What does Phelps need to do to improve in 2017? What do they need to keep doing to be successful? Remember, please be constructive.

2016 was a major positive step for Phelps as David Jones created momentum and got the Hornets some wins.

 

They re-join District competition in 2017 which will be a tall task with Pikeville and Hazard in their District. With that said I still think the Hornets pick up some wins on their schedule and may be a tough out in the First Round playoff game.

Is this a 4 team district now?

Is this a 4 team district now?

 

Just three. South Floyd closed and Jenkins dropped out.

Well at least they will not have to play the opposite #1 seed in the playoffs.

Well at least they will not have to play the opposite #1 seed in the playoffs.

 

Which should mean a first round playoff game against the likes of Lynn Camp, Harlan, or Pineville. Phelps has never won a playoff game.

I didn't realize they had never won a playoff game. They had a pretty good team or two that I can remember, but they were in a 6 or 7 team district back then that included Pikeville and Paintsville and they never got very favorable playoff seeding.

 

The Hornets are definitely the team I'd like to see get a playoff W. Would be a huge boost for them, and they are riding a pretty good wave of excitement already.

I didn't realize they had never won a playoff game. They had a pretty good team or two that I can remember, but they were in a 6 or 7 team district back then that included Pikeville and Paintsville and they never got very favorable playoff seeding.

 

The Hornets are definitely the team I'd like to see get a playoff W. Would be a huge boost for them, and they are riding a pretty good wave of excitement already.

 

They had Shawn Clusky one year... and I want to say another year with the Peck kid at QB

 

It is surprising they havent won a playoff game.

How good can Ronald Prater be? He has good size(6-6-250)

Listed as a tight end.

 

How about Peyton Rife? 5-11-190 tailback?

Can these guys be leaders and put up big numbers?

I didn't realize they had never won a playoff game. They had a pretty good team or two that I can remember, but they were in a 6 or 7 team district back then that included Pikeville and Paintsville and they never got very favorable playoff seeding.

 

From my records, it appears they started playing football in 1972 and have had seven winning seasons during that stretch (they also had a handful of .500 records). The best season was 1984 when they went undefeated and won their sub-district before bowing to Pikeville, 46-22, in the first round of the playoffs. That was actually the closest playoff game they've ever played. To this point, the Hornets are 0-14 in the playoffs with an average deficit of 45 points.

 

Count me among those who are really hoping they can turn the corner with David Jones. There was progress last year; here's hoping there is even more in 2017.

David Jones has really changed the image of Phelps in a short amount of time. For the last few years I think it could be argued that Phelps, Jenkins, and South Floyd were the three worst teams on the eastern side of the state. David Jones has changed this for Phelps. I have no ties with Phelps yet I'm excited to see what lies in store for that program in 2017.

Phelps has always been in a tough position. From losing players to nearby Belfry and Matewan (both state powers), to being in a tough 1A district with Pikeville and Elkhorn City. Add in Paintsville/Hazard and that 4 seed is valuable to come across. throw in Mullins, Jenkins, Fleming Neon, Virgie, South Floyd/Wheelwright, and Allen Central, and they're lucky to have had the success that they have had.

I'm not sure if Phelps is ready for Lynn Camp, Harlan, or Pineville. No I'm not saying those 3 are top teams, however history has shown from that district that the talent has really dropped off after Pikeville and Hazard. If Phelps beats Jenkins and/or Jackson Co pretty easy I will agree they can compete with those 3 teams. Right now I don't see it. LC and Harlan should have solid teams this year.