You are right about that one 5wide, it won't much matter where the game is, if these two teams meet, it will be a good game.

I think the Eastern side of 3A will have some of the best football games in the state come playoff time......I can't wait.

Of the contenders, nobody in the east has a light path and homefield advantage will be bigger than maybe it has ever been before in this semi-state. Lots of intriguing matchups at some historic locations.

 

Somerset: If they win their district, they would get a break in that they would host the regional game with Belfry or Sheldon Clark instead of making that road trip. That would be a big plus for them. Then they would likely then host either Breathitt, Russell or Mason Co for the semifinal game. Having those 2 matchups at home would be huge, IMO, if in their upset bid for a title appearance.

 

Breathitt Co: Like Somerset, they walked through their district the first time and they would likely do so again in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Then they would get to play either Russell or Mason Co in the regionals. If Russell is the opponent, the game would be played at the Hank because they would both be 1 seeds and the odd district would host. However, if Mason Co wins their rematch with Russell, being a 2 seed, they would have to travel to Breathitt Co for the regional game, and that is always a tough place to play. If Breathitt wins the region, it would be on the road to Belfry, Sheldon Clark, or Somerset for the semifinals.

 

Mason Co: Being a 2 seed from an even district, Mason will only get 1 home game if the seeding holds up. Their first battle is within their district with Russell. They lost a heart breaker at home to the Devils and this time they will have to travel to the Hank for the rematch. That should be the best 2nd round game in the state, in any class. If they win the rematch, they would travel to Breathitt for the regionals. If they win that one, they would go on the road again to either Somerset, Belfry or Sheldon Clark for the semifinals. That is a LOT of travel time in 3 straight weeks.

 

Russell: They have to be elated to have won their first game with Mason and earned a 1 seed. That may have been the biggest district win in 3A because of the playoff consequenses. That means they will host the rematch with Mason Co in week 2 and if they win, they get to host Breathitt Co for the regional game. Their is no comparison between hosting that game at the Hank and traveling to Jackson to play on Breathitt's home field. If they win the region, then it is off to either Somerset, Sheldon Clark or Belfry for the semifinals. And you just know the Devils faithful are looking at that possible trip to the CAM again and the possible game with the Pirates that has become a Thanksgiving tradition over the last few years.

 

Sheldon Clark: They open up at home against a good Pike Central team and then they would get to travel back to Belfry where they just lost 34-7 last week. If they could pull that upset, it would be on the road to Somerset for the regionals. If they make it through that gauntlet, they would get to host the semifinal game with either Breathitt, Russell or Mason. And that would be a huge plus for them as playing at the Rock in Inez is never easy for opposing teams.

 

Belfry: The Pirates lucked out with the playoff alignment. They are in the odd region this year and the even region next year. This means they could host the semifinals both years if they reach that level. The battles start in week 2 for Belfry as they would likely host Sheldon Clark. As they found out last season, the Cards are capable of beating them if Belfry doesn't play their A game. The Pirates would then travel to Somerset in week 3 for the regionals game against a very good Briar Jumper team. The last time they played there it was 7-6 classic battle with a bunch of 4 down goal line stands in 1985. The semifinals would be at the friendly confines of the CAM against either Breathitt, Russell or Mason.

 

 

As I said, there is no easy path on this side of the state this year. There are lots of interesting twists and possible matchups. It should be a lot of fun to watch it develop.

Watusi very good post, way to simplify the 3A playoff picture. Can you also do that in class 4A? Would appreciate immensely.

I will pick 1. Belfry and 2. Breathitt Co. out of the Eastern part of the state with Mason ad Russell possibly in the mix and coming out if it. I'll probably be picking Mason in the Russell rematch even though it will be at Russell, should be a toss up.

 

Anyway, IMO Belfry advances to Pappa Johns and will win the State 3A title.

 

 

 

 

 

By the way, Great post and information Watusi. Thanks.

