2002 was the first year at the Pizza Box and Breathitt's most recent State Title.

 

I was at Boyle's 2002 game and could have sworn it was old Cardinal Stadium because the water malfunctioned.

 

In fact, after some digging here's the game notes from the KHSAA website citing KFEC.

 

http://www.khsaa.org/football/2002/fb02gamenotes.pdf :thumb:

Breathitt needs to do the following as well as they can:

1. Eat the clock...limit posessions and don't get in a track meet (literally)

 

2. Don't beat yourself... just like last week's game, when Belfry played Central last year they crippled themselves with turnovers and didn't take advantage of Central's mistakes.. Breathitt can't do this as well.

 

3. Don't give up any fast breaks... Central's athletic ability and defensive superstars can not only make plays on defense, but they can score on defense. Breathitt has got to avoid these sudden change points as much as possible because not only can it swing a drive, it could cause a 14 point swing on the scoreboard and take the momentum.

 

4. Keep everything in front of them... Central and Breathitt are very comparable in their offensive strategy in term sof passig. Both teams look for the homerun ball. Breathitt has to froce Central to drive the ball.

 

5. Don't Underestimate Scorggins... he outcoached Haywood last year (which says alot) and made some HUGE adjustments. If Breathitt goes to the well too often they will pay for it. I was very impressed witht he way Scroggins coached last year.

 

1. This definitely has not been Breathitt's MO this season. I'll be surprised if they control the TOP, win or lose. From the standpoint of wearing down, Breathitt is comprised of mostly two-way players, so they're going to be on the field regardless. Obviously, that doesn't bode well in the big picture because the whole team wears down, but it almost makes the TOP battle a moot point from that perspective. One thing Breathitt has been good at this season is keeping teams out of the end zone despite allowing them to drive the ball and eat up clock. Hopefully, they can do it for one more game. But, just like last week, they'll need some help from their opponent...they need some turnovers and drive killers (penalties and mistakes).

 

2. From that perspective, Breathitt played pretty well last week. They botched the opening kickoff and had an ineligible man downfield that negated a TD pass. I'm not sure they even have that much margin for error this week. Taking care of the football is an absolute must. If they cough it up, this game will get ugly.

 

3. This goes along with #2. Regardless of whether Central converts it directly into a TD or not, Breathitt cannot afford to turn it over. Period.

 

4. This is something that Breathitt has been good at this season. As I said earlier, they've been good at the "bend but don't break" defense. Teams have had success moving the ball and controlling clock, but the Bobcats have managed to hold when it matters most. Hopefully, that can continue. But, I'm almost certain that Central will the fastest and most athletic team, on both sides of the ball, that they've faced all year. Will Breathitt be overwhelmed by the speed and athleticism? And, if they aren't, will they be able to adjust quick enough to eliminate any easy TD's?

 

5. I'm sure Scroggins is a great football coach. But, I say this with all due respect. Its the players and the talent that Central possesses that scares me.

 

6. And, one additional point...someone already mentioned special teams, but Breathitt has to avoid any special teams disasters. Our special teams aren't the greatest in the world...we can't allow any TD returns, blocked kicks, botched snaps on punts, etc. This could end up being a big factor in the game...and if it does, its probably going to be a nightmare for Breathitt County.

 

All in all, our recipe for success is the same as last week. Play sound defense, tackle well, make Central earn it and hope they make mistakes. Offensively, generate enough big plays to get enough points on the scoreboard to win the game. Its a tall order, but stranger things have happened. I'd say Central should be a 3 TD favorite at the bare minimum.

Defensively- YES! Returning all their studs from last year and another year of growth and devlopment from Patterson (who is being courted by some major programs and will be far and away the top D-1 prospect in the state next season).. they have one of the finer units in the state.

 

 

Offensively- Debatable... Central has revamped their offensive style to cater to their strengths. Last Year they ran alot of single back and strong sets with the QB under center. Taylor and Wadlington were very good in the backfield and the strength of that team. They laso had Leland Banks last year who was definately more of a drop back passer than a true option QB.

 

After loosing those pieces they now have King who is an exceptional runner at QB but not nearly as good of a passer, thus the switch to the read option.

good analysis EKU. Central's QB's (#12 Diaz Bolden is the other) are much more of a running threat this year. Both are very fast and can score from anywhere/anytime.

 

I noticed on the film that Breathitt almost dared Belfry to run to the outside. They were outflanked on the corner on at least one side of the defense, if not both by playing thier defensive ends INSIDE the Belfry TE's. I'm assuming that was because of Belfry's wishbone and them not running outsde. Belfry started hurting them with the outside veer in the 2nd half, they just couldn't keep from turning it over.

 

If Breathitt plays a similar defense this week, thier kickoff return team will get a heavy workout - if you know what I mean.

lonewolf, I went back and checked all your posts and why so much negativity towards the other players and coaches for Breathitt County but ongoing continued, neverending support for Fugate?

