Brewsky

I think Middlesboro belongs where they are. I was of the opinion that Belfry was the team to beat in that region in 2a. Sheldon Clark had something to say about that! Middlesboro HAS to be the favorite in that region right now. As for Middlesboro v. Bell. Unfortunately they didn't play each other this year, but I think compartive opponents will have something to say on the issue. Bell beat Corbin by 3 pts on a last minute field goal. Middlesboro beat Corbin by 20 pts in shootout. Bell beat Leslie by a td. I think Middlesboro will beat Leslie worse. Take those scores for what you will, but Middlesboro being ranked above Bell certainly isn't unwarranted.

Middlesboro was lower seeded than Belfry last year and that is why they hit the road. Leslie Co was the 1 seed

Just have to say also. I don't want this to become a trash talking thread. Any person who disagrees, make a case for your team. There are many teams who have legitimate claims, there is no need for this thread to be dumbed down. Lets have a real discussion about 2a football.

Perhaps not the most talented team, but this is the last year in the current classification scheme, and IMO these two teams are the only teams who have players on the roster who have actually tasted Papa Johns Stadium. I know Mercer Co. is the juggernaut. I know Louisville Western looms heavily. I know Middlesboro has a great chance, as does Larue, Corbin, and Caldwell Co, but I just have to think the teams that have been there are in position. Russell has a talented line, and perhaps the best back in 2a. I think the Red Devils are just the team to give fits to the Western part of the state. On a similar note, Belfry might not have the standout talent they have had in past years, but I honestly believe they have the intangables, and JUST ENOUGH skill to get it done. I'm on record in saying that either Belfry OR Russell gets it done in the last year of the current system. Mercer Co., Western, Middlesboro, and the rest may prove me wrong, but I think there is something to be said for the teams who have been there and have a sense of what it takes. Lets hear some rebuttals.

Sheldon Clark's lineman were gassed late in the 3rd and 4th quarters last season. Are they better conditioned this season?

Putting 10 in the box simply has not worked against Belfry in recent years. Prestonsburg isn't the only team to try it, Middlesboro has done the same and been burned. The teams that have played Belfry the toughest have played straight up, stay at home defense.

I agree with some of the posters above. IMO too much emphasis is put on size. If the kid is 6'7 240 but has the frame to grow into a 285 lb beast, he deserves a shot at D1. Sometimes I think college programs lack faith in their own strength and conditioning program. This kid won't contribute next season, probably not his Redshirt Frosh year, but with 2 year of good eating (as determined by his coaches) and hitting the weights with intensity, I think he could absolutely go into his Soph (redshirt) year @ 275 full of solid muscle. Sometimes size and speed get over emphasized. I hope he turns out to be a success at UoL. I'm not a Cards fan, but I respect the eye of the staff in recruiting a "football player" instead of going solely after a big kid who might not be worth a dang.

All the while, Western has no presence on this site... The silent killer of Mercer? Western?

FBALL, Just making a dumb comment. Air Force seems to run the triple option out of some formation nearly every play, and Estill's helmets look identical to AF.

With those Air Force helmets, the engineers should run the triple option!

I have a feeling Corey Chapman is going to explode in this game.

IMO Hoover's QB, based on Television (MTV), is not that good. The rest of their team looks very good.

Wayne's win over Monroe Co. says something after they just beat Owensboro Catholic. Might be a pretty good ball game. Regardless of who wins this game, these two teams will be meeting again in round 2 correct?

Disagree Watusi I agree the blame goes to Kinder, but teenage kids aren't oblivious. It is a lot to ask a 17 yr old boy to be the bigger man than his 40 yr old coach, so I don't think this should be a thread bashing the team. That said, when something stinks, even a 5 yr old can smell it!

Look for Sutherland to have a big game. As good as Hickman is, I expect to see a little more size substituted against the stocky Sheldon Clark offensive front.

Building on LSU's post. If I kid leaves the field holding his knee in front of a stadium full of fans, it is likely "publicly known" that he had a "knee injury".

I think a reprimand of some sort is in order. Kinder needs to be punished. Unfortunatley, I'm not sure there is anyone home at the Mingo Co. BOE.

Pikeville should be looking at the Semi's if they remain dedicated to a good physical running game and not try to be too cute.

Sounded like Belfry's Defensive front was in the backfield all night. Good job Pirates. Since it hasn't been said. 7 in a Row!

Watusi, see post 6 for similar analysis about the possibility of "here we go again" thinking. Great minds think alike I suppose.

I think Breathitt is climbing back into the discussion amongst 2a contenders, but this result cautions that analysis.

Morgan rolls Morgan 35 Estill 7

The answer to the orginal question is YES! Unless OCath or Caldwell Co. can make an great run, I see these two teams playing for the rights to represent the West.

Not exactly sure what rankings were used in this analysis, but Paduchah Tilghman better improve or the "new" 3a will compete or surpass them. Aren't they 1-5 or something along those lines? Expect to see the 2a teams who move up to let PT know early on that they don't have an easy road. Louisville Central is the team that intrigues me. I know nothing about them, but imagine they will be near the top of the enrollment in the new 3a and should do well.

OneIJoe, Go back and look at last years thread. The defensive gameplan you just said would work best was EXACTLY what I said last season! Also, Belfry's D isn't really that "veteran." We returned Chapman, Steele, May, Burton, Kohari, and Sutherland. As far as I know, the other 5 are newcomers. Lots of Sophmores seeing significant time on D for Belfry.