[Diogenes]

Im not doubting JC.
I wouldnt be surprised at all to see them fly threw district again, but give us some names. As i said earlier, im just guessing, aand im in no way saying what i posted is how it should be but i know nothing of what JC brings back.
Who exactly will be there to step up in place of Jude?
What does Ashland bring back?

QB Zach Gound, FB Josh Dillon, RBs Daymion Belcher and Jimmy Preston and Dalton Adkins were the other names last season who will see more of the action this time around. In Matney's system, even if the RB gets all the carries and stats, it's the QB who makes the whole thing work by making the right reads, so a QB with a year of experience under his belt makes a huge difference.

Ashland loses a whole lot of talent, especially Sam Hunter, the four-year starter at QB who was the vital cog in their offense. I believe they also lose Withrow, whom I believe was the school's all time leading receiver as well.

[mr.charlie hustle]

Im not doubting JC.
I wouldnt be surprised at all to see them fly threw district again, but give us some names. As i said earlier, im just guessing, aand im in no way saying what i posted is how it should be but i know nothing of what JC brings back.
Who exactly will be there to step up in place of Jude?
What does Ashland bring back?

No single player will step into Jude's shoes. Rushing leader i don't think so. That job will be filled by several other backs which have been named. My guess is that 2012 will be played like the early years with JJ. There are guys coming quite like Bratton, Owsley and Hall. Of cource a lot depends on development ,experience and all other things of football. How early the Eagles come to the table of cource remains to be seen. Be assured they will be there. I am thinking the difference will be team depth. A special good luck to my pardners in the coming season. Really wished the sinero could have been designed differently.

[EKUAlum05]

1. Belfry
2. Bell County

3. Breathitt County
4. Harlan County
5. Johnson Central
6. Hazard
7. Whitley County

8. Rockcastle County
9. Perry Central
10. Knox Central

[long_time_pirate]

I too hope we get to see in 2012. You ask what Bell has done, we've lost to 3 mountain teams since 2000. To be fair also...yea, you guys have been in the state title game the past two years...but you've also lost the state championship the last two years. Bell won it in '08, when was the last time Belfry won? '04? And yes...Belfry-central was an incredible game this year..I was in the stadium watching it, yes they actually scored on Central where as Bell couldn't, but I'm not gonna play nice and act like the game would have had the same outcome had Wales played the full game. Corbin also kept close to them until Wales started playing.

WELL, didn't Bell and Corbin both have the opportunity that Belfry did? Belfry D laid down an amazing hit/tackle on Wales. They didn't intentionally try to hurt him but that is how the ball bounced. Wales ran the ball 2 times for -1 yard. Belfry had the players, talent, and team to do what needed to be done. Why knock those kids when THEY were the ones made it to the State Championship and you were sitting at home? They did something that Bell would have loved to do. IMHO, Belfry will be right back there next year so look out Bell Co..... you may just get your wish!

[cricketbed]

A couple of different scenarios could happen. Next year I think Matney possibly has someone up his sleeve. However, I thought that QB and FB for JC this year were overshadowed by Jude. Provided Matney doesn't have a big superstar up his sleeve, I think he will do similar to what Belfry did this year. The time I saw Belfry I thought they had four or five rock solid guys rushing the ball, each with his own specialty skill. They all got a few touches during the game. JC would have a similar plan like that next year. The QB (I apologize in advance for being so terrible with names lol) who had a pretty solid arm and even better running skills would be used more, especially in the run. That fullback, Dillon, I believe his name was would be used more. I'm sure Matney has one or two more guys that are capable of being at least solid runningbacks. Throw in that most of the guys surrounding them will be returning and blocking better, and I think that would make up for what JC did not have around Jude this year. I like J.J. Jude and think that there is no doubt he is a great runner and that Matney knows the game of football very well, but I think Jude got a few more carries than he needed this year, and that overshadowed the skills of the FB, Dillon, as well as the QB.

He does have something up his sleeve and he hid him most of the year.

[Amped 88]

WELL, didn't Bell and Corbin both have the opportunity that Belfry did? Belfry D laid down an amazing hit/tackle on Wales. They didn't intentionally try to hurt him but that is how the ball bounced. Wales ran the ball 2 times for -1 yard. Belfry had the players, talent, and team to do what needed to be done. Why knock those kids when THEY were the ones made it to the State Championship and you were sitting at home? They did something that Bell would have loved to do. IMHO, Belfry will be right back there next year so look out Bell Co..... you may just get your wish!

