[#55PirateFan]

O line is still definitley a work for sure. They have their moments and they seem to have some good pieces, but we are spoiled by what we have had the last few years and it's just not there as a unit right now. Getting Cochran back should help and every game should build more cohesiveness. The individual pieces are not bad but the group as a whole has to come together.

The Pirare O-Line is definitely a problem. And I haven't seen any improvement from game one through game three to be honest. And we should have atleast seen some improvement by now. Some of the guys are completely missing blocks, giving up on blocks way to soon, and at times look like they don't even know what play is being run or what blocking scheme was even called. And that's not good. Even worse, some of the underclassmen are "getting their feelings hurt" when the senior leadership gets on to them when their not giving 100% or when they continue to make spring practice mistakes. This group better toughen up and leave their feelings at home or they'll never come together as a unit. That comment may ruffle a few feathers but I dont care. It's the truth. Some of these guys need to grow up!

As far as the Pikeville vs Belfry game:

Offensively: I think the Pirates will be just to much for the Panthers Friday night. I think we'll control both LOS's and I also think our backfield of Coleman, Bentley, Hensley, and Dixon will just wear down the Pikeville defense as the game goes along. I believe the Panther D will start out holding their own but will tire out later in the game from having to chase these guys around the field. And I know and understand that Pikeville has athletes and tons of speed as well but Belfry's long, methodical drives will eventually wear their defense down from having to stay on the field chasing those guys around. BUT, if Pikeville can find a way to force a bunch of Pirate three and outs and a couple turnovers then it could be a different story all together but I just don't see that happening.

Defensively: Belfry's defense this year is playing lights out! If anyone tells me they saw this coming before the season started, well, I wouldn't call you a liar but I would question your honesty. Lol! Our D-Line led by Big Jake Baisden has been down right scary. Our LB's and DE's are just knocking the hell out of everybody. And our secondary has great speed and are hitting as hard as the LB's. As a unit, these guys have been very impressive to say the least. I'm not going to sit here and say that we will totally dominate the Panthers and completely shut them down because if I did, or if anybody else says that, then we should all lose our credibility. Pikeville will score points. They have a fantastic team and playmakers all over the field on both sides of the ball. I just believe the Pirates will eventually wear them down and take over the game in the end. Good luck to both teams Friday night. And I hope and pray we can escape without anymore injuries on either team. God knows we've had a seasons worth already.

Belfry 42
Pikeville 24