Odessa

I agree Lungbuster. This game will not even be close.

3 wishes, I agree with you. I am destroyed that the Executive West will not be the same. I am 32 years old and I have been staying in the West for 26 years, and I feel that it is apart of my life. Soooo many memories. It is a very unique hotel with all the wood. If the finals stays in Louisville, to me, I don't know that it will be the same.

Will the Executive West Hotel be open for this years state finals?

Impressive win at Lee tonight. Lee had 111 yards rushing in the first half and ended the game with 114. The Black Bear defense really turned it up the second half. I can't wait until Friday night.

Estill in a shocker!!!!!!! Can't give a score, not that gifted.

Harlan County will have their hands full with Lee Co. Lee is very atheletic and can move very well on defense especially their D-Line. I look for this to be a very close game with the Black Bears coming out on top 7 or less points. Lee County has had this game marked on their schedule since it was set. This game I believe will become bigger than the Harlan County/Letcher County game.

Lee had two scores called back on them against Mboro and also fumbled the ball once into the endzone in which Mboro recovered for a touchback. Blackbear fans, we have to go over in large numbers Friday night to root our boys on because this game will be a tough, tough game.

Someone posted that they consolidated this year just for sports and to win a state title BUT they have no football field. That is just silly thinking to me. Some have said that the Black Bear Nation is cocky but we are only excited.

Now to the issue. I don't have a lot to say about should they be in 3A or should they be in 5A because it is a mute point now BUT I can say this, those kids could care less what people across the state thinks. They are out there to win and if a state title comes with it they will never think anything about them being in 3A. I am a huge Black Bear supporter but I am realistic also and I don't think me or anyone else from Black Bear Nation is crowning us 3A state champs. We will play one game at a time and enjoy every minute of it because a new era, a new beginning has started in Harlan County. I have lived in this county for almost 60 years and I have NEVER seen this much excitement in this county. Those of you outside Harlan County would never understand because for years and years we have fought here against ourselves but I can see a big change happening and that is why all the excitement is going on.

I was out also for a couple of hours and missed all of this. I am jumping around and screaming with excitement. My wife just came rushing to the room thinking something was wrong. So now I am going outside to jump and around and scream. Can you all hear me? Go Black Bears!!!

CAN'T WAIT TO GO ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN AUGUST 29th!!!!!

So how did the first official day of practice go for the Black Bears? How many were out for varsity? How many out for freshmen? Who were the no shows?

We all have to get together and meet somewhere and travel together over to Letcher Central to root our boys on. I have heard talk of tailgating which sounds great. I know I will be there with my Black, Cardinal and White on cheering as loud as I can. I know, it is still over a month away but I just can't sit still thinking about it.:dancingpa

:thumb:

Don't quote me on this but I think that the pass scrimmages are over. Practice starts tomorrow. As far as camp goes, they are going to Jaybezz or how ever you spell it. I think Bullitt East and South Laurel will be down there.

In my opinion we had the best overall team speed than anyone down there. I am not just saying that because I am a Black Bear fan but I really believe that.

I am not familiar with name's but it seemed that thier timing was MUCH better than it was the last time they were at Union. Also their defense had really improved. The thing that I noticed the most is how the kids were interacting with each other and cutting up with each other. They were just having a great time. It just goes to show that these kids can help bring a county together. I enjoyed watching that more than I did watching them play.

Knox Central was not in Harlan County's starting groups pool. Harlan County's JV group was. Harlan County went 3-0 in their pool beating Middlesboro, Cumberland Gap, TN and Lynn Camp. They then played Knox Central in the Semi's and lost on the last play of the game which should have never been counted. The QB from Knox Central was clearly 4 or 5 yards past the line of scrimmage but it was not called. Harlan County's coaches did not protest it and I really didn't blame them after all it is only a passing scrimmage. The real deal starts in Aug. I was very impressed with the Black Bears and I did feel that they were the best team down there. Give Larkey and staff another month with this bunch and Harlan County could have something special. This bunch has already made great strides since the first time they went to Union.

HDE, they only lost 1 game, they won their pool.

Mama Bear, I love it when I hear that Harlan County is coming together. We have been separated and fighting amongst ourselves for way too long. I can only hope and pray that Harlan Countians will come together for the betterment ( if that is a word) for these kids. I can feel the love spreading in the air everytime I walk out my door. I am starting to get sooooo excited.:dancingpa

Sarge, so are you saying that Powell has dropped you all?

I need an answer from the Bobcat nation from your friends here in Black Bear nation. Does Bell have an open date for next year for the first game? If so, I can really see this bowl actually coming true.

So what is the latest on the Powell Co. deal? I hope everything works out. For one, I hope it works out for the Black Bears so they will have 10 games but more importantly I hope it works out for the seniors for Powell Co.

WOW, pallex32, those are some awful strong words there. I for one think that it will be tough for the Black Bears to beat Breathitt but keep talking like that it only helps get our boys more focused on a district title.

Southeast, you are right on the teams mentioned but I was hoping for more competative teams anyway. They don't have to get teams that are just in this area. Three teams in VA that I can think of right off the top of my head that know how to play football are Appalachia, Powell Valley, and Gate City. They could easily find some TN teams that can play, all they have to do is look in Knoxville or teams around the Knoxville area.

I don't see Harlan Ind. being in this bowl if it happens.

I agree 100% Uncle Rico.:thumb:

Mama Bear, it is true that they are finishing out the contract with Cawood's schedule but I agree with Uncle Rico that I hope that Lee Co. will continue to play Harlan County. For one, it is a good gate for both schools and two it is just about 20 minutes across the mountain and with gas prices the way they are it would benifit both school districts to try and keep this game going for a very long time.