We just hope that we get the opportunity. Would love to play Belfry.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Saragas returns along with Morris,Logan,Williams and Allen,three of which were in the top 10 recievers in 1A at one point in the season along with Bianchi,but Bianchi is gone now. Harlan lost 2 linemen,Turbyfill and Chasteen,and that's all. Everyone else is back. I expect them to be an etremely tough out next season,especially with a good year in the weight room. Overbey also returns and he was listed as one of the top 25 recruiting picks for 2012 in the state. He was injured a large part of the season last year.

:Thumbs:

[topnotch]

Do you know what year the Patrick boy is in and is he the same boy that played for Corbin last year? How many freshmen started for Williamsburg? Was Sizemore A Freshman. Thanks

[WideRight05]

He does have something up his sleeve and he hid him most of the year.

Who would this kid (or kids) be?

Out of the teams we have talked about or listed - who do you think would have a shot at winning their region and/or state in their division? Sounds like the mountains could have some good representation in that area this year.

[cricketbed]

Who would this kid (or kids) be?

Out of the teams we have talked about or listed - who do you think would have a shot at winning their region and/or state in their division? Sounds like the mountains could have some good representation in that area this year.

Just saying what my buddy told me. This kid played freshman and jv and they never lost a game he played in.

[RunItUpTheGut]

Do you know what year the Patrick boy is in and is he the same boy that played for Corbin last year? How many freshmen started for Williamsburg? Was Sizemore A Freshman. Thanks

Im not sure about the Patrick boy.
I know there was one that went to Corbin and transferred to Wburg i think.
Sizemore was a sophomore this past year.
He will be a junior net year.

[I Rule The World]

Who could challenge Pburg besides Somerset?
What 3 teams in distrcit 7?
To my knowledge, ive never seen Morgan County considered on any mountain list.
Somerset is on there.

Leslie Co. does lose some seniors, but return a ton of skill guys. Junior class is loaded with talent. I look fro them to win the district again this season.

P-burg loses alot. You get Bryson Williams back, and Jarrell could be better next year, but after that, what's coming back?? They're gonna be very young.

Somerset, Lexington Christian, and Danville. And I agree, those are all good teams.

[BellCoFaithful]

Do you know what year the Patrick boy is in and is he the same boy that played for Corbin last year? How many freshmen started for Williamsburg? Was Sizemore A Freshman. Thanks

If you're talking about Jefferson Patrick, #25, He's listed as a fresh. and had an incredible year for anyone, let alone a freshman!

149 tackles
5 fumble recoveries
1 int
60 carries for 325 yards and 6 td

Pretty darn impressive, I'm hoping i can watch this kid play next year after seeing this, seems like there is a whole lot of talent there in Williamsburg.

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

Leslie Co. does lose some seniors, but return a ton of skill guys. Junior class is loaded with talent. I look fro them to win the district again this season.

P-burg loses alot. You get Bryson Williams back, and Jarrell could be better next year, but after that, what's coming back?? They're gonna be very young.
Somerset, Lexington Christian, and Danville. And I agree, those are all good teams.

Yes they will be very young & i'm sure will have some growing pains.
Other than the 2 mentioned we will return Grant Anderson who was lost early in the season to a season ending injury. You have the Griffith twins who should be monsters. Kinsey Vandine, Thomas Spears, Sean White, Cory Grigsby, Steven Perry, Alex Kidd, Johnathan Mullins, & i'm sure i'm forgetting some. Not to mention a good freshman class which some could see playing time right away.
May take some licks early in the season, but think they will come on as the year progresses.

[sheriff]

I rule, but you had a good year last year. I think you dont realize that Pburg's best player didnt play against you guys. The Anderson kid is a monster. I dont think their is a clear favorite. SV, LC, and Pburg lost over 10 seniors while BL lost 4 seniors. I think it will be a heck of a district. But after that, the regional will never be on their side.

[RunItUpTheGut]

If you're talking about Jefferson Patrick, #25, He's listed as a fresh. and had an incredible year for anyone, let alone a freshman!

149 tackles
5 fumble recoveries
1 int
60 carries for 325 yards and 6 td

Pretty darn impressive, I'm hoping i can watch this kid play next year after seeing this, seems like there is a whole lot of talent there in Williamsburg.

I think he's in that same patrick family thats seen kids from it go to wburg, whitley, and corbin.
I wont mention names, but everybody knows why they rotate schools around here.
I think this kids brother or cousin graduated from Whitley 3 years ago. Alex Patrick was his name and a dang good runningback.

[zebraman]

Did Belfry loss much? I am thinking I heard they were young this year, but I am not sure. So, were they young or did they lose a lot froma VERY strong team this year?

[TopCat]

I am sure you know this RTG, but Bell returns 7 on offense and 8 on Defense. Replacing Davenport, Johnson and Carter on Offense will be difficult. Miller, Hoskins and Marsee on Defense but Bell always finds a way. The 2011 season was the year that had me worried. Only 1 starter back on defense and 3 on offense 2011 was the biggest hurdle for Bell IMO. Coach Mills and the group of seniors done a wonderful job of carrying on the tradition on Log Mountain.

