[EKUAlum05]

This "Pike Central vs. Phelps" and "Shelby Valley vs. East Ridge" non-sense is for the birds. Can someone name one positive for either team that comes from Pike Central and Phelps playing?


One Day- None of this two day non-sense at different locations. I am a traditionalist. Belfry has the better facility, but the Pike County Bowl was meant to be played at Pikeville. The Bowl needs to be Saturday only. End of story.

Teams- Belfry and Pikeville alternate the headliner games. The early afternoon (think 3:00) is awarded to the best program from the other county schools the previous years. Everyone else... enjoy your free slice of the pie, but I do not want to see you play football. Phelps go use this week to schedule Big Creek, WV. Shelby Valley go and play Haysi, VA. East Ridge go and play Jackson County.

Game 1- The afternoon game you bring in a regional "equal" opponent that will allow a competitive game and maximize the walk-up crowd. Examples: Pike Central vs. Hazard, Mingo Central, Letcher Central, etc. This does not need to be some blockbuster game with a team from Louisville. Minimize the cost, maximize the gate, and make it a game that makes that team better.

Game 2- Bring in a regional powerhouse. Once again...maximize that gate, minimize the expense. Now when I say "regional" that doesn't just mean EKY.

When Pikeville Plays This Game vs. Raceland, Clintwood, VA, Richlands, VA, Bluefield, WV, Somerset, Corbin

When Belfry Plays This Game vs. Harlan County, Rockcastle County, Mason County, Ashland, Wayne, WV, Portsmouth, OH, Parkersburg, WV

HEADLINER- WYMT will be all over the first two games due to local interest, and as I said, you have maximized your attendance as well. Now, with the added pot you have to work with thanks to these factors and the reduced expenses... you bring in the headline game form out of the region.

When Pikeville plays vs. Beechwood, NewCath, DeSales, Wheeling Central Catholic, WV, Thomasville, NC, etc

When Belfry plays vs. Lexington Catholic, Bowling Green, Christian County, Boyle County, Columbus St. Francis Desales, OH, Dobbyns-Bennet, TN, etc

I'll take it a step further. Make it a festival to further increase your revenue. Have local bands playing on a stage at the baseball field. Have facepainting booths, let street vendors sell funnel cakes, have local businesses running games and promotions, have someone give away a shot at a New Car or 10,000.00 if you are drawn and can complete a 40 yard pass into a target.