ukbellco14

At Bell it is all about running the football on offense, and stopping the run on defense.

Having said that, Bell needs their entire O-line and Sophomore RB Spencer Greer to play big.

On defense, Slusher at LB has already been named, but they can't just depend on him, and have to find a couple more solid,dependable LB's that can step up and play big.

Good kid or not, he didnt deserve Mr. Basketball period.

I wouldnt say that the only defense for Allen is that he is a "good kid." That has never been my defense for him.

Being the "best" doesnt always mean you are the most "talented" or most "athletic." A wise coach once said that "hard work beats talent when talent doesnt work hard."

I am not saying that other great players in this state didnt work hard or didnt deserve the award...... but I am saying that sometimes being the best isnt just about being the most talented.

He deserved the award and that is why he won it.

Considering the award is voted on by the coaches I would say there are alot of HS coaches that know more about B-ball then you do that would disagree with you. But you are entitled to your opinion.

I also know several HS coaches in SEKY that didnt vote for Allen. To say that he won the award because he was the only player from the SE part of the state is ridiculous.

Trust me! Check rosters like FSU, UT, UF. They actually have guys in their backfields close to that size. Remeber, Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons is only 5'8 on a good day. The fact that he's from LA is pretty much the diff. Not saying that he's not talented, but I have seen some like him here. Marty Reagan was GREAT. Tamme is not a good example because 1: colleges can design defenses to benefit a smaller guys abilities, 2: Tamme will be a pro-bowl player someday if he stays healthy, 3: Rockcastle had to battle Ft. Thomas a week beforehand. Taking nothing away from that Boyle team, who could, but Reagan deserved a shot. If I were a D-1 coach, I would've picked him up. Regardless of the size, TOO MUCH TALENT TO PASS BY.

I totally agree.... Reagan deserved a shot somewhere. Just not sure if it was at a D1A school. Wth the academic eligibility problems, plus the size advantage, it would have been a big risk for any program.

Most of those guys you speak of that are 5'8 or 5'9 on major D1A rosters also weigh anywhere between 185 and 200lbs, and are burners in the 4.3-4.5 range. Big difference between 155-165lbs and a kid who didn't have the fastest 40 time. Most of Marty's ability was in his quickness (ability to make ppl miss).

You are also right in saying that level of HS competition plays into it. Thost 5'8 guys who are playing at big time D1 programs are usually coming out of junior colleges where they are battle tested, or out of big time HS programs where the level of competition is a better then what any school in HS in KY sees (apart from maybe Trinity).

From what I hear, the kid is dynomite on the football field. From my own personal experience being from KY is mainly the problem. For example, if you have an outstanding season in KY and a good 40 time with average height and weight, you still may end up at EKU, WKU, Murray St., Morehead, etc. While on the other hand, a kid from somewhere like TN, GA, VA, NC, SC, FL, AL, LA would have a average season by our standards and recieve not only a scholarship, but at a bigtime school. This sort of thing happened to the kid who I think had the most heart of any high school player ever. The kid that was like 5'6 and was Mr. Everything at Rockcastle Co. when they lost to Boyle in the state finals. Does anyone know his name? I've seen very good players on the D-1 level around that size. Just a matter of a recruiter being interested, and as far as KY goes, their not.

I dont know if I neccessarily agree with everything you said, however I must agree that Marty Reagan (the player I think you are talking about) was unbelievable. One of the greatest HS players (emphasis on HS player, for those that want to debate his ability since he didn't go on to college) to ever come out of KY. One of the hardest nosed and biggest hearted kids to step on the field.

His size would have hurt him at his position in college (RB). I mean it's one thing to carry the ball 40 times at 5'6 160lbs in HS against HS defenses. It's another thing to carry the ball 40 times against D1 colleges at 5'6 160lbs. Durability and injury would have been an issue. Also, at 5'6, he would have been short for a college corner. Most corners these days are around 6 foot or taller since most receivers are over 6'2. No knock on Marty, but he couldn't cover Jacob Tamme in the state championship match ups, and it wasn't because Marty wasn't good enough, it was just because of Jacob's height advantage.

But he still deserved a shot somewhere, even if it wasnt major D1. I think there were also some issues as far as academic eligibility went.

I'm not going to give out his style of play because I don't think it's fair to him but I'll give you a little background. He coached at the University of Colorado when they won the National Championship. He was there for somewhere around 7 years I think. He went on to be an NFL sports agent but said it's too cutthroat for him. He is a family man and is strong in his faith from what I've gathered. He went on to coach at a school like Station I think around the Denver area. He had a lot of success there.

