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posted by: Bass, Joseph A - MNPS at Nov 08, 2012 10:13:00 AM
Cross-Country Excellence
MLK’s Sam Klockenkemper’s second consecutive state championship capped a great Cross-Country season for MNPS runners. That’s right, Klockenkemper reigns as state champion two years in a row. The MLK boys’ team finished second in the state and Hume-Fogg’s boys’ team finished fourth in the state.
Cane Ridge Sophomore Bailee Dean finished runner-up in the state in her first year of competition. Future is bright for that runnin’ Raven.
A Lesson from History …aka…Annual End of Season Waxing
In sports with a playoff system, most teams end their season with a disappointing loss. That’s just the nature of the beast. About this time every year, the North Sports Report contemplates the end of the season that comes so quickly in the playoffs. Although consoling disappointment with historical quotes might not be recommended therapy, the lesson from Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” quote applies to all of us no matter our venture, and bears repeating again this year. “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.” –Theodore Roosevelt Congratulations and all due credit to our students, coaches, teachers, staff, parents and administrators who strive valiantly, dare greatly, and know the great enthusiasms and great devotions of a worthy cause.
Alumni Alert – James Stone
The North Sports Report visited Neyland Stadium in Knoxville this week and witnessed an outstanding offensive line performance, anchored by 2010 Maplewood graduate James Stone, the starting center for the Tennessee Vols. Every offensive play begins in the hands of the former Panther. Outstanding!
Football Playoffs – Second Round: November 9, 2012
MNPS has three football teams in the second round and all playing nearby this Friday night. In the Class 4A playoffs, the Maplewood Panthers travel north to face White House. In the Class 5A playoffs, the Hillsboro Burros head to Sumner County to square off with Beech. And, the Overton Bobcats travel just down the road to Brentwood High in the Class 6A playoffs.
This is a great week to show your support and go to a game.
Hoops Time!
The 22nd Annual Metro Basketball Jamboree – or as the North Sports Report calls it, Hoops-apallooza – tips off the basketball season this week.
On Thursday November 8 at Antioch – Glencliff Colts play East Nashville Eagles starting at 5:00pm; McGavock Raiders play Pearl-Cohn Firebirds at 6:30pm; and host Antioch Bears play CPA at 8:00pm.
On November 9 at Hillwood – Hillsboro Burros play Whites Creek Cobras starting at 5:00pm; Hume-Fogg Lady Blue Knights play Harpeth Hall at 6:30pm; Hume-Fogg Blue Knights play Nashville Christian at 7:15pm; and host Hillwood Hilltoppers play MLK Royals starting at 8:00pm.
On November 10 at Maplewood – Stratford Spartans play Cane Ridge Ravens starting at 5:00pm; Hunters Lane Warriors play Lipscomb starting at 6:30pm; and host Maplewood Panthers play Overton Bobcats starting at 8:00pm.
This is your chance to get the first glimpse of the MNPS Super-Hoopsters! Go to a game!
-- Mark North
MNPS: The First Choice for Knowing the Triumph of High Achievement
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posted by: Bass, Joseph A - MNPS at Nov 01, 2012 12:46:00 PM
Who Says Nobody’s Perfect? News from the Alley
Cane Ridge Super-Bowler Aaron Ruiz had the state’s highest per game average last season, and he added to his accomplishments this week with a perfect 300 game. What? Are you kidding me? Seriously…strike after strike after strike after…well, you get the idea. We have a legend of the alley at Cane Ridge. Roll on, Ravens!
Cross-Country: Region Champs…Taking on the State
The North Sports Report was eavesdropping on a conversation at a football game recently and overheard several coaches and administrators describing a young cross country star from Cane Ridge High School: “She finishes her race, goes to visit with her family and friends, gets out a snack, sits down, and then the second place runner comes into view.” Exaggeration? Nope! Unbelievable? Believe it! Cane Ridge Sophomore Bailee Dean won the Region Championship by over 53 seconds. I would say the competition was eating dust, but she was so far in front, the dust settled before second place could dine on it.
In Boys’ individual competition, MLK’s Sam Klockenkemper (the defending state champion) won the Region championship.
The State Championship Meet is Saturday November 4 at the Percy Warner Park Steeplechase course here in Nashville. MLK’s Boys and Girls teams and Hume-Fogg’s Boys and Girls teams qualified for the state. Glencliff’s Dag Bahiru and Hillsboro’s Gabriela Herrera also qualified for the state meet.
