ChiefSmoke

Getting crazy in Tennessee. The KHSAA Commissioner hire seems to become more significant each day that passes.

I got to visit w/ Coach Sams before we played. I really like him. Solid young coach and we are definitely going to get together and clinic this offseason. We didn't talk about their struggles. But, he did say that youth football is booming in their community and they have over 80 guys on their current HS roster. They are about to get a makeover for their weightroom and he is excited about that. He has a good relationship w/ his Bosses and likes them. Oldham is on the uptick and the score of their game was 14-12. Things are usually not as bad as they seem. I think that applies here.

Paris still has a Jerry's. Was a great place... 30 years ago! Think it is still good. Took my father in law there about 7 years ago, last time I was in there. They have the equivalent of a Big Boy sandwich and hot fudge cake.

Now... Leavitt looking bad gimpy. Don't think he is ok.

A & M just went for it on their own 34, 4th & 1, little less than 9 minutes to play in 3rd quarter. Down 21-3. I guess Analytics told them to do that but good grief. Felt like risk far outweighed the reward.

Along with all of this.... Heavy kids & the increasing number of kids on medication. Dehydration makes kids more susceptible to concussions. Medication combined w/ poor nutrition / sleep habits are tough. To truly do what football players do and do it right, especially in the heat, cutting corners off the field can carry a heavy price.

Would not be surprised to see all football, grades 5 & under, become predominantly flag in the future.

Christ Presbyterian Academy in Tennessee will play an independent schedule and will not participate in the TSSAA playoffs for 2027 & 2028.. In Alabama, the AISA is getting out of athletics, being replaced by the Gulf States Independent Athletic Association which will govern Alabama private schools' athletics while potentially reaching out to include surrounding states. The rate of change in HS athletics is accelerating. As the KHSAA seeks a new commissioner, the vision each candidate has for the future of KY HS Athletics will be interesting and I would think there would be substantial variety in what those visions will look like when presented.

This is one of our games of the week. Also, in our opening episode, Coach Brian Landis talked at length about the importance of this rivalry and game. He says, most places, they talk about where they went to college. He said, in Louisville, they talk about where did you go to high school. Zane Johnson's Dad, Jordan, played for me at Mason County. He was a freshman on my very first team in 1996 and started on the defensive line. The picture is Zane the first time he came to a QB workout and that is Trosper coaching him. Zane has won 3 state titles as the starting QB at Trinity. Trosper was in the pressbox Saturday when the Wildcats won at Texas A & M on Saturday afternoon. Those guys have turned out pretty good. Very proud of both. That first episode we had Jordan Amis (Hazard), Landis, Dustin Lopez (Christian Co.) & Terry Brown (New Cath). We recorded the Monday night before the opening game. Those guys were on edge. You could cut the tension with a knife. I don't blame them, but I wanted to say, "Guys, the only one on this podcast that HAS to win Friday night is me." 😎 But, it meant a lot to Chuck & I that they would do that opening week. That Monday before game one in a new place can be chaotic and you just aren't real sure exactly where your team is in that situation.

Coach Oakley was an excellent guest on our podcast. He specifically talked about scheduling tough, early in the season. He even said he knows there is a chance they can be 0-5 at the beginning. But, he explains to his staff and players, he is prepping them for November and December.

Where did "no contest " come from to start with?

Those posters are my attempt to duplicate for my players the KY Advocate. Fortunately, we have a couple very good local photographers that do quality work and share with our community. Our local paper is hanging in there and they do the best they can with a weekly edition. John Herndon does some work with his website and he is going to do a story on our program next week.

The Saturday night KY Advocate. Bill & Larry Vaught. Those guys did a super job covering HS football in our area.

Interesting. Our season opener with Newport in 2013. Weather delay. We both asked to make it a no-contest. We were told by the KHSAA office that once a game starts, that is not an option. They came back and we finished the game on Saturday night. Did the rule change?

Two wonderful places with excellent leaders in place as their head coach. I hope Carter County HS never opens up. I know for my 3 kids, I would rather them go to East or West than one big school. One of my favorite games every fall. When I am 81, this game will definitely be on my list.