BrewDog

Lawrence appears to benefit from that, if they can keep those kids focused and in the system. That's easier said than done, but I for one hope it stays intact, because we need all the respect we can get in E.Ky. I'd make those hoodlums who cost the state $1,000,000 for destruction of school property run back kickoffs all day during summer practice, and then strap them to the sled for the linemen during regular season practices. By the next year, they'd be all state!

Us is presently 3A Johnson Central, going to 5A next year (before anyone asks).

Its here, so my attitude is that I don't care. Play what's in front of you because that's all there is. For us (and most teams), "watered down" still means getting past Covington Catholic, Highlands, etc., so at most it ptobably means more money for all involved and advancing a little farther than usual for good teams. Private schools undeniably enjoy a general unfair advantage, simply because they get to exist under different rules. If you lose, you have a built-in excuse. If you win, you get to rub it in. 4 champs vs. 6...there's room. It doesn't matter beyond that. There was a time when a Class A team was pretty much consensus (e.g., Pikeville in the late 80s) the best team in the state. There was a Danville team or two that could claim the same. Until the powers that be let the playoffs continue beyond a "class" state champ, to a "Super Saturday" with 6 champs and 2 at large, then 8 to 4 to 2 to 1 true champ, we'll never know. It'll never happen either. Good or bad, it probably doesn't matter 20 years later anyway.

Just noticed this thread, and surely you're mistaken. If "blackouts" are truly on the HS level, somebody needs to stop that immediately. I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I could broadcast the game from the stands on a CB if I had FCC approval to operate, but maybe the rules are different with private schools and private property, vs. public schools and taxpayer facilities. Maybe we can get a few "good buddies" and hide behind some big fat cat Trinity supporter, and get out "loud and clear". 10-4? Go 'head.

Glad you announced it first. I wanted to, but kept thinking about Dick Vitale/JR VanHoose (not that I'm Vitale, thank God...the money would be nice). Anyway, since the cat's out of the bag, we've got a third string back who is better than most first stringers. Ergo, we are deep. Ron Blume, we miss ya' little man, but you'll be proud and your old "17" looks pretty good for a pup. For opposing D's, its called reloading...but we have a semi-automatic now. 72 deep and growing, so look for 80 on the field next year!

I think we're all a little crazy that way. In 8th grade, when he was on, he was the best pure passer I'd seen at that age. You don't see an 8th grader throw 20 yard bullets or 50 yard perfect spirals consistently, but he was as close as I ever saw. Tall and lanky, it was obvious to me that he was most effective dropping back or rolling out. Unlike the last couple years, he's in an offense where he can be very effective handing off (albeit creatively at times), or dropping back, or moving around a little to pass. Many good quarterbacks have to carry a team, but JK is surrounded by talent so he can concentrate on his fundamentals rather than running for his life and improvising. Because he has many options and a surrounding cast, he'll never set passing records (well, never say never), but he's definately gonna draw attention from the next level, and probably D1. He's intelligent too, which is always a nice quality for a QB. JC's QB is under the radar right now, and his 2 for 10 at North Laurel wasn't at all his fault. Almost every pass was right on (a little short on the interception), but you gotta catch 'em. The Belfry scrimmage had 10 or 15 of the prettiest passes you'll ever see a HS QB throw.

You aren't an Eagle fan, or you're one of the Central coaches (lol). My take, totally understanding its way too early: 1. Rockcastle Co. (Weird game, but they won, and until they lose...) 2. Southwestern (No opinion because I don't have a clue) 3. Bell Co. (OK, but Whitley shouldn't be far behind) 4. Belfry (I guess, again, until they lose or win ugly) 5. Johnson Central (Looks about right, but check back in a few weeks) 6. Middlesboro (Are you serious?) 7. Corbin (Absolutely) 8. Somerset (No way) 9. South Laurel (Double no way) 10. Sheldon Clark (Ah...why not)

Just fantasizing: Highlands (in the Rec Bowl, or something) Mason County (fun game, fun folks) Belfry (like to "really" beat 'em, for once) Prestonsburg (Blackcats or Scardycats?) On to the new district... Ashland (please let it be at Putnam), Montgomery Co., Bryan Station (hope its at home), and...and...help me out...Woodford? Paintsville, of course in the Apple Bowl (our freshmen will get plenty of playing time) And, every 4 years rotate Lawrence, Sheldon Clark, Pikeville, Boyd County, etc.

