4A Russell County (0-3) hosts 2A Belfry Pirates (3-0) Friday night.

September 11, 2026. 25th year anniversary of the attacks of 9-11.

Belfry will make the nearly 200 mile trip west on the Hal Rogers Parkway to Russell Springs to face the Lakers. These two teams have never played one another in football to my knowledge.

The Pirates, in the 2nd year of Head Coach Matt Varney's leadership are looking to stay undefeated on the season after a very physical defensive victory last week over Johnson Central.

Coach Steve French's Lakers are hoping to break into the win column for the first time this on the heels of a close 13-7 loss to Campbellsville this past Friday.

The Pirates will be heavy favorites, but will have a long bus ride in their only true road game of the season. Belfry has to also guard against getting caught looking forward the their anticipated annual battle with Pikeville the following week. Could the Lakers surprise the Pirates?

The Lakers are way down and this will be over quickly. Matt Varney and the Pirates name the score.

Bump.

Yikes! Why would Russell County schedule this game? Will not be pretty.

Bump.

49 to 19 Belfry