I just returned home from Bell County's blue/white scrimmage, I figured id post my thoughts/comments on how the boys looked. Anyone who attended, please post your thoughts also.

 

Offense

On offense, the bobcats showed several different looks in what should be a well balanced offense. Their was a nice mix of designed QB runs, option plays, passes, and of course, straight up the guy smash mouth football running, the bell county way:thumb:.

On the topic of the QB situation, I personally think sophomore Ben Madon looked much more comfortable throwing the ball, protected it much better and seemed more composed all around than Zachery. Also his arm strength has improved greatly since last year, and seems to throw a beautiful lob pass, and has nice zip behind short-intermediate passes, also has the size to see over the huge o-line, listed at 6'4 on the basketball team, not sure if thats the correct size though.

The running game, as always looked nice, senior Spencer Greer had some great vision, but seemed a step or two slower than last year to me. Freshman Cory Davenport had some nice runs, has very good speed and surprising power for his size, but I'm not looking for him to be a big time player this year, especially once Carton returns, could make a nice impact on special teams though.

The bell receivers looked very athletic, and could surprise some people this year. Tight End John Dudley Hilton had a few nice receptions, seems like he's got some more speed behind him over the summer.

 

Defense

As always, the bobcat defense was very impressive, a few players were out of position due to playing on the offensive side of the ball, but they seemed to have some very athletic play makers on that side of the ball, especially junior Matt Raines playing on the corner, but this D will be anchored by Billy Lawson and Tyler Harbin on the line.

 

Special Teams

Senior Monte Merrick showed off an incredibly strong leg punting, Field goals and kickoffs. Actually attempted a 62 yard feild goal, the hold didn't look clean from my angle, but he narrowly missed it, by maybe 2 yards. Sophomore Cody Davenport returns a punt for a TD, has some nice speed.

 

All in all, this Bell County team quite possibly is the most athletically gifted and skilled team we've ever had in all aspects of the game. This bell offense could be quite dangerous this year for several teams. Any one else who attended this scrimmage, please leave your thoughts and comments also. thanks.

Regarding the QB competition, I did get to see them both perform and Zachery looked much better at QB. He was able to really dodge blitzers and showed off a very strong arm. Also what seperates him IMO is how well he threw the ball on the move. Madon will be a very good QB at Bell Co, but IMO this year is Zachery's year.

Regarding the QB competition, I did get to see them both perform and Zachery looked much better at QB. He was able to really dodge blitzers and showed off a very strong arm. Also what seperates him IMO is how well he threw the ball on the move. Madon will be a very good QB at Bell Co, but IMO this year is Zachery's year.

 

Zachery did throw a very nice deep ball, but IMO, it seemed to me like Madon was a bit more composed and looked off defenders better than Zachery. Zachery is a very athletic, mobile QB, whereas Madon is a more pocket style QB. Madons arm looked to be better on the shorter 5-10 yard routes, and a bit more accurate to me. Also, Zachery did dodge blitzes left and right all night, which leads me to say that i cant judge his game too much solely on tonight, because the defense was absolutely swarming him. You never know actually, I think we could see a lot of Madon and Zachery both this year, depending on what the game plan is, which will most likely be run, run, and run some more.:sssh: Any other thought on what you saw tonight? Also, I'm guessing you'd have a better idea than me, but I saw #30 quite a bit on both sides of the ball, that kid is huge, and seems like he's got nice speed. Do you have a name? or what year he's in?

Better go with a multi-optional QB, one that can throw and beat you at the run also. They are few and far in between, us them when you have them.

Thanks for the summary Brad. Missing a 62yd FG, by a narrow margin is amazing and he must have a very strong leg.

Thanks for the summary Brad. Missing a 62yd FG, by a narrow margin is amazing and he must have a very strong leg.

 

No problem at all. Merrick was very impressive tonight, had long punts with great hang time, I believe he only attempted one kickoff, that hit in the back of the end zone. Nailed a 40 yard FG, and I'm thinking a 50 yard FG, not sure on that one though. Positive on the 40, and 62 yard attempt.

One big thing about Zachary is he is a winner. As is Greer and the rest of the senior class. They have won at everything theyve done going back to grade school. There is some great senior leadership. I also expect big years from Tyler Harbin and Matt Simpson as well. One thing that will also be big this year is having an experienced line with good size. That is going to go a long way in what Bell will try to do.

One big thing about Zachary is he is a winner. As is Greer and the rest of the senior class. They have won at everything theyve done going back to grade school. There is some great senior leadership. I also expect big years from Tyler Harbin and Matt Simpson as well. One thing that will also be big this year is having an experienced line with good size. That is going to go a long way in what Bell will try to do.

 

The O-line is full of monsters. And yes, I agree, this whole team is full of winners, the sophomore class hadn't lost a game in quite some time until last year vs. Lex Cath. By the way LMB, do you happen to know who #30 is and what year he's in? He looked pretty impressive to me tonight.

The O-line is full of monsters. And yes, I agree, this whole team is full of winners, the sophomore class hadn't lost a game in quite some time until last year vs. Lex Cath. By the way LMB, do you happen to know who #30 is and what year he's in? He looked pretty impressive to me tonight.

 

No I can't remember. I have been thinking about it for about 20 minutes now. :lol:

No problem at all. Merrick was very impressive tonight, had long punts with great hang time, I believe he only attempted one kickoff, that hit in the back of the end zone. Nailed a 40 yard FG, and I'm thinking a 50 yard FG, not sure on that one though. Positive on the 40, and 62 yard attempt.

He had a 53 yard kick that was dead-center and nearly hit the track. That kick would have cleared easily at 62. Perhaps we will see the state record fall early on in the season!

He had a 53 yard kick that was dead-center and nearly hit the track. That kick would have cleared easily at 62. Perhaps we will see the state record fall early on in the season!

 

Monte could quite possibly be the most dangerous player in the bobcats arsenal. He can place the other team in horrible feild position, almost always eliminates the chance a big kick return, also anywhere in the 40-50 yd range, it's not the Dudley Hilton way, but id definitely look for Merrick on 4th downs much more often this year to show off that leg a little. Also, yes, I think their is a very good chance Merrick will break the record this year, and then possibly break his own record:eek:. But let's not get ahead here, until then, just hoping the bobcats can stay healthy and this team can live up to its potential.

Sounds like it is the same old Bell County. They all ways seem to have a good team. I would say they will be there at the end as usual. Merrick must be the real deal I think that UK needs to be calling.

Sounds like it is the same old Bell County. They all ways seem to have a good team. I would say they will be there at the end as usual. Merrick must be the real deal I think that UK needs to be calling.

 

Guru put up a link to a story this week on Merrick's college visits and coaches who asked him to come and kick for them.

 

http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/showthread.php?t=157637

How come Bell had a Blue and White scrimmage is this the only one they are having?

How come Bell had a Blue and White scrimmage is this the only one they are having?

I believe that they are not participating in the Gridorama this year. Evarts, Cumberland, and Cawood have been consolidated into one team...Harland Co. Bears. Harlan Co. plays Knox Central, I believe, Friday night in Gridorama at Knox Central. I also think Pineville and Lynn Camp play as well there that night. I believe Clay Co. is hosting the other Gridorama site.