Sports Forum

I really enjoyed the tennis matches this past weekend. The mens championship match was the best ever.

I'm getting anxious for football season to start. Go Panthers!! Go Titans!!

But how good can the Panthers be this year? Could this be the year Portland reaches .500 on the season?

There are a lot of questions.

It would take alot to surpass last year with regard to the panthers.

Thats not to take away from the kids that were playing...we will see if the coaches can come up with more than 2 offensive plays this year.

As for the Titans.....Now that the offonsive cach has changed...look for them to contend again this year. I look for a much more aggressive offense which is what has been missing in the past few years.

I meant to say it would NOT take alot in the first sentence of my post....(probably would have helped to preview the message first huh?)

With training camps starting up, I'd like to discuss predictions on the upcoming NFL season. Will the Patriots finish what they started last year, or will one of the other contenders step up and acheive Super Bowl glory this year?

Copied from another thread.

How many more days until those train whistles are once again silenced and White House beats the living crap out of Portland on their own field again?

Posted by: Blue Devil at July 27, 2008 02:57 AM

Blue Devil, team spirit or not your sportsmanship has little to be desired. This was one of your nicer posts on our Portland Blog! Go back home and spill your trash where it belongs.

i wonder if the beaver will have more than 2 offensive plays this year?but of course he'll play the kids the quarterback club members tells him to play, or else.

go whitehouse

Does the Titans have a ballgame this Saturday playing the Rams??

Re-Posting of a Re-Post from another thread.

COPIED FROM ANOTHER VINE...

I was just wondering what everyone thought about the possibility of the Portland Panthers going to the football playoffs?
I have been over to watch practice and I just can't get a good feel as to what type of team we're going to have.
Everyone that watches practice each day says Portland will be much better with Colton Williamson at quarterback this year. I hope so. I just don't know if there are any weapons to go with him???
Posted by: at August 2, 2008 09:23 PM

Posted by: Portland Fan at August 3, 2008 02:02 PM

COPIED FROM ANOTHER VINE...

Apparently the Panthers looked really good at Camp Nacome. The Panthers beat Station Camp 14-0 in a scrimmage. Station Camp is suppose to be the best team in Sumner County this year. Even though it wasn't a game, the coaches have to be happy. I believe this team might actually be decent this year. If not I think Portland will be looking for a new coach.
Posted by: billyg at August 3, 2008 12:12 PM

This should be a make or break year for coach Bever. I don't think fans or the new principal will stand for another 1 or 2 win season. Basketball coaches have already been replaced. It was reported they resigned, but that's just a nice way of saying they got the boot. I'm not advocating the firing of Bever, but the results of this season will weigh heavily in whether or not he returns next year.

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone plays in a Fantasy Football League. I do Fantasy Baseball and would love to find a Fantasy Football League to participate in.
Let me know?

We have tickets for tonights Nascar Truck races at NSS, didn't realize Titans played tonight too... BooooHooo. Maybe I'll get sick and send someone in my place. lol, GO Titans!

Wow.... WTG Titans 34/13 over the Rams! I know it is just pre-season but this is good to see!

This will be Bever's last year simply because, they will have yet another losing record and fall short of the playoffs. I don't care if they beat WH (which they won't) next year will be unreal as far as competition goes when the classes change. Portland football...shoooo-WEEEE!

I run a lot of fantasy football leagues on nfl.com, yahoo, and ESPN. If enough people are interested, I'll start a private one for those of the Portland blog.

Hey Tim, I am finally playing fantasy football for the first time ever on ESPN.com with 9 others. I am excited, but a little clueless at the same time. Looking forward to it, though. HOwever, this being my first time and all, I think I need to only concentrate on ONE league this season!

No problem Mack. I did participate in I think 3 my first year, but I got hooked quick. Espn is actually my least favorite place to play. I just started on it, had my first draft last night, but the layout and user friendliness is horrible. NFL.com is great because it has free live scoring and is user friendly. Yahoo is a little deeper in that you get to pick up a few defensive players too, but they make you pay for live scoring.

I'll keep checking in every couple of days to see if anyone else is interested.

well how do yall think the panthers will hold up 2mrow against the BLUE DEVILS? i say final score will be 31-10

Well, you were close! Portland hung tough in the first half, but the Devils pulled away to victory in the 2nd half!!! Blue Devils win 35-17. Portland is much better this season, and will win more games this year. I know Portland's fans will continue to support their team, and they should, because they are much improved and are obviously playing hard! Good luck the rest of the season!

The situation on the visitors side is horrible, and I hate that all of Portland's visiting teams will be subjected to the seating arrangement this season. I can only say, until you have to sit and walk and maneuver around over there for a game, you just don't understand. It was horrible.

I thought White House's touchdown at the end of the second quarter was the knockout punch against the Panthers. They never seemed to be able to answer. You could kind of see how deflated they were when came out at the start of the second half. Overall, good job Panthers! White House is very good and they exposed some weaknesses on defense. Portland will win more games than last year and I am thinking around four or five.
See ya, next week!

good job Panthers...good to see more than one man handle the ball on offense...by the way, would someone please inform the sign person and program person that it is
FRESHMEN not FRESHMAN and what is up with
purple beat blue ? was that for PHS or pee wee
this week..

good job Panthers...good to see more than one man handle the ball on offense...by the way, would someone please inform the sign person and program person that it is
FRESHMEN not FRESHMAN and what is up with
purple beat blue ? was that for PHS or pee wee
this week..

good job Panthers...good to see more than one man handle the ball on offense...by the way, would someone please inform the sign person and program person that it is
FRESHMEN not FRESHMAN and what is up with
purple beat blue ? was that for PHS or pee wee
this week..

well this week i say that the panthers will fall short to Northwest. if they do pull out the win it will be close. i say final score portland 21, northwest 27

Portland earns first win on Friday.
Portland 27 / Northwest 24

our high school coaching staff is awful. should be a way to rid our town of this staff

our high school coaching staff is awful. should be a way to rid our town of this staff

Very disappointing tonight. We had Northwest beat and beat soundly.

We played well...ran the ball well and I thought the defense was tremendous.

This was a BIG game because Portland didn't need to open the region with a loss. The Panthers' schedule gets tougher week by week.