RTG I always enjoy reading your post and most of the time you are spot on.

[Amped 88]

I am sure you know this RTG, but Bell returns 7 on offense and 8 on Defense. Replacing Davenport, Johnson and Carter on Offense will be difficult. Miller, Hoskins and Marsee on Defense but Bell always finds a way. The 2011 season was the year that had me worried. Only 1 starter back on defense and 3 on offense 2011 was the biggest hurdle for Bell IMO. Coach Mills and the group of seniors done a wonderful job of carrying on the tradition on Log Mountain.

RTG I always enjoy reading your post and most of the time you are spot on.

Yes I agree TC the 2011 season was a huge obstacle but the Bobcats prevailed look out for Bell next season.

[WideRight05]

What does Bell's chances look like against Central this year? They are in the same region, am I correct?

[RunItUpTheGut]

I am sure you know this RTG, but Bell returns 7 on offense and 8 on Defense. Replacing Davenport, Johnson and Carter on Offense will be difficult. Miller, Hoskins and Marsee on Defense but Bell always finds a way. The 2011 season was the year that had me worried. Only 1 starter back on defense and 3 on offense 2011 was the biggest hurdle for Bell IMO. Coach Mills and the group of seniors done a wonderful job of carrying on the tradition on Log Mountain.

RTG I always enjoy reading your post and most of the time you are spot on.

Thanks top cat.
I knew this year would be the year Bell would struggle with stiffer competetion.
Everybody thinks losing Davenport was a huge deal and will make Bell a non contender coming into next year, but they also dont realize that in almost every single game, Mills was only giving Davenport the ball around 10 times. The kids that were carrying a big load of it will be back this year. Im excited to see how much Polley improves.
Bell was young this year and i think a lot of people will be surprised at how good this team will be. I could see Bell easily going anywhere from 8-2 to 10-0 with there current sschedule.
Theres is still A LOT of talent up on log mountain, and there were a lot of playerss on that team overlooked and underrated this year due to Davenports success.

[RunItUpTheGut]

What does Bell's chances look like against Central this year? They are in the same region, am I correct?

Bell's chances will be much better this year.
IMHO, Wales played a HUGE role in Centrals success and now that he's gone, it could open up the doors for a team like Bell or Belfry. I know there will be some people who think Central will be fine and they will, im sure they will still be competing next year. However, without Wales Central struggled against teams like Corbin only holding a small lead at halftime, before Wales came in.
Bell is in the west and in the same region as Central. This year though, Central will have to travel to Log Mountain.
I see Bell taking the west next year and meeting Belfry in the state championship, just my opinion.

[BellCoFaithful]

Thanks top cat.
I knew this year would be the year Bell would struggle with stiffer competetion.
Everybody thinks losing Davenport was a huge deal and will make Bell a non contender coming into next year, but they also dont realize that in almost every single game, Mills was only giving Davenport the ball around 10 times. The kids that were carrying a big load of it will be back this year. Im excited to see how much Polley improves.
Bell was young this year and i think a lot of people will be surprised at how good this team will be. I could see Bell easily going anywhere from 8-2 to 10-0 with there current sschedule.
Theres is still A LOT of talent up on log mountain, and there were a lot of playerss on that team overlooked and underrated this year due to Davenports success.

I look for Polly to be a big time guy for the bobcats on both sides of the ball. There's no real special skill set there with him, I mean he's a tremendous athlete and all, but more than anything he loves the game and he's a winner. Not only him, look for Collett to have a nice year as well, wouldn't surprise me if Bell has 2 1,000 yard rushers this coming year. I think Osolonian is ready for a big year as well after having a year as the starter and a full year to get used to the position at the high school level, definitely looking for much of the struggles he had last year to minimize dramatically this year. Much of this senior class, just like the '08 team, has been together for years, and sacrificed a lot for the good of the team. They're all winners and have been nothing but since they we're first starting to play together. I could see a 9-1, possibly 10-0 season for Bell, main game to scare me is Lex Cath. 8th graders coming in as I've said several times have the skill level to contribute now, and bring with them the capability to bring a lot of new looks to the team. Also think that Central will be the game most people look forward to if it happens, but with the loss of Wales I believe it does even the playing field a bit..hope to see an all mountain final in 3A:Thumbs:

[EKUAlum05]

Would love nothing more than to see an all-mountain final.

Where Central will hang their hat next year is their defense as they return something like 8 starters and the vast majority of their 2 Deep. Losing QB Tajh Milliken is also a very understated loss on offense as he was a very underrated player.

