[Senters_93]

I know Beechwood, LCA and Owensboro Catholic lose a lot. Mayfield and Murray return a lot, but one cancels the other out since they share districts. Somerset loses their QB, but return their two best playmakers. Breathitt County returns like 19/22 starters. Bracken Co returns their best players and a big offensive line. Prestonsburg return 20/22 starters.

2A won’t be as strong as it has been the last few years, mostly because the COVID holdbacks are gone.

Belfry will be in the mix, but 2025 may be the last Belfry team to contend for a state championship for awhile, because they’ll be graduating a lot next season.

Even when Belfry is having a down year, ya never count em out

[Belichick]

Next year will be Belfry’s best chance at a state championship for a while. That ‘26 class won a couple of state championships in junior high and mostly stuck together. I think they expected at least one trip to Kroger and maybe before now. It’s a good group but they have just ran into a couple of good players the last 2 years that kept them out. Injuries hurt them last year too. They were fairly healthy this time around. If they get another year like that next year, I think they’ll get there.

[OutlawJoseyWales]

Next year will be Belfry’s best chance at a state championship for a while. That ‘26 class won a couple of state championships in junior high and mostly stuck together. I think they expected at least one trip to Kroger and maybe before  now. It’s a good group but they have just ran into a couple of good players the last 2 years that kept them out. Injuries hurt them last year too. They were fairly healthy this time around. If they get another year like that next year, I think they’ll get there.

It is a good group.  They will have a great opportunity next year.  Definitely some things to work on...but the pieces are in place.   two biggest issues next season:  1.  Defensive presence overall and 2.  Improved special teams play.    If you can address those two areas.......Belfry should be seasoned for another deep playoff run.

[Jim Brown Fan]

im gonna have a lot of positives to say later but ill get my negative out to start

i always be the first to admit that the personnel isn’t great but at what point do we need to have talk about the defensive coordinator continuing to call the defense in a way that does nothing to address the talent deficiency in the front 3 and especially 7?????? still the same look with no stunts no wrinkles nothing it was great when you had d1 linemen up front like Horton and Bentley but that’s been 8 years now…… they do nothing to compensate for it……… and then they sit in cover 4 every single play……. Belfry failed to get a single stop tonight. The union county coach said on the radio before the game they aren’t going to change anything on defense they will sit in the cover 4 3-4 and stay in it………… Special teams sucks don’t get me wrong and that changed the game with the early kickoff but at this point the vanilla defense has been a repeated problem almost every single year since Horton walked across the stage at graduation…… gave up 435 yards tonight!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE

2017 eliminated giving up 60
2018 eliminated giving up 41
2020 only gave up 10 in a loss
2021 won state but gave up 28 and needed Dixon to run for 400 yards
2022 eliminated giving up 48
2023 eliminated giving up 24 never got a stop
2024 eliminated giving up 43 never got a stop

2019 the defense was fine with baisden BUT if this is the guy they are leaving the keys to when haywood retires you might as well consolidate the program with pike central!!!!!!!

btw you have a former college special teams ga on your staff doing very little LET HIM RUN YOUR SPECIAL TEAMS ISNT like he can make it worse!!!! they have sucked all year and the last few years

end on a positive though the team will have plenty of weapons next year in their arsenal……. Thank you seniors!!!!!

When I look at the box score of this game, something happened at halftime. The two teams played a good even game the second half. Some good adjustments must have been made. Or maybe no turnovers which would help the defense.

[EKUAlum05]

im gonna have a lot of positives to say later but ill get my negative out to start

i always be the first to admit that the personnel isn’t great but at what point do we need to have talk about the defensive coordinator continuing to call the defense in a way that does nothing to address the talent deficiency in the front 3 and especially 7?????? still the same look with no stunts no wrinkles nothing it was great when you had d1 linemen up front like Horton and Bentley but that’s been 8 years now…… they do nothing to compensate for it……… and then they sit in cover 4 every single play……. Belfry failed to get a single stop tonight. The union county coach said on the radio before the game they aren’t going to change anything on defense they will sit in the cover 4 3-4 and stay in it………… Special teams sucks don’t get me wrong and that changed the game with the early kickoff but at this point the vanilla defense has been a repeated problem almost every single year since Horton walked across the stage at graduation…… gave up 435 yards tonight!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE

2017 eliminated giving up 60
2018 eliminated giving up 41
2020 only gave up 10 in a loss
2021 won state but gave up 28 and needed Dixon to run for 400 yards
2022 eliminated giving up 48
2023 eliminated giving up 24 never got a stop
2024 eliminated giving up 43 never got a stop

2019 the defense was fine with baisden BUT if this is the guy they are leaving the keys to when haywood retires you might as well consolidate the program with pike central!!!!!!!

btw you have a former college special teams ga on your staff doing very little LET HIM RUN YOUR SPECIAL TEAMS ISNT like he can make it worse!!!! they have sucked all year and the last few years

end on a positive though the team will have plenty of weapons next year in their arsenal……. Thank you seniors!!!!!

