[Gator95]

I've heard from many reliable sources that Shelby Valley will be parting ways with coach stepp and will be hiring a new coach sometime soon, Wildcats have a LOAD of talent coming in to 2014.

Any thought on who the new coach might be?

[BandWagon]

It was mentioned in an earlier thread that Coach Stepp may be taking an administrative position and would have to step down as coach. Is this the case or is he leaving?

[hardcore1]

First off I was with coach Stepp on Sunday and no they are not parting ways. There is a chance though for him to better himself and possibly take an administratuon job in the school system. He has taken a program that was terrible and made them competitive. He has one of the top running games in the state. They are loaded because of the work that has been put in by coach Stepp and the staff to develop the talent they have. So if their is a change it will not be one with a negative spin on it. Then there is a possibly that he may stay and do alot with that talent.

[Gator95]

First off I was with coach Stepp on Sunday and no they are not parting ways. There is a chance though for him to better himself and possibly take an administratuon job in the school system. He has taken a program that was terrible and made them competitive. He has one of the top running games in the state. They are loaded because of the work that has been put in by coach Stepp and the staff to develop the talent they have. So if their is a change it will not be one with a negative spin on it. Then there is a possibly that he may stay and do alot with that talent.

I don't really think it's his decision whether they part ways with him or not. The only reason he has even been offered that job is so he doesn't have to move away from the community after being relieved of his Coaching job. Yes he had one of the top running games. But they can't win, he's won 13 out of 33 games since he's been hired. That's not very good. He doesn't use half the talent on his team. This team should win the district title next year and go to a region championship with the right coaching and I think the community and finally the principal have realized that. This is what I've been told. And it's from a VERY reliable source.

[Real Badman]

Lets not get carried away here. Stepp has assembled a great team at Valley and the teams he lost too weren't bad. Valley has a good team but I don't think they're ready to challenge for a district title yet. Maybe in the near future, but not now.

[Big Don]

I don't really think it's his decision whether they part ways with him or not. The only reason he has even been offered that job is so he doesn't have to move away from the community after being relieved of his Coaching job. Yes he had one of the top running games. But they can't win, he's won 13 out of 33 games since he's been hired. That's not very good. He doesn't use half the talent on his team. This team should win the district title next year and go to a region championship with the right coaching and I think the community and finally the principal have realized that. This is what I've been told. And it's from a VERY reliable source.

Who is upset? this program has been building a solid foundation for a couple of years!

[sportscritic]

So did he leave on his own? Or are they pushing him out?

[Elliot Stabler]

Is the job open or not? Can this be confirmed?

[Gator95]

Valley lost to East Ridge this year, East Ridge has beat Shelby Valley twice in history. Lost in the 4th Quarter up 16-0. East Ridge was murdered by Hurley Va. a week earlier. Valley turns around and kills Hurley. Couple games later they lose to Paintsville after being up 40-22. Just an unexcusable losses. Lost to several other teams by a margin that they shouldn't have, all should have been a touchdown or 2 ball games or even won but instead the got embarrassed. Last year they went 3-7. ill say that again 3-7.

Shelby Valley's problem is they NEVER mix it up. I watched every game last year and they might have thrown 1 pass a game, they were about 97% run on the season I bet. You can't beat decent or good teams running the ball that much anymore, especially with the other team having a decent coach that will teach the defense how to stop the run game. Then they can't throw the ball when they try to because no one has worked with them on it. Point is, you can't win running the ball constantly with nothing else to fall back on. This season proved that. And its not like they don't have the players to do it. Even the backs that ran for so many yards such as Rowe and Tackett, why not have them run some routs and get into open space where they can make plays? Then you have Newsome at TE who can be used for much more than blocking, hes been a waste of talent on the field who could dominate if givin the opportunities. Then you have Wallace and Elswick in the receiver and slot positions. Who can make plays whenever they touch the ball. Bottom line here is this, this team is loaded with talent. Why not use it? I'm not saying you have to throw the ball every play but why not 50/50 with pass and run? I watched the last couple games of the season and it was honeslty to the point that teams wouldn't even play a safety on valley because they knew all they would do is run. You cant win games like that against good teams. These boys are to talented and athletic, no one could have a game plan to stop all of them. Problem is, only a couple of them get used. This Shelby Valley team is not what they once were when saunders was there and normans first year. They went like 7-3 or 8-2 for awhile. That isn't what I call building a program after having those kinds of seasons a few years earlier. That's hurting it. From what I'm hearing, a new coach will be here soon. Haven't truly been told who it is but that's why im on here. To see if some of you all may have an idea?

[School Admin.]

This thread was addressed once, it's a total rumor. I have been told by the highest source that Coach Stepp will be back at Valley next year.