I have seen first hand practice plans, game cuts etc. He is detail oreinted from what I've seen and he seems to have a great repor with his players and coaches. He has brought several guys with him that know him well and has brought some new people in. When people like you enough to leave Colorado to come to KY you must be doing something right! He preached that they would be first class in everything. He said getting kids out was his forte. He has a slew of coaches from what I understand and that means more individual time. He is definatly a high energy motivator. Like I said I will be shocked if they don't steadily improve and I have nothing but GREAT things to say about the way he handled me. He was FIRST CLASS as far as our encounters went.

Station has athletes galore and they have a couple of nice young QB's. Keeping kids out of trouble in the overcrowded schools in Lexington is the challenge. If he can keep them out and keep their grades up then they have the potential to be a force in the future. New school, new field, new coach the recipe is there! They should be a fun program to keep an eye on but they have a big hole to dig out of. I also work with Dermonti Dawson's mom and he has tried to reach out to alumni which is a good sign too I think!

Couldn't have said it better myself.

To add to that, Coach Lucas has won 5 state championships as a HS Head Coach. He has also sent numerous players to Div. 1colleges and he emphasizes the importance of education and going to college.

You can check out this link from the Bryan Station HS website of Coach Lucas' resume.

http://www.bshs.fcps.net/Sports/football.htm

Very very impressive.

Had the fortunate oppurtunity to work along side him and some of his staff during Bryan Station's spring ball (I was doing observation at BS and got to volunteer on the football staff as they were shorthanded at the time), and I must admit I was overwhelmingly impressed.

Is he a BS alum? What kind of guy is he as far as coaching styles go?

He is not a BS alum.

If I had to describe Coach Lucas in one phrase it would be: a motivational, offensive minded, players coach. However, he doesn't mind to "get after" his players either.

I came real close to taking a job there. Coach Lucas is a go getter. He will bring a lot of energy and experience to the program. My two biggest questions were how do they get the kids out of the hall and keep them eligable. He said getting them out was the least of his worries and they have well over 10 coaches in the building to keep them on their grades so we will see. In the end it just wasn't the right time for me to leave but it was very intriguing. New school in Jan, new football stadium the next year. I will be very suprised if they don't start becoming a force while he is there if he stays around which he says he is. The whole reason they came here was for his wife to retire with her family in Mt Sterling. He was very first class with me and I have nothing but great things to say about the whole experience with him and the vision he has for the program.

Coach Lucas is a great coach and an even better person. His success on and off the field speaks for itself; he is a proven winner. He has won everywhere he has went and I don't see that changing with Bryan Station.

I agree. That would be a good fit for both he and the Mountaineers. Whereever he ends up, I wish him the best of luck. He is a great kid from a very solid family who I have had the pleasure of watching for 6 years with 1 more to go!

:thumb:

Spencer is a tough athlete...must be a family thing.:thumb:

LOL :sssh:

I think he will outshine both his dad and cousin if he doesn't grow complacent, continues to work hard, and gradually improves!

IMHO, he is way ahead athletically of where Dallas was at his age, and he is an extremely smart football player, having been brought up around the sport his whole life with a dad who is a very good coach. I think he is poised for a break out sophomore season.

Considering RB T.R. Christopher from Bell Co. made the WYMT All-Mountain Team as a sophomore, and led the Bobcat's in rushing, I would consider him one of the top RB's returning.

Also, the Bobcats have an up and coming sophomore RB in Spencer Greer who has been very impressive in the weightroom and during summer drills. He was an unbelievably great RB at the JV level, and got some Varsity experience last season at both Corner and RB. From the looks of things this summer, he is more then ready to step up and tote the rock for the Varsity, and is pushing for a starting spot.

Not allowing football players tyo play basketball caused a big stink didn't it?

Christopher doesn't play basketball and hasn't since the 8th grade. He not that type of athlete to play b-ball for a good high school team.

Whitley and South in the finals of region, just like the district

Beach IMO.... although I must admit I have never seen Blume live, only seen him on film.

Yes! you are right. He was left in the game too long. What was the deal with that? Was that a Tommy Greer-Whitley County thing or what? From what I have heard Spencer didn't even come through the handshake after the game. I see this as poor sportsmanship. What do you all think?:confused:

I seriously doubt that it had anything to do with Coach Greer and Whitley Co. I don't know much about the specific incident that is being discussed, but I do know alot about Coach Greer and his son, Spencer.

There are no hard feelings between Coach Greer and Whitley Co., nor between Spencer and his former teammates. Spencer has remained good friends with many of the Whitley players since he and Coach Greer left Whitley Co.

As far as Spencer not coming through the handshake after the game..... I don't know if it is true or not, but I doubt it. Even if it is true, I don't understand how Spencer not going through would be a case of bad sportsmanship on Coach Greer or Spencer's part, considering Coach Greer went through himself (I would assume) and he allowed the rest of the Bell Co team to go through it as well.