Come on guys, hang in there!

heads up panthers... we had the game but our fumbles and interceptions killed us.. defense and defense coaches did a great job.. hang in there and keep fighting.....

good job disgruntel panther.. you must be an ex player or dad.. i'm sure the panthers appreciate your PANTHER LOYALTY AND SUPPORT... LOL

Why is it that football seems to be the only sport talked about on the sports vine???
Portland High School has several fall sports, including volleyball, girls soccer, freshmen football, junior varisty football, bowling, cross country and golf.
There is even a pretty talented football team at the middle school.
I like talking about the varsity Panthers just like everyone else (Heck, we all do) but don't forget the other sports.

I like the way you think Portland Fan! The girls soccer team is holding their own this season. With four games under our belts, we have won 2, tied 1 and lost 1. So far, in district, we are 2-0-1. We have two weeks of nondistrict games ahead of us which should help us prepare a bit more for the remaining district games. So far the girls are holding their own and showing that they are able to compete with every team we have played thus far. Heres looking to a successful season.

As for the other sports, both papers are doing a fine job of providing coverage. Golf, Girls Volleyball, Cross Country and Football teams have all begun their season while I do believe that bowling is due to start up soon. I am sure the players on these teams would appreciate any support you all can provide them, as fans are what makes the matches exciting!

I LOVE how the Progressive ( I didn't see The Leader) swept the White House defeat under the rug by putting it on page two with almost ZERO photos and coverage. It may not mean much by way of a division game, but it is SO COMICAL to me how hard this town takes losing to White House! If PHS had somehow won against WH, the paper would have put it on the front page, along with color photo after color photo of how HUGE this win was!...LOL

But since Portland got it handed to them, they played it off like it was no big deal.

So funny........0-2

I know a lot of folks in Portland only go to the PHS Football games, if you get a chance go and support the rest of our student athletes. About everyday of the week there is some sport that is playing at home. Soccer and Volleyball usually play on Tuesday and Thursdays. Coach Kimes could you update us each week where the girl's are playing?? Go Panthers!!!

the coaches can only -"MAKE THE CALLS" - they aren't the ones that fumble the ball, fail to catch a pass that is intercepted, or fall short from a penalty... these coaches work hard EVERY DAY AND NIGHT trying to get the team where it needs to be... I personally have watched most of these coaches play as panthers themselves and I know they truly bleed PURPLE and want nothing but the best for Phs. we, as parents and fans, need to be more supportive and encouraging and hepefully things will turn around for our panthers... keep supporting them !!!!! go panthers

phsfan,

Well said. I have noticed that the Portland leader seems to have all the sports in town covered. I am glad I changed subscriptions to the Leader. My son is not into football and its nice to know this town cares about other sports than football. Don't get me wrong.....I love football. But not everybody can be a quarterback. And the Leader had a great story and color photos of the White House game.

Does anybody know how close Friday night's game was. It had to be miserable to be out in that rain.

Curious,

Let's not get into a discussion about the newspapers in town. That's so old.
Can't you pick a more interesting topic? Like the Portland golf team is preparing for the district tournament and their top girl is hurt?
How about the fact that the cross country coach is retiring at the end of the season?
How about the PHS bowling team has a new coach?
How about the portland baseball coach is already working with his players for next season?
How about the girls soccer coach has turned the program around in her first season?
Let's talk about something interesting.

Portland's golf top girl? Would that be Katie or Laura? Katie's a far better player in my opinion and can carry the team without Laura. I hope Laura's injuries don't prevent her from pursuing college opportunities. Girls golf is a great way for scholarship money.

I hate to be taking sides with the Progressive, but there paper from top to bottom has a lot more local stories than the Leader, even the sports is better. My only gripe with the Progressive is every time you open up the sports there is pics of the same kids and coaches. We buy the paper to see the kids not the coaches or the qb.

Billy G,
I have to agree with your comments about the Progressive. They do seem to have more local stories and more advertising from Portland.
And your comments about the sports pictures are right on the money. I would like to see a wider variety of photos, too.
I think I will write a note to the newspaper about this and see if they can work on it. It never hurts to ask.

Whatif, you said talking papers was old news and implied it was a taboo topic. We are supposed to talk sports, right?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm..........

Curious,
I did say that, didn't I. I forgot and I do apologize. But I was supportive of what Billy G said about the newspapers.
We all have our loyalties. Yours is obviously for the Portland Leader. Mine is with the Progressive.
Sorry, curious...I will try to do better.

I forgot to tell you that my pick for Friday night is

Portland 22 / Greenbrier 9

I like those numbers! Go Panthers!!!!!!

Portland misses the PAT attempt in OT, falls to Greenbrier 27-28. They played their hearts out, but they let it slip away right at the end.

great game Panthers.... tough loss... best game so far... great job coaches... keep fighting....
everybody come out and support our panthers this Friday at Mt. Juliet.... beat the bears.....

great game Panthers.... tough loss... best game so far... great job coaches... keep fighting....
everybody come out and support our panthers this Friday at Mt. Juliet.... beat the bears.....

great game Panthers.... tough loss... best game so far... great job coaches... keep fighting....
everybody come out and support our panthers this Friday at Mt. Juliet.... beat the bears.....

great game Panthers.... tough loss... best game so far... great job coaches... keep fighting....
everybody come out and support our panthers this Friday at Mt. Juliet.... beat the bears.....

Disappointing loss for the Panthers...missed XP in overtime. Portland goes into the heart of their scheduled 0-3...The Panthers face Mt. Juliet on Friday and, don't forget, former Panther Reed Gurchiek, plays for Mt. Juliet...should be an interesting game...I hope the Panthers can turn things around.

Anybody know how Portland did tonight?

