There is no grounds to make that statement when Belfry did what Bell couldn't.... that is score. Wales doesn't play defense and Wales wouldn't have prevented the long TD pass or Belfry's drive to start the 2nd Half. Does Central have 4 TD's with Wales in the game? Maybe. But, nonetheless the Final would have been 28-14 and not 26-0.

 

 

Central was widely regarded as one of the Top 5 or 6 teams overall in the State, even without Wales that is a roster stock full of talent, the same OL, and the same dominating defense. Belfry was pounding the Central RB's in the backfield with 2 or 3 guys every play. Does Wales break some of those? Yeah..probably a couple. Does Wales go off for big yardage? Highly doubtful.

 

People are not giving a very tough and well prepared Belfry run defense enough credit for what they did today.

 

I will quote myself and move on. "Congrats to Belfry on a great game!!"

If Belfry is returning a lot of the players from today's game, I can't disagree.

 

For a few years now 2012 has been circled as "the year". Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding season that Belfry overachieved to reach the Finals. This was supposed to be a "bridge year". The Pirates return about 90% of their 2 Deep, 6 offensive starters (Sani Warren will take over at Qb, he brings a whole new skillset), and 7 starters off that defense you saw today including their top DE and both LB's. Justin Johnson really developed in his Sophomore season and is expected to be a dangerous feature back.

 

With all that said..... Central returns 8/11 defensive starters! As good as Belfry will be next year...and they will be VERY good... Central has to be the 3A favorite until someone can prove otherwise.

For a few years now 2012 has been circled as "the year". Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding season that Belfry overachieved to reach the Finals. This was supposed to be a "bridge year". The Pirates return about 90% of their 2 Deep, 6 offensive starters (Sani Warren will take over at Qb, he brings a whole new skillset), and 7 starters off that defense you saw today including their top DE and both LB's. Justin Johnson really developed in his Sophomore season and is expected to be a dangerous feature back.

 

With all that said..... Central returns 8/11 defensive starters! As good as Belfry will be next year...and they will be VERY good... Central has to be the 3A favorite until someone can prove otherwise.

 

Central # 1 until they get beat is what I say also.

I would have loved to come to FT Campbell and played you guys this season. Maybe next year you guys can make it to Bell County during Thanksgiving.

Would love it!

 

Later.

If Belfry is returning a lot of the players from today's game, I can't disagree.

Does anyone know how many Central are losing this season?

 

Later.

Went and officially tabulated the numbers, my "90% number" was off, but Belfry still has an impressive lot returning:

 

Belfry will return 7 starters on D and 6 starters on O, the Pirates return 32/44 players on their 2 Deep.

 

Central will return 8 starters on D, and 6 starters on O, the Yellowjackets return 30/44 players on their 2 Deep.

Went and officially tabulated the numbers, my "90% number" was off, but Belfry still has an impressive lot returning:

 

Belfry will return 7 starters on D and 6 starters on O, the Pirates return 32/44 players on their 2 Deep.

 

Central will return 8 starters on D, and 6 starters on O, the Yellowjackets return 30/44 players on their 2 Deep.

Thanks!

 

Later.

Do you think the outcome would have been more like your prediction (+20) if Wales didn't leave the game with a shoulder injury?

 

Later.

You would think that they would do better with their best player. That's common sense. Still doesn't take away from what Belfry did today. Everybody around Belfry I know has been waiting for next year so I think they are pretty happy there. I don't think him being in our out made a difference in shutting Bell Co out or Beflry's ability to pound on you then hit you deep. We played Belfry twice this year. They are a VERY physical football team so I think it's kind of naive to discredit how physical their defense is. Solid up front. 2 safeties that get downhill. Stud LBers etc. Wouldn't at all be suprised to see these two at it again next year in the championship game! Football's a physical game. I would take a guess that Belfry had kids playing hurt or not playing because of injuries. That's football in Dec! Congrats to both teams. They both really have it going on with their programs.

This one stayed close because of Wales being out for Central. JMO

Wales doesn't play defense, Belfry proved they were the second best team in 3A, Bell Co. couldn't even score on Central!

Wales doesn't play defense, Belfry proved they were the second best team in 3A, Bell Co. couldn't even score on Central!

 

Belfry can have second. Bell County doesn't want to be second they want to be number one. I would love to play Belfry.

I can't say enough how proud I am of that group of young men. They went to battle and gave it all they had. There is no shame in defeat when you play that hard and like others have said, they have nothing to hang their heads about.

 

Congratulations to Central on the win and another state championship. They are a talented team and are the class of 3A.

I also want to say how awesome it was that both teams took a knee together and joined in a prayer after the game at midfield. After an emotional battle like that, it was refreshing to see such a display of sportsmanship and I thought it was the crowning moment of the day. It was one of those spontaneous things that the kids did in the moment that left in impression on a lot of us adults.

I also want to say how awesome it was that both teams took a knee together and joined in a prayer after the game at midfield. After an emotional battle like that, it was refreshing to see such a display of sportsmanship and I thought it was the crowning moment of the day. It was one of those spontaneous things that the kids did in the moment that left in impression on a lot of us adults.

Watusi you guys have a right to be proud. If I could model a program after any school in the mountains it would be Belfry. You guys do things top notch! Fans, coaches, kids, facilities, physicallity, acting like you've been there before etc. There isn't a program in the mountains that does it with any more class. This thread shows a prime example of why you all are so respected + another program isn't.

Congrats again to Belfry+Central! Nice to see the two best programs in 3A battle it out too the end! Both teams, fans etc have a lot to be proud of the way you handle winning+losing!

Hate to see Belfry come that close and lose a heartbreaker. Congratulations to Central.

 

According to the stats available on KHSAA, Wales accounted for roughly 63% of Central's total yards from scrimmage. He scored 45 of their 76 TD's. It is very impressive, and certainly speaks well of the talent and attitude of that team, for a team to lose a guy who is that essential to your team and still find a way to win in the championship game.

 

From looking at the stats, it looks like this one was an old-fashioned defensive struggle with both running games being stymied by the opponent. There were a combined 79 rushing attempts for 278 yards (3.5 ypc) in this game. I can't help but think of Rockmom. I can recall, on multiple occasions, her posting about how she felt Central's passing attack was better than people realized and that it would be an advantage for them in this game. As it played out, their ability to pass was essential to pulling out the win. I believe their QB was 8 of 12 for the game.

^^Not only was Milliken's passing huge, but his feet played a big role as well. His stat line only says 10 carries for 30 yards..but what it doesn't show is how many plays he made something out of nothing when Belfry had everyone covered. There were at least 5 or 6 plays where he eluded multiple Belfry defenders and got up field for a short gain, or wound up finding a receiver for a completion. He had a critical QB draw for a first down on their final drive as well.

 

Central's WR's also deserve a ton of credit. The catch on the game winning TD in the corner of the endzone was stellar, but so was the catch made on the flea flicker to start the game. The WR (Gibbs I believe) was pretty well covered and had to come back to the ball and out jump the defender to make the grab. Though Belfry shut Central down in the red zone, that play essentially gave them the Field Goal which proved to be the difference in the game.