[BlackcatAlum]

The Blackcats basically return their entire offense. Two starters graduated, WR Nathan Slone & (OG) Trevor Stovall. The Blackcats return their entire backfield, two leading receivers, quaterback, and four offensive linemen.

On defense the Blackcats graduate 5 starters, including their two leading tacklers, Trevor Stovall & Alex Griffith. The Blackcats will have to replace their entire LB corp. They also have to replace a defensive linemen & defensive back.

I expect to see much improved Adam Crisp next season. On paper he had a very good year, but didn't fair to well against some very tough competition and never showed any kind of leadership on offense. That's probably the most important thing he needs to work on, becoming the vocal leader in the huddle.

The offensive line returns a lot of size and should be one of the better offensive lines Pburg has had in recent memory.

I think we all should expect big things out of Jamerson, Williams, and Anderson. Each have speed and are great playmakers and all three should give any defensive secondary nightmares next season. I also want to see more Kain Collins. I don't think he got enough touches this past season, as he's a load to bring down and a great blocker. Just wish we'd do away with the jet sweep and bring back a the I-formation or just stick to the shotgun spread.

Defensively it's going to be tough for Pburg to replace Griffith & Stovall. Both were in about every play and made some big-time tackles during their careers. The coaches have a wide variety of players to choose from for the starting LB role. Collins, Keens, Robinson, Griffith brothers, and possibly a few more can really make an impact on defense. I think that's our only real question mark on the team is with the LBs. I'm confident in our DL & DBs, as we return a big line & a very quick secondary.

Schedule wise, all I've heard is that Belfry is moving to a later date in the season and I don't think we're playing on week 0. Also heard we're scheduling Lawrence County and of course our district with Betsy Layne, Shelby Valley, and Leslie County. Our region got much more tougher with LCA, Somerset, M'boro, and Danville. Pburg should be able to roll through the district yearly. I'd also like for us to drop Paintsville from the schedule and add Johnson Central (wishful thinking).

[cat86]

I have also heard through the grapevine that we are adding Hazard and Perry Central back to the schedule next year. What I heard was we open in week 1 with Sheldon Clark and Belfry gets moved to week 3. I assume we are dropping Matewan. That leaves a potential schedule of SC, Belfry, Betsy Layne, Shelby Valley, Leslie County, Lawrence County, Perry Central, Hazard, Pike Central with Pikeville and Paintsville possibly still being on the schedule. Don't know of any specific weeks, except for Belfry being week 3 or 4 and SC being week 1.

Pretty tough non-district schedule...

As for next year's team...we need a vocal leader on the field desperately. Talent is there, potential is there, all the ingredients for a very, very successful season are there. It is all a matter of how the parts gel, whether the leadership issues are corrected, and how much they improve in the off season.

There is alot of talent on the JV team waiting on their chance to play, as well as alot of incoming talent from Adams.

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

Well said from both of you guys. I especially agree with doing away with the jet sweep & if they put the ball in Collins hands more we could controll time of possession. He is a major load to bring down. Anderson needs to be more consistent in coverage to replace Slone, as IMO he was our shut down corner. Collins, Robinson, Keens, & the Griffith twins have big shoes to fill at the LB position but are all more than capable of doing so. Of course you know what to expect from Jamerson & Williams, but the major thing will be the development of Crisp in the off season. He must step up & run this team on the field & be a leader. I agree he faultered in most of the big games, but is definitly capable of better. There are also some up & coming JV players most have not heard of, but with experience could be a big surprise for many. Lets not forget the talent coming from Adams & Allen. Good luck in 2011 Blackcats. I'm sure as always Derossett & staff will get the most out of what they have.

[Irish#1]

The Blackcats open up with Sheldon Clark, Lawrence, Belfry, and then Perry Central. They do have Hazard, Pikeville, and Paintsville on the schedule as well but I'm not sure of the dates of those game as well as the district games.

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

Thanks for the info Irish#1. Looks like a tough non-district schedule as always. This type of schedule will get us ready for the playoffs.

[bac2369]

If P-burg plays hazard i shall be attending that game. I think the last time these two met was few years ago and hazard won 16 to 14.

[tebow]

I think the blackcats will be very dangerous. The only thing against them will be District #7. The four teams on the other side are pretty good and could knock off any team at any time. The black cat team will be good, just hope the loss of Coach Allen dont hurt the team to bad. Cant wait to see how they do next year.

[KY Headhunter]

Where is coach Allen going?

[cat86]

Nowhere. Got bumped up to Asst. Principal.

Also, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that being Asst. Principal disqualifies him from being an ASSISTANT coach. I think it just means you can't be the HEAD coach. Case in point: When Jerry Butcher was named Assistant Principal, he had to step down as Head wrestling coach, but was still able to participate as Assistant Coach.

I could be wrong (wouldn't be the first time...lol), but I think Jim Tom will still be calling plays and spotting from the booth for the Blackcats.

[tebow]

When Butcher coached they were out of tier status, now they are back in.

[joethegreek]

Yeah Prestonsburg wont be playing Matewan next year since the school is closing. I have heard that Pburg should be solid for the next three years

[Spud6]

I don't really know what to say about the Blackcats. When Burchett left, I said the Blackcats were gonna have a down year. But they proved me wrong! The Blackcats are always a tough game. No matter what! And their always gonna have a respectable season with some very good looking wins!

Good Luck Blackcats in the upcoming season!!!

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

I don't really know what to say about the Blackcats. When Burchett left, I said the Blackcats were gonna have a down year. But they proved me wrong! The Blackcats are always a tough game. No matter what! And their always gonna have a respectable season with some very good looking wins!

Good Luck Blackcats in the upcoming season!!!

Good Post.
Even Burchetts Senior year the barber shop talk was 5 wins max lol.

[PaintsvilleTigerfan]

Its good to hear that somewhere is treating Jim Tom the way he should be treated. Although I'm sure he will be missed as a teacher. He was one of the best I ever had going through school.