They Lost to Mt.Juliet 24-6 according to the TSSAA website.

come on panthers.... where is your panther pride? that was the worse performance from our panthers yet against the bears, and it wasn't the COACHES fault... our panthers did not fight for a win, they did not tackle with fear and they did not act one bit excited to even be on the field (except for a few players)... it takes a team of all 11 starters and support from the side and the fans ALL FOUR QUARTERS !I thought the fans were great the first half but a little dead the second half... I know we have some TOUGH KIDS on the football team because I have watched them play since they were 6/7 yrs olds, and I know they have heart and the ability to compete...I was so disappointed that our boys did not go after MJ'S quarterback... you guys are as good as him (some better) yet ya let him outshine you in all areas on the field..the only two players to really hit him hard were #20 and #21- (good job guys).. we should have EAT HIM UP !!!!!! Hang in there coaches - ya are doing your job, its just not happening on the field.. the only real gripe last night seemed to be about our offense calling but right now nothing seems to be clicking.. HANG IN THERE PANTHERS... ITS NOT OVER YET - go after the BISONS..LINE- "work hard this week", #4- "GREAT PERFORMANCE LAST NIGHT"- KEEP IT UP! #20- keep being the motivator and fighting hard and running hard! #14 - keep running hard- you are awesome and NEED THE BALL MORE for first downs"...#7 & #10 - great leadership at qb - TO ALL OUR PANTHER S...HEADS UP- GET YOUR MIND ON WINNING AND FIGHTING WITH ALL YOU HAVE AND IT WILL HAPPEN....GO BIG P -

well the panthers still cant get it together. the bison won this week and will be lookin for another. oh and has anybody seen beech? they killed clarksville 51-3. beech is our last game. the panthers seaon looks VERY grim.

What is wrong with the Panthers? They are a much better team than they were last year.
I don't understand all the fumbles and the interceptions.
Come on guys!

I see a new coach in the future.

The football stadium will named Edgar Johnson stadium after former head coach Edgar Johnson at Friday night's game with Station Camp. It's good that Portland has such a strong football history to fall back on. The future isn't real bright.

so staion camp is coming to portland on a win and were going to the game on a 4 game win streak. and did anybody hear about a bunch of players quiting the team monday?

4 starters quit fb today... #4 #7 #56 # 21
aka hernandez williamson bostic and banks..
don't worry, they will be back tonight and my money says they "will not be punished either"
... hang in there panthers... you still have half a season to pull thru...i hope those boys rethink
what they have done and wake up!!!!

Maybe the coach should be the one to wake up and rethink?

I think a lot of this goes back Ms Grogan, Ms Payne, Coach Collins, and that awful basketball coach we had Tim Halford. Three of those folks had there purple colored glasses on when they made this hire. Instead of going and getting the most qualified person for the job, they in good ole boy Portland fashion when and got their friend, neighbor, and former student. Hopefully Mr Gideon will clean the football field house out with some of these coaches.
I hear every Friday is movie day in one of the football coaches business class. I guess they are teaching the correct blocking schemes of running the wing T offense.

coach lets a player come back on FOOTBALL team couple of weeks ago (that doesn't play) but yet denies any of the 4 starters that quit this week the chance to (he let the team vote)... what is up with that?

coach lets a player come back on FOOTBALL team couple of weeks ago (that doesn't play) but yet denies any of the 4 starters that quit this week the chance to (he let the team vote)... what is up with that?

Why would they need or want to come back after they decided to leave?

I actually do agree with Bever on this one, if the kids decided to quit and they want to come back, let there peers decide their fate. Too bad it wasn't the coaches that quit.

If they don't start winning some games,I have a feeling the Coach's won't have much of a choice but to quit or get fired.

This is just too bad, these kids are good kids and deserve a better coaching staff then this. Mr. Bever only knows about 2 plays which he has them run over and over and over.

It is time for a new head coach, this team is much better than this and a new coach would prove it!!!

It seems to me that Coach has a history of letting certain ones that quit come back and others who ask to come back are denied that chance. It shouldn't be up to the team who comes back or who doesn't. I think it should be up to the Athletic Director, the Principal and the Coach.

All of you who think Coach Bever should have let the four players that quit back on the team, I have a question?

When are people suppose to start being held accountability for their actions? They quit and, more importantly in athletic circles, they quit their teammates and you just DON'T do that. When these players get older and they have a history of quitting, are they going to quit their jobs and expect to be able to come back? Are they going to quit their marriages and expect to come back?
I give Coach Bever a lot of credit. He could have brought them back, but he let the team decide. That should tell the four players that quit a lot about what their teammates think of them.

In a perfect world, what you are saying is right. But I won't give Bever the credit for it, he has a history of letting certain players back when they quit just like another poster said earlier. I tend to look at this and ALL the other boys leaving the team over the past two and a half years as them going on strike or protesting if you like. They are frustrated with the way this team has been coached for TOO long.

38-0 thats a bold statement. Yea living the dream huh coach? to me this game really shows the charater of this coaching staff and this team. Station Camp showed up to play and we didnt. =[
Better luck aganist Kenwood. Hey they lost to Northwest we might have a shot at winning

38-0 thats a bold statement. Yea living the dream huh coach? to me this game really shows the character of this coaching staff and this team. Station Camp showed up to play and we didnt. =[
Better luck with Kenwood. Hey they lost to Northwest we might have a shot at winning

This coach is an embarrasment....time to move on.

I wonder if we could even beat Red Boiling Springs with this coach.

I don't understand the complaints about Coach Bever.

I have never seen him throw an interception during a game. I have never seen him miss a tackle during a game. I have never seen him fumble during a game.

Shouldn't the players be held accountable?

i have a question for you...

Based just on talent alone...how does our team compare with White House, Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, Station Camp, etc?

Man to man...Do we have as much talent on our team as those other teams do?

what a idiotic comment, portland fan. if what you say rings true, then we dont even need the beaver, the kids should just show up on friday and play the game. the beaver only knows a couple of plays and the other teams have figured this out in his losing 1-14 record as a failed "coach."(as you can see, i use that term lightly). what kind of dunce plays the same players on offense and defense when there are kids warming the bench that may have the potential needed to win games? this is the reason we dont have a SUCCESSFUL COACH like perry, who refused to let anybody (the good ole boys club) tell him who to play. now he's winning games especially when he comes to portland.good job coaching staff 38-0. leave it to beaver.

no the beve has not fumbled or thrown an interception . but his lack of ability and record speak for itself. please replace this staff. i would'nt even let them finish the season

Havin gbeen heavily involved in High School Sports Myself, I can say this, the coach is entirely responsible for what goes on either in the field or the court etc....

It is the coaches job to have these people prepared to play. That why there is a coach.

Sure the coach doesn't throw an interception, or fumble the ball etc....

However, the lack of proper coaching technique and training is why this is a problem.

Everything that happens in a game is a direct reflection of the coach...everthing.

These are just kids, they are good hard working kids who deserve much better that what they have.

The coach is the one putting the team on the field. He is entirely responsible.

