brad_bchs

What about Shane Boyd? is he currently on a roster anywhere?

Things like this in the high school football world is what just makes nearly anyone pull for certain teams. Dudley Hilton, much like Larkey, is on the sidelines at some Bell middle games. Both coaches are known for building incredibly strong programs from the ground up, and keeping their teams successful, I'm definitely gonna be checking in on the black bears Saturday mornings, and, possibly making a few trips to ol' James A. Cawood to see a game or two in Bells traveling weeks. Can't wait for the schools to begin a hopeful rivalry, not only to renew Hilton-Larkey, but to begin a new, exciting chapter for both programs. Best of luck to the Black Bears and Larkey this season!

Monte could quite possibly be the most dangerous player in the bobcats arsenal. He can place the other team in horrible feild position, almost always eliminates the chance a big kick return, also anywhere in the 40-50 yd range, it's not the Dudley Hilton way, but id definitely look for Merrick on 4th downs much more often this year to show off that leg a little. Also, yes, I think their is a very good chance Merrick will break the record this year, and then possibly break his own record:eek:. But let's not get ahead here, until then, just hoping the bobcats can stay healthy and this team can live up to its potential.

The O-line is full of monsters. And yes, I agree, this whole team is full of winners, the sophomore class hadn't lost a game in quite some time until last year vs. Lex Cath. By the way LMB, do you happen to know who #30 is and what year he's in? He looked pretty impressive to me tonight.

No problem at all. Merrick was very impressive tonight, had long punts with great hang time, I believe he only attempted one kickoff, that hit in the back of the end zone. Nailed a 40 yard FG, and I'm thinking a 50 yard FG, not sure on that one though. Positive on the 40, and 62 yard attempt.

Zachery did throw a very nice deep ball, but IMO, it seemed to me like Madon was a bit more composed and looked off defenders better than Zachery. Zachery is a very athletic, mobile QB, whereas Madon is a more pocket style QB. Madons arm looked to be better on the shorter 5-10 yard routes, and a bit more accurate to me. Also, Zachery did dodge blitzes left and right all night, which leads me to say that i cant judge his game too much solely on tonight, because the defense was absolutely swarming him. You never know actually, I think we could see a lot of Madon and Zachery both this year, depending on what the game plan is, which will most likely be run, run, and run some more.:sssh: Any other thought on what you saw tonight? Also, I'm guessing you'd have a better idea than me, but I saw #30 quite a bit on both sides of the ball, that kid is huge, and seems like he's got nice speed. Do you have a name? or what year he's in?

I just returned home from Bell County's blue/white scrimmage, I figured id post my thoughts/comments on how the boys looked. Anyone who attended, please post your thoughts also. Offense On offense, the bobcats showed several different looks in what should be a well balanced offense. Their was a nice mix of designed QB runs, option plays, passes, and of course, straight up the guy smash mouth football running, the bell county way:thumb:. On the topic of the QB situation, I personally think sophomore Ben Madon looked much more comfortable throwing the ball, protected it much better and seemed more composed all around than Zachery. Also his arm strength has improved greatly since last year, and seems to throw a beautiful lob pass, and has nice zip behind short-intermediate passes, also has the size to see over the huge o-line, listed at 6'4 on the basketball team, not sure if thats the correct size though. The running game, as always looked nice, senior Spencer Greer had some great vision, but seemed a step or two slower than last year to me. Freshman Cory Davenport had some nice runs, has very good speed and surprising power for his size, but I'm not looking for him to be a big time player this year, especially once Carton returns, could make a nice impact on special teams though. The bell receivers looked very athletic, and could surprise some people this year. Tight End John Dudley Hilton had a few nice receptions, seems like he's got some more speed behind him over the summer. Defense As always, the bobcat defense was very impressive, a few players were out of position due to playing on the offensive side of the ball, but they seemed to have some very athletic play makers on that side of the ball, especially junior Matt Raines playing on the corner, but this D will be anchored by Billy Lawson and Tyler Harbin on the line. Special Teams Senior Monte Merrick showed off an incredibly strong leg punting, Field goals and kickoffs. Actually attempted a 62 yard feild goal, the hold didn't look clean from my angle, but he narrowly missed it, by maybe 2 yards. Sophomore Cody Davenport returns a punt for a TD, has some nice speed. All in all, this Bell County team quite possibly is the most athletically gifted and skilled team we've ever had in all aspects of the game. This bell offense could be quite dangerous this year for several teams. Any one else who attended this scrimmage, please leave your thoughts and comments also. thanks.

Just thought I'd ask, how is junior HB Jake Slusher looking? I remember watching him play for Bell middle, had a tremendous amount of speed.

Just thought this would be a nice watch for those interested in this story.

Very happy to see this, seeing him in the halls at school great kid, very smart also. I'm glad to see he's finally getting some big time looks, watching him kick is like he's got a cannon in his leg, Very excited to see where he ends up, hopefully UK offers. Personally, I'd love to see him stay in blue, and I think he could come in next year and start at all kicking positions. He has a great work ethic, performs well under pressure, intelligent on the field. I truly hope he succeeds, as I'd love to see a Bobcat playing on Sundays in the future.

I had grown accustomed to watching the Bell middle squad put 6 up in around, 4 carries for Carton in a drive, sometimes less than 4 carries.:sssh: But of course, middle school to high school is a whole different game, but going from what I saw last year, he racked up well over 100 against McCreary Central, in the Lex Cath. game, it was taking 4 and 5 defenders to bring him down every time he touched the ball, which was the case in nearly every game he got touches..as a freshman by the way:thumb: He's got the power, speed, and moves to be very special for the Bobcats, it just comes down to whether or not he lives up to the potential.

I'm not particularly on the "In" of the Bell County program, just a former student and huge fan, and I know most of the kids involved in the program now, and a number from years back, and I can say, my honest opinion of the whole situation is its horrible. I don't think fear would be the word to use for for the Corbin-Bell rivalry being on hiatus right now, because if you can recall the last game we played Corbin in I'm positive, correct me if I'm wrong, was won on a last second Monte Merrick field goal by Bell. Quite a close call don't you think? Why would anyone have fear after such a classic, and close game? But as to the Middlesboro situation, IMHO, I think the fact they were outscored 112-12, 56-6 blowouts in consecutive years, is a huge reason for this one coming to an abrupt end for now. But also, no disrespect to the Jackets program, I firmly believe with the athletes they've developed in that program, if the Bobcats and Jackets hooked up this year, it could be another one of these "wars" I hear so much about from the past, especially with Hunter Adams back at receiver instead of QB.

Carton with a broken hand, IMHO, is still head and shoulders better than all other backs on the Bobcats squad:sssh:, With the exception of Spencer Greer of course. Plain and simple, Dominic Carton is an absolute beast running the ball, and if he keeps his mind on football has the potential to go down as one of Bell County's best, IMO.

Wow, I thought for sure someone last year told me Cochran was just a Sophmore or Junior at the panarama game, oh well, Blanton is capable. More than capable.

I believe your referring to Dwight Burgan? The QB situation should also be fun, with Cochran from Evarts, and the kid from Cumberland, Zach Blanton I believe is his name, correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd assume those two kids should be competing for a starting spot, both looked to be really good QB's from what I saw, and heard last year. Also, the O-Line, they could probably just plug Cumberland's O-Line from last year in and have one of the most successful lines in 3A:eek:. I just think its too bad we won't see Hilton vs. Larkey this year, but theres always next year, I cant wait to see both teams play this year, good thing I'm only 15 minutes away from each

I'm glad to hear that..I had just heard recently he had some sort of injury that may sideline him for the year, its great if he is playing:jump:. Incredible athlete, can play all Linebacker positions, Tight End, Running Back and Full back with success, IMHO, was used terribly wrong at Cawood, but Larkey will know how to use all of these kids to make this team successful, cant wait to see how they do:D

I'm not exactly sure on this, but I figure this is the place to ask. I've heard talk that junior Tyler Stewart isn't playing this year? I've not been able to get in contact with him as of late to ask, but if this is the case, any word on why he isn't? and is it being looked at as a loss? I know he is extremely athletic, and can play a variety of positions and could exceed greatly under the right system and work ethic, which Larkey will undoubtedly bring to the whole HCHS squad.

LexCath is a very, very good team. I saw this first hand last year, seeing my bobcats fall to them. :cry: But, they lost a load of experience, I beleive they actually lost more seniors then we had players dressed..may be wrong but im almost positive thats correct, and Boyle has some experience, as does Bell County, which leads me to say those two are my personal favorites in 4A. No disrespect at all to LexCath, I know they'll be a tough beast to tame come November-December, but its hard to argue against Bell County, they're returning a ton of players, and are also still young, and greatly experienced at the same time with 13 seniors, 9 of which had starting roles last year. The biggest problem for Bell County i can see as of now, is the loss of OL Mike Howard, who is supposed to return before the season is over last I heard, and adjusting to Shawnta Zachery's play at QB. But, I wish everyone in the class luck. Also, im not to familiar with the Boyle County program, anyone got some news on it?

I'm not completely sure on the topic of Carton staying in trouble, that may or may not be the case. I do know though, from Bell County's annual midnight madness, the carries seemed spilt between Greer, Carton, and Junior, Matt Raines. I saw the Davenport kid, I beleive Cory, correct me if Im wrong, get 2 or 3 carries, and they were impressive. But, from what I could tell, Carton is ready to explode this year, was only tackled once that I saw, may be wrong, but I only saw him hit the ground once.