pancho

At this point, it's not about winning or losing this game. I believe that Harrison County is a better team than what the score indicates and giving up now is not the way you demonstrate your faith in those young men and their abilities. Giving them another chance to show what they can do against the defending AAA state champs might help them out later in the season. I didn't count them, but Harrison County couldn't have had more than 30 guys dressed for the game last night and just about all of the starters were playing both ways. That was certainly a factor in a game where LexCath demonstrated considerable depth. One more thing ... how 'bout those kick returns by LC's Ben Revere ... is that guy fun to watch or what? Also, the running of back Shane Isreal ... I heard someone near me say he reminded them of a pinball machine ... bouncing off of tacklers and then he keeps on going. I'll be there tonight. pancho

There's been a lot of talk about Justin Burke (truly a remarkable quarterback and a real leader on and off the field ... what's not to like about this guy!) and some of the other so-called "skill positions" (they're great too!) ... BUT ... a huge contribution this particular season was made by the O-line and the D-line. Let's face it, while this aspect of LexCath's game has been weak in the past few years, we're seeing a marked improvement in that department this year and especially towards the end of this year. Throughout the playoffs, the O-line gave Burke great protection and plenty of time to throw. They also did a great job creating holes for Isreal and Osborne. LexCath's D-line was simultaneously tenacious and alert. It was the line play that really improved in the postseason. It's easy for LexCath football to attract and retain aspiring WR's, QB's, and RB's but for a championship team you need the full package and the less heralded players up on the line are absolutely essential. IMO, the future of the team lies in its ability to continue developing their talent in this area and coach them for superior play on the line.

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sports/high_school/13365523.htm

That was beautiful and I agree completely with your nomination!

That is so, so true and it's also so easy to forget at a time like this. Your observation underscores just how tough it is to win the state. Congratulations to LexCath on a superb season and post-season. A sincere Thank You for the work that you do and the enjoyment that you've brought to us. Best of everything in the future to the seniors. Congratulations to all of the other teams LexCath saw over the last few weeks ... Grant Co., CovCath, Highlands, Rockcastle Co., and Bowling Green ... we hope to be able to see you again in the future. Especially, most sincere congratulations to Coach Bob Sphire who has been the constant force at LexCath over the last 15 years. Sincere thanks for all you've done for our kids.

You are correct UNDERTHEBRIDGE! And I'd go on to say that Coach Sphire is a good and experienced coach who works hard and attracts (and retains) players who want to work hard. He also has a keen eye for talent and develops that talent in his players through instruction and mentoring. Justin Burke is great in many, many ways and will certainly be missed at QB for LexCath but someone will step up and take his place and they'll have Justin's example of class and poise to help guide them too.

Speaking as one who didn't think LexCath football would ever be as good after Ryan Neff graduated (in 2000), then felt a similar twinge when Jake Doss graduated (in 2003), I can now say that I have great confidence that a talented quarterback will materialize sometime between now and next Fall. Not to diminish the substantial talent that each of these boys brought with them to LexCath, I think that they also all had something else in common. By the way, who do you suppose coaches the QB's at LexCath?

OK, now I finally understand what you're saying ... instead of Mr. Football, you believe Justin Burke should be "Coach of the Year".

Well Hail, tell us all about it. Did he have any D1 players at Knott Co back then? I don't think we'll ever know for sure but I don't think it was Coach Sphire all by himself that was holding Knott County back. I'd encourage you to look at his accomplishments over the last 15 years. But we're missing the point, the most important thing is to look at the high standards that he holds his players to and the many, many young men whose lives that he has affected in a positive way. Enough said.

HC, There's a lot of talk about "financial aid" around here but I be surprised (shocked) if there was anybody at Trinity that had anything close to all of their tuition paid. It's typically a lot "wider than it is deep" and you'll find a large percentage of the students will get some small amount but few if any get more than half their tuition paid. That would still put Trinity tuition in the thousands of $$$ per year. Anyone from Trinity (or the KHSAA) is free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Despite the numerous mistakes made by both sides tonight, but both teams played with with plenty of spirit and managed enough big plays to keep it a great game to watch. Rockcastle had a great running game and certainly had the momentum going into the half. Unfortunately, they lost it in the third quarter. LexCath came up with a couple of interceptions and also seemed to be able to score whenever and from wherever they wanted to. Rockcastle also seemed to be a little worn out later in the second half and the Knights never stopped scoring. The Rockcastle fans were great and turned out in large numbers. Congratulations to the Knights! Best of luck next weekend! Thanks to Rockcastle County for a great game and have another great season next year!

I was sitting on the LexCath side of the stands and I can assure you that no one near me thought that the blocked FG early in the 3rd Quarter meant that the Knights had it wrapped up.

The last time I saw Rockcastle play was three years ago when they soundly defeated the Bluebirds in the sate semi-finals on Rock's unbelievably sloppy home field. Given two key facts, (1) LexCath's defense has been completely inspired during the last two games and (2) the game will be played on LexCath's home turf (and without mud), I'd assume that the Knights will prevail. Having said this though, Rockcastle County has a legendary program will bring the best game they've got. The Knights had better realize that and be prepared. If they are, I'd predict: Lexington Catholic - 24 Rockcastle County - 14 Given the weather forecast for Friday (cold) and assuming the team is still bruised from last Friday's game in Ft. Thomas, I don't see this game being as high-scoring as games earlier this season.

There are a lot of different aspects to consider in determining who's the best QB in the state. "Leadership" is one quality that's really tough to observe from the stands just once a week on Friday night. There are some guys that just get more out of the rest of their teams and that chemistry can't be faked. To separate the great from the merely good you also have to see how the guy handles success (is it all me or does the line get any credit?) and failure. What does the QB do when the defense or special teams are on the field? A great one is still "in the game" and showing his appreciation whenever he can. Genuine enthusiasm can make a lot of difference. I'm biased because I've been fortunate to be watching Burke so much over the past three years but when I try to put my finger on why I think he's "great", a lot of it is from how he seems to interact with the other players on the sidelines. It's more than being smart, he's also got heart.