He needs to go NOW!!!

don't understand why the beve can't see the writing on the wall.

there you go portland fan. the people have spoken. the beaver sux and needs to be fired if he's too asinine to quit.

PHS Football Field House needs to clean house starting with the coaches.

There are soo many talented kids standing on the sidelines with years of football experience. They play because they love the game. It's disheartening to see that they attend all practices, but don't get any playing time.

And now I hear the last two JV games have been cancelled due to too many injuries (doesn't really matter the JV players aren't really varsity players--so their hopes of getting to play at all are now gone.

The kids don't get to try out for positions, I know there are several talented QB's and TE's that are playing the line instead.

JV won a game last week, and its not looking good for the Varsity Panthers. If only we could get a win it would so boost the morale of the players.

The kids give their all to the coaches during practice, when will the coaches give back????

I agree some with pantherparents, there are so many kids that are playing out of position. its time for a new coaching staff. I think the team should all walk on this staff and demand a new coach. Lets send the Beav a message. I am so glad that I got out of the quarterback club.

Maybe he needs to quit coaching and rent out one of our local vacant buildings and start a church. It has worked for many, many other men around here.

Karma for the "White House Sucks" t-shirt fiasco a couple years ago. Karma. Portland is getting what it deserves on the football field. I just hate it for the kids. They can't help what the adults in charge have done the last few years. Many of you wanted Perry gone, now you are complaining.

This is a sad, backward, good ole boy run town, but hey, it's affordable to live here. You just have to drive up the road to shop and eat.

Karma has nothing to do with it, Bever has everything to do with it. And Bever don't listen to anyone in the QB club or anywhere else.

Who cares what the QB club says.....

The problem is the Coach stinks and needs to go TODAY!!!

i feel sorry for you parents that have kids on this team that are not one of the beavers best buddies, cause your kid will probably warm the bench all through high school unless the beave steps down like he knows he should. what kind of moronic "coach" plays his quarterback on defense? i dont know about you, but i am sick of reading his lame excuses in the papers and the editor covering for him all the time. i noticed last week " whats on his mind" conveniently had nothing to do with football.

I think it is hilarious to see PANTHER FOOTBALL as just a passing page-two story weekly in the local papers. Portland use to run up the score on lesser opponents back in the Perry days, and people haven't forgotten. Now the Panthers are the opponent everyone else wants to play in their homecomings! Where da train whistle at now?

how bad are the panthers gonna get beat this week? maybe the beav will pull all the stops

Hello. And Bye.

Hey guys,

I find it funny that you guys are willing to get on this blog and blast coach Bever for a loss, but you won't get on here and praise him for a win????
You wrote previously that the coach is responsible for anything the players do. You wrote that when the players fumble, it is Bever's fault. You wrote when the quarterback throws an interception, it is Bever's fault. You wrote when the defense misses tackles, it is Bever's fault.
Doesn't that mean when the players win, it is also Bever's fault?
That's the one thing I don't understand about some Portland football fans...you live in the past.
Can you REALLY say this year's team is as talented as any of the top teams in the region???
In high school, talent comes in cycles and we're just not in one of those cycles.

We haven't been in your cycle for the past three years

What if...

It is pretty obvious that you have absolutely no idea of the responsibility of a coach, or have never participated in organized sports that involved a coach.

Why isn't he praised when he wins?

I hardly think the miniscule number of wins this coach has had is worth praise. He is a poorly prepared coach, and his lack opf knowledge and preparedness is obvious on the field, week after week.

Yes I do believe these kids would perform MUCH better under different leadership.

Fred, jaws

You guys are such hypocrites. You bash the coach when the team loses because you say he is responsible for everything the players do.
But, when the players win, you won't give the coach any credit.
Is Bever responsible only when the team loses???
Who is responsible when the team wins????

What If,
Do you realize how many kids at PHS are not playing football because of the coach? each year he is there more and more leave. If those kids were back on the team (and him gone) we would have a Great team and there would not be any Cycle.

What if,

I hardly think 1 win warrants billboards and banners in honor of the Coach. How many wins does he have versus losses, overall. It isn't pretty.

It beginning to seem as though you may have some vested interest in this Coach.

I would be willing to bet, he will be gone at the end of the year, if not sooner.

Who is talking about billboards and banners?

All I am talking about is giving the man his due. You blame him for the interceptions the players throw, the fumbles the players make, the tackles the players miss and you say he is responsible for those things because he is the coach. You don't hold the players accountable at all.
So now when the team wins, you don't give the coach any credit. He gets all the credit when they lose, but no credit when they win?
Can't have it both ways guys!
We just aren't that good of a team this year. You truly can't say Portland is as talented as a Mt. Juliet, or a Station Camp, etc. Talent comes in cycles. Why do you think Perry wanted to leave?

BTW - speaking of vested interest...what number does your son wear?

I just want to see a good Christian man treated with some respect.

What If,
You should not have went there. Good Christian men do not treat kids or parents as if they were a lower life form. That is what this person does. I refuse to call him "Coach" he does not deserve the title. Let me ask you a question; if your child was taking the business class that he teaches and he tells the class that they are going to vote yeh/nay to toss your kid from that class, how would you feel? and when your kid is gone he and his staff low rate your kid on a daily basis in front of the other kids. He incites hatred among the kids, he encourages kids to quit he turns his back on parents who have concerns, thats not a teacher or a coach....

okay bever has won 4 games outta 25 so far itll b 30 at the end of the seaon. now WHAT IF how many do you think he will have at the end of the season??? to be honset we should be givein credit to dumb luck, cause if you were at the game WHAT IF, kenwood stoped on the 9 to kick a field goal to tie the game, they could have ran it in like they did all night. think about that WHAT IF.

he has won 4 games out of 25? In other workd his overall record is 4-21, thats a 19% winning percentage.

Were supposed to hoot and holler because he has a 4-21 record. Please....

Respect is earned, 4-21 is not a respectable record as far as I'm concerned. I fail to see what his status with regard to faith has to do with whether or not he should get respect.

He hasn't got respect, because he has not earned respect, whether he is a Christian or not. And 1 win for the year does not warrant a pat on the back.