 

I just want to see Breathitt play better people through the year. People like Bell County,Lou.Central,Hazard,Belfry,team's like this all year,so they will be ready for everyone when the time comes.There's one thing for sure know matter who the coach decides to schedule,Fugate will not only play D-1 in a very short time,he will also play in the NFL.before to long.Fugate is for real and the big-horse is coming to Lou.with one thing in mind the championship.:thumb

I just want to see Breathitt play better people through the year. People like Bell County,Lou.Central,Hazard,Belfry,team's like this all year,so they will be ready for everyone when the time comes.There's one thing for sure know matter who the coach decides to schedule,Fugate will not only play D-1 in a very short time,he will also play in the NFL.before to long.Fugate is for real and the big-horse is coming to Lou.with one thing in mind the championship.:thumb

 

:laugh:

 

Lonewolf I feel sorry for you because after Feb. those rabbitt ears on your TV won't work. You might want to get out and watch a little more football or least try and watch ESPN somewhere in town.

 

:dancingpa

:laugh:

 

Lonewolf I feel sorry for you because after Feb. those rabbitt ears on your TV won't work. You might want to get out and watch a little more football or least try and watch ESPN somewhere in town.

 

:dancingpa

 

Dont feel sorry for me, rabbitt ears or not,keep watching ESPN and you will see Fugate playing in the NFL. Also watch what he does to Central on friday.:thumb:

Dont feel sorry for me, rabbitt ears or not,keep watching ESPN and you will see Fugate playing in the NFL. Also watch what he does to Central on friday.:thumb:

 

I just hope that Fugate plays as tough as you talk. Because once those pads get strapped on and Wilson, Cobble, and Patterson start laying the lumber to him he will look like :eek::scared:and then :creepy:

I just hope that Fugate plays as tough as you talk. Because once those pads get strapped on and Wilson, Cobble, and Patterson start laying the lumber to him he will look like :eek::scared:and then :creepy:

 

Wilson, Cobble, and Patterson are good football players, but them or there community has not seen anything like Fugate.:thumb:

Wilson, Cobble, and Patterson are good football players, but them or there community has not seen anything like Fugate.:thumb:

 

:laugh:

 

Remember what Mickey told Rocky about catching the chicken, if you can catch the chicken then you can catch greased lightning. Well Central is the chicken and I don't think your guys can catch greased lightning. You might want to go back to the gym and work on catching that chicken. Remember Papa Johns is the big field in the middle of Louisville. Remember BIG FIELD, a lot of room for that chicken to run.

 

:dancingpa

:laugh:

 

Remember what Mickey told Rocky about catching the chicken, if you can catch the chicken then you can catch greased lightning. Well Central is the chicken and I don't think your guys can catch greased lightning. You might want to go back to the gym and work on catching that chicken. Remember Papa Johns is the big field in the middle of Louisville. Remember BIG FIELD, a lot of room for that chicken to run.

 

:dancingpa

 

When this game is over Fugate will have definitely dominated Central, and then he deserves significant applauds for the service and presentation of a lopsided and fantastic football game by a superstar.:thumb:

All the Fugate hype reminds me of the Quan Weaver hype from Frankfort. Weaver is as good as advertised, but it did not lead to a victory versus Beechwood. I think we may see the same thing from Fugate against Central. Central fans will walk out of the stadium saying Fugate is one heck of a player ... but those Central fans will be carrying the state championship trophy after a solid, clear cut victory.

When this game is over Fugate will have definitely dominated Central, and then he deserves significant applauds for the service and presentation of a lopsided and fantastic football game by a superstar.:thumb:

 

Are you Fugate's agent or something? I've never seen such over the top admiration for one player before.

With all due respect to both sides......LW has gotten a bit overzealous with his comments...but to suggest all of Fugate's fans are stuck in a place of rabbit ears and don't have the ability to find to game in the big city of Louisville is a bit offensive to all of east KY. Contrary to popular belief there have been plenty of fans from east KY find their way to "the big city" and left with a championship trophy.

 

Fugate is the real deal. I don't know if he can beat Central by himself (probably not). Is he as good as the other players mentioned Central has played against? I don't know. But he is by far the best running back in our rabbit eared, can't find our way around little world, and I suspect he may be as good as anyone in the state.

 

Good luck to both teams.

When I was at the finals last season, I thought Dustin May would run all over the Louisville Central defense...he didn't!

 

I know Fugate is a GREAT back, but Central is a GREAT team! Last year it was the classic speed vs. power matchup, and speed won! I don't see anything being much different this year.

When I was at the finals last season, I thought Dustin May would run all over the Louisville Central defense...he didn't!

 

I know Fugate is a GREAT back, but Central is a GREAT team! Last year it was the classic speed vs. power matchup, and speed won! I don't see anything being much different this year.

 

You will change your mind after friday night, because this year it is speed and power in one player, on Breathitt County side of the ball.:thumb: