Geek61

Did this happen? Meant to stop by, but forgot. If it did, how did the teams look.

A-Frickin'-MEN! People keep throwing it out there like saying it over and over somehow makes it true. I would argue that non-independents have it even better because kids can apply to switch schools within the district without paying tuition. If you take away the tuition barrier, it sure makes for an easier decision. I don't know if they play sports, but I know there are a few students at Dixie that live in Simon Kenton District

I did run into a player I know the other night and he told me that Stokes is at practice. That's a start. Hopefully he will get his off-field stuff together and be ready to contribute to the team. I do think he has a great deal of potential.

Clearly we disagree and that's fine. Since his dad is helping coach, I assume this is by choice. I would like to know who the "upgrades" are? It's the same people as last year. The same guys that Combs came in for when he moved up. The tight ends could not catch the ball. Hopefully that has changed. With a strong QB, we need some reliable hands and great blocking.

This I don't understand. While that may be true by design, I think it puts a lot of pressure on your DBs. I'm not a football genius, but I know that in any game against good teams, there was too much required of the LBs. I think that concept works if you have a dominant line. Let's face it, there aren't many Max Nussbaum's out there that can get to the outside from the middle or other side of the field to hold a team to 2 or 3 around the outside. I assume the staff know what they are doing. Whether by design or by lack of ability in the players, it just seemed to be too easy for good teams to get to the outside. Perhaps its only my perception, but I know that's the reality. I saw it and thought about it in just about every game. I'm remember thinking, we are screwed if Max Nussbaum goes out The fact that 8 different players started at D-End last year is very scary to me. I think it s a very under estimated position. I have always thought it was more important than many teams make it. I am looking forward to having someone very strong in there. Contain or not, I would love to see a Dominant BW Defensive End. I think it changes everything behind them.

Can I rent you to get me to the front of the line? I agree with Slick, I really don't think its going to be a problem and as I said, it sounds like most of the kids are excited to get to play there. As I recall, that is who the sports are for and if they are excited, then I'm happy. There are not 1200 seats for sure, It's 900 seats and standing room for 300 to 500. I know there were over 900 people at the Beechwood Simon Kenton matchup last year. Beechwood used up much of the visiting side of Simon Kenton. Again, I'm not worried. Looking forward to seeing how the Tigers do so I'll stand on someones shoulders if I have to.

Good Lord, if we are not going to speculate then why even get on here? The fact is that there are at 15-16 kids returning that started Varsity games at some point last year. Some started regularly both ways, some saw regular action on one side of the ball, but there are a lot of kids who had opportunities last year. So the makeup really doesn't look that different to me. That siad, from what I understand, the Offense will look very different. Not in terms of personnel, but definitely in terms of the design and play calling.

How is his attitude? Last I saw him play, his ego needed to be put in check. Hopefully that has happened already.

How about we let the young Colonels get to the school before we start talking about them in a thread about this year's Threats. Neither of them has played a down of football with the Big Boy Colonel uniform on, so comparing them to two players that have already had a Varsity impact is a bit ridiculous. Not saying they won't be amazing when there, but they just aren't there yet. I believe I heard Shelton is likely to be a defensive player and rumor is that Cole will focus on Basketball. Great to talk about what's coming, but this thread is about current threats and we should probably stay off the Pee-Wee fields when speculating on impact players.

I'm not overlooking Stokes at all. Again, I don't want to be mean to a kid, but a player has to be reliable. That starts with being eligible to play and extends to simply coming to practice and having a work ethic. Most of his missed games last year had nothing to do with injuries. If you want to be a talent and make an impact for your team, you MUST be on the field. That means staying academically eligible and not breaking team rules. The work ethic piece is huge for me. Two weeks ago, I ran into a player and was told that Stokes has not been to practice yet. Hopefully that has changed. While I don't think he's a "difference maker" I do think he can be a contributor if he wants to be. He also has a temper. I can remember a number of "Personality-based" penalties last year. If he can get past this stuff, then I think the coaches can help him be the player we need. I also don't think he has the hands. He had a lot of opportunities last year and I remember more than a few dropped balls. Especially in key third-down situations. For the first time in a long-time, we are going to have a QB with the ability check down the receivers. We need a very reliable Tight-End to be the outlet. If we have that outlet, I think this Beechwood team will look like no other in recent history. I'm good with your explanation about fixing the line, but I'm concerned about the missed opportunity here. Does Combs have WR speed, NO, but that's not what is needed at Tight End. He has very solid speed. Better than any Tight End I can remember in recent years. Its the whole package that I think is a loss. Hopefully, I'm completely wrong on my assessments and other kids will step-up. Fortunately, I'm not in-the-know and don't pretend to be the expert. Just a fat old alumnus that was lucky to play in the days when you didn't have to have size or talent. If Combs doesn't play tight-end then maybe some Tackle-eligible plays will make their way into the BW playbook

I do agree with you, but I also think he's a talent. I don't believe that he started playing football until the 8th grade. That likely accounts for missing some assignments. There's a lot to learn in the game nowadays. Almost everyone can learn what they are supposed to do, but "Instincts and Talent" is the difference between making the play or truly making a difference. So, we'll have to see what he and the staff have done in the off season to improve.

