[Daddycat27]

Upstart Pirates provide challenge for Black Bears
By JOHN HENSON
Managing Editor
Published:
Thursday, October 9, 2008 1:41 AM EDT

The off-again, on-again Harlan County-Powell County matchup that was the focus of much speculation during the off-season has turned into a bigger game than most expected in the preseason.

Powell officials dropped the game last spring in protest because they were upset the new Harlan County High School was allowed to play one season in 3A in Cawood’s spot before moving up to 5A next fall when a new alignment goes into effect and schedules can be adjusted. The decision was eventually reversed because the Pirates would not have been allowed to participate in the playoffs if they didn’t play all the teams in the district.
The change of heart turned out to be wise move for the Pirates as both teams appear headed for the playoffs in the five-team District 6 of 3A after posting wins earlier this season over Fleming County.

Harlan County (3-2 overall, 1-1 district) could set up a showdown on Oct. 24 against Estill County for second place and a home playoff game with a win over the Pirates in the 7:30 p.m game Friday in Stanton. Powell County (4-2 overall, 1-1 district) would likely move into third place in the district with a win over the Black Bears.

Powell won only three games last year and appears headed for one of the best records in school history with games still to play against Betsy Layne and Berea.

“We’ve made improvement, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” said Powell County coach Mike Whitaker, a former Leslie County star who went on to play quarterback at Eastern Kentucky University. “We are just now getting into kind of the meat of our schedule.”

The Pirates are led by sophomore tailback Jesse Rose, who has rushed for 611 yards in six games.

“Rose is just a sophomore, but he’s one of the toughest running tailbacks we’ll face all year,” Harlan County coach Tom Larkey said. “He’s got good speed and also plays good defense.

“They are a well-coached team and they’ve got different types of offenses they run. They do a lot of different multiple sets. They run it well and throw it well. They have a lot of different screens, and they can keep you guessing and off guard defensively.”

Senior quarterback Billy Rice (6-4, 195) has completed 64 of 130 passes for 987 yards, including 26 to Jared Barron and 16 to David Crowe.

“(Rice) has a rifle arm and a couple of good receivers. He runs the ball well, too,” Larkey said.

The Black Bears have had two weeks to recover from a 47-7 drubbing at the hands of Breathitt County, which broke a three-game winning streak.

Senior tailback Nathaniel Gilliam has led the Harlan County offense through five games with 506 yards rushing. Senior running back Glenn Roberts has added 24 carries for 171 yards, and senior Lance Simmons has contributed 147 yards rushing and 93 receiving.

“They are very athletic and deep and don’t play a lot of people both ways,” Whitaker said. “The key for us is staying fresh and healthy and trying to keep them from making big plays.”

Senior quarterback Zach Blanton is expected to return to the starting lineup this week for the Bears after having the cast removed from a broken wrist he suffered early in the season. Blanton is still limited by a brace on his left hand and may be restricted to taking snaps in the shotgun formation.

The Bears should be given a lift by the return of junior end Dwight Burgan from an injury, but Harlan County will likely play without standout tackle Cody Ison, who will serve a one-game suspension.

“We have to play good fundamental football and whip them on the line of scrimmage all we can,” Larkey said. “They are going to be sending everybody after us. Our line has got to pick up these blitzes.

“I think we need to try and get on top of this team if we can early and show them we are there to win. I think we’ve got a good shot at them, but it’s not going to be a piece of cake.” Go Black Bears!!!!:notworthy