Bluegrasspreps Class 1A Championship: Tale of the Tape

 

Final Bluegrasspreps Rating:

Beechwood- #1

Pikeville- #3

 

Calpreps Rating:

Beechwood- #3 in 1A, #47 Overall in Kentucky, #2979 Nationally

Pikeville- #1 in 1A, #39 Overall in Kentucky, #2583 Nationally

 

Strength of Schedule:

Beechwood- (-6.3), Opponents Combined 77-91

Pikeville- (-10.1), Opponents Combined 87-79

 

Wins Over Ranked Opponents:

Beechwood- (4) 2A #7 Newport Central Catholic, 2A #8 Lloyd Memorial, 1A # 4 Russellville, 1A #10 Lou. Holy Cross

Pikeville- (3) 1A #2 Paintsville, 1A #8 Hazard X 2

 

Losses:

Beechwood- (1) 5A #9 Covington Catholic

Pikeville- (2) 3A #2 Belfry, 1A #2 Paintsville

 

Points Scored:

Beechwood- 652 (46.6 per game)

Pikeville- 666* (47.6 per game) *Leads State

 

Points Allowed:

Beechwood- 205 (14.6 per game)

Pikeville- 180 (12.9 per game)

 

Points Scored vs. Ranked Opponents:

Beechwood- 155 (31.0 per game)

Pikeville- 178 (35.6 per game)

 

Points Allowed vs. Ranked Opponents:

Beechwood- 111 (22.2 per game)

Pikeville- 114 (22.8 per game)

 

What To Watch:

Beechwood

- Kyle Fieger is one of the State's Best Quarterbacks, he just happens to play at a very small school. He is completing around 70% of his passes and has a TD:INT ratio of nearly 13:1.

 

- It is basically a pre-requisite for Beechwood to have someone named Slusher as a Superstar when they play for a State Title and Brett Slusher fits that bill. Slusher is a big play machine on every side of the ball and possibly the best Small School WR in the State. He averages over 15 yards every time he touches the ball.

 

- Aside from Slusher, Logan Castleman is another name to keep an eye on in the Tiger Defense. Since Battaile took over for Pikeville he has not been tested by a strong secondary outside of Belfry. Battaile tossed three picks against the Pirates. Beechwood will be the best secondary they have seen aside from the boys from Pond Creek.

 

Pikeville

- AJ Vanderbeck has to play big. Pugh is the horse, Jarrell is the home run threat, Bataille is the duel threat, and Charles is the hammer. Vanderbeck is the posession guy and he is a dandy. If Pikeville wants to sustain success and open up big plays the short passing game will be a necessity.

 

- Blake Charles needs to make a game changing play on each side of the ball. Charles is the H-Back on Offense tasked with lead blocking for Pugh and holding off ends long enough for Pugh to get his nearly 220 pound frame up to full speed. Charles is also Pikeville's best defensive player and a tackling machine. If Charles can make a significant contribution whether with a key turnover forced or an Offensive TD Pikeville will like their chances.

 

 

 

Analysis:

Beanie Babies, Video Games you had to blow the cartridge, Saved By the Bell, Guess Jeans.... it's time to take a trip back to 90's Folks! Once considered one of the State's Premier Post-Season rivalries these two proud small school programs are getting together for the first time since 1999 in a game that most Pikeville fans still make faces as if they just drank vinegar as they flashback. The majority of these rosters were either not born or not even walking when that game was played though.

What this game comes down to is simply two very good small school teams who know how to score on Offense. Pikeville will rely on their horse Daric Pugh who is probably the top Running Back in 1A when he is healthy. Pugh is a phsyical force whp is fresh off a 200+ yard performance against Paintsville and is nearing 1800 yards this season. Expect the Panthers to force feed him and ride him like a mule as his size and physicality should pose problems to the Tiger Defense.

On the flip side of the coin, the Tiger passing attack led by the connection of Fieger to Slusher is next level compared to what you expect from msot 1A teams. Pikeville has not seen an air attack comparable thusfar this season and will struggle if they are unable to generate pressure.

The X-factor for both teams will be their complimentary pieces on Offense. For Beechwood, it is Ethan Stringer who has put up sensational numbers. The Panthers will counter with Wyatt Battaile who has brought a duel threat dimension and is extremely efficient and accurate. Both Defenses will severely be put to the test.

Ultimately, the difference in this will come in Special Teams and up front. The Panthers line is a good bit undersized, but are a very formidable unit. The number of two way players will be tested though in a game where both Defenses will see extended time on the field and at a rapid pace. Beechwood also has an edge in Special Teams, specifically the kicking game, that may prove fruitful in Field Position. This one could be a dandy!

