[jetpilot]

I agree, if you would read my post...I said the teams that Belfry has faced when they have lost....In 1979, Belfry went against Franklin Simpson with two UK signees when Simpson was in the midst of back to back AAA titles...In 1985, Tilghman had multiple division one signees. Central has had a bunch during their great run...Yes, championships are championships, and I put a whole lot of weight on Pikeville's 3 straight and the fact they did it first in Ky. is huge IMO...But If Belfry would have to go against that type of competition for state every year...You cannot honestly sit there and say they wouldn't have many more than Pikeville...

If Belfry had to play Beechwood in the semis every year they might not have any. Heck if they played in Class A this year they would have no shot vs. Mayfield. If you resort to ifs you are going to lose the argument every time. Pikeville lost to great teams in the finals as well - to great Trigg Co., Fort Campbell and Beechwood teams. Pikeville could easily have 3 or 4 more championships if you want to get into the ifs. All we know for sure is Pikeville has more than Belfry.

[jetpilot]

BTW the Harrodsburg team you scoffed at that Pikeville beat had UK signees just like the FS teams Belfry lost to.

[Panther Thunder]

I agree, if you would read my post...I said the teams that Belfry has faced when they have lost....In 1979, Belfry went against Franklin Simpson with two UK signees when Simpson was in the midst of back to back AAA titles...In 1985, Tilghman had multiple division one signees. Central has had a bunch during their great run...Yes, championships are championships, and I put a whole lot of weight on Pikeville's 3 straight and the fact they did it first in Ky. is huge IMO...But If Belfry would have to go against that type of competition for state every year...You cannot honestly sit there and say they wouldn't have many more than Pikeville...

Not gonna get into a huge argument, but I will question one thing. If the class system we have is generally accepted is necessary, Pikeville won all the games in the post season against the best of the other schools of common size. No kidding if Class AAA Belfry were in Class A they would probably have more success (Theoretically). I agree with JP though, some of those Beechwood, Mayfield, Danville, NewCath teams the last 25 years weren't exactly slouches.

[bucslover68]

I agree they have more and that won't be replaced for now, and I like our banter back and forth but you can at least throw some objectivity in your arguments..Even when Pikeville has had most of their best teams ever, one school during the regular season always battled the Panthers tough...Belfry...in 87 and 91, the maroon pounded the Pirates and in some other years, they beat them pretty good too, but during recent history, except for a couple of years, Pikeville has not been competitive and it is a shame for Pike County and Kentucky football that they have not played for a state title in 20 years. Would any fan have believed that 20-25 years ago? The present future does not bode well either...Belfry has handled the maroon for 10 straight years and this Friday does not offer much hope in that changing...Good luck to PHS the rest of the year!!!

[Panther Thunder]

The big thing that sticks out to me about "tradition" is longevity. And while certain posters want to make it out that Pikeville has been good for 5 years in the school's history, it is a lot more than that. An undefeated 1955 team, I believe. State Runner-up in the 70's and 90's. And just to have been playing football since the days of a man like Gene Davis. I think a lot gets lost in tradition with consolidation. Which is why schools like Pikeville, Belfry, Paintsville, Corbin, Ashland, etc... Should all be mentioned. I have a lot of respect for the Belfry program and what they have done through out their history. I think it is only fair to show the same respect, and not belittle entire decades just because some want to narrow the success of Pikeville High School to three seasons. It is much more than that.

[bucslover68]

I agree Thunder totally...but PHS claims, and I do not dispute, that maybe the 87 team was best in all classes...so the argument is really..How good of a football team do you really have regardless of what class you are in??...In 1989, Pikeville won a title without being the best team in the county...You see...you are either a really good team..or you are a really good Class A team and Pikeville has been both, just as Belfry has... Some years, even last year, Belfry was average IMO...they got hot at the right time and played their best ball in the playoffs and got a second place trophy to show for it...But you are not gonna find anyone on Pond Creek start rating last year's team up with the greatest of the Pirate teams.

