[Buc-a-roo]

The game is against Christian Academy of Knoxville, on the road. They did beat Alcoa last season and won the state championship. This will be a huge test and the Pirates will be a decided underdog in this one. I like it.

We were in talks with Swain Co NC but that fell through.

Pikeville is still on the schedule.

We need 1 more game, in week 3.

Schedule right now looks like this

Somerset (PCB)
@ Harlan Co
OPEN
Pikeville
Sheldon Clark
Gallia Academy OH
@ Christian Academy of Knoxville TN
Lawrence Co
@Pike Central
Johnson Central

[pirateforlife]

Anyone know why there is no Ashland on next year's schedule?

[Buc-a-roo]

After East Ridge dropped out of our district, it freed up a spot for everyone in our district. Even though they had a verbal agreement to continue the series, Ashland then dropped Belfry so they could pick up Sheldon Clark.

Apparently Coach Hart wanted to make the schedule a little easier for his successor.

[PaytoPlay]

Any idea who is in the mix for the final spot Buc?

The Belfry o-line is a major question mark going into next year. They will need to solidify early or Belfry will drop some games.

[pirateforlife]

Belfry's O-line will be the biggest question mark heading in to next year for sure. 4 out of 5 starters graduate this year and the only one's who return who played any significant minutes last year are Macky Francis and Zach Lester. Wonder if Mike Barnes will take one of those 4 open spots? The only question there is he will be Belfry's starting nose guard next year and I just don't know if he's in good enough shape to play both sides of the ball.

[Buc-a-roo]

Any idea who is in the mix for the final spot Buc?

The Belfry o-line is a major question mark going into next year. They will need to solidify early or Belfry will drop some games.

At this point, I really couldn't say, other than it needs to be an away game and it looks like it won't be close to home.

[pirateforlife]

Hey Buc-a-roo, how come we are playing teams farther away from than usual? Couldn't we get a good team closer than Knoxville to play us? Maybe one of the 6a schools out of Lexington like Bryan Station or Scott County? You seem to know alot so how exactly does this whole schedule thing work? What school in Kentucky would you compare the Knoxville team to? Are they loaded with alot of athletes like Central is?

[pirateforlife]

This schedule looks as difficult as one that I have seen in a while but it can only help in the playoffs. Just look at Central, they never have the best regular season record but they always play the best teams in the state which makes them more prepared than any other 3a team in the state. I remember last year Coach Scroggins was naming the teams they had on their JV schedule last year and it was murderer's row for them. He said they played St. X, Scott County, Trinity, John Hardin, and a few more I can't recall.

[cuppett777]

Hey Buc-a-roo, how come we are playing teams farther away from than usual? Couldn't we get a good team closer than Knoxville to play us? Maybe one of the 6a schools out of Lexington like Bryan Station or Scott County? You seem to know alot so how exactly does this whole schedule thing work? What school in Kentucky would you compare the Knoxville team to? Are they loaded with alot of athletes like Central is?

Central cant hang with that TN team either,only teams in KY would probally be Trinity,X,and Highlands, and maybe BG

[cuppett777]

The game is against Christian Academy of Knoxville, on the road. They did beat Alcoa last season and won the state championship. This will be a huge test and the Pirates will be a decided underdog in this one. I like it.

We were in talks with Swain Co NC but that fell through.

Pikeville is still on the schedule.

We need 1 more game, in week 3.

Schedule right now looks like this

Somerset (PCB)
@ Harlan Co
OPEN
Pikeville
Sheldon Clark
Gallia Academy OH
@ Christian Academy of Knoxville TN
Lawrence Co
@Pike Central
Johnson Central

^
I like it alot

[EKUAlum05]

Absolutely love the approach the staff is taking right now. Let's be honest...Belfry is going to be a considerable favorite to come out of the East again. This schedule is all about taking possible L's in September in exchange for possible W's in November.

