[PaytoPlay]

Belfry travels to Knoxville, TN to take on the two time defending 3A state champs.

IMO this would be a difficult game for Belfry to win at full strength. With all of the key guys out, seems like a steep uphill battle.

Thoughts/predictions?


P.S. Moderators please add a poll.

[64SUR]

Belfry 28 CAK 27 man this is going to be a tough one anyway go irateSho irateSho irateSho

[AtlPirateFan]

I have never been a fan of undefeated regular seasons, even more so when the team blows out everyone they face. To me that leaves a lack of experience against adversity when it comes to the playoffs and is very detrimental to a team.

I think win or lose it's a great time in the year to play CAK. A banged up Belfry team gets to play against the odds. The coaches get to put more of the young depth on the field when it matters, not just when they are blowing someone out.

All of that being said I don't know what to make of the CAK game. What I can find of CAK is they are currently 2-4 (ranked 3002 nationally to Belfrys 948 by Maxpreps, not that there is a ton of stock in that). Their only two wins appear to be against much weaker teams and they have been manhandled in all but one of their losses (17 - 14 loss to undefeated Knoxville Christian). It's that game that leads me to believe this could be the 2013 Pirates "humbler", which in my opinion a good "bring em down to earth" loss is always good at the end of the regular season.

If the Pirates were healthier I would say the "humbler" comes to Lawrence or more likely JC.

Healthy / wishful score:
Belfry 35
CAK 21

Current Knowledge:
CAK 28
Belfry 21

Those predictions could change as more light is shed on this game by those with more knowledge than I.

[PaytoPlay]

Just so that everyone gets a full picture of where Belfry enters into this game. At the end of Fridays contest, they were without the following players:

DE - Jacob Fransisco (started and injured week 1)
DE - Austin Hall (replaced Fransisco and has started since)
DE/FB - Austin Hatfield (2 way starter/game changing FB)
S - Kaleb Edwards (starter)
S - Cameron Johnson (starter/also 2nd WR)
CB/WR - Keaton Taylor (2 way starter/playmaking WR)
RB - Justin Johnson (3 year starter/home run hitter)
RB/CB - Xondre Willis (first reserve in O and D backfield)

If all of these guys sit out, we will lose badly IMO.

[GREENEVILLE]

This is nowhere near the same CAK team from thow past years. They have lost ALOT! They are down

[Dropaduece]

Sending Pirates across the border to rape and pillage. I love it. Oh yeah Belfry's football teams is going also to play a game while their fans are raping and pillaging. I got Belfry by a deuce.

[pirateforlife00]

Greeneville, what players do we (Belfry) need to look out for from CAK? Do they have any studs that could cause Belfry problems?

[E's Army]

Good luck to Belfry. Hope you bring home the W.

[RunItUpTheGut]

This is nowhere near the same CAK team from thow past years. They have lost ALOT! They are down

Many think CAK could give Belfry a run for there money with all the players Belfry has sitting out. Its common knowledge that Belfry will have a cake walk to get to the 3A state title game, and this could be there only real test, other than Johnson Central before they get to the playoffs.
How has CAK fared this year?

[EKUAlum05]

This is nowhere near the same CAK team from thow past years. They have lost ALOT! They are down

I would really like a healthy Belfry team's chances looking at results this year.

The problem is Belfry could be missing anywhere from 2 starters up to 8 starters entering this game due to injuries and suspensions including 4/6 of the Pirate's top skill players on offense as well as both starting DE's and Safeties.

Belfry is the consensus #1 team in 3A in the polls... but the product that was on the field at the end of Friday's game following injuries is far from that distinction.

[cuppett777]

I would really like a healthy Belfry team's chances looking at results this year.

The problem is Belfry could be missing anywhere from 2 starters up to 8 starters entering this game due to injuries and suspensions including 4/6 of the Pirate's top skill players on offense as well as both starting DE's and Safeties.

Belfry is the consensus #1 team in 3A in the polls... but the product that was on the field at the end of Friday's game following injuries is far from that distinction.

whats the injurys and who sits out for suspensions and why did they get suspended?

[EKUAlum05]

whats the injurys and who sits out for suspensions and why did they get suspended?

P2P has a good run down on who got injured above...don't think we will know their status until later this week if at all.

