Youth Coach

I have heard many majority opinions that the fall of 2008 will be school opened and Black Bears on the field. I have heard one or two minority opinions that 2008 is not guaranteed due to financial and construction pitfalls with the new school building.

My comment on Donahue was only in regard to potential transfers...in no way saying that he would go or be a good fit, just that if any Harlan Independent kids were to consider transferring for football, the coach would need to be at least a more respected name than Donahue. Again, though, off the topic of Harlan County High, Donahue averaging 6-5 every season (based on the above stats - I didn't confirm) at Harlan with the lack of money, facilities, player numbers and usual Class A cycles of talent (no disrespect to Harlan intended) over 15 years is quite impressive. I would think his record would be that much better in a bigger, better program.

From what parents tell me, transfers for kids who are football-serious would depend a great deal on the coach. Of course, academics and facilities will be factors, but if you want to learn football in Harlan Co. right now, JB Donahue at Harlan Independent commands a lot of respect.

Congrats and thanks to Harlan's JB Donahue (8-4 with class and character).

My vote is for Sam Harp.

Only saw the state final, but Clark really stood out as the best player on the field.

Best HS QB in 2006 - Petrino Best QB college prospect for 2007 - Ammons

Idea...play 4a, 5a, and 6a in Papa John's beginning 7:30 Friday, then 12:30 and 3:30 Saturday. Play 1a, 2a, and 3a in the same time slots at another facility...say Commonwealth. The next year, you can flip the 3 classes to the other place. The only problem would be those people hoping to see all 6 games, but there can't be many people that would want to or be physically able to sit through 6 games in 2 days, considering the weather, etc. You could also account for those posts in favor of smaller venues by leaving 4a, 5a and 6a in Papa John's and playing 1a, 2a and 3a at a smaller place that wouldn't have to be the same place every year.

I'll admit I'm too young to have actually seen Stepp and Coleman, and I am a 13th Region guy, but HDE is right about Cox being in the Top 5. No way there are 5 better high school shooters to come out of KY.

Congrats to Betsy Layne.

Great first half for Harlan. Special teams (kick return) really hurt Hazard.

Nice win for Williamsburg.

This just in, Middlesboro is pretty good this year. I expect Lynn Camp to still be in the mix for a home playoff game in Class A, District 7.

Well deserved for Trinity.

Nice win for Pugh and Paintsville.

I'm with the majority and Middlesboro, though a close score under 20 wouldn't surprise me.

Danville by at least 3 scores.

I like Mercer but close.

Bit off the topic, but I just coached a middle school game Thursday, and we won 2-0. Comments after were that no one could remember a game (pro, college, high school or otherwise) that was 2-0, and 48 hours later two marquee programs do the same. Has to be a full moon somewhere. Good luck to both Rock and Corbin this season.

I agree here. I would rank him in the top 10 in Class A based upon his record, character, and ability to get the most out of the talent before him. His teams reach their maximum level every year, and it is guaranteed that they are prepared for every Friday night opponent. He might be #1 in Class A if you rank "most underrated coaches."

I agree with Waggle, Harlan must get better, but there were signs of life throughout the game, and (if you want to look at the game with green goggles), the game was one flag, 1 fumble, and a broken play from 28 or 35 to 0. Please, not trying to stir at all, because I think Cawood was much improved from last year in intensity throughout the game and in that there was the possibility, at least, for some big plays. Last year, you watched them and knew they were not going to produce much.

Watched the replay on TV...JC looked pretty darn good.

Is Letcher a district/regional contender or Estill that bad?

Tough opener for LC; SC already thinking Belfry.

Does Bourbon have a chance to win a couple of games this season?