Replacing that LB'ing core will be hard and until that duo is established I see the defense going thru some growing pains, however small. Those two, Hatfield and Dakota Stanley, could flat stuff the run and really came into their own dating back to the end of last year. To say they'll be missed is an understatement.

 

On offense, obviously, replacing Austin Hatfield will be very hard to do. We'll miss Macky and Drew very much, too, but there are some younger Pirates waiting in the ranks to fill those voids. Somebody has to step up and be the MAN that totes the rock. I'm not quite sure who that will be.

DEFENSE

Having Nate Sanger play so much LB this year will help a lot. Sanger played really well at LB early this season until Hatfield was able to officially go both ways. Derek Wellman has potential to be a special talent at LB and saw valuable reps this year as the top sub. There will definitely be a dropoff, but I also have a lot of confidence in the two guys replacing them. I am very proud of Stanley...what a difference a year makes! Kid turned into an excellent LB.

 

Losing Keaton and Edwards in the secondary isn't ideal either, but the silver lining there is due to all the injuries this year Belfry has a lot of guys with experience to plug in those spots. There was about 5 weeks of torture watching the Pirate Secondary get so depleted by injury, but in the Wake of it Varney grew as a Freshman CB and Corbett/Willis/Woolum all had useful reps in big Varsity games. Keaton was Belfry's best cover corner and will be missed. The secondary was awesome yesterday and never let Central get open down field.

 

OFFENSE:

You can't replace Hatfield. The best FB I have ever seen wear the Red and White and possibly the best FB to come out of EKY in many years. Fletcher and Wellman are the next in line. I like Wellman's running style and physicality better, but Fletcher has some starting experience and big game experience.

 

Taylor was a special talent and will be missed. Corbett is also a special talent and does thing Keaton couldn't do...but he has got to put in some serious hours working on himself and learning the offense better. Then even more hours in season perfecting his ball handling skills. The talent is there for Belfry to be more dangerous from the QB position, but it begins and ends with Corbett in the off-season.

 

Mullins and Francis have been staples on the line...especially Francis. Francis may go down as the most decorated Belfry linemen of all-time, with 2 rings, 2 other Title Appearances, and all the awards and recognition along the way. Braden Preece should step right in and play well on the line... the second line spot Belfry needs someone to step up.

 

 

 

Overall...I expect the Belfry defense to be sick next year. Like scary good. You return all 5 of a dominant D-Line, you have Catron head hunting at Safety, and some solid pieces in the secondary. I am not sure there is a team in KY that can block Belfry up front. Offensively I see lots of potential but have lots of concerns. Very strong foundation, but I think the Pirates will lose some physicality but find some more finesse and versatility. Belfry really needs someone to emerge as a receiving threat in the off season and would love to see them utilize the TE more.

I neglected to congratulate the Louisville Central Yellowjackets on their great season. The other posters are correct that Coach Scroggins is a terrific coach. He has created a culture of success for his football team, but he is such a good role model for the young men at Central, which is way more important IMO. Central doesn't dodge anyone. They play X, H, 6A, 5A you name it and it shows on the football field because his kids play very hard and are always a tough out in the post season. Great season Central!