Have heard rumors of Combs moving to Tackle on offense. Can someone closer to the team confirm that? If true, can someone then try to tell me why this would be? This kid is a game changer on both sides of the ball. While I realize Beechwood needs to replace the interior line, but there has to be better options. I can think of no one that can be the Tight-End he was. I'm certainly not an expert, but with his Speed, Size and hands, I thought he was on his way to D1 ball at the Tight-End position. I saw him play 4 games and he dominated at all of them. Not only did he destroy Defenses with his blocking, he could catch the ball (never saw him drop one) and then turn and deliver a blow to a corner or linebacker. He delivered a blow early in the Ryle game and the Linebacker and DB that he pounded after the catch wanted nothing to do with him the rest of the game. Great Blocking and great hands are tough to replace. If true, I'll assume the coaches know what they are doing, but definitely put me in the Skeptical column. I don't want to be mean, but what I saw in the TE spot last year was very disappointing and don't see anyone that can do it. I believe we need a Great Tight End to compliment Feiger and the deep WR crew we have.

You will find no bigger fan of these two kids than me, but let's get put some reality in here. I think Justice played a total of 4 games last year. As such, he did not get a chance to have that big of an impact overall. If they had been healthy and eligible all year, along with Nate Kinman, they would have been one of the best (if not the best) linebacker crews in NKY. You do not replace Max Nussbaum, you simply try to cope without him. Especially when you figure he started every varsity game he was available since his Freshman season ended in 2009. Definitely hard to replace, but this is the least of my worries on the defensive side. If coaches make some movements on defense, I think we have some guys that can do a great job there. Talley was great at linebacker last year. Add Slusher to the mix and I think its a solid start. With all the focus on Stringer and Feiger, I think Slusher is actually the next Beechwood standout in the mold of Nussbaum. There are also guys like Everett who love to hit and can step up and play linebacker. Of course, it all depends on what the coaches do with him. Also, with some better play from D-End with Combs and others, there will not be so much pressure on the Linebackers. Nussbaum had to be a stud so that BW could reliably keep good backs from gaining significant yardage on the outside. He was amazing at it, but how many linebackers can handle their assignments up the middle, but also have the instincts, talent and speed to get to the outside stop the run there. I just don't expect that the new defense will require a Max Nussbaum type. In my opinion, the Def-End spot is where the cracks appeared last year. If you can't contain the backfield, it makes for a long Friday night for DBs and Linebackers. I expect Combs to be a game changer in that position this year. All that to say that I believe we will "cope" with the loss of Nussbaum by spreading out the talent. Yes, we don't yet have a Max Nussbaum, but by improving in other areas of defense, it will be much easier to cope with the loss of the last year's senior Linebacking crew. On a side note... Since his name came up, I wanted to take the opportunity to say that Beechwood was lucky to have Justice last year. Even when hurt or ineligible, he had an impact. I loved watching him play, but he was a great leader and supported his teammates when hey were struggling. Not often do you see a transfer come in and be a leader like that. A lot of BW kids could take a lesson from him. Good Luck Colin.

I believe it is now listed as 1200 with the Terrace area to the left of the main stands. I think they call it "Flexible Seating." I'm sure Gamble will clear the stadium out between games. It will still be tight if Lima brings any sort of crowd. The way I see it, the schedule is set. So the Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda's really don't matter. The boys need to make the best of it and enjoy the unique experience. I know most of them are excited about playing there.

It is my understanding that His ACT is over 30.

Yes Yes. Guru did he knock you off your feet too? I remember him delivering some painful blows. Solid as a rock. He made Beechwood earn that first State Title for sure.

If you have to tear down other kids in order to defend why yours should be on the list then you are sad. Criticize the list and state why your picks are correct, but don't go picking apart other players and critiquing individual game performances. I believe I saw this list posted right after the districts, so I'm fairly certain that none of the tourney performances are factored in. Overall, the kids picked here were solid all year long and deserve it.

He has great football instincts and he absolutely loves to hit people. He flys to the ball and doesn't let anyone get in his way. Granted, I haven't seen everyone, but if there is a better linebacker in NKY, I would be surprised. I believe he also makes straight a's. Something that always helps make decisions easier for schools.

Is bob Burnett still coaching the line? If so, there's no one better at getting the most out of a lineman.

Great post EOT. Seems like the reasonable BW fans have no issue with the balls and strikes calls. I definitely agree that Stringer did a good job and I doubt any other pitcher could have done better. My only question would have been the coaching decision Not to IW Caple. Of course it's all Monday morning QBing and we are all coaching geniuses up in the stands. I would swear that VOR and Eye of the Tiger are related. Great writing ability that I am very jealous of. Don't always agree, but always great reading.

I kept waiting for Beechwood to blow it open, but it never happened. Let the colonels hang around too long and BAAM! congrats to the Dixie kids. Also to the Tigers on a good season. Does the score go down as 6 2. Or 3 2? The board said 3 2. And I thought 6 2. Since it was a grand slam. Others I talked to were mixed. Kid deserves it to be 6 2. It was a great shot.

Saw and thought the same thing. He is a beast. Probably hasn't grown more than an inch since the 7th grade, but probably put on 100 lbs. Kid had a tough day at the plate today, but we did get to see what is going to be known as "The Combs splits" to finish a double play late in the game. I have heard talk of it, but never have gotten to witness first hand.

I thought the same thing. I trust they know what they are doing. Maybe they left him at JV to develop and decided he was ready come tourney time.

What a stupid comment. Just take a look at their history and how many district and regional titles they have. You dont get those through hype. I'm a Beechwood fan and can tell you that they are not "overhyped" They lost today to what most feel is the best team in the 9th Region. Are you using that to judge? I agree with Clyde about overachieving. This is also why I say they are not overhyped. They always seem to have the ability to get it done.

I should point put that my post made it sound like there were no contributions from the frosh. Feiger relieved and Brett slusher had some a nice hits.