It may not be Black Friday or Cyber Monday, but fans of Kentucky football will get a nice special Friday when they are given a rematch of last year's 3A State Finals except in Round 3 instead.

Belfry strolled into the Regional Finals by way of "No Contest" when Lawrence County was not able to participate due to COVID quarantine. On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, Bell County had to go to Mount Vernon and get revenge in an absolute physical war with Rockcastle County that they prevailed 13-6. 

Though both teams entered the 2020 season among the favorites to reach the Finals, both teams have seen their own bumps along the way against stout competition. Bell County was humbled in their season opener against 4A Johnson Central 36-0. Those same Golden Eagles handed Belfry their last loss 35-14 at the end of October. Bell County also suffered setbacks to Rockcastle County and a loss to fellow 3A contender Ashland. The Pirates had valiant efforts come up just short in the 4th Quarter with losses to Pikeville and North Hardin by a combined seven points.

Bell County knows where Belfry's punch is coming from, it will be the same knockout blow that dealt them the 30-20 loss in the Finals. Belfry RB Isaac Dixon has been a highlight reel and picture of efficiency. He carved the Bobcats up for 224 yards and 3 scores last December and has not let off the gas since. Belfry also relies heavily on QB Brett Coleman who has taken on a more considerable role in the offensive production category.

All three of Belfry's defeats saw them hurt by a strong interior run performance exploiting an undersized Front 7 on defense. The Bobcats should once again hold an advantage in size, but points have not exactly came with ease for Bell County. In their three losses they combined for 7 points and only posted 13 in their win this past week. Brandon Baker has done his part as one of Class 3A's most consistent threats at the RB position, but he will need a supporting cast to knock off the Pirates.


 

Ashland had a field day running the ball on Bell County, which makes me think Dixon and Coleman will do the same behind that seasoned offensive line. 

Bell might move the chains enough to limit Belfry's possessions, but I don't look for them to keep pace with the Pirates. Dixon can break open a game quickly. The Bobcats don't have anyone with that capability.

It sounds like Bell County has lost their star RB Brandon Baker for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Hate hearing that. Kid is a tough as nails gamer.

It appeared he got hurt in the 2nd Half vs. Rockcastle and then tried to tough it out for a few plays before leaving the game again.

Baker has accounted for 45% of Bell's yards from scrimmage (1100) and over 48% of their TD's (15). He is also a key player on defense.

Belfry 41

Bell Co 17

I think it will be closer than some expect but I’m going with Belfry 28-14.

Pay to play on Mountain Top Media for video tonight

https://mountain-toplive.com/belfry-sports/

 

 Seth Mounts unloads on a Bell ballcarrier forcing a fumble, Dixon scoops and scores.

Belfry 7

Bell 0

Big run by Bell's FB Raby for a gain to the Belfry 31

Bell fumbles snap, Belfry recovers.

Dixon just put a Mr. Football run.

70 yards and three broken ankles later Touchdown Belfry. Sick, sick, run.

 

14-0 Belfry.

3 and out Bell.

Nice Dixon return to Bell 42. Penalty though moves it back to Belfry 34. Coleman houses it 66 yards but flag brings it back for illegal procedure.

 

Dixon gains five but more flags. Holding. Belfry way behind sticks.

Dixon fumbles and Bell recovers. Bell set up at the Belfry 31.

1st and 10 Bell at 20

4th and 8