GloryDays

Some like to give/receive insight on games, no matter how little it may be. I like any information that helps me gauge teams. Could've been a way to say Reitz was a much better team who quit at the end. Or, PT scored 2 late TD's against the JV. So on so forth, you get the drift. I don't know what led him to believe that but it's information to me. I can choose to note or ignore. But the statement, "If Mayfield had scored two more points you (McCracken) would have lost" is not information. That is understood by anyone who knows the final score and can do simple math. Big difference.

Almost sounds like some underlying bitterness towards McCracken County HS. Not quite, but almost. It's the media folks. You know it's all about what they think is the latest, greatest, flashiest, or dollar grubbing thing they can report. McCracken is the story they think they can sell and will ride it while it last. I think we all agree, we like equal regional coverage. It's just not reality of the business. One can assume 75% of the 25,000 subscribers are in Paducah/McCracken, but more importantly their paid sponsors/advertisers are too. So naturally Tilghman, St. Mary, McCracken, and CCA are going to get top billing. Then they focus on the hot team/s. Not saying it's right, but they do. If PT started dominating sports like they did in the 80's the Sun will be all over it. Those teams and athletes were off the charts great. Example: Late 80's terrible county basketball team upends PT that had Joe Phill, Tremayne Donald, Kurt Barber, Robert Tyler, and many others (Sutton, Woods?). Anyway, it was one of the biggest upsets in all of Region 1 sports history. You would've needed a magnify glass to read the article tucked away on page 5. Same year, PT team destroys same county team in district tourney (90 something to 40 something) and it was front page Sports with huge picture like they beat the Lakers. I learned to accept it long ago. Global to local, the days of quality reporting have probably passed. I only read the Sun because guys leave them laying around at work. Stopped watching WPSD when they started with the whole facebook opinion crap. I want the news not what JoeSmoe thinks about the news.

The call I couldn't figure out was on a Mayfield punt return. Two players get into a tiff after the play, and just before it too goes far they both begin to walk away. A second Mayfield player comes in and shoves the McCracken player in the upper pads/neck/facemask area and the ref (who was right there watching) immediately tosses his flag. Looks like they caught the second man in and Mayfield is going to get a personal foul. The call ends up being a block in the back against Mayfield on a seperate call and a personal foul on McCracken. BTW, I'm not saying the Mayfield kid did anything dirty it was just typical football stuff.

In Stunson's article he speaks of McCracken kicker Cameron Hartig, and later refers to Mayfield kick Sidney Herndon as "Sidney Hartig". Tops the story off by basically saying McCracken beat McCracken this year. "The McCracken win comes a year after it lost to Mayfield by one point. They have beaten both Mayfield and McCracken this year, the two teams they lost to last year before going on a 9-game win streak". But hey, at least McCracken avenged the loss to McCracken from last year. Seems to be quality writing. I'm not trying to bash the guy, but this is their profession not some thread. The Sun's sports coverage is terrible. No local knowledge of the players, mistake after mistake in articles, missing box scores, and overall lack of information.

I would like to add how #4 Jordan Tyler also looked good running the ball for the Cardinals. His first couple of steps are scary quick.

How did Graves' passing game look? What was the turnover ratio? Any other game notes will be appreciated. TIA

Yes, but hard to second guess that 3rd down call when Hughes was one man away from the endzone.

Appeared to be a little of both. Two years in a row a potential FG was looming late in the game and we didn't have our kicker in the net. To be clear, last year wasn't Hartig and I'm very pleased how this young man has improved our kicking game. Maybe it's not his particular routine to do such, I won't claim to know. It just seems a few practice kicks wouldn't hurt.

MCMustangs, I agree especially on the play with 7 coaches. I disagree on the helmet to helmet though. I would like to see a replay to confirm, but it appeared to me the DB's left shoulder went through the left shoulder of the receiver and carried on to the helmet. I had the adavantage of a great angle from my seat. The DB came hard from the side catching the receiver in a vulnerable position, but it still looked like he led with the shoulder. It was such a brutal hit, I understand why the Mayfield fans could possibly see it as helmet to helmet. Their view was opposite from which the hit came, so if he caught the shoulder first they wouldn't have been able to see it. More importantly, I was glad to see the kid get up, and sure hope he has no ill effects.

Here are a few players, which may not be known outside the area, deserving recognition for making some key plays last night. Nice job guys!!! I’m sure I missed one or two. #28 Nathanial Hamby (Sr. LB), #13 Daniel Sietzinger (Sr. WR/DB), #16 Kelly Eads (Jr. DB), #84 Kyle Garner (So. special teams), #8 Tyce Daniel (So. LB/DE), #34 Quamea Jones (So. DE), and #37 Cameron Hartig (So. K)

First, congrats to the Mustangs. Regardless of classification, that was a quality win for the program to build upon. Second, Mayfield continues a long tradition of impressing me while adding to the respect I have for their program. Most of all, thank you to all the players for giving us fans great entertaining football. It was hard to equal last year's contest, but you surely did it!!

Wow, this really caught me by surprise. I think this will gain even more respect as the season plays out. Congrats to Franklin-Simpson.

