Bear_Paw

Come on Bears & Cougars, let's do a better job of talking this up!:argue:

I predict that Harlan County High School wil win more games than they did last year...lol. JK, I say optimistically 7-2 regular season. Breathitt/Belfry make it tough to think regional champ, but I think they will be very good for a first year program.

Ranked just under Harlan County right?:thumb:

Corbin by 14

Green County will have to be on it's toes to beat Hazard. If Hazard gets rolling it could be an Emergency Room Afternoon.

Actually, since you mentioned it....We are going to try to have cornhole tournaments before home games as a way to raise money.:thumb:

I agree the cream of 1A can compete against the middle of the road, but I'll give you Somerset for example...In 2005 or 06 THEY WERE VERY GOOD, but lost to mid to upper teams in classes above them, (I believe 0-4). Beechwood can beat anyone on any given night. Hazard (this year) can beat anyone on any given night, Pikeville (most years can compete or beat most in 3-4A) on any given night, Don't know Bardstown, so I can't comment. What I am saying is that only Cumberland in 82,83, 86, & 91, Evarts (Scott Russell's Senior year), and Cawood (81,82 &maybe early 90's) are teams from Harlan County that understand how to compete against major competition in bigger classes. I think HCHS wll win this game...but they will have to play very well. Poor execution of the kicking game and turnovers will loom large if it happens. By the way, how many State Titles does Danville have? They should be able to compete.

Um...Bell County is 4A...lol. I guess I should have clarified myself better. Championship level in 5A is a different world. Take a look at Highlands and see how many State Championships they have. Letcher Central is the regional runner up from last year to..........Highlands. What I am saying is the kids and the fans of Harlan County are not used to seeing the depth of talent competitive 5A programs have. Harlan County has depth, especially at the skill positions, but are not yet used to competing on this level. As for 1A schools, especailly mountain 1A schools, competing with 5A, you are joking yourself if you think 1A can compete with the upper level of 5A. There are a few teams, Hazard comes to mind this year, that could compete but for the most part it doesn't happen.

I think it's important to remember that Letcher Central is last year's Regional Runner up, so they are going to be strong. Their crowd will be a factor as well, but there will be a lot of support form Harlan too. There is a lot of hype in Harlan, but honestly 5A is a different world than what most in HC are used to. When I sas this as the opener for HC I said this would provide an immediate measuring stick for the Bears. It will be important for them to get off to a good start. I look for an outright attack on the passing game of LC. They ARE going to bring pressure, there is no doubt about that. I think this could be a high scoring affair. Harlan County will be without Green and that might be a factor, but Clark should be able to step in and provide similar results. I have stated before that Harlan Co. can provide nightmares for teams because of misdirection capibilities. That coupled with the fact that they have capable recievers makes them a threat to score on any given play. I have not seen the kicking game of HC, but this might be decided on execution of just that. I'll go with the Bears in a shoot out 42-35.

I'm with ya on this. I am taking my new HC Black Bear cornhole game if James Earl can get it ready, and a grill.

LOL @ Grillzilla:D I'm up for some Music, Cornhole, Grillin' and drinking a few "refreshments" before we go in! Might just have a "Special Blend" on hand!:fire: Could be an Emergency Room Afternoon...LOL.:ylsuper:

Don't be surprised if HC doesn't buy a tournament before that. If think for HC to improve the are going to have to get scrappy which Mike Jones will take care of. The point must be developed, and a backup added. Also they need a strong recovery for Caldwell, and Calton needs to become aggressive as his backup. McCowan can be very solid but needs to add weight. Too bad Wilson & Johnson didn't have another year.

If the stands hold 1500, there was definetely not 4500 in attendance, but a good turnout. I agree Letcher Central is going to be caught in a Black Bear stampede. Both the offense & defense struggled a bit in their first series, although the D didn't give up a score until very late. The offense got on track after that. I see a nightmare coming for teams trying to figure out some of HC's misdirection capibilities on offense. Defensively, they are going to be have to improve on defending the flat. Also I want to give out a shout to Moma Bear. You go girl.:dancingpa

I can't wait to see the Bears.:ylsuper:

Looks like Harlan High School & (the new) Harlan County will not play for some time either. The Powell situation...I just do not get that.......

That's insane. I bet if that's true they end up wishing they hadn't.

:scared:No mention of hometown HCHS? The natives are going to be restless with you HDE!

Cabin what I was questioning is the power the speed kids have. TJ has power but not the speed we are discussing. I don't know enough about Roberts to comment, but 200 certianly is in the ballgame. When these kids get into 5A folks will see real quick what speed and power is all about. I watched Lex Cath (4A) at Bell last year. Vicini (Frank's nephew) was 6'4, 210 and ran like a deer. He played defensive end..in other words there was better running backs than him..that's what I'm talking about...go watch Highlands. Belfrey has a Kid that weighs 260 and runs pretty good. I'm not sure we could tackle a 260 lb running back if he got into the secondary. Folks, be sure you know I'm not browbeating these kids...we have talent...no doubt...I'm just raising questions....:thumb:

What will be interesting to see is if they have power at the skill position. Honestly I do not see the size at the skill positions. Gilliam, Smith & Simmons will be lucky to weigh 160. They have good speed, and some powerful lineman, but what will tell the tale is how strong the finesse player can become.:thumb:

I'm purely speculating. Whitaker & Warren seems like a possibility because I think we still need one assistant, but Greene is also a possibility. BOTH of his parents coach and are very good at it. Mother is a Harlan legend. One other possibility from back in the day.....one of the local coal mines (a very strong operation) is running an ad in today's paper. There might be a transfer no one sees comming. There are a lot of folks being hired in at Lone Mountain, not all are local.

They are going STRONG and FAST! lol

I am seeing lots and lots of floor burns in my house from chasing loose balls...