Cameron Johnson was ejected and thus suspended... if he did not throw a punch I am sure there will be an appeal and automatic 2 game suspension may be reduced to a single game, but nonetheless I don't expect him to play Friday.

[Westside]

P2P has a good run down on who got injured above...don't think we will know their status until later this week if at all.

Cameron Johnson was ejected and thus suspended... if he did not throw a punch I am sure there will be an appeal and automatic 2 game suspension may be reduced to a single game, but nonetheless I don't expect him to play Friday.

Would he have to sit out this game considering they are playing in Tennessee?

[Granny Bear]

^^
I was wondering the same thing, Westside.


I don't know anything about why he was suspended other that the "gossip". From THAT, I understand he was acting like a little banty rooster, running his mouth, but NO punches. LOL
Can you imagine a teen aged boy acting like that???
(sarcastic!)


"I have never been a fan of undefeated regular seasons, even more so when the team blows out everyone they face. To me that leaves a lack of experience against adversity when it comes to the playoffs and is very detrimental to a team".

I couldn't agree more. When I coached basketball, if we had an undefeated season, there was always one team that I would schedule a scrimmage with that I knew would test us to the limit. I'm also just a little superstitious about undefeated regular seasons.....

[bucslover68]

Injury update from BHS medical staff as of yesterday afternoon.
Francisco still out and no timetable for his return.
Except for X Willis my source said, "Everyone else not too bad."
I took that to mean that no other major injuries, not necessarily saying they will all play this week.
Keaton Taylor fine...good to go.
Austin Hatfield and Edwards should be good.
Austin Hall and JJ...Questionable, but probably could play with a little pain...will be up to how aggressive the coaching staff is with their playing time.
When asked about X Willis, my source said, I don't know if he tore anything. I hope not. But I have a bad feeling."
Cameron Johnson out, but who knows how long. He is also the long snapper on extra points and punts.
NONE of this is official as to who will play Friday. That is up to the DR. and the coaches and I will update if I get more info.

[FreightShaKer]

Belfry will be fine

[cuppett777]

Injury update from BHS medical staff as of yesterday afternoon.
Francisco still out and no timetable for his return.
Except for X Willis my source said, "Everyone else not too bad."
I took that to mean that no other major injuries, not necessarily saying they will all play this week.
Keaton Taylor fine...good to go.
Austin Hatfield and Edwards should be good.
Austin Hall and JJ...Questionable, but probably could play with a little pain...will be up to how aggressive the coaching staff is with their playing time.
When asked about X Willis, my source said, I don't know if he tore anything. I hope not. But I have a bad feeling."
Cameron Johnson out, but who knows how long. He is also the long snapper on extra points and punts.
NONE of this is official as to who will play Friday. That is up to the DR. and the coaches and I will update if I get more info.

thank u BUC

[bucslover68]

I like the Big Red in a close one if they improve their tackling. 28-24 Belfry.

[PaytoPlay]

Assuming A. Hatfield is back, he, Carr, and the Oline need to take this team on their shoulders. It is time for Carr to get a ton of carries and pound the rock second man through.

[EKUAlum05]

Having Keaton and Hatfield back would be huge. There alone you have 4 starters back and give your offense a whole new complexion.

CAK is a spread team and very pass heavy. Will be a huge test for Belfry who traditionally needs work against the passing game. Keaton and Edwards takes your secondary from severely depleted back to serviceable at least.

Belfry will need all hands on deck and their A game against a team who supposedly has their backs against the wall needing a win against Belfry to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Supposedly they are two plays away from being 4-2 as a questionable call and a missed FG as time expired have cost them two games. In order to reach the playoffs they need to get to 5-5 on the season and with two lay-up games left it means their 3rd win will either have to be against Belfry or a loaded Alcoa team. I fully expect Belfry to get CAK's best shot.

[WideRight05]

My prediction:

CAK - 35
Belfry - 27

If it were for the state championship....

CAK - 48
Belfry - 21

[bucslover68]

My prediction:

CAK - 35
Belfry - 27

If it were for the state championship....

CAK - 48
Belfry - 21

It is not Central Academy of Knoxville there WIDE LOL...nice to see you back...no one said EVER:biggrin: In reality Belfry rarely gets blown out in State Championship games. Not saying they win them all, that is obvious, but out of 9 tries, only two can be considered blowouts. 1979, when we beat Highlands' tail in the semis, and in 2010 when we really weren't too good.