When I look at the box score of this game, something happened at halftime. The two teams played a good even game the second half. Some good adjustments must have been made. Or maybe no turnovers which would help the defense.

Belfry turned it over. They threw an Interception.

What happened to cause an even 2nd Half:
The game was out of reach, Union just stuck to doing what they needed to secure the W..
Belfry got the ball to open the Half so they had an extra possession...
Union kneeled out their last possession. It was the only time Belfry stopped Union.

[pirateforlife]

im gonna have a lot of positives to say later but ill get my negative out to start

i always be the first to admit that the personnel isn’t great but at what point do we need to have talk about the defensive coordinator continuing to call the defense in a way that does nothing to address the talent deficiency in the front 3 and especially 7?????? still the same look with no stunts no wrinkles nothing it was great when you had d1 linemen up front like Horton and Bentley but that’s been 8 years now…… they do nothing to compensate for it……… and then they sit in cover 4 every single play……. Belfry failed to get a single stop tonight. The union county coach said on the radio before the game they aren’t going to change anything on defense they will sit in the cover 4 3-4 and stay in it………… Special teams sucks don’t get me wrong and that changed the game with the early kickoff but at this point the vanilla defense has been a repeated problem almost every single year since Horton walked across the stage at graduation…… gave up 435 yards tonight!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE

2017 eliminated giving up 60
2018 eliminated giving up 41
2020 only gave up 10 in a loss
2021 won state but gave up 28 and needed Dixon to run for 400 yards
2022 eliminated giving up 48
2023 eliminated giving up 24 never got a stop
2024 eliminated giving up 43 never got a stop

2019 the defense was fine with baisden BUT if this is the guy they are leaving the keys to when haywood retires you might as well consolidate the program with pike central!!!!!!!

btw you have a former college special teams ga on your staff doing very little LET HIM RUN YOUR SPECIAL TEAMS ISNT like he can make it worse!!!! they have sucked all year and the last few years

end on a positive though the team will have plenty of weapons next year in their arsenal……. Thank you seniors!!!!!

When I look at the box score of this game, something happened at halftime. The two teams played a good even game the second half. Some good adjustments must have been made. Or maybe no turnovers which would help the defense.

Belfry turned it over. They threw an Interception.

What happened to cause an even 2nd Half:
The game was out of reach, Union just stuck to doing what they needed to secure the W..
Belfry got the ball to open the Half so they had an extra possession...
Union kneeled out their last possession. It was the only time Belfry stopped Union.

What was your thoughts on the game plan for Belfry on defense? Playing 2 safety’s 12 yards off the ball and corners 10 yards off receiver when they clearly had no intentions of throwing it was confusing. Whether Belfry plays a ground and pound team or a team that wants to throw it every play they play the same base defense. It was clearly early that wasn’t going to work. Marcum  and wolford should have got more time on defense to help stop the run.

[Shogun]

Next year will be Belfry’s best chance at a state championship for a while. That ‘26 class won a couple of state championships in junior high and mostly stuck together. I think they expected at least one trip to Kroger and maybe before  now. It’s a good group but they have just ran into a couple of good players the last 2 years that kept them out. Injuries hurt them last year too. They were fairly healthy this time around. If they get another year like that next year, I think they’ll get there.

It is a good group.  They will have a great opportunity next year.  Definitely some things to work on...but the pieces are in place.   two biggest issues next season:  1.  Defensive presence overall and 2.  Improved special teams play.    If you can address those two areas.......Belfry should be seasoned for another deep playoff run.

Somerset has had the benefit of being the 2nd best team in the East under the current alignment, which essentially guaranteed them a spot in the semis the past two years. Under the new alignment, Belfry should be that team, so as long as they don't get killed by RPI they should be right there playing for a spot in the championship game next year. 2A has been stronger than 3A for a while but a lot of question marks in 2A next year. Beechwood graduates Hayden, Owensboro Catholic is losing Atwell, LCA losing Howard and Edwards, so we'll have to see who steps up for those teams. I believe Mayfield and Somerset return their core playmakers so they both should take a step forward next year, but still a lot of unknowns going into next season. On paper it definitely looks like Belfry should be in the title mix in 2A next year.

