In all reality I'm not sure it even matters once you get past belfry? They are above and beyond everyone. One of the better overall teams they've had.

 

As for this part...

 

I wouldn't label them as one of the better overall teams just yet.

 

Belfry is still searching for some consistency and dominance from their HB's, the secondary hasn't played a passing team, and plus it is wayyy to early.

 

Right now I compare this team more to the 2007 and 2008 Belfry teams. Both of those teams rolled their competition in the regular season and had a very talented roster. The 2007 team I still contend was the best 3A team in the State but I think they overlooked Central (first time those teams met). A critical Pick 6 as the Half expired on what was supposed to be a Hail Mary and a late red zone fumble in what should have been the game winning drive doomed them. The 2008 team was almost every bit as good, but they completely overlooked a Breathitt team they had put a running clock on the year before and lost at home in the Semi's.

 

We will have a better feel for Belfry once they play CAK. CAK has a very good passing offense and will test that Pirate secondary.

 

Belfry has beat some quality teams thusfar, but none of them are in contention for "Defense of the Year". Will be interesting to see what Belfry does when they play a tough defensive team that requires the Halfbacks to be a vital part of the game because they have the players capable of neutralizing Hatfield and Taylor.

Right now I compare this team more to the 2007 and 2008 Belfry teams. Both of those teams rolled their competition in the regular season and had a very talented roster. The 2007 team I still contend was the best 3A team in the State but I think they overlooked Central (first time those teams met). A critical Pick 6 as the Half expired on what was supposed to be a Hail Mary and a late red zone fumble in what should have been the game winning drive doomed them. The 2008 team was almost every bit as good, but they completely overlooked a Breathitt team they had put a running clock on the year before and lost at home in the Semi's.

 

I will disagree with you on both these points, especially the first one.

 

They definitely didn't overlook Central. Belfry came to play that day, and like you said, had a couple of bad breaks, but I don't think they were surprised by the Jackets. And in no way do I think they went in there unprepared or overconfident. I know the staff worked them hard and kept them grounded.

 

That Breathitt game in 08 was a disappointment and maybe the kids were a little complacent. I'll be honest here, though, and I may catch some hell for saying it. I thought we had a couple of players flat out lay down in that game. It was obvious and it was a big surprise. I guess you can call it whatever you want, but it was tough to watch.