Cant wait for Mason Vs. Russell Part II

I definately think PT is a solid pick for the semi's...Just don't see anyone that can match there speed or talent...Central is the other team from the west that should walk through to the semi's. Russellville, Moore and ETown are decent teams, but, none can match the speed and depth of Central and that tough schedule should help them in the playoffs. The biggest challenge for both these teams is too not get too complacent... Central and PT have both played solid schedules and both are athletic. PT is playing really well recently and will give Central all they want, but, in the long run, I see Central making it to the finals... Central 26 PT 21

 

On the east side, there's a few more quality teams, but, only 1 that stands out and thats Belfry. Although they are more likely to be upset along the way, imo, it would at least be in the semi's. Just can't see Somerset and Sheldon Clark being that competitive with them. Breathitt & the Russell/Mason Co winner is another story. Mason has played the toughest of the 3 schedules and I think this will give them an edge. I always like the loser over the winner in a close rematch game of evenly matched teams and I think Masons competition level will help them prevail in the region finals against a solid, but untested Breathitt team.. In the semi's, Mason will play Belfry close, but, I think the depth and experience will get them to the finals... Belfry 28 Mason Co 21...

 

Then, in the finals it'll be the game everyone's been waiting for, Central vs Belfry. Belfry has been very impressive all year and has had the tougher of the roads to go through to make it this far. Central may have had the easier of the 2 roads in the playoffs, but, one could argue they've played the toughest schedule of any team in the state. As good as Belfry is, they aren't as good as St X, Highlands, Manual, Male, etc. that Central has had to go through. With that in mind, I think you can throw out the paths they've had to travel. I feel Belfry will be the more polished, disciplined and fundamental of the 2 teams, whereas Central will be the more explosive and athletic team. I see this one coming down to turnovers and special teams. I think Belfry can contain Central just enough to hang on for yet another state championship... Belfry 28 Central 24....

That 1 point win last week by Russell really looks HUGE when you put it all in context.

 

 

It very well could have been 28 -0 in the first half. Now that's Mason Countys favor. Our defense kept us in the game. We could not hold onto the ball. I sure hope we got all the fumbalitis out of us last week. That 1 point win could result in two home games.

 

If our teams do meet again I'm sure glad KHSAA has allowed us to come down to the Cam again. I just love that stadium. What a great place for football.

Cant wait for Mason Vs. Russell Part II

 

Who are you picking for that game?

I definately think PT is a solid pick for the semi's...Just don't see anyone that can match there speed or talent...Central is the other team from the west that should walk through to the semi's. Russellville, Moore and ETown are decent teams, but, none can match the speed and depth of Central and that tough schedule should help them in the playoffs. The biggest challenge for both these teams is too not get too complacent... Central and PT have both played solid schedules and both are athletic. PT is playing really well recently and will give Central all they want, but, in the long run, I see Central making it to the finals... Central 26 PT 21

 

On the east side, there's a few more quality teams, but, only 1 that stands out and thats Belfry. Although they are more likely to be upset along the way, imo, it would at least be in the semi's. Just can't see Somerset and Sheldon Clark being that competitive with them. Breathitt & the Russell/Mason Co winner is another story. Mason has played the toughest of the 3 schedules and I think this will give them an edge. I always like the loser over the winner in a close rematch game of evenly matched teams and I think Masons competition level will help them prevail in the region finals against a solid, but untested Breathitt team.. In the semi's, Mason will play Belfry close, but, I think the depth and experience will get them to the finals... Belfry 28 Mason Co 21...

 

Then, in the finals it'll be the game everyone's been waiting for, Central vs Belfry. Belfry has been very impressive all year and has had the tougher of the roads to go through to make it this far. Central may have had the easier of the 2 roads in the playoffs, but, one could argue they've played the toughest schedule of any team in the state. As good as Belfry is, they aren't as good as St X, Highlands, Manual, Male, etc. that Central has had to go through. With that in mind, I think you can throw out the paths they've had to travel. I feel Belfry will be the more polished, disciplined and fundamental of the 2 teams, whereas Central will be the more explosive and athletic team. I see this one coming down to turnovers and special teams. I think Belfry can contain Central just enough to hang on for yet another state championship... Belfry 28 Central 24....

 

I just want to comment on one thing. No disrespect to Central. I agree they have played the toughest schedule of any 3-A team. No question. They played teams that they should beat and in most cases they lost the games. They have won all the games that count and thats good.

