Blue Devils rally in 2nd half

Waves let one slip away....lost to Harriman 35-14. See photos of the game here.

Week 2 Interview with Coach Mo

SORSN: It’s FOOTBALL FRIDAY! Tell us coach, what has this week’s practice like?

Coach Moser: We practiced Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

SORSN: The biggest improvement is said to happen between the first and second game. What did the team work on to improve this week?

Coach Moser: Making sure we get in a good position during water breaks so the crowd can see us.

SORSN: Harriman has a lot of speed but proved to be ineffective against Kingston in week 1. What will the Waves need to do to make Harriman 0-2 in the county?

Coach Moser: Score more points than them.

SORSN: Does it make any sense that the entire football team stands at the most dangerous intersection in the county?

Coach Moser: That is way down the list on things that don't make sense to me.

SORSN: We've heard from a person inside the Ramey campaign that a recount has been initiated but some question the methods involved. SORSN.com was able to obtain this quote. "Not since the bribing of the refs at Donelson Christian has Jack Daniels been more involved in an officiating role.” In case Ralph’s political career doesn’t pan out, is the team any closer to signing a deal to have him perform at the home games?

Coach Moser: I'm more worried about our football team performing at home games right now.

Waves drop opener

The Waves fell to Wartburg, 14-28, in the season opener. View photos from the game.

Tiger Bunch edges Jr Waves, 8-6

Coming off a disappointing showing at Rockwood in week 0, the Jr Waves made the excruciating drive up highway 27 to Sunbright and waiting at the top of the hill would be Sunbright’s All-Everything, Tyler Bunch.

But it would be Midway’s defensive “bunch” that made a name for themselves. Anchored by Ethan Crabtree who had an excellent game at nose guard, the Midway defense held the Tigers scoreless all 4 quarters; it would be a kick-off return that would be the difference in this ball game.

Neither offense was able to generate points in the first half. The Midway Greenwaves kicked off to Sunbright to start the 3rd and held their ground; forcing a punt. The Jr Waves would put together a nice series, picking up a couple first downs and moving the ball with hard running from Jon Beason and Zach Herron. With 3 minutes remaining in the third, Midway’s Jason Hass broke free and would race 30 yards to the dance floor and giving the Waves a 6-0 lead. Sunbright’s Tyler Bunch kept Beason from crossing the goal line, and saved the 2-point conversion.

The Greenwaves didn’t have long to celebrate. Tyler Bunch would take the ensuing kickoff and shed 3 tacklers on his way to the end zone. He followed it up with the 2-point conversion and gave the Tigers an 8-6 lead.

The Midway defense kept Bunch in check the entire game, but the Midway offense couldn’t escape the claws of Tyler Bunch and the Tigers. The game ended with an 8-6 Sunbright win but it was a complete turnaround from week 0 in the play & performance from the boys in Green that will have the coaches & fans pleased going into week 2.

You can see photos from the game under the SORSN Galleries section.

Note: We are still adding photos so check back Friday night to see all of the photos from the game.

Preseason Interview with Coach Moser

SORSN: First off, congratulations on beginning your 11th season as head coach of the Midway Greenwaves. Tell us about the off season changes to the coaching staff. (Who was lost, who was added, their roles, what they bring to the team)

Coach Moser: New addition to the coaching staff is Ryan Hill. Ryan played at Kingston and played his college ball at the University of Tennessee. Ryan will be working with our RB's and DL. Coach Steve Stansbury is back with us after completing his tour in the Middle East with the United States Marine Corps. Steve will be again in charge of in-season strength and conditioning and assisting with the OL and DL. Coach Shillings is back (I think) and will be working with our WR's and assisting in Defensive game planning. Coach O'toole is still around and is Defensive Coordinator and DB coach. Coach Campbell is also back for his 2nd year at his alma mater and is OL, LB and has a major role on the Offensive side.

SORSN: What did you see during the offseason, summer workouts and the preseason that you liked? Disliked or needs improvement?

Coach Moser: I like our attitude. They have come to work every day. They still have to learn what playing hard is. They have to learn how to give it all.

SORSN: According to the experts on 99.1 The Sports Animal, the “3 star” players make up the core of the team and is where the team pulls its leadership and heart from. Do you feel that this is true and how would you rank your “3 star” players against your opponents?

Coach Moser: We have a very demanding schedule. We must bring it EVERY PLAY - EVERY DAY! If we all play with all we got, I'll take our guys against anyone.

SORSN: We’ve seen powerful run game in the past and now with the development of young Tom Viar - attempts at a passing attack. Let’s take for granted that the good folks up in Wartburg do not have internet, what can the folks on the hill expect to see from the offense on the 27th, opening night?

Coach Moser: Come out for opening night and see.

SORSN: For 5 years, Coach Moser has answered this question the same way….we’ll try again next year.

