The annual "bragging rights" game in the Mountains of EKY. Jim Matney returns to his roots to face Belfry as both the Golden Eagles and Pirates gear up for state title runs. Both fan bases have tons of respect for one another and its always a pleasure talking with fans when these two hook up (by far the most knowledgeable and respectful football fans I see each year).

 

In the grand scheme of things this game means nothing more than glory and a huge gate. Who wins and why? Do both sides rest key players? Thoughts and opinions!!

Major common opponent is Cabell Midland, WV (albeit in a scrimmage for JC). JC won 28-21 but had Midland down 28-7 before both JV's started getting some work (again this was just a scrimmage so take it for what its worth). Belfry was handled by Midland on the road.

 

Food for debate!

After last night's war, how healthy will JC be for this game? Im sure they have enough depth to overcome injuries and seriously doubt it will matter as far as the overall outcome. But it may be the difference between the game being respectable or JC winning going away.

 

IMO, to even keep it close, Belfry will have to play their best game of the season. That Cabbell Midland game was a disaster for Belfry and IMO, JC is on par with Cabbell. In fact if I remember right they beat them in a scrimmage prior to the season. I know its just a scrimmage, but from looking at some other scores, that scrimmage has some overall relevance IMO.

JC came out of the Ashland game with no real injuries. Geordan Blanton was limping around all night but it was due to cramping in his calves. Dawson Stalker took a shot in the shin and will be fine (#75 on the defensive line for JC - he returned to the game). Workman was just wore out and saw some cramping late.

 

All players will be available for JC in this game barring practice injuries, but I know many of them are getting ice bath treatments this morning at the Johnson Central training facilities (nothing unusual though, just might have to spend a little more time there than normal).

Major common opponent is Cabell Midland, WV (albeit in a scrimmage for JC). JC won 28-21 but had Midland down 28-7 before both JV's started getting some work (again this was just a scrimmage so take it for what its worth). Belfry was handled by Midland on the road.

 

Food for debate!

 

To me, even though it was just a scrimmage, I think your spot on. JC and Ashland was a war last night that JC won. Cabbell is ranked first in wva and George Washington is ranked second. Ashland handed GW their only loss of the season. So for once I think the mention of a scrimmage has some relevance in this one.

 

I would put JC on par with Cabbell. Granted JC and Cabbell play different styles, I think this one could still get ugly for Belfry.

JC came out of the Ashland game with no real injuries. Geordan Blanton was limping around all night but it was due to cramping in his calves. Dawson Stalker took a shot in the shin and will be fine (#75 on the defensive line for JC - he returned to the game). Workman was just wore out and saw some cramping late.

 

All players will be available for JC in this game barring practice injuries, but I know many of them are getting ice bath treatments this morning at the Johnson Central training facilities (nothing unusual though, just might have to spend a little more time there than normal).

 

Glad to hear that, that game was very physical. I'm sure both teams kids had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, but it seems that they allade it through the game without any significant injuries. That said, with JC being healthy, I just don't see Belfry keeping it close this year.

To me, even though it was just a scrimmage, I think your spot on. JC and Ashland was a war last night that JC won. Cabbell is ranked first in wva and George Washington is ranked second. Ashland handed GW their only loss of the season. So for once I think the mention of a scrimmage has some relevance in this one.

 

I would put JC on par with Cabbell. Granted JC and Cabbell play different styles, I think this one could still get ugly for Belfry.

 

At the start of the scrimmage you couldnt tell it was for nothing as both teams came out taunting pregame and were very fired up on the first few series. JC got two long TD passes to Blanton and an incredible run by Workman to jump out to a 28-7 lead through 3 regulation quarters. JV played the whole 4th for both. Other than the big plays by JC, the game looked alot like the Ashland game last night where strong defense controlled the others offense.

 

I agree with your assessment that JC and Midland are on the same level. Very good comparison.

To me, even though it was just a scrimmage, I think your spot on. JC and Ashland was a war last night that JC won. Cabbell is ranked first in wva and George Washington is ranked second. Ashland handed GW their only loss of the season. So for once I think the mention of a scrimmage has some relevance in this one.

 

I would put JC on par with Cabbell. Granted JC and Cabbell play different styles, I think this one could still get ugly for Belfry.

 

For what it's worth(probably not much), Midland beat GW 67-27 last night. It's interesting to look at where all of these teams(Ashland, GW, JC, CM, & Belfry) are at at this point in the season.

For what it's worth(probably not much), Midland beat GW 67-27 last night. It's interesting to look at where all of these teams(Ashland, GW, JC, CM, & Belfry) are at at this point in the season.

