Yes, I know it is two weeks away, but I just got my reservations today, for the Hampton Inn.

 

So let's hear your predictions.

I reserve my right to amend my prediction after this week's games:

 

Paris 33

Shelby Valley 20

 

Henry Clay 48

Pike Central 12

 

Betsy Layne 46

Phelps 6

 

Hurley, VA 26

East Ridge 20

 

Pikeville 20

Hazard 14

 

Belfry 28

Somerset 14

One person responded.

 

Was hoping top see more predictions.

I am sure most are waiting until this week's games are Final before moving on to next week.

I was there on Friday and Sat (Belfry/Pikeville)

 

Maybe it is just me but I really think this was the smallest crowd I can remember seeing in all the years I have been there.

 

In watching the two games from Shelby Valley (Can not see the home side on tape) the visitors side looked pretty empty.

 

I think this proves they need to make this a three day event. That way the Shelby Valley games will have a better chance at drawing more fans.

Next year's format will be just like this year.

 

After that, I think it is much more likely to go back to a 1 day event than a 3 day event.

That's sad (FOR THE FAN IN ME0 if it goes to a one day event.

That's sad (FOR THE FAN IN ME0 if it goes to a one day event.

I agree but it is a numbers thing.

 

There is a power struggle on the PCB committe by at least one member who just simply puts the idea of having Shelby Valley host one night of the PCB above what is best for the bowl as a whole, and consequently, the schools of Pike County who are the beneficiaries of the funds raised.

 

The committee wants to bring in better competition for the teams in the PCB and make it more appealing. Having the county teams play each other does not satisfy that want, so the decision was made to bring in outside competition. If you are going to keep it a 2 day event, the logical thing to do would be to let Belfry and Pikeville host on Fri/Sat and let two other county schools play the opener on a rotating basis with a couple of them sitting out each year. This would be the most fiscally responsible too.

 

However, to appease the vocal objectors on the PCB committee as already mentioned, they agreed to let SV host games again this year, but to let them do it on Friday night at the same time Belfry was hosting two games. That, coupled with the fact that they are now bringing in 6 teams instead of 2 from out of the area greatly increased the costs for the PCB and reduced the bottom line going back to the schools.

 

After 2014 they will crunch the numbers and decide their next course of action. I think most of the PCB committee is leaning towards going back to the roots of the Pike County Bowl and making it a one night event to be played on Saturday night. Belfry and Pikeville will host high quality competition and it will rotate between Belfry and Pikeville in subsequent years. If they do that and cut it from 6 games at 3 sites down to 2 games at 1 site their budget is cut by 2/3. Doing that will allow for them to better host the visiting teams and provide for their needs, give back more to all the schools of Pike County, and still have a quality bowl game for the fans.

I understand that.