[LWC]

I want to send a little shout-out to Scott Parkey. I know you either read these forums or have players/coaches/parents tell you what is on them. Either way, you know how hard I have criticized you during your tenure. You know that I have not wavered: When you have messed up, I have said it, when you have done well I have congratulated it.

I have softened a little this season because you and the team had done well. Many of us fans were talking before the season started and I predicted a 7-3 record and making it to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Others predicted one loss and undefeated regular seasons. However, that was with a healthy Clarke Rowe. In case someone is reading this and is not familiar with the name, he is Rockcastle County's All-Time Leading Rusher. To win 9 games and still make it to the 2nd round without Clarke speaks highly of the job you have done. There were also games that players were suspended, and I believe there was one game that 5-6 starters were out. Not sure on that number though.

We can look back through the history of KY high school football at how coaches have done following legends. It has not always been pretty. A few schools that used to be great that no longer are come to mind. Rockcastle County has been to two State title games, but aside from that, Regional contender is the normal make-up of that school. I am going to get bashed for that but it is the truth. I know there will be Rock fans that get on here and bash me for it but I am ready, lol. I say that to be a logical fan and to show that I am not expecting you to rope the moon. Rock is in a tough district and tough region for at least a few more years. Russell County is going to be scary-good next year. I said they would be good this year, and I was right.

I am hard on you coach, but in my mind, I am fair. You very highly deserved district coach of the year, so congrats and well done on winning that award. If I am not mistaken the career coaching record is now 26-21. That means you have won 55% of your games as a head coach. So your average record is between 5-5 and 6-4. Someone can correct me but I think Tom's average was 74% and the average record would be something like 8-4 or 9-3. So we are talking just a couple of games per season difference. I know that can be a HUGE difference but the team in on the right track. MANY programs across this state would love to win 9 games in any given season.

I am not creating this thread to say you walk on water or to give you unfair praise. I am one of the very few fair critics. I say congrats on the 9-3 season and the district championship. I also say, I look for improvement on the 26-21 record.

One thing people rarely discuss when they talk about coaches is how good of a teacher they are in the classroom. Scott, I had you in class in middle school. You are a phenomenal teacher. Hard to be effective at both, and you are. :betterthanexpected: