I notice that J-Central has a opening posted on the O.H.S.A.A. site on Sept 11-15.

 

I also notice these schools from Ohio are also opened and I.M.O. would make for a very good game against J-Central.

 

In order

 

Lancaster (Two-year contract - A in ‘15, H in ‘16)

Clarksville Clinton-Massie (Two-year contract preferred, H in ’15, A in ‘16) Contact Cindy Running, Athletic Director [email protected] (937) 289-2151

St. Clairsville

Both would be intriguing matchups. Let's hope if so, one of these two teams can come to an agreement

I like all three match ups.

I know that St. Clairsville has been contacted but I don't think interest was there due to the drive. It took me around 5 hours to make the trek by car, equating to probably a 6 hour bus ride. The contact information given to me from the school was to [email protected], as the school stated he was the individual that was in charge of the football schedule. Another school in that vicinity is Union Local, typically a good team and probably one of the larger schools in Belmont County. Having worked there for a few years I got to know many of the programs but Union Local was the one that my former employer, Murray Energy, supported. This is primarily because all of Mr. Murray's children and his nephew, COO Rob Moore attended. A lot of people frown on Mr. Murray in that area but I really hold him in high regard for what all he was able to do for my family and myself.

 

I also spoke with Don Bucci of Youngstown Cardinal Mooney about the Week 3 opening, unfortunately it was after Bo's Nebraska Cornhuskers gave up 430+ yards to the guy from Wisconsin. The conversation with him and discussing some of his former players is something that I will cherish. Not very often you can speak to an individual and just shoot it for a bit talking about the Stoops brothers and Bo, then their success that they all have had after graduating from there. He said if he can get some support and traction on their end to permit such a game of this distance (a sure overnight trip) that he would but they are weighing other options at that moment.

 

I know we are looking for a home game this year to balance out the schedule for budgetary purposes to the best of our ability unless something can come up that is in close proximity. As of now we have 5, maybe 6 road games, this year depending on how the new district opponent comes in. The last I have heard is that a school did inquire about the opening and something at this point may be in further discussions. With Christmas Break, a lot of individuals are away and I haven't been able to obtain any additional information.

The last winning season for Union Local was 2009(6-4)

The last winning season for Union Local was 2009(6-4)

 

I was under the impression that they were always better than that. As a transplant to the area, and working side by side with some of the upper brass, they were very high on them. After all who am I to fight with the Mr. on this one. I was actually going to help Barnesville out prior to being promoted to a position that required extensive travel. Not sure of their tradition but just being around the game again was very exciting. I believe Coach Johnson has since moved on now that he has two young children. They played Martins Ferry, home of Alex and Lou, and one school that many in the community were high on was Stubenville. I remember seeing a young guy by the name of Dashaun Lewis just west of the valley, in Cambridge, one week. Very tough and physical player. Do you know whatever happened to him?

I do not.

Tony Cavalier,

 

This is not intended as a shot at JC whatsoever but merely a question from someone outside the program who follows JC well.

 

In re: Cardinal Mooney

 

" He said if he can get some support and traction on their end to permit such a game of this distance (a sure overnight trip) that he would but they are weighing other options at that moment.

 

I know we are looking for a home game this year to balance out the schedule for budgetary purposes to the best of our ability unless something can come up that is in close proximity."

 

Why does JC insist this has to be a home game?

 

Cardinal Mooney is one of the most respected programs in Ohio and traditionally a school people even know nationally. If JC could play CM that would be HUGE in terms of upping their competition level and it is a game that I am sure JC fans would mark on their schedule.

 

I hate hearing the pot shots people take at JC as much as anyone about their scheduling, but CM (along with the rest of JC's solid schedule they are putting together) would go a long way to put those statements to rest. I understand wanting a certain number of home games, but if JC wins their District next year two Home Playoff games are almost guaranteed as well, and playing a team like CM would certainly significantly aide those chances. I just think this is an instance it is well worth it to bite the bullet and hit the road to play elite competition and further your program in pursuit of the bigger picture.

 

I am curious on your thoughts being as you are obviously much closer to the situation than anyone else on here and have a different perspective.

ATL, no shot was delivered and all is well with your statement. We are fairly adamant that Week 3 be a home game, of course something may be FORCED in time, but a home game is really what we would like to have. As of now we have 5, potentially 6, away games for next season depending on how East Carter comes in during week 6. If this week is not a home game that would leave us with potentially a grand total of 3 home games for the 2015 season. I think you and most sensible people would agree that when football does not play a home game, the gate money that is used to fund other sports is also cut. There are numerous non revenue sports that get a cut of the pie to allocate the gate money towards their budgets. If you spend more than you bring in you become unprofitable and teams suffer due to that consequence. I think JC is one of the few schools that do not require a participation fee and that is mostly due to rough economic times Eastern KY is enduring. In all honesty most of the scheduling driving factors comes down to dollars and cents not necessarily the competition, which is why we always try to book 2 year deals with teams and at least split the regular season schedule, 5 home and 5 away. Lexington Catholic was a great get and hopefully we are able to get another team of similar caliber prior to kicking off district play. We may get it handed to us in the two LC games but it will greatly prepare us for later in the year.

 

The primary reason Cardinal Mooney was contacted was because they were looking for a two year deal with an away game that week in 15 and a home game 16. Mooney would by far probably the biggest test we would see during the year, not taking away from Belfry because they are loaded for the next couple of seasons. If it were played on a Saturday night you would have a large gathering of JC fans, Mooney fans and the droves that are dying to see us get our doors beat off. The potential crowd for that game would easily fund 3-4 non revenue sports for their seasons. Speaking with Don he made it sound very similar to what most traditional non-state/national powers focus on with their schedules, all comes down to economics. He never said yes or no to the game but that it was a large road to haul that would eat a lot in their budget due to it being an over night trip and they are weighing other options at the time. Some of the schools they play are probably able to offer up more incentives for a game that we are simply unable to.

 

One idea that I have been contemplating about was maybe a bowl game that both JC and Belfry are able to play in yearly. Rotate the sites between both schools, have sponsors to help us bring in teams like Mooney, Highlands, CovCath or Massillon. The year Belfry is scheduled to host JC have it at JC and when Belfry is scheduled to come to JC play it at Belfry. We could call it the "Hollars and Hills Bowl" or something along those lines. Belfry is also having a hard time with their scheduling according to the individuals I speak with on a regular basis and this would be a way to try to keep a lot of the miles off both schools to play these quality games.

^^^

 

I have had this thought as well and even posted as such on here before I think. I am in complete agreement with you.

 

Both schools have a hard time finding competition and there is definitely a common connection and for lack of a better, the two programs are allies.

 

I love the thought of these two having a bowl game and probably no other programs in EKY have the clout to bring in sponsorship money or compete with big name programs from out of the area. I have even mentioned making it more than just a football game, but a football festival. Add two elite small school programs from the region into the mix (Pikeville, Pburg, Hazard, Raceland) and make it a full on Saturday of games starting at 9 AM. I am even a fan of keeping it in Paintsville the entire time, just giving an equal share of gates and concessions (less expenses) to the three teams. Set up a stage outside the Stadium and have live music (Sundy Best and other local talents), encourage tailgating areas, have local restaurants set up booths and/or hand out free samples, have an area filled with inflatables and games ran by local businesses for kids. You get access to the festival with any paid admission. You either buy per session (Session 1 are the morning games, Session 2 the night games) or an All-Day pass for all 4 games. You can charge a little more since you are providing the festival.. think 12.00 per Ticket per session .. 20.00 for All-Day. Reserved seats are only offered for an All-Day pass and come at a premium (30.00 per ea), but you are assured a reserved seat for all games and you can even throw in unlimited bottled water and free lunch (hole punch the pass).

 

From a scheduling standpoint everyone aside from Belfry and JC are two year contracts. Rotate your regional small school teams and bring in similar quality out of state competition that will not necessarily have to spend the night. Gate City, Richlands, Bluefield, Williamstown, Wayne, etc... or matching up fellow Kentucky teams (Raceland vs. Hazard/ Pikeville vs. Pburg.. next year Raceland vs. Pikeville/ Hazard vs. Pburg)

 

For the headliner games I think you can go two different ways. One way is what you mentioned... bring in big name teams from anywhere and rotate them. The allure here is potential to be televised (help get that sponsor locked in).. think about two years from now when Belfry may have two D-1 prospects in Horton and Bentley.. imagine bringing in an Ensworth who may have a couple other D-1 prospects..suddenly even ESPN may want in.

 

The other thought I have is to make this "The Battle of Coal Country" and focus solely on the very best of the best in WV (who have traditionally dodged Belfry and JC). Lock in Capital, Morgantown, Bridgeport, Wayne... have them buy in the same way Belfry and JC are so that they play each other for a 4 year contract outside of the game. Now you have a 4 year stretch with your competition locked in for this bowl game. The draw here is JC's location to Huntington and Charleston media too hype the game. You will draw people from both state's just wanting to see which state can claim bragging rights.