[EKUAlum05]

im gonna have a lot of positives to say later but ill get my negative out to start

i always be the first to admit that the personnel isn’t great but at what point do we need to have talk about the defensive coordinator continuing to call the defense in a way that does nothing to address the talent deficiency in the front 3 and especially 7?????? still the same look with no stunts no wrinkles nothing it was great when you had d1 linemen up front like Horton and Bentley but that’s been 8 years now…… they do nothing to compensate for it……… and then they sit in cover 4 every single play……. Belfry failed to get a single stop tonight. The union county coach said on the radio before the game they aren’t going to change anything on defense they will sit in the cover 4 3-4 and stay in it………… Special teams sucks don’t get me wrong and that changed the game with the early kickoff but at this point the vanilla defense has been a repeated problem almost every single year since Horton walked across the stage at graduation…… gave up 435 yards tonight!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE

2017 eliminated giving up 60
2018 eliminated giving up 41
2020 only gave up 10 in a loss
2021 won state but gave up 28 and needed Dixon to run for 400 yards
2022 eliminated giving up 48
2023 eliminated giving up 24 never got a stop
2024 eliminated giving up 43 never got a stop

2019 the defense was fine with baisden BUT if this is the guy they are leaving the keys to when haywood retires you might as well consolidate the program with pike central!!!!!!!

btw you have a former college special teams ga on your staff doing very little LET HIM RUN YOUR SPECIAL TEAMS ISNT like he can make it worse!!!! they have sucked all year and the last few years

end on a positive though the team will have plenty of weapons next year in their arsenal……. Thank you seniors!!!!!

When I look at the box score of this game, something happened at halftime. The two teams played a good even game the second half. Some good adjustments must have been made. Or maybe no turnovers which would help the defense.

Belfry turned it over. They threw an Interception.

What happened to cause an even 2nd Half:
The game was out of reach, Union just stuck to doing what they needed to secure the W..
Belfry got the ball to open the Half so they had an extra possession...
Union kneeled out their last possession. It was the only time Belfry stopped Union.

What was your thoughts on the game plan for Belfry on defense? Playing 2 safety’s 12 yards off the ball and corners 10 yards off receiver when they clearly had no intentions of throwing it was confusing. Whether Belfry plays a ground and pound team or a team that wants to throw it every play they play the same base defense. It was clearly early that wasn’t going to work. Marcum  and wolford should have got more time on defense to help stop the run.

I know this staff pours their heart out for Belfry and spends countless hours working for those boys. I will not ever call for heads to roll or try to get in their pockets.

What I will say is this:
- Belfry has clear weaknesses. They have had them the past three seasons now. When you don't have the personnel to play someone straight up you have to take risks. We chose not to take those risks.

- I heard Bobby Norman comment once "Wolford comes in to replace Hylton" and my first thought was... "I really wish we could have arguably our two best defensive presences in the Front 7 playing at the same time instead of an either/or situation"

- There was a 3rd and Forever that Union converted in the First Half when Belfry was desperate for a stop where Johnson extended the play a little, his receiver ran a very generic comeback route about 5-7 yards short of the sticks, our CB dropped beyond the sticks after giving about 8 yards of cushion to start, as Johnson threw our CB slipped reacting, the receiver made an easy catch and got up field and converted the First Down because the safety had to come over to finish the tackle. This play summarized what is wrong with Belfry. We had no pass rush, our DE was guarding basically noone in the flats, and our zone fell apart because we were being reactive and conservative.

That may work against Lawrence County.. that may work if Ray Horton is rushing the passer and is unblockable... that may work is David Jones is the CB and even after slipping has 4.4 speed to recover and get back to the receiver... that may work if Cameron Catron is at Safety and diagnoses what's happening and comes over to tackle the guy short of the sticks... but that doesn't work with the current Belfry defense against a quality opponent. 

- The frustrating part of all this is you can probably copy and paste posts I have made where Belfry needs to address improvement after disappointing season ends. It all ultimately comes back to the fact we need to evolve and we need to stretch comfort zones.

We drive 8 hours instead of Union driving 8 hours because we fatigue/cramp and lose a game to GRC we should have never lost and Johnson Central drives it down our throat after getting a late lead? Athletic Training needs to evolve.

Our DB's simply do not understand how to defend receivers, how to break on the ball, or how to not get cooked on double moves? An evolution of how we address 7 on 7 from the Middle School on.

Our WR's only are asked to run a basic route tree, we lack a chemistry and timing often, and we force deep throws into coverage? 7 on 7 would help as well.

