2A Belfry (1-0) and 3A Central (0-1) meeting up at the beginning of the season, rather than deep in the playoffs just does not seem natural. These two teams have a rich history, even though you really could not call them enemies. They rarely play in the regular season, but over the past two decades, starting in 2007 I can't think of two teams a with a richer history, than Belfry and Central.  

The head coaches have changed, and they are in different classes, so there are no playoff considerations, however there is a mutual respect between them and I would still call this a rivalry game, because of the history and the high stakes of so many of those games. I know the fire is still burning and these two proud programs really want to win against each other. Central's dominance early in the relationship definitely pushed Belfry to elevate their game.  Coach Scroggins once said when people ask him about Central's natural rivalries within Louisville, he said, "The only rivalry we have is Belfry" 

Central makes the long drive to Pond Creek for the 2nd year in a row to play in the Pike County Bowl.. This one is scheduled for the late game Friday night, which could kickoff anytime between 8:30 and Midnight.  (Pike County Bowl history suggest kickoff times are all over the map due to heat or weather)  

Last Week: Belfry 57, 3A East Carter 12 - 6A DuPont Manual 37, Central 6

Head to Head: Central leads the all-time series 6-4 as follows: Semifinals: Central 1, Belfry 0, State Championships: Central 4, Belfry 2, Regular Season: Central 1, Belfry 2. Click Here

2025 Results: Belfry claimed the victory 28-0

2025 Records: Belfry 12-2, lost to LCA 34-29 in the 2A semifinals.   Central 5-7, lost to Lex Cath 27-14 in the 3A 2nd round.

By the way, that is Coach Scroggins’ coat and beanie in this pic next to my Belfry coat. I had the pleasure of having a great conversation with him at WKU one year at the football finals between games. He was so nice and very interesting to talk with. I’m thankful for that day.

The most unlikely cross-state rivalry you could imagine. A clash of cultures.

For fans that remember the two programs hitting their stride at the same time in the late 2000s and 2010s, this game is about something more than what transpires between the lines. It brings back memories of championship glory and heartbreak, the latter coming both on and off the field.

Those years featured a string of clashes in state championship games - the 2011, 2012, and 2014 games were low scoring, defensive slugfests and quintessential cold weather football.

The rivalry now has a bittersweet flavor to it. It's a wonderful thing that the two schools have maintained this unique relationship, but a shame that Haywood and Scroggins aren't still around to match wits.

On 8/22/2026 at 3:19 PM, Watusi said:

By the way, that is Coach Scroggins’ coat and beanie in this pic next to my Belfry coat. I had the pleasure of having a great conversation with him at WKU one year at the football finals between games. He was so nice and very interesting to talk with. I’m thankful for that day.

That's beautiful, Watusi. Thanks for sharing the pic.

I always thought Belfry and Central 's colors play well off of each other. Seeing the two jackets next to each other only reinforces that belief.

After two years of expanding the playbook to accommodate the arm of Chase Varney, it appears Belfry has reverted to its old ways. That is, if last week is any indication - only two pass attempts compared to 56 rushes.

That's not a bad thing when you have the stable of ball carriers the Pirates possess. They come at you fast.

Central gave Manual fits for a while last week, meaning they're certainly capable beating Belfry, even in a perceived down year. They need to manufacture some kind of offense, because I expect Belfry to put up some points.

I'll take the Pirates by 2-3 scores. ☠️ 🔴⚪

23 hours ago, DevilMayCare said:

After two years of expanding the playbook to accommodate the arm of Chase Varney, it appears Belfry has reverted to its old ways. That is, if last week is any indication - only two pass attempts compared to 56 rushes.

That's not a bad thing when you have the stable of ball carriers the Pirates possess. They come at you fast.

Central gave Manual fits for a while last week, meaning they're certainly capable beating Belfry, even in a perceived down year. They need to manufacture some kind of offense, because I expect Belfry to put up some points.

I'll take the Pirates by 2-3 scores. ☠️ 🔴⚪

The Pirates definitely played it close to the vest with the playbook. Almost an entirely new line and a new Soph QB will limit your options a bit this early on. Plus they return a ton of experience in the backfield, so I am sure they did the comfortable thing and kept it mainly on the ground in a game that they really never were challenged. Throwing the ball successfully was a luxury that most of us were not used to, lol.

Any streams of this game?

Link to the WYMT game of the week:

https://www.wymt.com/2026/08/28/watch-wymt-arh-game-week/

Belfry leads 14-6.

1:33 2Q

Halftime

🔴⚪ 14

⚫🟡 6

Belfry turned away the Central offense at the goal line to conclude the first half.

What the heck is Central doing going for it on 4th and long in their own territory with 710 in the 3rd. And the announcers think it was the right thing to do, ugh...

20-6 Belfry.

28-14 Pirates with 201 left.

Final.