Big Red Upset: MBA 27 EHS 24

This post will not be like any other game recap I have ever written. It is almost too painful to look back on this game. I will not give any drive summaries or stats of any sort... just my subjective opinion.

If you read my previous post previewing this game you can read my prediction. In that prediction it lists all the things that the two teams had to do in order to keep their season alive. MBA did those things, Ensworth didn't. It's that simple.

Mistakes were made, by players and coaches alike but I'm still proud to be a part of this team. I would like to thank the coaches, specifically Jason Hiett who gave me the opportunity to be with the team. Without his dedication to the technical side of football I would have little to do for the team and could not be a part of the past two undefeated regular seasons. I also thank the rest of the coaches for treating me like they would treat each other, whether it was on the coaches office or at school. It was a very special feeling.

Secondly, I would like to thank the team. I was not treated like the stereotypical "water boy" or the kid that's always at our practices. They treated me like they treated each other (except when it came to mouthpieces). Everybody knew my name, even most of the freshmen that I have never met before, and even the ones who still don't actually know who I am. I feel blessed to have players to cover like Orleans and Antonio, and I feel the same about those who don't get the same kind of recognition. I would not trade this team for any other in the country.

Lastly, I would like to thank everybody associated with RUMBLE, broadcasting and stat gathering. I would like to thank Cindy Rose, Alex Boehm, Nathan Caplan, Alex Dean, Mark Zager, William Joy, Thomas Doochin and the EHS Broadcast Club for all their hard work. Whether it was calling the games, gathering and submitting stats, editing, or putting together a good webcast, I really appreciate the effort given to help promote and expose this team.

Hockey season has already begun and girls and boys basketball is just around the corner. RUMBLE has not ended; it will be very active in the following weeks. I will not be able to be everywhere at once so, please, if you are interested in contributing please email me and we will work something out.

Once again, thanks to all for the memorable season.

EHS VS MBA Preview: DII-AA Playoffs RD2

70 days ago it seemed like Ensworth had come away with MBA's most coveted game as the Tigers blew out the Big Red by the score of 50-21. But now it's time for part 2. However, the storyline has changed since these teams last met. The MBA lineup was shuffled around after numerous injuries were inflicted upon the Big Red. The most meaningful injury was to QB Luke Colbert after he took a hard hit on a goal line play against Ensworth. Colbert broke the C5 vertebra in his neck and was lost for the season. Coach Dan McGugin then pulled the plug on backup QB Van East after constantly struggling even against lesser opponents. After MBA lost to lowly BGA on their own homecoming, McGugin thought it was time for a change at QB and put sophomore Aaron Simonis in at QB. So far Simonis has led MBA over JPII and BGA convincingly.

In the last matchup the player of the game was Ensworth Mr. Football candidate senior RB Orleans Darkwa. Darkwa rushed for 341 yards and 5 TD's against the Big Red. It was apparent that the MBA D-Line was being pushed off the ball from the snap, and it would allow Darkwa to find gaping holes in the Big Red defense.

MBA has made defensive adjustments and will likely stack the box to hold Darkwa in check; however, the only team to successfully do so was Oakland in week 1 when Darkwa was held to 101 yards on the ground in a game that went to overtime. But keep in mind that Darkwa has sat for the last two weeks after sustaining a neck injury and turf toe, though he's been cleared to play and is feeling close to 100%.

If Darkwa is to come out of the game due to injury look for junior Rodney Anderson to take over the ground game for the Tigers. Anderson is the fastest player on the team and started in week 10 against BGA and rushed for 147 yards and 2 TD's.

Prediction

There is no doubt that Ensworth is the more athletic and skilled team. The last meeting between these two teams exposed that in the 1st quarter. However, this is a rivalry game and MBA has potential to really come out and score some points, and their defense has been solid most of the year. But as stated earlier, Ensworth is the better team hands down.

In order for MBA to win they have to cause turnovers and capitalize on all of their red zone opportunities. They really have to be mistake free and find ways to at least contain the Ensworth ground game.

As for Ensworth, the Tigers will have to do what they have been doing all year, and that's run until the scoreboard clock reads all zeroes. They will also have to limit their procedure penalties as they average 74 yards a game in penalties (leads DII).

Predicted Final: EHS 42 MBA 21.

Kuhn Scores 5 as Tigers Roll: EHS 9 Hume Fogg Beech 5

CENTENNIAL SPORTSPLEX- Last night was a night to remember for the Ensworth hockey team as they set a school record for most goals in a game (9), and Senior captain Andrew Kuhn scored 5, yes, 5 goals which is a team record for most goals in a game by a single player. It was also the first hat-trick in team history. Kuhn also had 2 assists.

The most notable play of the game occurred in a 7 goal 2nd period at 5:03 when sophomore Matt Peacock split 2 defenseman, dangled the puck through an opposing player's legs and deked goaltender Max Rollins and scored on the back hand shot.

Also tallying on the scoreboard was Senior Hunt Baker (1 G 2A) and Junior Lee Srebnick (1 G 1A). Baker now leads the GNASH in assists with 9.

