time. Sort of a double edged sword.

But, congrats to Coach Bennett and the Bearcats on their season.

Sets up an interesting semi-finals, with Gallatin looking to avenge a close loss to North Oldham, on senior night nonetheless!!! Look for the Wildcats to bring another big crowd! Last one out of Warsaw, turn out the lights!!!!!

Stars need to align for Walton to win...but it is possible. Dixon needs to stay out of foul trouble, and be a force down inside. Heeger, Nargessi, Cheeseman, etc. need to be on from the outside...and be pests on defense to keep Anderson Co. in check. But, the spoon that stirs the pot is Hargett. If Lauren really comes to play, Anderson will have their hands full. There's just very few teams that have a single player that can match up with her on both the outside and inside. If Walton wins, it'll likely be by single digits. If they take a quarter (or more) "off"...it could get ugly the other way. Good luck to the Lady Bearcats, though!!!

Way to go Wildcats!! A tough game right off the bat, but you have to beat the best to be the best. Good luck in the semi's!! Keep carrying the torch for the small schools!!

If Watkins is an official you can bet that there are going to be some HORRID calls. :thumb: So many coach's have scratched him I don't see how he can be an official at any games. Just Amazing.

Actually saw him officiate a game earlier in the year where I believe not one, but both, of the coaches had scratched him. Wonder if that really matters anymore?

Hate to see a game decided this way. Would have been nice to see a smaller school advance to the semi's. (Maybe Gallatin or Walton can carry that banner now.)

Congrats to Coach Devall and the Rebels on a nice season!!!

Congrats to Coach Simpson and the Dragons! Has to be considered somewhat of an upset. Good luck in the semi-finals!

At this point, he is no more susceptible than any other player.

 

He has stated that if he were, he would not play.

It's gotta be a tough decision. To give up you passion (not just a typical 9 to 5 job) for a "what if" scenario. Or to go through life (especially these next 4 or 5 years, watching games and thinking that you could still contribute.

My prayers are with hiim, whatever his decision.

What about the Goose? Not as good as Rollie's, but worthy of mention

Agreed!

Ripken kept his streak alive by DH'ing several games. It would be the equivalent to Favre just coming in and doing running plays only instead of staying in the pocket and passing.

From the stats that I could find, Ripken played a total of 24 games as DH...coming in 2000 and 2001. Guess what, the streak ended in 1998!

Say what you want to say, but both men did something in their respective sports that is not likely to be broken. Each streak has it's own strengths and weaknesses. No, there is not the phsyical "impact" in baseball. But, by the same token, Favre was not getting pounded in practice on a daily basis either. He had time to rest between games.

Either way, I think both should be respected for efforts.

Gehrig would be my choice. Tough to put into perspective what he did in that era. But, let's face it, Orr also is a legend for a reason too. I admire Brett, and doing what he did, for as long as he did it, is no simple feat. But, if I've gotta pick just one...it's Gehrig.

 

Bench's numbers also would have been much better had he not had surgery to remove a tumor on his lung back in the early 70's. While not that big of a deal now he was sliced down the middle of his entire chest and his ribs spread for the surgery. Many think that it took him 3 to 4 years to truely recover.

If he played first or third base instead of catching...he puts up MONSTER numbers. Most likely hits 500+ home runs.

Now, granted you can't base a decision solely on "what ifs", but considering the surgery and the toll the position itself took out of him, JB faced a lot more adversity in compiling his numbers.

I'll even toss in another factor...late inning relievers. Hard to get "in the zone" when you get 4 at bats, and face 2 or 3 pitchers in the process.

No knock on Joe D, but gimme Bench to start my dream team.

Congrats to Anderson County. Gotta admit though, it would've been great to see an Owen County - WV matchup in the semifinals though. Still, congrats to Coach Osborne and the Lady Rebels on a great season.

Congrats to Lauren! I'm sure she'll be able to create the same mismatch problems for opposing coaches/players at the next level. Will be nice to follow her progress since she'll be close to home.:thumb: