bulldog77

One of the hallmarks of a good program and a good coach is showing respect for each and every opponent no matter what their record or previous performances indicate. To that end, I'm quite certain that Coach Eckstein and the Tigers will prepare for Bracken County just as they would any opponent. Showing respect earns you respect. A fact lost a few posters around here.

This is yet another symptom of the illness within high school sports administration (Read KHSAA). The public private debate has exposed many of the illnesses already (i.e. there is no such thing as a level playing field; no school "owns" a student athlete; why aren't we enforcing the rules that already exist?) and this debate furthers that exposure in my mind. If the rationale for this type of rule is to keep some coaches from quietly "requiring" off-season participation then we are once again legislating to the masses for the sins of the few. There are rules in place governing such behavior but it appears either nobody will report it, or it is yet another of those mythological situations like "recruiting." Where did high schools come to the conclusion that they "own" the actions of athletes in off-season? Why does a volleyball player "HAVE" to be a basketball player . . .period? Last I checked, the higher percentage of high school athletes to receive athletic scholarships paled in contrast to those who play in "select" or "elite" situations off-season. This is as it should be. If my daughter averages 8 points a game in basketball but has the ability to play at an elite level in volleyball AND SHE WANTS TO DO SO, you better believe she'll get every opportunity she wants and/or needs.

It never ceases to amaze me how often you speak for "most people." Escpecially when it comes to commenting on an opponent who has beaten your team. "Most people" I know were hopeful that a small independent school district team could muster their talent and enthusiasm to put on a good game. "Most people" I know realize the talent distribution in a town one mile square versus a program able to draw from a wider base is a tough challenge, but one they make willingly and will make year in and year out because you don't get better playing teams you know you can beat. "Most people" I know give credit to teams for things like "takeaways" and "turnovers" and solid play and, yes, getting beaten by a superior opponent and still walking out proud. Apparently you and I don't know many of the same people.

There were some awfully good teams from the Dixie area back then. Otto Printing was one, Hogan's AC, Webbie's Carryout, Flesch Custom Homes, Riverside Ford to name just a few. Kenton County Urban had the old Cottage AC teams, Taylor Mill Boosters and Covington Turners for awhile.

You're absolutely right and you make an even more important point. Here is yet another in a long, long list of rules made by the KHSAA (and even more proposed by the membership) to legislate to the masses for the transgressions of a very few.

RM, this is already happening in some small pockets of this state and a couple of others that have similar rules. Because college coaches are coaching their own teams "in season" and collegiate staffs are more limited with each NCAA legislative session, more and more recruiting and/or talent evaluation is being done outside the high school seasons. I fear some more folks may put two and two together and come to the conclusion you suggest.

Exactly how is YOUR OPINION (and a very, very black and red colored one at that) even remotely to be considered "the truth?" I've seen a football game or two myself and your description of many of those plays in that "big 28 point swing" are at best self serving. Glad you're a fan of the Panthers, I have many many good friends and former players from that fine town, but I assure you, Bellevue will show up if a rematch is warranted. And I'll go on record to say the outcome won't be much different.

Back in the dark ages when I played, there was no distinction between first year and second year teams. D was D and A was A and that was that. You competed with everyone.

We put in a nice grass infield last year and after two full seasons of use and, of course a brutal summer, we have some area thinning and a little crab-grass coming through. Its been kept fairly wet and is only now starting to brown-up a bit. Rather than pay a lawn company to do the work, can anyone suggest the right chemicals, concentrations and application times for fertilizer, crab grass control, growth promotion and clover elimination? I'm not asking for much . . .

That list has got to include Jim Lokesak from Ludlow.

Dixie 24 - 14 Game doesn't start until 8:00 p.m. My predictions

Bluegrass Chiefs 18-U team will be having another day of Tryouts this Saturday August 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Scott High School. All are invited and encouraged to attend.

Be sure to stop by the Gatlinburg Brewery and order a round of "testers." That and a steak at Calhouns.

Brad is a very deserving young man. Congratulations to him and his family. Coach Bramlett does a marvelous job with mainly in-state talent.

Correction. Chas Moore never quit at Georgetown. He did choose to leave at the end of the year but he in fact did not quit Georgetown. There are a number of players who did and who do so annually. But I know for an absolute fact that he did not quit. He didn't play much for coach Hagen, but that is a whole other kettle of fish.

This Bermuda stuff is pretty amazing. While it will continue to grow anf thicken, it is incredibly green and lush and very "carpet-like" already. I'm sure it won't be in A-One shape this season, but it's already a 100% improvement over the previous surface. Looking forward to the Paris game to see how it works out.

Can I? Can I really? Don't forget breakfast too! I will likely make it down sometime Friday and stay the night. I'll contact you before I go.

How does this run? Will there be any reason to drive down this weekend or this friday night?

The Chiefs didn't have a great week in Florida going 1 and 3 in pool play and missing out on the championship round. Still a good season with some quality wins but most importantly having 13 players move on to the next level. Robert Layne is coming along after the massive shot to the face. Swelling is down but the jaw hurts and he is restricted to a liquid diet for awhile. Robert is a gamer and a heck of a kid and we all expect great things from hi at Mount St. Joe's. Tryouts for the Chiefs will be Saturday August 18 and Sunday August 19 at 1:00 p.m. both days. Tryouts are at Scott High School.

Coach Welte is returning to school to pursue his law degree. Did a great job there and left a firm foundation for a very small school. Sawyers is a great hire for Villa.

Bluegrass Chiefs tryouts will be Saturday August 18 and Sunday August 19 both days at 1:00 p.m. at Scott High School. Anyone interested is welcome and encouraged to show.

First cut was Thursday and the field is really starting to thicken up. Has to be cut about 3 times a week now until the frost. They keep saying it will grow like crazy once the cutting begins.

Update: Chas Moore (formerly at Georgetown) to NKU Brian Weis to NKU Brent Humphrey to Ohio Valley University The Blugrass Chiefs head to St. Petersburg, Florida this weekend to play in the Barrett-Fletcher World Series starting Tuesday morning. Pool play has them against Georgia Eagles @ 8:00 a.m. Tuesday then again at 4:15 against the Big Stix also from Georgia. Wednesday at 1:30 against American Nationals from Missouri then Thursday at 10:45 against Maryland Mavericks. Top ten teams advance to the one and out championship round beginning Thursday afternoon.

He did indeed move to a new house in farther south in the county just this past weekend. Big school district, bigger opportunities, who knows?

Expectations are that the field will certainly not be in optimal condition this first year. With that said, it will still be a vast improvement over the turf that had been down there in previous years. Next year will be the real deal as far as the bermuda goes. It is coming on strong now and should be ready for the first home game and with the new crowning on the field, the new sand underlayment and the constant watering, the field will still play pretty well. Leatherneck you are right, it will look like heck come November, but it will all be worth it in the long run.