Highlights:

Ice Tigers to take on Beech-Hume Fogg Wednesday

On Wednesday night the Tigers (1-4) will face Beech-Hume Fogg (0-3) at 6:40 PM at Centennial Sportsplex.

Last year the Tigers knocked off HB for the programs first win. Leading the way for HB is Beech forward #7 Wilson Reece who leads the team in goals with 3 and points with 5.

The game can be seen live at ensworthlive.com, and guess who's commentating! :D

After the game the Ensworth Live current events and politics show will be broadcast at 8 PM.

6 in 6 Part 6: Jack Allyn

Jack Allyn has been in goal for all three years of his high school hockey career. Jack has had to face more shots than almost any other goalie in the Nashville high school hockey system. Last week Jack recorded his second career goaltender win against Ravenwood/Brentwood.

Q: Jack, who is your favorite NHL player past or present and why?

A: Patrick Roy is probably my favorite NHL player. No particular reason, I just always remember watching him play in the Stanley Cup when I was younger and thinking that he was cool.

Q: I understand you wear Tomas Vokoun's old goalie pads, how did get your hands on them?

A: Yeah, they are actually his backup pads he used during the Olympics a couple years back for the Czech Republic. I got them during an auction held at the Sommet like two years ago, they cost a lot, haha.

Q: At what age did you start playing hockey?

A: I started playing hockey when I was 6 really, actually with my brother shooting pucks at me in the basement of our old house against my will. But it stuck, and I started playing ice hockey like a year later.

Q: What is the hardest part about goaltending?

A: The hardest thing about being a goalie is trying to read what a shooter is going to do, like deke, shoot high, shoot low, or pass.

Q; Most teams are at least two deep at the goaltender position but you're Ensworth's only goalie on the roster. Is there anyone that you think that can or will step in for you maybe later this season since you're involved with the fall play?

A: I've no idea really who would even want to do it, but William Decker has tried before. I'd probably want Miles Karro to play though.

Tigers To Face The Big Red

On Friday night the MBA Big Red came out with revenge on their mind as they avenged their homecoming loss against BGA earlier this year 45-10.

Changes have been made since Ensworth last played MBA at Tommy Owen Stadium in September, most notably at quarterback. Luke Colbert is now out for the season after sustaining a neck injury earlier this season against Ensworth. Sophomore Aaron Simonis took over the QB position after coach Dan McGugin made a change from the original back up Van East.

The game will take place at Tiger Stadium at 7PM Friday night, remember to buy tickets in advance since it is a playoff game.

6 in 6 Part 5: Neal Rice

Freshman Neal Rice will be a key part of Ensworth's ability to win games this season. He is already a top scorer and will continue to improve as the season moves along. This is nothing new for the Tigers as last year freshman Matt Peacock led the team in goals. Ensworth's season relies vastly on newcomers and underclassmen like Neal.

Q: Neal, who is your favorite NHL player past or present?

A: My favorite NHL player is probably Maxim Afinogenov of the Buffalo Sabres, because he is an all around good player. He can hit, he can shoot, he can pass, and he sees the ice really well, meaning he's a really good playmaker.

Q: At what age did you start playing hockey?

A: I started playing hockey when I was 6. After my first Predators game, I knew I wanted to play this sport.

Q: What differences did you first notice when you played your first high school game?

A: The game moves a lot faster, and the players hit a lot harder.

Q: Which game are you most excited about playing this year?

A: The game at the Sommet Center against Blackman High School.

Q: As a Freshman, you already have 2 points in 4 games, what are your goals specifically for this season?

A: My main goal is to keep trying hard, finish every shift tired, get more goals, and hopefully get more wins for the Tigers.

6 in 6 Part 4: Matt Peacock

Sophomore forward Matt Peacock made a huge splash last year in the Tigers' offensive attack. As a freshman Matt led the team in goals with 9 and was second on the team in points with 10.

Q: Who is your favorite NHL player past or present?

A: My favorite NHL player is probably Alexander Ovechkin. He's a really fun person to watch and led the league in goals last year. He's not the best team player, but he has the ability to score. He's really fast and plays physical. It's always interesting to watch him play because you're pretty much guaranteed to see a highlight reel goal.

Q: As a freshman last season your 9 goals was a team best. Why was the transition into high school hockey so seamless for you?

A: The transition to high school hockey was not that easy for me at first. I have played travel hockey for pretty much my whole life, but high school hockey feels completely different. I didn't score for the first half of the year last year because it took some time for me to get used to a new team and a new league.

Q: You were suspended for the first game of this season because of a carry over from last year; why exactly why does it seem that suspensions are so easy to come by in hockey?

A: I feel like suspensions are easy to come by because its a fast and physical game. Sometimes the refs see things differently than they really happened due to the speed of the game. Since there is so much contact involved, there are a lot more chances for questionable calls.

Q: Have teams keyed in on you in particular defensively since you were last season's leading scorer?

A: I don't feel like teams have really keyed in on me more than anyone else on my line. We are a fast line and all 3 of us (Andrew, Hunt, and I) have the potential to score. Hockey is a team sport and if you key in on one person, the rest of the team will take advantage of that.

