mchammer

Regarding Yeast - I've heard they want an experienced, veteran head coach, which Yeast is not. He may be a great head coach someday, but many don't think he is ready for a job of this magnitude. Jaggers - haven't heard any serious talk about him coming back... apology or not. Rains - heard he is interested in the job and he knows how to win. Buchanan - yes, he seems to be the community favorite. Hear his name every where. Mercer being 'home' and the fact he has built a football program at Mason Co. is a factor. Britt - I've heard the same thing, but the consensus for thinking he will get it is because the hs principal Yates keeps stating there is no position open and Britt is already a staff member at the high school. Unfortunately for the program, Yates and company have yet to even post the job or gather a committee. Fortunately for the players, I've heard Todd Davis is running the weight room and has already started it and plans for serious work outs. At least the kids are lifting while they have to sit and wait on administration to even get started looking. I was told Yates and AD Guerra won't even begin the search until after the football banquet which is sometime in December.

So what's the latest on the Mercer coach search? Are they talking to anybody yet?

Amen and Amen! There is a 'common thread' by most posters and that is administration, both principal and superintendent. Getting a great coach is only part of the solution... change in administration is also vital for the program's success!!

Does he have a teaching certificate? Isn't he currently an assistant coach at Washington County? Haven't heard much on this one.

You're right, the success of the football program involves more than just getting a great, experienced coach. It does include total support from the administration, ie: Princpal Yates and the superintendent. And I would have to say that my thoughts right now are 'that ain't gonna happen', if those 2 stay in these positions. I totally agree with you there! There are more issues than just finding a great coach that can build a football program. Not sure what you mean about me not supporting the previous. I have had opinions on Jaggers and am so entitled. Don't think I've ever posted anything negative about Coach Mason. That's why I pay my bgpreps membership fee... just so I can give my opinioin :thumb:

First title of the the thread and job opening may not be that far off. I know there are many in Mercer County who would love to get MASON County's coach, David Buchanan. This has been a hope of the fan faithful the past few times the job was open, but it never worked out. Buchanan is a graduate of Mercer County, played for Coach Larry French, coached with Chuck Smith (at Mercer) and has built a successful program at Mason County. :thumb: PurplePride is 100% correct when he said they need to hire a coach who is a disciplinarian and one that will let the parents know who is running the program. The coach... not them! Parents need to support the new coach, administration needs to support the new coach and leave him alone to do his job. Which in the current state will be a huge undertaking, but one that can pay big dividends as there is talent at Mercer, but no real foundation set. To the Mercer Administration and the 'powers that be' - please don't blow this opportunity!!

I understand what you're saying... :thumb: And no doubt, I think we all know it would have been a different ballgame if Pawsat hadn't gotten hurt. I just read some of these posts, threads on the Royals all season, and ya don't hear many comment on some of the other tough decisions that the Coach had to make all season and hear 'em say 'wow, that was a great decision' when they're winning. Its so easy for all of us to be armchair quarterbacks!

Second guessing, and wondering what if isn't going to change a thing and Coach B and staff have built a strong Mason Co. Football program. So its obvious they know what they're doing. You make tough decisions as a coach, and if Coach B thought Pawsat was needed on defense, then he was. Pawsat was playing defense last night to replace the original starter in that position due to injury and being out. It is so unfortunate that this happened to a great kid, Pawsat and great Royals team! They had a great season and you hate to see it end like this. Congrats to Coach B, his staff and the Ragin' Royals team on a great season!

Think its the same knee injury /reinjury from last year.

Belfry 27 Mason 14 7 minutes left in the game.

51 yard drive, TD Mason. Score now Belfy 21 Mason 14 5:00 minutes left in the third.

3rd quarter, TD Belfry scores. Belfry 21 Mason 7 QB Pawsat injured. Out for the game.

8:00 minutes left in the half, Belfry scores. Belfry 14 Mason 7

52 yard TD pass for the Royals. Mason 7 Belfry 7 The Royals score in just 2 minutes... moved the ball very quickly.

