TomLandry

Bell County's kicker/punter Monte Merrick: Longest FG in state this year: 56 yds. against Rockcastle. Third longest distance in Ky prep history. 71 touchbacks on season! Kickoff distance ave. around 68 yds.

I think Tiger Woods made more in one weekend last year than all the NFL kickers put together.....hmmmm!! Let's hope he's not tempted!

Bell only loses 6 seniors. Some key defensive lineman and LB, but there are good players coming up. TR Christopher will be replaced by Carton, freshman, who shared a lot of time coming down the stretch; Zachary will take over the QB duties and will present a much different threat....led the rout over McCreary Central in the playoffs with Nelson out. Stronger arm than Nelson and a running threat; Spencer Greer, leading rusher will be even stronger; Monte Merrick returns with perhaps the best kicking game in the state; Receiving corps of Ely, Rains, and J.Dudley Hilton will provide great targets; Many freshman and sophomores started this year on both offense and defense. Bell will be bigger, stronger, and faster in 2008. The sting of the Lex Cath defeat will drive the off season with a run on state the goal. Bell was a sophomore laden team in 2006...this will be their Senior year...many of them starting for their third and fourth seasons. Look for the 2008 team to be one of Bell's best in many years.

Hey, Doodle! I would recommend a steady diet of pizza, cokes, and donuts. Couple that with strength and conditioning on the Wii or X-Box! Does that help! We at Bell would recommend that for Rock! LOL!

Sure would have liked to have seen Lexington Catholic and Bell County meet in the 4-A finals this year. They were ranked alternating one and two all season depending on the poll. Bell was by far the closest challenge Lex faced in this year's playoffs. The regionals and semi-finals would have been more competitive as well. Instead Lex Cath blows out the next two opponents 83-7, I believe. The Bobcats would have loved the opportunity to play Harrison or Lone Oak, or Warren East to earn a spot to play Lex Catholic.

You're so right, George. We've still got it!

Disappointing enough that Bell Co. is home today..... yet I am watching the Tennessee H.S. games live on cable and all the promo that they are doing for their teams. Great for the programs and the kids. At game attendance does not seem to be hurt. Sure would rather be watching the Kentucky games! KHSAA needs to wake up and smell the coffee! Big missed opportunity....but they seem to be "all about the money!" in their decision making processes.

Got the "tater!":thumb:

Well, George, we are probably the two oldest coaches around....except maybe Dudley LOL....and I wish you well tonight. May both teams play hard and without injuries. I also hope that the Knights can go away from this game with the unique distinction that their only losses of the season were to the #1 teams in 6-A, 5-A, and 4-A!!!!

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Happy Thanksgiving to All BGP'ers! And looking down from above must remember my old team on this special day every year......GO COWBOYS!! You too, T.O....even I survived Hollywood Henderson! And oh, yes....Mr. Jones...I forgive you, too. Bring home another Super Bowl Ring!

I think you created a little confusion here.....it WAS the 2004 game with Highlands.....if you played in it. You may have been Bobcat Class of 2005, but game was in fall of 2004. Bell lost to Rock 21-0 to go out in second round of playoffs at home in 2005, I believe.

Thanks, 3 Wishes. I always think that your posts are fair and accurate. I enjoy hearing from you and miss it when we cannot have serious dialogue. I believe this will be one of the best games in the Mountain Region in the last several years. I would have favored Rock in 2005 if you guys could have had it on your field. Also that Burke guy...too...wasn't it? LOL! Sorry, that one of us Bell/Rock has to stay home....just like the Bell/LexCath winner....some years I think our district title game between Bell and Rock is better than the games on up the bracket. I hope the Bobcats bring their A-game Friday night and continue to gain respect for Mountain football! Thank you, for you and the Rockcastle faithful's support. Go District 7!

Thanks, Doodle. I, too am sorry that it happened....BUT wasn't that "tater" worth it? LOL!! QB's Mom usually behind the "tater factory." My only regret is that it was too long a line and too cold....I didn't get mine this game! The Rockcastle-Bell rivalry is sweet. We don't want anything to tarnish it. Next year's battles should be extreme with both young teams returning just about everyone! I hope the boys can take care of business Friday night and head on the two week journey North to bring home a state title to D-7!

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Please tell that to the KHSAA! LOL!

Have you seen Bell County? They dismantled a really good Lincoln County team in week one. Lincoln is making noise in the playoffs. They have by record the best defense with the least amount of points scored against them by any team in any class. Defense is tough this time of year. They defend the run and pass both equally well. Everyone wants to criticize Bell's schedule, but they only played three home games! They have had to play good teams on the road for most of the season. This will help them if they have to go on the road north.

Well said, Snap. Bobcats have been on a mission to take the state title since day one. They have approached the upcoming game each week and no other in preparation. Bell remembers how they took Rock too lightly two years ago and got embarrassed on Log Mountain. Don't look for Coach Hilton to let that happen again. Coach Hilton respects Coach Larkey, but look for the Bobcats to roll. They are too strong this year in all areas for Rockcastle. Bell did not play well in first game this year. They are hitting on all cylinders now. Last year this team played their hearts out against Rock in two tough games.....but Rock had the horses! This year Bell's horses should head for the winner's circle. The only way that doesn't happen is if they "throw a shoe!" and beat themselves.

Certainly, even though going down to Rock, these past two years in playoffs....the Bell Co. faithful pulled for Rock to do well at the next level. If we can achieve the same this year....its nice to know that Rock fans will support the District winner if its Bell. Ours is a special rivalry. Like "iron sharpening iron" we help each others programs each year. I believe that this is Bell's year to bring it all home to the Mountains. Rockcastle should be prepared for a determined Bobcat bunch this Friday night.

I was listening on the radio to this game at the end. They said that Hunter Adams was on the sidelines on crutches with some kind of support or cast on his ankle. This apparently was the same one that he had the high ankle sprain on previously. Does anyone know anything about this? Without Adams....Middlesboro is toast.

Surely you must remember in game #1 last year.....he set up Miller's record breaking run by an awesome punt that went sixty-yards and out at the three. Leaving Miller a lot of territory to run for the TD!! LOL!!

Last year Bell was the young team, yet they only lost 18-14 at Rockcastle. An INT in the last two minutes in the red zone killed a long sustained potential game-winning drive for Bell. If Bell scores, then the playoff game, that Rock won 13-0 comes to Log Mountain instead of the Rock. Certainly could have changed their fate. In addition, Bell had numerous ints, etc. in the end zone in the 13-0 loss. Bottom line....Bell was outmanned, and against an older, more experience Rock team....yet were in each of the two games. This year, nearly the same Bell team faces a much younger, smaller Rock. Bell has matured. Bell's offense is much better than in early September. Bell is hitting on all cylinders. Should be a great game, but Bell is playing well and should come out with the win. Bell's defense is averaging just over 7 points allowed per game for the season. Defense wins championships. Especially when you have a potent offense and special teams play to go with it. Go Bobcats! One more step toward the season long goal of bringing the first 4-A title home to the Mountains!

Lincoln County is having a great year. For those who have been doubting the Bell County Bobcats and their schedule. This is pretty much what the Bobcats did to Lincoln at Death Valley in Week #1. I know Lincoln has improved...but so has Bell. Best Wishes to Lincoln. You were gracious hosts. I hope both teams end up at "the pizza box!"