EKU_05

1. Mercer 2. Russell 3. Belfry 4. Western 5. Middlesboro 6. Fort Campbell 7. Trigg County 8. Sheldon Clark 9. Breathitt County 10. Larue County

Very interesting matchup... I see Mercer winning by 4+ TD's but nontheless this may give us a little better read onto what the Titans are bringing to the table.

Given the track record of the Eastern Semi-State as owning the western in the state finals then I have to agree with xyience to some degree... BUT Just as with Bardstown in 2001, Mercer is proving to be that one dominant team that comes along that presents itself as the clear cut favorite...

For my money it's Doug Beaumont.... kid is a superstar on both side sof the ball. He is very underrated for his defensive ability,,, but in Redman's system he is the most important key as he not only shuts down the corners in run support, but he also is the safety valve when a big play happens.

Dustin May has to be considered.... May plays FB so the numbe rof running options he has to choose from are very limited yet he consistently puts up huge numbers as well as opens huge holes. He has also proven to be a workhorse and go to back for key drives this year ( last week vs. Pikeville and vs. Ashland at the end of regulation)

I agree CAM.... this kid has the potential to be one of the better option QB's to come through Belfry IMO if he can mature and progress and push himself in the offseason.... he already carries out beautiful playfakes and presents the best arm we have had at QB in recent years as well as the running threat. If he can bulk up and hit the camp circuits then he may be a special player.

I was at the swamp last night and can vouch from his excellent run to setup UK's only TD that David Jones is playing at kentucky

FBALL hit my sentiments exactly Belfry has two returning 1000 yard rushers from last season

My thoughts: 1. No reason left to talk about the unsportsmanlike conduct...it was there..those who say it didnt happen are turning a blind eye..but there is NO reason to continue to bring it up and take shots at a high school kid who will definately be reprimanded for his actions (or so I hope) 2. Gish is dead on... Belfry may have played the correct assignments on defense and got to the ballcarrier at the point of contact but if we don't shore up our tackling we are in for BIG trouble against Sheldon Clark, Russell, and Middlesboro. 3. I will be the first to say that I feel these two teams were just about equal which should also be cause for concern for Belfry. 4. Elkins earned even more respect for me in the fact that he hung in there time after time after time after getting rocked by Pikeville. The hits on him were completely legal and can be expected the rest of the year. His play fakes were beautiful and his pass to Epling definately solidifies this kids potential to be the missing link to our push trough the playoffs. 5. This game is a quality win for Belfry as Pikeville REALLY wanted this game BAD for pride sake and we walked into a snake's den and came away with a W. One of the things that I felt hindered us against Russell was the lack of close victories throughout last season... this game really showed our boys character and served as a wakeup call that alot of improvement needs to be done. 6. Pikeville is back..... Coach jackson has that team back where it needs to be and they will be a 1A contender next year (if not this year)

You are correct Zeus...so what is different about this year that will buck this trend? Thats all I want to know? Is Pikeville really that improved to make up a 23 point deficit to Belfry who returns a brunt of last year's team?

Since 2001... Belfry 135 Pikeville 32

When Belfry then outscores you 29-7 in the second half and the starters are pulled by the game's end...then that..my friend..is a good ole fashion tail kickin

STRONGLY disagree..... in both Belfry championship seasons the Pirates definately faced more challenges on their schedule than meets the eye. In 2003 Prestonsburg was arguably one of the top 5 2A teams in the state, they also defeated a solid Pikeville team, and squeeked by 3A Lawrence County. In the playoffs the Pirate had to hit the road at a VERY good Middlesboro and Lloyd before defeating an Etown team that produced 6 D-1 prospects. In 2004 Belfry had to replace nearly their entire O and D line... that year they defeated WITHOUT a doubt in my mind the second best 2A team in the state P-burg twice, as well as a Russell team who would have also defeated O'Cath in the state finals, and Pikeville. Let alone in both of these season's they played Ironton who would have won the state title in AA both years by at least 2 TD's I wish merecer the best of luck and hope they make it to the carpet because I truly feel they will be the best representative to represent their semi-state and the best matchup (entertainment wise) for either Belfry or Russell (barring they make it).... I am personally tired of watching the State AA Championship have to be determined either in the quarterfinals of region 4 or the eastern semi-state!

A valid question that I think needs to be answered, and definately not intended to be a tongue in cheek comment: What about this Pikeville team will be able to change the disparity that has been present between these two teams over the past 5 years? Keep in mind that Belfry took the Panthers to the ole woodshed last year and returned quite a bit of talent...... what will make up that difference this year?

