Brewsky

I've heard the Devils have a hard time getting up for games. This changes this week. Russell will smell blood and go in for the kill. Russell has no excuse to make anything less than the 4th round

I will agree with May from Belfry. I think the kid has the ability to play football at the D-1 level in the MAC, Sun Belt, WAC, etc. Unfortunately we all know how few looks kids from the Mountain part of Kentucky get.

Phillip Haywood belongs on a top 5 list. 2 titles, 3 runners up, top 5 ALL-TIME winning.

Why the Saturday night game?

Can anyone counter the argument that what is going on this season in 2a doesn't even rise to the level of what has been going on for a long time in 4a? Dunbar and others hold a 900 + enrollment advantage over other schools in it's class. Perhaps Mercer fans have brought the criticism upon themselves. Or perhaps we all need to take a step back, put this into a greater historical perspective, realize the oppurtunity the traditonal size 2a teams are presented with (beating a Juggernaut) and get pumped up about the playoffs!

I like Middlesboro's mustard yellow and brown for some reason! :confused:

If its a big game (like this is) I don't think it will hurt attendance much. On the other hand if a game between say Highlands and Grant Co. was on TV, then I would think the stands might not be so full come Friday night.

I am VERY exciting for Mr. Clark of Russell. I hope he lands somewhere D-1, and to anyone close to him, push him to do so. After a redshirt year, I have no doubt the young man could play safety in the MAC, C-USA, SunBelt, or WAC. Belfry fans watched one of the most talented football players to ever walk on the field get turned away incorrectly. Football talent means more than than pretty numbers recruiters love so much. Kasey is a player. He is physical, has good size, and good enough speed to play at the next level. As much respect I have for Coach Maglone, I think a D-1 program could maximize his god given talent. I had a friend who walked on at Nebraska tell me that there is simply no comparison between high school and college, and he played at the highest classification Tennessee has to offer. Why not take a shot at a kid who has proven he has all the intangibles AND a solid base of what recruiters look at. Kasey Clark might not run like John Logan or have the size of Micah Jones, but he has exactly what it take IMO to succeed and contribute at the D-1 level.

JC has too many weapons. I see JC winning by only 3 td's against the very proud Mason Co team JC 28 Mason 7

I can't speak to the "what is wrong" per se. I will say this. When I saw NL play the first game (granted) of the year vs JC, they seemed to be lacking the speed guys to have a chance in 4a football. I'm not saying that the problems laid out in 1-6 are not significant, but the talent just doens't seem good enough to expect too much.

From current 2a teams, Western, Larue Co., and Loan Oak all jump to 4a next season. The majority of current 2a teams seem to move to 3a, but a substantial portion remain in 2a. What does this ultimately tell us? Mercer isn't the only school who has an enrollment advantage. I realize by producing this thread I am bringing up the point once again. My point is this: Anyone who has any conscience should say "yeah but Mercer, Western, Larue, and Loan Oak have an advantage over the others" AND the teams that will be 3a have an advantage over the ones that will be forced to stay in 2a based on enrollment.

Just want to point out, I don't intend this post as criticism of Haywood or the staff. Their method is proven. I'm just thinking aloud I suppose.

I agree that the offense is built around the fullback and completely understand its importance. Certainly a good defense does have to commit to stop the fullback and thus it opens up other plays. I guess I just feel the fullback on 1st down has become a little too predictable and its making it easier to stuff. I may be out offbase as I have only been able to listen to the games on the webcast as of late. Call me crazy, but I bet that "make em respect the fullback and it will open everything else up" attitude MIGHT be utilized just as effectively if the carries and playcalls were spread around a bit more. May's ability alone should count for force other teams to prepare to stop him. If they didn't, then let him pack it 45 times

I know the play must be run fellas. Just seemed Prestonsburg committed and took away the fullback. The Sheldon Clark defending the play pretty well. I know May got his yards, but it seemed there were many plays in which we didn't get but a yard or no gain. Completely understand it is the fundamental play in the offense and I agree with the "run it to its stopped" attitude. To answer Watusi's ultimate question. I would say consistent gains of 3 yards or more. Against stout defense, the line doesn't seem to consistently get a good push. One time May will have some daylight and get 6 yards and the next time he gets 1.