Somerset: This is supposed to be the strongest Somerset team in recent memory. Top 3 2A Team.

Harlan County: Black Bears are expected to be a Top 5 5A team and a legitimate contender to get to BG.

Gallia Academy- This is a team equal to the level of Ironton. Direct replacement for losing Ashland.

Johnson Central- Eagles should be a Top 10 4A team.

Pikeville- Panthers, IMO, will be a Top 5 1A team and have a strong chance of reaching BG out of the East.

Christian Academy of Knoxville- I dont know what they have coming back, but for comparison sake their Maxpreps National Ranking was higher then John Hardin, Central, LexCath, and PRP. They would be considered the #6 overall team in KY by MaxPreps.

[EKUAlum05]

FWIW,

Christian Acad. of Knoxville had two guys on this year's squad who have verbally committed to Tennessee:

OL Brett Kendrick- Also had an offer from Arkansas
WR Josh Smith- Also had an offer from Arkansas and Cincy

QB Charlie High looks like a FCS prospect

[PaytoPlay]

I love the commitment they are showing to being successful. I wonder if they will drive down the night before the game or drive to Knoxville that day.

As for the line - E. Stanley and D. Mullins both have good size, as does rising So. Gibbs.

[cuppett777]

that my friend is one of the toughest schedules in the state besides teams not named trinity,X,highlands...

[cuppett777]

Absolutely love the approach the staff is taking right now. Let's be honest...Belfry is going to be a considerable favorite to come out of the East again. This schedule is all about taking possible L's in September in exchange for possible W's in November.

Somerset: This is supposed to be the strongest Somerset team in recent memory. Top 3 2A Team.

Harlan County: Black Bears are expected to be a Top 5 5A team and a legitimate contender to get to BG.

Gallia Academy- This is a team equal to the level of Ironton. Direct replacement for losing Ashland.

Johnson Central- Eagles should be a Top 10 4A team.

Pikeville- Panthers, IMO, will be a Top 5 1A team and have a strong chance of reaching BG out of the East.

Christian Academy of Knoxville- I dont know what they have coming back, but for comparison sake their Maxpreps National Ranking was higher then John Hardin, Central, LexCath, and PRP. They would be considered the #6 overall team in KY by MaxPreps.

Maxpreps must be smoking a little something lol,they would have to be top 3 at least,i dont think any of the those u listed could stay within 14 points..

[cuppett777]

anyone heard who the last team in the open date will be? or they just going leave it open?

[DaBears]

Maxpreps must be smoking a little something lol,they would have to be top 3 at least,i dont think any of the those u listed could stay within 14 points..

So you are saying Harlan Co. couldnt stay within 14 points of Belfry?

[cuppett777]

So you are saying Harlan Co. couldnt stay within 14 points of Belfry?

no i didnt say that i was implying the where EKU said that maxpreps said the team from TN,that Belfry was playing would be number 6 in the state of KY, and i said that those couple of teams listed above the TN couldnt stay with 14 points of the TN team,this is how things get started,people dont read EVRYTHING,lol

[DaBears]

I wasnt trying to start anything. Just trying to ask a QUESTION. so calm the hell down.

[cuppett777]

I wasnt trying to start anything. Just trying to ask a QUESTION. so calm the hell down.

i wasnt bent out of shape,but again, i didnt say anything about your bears...

[PaytoPlay]

For any of you fans who watched the JV/Frosh teams last season, what Soph's to be have a chance at making an impact this next season?

Anyone think Haywood will work Wellman or Frosh Catron toward being the backup QB so Keaton Taylor can focus on RB/WR playmaking?

I hate this time of year because the season is so far off. I can't help but be excited about the possibility of a VERY good offense, IF the o-line can play at a high level. I expect Carr/Taylor/Hatfield/Warren to be very good in the running game. We will need someone to step up at TE and be not only just a good blocker, but a target in the passing game.