Good luck to all the runners!
Football Friday Night…It’s Playoff Time
The regular season ended for the North Sports Report in grand style. While at Cane Ridge for the rivalry game with Antioch, I visited dignitaries like school board chair Cheryl Mayes, benefited from the hospitality of Principal Wall, and rocked to the halftime show provided by the greatest college marching band on the planet, TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands! Oh, and it was a great football game too.
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TSU’s Aristocrat of bands prepares to take the field at Cane Ridge High School |
This week begins the Road to Cookeville. I40 East? No, the TSSAA State Football Playoffs, and MNPS has six teams looking to advance.
Have you seen Antioch stars Raekwon Hosey, Moses Cornelius, and Tyler Bumbalough, or Hillsboro tailback Robert Kelley and kicker/punter Joseph Occhipinti? The first round of the playoffs is your chance as the Antioch Bears host the Hillsboro Burros in the only playoff game with two MNPS teams facing each other.
In other playoff action:
- Maplewood Panthers host Crockett County;
- District Champion Cane Ridge Ravens host Riverdale;
- McGavock Raiders travel to Dickson County; and
- Overton Bobcats travel to Arlington.
The MNPS home playoff games are at Antioch; at Maplewood; and at Cane Ridge. Support a team this week!
-- Mark North
MNPS: The First Choice for Perfection
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posted by: Bass, Joseph A - MNPS at Oct 11, 2012 2:11:00 PM
Monday Night Boogie
Are you ready for some….hey, that’s Glencliff graduate Tim Dobbins playing linebacker for the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football! After an all-state career at Glencliff, Tim was an all Big 12 performer for the Iowa State Cyclones, was drafted by the San Diego Chargers and is in his seventh season in the NFL playing linebacker for the undefeated Texans. He had four tackles Monday night and will start this week against the Green Bay Packers. Tim and his Houston teammates visit LP Field to face the Titans on December 2.
Over the River and Through the Woods…Cross-Country
The cross country season culminates in the state championship meet at the Steeplechase course here in Nashville on November 3. MNPS will have several runners and teams vying for state championships that day. Starting times for MNPS runners are 1:00pm for AAA Girls; 1:45 for AAA Boys; 2:30 for AA Girls and 3:15 for AA Boys. Dig deep…finish strong…cross country!
Football Friday…October 12, 2012
Last Friday, The North Sports Report took a date to the Pearl-Cohn vs. Whites Creek football game, and I am here to tell you that high school football is an ideal date night. What? You don’t believe me? Well, let’s check the “great date” rubric. Entertainment …check. Music performed by talented musicians …check. Reasonably priced…check. Nachos, grilled hamburgers etc… check. Sitting close to your spouse on a cool autumn evening…check. The North Sports Report is a hopeless romantic…hopeless indeed.
This week’s North Sports Report Game of the Week is at Glencliff as the Colts welcome alumni to homecoming and face the visiting McGavock Raiders.
In other action:
- Overton Bobcats travel to Antioch Bears for an old time rivalry game with district title implications;
- Hillsboro Burros host Brentwood;
- East Nashville Eagles travel to Hunters Lane Warriors for Hunters Lane’s Senior Night;
- Stratford Spartans host Maplewood Panthers;
- Pearl-Cohn Firebirds travel to Lipscomb; and
- Whites Creek Cobras celebrate Senior Night as they host CPA.
Hillwood Hilltoppers and Cane Ridge Ravens do not play this week.
The MNPS home games are at Glencliff; at Antioch; at Hillsboro; at Hunters Lane; at Stratford; and at Whites Creek. Go to a game!
-- Mark North
MNPS: The First Choice for Digging Deep and Finishing Strong
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posted by: Bass, Joseph A - MNPS at Aug 22, 2012 11:43:00 AM
Well-Deserved Publicity on the Way to State Championships
Did you catch The Tennessean’s High School Sports primer this week? The North Sports Report noticed the daily’s shout out to defending Cross Country State Champion Sam Klockenkemper from MLK as a “Top Runner” who is looking to repeat. Also, Hume- Fogg’s Boys team is mentioned as a state contender, and MLK’s and Hume-Fogg’s Girls teams are state contenders. Put it on your calendar…November 3 at the Steeplechase course…MNPS bringing home the Cross Country championships!
Can you dig it? Hume-Fogg’s Volleyball team is also a state contender according to The Tennessean.
