Notice I removed the part of your quote about 6 in a row.... :lol:...... I have heard that the rivalry is over after this one.

 

I heard the Pikeville/Prestonsburg rivalry is over as well. P'burg downgrading their schedule???

Chico, whats the details on that?

By the way,

 

I feel that if Belfry doesn't take this game serious then there are some major flaws in thinking because this is a pivotal game for the Pirates on multiple levels.

 

1. A win for Pburg and they are district champs,,, Belfry has to win to clinch a share of the district title and the opportunity to win outright versuses SC next week. With that being said, why should Belfry be looking forward to SC... as of right now Pburg is the team in the district driver seat.

 

2. This is Belfry's measuring stick for where they stand in the flow of 2A football. The Blackcats are (and Pburg fans don't be offended, just callling it as I see it) a mid-level 2A team (ie. 10-15 in state). The Pirates need to be at least 2-3 TD better with the advantage of playing at home than the Blackcats to secure their status as one of the top 3 or 4 teams in the state right now. If not, then it is safe to say we have alot of improvement left to do in an increasingly smaller window.

 

3. This game will also show if we have had marked improvement in our defense since the Pikeville game. If our run defense doesn't show a marked progression then we will be in a world of hurt against Middlesboro and Breathitt, let alone Russell or Mercer.

 

4. The upcoming game should also be an excellent opportunity to continue to see the development of Elkins as a QB. I fully expect the Blackcats to be teeing off on him every play much like the Pikeville matchup, and we all know the history the Cats have for some "controversial" plays (ie late hits, unsportsmanlike conduct, etc). If Elkins can retain his composure and make the big plays then it will speak volumes for the role this kid could end up playing by season's end.

 

 

So with that being said my 3 keys to the game on both sides:

 

BELFRY

1. FUMBLITIS?- The one ultimate factor that will allow the Blackcats to have a chance at winning, as was with Pikeville, is the fumble. Not only the fumbles lost, but the fumbles that stall drives and momentum. Belfry has to become consistent in protecting the football. 2 FUMBLES OR LESS!

 

2. ELKINS- The X factor in this game. His ability to carry fakes, run the option, protect the football, and keep the defense honest with an occasional pass is pivotal. NO FUMBLES AND AT LEAST 3 COMPLETIONS.

 

3. DEFENSIVE LINE- The Pirates MUST dominate the trenches againsta very physical Blackcat team..in particular they definately have to dominate on the defensive side and force the Blackcats to be a one dimensional team. LESS THAN 150 YARDS RUSHING.

 

PBURG

1. BIG PLAY- The 6 straight Pirate victories can be broken down and directly correlated to around 15 total plays that made the difference in the game. Belfry has big play potential, but not as prevalent as in year's past. 1 OR LESS PLAYS OF 25+ YARDDS FOR BELFRY, AT LEAST 3+ FOR PBURG.

 

2. BE OFFENSIVE- The Blackcats must exploit Belfry's inconsistencies on defense and their perrenial mediocrity in pass coverage. Belfry's strong point is clearly their quickness, fundamental soundness in assignments, and their ability to make the big play in clutch situations... their weakness is blaringly their tackling. Thus Pburg's running game HAS to be established. PBURG AT LEAST 175+ RUSHING AND AT LEAST 250+ TOTAL YARDS.

 

3. SPECIAL TEAMS- Derrossett's teams in the past have notoriously been hot and cold in special teams. Some years the kicking game is solid and the return game is phenomenal, some years Derrossett never attempts a PAT and Blackcat fans hold thier breath on kickoffs and returns. Belfry can be returned on... Pike Central proved it. PBURG AT LEAST AN AVERAGE FIELD POSITION PAST THE 35 YARD LINE, NO MISSED CONVERSIONS.

^ I've had college papers that weren't that long.

I had college papers that weren't as important as a Belfry-Prestonsburg game.

I had college papers that weren't as important as a Belfry-Prestonsburg game.

 

 

:lol: Touche', touche'.:lol:

I heard the Pikeville/Prestonsburg rivalry is over as well. P'burg downgrading their schedule???

 

 

I don't think that the Pikeville/Prestonsburg rivalry is over...I do know the Belfry rivalry is for now...

I don't think that the Pikeville/Prestonsburg rivalry is over...I do know the Belfry rivalry is for now...

 

 

Alright, I have to ask.

 

Who dropped who??

Shame on Prestonsburg

I don't think that the Pikeville/Prestonsburg rivalry is over...I do know the Belfry rivalry is for now...

 

Pikeville/Prestonsburg is definitely over.

Alright, I have to ask.

 

Who dropped who??

 

Actually, by the district being broken up, the rivalry was, shall we say, administratively dissolved.

 

Belfry lost two district opponents in the new alignment. Guess which local rival stepped up and scheduled us already for 2007? Prestonsburg or Shelby Valley?

Actually, by the district being broken up, the rivalry was, shall we say, administratively dissolved.

 

Belfry lost two district opponents in the new alignment. Guess which local rival stepped up and scheduled us already for 2007? Prestonsburg or Shelby Valley?

 

Based on the info in this thread...I would guess Shelby Valley. My question is why would Belfry want to continue the series if not mandated by district play?

I can't speak for anyone else, but I can see some reasons why agreeing to a 2 year deal with SV might be a good idea.

 

First is they are a better team than in the past and there is reason to believe that SV is making the right comittments towards improving their program long-term. Examples: they wanted to keep Belfry; the installation of the turf; they hired a proven coach.

 

The gate should be good for both teams and the travel will be minimal. Big factors that help the bottom line.

 

It gives both teams another game on turf each year.

 

Belfry added a couple of good non district teams and are currently looking for one more. With only 4 district games, I can see them not wanting to overload their schedule in the first couple of years in a new class.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I can see some reasons why agreeing to a 2 year deal with SV might be a good idea.

 

First is they are a better team than in the past and there is reason to believe that SV is making the right comittments towards improving their program long-term. Examples: they wanted to keep Belfry; the installation of the turf; they hired a proven coach.

 

The gate should be good for both teams and the travel will be minimal. Big factors that help the bottom line.

 

It gives both teams another game on turf each year.

 

Belfry added a couple of good non district teams and are currently looking for one more. With only 4 district games, I can see them not wanting to overload their schedule in the first couple of years in a new class.

 

:thumb:

Game will be good for a lot of different reasons, and will help both programs in very different ways.

Nothing against Shelby Valley, but I would have liked for Belfry to schedule Southwestern, Bell, South Laurel, Rockcastle, or someone like that for a two-year contract, and then re-schedule Shelby Valley after they have progressed under Saunders for a couple of more years.

 

I like the idea of a 4-game district schedule because it would have allowed Belfry to play games that would better prepare them for the playoffs.

 

I guess what I mean is, I figured Prestonsburg would still be on the schedule and Shelby Valley wouldn't. So now the schedule looks something like this:

 

Belfry vs. PCB Opponent (always tough)

Belfry vs Ashland (good)

Belfry vs Lawrence Co. (good)

Belfry vs East Ridge

Belfry vs Magoffin Co.

Belfry vs Pikeville (Rivalry)

Belfry vs Pike Central

Belfry vs ????? (hopefully Johnson Central)

Belfry vs Sheldon Clark (good)

Belfry vs Shelby Valley

 

Bold print denotes district games.