[OutlawJoseyWales]

Guys, I don't think you can really comprehend what these young men and their parents are going through tonight. Trust me, you have really achieved a great feat when you have made it to the big dance 7 years and a row and won 4 straight. Others tend to hate you for what you have achieved but, you have to remember it is almost unheard of to do what Belfry did. Take it from someone who saw his own son's dreams crash last year in the semis after the same run. I would like to say the pain and numbness will end, but, I would be lying. Just focus on the fact that you were great and every streak meets its end.

Thanks for the kind words. Yes....I have a crushed son.....and it’ll take some time to pick up the pieces. He has some championship rings....and Lord willing will have the opportunity to earn a couple more before he’s done. But he’s hurting....and as a Father....of course you hurt with him. Sometimes you just don’t have the words....and you just try and dry up the tears.

First off....I want to congratulate the Central players and their staff. Coach Dantlzer put together a well executed game plan. They kept Belfry on our heels....and due to a slew of turnovers by the Pirates....Central played virtually stress free all night. When you give a team with great athleticism that type of advantage....on their home field.....it’s gonna be a tough row to hoe.

On top of the that.....I don’t care who you are....when you lose 3-4 starters...including an All Stater like Derek Wellman....your room for error is nil. To Centrals’ credit, they attacked Belfry’s Achilles heel (defensive line play) to perfection.....and once we got down.....our troubles continued to build like a snowball rolling down a hill. Just no answers....and not enough personnel to try and address it on the fly.

So for all the naysayers and the folks who’ve gotten tired of seeing Belfry hoisting State championship trophies....yes....someone else will do that honor this year. Will it be Central? I have no idea. Can they Beat Boyle Co or Corbin? No guess. All I know is they were the best team tonight.

As for the Pirates.......go ahead and revelle now.....because Belfry will be back on the prowl next season. The Belfry Staff did a Herculean job rebuilding this Offensive line after the massive losses from last year....and IMO....it’s been the best OLine in 3A. That line returns. Skill kids galore. The biggest question surrounding this team next year will be defensively. I said it before the season and during ....the D-Line was a huge issue. Tons of heart....just not a lot of size and strength. Ultimately it caught up with us tonight against a well coached, well disciplined team.

Good luck to the remaining teams.....