 

Calpreps Prediction:

Beechwood 34 Pikeville 31

 

Bluegrasspreps Prediction:

Beechwood 36 Pikeville 29

Bluegrasspreps Class 1A Championship: Tale of the Tape

 

 

 

Analysis:

Beanie Babies, Video Games you had to blow the cartridge, Saved By the Bell, Guess Jeans.... it's time to take a trip back to 90's Folks! Once considered one of the State's Premier Post-Season rivalries these two proud small school programs are getting together for the first time since 1999 in a game that most Pikeville fans still make faces

 

Good post but the last time they played was 2004, 40-7 Beechwood at Pikeville, Semifinals. The eldest Slusher had a big game then.

Beechwood was a bit sluggish for their standards the past 2 rounds. This team was dominating during most of the season, and not to take anything away from Lou. HC and Russellville, but Beechwood didn't play their best football. Noel Rash said they were banged up a bit. You guys are thinking duct tape like Beechwood has no chance now. Not the case, but if Beechwood isn't as dominate like they've been most of the season, then Pikeville will make this an uncomfortable game

 

BW just missing a gear. When Stringer is healthy they have as good as a trifecta of skill players as anyone. Without him they have struggled to find their stride. Slusher is usually the best player on the field,,but as a RB he's not as big a threat, and without Ethan teams can scheme him at WR. Other kids have stepped up and coaches have great game plans, but Pikeville will be a different animal. One more game Tigers!!!

2 of the better passing teams in 1a and both have solid running games. Pikeville may be a little more explosive offensively and more physical defensively.. Beechwood will hold the advantage in depth on both sides and special teams play. I see the coaching being pretty even.. I expect this to be a high scoring game.. I think Pikeville will prevail in a shootout .. Pikeville 42 Beechwood 34

This is intriguing...

 

Pikeville has a monster RB in Pugh, however Beechwood did a great job shutting down a couple big RBs they've faced this year. Can Pikeville pass the ball early?

 

Beechwood is also being held together by duct tape right now. Can they match Pikeville physically?

 

Key player in this one will be Cody Charles, if they have to rely on Pugh getting all the yards then I think Beechwood will win

 

Beechwood was a bit sluggish for their standards the past 2 rounds. This team was dominating during most of the season, and not to take anything away from Lou. HC and Russellville, but Beechwood didn't play their best football. Noel Rash said they were banged up a bit. You guys are thinking duct tape like Beechwood has no chance now. Not the case, but if Beechwood isn't as dominate like they've been most of the season, then Pikeville will make this an uncomfortable game

 

Nobody on the BW side expects anything less than a hard fought game. The short week is just that...a short week. Both teams have to deal with that...as well as the long drive.

Beechwood was a bit sluggish for their standards the past 2 rounds. This team was dominating during most of the season, and not to take anything away from Lou. HC and Russellville, but Beechwood didn't play their best football. Noel Rash said they were banged up a bit. You guys are thinking duct tape like Beechwood has no chance now. Not the case, but if Beechwood isn't as dominate like they've been most of the season, then Pikeville will make this an uncomfortable game

 

Better competition has a lot to do with how dominant you look. Louisville Holy Cross and Russellville were excellent teams.

 

Second, the only reason Beechwood looked sluggish against Holy Cross was because they turned the ball over 3 or 4 times in the first half. That kept their offense off the field. The defense played great that entire game.

 

Third, I don't think Beechwood looked sluggish at all against Russellville. They didn't punt the ball till the second half. Their defense gave up two big runs in the game but was in control beyond that.

 

Beechwood's defense is playing great. Their offense will be even better this week than the past couple weeks playing on the turf at WKU. Beechwood is ready to go.

I naturally find myself pulling up the 1A title thread and seeing all the familiar BW names makes me automatically move toward posting and I have to stop myself and realize I am in the wrong thread.

 

I am worried, not a single comment out of VOR :idunno:

 

Someone go by the stadium, he may still be there celebrating the win in Russ or just drove on over to BG to get a head start. I will be surprised if BW does not take this one. They have a history of taking care of Pike but that was long ago. Then I think of how well Pike has done the last couple years really being the only team in 1A (current) that has slayed a monster as they did Belfry last year so they are very capable. So if for no other reason I must pull for my BW pals that I have come to greatly respect on and off the field over the years.

I have not seen Beechwood play this year,but I do know they have a rich football tradition.I have seen Pikeville play 4 games this year.They are a very entertaining team to watch.Quick,fast,and stout.This team could possibly be the best team in the state for their size.From what I understand Beechwood is bigger and just as fast or faster.I cannot predict who will win,but I will say this.It will take a very good 1A football team to beat Pikeville.(I know guys,look who they play)Good luck to both teams and all the mountain teams.Thanks and be safe this weekend.