Still find myself seriously questioning whether or not the DE/LB play will be good enough to make Belfry a real contender to get over the hump and actually become the bride instead of the bride's maid. On the bright side, the front 3 all return intact and should occupy blockers.

[cuppett777]

For any of you fans who watched the JV/Frosh teams last season, what Soph's to be have a chance at making an impact this next season?

Anyone think Haywood will work Wellman or Frosh Catron toward being the backup QB so Keaton Taylor can focus on RB/WR playmaking?

I hate this time of year because the season is so far off. I can't help but be excited about the possibility of a VERY good offense, IF the o-line can play at a high level. I expect Carr/Taylor/Hatfield/Warren to be very good in the running game. We will need someone to step up at TE and be not only just a good blocker, but a target in the passing game.

Still find myself seriously questioning whether or not the DE/LB play will be good enough to make Belfry a real contender to get over the hump and actually become the bride instead of the bride's maid. On the bright side, the front 3 all return intact and should occupy blockers.

they had one of the better TE in the state (Messer) but they didnt use him even, so i doubt there going use anybody else anymore,but would love to see them do it,also whats the latest on JJ, is his career over for good?

[PaytoPlay]

They did use Messer. Obviously not as much as you hoped they would but they used him. In fact, he was prominantly featured in big moments - as in the Ashland game.

I too would like to see a bit more play action (or even straight drop back) passing on 1st down. Haywood obviously likes to run the ball on first down and get yardard so that his offense stays at the proper down and distance. If 1st down results in an incomplete pass, you have two downs to pick up 10 yards. It is very hard to argue with his philosophy because it works great 95 percent of the time. Now that Warren has a year under his belt in the offense, perhaps he will be more willing to go to play the air on 1st down.

I apologize for not referencing Justin Johnson in my previous post. I was there in Ashland and for Breathitt County though, and don't paint me optimistic on his return. I hope I am wrong because he is a tremendous talent.

[cuppett777]

thats ok on jj, i know they used Tony but like i said not as much as they should,lol

[Belfry0304]

I disagree with ya, man. Our offense isn't built to have to get 10 yards in 2 plays, it's built for 3 or 4 yards a play. That's why we turn 'er loose more often passing on 2nd and short. First down is the most important down in football. I think no matter where Keaton plays he should STILL be reserve QB, he is daggon good at it.

[EKUAlum05]

I disagree with ya, man. Our offense isn't built to have to get 10 yards in 2 plays, it's built for 3 or 4 yards a play. That's why we turn 'er loose more often passing on 2nd and short. First down is the most important down in football. I think no matter where Keaton plays he should STILL be reserve QB, he is daggon good at it.

Respectfully, at this point getting over the hump in Bowling Green is all that comes to mind to me (especially with a weak Eastern bracket next year). The problem with the 3 or 4 yard offense is when you meet a team like Central who can take that one down to either create a no gain or a negative play. Then instead of 3rd and 2, it is now a 3rd and 6.

What I felt hurt Belfry the past two years was the lack of guys who could consistently be counted on for that timely 6 yard pop where they either outquick a defender to the whole or make that little juke to get leverage and get that extra 2 yards. Surprisingly enough the only back who was showing this side was Hatfield the FB.

Thinking back to the Howard/Jones tandem, that is what differentiated themselves from the backs that came after them. Both of those backs had the ability to consistently turn that 3 yard gain into a 6 yard gain by continuing the run.

The past few years when you see Belfry after a negative play or a no gain situation they have been very predictable on 3rd Down and 6 situations. Either they are bringing the option or they are running play action. The Pirates desperately need a back who can take a quick pitch, plant his leg, get his shoulders square, and attack a pursuing defenders back shoulder and force him to make a stop. Just having that threat in the backfield will create hesitation and potentially keep defenses (like in the Ashland and Central games) from pinning their ears back on 3rd and Long and sending the house at Sani.

