maroonmadness

Another thing hurting him is the lack of quality opponents on Somerset's schedule. Non-district was pretty good, but the district was very weak. Cole didn't get the touches in a lot of those district games because they were blowouts. It would be great to see a kid from this area win it, though. Good luck John.

His numbers are totally impressive when you consider he only played half a game in half of their schedule. He could have had 10 more TDs if he had the minutes of PT. Probably won't win for 2 reasons... our area of the state for voting and he's going to Vandy not UK or U of L.

Beechwood over Hazard

That's the way Breathitt's defense has played for the last 5 or 6 years at least...they play up on the WR's and put everyone on or very close to the line of scrimmage except for one safety who plays back...not real deep, but behind the defense. I think it's a fairly good defensive strategy for the competition we usually face...

 

Most of the teams we play, especially in the playoffs, are running teams, so stopping the run is a must. Also, the defense is designed to get pressure on the QB if a team does pass, forcing him to make quick decisions...there aren't a lot of high school QB's who are good in that situation. Like I said, if a team can protect the QB, Breathitt can be exploited with a good passing attack. The defense thrives on attacking and creating pressure...but the players have to tackle well. As someone else said, if you can break through the first line of defense, you have a good chance of breaking a big gain.

 

How that defense plays on Friday will determine whether Breathitt has a chance...I don't expect a lot of points against Belfry's defense, so we have to hold them to a low score.

Not going to happen, their lines executes too well and their backs are strong and fast as well as the QB to the outside. Belfry wins going down their throats. Sorry Breathitt I just don't see you matching up with them well.

Congratulations to Belfry an awesome team and good luck in the Region and state. I agree TigerPride that Cobb said some things that he should not have said, both about the kid and his academics "that he did mention by name several times" and what he said about Chase Hall prior to last season. It is simple you cannot prepare for a team like Belfry playing 3 good teams a year. The schedule will build a resume for the coach, but will not win championships.

Let's see...Somerset played Pulaski (9-1), only loss was to Lincoln who is still in it at 5A, Metcalfe another one still in it in 2-A, and Corbin who lost to future champion Newport Cath. Other than that it was all district play and they ran the table. They prepared fine for Belfry and would have done better with some better execution as they did later in the game against the Belfry STARTERS. Somerset has never backed down and does what it can to get there. Bottom line Belfry is one of the best teams in the state any class and they held their own against them. Good season Jumpers!

I am going to go out on a lib a bit and make a prediction concernign the defenses:

 

Either Belfry or Breathitt one will have a defense that will completely shut down the opponent. From seeing John Chapman's defensive strategies in the past vs. Belfry this matchup really intrigues me.

 

Chapman's defenses in the past have simply sold out everything they had to stop Belfry's run, I am not just talking 9 in the box like Belfry faces every game, but instead talking 10 in the box and soemtimes all 11. Breathitt's quickness, sure tackling, and ability to build on momentum thus worry me ALOT, but at the same time, Chapman's defense hasn't had to contend with a Belfry team as good as this one (they never played Belfry in 2003 and 2004).

 

On the flip side of the ball, the overhwleming impression of Breathitt's offense I have gotten from seeing them earlier this year, was that when a defense tries to read what they are doing or fails to force the issue, Breathitt can literally chosoe any option they want. Onc either Fugate gets into the second level they become a completely different monster, they are excellent runners with good balance and lots of strength. From a passing standpoint, Breathitt's receivers do not blow you away, none of them can hold a candle to a John Cole (Somerset), Rob Madon (Corbin), or an Ian Welch (Johnson Central). But as a unit, they are very, very solid.. probably the best group of receivers Belfry has seen all year. They run their routes concisely, they rarely drop passes, and they are excellent downfield blockers. Colby Fugate throws a very pretty and accurate ball when his feet are set, but his accuracy drastically decreases when he is forced to throw on the move.

 

Belfry has been able to wreak havoc on very good passing teams using a very simplistic approach, rush 4 guys, drop everyone else back. The Pirates are blessed with very talented D-lineman who are not only quick but have excellent recognition of running plays. But, this Breathitt o-line is a variation that Belfry hasn't faced. They are not a big o-line, they are not an especially strong o-line, but they move well and they keep their blocks engaged for very long periods of time. This, IMO, is where the game may hinge. If Belfry can continue to generate pressure and cause disruption with only a 3 or 4 man rush, then Breathitt's offense is in a world of trouble. If Breathitt can force Belfry to play their LB's and De's tighter to the ball, then things could open up nicely.

 

Part of me is very confident about this game, the other part is scared to death. The unknown aspect of Breathitt, that has lingered all season, coupled with the premonition that the Bobcats will definately be playing their best game oif the year scares the Dickens out of me.

If Breathitts O-Line holds like they did against Somerset early in the year, they will be flagged at Belfry and not have the pleasure of homefield look aways. That said I'm sure they have dramatically improved throughout the year since they are undefeated. Belfry still wins. Two great coaches and two great teams make for a great night. Good luck to both teams.

