Belfry 28

Breathitt 14

 

The home field advantage makes some difference. May and Lee make most of the difference!

Again, all I can do is guess. From scoreboard watching, it seems that Belfry should be favored to win by double digits. I do know that Breathitt defenses under Coach Chapman have often been very strong against teams that rely heavily on the run...they live on pressure and dare teams to pass...if you can protect the QB and throw the ball well, the opportunities are there (a la Prestonsburg in '04). I don't expect Belfry to exploit us with the pass.

 

What this game boils down to, IMO, is the Breathitt County defense vs. the Belfy offense. I have no doubt that Breathitt has the scheme to stop the run...my question is whether we have the horses to do it. My fear is that Belfry is just the superior team. If our defense can execute the game plan and not miss tackles...I think this game will be a close one. Otherwise, I think Belfry will win by at least 2 or 3 TD's. I'm not expecting the Breathitt offense to score a lot of points in this game...my guess is 14 to 21 is the probable ceiling, which is why I think our defense has to bring it for 60 minutes and play their best game of the season.

 

Either way, I'm extremely pleased with the Bobcats this season. I honestly think we'll be better in '08 and '09, so to win 13 straight and another regional title (capped by a win @ Russell) is a great season, IMO.

Breathitt has the home field advantage and the defense. They win by 14.

^This game is at Belfry.

I think Belfry's offense is a bad matchup for Breathitts defense. Against Russell, Breathitt brought everybody up and used quickness to fill the gaps and get pressure. Russell's wing-t has more fakes and takes longer for the plays to develope. I would have liked to seen Russell in the power I a little more. Belfry willl hit the hole hard and quick. If May and company get past that first wave Breathitt is in trouble.

Belfry has a great running game and defense. They will eat up too much clock especially in a close game.

 

There is no way Breathitt can score 30 plus as a few have predicted.

Belfry has done rather well against some other solid passing teams, Corbin and Somerset both were stymied by Belfry's starting defense. In order to beat Belfry balance is a must, a team must be able to run the ball effectively or else their passing game will never get off the ground. Additionally, a running team has to be able to keep Belfry's excellent LB's and improved DB's honest against the pass or they will be shut down as well.

 

Have seen both play and there is a considerable difference in the style but I thought that Belfry is superior in total game. Berfry's D will be the difference. The O line from Breathitt will be tested in this one. You know what Belfry is going to run and you still can't stop it. Belfry can't throw but they don't need to.

 

Belfry 24

Breathitt 14

I am going to go out on a lib a bit and make a prediction concernign the defenses:

 

Either Belfry or Breathitt one will have a defense that will completely shut down the opponent. From seeing John Chapman's defensive strategies in the past vs. Belfry this matchup really intrigues me.

 

Chapman's defenses in the past have simply sold out everything they had to stop Belfry's run, I am not just talking 9 in the box like Belfry faces every game, but instead talking 10 in the box and soemtimes all 11. Breathitt's quickness, sure tackling, and ability to build on momentum thus worry me ALOT, but at the same time, Chapman's defense hasn't had to contend with a Belfry team as good as this one (they never played Belfry in 2003 and 2004).

 

On the flip side of the ball, the overhwleming impression of Breathitt's offense I have gotten from seeing them earlier this year, was that when a defense tries to read what they are doing or fails to force the issue, Breathitt can literally chosoe any option they want. Onc either Fugate gets into the second level they become a completely different monster, they are excellent runners with good balance and lots of strength. From a passing standpoint, Breathitt's receivers do not blow you away, none of them can hold a candle to a John Cole (Somerset), Rob Madon (Corbin), or an Ian Welch (Johnson Central). But as a unit, they are very, very solid.. probably the best group of receivers Belfry has seen all year. They run their routes concisely, they rarely drop passes, and they are excellent downfield blockers. Colby Fugate throws a very pretty and accurate ball when his feet are set, but his accuracy drastically decreases when he is forced to throw on the move.

 

Belfry has been able to wreak havoc on very good passing teams using a very simplistic approach, rush 4 guys, drop everyone else back. The Pirates are blessed with very talented D-lineman who are not only quick but have excellent recognition of running plays. But, this Breathitt o-line is a variation that Belfry hasn't faced. They are not a big o-line, they are not an especially strong o-line, but they move well and they keep their blocks engaged for very long periods of time. This, IMO, is where the game may hinge. If Belfry can continue to generate pressure and cause disruption with only a 3 or 4 man rush, then Breathitt's offense is in a world of trouble. If Breathitt can force Belfry to play their LB's and De's tighter to the ball, then things could open up nicely.

