Perhaps not the most talented team, but this is the last year in the current classification scheme, and IMO these two teams are the only teams who have players on the roster who have actually tasted Papa Johns Stadium.

 

I know Mercer Co. is the juggernaut. I know Louisville Western looms heavily. I know Middlesboro has a great chance, as does Larue, Corbin, and Caldwell Co, but I just have to think the teams that have been there are in position.

 

Russell has a talented line, and perhaps the best back in 2a. I think the Red Devils are just the team to give fits to the Western part of the state.

 

On a similar note, Belfry might not have the standout talent they have had in past years, but I honestly believe they have the intangables, and JUST ENOUGH skill to get it done.

 

I'm on record in saying that either Belfry OR Russell gets it done in the last year of the current system.

 

Mercer Co., Western, Middlesboro, and the rest may prove me wrong, but I think there is something to be said for the teams who have been there and have a sense of what it takes.

 

Lets hear some rebuttals.

Perhaps not the most talented team, but this is the last year in the current classification scheme, and IMO these two teams are the only teams who have players on the roster who have actually tasted Papa Johns Stadium.

 

I know Mercer Co. is the juggernaut. I know Louisville Western looms heavily. I know Middlesboro has a great chance, as does Larue, Corbin, and Caldwell Co, but I just have to think the teams that have been there are in position.

 

Russell has a talented line, and perhaps the best back in 2a. I think the Red Devils are just the team to give fits to the Western part of the state.

 

On a similar note, Belfry might not have the standout talent they have had in past years, but I honestly believe they have the intangables, and JUST ENOUGH skill to get it done.

 

I'm on record in saying that either Belfry OR Russell gets it done in the last year of the current system.

 

Mercer Co., Western, Middlesboro, and the rest may prove me wrong, but I think there is something to be said for the teams who have been there and have a sense of what it takes.

 

Lets hear some rebuttals.

 

 

I can see where you are coming from and I respect that. That's why they play the games. It's almost playoff time.

Just have to say also. I don't want this to become a trash talking thread. Any person who disagrees, make a case for your team.

 

There are many teams who have legitimate claims, there is no need for this thread to be dumbed down.

 

Lets have a real discussion about 2a football.

You are right. I hate it when they go spiraling out of control and it just keeps getting worse. Mercer will have to win it on talent alone if we do it. We have some guys that have been to the playoffs but noone who has been Deep. We have the talent to do it but we will just have to see what the guys are made of once november gets here.

Hard to see Mercer not winning it. They are, in reality, a pretty darn good 4A team playing in 2A.

Well since Belfry and Russell both won't make it to the State Championship together I will stick to my Mercer Co. meeting Russell.....and of course Mercer dominating due to their superior talent and speed.

Hard to see Mercer not winning it. They are, in reality, a pretty darn good 4A team playing in 2A.

Hey buddy it's a 3A team playing a 2A schedule!

Hard to see Mercer not winning it. They are, in reality, a pretty darn good 4A team playing in 2A.

This is a great post and in respect to CamFieldJunky I will only say to check your numbers a little closer. Mercer does not have 4A numbers..although we'll have to read inaccurate posts the rest of the year.:irked:

 

Russell or Belfry would have to be the hands on favorite to defeat the West in the title game. IF Mercer, Western, or Larue make it to the finals however, EITHER of these teams have the personnel to win it.

Russell vs. Mercer is my prediction. Mercer is a much more physical, nasty team this year than last and would respond well to Russells physical style of play. That being said, I cannot predict a winner if this game were to happen.

Well since Belfry and Russell both won't make it to the State Championship together I will stick to my Mercer Co. meeting Russell.....and of course Mercer dominating due to their superior talent and speed.

 

 

I think Belfry will be the team to make it out of the East. Ashland played both Russell and Belfry early in the season, so I’ve seen both play. IMO Belfry was the better of the two and they are the kind of team that will give Russell fits. Russell has also had injuries to some key players since then.

Just have to say also. I don't want this to become a trash talking thread. Any person who disagrees, make a case for your team.

 

There are many teams who have legitimate claims, there is no need for this thread to be dumbed down.

 

Lets have a real discussion about 2a football.

 

 

That's like saying "Here's a cookie, you can look but don't touch"

First off, let me say that I think there are four legitimate threats to win the Class AA state championship: Mercer County, Western, Russell and Belfry. I think there are some other teams that have the ability to potentially slip into the title game and MAYBE win, but its unlikely: Caldwell County, Fort Campbell, Owensboro Catholic, Larue County, Breathitt County and Middlesboro.

 

In order to truly pick a championship team, you first need to take a look at the tournament bracket. See who has to play whom, and where; the latter being a major factor in high school football in November.

 

Mercer County

-First two games in the playoffs would be at home, two relatively easy wins against the likes of Lloyd, Spencer or Newport.

-Quarterfinal game would likely pit the Titans against Western, and if my bracket reading is correct, the game would be at Mercer. I think Mercer is the better coached team and with home field advantage, they would come away victorious in a tight one.

 

Western

-First two games should be easy wins, but see previous post for reasons they won't be Mercer County.

 

Russell

-First two games should be very easy victories, likely over East Carter and Fleming County.

-Quarterfinal game would most likely have Russell squaring off with Corbin from District 4. They game is in Flatwoods and I don't think Corbin (or Garrard or Wayne or Casey) have the ability to go there and win.

 

Belfry

-First two games should be victories, although Sheldon Clark and Prestonsburg might have a say in those outcomes.

-Quarterfinal game would be against either Breathitt County or Middlesboro and either game would be on Pond Creek. Give me the Pirates, although this game formerly had the makings of a Mud Bowl, impossible now that Belfry has turf!

 

State Semifinals

Even though they have struggled, I still think Owensboro Catholic will emerge from Region I. Mercer County would host Owensboro Catholic, where their run game would be dominant. Belfry would host Russell in the opposite game, and while both teams are very good running teams, I think Belfry would pick up a victory after last season's tough loss.

 

State Championship

Just because Belfry is a grind-it-out, hard-nosed team, I think they would beat Mercer County. I don't think Mercer would be able to run inside and their quickness to the outside will be negated by a quality Belfry defense. This will be a good one, but I'm picking...

 

BELFRY 18, MERCER COUNTY 13

quote from gchs_uk9

 

Russell

-First two games should be very easy victories, likely over East Carter and Fleming County.

-Quarterfinal game would most likely have Russell squaring off with Corbin from District 4. They game is in Flatwoods and I don't think Corbin (or Garrard or Wayne or Casey) have the ability to go there and win.

 

Exactly how far is it from Corbin to Flatwoods and how long does it take to drive?

This is a great post and in respect to CamFieldJunky I will only say to check your numbers a little closer. Mercer does not have 4A numbers..although we'll have to read inaccurate posts the rest of the year.:irked:

 

 

Isn't Mercer slated for 5A next year?

 

Exactly how far is it from Corbin to Flatwoods and how long does it take to drive?

 

 

 

It takes about 2 hours from Lexington.

IMO, the 2A champ will come from Mercer, Western, Russell or Belfry. Honestly, I think all have a great chance...but the edge goes to Mercer at this point.

 

A Russell v. Belfry State Semi-Final would be an " ESPN Instant Classic".

 

Two incredibly great coaches..great programs...One great war.