Robservations – Pioneers need confidence, not cockiness

Right out of the gate, let me make on thing perfectly clear: There is nothing wrong with Sparta, Tennessee.

A lot of great things have come out of Sparta. Off the top of my head I can think of several, including Lester Flatt, four of my cousins, Agee’s Sporting Goods and Hwy. 111 South.

And tonight, hopefully, another good thing will be coming out of Sparta ‘ namely, a whole lot of happy Pioneer fans.

Yes, White County has struggled so far this fall. In fact, the Warriors haven’t scored a point in 2007. But I remember 2004. So, like Warren County’s players and coaches, I’m not taking this one for granted.

In 2004, Warren County was riding that long losing streak, and the Warriors came to town looking like a beacon of hope. But by the end of the night, Sparta’s boys went home celebrating a 30-7 laugher, and Pioneer fans were left scratching their heads, wondering if their hometown team would ever win another game.

Bottom line, confidence is great. Over-confidence can be deadly. Warren County has an excellent chance of being 4-0 by the time this night is over. But if the Pioneers go into Sparta knowing they’ll win, the Warriors could make it another heart-breaking Friday night, and make Hwy. 111 a long, long trip home for the Pioneers.

‘ A few weeks back, we took a break from our normal Friday fare, and offered a lighthearted column full of sports jokes.

The response was so positive, we’ve decided to give it another shot, and offer up this ‘SEC Football Quiz,’ fresh from an e-mail received this morning by our good friend Bernie.

(As always, these are not meant to offend any fan of any SEC football squad, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Southern Standard, or its parent company. In fact, feel free to exchange your own rival school’s name in any of the following jokes ‘ except the last one.)

‘ What does the average Alabama player get on his SATs?

…Drool.

‘ What do you get when you put thirty-two Arkansas cheerleaders in one room?

…A full set of teeth.

‘ How do you get a South Carolina cheerleader into your dorm room?

…Grease her hips and push.

‘ How do you get a Georgia graduate off your porch?

…Pay him for the pizza.

‘ How do you know if a Mississippi State football player has a girlfriend?

…There is tobacco spit on both sides of his pickup.

‘ Why is the Kentucky football team like a possum?

… Because they play dead at home and get killed on the road.

‘ What are the longest three years of an Auburn football player’s life?

… His freshman year.

‘ How many Florida freshmen does it take to change a light bulb?

… None, that’s a sophomore course.

‘ Where was O. J. headed in the white Bronco?

… Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He knew that the police would never look at LSU for a Heisman Trophy winner.

‘ And finally, an oldie but a goodie. Why did Tennessee choose orange as their team color?

…You can wear it to the game on Saturday, hunting on Sunday, and picking up trash along the highways the rest of the week.