Guys,

Let's face. Portland doesn't have the talent it has had in the past. And, if Portland moves up to 5A, I hate to say it but it is only going to get worse.
Coach Bever and his staff is doing the best they can with what they have and if the Panthers would just hang on to the ball, they might do a little better.
Maybe we can get another victory Friday at Springfield!

once again we manage to throw the game away in the closein seconds. lets see how we can do that this week against springfield

Portland's coaching staff lacks talent! It's the responsibilty of the coaches (it's not just Bever folks, it's the entire staff) to see the potential talent in the players and grow that talent

I have been trying to give the Panthers the benefit of the doubt. And recently, a very smart former coach talked to me about something I should notice about the Panthers.
He said if you will look at last year's season, Portland was blown out of games. They were losing games and they were losing them quickly.
This year, the Panthers have been competitive in just about every game. He thinks true progression has been made.

An overall record of 4-22 is not my idea of progression.

Whoever that coach was lacks higher expectation.

I think, what that coach was probably thinking was you have to walk before you can run. Talent comes in cycles and I know most people don't want to hear that, but Portland is experiencing a rough cycle right now.
Compared to last year, this year's Portland Panthers are a much better team. In all reality, instead of being 1-6, Portland should be 4-3 with wins over Northwest, Greenbrier, Kenwood and Clarksville. The Panthers even had a shot at Mt. Juliet.
I don't think we're going to go from 2-8 to a state championship in one year. We have to have some realistic expectations.

The competition is not as strong this year as it has been the last two years, that is why the scores have looked better. Look at every other teams record this year (less Beech) no one is playing as well as they have the last two years except Portland. Portland looks as they have the past two years. Mr Gideon: PLEASE CALL COACH HOWELL-

Portland Fan,

You sound like a Cubs fan.....year after year we hear the same ole excuses, yet nothing changes.

Bottom line is we have a coach with a 4-22 record. Other than Red Boiling Springs, this coach would have been fired already at any other school.

It is time for him to go.......

You know, I understand how everyone is upset about Coach Bever and everything, but I have a question.

What is a new coach going to do with this program? Do we really expect a new coach to walk in and make the playoffs his first year?

Don't forget, we're going to 5A next year!!!

What If,
The answer is NO, but we do expect more than a win or two over a almost three year period. At the risk of repeating myself, these kids and all the kids who have left the team over the past two and a half years DO NOT RESPECT BEVER. If they don't respect him they will not give 100% on the field. A good coach would be able to see this and would "move on" instead of contining to pull the team down. There is only one reason this team has not won more games......

It just went final. Portland defeats a winless Springfield tonight by scoring two touchdowns in the last minute and a half.

Portland 35
Springfield 20

A big win Friday for the Panthers...

I am curious what you anti-Bever folks are going to say if the Panthers make it to the playoffs?

If they make the playoffs, there is no way Bob Gideon would let him go!

2 wins on the year and your thinking playoffs?

You really need a reality check.

What would a new Coach do?

Well lets see what a new coach did......

How were things with Coach Perry? Switch to the next year and compare to Coach Bever.

I think a decent Coach makes all the difference.

Perry VS Bever is a perfect example. On the field and off.

jaws,

hate to break the news to you, but Portland does have a shot for the No. 4 playoff spot.

Concerning Perry and Bever, why do you think Perry wanted to leave Portland so badly??? He knew there wasn't much talent left and there would be hard times ahead.

There is no way in Hades that Portland will beat Beech. Quit dreaming.

Portland Fan,

I am beginning to wonder if you are either Coach Bever himself or someone very close to him.

There is no way the playoffs are going to happen as this point.

Denial is an ugly thing.

So apparently Perry was scouting the elementary and middle schools for future football talent......... Saw their was none....... And decided to get while the gettin was good! is that how you see it Portland Fan? and if we follow your way of thinking concerning talent comes in cycles, then coaching talent must also come in cycles ... Hmm. Oh, another thing, Portland would not even be talked about in the same sentence as "Playoffs" if it were not for Rossview and Clarksville getting themselves eliminated from the playoffs by burning each others fields.

If you guys are so passionate about the Panther football team, have you ever gone into Bever's office and talked with him about the program?

Or? Do you do like many people in today's society do? Sit back and complain and criticize without doing something to get involved.

Maybe, after talking with him you might learn a little bit about the program, about what he's trying to do. I know just about all of you are parents of players and I think it would do a lot for the program for parents to get involved instead of just criticizing from afar.

P.S. - I am not Coach Bever and I am not a member of his family...not even close.
However, I have coached before and I know a little bit about what he's going through.

Portland Fan,
Bever does not talk to parents. Any one who questions him about their son or dares to question his intelligence will be shunned, talked down to, he will turn his back on you and say "this conversation is over" "I don't have these conversations". I and many other parents have been subjected to his arrogance and condisending attitude. Do you honestly think that anything you write here on this blog will change how we feel about the way he has treated us? The only thing that can help his cause is to appologize to the parents and the players (personally) whom he has treated like trash.

is nodody gonna say anything about clarksville and rossview burning each others fields?? even still if there is a playoff shot we still have rossview (who is right behind beech in 4a standings) and beech. two teams very capable of tearing our team to shreds. so.....

How about those Titans?

Goooooo Titans!! This will be a tough game Monday night, but the one if any I hope they WIN!! I hate it for Vince Young but think the organization made the right move putting Kerri Collins in as the starting QB and he has done a fantastic job as has the rest of the team, I'm sure Vince will be back soon, there is way too much pressure put on these young players especially the QB's if they didn't come with such a high price tag fresh out of college maybe that wouldn't be the case. Either way they're all a "Team" and doing a fine job on and off the field!!

Portland fan,

more of the same from you...

excuses, excuses, excuses.

Time for this coach to go, time for some new blood at the healm.

I too have coached, I have coached Basketball, and everything that goes on to that field is a direct reflection of the coach. The facts are that this coach has a horrible record, runs very limited offensive plays that every opponent has figured out.

The kids who work hard to practice and play deserve better than this.

Instead of blaming the kids for lack of talent, how about blaming the coach for HIS lack of ability.

Jaws, Fred and all you other Bever haters,

If you are so sure the Portland Panthers need to get rid of Coach Bever, why don't you write letters to the editor of the Progressive saying that Portland should get rid of Bever? Put it in writing.
Blogs are designed for people to hide behind false names and say just about whatever they want with no accountability.
So, guys, why don't each of you put some power in your ideas about Bever and write a letter to the editor? Let's see if you're that brave???

Yeah! I hear the Progressive will print ANY letter......even if it's not true!

