MonsterMan

Whitley and Johnson Central will be right there I am sure. With this many experienced players coming back though I like the odds of the Birds getting #19.

HHS would have to be the favorite. I have watched both JC and Whitley play and JC will be the stronger of the two next year as of now. Alot of things can happen. JC will be bringing back some great kids, and I think will be more quicker than last years team. I think the new QB may be a decent passer. Breatthitt County and Hazard will not play us this year and our attempts to play Bell County have not worked out.

With Bryan Station gone to 6A, I look for JC and HHS to play next year in the playoffs. But again with the guys coming back for HHS, they would have to be the favorites.

Austin Collinsworth had 45 receptions for 793 yards and 5 touchdowns. I understand name recognition means a lot. But on the other hand, some people will never give him credit because of his name. It is definitely a double edged sword.

I saw Collinsworth play and he is the real deal and I hope to see him in a UK uniform. I think what people are saying had he played in a rural area of the the state, he would have not got a look with these numbers even though he is a legit D1 player and deserves the award.

Just so you know, the AP doesn't "cover" any high school sports (except the state championships). All the AP does is count the votes from its subscriber organizations (newspapers, TV and radio stations).

 

If this slight is that important to you or anyone else, go talk to your local newspaper and ask them why they don't subscribe to the AP so that your local kids can get voted on for this team. You probably won't like what you hear, but it's simple economics.

I did not know how it worked and this is great info. No wonder the rural areas do not get represented. It is tough to pick and all the kids that got recognized deserved it. Good to see Ky football be so strong! It does not matter much to me, but it does for the kids who play and have accomplished alot in a season. Hopefully the next polls will be more represetative. Again thanks for the info as I had no idea how this worked.

:jump: It is absolutely hysterically funny to listen to some (a minority) of the JC fans on here bash Paintsville over this decision. I don't know if anyone told you or not, but you're a 5A school! I know that the history of your program shows that a little 1A school has had the edge over you in football, but you can't honestly tell me that you think they should be able to compete with you every year? Are you people really so glib that you think they OWE you a chance to pay them back for the losses you've taken in the past. Are you grown men and women telling me that parents and a faculty should march their 1A team of kids onto a field that they have NO chance of winning on just so you feel better about all the past losses?

 

:mad:Don't show your football ignorance by telling me that they have a chance at winning because anyone with any football knowledge knows that at this time Paintsville cannot compete with JC.

 

:mad:Don't show your greed and tell me that these kids should be sent to be embarassed in front of their friends and family just so Paintsville will make more money from this game. I am truly ashamed of anyone on here that thinks that money should trump the pride and esteem of these young men.

 

Remember when your making your comments about the cancellation of this game that this is a GAME first and foremost. GAMES are supposed to be about competition and helping these young men become real men by letting them win and lose in FAIR competition on the field. This game is not and lately has not been about FAIR competition. The coaching staff and Paintsville faculty has realized this and has made the tough but mature decision in this situation.:thumb:

I would agree with most of what you say. Where was this spirit when Painstville was running up the score on a weak JC program? Was this a FAIR GAME? If JC had ever wanted to quit back then it would have been talked about for years and made the front page of all the papers! Do you think the Paintsville fans would have not said anything? But I do agree, JC has passed the Paintsville bar and needs to set it higher.

Chase Richardson regular season offensive stats:

 

1439 yards, 15 touchdowns, 12.1 yards/carry

 

Not even an Honorable Mention? Unbelievable.

This is one of the worse things I have ever seen! Richardson played a tough 5A schedule and no one could stop him. The AP just does not cover mountain teams. Sounds like we are not the only ones on here that feel this way, just look where most of the kids are from.

I've probably seen less football across the state this year than in any of the past 10 years. However, I keep up with players through reading and hearsay as much as anybody. But because I haven't "eye-witnessed" as much I feel a little funny asking this question.

 

Am I the only one who thinks the AP all-state list gets worse and worse every year?

I am right there with you! The AP just covers certain areas and alot of great kids do not get recognized. Kids in rural areas never get any recognition from the AP.

Wow, all this is happening in the community over "rivalry"? I wasn't aware that it was that bad. Pride in school, both academic and in athletics, shouldn't lead to attacks and vandalism. Who does this hurt? The young and impressionable minds that we are SUPPOSE to be teaching respect and love towards each other. I hope some healing can start since the game is no longer.

