[bucslover68]

Lost of valid points made by lots of people. Belfry's fate in any season historically depends on two things...1) Are we fairly healthy and 2) Can we hang on to the ball...If these two things happen, Belfry rarely loses regardless of their pass defense. Obviously the talent level has been down the last couple of years on the defensive side of the ball, but gees there is no way you can continue the talent they had in 15 and 16 and even several years before that. With that being said, Belfry has the makings of being a really good D this year, but pre season injuries have already taken place and there is such a fine line as far as depth goes. You would love to be able to rest Ben and Dixon and Coleman some even the first few games of the season, but there is little experience behind them. But you look at kids like Cook and Mounts and Washington and Ashurst and Baisden along with the secondary guys, the experience and talent is there.

Offensively, this is as dangerous a combination of talent as Belfry has had in a long time. Bentley played hurt and still dominated teams at times and Dixon had a sophomore year as good as anyone in Belfry history. They both can run and catch if asked to and they are tough as they come. If Hensley goes at FB the speed factor is unreal. Hensley needs to stay healthy and secure the football every play.

There are a lot of questions, but there always is. Belfry has set the bar high and trying to get back to a state championship game is the goal then let the chips fall where they may.

The numbers they have compiled over the last 17 seasons is phenomenal and historical for eastern Ky HS football.
16/17 years with 10 or more wins.
7 straight state finals appearances
4 straight championships
76 wins in their last 86 games
55-5 in their championship run with losses only to JC twice Pikeville once Cabel Midland once and Knoxville Catholic once.

As far as Pikeville, I think they are the favorite from the east no doubt and they have a great chance to get back to Kroger. The young QB has to mature and as usual the line has to gel. Pikeville is never the biggest, but they usually develop a cohesive unit.

The receiving core is a great one with Hensley, Pugh, and the new kidand others. Coach Mac has the horses IMO to get it done.

Scrimmages start this week, so it really starts to get good.