Letter to the Editor?

Who actually reads the paper anymore?

I would be willing to bet this blog has more readers than any local newspaper.

I don't believe anyone is hiding here.....I notice your not actually utilizing your "true" name either as I am sure your birth cert. doesn't say Portland Fan. Maybe your the one who is hiding.

Secondly, this blog is open to all who want to join in, why doesn't your beloved Coach Bever come to this blog and defend his actions, or lack thereof.

My job is not the one in question, his is, my actions are not in question, his is. My record is not in question, his are and I have not lost most of the games I have coached, he has.

So don't blame us for not taking the proper chanels, he is the one in question here....not us.

So what happened at last night's game? What was the outcome? Was anybody there?

According to TSSAA website

Portland 6 Rossview 42 (R)

Enough talk about football...
What about the women's soccer team reaching the regional tournament? Way to go Lady Panthers.

P.S. - Basketball season is just a couple of weeks away.

well last game is beech. can bever get a win over the power house that is the beech bucs? this team actually looks like a pratice squad of the tampa bay bucs the way they play.

Hey, you disappointed Portland fans --
If you really feel that Portland needs a new coach, do I have news for you!

Tyrone Willingham of the Washington Huskies has announced his resignation at the end of this season, and is looking for a job. Wonder if he could successfully coach our Panthers.

Probably not....

Well,
The portland season is over at 2-8.
I think it could have been 4-6 or even 5-5.
I know there will be a lot of talk, but I say Mike Bever should be the coach next year!!!

Jerry Ray,
So you have enjoyed the last three years of losing? 2-8, 1-9, 2-8. I don't consider this the record of good coaching do you? Come on! this is what you want for our high school football team is more years of losing. These boys deserve better than that. This town deserves better than that. This is not a matter of like or dislike, it's a matter of having success or not.

Texas Tech or Oklahoma St this week?

I underestimated Tech once this year (I'm a Longhorn fan) and won't do it again.

Does anyone else think there aren't at least four teams in the SEC and Big 12 that could take out Penn State?

Since I'm not a native (of Tenn) and don't follow TN football that closely, I'd be curious to hear what TN fans think of Fulmer's chances of staying around.

I agree with Jerry Ray. Mike Bever should remain as coach at Portland. There was vast improvement in the team over last year's team. However, thanks to a lot of fumbles and a lot of interceptions, Portland won only two games.

Portland Fan & Jerry Ray,
There is a reason why Fulmer will not be at Tennessee next year.........Same applies here!

What???

If you're talking about wins and losses, what is enough? How many wins does a football coach at Portland have to have each season for you parents to get off his back? Six? Eight? A state championship? What's it going to take to pacify you parents?

If you want to talk about wins and losses, the only coach that's been able to take his team to the state tournament on a regular basis is Tim Elliot, the golf coach.

Does that mean we should fire everyone else?

Is it any surprise that Portland fan is a GW Bush supporter?

How many wins does a coach have to have? One or two a year is not enough, I can tell you that!...LOL

Kurt M.,

As was the case with your response on the other vine, it doesn't make any sense.

No wonder you are an Obama supporter, you don't answer the question.

How many wins...6, 7, 8, a state championship...will it take for you guys to get off the coach's back??

That would be good to know so that Bever or some new coach would know how many wins he needs to have to keep people quiet.

OK Portland fan, I will entertain you. It HAS to be more than 2 wins a year, which is all our current coach has under his belt so far. And that is after three years at the helm. Drink more of the purple Kool-Aid.

Oh yeah, and accept it. Obama won. John Rich's song didn't convince anyone.

Kurt M.,

So...what you're saying is if Portland had won three games this year, you would not be calling for the coach's head...right?

Just a quick rant here. What is up with the disprespect for defense? Last year the Patriots start 9-0 with a flashy offense and all the sports guys were talking about how they could go 16-0. Flash forward to this year and the Titans are 9-0 with a flashy defense, but every sports guy on TV talks about how they got no chance of going 16-0. Now I am not saying I believe they will, but to me, this shows a clear bias toward offense when I was always told defense wins championships.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Coach Bever has been let go as the head football coach at Portland High School. Bever in three years as coach won 5 games.

Hey,
I am just curious how many of you will be going to Gallatin Saturday to see the boys and girls high school teams play in the county jamboree?
I am anxious to see how the teams play and what kind of coaches we have.
I think the girls game is at 3 p.m. and the boys game is at 4 p.m.

We should have a couple of good basketball teams representing Portland this year.
I will see you in Gallatin.

Tim I am with you. The Titans defense is getting it done with little clout, however I like it that way. I would rather go unnoticed. What is so cool, is that our defense is performing really well even with our backups in there. Jason Jones and Dave Ball have been holding down the fort quite well. When KVB gets healthy, look out!

As far as recognition, as long as we are a small market, this will be the case. Oh well. GO TITANS!!!

Hello. It is test.

dude you know what I'm talking about! soy desole

To those who wanted a new coach --

I hope you guys are happy now. You got what you wanted and there has been a change in the football coaching staff at Portland High School. You guys should pat yourselves on the back.
But what now? Where do you find an "experienced coach" that's going to want to come to a program that went 5-25 over the last three years and is going to move up a class next year to 5A and play the likes of Station Camp, Gallatin and Wilson Central?
That's going to be an enticing picture to paint any coach, huh?
I just want to know how long you're going to give the new coach until you fire him? If it really is about wins and losses like you guys talk about and like Mr. Gideon talks about then what's your guidelines.
Does the new coach have three years? And if he does, how many wins does he have to have in three years before you want him fired?
I expect you to hold the new coach to the same standards you held Coach Bever to. That would be fair, wouldn't it?
And if you think it's been bad...wait until we go 5A.
Way to go, guys. You got what you wanted. I hope you're happy.

glad he's gone as coach! atleast maybe the new coach will someone with intelligence and reasoning! might even know a little about football

Hey Panther,

So a new coach means Portland is going to win more games? Are you sure?

I just want a coach that is actually friendly and will treat the parents of the players like human beings. Coach Bever was so arrogant that it was sickening. I could see if the team was actually good, but he won 5 games in three seasons.
Also the play calling on offense was terrible, but what do you expect from a bunch of coaches that don't know anything but the wing t.