It is sad, the game was a great attraction but it got to be more than a game. 95% of the fans are great people, the 5% created alot of prolbems. Most of the probelms were caused by people who attended one school and got mad and sent thier kids to the other. Great people on both sides.

Again, there is a lot of venom being spewd towards PHS. I do not have anyone in the area playing, I am at Raceland. The idea that this is a ploy to get kids to actually think Paintsville is better than they are and will possible move over from JCHS is really stretching it. You guys can't see the forrest for the trees.

 

That being said, I am a huge fan of all teams in our area. I love to see the success that JCHS has had and want it to continue, but all this negativity towards a 1A school that realizes it is undermanned and wants to correct a huge mismatch on it's schedule is not very dignified. All the bashing looks bad on your school and it's fans.

You are correct. The old line JC fans endured alot of abuse and rivalary from Paintsville and we are guilty of rubbing it in a little, but we are justified.

The old players and fans would love to see this go on, but there is no reason for either team to play this game anymore. JC can make up the gate and it is just a JV game with us. We need to move on and play better teams, but that is hard to do now with our sucess. JC fans are having a little fun with this, but I think have finally realized Paintsville does not figure in our sucess anymore. For Paintsville to say they have quit and had enough is sweet to our ears, but it is time to move on.

All the vinegar we're reading seems to be in direct contradiction to previous Central fans' assertions that its team has moved on from the days when "beating Paintsville" defined a successful season.

 

If this is the case, it makes one wonder if Central football could possibly lose a degree of focus in not having the Apple Bowl (ie...enjoy a Paintsville "beat down").

 

I find all this incredibly disappointing... :creepy:

Do not worry about losing focus. The rivalry had lost it lustre to most Central fans. It is done and over, no more fun. We now focus on teams like Belfry and the boys from NKY. Alot more fun and more rewarding. Losing the Apple Bowl is sad, getting a state title is pricless.

During the years when Walter Brugh was running up the score on JC no one was talking about quiting. Small schools compete against big schools all over the state. Paintsville should be ashamed. Maybe everyone should stop playing basketball against Paintsville and make them travel to other states to get games.

I know this thread is about the Apple Bowl but I agree. What will Paintsville do when they do not dominate in basketball or baseball, quit? This is close to happening and maybe this year.

This just shows the condition of the City of Paintsville and the school system and says alot about what they do when things get tough. Johnsonville had the grit to stick it out and never did quit when things got tough, Paintsville can not say that.

This is not a good move for Paintsville to make. They can't draw big enough crowds in every home game for two years and make what they make this single game. The money made on this game pays for their program for a two year period (That is a fact I don't care who says otherwise.) Johnson Central is not going to agree to play a double header and why should they? Splitting the gate will be like Johnson Central fans donating money to Paintsville program because it don't matter who Paintsville plays the crowd for their game isn't going to be near the size of what Johnson Central will draw for their game because there is more interest in JCHS football.

 

You know for years when Paintsville was beating Johnson Central there was no talk about dropping the series. Johnson Central never tried to DODGE Paintsville no matter what. Tiger fans now say “Oh but Paintsville is a singe A school and JCHS is a 5A School,” that didn’t matter ten years ago so don’t buy that. Another excuse you will hear “Neither team benefits from this game.” No, but for years the kids from JCHS were the punch line of jokes and they were looked down upon in their own community. What goes around comes around!

 

Last but not least, the most common excuse Paintsville administration, fans, and coaches use is “well Paintsville wasn’t beating JCHS by 50 every year.” Well my only comment to that one is “Don’t cry and go home. LEARN how to play DEFENSE.”

Great post! The only reason to play this game is for PHS to make money. JC can draw an Apple Bowl crowd with others teams anytime. The loss of the Apple Bowl money will be devastating to PHS. This will be the first blow of many that will start the decline of the PHS system. Regaurdless of what the faithfull PHS fans say, the financial outlook for the sytem is bleak. With the JC kids staying home, PHS will have less talent to draw off of.

When it came down to crunch time PHS waved the wihite flag and said we have had enough, that is the most fitting record JC fans can ever from this series.