If Spencer really didnt go through the handshake line I would assume it was more due to his disappointment and frustration in himself and his performance, or for some other justifiable reason, then for some unsportsmanlike feelings towards the Whitley Co. squad.

cawood is the three seed

What some people don't understand is that college coaches, when recruiting players, don't pay much attention to stats. In the case of a running back, they look at size, speed, strength and running style (power or shiftiness or some combination thereof) ... things that don't always show up in numbers.

 

All great high school backs put up great numbers. Just because one back has better stats than another doesn't mean he's a better prospect.

That goes for most all football positions, not just runningback. The only exception may be QB. Even then it isnt always the kid with the most impressive stats.

Stats are an indicator of a great HS player.... but stats will only get a player noticed. They better have the size, speed, strength, etc in order to actually get in the door and maybe get a scholly.

Ppl have to also remember that stats can be padded. They can also be skewed based on competition. Rushing for 200+ yards against Jenkins and rushing for 200+ yards against St. X is two totally different things.

Ppl tend to forget the level of competition the stats may have come against, and they only focus on the eye popping numbers.

I dont mean to squash a HS players hopes and dreams of getting a Division 1A scholarship, or playing in the NFL one day.

I think those are two very admirable goals, and I think that the first can be achieved with dedication, hard work, talent, and a coaching staff that is willing to help its student-athletes. I think the second can also be achieved, although it is extremely difficult given the statistics. I would encourage any HS football player to pursue both of those with everything in him, and would never discourage a kid from doing so.

However, I just think that regardless of whether a player earns a Division 1A scholarship or not, or whether that player has a chance to make it in the NFL or not...... when it all comes down to it, all of that will probably not matter.

Education comes first and it should be the main priority in choosing and attending any college, even if you have a chance to play football at that college.

Most likely, after college, it won't matter how great a college football career the kid had or where he went to play football at.

It will only matter if they got their degree and can translate the traits that made them a great HS, college, or pro football player into the work force.

I think sometimes we as fans tend to lose sight of all that I have posted throughout this thread...... and instead of just praising and encouraging our players for their ability and achievements (which are tremendous even if they aren't Div1A), we want to look through "rose colored glasses" and then hype our team's players up, only to set them up for failure. I am all about chasing dreams and I am the ultimate optimistic...... however, ppl need to also learn to balance that optimism by being realist and understanding that these college coaches and recruiting analysts get paid for a reason. They have seen the best every year, and most the times they know what they are talking about.

It's as if we think, "because our kid isn't Div1A talent that he is somehow 'less' then the kid who is." That isn't the case, and if we could look past that and realize that these are HS kids simply playing a game they love and trying to get an education, then maybe the insignificant things, like whether a kid is Div1A, wouldn't seem so monumentally important, and the things that are important, like getting a college education, would become greater in our minds.

I think most people who spoke with their head and not their heart would have agreed that Ron was really not a D1 athlete. Huge heart, awesome skills and a great kid, but his size is a huge limitation. I think he would rather go to a school where he can make an impact instead of going to UK and possibly never seeing any PT.

I don't think whether Blume makes an impact on the football field, where ever he goes, is that important. Nor do I think if he had ended up at UK, or some other Div1 school, and saw little to no PT really matters either.

I think any kid who is considering college football as an option to further their academic and athletic career needs to realize one thing. Football will eventually end, and it's most likely going to end after college.

Therefore, any kid who is considering college football as an option to further their academic and athletic career should do the following 2 things:

1.) Go to college where you can get the best education possible, as well as meet the most contacts possible; your education and contacts, not your football career, will get you a successful, stable career!

2.) Go to the college that is willing to pay for that education so when you get out of school you, or your family, isn't thousands of dollars in debt!

I don't care if a kid is Div1 or not.... these are the things that matter. Unless the kid is a top 100 HS recruit with actual pro potential, where he goes to play college football probably isn't going to matter in the long run, except for the two above mentioned realizations.

Listen to these stats:

The chance of an NCAA Division 1A college football player getting drafted is .01 percent.

Add all other college football divisions (Div1AA, D2, D3, NAIA) and it gets tougher because their are more players competing for the same 255 draft slots (the number of picks in this years draft).

Now consider the fact that only about 1/2 of those players drafted will actually make the team and earn a spot on the final roster.

What about free agents? For the players who don't get drafted, but actually come on as free agents, it doesn't get much better. Just a little over 1% of free agents actually make a career out of the NFL.

The average career of an NFL player lasts only 3.5 years.

The median NFL salary is around $500,000.... which sounds like alot, but not when it only lasts 3.5 years and you blow most of it because you are living the life of MTV's "Cribs." 1.75 million dollars is a lot of money, but unless managed properly, isn't near enough to sustain someone for a lifetime, especially if they have a family and are living the "luxurious life."

