CREEKNATION

CreekNation agrees Jake Ryan, the Senior QB, did look better and should have had more playing time. He moved the ball down the field, stayed in the pocket, got rid of the ball and the TC team looked like it had a common purpose. It wasn't the QB chaos we saw during the Bryan Station game and we had confidence we were getting ready to watch a great game of football. Instead, it was painful. "The Punter" as he was referred to in pregame talk is actually an athlete who can play multiple positions. Jake Ryan has been the QB for many of our Seniors for the last 6 years. He happens to be a QB who can kick and is clearly one of the best punters in Kentucky. This Tates Creek Senior class is full of great, talented, dedicated kids who are playing their heart out and they want to WIN games. This week, thankfully, Gordon did seem to learn some lessons by getting the ball into the hands of his teammates and not erratically running around the backfield the entire game. It still feels like we are seeing a repeat of last year when we had a losing season, multiple interceptions, QB fumbles, and weak throws until Gordon had to start sharing significant QB time with Ryan. Not only are there 3 very good QBs (including Sophomore Peyton Burke) but there's enough deep and capable Senior and Junior talent on this Tates Creek team there is really no excuse for not being competitive with Henry Clay, Bryan Station or Dixie Heights. The Herald Leader interview quoted Bryan Station head coach saying " he doesn't like pressure so we came with it" and you noted Gordon's inability to handle the pressure again last night. You are right, the pregame hype about Graham Gordon isn't translating on the field. It doesn't make sense that they keep letting him make the same mistakes over and over and leave him in the game. How could that not have a negative effect on him with college recruiters? It’s very basic - offense turning the ball over quickly means a tired defense stays on the field longer and opposing teams are able to run up the score. We have smart coaches and great players. A mid season QB change may be painful but this is a team sport - not just about an individual's personal stats. With the season marching to an end, I hope the TC coaches take a hard look at this situation and don't waste the talent standing in front of them. And, the loss of talented Senior Marshall Gant to a possible season ending ACL injury is a blow to our team as well as Marshall and his family. Great kid, great athlete. Congrats to Dixie Heights - the kids played strong solid football!