It’s time again for the SORSN Pick Panel to make their opening week picks. Last year, Steven Sears walked away with the coveted Pick Panel championship, going 9-1, in his first year on the Panel. We welcomed Steven, better known to most (who attended MHS in the ‘90s) as Fro, back again this year to defend his title. Additionally, after serving 1 year probation for continuing picking Grace Christian while on the Panel, Michael Rose makes his return – waving his 7 Pick Panel championships in front of anyone who questions him. Joining Michael and Steven is long-time panel member Boo Narramore. Barry holds the records for most consecutive Midway picks at 80. That’s right, in 8 seasons on the Panel, Barry has yet to pick against the Waves. Also returning to the panel is Ralton Emory. Ralton brings a wealth of history and knowledge to the Panel and has often been rumored to be on NSA’s staff and perhaps one of Snowden’s trainers. Think I’m kidding? Just ask him about any Midway opponent. To help make SORSN and equal opportunity employer, Amber Johnson returns to the Panel. In all seriousness, despite living out of state during some of her tenure on the Panel, Amber still out picks our next Panel member, Kyle Canup. Kyle remains on the Panel for one reason….I lost a bet.
The Waves hit the road for the opener on a long road trip; heading to Kingsport to face Tri-Cities Christian. While I know nothing about TCC, I did see the Waves last week in a Jamboree against Wartburg…and either the Wartburg is that bad…or the Waves are going to be in the win column a lot this year because they dominated both sides of the ball. Lyle looked very impressive under center; poised outside of the pocket and makes things happen down the field. The receivers caught everything in their direction. Longmire, the RB, ran the ball well. No, that is not a typo….a Longmire is actually a running back. Can a running back wear the #72? And we cannot forget about the working mules up front who controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
Will the Waves be green after a 2 hr bus ride? Will first game jitters get the best of the veteran Wave team? Let’s see how the Pick Panel forecasts the opener.
Steven “Fro” Sears: I really don’t know anything about Tri-Cities Christian, but from what I have heard this is a very beatable team. Midway can’t focus on what TCC did last season because as we all know, private schools can do a complete 180 from one season to the next. We have all seen it time and time again. I like the things that I’m hearing about Midway and their veteran squad. With all that experience comes high expectations. I’m picking Midway in this week’s matchup against the Tri-Cities Christian Golden Eagles 35 to 21.
Kyle Caup: I’m so glad football season is back around and I’m exp. excited for coach Campbell and the 2013 waves. Haven’t seen them in action but have heard nothing but solid reviews. That’s not shocking considering the hard work Campbell and these guys have the past two years. With some seasoned players and a lot of pure talent I think the Waves are gonna have a solid year.
I got the Waves taking the trip to tri cities and coming back with a big W to start the season off.
Ralton “Mule” Emory: Well, it finally here. Football time! Friday night lights! The smell of fresh cut grass, mud, sweat, tears, blood, and guts. Good times!
Midway opens the season on the road against TCC Eagles. The independent school is in year two of a three year plan to enter the TSSAA as an official member. They are an infant program looking to grow into a powerhouse. Currently, TCC is a senior dominated team, however the team is only comprised of a 19 to 20 man roster.
TCC will be led by a senior QB and a senior RB. That tandem should be the focus of the offense for TCC. The RB rushed for 1600+ yards last year while dealing with a hamstring injury.
Midway will have the edge in personnel numbers, but according to the papers in the Tri-Cities area, TCC focuses on the conditioning since they know they will be outnumbered personnel-wise.
I think Midway fans may underestimate this group. I hope the coaches and the team hasn’t. If the Green Team plays solid ball, they should win, but it won’t be as easy as they some may think. Traveling that far and playing at a recreational center harkens back to when a very talented Green Team traveled to Chattanooga to play an undermanned and outgunned Silverdale. Midway was embarrassed that game. Let’s hope this doesn’t happen this time.
Midway 35, TCC 28
Barry “Boo” Narramore:
What a great night last Friday to watch our Greenwaves go to the big city and impress everybody including me! The Green team has a big line and an experienced QB. Wartburg found no room to run into Midways big front line. Midway’s 1st team offense drove down the field with ease. QB Shandon Lyle threw a beautiful Td pass to Jon Beason and was 2 for 2 on the night passing the ball and Midway dominated in a 13-0 one quarter win. Midway was playing without Gage Patterson and Hunter McCullan last week due to injuries. Both returned to practice this week.
Don’t know much about Tri-cities Christian. Seems that they do have a speedy running back and both teams played about even with common opponents from last year. But I do think the Greenwaves have already taken positive steps from last year and I’m predicting a 2 TD win from the South the River boys. Go Big Green!!!
THE girl, Amber Johnson:
Going with Midway in the season opener. Based on the scouting report for the Greenwaves, we should be very competitive this year. Also, some of the boys got extra workouts hauling hay for my uncle Randy Gage this summer. They should be good and ready to go this season. Thanks for taking my spot in the hay field Gage and Brandon!
Michael “HVA” Rose:
Midway Greenwaves can’t be prouder, if you can’t hear me holler a little louder.
| Amber Johnson | Barry Narramore | Kyle Canup | Steven Sears | Ralton Emory | Michael Rose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 0: @ Tri-Cities Christian | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway |
| Week 1: Whitwell | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Whitwell |
| Week 2: Bye | ||||||
| Week 3: Hancock Co. | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway |
| Week 4: @ Tellico Plains | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Tellico |
| Week 5: @ Sunbright | Midway | Midway | Midway | Sunbright | Sunbright | Sunbright |
| Week 6: Harriman | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway | Midway |
| Week 7: Grace Christian | Grace | Midway | Grace | Grace | Grace | Grace |
| Week 8: Meigs Co. | Midway | Midway | Midway | Meigs | Midway | Midway |
| Week 9: @ Rockwood | Midway | Midway | Midway | Rockwood | Rockwood | Rockwood |
| Week 10: @ Greenback | Greenback | Midway | Greenback | Greenback | Greenback | Greenback |
| Standings: | 7-3 | 7-3 | 7-3 | 6-4 | 7-3 | 7-3 |