Friday October 31st (Halloween Night) from Johnson Central High School.

 

Belfry (8-1) averaging 35 points per game while allowing 11 points per game.

 

Johnson Central (9-0) averaging 48 points per game while allowing 11 points per game.

 

Predictions?

This game will be the best in the mountains this week!

 

Atlcat or Watsui anything to add to the thread?

I'm intrigued by this game

I am picking Johnson Central because Belfry is banged up and the game is in Paintsville - but this game is always a difficult one to predict.

 

Since Matney came to JC, I consider this a friendly rivalry. Before that most JC fans probably considered it a less than friendly rivalry, but it was probably just another game for the Pirates. Until recent years, the series and most games were just too lopsided to be considered a rivalry.

 

I hope some of Belfry's injured players are healthy enough to return for this game. The Golden Eagles need a late season challenge before the playoffs begin.

Would not be one bit surprised to see JC put a running clock on Belfry.

 

Pirate more than likely will enter less 5 defensive starters including 3 of their subs. Belfry just needs to focus on escaping this game without more injuries and getting healthy for a playoff run. Belfry's offense should still have some success as the OL is healthy (Save both TE's being out) and they still have some playmakers.

 

JC 51

Belfry 20

Woolum has to see a specialist but he may be done for the year. Big loss as a kicker, borderline monumental. Big time impact. If Belfry gets everyone back in the secondary his role on O and D is pretty interchangeable.

 

Hearing Horton has a separated Shoulder. Out 2-3 weeks. Second Round probably, defense only, with a short hook if Belfry gets a lead.

 

Catron may get cleared this week.His appointment is scheduled this week. Even then..it would surprise me if Haywood plays him in such a physical game where he would basically be getting hit on both sides of the ball knowing how valuable he will be for deep playoff run. Think you see him Round 1 playing both ways.

 

Willis is 50/50 with his sprained ankle. See above in regards to value of bringing him back. Think you see him at HB in a limited role in Round 1 to get timing back. Might see him at CB some this week or at HB as a last resort.

 

I am hearing turf toe for Edwards. Probably could go last Friday or this Friday..but this is one of those lingering issues that only gets worse when you play on it. My guess is he sits out again and comes back in Round 1 to get some snaps on defense.

 

Bentley went to the ER but the X-Ray showed no broken ribs. Sounding like he may be probable Friday.

As much grief as I have been giving Matney in the JC/Ashland thread, I have to say I can't see Belfry winning this one. Matney coaches his guys up and they will be physical. I'd love to see this game but we will have our hands full at Tanks Memorial Stadium with Ironton Friday night.

I'm not sleeping on the Belfry injury bug making it a impossible win for them but I do think it will play a huge role in this one.

 

JC 35

Belfry 21

Cameron Catron officially cleared by Doctors. Won't play Friday to be safe...but that is a huge welcomed addition to the Pirates for the playoffs as they finally get back their HB#2, their top Safety, and the unquestioned mean streak and heavy hitter of the team.

 

All signs still pointing at all those Belfry players being out Friday..but looking more and more that Belfry should be back to about 90% come the 2nd Round of the playoffs.

..but looking more and more that Belfry should be back to about 90% come the 2nd Round of the playoffs.

 

ATL, of the 10% that won't be back, are they done for the year? Or could they be back later too?

I'm not sleeping on the Belfry injury bug making it a impossible win for them but I do think it will play a huge role in this one.

 

JC 35

Belfry 21

 

31-28 JC's kicker hits one at the buzzer

31-28 JC's kicker hits one at the buzzer

I really hope it doesn't end like that. Ugh.

ATL, of the 10% that won't be back, are they done for the year? Or could they be back later too?

 

Still awaiting final word...but 90% is probably more like 95%

 

The only player Belfry is not expecting to be back is Austin Woolum at this point. Woolum as mentioned is the starting SE and was an interim starter on the secondary where he was filling in for other injured players.

 

The big loss with Woolum though is as the Kicker. Outside of Tyler Pack he is probably one of the best and most consistent kickers in EKY. He had the game winning kick in the Finals as a Freshman and typically his kickoffs are touchbacks. The drop off at that position is significant to say the least and Belfry goes from having an advantage over almost nay team they will face in 3A to potentially having a weakness.

 

Obviously Horton is the big one to watch as well. With the exception of Woolum as a kicker..the only two every down players I think that Belfry simply cannot replace are Hatfield and Horton. The reports are positive that Horton will be back by Round 2... but with a separated shoulder you never know and if it is not ready it could easily happen again and cost him the rest of the playoffs.

JC 42 Pirates 21

I'm not sure Belfry was as good as some thought even before they got the injury bug JC wins this one.