 

I find it hard to judge a team so hi that is going up against teams they really have no business playing. I understand it will make them a better team. The Central team that came to play Johnson Central appeared to be a good team but not of the caliber that Central was expected to be. Some of us expected Johnson Central to take a beat down. Now maybe JC is a whole lot better or Central is not that great team that we in the east hear is going to clean the slate. Once again no disrespect in anyway ment. If they are so good don't you think they should win a few of those tough games?

 

I wish Central the best. I think the winner from the east, Breathitt, Mason County, Somerset, Russell, or Belfry will be battle tested and able to compete with Louisville Central.

I just want to comment on one thing. No disrespect to Central. I agree they have played the toughest schedule of any 3-A team. No question. They played teams that they should beat and in most cases they lost the games. They have won all the games that count and thats good.

 

I find it hard to judge a team so hi that is going up against teams they really have no business playing. I understand it will make them a better team. The Central team that came to play Johnson Central appeared to be a good team but not of the caliber that Central was expected to be. Some of us expected Johnson Central to take a beat down. Now maybe JC is a whole lot better or Central is not that great team that we in the east hear is going to clean the slate. Once again no disrespect in anyway ment. If they are so good don't you think they should win a few of those tough games?

 

I wish Central the best. I think the winner from the east, Breathitt, Mason County, Somerset, Russell, or Belfry will be battle tested and able to compete with Louisville Central.

I talked to a very unbiased person from Johnson County, they told me Central was very athletic and fast. But wanted no part of physical moutnain football, and if that be the case I guarantee you one of the teams fromt he East, whoever it is, has a nice little suprise for them.

Mason

I just want to comment on one thing. No disrespect to Central. I agree they have played the toughest schedule of any 3-A team. No question. They played teams that they should beat and in most cases they lost the games. They have won all the games that count and thats good.

 

I find it hard to judge a team so hi that is going up against teams they really have no business playing. I understand it will make them a better team. The Central team that came to play Johnson Central appeared to be a good team but not of the caliber that Central was expected to be. Some of us expected Johnson Central to take a beat down. Now maybe JC is a whole lot better or Central is not that great team that we in the east hear is going to clean the slate. Once again no disrespect in anyway ment. If they are so good don't you think they should win a few of those tough games?

 

I wish Central the best. I think the winner from the east, Breathitt, Mason County, Somerset, Russell, or Belfry will be battle tested and able to compete with Louisville Central.

 

Well, when you say compete...They lost 20-13 to the #3 6a team, Manual, lost to the #5 6a team Male, beat a top 10 4a team Bullitt East and lost to a top 10 5a team in Johnson Central. Winning the BE game was a solid win, nearly as impressive as playing Manual toe to toe, so, I'm not sure why you say they are playing teams they have no business playing..There isn't a 3a team in Ky on the east or west side who would have any better record than they do against that type team, but, those type teams test you from every angle and you definately see where you're weaknesses are and get better from them...They have won a few of those tough games you're talking abt..I think if Belfry comes out of the east, they'll win it all, but if anyone else does, I think Central will take it...

In the finals, I like Belfry and Louisville Central.

When you go back and look at who we as fans have predicted to play in Louisville we usually don't do very well. I think last year Mercer was picked from the, I'll call it west. We all picked that. 5-A team playing down. Good choice. Out of the east Belfry was picked at least from the survey of the Russell vs Belfry game.

 

I do although feel that we as a whole have it right this year. Central vs Belfry. My opinion.

 

I think that Belfry will open the eyes of those in the east. They will control the line of scrimmage and physically run the ball down the middle all night long. They will ware Central down even though they have had a demanding schedule.

 

Belfry 35

Central 7

Well, when you say compete...They lost 20-13 to the #3 6a team, Manual, lost to the #5 6a team Male, beat a top 10 4a team Bullitt East and lost to a top 10 5a team in Johnson Central. Winning the BE game was a solid win, nearly as impressive as playing Manual toe to toe, so, I'm not sure why you say they are playing teams they have no business playing..There isn't a 3a team in Ky on the east or west side who would have any better record than they do against that type team, but, those type teams test you from every angle and you definately see where you're weaknesses are and get better from them...They have won a few of those tough games you're talking abt..I think if Belfry comes out of the east, they'll win it all, but if anyone else does, I think Central will take it...

 

I guess we expected more from Central when they played Johnson Central. Maybe we as fans over rated them. Just a thought.