[Micro-Brew]

Oh I agree with the schedule statement as much as I possibly could. It’s easy to get complacent, go through the motions, etc, when you essentially just have to line up and run whatever you want and it’s successful. But the last two times Raceland has seen Pikeville, schedule, imo didn’t matter. We simply weren’t strong enough to withstand four quarters of football against Pikevilles over all team strength and athleticism. I hope Pikeville continues being who they have been. I don’t want an “oh by the way” first state championship. Though I would take ANY title game lol, I would rather see us do it against the best and right now, that’s Pikeville and it’s not even close.

Another thing that some don’t think about when it comes to the strength of schedule, is seeing the atmosphere, facilities, etc of power house schools when you travel. Playing top tier programs goes beyond the game itself when you are trying to build long term success. Especially when you do it with the blue collar mentality that the top teams in all of EKY have done, it’s pretty remarkable.

Raceland is trying to do just that. Pikeville, Belfry, Johnson Central, Bell in their big time, when Breathitt was rolling, Hazard, Paintsville, these teams, to accomplish what they have with the population density, financial struggles of Appalachia, on the field, in the class room, is remarkable. Even comparing apples to apples when we saw the East/West alignment in the playoffs. Mayfield vs Williamsburg, Johnson Central vs Cov Cath, Pikeville vs Beechwood, Beechwood vs Raceland, Paintsville vs KCD. These western teams don’t typically have the resources in the area to support the type of talent pool that those of CKY, NKY, and WKY. It’s a fact.

It’s what I love about small school ball especially public’s and independent schools. Sadly the powers that be are trying to squeeze all they can to make them a thing of the past. I follow all of Hs sports. But HSFB in KY, classes 1-3 are where my heart is. But even for the JCs, Belfry’s, and other big mountain schools to have the success they have is really impressive.

Great post SB. I’ll fully admit, I troll Raceland a little but honestly it’s because I knew last year they were Pikeville’s biggest threat. Raceland always has my full attention and respect. Great program and always plays hard. I’ll never forget in 2018 when Pikeville literally had them on the ropes for a knockout and they get a kickoff return for a TD to open the second half from Hughes I think, sorry I’m old lol. Then all of the sudden they bring that thing back to a dang dogfight. To me that’s the mark of tough kids when you can fight through adversity and never give up. Scotty I always enjoy your posts and posters like you are why I get on here…..posters that bring great sustenance to the forum while even being biased can also be realistic. I’ll always root for Raceland most of the time. I don’t think they’re going away anytime soon. Plenty of future battles with the Panthers are definitely in the cards.