If the players had the fight to make a run, they had to come out with a purpose this week. I would love to see Elkins throw 10 passes and some of 1st down and 2nd and short. It just seems the fullback dive hasn't been as productive as of late.

The system as it stands this season is pathetic.

Fleming lost their stud Qb and they have done relatively well to compensate. I think they are the 2nd best team in the district and will scrap well with the Devils. Russell 41 Fleming 14 With it being 14-7 at half

In response to Watusi. I agree that the money could POTENTIALLY be spent in other and more effective ways. That said, I'm not sure what more could be done in respect to the acedemic side of Belfry's new campus. I realize that it would take a large sum of money to produce a jumbotron or Pirateship for Cam Stadium, but at the same time, we are talking about private donations, which IMO should be given in ANY respect, assuming they are given with no strings attached. IMO, funds given to support an extra cirricular activity are certainly subject to scrutiny, but not to be denied. I guess the question would be: Why should a local corporation be unduly criticized for improving the community, regardless of it's motive? If Massey Energy, Central Appalachian Mining, McDonalds, Belfry Sports Shop, etc be precluded from playing the role of philantrophist? Isn't the burden of supporting public education on the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the county and municiple governements within the Commonwealth?

Mercer and Western have a great shot at getting one this year. Two weeks ago, I would have said Belfry or Russell would hold 2a power in the East. Given Belfry's poor effort against Sheldon Clark, it is difficult to seriously consider them a TOP contender (although still a contender to some extent). Taking one more logical step, Ashland beat Russell and Belfry in similar fashion. The game is not based on paper. Matchups certainly play a significant role, but applying basic logic, Russell appears to be an underdog IMO at this point to repeat. I think Mercer and Western will battle it out to see a new 2a champion crowned. In all honesty (and in DIRECT contradiction to recent predictions) I think Middlesboro represents the best of the East this season. I think they have better talent than anyone in the East (they may have last season) but I wonder about their coaching. IMO, his gambling defensive style is not effective given his personel.

The comparison of schedules tell this tale. That said, congrats to Fulton. I have never heard of them before this season. A close game would be good for Far Western 1A football IMO.

Did anyone think the play calling was a little on the conservative side for the Pirates. I don't have a problem with it even if it was, I just get the feeling Haywood was trying to get a win with showing as little as possible knowing these teams will meet again in a few weeks. Am I off base?

The kid from Somerset.

This might not be the best Belfry team in recent vintage, but why not play like it. I want to give credit to Sheldon Clark; They made plays when they had too. That said, I think this WAS an upset. I think Sheldon Clark matches up well with Belfry, knows them well, and took advantage. I think Coach Haywood eagerly awaits another game, but has to adjust and make sure his kids understand just what kind of team they are playing. Hopefully, Belfry will regroup, play well and get ready to avenge this loss. Sheldon Clark played this game to win. Hager called reverses, spread the field, and pull out every trick in the book. Frankly, I'm not sure he had to. I think SC just flat out was tougher than Belfry. I only listened to the game on radio but even from a PIRATE broadcast I heard a SC team whip Belfry up front. I heard Joe Kinzer say once "I don't buy that the team who wants it more will win". Granted he said this when Belfry was up by a couple touchdowns, but I'm not so sure it was correct. 1) Belfry couldn't compete as hard as they tried on the LOS (if so, the Pirates are hurting) or 2) SC wanting it more, gained momentum, and took this game. Regardless how you analyze this game, this was a HUGE victory for Shawn Hager and the Cards. Congrats guys! I just wish your shining moment didn't bring a black day for Pirate footaball. That said.. The season is FAR from over! Wake up boys! If the members of the Pirate football team could look me in the eye and tell me they played their best, I can accept this game. I think the rematch will be different.

JC - 35 Ashland -17

It could be panic time amongst the powers in Pike Co. this week. I believe both Pikeville and Belfry will respond, but this past week certainly calls into question just how good they are.