 

Part of me is very confident about this game, the other part is scared to death. The unknown aspect of Breathitt, that has lingered all season, coupled with the premonition that the Bobcats will definately be playing their best game oif the year scares the Dickens out of me.

^That is one heckuva summary. Good job EKUAlum:thumb:

I think Belfry's offense is a bad matchup for Breathitts defense. Against Russell, Breathitt brought everybody up and used quickness to fill the gaps and get pressure. Russell's wing-t has more fakes and takes longer for the plays to develope. I would have liked to seen Russell in the power I a little more. Belfry willl hit the hole hard and quick. If May and company get past that first wave Breathitt is in trouble.

 

When Russell was in the power I they were running the ball down Breathitt's throat,then they went away from that also.Just cant figure out the whole night for the Russell offense.Belfry run the power I and mix throwing the ball will run over Breathitt in my opinion.

I am going to go out on a lib a bit and make a prediction concernign the defenses:

 

Either Belfry or Breathitt one will have a defense that will completely shut down the opponent. From seeing John Chapman's defensive strategies in the past vs. Belfry this matchup really intrigues me.

 

Chapman's defenses in the past have simply sold out everything they had to stop Belfry's run, I am not just talking 9 in the box like Belfry faces every game, but instead talking 10 in the box and soemtimes all 11. Breathitt's quickness, sure tackling, and ability to build on momentum thus worry me ALOT, but at the same time, Chapman's defense hasn't had to contend with a Belfry team as good as this one (they never played Belfry in 2003 and 2004).

 

On the flip side of the ball, the overhwleming impression of Breathitt's offense I have gotten from seeing them earlier this year, was that when a defense tries to read what they are doing or fails to force the issue, Breathitt can literally chosoe any option they want. Onc either Fugate gets into the second level they become a completely different monster, they are excellent runners with good balance and lots of strength. From a passing standpoint, Breathitt's receivers do not blow you away, none of them can hold a candle to a John Cole (Somerset), Rob Madon (Corbin), or an Ian Welch (Johnson Central). But as a unit, they are very, very solid.. probably the best group of receivers Belfry has seen all year. They run their routes concisely, they rarely drop passes, and they are excellent downfield blockers. Colby Fugate throws a very pretty and accurate ball when his feet are set, but his accuracy drastically decreases when he is forced to throw on the move.

 

Belfry has been able to wreak havoc on very good passing teams using a very simplistic approach, rush 4 guys, drop everyone else back. The Pirates are blessed with very talented D-lineman who are not only quick but have excellent recognition of running plays. But, this Breathitt o-line is a variation that Belfry hasn't faced. They are not a big o-line, they are not an especially strong o-line, but they move well and they keep their blocks engaged for very long periods of time. This, IMO, is where the game may hinge. If Belfry can continue to generate pressure and cause disruption with only a 3 or 4 man rush, then Breathitt's offense is in a world of trouble. If Breathitt can force Belfry to play their LB's and De's tighter to the ball, then things could open up nicely.

 

Part of me is very confident about this game, the other part is scared to death. The unknown aspect of Breathitt, that has lingered all season, coupled with the premonition that the Bobcats will definately be playing their best game oif the year scares the Dickens out of me.

 

If Breathitts O-Line holds like they did against Somerset early in the year, they will be flagged at Belfry and not have the pleasure of homefield look aways. That said I'm sure they have dramatically improved throughout the year since they are undefeated. Belfry still wins. Two great coaches and two great teams make for a great night. Good luck to both teams.

I am going to go out on a lib a bit and make a prediction concernign the defenses:

 

Either Belfry or Breathitt one will have a defense that will completely shut down the opponent. From seeing John Chapman's defensive strategies in the past vs. Belfry this matchup really intrigues me.

 

Chapman's defenses in the past have simply sold out everything they had to stop Belfry's run, I am not just talking 9 in the box like Belfry faces every game, but instead talking 10 in the box and soemtimes all 11. Breathitt's quickness, sure tackling, and ability to build on momentum thus worry me ALOT, but at the same time, Chapman's defense hasn't had to contend with a Belfry team as good as this one (they never played Belfry in 2003 and 2004).