North Laurel 26 Western 16 NL should be mad and a little embarrassed, and this game may make or break them this year. Its a real opportunity to turn the season completely around. I just think NL completely underestimated Johnson Central, and will capitalize a couple times on the opportunities they create.

I knew he was a freshman, and was impressed. He got an opportunity and ran with it. I bet that kid ain't down, and that's what they might need. Good luck the rest of the way, and thanks for the hospitality.

Madison Southern taught us a good lesson last year, so you have a valid point. I hate when that happens. Our coach and players believe we're going all the way, so who am I to disagree. If we don't, we'll do it next year, but we're gettin' there!

Wow, thanks man. I've loved and envied the passion of Belfry football since I was walkin' the sidelines at the old mosquito bed back in the late 70s. Just doin' my job, gnawin' down on some of that good pre-game grub, and dreadin' the hr.-long drive back to Pikeville. The jawin' aside, and truth be told, we all pull for Belfry or any strong program from these hills in the playoffs. But right now, why won't you ladies play Johnson Central in the regular season?! (Lord I apologize, and be with the sub-par pigmies over on Pond Creek).

I get DirectTV, and look forward to tuning in or recording it. Way to go youngster! If he's just a sophomore, stay away from Ashland. He'll break down on the interstate and the next thing you know he'll have one of those purple jerseys on! Seriously, good luck young'un and proud papa!

Move up, move down, move all around. Its fine with bubby, and sure beats the heck out of WV's point system for playoff qualifiers. I guess 50th in education is worse than 49th!!

Great news! If not the first, hopefully he'll be back for your second trip to Johnson Central!

If North Laurel is looking for a positive, I think the game just got away from them. JC was better prepared and conditioned, and I think NL had no idea just how deep and versatile JC is. From my perspective, the teams were matched well talent-wise. North Laurel had its chances to make it a game early, but never capitalized on the botched long snaps and turnover. Johnson Central is on a mission, thanks to the teachings, both physically and mentaly, of Coach Matney. The transformation has been steady and very entertaining, and NL should use this game and Johnson Central's example (remember, just 2 years ago your win kept JC out of the playoffs in Matney's first year), as motivation. They already have the athletes, and I for one hope the grit and determination improves, and they shake up that 4A district. By the way, that 3rd QB looked comfortable, and threw the ball well (albeit against mostly backups).

So unlike me...I seriously hope Ashland bounces back. Looks like we'll have a great rivalry under the new alignment, and a rivalry is better with 2 good teams. Plus, I kinda like jawing with those cry babies. If they start 0-3, I'll start feeling empathetic, and I really hate the thought of that. Go Tomcats...we're lonely at the top.

I guess I want Ashland to get up off the mat. It'll be much more fun if there are high expectations for both teams when you come to JC later this year!!

I can't believe I'm saying this: Ashland 22 Belfry 20

Hey, you took my earlier prediction (lol), or either great minds think alike! I guess you saw I nailed the 40-6 North Laurel prediction last week. I better check and see if my crystal ball is missing.

Wow... I was referring to last year's situation, but didn't know about the $15,000. I guess the number crunchers did the arithmetic, but that seems like a lot to pay a team. New Uniforms and pads!!

What I know is they beat Johnson Central 28-0 (at least 4 TDs) in summer passing league. With pads, in the scrimmage last week, they were inaffective, but I assume they have a passing game when there's time to throw.

Straight facts, and well said. Disagree with the opinion on Matney's mouth, because it has been frustrating, but Martin County got it done last year.

That was probably a typo. I heard Pike Central paid us $3,000 to get out of the Touchstone Bowl last year, and we paid the little team from Beckley, WV $4,000 to fill the void. I agree. It wasn't $15,000.

Pulling for ya'. Small 3A school, bounced back big in the playoffs (saved some face for the rest of us), and had the best fans I've ever seen come to Central. Real tailgaters. I enjoyed a plate and a nice conversation. Hope we can keep playing when alignment changes.