The Panthers finished the 2013 season at 11-2 losing in the regional championship of the Class 1A football playoffs to Raceland, 14-3. The Panthers only regular season loss came to Belfry, a 56-20 thumping. The Panthers hope that 2014 is a better season and they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs yet again.

Pikeville returns Austin "Squeak" Charles at QB, Cody Estep, Ben Maynard at WR, Daric Pugh and Blake Charles at RB/FB. On the line, they are bolstered by the addition of Bryce Patton, a transfer from Pike County Central, and have Logan Coleman and several others returning from last year. They lost Gage Morrison, a 4 year starter at tackle off the line.

 

The Panthers will miss running back Chase Hall who rushed for 1,651 yards with 27 TD’s. Pikeville does return Austin Charles who rushed for 750 yards and threw for 1,589 yards and 21 TD’s on 82/127 passing. Pikeville also returns top wide receiver Cody Estep who caught 43 passes for 1,025 yards and 15 TD’s.

 

On the defensive side of things, Cody Estep had 5 interceptions for 127 yards and 1 TD. Cody also recovered 7 fumbles for 214 yards and 4 TD’s. Cody Estep and Ben Maynard were the top two tacklers on Pikeville’s defense, both having 30.5 tackles. Cody had 26 solo and 4.5 assisted. Ben Maynard had 27 solo tackles and 3.5 assisted. Among the defensive side of things, Pikeville also returns Daric Pugh (27.5 tackles, 20 solo), Sophomore Austin Salyer (27.5 tackles, 23 solo), Quenton Little (26.5 tackles, 20 solo).

 

The Panthers will play the same exact schedule as last season. Pikeville will open up the 2014 season at home hosting Prestonsburg on August 22. Pikeville will then play Hazard in the Pike County Bowl on August 29^th. (The Pike County Bowl has 3 different locations. Belfry, Pikeville and Shelby Valley). Paintsville will make the trip up to Pikeville on September 5^th. Pikeville will be on the road on September 12^th at Sheldon Clark. Pikeville will return home on September 19^th hosting Belfry, before going on 2 straight road games. September 26^th at Middlesboro, Pikeville will begin district play on October 10^th at South Floyd. Pikeville will return home on October 17^th hosting district opponent Phelps. Pikeville will be at district opponent Allen Central on October 24^th before returning home for senior night on October 31^st against Russell.

 

The Panthers are excited to begin the 2014 season and with all the pieces returning, this Pikeville Panthers team could have a better season in 2014 than in 2013. Pikeville should still win their district and possibly make a deep run in the playoffs.

 

My Predictions:

August 22 - Prestonsburg – Win

August 29 – Hazard (Pike County Bowl) – Loss

September 5^th – Paintsville - Loss

September 12^th – at Sheldon Clark – Win

September 19^th – Belfry – Loss

September 26^th – at Middlesboro – Win

October 10^th – at South Floyd – Win

October 17^th – Phelps – Win

October 24^th – at Allen Central – Win

October 31^st – Russell - Win

Loosing Hall is a big hit for Pikeville, but the well is far from dry. Pikeville will be a very good team this season. I have to disagree with your prediction of them losing to Paintsville. I think Paintsville will surprise a lot of people, but not Pikeville. Rematch of 2013 in the Regional Finals: Pikeville/Raceland.

Chase Hall was as good as I watched last year at this level.

 

I think that Cody Estep could be that player this year for Pikeville.