Youth Coach

Nice win for Clay to open the season.

JC that good or North that bad?

Was this Knott exploiting a weak Jenkins team or a decent Jenkins team getting steam-rolled by a playoff bound Knott County?

1st step back to Louisville?

Hey, have to like Betsy Layne being very competitive.

Well done Fairview.

Still like Middlesboro as regional finalist.

Likely the best game, or at least finish, of opening night?

Well done Rams!

I would concur, except for having a bit more optimism about the rest of the season for both teams.

One team had a bit of offense; the other didn't. Not pretty, but a hard-fought rivalry game. Harlan struck early on a long pass that set up the first score (3 minutes in) and stayed shotgun until it was time to eat clock. Big drive (90 yards or so) took much of the 3rd quarter with Harlan scoring a few plays into the 4th for a 13-7 lead. (PAT blocked) Cawood had tied the game in the first when QB fumbled then picked it up and somehow ran around right end for about a 45 yard TD. Interception for Cawood set up a possible great finish at Harlan's 35 (or thereabout), but Cawood was sacked on 4th down with about 5 minutes to go, and Harlan marched down for the clincher as Cawood appeared to fade emotionally at the very end. Fun game, and it would appear that both teams could improve (a lot of penalties) and have winning seasons.

Not to be picky, because I actually like the depth of your analysis, but 3 TDs for Belcher and 1 TD for Pope would be more than 22 Harlan points.

I agree with Southeast Bell. I foresee big numbers, including wins, from the Middlesboro WRs this year.

A Jackson assistant told me they open at Pineville, so I am presuming a varsity schedule.

Does anyone know much or expect much from Breathitt County?

I realize I'm far from original, but I believe that X will win it all.

I am a Harlan graduate, so...but I also like to see the other teams in Class A R4, D7 do well, in particular Lynn Camp. Otherwise, I am a sucker for the underdog.

Good to see Harlan getting some respect in Class A, Region 4. Coach JB Donahue always fields a competitive team and usually over-achieves with the talent he has to work with. Double digit seniors this year will help.

I like Middlesboro as well. They outscore Belfry in a high scoring final.

Cory Estep - C (Cawood) - Union College

Very underrated in Class A is Will Pope, a very athletic senior to be at Harlan. No one will hear of him at a small rural school with a run-oriented offense, but he has speed, consistent hands, and is a terrific leaper who is unafraid of putting his body on the line. He made several acrobatic catches last season while being often double-teamed as Harlan's only receiving threat. With Chase Jones likely inserted at QB this season, Harlan should throw a bit more, thereby giving Pope a chance to post impressive numbers.

If you base it on class and character, I cannot imagine 100 coaches anywhere being better, based upon my knowledge of him.

36 comments...none in favor of the rule. Make it 37 that Connecticut clearly has it wrong, especially when there are several better options already tested by other states that they could choose from. I can't explain any good that comes from such a rule.

82!

Is there someone with a response to this point? There have been plenty to HDE but none to Top5. If there is, I would like to hear it. This is a very interesting discussion.