Big Five -0-

Concerning Pikeville. Didn't have the opportunity to go watch the scrimmage due to distance, but this a.m. heard some very encouraging news from very reliable sources. First of all, they did very well against LC, and moved the ball well both through the air and on the ground. The O line is bigger and stronger, and looks very stout. The D played well also. Yes, this is just a scrimmage, and most coaches are cautious about tipping the hand concerning the play book. However, Panther fans were pleasantly surprised. Again, they're young, but were optimistically better than what was expected. One more surprise was the confirmation that QB Wyatt Battaile will be returning to the team after surgery. It will take eight weeks of recovery, and he will miss the regular season, but should make a difference come playoff time. Not to take anything away from QB Peyton Blair as this young man has a great arm and moves very well. Only a Sophomore, and this will give him valuable playing time in the regular season. Got to agree, it's not their year, but look for them to get better and make some noise in the post season. The future looks great for them......no doubt.

Corey Smith is going be a hoss again this season. He's one of those backs that will be fun to watch, unless your the defense.

Gotta agree. Thanks again.

Thanks Bac. While we know this is a scrimmage, no doubt the Panthers are feeling the loss of QB Wyatt Battaile.

Thanks for the updates Bac. Keep it coming.

HAZARD - PAINTSVILLE BELFRY - CORBIN

Pikeville had a great freshman class last season, along with some proven sophomores that will make a difference down the road I guess this could be looked at as a bridge year for the Panthers as the next couple years they should be scary good. But as for this season, no doubt heavy losses through graduation, along with losing the talents of QB Wyatt Battaile through injury and surgery will certainly take it's toll. Can't say for sure whether RB Evan Rhodes will return at this point or not, but what it is, is what it is. This young group will take it's share of losses this season, but with Coach Mac and the proven Coaching staff at PHS they will mature, grow, and learn. With the young talent that's there, I really believe great things are in the future for them. Having said all of this , and what little I know about Covington Holy Cross, i'm going with the home team; the young Panthers in this one.

Totally agree westside. Like to see the school set a standard for itself with the solid white helmet. Imo, it's got the old School look ; nothing fancy, but a tribute to the man who insisted it look that way, Hillard Howard.

well, just heard where Wyatt Battaile will be out as much as 12 weeks following surgery. Apparently made his decision not to suit up his his final season of football. Hate to hear that he won't be playing this season as he's an excellent qb. Good luck to the young man in his future endeavors. Still no definit word if Rhodes will play or not.

Wyatt Battaile is recovering from surgery. Look for him to play this season. Cannot confirm anything about Rhodes, but wouldn't be surprised that it is just a rumor that he won't play.

Prayers from this Pikeville Panther fan.

In this upcoming season, I think Pikeville will go through what is referred to as a bridge year. The bright spot of course is the QB Wyatt Battaile. He'll be a senior with tons of experience and talent. The negative I saw in 2016 was the Oline wasn't what it was the previous season, neither was the defense. Had it been, I think there would have been a little more success. I really think this upcoming Sophomore class will be special if your a Pikeville fan. They're young but have plenty of experience. Many got that experience with reps played in varsity games this past season. They came within six points of winning the 8th grade championship two seasons ago against a very talented CAL team. Really had CAL beat all through the game, but one mistake late in the game cost them the title. This team will take their lumps and bumps early on, but come playoff time, coach will have them ready to compete. How far ? We'll just have to see how they mature and improve. The coaching is there, the talent is there, the heart is there, the community support is there, just have to wait and see.

I say it's possible. Look no further than Paintsville just a few years ago. They were cellar dwellers in 1-A East (all due respect), and with a fine HC and staff that a lot of larger schools would love to have, along with great community support, look where they brought it to. Just one win away from an appearance in BG. So yes, I would never say never.

Hazard, big and powerful with speed. Hazard 31 BWood 14

Imo, Hazard brings home the gold in this one. That big line of Hazard will wear down Beechwood, and the Blair kid can air it out with accuracy when he wants to. Got a great receiver in the Johnson kid, and Corey Smith is a beast at RB. Strong and well balanced with good footwork. The D line is strong and will get after it. Really believe this is Hazard's year.

Congrats to Paintsville on the win. You've played steady as a great team all season long. Good luck to both Paintsville/Hazard next Friday. Whoever comes out on top will rep the East with class. Truly believe whoever moves on will be the 1-A champ. You got my support 100%.

Congrats to Hazard on the win. Y'all got a great team and it showed tonight. Gigantic O line, Corey Smith - what a RB. Good QB, and an outstanding D. Great turnaround since the last meeting. While we don't know who will win the 1-A East semis, good luck to both teams. Whoever comes out of the East will be the 1-A champion. Really believe that. Congrats again !

Pikeville wins this one again, but not as close as the previous contest. Pikeville - 35 Hazard - 21

PP Pikeville wins : 35 21

Look for the Pikeville/Hazard game to be close, but not as close as their last matchup. Both teams are playing real good ball right now.

Final from Pikeville. The Panthers go to 10 - 2 on the season as Blake Charles has six runs and six touchdowns for 190 yds. in the ist half. QB Wyatt Bataille had 62 yds. on the ground and two tds. in the 1st half. The Panthers will take on the Hazard Bulldogs next Friday for a third round playoff contest.

Lol ! Guru. I suppose the posted 49 - 0 score is a clarification of the mistyped (4 - 0) in the previous thread. That's what I get for typing too fast.

Congrats to Hazard. Had no doubts in this game.

Pikeville came out to play and never looked back. QB Wyatt Bataille had scoring runs of 38 yds., and 54 yds. to start the game within a time span of 4:6 into the 1st qtr. Blake Charles took over the scoring with td runs of three yds., and six yds. Freshman Jackson Hensley scored on a run of fifty seven yds. to make it 35 - 0. Rb Nathan Collum scored from one yd. out to make it 49 - 0 at the half. Kicker Campbell Dawahare was perfect on all attempts at the half. Second string RB Tyler Elkins finished the scoring in the second half with a running clock to make it a score of 55 - 0. Lynn Camp's lone score came on a 22 yd. field goal by kicker Jesus Torres, after the starting offense was stopped on third down by the 2nd string Pikeville defense to make it 55 - 3. Pikeville now moves on with a record of 9 - 2 to take on the winner of the Pineville/Jenkins game for the 2nd round of the playoffs next Friday evening.

Running clock. Pikeville up 4 - 0 at the half.