For Belfry to drive 60 yards in the Semi's it usually means 9-10 plays minimum... this means no penalties, no fumbled exchanges, no negative gains, and no incomplete passes. Every yard matters! Our chance of success infinitely goes down the longer we have to drive. In other words, the better our field position the better our chance for success.  Yet... we will gladly let our opposition average starting field position at the 35 because of Special Teams.. thus ensuring that if they gain one first down we must drive 80 yards.... SPECIAL TEAMS must evolve.

[EKUAlum05]

im gonna have a lot of positives to say later but ill get my negative out to start

i always be the first to admit that the personnel isn’t great but at what point do we need to have talk about the defensive coordinator continuing to call the defense in a way that does nothing to address the talent deficiency in the front 3 and especially 7?????? still the same look with no stunts no wrinkles nothing it was great when you had d1 linemen up front like Horton and Bentley but that’s been 8 years now…… they do nothing to compensate for it……… and then they sit in cover 4 every single play……. Belfry failed to get a single stop tonight. The union county coach said on the radio before the game they aren’t going to change anything on defense they will sit in the cover 4 3-4 and stay in it………… Special teams sucks don’t get me wrong and that changed the game with the early kickoff but at this point the vanilla defense has been a repeated problem almost every single year since Horton walked across the stage at graduation…… gave up 435 yards tonight!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE

2017 eliminated giving up 60
2018 eliminated giving up 41
2020 only gave up 10 in a loss
2021 won state but gave up 28 and needed Dixon to run for 400 yards
2022 eliminated giving up 48
2023 eliminated giving up 24 never got a stop
2024 eliminated giving up 43 never got a stop

2019 the defense was fine with baisden BUT if this is the guy they are leaving the keys to when haywood retires you might as well consolidate the program with pike central!!!!!!!

btw you have a former college special teams ga on your staff doing very little LET HIM RUN YOUR SPECIAL TEAMS ISNT like he can make it worse!!!! they have sucked all year and the last few years

end on a positive though the team will have plenty of weapons next year in their arsenal……. Thank you seniors!!!!!

When I look at the box score of this game, something happened at halftime. The two teams played a good even game the second half. Some good adjustments must have been made. Or maybe no turnovers which would help the defense.

Belfry turned it over. They threw an Interception.

What happened to cause an even 2nd Half:
The game was out of reach, Union just stuck to doing what they needed to secure the W..
Belfry got the ball to open the Half so they had an extra possession...
Union kneeled out their last possession. It was the only time Belfry stopped Union.

What was your thoughts on the game plan for Belfry on defense? Playing 2 safety’s 12 yards off the ball and corners 10 yards off receiver when they clearly had no intentions of throwing it was confusing. Whether Belfry plays a ground and pound team or a team that wants to throw it every play they play the same base defense. It was clearly early that wasn’t going to work. Marcum  and wolford should have got more time on defense to help stop the run.

So to answer your question after all that...What are my thoughts? 
Disappointed and discouraged. 

Yellow school bus on a road trip withstanding.. Belfry has proven that they will evolve the program when warranted. 

The way we view 7 vs. 7, the way we coach fundamental pass defense, the way we coach fundamental receiving, the way we coach Special Teams, and the way we handle Athletic Training are all getting passed by our peers we are competing with for State Titles. We don't have to fundamentally change the identity of the program but we do need to look hard and evolve in how we execute these things.

[Belichick]

My question the past 2 seasons was why Belfry won’t play some of their gifted offensive linemen on defense at tackle or end to help stop the run, especially in a game like Friday’s. They did it last season against JC and dominated them. That’s the only game I can remember them doing that a significant portion of the game. I would have considered planting a couple of those strong kids up front in this game and moving Hylton to outside LB. Seems his body type is great for that spot and he seems athletic enough to play there. Maybe it’s trying to feed too many mouths. Linebackers improved for Belfry this year but still need to take another step. The back end of the defense at safety also needs some size against teams like Union Co. The scheme about playing DBs so far off the ball was mentioned and I agree is hard to understand. I think you play them to run and make them beat you passing. Bring more than they have blocking and march the DBs up closer. Play some press. Everyone in high school is afraid to get beat deep.

[Khalisimo]

the problem in todays day and age is that any criticism, constructive or not, is used as ammunition to justify preconceived notions
i regret my post on friday night

[Redneck]

Next year will be Belfry’s best chance at a state championship for a while. That ‘26 class won a couple of state championships in junior high and mostly stuck together. I think they expected at least one trip to Kroger and maybe before  now. It’s a good group but they have just ran into a couple of good players the last 2 years that kept them out. Injuries hurt them last year too. They were fairly healthy this time around. If they get another year like that next year, I think they’ll get there.