[Big Don]

This thread was addressed once, it's a total rumor. I have been told by the highest source that Coach Stepp will be back at Valley next year.

You sure about that? I was told Bill Parcells was seen at the Hampton Inn in Pikeville discussing a contract $ with SV boosters!

[Deebo]

Valley lost to East Ridge this year, East Ridge has beat Shelby Valley twice in history. Lost in the 4th Quarter up 16-0. East Ridge was murdered by Hurley Va. a week earlier. Valley turns around and kills Hurley. Couple games later they lose to Paintsville after being up 40-22. Just an unexcusable losses. Lost to several other teams by a margin that they shouldn't have, all should have been a touchdown or 2 ball games or even won but instead the got embarrassed. Last year they went 3-7. ill say that again 3-7.

Shelby Valley's problem is they NEVER mix it up. I watched every game last year and they might have thrown 1 pass a game, they were about 97% run on the season I bet. You can't beat decent or good teams running the ball that much anymore, especially with the other team having a decent coach that will teach the defense how to stop the run game. Then they can't throw the ball when they try to because no one has worked with them on it. Point is, you can't win running the ball constantly with nothing else to fall back on. This season proved that. And its not like they don't have the players to do it. Even the backs that ran for so many yards such as Rowe and Tackett, why not have them run some routs and get into open space where they can make plays? Then you have Newsome at TE who can be used for much more than blocking, hes been a waste of talent on the field who could dominate if givin the opportunities. Then you have Wallace and Elswick in the receiver and slot positions. Who can make plays whenever they touch the ball. Bottom line here is this, this team is loaded with talent. Why not use it? I'm not saying you have to throw the ball every play but why not 50/50 with pass and run? I watched the last couple games of the season and it was honeslty to the point that teams wouldn't even play a safety on valley because they knew all they would do is run. You cant win games like that against good teams. These boys are to talented and athletic, no one could have a game plan to stop all of them. Problem is, only a couple of them get used. This Shelby Valley team is not what they once were when saunders was there and normans first year. They went like 7-3 or 8-2 for awhile. That isn't what I call building a program after having those kinds of seasons a few years earlier. That's hurting it. From what I'm hearing, a new coach will be here soon. Haven't truly been told who it is but that's why im on here. To see if some of you all may have an idea?

Why can't Paintsville or East Ridge just be better than Shelby Valley? You have an unrealistic expectation of what Shelby Valley football should be. Given during Saunders tenure, Valley was a decent program but even then it struggled like barely winning at East Ridge and losing to a below average Pike Central team. Before the 6A realignment in 07, Valley fought 4 different team to become the 4 seed. Since that time Valley has experienced the benefit of a weak district. I'm not saying SV isn't a good team, but they are nowhere near as good as you say they should be.

[Wildcat FB Parent]

OK, just a little input from someone who has followed this program for many years. I would like to first say putting Saunders and Norman in the same sentence for any reason is sickening. That is like talking about a quality steak and bologna sandwich. Saunders had a program he had built into a program that had he had all the support he needed would have been an excellent program by now. He built the high school team but also focused on building a program for the younger players to prepare them for high school football. He was building a Valley Program not just high school and that was very difficult with the very little assistant and support he received. The BOE, school, parents and community soon recognized what they had when it was gone. Norman gets NO credit for his first year. The boys on the team along with coaches who were there will Saunders carried on what Saunders had prepared those boys for that year and all credit goes to Saunders for that year. Ask any player on the team that year and they will confirm. Norman then decided he wanted to play coach and things went to hell in a hand basket and went there fast. He destroyed the program, community and team. Stepp was hired and has been given the support a coach needs, he is respected in the community and has done well with this team. From what I see and hear the team now has excellent potential and if they were lucky enough to get someone like Saunders back there should Stepp leave the program the team would achieve unbelievable goals. I do not believe and would never believe that Stepp is getting pushed out the door. There is too much respect for him throughout this community. He is a family man with a wonderful family that has blessed this community and IF he makes the decision to leave football you can bet it is for the betterment of his family. For the record ...under the leadership of Saunders the team NEVER lost to Pike Central. Under Norman they would have lost to a grade school team because he demanded they play "his" plays. The boys could have coached themselves better. They knew football better than he but he was overly aggressive and threatening therefore they played as he said play and lost as he knew best how to do. My rant is over. Thanks and have a nice day.

[hardcore1]

Valley lost to East Ridge this year, East Ridge has beat Shelby Valley twice in history. Lost in the 4th Quarter up 16-0. East Ridge was murdered by Hurley Va. a week earlier. Valley turns around and kills Hurley. Couple games later they lose to Paintsville after being up 40-22. Just an unexcusable losses. Lost to several other teams by a margin that they shouldn't have, all should have been a touchdown or 2 ball games or even won but instead the got embarrassed. Last year they went 3-7. ill say that again 3-7.