Belfry has done rather well against some other solid passing teams, Corbin and Somerset both were stymied by Belfry's starting defense. In order to beat Belfry balance is a must, a team must be able to run the ball effectively or else their passing game will never get off the ground. Additionally, a running team has to be able to keep Belfry's excellent LB's and improved DB's honest against the pass or they will be shut down as well.

Have seen both play and there is a considerable difference in the style but I thought that Belfry is superior in total game. Berfry's D will be the difference. The O line from Breathitt will be tested in this one. You know what Belfry is going to run and you still can't stop it. Belfry can't throw but they don't need to.

Belfry 24

Breathitt 14

Radio made the same comment. I did not want to mention it and seem like sour grapes.....New Cath made more plays. Maybe next time the KHSAA does the playoffs the Breds will come to the Hounds. First time in 15 years these two teams have matched up. Ordinarily the Hounds would have been playing Prestonsburg tonight, but such is life. Good luck Breds against Desales.

Probably the refs fault that Corbin lost. That's the norm out of Corbin Nation.

They'll need more seats on the visitors' sideline, then.

 

(Not joking, either. Ask Middlesboro how the Pirates travel.)

The KSHAA can even set up a toll booth at the W. Virginia state line near Belfry and make some extra money from the parents and family that will come to see their kids play tonight.:laugh: Just kidding they're all from Kentucky I KNOW. lol

Seen them both play, Belfry big. If Corbin puts pressure on the QB like Belfry can against somerset it gets ugly. Belfry probably won't miss many tackles. Oh and Belfry fans get ready for the home officials.

I too am a fan of all of the local programs and let me tell you that I agree with Maroon fan on his response to the Corbin faithful. We were VERY fortunate to have played the Jumpers early. They have 3-4 kids that could play D-1 before the signing days are over. Cole is great as mentioned but Hughes could play mid-level fullback, Coomer plays big at end and has great hands and Megargel is a hammer with size and quickness and has a big frame.

Watched these kids and the others over the years and there's no quit in any of them....Corbin knows that as well. Give these kids some credit and remember the third times the charm. You'll be playing a great team but your on the field with them and someone will win. Hope it's you. Make Pulaski county proud with your play!!

Lincoln by 6

Metcalfe will continue to surprise. They are a pretty good team overall with a nice balance and good QB.

I believe that Belfry is the favorite in this region or sectional but there are 5 teams on any given night that would win this side...Belfry, Breathitt, Russell, Mason or Somerset. Each appear to have enough of what it takes and experience deep in the playoffs on their side. If Somerset plays "D" they can give anybody alot of trouble.

From what I have heard they spoke of the importance of God in their lives and what's most important when it comes to priorities...serving him, doing your best, etc. I didn't hear first hand but it certainly was a high point to the game, regardless of outcome. Both teams played hard and there were seniors knowing that it was their last opportunity to compete on the football field, yet they were total class in sharing their faith with guys they just tried to beat minutes earlier. That's character!!!

I know and it's great that so many kids are stepping up in their faith. Hats off to the coaches that allow this to take place.

In the old cross district system our district is pretty balanced top to bottom and if we had excellent teams 1-4 who knows maybe 2 same district teams will play in the regional finals. PC vs. Lincoln?

I think that Somerset when in class A back in the late 90's played with Danville, Harrodsburg, Campbellsville, Green County, and I forget who else. If my memory serves me right there were 3 or 4 of those teams ranked in the top 10 that year. Somerset ended up the 3rd or 4th seed and beat Danville in the regional final to move on after upsetting 2 teams from the opposing district.

Corbin by just 2 touchdowns.

You will get your wish :thumb:

I don't think so and possibly neither will get to that sectional game.

I picked Manual and I don't know why, just a crazy hunch.

Block better, pass better, run better and get a turnover or two and convert this time. Go Maroons....prove yourselves worthy.

After a very tough loss to Somerset Friday, the players, coaches & cheerleaders from Taylor County met at the 50 yard line with the Somerset faithful, took a knee and ministered to the SHS players. According to my sources at SHS, they even encircled the team, joined hands and prayed together.

I've seen this before and it demonstrates the sportsmanship that can occur in high school athletics. Outstanding leadership coaches and players from Taylor County...you are winners in my book!!:thumb::thumb::thumb:

How did this game go and how did GC beat Wayne?

Upset of the region

PC 27

LC 22

John Cole 18, John Coomer 12, Kenny Hughes 12, Chad Shoemaker 6 + Extra Points, Thanks to a great O & D Line effort (can't forget who actually makes the team go!!!)

Garrard County 13

This is a Somerset/Taylor thread and you can take some cheese with that whine back to Corbin. Your team played a great game against the Jumpers so accept the win with grace and don't tarnish the SHS team. They're pretty good too.

I believe the biggest turnaround in this area was in 1999 when Danville beat Somerset in the district regular season, then Somerset upset Danville for the regional title at Danville. Other then that, I can't remember many of those happening.