For this reason I think I would rather see Taylor on the field as much as possible at HB/WR.

[FBALL]

Absolutely love the approach the staff is taking right now. Let's be honest...Belfry is going to be a considerable favorite to come out of the East again. This schedule is all about taking possible L's in September in exchange for possible W's in November.

Somerset: This is supposed to be the strongest Somerset team in recent memory. Top 3 2A Team.

Harlan County: Black Bears are expected to be a Top 5 5A team and a legitimate contender to get to BG.

Gallia Academy- This is a team equal to the level of Ironton. Direct replacement for losing Ashland.

Johnson Central- Eagles should be a Top 10 4A team.

Pikeville- Panthers, IMO, will be a Top 5 1A team and have a strong chance of reaching BG out of the East.

Christian Academy of Knoxville- I dont know what they have coming back, but for comparison sake their Maxpreps National Ranking was higher then John Hardin, Central, LexCath, and PRP. They would be considered the #6 overall team in KY by MaxPreps.

Gallia Academy, at least historically, is not on the same level as Ironton.

[cuppett777]

Respectfully, at this point getting over the hump in Bowling Green is all that comes to mind to me (especially with a weak Eastern bracket next year). The problem with the 3 or 4 yard offense is when you meet a team like Central who can take that one down to either create a no gain or a negative play. Then instead of 3rd and 2, it is now a 3rd and 6.

What I felt hurt Belfry the past two years was the lack of guys who could consistently be counted on for that timely 6 yard pop where they either outquick a defender to the whole or make that little juke to get leverage and get that extra 2 yards. Surprisingly enough the only back who was showing this side was Hatfield the FB.

Thinking back to the Howard/Jones tandem, that is what differentiated themselves from the backs that came after them. Both of those backs had the ability to consistently turn that 3 yard gain into a 6 yard gain by continuing the run.

The past few years when you see Belfry after a negative play or a no gain situation they have been very predictable on 3rd Down and 6 situations. Either they are bringing the option or they are running play action. The Pirates desperately need a back who can take a quick pitch, plant his leg, get his shoulders square, and attack a pursuing defenders back shoulder and force him to make a stop. Just having that threat in the backfield will create hesitation and potentially keep defenses (like in the Ashland and Central games) from pinning their ears back on 3rd and Long and sending the house at Sani.

For this reason I think I would rather see Taylor on the field as much as possible at HB/WR.

the one play that hatfield broke for like 20 yds when Belfry was deep on there side or the field, i belive if that would have been jj he takes that to the house and scores,maybe even Taylor would have,they got to get some speed in the backfield like a jones and howard...

[BoondockSaint]

Johnson would have never been in position to make a play 20 yards down the field against Central. You can't get 20 yards running east/west.

Not having a 3-step drop passing game, or an effective screen play, is what hurt us in this year's title game. Play-action on 3rd & long against a team bringing the house will get zero positive results everytime.

[Belfry0304]

Johnson would have never been in position to make a play 20 yards down the field against Central. You can't get 20 yards running east/west.

Not having a 3-step drop passing game, or an effective screen play, is what hurt us in this year's title game. Play-action on 3rd & long against a team bringing the house will get zero positive results everytime.

EKUAlum, a first down pass would be a good short slant or screen play, however taking a deep shot that doesn't connect puts you in a likely 2nd and 10 hole. I like my chances at 3.3 yards a play with our running/short passes than taking a deep shot then having to get 5 in 2 plays. Several times on third down that Sani got nailed I thought a HB screen play may have been housed. As old school and predictable as it sounds, I like a solid predictable carry on first down. I kinda wish we'd get into the old wishbone at times and run quick hitting dive plays with Carr. He's capable.

Some other points of emphasis are improving lineman quickness, when the linebacker beats the pulling guard to the play ... that sure does ruin your entire counter series.

And Saint, agree with Johnson. That handoff to Hatfield was a quick hitting dive play as well.