Belfry coming in at 2-2 winning their first game against Breathitt County 56-26 and then this week 47-26 over Southwestern. In between those two victories heir two losses are both by one score games, 43-35 against George Rogers Clark and 48-41 against Johnson Central. While Belfry historically has relied on the power running game, this year they have a tendency to throw it around a lot more. Belfry has completed a total of 44 passes, but to put it in perspective that is eight more than their 2019, 2020, and 2021 teams combined. Belfry's wins have come against teams with a combined record of 1-5, and a win against Pikeville (Although they're 1-3, it's more due to strength schedule) would be signature for them. Belfry's last win against Pikeville comes in 2018.

Pikeville started the season once again being favored to win the state championship in 1A. They are 1-3, having opened with losses to 4A powers Corbin and Johnson Central and then to a tough 2A opponent in Lexington Christian 40-26 when they were one yard away from potentially taking a double-digit lead early in the game. This week they picked up their first win 16-13 in a hard fought rematch of last year's state championship game. Raceland lost possibly their best senior class in history last season, but the young Rams still are more than capable as they showed this week against Pikeville. 

Should be a great atmosphere for football! Who will win?

anytime these two get together, it always creates a great football atmosphere. Obviously, Belfry comes into this game with a slightly better record than Pikeville for the early season but again, Pikeville has played a very tough schedule up to this point for a Class 1-A team. Will that alone offset other factors that Belfry brings to the table? Being a Pikeville fan I'd like to say yes, but I think it would be doubtful. Pikeville has tons of talent, but imo, its not been reflective on the field up to this point. Belfry is like a refresh of sorts having a potent passing attack that's uncharacteristic of the Belfry we've known for so long. The running attack is very good like Belfry teams of old. To be honest, I think Pikeville looked better in the first half against LCA than against Raceland. But fundamental mistakes have got to be eliminated

Back to the game upcoming with Belfry:

PIKEVILLE-21

BELFRY  _ 34

Going with my head instead of my heart

@Mountain Football 606 what do you think about this game?

I'm thinking Pikeville has a chance if it plays without making those mistakes, and if Brenden Anthony gets several touches. Both he and Blake Caudill can move the ball without a doubt. Add to that If the play calling with the passing game is on par as it should be, Pikeville has a good chance, imo. The defense, while its not where it needs to be just yet, looks better than expected.

Bump.

Belfry 28-20.  Pikeville has scheduled with the postseason in mind. 

Belfry Pirates (2-2, 3A #4)

Chase Varney (QB) - 44/69 for 668 yards and 6 TDs with 3 INTs 

JB Woolum (ATH) - 508 yards from scrimmage and 8 TDs | averages 13.7 yards per touch

Jeremiah Austin (RB) - 62 rushes for 499 yards and 8 TDs 

Hunter Hylton (DL) - 59 tackles and 4 sacks | third leading tackler in 3A

 

Pikeville Panthers (1-3, 1A #1)

Isaac Duty (QB) - 45/75 for 741 yards and 5 TDs with 5 INTs 

Brenden Anthony (RB/LB) - 22 rushes for 272 yards and 1 TD | 45 tackles | #2 in 1A in tackles per game at 15

Mikey Hager (WR) - 14 receptions for 287 yards and 3 TDs 

Jeremiah Anderson (LB) - 47 tackles | #3 in 1A in tackles per game at 11.8

Blake Caudill (DL) - 34 tackles | 9 TFL 

 

Series History

Tied at 39-39-2

With Pikeville currently riding a five game win streak in the rivalry, the Panthers are looking to take back the overall series lead for the first time since 2012. 

Pikeville's won the last three with an average margin of 27 points.

 

State Championships

? (?×8) '87, '88, '89, '15, '19, '21, '22, & '23

?‍☠️ (?×8) '03, '04, '13, '14, '15, '16, '19, & '21

 

 

The poll is currently deadlocked at 10 apiece. I'm still on the fence, so I'm going to let this one marinate a little longer before casting my vote. 

If Pikeville’s offense opens up the playbook like it did against LCA, they should make it a good game. If they try the game plan they did against Raceland last week, the game could get ugly quick. But since this is a rivalry game filled with pride, I think the Panthers bring their A game. Give me Pikeville, 31-28. And 

7 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

Belfry Pirates (2-2, 3A #4)

Chase Varney (QB) - 44/69 for 668 yards and 6 TDs with 3 INTs 

JB Woolum (ATH) - 508 yards from scrimmage and 8 TDs | averages 13.7 yards per touch

Jeremiah Austin (RB) - 62 rushes for 499 yards and 8 TDs 

Hunter Hylton (DL) - 59 tackles and 4 sacks | third leading tackler in 3A

 

Pikeville Panthers (1-3, 1A #1)

Isaac Duty (QB) - 45/75 for 741 yards and 5 TDs with 5 INTs 

Brenden Anthony (RB/LB) - 22 rushes for 272 yards and 1 TD | 45 tackles | #2 in 1A in tackles per game at 15

Mikey Hager (WR) - 14 receptions for 287 yards and 3 TDs 

Jeremiah Anderson (LB) - 47 tackles | #3 in 1A in tackles per game at 11.8

Blake Caudill (DL) - 34 tackles | 9 TFL 

 

Series History

Tied at 39-39-2

With Pikeville currently riding a five game win streak in the rivalry, the Panthers are looking to take back the overall series lead for the first time since 2012. 

Pikeville's won the last three with an average margin of 27 points.

 

State Championships

? (?×8) '87, '88, '89, '15, '19, '21, '22, & '23

?‍☠️ (?×8) '03, '04, '13, '14, '15, '16, '19, & '21

 

 

Thank you for the stats. That is WILD that the series is knotted up after all those meetings!

Does anyone know if this game is being broadcasted on Mountain Top Sports tonight?

https://mountaintop.vhx.tv/browse

It will be air at 7:30 pm EST on WDHR 93.1 FM and WXCC 96.5 FM Pikeville radio stations, and of course the link posted above.

GOOD LUCK PANTHERS! 

4 hours ago, theguru said:

Does anyone know if this game is being broadcasted on Mountain Top Sports tonight?

https://mountaintop.vhx.tv/browse

3 minutes ago, Carlito said:

It will be air at 7:30 pm EST on WDHR 93.1 FM and WXCC 96.5 FM Pikeville radio stations, and of course the link posted above.

GOOD LUCK PANTHERS! 

So Mountain Top TV is going to stream video?

This is the Wymt game of week.

1 hour ago, theguru said:

So Mountain Top TV is going to stream video?

Yes. At 7:30 pm EST