 

Imagine this slate:

 

2015

9:00 - Pburg vs. Wayne

12:30- Pikeville vs. Wheeling Central Catholic

3:30-6:00 Drawing for a New ATV, Battle of the Bands (Each Schools Marching Band),Sundy Best performs

6:00- Johnson Central vs. Bridgeport

9:30- Belfry vs. Capital

 

2016

9:00- Pikeville vs. Wayne

12:30- Pburg vs. Wheeling Central Catholic

3:30-6:00 Drawing for a New ATV, Battle of the Bands, Exile performs (Obviously just throwing a name out there)

6:00- Belfry vs. Bridgeport

9:30- Johnson Central vs. Capital

 

2017

9:00- Belfry vs. Wheeling Cen. Cath.

12:30- Henry Clay vs. Bridgeport

3:30- 6:00 Festival Events

6:00- Lexington Catholic vs. Capital

9:30- Johnson Central vs. Wayne

 

2018:

9:00- Johnson Central vs. Wheeling Cen. Catholic

12:30- Lexington Catholic vs. Bridgeport

3:30-6:00 Festival Events

6:00- Henry Clay vs. Capital

9:30- Belfry vs. Wayne

I'd like to see Raceland in the mix with this scenario.

^^^

 

I have had this thought as well and even posted as such on here before I think. I am in complete agreement with you.

 

Both schools have a hard time finding competition and there is definitely a common connection and for lack of a better, the two programs are allies.

 

I love the thought of these two having a bowl game and probably no other programs in EKY have the clout to bring in sponsorship money or compete with big name programs from out of the area. I have even mentioned making it more than just a football game, but a football festival. Add two elite small school programs from the region into the mix (Pikeville, Pburg, Hazard, Raceland) and make it a full on Saturday of games starting at 9 AM. I am even a fan of keeping it in Paintsville the entire time, just giving an equal share of gates and concessions (less expenses) to the three teams. Set up a stage outside the Stadium and have live music (Sundy Best and other local talents), encourage tailgating areas, have local restaurants set up booths and/or hand out free samples, have an area filled with inflatables and games ran by local businesses for kids. You get access to the festival with any paid admission. You either buy per session (Session 1 are the morning games, Session 2 the night games) or an All-Day pass for all 4 games. You can charge a little more since you are providing the festival.. think 12.00 per Ticket per session .. 20.00 for All-Day. Reserved seats are only offered for an All-Day pass and come at a premium (30.00 per ea), but you are assured a reserved seat for all games and you can even throw in unlimited bottled water and free lunch (hole punch the pass).

 

From a scheduling standpoint everyone aside from Belfry and JC are two year contracts. Rotate your regional small school teams and bring in similar quality out of state competition that will not necessarily have to spend the night. Gate City, Richlands, Bluefield, Williamstown, Wayne, etc... or matching up fellow Kentucky teams (Raceland vs. Hazard/ Pikeville vs. Pburg.. next year Raceland vs. Pikeville/ Hazard vs. Pburg)

 

For the headliner games I think you can go two different ways. One way is what you mentioned... bring in big name teams from anywhere and rotate them. The allure here is potential to be televised (help get that sponsor locked in).. think about two years from now when Belfry may have two D-1 prospects in Horton and Bentley.. imagine bringing in an Ensworth who may have a couple other D-1 prospects..suddenly even ESPN may want in.

 

The other thought I have is to make this "The Battle of Coal Country" and focus solely on the very best of the best in WV (who have traditionally dodged Belfry and JC). Lock in Capital, Morgantown, Bridgeport, Wayne... have them buy in the same way Belfry and JC are so that they play each other for a 4 year contract outside of the game. Now you have a 4 year stretch with your competition locked in for this bowl game. The draw here is JC's location to Huntington and Charleston media too hype the game. You will draw people from both state's just wanting to see which state can claim bragging rights.

 

Imagine this slate:

 

2015

9:00 - Pburg vs. Wayne

12:30- Pikeville vs. Wheeling Central Catholic

3:30-6:00 Drawing for a New ATV, Battle of the Bands (Each Schools Marching Band),Sundy Best performs

6:00- Johnson Central vs. Bridgeport

9:30- Belfry vs. Capital

 

2016

9:00- Pikeville vs. Wayne

12:30- Pburg vs. Wheeling Central Catholic

3:30-6:00 Drawing for a New ATV, Battle of the Bands, Exile performs (Obviously just throwing a name out there)

6:00- Belfry vs. Bridgeport

9:30- Johnson Central vs. Capital

 

2017

9:00- Belfry vs. Wheeling Cen. Cath.