Belfry opening drive, score with 3:45 left in first quarter. Belfry 7 Mason 0

A pretty win, sloppy win, whatever... one of you said it earlier - "a win is a win". That is all that matters at this point. Win and advance. I'll take a win by a field goal or by 50, doesn't matter, just advance to the next week I have total confidence that Coach B and his staff are working on the areas that need it and getting the players prepared each week. I think we take what they've done over the years for granted sometimes... and look at this year, 11-1. What a great season so far and it ain't over baby!! :dancingpa:

I'm going with my beloved Ragin' Royals! Coach B and the staff have the team running on all cylinders right now. Home field helps too as there should be a great crowd for support. Ah, how quickly a year goes by, and I'm sure the coaches and players remember their dreams of last year's run being stopped short way too early. I'll take the Royals by at least 2 tds! Go get it!! :thumb:

So what are your thoughts on this one? The Titans travel to Harlan, long trip and could be a long night. What do you think?

I think there were a few posters on the 'updates' thread last night not happy about Coach B doing onside/pooch kicks. Let me give you a little history... I don't remember the year, but when the Royals travelled to Boyle County (then head coach Chuck Smith for the Rebels) about 6-7 years ago, the Rebels were handling the Royals fairly well. Now keep in mind, Chuck Smith and Coach B go way back. Coach Buchanan played for Smith and Larry French at Mercer and the ties/friendship runs deep. Anyway, the Rebs were up by at least 50, 4th quarter and they do a frickin' pooch kick and recover it. Many didn't understand why he would do that, 1) leading with a big score and 2) Coach B was 'supposed' to be a friend. Well, that is what you do when you are preparing to win a state championship. Its lilke practicing the special things you may need when it comes down to it in the big game and Coach Smith needed to have his team prepared on executing the 'pooch' kick. But trust me, it made a lot of us Royal fans ticked!! :irked: Coach B I'm sure came away from that game knowing, when you have a lead and you're going in to playoff time, you practice on those special things that just might mean the difference between a loss and state title. I just love those RAGIN' ROYALS!! Good luck in the playoffs and be determined to make it to the big dance. It's yours... take it!! :thumb:

I hate it, but I have to agree with you. Mercer has suffered injuries to key players and each week they look like they just don't have the heart and fight in them. The end of the season is near. Frustrating year... no reason for this!!!

What situation are you talking about? What situation was Mason placed in?

A poster said it earlier, neither Weaver, Brown or any high caliber coach is going to come to Mercer as long as Yates is the high school principal. Coaches shouldn't have to deal with petty issues, but make an example out of a few, stand by what you told them the 1st time and eventually, the parents will see their griping doesn't do any good. It is a mindset that needs to change and the word TEAM definitely needs to be implanted in their heads. This isn't little league and little johnny joe isn't the star just for himself. This is where each guy depends on the other to do his job. Don't think Chuck Smith didn't have to put up with that when he first got to Boyle Co years ago, he did! But, he told them how it was going to be and either support the team or hit the road. Ya gotta have 'em and use 'em. Too many intimidated head coaches, especially if they know they won't get backed up by their principal. AND... you gotta show improvment and WIN and then people will think the coach actually knows what he is doing and leave him alone for the most part. Ughhh.... so much to be done at Mercer. But I'll still stick by it, it can be done. Facilities, athletes and community support - even though parents can be more of a pain than a support at times, they do love their football. Imagine - if the job ever does come open again, a high school principal and superintendent who say "we're going after the best and we' going to build a program here because our kids deserve it". It takes commitment and support from them too.

Administration as a whole needs to know the importance of winning and what it takes to build a program. Not a good season every now and then, but build a PROGRAM. The superintedent and high school principal both have to go after the best of the best in every aspect, both teachers and coaches. We wouldn't want our kids to settle for mediocre teachers, so why would we settle for mediocre athletics? We shouldn't! The facilites are there, the athletes are there... so what is missing? Support - maybe? Knowledge - maybe? I dunno.

I said it yesterday in the 'predictions' thread and knew it was not going to be a pretty night for the Titans. They are fundamentally weak and get blown off the ball on both sides. No blocking for the young, inexperienced QB Lewis, who still made plays when he had to run for his life all night long. Its a shame for these kids. I know alot of people may not believe it, but Mercer does have talent... they historically have. What's the main factor here? Marty Jaggers' 1st year at Mercer showed what hard work and knowledge would do. He started turning the team around that 1st year and then we all know what happened the 2nd year and I really don't want to stir that pot, so please let it go. You've got Ellis, Burrus and Banks with incredible speed and can make things happen, but if you don't have a line that can block for them and if they don't know how to follow their blocker, well , then that is fundamentals isn't it? I hate it for the kids!! I'm tired of Mercer County accepting mediocrity in any area. Our kids and our community deserve better! Hang in there Titans!!!