Of the three losses to Central in the Finals, Belfry has been in position to win two of those games deep in the 4th Quarter. In 2007 the Pirates fumbled in the red zone driving for the game winning TD, and we all know how close they came this season. Central is the class of 3A until proven otherwise, but they are beatable if you execute and hold on to the football.

[I Rule The World]

I rule, but you had a good year last year. I think you dont realize that Pburg's best player didnt play against you guys. The Anderson kid is a monster. I dont think their is a clear favorite. SV, LC, and Pburg lost over 10 seniors while BL lost 4 seniors. I think it will be a heck of a district. But after that, the regional will never be on their side.

I hadn't mentioned Anderson returning because rumor was he is an excellent baseball player and was not going to play football for fear of risking a possible scholarship offer in that sport.

Leslie loses 14 seniors, replacing them is not impossible, though. Finding replacements for John Brewer at MLB and replacing 3 offensive linemen are the biggest question marks.

Players returning include: #15 Ethan Horton (QB), #6 Eric Hubbard (HB/Slot/LB) #3 Blake Bray (HB/Slot/LB), #32 Chuckie Sandlin (HB/MLB), #85 Chase Hoskins (X,Z,/CB), #1 Stefan Lewis (X,Z/CB), James Mosley (OL/DL), #58 Mike Smith (OL/DL). Look for #52 Jordan Melton (MLB/OL) to replace Brewer at MLB/OL. #81 Raleigh Eldridge, #24 Gabe Lewis, #25 Thomas Caldwell, #4 Chris Wilson, #53 Ricky Cornett are names you'll hear as well. Also, look for incoming Freshmen Blake Asher (TE/DE) and Kevin Whitaker (QB/OLB) to contribute.

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

I hadn't mentioned Anderson returning because rumor was he is an excellent baseball player and was not going to play football for fear of risking a possible scholarship offer in that sport.

Leslie loses 14 seniors, replacing them is not impossible, though. Finding replacements for John Brewer at MLB and replacing 3 offensive linemen are the biggest question marks.

Players returning include: #15 Ethan Horton (QB), #6 Eric Hubbard (HB/Slot/LB) #3 Blake Bray (HB/Slot/LB), #32 Chuckie Sandlin (HB/MLB), #85 Chase Hoskins (X,Z,/CB), #1 Stefan Lewis (X,Z/CB), James Mosley (OL/DL), #58 Mike Smith (OL/DL). Look for #52 Jordan Melton (MLB/OL) to replace Brewer at MLB/OL. #81 Raleigh Eldridge, #24 Gabe Lewis, #25 Thomas Caldwell, #4 Chris Wilson, #53 Ricky Cornett are names you'll hear as well. Also, look for incoming Freshmen Blake Asher (TE/DE) and Kevin Whitaker (QB/OLB) to contribute.

That is a true. He is an excellent baseball player, but i have spoken with him personally & he will return to the football field next year.
Although last years injury put him out for the year he actually wanted to try & return last year, but the doc's said no. He didnt even want to leave the Belfry game that he suffered the injury in last year which occured at about the 7:23 mark in the 1st quarter. His dad came from the stands with about 2 something to go in the half & he & the doc on the sideline made him come out. The diagnosis was a rupture & the doc who performed the surgery said he had done thousands & Grant's was in the top 5 worse he had ever seen.
The kids got heart for sure. Look forward to seeing what he will do next year.

[WideRight05]

From the little bit I know about Prestonsburg, they seem to have been a contender most years under coach DeRossett. They have a down year every now and then as would any other school, but I would think Pburg would have a strong team in 2A next year given that from what I understood, they were fairly young this year.

[Football1]

Knox Central will be fine next year. Losing some key players but great players are there to step in. Barger remains the name at QB. Little bro will take charge and do great. Having Jeffrey Canady to run it or catch will make his job a little easier. Canady is a legit contender for Mr. Football in 2012 already. He has a good batch of lineman who will step in to fill shoes of Grubb, Diamond, and Lovette. Knox will be fine next year.

[WideRight05]

^ They've had a pretty good team the past few years. I still remember that classic game against Bell a couple years ago, 19-14 or something like that. Really close and really good game.

[honestjchsfan]

Prior to last season, Johnson Central had won 5 straight district championships. Covington Catholic last beat Johnson Central on their way to the 2006 state title. Ashland had a senior dominated team last season and will not be favored to win the district over the Golden Eagles again.

Unless you define a successful season as nothing short of a state title, JC will have a very successful season in 2012. They will be the heavy favorite to win their district and barring an upset, I can easily see them entering the playoffs with a perfect record.

This thread is about the best teams in the mountains right, regardless of class? If I remember right JCHS beat Belfry at Belfry this past season.