MNPS has several other teams in all fall sports that are flying under the radar toward state championships. Stay tuned as the season progresses.
North Sports Report Game of the Week August 24, 2012
The North Sports Report will head to Buster Boguskie Stadium, the home of the Stratford Spartans to witness the clash of the Spartans and the Whites Creek Cobras. This early season showdown of legendary programs will set the tone of the season for both teams. I will see you there.
Other games this week:
- Antioch Bears head north to face Station Camp;
- Cane Ridge Ravens look to keep the momentum as they travel to Father Ryan;
- East Nashville Eagles soar to JPII;
- Glencliff Colts hit the road to Westmoreland;
- Hillsboro Burros take their undefeated record to FRA;
- Hillwood Hilltoppers travel to Nashville Christian;
- Hunter Lane Warriors host Oakland;
- Maplewood Panthers travel to Brentwood Academy;
- McGavock Raiders head east to face Mt. Juliet;
- Overton Bobcats’ home opener includes a visit from Centennial; and
- Pearl-Cohn Firebirds go to Rutherford County to play Blackman.
The MNPS home games are at Stratford; at Hunters Lane; and at Overton. Go to a game this week. The incomparable excitement of Friday Night Football is ageless and timeless. Enjoy a family night out at your local school.
-- Mark North
MNPS: The First Choice for the Incomparable Excitement of High School Sports
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posted by: Bass, Joseph A - MNPS at Jul 26, 2012 4:16:00 PM
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Board Member &
Sports Fan Mark North
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Tennis anyone? …Or … Does love mean nothing to you?
The national story of the summer in the tennis world has been the incredible rise of Hillwood Alum Brian Baker who earned his way through qualifiers to play at The French Open and at Wimbeldon. The former Hilltopper played his way to the round of 16 at Wimbeldon. Next stop for Brian is the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Alumni Alert – It’s the Principal
The new Principal at Gower Elementary School is one of the all-time greatest athletes in MNPS history. Barbara Frazier was a member of the first 5 on 5 Girls basketball state championship team at Pearl High; a state champion in several events in track and field; the first MNPS alum to be a member of the world famous Tigerbelles track team at Tennessee State; a member of the Tennessee State University Athletic Hall of Fame; and a member of the Metro Nashville Public Schools Sports Hall of Fame. Oh … and a Superstar Principal!
Fall Sports …Get the Party Started
Even before school starts, practice for the fall sports is in full swing. Last year, MNPS teams and athletes made runs at state championships, and this year is shaping up to be even better. If you have a school nearby, make sure you go to the competitions. If you aren’t affiliated with any particular school, pick a school and follow it. Fall sports include: Girls Soccer, Volleyball, Golf, Football, Cheerleading, and Cross Country. Not only will you enjoy the competition, your presence and support benefits the student-athletes in ways and to an extent that are immeasurable. Go to a game!
NIL Reunion Picnic
Like an alumni association/historical society of legendary athletes, coaches, and fans, the Nashville Interscholastic League held its annual reunion picnic this week to celebrate the governing body for high school sports in Nashville until the mid-1980’s. The North Sports Report attended and rubbed elbows with the greats: Farrell Owens of Cohn; DuPont’s Bobby Gaines; McGavock’s John Griffith; and legendary Coaches Ken Redmond, Jerry Pigue, Wes Elrod, Tommy Frensley, Tommy Griffith, and Charlie Anderson. The highlight for the North Sports Report was visiting with Hillsboro football great Donny Sherman, Stratford basketball star Mike Jackson, and the incomparable Charles Davis of McGavock. Wow… great memories of the sports heroes of bygone days. If you don’t recognize these names and want to know more about the history of high school sports in Nashville, do a little research at www.highschoolglorydays.com.
The Future of the North Sports Report
Will the North Sports Report be back for the 2012-13 school year? Answer: Ohhhh Yeeeeessss! And you can follow MNPS related Sports Reports on Twitter @TheFansInc.
-- Mark North
MNPS: The First Choice for Legendary Athletes, Coaches and Fans
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posted by: Bass, Joseph A - MNPS at Nov 09, 2011 10:58:00 AM
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Board Member &
Sports Fan Mark North |
Cross Country – State Champion
MNPS has its first State Champion of the school year – Sam Klockenkemper of MLK won the State A/AA Cross-Country individual championship with a dominating performance at the Steeplechase course here in Nashville. MNPS had several runners competing and earning medals before a spirited pro-MNPS crowd. In team competition, Hume-Fogg’s Boys finished third in the state. Congratulations to all the runners and coaches.