I don't care if Mercer has 100 kids or 1000 kids... all that will matter come playoff time is 11 vs. 11.... the best 11 will win. That being said... if Russell faces Belfry or Russell.... they are going to find 11 very good players who might not have the same individual speed but definately the same or better team speed. I feel it's being lost in the fray that although Russell is a fantastic running team they still haven't hsown signs of a passing game. Both the Devils and the Pirates have pretty good backfields too... but even better defenses.

Without a doubt the biggest sleeper in 2A football. Returned 7-8 starters on both sides of the ball from a regional finalist team from last year including all their skill position players. Very well coached, disciplined team, with a strong running game and an ample passing game to keep defenses honest. Currently undefeated with wins over a pair of AAA teams and a victory over a decent Ohio small school. Only challenges remaining are Prestonsburg (who the Cards will be favored over and defeated last year) and Belfry (who the Cards played well last year and host this year). SC should be 9-1 going into playoffs where the program has been synonomous for pulling the upset such as last year when they traveled to an 11-0 Leslie County and came away with the W.

Jeepman, Didn't you realize that the purpose behind this week's Belfry-Pikeville game is to decide which mascot is kept after the two teams become one for the playoff run in 2A?

Thus...the past five years DOES have an effect on how this year plays out.... there is a reason that certain teams can make it to the quarterfinals and semis every year...its called swagger. Its what JC has to get in order to get beyond the 2nd round of the playoffs against the Bell Counties, Ashlands, and Rockcastles.

Experience means alot..... not to be a wise guy but Johnson Central can attest that come playoff time havign a team who has been there before plays huge dividends. Five straight games against teams with increasing talent in rowdy environments where the slightest miscues translates in the end of your season is huge pressure. Belfry has proved they can do it, Russell has as well, but Mercer? NO If Mercer matches up with either in the finals you can't tell me that the experience of being there won't have a marginal influence on the game?

With new classification Mercer will be 5A.... as of now large 3A...

Of note: Highlands-814 Boyle-863 LexCath-855 Bell County- 843 Rockcastle-897

According to last years khsaa handbook Mercer County had 691 students enrolled in 9-12, and Harrodsburg had 228. So using this logic it equals to 919 students. Comparing other top schools: Belfry-661 Russell-678 Western-791 Newport-566 Sheldon Clark-616 Trigg County- 580 Owensboro Cath-512

Statement time for Belfry.... Belfry has a decisive edge in the trenches. Harmon is a load...but Dustin May is as well.... May will be the workhorse that opens up the opportunity for the one or two big plays Belfry will need. Belfry 21 Pikeville 7

Lets remember one thing... Russell- In past five years State Semi-Finalist three times, state champion last year. Belfry- State Semi-Finalist past three years, state champion twice Mercer County and Harrodsburg- 0 State Semi Finals in past five years, 0 State Titles Personally, as a Belfry fan I feel we are sitting pretty right now. Not #1 in rankings, not defending title holder, so the target on our back isn't as big as Russell and Mercer. Belfry also hosts the playoffs if they take care of business as they should. The Pirates also still have three nice challenges left to keep them fresh and improving come playoff time in Pikeville, Prestonsburg, and a 2A sleeper contender in Sheldon Clark who should enter undefeated and probably ranked in the top 5. Just a refresher on the Pirates... they scored what was to be the game winning TD against Russell last year on the road but it was called back (and rightly so) for an illegal motion call... they held Russell to less than 50 yards in the second half after arguably the worst half they played all year to spot the Devils a 20-0 lead. From that team who was literally a butt flinch away from a state title they returned two 1000 yard rushers and a lot of starters on both sides of the ball. I will enjoy reading "Russell vs. Mercer County" every week as long as it keep Belfry under the radar

Just to get back on topic, one key point that needs to be considered is that to these Mercer kids a long playoff run is unfamiliar territory. Part of why Belfry, Russell, Breathitt, Owensboro Cath, et all has such a mark in 2A is the fact they are able to advance deep in the playoffs on a consistent basis. There is a HUGE difference in games 13, 14, and 15...compared to games 11 and 12. It's also worth noting that when Mercer gets to the Belfry's and Russell's of the world the run defense becomes considerably better than a South Laurel or LCA. In fact...if we are talking about the best backfield's in the state I'm not so sure that Mercer County is even ahead of Belfry or Russell.