[#55PirateFan]

Belfry and Johnson Central has never had the feel of a big rivalry to me. Probably because they have been in different districts and classes for years. Before Coach Matney arrived, there was no rivalry because Belfry won most games in the series convincingly. It was hard to have a rivalry when one team does all the winning. The coaching staffs of the two schools always seemed to get along and during seasons when the two did not schedule games, they often scrimmaged.

The annual game between these two teams now seems like a friendly, hard hitting warm up for the playoffs following weak district competition for both teams, with both hoping to avoid serious injuries. The hatred between players, fans, and coaching staffs that often come with intense rivalries just does not seem to exist between Johnson Central and Belfry.

If Highlands had kept Johnson Central on the schedule after moving to 5A, I think that series would have made for a great rivalry. Highlands should play in the class where they belong and or add the Golden Eagles to their schedule and agree to play in Paintsville every other year.

If Ashland was not afraid to schedule Johnson Central except when the KHSAA put them in the same class and district, that could have been a decent rivalry. Beating the Tomcats like a drum never gets old and on the rare occasions when Ashland beats JC, it is as close to a state title as they ever get. :biggrin:

I agree Hoot. These two teams just don't seem like rivals to me. To much respect and friendships between the two coaching staffs and even with the players.

I think Belfry is a bigger rival with Pikeville than they are with the Eagles. Although the series has been pretty one sided in the last 10 years, it still feels like a rival. And the Panthers have had some GREAT teams over those years especially the last two wins they had, this year and 2015. And no matter the score, the always play hard. And before 2000, the rivalry was pretty even, if I'm not mistaken.

And don't you worry none about Ashland, we got this for you! 😂 They can run from the Eagles, but they ran head first into the Pirates. Now they can't dodge Belfry, unless they just can't make it far enough in the playoffs to face the Pirates. My buddy Tomcat Pride can troll and talk all the trash he wants to but, in the end it's the same result, he's watching the finals from his momma's basement! He'd be better off taking up another hobby because he's doing nothing but embarrassing himself on here! 😂