[bucslover68]

And i certainly didn't belittle entire decades except pointing out facts of my own team...I agree with you on just about everything. but so many Pike fans just bring up those 3 championships and that is about it...tradition means for a long time being good at something and both of these schools have been...but if you take a ten year stretch of excellence, you must take a 10 year stretch of mediocrity, because tradition covers all of that...Anyway...good points on all fronts IMO, and the best thing for Pike would be to get back to a state championship and put some substance back into some of the talk of some of their more unobjective fans jive!!!

[jetpilot]

Belfry's 2003 team that beat Elizabethtown for the title would have got waxed by Danville, who rolled throught the playoffs that year. They only lost one game (to Boyle County) and beat Highlands at Highlands.

In 2004 the Belfry team that beat O Catholic for the title would have got creamed by Beechwood, who rolled through the playoffs, killing the aforementioned Danville team in the finals. They lost one game that year, to Cov Cath by one point.

So since we are playing the if game, IF BELFRY WAS IN CLASS A THEY WOULD NOT HAVE ANY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Yet bucslover acts like winning a state championship in Class A doesn't count for much.

Edit: Did he just use the word "jive?"

[bucslover68]

I have told people that out of the 4 teams I watched that day in 2003, that Danville was the best...their backfield was scary...In 2004, I disagree,but that's cool...I think Belfry was the best of the 4...Last year I thought Mayfield was much better than Belfry's runner-up team in AAA...But you know at least I can be objective some...Question Pilot...Has Pikeville ever had a bad team, you don't seem to think so?...Getting beat by South Floyd and Neon a couple of times over the years must have stung at least a little bit...Just kidding brother...come over and get some good food Friday night...All Panther fans are welcome IMO!!! Just bring your own drinks is all we ask!!!

[jetpilot]

I have told people that out of the 4 teams I watched that day in 2003, that Danville was the best...their backfield was scary...In 2004, I disagree,but that's cool...I think Belfry was the best of the 4...Last year I thought Mayfield was much better than Belfry's runner-up team in AAA...But you know at least I can be objective some...Question Pilot...Has Pikeville ever had a bad team, you don't seem to think so?...Getting beat by South Floyd and Neon a couple of times over the years must have stung at least a little bit...Just kidding brother...come over and get some good food Friday night...All Panther fans are welcome IMO!!! Just bring your own drinks is all we ask!!!

Surely to God drinking doesn't take place at Belfry games!!! j/k I hope to be there.

[bucslover68]

Surely to God drinking doesn't take place at Belfry games!!!

Nawww not too much....BTW Pilot, EKU left us hanging...I know you like to get under the skin of the Belfry fans, but I like good discussions is all I really like...In the whole scheme of things maybe all this stuff isn't that important, but I have always loved high school football and I have been, at times, real close to the Panther program...That is why I can see both sides of this type of argument...I hope they can get it back on track soon!!

[jetpilot]

Nawww not too much....BTW Pilot, EKU left us hanging...I know you like to get under the skin of the Belfry fans, but I like good discussions is all I really like...In the whole scheme of things maybe all this stuff isn't that important, but I have always loved high school football and I have been, at times, real close to the Panther program...That is why I can see both sides of this type of argument...I hope they can get it back on track soon!!

Oh EKU will have plenty to say tomorrow lol. I hope Pikeville gets back to the glory days too, it really could happen. It should be so much easier with six classes. Hope for a good game Friday and a game which can actually benefit both teams. I have nothing but respect for Belfry and can a moderator please delete this last sentence haha...

[bucslover68]

Oh EKU will have plenty to say tomorrow lol. I hope Pikeville gets back to the glory days too, it really could happen. It should be so much easier with six classes. Hope for a good game Friday and a game which can actually benefit both teams. I have nothing but respect for Belfry and can a moderator please delete this last sentence haha...

Yep the 6 class system blows, but it is what it is and I still love Friday nights and I know that is something that we all can agree on...I was talking to one of Pike's assistants earlier and we talked about the same thing about Pikeville learning a lot from this game and Belfry trying to keep progressing too!!

