Have not seen anything yet. Let's get this one started!

This one is kind of a moving target every year depending on the focus the respective coaches put on injuries.

 

It has also been an odd series where the road team has really did a good job of winning in recent years.

 

Johnson Central enters 8-1 with numerous big wins including Moore, Henry Clay, and most recently a dominating win over Ashland.

 

Belfry has some quality wins over Pikeville, Newport Central Catholic, and Cabell Midland... but are still searching for that true signature win.

 

Johnson Central's lone loss was to Capital, WV in their season debut, Belfry lost to Huntington, WV. Since those losses neither team has tasted defeat.

 

It is worth noting these scores:

Capital 28 Johnson Central 21

Huntington 17 Belfry 9

Belfry 36 Cabell Midland 28

Capital 20 Cabell Midland 7

Capital 30 Huntington 22

Cabell Midland 21 Huntington 7

Belfry's hasn't exactly been a dominant Defense. The Pirate D-line has given up yards on the ground to teams who spread the field and run between tackles (Huntington and Pikeville). The only time Belfry has faced a team who utilizes a true power running game effectively was Cabell Midland, the Pirates held up fairly well and the final score was not quite indicative of the game.

 

Conversely, Johnson Central really hasn't faced a team with a comparable style to Belfry. The Eagles' Defense has been good enough, but their Offense has been their calling card.

 

All things considered I think this could be a nice matchup. I think JC will score points as they over match this Belfry D-Line and Riley Preece has been superb running the QB spot. Conversely, I think the same can be said for Belfry. Dixon and Bentley's speed will give JC some problems and Avery Browning is a magician at QB.

 

At the end of the day I simply feel Johnson Central is just a bit more of a complete team and have a bit more ability to create negative plays. I also think you see a little sense of pride from Central after the way Belfry won the game last year and the little 3-game streak Belfry has in the series.

 

I will say JC wins the battle of big plays

 

JC 33

Belfry 20

Great insight into the game. Should be a dandy that could go either way. Always a great Friday night when these two programs get together. Much respect between both fan bases.

This one of those game that you wish your team wasn't playing so that you could make a trip southeast to watch.

ttt

Belfry is a little too banged up to beat JC this time around. JC is better than they were last year, and no doubt they have some revenge in mind after losing 3 in a row to the Pirates.

 

Belfry still is searching for the answer on defense against good running attacks. I’m not sure how they will handle a great running attack like the Eagles will have.

 

It it is tough to pick against the Good Guys In Red but I think this battle is a little too much for them at this point.

Latest reports are that Belfry is not only dealing with some injuries that have lingered, but that the flu bug is creating some issues.

 

Expect Belfry to not suit up anywhere from 4-6 starters.

 

Haywood has shown in this particular game that he will always err on the side of caution, as has Matney.

 

I am going to revise my prediction and say:

 

JC 40

Belfry 20

Haywood has shown in this particular game that he will always err on the side of caution, as has Matney.

 

How much of that do you think is due to the physical nature of this game in recent years? I'm kinda thinking it has a lot to do with it, but obviously I can't say for sure. I'm sure it's hard for Haywood and Matney to curb the competitiveness of their squads and not go full tilt for four quarters.

Definitely think it plays a part

 

Haywood, by nature, is ultra conservative with injuries. If you have a any type of ailment that can be re-aggravated or is not fully cleared, Haywood will most likely keep you out unless it is a playoff game.

 

With that said, with two teams with the physical style that Belfry and JC has, it probably is wise to not risk it for a game that has anything less than bragging rights.

 

The word I got last night is Belfry will definitely be without three starters due to injury.

 

Two starters were very sick with the flu and are doubtful to play.

 

Two key reserves are out with injury as well.

Haywood has shown in this particular game that he will always err on the side of caution, as has Matney.

 

Which is why the results have occassionally been lopsided or just plain odd.

Which is why the results have occassionally been lopsided or just plain odd.

 

This year's game is shaping up a lot like the 2014 game.

 

Belfry had about 5 or 6 starters who either did not play or we're pulled as a precaution early in the 2nd Half.

 

Johnson Central went on to win 35-0 in a game Belfry was non-competitive.

 

I think the shoe was on the other foot in 2015 when Belfry won 41-0 in a game that JC was much better than the final score indicated. JC rested some starters as well and played it very vanilla.

 

The two then played in 2016 to a 21-16 game which was much more indicative of the matchup. That was a game both teams wanted as they both had a sense of pride about being the "Best in the East". No punches were held. One of the best games of the rivalry and both teams went on to win State Titles.

 

Do I think the better team won in 2014 and 2015? Absolutely.

Do I think the team who won was legitimately 5 TD's better? Absolutely not.

 

I think something similar happens tonight. Both teams at full strength playing for pride and bring their A-game I still like JC by a TD to 10 points. Tonight I wouldn't be surprised to see them hammer the Pirates though.

That 2016 was one of the best games I've seen in person. Just a terrific, well played game all around.

The Pirates will give it good effort but I'm with you ATL, I don't expect the to be able to hang with the Eagles tonight. Too many bodies missing or less than 100%.

 

Hope they prove me wrong.