[#55PirateFan]

Heard some of the folks on here saying Dixon didn’t play because he was too hurt. Then I’ve heard some folks allude to the fact that Dixon could’ve played but a late decision was made to sit him due to his injury. No doubt Dixon is a tremendous talent and would have made a difference in the game. But the question I have is, is it possible that the Belfry coaching staff made the call to sit Dixon because they didn’t think they’d need him to beat Pikeville at CAM? I think that’s a valid question and completely not out of the realm of possibility...

That is absolutely a valid question, and a good one. But I'll say this, in my honest opinion, no way did the coaching staff hold him out of the game because they thought we didnt need him. The coaching staff and the true Belfry fans knew this would be a toss up game that could go either way. Sure, all of us on Pond Creek thought we could have won this game and predicted that we would have. Same as Pikeville folks. But everyone on the Creek was nervous for this one and now you see why. Issac Dixon would have absolutely played if the coaching and medical staff thought he could without making his injury worse. He wasn't held out because they thought they had this game in the bag. If that was the case, I promise you he'd been in there the last 2-3 series, dont you think? Everybody wanted this win, on both sides of the mountain. Thats what rivalry games are about. But was it worth trying to play a kid, one of the best on the team if not the best, that was hurt instead of making sure he's 100% healthy for district play and a deep run in the playoffs? I think the right call was made. This loss hurt pride, but that's about it. After the last two weeks of football, everyone can see 3A is still up for grabs and Belfry, in my opinion, still has a great chance of winning a championship. The "Big Three" in 3A have all struggled. Friday night Belfry lost to a really good team, hands down the best team in 1A, by one point. It happens. Everyone knows what Belfrys record has been against Pikeville the last 20 years. Your not going to win them all. I hate we lost but I'm also happy for the seniors on that Pikeville team to have finally climbed the so called hill and got that win they all wanted. They played their hearts out and earned that win. It wasnt given to them. They wanted it and they went out and got it, and on Pond Creek at that. So theres no way I was about to make any kind of an excuse to why we lost and take away what those kids fought so hard for and finally achieved. There is no excuse. Pikeville beat Belfry and thats that.

Sorry for the long post just wanted to give those young Panthers some praise that they battled for and earned. I hope I answered your question about Dixon too. Trust me my friend, like I said, nobody on that staff or the real fans were overlooking the Panthers. We knew what they were bringing to the table.