HAIL PIKEVILLE! is the battle cry emanating from the higher elevation of eastern Kentucky. The Panthers are working on a mountain dynasty under Chris McNamee, with back to back Class 1A titles and four ships in the last eight years. 

The roll they're on should earn them preseason #1 status for 2023, but there are glaring holes to fill. Chief among them, All-BGP performer and All-State running back Blake Birchfield. But as great as Birchfield was, graduation losses may be felt more on defense, where the DL and LB positions will be hit hard. Over 600 tackles will be lost from those two units. 

The offense will be in good hands with the return of quarterback Isaac Duty (TD/INT ratio of 21/1) and an expanded role for explosive athlete Tayvion Boykins.

Pikeville could be vulnerable in certain areas, but a flowing pipeline of talent and what should be another rigorous schedule will have the Panthers in position to return to Lexington for a shot at state championship #8.

 

Key Departures

Blake Birchfield (RB) - 4,543 rushing yards and 62 total touchdowns combined his junior and senior years

Carson Wright (LB) - 140 tackles | 20 TFL | 4 sacks | 1 pick-six | PWO to UK

Wade Hensley (WR/DB) - 545 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on 20 yards per catch | 45 tackles | 2 interceptions

Grant Scott (TE/DE) - 225 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns | 47 tackles | 5 sacks

Peyton and Mason Sayers (OL/DL) - 6'2", 300 lbs | Combined for 77 tackles and 16 TFL | Both committed to UPike

Luke Ray (LB) - 128 tackles | 12 TFL | 3 forced fumbles

Devin DeRossett (LB) - 127 tackles | 17 TFL

Ricardo Perez (OL/DL) - 53 tackles | 15 tackles for loss

 

Key Returnees

Isaac Duty (QB) - 98/144 for 1,506 yards and 21 touchdowns with 1 interception

Tayvion Boykins (ATH) - 850 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns

Brenden Anthony (LB) - 120 tackles | 13 TFL | 3 sacks

Sam Wright (DB) - 74 tackles | 1 pick-six

Deonte Stevens (DB) - 66 tackles | 2 interceptions | 1 scoop and score

Blake Caudill (RB/DE) - Averaged nearly 10 yards per rush as a sophomore on limited touches backing up Birchfield | 6 sacks | 1 scoop and score

There are a lot of holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Hopefully, the returning players got enough experience to carry the team through the first part of the season until everyone falls into their role. They do have some good players coming back who contributed in many ways, but the losses on the OL and DL will take its toll early. 

From what I’m hearing, the 2023 schedule will be as, if not more, difficult than last season’s gauntlet. The opponents I’ve heard so far are Pulaski County, Johnson Central, LCA, Raceland, Belfry, Paintsville (D), and Hazard (D). While the Panthers are the two time reigning champs, they will definitely have their work cut out for them this year if they’re to make it three in a row. 
 

Pikeville is looking for 3 more games. They are open the following dates:

9/22/23 (Week 6)

9/29/23 (Week 7)

10/6/23 (Week 8 )

10/27/23 (Week 11) 

1 hour ago, Mountain Football 606 said:

Pikeville is looking for 3 more games. They are open the following dates:

9/22/23 (Week 6)

9/29/23 (Week 7)

10/6/23 (Week 8 )

10/27/23 (Week 11) 

Will Pikeville play anyone in Kentucky?

No, I don’t think they’d play just anyone. Based on their previous schedules, it appears they will play a team they think they can matchup with and play a competitive game. I don’t think they’d take a game just to get outmatched and punished. There are a lot of teams in the state that would do that to Pikeville, regardless of what others might say. 

14 minutes ago, Mountain Football 606 said:

No, I don’t think they’d play just anyone. Based on their previous schedules, it appears they will play a team they think they can matchup with and play a competitive game. I don’t think they’d take a game just to get outmatched and punished. There are a lot of teams in the state that would do that to Pikeville, regardless of what others might say. 

I agree with your assessment.  I would play anyone in 1A, 2A, or 3A, and then pick my spots beyond that. 

The Panthers have an awfully damn strong start to their schedule...

Aug 18 vs. Pulaski County
Aug 25 vs. Johnson Central (Pike County Bowl)
Sep 2 at Lexington Christian Academy
 

I wish Beechwood and Pikeville would start a series together. 

Followed up by Raceland at home and then Belfry on the road 

Confirmed a few minutes ago I will have a interview with a returning starter soon.

This is just one of the many reasons why Pikeville rules 1A with an iron fist: relentless work ethic and drive to get better every day. Get ready for two more years of a RB named Blake giving opposing defenses nightmares.

Birchfield ➡ Caudill

 

On 1/27/2023 at 8:01 PM, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

The Panthers have an awfully damn strong start to their schedule...

Aug 18 vs. Pulaski County
Aug 25 vs. Johnson Central (Pike County Bowl)
Sep 2 at Lexington Christian Academy
 

Aug 18 vs. Pulaski County
Aug 25 vs. Johnson Central (Pike County Bowl)
Sep 2 at Lexington Christian Academy
Sep 8 vs. Raceland
Sep 15 at Belfry
Sep 22 - OPEN
Sep 29 - OPEN
Oct 6 at Dohn Community (OH)
Oct 13 vs. Paintsville (District)
Oct 20 at Hazard (District)
Oct 27 - OPEN

The Dohn Community (Home school) game could be a 70-0 game if Pikeville wants it to be that close.

23 minutes ago, newarkcatholicfan said:

The Dohn Community (Home school) game could be a 70-0 game if Pikeville wants it to be that close.

My thoughts exactly. That game is a complete mismatch in every sense. Calpreps projects that last year, Pikeville would have won 50-3.

4 hours ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

My thoughts exactly. That game is a complete mismatch in every sense. Calpreps projects that last year, Pikeville would have won 50-3.

Pikeville would have to play Thursday JV team the entire game for it to be that close.