Q: What are some areas that the offense can improve upon as the season goes along?

A: A major problem with our offense this year is that we only have 2 lines. Professional teams use 4 lines minimum in a game to keep their energy up. I feel like by the time we really get something started offensively we are already gassed. We are also getting much better at moving the puck as a team. This year we don't look as much like a bunch of individuals as we do a team.

6 in 6 Part 3: Lee Srebnick

This season will be Lee Srebnick's first as an Ensworth Tiger after playing two seasons at MBA prior to transferring; however, hockey is nothing new to the junior defenseman. Prior to enrolling at MBA, Lee attended the Ensworth middle school from 6th to 8th grade. Even though it's only his first year at Ensworth, Lee is expected to be the Tigers' top defensive scorer and one of the best all around players on the team as he recorded 15 points last season in 19 games. So far he has 2 G and 1A in 4 games.

Q: Lee, who is your favorite NHL player past or present?

A: Martin Erat. He’s a local Preds player and has been here for a while. He always seems to be in the middle of the action and getting the puck where it needs to be. He’s not the biggest guy on the team, but he brings a lot to the ice and never backs down. His leadership is displayed through his actions every time he goes on the ice.

Q: Coming from MBA, what would be some big differences you noticed when you first joined this team?

A: Coming into this season, I notice that our team has a lot of potential. Everyone on the team this year has a new level of dedication and sees that we have a real chance of being respectable. Our leadership behind Andrew Kuhn and Hunt Baker should give us an even better chance to excel. This should be an exciting year for us as a team and as a school, and we hope to see some more support out there.

Q: What would be one area that this year's defense can improve upon?

A: Our defense can improve in many areas this year. We have been practicing hard and trying to work as a unit with our forwards. Mainly focusing on getting the puck up the ice to our scorers. Yet, on the defensive end we really are starting to improve with communication. Communication is the key to our success this year as we strive to cut down on the amount of open shots the other team is getting from in front of our own net. It’s a work in progress but we are definitely improving after every game.

Q: I heard you had an Alexander Ovechkin like goal against MBA... take us through that play.

A: I started with the puck around center ice and saw an opening to take it up. One of my former teammates tripped me up and I just made a desperation play towards the goal. I got lucky that it trickled in between the goalie's legs, nothing too special or crazy; can’t say I would be able to do it again. Just need to put points on the board as a team, a goal's a goal.

Q: What will it take to finish over .500 this season?

A: Finishing .500 is just a minimum milestone we have set for ourselves this year. As we progress as a team in practice and in games we need to be able to skate start to finish with the same intensity and at the highest level we can, instead of playing down to lesser teams' levels. If we continue to work hard and stay close knit as a team this should be an achievable goal. But as we take each game one at a time we need to be able to learn from our mistakes and mature. With young talent on the team as we go into the season, things should only look better. I'm looking forward to see how close we can get to the Henry Hines Cup. The one thing that we need is support from our classmates. We’ve had good crowds this year and it seems to give the team an edge, so we look forward to seeing more and more people at the rink.

6 in 6 Part 2: Andrew Kuhn

After transferring to Ensworth from USN for his sophomore year, senior forward Andrew Kuhn has been an offensive fixture on this hockey team for all three years of its existence. So far this season in 4 games he has recorded 2 G and 1 A.

Q: Andrew, you grew up in Michigan, a state where hockey is very popular. If I'm correct your Dad worked with the University of Michigan's training staff and is now one of the Predators' team doctors. What is it like coming from a hockey background? How has that made you a better player?

A: Hockey is really popular up there; it's almost a religion. Growing up in Michigan, going to the rink, and watching so many games and practices with my dad helped me understand and become more passionate about the game. I think that my background has driven me to work harder and understand the game better.

Q: Who is your favorite NHL player current or past?

A: Gordie Howe, who played for the Detroit Red Wings in the late 40's. He was a tough, sturdy forward who could put pucks in the back of the net and set up plays. A Gordie Howe hat-trick is one assist, one goal, and one fight. He respects the game and is Mr. Hockey.

Q: How well do you think this team can play this season?


A: Our team has a ton of potential. We'll be pulling out a lot more wins. I think we may surprise some people this year.


Q: How have newcomers Junior Lee Srebnick and Freshman Neal Rice impacted this team?

A: They both have made an impact already, this early in the season. Lee is a two way defenseman who can score goals and play a great defensive game. Neal has that natural "hockey sense"-- he knows position, can move the puck quickly, and bury it.

Q: What are somethings you feel the team has to improve on this season?

A: Breaking out of our defensive end and neutral zone play, dump and chase.

Q: You are the captain of the team, what kind of responsibilities does a captain of a hockey team have?

A: We're there to assist the coaches. If any of the players need anything we're there for them too. A captain will lead the cardio before the game, get the team mentally prepared, take leadership on the bench during the game, and if there's a weird call, we get to stand outside of the ref's circle so they can tell us what the call is. We also get to lead the cheer.