Paris @ Bourbon County

[ColonelPride]

This is the last time these cross town rivals will match-up. What do some of you think about the decision on Paris behalf to not renew this contract?

[Jim Schue]

This is the last time these cross town rivals will match-up. What do some of you think about the decision on Paris behalf to not renew this contract?

 

Yeah, that and the basketball thing I keep hearing about? Sounds like some really petty stuff going on up that way.

[SLINK]

Bourbon Co. 49-13.

[Harry Doyle]

Tell you what I think of it, and that's the fact that Paris is looking out for number 1 (themselves), as we all do when it comes down to the nitty gritty.

 

In 3-4 years, when/if Paris builds themselves back to a fraction of the program they once were, then I'd say you would see these two hook up.

 

Paris is what's doing best for them. They might be being a little selfish, so what. Here is the way I look at it; are all of the people griping about this game not being played going to be there for the Paris' coach if his job is on the line? Probably not. Why? There is no benefit to them. The only benefit to this game right now is the fact that it's been an automatic "W" for Bourbon County. The "rivalry" crap means nothing, bottom line is it's been locked as a Win for Bourbon and those are the only ones it really bothers.

 

Any of you ever get on the FB List Serve? I have news for you; teams don't go looking to schedule teams that they have no chance of beating.

[gchs_uk9]

This is very reminicent of the Paintsville/Johnson Central debates from a few years back. Paintsville is a very small 1A that was struggling to annually compete in class, much less against a large 4A school like Johnson Central that has made themselves into one of the better programs in the state. People were up in arms about these two schools being two miles apart and not playing. But what did either side have to gain from this game? What do Bourbon and Paris have to gain from tomorrow night, aside from a decent gate?

 

Paris has had one of their better seasons in recent memory this year. They finished second in their district and will host a playoff game for the first time in 11 years. Their first round game against Dayton should be very competitive and Paris has a chance to win. Now, the game against Bourbon will be against a team with superior size and athleticism. It is entirely possible that Paris could suffer injuries that would keep them from winning their playoff game, which is their ultimate goal. And even if Paris plays their best game of the season I still can't see this game being closer than 28 points. Would Paris not be better suited to play a school that was more on their level to build up some momentum going in the playoffs?

 

As for Bourbon County, they are on their way to a perfect 10-0 season. They could potentially make it all the way to Bowling Green. But while their record is glitzy, they struggled to win at a solid Garrard County club three weeks ago and then had to go into double overtime to win at home against Bath County last Friday. Both Bath and Garrard provided strong challenges to Bourbon County. Now Bourbon finds themselves in a game where their starters will likely be finished before the second quarter ends and the clock could very well run early in this game. Wouldn't Bourbon be better suited to match up with a stronger opponent that would mimic the styles of regional opponents (Garrard, Bath, Mason, Russell) or semi-state opponents (Belfry, Breathitt)? That would give the coaching staff and players a much better idea of what it will take to advance in the playoffs.

 

While certainly Bourbon County and Paris have a strong history against each other and the fans would want to see this continue, at some point you have to make decisions based upon what is best for both programs. And cancelling the series, while hurtful in the short term, could actually lead to the best possible futures for both football teams.

[GCHS]

I doubt the current Bourbon staff set this schedule. They probably won't have a crack at scheduling till next season. FWIW, there is something to be said for rest and confidence, as well.

[JimmyV]

Harry Doyle hit it on the head. What is best for the program? In about 2 years Paris will field a strong team. It is about building the program back. It doesn't matter what "Joe" on the street thinks about it, the only decision that matters is what the coach thinks is in the best interest of his program. Coach Washington has done a great job with his team this year and he is taking the right steps to get the program back to where it needs to be. Their numbers are up and they'll have even more out next year. Paris beat Bourbon earlier in the year in a 9th grade or JV game (Can't remember which it was). Someone mentioned the basketball thing above? Last year Paris 8th graders played the majority of the minutes in both freshmen basketball games and beat Bourbon twice (I know this isn't the basketball thread so sorry about that). I don't think it is that Paris fears Bourbon Co., it is what the coach thinks is best for his team. Good luck Coach Washington and the Hounds!!