 

Wow. That's nuts. I hadn't seen the local wv scores from this week. Gotta say that one is a bit surprising though.

Not a lot of discussion for this one in a matchup of #1 4A vs. #2 3A!

 

 

A few quick notes:

- I put ZERO stock in that Johnson Central vs. Cabell Midland scrimmage as an indicator. I have seen too many scrimmage results that never translated to regular season merit... heck Rockcastle County was planning to contend for a State Title this year after their scrimmage slate.

 

What I do know is Ashland and JC were pretty even teams, and Ashland and George Washington were pretty even teams as well. I also know that Cabell Midland blew George Washington out of the water like they did Belfry.

 

Does that mean CM would crush Ashland and JC? Beats me.... but it tells me that comparing scores... especially scrimmage results.... will get us nowhere.

 

 

- JC has not only had Belfry's number in recent years.. they have dominated them. This stands on it's own merit more than anything. JC has beat Belfry by winning the LOS and popping the big plays. JC has also found success in the passing game. Two years ago it was using the TE, last year it was using the trick play.

 

- Last year's Final Score can be thrown out, and at the same time considered. Belfry was a MASH Unit that game and to be honest the Final Margin wasn't indicative of the game itself. Even without 6 Defensive Starters including Belfry's 2 All-State D-Linemen the Pirates equated themselves pretty well against the JC Offense... it was the affore mentioned trick plays and a pair of long Bryce Workman runs exploiting a Belfry injury that opened the game up.

 

With that said, what can't be ignored is what JC did against Belfry up front on Defense. The Pirates OLine was essentially healthy and they could not move it at all on JC's Front 7. The Eagles lived in the Pirate backfield and even if Belfry had everyone back on Defense I do not think they win that game or even score more than a TD. THAT is something very telling.

 

- The biggest player who was missing for Belfry that game that may effect this game though is one you won't think of. Belfry's PK Austin Woolum was out. Tyler Pack may be the best kicker to ever come through the Mountains and he changes every game he plays in... with that said... if you take Pack out of the Equation Woolum is the best PK East of I-75.

 

Everything Pack does in the kicking game and all the advantages it gives JC Woolum essentially brings as well. Both put it in the endzone on kickoffs, both are solid o XP's, and both have range up to and over 50 yards on FG's. Pack just does it with a little more "WOW". Pack is also an exceptional Punter but so is Belfry's Devin Wellman. There is only one team in EKY...and maybe only one team in all of KY Football outside of Class 6A who can neutralize JC's elite kicking game and that is Belfry.

I expect this to be a pretty standout football game.

 

I think both Defenses match up well with the opposing Offenses. I think both teams entering this game "wanting" to play this game at a High Level to prepare them for the playoffs.

 

With that said, I have a hard time seeing Belfry win this one. The Pirates, as of Week 10, have not shown me they can protect the football or execute at a high enough level to beat a team who I honestly think is better than them..and at the least an equal.

 

If Belfry does that I think their best case scenario is a game similar to the Ashland/JC game. Since I do not think the Pirates are capable of that I will say they set the Eagles up with a couple key turnovers

 

JC 21

Belfry 7

 

 

If Belfry repeats the butter fingers and dumb mistakes of the CM and Lawrence Conty game JC wins with another running clock.

To me, even though it was just a scrimmages, I think your spot on. JC and Ashland was a war last night that JC won. Cabbell is ranked first in wva and George Washington is ranked second. Ashland handed GW their only loss of the season. So for once I think the mention of a scrimmage has some relevance in this one.

 

I would put JC on par with Cabbell. Granted JC and Cabbell play different styles, I think this one could still get ugly for Belfry.

 

Since you want to compare games and scrimmages. I agree Ashland handed GW a 1 point loss. But look at last weeks score from WV. Midland beat GW 67-27 and it could have been worse. So I don't think either JC or Ashland in a real game setting would beat Cabell Midland.

Great insight on the game @ATLCat

I expect this to be a pretty standout football game.

 

I think both Defenses match up well with the opposing Offenses. I think both teams entering this game "wanting" to play this game at a High Level to prepare them for the playoffs.

 

With that said, I have a hard time seeing Belfry win this one. The Pirates, as of Week 10, have not shown me they can protect the football or execute at a high enough level to beat a team who I honestly think is better than them..and at the least an equal.

 

If Belfry does that I think their best case scenario is a game similar to the Ashland/JC game. Since I do not think the Pirates are capable of that I will say they set the Eagles up with a couple key turnovers

 

JC 21

Belfry 7

 

 

If Belfry repeats the butter fingers and dumb mistakes of the CM and Lawrence Conty game JC wins with another running clock.

 

Quality post and insight as always!

JC wins 28-7 28-14!!