Football
Last week’s North Sports Report Game of the Week – Maplewood Principal Ron Woodard played the gracious host for the first round playoff game. The Maplewood Panthers football team was not as hospitable to the visitors as MNPS leading rusher and Mr. Football finalist Ladarius Vanlier carried the ball for 316 yards and four touchdowns … he had two more touchdowns called back because of penalties. Awesome!
Different perspectives appreciate different things: Several television photojournalists at the game noticed and commented about the improved lighting from the new stadium lights. That brightened everyone’s night.
Brush with fame – two Campbells: I enjoyed visiting and watching the game with math teacher extraordinaire and former Hunters Lane football coach Richard Campbell and Stratford Spartan legend running back Joe Campbell – two great men who have had great careers following their playing days at Stratford.
Maplewood hosts Liberty this Friday night at 7:00pm. Everyone come out and cheer for the Panthers.
In other action, Pearl-Cohn Firebirds defeated top seeded Smith County and will continue on the road toward the championship next week at Harpeth. It looks like Pearl-Cohn will play away games all the way to Cookeville for the Championship game. Go Firebirds!
Congratulations to Antioch Bears, Glencliff Colts and Overton Bobcats on great seasons, and good luck to all the seniors who played their last high school game Friday night.
MNPS Statistical Leaders – Regular Season Final Stats |
Rushing |
Ladarius Vanlier, Maplewood |
1,590 yards |
17 touchdowns |
Passing |
Presley Gamble, McGavock |
1,374 yards |
14 touchdowns |
Receiving |
Tony Mason, McGavock |
523 yards |
6 touchdowns |
Tackles |
Jahmare Anthony, Hillwood
Rick Thomas, Overton |
115 tackles
115 tackles |
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Interceptions |
Tyler Bumbalough, Antioch
Anthony Johnson, Hillwood |
5 interceptions
5 interceptions |
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BasketballIt is hoops time! The MNPS Basketball Jamboree begins Thursday night November 10 at Hunters Lane where the girls and boys teams from Whites Creek Cobras, McGavock Raiders, Maplewood Panthers and host Hunters Lane Warriors will compete against Harpeth Hall, Nashville Christian and CPA. On Friday night November 11, Stratford Spartans, Hillsboro Burros, MLK Royals, Hume-Fogg Blue Knights, Hillwood Hilltoppers and host Glencliff Colts will play at Glencliff. Saturday night is all right for hoops at Cane Ridge High School where the jamboree will feature Overton Bobcats, Pearl-Cohn Firebirds, Antioch Bears, East Lit Eagles, and host Cane Ridge Ravens. The Jamborees tip-off at 5:00pm each night. Get your first glimpse of the MNPS hoopsters as they put the jam in jamboree. Pick a team and follow it. -- Mark North
MNPS: The First Choice for the Competitive Spirit
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posted by: Bass, Joseph A - MNPS at Nov 04, 2011 11:51:00 AM
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Board Member &
Sports Fan Mark North
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It's postseason time as our MNPS teams look to advance and win championships. As the careers of seniors wind down, the excitement mounts and they compete for championships in all fall sports.
Football -- 1st Round
- District Champion Antioch Bears host Station Camp and look to avenge an early season loss to the Sumner County school.
- Pearl-Cohn Firebirds travel to face Smith County in a first round matchup of these two teams for the third year in a row.
- Overton Bobcats host Siegel from Rutherford County.
- District Champion Maplewood Panthers host Creek Wood.
- Glencliff Colts travel north to face Gallatin.
MNPS home games start at 7pm on Friday at Maplewood, Antioch and Overton.
Pick a game and enjoy.
Girls' Soccer
The Hume-Fogg Lady Blue Knights completed a thrilling ride to the state quarterfinals in Chattanooga this week with a hard fought 3-1 loss to nationally ranked CAK. With 11 seniors, Hume-Fogg allowed only 2 goals in regular season district play, won the district tournament championship and out scored perennial power Page in a pressure packed shootout to advance to the state. Congratulations to Coach McClain, Coach Edwards and all the girls on a great season.
Cross Country
The state girls and boys cross country meet is this weekend. We have several runners competing from MNPS schools, and I will update the results next week.
Good luck to everyone.
-- Mark North
MNPS: The First Choice for Student-Athlete Competition
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