What If,
Why do you make it sound as if we ran him off? He did not need any help from us. A new coach will get the same scrutiny the old coach received. Do you think we would be better in 5A with the previous coaching staff? givin the last three years of 4A....

hey what if all i got to say is c-ya

The coach from Lancaster Christian Academy in Smyrna (ray greene) has applied for the Portland job. He started that program from the dirt 2 years ago. Despite no support from the school he is 15-5 over the last two years including 10-0 season this year. He is loved by the administration and the parents and he is a Christian role model. He is young (early 30's) and would do a tremendous job at a school like Portland. All of his players love and respect him. I coached with Coach Greene and I can tell you that he is a flat out winner. He is somewhat of an unknown, but whoever lands him is going to be set. I played football my whole life including Div 1 football and coaches like him are rare. Best of luck finding a coach.

COPY & PASTE FROM ANOTHER POST
===============================
Chuckster,

While I generally agree with your opinion I have noticed one common theme that seems to surround this issue and I have a real problem with it.

I read an opinion article in the Progressive that also seemed to present the same theme.

It seems that Bever did have his supporters and those supporters seem to be hollering about how Portland lacks Talent and how the talent pool has dried up because people aren't moving here anymore.....they are blaming everyone but the coach by laying the blame on the players.

Let me tell you a little story, I come from a small town in Northern Illinois, Morris Illinois. I remember my Freshman year in high school our Freshman team was horrible, they did not win a single game, it was pretty ugly, and Morris is a huge football town. As these kids progressed through the JV system, they won only 1 game in 2 years. Once they moved up tho the Varsity level, they really began to shine because of good coaching, a coach is also a teacher, and this coach taught these kids very well. So well in Fact that they won the State Title by thier senior year and the Morris Redskins have won, I believe, its 4 state titles over the years since.

My point is, stop blaming the kids for a bad season, a good coach can make all the difference to a team as proven in my story above. Mr. Bever, I am sure is a good man, no one is saying he is not. He is just not a very talented Coach.

I am so tired of hearing these excuses of how bad the players were, or the talent pool is lean.

How about the Coach just didn't do his job....that's the bottom line.

Posted by: jaws at November 25, 2008 10:43 AM
-----------------------------------------------

I'm not a football fanatic like some in this town but I do know that about a decade ago we had some great talent on our team, and we were lucky enough that the talent was spread out over a few years to give us some great seasons. The facts are that we do not have talent like that any more, and yes we also don't have a coach as experienced as we used to. On top of those two crippling facts this town isn't bringing in any new blood to town like it once was. The talent we had before was mostly some of this town's past talent's children. I'm sorry but football in town right now just isn't good and complaining about your coach isn't going to make it any better. Try supporting the coach a lot more and ask him what can we do on our end to help our boys succeed? What things do you need to do a better job coaching? and if all you got are a bunch of 'yeah-buts' then don't bother talking.

Posted by: Chuckster at November 25, 2008 08:41 AM
-------------------------------------------------

More wins than losses would be a good start!

I don't think that is too much to expect.

Posted by: jaws at November 24, 2008 12:45 PM
----------------------------------------------

jaws,

So, are you going to be in on the selection process?
Hey, how many wins does he have to have in two years, three years before you guys start calling for him to be fired?

Posted by: What If at November 23, 2008 05:57 PM
------------------------------------------------

Actually we are very happy and its about 2 years too late.

His losing record spoke for itself.

I agree it will be difficult with the move up to 5-A but I am willing to bet, IF Gideon makes the right choice with a new coach, we are all going to come to realize that the Coach is much more important that some want to admit.

Let just hope the new coach comes with a proven winning track record, not as an assistant somewhere, but as a head coach who has proven himself. Portland is a football program with a rich history and tradition that we need to get back to. I think the strong football history here, will draw some strong experienced, proven candidates.

Posted by: jaws at November 23, 2008 10:09 AM

------------------------------------------------------------------
Way to go Portland,

I hope you guys are happy. All of you who wanted a change in the football staff at Portland High School got what you wanted.
Do you really think it's going to get any better next year when we move to 5A?

Posted by: Jerry Ray at November 22, 2008 08:49 PM
\----------------------------------------------------------------

I understand your story and point Jaws, but your story has one major flaw. Based on your idea of great coaching is the only reason you won, who's to say that the teams you lost to had great coaching? Who's to say that when you got into high school that the other teams had incredible coaches. On top of that your basically stating your skill level from the time you were a kid to high school was the sole result of the coach. That way of thinking isn't fare to the players either.

I do understand your argument but I'm not saying it's the players FAULT. The fact is somebody has to lose, parents have got to stop thinking that their kid is awesome and everyone is special so they should all win. I also didn't say it was only a lack of talent issue. Too often we point the finger and never think that the whole thing could be out of wack. It could be Bever, it could be the talent, it could be the parents not helping, or it could be a million other reasons. It could be that Portland isn't the progressive city it says it is. Businesses come and go constantly and there's no sign of real growth going on. I just wanted to bring up the idea that maybe everything should be looked at instead of focusing on one area. If we do then our great football past might be just that, the past.

Hey Jaws,

If you say you would like for the new football coach to have more wins than losses, does that mean if he goes anything under 6-4 next year that you will ask for him to be fired?
Remember, you and everyone else said it is about wins and losses.

Hey What If,
He's Gone... Get Over It-

Jaws, Fred...

Just promise everyone that you will hold the new coach to the same standard you held the old coach?
When he loses more games than he wins in Class 5A(which he will) that you will be asking Gideon to fire him...
Whoever the coach is, will have to try and compete in 5A with a team that couldn't win in 4A and was starting to lose regularly during the final few years of 3A.
So as fans of Panther football, promise all of us that you will demand the new coach be fired when he loses just like you did this time!

You are beating a dead horse dude! Oh, I copied a line from your last post "with a team that couldn't win in 4A"... wasn't there supposed to be some coaching involved with that "team"? you must be one of the coaches or a past coach or father of one of the coaches, you just can't let it go... Always blaming the players, but never the coaching staff. Real Men take the blame. Real Men can handle the blame.

Way to go Panthers.
Kris Hooper, Portland's new basketball coach, has guided his boys basketball team to two wins in their last three games. And the victories came against Westmoreland and Hendersonville...Two very good teams.

Hello
I've just registered to say your site is very useful and nicely done!
Thank you very much for your work.

Cheers!

Sorry for offtopic.