[KYHSFBFan]

This CAK team is nowhere near the team they were the last 2 years, but, still a formidable foe. There losses have been to very good teams, so, they don't lack from playing good competition. Belfry will have to be able to pass the ball some, at least. They won't be able to just line down and run over this team. I think they may put a few good drives together doing that, but, CAK is very well coached and they will make adjustments, as needed. Currently, in the AP poll, CAK isn't ranked in the Top 10, but, several of the teams ranked ahead of them have gaudy records but haven't played anyone. They're definitely one of the Top 10 teams in 3A, most likely in the 4-6 range, so, I wouldn't put much stock in there record or ranking..

[Granny Bear]

Belfry will be Belfry

Pondy Pirates 35
Central Academy 28
nicker:


Oh, and in all seriousness, sooo glad the kids are expected to be back!!

[bucslover68]

Injury update and looks like BHS is taking the conservative approach to this game IMO. I don't blame them one bit because there are bigger fish to fry than this game. Cameron Johnson out two weeks for his suspension. JJ, Hatfield and now Horton added to the list as doubtful. I didn't realized Horton was hurt. X Willis waiting on MRI of knee, but fear is tear of ACL. Anyone with any other info feel free to post.

So things going for Belfry this week...well...LOL...seriously...They are competitors...Haywood finds ways to compete and make games close...If all the players are held out that I mentioned above, and Belfry wins or is in a close game, then he is indeed the miracle man.

Things going against Belfry:
1. Suspension
2. Injuries
3. Long trip
4. Playing a "still good" team with a poor record
5. CAK coming off a bye week.

I never really pick against the Pirates, but if you take away as many weapons as potentially will be missing. I find it hard that they can win. Word has it, that if it was a "big" district or playoff game, that a lot of these kids that could play would play. My gut feeling is that Belfry will play hard and compete for awhile, but may come up short. Should be interesting and will definiely continue to build depth for the Pirates.

[cuppett777]

Injury update and looks like BHS is taking the conservative approach to this game IMO. I don't blame them one bit because there are bigger fish to fry than this game. Cameron Johnson out two weeks for his suspension. JJ, Hatfield and now Horton added to the list as doubtful. I didn't realized Horton was hurt. X Willis waiting on MRI of knee, but fear is tear of ACL. Anyone with any other info feel free to post.

So things going for Belfry this week...well...LOL...seriously...They are competitors...Haywood finds ways to compete and make games close...If all the players are held out that I mentioned above, and Belfry wins or is in a close game, then he is indeed the miracle man.

Things going against Belfry:
1. Suspension
2. Injuries
3. Long trip
4. Playing a "still good" team with a poor record
5. CAK coming off a bye week.

I never really pick against the Pirates, but if you take away as many weapons as potentially will be missing. I find it hard that they can win. Word has it, that if it was a "big" district or playoff game, that a lot of these kids that could play would play. My gut feeling is that Belfry will play hard and compete for awhile, but may come up short. Should be interesting and will definiely continue to build depth for the Pirates.

that would stink for X, i think his brother trey had the same injury few yrs back..

[BelfryPride]

or here

http://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/63315

[Pirate1991#8]

The good thing about BELFRY is that we got backups that can step up and produce as well...We will be fine...I hope X is ok because that kid is a hard worker....

[WideRight05]

It is not Central Academy of Knoxville there WIDE LOL...nice to see you back...no one said EVER:biggrin: In reality Belfry rarely gets blown out in State Championship games. Not saying they win them all, that is obvious, but out of 9 tries, only two can be considered blowouts. 1979, when we beat Highlands' tail in the semis, and in 2010 when we really weren't too good.

I would rather be Bowling Green and just get pasted every year in the finals against the top teams than to have superior teams run into a brick wall every year. Belfry was a far superior team in 08, and a superior team in 2011. Let's face it, it shouldn't happen, especially with the best coach in state history roaming the sidelines. Of course, if any team could throw it away, Belfry would.

Oh, let's not forget about this little team called Breathitt. They're known to sneak up some years too. nicker:

[Granny Bear]

I've never seen more heart on a football field than I saw from Belfry earlier in the year! Yep, miracle man or not, I still think they will bring home a "W"!!