12:30- Henry Clay vs. Bridgeport

3:30- 6:00 Festival Events

6:00- Lexington Catholic vs. Capital

9:30- Johnson Central vs. Wayne

 

2018:

9:00- Johnson Central vs. Wheeling Cen. Catholic

12:30- Lexington Catholic vs. Bridgeport

3:30-6:00 Festival Events

6:00- Henry Clay vs. Capital

9:30- Belfry vs. Wayne

 

 

You have certainly done your homework, and I love the idea of it. My main question would be has anyone been contacted as a sponsor? You mentioned that no one else in EKY could pull it off due to sponsorship, which makes me question if one is already lined up? I remember during last season it being brought up that part of the reason jc had a weak schedule was due to needing home games because of financial issues, which let me to believe there may be issues with alumni or local businesses donating money to the program.

 

I do believe its possible for you guys to pull it off, but I don't agree that you are the only ones in EKY that could, but that's not the real topic here so I won't get into that. Also, I'm not trying to knock the idea, I actually like it and believe it could happen. Another thing is I can now see that JC is obviously trying to improve their schedule, so you won't be hearing anything from me in the near future about that.

Mooney like most private schools in Ohio do not travel all that well.

You have certainly done your homework, and I love the idea of it. My main question would be has anyone been contacted as a sponsor? You mentioned that no one else in EKY could pull it off due to sponsorship, which makes me question if one is already lined up? I remember during last season it being brought up that part of the reason jc had a weak schedule was due to needing home games because of financial issues, which let me to believe there may be issues with alumni or local businesses donating money to the program.

 

I do believe its possible for you guys to pull it off, but I don't agree that you are the only ones in EKY that could, but that's not the real topic here so I won't get into that. Also, I'm not trying to knock the idea, I actually like it and believe it could happen. Another thing is I can now see that JC is obviously trying to improve their schedule, so you won't be hearing anything from me in the near future about that.

The "noone else can pull it off" is not intended as a knock... just me speaking frank.

 

There are only a handful of EKY programs who traditionally are strong enough year in and year out to even be considered among the Top 25-30 teams in the State every year. (I am not including Pulaski as they are to me not a true EKY team)

 

Historically:

Belfry

Johnson Central

Bell County

Ashland

Breathitt County

Corbin

 

Of those you can eliminate Breathitt who has fallen on hard times.

 

With that said, right now Belfry is the preeminent program in EKY and have the resume that would lure teams potential Nationally strong teams to play. 4 Titles in 12 years and 8 Championship appearances.... with respect to the other EKY programs they are the "bait" to help lure big names right now because simply put Champions want to play Champions. In addition, Belfry's sophomore class will probably produce a couple legit D-1 players and maybe a few small college athletes as well.

 

ESPNU didn't broadcast Pulaski vs. MadSouthern because of Pulaski County... they did it because Harris played for MadSouth. You need recruited players to lure TV audiences.

 

To me JC is the logical partner to pair up. They have arguably been the better team for the better part of 7 years and check boxes for being a bigger school. It also is the only team that geographically makes sense to pair up with Belfry. They also have a great facility that makes sense geographically for the scenario I outlined.

 

I have no doubt Bell County and Corbin could partner and do something similar... two great programs... but for the scenario above I don't see the best teams in WV driving 4.5 hours for 4 years.

 

It would be fun to see Bell, Corbin, Middlebsoro, and Harlan County do a similar spin off and bring in some great TN teams.

I'd like to see Raceland in the mix with this scenario.

 

This thought process is also a byproduct of my idea as well.

 

Not only does Belfry and JC help sure up a game on their schedule to fill each week, you also help your chances because programs will want to be in the mix.

 

Purely from a hypothetical example. Raceland may want one of those small school spots for two years... if JC needs a game or a scrimmage the next two years they agree to let Raceland play in their bowl but only if they will come to JC twice in back to back seasons.

 

If Belfry asked Raceland to come twice to belfry in back to back years Raceland would say "Thanks but no thanks"..but if it meant locking in two years in this festival and a nice portion of the gate suddenly it may look a lot better.

 

It's just me throwing spaghetti against the wall in the off season...but it is an idea I have thought about for a while.