#42 for Johnson Central. Absolute stud. He looked to be very well developed. Played hard lb'er and ran the ball well!

#42 is Tanner Bratton and he is a soph and awesome. He is a great line backer too. The kid has a D1 body and speed.

#5 for JC JK Hall is a soph too and a great athelete. He started a corner back but playes running back and QB. He should be JC's starting QB next year.

I saw JC play HHS Friday Night and the tape of the Woodford-Whitley game. I am for our mountain teams, but the way I see it Whitley is a team identical to JC. I think JC had more speed and size. I think Whitley will come out strong, but HHS passing game and overall team speed will get the best of Whitley. If HHS can get out score quick and get ahead, Whitley can not catch up. If HHS lets Whitley hang around late in the game, watch out. If HHS QB gets on track early and Conner runs the ball well, this could get ugly early. Love my mountian teams, but we are going to have to become more than one dimesional to beat the guys from up North.

Great game! Congratulations to both schools for a well played game and to JC for a memorable and successful season. With that being said I will throw out my quick thoughts and let everyone pick them apart.

 

It's kind of interesting to say that JC's "run only" offense didn't hurt then note that they had the ball inside the 20 about 3 times that they didn't score. It would seem to me that when you are inside the 20 and you are a one dimensional offense that you are easier to stop. Maybe I'm wrong and some of the coaches on here can tell me if this statement is true? Also if you have 3 turnovers and 2 of them are from the 4 passes you threw you can't tell me this didn't hurt your team? 50% pass to interception ratio is not good no matter how you look at it. I am a fan of JC and I really wanted them to pull off this upset. However once this team is down 14 points with little time left I can't believe that anyone there really anticipated a comeback based on a run-only offense? I'm not saying you have to be perfectly balanced but when you play HHS you better be one of the best in the country at running the ball or a balanced offense or else you'll be wearing street clothes next Friday night.

 

I think that JC will be one of the best teams in the state next year and I believe that this game will teach them the lesson that they will need pass the ball to ever get past HHS in the playoffs.

I am a JC fan and a Matney supporter, but you are 100% right! Since I have been a JC fan even before Matney three things have been weak at JC and I think most mountian teams: passing game, pass defense and special teams. We need to focus on these parts of the game if we are going to take the next step to the title. Getting teams scheduled is tough for us, but we need to get out of the mountains and play teams like HHS. Beating the teams we play by just running the ball does not make us stronger. You are right, we have probably the best group coming back we have had, so we need to improve in these areas. Could you imange if we had a passing game to go with the running game we have?

..and that game was at Highlands.

I remember that one, I should have said in the regular season. No question BS had on outstanding team.

I am a JC fan and I am proud of the Eagles. We are knocking on the door, need to tune up a few areas to be champs. Is this a close as any KY team has played HHS?

We made several mistakes, but we got beat by the Class of the Class, no excuses. HHS is a very talented team and ever bit as good as advertised!

Just watched WYMT Sports Overtime. Matney stated, "we must play a perfect game."

Chase Richardson was the Mountain Player of the week for his performace against CC. Weather is going to be clear and 42 degrees at game time. 24 hours form now it will be on!

Welch will have a chance to prove himself Fri going against All State WR Austin Collinsworth.

Welch should be all state with the year he has had. Two great players going at it, that is what playoffs are all about! Most teams have avoided throwing around Welch until CC and he got one. One of the key match ups. I hope to be watching Collinsworth at UK in a couple of years.

As will Mr. Welch.

I am not sure how many interceptions Welch needs to break the sate record, but I will go out on a limb and say this may be his night. Welch has always performed in big games and this bunch may thow his way.

This is so true. Despite what MonsterMan might have us believe, JC does not have a monopoly on "the pride factor." The Birds come into every game with the mindset that they have something to prove. This game should be no exception. However, those who predict this to be a blowout, or even an easy win, wil probably be proven very wrong. I think we can win; but our players and coaches have to stay alert, focus and execute perfectly.

I did not infer that JC has a monopoly on pride, I said Matney can instill the "Pride Factor " in his team. You are right, both sides will have to play a perfect game to beat the other.

They did after the Belfry game...oh, how they questioned him...