Consider these factors: 1) A hot summer night on field turf 2) 6 or 8 Mayfield players came off the field for injury or cramps in the second half 3) Mayfield more than proved everything, they were walking away winners no matter 4) The 100+ year rivalry with PT next week means much more, so why extend the game 5) Go for 2 on the road

Everybody but the McCracken coaches knew Morris would go for 2 in that situation. Obvious they didn't prepare the defense to be ready to stay on the field. The NT took his helmet off while walking to the sideline after the Mayfield TD. He couldn't come back in even after the timeout. Props to the kid (looked like #59) who replaced him as the Mustangs made the stop from the 1 yd line (after an offside).

Hopefully without all the slurpy noises.

Only moms can pull that stuff off.

I was shocked by that, expected more from MNH. They won the 7 on 7 at McCracken and looked very athletic. Maybe it's the line play, off game, or Greenwood has improved? Either way I think they will be making some noise.

Top 30

I would swap Tilghman and Wayne County. By midseason Tilghman will have taken some lumps due to the tough schedule so expect them to fall further. Their size and numbers are down from any I can remember, and they lost a majority of the scoring (Davis, Spivey-Nunn, Coleman, Butler) as well as Overstreet on defense. Come tournament time they will be ready to start a clean slate, but this is the year to get them. I do believe Rogers is a good fit and will make them PT worthy in a season or two.

I agree redleg. No reason the quality teams from West Ky shouldn't play each other. It strengthens the schedules, gives recognition statewide, validates and improves the teams, and provides great entertaining games. Not to mention the revenue brought in to both programs as well as local business. Considering Mayfield ranks in the top 25 (all classes) many years, I have doubts we will ever see a McCracken team that is too advanced for Mayfield. There's really only 4 or 5 programs statewide that could claim that.

Caldwell should roll in this by a wide margin. 59-21

I've never seen a Mayfield team hang their heads and give up. Not expecting that to change.

Thank you for encouraging new posters. I agree we need more input from West Ky, so I'll try to do my part. I'm also a long time follower of BGP. I'm taking McCracken in a game that will be closer than it should. I think if Mayfield can avoid a shootout by controlling the clock and limiting the big plays we will see an outstanding game. McCracken needs to show they can move the ball methodically before I buy into the 2 or 3 TD predictions I've seen. I don't think they can without establishing a run game, and doubt they will do so against Mayfield. Against PT the major difference was four plays. The 90 yd kick return by R. Jones, Holland fumble recovery TD, and two redzone picks by Alexander. Statistics showed yardage as even. Good luck to all players and let's enjoy an exciting Friday night. My take on the teams: First, don't underestimate Mayfield as being "down". Just because the names are not known to most doesn't mean the talent won't be there. The O-line graduated experience yes, but it's a system at Mayfield and the next kid/s steps up - they always do. As for the backfield, they are quicker, deeper, and more diverse with turnover potential the only concern compared to trusty Mills from last season. We all know the young QB will not compare to Guhy nor should he at this point, but the kid throws a catchable ball and seems to fall under the same mold as previous young Mayfield QB's. I hear the receivers are young and fast but I can't comment on how they run routes or their hands. The defense will be great against the run and the secondary may be the only weakness until they gain more experience. The kicker has a booming leg, and honestly think 45-50yds is not out of reach. Kickoffs will be touchbacks each time. They should have plenty of options in the return game. McCracken's strength is obviously the speed, athleticism, and experience on the offensive side. The running game needs to improve to maintain balance. Shaikh, Purdom, and Moreland are very good on the line but depth is a problem. To show the Mustangs true potential the coaches need to find a way to get all their weapons involved and expand the playbook. R. Jones, Alexander, Macklin, Seitzinger, Hughes, D. Jones, Q. Jones, Womack, Hicks, C. Jones, Isenberg, Daniel, and Fike. The receiving core could be as good as any in the state. Would be interesting to see Womack, Hicks, and/or Daniel in TE sets. The defense may be a bit overlooked. Again, depth at the line is a concern and playing both ways could take it's toll over the season. When fresh and healthy they are more than capable especially with the addition of transfer J. Phill at NT. The linebackers are a tough, athletic, and experienced crew led by R. Jones, Harris, Hamby, and Holland. Depth shouldn't be a problem having Hicks, Daniel, Mathis, Bell, and Williams seeing action. The secondary also has plenty of speed, athleticism, and experience. Womack is back after sitting out last season (started as a Fr and So at Lone Oak). He will only add to an already outstanding group of Alexander, Hughes, Seitzinger, Macklin, Eads, and Isenberg. Not too many players will outrun these guys and they should have several INT's. At times the tackling can become suspect. Depth is good with plenty of quality Sophomore to fill in at times of need. Kick/Punt return is outstanding with R. Jones, Hughes, and Macklin as threats to take it back every time they get their hands on the ball. The rest of special teams is still a work in progress. Hartig takes over at kicker and will give a big improvement in the kicking game. PAT's should be solid with a few more FG opportunities. Very few, if any, touchbacks will be a disadvantage. No developed punter, so Womack will be called on for the rugby style punt.

I'm anxious to see how Henderson recovers. I think they win this game, and wonder if they ran out of steam late against Reitz. The results of the Reitz / PT game will give me a better feel for the Colonels.