Shelby Valley's problem is they NEVER mix it up. I watched every game last year and they might have thrown 1 pass a game, they were about 97% run on the season I bet. You can't beat decent or good teams running the ball that much anymore, especially with the other team having a decent coach that will teach the defense how to stop the run game. Then they can't throw the ball when they try to because no one has worked with them on it. Point is, you can't win running the ball constantly with nothing else to fall back on. This season proved that. And its not like they don't have the players to do it. Even the backs that ran for so many yards such as Rowe and Tackett, why not have them run some routs and get into open space where they can make plays? Then you have Newsome at TE who can be used for much more than blocking, hes been a waste of talent on the field who could dominate if givin the opportunities. Then you have Wallace and Elswick in the receiver and slot positions. Who can make plays whenever they touch the ball. Bottom line here is this, this team is loaded with talent. Why not use it? I'm not saying you have to throw the ball every play but why not 50/50 with pass and run? I watched the last couple games of the season and it was honeslty to the point that teams wouldn't even play a safety on valley because they knew all they would do is run. You cant win games like that against good teams. These boys are to talented and athletic, no one could have a game plan to stop all of them. Problem is, only a couple of them get used. This Shelby Valley team is not what they once were when saunders was there and normans first year. They went like 7-3 or 8-2 for awhile. That isn't what I call building a program after having those kinds of seasons a few years earlier. That's hurting it. From what I'm hearing, a new coach will be here soon. Haven't truly been told who it is but that's why im on here. To see if some of you all may have an idea?

Just so you understand the 6A state championship between Scott Co, who assemble the 3rd best offensive output in STATE history ran the ball 95% of the time. and Meade Co. who ran the ball about 97% of the time. So your assumption you cant win unless you throw the ball is just an excuse to strengthen your agenda here.

[shelbyvalley02]

Some people are dumb; If Stepp leaves it only because he is accepting a better job in the feeder school system. My Son plays for him and I hope he is back next year. Yes, Valley lost some close game last year and maybe sometime things should have been mixed up. When you a coach it is very tough to always make the right call, but you do what you think is best for the Team and the Program. Maybe some parents don’t like him who knows. One thing that I know is Stepp has always support our kids and the Shelby Valley Program since he has been here.

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

Just so you understand the 6A state championship between Scott Co, who assemble the 3rd best offensive output in STATE history ran the ball 95% of the time. and Meade Co. who ran the ball about 97% of the time. So your assumption you cant win unless you throw the ball is just an excuse to strengthen your agenda here.

Don't forget about the 3A State Champion Belfry. They also run the ball 95% of the time.

[BIG TONY]

Don't forget about the 3A State Champion Belfry. They also run the ball 95% of the time.

Johnson Central. RUN, RUN,RUN. Some of u just have an agenda against Stepp or just want a buddy to get the job. One big thing in building a football PROGRAM- coaching stability.

[PHSForever]

Johnson Central. RUN, RUN,RUN. Some of u just have an agenda against Stepp or just want a buddy to get the job. One big thing in building a football PROGRAM- coaching stability.

Look no further than Pikeville for proof of this statement. They've left Coac Mac alone, provided him with support, and things are looking much better for the program.

[Gator95]

The answer I have to all that is, I'm sure they do a good job running the ball. With a good o line, which Valley didn't have this year. Prob need to look at what school this is before talking about Scott and Belfry. You can't run the ball effectively against good teams IF you don't have a good offensive line. And wildcat parent don't get upset because you obviously didn't read my post. I said THOSE TEAMS were better than this one. You can say what you want, normans first year, that team was unreal. Not because of him, but because they used ALL their players. Sorry about my misconception with everyone. I should have said you cant run the ball great all the time, without a great O line.

Btw, it don't look like it matters what any of us now think because I heard from several people today that stepp was fired yesterday.

[Gator95]

Johnson Central. RUN, RUN,RUN. Some of u just have an agenda against Stepp or just want a buddy to get the job. One big thing in building a football PROGRAM- coaching stability.

Don't have an agenda, against him, nor do I want a buddy to get the job. I actually think there's to many parents that are "buddies" with stepp right now. I think valley should bring someone in who absolutely no one in this community has any ties with or connections to. I want to see this team win, I know I made some misconceptions about running the ball on a couple of my posts and I apologize but anyone who knows anything about football and that has watched them play, KNOWS that valley doesn't need to and can't run the ball 97% of the time and win with their current o line. They have a couple good ones in Justin bowling, and wyatt branham coming back. To run the ball 97% of the time AND beat good teams, you need your WHOLE o line to be good. Not just a couple. I think anyone would agree with that.