[Blau Vogel]

Most victories in the state...Top 10 in victories in the country...Since the playoffs began in 1959, average a state championship appearance every 2.1 years with a state championship every 2.6 years.

[EKUAlum05]

Well shoot.. forget a program that I would have gladly listed upon being reminded and all hell breaks lose and suddenly there is a petition being drawn up to delete the Belfry State Championships from the record books. Glad to know my opinion and endorsement means so much

[EKUAlum05]

oh eku will have plenty to say tomorrow lol. I hope pikeville gets back to the glory days too, it really could happen. It should be so much easier with six classes. Hope for a good game friday and a game which can actually benefit both teams. i have nothing but respect for Belfry and can a moderator please delete this last sentence haha...

fify

[Stardust]

Most victories in the state...Top 10 in victories in the country...Since the playoffs began in 1959, average a state championship appearance every 2.1 years with a state championship every 2.6 years.

Sounds like the program is in need of a change.......nicker:

[jetpilot]

Well shoot.. forget a program that I would have gladly listed upon being reminded and all hell breaks lose and suddenly there is a petition being drawn up to delete the Belfry State Championships from the record books. Glad to know my opinion and endorsement means so much

You don't have to be reminded about Pikeville, we all know Pikeville is on Belfry fans' minds 365 days a year. Nice edit job too haha...

[bac2369]

Hazard has a rich tradition no championships but played in 2A until 1988. Hazard may of hazard a few titles back in the 60's except for a very well known team that beat them everytime in Highlands. Hazards total wins is standing at 572 which is outstand puts them at 13th in all time wins. Hazard started football in 1926. Other Mountain teams notable in wins are Somerset, Middlesboro and Paintsville.

[EKUAlum05]

You don't have to be reminded about Pikeville, we all know Pikeville is on Belfry fans' minds 365 days a year. Nice edit job too haha...

We'll give you the rest of this week and maybe Monday or Tuesday of next week....

[jetpilot]

^^^Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...

[LWC]

I would add Rockcastle County to this list. If the list mandates a State Championship, I understand but 20 consecutive years without a losing season, 4 or 5 Region Championships and 2 state runner-ups in 20 years. Only team, ever maybe, to beat Dudley Hilton at Log Mountain multiple times in the playoffs. Also the only team to shut him out at home in the playoffs, I think.

Rock has had the success they had with teams like Corbin in the late 80's and 90's and Bell County in the 90's and 2000's in their district. I always wonder how they would have faired not having to go through Log Mountain, and the same for Bell not having to go through Rock. Each might have another regional title or two.

I am not saying they are #1

[EKUAlum05]

^^^Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...

OK OK I will admit it...while sitting at the State Finals last year the thought did cross my mind, "I feel sorry for Pikeville fans...they used to come to games like this".

[jetpilot]

OK OK I will admit it...while sitting at the State Finals last year the thought did cross my mind, "I feel sorry for Pikeville fans...they used to come to games like this".

That must have been in the first quarter before you and the rest of the Belfry fans left...

[toussaints]

Most victories in the state...Top 10 in victories in the country...Since the playoffs began in 1959, average a state championship appearance every 2.1 years with a state championship every 2.6 years.

Highlands should get Jim Nantz to talk about their tradition and play it before every home game

[horst muhlmann]

Highlands should get Jim Nantz to talk about their tradition and play it before every home game

... and of course, play the Masters theme in the background...

[PHSForever]

That must have been in the first quarter before you and the rest of the Belfry fans left...

^^^^^ :hilarious:

[toussaints]

... and of course, play the Masters theme in the background...

Highlands... A tradition unlike any other

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

That must have been in the first quarter before you and the rest of the Belfry fans left...

nicker: Sorry, but thats funny.

[EKUAlum05]

That must have been in the first quarter before you and the rest of the Belfry fans left...

Actually, it was in the pre-game when I looked at the program for Past State Champions and thought how long ago the 80's were. About that time they played the intro music for both teams and I remembered wondering if Pikeville came out to Huey Lewis or if they went with REO Speedwagon. Can you fill us in? I won't hold it against you if you can't remember...that was a couple decades ago