Nice thread. I feel like JC gets no respect from SW fans but plenty from other fan bases. The Belfry / JC game traditionally has the most informed and well respected fans I see on a yearly basis and both get along great and are proud of each others accomplishments as they represent the mountains.

 

I dont think JC fans feel like they are world beaters and most feel like JC is an underdog in the championship game (rightfully so as SW is very good). JC fans just dont feel like they are that big of an underdog (in the 6.5-8 point range - not the 28-35 range).

 

In the end respect is earned through competition, not through words and I really think this game could be the best of all 6 at WKU. I feel like SW will not load the box and try to stop the run with the a 4 man front and 3 LB's. If they do that it wont work against JC. Its hard to prepare for a Matney team if you havent seen them and they are very very strong physically and like contact. I also think JC's defense is good enough to slow down SW (evidence - the Lexington Catholic game and all their athletes).

 

The post's that get me the most is when people say SW has too many athletes. Have you seen JC? They got several really nice athletes as well. Multiple State Championship Wrestlers. College baseball prospects. Currently have 5 former players playing football at various levels. TE Noah Frisby with offers from Purdue, etc. Bryce Workman, Blake Martin, Tyrese Allen, Geordan Blanton all with several college options to play at. But we dont they athletes, just a bunch of big slow kids that run into a pile and fall down. Keep thinking that.

 

What makes you think the bolded?

The only opinions of myself that I care about are God's and my families. As a program, respect is earned and not given. At the end of Sunday night's game, we will do as we always do, thank God for the opportunity he has bestowed upon us and give him all the honor that he truly deserves. Regardless of the result, this season has been a commendable effort. Whether one will acknowledge it, that is their own prerogative.

What makes you think the bolded?

 

On film they play 4 down lineman and fill gaps with LB's against the run. I feel they will come out in that against JC. If they do JC will get 4-5 yards every run between the tackles. The great Highlands and Cov Cath teams could not stop it consistently and they loaded the box (they did stop it enough to force Matney to pass and then the scores got out of hand in some cases - in other cases the game went down to the wire).

 

This game should be a great one! If the score is close JC will stick to this game plan. If you force them to pass they become easier to beat.

Brandon Smith has a couple options to go to quickly if not on the first snap of the game. I promise they won't sit in a 7 man front against JC all game. Keep hoping though.

....and for those reasons alone I would wish them a State Championship. Congrats for them getting to where they are given the community setbacks. I'm sure it had to have an impact on individual players lives

BB, I too love feel good stories of youngsters (especially in this day and age) who help out their community in times of need and it seems Johnson Central has had more than their fair share of those tough times. I would think the Johnson County area looks at their football team as a source of pride and positiveness in these difficult times.

 

Moving on to football, that won't mean much on Sunday to South Warren. And I have stated several times that I expect South to win this game. However my "Purple 88 Tornado-like Models" for this game show South winning 7-8 out of 10 games played. However, those other 2 games could show a VERY low scoring game where field position is paramount, where Tyler Pack is a MAJOR factor kicking the ball (kickoffs, punts flip field, and long FGs) and South uncharacteristically turns the ball over. Not saying it will happen, but it "Could".

Brandon Smith has a couple options to go to quickly if not on the first snap of the game. I promise they won't sit in a 7 man front against JC all game. Keep hoping though.

 

I may have read it wrong but I thought he said they would NOT load the box?

I may have read it wrong but I thought he said they would NOT load the box?

 

He did say that. The JC fan says South will not load the box. I say they will play 8 or 9-10 in the box as needed.

Brandon Smith has a couple options to go to quickly if not on the first snap of the game. I promise they won't sit in a 7 man front against JC all game. Keep hoping though.

 

If they go to any 7 man fronts then it will be JC advantage on those plays every time (my opinion of course). Unless they all bench 750 lbs and run 4.2 40's, which after reading some threads I'm almost convinced they do.

He did say that. The JC fan says South will not load the box. I say they will play 8 or 9-10 in the box as needed.

 

This is the most likely scenario. Im just hoping SW is over confident and run 7 man fronts early and JC can put some quick points up and hold on late.

I hope the other team is dumb scenario rarely works in the state finals.

I hope the other team is dumb scenario rarely works in the state finals.

 

 

In fairness...there have been some dumb things in the Finals....

 

Wouldn't think Smith would be guilty...but coaches...even legendary coaches...have made some real head scratching decisions.

I hope the other team is dumb scenario rarely works in the state finals.

 

I know the other team is not dumb. Not looking for that scenario at all. More on the lines of over confident. When teams have only seen tape of other teams they generally stick to their guns until halftime or in between quarters and make adjustments from there based on what is, is not, working.

 

I do believe they wont load the box early (just my gut feeling) and will adjust later. This could give JC an early advantage but I think SW will stick to what they do early and go from there.

Nobody embraces the Rodney Dangerfield role more than Jim Matney.

Here is a thought go to Ashlands and Belfry tape and see what they played both 7 in the box Ashland did it with 4-3 belfry 5-2 .I believe both defense done well .as far as respect I promise SW respects JC .SW fans may be a little over zealous but team and coaches take this team very very serious and that's what counts this team got a little unfocused against Central last year when they got lead .19 seniors will not let it happen again good luck JC

The best part of that article is PP's avatar.

 

:thumb: Now all of Eastern KY knows PP is a huge UK fan!