TomLandry

Coach Hilton has always had a strong ground game and good defense. These two things win championships at all levels. However, this year Bell has added a more diverse offense with solid passing. Special teams play, especially the kicking game, are on track. Few mountain teams have a strong kicker. Another post related that Rockcastle lost last week due to three missed extra points. Bell's kicker did not kick to Minnefield. Hilton turned loose the kicking game against Letcher. Bell's kicker was 8-8 PAT's and had seven touchbacks on kickoffs. Bell is young and getting better every week.

I agree, but Bell County led the entire game until 4:40 seconds left. Only by putting Minnefield in shotgun and letting him go "one-on-eleven" LOL did Clay comeback. Bell players played for the most part both ways with HC platooning most units on defense and offense. Bell was tiring toward the end. HC never really stopped Bell. The Bobcats stopped themselves with key turnovers. A poor spot on fourth down penalty and HC WR breaking two yards off the line (no call) were huge down the stretch or we are talking about a Bell dominant victory. Minnefield would not have gotten the ball in those closing minutes. This is all behind, but Bell's confidence was lifted. They played solid defense against a much larger and faster team. The Bell ground game was solid. New passing offense, etc. did not really come into play due to weather. I believe Bell only threw five or six times.

The rain continues on Log Mountain. Playing conditions will be affected if we do not get a couple of days of sunshine. Could impact play. HC game had some key fumbles, etc. due to the conditions.

The Bobcats are coming off a loss, but a well played game against a tough 4-A HC team. They open district play this Friday at Log Mountain. Last year the score at halftime was 60+ to 0, I believe! Letcher seems to have improved. What can the Bobcats expect?

The field was wet, but did not get very muddy. "Tire chips" were added last year, and [bell has not been practicing on field this year] improved conditions. It did not rain much until last quarter. Obviously the ball was wet all night, but did not seem to bother QB or running backs. Only one, I believe, fumble by a running back for either team. Very few if any slips by players that affected their play. Bad snap on extra point, and fumbled snap on QB center exchange were the most obvioius plays affected by weather. The bigger factor was officiating. For all those out there (especially the Rockcastle faithful who have not let go of last year's Nelson QB sneak) affected some key plays on both sides. Two for Bell that really hurt was the spot on the ball when Bell drew HC offsides with fourth and five situation. The spot on the ball when they stepped off the penalty left what should have been inches...nearly a yard! Nelson dove forward much like in Rockcastle game.....but Bell did NOT get the call. I don't believe he made it this year...when he clearly DID last year. The spot impacted the end of a key backbreaking drive for HC had Bell scored. The other was the fourth down conversion mentioned earlier, when WR clearly left early. All in all was well played game. Bell County is ahead of last year at this time. Young team will only get better as season goes along.

The rains have been heavy on Log Mountain. Field never dries out very rapidly. Bobcats always accused of "wetting down the field" with sprinklers, etc....but truth is that it does not drain well! I believe that HC has not played on grass this year??? Could be an edge for the Bobcats who have proven to be real "mudders" in the past!

Special teams play could make a real difference. Bell needs to keep the ball out of Minnefield's hands and stop returns. Touchbacks on kickoff, solid coverage on punt returns will do the trick. Hard for Minnefield to do damage if cannot get the ball. Kicking game could be real factor. Bell's young kicker had a FG up in Lexington last year against HC. Opened season for Bobcats with field goal last game. Could be factor if game is close. Bell's defense showed real promise in opener. INT's and hard hits could slow down fast receivers. Running game is strong with multiple backs in the stables. TR is getting better all the time. Kyle Nelson is a much better passing QB than most give him credit for, since has led a run dominated offense. Look for great game from Nelson. Bobcats lost last year in Lexington but game was closer than score indicated. HC is down. Bell is young. Two weeks to prepare...??? This one should prove interesting. Welcome to Bobcat football on Log Mountain! Bell 30 HC 28

Doesn't McCreary Co. join Rockcastle and Bell County in the new 4-A District 7 for 2007 under the new alignment? If so they are entering into a tough district with Madison Southern, Knox Central as well.

Bell County is looking toward two or three years of their best football to come along in a while. With the new alignment, Rockcastle will still be in district and region... however, traditional play-off rivalries i.e., Ashland, Johnson Central, Highlands, Covington Catholic will move up. Rockcastle, Bell, and Boyle County seem to be left to :fight: for the title!

Bell will be competitive as always. Really young team overall. Skill positions are strong and will only get better as season goes along. This game wasn't really that close until last quarter. First game mistakes (fumbles, INT, etc.) kept the score from being a lot different. Bell let Whitley get close with three touchdowns in fourth quarter. One was earned and two were "gimmes" on BobCat mistakes.