The Observer

Frustration is setting in on Hazard

Touchdown Beechwood on QB keeper.

First and goal for Beechwood

I have seen Boone once and have yet to see Conner. I was unimpressed by the way Boone played. They have the most talent (with a huge exception of Holmes) in the 9th region. Many times their players play out of position and they do not work as a team. I was really impressed by Gabbard. I see Conner upseting Boone and showing that they may be the suprise team in the region this year. I'll take Conner by 5.

Should this be a rivalry, perhaps. Is it? No. I cannot recall Beechwood ever competing with Dixie. I know they used to be in the same district but Dixie always pounded Beechwood. That being said, Beechwood has one of their better squads, while Dixie cannot say the same. I still will take the Colonels by 3.

I have no problem with the way Ryle played. I will say that looking at the score I felt a little sick to my stomach, but after examining the box score, it looks like he cleared the bench pretty early. Now, I don't know if they were fast breaking off everything, or how long the press was imposed. I imagine Coach Sullivan is a competitor and understands what the situation is. With time, Cooper will be just fine.

Highlands lost so much last year, I'm suprised to see them playing so well. I know they pump out the athletes, but losing two high level college players is tough on a program. I think St. Henry will progress as the season goes on, and will peak right around the All "A".

looks like Holmes is getting back on track just in time for Scott County. I am excited and looking forward to catching the game. I think playing Ricardo at point when Riley is out is a great move. How old is the third Johnson? Any relation to the other two brothers?

My Top 10: (and realize I haven't see all 10, just Highlands, Simon, and Beechwood) 1. Trinity 2. Highlands 3. Bell County 4. Newport Central Catholic 5. Simon Kenton 6. Christian County 7. Fort Campbell 8. Beechwood 9. Breathitt County 10. Louisville Central 11. Hazard 12. Bulliet East

Holy Cross was impressive in their comeback win over Newport Central Catholic. That being said, I think Mason County will win by 10-15. Holy Cross may be able to hang for awhile, but the Royal's shooters will take over in the second half.

I'll take Holmes by 30. The bulldogs will be motivated after their loss in Lexington. Newport returns a lot, but none of them are good enough to see minutes on the Holmes roster. I also feel there is a major difference in the coaching of the teams. Newport often falls into a street ball offense, while Holmes is more organized and picks spots to attack. I look for Housley to put up 15 on the Wildcats in a 82-52 win.

I like NCC by about 9. I think Holy Cross will be the most improved team by the end of the season. However, the season is early and New Cath is the better team right now. I could be wrong, but I like the 'Breds in this one.

The dark side for St. Henry was the fact they got beat by 22, but the bright side of it was the balanced scoring. Playing teams like Lexington Catholic will only make them better.

Beechwood has a 6' 7" kid? Did he play last year? If its Snyder, he has grown quite a bit, but I remember his number being 20 something. Sounds like the Tigers had a nice showing if it was an 8 point game at half. Holmes will only get better as the year goes on. I read all kinds of article about Pittman and the Johnson but apparently they have a nice player in Riley as well. Judging by the posts above, I'll assume he is a Senior. I can't wait until the Bulldogs take on Scott County.

Whatever the line-up is, I expect to see a top squad out of NCC this year. Their program seems to maintain a solid level of play each year. I keep waiting for the breakout year in which they are a top power in the region.

The bottom line is that the Eagles did what they were supposed to do, and that is a sign of a good team. It's usually hard to find problems with your team after a 43 point win, but I'm sure Coach Carr with find them, fix them, and have the boys ready for LC.

I believe Simon Kenton is a bit down this year. Are they waiting for any of the football players to come out? I like Conner by about 9.

Good win for Conner

Considering Beechwood won by 26 and 28 points in the two times they played last year, I would not be picking Bellevue in this one. The fact Bellevue's coach did coach previously at Beechwood could help, but I see Beechwood winning by about the same margin as last year.

Beechwood returns more talent than many are giving them credit for. That being said, I think Holmes names the score. The Bulldogs are too big and talented for the Tigers. I'm not sure who does the scheduling for Beechwood (coach? AD?), but playing Holmes first game of the season was probably not the best idea. I look for Holmes to dominate NKY opponents this season. If Beechwood has any chance of winning, they better slow the tempo and hit their outside shots, otherwise Holmes will have a dunkfest.

I felt Boone's point guard Gabbard was the difference in the game. However, the rebels have a bit if selfishness they need to work out to be an elite team. Both teams with improve and compete in the regional tournament.

Cov. Cath. may be down, but they are still Covington Catholic. I'll take Lexington Catholic by 12. Maile is a beast and will keep them in the game. If he gets in foul trouble this year, that will spell disaster for the Colonels.

I was disappointed by Boone last year. I think this season they can turn it around. They have a great junior class and McFarland is a solid scorer. I hope Boone can live of to the hype and give Holmes a run for their money this season.

I feel the same way Colonel. I have a pretty good idea already on who the top players from each team are. I would have liked to know about the players who are expected to step up for each team.

Should be pretty close from what I am hearing. I agree with Eta Rho, I'll take Dixie by 4.