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Random Thoughts - End of a great season
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No. 1 After the playoff game Friday night, C.J. Taylor said, “I spent my whole freshman year wanting to be a senior. To any young player out there, I say do not wish anything away. It got here fast, and now it’s gone.”


No. 2 I heard interesting comments before, during and after the Mt. Juliet game from the Nashville broadcast team. McMinnville native Jonathan Hutton said this was the best Warren County football team he had seen in his lifetime. 

His coworker said he thought Warren County was the better team. A sideline broadcaster for 104.5 The Zone had extensive notes on WCHS and was very impressed with the team, especially C.J. Taylor after his 74-yard touchdown run.


No. 3 It may be hard to believe, but over the years I have seen several football teams who do not want to go into the playoffs – they wanted their season to end. The most dominant reason players usually want the season to end is because they do not like their coach. None of the Dirty 30 wanted this season to end. 


No. 4 C.J. Taylor moved into the state record books for quarterback single-season rushing yards right behind Curt Phillips, a player I watched play at Sullivan South in Kingsport. C.J. is now No. 6 on the list of single-season rushing yards for a Tennessee high school quarterback. That is rare air.


No. 5 Who will win the pickleball debate about tennis courts including pickleball lines in the renovated Civic Center?  Will tennis players prevail over pickleball players in the debate for exclusive courts? 


No. 6 One way to get over the pain of one season ending is to immediately transition into another sports season. This week I saw C.J. Taylor, Dante Elam, and coach Camron Bond on the basketball court. Coach Matt Turner has turned to wrestling and started planning for Squad 53.  


No. 7 The elementary 5th-6th grade tournament is capturing my attention. How about a fundraiser in which people bet on which teams win the elementary District 1 and District 2 tournaments? The two winning teams would get all the money bet in the tournament.


No. 8 Shouldn’t the county do something to celebrate the successful 8-3 Pioneer football season? Feature the team in the Christmas Parade?


No. 9 Southern Standard on Sports sponsored by Reddick Brown Ford, a weekly online show is going to be uploaded later this week for viewing. Special guests will be senior football players on the Pioneer football team. A link will be posted on the Southern Standard Facebook page.