[Walt Longmire]

So all one has to do is play a tougher schedule to be successful in the playoffs?? Mercer, Marion and Taylor play tougher schedules for the mere fact that they are in your district. With no disrespect to them where has it gotten them. Boyle beat Highlands twice in 2003, but besides those years the results have not been too good. Someone needs to inform all the other coaches this magic key to winning in the playoffs so we all can challenge Highlands.

Oh you've got to have some talent and coaching as well. But a schedule that prepares you for the teams you'll see in the playoffs is a good part of the equation. It's easy to get on here and claim that your defense and offensive line have improved since last year. Anyone could look good beating up on 10 opponents who finished a combined 32-77 on the year. The one time that they played a team with a strong offensive and defensive line and a balanced offense they were spanked 49-21--and they scored their last touchdown on the Pulaski reserves. The Lakers struggled with turnovers that game...I wonder why? Do you think it might have something to do with Taylor County, Campbellsville and Casey County not preparing them for the speed, strength and physicality that they faced from the Maroons? I'd say it did.

There's absolutely nothing that the Lakers can throw at the Knights on Friday that their schedule hasn't prepared them for. Russell County certainly won't be bigger, faster, stronger, more physical or better coached than Bowling Green, St. Xavier, Bryan Station or Boyle County. Meanwhile it has been 9 weeks since the Lakers have seen a team even approaching Catholic.

You have to have a schedule that prepares you for the playoffs to succeed in the playoffs. Name the last state champion in any class that played a schedule like the Lakers have this season. You won't find one. Besides, not every team can win a state championship--just getting out of the second round and maybe winning a regional title would have to be considered a success when you have never done it before. Honestly, I'm rooting for the Lakers on Friday. I don't care too much for private schools. However, I think the lack of competition on their schedule will go a long way into deciding this game. By the time the Lakers adjust to the speed of playing a real team they could find themselves down 2-3 scores.