Isn't this discussed every season. Ballard hasn't been able to get over the hump for so long, I wonder if its starting to wear on them?

 

I have said it for years, nothing against Catlett but he never seems to manage to get the kids to act, think, work and be a true team. They show glimpses of it periodically and when they do they are dangerous. 2003 they were the 3rd best team in 4A, and I watched many a team that season. Their defense was fast, hard hitting and smart. They didn't make many mistakes, they took the Rocks down to the wire in their regular season matchup, final score 22-20. Unfortunately for them though the wheels came off against the Rocks in the playoffs when the team mentality seemed to vanish after 2 big turnovers and they lost the will to keep fighting. Final score in that game 36-12.

 

They regularly have the talent, they just seem to lack the unity and chemistry that helps teams get over that hump. I think a number of teams could take a lesson from the fight that Henry Clay had in them last season against the Rocks. Down 28-0 in the first quarter they never quit and played their tails off to get back in that game. They still lost but they played together and believed in each other the whole way through. If Ballard had that kind of fight in them, they would have won at least 1 title in the last 10 years with the talent they have.

If you saw the Ballard/Henry Clay scrimmage last week, can you please give us a score and some details? Others on the board have asked about it also, but you are the first person to admit that he actually had any knowledge of this scrimmage.

I was told it was 6 touchdowns to 2 in favor of Henry Clay. Ballard's defense did not stop nor slow down Henry Clay.

It does not appear that many people want to give Ryle any credit and if I recall last year was the same way. Why are so many people down on Ryle? They lost some good players but they maintain a number of good players and some up and coming young players. It was just a thought but it sounds like no one expects them to do much at all this year.

It does not appear that many people want to give Ryle any credit and if I recall last year was the same way. Why are so many people down on Ryle? They lost some good players but they maintain a number of good players and some up and coming young players. It was just a thought but it sounds like no one expects them to do much at all this year.

Okay, I'll answer you,,,,, they lack team speed. They may be big and strong, but speed kills. IMO there were several 4A teams last year better than Ryle, but the way the brackets were set, they had a cake walk. I do love their stadium.

I think that it is to early to tell what direction they are going. I don't see them being that much slower than any other NK team. Post season play is way to far off at this point but regular season play I would say that they are right in there.

I think that it is to early to tell what direction they are going. I don't see them being that much slower than any other NK team. Post season play is way to far off at this point but regular season play I would say that they are right in there.

 

When it comes to the 6A title speed kills. That is one of the things that has hurt NKY schools. The title goes through Louisville, plain and simple. You need good team speed to beat Trinity, St.X or Male; because they will have it.

 

Villa T is right though, at best Ryle was the 4th best team in 4A last season. But that was last season. Have they gotten faster? Have they decided to throw the ball more? That, in my opinion, really killed them agains the Rocks. They got down and couldn't get back quickly because of their offensive scheme.

Agreed, they have to put the ball in the air or for that matter any team that is going to go South must do the same. I think that if their QB can get dailed in too his receivers you will see much more of an air game this year. They have some big receivers this year that could make a difference.