I naturally find myself pulling up the 1A title thread and seeing all the familiar BW names makes me automatically move toward posting and I have to stop myself and realize I am in the wrong thread.

 

I am worried, not a single comment out of VOR :idunno:

 

Someone go by the stadium, he may still be there celebrating the win in Russ or just drove on over to BG to get a head start. I will be surprised if BW does not take this one. They have a history of taking care of Pike but that was long ago. Then I think of how well Pike has done the last couple years really being the only team in 1A (current) that has slayed a monster as they did Belfry last year so they are very capable. So if for no other reason I must pull for my BW pals that I have come to greatly respect on and off the field over the years.

 

After 6 years with no title trips, savoring the moment. Game talk has to wait till game plans are in place.

If I'm a Tiger, I'm a little concerned after the last couple of weeks.. LHC is an average 1a team, at best, and was in the game with the Tigers.. Russellville was a better team, but, as most of the Tiger fans pointed out before that game occurred, the only 2 decent teams that Russellville played, Murray and FSimpson, they were blown out, but, this same team played tough against the Tigers. Does that say more for Murray and FS or is Beechwood a little over hyped.. When I look at Pikeville, you see a team that would most likely have taken care of Beechwoods last 2 opponents much easier than they did. This Panther team is a much more complete team than either and can match up on the speed side.. Should the Beechies be concerned or do they feel they're the better team and should take care of business if they play a better than average game and don't turn it over..

I highly recommend staying at the Jamison Inn, the spacious indoor atrium is a neat experience for all fans as it turns into a nice gathering point to socialize with your fans and the other finals fans

I highly recommend staying at the Jamison Inn, the spacious indoor atrium is a neat experience for all fans as it turns into a nice gathering point to socialize with your fans and the other finals fans

 

Something tells me that you are on first name basis with staff of the Jamison by now. Best of luck to you and Mayfield this weekend!

Something tells me that you are on first name basis with staff of the Jamison by now. Best of luck to you and Mayfield this weekend!

 

So much that they, and the staff at Houchens Industries, L T Smith Stadium staff, all send me Christmas Cards

If I'm a Tiger, I'm a little concerned after the last couple of weeks.. LHC is an average 1a team, at best, and was in the game with the Tigers.. Russellville was a better team, but, as most of the Tiger fans pointed out before that game occurred, the only 2 decent teams that Russellville played, Murray and FSimpson, they were blown out, but, this same team played tough against the Tigers. Does that say more for Murray and FS or is Beechwood a little over hyped.. When I look at Pikeville, you see a team that would most likely have taken care of Beechwoods last 2 opponents much easier than they did. This Panther team is a much more complete team than either and can match up on the speed side.. Should the Beechies be concerned or do they feel they're the better team and should take care of business if they play a better than average game and don't turn it over..

 

Over hyped??

The only reason HC scored any points at all was because of a 20 yard punt from the back of the endzone by the back up punter giving HC great field position, then on the ensuing kickoff Beechwood fumbled in the endzone for the safety, that was in the first 5 minutes of the game. Beechwoods offense was hampered by 3 tournovers and the first full game played without Stringer. In my opinion playing on a field with VERY little grass was a huge cause for concern with the way Beechwood plays, if this game was played at Beechwood and even without Stringer it's a running clock early.

 

Russelville is a fantastic team, I didn't read any posts from known Beechwood fans that downplayed Russelville's abilities at all. The film I watched of them before the game proved to me that they are very fast and hard to stop, and they were, they also had athletes all over the defensive side of the ball and they still couldn't stop Beechwood.

 

No team that Pikeville has beaten this year in the regular season has won a single playoff game and Beechwood has beaten 3 teams that won multiple playoff games including NCC who beat powerhouse DeSales.

 

While pondering those facts I should only be concerned about the safety of everyone headed to Western Kentucky Thursday to see two great programs do battle but knowing the mindset of a mountain team it will be a tough hard fought game for Beechwood.

uk Fan, ATL, Ram. I have to thank you, you probably saved me some time and money. I was gonna go to the game but it sounds like Pikeville is gonna beat B-wood like a red headed step child. Lets compare, Pikeville's line; Strong fast ,hard no quit. B-woods line small, slow weak, and probably not very smart. Pikevilles QB. Tall, fast, lean, hard, rifle for an arm, and probably handsome! B-wood QB. Small, slow rubber band for an arm, lucky to get the ball to the line of scrimmage. Probably ugly too. But the final nail in B-woods coffin is the Pikeville running back. The most dangerous back in the history of class A football, B-wood probably couldn't stop him with Trinitys line. My God its gonna be horrible. Lets just give the trophy to Pikeville and save us all a lot of time and energy. By the way UK Fan, Simon Kenton was gonna win 6A. Did I miss something.