The place kicker we have now has been pretty consitent for a freshman. I think Matney will get the feel of the game and the momentum at that point and decide. As a side note, since we are now playing soccer look for the JC's kicking game to improve in coming years.

Fantastic and respectful post leatherneck....

 

I am not a JC fan, but I do know their program well, and have seen Matney coached teams pretty much every year over the past 15 years. Here is what Highlands can expect that you can't see on paper on game film:

 

1. (This is in no way my beliefs but what I would put money JC belives) Expect a team to come in with the biggest chip on their shoulder you have ever seen. Right now every player on JC's team has been drilled that they have no shot in this game from anyone outside of Paintsville... well make that half of Paintsville. That Highlands has advantages they do not have, that Highlands is overlooking them, that Highland has no respect for them. Friday JC is playing the best Highlands team of All-Time.

 

2. Expect JC players to believe that this game and season is their legacy. The 2006 team came short of cementing JC on the grand stage, but Friday they can prove they are ready to compete with anyone in the state in any year.

 

3. A quarter of the plays that Highlands has scouted and made the effort to plan for won't even come close to being used this week, additionally, another 6 or 7 plays that Highlands has not seen JC run will be integrated for this game.

 

People can say whatever they want about Jim Matney, but there is no denying the man's passion is football. He lives for Friday's like this and he has so much care for his players that they in turn live for Friday's such as this as well. Additionally, agree or disagree with things he says, you will not find a head coach better at motivating his team and playing the underdog card. JC may be 11-1, but they have been the underdog in all 12 games they have played in some way shape or form

 

IMO, Highlands is 4 TD's better than JC in terms of talent and championship experience. But, anything less than Highlands A game, coupled with homefield advantage, and JC's mindset as the underdog could potentially make this a very, very close game.

This is the best post I have seen on this site. No one argues that HHS has more numbers and is deeper in talent and speed. The "Matney Factor" and the "Pride Factor" he can instill can not be ignored and is hard to factor in if you have not played JC. I hope everyone is predicting HHS will blow JC out all week! It will play right into Matney Plans.

I don't see anyone addressing what, imho, is the main negative in this game for Johnson Central. I do believe they will have to pass the ball in order to defeat HHS. I just don't know if they'll be able to. Anyone closer to this game (from either side) have any insight?

I will take a shot at this, even though there will be a hundred guys post I am wrong, but here is my try,

JC has passed at times this season, but when you can score running the ball and run the clock, why pass? Welch is a potential first team all stater and is a great reciever, but is usally doubled and tripled teamed. Welch has a good arm and can throw the ball very well on the end around. Jeramy Bratton is a tall quick kid who can catch the ball and is usally not covered and tough to get down, this may be a key. Dillion is not pretty, but can pass the ball effective. Matney usally goes for home runs off the running game. Nathan Dillion and Chase Richardson can catch the ball out of the backfield. IMO, if JC can mix up a few short passes, the running game will be more effective. Matney is an outstanding coach and has seen HHS play and will have a few surprises for this game, do not count him out. I do think JC will have to pull out all the plays in the book to keep this HHS group off balance and keep them honest on the run. Again this is just my opinion and I am sure a hundred posts will tell me where I am wrong.

I will make a prediction, the game will be impacted most by a player we have not mentioned on plays we do not expect.

- No previous titles.

- The school is in Paintsville.

- They're -finally- becoming the program they should have been over the past 20+ years. The school has incredible facilities and is not bashful with $$.

- Central was a borderline 3A-4A school before the new system.

JC has had a few trips to the playoffs in years past, but not like now. Before Matney got here we were the "doormat of the mountains". In five short years we have been all the way to the Final Four. JC has spent major bucks on facilities and there are as good as anywhere in the state.

There is alot of talk here about tradtion. The reason JC fans are so behind these kids is they are virtually carving out a tradtion on thier backs in a very tough 5A class. The State Title will go through Johnsonville for many years.

Great; I feel a lot better about our chances.

 

Talk about underestimating your opponent--there's a perfect example! :eek:

This is getting to sound like the post with the CC people last week and more important things should be discussed. All I was saying is that JC has nothing but repect for HHS, you have an awesome team! But JC will not be intimadated and will come prepared to play. We will not overlook HHS, will you overlook us? The State Title does go through Johnsonville.