TST

Go Panthers! Portland High School boys basketball team wins AGAIN.

Alright, enough of this quiet, somebody make a comment about the new head coach and the building of the assistant coaching staff. I hear lots of good things about Coach Sanders.

Repost; this was just left in an old posting, thought it would be more useful if placed here.

I am very sorry to hear you had a bad season in the Portland little league last year 2008. It is not time to point fingers but to get involved and make the park a better place for the children of Portland. In the past it has been hard for the park and the little league in this area. having a brand new board last year was very hard on them most had no idea what they were getting into, BUT I can assure you this year 2009 season will be Far FAR better. For 1 the board knows what is needed to be done and how hard it is to run the park. 2 the board has a new structure for players, games, coaches, umpires, division of the leagues so EVERY child that wants to play PLAYS and gets a fair time to play. last year it was hard on the board only having 2 player agents 1 for boys and 1 for girls. This year the board has put in place a total of 5 player agents and 1 main board player agent. I am the board player agent and our player agent team is dedicated to having the best season. open lines of communication for parents, coaches, and umpires to bring to my attention ANY PROBLEMS they see or are having Will be addressed immediately . Let me answer this before it is brought up YES this is my first year on the Portland little league board BUT I have a 10 year background in running a youth organization. I come from ASA softball/baseball with a background in coaching umpiring and board president and player agent. I can be reached anytime (please not after 11pm) but if that what it takes to make sure that every child is enjoying the game and having fun and Learning not only about baseball but life I will be available then also. Little League is a GREAT organization to play with and I hope you will give us a chance to prove to you and your child that this being our 50th year in Portland will be and continuing to be a GREAT place for your child. I can be reached at paulgoad@theportlandlittleleague.com anytime or by phone. I don’t think I can list my phone here but my number is on the www.theportlandlittleleague.com website. Please join us in making OUR PARK and Little league the best it can be for the service to the children of Portland TN Paul Goad Board Player Agent and Board Information Officer

Posted by: Paul Goad at January 16, 2009 04:07 PM

I read in the Progressive that football coach Gary Sanders will be holding a public forum on Monday, Jan. 19, at the football field behind the middle school. It said he was going to answer any questions the public has about him, his team or football in general.
That should be interesting. There may be a big crowd for that.

Hopefully this new Coach will run more than 3 plays. Seeing the same 3 plays run over and over again not only was boring to watch, it certainly wasn't hard for the other team to figure out.

Good luck to the new coach and a new direction for the Panthers, it is much needed.

Okay, since the Titans aren't super bowl bound... boo..hoo.. who's your pick? I want The Cardinals, but likely the Steelers will win although they seem to be a little banged up after Sunday's game.

Hey,

Did anyone go to the public forum with Coach Gary Sanders Monday night at the football stadium? I didn't get to go, so I am just curious how it went. What did he talk about? Were there a lot of people?

I'm hoping the Cardinals win the Superbowl. I'm really glad that the Ravens got stomped. I was hoping that the Steelers would give them a little bit of what they were giving the Titans. I don't like to see anyone get hurt but... these guys seem to make a habit of it. Kurt Warner is awesome and #11. I think it was the best game that I've watched all year.

Who is going to see the wrestling event Saturday night at Richland Gym?? Jerry Lawler is going to be in action.

If neither of my teams are in the Super Bowl then I tend to pull for the underdog. I like Kurt Warner a lot, and I'd love to see him win another ring with a different team.

As a big Cowboys fan (admitting you have a problem is the first step to a cure, right?) I just can't seem to pull for the Steelers. And I think if they win, that gives them more Superbowl victories than they Boys, which I just would not be able to handle.

If the Steelers win...... it's ok... they beat the Ravens. I would have liked to see the Colts instead just for Tony D (I think the Bucs did him wrong way back when), but since the Steelers beat those Ravens, I will learn to live with it if they beat the Cards.

*Laughing at Tim*...My husband is a die hard Dallas fan too *poor guy*. He just knew when the media annointed them champions they were doomed.

Tim,
I knew it was more than politics that made me like you. I've been a Cowboys fan for over 30 years now, in good years and in bad! Unfortunately, unless Jones gets his ego out of the way and gets rid of Phillips, I'm afraid "bad" will prevail for a while longer.

P.S.

I'd pull for the "Cards" too, but with the luck I've had this year, they'd lose simply because I was pulling for them. I'll just be a "closet" Cardinal fan.

Well Chuck, if we have another 9-7 year, I think probably even if we have anything less than an NFC championship game, you may get your wish and Phillips will be out. To me, not is not necessarily a bad thing. You still have Cowher out there, Shanahan, Holmgren, a lot of good coaches that could step in and provide a little discipline. I kind of soured on Jason Garrett this year. I mean, if I can sit on the couch and call the play the Cowboys are about to run a lot of the time, I'm sure it is not hard for the guys who get paid to do it to do it too.

But that's okay. If I can suffer through the 1-15 year, I can suffer through almost anything. As long as one of the victories is against the Skins.

The Super Bowl was great. The fourth quarter was one for the ages.

So was Conan: "Vroom vroom party starter..."

Superbowl was ahh, ok, I figured Pit would win, really would of like to see Cards win, guess they just didn't want it bad enough. I was glad to see they only put Kurt Warners wife on the cameras about 6-8 times, verses when we played them in the SB she was on the cameras every time you turned around. Guess none of the other players wives go to the game............ LOL

The Super Bowl was one of the best I've watched. I hate that the Cards lost though. As a Cowboys fan, it was hard to watch the Steelers become the first team to win six.

What about John Jenkins last night? That kid is awesome. I left before the 3rd period was over. I think he had his 40 pts by then and the score was just 58-25. Cant wait to see what he does at Vandy.

And what about UK losing 3 SEC games in a row? I'm not a big basketball fan but thats just unheard of. I've got a couple of friends I'm gonna have to put on suicide watch!LOL

well the football i hear has been working hard. the new coach is something else. why wasnt he brought in three years ago?

It doesn't matter, Portland football will stink again this year. Deservingly so. Call it trickle down. The ignorance of the top of our city falls down into our much loved sports teams. Those "Beat White House" shirts the school had printed up for the most recent BB game, even sendin one to the principal of White House? Well, they didn't work. White House won once again. LOL

Attention city of Portland,: quit basing everything on beating White House. They out class you as a city AND as a sports team....