What does Pikeville need to do to improve in 2016? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

Goina be another tough out if your going up against Pikeville this year. They are my team to beat to win it all again this year. Raceland and Paintsville have the best shot at knocking them off. They will replace Pugh by commitee until about mid-3/4 of the way through the season. As the weather turns colder, look for the bruiser, Charles, to see a bulk of the carries. Bataille may be the best QB Pikeville has had since Maynard. And after all is said and done, may go down as one of, if not the best to play for the Panthers. Pikeville is my preseason number 1.

Look for Pikeville to be a state contender once again. If you look at who this team returns this season, then reality gives a reminder that they will be very hard to beat in 1-A. To start off, Wyatt Battaile will of course be at the QB position. With the off season training and conditioning under his belt, look for him to be even more potent under center. Personally think he will be the best to come out of PHS since Matt Blair, who was QB back in 1987. Blake Charles will be very much an impact player, and will pick up where he left off last season in BG. This young man will be hard to stop at the FB position, especially on short yardage. On the other side of the ball, this kid will be a joy to watch if your a Pikeville fan. Look for a more balanced offense than last season with a run by committee with the likes of Charles, speedster Evan Rhodes, Jonathan Ray, and a Daric Pugh type runner in Jesse Sparks. Also hearing about some new faces coming in that will make some impact. Wr core will consist of Clay slone, Tyler Elkins, Andrew McNamee, and Cody Dials. A new face or two may be coming in to play at this position as well. Most of these may play at the CB position too. The offensive line returns Gunter Edmonds, Nathan Campoy, Austin Salyer, Tyler Collins, Braden Kendall, and a few new faces. Some will go both ways on defense while line depth is being developed. Linebacker positions should look something like Tyler Collins, Blake Charles, Mikey McDonald, Nathan Campoy, and maybe a couple of new faces or three. Good leadership, great coaching with this team, and this bunch ain't done yet !

D

Goina be another tough out if your going up against Pikeville this year. They are my team to beat to win it all again this year. Raceland and Paintsville have the best shot at knocking them off. They will replace Pugh by commitee until about mid-3/4 of the way through the season. As the weather turns colder, look for the bruiser, Charles, to see a bulk of the carries. Bataille may be the best QB Pikeville has had since Maynard. And after all is said and done, may go down as one of, if not the best to play for the Panthers. Pikeville is my preseason number 1.

 

You can't count out Hazard either. They return 9 on offense and 8 on defense. Pikeville will be the favorite no doubt but it's a new year and it's tough to repeat as a champion.

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