TomLandry

Bell County has not punted very much this year, opting for long field goals instead, since Merrick is punter, kick-off specialist, and placekicker. Even so his average has to be that or higher. He had a 57 and 66 yard punts in Rockcastle game. He is #4 ranked junior in nation for Ray Guy's camps as punter.

Kinda sounds like that "Coach's Hall of Fame Losing Game" in Remember The Titans!..."Let'm Play Ref...Let'm Play!":thumb:

Two of the best!

There is a paragraph about Merrick's field goal...followed by a comment by the Rock/Bell game.

This kick was huge momentum swing as it came with 3 seconds before half with Bell only ahead 7-0. A correction, I believe, It was the longest in school history, and the third longest in Kentucky High School history. 58 is the record by Pettrey of Raceland; that kick and the 57 yard FG by Dustin Wynn (Middlesboro) tied by Shane Popham last season, were the only longer field goals.

You have to understand how these rankings work. Some kickers go in as kicker....others as punters....then there is a group for kicker/punter. The kickers group always will be a little higher for those who kick only. If you look at the other Kentucky ratings you will find Bell's kicker is #2 kicker/punter and #1 punter, and #1 kickoff specialist. According to his dad, his kickoffs were not as good this year as they were last year at Ray Guy( camp was early in June and baseball was just ending)...and certainly nowhere near what they are now. Most are 68-75 yds. in air during games. Kentucky kickers faired well. I believe he said that Merrick and Kaufman were head to head at Bowling Green camp. If you check the national JUNIOR rankings this year...Merrick faired well....ranked #2 in nation for kicker/punter; 4th punter; #2 kickoff/punter specialist; and #8 in pure kicker catagory. Camps are good and prepare for the season...and make good blog material....but bottom line is production on the field. Bell's kicker has had three last second kicks in past two seasons and is 3-3.

Exactly right. Bell County's kicker is in his third year as starter (Junior) and is just now beginning to get the opportunities to kick. He has had the same number of attempts so far in four games that he had in two years total going in! Bathiany and others have much easier time getting noticed than a kid from Southeastern Kentucky in the Mountains. Hopefully, Bell County will get to Louisville this year, defeating Lexington Catholic along the way and he and the Bobcats will be able to showcase their "special team." Merrick has excelled in camps last summer and defeated all competition in all three of the camps attended.

I agree Statsman. Glad to have you back. Been wonderin' where you and 3 Wishes were. We need your assessment on the game and let's talk about "Rocky vs. Bell II" sequel playing on Log Mountain later this fall! LOL!

Thanks, 'Bone! Will have to check with the Bell Co. coaching staff to see if they turned in the kid's kick to KHSAA.

KHSAA needs to update their site. I am not sure how far back kicks are missing, but Shane Popham (Cov. Cath.) had a 57 yard kick last year to tie Wynn's old record. Merrick's kick would appear to be the first and only one from 56 yards. Does anyone know of any other 52+ yd kicks not listed?

According to Rikerds...its at Knox Central in Barbourville at 7:30 p.m. That's why so many Bell fans will make the 18 mile trip with no game this week for the Bobcats.

We missed your comments on the Rockcastle and Bell thread. Also where is 3 wishes.....love to interact with you two about the games with Bell and Rock. Bell fans will be out in force for this game at Knox since Bell has their open week.

We watched him hit three 61 yard kicks in a row during warmups the week before at Knox Central game. I understand he did not kick all week and was nursing a sore leg! If the game situation is right...could see that sixty yard kick one day! He has all of this season and next. He is Class of 2009!

WYMY Play of the Week featured Bell County's Monte Merrick's 56 yard field goal as time expired in first half against rival Rockcastle in a battle of top five teams in 4-A. Bell was leading 7-0 when Greer ran out of bounds to stop the clock and set up the kick. Was fourth longest in KY prep history. It also was from the right hash mark, and would have traveled as far or farther than the record kicks from middle of field! Bell's kicker is a JUNIOR!http://www.wkyt.com/wymtsportsovertime/headlines/9369241.html

The Merrick boy from Bell County hit a 56 yard FG as time expired to end first half against Rockcastle. This was a big game among rivals and two top five 4-A teams. The momentum of the game swung as Bell entered dressing room up 10-0! This was the fourth longest FG in Ky prep history. Aaron Petry of Raceland's 58 state record; Dustin Wynn's 57 yard long standing record (tied by Shane Popham in '06) and Merrick's 56 yarder. Kick was also from the right hash mark as ball was run out of bounds by Spencer Greer to stop clock with 2 secs. to set up the kick. Merrick excelled in summer camps against other great kickers in state coming out on top in all head-to-head battles. Merrick is 3-3 in his career on last second FG's. You will find a pic of the kick posted by Bell fan on Bell 24-Rockcastle 0 thread.

