Brewsky

If Hickman was the 3rd back, they would have a true power running game for sure.

Also disagree with the Russell poster above. No loss of mojo, just not as good of talent. Nevertheless, 4 straight semi's for the Pirates.

A few comments on what you have said there EKU. 1. Your optimism is admirable, but I still see the lack of a home run hitter really hurting Belfry. The line play better be excellent and the kids better play penalty free football and fumble free football. 2. I think you overestimate Elkins ability. I was high on him last season too simply because he was young and showed some promise. Then I watched the Pikeville game, in which he looked very weak and timid. It remains to be seen with this kid. If he starts the season 20 lbs heavier than last, then we will talk. 3. I agree that Elkins is a pretty good thrower. Preston, Bowens, and #87 should provide some decent targets, as well as May out of the backfield. Again, no dynamic playmakers here. Will Haywood devote substantial time to developing the passing game? 4. I suppose Lee is a good blocker (how do we know that?) I do think Lee will be a very good ball carrier. 5. Who plays TB? I personally like Hickman for the job, but if he can't protect the football, that isn't an option. Heath Varney is probably the heir apparent. Who elses plays tailback? When did/does summer practice start?

I think Corbin will beat Belfry by 2 touchdowns, but I think the game will be low scoring. Belfry usually starts slow, especially offensively, and with no experience at tailback they will likely have a hard time moving the chains. Maybe 21-7 or so.

Carpet looks nice, but WOW it is far from the bleachers. Was there no other way?

Any Hounds fans care to make a score prediction on the Belfry game?

After looking at the schedule, I see Belfry going anywhere from 6-4 to 9-1. I wonder how summer practice is coming along? I had heard some time ago that this team will be bigger on the line that in the past couple years. It will be interesting to see how Elkins matures at QB. The defense should be very sound in the front 7, returning nearly every starter and key reserves. The secondary returns some experience but will be a ? IMO.

Nothing surprises me anymore mojo. If that is true, my guess would be upset with not being moved to tailback?

The chatter sure has died down around this team. Anything would be appreciated.

Whats the word from Pond Creek?

Didn't Jackson apply for the Newport job also? If so, I think that shows he wants out of Pikeville, not just that he couldn't resist the "great job" that is Henderson Co.

Roark's defense has cost Middlesboro some wins and maybe a championship IMO. Gambling and putting everyone on the LOS just gives up too many big plays.

Is Montgomery County really a good team? I thought they have been horrible the last 5 years or so.

I honestly think Pikeville is a top 4 team year in and year out under this new alignment. Coach Jackson is a young coach, who IMO will be a GREAT coach (already a good coach) with age. The man has that young man's passion that only gets better with "season." With time, Coach J will get better and so will his teams. Pikeville has as nice a base to draw from as any other team in this class. IMO, there is no excuse for climbing back to the top.

1) Russell 2) Paducah Tilghman 3) Belfry 4) Louisville Central 5) Breathitt County 6) Sheldon Clark 7) Somerset 8) Mason County 9) Elizabethtown 10) Wayne County/Webster County Gotta be honest with you guys. Maybe it is simply because I don't know much about WEST football, but it looks like a cakewalk out there for Paducah Tilghman I admit, I know little about MOST of these teams. I rank Breathitt Co. high because they have been young in the past couple years and should be a sqaud of good/mature players. I rank Sheldon Clark high for the same reason. Mason Country could easily be underrated and Central could easily be overrated. I will enjoy everyone's insight.

Danville and NCC will be the best year in and year out in this class. BUT it will be interesting because Corbin, and Owensboro Catholic will be right there. I will rank the teams based on what I think their strength will be over time. 1) Danville 2) NCC 3) Owensboro Catholic 4) Corbin difference here... 5) Bardstown 6) Fort Campbell greater difference .... OTHERS - will rarely REALLY compete with the top 5 IMO.

Agree on Lee, but not so sure we will see more passing. I would love to see even a little improvement in the passing game, but I think Belfry could benefit just as much if Elkins gets stronger/better at running the triple option. If he could get to the level of Brad Hatfield I think Belfry would really benefit. Pirate football fans are not very abundant on this site. I don't know where they went. I have been on here since 02 (under one name or another) and as of now, there is less Pirate football talk than I have every witnessed. I hope it picks up.

Dudley Hilton - Mike Mitchell

complete shots in the dark BTW

Bob Redman - about Dan Bick

Bob Redman

Bob Schneider

Watch for the emergence of #7 from Belfry next season - Soph to be Lovern. He will likely play corner.

Belfry has "good" speed overall to put on the field. They just don't have the gamebreaking speed needed to hit home run plays. It will show up unless they can get much more out of their passing game than they have in years. Good defenses will make them grind it out. That leads to turnovers.

Look for the court to rule against Jefferson County in this one.