I did not use average salary because those numbers are skewed due to the inflated salaries of superstars. The average NFL salary is actually 1.5 million, however, only 19% of NFL players actually make over 1 million dollars.

A career in the NFL provides very little security. If you don't perform... you are replaced. If you get hurt... you are replaced. If someone in the organization doesn't like you... you are replaced. There goes the money. And so on and so on and so forth.

Think the NFL life is glorious? Most NFL players retire from the NFL with little to no money, divorced, jobless, and their bodies are literally destroyed. Many are addicted to drugs, alchohol, or some other substance.

Unless you have a real shot at being an NFL franchise player (which is even more unlikely then just getting to the NFL), with the ability to market your name after life in the NFL (endorsement deals, sports anchors, etc), then you better have a plan outside of football.... and that plan better involve a free college degree and getting to know ppl "in the know."

Now consider these stats:

In Colorado there were 3,481 male high school seniors who played football during the 1994 season. Of these, 31 received full scholarships at Division I-A schools (0.0089 percent). There are just over 10,000 full scholarships available for Div1A football. There are well over a million highschool football players. You do the math. As a high school football player you have little chance of receiving a full-ride football scholly.

Anyone who can earn a Division1A scholarship is to be especially commended! Anyone who can earn a college football scholarship, period, is to be commended!

Having said all that.....Congrats Mr. Blume, where ever he goes on to continue his collegiate athletic and academic career!

Worthy,cox,crawford and Good are all seniors

South Laurel will be the favorite in the 13th region once again.

They return Ty Proffitt, Trey Smith, and Jordan Hammonds, as well as a slew of young, upstart talent.

Congrats and good luck to Blume! Hopefully, he will have an extremely successful collegiate athletic and academic career.

Regardless of where he plays college ball, or what level (D1, D1AA, D2, D3, etc), he was still a very talented HS football player and will be an asset, in some way or another, where ever he ends up.

On the dual topic that seems to be flowing through this thread.....

I have to agree that alot of EKY fans can sometimes get a little overzealous in tabbing their team's superstar the next big D1 player. For me this is a double edged sword. I love EKY fans for their passion and support. However, I think this sometimes can blind them to the truth of a players true ability and college potential and that really hurts EKY sports as a whole because we continually have these future superstar "let downs," and this perpetuates the stereotype that EKY fans don't know sports, or that EKY kids are less talented.

Don't get me wrong.....I am proudly from EKY and love EKY football. However, as I said before, I think that these fans who are sooooo overzealous tend to fuel a very negative sterotype that says EKY fans are "unaware" about what it takes to play D1 ball. You hear hype and more hype and more hype, and how such and such ran a 4.3 40 yard dash and blah blah blah. It does get very old and it does seem to happen every year around the same time.

However, although I do think it is true, to an extend, that alot of EKY fans are "unaware" of what it takes to be a D1 level recruit or earn a D1 level scholarship, I have to also agree with other posters who have said that this isnt always the case; alot of EKY fans know exactly what it takes.

It has been my experience that the coaches (both HS and college) and recruiting experts (Rivals, etc), although not infalliable (sp), are correct the majority of the time.

Watched BEll Co. play in the North side, looked very good, Bell was 3-0: beat Pendleton Co. 3-1 Lincoln Co. 4-1 and NOrth 5-3: couldn't play in the championship game because of prom.

If Brent had posted a 4.7 40 yard dash at the Nike camp, which is usually what he runs (I believe he ran that at the Army All American Combine) then I would assume he may have been top 3 in the Sparq rating.

Slusher is just an amazingly impressive athlete.

Eastern KY

1. Belfry

2. Rockcastle County

3. Bell County

4. Russell

5. Breathitt County

I agree with you 95; its more legend than fact. I don't think its ever been done intentionally by Bell County. Frankly, I think some Highlands fans have never "gotten over" the time Coach Hilton (who is a very, very good coach) scheduled the playoff game on Thanksgiving (which is a lot of fun if you are the home team, but a rather big inconvenience if you have to travel). The KHSAA has now banned playoff games from being played on Thursdays as a result of that game. Folks up here felt Coach Hilton scheduled it on that date because he thought it would be to his teams advantage and when the field has been muddy in the times we played at Bell, the Highlands fans have "questioned" whether it was intentionally watered in another attempt by Coach Hilton to give his team an advantage. Its not like its never happened before (sprinklers mistakenly left on) in the history of football.

 

I also think it was a knee jerk reaction two years ago to the Bell County complaints about Mitchell. Personally I don't think Coach Hilton would do it myself. I think he has too much confidence in his teams' abilities and in his coaching staff to resort to doing that.

Finally...... someone with a little sense.