If it's become a lop-sided game, tradition means nothing.

If it's become a lop-sided game, tradition means nothing.

 

It's not always lop-sided. And Bell County didn't drop Middlesboro from the schedule when the Jackets used to beat them just as bad.

This game will take place in 2007, 2nd week or 3rd week. The Principle at Middlesboro signed the contract this week and it will take place again in 2007.

Many of you may have heard the talk around the end of last season about Middlesboro's Coach Roark deciding not to play long time rival (40+ years) Bell County. This was fresh after Middlesboro had lost to Bell County for about the 13th time of the last 14 games. Believe it or not however, Middlesboro still owns the series. This did not go well with anybody considering they are enter county foes as well as the biggest money-making game of each teams season.

 

However, I heard yesterday that the Middlesboro Board of Education is forcing the Middlesboro football team coaching staff to put Bell County back on their schedule.

 

I think this is awesome!!

 

What does everyone else think?? Is it betraying the coach's best interest or is the school board just trying to do what is best for both programs and for football in the area??

 

I'd say the COACH is betraying the SCHOOLS best interest. Not trying to bash the coach, but come on! Cancelling a rivalry game because of a few losses in the past years? Ever hear of Male/Manual? Even BEFORE Male owned the 90's, they were STILL ahead in the series by a good number of games. But you won't see ANYONE at Manual saying they should cancel the series.

I wish the game was this year. The Yellow jackets will be hard to handle in 06.

In all fairness, I don't think anyone was trying to hide but Kenny Roark. Plain and simple, he can't beat them.

 

Like I said in my first post though, Middlesboro still owns the series. :ylsuper:

 

I totally agree on the first bolded statement.

 

On the second bolded statement....... I've heard alot of great coaches say, you are only as good as the last game you played! Bell Co. still owns the county, and has for the last 13 years or so.

I'd say the COACH is betraying the SCHOOLS best interest. Not trying to bash the coach, but come on! Cancelling a rivalry game because of a few losses in the past years? Ever hear of Male/Manual? Even BEFORE Male owned the 90's, they were STILL ahead in the series by a good number of games. But you won't see ANYONE at Manual saying they should cancel the series.

 

 

I agree. Because it is healthy for the community and the students of those schools to have something like that. A game they can look forward to being a part of every single year. Win or lose, the Bell County vs. Middlesboro game was always loads of fun. At Middlesboro High School they had "Spirit Week" the week the football team played Bell County, having a theme to dress up by every week, conluding with a gold and black day on Friday. Therefore it truly serves as a school unifier.

Good to see the school board has a lot more sense than Roark. I didnt think he'd be able to hide forever.

Like I have told many people before it is a good rivalry but u can quote me on this Corbin is a much BIGGER game hands down. I know this from my own experience. Ive been envolved in some way or form with both games for a long time now.

I may be completely off base but I feel that Roark's days are numbered. I don't necessarily mean he will be fired. I think he may step down before it's all said and done. Kenny just seems to have lost his fire. He has had talent and even though it has been younger than the Jacket faithful are used to, he has underachieved. I've seen him on the sidelines plenty of games over the past 2 years and he just doesnt have that fire. I also noticed Middlesboro's middle school program was very poor this year. Does Kenny have imput in that or was that just a lack of talent coming through?

Good for them.....thats the way it should be. :thumb:

A head coach should have the authority to schedule his games. I am sure Bell Co is using the money game to get them back on the schedule. Is Bell Co having a problem getting teams to play them? Maybe they should let up when the games get out of hand. That would help to keep teams on the schedule.

A head coach should have the authority to schedule his games. I am sure Bell Co is using the money game to get them back on the schedule. Is Bell Co having a problem getting teams to play them? Maybe they should let up when the games get out of hand. That would help to keep teams on the schedule.

You want to be the one to tell the kids to let up in a football game? Thats how kids get hurt in football is letting up. Go hard or dont go at all.

Every Mboro player I've talked to wants to play Bell every year, and was very disappointed when they were dropped. Every Mboro player believes they can beat Bell, and wishes they would be added in '06 instead of '07.

 

Regarding the Middle School Program, when you have a very small school, about 100 in each class, talent runs in cycles. Next year's Jrs & Srs had a great MS Program when they were 7th & 8th Graders.

 

I've also noticed that "types" of talent goes in cycles, too. Next year's SRs have some great skill players, but only a couple of linemen, while the JR class will be mostly linemen with only a couple of skill players. The Soph class is more balanced, and the upcoming Freshman class just has fewer talented kids overall.

Like I have told many people before it is a good rivalry but u can quote me on this Corbin is a much BIGGER game hands down. I know this from my own experience. Ive been envolved in some way or form with both games for a long time now.

 

A bigger game for which team, Bell Co. or Middlesboro?