In the recent County Elections there was a grass roots movement in an effort to get Ralph Ramey elected as County Commissioner. Given the number of CORs (Cousin of Ralph) in and around SOR do you feel that a recount is warranted?

Coach Moser: You have put me in a bind with this question. Being a public figure I am supposed to remain neutral when it comes to politics. However, myself being a COR I think a recount is a must. Sorry Ronnie.

SORSN: A few weeks ago, Euchee Marina was the scene of what was nearly an electronic disaster when a floating dock gave way during an encore performance of Family Tradition by Ralph Ramey. Clearly, the dock wasn’t built to hold all the CORs. Given the turnout at the marina, presence of paparazzi and the size of the mash-pit when Ralph got on the mic, have you considered contacting Ralph’s agent for a performance/fund raiser for the football program? Do you think we can get Ralph to cover a Justin Timberlake song for the ladies? How about a promotion video for the football team of Ralph performing Hank’s “Are you ready for some football”? Halftime performance with Mr. Westrich & the band with Ralph? Coach, the possibilities are endless.

Coach Moser: I would love to get Ralph to sing "Are You Ready for Some Football" as the team ran to the field..Imagine the fence walkers excitement! Ralph would NEVER sing Justin Timberlake. You saw the ladies at Euchee. Ralph’s Hank stands for itself. I think we need some ideas from not only COR's but all SOR to best use our natural resource, Ralph Ramey.

SORSN: In an earlier conversation, Coach O’Toole commented when asked about the team – “they are busting there ass and I’m fired up to coach them. Don’t know how good we will be but we’re going to hit and bust our ass.” Can we quote him on this…..errr…I think we just did?

Coach Moser: I will leave it up to Tool to speak for himself. The players are working hard, Dr. McMillan gave Coach O'Toole a clean bill of health and he has his group playing as hard as the stones mined in Crab Orchard. I get a little itch when it come to football, and can't wait for the season to begin.
GO BIG GREEN!


Thanks Coach and as always, we look forward to Friday nights.

2009 All Tri-County Football Team

Midway's Wakon Roberson was named to the All Tri-County Team.

Click to read Roane County article

UT Announces New Hire

It appears UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton has made his decision...


However, several questions are still up in the air. Will Coach Moser take long time assistant Coach O’Toole with him? Who does Mr. Mason get to replace Coach Mo?

Stay tuned to sorsn.com for the latest information.

Waves Win

Game summary from Boo Narramore:
"Hancock Co scores early after a Midway turnover. Extra point fails. 6-0. Midway came back with a pass that was tipped into the air and falls into the hands of Midway's Wakon Robinson who heads up the field for the score. Bad snap on the extra point and the game is tied 6-6 at the half. Second half, Midway takes a 14-6 lead when I think Henderson scored on a short run. Oliver got the extra 2 on a hard run. Field condition were terrible and slowed down the Green passing attack. Oliver, Henderson, and Viar had some good runs and the Waves get their second win of the year."

Waves collapse in 2nd half, Rockwood wins

Despite the odds and everyone beating on Rock Vegas, the Greenwaves jumped out front early and played Rockwood hard; however, it all fell apart in the second half - leading to a 28-6 Tiger victory.

Game summary from Boo Narramore:
"Midway took a 6-0 lead on a Viar to Binger pass on the opening drive but Rockwood answered with drive of their own to take a 7-6 lead. The Green was looking good with about 3 minutes left in the first half when Midway tried to run the punt out of their endzone and turned the ball over on downs inside their own 10 yard line.

Rockwood took advantage of this with a quick TD before the half, 14-6 half time score. Second half was all Rockwood...."

Waves are at home against Hancock County on the 23rd.

Waves unable to overcome early storm

Last Friday night, Midway hosted Grundy County. It was Homecoming for the Waves and a quick look at the Doppler 10 showed that it was going to be a wet one. Severe storms moved in and with tornado warnings all across the area, the fans, coaches & players were forced into the gym to wait out the storm. With time to kill and a flooded football field, Homecoming activities were held inside as well. Courtney Laws was crowned Homecoming Queen 2009.

The game was delayed about 2 hours but they would get the entire game in. We will use the words of Barry Narramore to summarize the game:

“First offensive play, fumble, Grundy scores. 2 more TD's and the Waves are down 21-0 with 2 minutes left in the 1st Q. Midway settled down and outscored G.C. 21-7 for the rest of the game but still got beat 28-21. We are proud of the Midway boys for not giving up. With the score at 21-14 with about 7 minutes left, the Green had G.C. stopped on 3rd and long but got a personal foul gave G.C. a new set of downs and led to their last score. Midway came back down the field with a long pass to Wakon and then scored on another pass to make the score 28-21 with less then a min to play but could not get the onside kick.”

The Waves will now travel to Rockwood for a district game against the Tigers.

