Final.

If there ever was a score that was indicative of a game, and at the same time, completely doesn't tell the story..this would be it.

 

Belfry rushes for over 350 yards and gain nearly 400 total yards, but lose by 3 TD's.

 

Belfry had a chance to go up 2 scores in the 1st Half and had momentum on their side following a fumble on a kickoff return. HC had not displayed an ability to stop them. Instead Belfry changes personnel up in the backfield and go 3 and Out.

 

Henry Clay scores on the ensuing posession and Belfry proceeds to self-destruct with turnovers in the 2nd Quarters which lead to a pair of Henry Clay TD's on a short field where they broke numerous tackles. Pirates drive right before the half and complete a pass but the Pirate player was tackled at the 2.

 

Henry Clay returns a punt 80 yards in the 3rd to take a commanding 3 TD lead. Belfry answers with a drive and hold HC inside the 10. Pirates have a chance to cut the lead to a single TD and appeared to be well on their way when FB Trenity Carr breaks a nice run deep into HC territory. While fighting for extra yards he fumbles.

 

Henry Clay nearly lets Belfry back into the game on a bad snap that they do not locate. Belfry canot recover the fumble and HC somehow retains posession, though pinned deep. Belfry appears to have the HC RB Bell hemmed up for another major loss but he reverses field and gains 75 yard while running 120. HC capitalizes to seal the deal.

 

Pirate offense was fantastic, but fumbles and instances of mental lapse and poor clock management create turnovers and opportunities that Henry Clay take advantage of. Henry Clay uses their athleticism to make big plays at opportune times that prove the difference in the game.

Interesting game to watch. Belfry had no answer to Henry Clay's speed. When they were playing D, Belfry did a good job of containing the speed of HC and played good run defense. However, when HC got the ball in the hands of their speedsters in open field, they had a heyday. Belfry drove the ball on the Devils well but had a couple of untimely turnovers deep in HC territory doomed the Pirates.

 

Turnovers and giving up the big play killed Belfry, plus I thought they got tired on defense too early. Belfry did a bad job of tackling too, a lot of reaching, which in part was due to HC's quickness, they make you miss.

 

You hate to lose any game, but Belfry learned a lot about themselves in this one. There is no lack of things to work on.

Good game for Belfry, played well enough in many ways to win but didn't. I think back to the Central game 2 years ago, Belfry played better than the score, just every mistake was magnified by Centrals speed. Last year Belfry was able to handle their speed and nearly won the state. I think this game will prepare Belfry for the task at hand and will be a bigger help with the loss than the win would have been. Belfry will be alright and will battle it out with Breathitt for another shot at Central the first week in December.

Surprised by this one.

Missed this prediction score bad........