4 hours ago, hrcarrier said:

There’s no doubt about that. Many may be deceived by Pikeville’s record, but they have played a TOUGH schedule to this point. I think it’s possible that Campbellsville, Raceland or Sayre could beat them, but it’s going to be a tall task. I really would have liked seeing Campbellsville play a tougher schedule earlier on in the season than they did. I’m not saying in any way that Campbellsville is bad, they have impressed me. I just think that they could have been more battle tested.

No one with half a brain is deceived by Pikeville's record. They legit, and until someone in 1A figures out how to beat them they are still in a class by themselves IMO. No matter how many Taylor Co transfers C-Ville took in this past offseason....

Here is my unbiased and honest Pikeville assessment:

1. As mentioned, once Pikeville reaches the post season there is no one in 1A that gives them a challenge they haven't already seen with the schedule they have played.

2. Pikeville is not particularly healthy right now. Their two-way mule Anthony is playing banged up. Isaiah Stanley is hurt. The Panthers are still hanging in with some tough teams with several key players either missing action or playing at less than 80% effectiveness.

3. Defensively, Pikeville is probably a better team than their losses seem to imply. If I saw a team that gave up 22, 35, 37, 40, & 48 respectively in their losses I would be inclined to say they are a questionable defense. Truth is I think that 22 that Corbin scored is probably closer to what Pikeville brings to the table. We will get to this point a little more down the list as to why some of those point totals were so high.The defense showed up in their two wins.

4. When looking at them as a 1A Team, the only team with a Starting 22 I think in the same realm may be Campbellsville. Pikeville has talent, size, speed, and skill. We have also seen that when healthy Anthony can take over any playoff game.

 

Now for some light criticism...

5. Pikeville's rule of 1A coincides with the fact that outside of Beechwood during their run there has been no other team consistently able to win the LOS. Pikeville has dominated both sides of the LOS and they are capable of doing so again. The issue is this Pikeville team does not have the depth that previous teams have had and also isn't quite as big as some past teams. Pikeville is a couple key injuries away from seeing their greatest asset neutralized.

6. The QB Duty is a capable talent with a big arm and sneaky athleticism. When he is on the Panthers are tough. With that said, between Charles, Battaille and MacNamee, the Panthers have had QB's during their run who prized possession of the football and opened up the entire playbook for the Pikeville staff. I get the impression watching Pikeville that they still have guard rails for Duty when it comes to the passing game. A lot of single read or pre-determined passes. Duty has the ability to do more with his feet than his predecessors at QB but with that has also came with some fumbles at key moments.

 

And now the heavy criticism...

7. Pikeville's Special Teams are at best described as questionable and probably best described as worrisome. Belfry is not a good Special Teams squad.. Pikeville made them look like they were playing Beamer Ball. Pikeville has struggled in every capacity of Special Teams. They have missed kicks, they have shanked punts, they have fumbled kicks, they have given up big returns. Belfry and Ironton are two shining examples where Pikeville's defense played much better than the point totals surrendered. Belfry and Ironton each had multiple kicks either returned for scores or deep into Pikeville territory that led to scores. Both teams also capitalized on Pikeville gaffes. All told you can essentially credit 6 TD's in those two games along as having Special Teams have an immediate impact.

Pikeville has never been an elite Special Teams unit... but in most year's past they have typically been solid if not at an obvious advantage over 1A teams. Any 1A team who poses a semblance of being solid in Special Teams or having capable athletes who can bust a return (Campbellsville... I see you) have a chance to have a decided advantage in this capacity.

 

 

TLDR Summary: Pikeville is talented, experienced, and still have a very stout team at the LOS and the battle testing their schedule has provided will make them the favorite. Pikeville also seemingly lacks the overall depth of previous teams and are maybe a bit more predictable on offense. The Panthers are very vulnerable in Special Teams and their struggles in this capacity strains their defense and makes an Offense that already is not the most efficient we are accustomed to seeing have to work a little harder.

 

If this was a vintage 1A with Beechwood, Mayfield, strong Hazard, etc... I would say Pikeville may be in trouble. As it stands they may be be more capable of an upset, but outside of Campbellsville there aren't many teams capable of making them pay.