Bit of a misleading score. Belfry starters DOMINATED and led 38-6 early in the 3rd. Belfry took the foot off the gas a bit early before the running clock and started subbing deep. Turnovers and some HC Varsity scores tighten it enough Belfry has to bring in the Starting Defense and the 2nd Team offense to close it out.

At halftime, Belfry had 286 yards rushing and about 35 through the air. Harlan County had 37 yards rushing and 0 passing.

 

I didn't catch the second half stats but like ATL said, Belfry pulled their starters a little early. With a 32 point lead and 7 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, they probably should have went ahead and let their starters play until they got the 35 point lead so the clock would run.

 

Harlan Counties starters got a couple of scores on a mixture of mostly reserves along with a few starters scattered about.

 

Belfry's defense is legit. Very tough up front and deep too.

I probably sound like a broken record the way I brag about Belfry's SOPH DT Ray Horton (and NO I am NOT related in any way HAHA)...but I am telling everyone across the state that this kid is the real deal and going to be a truly special talent. I try to put bias behind me but I honestly think he is probably one of the Top 3-4 DT's in the State of Kentucky already and the sky is his ceiling.

 

The kid was lined up against Harlan County's 1st Team All-State Zak Caldwell (who is an excellent HS linemen) and Horton absolutely set the tone all night and disrupted plays, pressured the QB, amassed tackles for loss, and single handily stopped a reverse that seemingly was set to go for a nice gain. The Harlan County broadcast crew was even in awe of his size and speed.

 

The biggest surprise for me so far has been Belfry's LB play. Stanley returns as a starter and has been outstanding after improving a lot in the playoffs. Nate Sanger is a first year starter and has really superceded expectations. Between Belfry's ability to create penetration and disruptions with their down linemen and the play of the LB's to pursue and fill behind the Pirates are really looking good defensively.

 

Harlan County entered running for 365 yards in both of their first two games..including the Bryan Station team who just made Bluebird fans have to buy new underwear... I am not sure the Black Bears would have hit the 100 yard mark had Belfry's starting defense played all 4 Quarters.

Congrats to the Pirates! Just another quality dominating win!

Awesome job Big Red nation.

MACHINE!!!!

You got that one right mr nike. This team would whip any of the champion teams tails right now and it is only the 3 week of the season. baddest Belfry defense in decades and the linemen are clearing more acreage than mountaintop removal. they won't lose this year and Jim Matney can write that down and stick it on the wall