Middlesboro was not competitive the last 4 or 5 years they played. I haven't seen anything from M'boro that would make me think they could compete with Bell the last 4 or 5 years. I think not being able to compete is the biggest reason not to play. It was such a hated rivalry that IMO the Middlesboro staff could not handle getting beat soundly by Bell Co. every year. What both teams lose is a huge gate. When the 2 teams played the stands were always packed.

I would have liked our chances In 06 , only 2 common opponents that season (Leslie County and Corbin) M'boro beat Leslie County 21-6 and Bell beat em 7-0 Middlesboro beat Corbin 62-42 and Bell beat em 17-14. Our 06 team was loaded while Bell IMO was a little down.

M'boro had some rough edges in the scrimmage up here, but I saw a team that could get solid by mid season. Middlesboro had the look of a good high school football team, IMO. The loss of Adams hurts, but kids are always going to graduate (at least we hope so).

 

I can see the Jackets winning the district this year. I think CHS could have some problems of their own this year on the O and D lines that could make the M'boro/CHS matchup the district winner. I'm not counting M'boro out just yet.

M'boro had some rough edges in the scrimmage up here, but I saw a team that could get solid by mid season. Middlesboro had the look of a good high school football team, IMO. The loss of Adams hurts, but kids are always going to graduate (at least we hope so).

 

I can see the Jackets winning the district this year. I think CHS could have some problems of their own this year on the O and D lines that could make the M'boro/CHS matchup the district winner. I'm not counting M'boro out just yet.

 

They won't beat Corbin this year so they will probably finish 2nd. There early games are the key for them to have a good season.

M'boro will not beat Corbin. Corbin runs the ball to well even with the young O-line.