Big Five -0-

Congrats to Paintsville. Pikeville's got some stuff to clean up.....like the line on both sides of the ball.

Gonna be a " must see game " for sure. Still don't think we've seen the Panther's complete package just yet. Btw, good luck to the Bulldawgs in the LCC game.

Bac, don't know of any Pikeville fan that's down because of lack of a running clock. Everyone I've talked to are just pleased we won. The fact is, LCC was much improved compared to last season's team, especially the defense. Pikeville on the other hand, starting center was out, as well as the right guard ( three yr. starter ) returned for his first game after being injured before the seasoned started. A little rusty for sure. This is no excuse, but anyone could see the timing was off most of the game. Imo, don't think the Panthers showed much in this game. However, we should see some difference in Friday's game.

Hard to see a traditional power like Prestonsburg fall on hard times. I think they only dressed like 26 - 28 players. Still, they put up a good fight in this game, especially in the 1st qtr. Their run game stood out with Hager, Nunly, and McCoy. They ran hard. For the Panthers, some starters didn't play due to some minor injuries, etc. Offense looked great, especially Wyatt Battaile ,Evan Rhodes, Andrew McNamee (who made an unbelievable catch over his shoulder in the end zone), and others. Defense needs to be tweaked somewhat, but will be fine. Starting ng was out in this game. Looking forward to another great season.

Pineville will be much improved this season no doubt. However, starting off with Hazard won't get them a win. too much horses for Hazard in this game. Hazard - 28 Pineville - 12

Congrats to Kent Phelps. One heck of an athlete. Good luck for your future.

Glad to see Pikeville has four, workin' on five.

Coach Mac calls the dogs off early at 48 - 0. JV get's plenty of experience in this game.

Hate to hear that Bac. Hope the injuries are not too serious for them.

I remember in the 90's Beechwood came to Pikeville for a semi final game, they had something like 98 0n that team. Of course that's when they were right in the middle of winning all of those championships.

Thanks for a very good job VOR.

Two teams from the East will repeat as champions. Pikeville and Belfry.

Hey Bac. When does Hazard scrimmage Belfry ?

That's what i'm finding out. Was told they take their football serious in that part of Ohio. To counter that however, mountain football is on the rise .

Pikeville graduated twelve and out of those, ten were starters. Don't know how that will pan out with what they return, but it will be at their place, and should be a tough game from what i'm hearing.

How many starters on both sides of the ball did they lose ?

Phelps has always produced some beef on the line. They grow some pretty big boys over that way. I truly believe if anyone can turn this program around, it will be David Jones. Good luck to the Hornets in 2016.

I see Pikeville lasting until the Belfry game ( which is no big surprise to anyone.) After that, the only question mark imo would be Valley (Lucasville) Oh. Possibly 9 - 1, no worse than 8 - 2. Jmo.

To be honest, I look for Russellville and Pikeville to run neck and neck at the top all season long in the 1-A ratings. Both teams return a lot of talent and will be very capable of an appearance in BG.

Look for Blake's numbers to increase significantly this season on both sides of the ball. Daric Pugh, as everyone knows, was the workhorse last season, and yes Blake was used in short yardage on offense thus contributing to his low rushing yardage. However, in the state championship game he made every yard count. Gonna be hard to stop this season.

Look for Pikeville to be a state contender once again. If you look at who this team returns this season, then reality gives a reminder that they will be very hard to beat in 1-A. To start off, Wyatt Battaile will of course be at the QB position. With the off season training and conditioning under his belt, look for him to be even more potent under center. Personally think he will be the best to come out of PHS since Matt Blair, who was QB back in 1987. Blake Charles will be very much an impact player, and will pick up where he left off last season in BG. This young man will be hard to stop at the FB position, especially on short yardage. On the other side of the ball, this kid will be a joy to watch if your a Pikeville fan. Look for a more balanced offense than last season with a run by committee with the likes of Charles, speedster Evan Rhodes, Jonathan Ray, and a Daric Pugh type runner in Jesse Sparks. Also hearing about some new faces coming in that will make some impact. Wr core will consist of Clay slone, Tyler Elkins, Andrew McNamee, and Cody Dials. A new face or two may be coming in to play at this position as well. Most of these may play at the CB position too. The offensive line returns Gunter Edmonds, Nathan Campoy, Austin Salyer, Tyler Collins, Braden Kendall, and a few new faces. Some will go both ways on defense while line depth is being developed. Linebacker positions should look something like Tyler Collins, Blake Charles, Mikey McDonald, Nathan Campoy, and maybe a couple of new faces or three. Good leadership, great coaching with this team, and this bunch ain't done yet !

Really looking forward to watching Wyatt Battaile at the QB position for the next couple years. Very efficient passer, and can break a run at any time with deceptive speed. From what I'm hearing, he's gotten somewhat bigger and stronger in the off season. This young man should be getting some serious offers before his HS career is over.

With High School football talent on the rise in East Ky, no doubt eyebrows have got to be raised across the state. East Ky. football continues to grow.

Ok. I missed it. Thanks for he explanation.

You may have missed one for Pikeville. FOUR state championships. Three consecutive from 87' - 89'. Won single A again last season.