I certainly agree. Coach Hilton is a great guy when you get to know him. He motivates his kids to play hard. He wants to win, but he wants the boys to achieve something that will teach them about life. Hard work does pay off. He stated the other day, I believe, in paper, that these close rivalry games are "relived" for years and are part of a great tradition. "Braggin rights" for kids in the area (and they certainly shift from town to town....Bell is still down probably to most in the overall win catagory of the historic rivalries). He is concentrating now on leading these boys to another state title. It will be his third if Bell continues on....but for these Seniors....its their only chance! He wants it for them. I hope the Redhounds are with us in Louisville....would make for a great SE KY celebration! But there is a lot of work to be done in meantime.....Rockcastle II will be showing in November on Log Mountain, I presume. Should be a great sequel! LOL!

I'm sure 4Chs was referring to the comments that Rockcastle and Bell don't "run" from each other like other teams..(Middlesboro and Corbin??) and by not doing so they build each others programs up. The only problem with the statement is that Rock and Bell are district rivals...they HAVE to play each other now days. Hilton is still realing from the Corbin and Middlesboro teams not wanting to maintain the area rivalry that has gone on for years. We have discussed that far too much on other threads. I would have loved to have seen last year's Middlesboro team against Bell then...and this year's Corbin team against Bell. Fans are missing great games....and Cashen and Nelson should have had their Senior showdown after competing together all their careers.

Sure would like to hear from Statsman...3 Wishes and others about their perspective on the game and the almost certain rematch in Round 2 of playoffs. We had a lot of discussion going in, but little or no response since the game ended? Where are you guys?

Guess they really don't have one due! LOL!

NOPE! I think every team only gets one of those games.....and Rock used their's up last year! LOL!:dancingpa

Just want to throw out this thought: thundershowers are predicted for Friday on Log Mountain.....the firetrucks are all out on call.....natural field conditions will prevail!

Last year Bell County fans were treated to two trips to Mt. Vernon. On each occasion, we were treated graciously and like a worthy opponent. I sat on the Rockcastle side for the first game, and listened to comments by numerous Rock fans in regard to Bell. They all seemed to show nothing but respect for Bell Co. teams and never believed it was over until it was over! Hopefully, Rock fans feel the same way. Sure hope it doesn't come down to a "he said/she said" view of a QB sneak! That can strain things a little! LOL! This year should be a really good football game. Bobcats have lost three straight and feel it is time to turn it around on Log Mountain setting the stage for a run to Louisville. Mountain football should be being played well into December! We look forward to hosting the great Rockcastle fans on Log Mountain Friday night! Should be a classic battle of "smashmouth" football!

One of their starting running backs went down on the first offensive play for KC. He did not return. Looked like knee...but don't know if it will keep him out this week. Other than that...I'm not sure.

I believe he is averaging only one missed PAT per year in his career. He missed one LAST week...so got that out of the way for this year! :banana: Look for special teams play to be the difference in this game. Bell's kicking game is on track. Touchbacks on nearly every kickoff.....most teams in every game start from around 20 or inside......forty+ yard punts average.... ..FG's in nearly every game. Spencer Greer...TR Christopher on returns. How are Rock's special teams this year? Someone picked Rock by 3....are they kicking FG's this year!!?? :confused:

I agree LMB! The quarterback who sneaked on over for the victory two years ago at home to give Bell home field advantage through the playoffs is now a Senior. Junior driven team with lots of experience will be tough for some years to come. This year's Bobcats have a lot of experience. They were in every loss with Rock...in spite of the huge size advantage on the line. That advantage is gone. This should be a great game. I'm glad its on Log Mountain. Bobcats should win.