4th and long

Mercer speed too much for the Golden Lions this year!!!! Looks like this will be the last game of a long and competitive rivalry for the two schools as Garrard Co. will not be scheduling Mercer for the next two seasons. It is understandable however, it has been a good game over the past several years.

Without the 6 class system Mercer would only become a small 3A school next season much like Boyle County did after winning 2A. I sincerely believe Mercer will be very competitve in the new class. Next season may be a little down but this years soph class is VERY strong and the coaches believe that team may be special! Much of Mercer's success so far this season is "confidence" they genuinely believe they are good. the defense especially wants to prove themselves. As we all know confidence plays a big part in a teams success. This will benefit the Titans in the years to come, like it did Boyle County when they moved up. I too believe Mercer may be hurt by not playing a difficult regular season schedule because the playoffs will be a whole different game.

$450,000 does not seem unbelievable when some Lex. high school cheerleaders spend $125,000 a year. When you consider al the equipment and the number of players. I know I am in the minority but I for one do not believe it is a good thing for high school teams to travel the country playing games, and I include basketball. I think this is one of the reasons young student athletes have the "attitude" they have. I think teams should only be allowed to travel over the border into the next state to play and no further. Like I said I know I will be in the minority on this but it is how I feel.

Thanks black eagle. In your opinion is it serious enough that khsaa should mandate the measures you call for? Should school districts be required to provide uniform washing? There are a number of athletes in our area where daily clothes washing is not realistic. i.e. they must go to a laudromat or the parents will only wash weekly. I don't mean to sound paranoid but there have been some serious cases locally and I have a son that plays.

Doesn't the rubber also raise the ground temperature? maybe the increased temp. and length of time the temp is raised leads to a more bacteria friendly environment? consequently, more bacteria and a higher probability of contracting an infection? Just a thought

I think all the Mercer facilities will be vastly upgraded in the next couple years. Can't wait!!!!!!

did any of the mentioned schools use the crumb rubber on their fields? I ask this because a doctor mentioned to me how many "rug burns" have gotten infected. I was wondering if there was a correlation between the popular use of the crumb rubber and creating a breeding ground for the bacteria. Probably not but I cannot remember this many cases before and I know many schools used the rubber in the past couple years especially with the artificial turf. Like I said they probably are not related but it doesn't hurt to ask

I'd love to know what the gate was for this weekend. I agree with playing at AJ field. it was awsome to see all the tailgaters line up as the team walked the hill to the field. What a great atmosphere!!!!!! I think I will go through withdrawal this weekend

I still believe Mercer will need to improve their o-line play to go deep. They were much better this week but.... how will they respond to a team that can shut down the run, or at least slow down the run. I also worry that they may not have a "true" test until later in the playoffs. How will they handle adversity if they do not experience it. I do not believe they will run the table and go 15 - 0 without winning a couple tough physical battles. If they can however, they may win it all. They certainly have the talent and depth to do so however, they do not have the experience or tradition... yet!

There seems to be a lot of serious staph. infections this year. Minor scrapes becoming quite serious. Is this happening all around the state? Could they be related to the ground up tires so many schools put on their fields the past few years?

sounds like a good time for boyle to ask for artificial turf!

How will boyle match up with mercer in a couple weeks?

I love the running game. I miss Oklahoma and Nebraska pounding each other. Throw in some option and it is a thing of beauty. I get bored watching teams throw it over and over.

Watered down or not it will mean the same to those that make it to Louisville.

Thank you knightsdad, I'm sure your daughter received a first class education.

why can't they build a program like the ones mentioned. They have very nice facilities the coaching staff is dedicated. Give the boys a chance! I had a chance to get inside LCA last year, what a beautiful campus. I still would like to know what the tuition is??????

Mercer secondary has not been tested (LCA was unable to keep the pressure off the QB). The Titans are still working out some of the bugs especiall the offensive line. I'll predict the Titans first loss So. L - 28 MC - 27

As I understand it Mercer will be updating all the athletic facilities along with the new high school. Sometimes you have to make due with what you have and make the best of it. I do not think anyone is comparing Mercer to Danville or Boyle county. Those are two storied programs with great tradition, that has been earned. It is understandable if some of the Mercer supporters are excited however, they have only played one game and I expect South L. will be a big test for the titans. I sure would be nice to have a third strong program in the area. I'd personally like to see Danville, Boyle and Mercer play each other annually. Can you imagine the gate receipts for those games... maybe then Mercer could afford a better baseball facility campbellfield.

I"m curious... what is the tuition at a private school like LCA and Lex. Cath.? There are no private schools where I live and I have always wondered about that. Regarding Coach Rains. I think the program has come a long way in a short time. I think some of us need to keep things in perspective. I for one believe it would be great to get a Christian education and field a competitive athletic program. Are the coaches good role models? Are they being taught Christian values? Maybe these should be more important than winning a state championship. I think many would argue that some of the aforementioned have been lost at other "Christian" schools in favor of winning. I know this is a football forum but I don't like to see coaches judged soley on X's and O's. end of my sermon

How are the Bearcats looking this season? I see where they won their first game. Can we look for more victories this season?:banana:

Just for the sake of discussion if... Mercer had announced a "plan" to merge in advance how would they find an out of district schedule? All the teams are likely locked into a contract with the teams they have and what about all the teams already on their schedule. Look how difficult it was for the teams that had Harrodsburg scheduled to find games imagine if both schools schedules were dropped. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your point of view teams that merge will have to play the original schedule for one more year. And remember Mercer is now the same size as Boyle county was when they won the class 2A the year before moving up to 3A. I believe Boyle is still one of the smalles 3A schools as will Mercer be.

To be honest I thought LCA looked beat before the opening kickoff. Many spent the warm up time watching Mercer warm up. Mercers O-line looks like they need to improve in order for the Titans to do much in the playoffs. Speed is great but somebody has to open a hole! Mercer Defense looked better than I expected. I was surprised that the two backs did not play on defense, at least I do not remember seeing them out there??? Walker will contribute a lot when he returns both on offense and defense. Any chance he will play Saturday? Kicking game needs some work too, three or four missed PAT's. Oh well, just the first game. If Mercer continues to improve throughout the season they could be tough! Best of luck

The news showed Boyle scoring on the first play from scrimmage in what looked like a trick play... only 14 points after that. Seems kinda low for the rebels!

Walker will NOT play

Both mercer and Danville limited their offensive sets for the scrimmage. They were working on specifics. The intensity was very good and both teams looked physical and confident. I personally thought that Mercer had a few more weapons. The Jackson kid looked very good for Mercer. I think both teams got what they wanted. Can't wait until Next Friday!