[panther nation]

Knox Central's ability to keep this close begins and ends with their ability/inability to hurt Harlan County outside or with the threat of the pass early in the game.

Belfry's offense made HC's defense look a lot more vulnerable than it really is, but noone this side of I-75 has the skill players that Belfry has. HC was unable to focus on a single key point to stop Belfry and the threat of the pass, the option, the super talented FB, and Belfry's lightning quick HB. This eventually left HC in a guessing game and that's when the yardage accumulated in a hurry.

Gist is a darn fine RB, but if KC can't stretch the Bears to the sideline and loosen up their LB's then he will struggle to gain 100 yards. I think the single greatest weakness HC has this year is they are not an especially fast or overly athletic team. They are vulnerable outside to a team who has the threat of balance. Unfortunately, I don't see KC having the team speed to do this, nor the quickness up front on defense to contain the Black Bear running attack.

I do agree the key for the panthers to win this is they have to stretch the field. Can't just rely on the run it up the middle. HC is just to strong in the middle. KC has to hit the edges and some down field passes. That might open the middle up some. If they don't do this its going to be a very long night for the panthers.

Belfry showed the blueprint on how to beat HC. Now it's up to KC to follow that blueprint to the letter to win this. Have to keep fresh legs in there as much as they can.