[orisonspi]

Prestonsburg "GAVE" nothing away to Belfry last year. It was commented that Pburg has let 3 games slip through their fingers...I disagree. The playoff game from 2003 was Belfry's to lose...the Pirates played a subpar game and that was arguably the bets Blackcat performance of the season.

The regional final game last year also was a game that I felt Belfry kept in hand throughout. The Pirates established their tempo, the Pirates forced P-burg to play their style, and the Pirates sealed the deal and the Blackcats fate. Prestonsburg went completely away from what was working for them as Compton became a one way threat, instead of a two way threat. The Blackcat success came solely through hitting their tight ends, stretching Belfry deep with Ousley, THEN utilizing the run. That second half Pburg displayed no apparent signs of a passing game and played right into Belfry's strength\, the running game. It also forced a Blackcat team full of two way players to play a more smashmouth style which proved fatal against a Belfry line that was in much better shape.

I will agree that the first meeting last season was a game the Blackcats appaeared to be a better team. But, that regional final game was proof that Belfry was clearly the best team by season's end.