[Black Bear Cuz]

JC fans have a great deal of respect for Belfry. In any given year, the JC-Belfry game can go either way. But you have most Harlan County fans who have seen both teams play, as well as some Belfry fans who are familiar with JC's program, saying that JC is better than Belfry at this point of the season.

Johnson Central fans know from experience that Belfry, like JC, often starts slowly but is a totally different team by playoff time. The fact that both Belfry and JC seem to be developing ahead of schedule this season tells me that the late season match-up will be a classic.

Bottom line - at this time the top two teams in the Mountains are:

1. Johnson Central
2. Belfry

That order does not change if you include Pulaski County, Wayne County, Ashland, or any other foothills team in the list. The gap between JC and Belfry and whichever team is #3 will not get any smaller than it is right now.

With JC traveling to Belfry this season, I would not be surprised at all if the Pirates find a way to win that game, but except for the possibility of the teams suffering injuries, the game is always a great send-off for both teams as they head into the playoff season.

Until (and unless) JC loses a game, the Golden Eagles deserve the King of the Mountains title.

I have seen both teams and JC looks like the better team and should be #1 right now but Belfry is built to compete with them and they have a great coach and a great program! That will be one SLOBBER KNOCKER of a game! Well worth the price of admission!!!