MMS Softball Defeats Rockwood

Monday night was Eighth Grade Night for the Midway Middle School Lady Waves. For Jaime Kilby, Kaylee Burton, Abby Ward, Kayla West and Ashley Lemons, this Middle School home game would be their last. The opponents were the Rockwood Lady Tigers. Earlier in the season, the Lady Waves had suffered a decisive defeat to Rockwood. However, this time, it was Eighth Grade Night. This time, it was on SOR dirt. The Lady Waves were determined to make this game a memorable one.

The first inning started well for the Midway defense. Second baseman Jaime Kilby was tested early, and she passed with flying colors. The first three batters all hit to Kilby. She fielded all three balls, including a couple of very difficult ones. Kilby made three good throws to first baseman Emily Richardson, which resulted in three outs. In the bottom of the first, Kayla West reached on a walk. No other Midway batters got on base, but West was moved around and eventually stole home, putting the Lady Waves on the board. After the first frame, it was Midway 1, Rockwood 0.

Midway pitcher Raygn Hall started strong in the second inning, striking out the first two Rockwood batters. Hall then fielded the ball and threw to Richardson to record the third out. Whitney Colyer and Richardson both drew walks in the bottom half. Jayde Rose came on as courtesy runner for Colyer, but no Lady Wave runner got past second base in the inning.

The Midway girls kept the game perfect through the third inning. On the first batter, Kilby was at it again. She made another nice grab and threw to first for the out. Hall hurled another strike out, and the third Rockwood batter grounded the ball to Richardson at first for an easy out. In the bottom of the third, West hit a big single to the outfield. She moved over to third base on the next couple of batters, but would be left stranded there to end the inning.

In the top of the fourth, things started looking shaky for the Lady Waves for the first time in the game. Center fielder Kayla West made a nice grab on the lead off batter. However, the next Lady Tiger reached on the first Midway error of the night. The next Rockwood batter hit a triple to tie the score at 1-1. Before Midway recorded the third out, that batter would also reach home plate. The Lady Waves couldn't get anything going in the bottom of the inning, and Rockwood led, 2-1.

In the fifth inning, the Midway defense started out with another error and put a runner on first. Thankfully, the girls soon settled down. Left fielder Callie Leffew caught a pop up for the first out. Then, third baseman Kaylee Burton earned another Chinese dinner when she grabbed a pop up for the second out and threw to Richardson at first to double up the runner there. That got the Lady Waves to the bottom of the fifth. The Midway offense was back on track in the bottom of the inning. Right fielder Kallie Sohm started out with a strong single. Julie Kilby entered the game and drew a walk. Big sister Jaime followed with another walk to load the bases. Kayla West came up next and hit a sacrifice grounder to score Sohm and tie the game. Raygn Hall then knocked in both of the Kilby sisters. Jaime Kilby showed a lot of speed to score from second on this play. By the end of the fifth, the Lady Waves had reclaimed the lead, 4-2.

In the top of the sixth, Rockwood would strike back in big way. Short stop Abby Ward fielded a grounder and threw to Richardson for the first out of the inning. However, a Midway error and two hits would allow the next three Lady Tiger batters to score. Raygn Hall stepped it up on the next two Rockwood batters, assisting on a put out at first and recording a strike out to get Midway out of the top half. In the bottom of the sixth, Whitney Colyer was hit by a pitch. Courtesy runner Jayde Rose replaced Colyer at first and quickly moved around to third. Later in the inning, as Rose attempted to steal home, the Rockwood catcher would be called for obstruction. Rose was safe at home, and the score was tied, 5-5. That's how the score would remain after six innings.

The excitement was at a peak going into the seventh and final inning. Jaime Kilby continued to have one of her finest defensive performances ever, as she came way over to the right field foul line to make a catch and get the first out of the seventh. The next Rockwood batter reached on a hit and eventually made it all the way to third, adding a little more tension to the Midway bleachers. However, Hall was solid, throwing for two more strike outs to end the threat. In the bottom of the seventh, it was all on the line for the Lady Waves. One run would win the game and secure the victory on Eighth Grade Night. With one out, eighth grader Jaime Kilby reached on a Rockwood error. Next, eighth grader Kayla West singled to left field to move Kilby over to third base. Raygn Hall followed, hitting a ball to the infield. Jaime Kilby raced toward home plate and scored easily. Midway wins the game! Midway wins the game! Final score: Lady Waves 6, Rockwood 5.

It was a glorious night for this year's eighth graders and for the whole Midway team. In a post game ceremony, each of the eighth graders was presented with a gift bag which included a softball signed by all the team members and the coaching staff, a Midway t-shirt, a gift card, and more.
The ceremony was followed by pizza and all kind of goodies. The coaches awarded Jaime Kilby as the game's Most Valuable Player. They also named Kaylee Burton as the season's Most Improved Player.

On Tuesday night, the Lady Waves will travel to Harriman to play the final game of the season. Game time is 6 PM. The post season tournament will start on Saturday at Coafield.