[DonaldDuck]

I think all this needs to die down a little. What happens is going to happen no matter if the players, coaching staff, parents, or the community as a whole like it. What these boys need to focus on is getting mentally and physcally prepared for the upcoming season instead of being involved in so much drama. I would've thought I was on a cheerleading thread. In my personal opinion, I think Shelby Valley does need to show a little more enthusiasim and excitement on the sidelines. I think it would help the team as a whole and get all the boys into the heat of the moment. Regardless of what happens though, I think these boys will work through adversity and progress to become a better team every day.

[TheTigersEye]

Every team in the state that loses does so because they don't throw it enough... guys figured that one out years ago. :eyeroll:

The ole loaded box excuse.. Stepp is a good coach and will do well where ever he is at. Chances are if you're not good enough to run block, you aren't going to be able to fair much better in the pass protection game imho.

[hardcore1]

Rumor has it that Trey Roberts will be the new coach at SV and he will finally throw it to Wallace.

This is a lie he has not been fired, the kids are working hard getting ready for next season and Coach Stepp is planning on being there next year. Also if you are so worried about the pass vs. run. Let me give you a history lesson. The kid who broke Tim Couch's passing record was coached by and in Coach Stepp's offense. Not many coaches can say they have coached the number 1 passer and had the number 1 rushing offense at a different school. That is impressive to say the least. If Stepp thought they could be successful throwing the ball you had better believe they would be throwing it and with success.

[Foxtrot]

Play defense and run the ball! Have you ever heard of Dudley Hilton, Phillip Haywood or Jim Matney? Check out what they do or have done.

[jlow]

Play defense and run the ball! Have you ever heard of Dudley Hilton, Phillip Haywood or Jim Matney? Check out what they do or have done.

3-fold in passing game -protection--ability of QB--ability of rec--Lack in any area and 3 and out using very little time (worn out defense). 2-fold in run game blocking--ability of rb-- (less to work on so to speak). More reps JMO

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

Don't have an agenda, against him, nor do I want a buddy to get the job. I actually think there's to many parents that are "buddies" with stepp right now. I think valley should bring someone in who absolutely no one in this community has any ties with or connections to. I want to see this team win, I know I made some misconceptions about running the ball on a couple of my posts and I apologize but anyone who knows anything about football and that has watched them play, KNOWS that valley doesn't need to and can't run the ball 97% of the time and win with their current o line. They have a couple good ones in Justin bowling, and wyatt branham coming back. To run the ball 97% of the time AND beat good teams, you need your WHOLE o line to be good. Not just a couple. I think anyone would agree with that.

You contradicted your own statements. Give it up. You are making yourself sound like an unhappy parent or player.

I would say the reason you didn't see much passing is the 19 completions on 69 attempts with 5 td's & 5 int.

[Wildcat FB Parent]

The answer I have to all that is, I'm sure they do a good job running the ball. With a good o line, which Valley didn't have this year. Prob need to look at what school this is before talking about Scott and Belfry. You can't run the ball effectively against good teams IF you don't have a good offensive line. And wildcat parent don't get upset because you obviously didn't read my post. I said THOSE TEAMS were better than this one. You can say what you want, normans first year, that team was unreal. Not because of him, but because they used ALL their players. Sorry about my misconception with everyone. I should have said you cant run the ball great all the time, without a great O line.

Btw, it don't look like it matters what any of us now think because I heard from several people today that stepp was fired yesterday.

:HitWall: You misunderstood. The first year Norman was there the team was awesome. The first season those who had assisted Saunders was allowed to have input and the boys knew the plays they were taught and played them The season was good because it was after that season that Norman decided to play coach. I repeat Stepp is a fantastic coach and has provided the team and community with dedication a coach should have. He is well respected and appreciate and has built back the community support Saunders had prior to Norman tearing it down. Yes, I hear there are a few parents with issues but most of the time we all know its a parent issue thinking their child should see more playing time etc. Again, IF Stepp leaves (which I would hate to see that happen) Valley would be lucky to have someone like Saunders to step in. As long as the next coach gets the support of the BOE, School and community that Stepp has had this team has a good looking future. The team has several guys that have potential and even more with dedication to the game. I wish them the best I enjoy seeing the team play as long as they don't ever have anyone back like Norman.

[1/4bak]

Stepp is a heck of a coach, Clay County found out what a mistake they made to late

[Night Hawk]

Always remember that 3 things can happen when you throw the ball and 2 of those things are bad!!

[DonaldDuck]

I think it is hard to do much better considering that the only two passing plays out of their primary offense was called out by the defense before the play even started. I know that a lot of teams use the box being stacked as an excuse, but it got to the point where most teams were not playing a safety against this team. There may have been 3 to 4 different pass plays they ran all year. Just saying, it's kind of tuff when the defense knows exactly what you're doing and even lets you know before the ball is snapped.