It is a good group.  They will have a great opportunity next year.  Definitely some things to work on...but the pieces are in place.   two biggest issues next season:  1.  Defensive presence overall and 2.  Improved special teams play.    If you can address those two areas.......Belfry should be seasoned for another deep playoff run.

Somerset has had the benefit of being the 2nd best team in the East under the current alignment, which essentially guaranteed them a spot in the semis the past two years. Under the new alignment, Belfry should be that team, so as long as they don't get killed by RPI they should be right there playing for a spot in the championship game next year. 2A has been stronger than 3A for a while but a lot of question marks in 2A next year. Beechwood graduates Hayden, Owensboro Catholic is losing Atwell, LCA losing Howard and Edwards, so we'll have to see who steps up for those teams. I believe Mayfield and Somerset return their core playmakers so they both should take a step forward next year, but still a lot of unknowns going into next season. On paper it definitely looks like Belfry should be in the title mix in 2A next year.

Mayfield does return their QB, RB and top 3 WR’s. Not sure how many linemen on O or how many on guys on defense.

[NEXT]

the problem in todays day and age is that any criticism, constructive or not, is used as ammunition to justify preconceived notions
i regret my post on friday night

Please tell.

[Glory_Days]

This is how a thread should read from fans of the losing team. Disappointment is evident and understandable but in good taste. Analyzing what can be done to make the team better from breaking down how the game was played. People can and will have different opinions but overall, you folks are having an open discussion.

My hat is off to you fans of Belfry!! There aren't many times I pull for an opponent you play, and that percentage will only decrease. I have great respect for your fan base, players, coaches, and program.

Also, congrats to Union Co. Hope they can pull off a big upset over CAL.

[Jim Brown Fan]

im gonna have a lot of positives to say later but ill get my negative out to start

i always be the first to admit that the personnel isn’t great but at what point do we need to have talk about the defensive coordinator continuing to call the defense in a way that does nothing to address the talent deficiency in the front 3 and especially 7?????? still the same look with no stunts no wrinkles nothing it was great when you had d1 linemen up front like Horton and Bentley but that’s been 8 years now…… they do nothing to compensate for it……… and then they sit in cover 4 every single play……. Belfry failed to get a single stop tonight. The union county coach said on the radio before the game they aren’t going to change anything on defense they will sit in the cover 4 3-4 and stay in it………… Special teams sucks don’t get me wrong and that changed the game with the early kickoff but at this point the vanilla defense has been a repeated problem almost every single year since Horton walked across the stage at graduation…… gave up 435 yards tonight!!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE

2017 eliminated giving up 60
2018 eliminated giving up 41
2020 only gave up 10 in a loss
2021 won state but gave up 28 and needed Dixon to run for 400 yards
2022 eliminated giving up 48
2023 eliminated giving up 24 never got a stop
2024 eliminated giving up 43 never got a stop

2019 the defense was fine with baisden BUT if this is the guy they are leaving the keys to when haywood retires you might as well consolidate the program with pike central!!!!!!!

btw you have a former college special teams ga on your staff doing very little LET HIM RUN YOUR SPECIAL TEAMS ISNT like he can make it worse!!!! they have sucked all year and the last few years

end on a positive though the team will have plenty of weapons next year in their arsenal……. Thank you seniors!!!!!

When I look at the box score of this game, something happened at halftime. The two teams played a good even game the second half. Some good adjustments must have been made. Or maybe no turnovers which would help the defense.

Belfry turned it over. They threw an Interception.

What happened to cause an even 2nd Half:
The game was out of reach, Union just stuck to doing what they needed to secure the W..
Belfry got the ball to open the Half so they had an extra possession...
Union kneeled out their last possession. It was the only time Belfry stopped Union.

So, Union only had 2 possessions (3 counting the last one when they kneeled) the second half?

[Khalisimo]

the problem in todays day and age is that any criticism, constructive or not, is used as ammunition to justify preconceived notions
i regret my post on friday night

Please tell.

it quickly goes from "coaches need to improve at this facet of the game" to "everything sucks and i quit"
unfortunately we live in a time where anything short of bias towards an athlete will be received as a slight to individual players or their parents

---

once it reaches that point it becomes a game of finding a scapegoat to justify whatever they already felt so pointing out the defensive coordinators short falls goes from a constructive critcism made from a place of frustration to snowballing into much more

[Ghostofjoey]

One thing about a school like Union that makes them a unique group playing in a state championship is that they are a true home grown group. All Union Co. kids. In fact they have made it while being raided for recruits. There have been Union Co. kids at OCath, Henderson, Daviess Co, etc....over the last few years. So unlike many of the other teams at state this year, they have all of their own talent. Imagine how good they would be if they had all their kids.