What do you think of this coaching decision?

 

 

John Chapman is the head coach at Pike Central, a former assistant coach at Breathitt County where he still has close ties. Pike Central has had quite a bit of success under Coach Chapman the last several years running a spread offense, and that is all they ever run except maybe short yardage situations. There has been considerable controversy during Chapman's tenure at Pike Central, and it is widely rumored (not confimed) that he will not be the head football coach next season, and that he will likely be back on the Breathitt Co sidelines again in 2013.

 

This past week, Pike Central played Breathitt County in the 2nd round of the playoffs in Class AAA. Breathitt was considered a heavy favorite by most everyone. The winner of this game would move on to play Belfry in the regional championship, (Belfry was a very heavy favorite to beat Lawrence Co).

 

Now, when Pike Central played Breathitt in this game, they completely abandoned their offense and ran Belfry's offense (veer, belly, counter) from the same formations that Belfry runs (mostly a flex-bone). This is a polar opposite of the offense they normally run. They did this the entire game and they lost 54-18. The game was called with about a minute and a half left because of a bench clearing brawl on the field, but that has been discussed already.

 

The only logical explanation to the change of offense in the 13th week of the season is that Chapman wanted to help Breathitt prepare for Belfry. If there is another one, I'm open to hear it, but I can't come up with one on my own.

 

 

So what do you think? Did Chapman sell out his team? Was it unethical?

Wow. I had read about this elsewhere but never for a second considered the angle that he was trying to help BC. Interesting.

 

From way up here on the northern edge of the Golden Triangle it would be a pure guess so I'll just read and see what the locals think.

 

Very, VERY interesting theory, my friend.

If my kid were on that team, I think I would feel like he gave away any chance we had at an upset, regardless of whatever his motivation was.

Like Clyde, I am going to see what others think that know more of the situtation.

Wow! Very interesting. If he did do this intentionally, which we may never know, then I think it is unethical. A coach should always try to win for HIS current team. Please keep us updated on this situation. Very interesting to say the least.

I doubt we will ever hear any additional information on this unless it comes out of the Pike Central camp. Their season is over and done with and frankly, I doubt they want any more bad pub. Still, I would love to hear from some Pike Central parents about this.

Just throwing it out there, but being as big an underdog to Breathitt as he was maybe he thought he could catch them unprepared and be able to control the ball and keep it out of Trent's hands as much as possible. :idunno:

 

I would love to see this game tonight and wish WYMT was covering it.

In looking at the stats for PCC throughout the year, they seem pretty consistent with this game too. What was the proof of this? Are they usually shotgun and went under center?

If this were an intentional act. (Preparing BC for its next opponent at the expense of his own team). Then this speaks volumes of the person's character and would understand why he is no longer welcome on the sidelines at Pike Central no matter of his previous success. I wouldn't want anyone of this character coaching my son.

I doubt we will ever hear any additional information on this unless it comes out of the Pike Central camp. Their season is over and done with and frankly, I doubt they want any more bad pub. Still, I would love to hear from some Pike Central parents about this.

 

While you are probably right, it would be hard to prove this. First, he could sell it as they knew they were underdogs and thought this might mix Breathitt County up. He could mention that Belfry has been able to beat Breathitt doing this so he thought he would try it. But it doesn't seem extremely shady, especially considering he's been running a spread there for years.

 

As for Chapman leaving, I think it might be the best move for all. It seems like it has always been something down there. First, there was the issues with recruiting. Second, Pike Central sent countless emails trying to find opponents they could beat handily while never desiring to play anyone even at their level, much less better. That even resulted in a couple of seasons where they only played 9 games. When they played Prestonsburg earlier this year and allowed 83 points, many thought that could be some type of retaliation for all the beatdowns Pike Central had put on small schools in the past. Finally, when Chapman refused to shake hands with Coach Heywood after Belfry beat them to secure the all-time wins record, that was the final straw for many.

In looking at the stats for PCC throughout the year, they seem pretty consistent with this game too. What was the proof of this? Are they usually shotgun and went under center?

Yes, they normally run a spread out of the shotgun, they switched to under center running belly/veer etc.

I am not looking to prosecute Chapman or anything, and nothing could be proven. But it doesn't pass the smell test for me.

"You play to win the game."

"You play to win the game."

 

ALWAYS!

No one probably knows the answer, but wonder what he told his kids.