 

On the flip side of the ball, the overhwleming impression of Breathitt's offense I have gotten from seeing them earlier this year, was that when a defense tries to read what they are doing or fails to force the issue, Breathitt can literally chosoe any option they want. Onc either Fugate gets into the second level they become a completely different monster, they are excellent runners with good balance and lots of strength. From a passing standpoint, Breathitt's receivers do not blow you away, none of them can hold a candle to a John Cole (Somerset), Rob Madon (Corbin), or an Ian Welch (Johnson Central). But as a unit, they are very, very solid.. probably the best group of receivers Belfry has seen all year. They run their routes concisely, they rarely drop passes, and they are excellent downfield blockers. Colby Fugate throws a very pretty and accurate ball when his feet are set, but his accuracy drastically decreases when he is forced to throw on the move.

 

Belfry has been able to wreak havoc on very good passing teams using a very simplistic approach, rush 4 guys, drop everyone else back. The Pirates are blessed with very talented D-lineman who are not only quick but have excellent recognition of running plays. But, this Breathitt o-line is a variation that Belfry hasn't faced. They are not a big o-line, they are not an especially strong o-line, but they move well and they keep their blocks engaged for very long periods of time. This, IMO, is where the game may hinge. If Belfry can continue to generate pressure and cause disruption with only a 3 or 4 man rush, then Breathitt's offense is in a world of trouble. If Breathitt can force Belfry to play their LB's and De's tighter to the ball, then things could open up nicely.

 

Part of me is very confident about this game, the other part is scared to death. The unknown aspect of Breathitt, that has lingered all season, coupled with the premonition that the Bobcats will definately be playing their best game oif the year scares the Dickens out of me.

 

That is what the Breathitt defense did against Russell on friday. Sell out to stop the run. Every one in the box. They did a decent job but Russell was able to move the ball on them without abandoning the game plan. Belfry should be able to as well.

 

 

As for Breathitts recievers. #4 is etiher very good or just had the game of his life. Had three or for great catches that were deciding factors in the game. The one catch I even stood applauded. He had the best hands I've seen in two years. That includes Madon and Welch. Haven't seen Cole.

 

Russell defended them much in the way you just described. Rush 3 or 4 and drop the others into zones. For the most part they shut down the Breathitt rushing attack and the passing for three and half quarters. Where Belfry should do better is getting pressure with the D line. They are quicker than Russell's and should be able to make Fugate move around a little more. I don't see Breathitt scoring more than 2, maybe 3 TDs against the pirates.

 

I'll stick with my earlier prediction: Belfry 21 Breathitt 13

That is what the Breathitt defense did against Russell on friday. Sell out to stop the run. Every one in the box. They did a decent job but Russell was able to move the ball on them without abandoning the game plan. Belfry should be able to as well.

 

 

As for Breathitts recievers. #4 is etiher very good or just had the game of his life. Had three or for great catches that were deciding factors in the game. The one catch I even stood applauded. He had the best hands I've seen in two years. That includes Madon and Welch. Haven't seen Cole.

 

Russell defended them much in the way you just described. Rush 3 or 4 and drop the others into zones. For the most part they shut down the Breathitt rushing attack and the passing for three and half quarters. Where Belfry should do better is getting pressure with the D line. They are quicker than Russell's and should be able to make Fugate move around a little more. I don't see Breathitt scoring more than 2, maybe 3 TDs against the pirates.

 

I'll stick with my earlier prediction: Belfry 21 Breathitt 13

 

 

I agree FBALL, I see Belfry doing a much better job of getting to the QB. If not sacking him then making him move and rush his throw. This will reduce his accuracy and possibly create situations for the Belfry secondary to get a pick or two during the contest. Not to take anything away from Breathitt Co., but they were not world beaters last Friday nite, they just made the plays when they had to. Belfry should cruise against this team.

I was wondering if anyone could give me directions on how to get to Belfry. I used to always go with my dad and he knew how, but I will be going solo this Friday night. I know that you used to make a turn there somewhere in Pikeville, but since then I know that they have made the roads alot better over through there and supposedly shortened the distance. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you don't want to post them on here then you can email me at [email protected]

 

thanks,

When you get to Pikeville, you will look for US119N. It will be a left hand turn. When you see the plaza that includes Wal Mart, Staples, Lowes on your right, then get over into the left hand lane and you will turn left at the next light.

 

You stay on US119N for about 27 miles and Belfry High School will be on your right. The old Belfry High is now Belfry Middle School, and when you pass BMS, you will have another couple of miles to go to get to the new Belfry High School.

 

Most of the way from Pikeville to Belfry is 4 lane, except for a section of about 5 miles or so that you have to exit off and detour around an unfinished section. But just follow the signs for 119N and Belfry or Williamson WV and you will be fine.